Combining de-icing and self-healing for wind blades through an innovative multilayer coating approach A. Cortés, A. Esperanza, J. Gómez‐Sánchez, X. F. Sanchez‐Romate, S. G. Prolongo, et al. Polymer Composites, 2025 Ice accretion is a huge concern for many wind blades installed in colder regions. The approach of active de‐icing systems based on coatings has been recently quite explored. Nevertheless, the concern about an external electrically conductive layer leads to the need to develop multilayer insulating/conductive coatings. For this purpose, a novel multilayer coating consisting of a 3D printed carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) reinforced nanocomposite is proposed, covered by a top coating consisting of a PCL‐based epoxy blend. Here, the CNT/GNP layer presents outstanding Joule heating capabilities due to the enhanced electrical conductivity, which increases significantly when increasing the filler content without drastically affecting the quality of the printed ribbons. More specifically, the temperature reached was about 140°C when applying 30 V for the 4 wt.%CNT and 6 wt.%GNP reinforced specimens. In this regard, this resistive heating can promote the thermal stimulus needed to activate de‐icing and self‐healing mechanisms on the epoxy/PCL top layer. Healing efficiencies obtained by the Joule effect reached up to 90% efficiency in comparison to convective heating, which showed a 68%, explained by the improved heating transfer from the CNT/GNP layer when applying the resistive heating. Finally, a proof‐of‐concept test as a de‐icing system showed a complete ice removal within 2.9 min when applying the resistive heating in the intermediate CNT/GNP layer, proving the multifunctionality of the proposed multilayer coating for self‐heating and self‐healing applications.Highlights A multilayer coating with self‐healing and de‐icing capabilities was successfully developed. Great combination of 3 min de‐icing time and 90% self‐healing efficiency. Novel inner 3D printed layer allows higher CNT/GNP contents than traditional ones. A multilayer approach with optimized nanoreinforced area required.
Novel sustainable, smart, and multifunctional 4D-printed nanocomposites with reprocessing and shape memory capabilities A Cortés, A González-Jiménez, J Gutiérrez, A Jiménez-Suárez, S G Prolongo Smart Materials and Structures, 2025 The present paper explores the development of novel reprocessable nanocomposites with enhanced shape memory (SM) capability by Digital Light Processing 3D printing technology. A Covalent Adaptable Network was developed through a solvent-free strategy, based on polyurethane containing Diels Alder bonds, reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The CNT addition allows for obtaining electrically conductive nanocomposites (up to 1.2 ± 0.7·10−1 S m−1). This enables Joule heating capability (average temperature over 100 °C by applying 100 V to the 0.3 wt.%CNT reinforced specimens), which was used as a heating method to trigger the SM cycle. First, the CNT content and thermal treatment were optimized to enhance the SM capabilities in a conventional oven (shape fixity ratio around 100%). Then, the SM capabilities triggered by Joule heating were characterized. Here, the optimized nanocomposites showed excellent shape fixity and recovery ratios (both above 95%). This heating method was proven to be low energy-consuming (approximately 1 W compared to around 750 W for a conventional oven), while also allowing for a fast, remote, and selective activation, which was demonstrated with a hand-like proof-of-concept by selectively recovering the permanent shape of each finger individually. On the other hand, the dynamic covalent bonds enable reprocessability. Here, the 3D-printed specimens were turned into powder and reprocessed using a powder processing tool to manufacture samples with a different geometry which were still electrically conductive, given the DA adduct formations. Results prove the multifunctional and smart capabilities of the developed nanocomposites, which make them suitable for applications such as soft robotics or actuators with an extended useful life, thus promoting sustainability.
Sustainable Multi-Cycle Physical Recycling of Expanded Polystyrene Waste for Direct Ink Write 3D Printing and Casting: Analysis of Mechanical Properties Rubén García-Sobrino, Alejandro Cortés, José Ignacio Sevilla-García, Marta Muñoz Polymers, 2024 This work investigates the sustainable reuse of expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste through a multi-cycle physical recycling process involving dissolution in acetone and subsequent manufacturing via Direct Ink Write (DIW) 3D printing and casting. Morphology and mechanical properties were evaluated as a function of the manufacturing technique and number of dissolution cycles. Morphological analysis revealed that casted specimens better replicated the target geometry, while voids in 3D-printed specimens aligned with the printing direction due to rapid solvent evaporation. These voids contributed to slightly reduced stiffness in 3D-printed specimens compared to casted ones, particularly for transverse printing orientation. The defoaming process during dissolution significantly increased the density of the material, as well as removed low molecular weight additives like plasticizers, leading to a notable enhancement in stiffness. Successive dissolution cycles led to increased removal of plasticizers, enhancing stiffness up to 52 times (cast), 42 times (longitudinally printed), and 35 times (transversely printed) relative to as-received EPS waste. The glass transition temperature remained unchanged, confirming the preservation of polymer integrity. This work highlights the potential of EPS inks for sustainable, multi-cycle recycling, combining enhanced mechanical performance with the flexibility of 3D printing for complex, cost-effective designs, aligning with circular economy principles.
