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Volume 18
Issue 11
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Materials, Volume 18, Issue 11 (June-1 2025) – 258 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): This illustration depicts a neutron beam hitting a magnetic crystal with frustrated bonds, which ultimately generates a set of incommensurate magntic Bragg peaks on the detector. The data are then analysed using powerful computers that employ simulated and quantum annealing. This computational approach explores the various magnetic phases that could produce such an interesting scattering pattern. A broadband neutron beam probes the holmium tetraboride spin texture, revealing complex phase behavior through unique scattering signatures. In parallel, annealing algorithms investigate candidate Hamiltonians to accurately reproduce these observed phases. By bridging real-space measurements with cutting edge computations, this integrated approach uncovers the emergent magnetic orders driven by frustration, especially those occurring near magnetic phase transitions. View this paper
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15 pages, 4684 KiB  
Article
Corrosion-Wear Mechanism of (AlTiV)100−xCrx Lightweight High-Entropy Alloy in the 3.5 wt.% NaCl Solution
by Jiakai Huang, Peng Zhang, Junjie Yang, Wei Li, Qiwei Wang and Jie Li
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2670; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112670 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 346
Abstract
(AlTiV)100−xCrx high-entropy alloys (HEAs) is expected to solve the problem of poor corrosion-wear resistance of lightweight alloys. To elucidate its corrosion-wear mechanism, three (AlTiV)100−xCrx alloys were prepared by vacuum arc melting method by repeating the melting five [...] Read more.
(AlTiV)100−xCrx high-entropy alloys (HEAs) is expected to solve the problem of poor corrosion-wear resistance of lightweight alloys. To elucidate its corrosion-wear mechanism, three (AlTiV)100−xCrx alloys were prepared by vacuum arc melting method by repeating the melting five times at 240 A current.and their microstructures, mechanics, corrosion, wear, and corrosion-wear behaviors were investigated. The results indicate that (AlTiV)100−xCrx is a single-phase with BCC structure and the VEC of Cr5, Cr10 and Cr15 were 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2 respectively. Their hardness increase and toughness and corrosion resistance decrease with the increase of Cr content (Cr5:537.5 HV0.2/6.7%/1.86 × 10−8 A/cm2; Cr10:572.3 HV0.2/5.6%/2.09 × 108 A/cm2; Cr15:617.6 HV0.2/3.8%/2.51 × 10−8 A/cm2). The wear volume and the corrosion-wear volume of AlTiVCr alloys are mainly caused by the abrasive wear. However, the fatigue wear of AlTiVCr alloys could be exacerbated by a decrease in material’s toughness, corrosion resistance, and an increase in solution corrosivity. Therefore, Cr10 presents the optimal wear resistance in the deionized water, while the optimal corrosion-wear resistance in the 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution is presented by Cr5. Compared to TC4, the wear and corrosion-wear resistance were improved by 56.4% and 65.5%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Lightweight Alloy Materials and Their Advanced Forming Technologies)
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11 pages, 2001 KiB  
Communication
The Engineered Synthesis and Enhancement of Nitrogen and Chlorine Co-Doped Fluorescent Carbon Dots for the Sensitive Detection of Quercetin
by Yuan Jiao, Xuewen Miao, Lizhang Wang, Shasha Hong, Yifang Gao and Xin Wang
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2669; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112669 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 197
Abstract
Flavonoid alcohols, particularly quercetin, as emerging antioxidants, demand advanced detection methodologies to comprehensively explore and evaluate their potential environmental and health risks. In this study, nitrogen–chlorine co-doped carbon dots (N, Cl-CDs), featuring an extended wavelength emission at 625 nm, were synthesized via the [...] Read more.
Flavonoid alcohols, particularly quercetin, as emerging antioxidants, demand advanced detection methodologies to comprehensively explore and evaluate their potential environmental and health risks. In this study, nitrogen–chlorine co-doped carbon dots (N, Cl-CDs), featuring an extended wavelength emission at 625 nm, were synthesized via the reaction of 4-chloro-1,2-phenylenediamine with polyethyleneimine. The engineered N, Cl-CDs exhibit superior photostability, exceptional aqueous dispersibility, and anti-interference capability in complex matrices. Leveraging static electron transfer mechanisms, the N, Cl-CDs demonstrate selective fluorescence quenching toward quercetin with an ultralow detection limit of 60.42 nM. Validation through rigorous spiked recovery assays in apple peel and red wine has been proficiently performed with satisfactory accuracy, highlighting the significant prospect of the constructed N, Cl-CDs for quercetin identification in real samples. This study provides valuable insights into the analytical determination of flavonoid compounds in complex environmental matrices, highlighting the potential of N, Cl-CDs for environmental and food safety monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Smart Materials)
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13 pages, 2057 KiB  
Article
NOx-Free Leaching Methods for Efficient Silver and Aluminium Recovery from Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
by Aistis Rapolas Zubas, Egidijus Griškonis, Gintaras Denafas, Vidas Makarevičius, Rita Kriūkienė and Jolita Kruopienė
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2668; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112668 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 226
Abstract
As photovoltaic (PV) installations expand globally, effective recycling of end-of-life crystalline silicon solar cells has become increasingly important, including the recovery of valuable metals such as silver (Ag) and aluminium (Al). Traditional nitric acid-based chemical leaching methods, although effective, present environmental challenges due [...] Read more.
As photovoltaic (PV) installations expand globally, effective recycling of end-of-life crystalline silicon solar cells has become increasingly important, including the recovery of valuable metals such as silver (Ag) and aluminium (Al). Traditional nitric acid-based chemical leaching methods, although effective, present environmental challenges due to the generation of hazardous nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. To address these concerns, this study investigated alternative hydrometallurgical leaching strategies. Two selective treatments (NaOH for Al, and NH3 + H2O2 for Ag) and one simultaneous treatment (HNO3 + H2O2) were evaluated for metal recovery efficiency. All methods demonstrated high recovery efficiencies, achieving at least 99% for both metals within 60 min. The investigated methods effectively suppressed NOx emissions without compromising leaching efficiency. These findings confirm that hydrometallurgical leaching techniques incorporating hydrogen peroxide can achieve efficient and environmentally safer recovery of silver and aluminium from solar cells, providing valuable insights into the development of more sustainable recycling practices for photovoltaic waste management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Materials)
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17 pages, 4183 KiB  
Article
Physical, Mechanical, and Durability Performance of Olive Pomace Ash in Eco-Friendly Mortars
by Besma Belaidi, Abderraouf Messai, Cherif Belebchouche, Mourad Boutlikht, Kamel Hebbache, Abdellah Douadi and Laura Moretti
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2667; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112667 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 275
Abstract
The cement industry is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions, driving the research for sustainable alternatives. Olive biomass ash (OBA), a byproduct from burning all types of biomass from the olive tree, has emerged as a potential supplementary cementitious material (SCM). [...] Read more.
