In this study, the influence of filler shape and filler content on the physical and mechanical properties of silicon carbide/epoxy nanocomposites was investigated using silicon carbide nanoparticles and nanowhiskers. Samples containing 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 wt% of β-silicon carbide nanowhiskers and nanoparticles in epoxy resin were prepared using a high-intensity ultrasonic liquid processor and casting technique. Mechanical and physical tests such as tensile, flexural, hardness, and wear along with a morphological investigation by FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy and transition electron microscopy were performed. Results of mechanical tests indicating about 20% and 40% improvement were achieved in nanoparticle (1 wt%) and nanowhisker (2 wt%) reinforced samples, respectively. Also mechanical experiment results have been evaluated with theoretical models. Tribological results show that wear and frictional properties improved about 50% and 30%, respectively, by adding silicon carbide nanoparticles (4 wt%) and nanowhiskers (4 wt%) to epoxy resin. TEM and SEM observations showed that nano-fillers are dispersed in low weight ratio but agglomerated above a critical content.

The growing awareness of environmental issues and the pursuit of sustainable materials have sparked a substantial surge in research focused on biodegradable materials, including fibers. Within a spectrum of fabrication techniques, melt-spinning has emerged as an eco-friendly and scalable method for making fibers from biodegradable plastics (preferably bio-based), intended for various applications. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in the realm of melt-spun biodegradable fibers. It delves into global concerns related to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and introduces the concept of biodegradable fibers. The literature review on melt-spun biodegradable monofilaments and multifilaments unveils a diverse range of polymers and copolymers that have been subjected to testing and characterization for their processing capabilities and the performance of the resultant fibers, particularly from mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation perspectives. The paper discusses the impact of different factors such as polymer structure, processing parameters, and environmental conditions on the ultimate properties, encompassing spinnability, mechanical and thermal performance, and biodegradation, with schematic correlations provided. Additionally, the manuscript touches upon applications in sectors such as clothing, technical textiles, agriculture, biomedical applications, and environmental remediation. It also spotlights the challenges encountered in the commercialization of these fibers, addresses potential solutions, and outlines future prospects. Finally, by shedding light on the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the field, this review endeavors to stimulate further innovation and adoption of biodegradable fibers. It seeks to unlock their potential and contribute to the realization of a more environmentally conscious society.

Besides the conventional fiber production methods, microfluidics has emerged as a promising approach for the engineered spinning of fibrous materials and offers excellent potential for fiber manufacturing in a controlled and straightforward manner. This method facilitates low-speed prototype synthesis of fibers for diverse applications while providing superior control over reaction conditions, efficient use of precursor solutions, reagent mixing, and process parameters. This article reviews recent advances in microfluidic technology for the fabrication of fibrous materials with different morphologies and a variety of properties aimed at various applications. First, the basic principles, as well as the latest developments and achievements of microfluidic-based techniques for fiber production, are introduced. Specifically, microfluidic platforms made of glass, polymers, and/or metals, including but not limited to microfluidic chips, capillary-based devices, and three-dimensional printed devices are summarized. Then, fiber production from various materials, such as alginate, gelatin, silk, collagen, and chitosan, using different microfluidic platforms with a broad range of cross-linking agents and mechanisms is described. Therefore, microfluidic spun fibers with diverse diameters ranging from submicrometer scales to hundreds of micrometers and structures, such as cylindrical, hollow, grooved, flat, core–shell, heterogeneous, helical, and peapod-like morphologies, with tunable sizes and mechanical properties are discussed in detail. Subsequently, the practical applications of microfluidic spun fibers are highlighted in sensors for biomedical or optical purposes, scaffolds for culture or encapsulation of cells in tissue engineering, and drug delivery. Finally, different limitations and challenges of the current microfluidic technologies, as well as the future perspectives and concluding remarks, are presented.