Sustainable Electrically Conductive Bio-Based Composites via Radical-Induced Cationic Frontal Photopolymerization Dumitru Moraru, Alejandro Cortés, David Martinez-Diaz, Silvia G. Prolongo, Alberto Jiménez-Suárez, et al. Polymers, 2024 Diglycidylether of vanillyl alcohol (DGEVA), in combination with mechanically recycled carbon fibers (RCFs), was used to make, via Radical-Induced Cationic Frontal Photopolymerization (RICFP), fully sustainable and bio-based conductive composites with good electrical conductivity and consequent Joule effect proprieties. Three different fiber lengths, using three different sieve sizes during the mechanical recycling process (0.2, 0.5, and 2.0 mm), were used in five different amounts (ranging from 1 to 25 phr). The samples were first characterized by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), followed byelectrical conductivity and Joule heating tests. More specifically, the mechanical properties of the composites increased when increasing fiber content. Furthermore, the composites obtained with the longest fibers showed the highest electrical conductivity, reaching a maximum of 11 S/m, due to their higher aspect ratio. In this context, the temperature reached by Joule effect was directly related to the electrical conductivity, and was able to reach an average and maximum temperatures of 80 °C and 120 °C, respectively, just by applying 6 V.
Nanocellulose as a Bio-Based Reinforcement in Vitrimer Nanocomposites: Manufacturing and Mechanical Characterisation M Gljušćić, A Cortés, A Jiménez Suárez, SG Prolongo, C Santiuste Journal of Natural Fibers 23 (1), 2658268 , 2026 2026
Sustainable 3D printed electrothermal deicing systems using recycled carbon fiber reinforced polymer-based inks A Cortés, D Martinez-Diaz, E Espeute, SG Prolongo, A Jiménez-Suárez Journal of Materials Research and Technology , 2026 2026
Vat photopolymerization of bio-derived conductive composites for smart devices with Joule heating capabilities A Cellai, L Pezzana, K Matsukawa, A Jiménez-Suárez, M Sangermano, ... Progress in Additive Manufacturing, 1-20 , 2026 2026
Promoting Green Concepts and Environmental Awareness by a Recycling Expanded Polystyrene with Acetone Experiment and an Interactive Digital Tool MÁ Hernández, S Leguey, A Cortes, M Muñoz Journal of chemical education 103 (3), 1261-1269 , 2026 2026
Ultrasonics for accelerating the implementation of next-generation self-healing polymers A Jimenez Suarez, G Seisdedos, V Bracho Perez, E Espeute, Z Esmaeili, ... The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 158 (4_Supplement), A63-A63 , 2025 2025
Polyphenols-derived epoxy vitrimers for smart applications: Electrical conductivity, Joule heating, and strain sensing R Sesia, JG Sanchez, I Collado, A Cortes, A Jimenez-Suarez, ... Polymer, 129044 , 2025 2025
Combining de‐icing and self‐healing for wind blades through an innovative multilayer coating approach A Cortés, A Esperanza, J Gómez‐Sánchez, XF Sanchez‐Romate, ... Polymer Composites 46 (5), 4469-4481 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Novel sustainable, smart, and multifunctional 4D-printed nanocomposites with reprocessing and shape memory capabilities A Cortés, A González-Jiménez, J Gutiérrez, A Jiménez-Suárez, ... Smart Materials and Structures 34 (2), 025041 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
La orientación a colectivos desde las administraciones regionales y locales ongs y fundaciones BM Liévano, S Lucas, A Cortés, AA Álvarez Libro blanco de la orientación a lo largo de la vida, 69-73 , 2025 2025
THE USE OF BOARD GAMES FOR TRANSVERSAL LEARNING IN A MATERIALS ENGINEERING DEGREE XXF Sánchez-Romate, A Cortés, J Bedmar, I Izaguirre, N Abu-Warda, ... EDULEARN25 Proceedings, 6438-6438 , 2025 2025