The cement industry is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions, driving the research for sustainable alternatives. Olive biomass ash (OBA), a byproduct from burning all types of biomass from the olive tree, has emerged as a potential supplementary cementitious material (SCM). This study investigates the effects of incorporating olive pomace ash (OPA) as a partial cement substitute (0% to 50% by weight) on mortar properties over extended curing periods. Workability, compressive and flexural strengths, water absorption, and freeze–thaw resistance were evaluated. Up to 20% OPA replacement improved workability while maintaining acceptable strength and durability. Beyond this level, mechanical properties and frost resistance decreased significantly. Correlation analyses revealed strong relationships between flow time and wet bulk density (R2 = 0.93), an exponential relationship between 28-day compressive strength and water absorption (R2 = 0.87), and linear correlations between pre- and post-freeze–thaw mechanical properties (R2 ≥ 0.99 for both compressive and flexural strengths). The results demonstrate that optimal OPA incorporation enhances mortar performance without compromising structural integrity and provides a viable strategy for valorizing agricultural waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Asphalt, Concrete and Pavement Materials: Design, Performance, and Characterization)
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15 pages, 3635 KiB  
Article
Effect of Oxygen Vacancy Concentration on the Electrical Properties and Microstructure of Bi4Ti3O12 Ceramics: Experimental and First-Principles Investigation
by Tao Chen, Yang Chen, Ning Zhang, Tiantian Liu, Songlin Wang and Qi Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2666; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112666 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 210
Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of sintering temperature on oxygen vacancy concentration and its subsequent effect on the microstructure and electrical properties of Bi4Ti3O12 (BIT) ceramics. To further clarify these effects, VASP software was employed to [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the impact of sintering temperature on oxygen vacancy concentration and its subsequent effect on the microstructure and electrical properties of Bi4Ti3O12 (BIT) ceramics. To further clarify these effects, VASP software was employed to simulate BIT ceramics with varying oxygen vacancy concentrations.The experimental results demonstrate that sintering temperature significantly influences the oxygen vacancy concentration. At the optimal sintering temperature of 1080 °C, the BIT ceramics exhibit a balanced microstructure with a grain size of 4.16 μm, the lowest measured oxygen vacancy concentration of 18.44%, and a piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of 9.8 pC/N. Additionally, the dielectric loss (tanδ) remains below 0.2 at 500 °C, indicating excellent thermal stability. VASP-based simulations reveal that increasing the oxygen vacancy concentration from 18.56% to 44.55% results in a significant collapse of the band gap (from 2.8 eV → 1.0 eV) and a transition in conductivity type from p-type to n-type. This shift induces a leakage current-dominated threshold effect, leading to a decrease in piezoelectric properties (d33 reduced from 9.8 to 6.9 pC/N). Atomic-scale density of states (DOS) analyses indicate that the delocalization of Ti3+ and the weakening of Bi–O hybridization collectively induce lattice distortion and ferroelectric inconsistency. These changes are correlated with an increase in dielectric loss and a slight reduction in Curie temperature (from 620 °C → 618 °C). In conclusion, this study comprehensively elucidates the influence of oxygen vacancy concentration on the microstructure and electrical properties of BIT ceramics. The findings provide a theoretical foundation and practical insights for designing high-performance piezoelectric ceramics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced and Functional Ceramics and Glasses)
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17 pages, 6782 KiB  
Article
Selective Adsorption of Fluorine Contaminants from Spiked Wastewater via a Novel FeIII–CeIV-Based Layered Hydroxide Composite and Mechanism Analysis of Colloids and Surfaces
by Jing Du, Yanyan Zhao, Tao Huang, Hui Li and Jia He
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2665; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112665 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 285
Abstract
Excessive intake of fluorine (F) over time can lead to acute or chronic fluorosis. In this study, a novel FeIII–CeIV-based layered hydroxide composite (DD-LHC) was synthesized and applied in both batch and column modes to develop new adsorbent materials [...] Read more.
Excessive intake of fluorine (F) over time can lead to acute or chronic fluorosis. In this study, a novel FeIII–CeIV-based layered hydroxide composite (DD-LHC) was synthesized and applied in both batch and column modes to develop new adsorbent materials and to obtain efficient removal of fluorine (F) anions from wastewater. DD-LHC achieved better adsorption results and material stability compared to green rusts (GR, FeII–FeIII hydroxide). The maximum adsorption capacity of DD-LHC for F− was 44.68 mmol·g−1, obtained at an initial pH of 5 and initial concentration of 80 mM. The substitution of CeIV for FeII in the intercalated layered structure of GR potentially changed the reaction pathways for F− removal, which are typically dominant in the layered double hydroxides (LDHs) of FeII–FeIII. The molecular structure of layered hydroxides combined with the three-dimensional (3D) metal frame of Fe-O-Ce was integrated into DD-LHC, resulting in nanoscale particle morphologies distinct from those of GR. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model effectively described the whole adsorption process of DD-LHC for F−. DD-LHC exhibited notable selectivity for F− across a wide pH range. The removal process of F− by DD-LHC was dominated by Ce–F coordination bonds, with additional influences from auxiliary pathways to different extents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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24 pages, 24795 KiB  
Article
Novel Research on Selected Mechanical and Environmental Properties of the Polyurethane-Based P3HB Nanobiocomposites
by Iwona Zarzyka, Beata Krzykowska, Karol Hęclik, Wiesław Frącz, Grzegorz Janowski, Łukasz Bąk, Tomasz Klepka, Jarosław Bieniaś, Monika Ostapiuk, Aneta Tor-Świątek, Magda Droździel-Jurkiewicz, Joanna Paciorek-Sadowska, Marcin Borowicz, Adam Tomczyk, Anna Falkowska and Michał Kuciej
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2664; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112664 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 209
Abstract
This study focused on hybrid nanobiocomposite polymers produced with the use of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P3HB and aliphatic polyurethane (PU) as a matrix, including variable quantities of organomodified montmorillonite (Cloisite®30B). Mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability tests were conducted to evaluate their properties. The nanobiocomposites [...] Read more.
