RESUMEN
Enhancing interfacial interactions in fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) is crucial for improving their mechanical properties. This can be achieved through the incorporation of nanomaterials or chemically functional agents into FRPCs. This study reports the tailoring of the fiber-matrix interface in FRPCs using non-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in combination with a waterborne, highly branched, multi-functional polyurethane dispersion (HBPUD). A unique ultrasonic spray deposition technique was utilized to deposit aqueous mixtures of GNP/HBPUDs onto the surfaces of carbon fiber fabrics, which were used to prepare epoxy-prepreg sheets and corresponding FRPC laminates. The influence of the polyurethane (PU) and GNP content and their ratio at the fiber-matrix interface on the tensile properties of resulting high-performance composites was systematically investigated using stress-strain analysis of the produced FRPC plates and SEM analysis of their fractured surfaces. A synergistic stiffening and toughening effect was observed when as low as 20 to 30 mg of GNPs was deposited per square meter of each side of the carbon fiber fabrics in the presence of the multi-functional PU layer. This resulted in a significant improvement in the tensile strength from 908 to 1022 MPa, while maintaining or slightly improving the initial Young's modulus from approximately 63 to 66 MPa.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Fascial release technique is used for releasing fascial tissue to decrease pain, to increase range of motion, and to improve functional level. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute effects of fascial release technique on pain, range of motion, upper extremity functional level, and fear of movement in individuals with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Thirty volunteers with an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were included in the study. The individuals were randomly divided into two groups. One group received only conventional physiotherapy including hot pack, interferential current, and exercise program, while the fascial release technique was applied to the other group in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program for 2 weeks with 2 sessions per week. Individuals were assessed for pain intensity, range of motion, functional level, fear of movement before and after treatment, and satisfaction level after treatment. RESULTS: Demographic and clinical characteristics of the groups were similar (p > 0.05). Both groups showed improvement in pain, range of motion, and upper extremity functions (p < 0.05). Improvements in the treatment group were better than the conventional physiotherapy group (p < 0.05). Fear of movement was significantly decreased in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Both groups were similar in terms of satisfaction level (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fascial release technique is acutely effective on the pain, joint range of motion and upper extremity functions in the treatment of individuals with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and more successful results can be obtained by including it in the early rehabilitation program after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery.