Abstracts of the 4th International Online Conference on Materials ^†

Session 1: Optical, Electric and Magnetic Materials and Their Characterization

1.1. Multi-Principal Rare Earth Substitution and Entropy Effects in BiFeO₃: Structural, Dielectric, and Magnetic Properties

• Saba Aziz, Anna Grazia Monteduro, Silvia Rizzato, Ritu Rawat and Giuseppe Maruccio

• Department of Mathematics and Physics, University of Salento, CNR NANOTEC–Institute of Nanotechnology, c/o Ecotekne Campus, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy

BiFeO₃ (BFO) is a widely studied room-temperature multiferroic; however, phase instability, leakage, and weak ferromagnetism have motivated the adoption of strategies such as doping and entropy engineering to enhance its performance. Building on our earlier report of the high-entropy oxide Bi_0.5La_0.1In_0.1Y_0.1Nd_0.1Gd_0.1FeO₃, which exhibited room-temperature ferromagnetism and excellent dielectric performance, we now investigate configurational entropy effects on the A site via multi-principal rare earth (RE) substitution to stabilize the perovskite phase and improve functional response. Bi_0.9(RE)_0.1FeO₃ (RE = La, Nd, Gd, Eu, Y; 2% each) was prepared by a conventional solid-state route and pre-calcined at 600 °C, followed by sintering at 950 and 1000 °C. Phase purity and microstructure were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Room-temperature magnetic behavior was evaluated using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and dielectric response (ε′, tan δ), together with AC conductivity (σ), was measured at 1 kHz. XRD spectra confirmed perovskite formation at both temperatures, with sharper peaks at 1000 °C indicating higher crystallinity and minor secondary peaks, while SEM showed denser and more uniform grains. Magnetic measurements revealed weak ferromagnetism with coercivity in the range of 80–120 Oe, consistent with partial disruption of the spin cycloid. Dielectric response was also increased from ~960 (950 °C) to ~1500 at 1000 °C, while tan δ decreased from 0.77 to 0.69 at 1 kHz. Moreover, a slight rise in AC conductivity at 1000 °C (from 4.05 × 10⁻⁵ to 5.08 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹) was attributed to oxygen vacancy formation driven by Bi volatility, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ hopping, and reduced grain boundary resistance due to more continuous grain networks. These results indicate that configurational entropy, together with careful control of thermal processing, can be used to stabilize BiFeO₃ and improve its multifunctional properties.

1.2. Raman Spectroscopy to Evaluate Thermomechanical Local Stress: Three Case Study Examples for Electronic Integrated Circuits

• Enrico Brugnolotto ^1, Claudia Mezzalira ¹, Fosca Conti ¹, Danilo Pedron ^1,2 and Raffaella Signorini ^1,2

¹ 

Department of Chemical Science, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padova, Italy

² 

Consorzio INSTM, Via G. Giusti 9, I-50121 Firenze, Italy

Since the beginnings, the reliability problems draw attention in the field of electrical devices. The needs to understand the failure mechanism of unreliable components is permanent. One of the most challenging problems is the thermomechanical stress, which is considered mainly due to the mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficient of the different components. Temperature and mechanical stress are important variables, that must be monitored during the entire production process, firstly, and working phase, secondly. Indeed, local deviations can lead to uncontrolled changes. To evaluate the stress effects, Raman spectroscopy measurements were performed.

In this work, the local stress was analyzed in three case studies: the active layer of commercially available GaN-based LEDs and in Silicon and Silicon Nitride chips. Specifically, great attention was used examining how stress varies depending on bonding processes, such as temperature and pressure of soldering, as well as the impact of bonding and substrate materials on stress evolution. Raman spectroscopy was selected as the primary technique: it is non-destructive and allows for the analysis of materials both before and after bonding. The Raman investigation was performed on both metal and semiconductor properties of the materials of the integrated circuits. Stress phenomena were determined by 2D Raman mapping of the surface, in a wide temperature range, from −50 to 180 °C. From the determination of the Raman peak position of Silicon, centered around 520 cm⁻¹, Si3N4, centered around 865 cm⁻¹, and GaN, centered around 568 cm⁻¹, the presence of tensile and compressive stresses on the samples were evaluated. Finally, the results were correlated to the process parameters to suggest possible optimization procedure to reduce the reliability problems in the structure of optoelectronic devices.

1.3. Strain-Induced Superconductivity Enhancement in Co-Doped BaFe₂As₂ via Argon Ion Implantation: Evidence from Electrical and Magnetic Measurements

• Kriti Ranjan Sahu ¹, Asish Kumar Mishra ², Thomas Wolf ^3,†, Vedachalaiyer Ganesan ⁴ and Udayan De ⁵

¹ 

Department of Physics, Bhatter College Dantan (Autonomous), Dantan, Paschim Medinipur 721426, WB, India

² 

UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, Indore 452001, MP, India

³ 

Institute for Quantum Materials and Technologies, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, D-76021 Karlsruhe, Germany

⁴ 

Department of Physics, Medi-Caps University, A.B. Road, Pigdamber, Rau, Indore 453331, MP, India

⁵ 

Physics Department, Egra S. S. B. College, Egra, Purba Medinipur 721429, WB, India

^† 

Retired.

• Introduction:

Superconductors (R = 0) are excellent electrical conductors with useful magnetic properties. This has allowed many useful applications (like high-current-carrying superconducting (SC) wires) for decades. Iron-based superconductors—especially iron pnictides and chalcogenides—have recently generated attention. On one hand, they can be SC up to a high superconducting critical temperature (Tc) of 58 K in spite of the high fraction of magnetic ions (Fe), and on the other hand, they have potential as wires for high-field SC magnets. However, further enhancement of Tc remains a key research objective for practical applications.

• Methods:

We explore here the effects of ion implantation on underdoped Ba(Fe_0.943Co_0.057)₂As₂ single crystals. Irradiation was with 1.5 MeV Ar⁶⁺ ions at a fluence of 2.5 × 10¹⁵ ions/cm². Magnetic susceptibility (both real and imaginary components) and electrical resistivity were measured before and after irradiation.

• Results:

Following irradiation onset, Tc rose from 16.9 K to 25.2 K, as measured from the real part of magnetic susceptibility—a rise of 8.3 K. Comparable enhancements were seen for the imaginary part of susceptibility (8.1 K) and resistivity measurements (7.8 K). These results significantly exceed previously reported [1] Tc shift (typically 1 K) cases of similar ion irradiations in related systems.

• Conclusions:

The enhancement is attributed to a compressive strain [2] induced by high-pressure Ar micro-bubbles within the implanted layer, formed at depths up to the ion range (R) under conditions where sample thickness (t) ≫ R. This strain mimics external pressure, thereby promoting superconductivity. A similar Tc emergence in undoped BaFe₂As₂ supports this pressure-driven mechanism, highlighting ion implantation as a promising approach for Tc enhancement in superconductors.

• References

1.

Ozaki, T.; Wu, L.; Zhang, C.; Jaroszynski, J.; Si, W.; Zhou, J.; Zhu, Y.; Li, Q. A route for a strong increase of critical current in nanostrained iron-based superconductors. Nat. Commun. 2016, 7, 13036.

2.

Sahu, K.R.; Wolf, T.; Mishra, A.K.; Chakraborty, K.R.; Banerjee, A.; Ganesan, V.; De, U. Superconducting Single Crystals Show about 50% Increase of the Superconducting Critical Temperature after Ar Ion Implantation. Phys. C Supercond. Its Appl. 2025, 635, 1354733.

1.4. Biomedical Applications of Polymer-Based Nano/Micromotors Synthesized by Electropolymerization Method

• Derya Bal Altuntaş

• Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize 53100, Turkey

This study presents the development of polymer-based nano/micromotors fabricated through electropolymerization for biomedical applications. polymer-based motors were synthesized using template-assisted electropolymerization with optimized electrochemical parameters. The electropolymerization process was systematically characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques to ensure reproducible fabrication conditions. Surface modification strategies were employed to enhance motor functionality, including covalent attachment of bioactive molecules and incorporation of targeting ligands. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed successful surface functionalization and maintained structural integrity of the polymer matrix during fabrication processes. Comprehensive biocompatibility studies confirmed their excellent suitability for biological environments, while inherent biodegradability eliminates long-term accumulation concerns in living systems. The biomedical applications investigated include targeted drug delivery systems, bacterial removal mechanisms, and advanced biosensing platforms. The motors demonstrated excellent biocompatibility in cell culture studies and promising controlled drug release properties with sustained therapeutic efficacy. Metallic bilayer variants and strategic incorporation of metallic nanoparticles into the chitosan matrix significantly enhance electrochemical activity and provide multifunctional properties for targeted therapy and imaging applications. Electrochemical surface functionalization enables specific targeting capabilities for precision medicine approaches. Results demonstrate the significant potential of electropolymerized polymer nano/micromotors as next-generation biomedical devices, offering unique advantages of controllable electrochemical propulsion, excellent biocompatibility, and complete biodegradability for various clinical applications.

1.5. Comparative Structural and Magnetic Study of Cr-Substituted Sr-Hexaferrites Synthesized by Sol–Gel and Solid-State Routes

• Saqib Shabbir ^1,2, Robert C. Pullar ³ and César de Julián Fernández ²

¹ 

Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy

² 

IMEM-CNR-Istituto dei Materiali per l’Elettronica e il Magnetismo Parco Area delle Science, 43124 Parma, Italy

³ 

Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia, 30123 Venezia, Italy

Magnets have become significantly important materials due to their high demand in modern technology. However, the use of rare earth elements (REEs) presents significant challenges, including high cost, limited availability, and environmental concerns. M-type hexaferrite (Ba/SrFe₁₉O₁₂) magnets have much smaller magnetic performance than REE magnets, but due to their low cost, they constitute the most produced type of magnets globally. Manufacture as nanostructures or metal-ion substitution in the ferrites constitutes state-of-the-art strategies to improve the magnetic properties of hexaferrites, as part of a shift toward developing cost-effective, rare-earth-free alternatives for permanent magnetic materials. In this work, a comparative study of the structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of Cr-doped Sr-hexaferrite prepared by two synthesis routes, sol–gel (SG) and solid-state methods (SSMs), is performed. The study primarily focuses on multiple aspects of fabricated oxides: Cr doping (SrFe_12-xCr_xO₁₉ with x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) and the calcination temperature (1000 °C and 1100 °C). We have performed magnetisation studies that include hysteresis loops, Curie temperatures, and the anisotropy field. In general, magnetic studies indicate that the SSM route enables us to obtain a single phase, whereas two magnetic phases are observed in the SG samples. Furthermore, the specific saturation magnetisation of the ferrites made by SG is smaller than that of the SSM oxides. X-ray diffraction analysis and electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy are performed to investigate differences in the phase formation and composition. The studies demonstrate that the Cr-substitution and temperature calcination weakly affect the properties of the oxides. However, the Cr-substituted ferrites with x = 0.6 exhibit the largest specific magnetisation, 70 Am²/kg, and the largest coercive field of 0.56 T, when calcined at 1100 °C and 1000 °C, respectively. The enhanced magnetic moment and coercivity in ferrites prepared by SSM make them a suitable candidate for future permanent magnets.

1.6. Comparative Studies of Properties of Hexaferrites Obtained by Modified Co-Precipitation Methods

• Tatyana Koutzarova ¹, Petya Peneva ¹, Svetoslav Kolev ^1,2, Kiril Krezhov ¹, Borislava Georgieva ¹, Lan Maria Tran ³, Michal Babij ³, Tanya Malakova ¹, Petar Tzvetkov ⁴ and Benedicte Vertruyen ⁵

¹ 

Institute of Electronics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 72 Tsarigradsko Chaussee, 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria

² 

Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Neofit Rilski South-Western University, 66 Ivan Mihailov Str., 2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria

³ 

Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Ul. Okólna 2, 50-422 Wroclaw, Poland

⁴ 

Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., bld. 11, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria

⁵ 

Greenmat, Chemistry Department, University of Liege, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium

M-type hexaferrites are one of the most important magnetic materials due to their applications as permanent magnets, magnetic recording media, microwave components and devices, etc. We report a study on the correlation between the synthesis procedure on the microstructure and the magnetic properties of BaFe₁₂O₁₉ nanopowders. These were synthesized by two modified co-precipitation methods: microemulsion co-precipitation and sonochemical co-precipitation (sonochemistry). We used a water-in-oil reverse microemulsion system with CTAB (24 wt.%) as a cationic surfactant, n-butanol (16 wt.%) as a co-surfactant, n-hexanol (20 wt.%) as a continuous oil phase, and an aqueous solution of metallic ions (40 wt.%) for the microemulsion method. In the case of sonochemical co-precipitation, high-power ultrasound stirring was applied during the co-precipitation process. The obtained precursors were subjected to high-temperature synthesis. The BaFe₁₂O₁₉ powders consisted of particles exhibiting an irregular shape between a sphere and a hexagonal platelet, as the process of formation of the platelet shape typical of the BaFe₁₂O₁₉ hexagonal structure was interrupted due to the small particle size. The average particle size of BaFe₁₂O₁₉ nanopowders is 140 nm and 86 nm for microemulsion and sonochemistry, respectively. The magnetic hysteresis loops were measured at room temperature in an applied magnetic field of 30 kOe. The sample obtained by microemulsion had a high coercivity value of 4 kOe, while the powder obtained by sonochemical co-precipitation was 140 Oe. The BaFe₁₂O₁₉ powders consisted of particles with a size below 150 nm and exhibited an irregular shape between a sphere and a hexagonal platelet, as the process of formation of the platelet shape typical of the BaFe₁₂O₁₉ hexagonal structure was interrupted due to the small particle size.

1.7. Effect of Deposition Time on the Optical Properties of CdSe Nanostructured Films

• Andrii Kashuba ¹, Hryhorii Ilchuk ¹, Vasyl Kordan ², Ihor Semkiv ¹, Myron Rudysh ² and Mykola Solovyov ¹

¹ 

Department of General Physics, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Bandera Str. 12, 79013 Lviv, Ukraine

² 

Faculty of Physics, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Kyrylo & Mephodiy Str. 8, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine

Cadmium selenide nanostructured films were prepared using the high-frequency (HF) magnetron sputtering method. All samples were deposited on quartz substrates in disk form with a radius of 16 mm. The temperature of the substrate was maintained at 180 °C for all samples. The deposition times were 3, 6, 9, 12 and 20 min. The effect of deposition time on the optical properties of CdSe nanostructured films was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorption spectra (OAS), a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy-dispersive X-ray analyser (EDX). XRD analysis of the obtained samples exhibited a cubic structure with a preferred (200) orientation. The average crystallite size of the CdSe nanostructured films was determined using the Scherrer equation. An increase in deposition time was found to result in a corresponding increase in crystallite size. The EDX showed that the CdSe nanostructured films were formed from the desired elements, and their distribution was uniform. SEM analysis showed that the surface morphologies of the CdSe nanostructured films were dependent on the deposition time. OAS was analysed using the Tauc model. The absorption spectrum fitting (ASF) method was applied to estimate the optical band gap and Urbach energy of the CdSe nanostructured films. The optical band gap and Urbach energy were found to decrease with increasing deposition time. This behavior is ascribed to the growth in particle size.

1.8. Electrochemical Aptasensors, Based on Au NPs, Designed for the Specific Detection of Antibiotic and Cortisol Residues

• Cristina Lavinia Nistor, Ana-Maria Gurban, Ioana Catalina Gifu, Lucian-Gabriel Zamfir, Mihaela Doni and Cristian Petcu

• The National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, 060021 Bucharest, Romania

Aptasensors are highly valuable tools for detecting antibiotic residues because they combine the specificity of aptamers—synthetic single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can bind tightly to target antibiotics—with the sensitivity of advanced sensor technologies. Antibiotic and cortisol residues in food products, water, and the environment pose significant risks to human health, such as promoting antimicrobial resistance and causing allergic or toxic effects [1,2].

In this study, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were prepared in the laboratory, starting from a solution of trihydrated gold (III) chloride solution (HAuCl₄•3H₂O) with a molar concentration of 0.50 mM and from a solution of sodium citrate with a molar concentration of 0.17 M, following a method adapted from the literature [3]. The synthesis was carried at about 98 °C, while the mixture was vigorously magnetically stirred at 950 rpm. The resulting Au NPs, with average diameters varying between 20 and 30 nm, were further functionalized with aptamers in order to develop electrochemical aptasensors for the specific detection of antibiotic and cortisol residues. The functionality of the modified sensors was then confirmed using a variety of characterization and testing methods, such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy (UV-VIS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX).

• References

1.

Izah, S.C.; Nurmahanova, A.; Ogwu, M.C.; Toktarbay, Z.; Umirbayeva, Z.; Ussen, K.; Koibasova, L.; Nazarbekova, S.; Tynybekov, B.; Guo, Z. Public health risks associated with antibiotic residues in poultry food products. J. Agric. Food Res. 2025, 21, 101815. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2025.101815.

2.

Stiefel, C.; Stintzing, F. Endocrine-active and endocrine-disrupting compounds in food–occurrence, formation and relevance. NFS J. 2023, 31, 57–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nfs.2023.03.004.

3.

Wu, Z.; Liang, J.; Ji, X.; Yang, W. Preparation of uniform Au@SiO₂ particles by direct silica coating on citrate-capped Au nanoparticles. Colloids Surf. A Physicochem. Eng. Asp. 2011, 392, 220–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2011.09.059.

1.9. Fabric-Based Ultra-Linear High-Sensitivity Flexible Sensor with Strain/Temperature Perception Capabilities Based on GR/SR-Tuned Graphene Oxide Defects for Physiological Risk Monitoring

• Jingjing Fang, Yanbo He, Rui Wen, Jiashun Wu, Wenjing Ren, Juan Wan, Wanting Xie, Meixuan Meng and Yunong Zhao

• School of Integrated Circuits, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing of Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China

With the improvement of health awareness and the rapid development of Internet of Things technology, intelligent wearable sensors that support multi-parameter physiological monitoring have become the research frontier. This paper develops a fabric-based dual-mode sensor, which can simultaneously achieve strain and temperature sensing functions. Lycra cotton was adopted as the flexible substrate, and the sensing units were firmly integrated by optimizing the impregnation-drying process. The experiment found that graphene (GR) has excellent mechanical strain response characteristics, while reduced graphene oxide (rGO) shows ideal temperature conduction performance. Silicone rubber (SR) is not only highly compatible with fabric substrates, but also can work in synergy with rGO/GR to construct three-dimensional conductive pathways.

By systematically regulating the ratio of rGO/GR and the number of dip coating times, the strain sensitivity (15) and linearity (0.99) of the sensor were optimized, and the physical model of micro-nano structures was innovatively introduced to explain the strain sensing mechanism. In terms of temperature sensing, GR forms continuous adhesion at the rGO interface through SR, and the constructed three-dimensional conductive network achieves wide-range detection from 20 to 48° C. The temperature coefficient of resistance reaches −1.438 °C⁻¹ and the linearity remains at 0.99. During the prototype test, this sensor was successfully applied in tracking the sleeping position status of young children and early warning of dangerous actions beside the bed, confirming its application potential in realizing multimodal sensing in the field of intelligent health monitoring.

1.10. Influence of Pr₆O₁₁ Concentration on the Thermal, Structural, Physical and Optical Behavior of SNW Glass Systems

• Fatima Zohra Agti ¹, Mohamed Toufik Soltani ¹ and Luis Filipe da silva dos Santos ²

¹ 

Laboratory of Physics of Photonics and Multifunctional Nanomaterials, University Mohamed Khieder of Biskra, BP 145 RP, Biskra 07000, Algeria

² 

Department of Chemical Engineering and Centro de Química Estrutural, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, Instituto Superior T’ecnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal

Praseodymium-doped antimony–phosphate glasses with the composition 47.5Sb₂O₃–47.5NaPO₃–5WO₃–xPr₆O₁₁ (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.3 mol %) were prepared using the conventional melt-quenching technique to investigate the influence of Pr incorporation on their thermal, structural, physical, elastic, and optical properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed glass transition temperatures (Tg) between 314.26 and 320.61 °C and thermal stability parameters (ΔT) ranging from 40.12 to 59.07 °C, with the highest stability observed for the undoped glass. FTIR spectra displayed characteristic bands corresponding to P–O–P bending, PO₃²⁻ symmetric stretching, and PO₂⁻ asymmetric stretching, with the intensity of non-bridging oxygen bands increasing with Pr content, indicating network depolymerization induced by Pr₆O₁₁ acting as a network modifier. Density slightly decreased from 4.2735 to 4.2222 g/cm³ with increasing Pr content, while hardness (Hv) showed a steady increase from 254 to 289 kg/mm². Both molar volume (Vm) and oxygen molar volume (Vo) increased overall with Pr doping, rising from 48.47 to 49.76 cm³/mol and 16.16 to 16.40 cm³/mol respectively. Elastic moduli (longitudinal, shear, bulk, and Young’s) increased with Pr³⁺ content up to 0.25 mol%, indicating improved rigidity and compactness, before decreasing at higher concentrations due to structural relaxation. The optical band gap (Eg) increased slightly from 3.50 to 3.66 eV with doping, while the Urbach energy (E₀₀) remained constant, implying reduced defect states without added disorder. Furthermore, the refractive index increased with Pr content, attributed to greater polarizability and network density. These results suggest that moderate Pr₆O₁₁ doping produces thermally stable, mechanically robust, and optically efficient glasses, making them promising candidates for photonic and optoelectronic applications such as optical amplifiers, lasers, and infrared devices.

1.11. Initial Stages of Oxide Formation on Titanium Surfaces During Oxygen Bombardment at Room Temperature: An XPS Study

• Petar Pupavac and Robert Peter

• Faculty of Physics, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia

In this work, we investigated the oxidation of metal titanium (Ti) induced by ion bombardment using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The UNIFIT program was used for data processing and analysis, which enables the precise numerical deconvolution of XPS spectra. The photoemission spectra were numerically deconvoluted using a combination of Gaussian and Lorentzian functions to determine the different oxidation states of the elements and to monitor the early stages of the oxidation process. The analysis of the photoemission spectra revealed significant transformations of the titanium electronic structure during the oxidation process. Before exposing the sample to oxygen ions, the spectrum around the Ti 2p atomic level showed only the metallic phase of titanium. However, with an increase in the bombardment time, Ti 2p photoemission spectra reveal the presence of different titanium oxides (TiO, and TiO₂), indicating the progressive coverage of the titanium surface with oxide layers. After 180 min of bombardment with ions, the TiO₂ phase becomes dominant, although metallic Ti and lower oxides are still present on the sample’s surface. These conclusions were further confirmed by the analysis of XPS spectra around the valence band, which, with the increasing oxygen irradiation time, showed a decrease in the intensity of the peak characteristic for metallic titanium and an increase in the intensities of the features associated with TiO₂. Our analysis shows that an increase in the thickness of the TiO₂ surface layer follows, consistent with Wagner’s theory. In addition, our study suggests that the mechanism of titanium oxidation is primarily influenced by the diffusion transport of Ti cations through singly charged cation vacancies, formed during the bombardment of the material.

1.12. Non-Invasive Deep-Tissue Temperature Monitoring via High-Performance Optical Nanothermometer

• Asma Hajji ^1,2

¹ 

Laboratoire de Chimie Minérale Appliquée (LCMA) LR19ES02, Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis EL Manar, Campus Universitaire Farhat Hachad, El Manar 1, Tunis 2092, Tunisia

² 

Universidad de La Laguna, Departamento de Física, IMN.Apdo. Correos 456, E-38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Accurate, non-invasive temperature monitoring is vital for biomedical diagnostics and therapies, yet conventional thermometry often suffers from its invasiveness and limited tissue penetration. In this work, we present Er³⁺ and Tm³⁺ co-doped TiO₂ nanofibers as high-performance optical nanothermometers operating within near-infrared (NIR) biological windows. The materials are synthesized via a hydrothermal route and structurally confirmed by XRD, SEM coupled with EDS, and TEM analyses, showing successful incorporation of lanthanide ions without compromising TiO₂ morphology. Under 532 nm excitation, the probes exhibit dual emission bands at approximately 797 nm (Tm³⁺: ³H₄ → ³H₆) and around 1000 nm (Er³⁺: ⁴I_11/2 → ⁴I_15/2), enabling fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR)-based thermometry. Remarkably, the system demonstrates anti-thermal-quenching behavior, with emission intensity increasing with temperature due to the synergistic effects of TiO₂ host structure and energy transfer between dopants. The optimized sensor achieves an exceptional relative sensitivity of 3.59% K⁻¹ at room temperature and a temperature resolution less than 1 K over the 298–398 K temperature range. Validation in intralipid tissue phantoms confirms reliable signal detection up to 17.35 mm depth, highlighting suitability for deep-tissue applications. These findings establish TiO₂ nanofibers co-doped with Er³⁺ and Tm³⁺ ions as ultrasensitive and stable optical probes, with strong potential for real-time, non-invasive thermal monitoring in biological and medical environments.

1.13. Photophysical Investigation of Furanyl-Substituted PVK Derivatives: Substitution Effects, Aggregation Behavior, and Solid-State Emission

• Cleyton Moreira, Daniela Santos, Michelle Mothé and Maria Marques

• Instituto de Macromoleculas Professora Eloisa Mano, IMA, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, IMA—UFRJ, Av. Horacio Macedo 2030, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, RJ, Brazil

The development of light-emitting polymers for optoelectronic devices requires the fine tuning of photophysical properties in solution and in the solid state. Poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) is widely used, but its solid-state emission is limited by aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ). This study investigated the effects of chemical substitution with bromine (PVK-Br) and furanyl (PVK-Fur) groups, focusing on emission spectra, aggregation behavior, and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). PVK, PVK-Br, and PVK-Fur were synthesized and characterized in THF solution, as films (pure and with PMMA), and as powdered material. Under UV excitation (285–320 nm), the emission spectra and PLQY were measured, and the effect of aggregation was evaluated by titration with water. In THF, PVK-Fur showed intense emission with a narrower band (smaller FWHM), indicating greater color purity and less environmental disorder. The presence of the furanyl group promoted greater electronic conjugation and delocalization, shifting the emission to the blue region (hypochromic shift) and narrowing the band gap. The addition of small amounts of water (0.1 eq) increased the PLQY from 12.2% to 13.99%, indicating aggregation-induced emission (AIE), attributed to the restriction of intramolecular movements and the suppression of non-radiative pathways. However, larger volumes of water (>5 eq) caused intense aggregation, π–π stacking, and a sharp drop in PLQY, evidencing ACQ. In the solid state, even with PMMA, PVK-Fur showed low emission due to the strong suppression of excitons by aggregation. Thus, PVK-Fur stands out as a promising candidate for fluorescent sensors in aqueous media or microenvironments, where controlled aggregation favors emission.

1.14. Reconciling Molecular Field Models with Magnetization Data in Ferrimagnetic Iron Garnets

• Becket Hill

• Department of Physics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1110 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801-3003, USA

Ferrimagnets are described by molecular field models, which operate by summing sublattice magnetic moments with Brillouin functions. They are commonly initialized with the fully saturated (“spontaneous”) moment M_s(T), obtained by extrapolating the high-field portion of M(H) hysteresis curves to zero-field. However, the bulk polycrystalline ferrimagnetic samples used in our experiments were measured in their remanent state, so the directly observed moment M_r(T) can differ significantly from M_s(T), leading to model and experiment mismatches of up to ~3x. We derive a practical connection between M_s(T) from the molecular field model and the experimental M_r(T). Our approach introduces a correction factor β(T) = M_r/M_s derived from hysteresis curves of our sample that can be folded back into the molecular field fit. Applying this correction to polycrystalline terbium iron garnet yields good agreement between the modeled and measured magnetization in the relevant temperature range, especially near the compensation temperature, which is where the richest physics resides. In addition, the corrected model reproduces the measured neutron spin rotation of our samples that depend on the internal magnetization of the sample. This explicit treatment of the remanent state reconciles the molecular field model with measurements on actual rare-earth iron garnet targets, providing a backbone to the results of the NSR-Ferrimagnets collaboration and other exotic force-searching experiments using ferrimagnets.

1.15. Removal of Microplastics in Full-Cycle Water Treatment Plants

• Erika Jackelaine Lima ¹, Paulo Scalize ¹ and Beatriz Carolina Alvez ²

¹ 

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Goiás-UFG, Colemar-Natal Campus, Goiânia 74690-900, Goiás, Brazil

² 

Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Central University of Venezuela-UCV, University City of Caracas, Capital District, Caracas 47604, Venezuela

Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a global concern due to its environmental impacts and risks to human health. Recent studies have confirmed the ubiquitous presence of MPs in aquatic ecosystems, groundwater, freshwater bodies, and even in food and human organisms.

This study evaluated MP removal in full-cycle Water Treatment Plants (WTPs), which operate through coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. Samples of 2 L of raw water and 2 L of treated water were collected in glass bottles from two WTPs in Goiânia, Brazil (Meia Ponte and Mauro Borges) over three consecutive days, considering the 4-h hydraulic detention time from influent to effluent. The samples were filtered using 5 µm membranes (microplastics) and 0.5 µm membranes (nanoplastics) with a vacuum pump, Büchner funnel, and Kitasato flask. Particle identification was performed by optical scanning with a Stemi 508 Zeiss stereomicroscope.

The results revealed the persistence of MPs in both raw and treated water. The Meia Ponte WTP presented higher particle concentrations compared to the Mauro Borges WTP, possibly due to differences in their watershed characteristics. The detection of MPs in treated water highlights the limitations of conventional full-cycle treatment and raises concerns about continuous human exposure.

These findings emphasize the urgent need to improve removal technologies and advance research to identify the composition and morphology of MPs. Alternative strategies, such as slow sand filtration, appear promising to mitigate contamination and ensure safer drinking water.

1.16. Solvent Choice Matters: Structural Transformations in Ni-BTC MOFs

• Olimpia Tammaro and Serena Esposito

• Department of Applied Science and Technology–Politecnico, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

Trimesic acid–nickel-based metal–organic frameworks (Ni-MOFs) have attracted growing attention since their first synthesis by Yaghi and co-workers in 1996, owing to their potential applications in a wide range of fields, including CO₂ hydrogenation, photocatalysis, batteries, and supercapacitors. Furthermore, Ni-based MOFs are known to undergo structural transformations even under relatively mild conditions, rendering their investigation particularly compelling. In this study, we examine the influence of different co-solvents on the solvothermal synthesis of Ni-BTC. While N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is commonly employed as the primary solvent in MOF synthesis, here, it is combined with water and formic acid as co-solvents in order to evaluate their impact on framework formation.

The Ni-BTC samples were synthesized via a straightforward and reliable solvothermal method. Following the mixing of the precursors with the solvent system (DMF, DMF/water, or DMF/formic acid), the resulting solution was heated at 120 °C for 12 h and subsequently washed. The recovered solids were then activated under vacuum at 110 °C overnight. The obtained materials were thoroughly characterized by XRD, N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherm, FTIR, UV-Vis, TGA and SEM analysis.

Each solvent formulation produced crystalline structures with distinctive features and well-defined morphologies. When DMF was employed as the sole solvent, the resulting material exhibited a crystalline structure consisting of hexagonal crystals with a stacked 2-D layer, represented by the simplified formula Ni(HBTC)(DMF)₂·xDMF. The incorporation of water as a co-solvent significantly altered the crystallization pathway, leading to the formation of the well-known Ni₃(BTC)₂·12H₂O phase with acicular crystals. In contrast, the presence of formic acid promotes competitive coordination with the metal centers, leading to the formation of alternative architectures with an enhanced surface area. Structural transitions are observed when the material is brought into contact with water, whereas exposure to ambient humidity results in a macroscopic color change.

1.17. Spin Transitions of [Fe^II(phen)₂(NCS)₂] Spin Crossover Complex in Ethylene Glycol Matrix

• Mou Gorai and Swapan Kumar Mandal

• Department of Physics, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan 731235, India

Introduction. Spin crossover (SCO) materials, which are capable of spin-state switching between high spin and low spin states, are of significant focus in material science research for possible applications in spin-based devices. Here, we investigated spin transitions of Fe(II)-based spin crossover (SCO) complex [Fe^II(phen)₂(NCS)₂], which shows spin state bi-stability between its high spin (HS, S = 2) and low spin (LS, S = 0) embedded in ethylene glycol matrix.

Methods. The SCO complex is synthesized by the sol–gel method with a judicious choice of reacting materials and the materials are further characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, temperature dependent current–voltage (I-V) and current vs. time (I-t) measurements. Magnetic characterisations are also performed with electron paramagnetic resonance in the temperature range of 110–280 K.

Results. Electrical measurement obtained by acquiring temperature-dependent I-V data shows thermal spin-state switching with prominent hysteresis loop. The low temperature (T = 90 K) data show an LS state with higher conductivity, whereas at high temperatures, it shows lower conductivity in the HS state. The measured I-t data under dark and illumination at 300 K and 90 K, respectively, provide a better photo-induced response at lower temperature. The EPR data of 280 K show a prominent peak at ~2900 Gauss with g = 2.1, along with an additional peak at ~2300 Gauss corresponding to g = 2.9. The additional peak is smeared out with a lowering in temperature, indicating HS to LS spin transition. Embedding polymer reduces the transition temperature by ~160 K, which is slightly lower than that of bulk (176 K), which may arise due to the reduction in strong co-operative interaction between the π-π or H bonding of the complex.

Conclusions. We demonstrated the spin transition characteristics of the SCO complex in the ethylene glycol matrix with features different from that of the bulk, which may be quite important in designing future applications.

1.18. Stress Distribution in Magnetoelectric Composites: Insights from Representative Volume Element Modeling

• Mohammed Umar, Kishor A., Solomon D. Costa and Benjamin Rohit

• Department of Aerospace Engineering, RV College of Engineering, Bangalore 560059, Karnataka, India

This study investigated the use of Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) to understand stress distribution in magnetoelectric composites. These composites, which combine piezoelectric and magnetostrictive phases, were shown to have performance strongly influenced by stress development at the microscale. Given the inherent heterogeneity of real materials, the RVE approach provided a means to capture microscale behavior and translate it into effective macroscale properties. Two scenarios were modeled to examine the effect of inclusion arrangement: one with ordered inclusions placed at regular intervals, and another with randomly distributed inclusions, representing more realistic microstructures. Boundary conditions for the RVE simulations were derived from a preliminary test model, where average strain values under thermal loading were calculated and then imposed on the RVE boundaries. The findings indicated that ordered inclusions promoted more uniform stress distributions, reducing concentration zones and resulting in a predictable material response. In contrast, random inclusions produced localized stress peaks and irregular patterns, demonstrating how microstructural disorder amplified stress heterogeneity. The study highlighted the importance of microstructural arrangement in influencing the mechanical response of magnetoelectric composites. By linking domain-level interactions with continuum-level performance, the RVE framework provided a robust tool for predicting stress evolution. This approach offered valuable insights into stress mechanisms at inclusion boundaries and suggested pathways for optimizing composite design for advanced sensing, actuation, and multifunctional applications.

1.19. Switching Effect Initiated by Changing the Boundary Conditions of the Metal/Polymer Interface

• Azat Galiev ^1,2, Nikita Bulankin ^1,2 and Marat Ishmuhametov ²

¹ 

Institute of Molecule and Crystal Physics–Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 450075 Ufa, Russia

² 

Institute of Physics, Mathematics, Digital and Nanotechnologies, Bashkir State Pedagogical University n. a. M. Akmulla, 450000 Ufa, Russia

The switching effect in thin films of poly(diphenylene phthalide), a non-conjugated and wide-band gap dielectric polymer of the poly(arylene phthalide) class, is investigated. However, at thicknesses below the critical submicron value, electronic switching to a state with high conductivity, initiated by various effects, is observed in the films. Switching can be caused by changing the electrical voltage, the thickness of the polymer film, and the mechanical uniaxial pressure. Switching caused by a change in the electronic parameters of the metal at the metal/polymer interface in particular is of great interest. It was found that phase transition, superconducting transition, and elastic and inelastic deformations lead to the switching of the polymer film. In this case, it is possible to initiate both switching to the “on” state and to the “off” state. A mechanism is proposed that explains this effect in terms of band-like conductivity. The transport of the polymer’s charge carriers occurs along a narrow conductivity band located in the middle of the band gap. Studies using different methods confirmed the presence of groups of electronic states in the Fermi level of the polymer, as well as deep states. With a band gap width of 4.2 eV, the injection maximum is located near the middle of the band gap at a level of 2.4 eV.