This study focused on hybrid nanobiocomposite polymers produced with the use of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P3HB and aliphatic polyurethane (PU) as a matrix, including variable quantities of organomodified montmorillonite (Cloisite®30B). Mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability tests were conducted to evaluate their properties. The nanobiocomposites were tested using monotonic tensile tests, which revealed that the addition of PU and organomodified montmorillonite reduced the stiffness and strain at break compared to native P3HB. The material’s yield strength was higher for P3HB, while the PU-modified composites exhibited lower stiffness and increased ductility, especially with lower amounts of clay. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that cracks in the samples propagated more rapidly as the clay content increased. The bending test showed that the P3HB–PU composites and the nanobiocomposites exhibited lower bending strength and elongation at break compared to pure polyester. However, the composites with lower clay content showed better performance, suggesting that clay promotes ductility to some extent. The Charpy impact tests indicated an increase in impact strength for the composites with the addition of PU and montmorillonite, especially for the samples with 1 wt.% clay. Biodegradability testing showed that P3HB has a biodegradability of 63.21%. However, the addition of clay reduced biodegradability, with a notable decrease as the clay content increased. The biodegradation of composites with 1 and 2% by mass clay was higher than that of P3HB. Thermal analysis indicates an improvement in the thermal stability of the nanomaterials, with the 1% by mass clay sample showing the highest decomposition onset temperature (263 °C). Overall, the study demonstrated that the presence of PU and montmorillonite moderated the mechanical and thermal properties and biodegradation of P3HB, with the optimal performance observed in the composites with 1% by mass clay. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Polymer and Polymer Composites)
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19 pages, 4269 KiB  
Article
Effect of Synthesis and Processing Conditions on the Sintering Behavior and Total Conductivity of High-Entropy Fluorite/Bixbyite Oxides (RE-HEOs)
by Luca Spiridigliozzi, Viviana Monfreda, Antonello Marocco, Filippo Milano, Antonio Vendittelli and Gianfranco Dell’Agli
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2663; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112663 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 212
Abstract
This study explores the influence of two different synthesis methods on the sintering behavior of three novel high-entropy oxides possibly suitable for thermal barrier applications: (Ce0.2Zr0.2Yb0.2Er0.2Nd0.2)O2-δ, (Ce0.2Zr0.2Yb [...] Read more.
This study explores the influence of two different synthesis methods on the sintering behavior of three novel high-entropy oxides possibly suitable for thermal barrier applications: (Ce0.2Zr0.2Yb0.2Er0.2Nd0.2)O2-δ, (Ce0.2Zr0.2Yb0.2Er0.2La0.2)O2-δ, and (Ce0.2Nd0.2Yb0.2Er0.2La0.2)2O3+δ. Rare-Earth-based High-Entropy Oxides (RE-HEOs), recently known for their exceptional thermal stability and compositional flexibility, have gained increasing attention as potential candidates for many advanced technological applications. Thus, our current work focuses on the specific effects of synthesis techniques, namely co-precipitation and hydrothermal treatment, on the entropy-driven stabilization, microstructure, electrochemical properties, and sintering behavior of three novel RE-HEOs. The obtained results reveal significant differences in terms of densification yield and of the obtaining of the designed entropy-stabilized single phase depending on the adopted synthesis route, underscoring the critical role of synthesis in optimizing RE-HEOs for near-future technological applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Preparation, and Microstructural Characterization of High Entropy Materials)
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27 pages, 9184 KiB  
Review
Interaction Between Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer and Clay in Cement and Its Sensitivity Inhibition Mechanism: A Review
by Yu Gao, Yingying Liu, Guanqi Wang, Jiale Liu, Zijian Cao, Qiwen Yong and Hongwei Zhao
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2662; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112662 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 178
Abstract
In contemporary construction practices, polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) have gained extensive utilization in concrete formulation owing to their exceptional dispersive properties and superior water reduction capabilities. Nevertheless, these admixtures demonstrate pronounced susceptibility to clay contamination, a critical limitation that substantially constrains their practical implementation. [...] Read more.
In contemporary construction practices, polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) have gained extensive utilization in concrete formulation owing to their exceptional dispersive properties and superior water reduction capabilities. Nevertheless, these admixtures demonstrate pronounced susceptibility to clay contamination, a critical limitation that substantially constrains their practical implementation. To mitigate this detrimental effect, multiple technical strategies have been developed to suppress clay sensitivity, with predominant approaches focusing on molecular structure optimization and incorporation of supplementary admixtures. This review systematically investigates the competitive adsorption mechanisms operating at the cement–clay interface. Through rigorous analysis of molecular architecture characteristics and synergistic admixture combinations, we comprehensively review current methodologies for enhancing the clay resistance of PCE-based systems. Furthermore, this paper proposes prospective directions for synthesizing clay-tolerant PCE derivatives, emphasizing molecular design principles and advanced formulation protocols that may inform future research trajectories in construction materials science. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Properties of New Cementitious Materials (2nd Edition))
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25 pages, 7912 KiB  
Article
Corrosion Performance and Post-Corrosion Evolution of Tensile Behaviors in Rebar Reinforced Ultra-High Performance Concrete
by Yuchen Zhang, Sumei Zhang, Xianzhi Luo and Chaofan Wang
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2661; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112661 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 200
Abstract
The application of rebar reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete (R-UHPC) has been increasingly adopted in engineering structures due to its exceptional mechanical performance and durability characteristics. Nevertheless, when subjected to combined saline and stray current conditions, R-UHPC remains vulnerable to severe corrosion degradation. This investigation [...] Read more.
The application of rebar reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete (R-UHPC) has been increasingly adopted in engineering structures due to its exceptional mechanical performance and durability characteristics. Nevertheless, when subjected to combined saline and stray current conditions, R-UHPC remains vulnerable to severe corrosion degradation. This investigation examined the corrosion performance and tensile behavior evolution of R-UHPC containing 2.0 vol% copper-coated steel fiber content and HRB400 steel rebar with a reinforcement ratio of 3.1%. The accelerated corrosion process was induced through an impressed current method, followed by direct tensile tests at varying exposure periods. The findings revealed that the embedding of rebar in UHPC led to the formation of fiber-to-rebar (F-R) conductive pathways, generating radial cracks besides laminar cracks. The bonding between rebar and UHPC degraded as corrosion progressed, leading to the loss of characteristic multiple-cracking behavior of R-UHPC in tension. Meanwhile, R-UHPC load-bearing capacity, transitioning from gradual to accelerated deterioration phases with prolonged corrosion, aligns with steel fibers temporally. During the initial 4 days of corrosion, the specimens displayed surface-level corrosion features with negligible steel fiber loss, showing less than 4.0% reduction in ultimate bearing capacity. At 8 days of corrosion, the steel fiber decreased by 22.6%, accompanied by an 18.3% reduction in bearing capacity. By 16 days of corrosion, the steel fiber loss reached 41.5%, with a corresponding bearing capacity reduction of 29.1%. During the corrosion process, corrosion cracks and load-bearing degradation in R-UHPC could be indicated by the ultrasonic damage factor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corrosion of Materials: Evaluation, Testing, Protection, and Failure Analysis (2nd Edition))
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20 pages, 2984 KiB  
Article
Comparative LCA Analysis of Selected Recycling Methods for Carbon Fibers and Socio-Economic Analysis
by Nikolina Poranek, Krzysztof Pikoń, Natalia Generowicz-Caba, Maciej Mańka, Joanna Kulczycka, Dimitrios Marinis, Ergina Farsari, Eleftherios Amanatides, Anna Lewandowska, Marcin Sajdak, Sebastian Werle and Szymon Sobek
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2660; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112660 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 166
Abstract
Carbon fiber is essential in many industries. Since primary production is highly energy-intensive, recycling technologies are being sought. A goal of the research was to develop at a laboratory scale a chemical recycling method aimed at recovering carbon fiber. Two variants of the [...] Read more.
