Materials, Volume 18, Issue 20

In saline soil and alpine regions of northwest China, fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (FR-RAC) beams are subjected to coupled degradation from a chloride–sulfate composite salt attack and freeze–thaw cycling. Existing studies...

L-arginine, a basic amino acid, exhibits high biocompatibility, reactivity, and absorbability. It was selected as the co-polymer modification monomer for L-lactic acid with the objective of enhancing the hydrophilicity of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), neu...

In this study, by regulating the heating rate, we have optimized the morphology of retained austenite in a quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steel with initial microstructure consisting of lath martensite. By optimizing the heating rate to 1 °...

Fly ash (FA) and limestone powder (LS) are both environmentally friendly substitutes for cement. The mechanical strength and durability of hydraulic concrete with FA and LS cured under low temperature deserve attention. In this study, the mechanical...

Icing on aircraft surfaces during operation poses a threat to flight safety. As a passive anti-icing technology, hydrophobic microstructure can achieve long-term anti-icing. In this work, a composite process combining hot-embossing of PVD-coated punc...

In 2021, archeologists found that a bronze mirror was wrapped with a yellow-green fiber sheet in the Western Han tomb M68 in the Dabuzi Cemetery in Xi’an, China. To ascertain the composition and function, a scanning electronic microscopy–...

The network architecture has demonstrated considerable potential for enhancing the strength–ductility synergy in metal matrix composites (MMCs). Intuitively, the intersections of network layers are expected to induce a stress concentration, lea...

On-site curing of metakaolin (MK)- and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS)-based geopolymer mortars remains a major bottleneck compared to thermal treatment for early strength development, and electrical curing is proposed here as a highly scalable...

Hydrocarbon exploration and extraction increasingly rely on drilling fluids that guarantee operating safety and efficiency, particularly in ultra-deep, high-temperature, and unconventional reservoirs. Traditional drilling fluids, especially for water...

Alloys and metal matrix composites (MMCs) are fundamental enablers of technological progress across critical engineering sectors, including aviation, aerospace, marine, automotive, and advanced electronics [...]

The conversion of low-grade heat into storable electrical energy using nanoporous carbon materials represents an efficient energy harvesting strategy. In this study, a reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and carbon nanotube (CNT) composite with a rich micro...

This work presents a bespoke, non-contact, and low-cost Phosphor Thermometry (PT) technique for the measurement of material absorptivity. The approach circumvents the challenges associated with traditional and intrusive calorimetric techniques, which...

Corundum–mullite duplex ceramics were fabricated via a solid-state reaction technique using high-alumina fly ash and α-alumina powders. The effects of magnesium oxide on bulk density, apparent porosity, compressive strength, and microstru...

Products such as toothpaste tablets align with the concept of sustainable cosmetic production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and functional properties of toothpaste tablets with different formulations—with and without fluor...

The operational failure of lithium-ion batteries under extreme temperatures (−40~60 °C) stems primarily from electrolyte limitations. While prior efforts improved either low-temperature or high-temperature performance independently, holistic electrol...

Designing UHPC beams for shear is challenging because many factors—geometry, concrete strength, fibers, and stirrups—act together. In this study, we compile a large, curated database of laboratory tests and develop machine learning models to predict...

This study investigates the machining deformation of thick aluminum alloy plates, specifically in aerospace frame components, focusing on the influence of asymmetric residual stress states and machining strategies. Aluminum alloys are commonly used f...

Compaction quality is a critical factor in ensuring the long-term performance of subgrade structures; however, traditional testing methods are limited by their destructive nature and delayed feedback. To address these shortcomings, this study propose...

In this paper, paraffin-44H (PW-44H) and paraffin-5 (PW-5) were respectively selected as the high/low-temperature phase change core material, and expanded vermiculite (EVM) was selected as the phase change carrier matrix. A high-temperature composite...

The results of the effect of the three Ba:Ti molar ratios (MR) (1:1, 2:1, 4:1) and four sintering temperatures (1250, 1275, 1300, 1325 °C) on the structural and electrical properties of BaTiO₃ (BT)-type ceramics synthesized by the hydrothermal me...

This article presents an analysis of the causes of damage to the shaft used in a paint mixer (made of 1.0501 steel, with diameter ø = 90 mm and length l = 3451 mm). The observed damage occurred in both the shaft before regeneration and the par...

This study aimed to examine the calcite precipitation potential of non-ureolytic bacterial strains of two species, Viridibacillus arenosi (A₆) and Bacillus zhangzhouensis (D₂₅), as compared to the known ureolytic bacterial strain, Sporosarcina pasteu...

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) exhibits exceptional mechanical properties and durability but faces challenges such as high heat of hydration and limited stiffness. Incorporation of coarse aggregates offers a potential solution; however, it al...

Hydrogen-based direct reduction of iron ore is a promising route to reduce CO₂ emissions in steelmaking, where uniform particle flow inside shaft furnaces is essential for efficient operation. In this study, a full-scale three-dimensional Discrete El...

Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) is a transparent, stable copolymer commonly used in biomedical devices such as surgical guides, clear aligners, and anatomical models. Its biocompatibility must be assessed not only for cytotoxicity,...

The mechanical properties of cellular materials are critical to their performance and must be accurately determined through both analytical and numerical methods. These approaches are essential not only for understanding material behavior but also fo...

This study investigates the fatigue bending strength, measured as the Mean of Fatigue Cycles (N), of cylindrical components produced by external wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) through a Taguchi L25 orthogonal array and linear regression analy...

Pickering emulsions, employing solid or colloidal particles rather than surfactants to stabilize the oil-water interface, have attracted considerable attention owing to their enhanced stability and the potential for designing functional materials. In...

Coal gangue manufactured sand (CGS), a sustainable substitute for natural sand, offers both resource and environmental benefits; however, the micro-mechanisms underlying performance deterioration at different replacement levels remain unclear. In thi...

Photocatalytic materials use light energy to decompose harmful substances, antifouling, and deodorize. However, photocatalytic materials currently in practical use utilize ultraviolet light, and considering the ratio of ultraviolet light in sunlight...

About 120 million tons of steel slag are produced annually in China, making it one of the largest sources of industrial solid waste; however, its utilization rate remains only around 30%. The presence of f-CaO is the main factor in its widespread app...

Gangue slurry pumping backfill offers a cost-effective and environmentally sound solution for coal mine solid waste disposal. Addressing the poor pumpability of pure gangue slurry, this study applied the Talbot gradation theory to a non-cemented gang...

In the current work, the dendritic structure evolution, primary carbide dissolution, and austenite grain growth during the homogenization process of H13 steel at 1150–1250 °C were investigated to achieve a balanced improvement in segregatio...

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a well-established risk factor for ocular diseases; however, the ultraviolet-blocking properties of daily disposable contact lenses remain insufficiently characterized. This study evaluated thirteen commercially availab...

The honeycomb sealing surface serves as the critical sealing structure between the rotor and stator of an engine, and its sealing performance significantly impacts engine efficiency. To address the challenge of effectively controlling the overcutting...

Grain refinement represents a critical approach in optimizing the as-cast microstructure of magnesium alloys, playing a pivotal role in the development of high-performance magnesium alloys. In the present research, a novel Al-Ce-C-O-Mg grain refiner...

Electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes require low impedance, high biocompatibility, and long-term performance. Conventional Ag/AgCl wet electrodes achieve low impedance but suffer from dehydration and skin irritation, whereas dry electrodes often i...

Overcoming the strength–ductility trade-off in conventional aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) remains a significant challenge. This study employs dual-scale hybrid reinforcement particles comprising micron-sized Cu and nano-sized Ti, alongside...

Zeolites are widely acknowledged as minerals with outstanding characteristics, primarily due to their complex porous structure and large specific surface area. The modification of natural and synthetic zeolites can improve their properties, making th...

In winter, some roads face the problems of severe rain accumulation and ice formation, which pose major risks to traffic safety and result in substantial economic losses. With the development of hydrophobic materials, hydrophobic coatings have gradua...

Glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP/GF) is used widely in lightweight automotive applications, but it is affected adversely by fiber breakage and matrix degradation during recycling. This study investigates the effects of carbon nanofiber (CBNF)...

Although the power conversion efficiency of perovskite photovoltaics (PVs) has achieved significant progress, the operational stability is still a critical issue for their commercialization. Compared to inorganic semiconductor materials, organic spec...

Additive manufacturing methods can constitute a valuable alternative to conventional production techniques for components used in the heavy industry, particularly in foundry applications. This innovative manufacturing approach enables an expanded pro...

Hybrid woven composite materials and structures have important application value in modern engineering because of their high specific stiffness, specific strength and excellent impact resistance. The mechanical properties of carbon/aramid fiber hybri...

The gear transmission system is a safety-critical component in rail transit, typically designed for a service life exceeding 20 years. Failure analysis of such systems remains a key focus for railway engineers. This study systematically investigates...

Cu-Ni-Si alloys are advanced materials for electronic applications combining high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity through precipitation of fine Ni silicides. Increasing the Ni content—and, thus, the Ni:Si ratio—enhances th...

Due to its unique electrical and optical properties, as well as the tunable band structure based on thickness, 2D phosphorene recently emerged as a research hotspot and holds significant potential for applications across various fields. In this study...

Gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃) is a promising ultra-wide-bandgap (UWBG) material with exceptional transport properties, including a large breakdown voltage, making it ideal for high-voltage power device applications. Recently, Ga₂O₃ has gained significant att...

MXenes, an emerging class of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have demonstrated exceptional potential in tribology: the study of friction, wear, and lubrication. Their remarkable mechanical strength, therma...

T6 aging, involving solution treatment and artificial aging, is a widely adopted strengthening method for magnesium alloys due to its proven effectiveness. However, the integration of three or more sequential thermal treatments has been explored only...