1.20. Synthesis and Properties of Quinoxaline Derivatives

• Xiang Meng and Muzhou Xue

• Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, China

Quoxaline and its derivatives can be used as acceptors in the design of fluorescent materials. Two analogues, 4,4-(2,3-diphenyl-quinoxalin-6,7-diyl)bis(N,N-diphenyl-phenylamine) (2TPA-DPQ) and 3,3-(2,3-diphenyl-quinoxalin-6,7-diyl)bis(9-phenyl-9H-carbazole) (2PC-DPQ) were designed and synthesized. 2TPA-DPQ and 2PC-DPQ possessed donor-acceptor structures, in which triphenylamine and N-phenyl carbazole acted as the electron donors while 2,3-diphenyl quinoxaline served as the electron acceptor, respectively. The molecular structures of the compounds were confirmed by NMR, mass spectrometry and single crystal XRD. Fluorescence emission and UV absorption spectra were used to study intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), piezofluorochromic, and sensing properties of two compounds. The results indicated that 2TPA-DPQ and 2PC-DPQ exhibited typical ICT characteristics with dipole moment gaps of 23.0 D and 21.4 D between the excited and ground state, respectively. 2PC-DPQ showed reversible piezofluorochromic property with a fluorescence spectrum change of 15 nm upon grinding and heating the solid sample. In contrast, 2TPA-DPQ demonstrate selective sensing property to Cu²⁺ ions and could be used as a fluorescent probe of Cu²⁺. The fluorescence of 2TPA-DPQ was completely quenched when the concentration of Cu²⁺ ions was 7 times or more than the concentration of 2TPA-DPQ.This study provides a reference for the design, synthesis and application of electron donor substituted quinoxaline derivatives.

1.21. Tailoring Structural and Optical Properties of Metal-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles for Next-Generation Optoelectronic and Consumer Applications

• Umer Draz

• Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering-DICCA, University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy

Metal-doped ZnO nanoparticles were prepared using the co-precipitation synthesis method to analyze their optical and structural properties. Five different samples with the formula A_XZn_1−XO (where A = Ni, Cu, Co, Cd, Sr, and X = 0.01) were prepared by using the same doping concentration. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement confirmed that all prepared samples maintained a single-phase structure without having any secondary oxide peaks. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed the presence of functional groups such as carboxylate, zinc carboxylate, and hydroxide. The surface morphology of the samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed the formation of both nanoparticles and nanorods. The particle sizes were approximately in the range of 50 nm and varied depending on the dopant used. The optical properties, particularly the electronic and optical band gaps, were analyzed using UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy and Tauc plots. It was calculated that the band gap increased from 3.37 eV in pure ZnO to about ~3.8 eV in the doped samples, depending on the dopant. These results suggest that the type of metal dopant has a significant impact on the optical behavior of ZnO. The doped ZnO nanoparticles demonstrate promising potential for use in various applications, including transparent electronics, UV LEDs and lasers, UV-blocking coatings, photocatalysis, and consumer products such as sunblock and sunglasses.

1.22. X-Ray Luminescence Efficiency of a Barium Fluoride (BaF₂) Single-Crystal Scintillator: Temperature Dependence

• Maria-Eirini Panagiotopoulou, Vasileios Ntoupis, Dionysios Linardatos, Ioannis Valais, Nektarios Kalyvas, George Fountos, Ioannis Kandarakis and Christos Michail

• Department of Biomedical Engineering, Radiation Physics, Materials Technology and Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, University of West Attica, 12210 Athens, Greece

Background. Scintillators are used in a variety of applications, from medical imaging to detectors of extreme temperatures or radiation fluxes. In this sense, measurements on the luminescence output, using a range of temperatures or radiation flux, are useful. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of temperature on the luminescence efficiency of a barium fluoride (BaF₂) single-crystal scintillator. The crystal output was compared with a cerium fluoride (CeF₃) and a commercially available bismuth germanate (Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂-BGO) of equal dimensions in similar experimental conditions.

Materials and Methods. The experimental setup, which comprised a CPI series CMP 200 DR medical X-ray source, was set to a fixed high voltage (90 kVp) to expose the sample to X-ray radiation under temperature conditions in the range of 19–174 °C. Barium fluoride has a fast decay component, at around 0.6–0.87 ns, and a slow one, at around 620–630 ns. The maximum emission of these two components is within the ultraviolet (UV) range of 310 nm (slow) to 225 nm (fast). Heating was performed using a Perel 3700–92,000 W heating gun. The temperature on the crystal surface was monitored using an Agilent Technologies U1253A digital multimeter, coupled to a U1185A thermocouple (J-Type) with a temperature probe adapter.

Results. The luminescence efficiency of BaF₂ decreases with increasing temperature, between 1.56 EU at 19.5 °C and 0.32 EU at 174.2 °C (EU is an abbreviation for μWm⁻²/(mGy/s)). The corresponding absolute efficiency values at 90 kVp for BGO and CeF₃, in room temperature, were 2.96 and 0.69 EU, respectively.

Conclusions. BaF₂ is an inorganic scintillator that balances luminescence performance, speed and resolution, especially for applications requiring fast materials. Knowledge of its performance under various temperatures could be useful for various applications, from medical imaging to detectors in extreme environments.

Session 2: Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology and Quantum Materials

2.1. Enhanced Dielectric and Optical Properties of SiC/PVA Nanocomposites: Role of Filler Concentration and Nanostructure Morphology

• Shafiga Safar Alakbarova and Lala Gahramanli

• Nano Research Laboratory, Excellence Center, Baku State University, Z. Khalilov Street 23, Baku AZ1148, Azerbaijan

In this study, silicon carbide (SiC) nanostructures were successfully synthesized through a high-temperature carbothermal reduction process at 1800 °C and subsequently incorporated into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix to fabricate SiC/PVA nanocomposites with varying SiC filler concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 wt%. Comprehensive characterization techniques were employed to investigate the structural, morphological, optical, and dielectric properties of these nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of the cubic 3C-SiC phase, with crystallite sizes estimated between 13.84 nm and 39.23 nm using Williamson–Hall and Debye–Scherrer methods, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed distinct nanowire morphology of the SiC fillers, which plays a crucial role in the overall composite performance. Raman spectroscopy indicated high crystallinity of the nanostructures, supported by an intensity ratio (I_TO/LO) of 1.32. Optical studies using UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated a clear decrease in both direct and indirect band gaps with increasing SiC content, correlating with reduced crystallite sizes and enhanced interaction with the polymer matrix. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman analyses further confirmed strong interfacial bonding between the SiC nanowires and PVA. Dielectric measurements revealed enhanced dielectric constants at low frequencies and elevated temperatures, with the 7 wt% SiC/PVA nanocomposite showing optimal performance attributed to Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars polarization effects and superior filler dispersion. These findings highlight the potential of SiC/PVA nanocomposites in advanced applications such as supercapacitors and sensor devices.

2.2. Environmental Applications of Quantum Dots in Photocatalytic Treatment of Urban Wastewater

• Sabbir Hossain, Sk. Tanjim Jaman Supto, Tahzib Ibrahim Protik and Ibrahim Hossain

• Department of Environmental Research, Nano Research Centre, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh

Quantum dots (QDs) have drawn a lot of attention as photocatalytic materials due to the growing need for environmentally friendly wastewater treatment technologies. Among these, carbon-based QDs, including graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), and carbon quantum dots (CQDs), have exceptional optical, electronic, and surface characteristics that increase their suitability for degrading pollutants when exposed to sunlight or visible light. These composites are better at transferring charge, staying stable in light, and breaking down pollutants. In terms of environment, QDs are a promising way to clean up urban wastewater in a way that will last. They follow eco-friendly and energy-efficient treatment principles because they can use solar energy, work in mild conditions, and break things down quickly. Metal-based QDs like ZnO and CdS also have strong photocatalytic activity, but their sustainability remains a concern due to the potential release of toxic ions when they corrode in light. The green synthesis approach addresses these challenges. Using natural extracts, like polyphenols from tea leaves, to biofunctionalize surfaces has been shown to reduce toxicity and improve photocatalytic performance. Green synthesis using renewable precursors solves problems with toxicity, resource depletion, and environmental pollution, which supports a low-impact and circular technological approach. QDs are a strong type of nanomaterial for cleaning up the environment, but there are still problems with making them bigger, cheaper, and more stable and with getting them approved by the government. This study examines recent developments in the making, modifying, and use of QD-based photocatalysts in the environment, with a focus on CQD/g-C₃N₄ hybrid systems. Future research should focus on making green, non-toxic, regenerable, and highly active carbon-based QDs for safe large-scale water treatment.

2.3. Structural Characterization of Nanomineral Opal-CT via Synchrotron X-Ray Techniques and TEM

• Seungyeol Lee

• Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si 28644, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea

Nanomineral opal-CT, a naturally occurring precursor to quartz, is formed through diverse geological processes, including weathering, biological precipitation, hydrothermal alteration, and shock metamorphism. Its formation is integral to the genesis of siliceous rocks and influences abiotic and biogenic interactions within natural systems. Recent discoveries of hydrous opal-CT on the surfaces of Mars and the Moon, identified through microanalysis and remote sensing, have intensified research interest in its structural characteristics. This study investigates the local atomic arrangements in natural opal-CT samples exhibiting varying degrees of crystallinity. We employed a synergistic combination of analytical techniques: synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), total X-ray scattering structure factor S(Q) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis.Our integrated findings reveal that opal-CT primarily consists of interstratified nanodomains of tridymite and cristobalite, characterized by the presence of twins and stacking faults. The S(Q) analysis aids in deconvoluting the XRD patterns, providing more precise peak profiles and enabling a more accurate determination of the degree of structural ordering. TEM imaging, coupled with selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), directly visualizes the nanodomain architecture and associated planar defects. X-ray PDF analysis proves particularly powerful for unveiling detailed information about local structures, defects, and crystallinity within opal-CT. Notably, an increase in the size of ordered domains, along with the emergence and growth of two distinct peaks at 10.01 Å and 11.16 Å in the G(r) plot, correlates with an increased proportion of cristobalite units and enhanced overall crystallinity. The PDF data further indicate the formation of both four- and eight-membered [SiO₄] tetrahedral rings, resulting from twinning and stacking faults within the intergrown tridymite and cristobalite domain. In conclusion, Synchrotron X-ray Techniques and TEM analysis offers unique quantitative insights into the local structural motifs, effective crystalline domain sizes, and the degree of ordering in opal-CT.

2.4. Synthesis of a Molecularly Imprinted Magnetic Core–Shell Photocatalyst for Efficient Micropollutant Removal

• Ivana Gabelica ¹, Floren Radovanović-Perić ², Gordana Matijašić ² and Lidija Ćurković ¹

¹ 

Department of Materials, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ivana Lučića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

² 

Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

The removal of persistent micropollutants, such as pharmaceutical residues, agricultural chemicals, and industrial contaminants from wastewater is a rising concern nowadays. Conventional wastewater treatment methods are often ineffective in completely eliminating these contaminants. Owing to their high degradation efficiency, environmental compatibility, and the potential for solar-driven operation, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), particularly photocatalysis, have shown great promise for the efficient degradation of pharmaceutically active compounds. The selectivity and subsequent removal of the photocatalyst from the suspension were addressed in this work by assembling a magnetic core–shell photocatalyst with a molecular imprint of torasemide via microwave-assisted synthesis. The embedded magnetite allows for simple and effective retrieval of the photocatalyst using an external magnet, ensuring reusability. Meanwhile, the molecularly imprinted TiO₂ layer provides highly specific binding sites for the target molecule, boosting adsorption selectivity and photocatalytic performance. Moreover, microwave irradiation facilitated rapid and uniform heating, promoting accelerated nucleation and particle growth, reducing reaction time, and enhancing energy efficiency. The obtained photocatalyst exhibited 84% degradation of torasemide in 120 min, as opposed to non-imprinted photocatalyst with only 12% degradation. The structural and surface properties of the synthesized material were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms (BET) were used to determine the specific surface area and pore characteristics. Band gap energy was evaluated using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and the morphology of the material was examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

2.5. A Dual-Threshold-Driven GUI Tool for Rapid Nanoparticle Quantification from Electron Microscopy Images

• Sabbir Hossain

• Nano Research Centre, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh

The accurate and reproducible quantification of nanoparticles from electron microscopy images is essential in fields such as nanoscience, materials engineering, catalysis, and biomedical research. Despite the availability of high-resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), analyzing particle distributions is often a labor-intensive and subjective process, particularly in the absence of standardized, user-friendly tools. To address these limitations, this work presents a dual-threshold-driven GUI tool for rapid nanoparticle quantification from electron microscopy images, developed to combine automation, transparency, and user control within a single, open-source framework. This Python-based application leverages both adaptive Gaussian thresholding and Otsu’s global thresholding, executing them in parallel and selecting the optimal segmentation route based on connected component analysis. The resulting binary image is cleaned using morphological filtering, followed by marker-controlled watershed segmentation to accurately resolve particle boundaries, including overlapping and clustered regions. A built-in GUI enables users to manually define the scale bar on the image for dimensional calibration and to verify processing outputs step-by-step through visual overlays. Final outputs include particle size distributions (in nanometers), histogram plots with optional Gaussian fitting, and tabular reports exportable in standard formats. Benchmarking was conducted against ImageJ and data from the published literature. The tool achieved a deviation of no more than 10% in mean particle size estimation while significantly reducing the average processing time per image. Reliability is further supported by reporting size distributions as mean ± standard deviation, alongside Gaussian fitting for statistical confidence. The tool is lightweight, standalone, and easily deployable across operating systems. It demonstrated high consistency across diverse SEM/TEM images, offering a practical, interpretable, and reproducible solution for nanoparticle quantification in academic and industrial environments alike.

2.6. A One-Parameter Transport Law for Nanofluids Capturing Nonlinear Thermal-Conductivity Enhancements

• Edwin Maina

• Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA

Classical effective-medium models (e.g., Maxwell, Hamilton–Crosser) systematically underpredict thermal-conductivity enhancements in nanofluids and cannot reproduce the characteristic sublinear growth and early saturation seen across metal-oxide, graphene, and carbon-nanotube (CNT) dispersions. I present a compact mesoscale correction that augments a baseline effective-medium estimate with a single compound parameter representing interfacial layering and collective micro-scale coupling. In its simplest closed form:

κₑff/κₘ = 1 + α √φ

where κₑff is the effective thermal conductivity, κₘ the base-fluid conductivity, φ the particle volume fraction, and α one system-level parameter that can be estimated once from lightweight characterization proxies (e.g., viscosity ratio, ζ-potential, dynamic light scattering size) and then held fixed for prediction across concentrations. The √φ shape encodes two bundled effects: (i) a density-linked screening length in the interfacial layer that weakens with concentration, and (ii) a narrow resonance-like coupling window that briefly boosts transport before saturation.

Using small, public datasets (Al₂O₃/water, graphene/water, CNT/water, 20–40 °C, φ ≤ 6%), the one-parameter law reproduces curvature and saturation that classical models miss, while remaining falsifiable: once α is fixed from a single calibration point, all remaining concentrations are blind predictions. I provide a predict-then-make workflow—measure 2–3 proxies → estimate α → forecast κₑff before formulation—and a design chart linking target gain to particle size, volume fraction, and surfactant level.

The talk covers (i) derivation and physical interpretation; (ii) validation on held-out concentrations and particle types; (iii) a falsifier specifying data patterns that would refute the model; and (iv) guidance for synthesis/processing to hit required conductivity gains without extensive trial-and-error.

2.7. A Promising Cellulose Nanofibrials-Cyclophosphazene Assembling System for Emulsion Stabilization and Constructing Porous Materials

• Jiang Liu ¹ and Zhanpeng Wu ²

¹ 

College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China

² 

State Key Laboratory of Organic−Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China

Introduction: The immiscible water-oil interface offers a promising platform for materials construction and functionalization, which has been a major focus of chemical science and engineering. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) is a green biomass nanomaterial with high aspect ratio and interfacial activity. Pickering emulsions stabilized by CNF have recently drawn attractive attention. Compared to molecule surfactants, some solid particles like cellulose nanomaterials, are more in demand for emulsification because of an outstanding stability. Meanwhile, CNF can be dispersed into the matrix to form polymer composites, playing an important role in emulsion stability and interfacial properties. Cyclophosphazene is a series of materials with high thermal stability, low toxicity, good flammability resistance, and tuneability in chemical structures, which performed excellent properties in widely fields such as aerospace materials, energy storage and bioengineering.

Method: Here, by using electrostatic interactions between cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and animo-substituted cyclophosphazene (ACP), the formation and assembly of an novel CNF-ACP-based supramolecular at water-toluene interface is demonstrated.

Result: The packing density of supramolecular at the interface can be tumbled by tuning pH value and concentrations of ligands. The utilization of CNF-ACP as building blocks enables the fabrication of interfacial assemblies including 2D Janus films. With CNF-ACP as emulsifiers, stable O/W emulsions can be prepared in one step homogenization. Moreover, when used emulsion as templates, porous materials can be synthesized by polymerizing the water phase and freeze-drying strategy.

Conclusions: All these results open a new avenue for stabilizing all-liquid systems and constructing porous materials, numerous applications in the field of adsorption and electrochemical energy storage can be achieved.

2.8. A Rapid, Green and Cost-Effective Synthesis of pH- and Hydroxyl Group-Sensitive Carbon Dots for Sensing Applications

• Daniela Kujawa, Paweł Głuchowski and Maciej Ptak

• Institute of Low Temperature and Structural Research PAS, PL 50422 Wroclaw, Poland

Carbon dots (CDs) are promising luminescent nanomaterials, valued for their tunable photophysical properties and ease of surface modification, making them ideal for sensing applications¹. Existing pH sensors based on CDs often have a limited operational range and rely on intensity changes rather than wavelength shifts. Furthermore, typical syntheses require complex or toxic reagents². We present a rapid, green, and cost-effective method for synthesising CDs with dual environmental sensitivity that overcomes these challenges.

CDs were synthesised using a simple combustion method, employing non-toxic and low-cost precursors: citric acid, urea and sodium hydroxide. The material was subjected to combustion at 260 °C. Structural and optical characterisation was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with ATR attachment (IR-ATR), and UV-Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. PL studies included time-dependent emission measurements in water and alcohols, as well as in solutions with varying pH.

The obtained CDs exhibited strong, tunable photoluminescence, high photostability, and excellent dispersibility in aqueous media. XRD analysis confirmed a partially amorphous structure with a graphene-like core and polymeric surface functionalities. CDs demonstrated continuous emission shifts across a broad pH range (1–14); an increase in pH in water caused a blue shift, while red shifts were observed in alcohols. IR spectroscopy revealed dynamic surface interactions during solvent evaporation, with faster changes in methanol than in ethanol. Quantum yield (QY) values were 15% (water), 11% (methanol), 22% (ethanol), and 13.5% (pH 13).

Ultimately, the sustainable and scalable synthesis yielded multifunctional carbon dots. Their unique sensitivity to both pH and hydroxyl-rich environments, including the ability to differentiate between methanol and ethanol, makes them promising materials for low-cost, selective environmental sensors and biomedical diagnostics. Time-dependent emission changes suggest dynamic equilibrium processes at the CD surface, highlighting their potential as intelligent sensors.

2.9. Antibacterial and Anti-Cancer Properties of Ag, Ni, and Co Nanocomposites Obtained In Situ in a Hybrid Polymer–Inorganic Carrier

• Olga V. Akopova ^1,2, Natalya Rybalchenko ³ and Svitlana Zahorodnia ³

¹ 

Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology NAS of Ukraine, Bogomoletz Str., 4, 01601 Kiev, Ukraine

² 

Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry NAS of Ukraine48 Kharkivske Shosse, 02160 Kyiv, Ukraine

³ 

Zabolotny Institute of Microbiology and Virology NAS of Ukraine 154 Acad. Zabolotny Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine

Introduction: Polymer-stabilized metal nanocomposites (MeNP) showed great nanobiotechnological potential. In addition to the widely studied AgNPs, magnetic MeNPs used for targeted drug delivery are of growing interest. Aims: We aimed to perform in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial and anti-cancer properties of low-nanometer-scale size Ag, Ni, and Co nanoparticles obtained for this study via borohydride reduction in situin a hybrid matrix SiO₂-grafted polyacrilamide (SiO₂-g-PAAm); SiO₂ core r_av 7 nm, M_vPAA ~ 800 kDa, and mean particle diameters (d_av) 6.1 (Ag), 2.7 (Ni), and 1.9 (Co) nm [1–3]. Methods: The Bacterial strains Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), and cancer cell lines B95-8 and Wish were used; MDCK cells were used as the control. Antibacterial activity was studied by serial dilutions and well diffusion methods; the MTT test was used for cell viability assay. Results: Antibacterial activity was inherent to AgNP only. For both microbial strains, the MIC of 11.0 µg/mL was at the level of tetracycline. The cytotoxicity was dependent on Me, but not on the cell type. The highest toxicity against B95-8 and Wish cancer cells was found in NiNP (IC₅₀ 1.9 and 2.5 µg/mL, respectively). CoNP exhibited moderate toxicity (IC₅₀ 6.3 and 5.31 µg/mL), while AgNP showed the least toxicity (IC₅₀ 9.2 µg/mL for both cell lines). In MDCK cells, IC₅₀ 20.6 µg/mL was reached by NiNP only. The matrix contributed to cytotoxicity in B95-8 cells but was not toxic to other cell types. Conclusions: Nanocomposites of low-nanometer-scale size MeNPs in a hybrid polymer–inorganic matrix SiO₂-g-PAAm showed high antibacterial and anti-cancer efficiency and were much less toxic in their control of MDCK cells, which makes them promising for anti-bacterial and anti-cancer applications; however, the dependence of their effectiveness on Me and cell typesis in need of further study.

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Permyakova, N.; Zheltonozhskaya, T. Klymchuk, D.; Klepko, V.; Grishchenko, L.; Fomenko, A.; Vretik, L. Synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles in aqueous solutions assisted by polymer/inorganic hybrid. Polym. J. 2024, 46, 15–29.

3.

Zheltonozhskaya, T.B.; Akopova, O.; Dąbrowska, I.; Permyakova, N.; Klepko, V.; Klymchuk, D. Hybrid nanocarriers with different densities of silver nanoparticles formation features and antimicrobial properties. Sci. Rep. 2025, 15, 6757.

2.10. Application of Distribution of Relaxation Times Analysis for Selecting an Appropriate Equivalent Circuit Model of a Hybrid Nanomaterial-Based Electrode in Impedimetric Biosensor Development

• Resmond Reaño ^1,2

¹ 

Department of Engineering Science, College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños 4031, Laguna, Philippines

² 

Pathology and Diagnostics Division, UPLB Zoonoses Center, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños 4031, Laguna, Philippines

This study aimed to apply the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis on impedance spectra to model the electrochemical circuit of the electrode’s surface and reveal information about charge transfer, mass transport, and surface kinetics. A Cu-BTC metal–organic framework was synthesized and mixed with graphite to create a semiconductor layer on top of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was applied to determine the effect of Cu-BTC thickness and Cu-BTC@Graphite mixing ratio, both compressed onto a graphite electrode. Cu-BTC acts as an insulator, thus it greatly reduces the conductivity of the electrode. An optimal ratio is observed at 60% Cu-BTC@Graphite. Cu-BTC@Graphite in a polymer mixture was drop-casted onto the GCE. Gold nanoparticles were electrodeposited, and the thiolated aptamer was immobilized via the Au-S bond formation. The impedance spectra were obtained for the hybrid nanomaterial electrode assembly. DRT plots were generated using pyDRTtools, showing 4–5 characteristic peaks from bare GCE to 3 characteristic peaks after modification. The Python package “Impedance.py” was used to fit the EIS data to each proposed equivalent circuit model (ECM) for the final assembly. Out of the six proposed ECMs, the Randles circuit with constant phase element (CPE) and a custom circuit with transmission line model (TLM) showed the best fit with root mean square error of 11.0 and 8.0, respectively. TLM applies to porous electrodes with high surface area, while the CPE accounts for the non-ideal capacitive behavior of the double layer, which is common in most biosensors.

2.11. Applying Material Science to Caffeine Delivery in Functional Drinks: Targeted Release and Improved Bioaccessibility with Nano/Microcarriers

• Paula Barciela Álvarez, Ana Pérez Vázquez, Maria Carpena and Miguel Angel Prieto Lage

• Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA), Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Food Group (NuFoG), Campus Auga, 32004 Ourense, Spain

Caffeine is one of the most popular bioactive substances and psychoactive agents in the world. Due to its stimulating properties and cognitive-enhancing abilities, it is a formulation staple in many beverages. Additionally, this alkaloid is known to support metabolic health. However, caffeine is rapidly absorbed and metabolized, which can limit its effectiveness throughout the body and increase the risk of side effects, including tachycardia, dependence, insomnia, and migraines, especially in highly sensitive individuals or when consumed in high doses. Materials science proves essential for this purpose. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review discusses the latest advances in using nanomaterials to encapsulate caffeine in functional drinks. Results have shown that a feasible strategy to increase bioavailability, protect against gastric degradation, and enable controlled release in the intestine is to encapsulate caffeine in nano/microcarriers. These nanomaterials optimize absorption, preventing acute energy spikes and subsequent sharp declines. Furthermore, the liquid matrix of functional drinks, composed of macronutrients and micronutrients, can modulate the stability and release profile of nanosystems. The matrix also affects the interaction between the nanoparticles and the liquid environment, thereby influencing caffeine’s final bioaccessibility. Therefore, understanding these interactions is essential to designing functional drinks that modulate caffeine release at the intestinal level. This approach increases the safety of caffeine intake and minimizes adverse effects caused by sudden spikes in plasma levels. Finally, using nanocarrier systems in liquid formulations can facilitate incorporating caffeine into sustained-release matrices with an improved sensory profile. This reduces the perceived bitterness by activating taste receptors in the oral mucosa, thereby enhancing consumer acceptance of the final product.

2.12. Beyond Animal Studies: AI-Driven Toxicogenomics for Next-Generation Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Safety

• Viacheslav Muratov ¹, Karolina Jagiello ^1,2 and Tomasz Puzyn ^1,2

¹ 

Laboratory of Environmental Chemoinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland

² 

QSAR Lab Ltd., Trzy lipy 3, 80-172 Gdansk, Poland

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) have widespread use in various fields. They are widely investigated for antibacterial coatings, cancer treatment solutions, sunscreens, pigments in paint matrices, and other applications. However, numerous studies have reported links between TiO₂-NP inhalation and adverse pulmonary outcomes such as emphysema, lung inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer. Hybrid experimental–computational toxicogenomic approaches are increasingly used in the risk assessment of chemicals and nanomaterials. Such an approach allows researchers to decrease the need for animal studies while keeping the high accuracy of the obtained results. In our work, we aimed to quantitatively link inhaled TiO₂-NP properties with a complex transcriptomic dataset comprising 621 genes measured in female mice lungs after exposure to five well-characterized TiO₂-NPs at doses of 18–162 µg/mouse and evaluated at 1 and 28 days post-exposure periods, resulting in 30 experimental conditions. With 30 conditions, 29 principal components (PCs) captured all transcriptomic variance before supervised modelling. The input predictors set comprised particle surface area, size, charge, dose, and post-exposure period. The combination of the first two PCs captured 44% of gene-level variance, and the ridge regression model predicted this endpoint with Q² = 0.79, tested on six unseen while training conditions. Consequently, the single Machine Learning (ML) model enables approximate reconstruction of >270 genes in the response to TiO₂-NP inhalation based on their loadings to the PCs. In practice, this enables rapid ML-based exploration of TiO₂-NP designs and prioritization before animal studies, accelerating safe-by-design iteration. By projecting the predicted gene signatures onto established Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs), this method can also flag early key events that mechanistically link molecular perturbations to lung outcomes. Thus, the present work extends a previously established computational paradigm of computational nanotoxicology.

This work was funded via the Polish National Science Centre in the frame of the TransNANO project (UMO-2020/37/B/ST5/01894).

2.13. Biomedical Applications of Graphene Oxide Nanomaterials: Progress and Prospects

• Kalyani Pathak ¹, Aparoop Das ¹, Jon Jyoti Sahariah ¹ and Partha Protim Borthakur ²

¹ 

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, India

² 

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, India

• Introduction:

Graphene oxide (GO), a chemically modified derivative of graphene, has emerged as a highly versatile nanomaterial in the biomedical domain due to its large surface area, rich functional groups, high aqueous dispersibility, and tunable surface chemistry. These properties make GO ideal for applications in drug and gene delivery, cancer diagnosis and therapy, bioimaging, tissue engineering, and antimicrobial treatments.

• Methods:

This review synthesizes findings from the recent peer-reviewed literature (2010–2025) on the biomedical utilization of GO. A qualitative methodology was adopted to analyze the mechanisms by which GO interacts with biological systems. Emphasis was placed on evaluating biocompatibility, delivery mechanisms, surface modification strategies, and theranostic capabilities.

• Results:

GO-based nanocarriers demonstrated controlled drug release efficiencies of up to 95% and gene transfection efficiencies exceeding 80% when modified with polymers like polyethyleneimine (PEI) or chitosan. In cancer photothermal therapy, GO exhibited tumor inhibition rates of up to 92% under near-infrared (NIR) light. Cellular uptake rates of functionalized GO often exceeded 85%, enhancing targeting precision. Additionally, magnetic GO composites enabled rapid separation and imaging, with minimal toxicity in in vitro systems. However, variability in synthesis methods and concerns over long-term in vivo effects were frequently cited.

• Conclusions:

Graphene oxide nanomaterials offer remarkable versatility and efficiency in biomedical applications, particularly in drug delivery and cancer therapy. While the experimental results are promising, clinical translation is limited by challenges including toxicity, the lack of standardized protocols, and scalability. Future efforts should focus on green synthesis, long-term biocompatibility, and multifunctional platform development to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and real-world medical applications.

2.14. Carbon Nanotubes and Porous Organic Polymers for CO₂ Capture

• Elena Pankratova ¹, Dmitrii Gribanev ¹, Hassan Alqahtani ², Khalid Alruwaili ² and Vera Solovyeva ¹

¹ 

Aramco Innovations LLC, Bld. 1, 9 Varshavskoye Highway, 117105 Moscow, Russia

² 

EXPEC Advanced Research Center (EXPEC ARC); Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia

Emissions of carbon dioxide are considered to be the major factors leading to climate change. Reducing CO₂ influence on global warming requires its capture and utilization. Current technologies of CO₂ capture include chemical and physical absorption, membrane separation, and cryogenic distillation. Particularly, solid adsorbents demonstrate a high efficiency for CO₂ capture and storage tasks. Porous liquids, containing a solid adsorbent dispersed on a compatible liquid, represent another promising approach for CO₂ capture.

In this study, commercial and synthetic porous carbon nanomaterials and frameworks were obtained. Structure, amorphous domain, and thermal stability of samples were checked by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Synthesized nanomaterials were dispersed in the water solutions of different surfactants and further compared on the efficiency of CO₂ uptake. The characterization of samples confirmed successful synthesis and modification of nanomaterials in different conditions and provided the necessary data for further optimization of synthesis parameters for targeted applications.

Synthetic porous carbon nanomaterials and frameworks were compared for their efficiency as porous fillers in the fluids. The efficiency of porous fluids was estimated and compared with blank measurements for water and water with surfactants. Adding surfactants enhanced the dissolution of CO₂, leading to a double increase in CO₂ uptake for the water–surfactant solution, compared with pure water. Dispersion with commercial materials as porous fillers demonstrated a slight enhancement in CO₂ uptake, compared with the water–surfactant solution. Synthesized carbon nanomaterials resulted in higher CO₂ adsorption, exhibiting two times higher CO₂ uptake in comparison with water–surfactant.

The modification of carbon nanomaterials led to an enhancement in CO₂ adsorption capacity. Porous liquids containing adsorbents with a greater number of polar groups demonstrated higher CO₂ uptake. Particularly, nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials were more efficient, while surface-modified materials without nitrogen in their composition demonstrated less CO₂ uptake.

2.15. Characterization of Electrospun Cellulose and Keratin Nonwovens

• Fabiane Oliveira, Michelle Mothé and Larissa Viana

• Department of Organic Processes, School of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941909, Brazil

The textile industry is the second largest global polluter, mainly due to the intensive use of non-biodegradable synthetic fibers, which account for about 35% of the microplastics contaminating the marine environment annually. Chicken feathers, an abundant byproduct of poultry farming, represent approximately 10% of the bird’s weight and contain about 90% β-keratin, a biodegradable and biocompatible protein. This study investigated the potential of keratin extracted from these feathers, combined with cellulose acetate as a biodegradable, naturally derived auxiliary polymer, for the production of electrospun nonwoven fabrics, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers.

The obtained samples were characterized by thermal analysis (TGA and DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

The DSC curves indicated that nanofibers with a 10% concentration presented a higher amount of adsorbed moisture, thus requiring a higher temperature for the endothermic dehydration event. Regarding the endothermic degradation event, no significant differences were observed among the samples.

The FTIR spectra revealed some characteristic functional groups, within the ranges of 1700 cm⁻¹ (C=O), 1200 cm⁻¹ (C–O stretching), and 1000 cm⁻¹ (C–O stretching).

SEM analysis showed that nanofibers with 5% keratin concentration had the smallest diameters; however, these samples also exhibited a greater amount of beads/fine agglomerates.

It is worth noting that, in the electrospinning process, the increase in keratin content affected conductivity and surface tension, requiring higher voltage during electrospinning. Lower deposition of nanofibers on the metallic collector, a cloudier coloration, and reduced viscosity of the polymer solution were also observed.

This work demonstrated innovation by proving the feasibility of producing sustainable nonwoven fabrics through electrospinning of cellulose acetate incorporated with chicken feather keratin. In addition to adding value to an abundant waste and reducing environmental impacts, it integrates innovation and circular economy principles.

2.16. Computational Biocompatibility and Safety Evaluation of Metal-Doped PET-Carbon Quantum Dots via Multi-Target Molecular Docking and ADMET Analysis on Human Proteins

• Christian Enyoh ¹, Tochukwu Maduka ¹, Qingyue Wang ¹, Miho Suzuki ¹ and Ifunanya Enyoh ²

¹ 

Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, 255 Shimo Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City 338-8570, Saitama, Japan

² 

Department of Chemistry, Imo State University, Owerri 460222, Nigeria

Polyethylene terephthalate–derived fluorescent carbon quantum dots (PET-FCQDs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for environmental sensing and potential biomedical applications. However, their biological safety profile remains underexplored, particularly when modified through metal doping for enhanced performance. In this study, we present a comprehensive in silico biocompatibility and safety evaluation of pristine and dual-site metal-doped PET-FCQDs (Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe) using multi-target molecular docking against key human proteins—Human Serum Albumin (HSA), Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), Hemoglobin, Transferrin, Caspase-3, Glutathione S-Transferase (GST), Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα), and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6). The docking analysis revealed moderate to strong binding affinities, with variations in interaction profiles suggesting different implications for distribution, metabolism, and potential toxicity. Additionally, ADMET analysis indicated that all variants possessed high gastrointestinal absorption, low skin permeability, favorable blood-brain barrier penetration, and non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic profiles. Metal doping enhanced aqueous solubility (up to ~18.6 mg/mL for Ca-O and Mg-O variants) but generally reduced lipophilicity (Log P: 0.38–0.64 vs. pristine: 1.13). All CQDs complied with major drug-likeness rules (Lipinski, Veber, Egan, Muegge) and displayed minimal CYP450 inhibition risk, indicating low potential for drug–drug interactions. Toxicity predictions classified all as low acute toxicity (Class III, LD₅₀ = 500–5000 mg/kg), with biodegradability dependent on doping site. These findings provide novel computational insights into the biocompatibility and pharmacokinetic behavior of PET-FCQDs and their doped analogues, supporting their safe integration in biomedical and environmental applications while highlighting site- and metal-dependent variations in safety profiles.