Carbon fiber is essential in many industries. Since primary production is highly energy-intensive, recycling technologies are being sought. A goal of the research was to develop at a laboratory scale a chemical recycling method aimed at recovering carbon fiber. Two variants of the method have been established and environmentally compared with a primary production version. Methods: The life cycle assessment methodology has been used to assess and quantify the environmental impacts. The cradle to gate analysis was performed with the functional unit defined as a production of 1 kg of carbon fiber. Results: The best environmental option turned out to be a developed chemical recycling technology named Scenario 1. It is a solvolysis performed using an ambient-pressure-operated batch reactor connected to a reflux condenser and an inert gas supply tank, using an ethylene glycol and potassium hydroxide solution. The worst case appeared to be the second variant of the chemical recycling, named Scenario 2 (plasma-enhanced nitric acid solvolysis). Conclusions: In Scenario 1, a production of the ethylene glycol was recognized as a key environmental driver, while in Scenarios 2 and 3 the energy-related impact was the most influential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Waste Materials’ Valorization)
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17 pages, 5042 KiB  
Article
Compressive Creep Performances of Dispersion Coated Particle Surrogate Fuel Pellets with ZrC–SiC Composite Matrix
by Qisen Ren, Yang Liu, Runjie Fang, Lixiang Wu and Weiqiang Liu
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2659; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112659 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
Nuclear fuel pellets are subject to stress for long periods during the in-pile operation, and this study on high-temperature creep performance is of great significance for predicting the in-pile behaviors and safety evaluation of fuel elements. In the present study, a mixture of [...] Read more.
Nuclear fuel pellets are subject to stress for long periods during the in-pile operation, and this study on high-temperature creep performance is of great significance for predicting the in-pile behaviors and safety evaluation of fuel elements. In the present study, a mixture of ZrC (50 wt%), SiC (46 wt%), and Si (4 wt%) powder was ball-milled for 24 h and then evaporated to obtain ZrC–SiC composite material. ZrC–SiC composite was adopted as the matrix, with ZrO2 surrogate kernel TRSIO particles and dispersion coated particle fuel pellets prepared with different TRISO packing fractions using the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) process. This study on compressive creep performances was conducted under a temperature range of 1373–2073 K and a stress range of 5–250 MPa, elucidating the creep behavior and mechanism of dispersed coated particles fuel pellets, and obtaining the variation laws of key parameters such as creep stress exponents and activation energy with TRISO packing fraction. The results showed that creep stress exponents of the surrogate fuel pellets are between 0.89 and 2.12. The activation energies for high temperature–low stress creep (1873–2073 K, 5–50 MPa) are 457.81–623.77 kJ/mol, and 135.14–161.59 kJ/mol for low temperature high stress creep (1373–1773 K, 50–250 MPa). Based on the experimental results, a high-temperature creep model was established, providing a valuable reference for the research and application of a ceramic matrix dispersed with coated particle fuels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Laser and Material Technologies for Applications in Nuclear Energy)
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15 pages, 3199 KiB  
Article
Preparation, Characterization, and Antioxidant Capacity of Xanthone–Urea Complex
by Catherine Ortega, Manami Nomura, Mizuki Ohtomo, Florencio Arce, Jr., Gerard Lee See and Yutaka Inoue
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2658; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112658 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
Xanthones are a group of polyphenolic compounds widely known to have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. To fully utilize their therapeutic potential, this study aimed to enhance the solubility of a poorly soluble xanthone by preparing a 1:1 molar ratio [...] Read more.
Xanthones are a group of polyphenolic compounds widely known to have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. To fully utilize their therapeutic potential, this study aimed to enhance the solubility of a poorly soluble xanthone by preparing a 1:1 molar ratio of xanthone–urea complex utilizing a cogrinding method via a vibration rod mill. DSC analysis revealed the disappearance of the characteristic endothermic peaks of xanthone (177 °C) and urea (136 °C) in the ground mixture (GM), along with the appearance of a new endothermic peak at 185 °C, indicating potential complexation. Additionally, new peaks were observed in the PXRD patterns of the GM at 9.1°, 12.0°, 14.0°, 18.6°, 19.6°, and 24.6°, suggesting structural changes that were also observed in SEM morphology. FTIR spectroscopy revealed significant shifts in the -NH and C=O peaks of xanthone and urea, as well as the disappearance of a -CN peak. Altered diffusion coefficients for both xanthone and urea were measured using DOSY-NMR, accompanied by notable improvements in solubility and dissolution profiles. The GM exhibited nearly a 2-fold increase in solubility, reaching 88.08 ± 1.25 µg/mL at 24 h and 90.97 ± 0.98 µg/mL at 72 h, alongside a 2-fold and 5-fold increase in dissolution at 0.21 µg/mL and 0.51 µg/mL for the physical mixture (PM) and GM, respectively. Furthermore, an enhanced antioxidant capacity was observed, as demonstrated in the calculated Trolox equivalent (TE) value, which increased from 1.48 ± 1.12 for xanthone alone to 1.65 ± 1.03 in the xanthone–urea complex. These findings confirm the successful complexation of xanthone and urea in a 1:1 molar ratio. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Chemistry)
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53 pages, 7134 KiB  
Review
Effects of Process Parameters on Pulsed Laser Micromachining for Glass-Based Microfluidic Devices
by Mrwan Alayed, Nojoud Al Fayez, Salman Alfihed, Naif Alshamrani and Fahad Alghannam
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2657; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112657 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 352
Abstract
Glass-based microfluidic devices are essential for applications such as diagnostics and drug discovery, which utilize their optical clarity and chemical stability. This review systematically analyzes pulsed laser micromachining as a transformative technique for fabricating glass-based microfluidic devices, addressing the limitations of conventional methods. [...] Read more.
Glass-based microfluidic devices are essential for applications such as diagnostics and drug discovery, which utilize their optical clarity and chemical stability. This review systematically analyzes pulsed laser micromachining as a transformative technique for fabricating glass-based microfluidic devices, addressing the limitations of conventional methods. By examining three pulse regimes—long (≥nanosecond), short (picosecond), and ultrashort (femtosecond)—this study evaluates how laser parameters (fluence, scanning speed, pulse duration, repetition rate, wavelength) and glass properties influence ablation efficiency and quality. A higher fluence improves the material ablation efficiency across all the regimes but poses risks of thermal damage or plasma shielding in ultrashort pulses. Optimizing the scanning speed balances the depth and the surface quality, with slower speeds enhancing the channel depth but requiring heat accumulation mitigation. Shorter pulses (femtosecond regime) achieve greater precision (feature resolution) and minimal heat-affected zones through nonlinear absorption, while long pulses enable rapid deep-channel fabrication but with increased thermal stress. Elevating the repetition rate improves the material ablation rates but reduces the surface quality. The influence of wavelength on efficiency and quality varies across the three pulse regimes. Material selection is critical to outcomes and potential applications: fused silica demonstrates a superior surface quality due to low thermal expansion, while soda–lime glass provides cost-effective prototyping. The review emphasizes the advantages of laser micromachining and the benefits of a wide range of applications. Future directions should focus on optimizing the process parameters to improve the efficiency and quality of the produced devices at a lower cost to expand their uses in biomedical, environmental, and quantum applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)
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16 pages, 4868 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Mesoporous Alumina with High Specific Surface Area via Reverse Precipitation Method for Enhanced Adsorption and Regeneration of Congo Red
by Shuaiqi Chen, Ziqiang Zhao, Boning Jiang, Yuanchao Zhang, Xuhui Wang, Xiangyu Xu and Jiaqing Song
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2656; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112656 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 172
Abstract
Various forms of alumina have attracted considerable attention for their ability to remove anionic dyes from wastewater, attributed to their high specific surface area, and environmental safety. In this study, a series of modified alumina materials were synthesized for the first time using [...] Read more.
