Molecular dynamics study on thermal dehydration process of epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O)

Molecular Dynamics Analysis of Surface-Modified Carbon Nanoparticle Reinforced Epoxy Resin

Surface-modified carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) as reinforcement materials have attracted significant attention due to their potential for substantially enhancing mechanical properties. However, the development and application of CNP-enhanced polymeric materials are constrained by an incomplete understanding of their reinforcement mechanisms, impeding sustainable progress. In this study, we employed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the mechanical properties of surface-modified CNP-reinforced epoxy resin composites at the microscopic scale. The simulations focused on the tensile process and the nanopinning effect of CNPs within the epoxy resin matrix. Our results indicate that surface-modified CNPs form stronger interfacial connections with the epoxy resin, leading to enhanced mechanical strength of the composites. Quantitative analysis revealed that these composites exhibit higher tensile strength compared to nonmodified counterparts, with a significant improvement in stability due to the robust noncovalent interactions between CNPs and the epoxy matrix. This study elucidates the reinforcement mechanisms of surface-modified CNPs in polymers, providing valuable insights for further optimization and sustainable development of CNP-reinforced polymeric materials.

Cellulose Nanofiber-Graphene Oxide Biohybrids: Disclosing the Self-Assembly and Copper-Ion Adsorption Using Advanced Microscopy and ReaxFF Simulations

The self-assembly of nanocellulose and graphene oxide into highly porous biohybrid materials has inspired the design and synthesis of multifunctional membranes for removing water pollutants. The mechanisms of self-assembly, metal ion capture, and cluster formation on the biohybrids at the nano- and molecular scales are quite complex. Their elucidation requires evidence from the synergistic combination of experimental data and computational models. The AFM-based microscopy studies of (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxylradical)-mediated oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNFs), graphene oxide (GO), and their biohybrid membranes provide strong, direct evidence of self-assembly; small GO nanoparticles first attach and accumulate along a single TOCNF fiber, while the long, flexible TOCNF filaments wrap around the flat, wide GO planes, thus forming an amorphous and porous biohybrid network. The layered structure of the TOCNFs and GO membrane, derived from the self-assembly and its surface properties before and after the adsorption of Cu(II), is investigated by advanced microscopy techniques and is further clarified by the ReaxFF molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The dynamics of the Cu(II)-ion capture by the TOCNF and GO membranes in solution and the ion cluster formation during drying are confirmed by the MD simulations. The results of this multidisciplinary investigation move the research one step forward by disclosing specific aspects of the self-assembly behavior of biospecies and suggesting effective design strategies to control the pore size and robust materials for industrial applications.

Reactive force field development for magnesium chloride hydrates and its application for seasonal heat storage

We present the development of the ReaxFF of MgCl₂ hydrates and its application for seasonal heat storage. This study, indicate the validity of the ReaxFF approach for studying MgCl₂ hydrates and provide important atomistic-scale insight of reaction kinetics and H₂O transport.