2.17. Design and Characterisation of ZnAl LDH–Palmitic Acid Nanocomposites with pH-Responsive Release and Antimicrobial Activity

• Alsya Haneeza Mohd Shah ¹, Sheikh Ahmad Izaddin Sheikh Ghazali ¹, Nur Nadia Dzulkifli ¹ and Hamizah Mohd Zaki ²

¹ 

Material, Inorganic and Oleochemistry (MaterInoleo) Research Group, School of Chemistry and Environment, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kuala Pilah 72000, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

² 

Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450, Selangor, Malaysia

The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical challenge to global health as conventional antibacterial drugs increasingly lose their efficacy. The administration of conventional antibacterial drugs often suffers from incomplete absorption, resulting in reduced efficacy and the need for higher or more frequent dosing. To counteract this limitation, a zinc-aluminium double hydroxide-palmitic acid nanocomposite (ZnAl-LDH-PA) was developed as a pH-reactive carrier for controlled drug delivery. The ZnAl-LDH-PA nanocomposite was synthesised using the co-precipitation method. Structural characterisation confirmed the successful intercalation: Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) showed an increase in the basal spacing from 8.6 Å to 14.35 Å, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the intercalation by the disappearance of the nitrate band at 1344 cm⁻¹, the appearance of a COO band at 1535 cm⁻¹ and the appearance of symmetric and asymmetric alkane stretching peaks at 2915 cm⁻¹ and 2847 cm⁻¹. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) confirmed the incorporation of PA, with nitrogen absent and carbon making up 71.90% of the elemental composition. In addition, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements increased from 4.82 m²/g for the LDH host to 21.35 m²/g after intercalation, indicating improved porosity. Drug release studies showed a pH-dependent behaviour, with the highest release efficiency (68%) observed at a pH of 4.8, while a slower sustained release behaviour was observed at a pH of 7.4. The ZnAl-LDH-PA nanocomposite exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity and retained the efficacy of palmitic acid against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, the results show that ZnAl-LDH-PA nanocomposites are promising candidates for smart pH-responsive drug delivery systems. This work contributes to the further development of nanostructured carriers in pharmaceutical applications and provides a basis for further research into drug delivery.

2.18. Electrical Resistance and Compressive Strength Properties of Cement Composites Using MWCNT Dispersed in Polycarboxylic Acid Superplasticizer

• Jae-In Lee ¹, Jeong-Yeon Park ¹, Da-Young Kim ¹, Chungyeon Cho ^2,3 and Se-Jin Choi ¹

¹ 

Department of Architectural Engineering, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea

² 

Department of Carbon Convergence Engineering, College of Engineering, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea

³ 

Department of Biomedical Materials Science, Jeonbuk Advanced Bio-Convergence Academy, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are among the most frequently utilized highly conductive materials in cementitious composites. However, numerous studies have reported that the hydrophobic nature of CNTs can lead to their aggregation upon exposure to water, subsequently inducing micro-defects within the cementitious matrix. This aggregation has been shown to degrade both the mechanical properties and durability of cement composites. Extensive research has been conducted to address this issue, with reports indicating that the incorporation of polycarboxylate-based superplasticizers, commonly employed in concrete, can mitigate CNT aggregation, thereby enhancing various performance aspects of cementitious composites. In this study, the electrical resistance and compressive strength of cementitious composites incorporating dispersed CNTs were evaluated, utilizing a polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer (PCE), a typical admixture for concrete, as a CNT dispersant.

The incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersed with polycarboxylate (PCE) superplasticizer has been demonstrated to enhance the mechanical performance and electrical conductivity of cementitious composites, evidenced by an increase in 28-day compressive strength and a reduction in electrical resistance. Specifically, an optimal CNT content of 0.5 wt% was identified. It was observed that CNT concentrations exceeding 0.5 wt% led to a degradation in performance, primarily attributed to CNT agglomeration. For instance, at 0.75 wt% CNT content, the compressive strength was lower than that achieved with 0.5 wt%, while the electrical resistivity showed no significant difference. Similar trends were observed at a CNT content of 1.0 wt%.

2.19. Environmental Impacts and Sustainability of Nanomaterials in Water and Soil Systems

• Md. Nurjaman Ridoy and Sk. Tanjim Jaman Supto

• Department of Environmental Research, Nano Research Centre, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh

Nanoparticles have become more widely applied in industrial, consumer, and therapeutic products since the past decade, and this trend is presumed to persist due to the rapid population growth, industry, urbanization, and intensive agriculture. The manufacturing of nanomaterials is not necessarily accomplished through eco-friendly processes. Certain nanomaterials involve heavy metals like, but not exclusively, mercury (Hg), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). The releasing of nanomaterials into the environment could result in soil and aquatic system contamination. These problems have stimulated intensive research aimed at the prediction of environmental concentrations of nanoparticles in water and soil and at the determination of threshold concentrations for their ecotoxicological effect on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Different studies show that metal-based nanoparticles with properties like hydrophilicity and low solubility impact the environment by creating toxics for the aquatic and terrestrial biota. Like ZnO Nanoparticles produce more toxicity due to their rapid dissolving nature. Semiconductor quantum dots based on cadmium selenide release ionic cadmium, resulting in exceeding water quality guidelines. and Ag nanoparticles disrupt membrane transport in algal species and higher organisms, causing adsorption and ingestion as it releases through oxidation. On the other hand, some nanomaterials benefit from geotechnical applications, like carbon nanotubes for soil reinforcement, nano bentonite for improving drilling fluids, and colloidal silica or laponite for mitigating soil liquefaction. Furthermore, this paper deals with current research on these competing roles, examining the causes of nanotoxicity as well as their positive geotechnical and remedial applications in water and soil systems. Furthermore, this study deals with the applications of different nanomaterials in water and soil systems and their subsequent impacts. It provides a general evaluation of the beneficial and harmful roles of these nanomaterials in water and soil systems for understanding the relationship between nanotechnology and the environment.

2.20. Exploring Material Behavior Through DSC and TGA: Principles and Applications in Modern Thermal Analysis

• Evangelia Tarani and Konstantinos Chrissafis

• Laboratory of Advanced Materials & Devices, Physics Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece

Thermal analysis is a fundamental approach in materials science for evaluating thermal transitions, degradation mechanisms, and stability. This study explores the application of two key techniques—Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)—across a diverse range of materials relevant to industrial, scientific, and conservation applications.

DSC and TGA measurements were conducted under controlled inert or oxidative atmospheres using standard protocols. DSC assessed heat flow changes during physical and chemical transitions, while TGA monitored mass variations during thermal treatment. The following materials were examined: (1) neat high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and HDPE/graphene nanocomposites, (2) phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins used in wood-based panels, (3) thermoelectric compound chromium disilicide (CrSi₂), (4) yellow ochre pigments and mineral phases from cultural heritage samples and (5) bioactive glass–porcelain composites for dental restorations.

DSC revealed characteristic transitions such as melting, crystallization, and glass transitions, with shifts dependent on composition and filler type. TGA of HDPE/graphene systems showed improved thermal stability with increasing graphene content. PF resins exhibited water and formaldehyde release below 260 °C, followed by resin decomposition. CrSi₂ showed high thermal stability with minimal mass loss. Cultural heritage pigments displayed complex thermal behavior linked to multiple mineral components. In dental ceramics, addition of bioactive glass shifted transition temperatures and introduced new crystallization peaks associated with leucite transformation.

DSC and TGA are versatile tools for characterizing thermal behavior across polymers, composites, ceramics, and mineral-based systems. Their combined application enables a comprehensive understanding of processing conditions, material stability, and functional performance. These techniques are essential for materials development, manufacturing optimization, and heritage conservation strategies.

2.21. Influence of Mn Oxidation in Persistent Luminescence Halide Double Perovskites

• Emmanuela Di Giorgio ¹, Francesca Cova ², Marta Campolucci ¹, Chiara Solinas ¹, Mauro Fasoli ², Alberto Martinelli ³, Blanka Detlefs ⁴, Pieter Glatzel ⁴ and Federico Locardi ¹

¹ 

Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genova, Italy

² 

Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cozzi 55, 20125 Milano, Italy

³ 

CNR-SPIN, Corso F. Perrone, 16152 Genova, Italy

⁴ 

ESRF–The European Synchrotron, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France

Our study focuses on persistent luminescence (PeL) halide double perovskites (HDPs), both bulk and nano. PeL materials, or glow-in-the-dark materials, can temporarily store the excitation energy in metastable traps and release it as photons after a certain time. Given the same stoichiometry (Cs₂Na_1−xAg_xInCl₆:Mn²⁺), at room temperature (RT) bulk shows PeL, but nano does not. The mechanism behind this behaviour is still unknown. To understand what causes the PeL annihilation at nano size at RT, we performed thermally stimulated luminescence measurements across a broad temperature range (10–450 K) and PeL decay measurements (at RT and 15 K) after X-ray charge. These measurements enabled us to determine at which temperatures the materials exhibit PeL. At 15 K, even nano materials have PeL. So, to find out what causes the PeL behaviour change with T, we analysed electronic structure with T, using X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the K-edge of Mn (the emissive centre) at three different temperatures: 15 K (nano and bulk have PeL), 290 K (bulk has PeL) and 430 K (no PeL). The XANES analysis suggests that Mn is present in the bulk sample in both 2⁺ and 3⁺ oxidation states, but in the nano sample only 2⁺, so the PeL arising could be associated with the presence of the 3⁺ oxidation state.

2.22. Lead Chloride-Filled Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

• Marianna V. Kharlamova

• Department of Materials Science, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are prepared via three methods, arc-discharge, laser ablation, and chemical vapour deposition. The arc-discharge and laser ablation methods result in the powders of the bundled SWCNTs, which are further organized into films. The chemical vapour deposition method leads to ordered SWCNTs, which are further processed to form films. In this work, we formed the films from the arc-discharge SWCNTs, and they had high purity and quality. We performed the filling of the SWCNT films with lead chloride using the melt method. It resulted in high filling ratios of the SWCNTs. Lead chloride and SWCNTs were sealed under high vacuum in quartz ampoules, and they were heated in the tube furnace up to the preparation temperature, 601 °C. They were left at this temperature for 6 h, and then cooled down to room temperature. The obtained samples were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TEM confirmed the filling of the SWCNTs. Raman spectroscopy and XPS showed the changes in the electronic properties of the filled SWCNTs. A p-doping with a Fermi level shift of −0.15 eV was revealed. The obtained information is needed for applications of filled SWCNTs in nanoelectronics, catalysis, biomedicine, sensors, magnetic recording, spintronics, and light emission.

2.23. Low-Temperature Formation of YIG and Its Structural Evolution upon Copper Incorporation for Terahertz Applications

• Yasaman Abouk

• Department of Solid State Physics, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar 4741695447, Iran

This study explores the low-temperature formation of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) and examines the structural and morphological changes induced by copper incorporation for potential terahertz applications. YIG precursors were synthesized via a conventional solid-state reaction and calcined at 600 °C. Copper oxide was subsequently introduced at 20 wt% and 30 wt% concentrations. The resulting Cu/YIG nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis to evaluate phase formation, grain size, surface characteristics, and porosity.

XRD analysis confirmed partial garnet phase formation at reduced temperature, with improved crystallinity and noticeable grain growth upon copper doping. FESEM images showed a morphological transition from porous, disconnected particles to more continuous and interconnected network structures with increasing Cu content. BET measurements revealed significantly increased specific surface area and enhanced porosity in the nanocomposite matrix.

These structural evolutions, driven by the presence of copper, suggest improved interconnectivity and conductive pathways in the resulting structure. Furthermore, the partial crystallinity retained at relatively low calcination temperatures highlights the feasibility of energy-efficient, low-cost processing routes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the nanoporous semi-crystalline Cu/YIG composites are promising candidates for terahertz-frequency sensing due to their enhanced surface area, tunable microstructure, and potential for frequency-selective electromagnetic functionality.

2.24. Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Encapsulated Liposomes for Cosmetic Applications

• Charitini Kontopidi and Maria Anna Gatou

• General Chemistry Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), GR-15772 Athens, Greece

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) have attracted much attention due to their unique biocompatibility and their lack of toxicity, especially in the biomedical field. Liposomes have attracted considerable interest in cosmetics for their ability to enhance drug delivery to target tissues. This study aimed to develop and characterize liposomal formulations encapsulating MgO NPs for drug delivery, controlled release and improvement of skin tolerance in cosmetic applications. MgO NPs were synthesized by precipitating Mg(NO₃)₂·6H₂O with NaOH, then washed, dried (80 °C) and calcined (500 °C, 4 h) and subsequently were characterized by powder X-ray power diffraction to evaluate the formation, crystalline phase morphologies, microstructures and chemical compositions. Liposomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method with DSPC and DOPC, and in some formulations poloxamer 407 was included as a stabilizing agent. MgO was incorporated during the hydration step. The resulting formulations were studied for their stability over a period of 3 weeks and characterized by DLS and thermogravimetric analysis. DLS measurements indicated that the MgO-loaded liposomes had a narrow size distribution, indicating good homogeneity, zeta potential measurements confirmed that the system remained stable even after 21 days. In conclusion, MgO NPs were efficiently encapsulated on liposomal carriers, forming stable nanosystems with desirable physicochemical characteristics.

2.25. Magnetic Iron Oxide–Silica Nanohybrids for Targeted Remediation of Cadmium in Agricultural Soil: Mechanistic Insights and Field-Scale Feasibility

• Abid Hussain

• Department of Biological Sciences, Thal Univeristy Bhakkar, Bhakkar 30000, Punjab, Pakistan

Cadmium contamination in agricultural soils severely threatens food safety and ecosystem health, demanding innovative remediation strategies. This study investigates iron oxide–silica nanohybrids (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ NPs) for targeted Cd immobilization, leveraging their high surface area, magnetic recyclability, and compatibility with plant–soil systems. The NPs were synthesized via sol–gel co-precipitation (confirmed by XRD/TEM) and functionalized with carboxyl groups to enhance Cd adsorption. Contaminated soil (45 mg/kg Cd) was treated with NPs (0.1–1.0 wt%), and Cd bioavailability was assessed using sequential extraction (BCR method), revealing a 70% reduction in plant-available Cd at 0.5 wt% NP dosage. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) demonstrated Cd sequestration via surface complexation, while FTIR confirmed NP–soil binding mechanisms. The NPs improved soil microstructure (SEM-EDS), increasing porosity by 25% and water retention by 15%, which mitigated compaction stress. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown in NP-amended soil showed 60% lower Cd accumulation in edible tissues, alongside enhanced biomass (30% increase). Microbial diversity (16S rRNA sequencing) revealed that NP-treated soils retained Proteobacteria dominance (25% higher abundance), critical for nutrient cycling. The NPs were magnetically recovered with 92% efficiency, enabling reuse. These results highlight Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ NPs as a sustainable, scalable solution for Cd remediation, combining high efficiency with minimal ecological disruption. Future work will optimize field-scale NP deployment and long-term soil health monitoring, addressing gaps in nano-agriculture regulatory frameworks.

2.26. Nanostructure-Based Voltammetric Biosensors: Versatile Point-of-Care Electrochemical Platform Development

• Derya Bal Altuntaş

• Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize 53100, Turkey

This research investigates innovative nanostructure-enhanced voltammetric biosensing platforms developed for rapid medical diagnostics. Our laboratory has engineered electrochemical sensors incorporating advanced nanomaterials, including graphene oxide composites, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and functionalized gold nanoparticles, demonstrating remarkable improvements in analytical performance metrics compared to traditional diagnostic approaches. The developed point-of-care devices target clinical settings, demanding rapid diagnostic capabilities. These portable systems integrate sophisticated artificial intelligence frameworks, facilitating automated signal processing, pattern classification, and comprehensive clinical decision assistance. Advanced machine learning algorithms enable patient risk assessment, personalized therapeutic guidance, and predictive modeling for disease trajectory analysis. Our nanostructure-modified electrodes exhibit enhanced sensitivity, improved selectivity, and accelerated response kinetics for biomarker quantification. The electrochemical detection platform provides precise, real-time measurements applicable to bedside testing scenarios. Computational intelligence integration supports automated result interpretation and clinical correlation analysis. Key innovations include device miniaturization, cost-efficient manufacturing, and simplified operational protocols. The portable architecture facilitates deployment across varied healthcare environments, from specialized medical centers to resource-limited settings. Automated data processing minimizes user intervention while maximizing diagnostic accuracy. This intelligent biosensing technology represents transformative advancement toward individualized healthcare and targeted diagnostic approaches. Ongoing developments encompass regulatory compliance strategies, manufacturing scale-up initiatives, and seamless integration with digital health platforms for continuous patient surveillance and chronic condition management.

2.27. Nanostructured Copper by GLAD for Non-Enzymatic L-Lactic Acid Sensors

• Angela Viviana Alzate-García ^1,2,3, Estiven Fernando Agudelo-Chacón¹, Sebastián Mendoza-Rincón ¹, Natalia Prieto ^1,2, Yury Paola García ¹ and Elisabeth Restrepo-Parra ¹

¹ 

Grupo de Investigación del Laboratorio de Física del Plasma (LAFIP), Universidad Nacional de Colombia-Sede Manizales, Colombia

² 

Grupo de Investigación en Cromatografía y Técnicas Afines (GICTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Colombia

³ 

Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad de Manizales, Colombia

The advancement of biochemical sensing technologies relies heavily on the development of nanostructured sensors with superior electrochemical performance. In this work, a high-sensitivity, non-enzymatic L-lactic acid sensor was fabricated by coating a screen-printed carbon electrode with copper using the glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique. During deposition, the substrate was positioned at an 80° tilt relative to the target while undergoing continuous rotation. Coatings were applied for 10 and 15 min at rotation speeds of 0 rpm and 45 rpm. Electrochemical characterization revealed a fast response and high sensitivity toward L-lactic acid. The GLAD-modified sensor (45 rpm, 15 min) achieved an active surface area of 14.14 mm²—an 11.1% increase compared to the apparent surface area of the unmodified carbon electrode (12.57 mm²), as determined using the Randles–Sevcík equation.