Various forms of alumina have attracted considerable attention for their ability to remove anionic dyes from wastewater, attributed to their high specific surface area, and environmental safety. In this study, a series of modified alumina materials were synthesized for the first time using the reverse precipitation method with dual aluminum sources and without template agent to explore their applicability in various scenarios, including adsorption processes and regeneration cycles. The results revealed that non-modified alumina exhibited superior adsorption properties, while silicon-modified alumina demonstrated exceptional thermal stability during high temperature calcination. For silicon-modified alumina, the replacement of some Al–OH groups with silicon resulted in the formation of a protective silicon layer on the alumina surface, which delayed the sintering process. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model were utilized to fit the experimental data. Furthermore, the adsorption and regeneration properties of silicon-modified alumina were investigated, revealing a maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity of 822.6 mg/g for Congo Red using non-modified alumina. Notably, the non-modified alumina demonstrated a 40.6% increase in its adsorption capacity compared to its initial capacity after six regeneration cycles at 1000 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications (2nd Edition))
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19 pages, 6921 KiB  
Article
Drying Performance of Fabrics on the Human Body
by Ivona Jerkovic, Agnes Psikuta, Sahar Ebrahimi, Joyce Baumann, Martin Camenzind, Simon Annaheim and René M. Rossi
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2655; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112655 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 256
Abstract
When developing fabrics for applications in which evaporative cooling and drying play an important role, e.g., sports or occupational applications, the drying performance of fabrics is commonly determined using fast and easy-to-perform benchmark methods. The measurement conditions in these methods, however, differ significantly [...] Read more.
When developing fabrics for applications in which evaporative cooling and drying play an important role, e.g., sports or occupational applications, the drying performance of fabrics is commonly determined using fast and easy-to-perform benchmark methods. The measurement conditions in these methods, however, differ significantly from the drying conditions on the human body surface, where drying is obstructed on one side of the fabric through contact with the skin and at the same time enhanced due to contact with the heated surface (skin). The aims of this study were to understand and quantify the fabric drying process at the skin interface considering these real-use effects based on tests applying two-sided drying, one-sided drying, one-sided drying on a heated surface, and one-sided drying on a heated surface in the stretched state, and to relate these to existing standard methods. The findings showed that contact with a solid heated surface such as the skin and the stretched state of the fabric both make a significant contribution (p < 0.05) to the drying rate compared to two-sided drying in standard climatic conditions. The corresponding drying rates observed for a range of typical fabrics used in leisure and sports as a first layer next to the skin were found to be 1.6 (±0.2), 1.1 (±0.2), 7.9 (±2.1), and 10.6 (±0.8) g/m2 min for two-sided drying, one-sided drying, one-sided drying on a heated surface, and one-sided drying on a heated surface in the stretched state, respectively. These findings are of great importance for human thermal modelling, including clothing models, where the drying process significantly contributes to the heat and mass transfer in the skin–clothing–environment system. Full article
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16 pages, 11006 KiB  
Article
A Study on Thermally Fatigued Phase Transformation and Bending Fracture Mechanisms of 310S Stainless Steel
by Ying-Ting Huang, Yu-Wei Yen and Fei-Yi Hung
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112654 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 223
Abstract
This study investigates the microstructural evolution and mechanical degradation mechanisms of cold-drawn 310S stainless steel subjected to repeated thermal cycling between 900 °C and room temperature. The results reveal that thermal cycling induces significant lattice distortion, dislocation accumulation, and recrystallization, leading to grain [...] Read more.
This study investigates the microstructural evolution and mechanical degradation mechanisms of cold-drawn 310S stainless steel subjected to repeated thermal cycling between 900 °C and room temperature. The results reveal that thermal cycling induces significant lattice distortion, dislocation accumulation, and recrystallization, leading to grain refinement and increased tensile strength. However, these microstructural changes also initiate subsurface cracks and reduce ductility. TGA analysis confirms thermal weight loss from decarburization, especially under oxidative atmospheres. EPMA analysis and tensile tests after thermal cycling reveal that surface cracks formed during thermal cycling act as origins for transgranular crack propagation under tensile stress, significantly reducing fracture resistance. Bending fatigue tests further demonstrate that thermally fatigued specimens exhibit inferior fatigue life compared to raw material, confirming the deteriorating mechanical properties of 310S stainless steel after thermal cycling. Overall, the combined effects of thermal and mechanical fatigue degrade the structural integrity of 310S stainless steel, revealing that lattice distortion and subsurface cracking are the key factors in its embrittlement and reduced fatigue performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alloy Strengthening Mechanisms, Microstructural Control, and Performance Optimization)
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27 pages, 2897 KiB  
Article
Blackseed Oil Supplemented Caseinate–Carboxymethyl Chitosan Film Membrane for Improving Shelf Life of Grape Tomato
by Amal M. A. Mohamed and Hosahalli S. Ramaswamy
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112653 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 293
Abstract
Blackseed oil supplemented with caseinate (CA)–carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH) composite membranes were evaluated for their functional properties and as edible coating for extending the shelf life of grape tomatoes. Composite films were prepared from equal parts of (CaCa or NaCa) and (CMCH) with or [...] Read more.
Blackseed oil supplemented with caseinate (CA)–carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH) composite membranes were evaluated for their functional properties and as edible coating for extending the shelf life of grape tomatoes. Composite films were prepared from equal parts of (CaCa or NaCa) and (CMCH) with or without supplemented 3% blackseed oil (BO) and evaluated for their functional properties. Subsequently, the edible membrane coating was evaluated to extend the shelf life of grape tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films was the lowest for the calcium caseinate–carboxymethyl chitosan–blackseed oil (CaCa-CMCH-BO) film (3.01 g kPa−1 h−1 m−2). Adding blackseed oil to the edible film matrix also led to a significant increase in its mechanical properties, resulting in tensile strength values of 12.5 MPa and 10.2 MPa and elongation at break values of 90.5% and 100% for NaCa-CMCH-BO and CaCa-CMCH-BO, respectively. The composite films also exhibited good compatibility through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, as confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The particle size and zeta potential of CaCa-CMCM-BO were 117 nm and −40.73 mV, respectively, while for NaCa-CMCH-BO, they were 294.70 nm and −25.10 mV, respectively. The incorporation of BO into the films resulted in greater antioxidant activity. When applied as an edible film membrane on grape tomatoes, the coating effectively delayed the deterioration of tomatoes by reducing weight loss, microbial spoilage, and oxidative degradation. Compared to the control, the coated fruits had delayed ripening, with a shelf life of up to 30 days, and reduced microbial growth over the entire storage period. Full article
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18 pages, 1272 KiB  
Article
Novel Flame-Retardant Wood-Polymer Composites by Using Inorganic Mineral Huntite and Hydromagnesite: An Aspect of Application in Electrical Engineering
by Gül Yılmaz Atay, Jacek Lukasz Wilk-Jakubowski and Valentyna Loboichenko
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2652; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112652 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 259
Abstract
In this study, a flame-retardant wood-polymer composite was produced using huntite-hydromagnesite mineral, recognized for its non- flammability properties. In this context, wood-polymer composites were produced with the co-rotating twin-screw extrusion technique, while polypropylene was applied as the composite matrix, medium density fiberboard waste [...] Read more.