Sustainable multi-cycle physical recycling of expanded polystyrene waste for direct ink write 3D printing and casting: analysis of mechanical properties R García-Sobrino, A Cortés, JI Sevilla-García, M Muñoz Polymers 16 (24), 3609 , 2024 2024 Citations: 7
Sustainable Electrically Conductive Bio-Based Composites via Radical-Induced Cationic Frontal Photopolymerization D Moraru, A Cortés, D Martinez-Diaz, SG Prolongo, A Jiménez-Suárez, ... polymers 16 (15), 2159 , 2024 2024 Citations: 7
Enhancing efficiency and sustainability of digital light processing 3D-Printing by novel two-stage processing of carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites A Cortés, M Bañón-Veracruz, A Jiménez-Suárez, M Campo, MG Prolongo, ... Journal of Materials Research and Technology 29, 3237-3248 , 2024 2024 Citations: 9
Recyclable multifunctional nanocomposites based on carbon nanotube reinforced vitrimers with shape memory and Joule heating capabilities A Cortés, XF Sánchez-Romate, D Martinez-Diaz, SG Prolongo, ... Polymers 16 (3), 388 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
APPROACHING SOLUTIONS FOR INCLUSIVITY THROUGH THE USE OF 3D-PRINTING IN THE END-OF-DEGREE PROJECT: A SERVICE-LEARNING METHODOLOGY AJ Suarez, A Cortés, S García-Rodriguez, AR Lorente INTED2024 Proceedings, 7993-7993 , 2024 2024
Novel and accessible physical recycling for expanded polystyrene waste with the use of acetone as a solvent and additive manufacturing (direct ink-write 3D printing) R García-Sobrino, A Cortés, R Calderón-Villajos, JG Díaz, M Muñoz Polymers 15 (19), 3888 , 2023 2023 Citations: 15
Relación entre inteligencia emocional y desempeño escolar en la educación superior M Hernández, A Cortés, E Ramírez Congreso Internacional de Educación Evaluación 2022 , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Novel and Accessible Physical Recycling for Expanded Polystyrene Waste with the Use of Acetone as a Solvent and Additive Manufacturing (Direct Ink-Write 3D Printing) R García, A Cortés, R Calderón, J Díaz, M Muñoz Hernández MDPI , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
The use of a service-learning methodology for end-of-degree projects in industrial engineering-related degrees A Jiménez-Suárez, A Cortés, S Cifuentes, S García-Rodríguez EDULEARN23 Proceedings, 5634-5641 , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Electrothermally activated CNT/GNP-doped anti-icing and de-icing systems: a comparison study of 3D printed circuits versus coatings A Cortés, A Jiménez-Suárez, A Ureña, SG Prolongo, M Campo Applied Sciences 12 (17), 8875 , 2022 2022 Citations: 4
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
DLP 4D‐printing of remotely, modularly, and selectively controllable shape memory polymer nanocomposites embedding carbon nanotubes A Cortés, A Cosola, M Sangermano, M Campo, S González Prolongo, ... Advanced Functional Materials 31 (50), 2106774 , 2021 2021 Citations: 148
Mechanical and strain-sensing capabilities of carbon nanotube reinforced composites by digital light processing 3D printing technology A Cortés, XF Sánchez-Romate, A Jiménez-Suárez, M Campo, A Ureña, ... Polymers 12 (4), 975 , 2020 2020 Citations: 81
Melting of phase D in the lower mantle and implications for recycling and storage of H2O in the deep mantle S Ghosh, MW Schmidt Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 145, 72-88 , 2014 2014 Citations: 61
Registration of five synthetic hexaploid wheat and seven bread wheat lines resistant to wheat spot blotch A Mujeeb-Kazi, S Cano, V Rosas, A Cortes, R Delgado Crop science 41 (5), 1653-1653 , 2001 2001 Citations: 52
Hardener isomerism and content of dynamic disulfide bond effect on chemical recycling of epoxy networks D Martinez-Diaz, A Cortés, A Jiménez-Suárez, SG Prolongo ACS Applied Polymer Materials 4 (7), 5068-5076 , 2022 2022 Citations: 50