Atomic force microscopy confirmed a 16.3% increase in surface area, attributed to the growth of smaller nanostructures during rotation. Scanning electron microscopy images showed a porous, stacked morphology composed of copper (Cu) and copper oxide (CuO). The sensor detected L-lactic acid across the 0.75–10 mM range, with a sensitivity of 3.98 μA/mM and a detection limit of 0.56 μM. These results demonstrate that copper nanostructures engineered via GLAD can substantially enhance the selectivity and sensitivity of electrochemical sensors, offering a promising route for the development of next-generation sensing platforms.

2.28. New Advances on Quantifying the Functionalization Degree of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery

• Cezar Comanescu ^1,2, Nicusor Iacob ¹, Petru Palade ¹, Ovidiu Crisan ¹, Luiza Izabela Toderascu ^3,4, Gabriel Socol ³, Gabriel Schinteie ¹ and Victor Kuncser ¹

¹ 

National Institute of Materials Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania

² 

Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Magurele, Romania

³ 

National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania

⁴ 

Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 050663 Bucharest, Romania

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) represent one of the most versatile platforms in nanomedicine, enabling drug delivery, imaging, and magnetically triggered therapeutic responses. We present herein a methodology to establish with reasonable accuracy the drug loading on MNPs based on Fe3O4 (magnetite). This method combines magnetometry and Mossbauer spectroscopy, and was exemplified for the first time on L-cysteine (or citric acid)-coated Fe₃O₄ further functionalized with Dox (doxorubicin).

The novelty of this approach resides in the utilizing the variation in magnetization of functionalized MNPs by low-temperature Mossbauer spectroscopy, when spontaneous magnetization of the magnetic core can be estimated. As a nondestructive methodology for quantitative evaluation of drug loading by combining SQUID magnetometry with low-temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy, this approach directly probes the magnetic core, allowing precise differentiation between intrinsic nanoparticle properties and the contribution of surface-bound organic molecules.

The method is reliable and easy to implement, as it uses the ratio between the spontaneous magnetization of the covered nanoparticles and that of the magnetic core, producing results that are less than 10% off the exact analytical result of drug loading. This method has a great advantage in offering the potential to expand the NPs scope to any Fe-containing magnetic core to which ⁵⁷Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy can be applied.

2.29. Optimization of E-Glass/Basalt Hybrid Composite Sandwich Structures for Marine Applications Using Boron Carbide Nanoparticles

• Balaji Rajendran ¹, Vishal Sivakumar ² and Deepapriyan V ²

¹ 

Aeronautical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Kanchipuram 602105, Chennai

² 

UG-Aeronautical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Kanchipuram 602105, Chennai

This study investigates the mechanical performance enhancement of e-glass/basalt fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sandwich composites through boron carbide (B4C) nanoparticle modification for marine structural applications. The research focuses on developing lightweight, corrosion-resistant composite panels capable of withstanding harsh marine environments while maintaining structural integrity. Three different B4C concentrations (0.6%, 1.0%, and 1.4% by weight) were incorporated into epoxy resin matrices, which were then used to fabricate sandwich panels with varying fiber orientation sequences ([0°/90°], [±45°], and quasi-isotropic layups). The composite structures were evaluated through comprehensive mechanical testing including tensile, flexural, impact, and water absorption tests following ASTM standards.

Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed using ANSYS ACP to simulate stress distribution under hydrostatic pressure conditions representative of underwater applications. Experimental results demonstrated that the 1.0% B4C reinforced quasi-isotropic samples exhibited optimal performance, showing a 27.3% increase in flexural strength (from 412 MPa to 524 MPa) and 18.7% improvement in impact resistance compared to control samples. Water absorption tests revealed a significant reduction (up to 35%) in moisture uptake for B4C-modified specimens. Microstructural analysis using SEM confirmed improved fiber-matrix interfacial bonding in nanoparticle-enhanced samples.

These findings suggest that judicious incorporation of B4C nanoparticles in e-glass/basalt hybrid sandwich structures can substantially enhance mechanical properties while providing excellent moisture resistance, making them suitable for marine applications such as boat hulls, offshore platform components, and underwater vehicle structures. The study provides a framework for optimizing nanoparticle-reinforced hybrid composites for demanding marine environments.

2.30. Preparation and Electronic Properties of Nickel Chloride-Filled Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

• Marianna V. Kharlamova

• Department of Materials Science, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are filled with metal halides to modify their electronic properties. Metal halides are filled in SWCNTs with a melt method. They have various melting temperatures, and different protocols have beenoptimized for the filling of SWCNTs with metal halides. Nickel chloride (NiCl₂) is a unique metal halide. Filling SWCNTs with nickel chloride is of large interest to researchers because its encapsulation in SWCNTs leads to p-doping. Nickel chloride has a high melting temperature (1001 °C). It is important to develop a method for filling SWCNTs with nickel chloride. In this work, we submit a filling protocol forSWCNTs with nickel chloride, filling the melted compound in the SWCNTs. The protocol was conducted at 1101 °C for 10 h. The subsequent cooling down period was carried out at rates of 0.02–1 °C/min to crystallize nickel chloride in the SWCNTs. The electronic properties of the nickel chloride-filled SWCNTs were investigated with Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Raman spectra of the nickel chloride-filled SWCNTs showed large shifts in the peaks and alterations in their intensities. The C 1s XPS spectra showed a shift of the peak in lower binding energies. The observed modifications are the result of the variations in the Fermi level of the nickel chloride-filled SWCNTs. It is shifted down in the filled SWCNTs due to the work function differences between nickel chloride and the SWCNTs.

2.31. Production of Lignin Nanoparticles from Eucalyptus Bark via Green Antisolvent Precipitation

• Mariana Fernandes ^1,2, Michele Michelin ^1,2, Raquel Vaz ², Lorenzo M. Pastrana ² and Miguel A. Cerqueira ²

¹ 

CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal

² 

INL—International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Av. Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal

Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) are sustainable nanomaterials obtained from agro-industrial residues, with increasing interest for different applications. Their biocompatibility and functional properties have made LNPs one of the most explored materials in food packaging, drug delivery, and photonic applications. The challenge with LNPs is the lack of uniformity in their production, as broad particle size distributions can limit their effectiveness in advanced applications that require size precision and homogeneity. This study presents the extraction of lignin and the synthesis of size-controlled LNPs from eucalyptus bark, using an ethanol-organosolv process followed by antisolvent precipitation. By valuing a low-cost waste material, this work also contributes to circular economy and sustainability goals, positioning LNPs as viable bio-based nanomaterials for high-value applications.

Lignin was extracted under non-isothermal conditions at 230 °C using 65% ethanol, resulting in an extraction yield of 49% and purity of 96.07%. The dried lignin was dissolved in ethanol to prepare a precursor solution, which was then added dropwise into deionized water at controlled dilution rates to form nanoparticles, without the use of surfactants or chemical additives. Size control was achieved by adjusting the water-to-solvent ratio during precipitation. Higher water content increased supersaturation, promoting rapid nucleation and the formation of smaller nanoparticles, while lower water content reduced nucleation rates, allowing more particle growth and larger sizes. Dynamic Light Scattering revealed tunable nanoparticle sizes ranging from 148.0 ± 3.2 nm to 274.9 ± 8.1 nm, with polydispersity index values below 0.2, indicating narrow size distributions. Zeta potential measurements confirmed the colloidal stability of the aqueous dispersions. Scanning electron microscopy images show the round shape and confirm the sizes of the produced LNPs.

This environmentally friendly method shows how to transform lignin into uniform, and stable nanoparticles using only ethanol and water. The resulting LNPs are well suited for applications that require precise reproducibility and sustainability.

2.32. Recent Advances in Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Epoxy Composites: Enhancing Tensile Strength Through Nanoscale Reinforcement

• Partha Protim Borthakur ¹, Madhuriya Saikia ², Elora Baruah ² and Keshab Biswakarma ¹

¹ 

Mechanical Engineering Department, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, India

² 

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, India

• Introduction:

Carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced epoxy composites have emerged as high-performance materials due to their ability to significantly enhance mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Their nanoscale dimensions, high aspect ratio, and exceptional tensile strength make CNTs ideal candidates for improving load-bearing capacity and structural integrity in epoxy matrices, with applications spanning the aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering industries.

• Methods:

This review synthesizes findings from over a dozen recent studies that examined the effects of varying CNT concentrations, functionalization, dispersion techniques, and hybridization with other nanomaterials such as graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). Data were analyzed in terms of the following key mechanical indicators: tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength, fracture toughness, impact resistance, and elastic modulus.

• Results:

Significant mechanical enhancements were observed with optimal CNT loadings. A 0.5 wt% CNT addition improved transverse tensile strength by 32.7% and modulus by 9%. At 2.0 vol%, tensile strength and modulus increased by 26.7% and 21.5%, respectively. Functionalization with amino groups led to a 42% improvement in tensile strength and 95% in fracture toughness. Flexural strength rose by 44% and flexural modulus by 16% with 1.5 wt% COOH-MWCN. Synergistic reinforcement using CNT/GNP hybrids improved impact strength by 69%, while thermal stability increased by 130%. Optimal mechanical performance was typically achieved at CNT concentrations between 0.15 wt% and 0.8 vol%.

• Conclusions:

CNT incorporation markedly enhances the mechanical properties of epoxy composites through improved stress transfer, crack deflection, and interfacial bonding. Functionalization and hybridization further amplify these effects. However, uniform dispersion and optimal loading remain critical for maximizing benefits. Future research should focus on scalable processing methods and hybrid architectures to overcome current challenges and expand industrial adoption.

2.33. Shaping the Quantum Future with Core/Shell Quantum Dots

• Swapnil Doke ^1,2

¹ 

School of Humanities and Engineering Sciences, MIT Academy of Engineering, Alandi, Pune 412 105, India

² 

Department of Physics, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411 007, India

Quantum dots (QDs) are three-dimensionally confined semiconductor nanoparticles that have been extensively studied to meet the demands of modern applications. Among them, core/shell QDs have emerged as highly versatile nanostructures that integrate quantum confinement with engineered band alignment, offering superior optical stability, high quantum yield, and reduced nonradiative losses compared to bare QDs. Beyond chemical stability, the shape, size, and surface modifications of core/shell QDs critically influence their optical and electronic properties, thereby governing effective carrier confinement. By spatially separating the optically active core from a passivating or electronically engineered shell, core/shell architectures suppress surface trap-mediated nonradiative recombination and spectral diffusion, resulting in higher quantum yields, improved photostability, and tunable band alignments for charge and exciton confinement. These attributes position core/shell QDs as promising materials for next-generation technologies.

Two parallel approaches currently dominate technological progress. First, epitaxial self-assembled III–V core/shell heterostructures (e.g., InAs/InP, GaAs/AlGaAs variants) yield optically active, spin-addressable single QDs with steadily improving coherence and deterministic coupling to photonic cavities—key advances that enable single-photon sources and spin-qubit prototypes, with coherence times now reaching microseconds to milliseconds under optimized decoupling and material-growth strategies. Second, colloidal core/shell QDs (e.g., graded-alloy CdSe/CdS/ZnS and perovskite core/shell systems) provide solution processability, high brightness, and tunable band structures that support on-chip integration and scalable quantum-emitter arrays, though challenges remain in minimizing charge leakage and noise as well as enhancing surface/ligand stability.

In summary, core/shell quantum dots combine material-level strategies (band engineering, shell passivation) with device-level integration (cavities, photonic circuits) to provide a practical pathway toward scalable quantum emitters and spin qubits. Ongoing progress in growth chemistry, decoherence suppression, and heterogeneous integration will play a decisive role in shaping their impact on near-term quantum computing and quantum communication technologies.

2.34. Synthesis and UV-Induced Modulation of Organic Selenium Nanoparticles

• Iqra bano Chandio ^1,2, Jaison Jeevanandam ² and Grygoriy Tsenov ²

¹ 

Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic

² 

Division of Experimental Neurobiology, Preclinical Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic

Introduction: Organic selenium plays vital roles in antioxidant defense, immune regulation, thyroid balance, and reproductive health. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have emerged as safer, more effective alternatives to bulk selenium due to their reduced toxicity and enhanced bioactivity arising from a high surface-to-volume ratio. While most studies focus on conventional synthesis, this work introduces a novel approach by applying ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, UVC (254 nm), and UVA (365 nm) to investigate how photonic treatment modulates SeNP characteristics.

Methods: SeNPs were synthesized by reducing 400 µL of 0.001 M selenomethionine with 30 mL of 0.001 M NaBH₄ under ice-bath stirring (500 rpm, 20 min), followed by dropwise addition (~1 drop/s). The suspensions were divided into three groups: non-irradiated control (S1), UVC-exposed (S2), and UVA-exposed (S3), each irradiated for 20 min at a distance of 10–15 cm. Characterisation was performed immediately using UV–Vis spectroscopy (200–800 nm, Thermo INSIGHT™ 2 software, Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA), diffuse reflectance analysis, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) with zeta potential (25 °C, Zetasizer Nano ZS).

Results: UV–Vis spectra showed broad SeNP absorption between 220 and 400 nm. Baseline absorbance increased from ~0.10 (control) to ~0.28 A.U. after UVC exposure and decreased to ~0.05 A.U. after UVA. Diffuse reflectance declined from ~95–100% in controls to ~60–70% with UVC and ~80–85% with UVA, confirming wavelength-dependent optical modulation. DLS revealed particle sizes of 40–90 nm for S1, 50–100 nm for S2 (mild aggregation), and 45–110 nm for S3 (greater polydispersity).

Conclusions: UV irradiation significantly modulated the optical and size properties of SeNPs without compromising colloidal stability. UVC exposure promoted mild aggregation, whereas UVA increased polydispersity, highlighting photonic modulation as a tunable strategy to optimise SeNPs for biomedical applications.

2.35. Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications of Silver Nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) as Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Substrate

• Fatima Saddique and Muhammad Zubair

• Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan

Raman Spectroscopy (RS) has applications in the analysis of various pharmaceutical and food samples. But by using nanoparticles, the plasmonic applications and signal enhancement of RS are enhanced and thus called Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are utilized for this purpose because, in contrast to gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs), greater enhancement of signals are seen during utilizing as SERS substrate. The synthesis procedure of Ag-NPs is more cost-effective and requires less labor than Au-NPs when utilizing the chemical reduction method. During the synthesis of Ag-NPs, silver nitrate AgNO₃ was reduced by using trisodium citrate Na₃C₆H₅O₇ act as both reducing and capping agents. After the characterization of Ag-NPs, the ideal size of Ag-NPs was reported in the range of 25–45 nm. Ideally, the signals were enhanced, and thus, the peaks of spectra were also clarified and obtained with much intensity. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) significantly enhances the capabilities of conventional Raman spectroscopy (RS) for analyzing pharmaceutical and food samples through plasmonic signal amplification using nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are particularly advantageous as SERS substrates compared to gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs), offering greater signal enhancement. Furthermore, Ag-NP synthesis via the chemical reduction method is more cost-effective and less labor-intensive than Au-NP synthesis. In this study, Ag-NPs were synthesized by reducing silver nitrate (AgNO₃) with trisodium citrate (Na₃C₆H₅O₇), which acts as both a reducing and capping agent. Characterization revealed an optimal Ag-NP size range of 25–45 nm. This optimized substrate yielded significantly enhanced SERS signals, resulting in clearer and more intense spectral peaks.

2.36. Tailoring Wettability and Photocatalytic Properties of NiO Nanosystems Fabricated by Plasma-Assisted Vapor Deposition

• Chiara Maccato ^1,2, Davide Barreca ², Alberto Gasparotto ^1,2, Naida El Habra ², Andraž Šuligoj ^3,4, Urška Lavrenčič Štangar ⁴ and Gian Andrea Rizzi ^1,2

¹ 

Department of Chemical Sciences, Padova University and INSTM, 35131 Padova, Italy

² 

CNR-ICMATE and INSTM, 35127 Padova, Italy

³ 

National Institute of Chemistry, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

⁴ 

Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Thin films and nanomaterials of p-type nickel(II) oxide are attractive candidates for a plethora of technological end-uses, among which heterogeneous (photo)catalysts for various applications and hydrophobic coatings for protection against corrosion, yielding also anti-fouling, self-cleaning, and frost prevention properties [1,2].

In this work, phase-pure NiO supported nanostructures were fabricated via an original plasma assisted-chemical vapor deposition (PA-CVD) on glassy substrates at temperatures of 100 °C, the lowest ever reported for similar processes, starting from a second-generation precursor, Ni(tfa)₂TMEDA (Htfa = 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione; TMEDA = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) [3]. Variations of the sole process duration from 10 to 90 min allowed to modulate the system morphology, and, in particular, grain dimensions and deposit thickness. The control of the latter enabled to tailor the ultimate functional performances in terms of wettability and photocatalytic degradation of aqueous diclofenac {DCF = 2-[2-(2,6-dichloroanilino)phenyl]acetic acid}, a recalcitrant pharmaceutical pollutant. Material behavior is discussed in relation to material structure, composition and morphology, investigated based on a comprehensive characterization performed by complementary analytical tools. The present outcomes open the door to the fabrication of NiO nanostructures with modular features even on thermally sensitive substrates for a variety of functional applications.

• References

1.

Barreca, D.; Scattolin, E.; Maccato, C.; Gasparotto, A.; Signorin, L.; El Habra, N.; Šuligoj, A.; Štangar, U.L.; Rizzi, G.A. Controllable properties of NiO nanostructures fabricated by plasma assisted-chemical vapor deposition. Chem. Commun. 2025, 61, 2945.

2.

Maccato, D.B.C.; Gasparotto, A.; Rizzi, G.A. XPS analysis of F-containing NiO nanoarchitectures fabricated by plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition. Surf. Sci. Spectra 2025, 32, 024005.