In this study, a flame-retardant wood-polymer composite was produced using huntite-hydromagnesite mineral, recognized for its non- flammability properties. In this context, wood-polymer composites were produced with the co-rotating twin-screw extrusion technique, while polypropylene was applied as the composite matrix, medium density fiberboard waste and inorganic huntite-hydromagnesite mineral were used as the reinforcement material. The proportion of wood powder additives was changed to 10% and 20%, and the huntite and hydromagnesite ratio was changed to 30%, 40%, 50% and 60%. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, i.e., MAPP, was applied as a binder at a rate of 3%. Polypropylene, wood fibers, mineral powders, and MAPP blended in the mixer were processed in the extruder and turned into granules. Structural, morphological, thermal, mechanical, and flame-retardant properties of the composites were analyzed using XRD, SEM, FTIR, TGA, tensile testing, and the UL-94 vertical flammability test. Test samples were prepared to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties with a compression molding machine. It was concluded that the composites gained significant flame retardancy with the addition of huntite hydromagnesite. The potential for using this material in various fields and its compliance with the principles of circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12) were noted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Composites)
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18 pages, 7341 KiB  
Article
Multi-Scale Investigation of Fly Ash Aggregates (FAAs) in Concrete: From Macroscopic Physical–Mechanical Properties to Microscopic Structure of Hydration Products
by Xue-Fei Chen, Xiu-Cheng Zhang and Ying Peng
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2651; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112651 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Fly ash aggregates (FAAs) were synthesized via a hydrothermal process, involving the reaction of fly ash and cement at 180 °C under saturated steam conditions. A thorough examination was carried out to evaluate the impact of cement content on the physico-mechanical properties of [...] Read more.
Fly ash aggregates (FAAs) were synthesized via a hydrothermal process, involving the reaction of fly ash and cement at 180 °C under saturated steam conditions. A thorough examination was carried out to evaluate the impact of cement content on the physico-mechanical properties of the resulting FAAs. A comprehensive exploration was undertaken to decipher the mechanisms by which cement modulates the cylinder compressive strength of FAAs, encompassing mineralogical composition, microstructure, insoluble residue content, and loss on ignition. As the cement proportion increased, a concomitant rise in the amount of hydration products was observed, leading to an enhanced filling effect. This, subsequently, resulted in reduced water absorption and increased apparent density of the FAAs. The augmented filling effect of hydration products contributed to a gradual elevation in the cylinder compressive strength of FAAs as cement content escalated from 5 to 35 wt%. However, a significant transition occurred when cement content surpassed 35%, reaching 35–45 wt%. Within this range, the micro-aggregate effect was diminished, causing a decrease in cylinder compressive strength. The optimal equilibrium between the filling effect and micro-aggregate effect was attained at 35 wt% cement content, where the cylinder compressive strength of FAAs reached its peak value of 18.5 MPa. This research is expected to provide a feasible approach for solid waste reduction, with a particular emphasis on the utilization of fly ash. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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23 pages, 5680 KiB  
Article
Influence of Laser Power on CoCrFeNiMo High-Entropy Alloy Coating Microstructure and Properties
by Shuai Li, Fuheng Nie, Jiyuan Ding, Guijun Mao, Yang Guo, Tianlan Cao, Chong Xiang and Honggang Dong
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2650; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112650 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 233
Abstract
This work studies the fabrication of CoCrFeNiMo high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings via coaxial powder-fed laser cladding, addressing porosity and impurity issues in conventional methods. The HEA coatings exhibited eutectic/hypereutectic microstructures under all laser power conditions. A systematic investigation of laser power effects (1750–2500 [...] Read more.
This work studies the fabrication of CoCrFeNiMo high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings via coaxial powder-fed laser cladding, addressing porosity and impurity issues in conventional methods. The HEA coatings exhibited eutectic/hypereutectic microstructures under all laser power conditions. A systematic investigation of laser power effects (1750–2500 W) reveals that 2250 W optimizes microstructure and performance, yielding a dual-phase structure with FCC matrix and dispersed σ phases (Fe-Cr/Mo-rich). The coating achieves exceptional hardness (738.3 HV0.2, 3.8× substrate), ultralow wear rate (4.55 × 10−5 mm3/N·m), and minimized corrosion current (2.31 × 10−4 A/cm2) in 3.5 wt.% NaCl. The friction mechanism of the CoCrFeNiMo HEA coating is that in high-speed friction and wear, the oxide film is formed on the surface of the coating, and then the rupture of the oxide film leads to adhesive wear and abrasive wear. The corrosion mechanism is the galvanic corrosion caused by the potential difference between the FCC phase and the σ phase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Metals, Alloys, and Composite Materials)
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13 pages, 3247 KiB  
Article
Anisotropic Photoelectric Properties of Aligned P3HT Nanowire Arrays Fabricated via Solution Blade Coating and UV-Induced Molecular Ordering
by Qianxun Gong, Jin Luo, Chen Meng, Zuhong Xiong, Sijie Zhang and Tian Yu
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2649; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112649 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 220
Abstract
This paper reports on the anisotropic optoelectronic properties of aligned poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanowire (NW) arrays fabricated via blade coating and UV irradiation, exhibiting a remarkably high electrical resistance anisotropy ratio of up to 8.05 between the parallel (0°) and perpendicular (90°) directions. This [...] Read more.
This paper reports on the anisotropic optoelectronic properties of aligned poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanowire (NW) arrays fabricated via blade coating and UV irradiation, exhibiting a remarkably high electrical resistance anisotropy ratio of up to 8.05 between the parallel (0°) and perpendicular (90°) directions. This resistance anisotropy originates from the advantage of directional charge transport. Optimized 5 mg/mL P3HT solutions under 32 min UV irradiation yielded unidirectional π-π*-stacked NWs with enhanced crystallinity. Polarized microscopy and atomic force microscopy confirmed high alignment and dense NW networks. The angular dependence of polarization exhibits a cosine-modulated response, while the angular anisotropy of the measured photocurrent points to structural alignment rather than trap-state control. The scalable fabrication and tunable anisotropy demonstrate potential for polarization-sensitive organic electronics and anisotropic logic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optical and Photonic Materials)
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15 pages, 11857 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Cu Strengthened by Ionic Bonded Particles and Cu Strengthened by Metallic Bonded Particles
by Ke Han, Vince Toplosky, Rongmei Niu and Yan Xin
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2648; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112648 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 219
Abstract
Cu matrix composites, because of their high mechanical strength, are often used as conductors in high-performance electrical applications. These composites are manufactured through thermomechanical processing, which introduces a high density of particles that act as obstacles to dislocation motion. Increasing the density of [...] Read more.