3D printed epoxy-CNTs/GNPs conductive inks with application in anti-icing and de-icing systems A Cortés, A Jiménez-Suárez, M Campo, A Ureña, SG Prolongo European Polymer Journal 141, 110090 , 2020 2020 Citations: 36
3D printed anti-icing and de-icing system based on CNT/GNP doped epoxy composites with self-curing and structural health monitoring capabilities A Cortés, XF Sánchez Romate, A Jiménez-Suárez, M Campo, ... Smart Materials and Structures 30 (2), 025016 , 2021 2021 Citations: 29
4D-printed resins and nanocomposites thermally stimulated by conventional heating and IR radiation A Cortés, JL Aguilar, A Cosola, XX Fernández Sanchez-Romate, ... ACS Applied Polymer Materials 3 (10), 5207-5215 , 2021 2021 Citations: 18
Complex geometry strain sensors based on 3d printed nanocomposites: Spring, three-column device and footstep-sensing platform A Cortés, XF Sánchez-Romate, A Jiménez-Suárez, M Campo, A Esmaeili, ... Nanomaterials 11 (5), 1106 , 2021 2021 Citations: 17
Multifunctional coatings based on GNP/epoxy systems: Strain sensing mechanisms and Joule's heating capabilities for de-icing applications XF Sánchez-Romate, R Gutierrez, A Cortes, A Jiménez-Suárez, ... Progress in Organic Coatings 167, 106829 , 2022 2022 Citations: 16
Novel and accessible physical recycling for expanded polystyrene waste with the use of acetone as a solvent and additive manufacturing (direct ink-write 3D printing) R García-Sobrino, A Cortés, R Calderón-Villajos, JG Díaz, M Muñoz Polymers 15 (19), 3888 , 2023 2023 Citations: 15
Sequential and selective shape memory by remote electrical control A Cortés, N Pérez-Chao, A Jiménez-Suárez, M Campo, SG Prolongo European Polymer Journal 164, 110888 , 2022 2022 Citations: 14
Recyclable multifunctional nanocomposites based on carbon nanotube reinforced vitrimers with shape memory and Joule heating capabilities A Cortés, XF Sánchez-Romate, D Martinez-Diaz, SG Prolongo, ... Polymers 16 (3), 388 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Enhancing efficiency and sustainability of digital light processing 3D-Printing by novel two-stage processing of carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites A Cortés, M Bañón-Veracruz, A Jiménez-Suárez, M Campo, MG Prolongo, ... Journal of Materials Research and Technology 29, 3237-3248 , 2024 2024 Citations: 9
Electrothermally triggered selective shape memory capabilities of CNT doped nanocomposites by Digital Light Processing A Cortés, XFS Romate, JL Aguilar, A Jiménez-Suárez, M Campo, ... Composites Science and Technology 218, 109185 , 2022 2022 Citations: 8
Genetic diversity for improving scab resistance in wheat A Mujeeb-Kazi, A Cortes, V Rosas, S Cano, J Sanchez, L Juarez, ... Proceedings Warren E. Kronstad Symposium, 126-129 , 2001 2001 Citations: 8
Sustainable multi-cycle physical recycling of expanded polystyrene waste for direct ink write 3D printing and casting: analysis of mechanical properties R García-Sobrino, A Cortés, JI Sevilla-García, M Muñoz Polymers 16 (24), 3609 , 2024 2024 Citations: 7
Sustainable Electrically Conductive Bio-Based Composites via Radical-Induced Cationic Frontal Photopolymerization D Moraru, A Cortés, D Martinez-Diaz, SG Prolongo, A Jiménez-Suárez, ... polymers 16 (15), 2159 , 2024 2024 Citations: 7
Assessment of manufacturing parameters for new 3d-printed heating circuits based on cnt-doped nanocomposites processed by uv-assisted direct write A Cortes, A Jiménez-Suárez, M Campo, A Ureña, SG Prolongo Applied Sciences 11 (16), 7534 , 2021 2021 Citations: 7
Cytogenetics of intergeneric hybrids between durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) with Thinopyrum intermedium and sub-species Acutum, Glaucum, Pulcherrimum, Trichophorum, Varnense A Mujeeb-Kazi, A Gul, S Rizwan, M Farooq, H Bux, I Ahmad, JI Mirza, ... Pakistan Journal of Botany 39 (4), 1217 , 2007 2007 Citations: 7