3.

Benedet, M.; Barreca, D.; Fois, E.; Seraglia, R.; Tabacchi, G.; Roverso, M.; Pagot, G.; Invernizzi, C.; Gasparotto, A.; Heidecker, A.A.; et al. Interplay between coordination sphere engineering and properties of nickel diketonate–diamine complexes as vapor phase precursors for the growth of NiO thin films. Dalton Trans. 2023, 52, 10677.

Session 3: Soft Matter, Biomaterials, Composites and Interfaces

3.1. Study of the Wettability of Hierarchical Superhydrophobic Surfaces

• Solange Maria Fossa and Wagner Tenfen

• Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Graduate Program in Physics (PPGFis), Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Capão do Leão Campus, Capão do Leão 96050-500, RS, Brazil

The study of wettability has attracted significant academic and industrial interest due to the scientific and technological potential of its properties. However, the relationship between the protective nature of surface topography and wettability is not yet fully understood, lacking an adequate theoretical model. To investigate this issue, thin films of metallic and non-metallic oxides will be deposited using the dip-coating method, in successive layers, to construct hierarchical surfaces. They will then be subjected to physical and chemical etching to achieve different levels of roughness. Subsequently, they will be functionalized to exhibit superhydrophobic behavior. The aim is to identify optimal experimental conditions, characterize topography and wettability, and assess protective properties. These evaluations will be carried out using different experimental techniques, either for mechanical resistance analysis, through profilometry, or for the study of superhydrophobic property retention after abrasion, using the sessile drop method. Optical analyses will also be conducted to investigate improvements in transmittance, particularly at wavelengths most relevant for the photovoltaic energy production of the samples. The experimental data obtained will be correlated with the theoretical model, aiming, based on the wettability and topography of hierarchical surfaces, to elucidate the role of micro- and nanostructures in maintaining wettability under abrasive conditions.

3.2. Bacterial Nanocellulose-Loaded 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Regenerative Medicine

• Ana Iglesias-Mejuto ^1,2,3, Sergi Díaz ¹, Carlos A. García González ², Catarina Pinto Reis ^3,4, Anna Roig ¹ and Anna Laromaine ¹

¹ 

Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain

² 

Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain

³ 

Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal

⁴ 

Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal

• Introduction

Bacterial nanocellulose is a biocompatible and non-immunogenic biopolymer that offers several advantages for regenerative medicine such as high porosity and purity [1]. Therefore, adding bacterial cellulose nanofibers as part of 3D printing inks is being explored to manufacture adapted-to-patient biomaterials with advanced properties for tissue repair.

• Methodology

In this work, bacterial cellulose nanofibers were manufactured by a well-established protocol from the bacterial strain K. xylinus [1–3] and were added to methylcellulose inks to fabricate 3D-printed scaffolds. Polyurea crosslinking and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle loading were explored to improve the performance of the biomaterials. Confocal, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, as well as printing fidelity and porosity analysis of the scaffolds, were performed. Cell studies with murine fibroblasts and hemolytic activity tests with human blood were also employed to biologically characterize the biomaterials.

• Results and Discussion

Bacterial cellulose nanofibers were manufactured with a diameter close to 50 nm. Improved volume shrinkage and printing fidelity were observed after loading the bacterial nanocellulose into 3D-printed methylcellulose scaffolds. Doping with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and crosslinking with polyurea enhanced the physicochemical performance of the biocompatible formulations. The results obtained may motivate future research into the use of these biomaterials as soft tissue grafts.

• Conclusions

Bacterial nanocellulose-loaded scaffolds exhibited good values of cell compatibility, hemolytic activity, porosity and printing fidelity. Polyurea crosslinking and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle loading improved the suitability of the biomaterials for regenerative medicine applications.

• Acknowledgments

This work was funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 [grants PID2023-151340OBI00, PDC2022-133526-I00 and PDC2023-145826-I00], Xunta de Galicia [ED431C2022/2023], ERDF/EU and European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR. A. I.-M. acknowledges Xunta de Galicia for her postdoctoral fellowship [ED481B-2025/032].

• References

1.

Malandain, N.; Sanz-Fraile, H.; Farré, R.; Otero, J.; Roig, A.; Laromaine, A. Cell-Laden 3D Hydrogels of Type I Collagen Incorporating Bacterial Nanocellulose Fibers. ACS Appl. Bio Mater. 2023, 6, 3638–3647. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.3c00126.

2.

Iglesias-Mejuto, A.; Malandain, N.; Ferreira-Gonçalves, T.; Ardao, I.; Reis, C.P.; Laromaine, A.; Roig, A. Cellulose-in-cellulose 3D-printed bioaerogels for bone tissue engineering. Cellulose 2024, 31, 515–534. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-023-05601-1.

3.

Iglesias-Mejuto, A.; Raptopoulos, G.; Malandain, N.; Amaral, M.N.; Ardao, I.; Finšgar, M.; Laromaine, A.; Roig, A.; Reis, C.P.; García-González, C.A.; et al. 3D-Printed Cellulose Aerogels Minimally Cross-Linked with Polyurea: A Robust Strategy for Tissue Engineering. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2025, 17, 34444–34457. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.5c08389.

3.3. Mechanical Spectroscopy of Polyurethane-Based Polymers for Orthodontic Aligners

• Luka Brenko ¹, Luka Šimunović ² and Tatjana Haramina ¹

¹ 

Department of Materials, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

² 

Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Polymeric clear aligners are increasingly used in orthodontics due to their aesthetic appeal and comfort. When placed in the oral cavity, they are continuously exposed to challenging conditions such as temperature fluctuations and changes in pH. The mechanical properties of these aligners are strongly influenced by temperature and liquid absorption. This study employs Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) to evaluate the effect of a saline solution (0.9% NaCl) on the polyurethane-based material Tera Harz TC-85.

DMA was performed over a temperature range of 20 °C to 88 °C, measuring storage modulus (E′), loss factor (tan δ), and glass transition temperature (Tg). Aging the material under laboratory conditions for three months showed no significant effect on its mechanical properties. However, exposure to the saline solution led to a marked decrease in E′, tan δ, and Tg, indicating that the saline solution acted as a plasticizer. At 35 °C, the modulus of soaked samples decreased by 59% compared to as-prepared samples. Further soaking beyond five days did not produce additional changes. The plasticization process was reversible; after three days of drying, the material’s properties were almost fully restored.

Saline solution acts as a reversible plasticizer for Tera Harz TC-85, reducing its stiffness and Tg. Given that the average oral cavity temperature (34 °C) is near or above the Tg of soaked samples (30–31.5 °C), their mechanical properties degrade during use. This can lead to reduced effectiveness of orthodontic aligners.

3.4. The Influence of the Titanium Dioxide Surface Modification on the Selected Physicochemical and Biological Characteristics of the Biopolymer Foams

• Ewelina Katarzyna Pabjańczyk-Wlazło ¹, Nina Tarzyńska ², Anna Bednarowicz ², Adam Puszkarz ¹, Grzegorz Szparaga ¹, Michał Puchalski ¹, Sławomir Sztajnowski ¹ and Piotr Kaczmarek ³

¹ 

Faculty of Material Technologies and Textile Design, Textile Institute, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland

² 

Centre for Biomedical Engineering ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network-Lodz Institute of Technology, 90-570 Lodz, Poland

³ 

Laboratory of Biodegradation and Microbiological Research, ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network-Lodz Institute of Technology, 92-103 Lodz, Poland

This study investigates the impact of titanium dioxide surface modification, applied by atomic layer deposition, on the structure and selected physicochemical and biological properties of biopolymer foams. Porous foams were fabricated using freeze-drying of tailored polymer blends, followed by atomic layer deposition deposition of titanium dioxide layers. The surface modification aimed to enhance the several important characteristics of the material—it’s surface properties like stability in biological medium, internal structure and architecture, as well as antibacterial performance, which are critical for applications in regenerative medicine on in general biomedical field. Comprehensive characterization included infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy and X-ray microtomography. The results demonstrate that the thickness and uniformity of TiO₂ coatings can be precisely tuned by adjusting the number of ALD cycles, yielding homogeneous coverage without compromising the open cellular structure or pore connectivity of the foams. The study confirms that atomic layer deposition can be an effective method for the controlled functionalization of biopolymer foams, offering new possibilities for developing advanced biomaterials with tailored surface properties and enhanced performance in biomedical applications. This study was financed through the Norwegian Financial Mechanism “Norway Grants” via the National Centre for Research and Development in Poland under the Programme SGS 2020, grant agreement no. NOR/SGS/engiSCAF/0293/2020-00.

3.5. A Facile Synthesis of Hardystonite: A Novel Approach

• Anna Petrovna Solonenko ¹, Alisa Evgen’evna Shevchenko ¹, Ekaterina Sergeevna Chikanova ² and Denis Andreevich Polonyankin ³

¹ 

Dental Department, Omsk State Medical University, Omsk 644099, Russia

² 

College of Basic Professional Studies, MISIS, Moscow 119049, Russia

³ 

Physical Department, Omsk State Technical University, Omsk 644050, Russia

Introduction. Hardystonite (Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇) is a novel promising compound for bone tissue engineering due to its biocompability and favorable mechanical properties. Currently, widely used methods include mechanochemical and sol–gel synthesis of Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇. But these methods require specialized equipment and reagents. Herein, we present a simple and efficient method for the synthesis of hardystonite.

Methods. Synthesis was carried out by a wet method based on the formation of low soluble compounds in aqueous solution. Briefly, aqueous solutions of Ca(OH)₂, Na₂SiO₃, and ZnCl₂ were consistently mixed, maintaining a molar ratio closely approximating the stoichiometry of the following theoretical reaction: 2Ca(OH)₂ + 2Na₂SiO₃ + ZnCl₂ = Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇ + 2NaCl + 2NaOH + H₂O. The resulting precipitate was aged in the mother solution, then filtered, washed with distilled water, dried, and calcined at 1250 °C. The product was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Zeta potential and specific surface area were also determined.

Results. According to XRD and IR, freshly precipitated powder consists of poorly crystalline calcium silicate hydrate and hydrated zinc oxide, with calcium carbonate impurity. Upon calcination, dehydration and decarbonation occur, leading to the crystallization of Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇ via solid-state reactions between the formed precursors. The resulting powder exhibits a zeta potential of −16.3 mV and a specific surface area of 1.7 m²/g.

Conclusions. This study demonstrates that single-phase hardystonite powder can be effectively synthesized via a facile and productive chemical precipitation method, followed by calcination of the resulting precipitate. This approach offers a compelling alternative to existing synthetic routes, potentially facilitating broader research and application of hardystonite in bone tissue engineering.

3.6. Advanced Multifunctional Polyimide/Graphene Nanocomposites for Long-Duration Space Missions

• Francesca Blondelli ¹, Elisa Toto ¹, Susanna Laurenzi ² and Maria Gabriella Santonicola ¹

¹ 

Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome, Italy

² 

Department of Astronautical Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851-881, 00138 Rome, Italy

The development of advanced materials for space environments requires an optimal combination of thermal stability, electrical conductivity, low density, and radiation resistance. In particular, these materials need to maintain their structural and functional integrity during long missions in harsh and often unpredictable space conditions. In this context, polyimides (PIs) represent a promising class of polymers, due to their excellent stability in space environments. The incorporation of specific fillers, such as graphene, significantly enhances the performance of PIs, improving their resistance as well as increasing their hydrophobicity and electrical conductivity.

In this work, nanocomposite membranes based on aromatic and fluorinated polyimide with 5–20 wt% of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were synthesized and characterized. An eco-friendly chemical approach was employed using a green and bio-based solvent, dimethyl isosorbide (DMI), for the synthesis of both pristine PI and PI/GNP nanocomposites.

Several experimental techniques were used to investigate the physical, chemical, thermal, electrical, and morphological properties of membranes, assessing their potential applications in space environments. Optical microscopy and SEM analysis confirmed good dispersion of GNP within the PI matrix and increasing roughness with GNP content. FTIR and DSC analyses indicated successful imidization of PI and high glass transition temperature (~200 °C) for all samples. An increase in GNP loading resulted in enhanced hydrophobicity, as demonstrated by water contact angle and surface free energy measurements. Electrical analysis indicated a shift from insulating behavior in pristine PI to conductive behavior in the PI/GNP nanocomposites. Indeed, a higher concentration of GNPs resulted in lower impedance values and improved electrical conductivity.

Overall, the multifunctional properties of these materials highlight their strong potential for use in aerospace applications, including antibacterial coatings, flexible electronics, and sensor systems in long-duration space missions.

3.7. Amino-Functionalized MWCNT/Ecoflex Nanocomposites for Stimuli-Responsive Soft Robotic Actuation and Interfaces

• Saleimah Ahmed Alyammahi ¹, Fesmi Majeed ¹ and Wasseel Al Abbas ²

¹ 

Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology & Science Division, Faculty of Engineering, Fujairah Campus, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 25026, United Arab Emirates

² 

Department of Electrical Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology & Science Division, Faculty of Engineering, Fujairah Campus, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 25026, United Arab Emirates

Soft polymer–nanotube composites are of growing interest for robotic and biomedical systems that require flexibility, conductivity, and adaptability. In this work, Ecoflex silicone elastomers were combined with commercially available amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes to develop conductive and mechanically resilient nanocomposites. The amino groups are expected to enhance compatibility with the polymer, facilitating better dispersion and the formation of conductive pathways. Electrical conductivity will be modeled and measured across CNT concentrations to map percolation, while the composite’s thermal response will be experimentally characterized via Joule (self-)heating and external heating, recording ΔT–power and resistance–temperature (TCR) curves. Mechanical testing and cyclic actuation studies will assess flexibility and durability. Stimuli responsiveness will be evaluated under three inputs: (i) mechanical/pneumatic loading for strain and contact sensing in bending actuators; (ii) electrical input for on-demand thermal modulation and defogging; and (iii) thermal/photothermal input to characterize the resistance–temperature response and recovery. Preliminary trials indicate that conductivity remains limited at low CNT contents, highlighting the importance of optimizing dispersion and curing strategies. Early actuator prototypes exhibited pneumatic bending and measurable resistance variation under deformation, supporting integrated actuation–sensing. Overall, Ecoflex/amino-MWCNT composites show promise as a scalable, tunable platform for stimuli-responsive soft materials, bridging processing, percolation, and function and enabling applications in soft robotics, rehabilitation devices, and wearable adaptive systems.

3.8. Antibacterial and Functional Enhancement of Layer-by-Layer Assembled Organic Multilayer Thin Films

• Juri Han ¹, Ha-Yeon Song ², Jung-Mi Kim ³ and Chungyeon Cho ¹

¹ 

Department of Biomedical Materials Science, Jeonbuk Advanced Bio-Convergence Academy, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea

² 

Institute of Life Science and Natural Resources, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea

³ 

Department of Biomedical Materials Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea

The rising demand for multifunctional coatings in healthcare, smart textiles, and filtration technologies has driven interest in polymer-based thin films with integrated antibacterial, mechanical, and electrical properties. This study presents a scalable Layer-by-Layer (LbL) nanocoating approach using water-soluble polyelectrolytes and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Branched polyethylenimine (BPEI, pKa ~9.5) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA, pKa ~4.5) were selected as the polycation and polyanion, respectively, exhibiting pH-dependent ionization behavior. Optimal LbL conditions were achieved at pH 10 for BPEI and pH 4 for PAA to ensure strong electrostatic interactions and robust multilayer formation. CNTs were incorporated into the PAA solution to form conductive interlayers, enhancing both electrical conductivity and mechanical durability.

Antibacterial activity was assessed using Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), following the KS K 0693 standard. BPEI, PAA, and PAA+CNT solutions were tested, with all showing inhibition zones. BPEI exhibited the strongest antibacterial effect due to its high positive charge density. Subsequently, 20 bilayers of coatings were deposited on glass coverslips via spray-assisted LbL using BPEI/PAA and BPEI/PAA+CNT. Samples underwent three post-treatments: untreated, UV exposure, and autoclaving. All coated samples maintained antibacterial activity, with CNT-containing films retaining efficacy even after sterilization, suggesting synergistic antibacterial effects from CNT–microbe interactions.

Surface analysis revealed increased roughness and interfacial adhesion in CNT-containing coatings, contributing to improved durability and reusability. Electrical measurements confirmed enhanced conductivity, highlighting their potential in smart interfaces, antistatic films, and biosensing platforms.

This work demonstrates a versatile and scalable strategy for developing multifunctional antibacterial nanocoatings using pH-tuned LbL assembly and CNT integration, offering promising applications in biomedical, industrial, and consumer-oriented technologies.

3.9. Bioinspired Channel-Embedded Porous Zirconia Surfaces for Dental Implants Fibrointegration: Fabrication, Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation

• Sara Madeira ¹, Manuela Proença ¹, Joana Ribeiro ¹, Flávio Rodrigues ¹, Lia Rimondini ², Michael Gasik ³ and Filipe S. Silva ¹

¹ 

Center for Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems (CMEMS-UMinho), University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal

² 

Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Disease, CAAD, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy

³ 

Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University Foundation, Aalto, 00076 Espoo, Finland

Dental implants are widely used to replace missing teeth. Typically cylindrical or tapered with threads, they are commonly made of commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) or its Ti6Al4V alloy. These implants are osseointegrated, forming a rigid connection with the surrounding alveolar bone. However, unlike natural teeth, they lack critical periodontal structures such as the periodontal ligament (PDL) and cementum. This absence can lead to stress concentration, bacterial infiltration, and increased risk of implant failure. These limitations underscore the need for bioinspired designs that replicate the structural and functional integration of natural teeth. This study introduces a fibrointegration concept inspired by the natural tooth-PDL-bone interface. Zirconia was explored as a promising alternative to titanium due to its high mechanical strength, excellent biocompatibility, and effective osseointegration. Its tooth-like color improves aesthetics and reduces plaque accumulation. Zirconia specimens with internal micro-channels and an external porous surface were designed to mimic dentinal tubules and cementum functions, respectively. These were fabricated using CAD/CAM and dip-coating techniques, then characterized. The impact of these structural features on cell behavior was assessed using human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPLFs) in vitro. Electrical impedance spectroscopy was performed between 1 and 100 kHz to gain further insights into cell adhesion and activity. Results showed that channel-embedded porous zirconia surfaces exhibited superhydrophilic behavior and strong capillary effects, facilitating rapid fluid uptake-key factors for fibroblast attachment and guided growth. All specimens demonstrated biocompatibility with hPLFs, with the highest fibroblast proliferation observed on surfaces combining both micro-channels and porosity. SEM images confirmed cell embedding within the porous structure. Electrical impedance measurements after 3 days of culture revealed the highest impedance values for the channel-porous specimens, indicating enhanced cell adhesion, migration, and spreading. These findings show that channel-porous zirconia surfaces can smartly guide fibroblast growth, supporting the design of bioinspired implants for functional fibrointegration.