Cu matrix composites, because of their high mechanical strength, are often used as conductors in high-performance electrical applications. These composites are manufactured through thermomechanical processing, which introduces a high density of particles that act as obstacles to dislocation motion. Increasing the density of these particles enhances the mechanical strength of the conductors, which we tested under static loading. Under cyclic loading, especially pulsed electrical mechanical loading, conductors may soften, harden, or even fail. Failure is likely to occur whenever the applied stress exceeds the flow stress of the conductors. Understanding and predicting the performance of conductors under cyclic loading can help researchers estimate the lifespan of any apparatus made from these conductors. The performance of conductors depends on whether the strengthening particles are characterized by ionic interatomic bonding or metallic bonding. During fabrication, we observed both the accumulation of dislocations and the dissolution of particles (which added more solute atoms to the matrix). Because both dislocations and solute atoms tend to migrate at room temperature or higher, the complexity of microstructure changes increases in composites under cyclic loading. To minimize such complexity, we designed our test to determine fatigue properties at 77 K. We subjected the conductors to cyclic fatigue tests using a load-controlled mode (the mode most commonly used in applications). This work sheds light on the correlation between tensile properties and fatigue properties in our composite conductors. We found that the correlation varied, depending on whether the conductors had been strengthened by ionic bond or metallic bond particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatigue Crack Growth in Metallic Materials (Volume II))
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19 pages, 5279 KiB  
Article
Methods for Quantitative Determination of Iron Sulfides in Rocks
by Zhixin Wang, Shaoping Wang, Wei Li, Bing Cao, Xiaojun Huang, Xin Chuai, Xinyu Zhang and Min Deng
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2647; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112647 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 216
Abstract
When iron sulfides are used as aggregate in concrete production, it easily oxidizes to form harmful substances such as sulfates. This results in acid corrosion and internal sulfate attack (ISA), significantly reducing concrete durability. To date, the quantification methods for iron sulfides in [...] Read more.
When iron sulfides are used as aggregate in concrete production, it easily oxidizes to form harmful substances such as sulfates. This results in acid corrosion and internal sulfate attack (ISA), significantly reducing concrete durability. To date, the quantification methods for iron sulfides in aggregates remain inaccurate, often neglecting pyrrhotite (a type of iron sulfide). No standardized methods or threshold values for the sulfide content in aggregates have been established, nor have technical guidelines for the application of sulfide-containing aggregates, limiting their use. This study proposes an on-site quantification procedure for determining the pyrite and pyrrhotite content in tailings using a selective chemical dissolution process. An orthogonal experiment was designed to determine the optimal dissolution conditions by considering four factors: particle size, reaction temperature, acid concentration, and reaction time. The pyrrhotite quantification method showed a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.60% (<5%) and a mean relative error of 3.19% (<5%), while the pyrite quantification method showed an RSD of 3.11% (<5%) with a mean relative error of 4.70% (<5%). The results were further optimized under engineering conditions to reduce costs and enable on-site quantification without relying on complex precision instruments. The quantitative results of pyrite in mineral samples were verified by the XRD internal standard method, and the error was less than 0.6%. This approach ensures the effective monitoring and management of sulfide content in concrete aggregates, promoting the practical application of sulfur-bearing aggregates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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23 pages, 4841 KiB  
Article
Study on Freeze–Thaw Cycle Performance and Regional Service Life Prediction of Hydrophobic Aerogel-Modified ACEPS Boards
by Lu Lu, Rongyu Chen, Mingming Wang, Wenjia Xi, Shan Yun and Haodong Wang
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2646; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112646 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 274
Abstract
The aim of this study is to systematically investigate the influence of hydrophobic aerogel on the performance of aerogel cement-based expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation board (ACEPS board) under freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) and to predict its service life in four typical climate zones: Beijing, [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to systematically investigate the influence of hydrophobic aerogel on the performance of aerogel cement-based expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation board (ACEPS board) under freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) and to predict its service life in four typical climate zones: Beijing, Harbin, Urumqi, and Nanjing. The effects of aerogel content on compressive strength, volumetric water absorption, thermal conductivity, and pore structure evolution of ACEPS were thoroughly analyzed through FTC testing. The results demonstrated that aerogel significantly reduced the volumetric water absorption of ACEPS due to its excellent hydrophobicity, thereby decreasing the compressive strength attenuation from 40% to 24%, suppressing the increase in thermal conductivity from 0.0130 to 0.0055 W/(m·K), and mitigating pore structure degradation. In the regional service life prediction, aerogel-modified ACEPS exhibited significantly improved freeze–thaw resistance in the cold climates of Harbin and Urumqi, as well as in the high freeze–thaw frequency environment of Beijing. Notably, specimens with high aerogel content demonstrated outstanding structural and functional durability. This study provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for incorporating aerogel in the optimized designs and applications of thermal insulation building materials in cold regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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25 pages, 3882 KiB  
Article
Graphene Nanoplatelets Reinforced ABS Nanocomposite Films by Sonication-Assisted Cast Film Technique for Emission Shielding Application
by Mohammed Iqbal Shueb, Noraiham Mohamad, Syarfa Zahirah Sapuan, Yee See Khee, Dewi Suriyani Che Halin, Andrei Victor Sandu and Petrica Vizureanu
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2645; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112645 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 357
Abstract
The rapid proliferation of electronic devices has heightened the demand for efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, as conventional alternatives increasingly fall short in mitigating harmful electromagnetic radiation. In this study, we report the fabrication of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) nanocomposite films reinforced [...] Read more.
The rapid proliferation of electronic devices has heightened the demand for efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, as conventional alternatives increasingly fall short in mitigating harmful electromagnetic radiation. In this study, we report the fabrication of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) nanocomposite films reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), offering a promising solution to this growing challenge. A persistent issue in incorporating GNPs into the ABS matrix is their poor wettability, which impedes uniform dispersion. To overcome this, a sonication-assisted casting technique was employed, enabling effective integration of GNPs at loadings of 1, 3, and 5 wt%. The resulting nanocomposite films exhibit uniform dispersion and enhanced functional properties. Comprehensive characterization using FESEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TGA, DSC, FTIR, and dielectric/EMI analyses revealed significant improvements in thermal stability, UV absorption, and dielectric behavior. Notably, the films demonstrated moderate EMI shielding effectiveness, reaching 0.0064 dB at 4 MHz. These findings position the developed GNP-reinforced ABS nanocomposites as promising candidates for advanced applications in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obtaining and Characterization of New Materials (5th Edition))
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29 pages, 5482 KiB  
Article
Mitigation of Volume Changes in Alkali-Activated Slag by Using Metakaolin
by Maïté Lacante, Brice Delsaute and Stéphanie Staquet
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2644; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112644 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 304
Abstract
This research investigates whether metakaolin can be used as a partial substitution for slag to mitigate significant volume changes in alkali-activated slags. Its effect on compressive strength and workability (as well as on isothermal calorimetry, autogenous strain, and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)) [...] Read more.
This research investigates whether metakaolin can be used as a partial substitution for slag to mitigate significant volume changes in alkali-activated slags. Its effect on compressive strength and workability (as well as on isothermal calorimetry, autogenous strain, and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)) were found to depend on both the type and concentration of the alkaline activator. When using 8 M and 10 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH), increasing the substitution rate increased the compressive strength. With sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), compressive strength decreased as the substitution increased. Isothermal calorimetry revealed metakaolin’s dilution effect at 10% substitution. With 8 M NaOH, a third reaction peak appeared, whose magnitude increased with the substitution rate, while the second peak decreased. The swelling was increased at 10% substitution, followed by constant shrinkage in case of NaOH-activation. Shrinkage was mitigated with Na2SiO3-activation. Higher substitutions with 8 M NaOH resulted in a significant increase in the shrinkage rate and CTE, occurring when the third reaction peak appeared. A 10% substitution delayed the CTE increase but resulted in higher later-age values (dilution effect). The 20% substitution led to a similar final CTE value at 300 h, while 30% substitution resulted in a decrease in CTE after the initial increase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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18 pages, 5037 KiB  
Article
Micromodification Mechanism and High-Temperature Rheological Properties of Activated Rubber/Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene Compound-Modified Asphalt
by Kai Zhang, Xuwen Zhong, Xukun Huang, Weihua Wan, Hai Zhou and Bin Liu
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2643; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112643 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 334
Abstract
Currently, research on the modification mechanisms of activated rubber/SBS (styrene–butadiene–styrene) composites and the microscopic processes involved remains limited. To investigate the impact of the rubber activation treatment combined with SBS modifier on asphalt modification, this study employs composite-modified asphalt formulations using either a [...] Read more.
Currently, research on the modification mechanisms of activated rubber/SBS (styrene–butadiene–styrene) composites and the microscopic processes involved remains limited. To investigate the impact of the rubber activation treatment combined with SBS modifier on asphalt modification, this study employs composite-modified asphalt formulations using either a conventional mix or activated rubber in conjunction with SBS. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to analyze the chemical components and microscopic morphology of the composite-modified asphalt following activation treatment. Microscopic analysis revealed that the asphalt stirred for 20 min has a characteristic peak with a wave number of 966 cm−1, while the characteristic peak with a wave number of 700 cm−1 is not obvious. That is, the asphalt sample contains the polybutadiene component and a reduced amount of the polystyrene component. Therefore, it can be inferred that the asphalt sample only contains activated rubber, along with less SBS modifier content. Traditional rubber undergoes significant expansion reactions during the mixing stage, but there are difficulties in degradation, which leave large particles and reduce the proportions of the lightweight asphalt components. However, active rubber and SBS mainly expand and degrade more completely during the shear stage, forming many micro-volume particles in asphalt. Additionally, frequency scanning and multiple creep recovery tests were conducted to evaluate the high-temperature rheological properties of the asphalt. The results indicate that activated rubber, doped at 20%, and SBS, doped at 2%, significantly enhance the high-temperature rheological properties of the composite-modified asphalt compared to base asphalt, exhibiting a 417.16% increase in the complex modulus at 64 °C and 1 Hz. Furthermore, these modifiers interact synergistically to improve modification efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Asphalt, Concrete and Pavement Materials: Design, Performance, and Characterization)
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19 pages, 1532 KiB  
Article
The Use of Cyanoacrylate and Glubran in Dentistry: A Review of Clinical Applications and Outcomes
by Michele Miranda, Francesco Gianfreda, Graziana Molica, Mirko Martelli, Marco Gargari and Patrizio Bollero
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2642; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112642 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 195
Abstract
Cyanoacrylate-based adhesives have gained increasing attention in dentistry for their rapid polymerization, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity. This review analyzes the clinical use of cyanoacrylate adhesives—particularly the Glubran II formulation—in dental procedures, including wound closure, tissue management, and bleeding control. A comprehensive literature search [...] Read more.
Cyanoacrylate-based adhesives have gained increasing attention in dentistry for their rapid polymerization, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity. This review analyzes the clinical use of cyanoacrylate adhesives—particularly the Glubran II formulation—in dental procedures, including wound closure, tissue management, and bleeding control. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published between 2000 and 2024, using specific inclusion criteria (clinical and in vitro studies focusing on dental applications of cyanoacrylates) and exclusion criteria (non-dental uses, insufficient data). The findings indicate that compared to traditional sutures, cyanoacrylates, especially n-butyl and octyl derivatives, significantly reduce operative time, postoperative pain, and infection rates. However, differences among formulations—such as degradation rate and cytotoxicity—require further exploration. Glubran II, in particular, shows promising results in hemostasis and wound stability. This review highlights the potential of cyanoacrylate adhesives as effective, minimally invasive alternatives in dental surgery and underlines the need for standardized protocols and long-term comparative studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biomaterials for Bone and Soft Tissue Regeneration, Perimplantitis Treatment, Implant Prosthetics)
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16 pages, 4378 KiB  
Article
Utilization of Low-Grade Limestone and Solid Waste for the Preparation of High-Belite Portland Cement
by Jiapeng Duan, Yu Zhang, Suwei Xia, Zian Geng and Wenbo Xin
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112641 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 259
Abstract
In this study, high-belite Portland cement clinker was successfully prepared by using low-grade limestone and solid-waste calcium carbide slag and steel slag, achieving resource utilization while reducing CO2 emissions caused by raw materials decomposition in the cement industry. Using X-ray diffraction, microscopic [...] Read more.
In this study, high-belite Portland cement clinker was successfully prepared by using low-grade limestone and solid-waste calcium carbide slag and steel slag, achieving resource utilization while reducing CO2 emissions caused by raw materials decomposition in the cement industry. Using X-ray diffraction, microscopic images, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, the physicochemical reaction process, phase composition, and microscopy of clinker were studied. The results indicated that the high-belite Portland cement clinker can be successfully produced at 1340 °C for 1 h with a belite content of 58.6% and an alite content of 24.2% when the composition of raw material was suitable. Meanwhile, the content of high-reactive-phase α-C2S can reach 1.4%. Via microscopic viewing, C2S and C3S were interphase distributed and well developed. In this study, the CO2 emission of the prepared high-belite Portland cement clinker was 54.67% lower than that of ordinary Portland cement clinker. All the above results confirm that high-belite Portland cement clinker can be produced using low-grade limestone and solid wastes, which can significantly reduce CO2 emission during Portland clinker production and promote an innovative approach to the cement industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reaction Mechanism and Properties of Cement-Based Materials (2nd Edition))
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