3.10. Biomaterials for Skincare Applications: Sugarcane Bagasse-Based Activated Carbon as a Sustainable Alternative

• Precious Chikwado Nicholas

• Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, 5323 Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

The development of sustainable biomaterials for skincare applications is gaining attention due to growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. This study explores the potential of sugarcane bagasse-based activated carbon as a sustainable alternative, emphasizing both its functional skincare performance and underlying materials science. Sugarcane bagasse, an abundant agro-industrial byproduct, was converted into activated carbon using a two-step process: pyrolysis at 500 °C for two hours, followed by chemical activation with potassium hydroxide (KOH) at 800 °C for one hour. This approach offers a cost-effective and environmentally conscious alternative to conventional activation methods, while enabling the fine-tuning of pore structure and surface chemistry to suit cosmetic applications, thereby representing a novel application of this well-established activation method to generate biomaterials specifically tailored for cosmetic use. This method yielded a high-performance material while supporting waste valorization and circular economy goals. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization was conducted using BET surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The resulting activated carbon exhibited a high specific surface area, well-developed pore structure, and surface functional groups conducive to adsorption. These structural features enabled effective removal of biologically relevant substances such as sebum analogs and model toxins, evaluated using a silicon skin model. Comparative analysis with commercial activated carbon showed that the sugarcane bagasse-derived variant demonstrated equivalent or superior adsorption capacity. The findings validate its potential for deep skin cleansing applications and broader use in eco-friendly formulations. Moreover, the synthesis approach highlights a sustainable route for transforming agricultural waste into valuable biomaterials. By integrating green synthesis principles with detailed materials characterization, this research positions sugarcane bagasse-based activated carbon as a viable candidate for sustainable skincare applications and contributes to the advancement of biodegradable and high-performance biomaterials in the cosmetics industry.

3.11. Biomedical Potential of Porous Ti6Al4V Scaffolds Prepared by Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

• Katarzyna Haraźna ¹, Julia Sadlik ², Edyta Kosińska ², Agnieszka Sobczak-Kupiec ¹, Mansoureh Rezapourianghahfarokhi ³, Irina Hussainova ³ and Agnieszka Maria Tomala ¹

¹ 

Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, 37 Jana Pawła II Av., 31-864 Krakow, Poland

² 

Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, CUT Doctoral School, Cracow University of Technology, 37 Jana Pawła II Av., 31-864 Krakow, Poland

³ 

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Tallinn University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia

Bone defects and fractures have emerged as a significant global health issue, primarily due to factors such as an aging population, osteoporosis, tumors, trauma, and orthopedic diseases. Consequently, more than four million surgical procedures utilizing bone grafts and replacement materials are performed annually, making bone the second most commonly transplanted tissue worldwide [1]. The global orthopedic implants market represents a vital and expanding sector within the medical industry, currently valued at approximately USD 48 billion in 2023, and expected to grow to USD 78 billion by 2033 [2]. The use of artificial bone implants is significant, as they mitigate the risk of disease transmission associated with autologous and allograft bone transplants, positioning them as a vital solution for the repair of damaged bones [1].

Metals such as stainless steel, cobalt–chromium (Co-Cr) alloys, and titanium-based alloys are vital materials used in strong and reliable medical implants. Titanium alloys, particularly Ti-6Al-4V, are the preferred choice for bone replacement because of their excellent biocompatibility and outstanding corrosion resistance [3].

This paper will present the biomedical potential of materials produced using SLM technology with different porosities and pore shapes. The results will show the relationship between the structure of the material and the observations from indirect and direct cytotoxicity tests, as well as direct proliferation for mouse pre-osteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1).

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the project “New Generation of Bioactive Laser Textured Ti/Hap Implants” under the acronym “BiLaTex” carried out within M-ERA.NET 3 Call 2022 programme in the National Centre for Research and Development (registration no.: ERA.NET3/2022/48/BiLaTex/2023).

• References

1.

Xu, C.; Qi, J.; Zhang, L.; Liu, Q.; Ren, L. Material extrusion additive manufacturing of Ti6Al4V bio-inspired bone implants with tunable Young’s modulus. Addit. Manuf. 2023, 78, 103884.

2.

Orthopedic Implants Market Size. Available online: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/orthopedic-implants-market.

3.

Schöbel, L.; Ayerbe, M.G.; Polley, C.; Arruebarrena, G.; Seitz, H.; Boccaccini, A.R. Feasibility Study of Bioactive Hydrogel Coatings on Ti-6Al-4V Gyroid Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering. ACS Biomater. Sci. Eng. 2025, 11, 4057−4061.

3.12. Characterization of Biodegradable Films from Holocellulose of Natural Polymers via Electrospinning

• Tadeu Florião Lahora ¹, Michelle Gonçalves Mothé ², Jaqueline Souza de Freitas ¹ and Marcos Lopes Dias ³

¹ 

Department of Organic Processes, School of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil

² 

School of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941909, Brazil

³ 

Institute of Macromolecules Professor Eloisa Mano, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil

The growing demand for sustainable materials has driven the search for biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics. This study investigates the use of cashew industry waste (Anacardium occidentale), an abundant agro-industrial byproduct, in the production of biodegradable films through the electrospinning technique, in combination with natural polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The objective of this work is to optimize electrospinning parameters for each polymer, including variations in solution concentration, solvent type, flow rate, and applied voltage, as well as the treatment of cellulosic material for incorporation into polymer solutions for film production. The methodology involved preparing PLA and PCL solutions (10 and 15% w/v) using a system of acetic acid and formic acid (9:1 ratio) and in analytical-grade acetone. Electrospinning was carried out under different conditions to determine optimal parameters, and alkaline treatment of the natural raw material was performed with NaOH solutions at 2% and 5% v/v. Film characterization was conducted by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thermal analysis results allowed classification of the fibers according to thermal stability and confirmed complete solvent evaporation during electrospinning, with single-stage mass loss for both polymers, corresponding to 100% for PLA and 90% for PCL, within their respective degradation temperature ranges (360 °C for PLA and 425 °C for PCL). SEM results enabled the evaluation of the effects of different parameters on surface morphology and revealed the successful production of nanometer-scale fibers for PLA electrospun in acetone and PCL electrospun in acetic acid/formic acid.

3.13. Characterization of Hydrogel Biomaterial as a Potential Hydrocortisone Delivery System for Topical Therapy of Psoriasis

• Kacper Odziomek

• Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, 24 Warszawska Street, 31155 Cracow, Poland

The aim of this study was to characterize the properties of a hydrogel biomaterial as a potential hydrocortisone delivery system for the topical therapy of Psoriasis.

Despite the progressive development of modern therapies for Psoriasis, its overall cure remains impossible. Furthermore, traditional formulations, such as ointments and creams, have significant disadvantages. These products can be greasy and leave undesirable residues on clothes and bedding, as well as be uncomfortable for frequent topical application. Therefore, hydrogel patch-based therapies are a promising alternative to conventional solutions due to their high water content, which can provide proper hydration, as well as a cooling and soothing effect. Moreover, they allow prolonged and controlled release of active substances, which is expected to enhance the therapeutic effect and, at the same time, reduce the cost of therapy.

Hydrocortisone is a synthetic compound with a similar structure to cortisol. Its anti-inflammatory properties result from the inhibition of the release of substances that cause swelling, redness, and pain, as well as the suppression of increased immune activity. Incorporation of hydrocortisone into a hybrid hydrogel biomaterial could be an interesting modification with high potential for implementation as a novel method of relieving disease symptoms.

The obtained hydrogel biomaterial was characterized for its physicochemical, structural, and morphological properties. Additionally, the hydrocortisone release profile and kinetics from the biomaterial were analyzed, degradation studies were performed, and cytotoxicity was evaluated using an advanced 3D model that recreates the structure of Psoriasis-affected skin tissue. The results confirm the high application potential of the hydrogel patch and are a positive indicator for further in vivo studies.

3.14. Comparative Evaluation of Cu- and Fe-Doped TiO₂ Photocatalyst Under Visible Light

• Ehsan Mehmandoust Esfahani, Antonio Nieto-Márquez and José Antonio Díaz López

• Mechanical, Chemical and Industrial Design Engineering Department, School of Engineering and Industrial Design, Polythechnic University of Madrid, 28012 Madrid, Spain

The purpose of this study was to prepare Cu- and Fe-doped TiO₂ thin films using the sol-gel dipping method, thus determining how the addition of different dopants influenced its optical and antibacterial effectiveness. The structural and optical properties of the resulting photocatalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated through the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and the inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. Coli) under visible light irradiation. XRD analysis confirmed that the dominant crystalline phase for both pure and doped TiO₂ calcined at 500 °C was anatase, with crystallite sizes ranging from 11 to 40 nm. The optical properties were studied by UV-vis spectroscopy to measure the band gaps in the wavelength range of 300 to 800 nm. The absorbance spectrum of doped TiO₂ films shows that the absorption edge shifted towards longer wavelengths (redshifted) from 380 nm to 440 nm by increasing the amount of dopants. Tauc plot analysis revealed a band gap narrowing from 3.20 eV for pure TiO₂ to 2.65 eV and 2.40 eV for Fe–TiO₂ and Cu–TiO₂, respectively. In terms of photocatalytic activity, both dopants demonstrated greater MB degradation efficiency than pure TiO₂. Furthermore, antibacterial assays under visible light showed that 0.8Cu–TiO₂ possessed superior antimicrobial activity against E.Coli compared to both pure and Fe-doped TiO₂. The optimal doping levels for enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial performance were identified as 0.8% Cu and 3.0% Fe, respectively.

3.15. Control of Ions in Molecular Liquid Crystals Using Multiple Nanoparticles

• Yuriy Garbovskiy

• Department of Physics and Engineering Physics, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT 06050, USA

Advanced applications of molecular liquid crystals, such as high-resolution displays for augmented and virtual reality, tunable electro-optical components for high-resolution imaging and space exploration, spatial light modulators for flat optics and structured light generation, lasers, sensors, and smart windows, rely heavily on the development of new mesogenic materials with improved functionalities. Recent advances in molecular engineering and nanotechnology have resulted in virtually infinite possibilities for creating multifunctional mesogenic materials using molecular and nano-dopants, thus benefiting a wide range of tunable liquid crystal devices. As a rule, their tunability is achieved by taking advantage of the electric field-induced reorientation of liquid crystal molecules. This reorientation can be affected by ions always present in molecular liquid crystals. Therefore, developing new ways to control ions in molecular liquid crystals is critical for their existing and emerging applications.

This presentation discusses how nanoparticles can be used to control the concentration of mobile ions in molecular liquid crystals. For a single type of nanoparticle, an elementary model considering interactions between ions and nanoparticles, the possibility of ionic contamination of nanoparticles, and experimental results supporting the model are discussed. The change in the concentration of mobile ions in nematic liquid crystals containing ferroelectric and magnetic nanoparticles leads to the modification of the DC electrical conductivity, which is evaluated using the impedance spectroscopy method. For better control over the DC electrical conductivity of molecular liquid crystals, the simultaneous use of several types of nanoparticles is proposed. This way, it is possible to achieve a nearly three order of magnitude decrease or increase in the DC electrical conductivity of molecular liquid crystals.

3.16. Development and Performance Evaluation of a Tripterygium Glycosides-Loaded Hydrogel Patch Against Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Xiang Meng ¹, Zequn Zeng ², Muzhou Xue ² and Yucheng Weng ²

¹ 

Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China

² 

Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, China

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic synovitis. Current therapeutic agents are limited by low bioavailability and multiple adverse effects. Tripterygium glycosides exhibit significant efficacy against RA, but their poor water solubility and pronounced first-pass effect restrict clinical application. To enhance drug delivery efficiency, this study developed a tripterygium glycoside-loaded hydrogel patch based on a transdermal drug delivery system.

The matrix formulation was optimized through single-factor experiments combined with response surface methodology (RSM) to determine the optimal composition. Physicochemical characterization and in vitro drug release studies confirmed that the drug-loaded hydrogel possesses a uniform porous structure, excellent viscoelasticity, and favorable drug release performance. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed that the system reached equilibrium within 500 ps, with a density of approximately 1.5 g/cm³. The diffusion coefficient of tripterygium glycosides was determined as 1.283 × 10⁻³ Ų/ps. Radial distribution function (RDF) analysis identified potential atomic interaction distances.

In a complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced RA mouse model, the high-dose patch (300 mg/kg·d) significantly reduced the arthritis index, which is a 69.2% reduction compared to the model group, and suppressed serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β significantly. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining demonstrated attenuation of synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory infiltration.

This study pioneers the integration of tripterygium glycosides with hydrogel patch technology, effectively overcoming limitations of poor water solubility and low bioavailability of its active components. It provides a novel strategy for the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.

3.17. Development of Anti-Corrosive Coatings Based on Epoxy Resin Reinforced with GO-Coated Chitosan Nanoparticles

• Shanza Bibi and Ibtsam Riaz

• Department of Physics, Main Campus, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 39161, Pakistan

Corrosion is a life-threatening industrial problem that causes significant economic losses, safety concerns, and, more importantly, issues in various industrial sectors like construction, chemical processing, and marine engineering. Our research focuses on the production of anticorrosive nanocomposite coatings based on epoxy resin reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) to provide protection against corrosion. Epoxy resin was chosen as a primary matrix due to its superior mechanical properties and resistance to chemicals. Graphene oxide (GO) and Chitosan (CH NPs) were selected as nanofillers. Chitosan was chosen based on its biocompatibility and adhesive features, whereas Graphene oxide (GO) was chosen as a barrier enhancer. In this work, GO was prepared through the Modified Hummers’ method, and CH NPs through Green Synthesis techniques. The CH/GO nanocomposite was prepared with varying concentrations of GO (0.5% and 1%) by the in situ method. These composites were incorporated into Epoxy Resin at 2wt% and then drop-cast onto substrate sheets. Different characterization methods have been used to determine the structure, morphology, and anticorrosive performance of the hybrid coatings: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Analysis revealed that the 1% GO-CH NPs coating had the highest corrosion resistance with a very high value of impedance, poor porosity, and much better surface morphology when compared to the control.

3.18. Development of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate)/Poly(Methyl Acrylate) Hybrid Composites with Enhanced Electrical Conductivity Through Graphene Nanoplatelet Incorporation and Optimization of Their Blend Ratio

• Jose Luis Aparicio Collado ¹, José Molina Mateo ¹, Alba Cano Vicent ², Miguel Martí ², Ángel Serrano Aroca ² and Roser Sabater i Serra ^1,3

¹ 

Centre for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain

² 

Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain

³ 

Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 47011 Valladolid, Spain

• Introduction

To develop hybrid composites with enhanced electrical properties, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs, 10 wt%) were incorporated into films based on blends of poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). While PMA offers flexibility and processability, PHBV contributes biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, both polymers are inherently insulating. Various blend ratios were tested, but only the PHBV/PMA 20/80 wt% ratio showed a significant enhancement in electrical conductivity upon GNP addition. This specific ratio enabled the formation of a more efficient conductive network.

• Methods

Films of PHBV, PMA, and their blends (30/70, 20/80, 70/30, 80/20) were prepared via solvent casting, using chloroform and toluene as solvents for PHBV and PMA, respectively. The PHBV/PMA 20/80–10% GNP composition was selected for detailed analysis due to its superior homogeneity and conductivity. Samples were characterized by SEM, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and conductivity measurements.

• Results

SEM revealed uniform GNP dispersion only in the PHBV/PMA 20/80 blend, while significant aggregation occurred in neat PHBV and PMA. FTIR confirmed the presence of both polymers. Thermal analysis showed that the blend suppressed PHBV crystallization, but GNPs acted as nucleating agents, restoring semicrystalline behaviour. TGA indicated that thermal stability remained comparable to neat PMA after GNP addition. Electrical conductivity increased from 0.4 mS/m (PHBV/PMA) to 5 mS/m with GNPs—an over 12-fold enhancement—indicating formation of a percolation network.

• Conclusions

Incorporating GNPs into PHBV/PMA 20/80 blends significantly enhanced conductivity without compromising thermal stability or morphology. The uniform GNP dispersion and conductivity increase confirm a continuous conductive network. This strategy enables the development of functional materials for biomedical devices and flexible electronics, where electrical performance and structural integrity are crucial. These conductive composites offer a promising platform for next-generation multifunctional materials.

3.19. Eco-Friendly Yeast-Derived Chitinase for Antifungal Use via Fungal Cell Wall Disruption

• Ha-Yeon Song ¹, Seo-Been Jo ², Sua Kim ² and Jung-Mi Kim ³

¹ 

Institute of Life Science and Natural Resources, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea

² 

Department of Bio-Environmental Chemistry, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea

³ 

Department of Biomedical Materials Science, Jeonbuk Advanced Bio-Convergence Academy, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea

The development of sustainable biomaterials with antifungal properties is an important objective in agricultural, environmental, and materials biotechnology. Chitinases, enzymes that hydrolyze chitin in fungal cell walls, are attractive eco-friendly biocontrol candidates; however, their industrial application is often limited by low heterologous yields and costly purification. In this study, a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y2805) was engineered to secrete a chitinase (Chit36) from Trichoderma atroviride using an optimized extracellular production system incorporating a plant-derived signal peptide. This design enabled direct use of culture filtrates without downstream purification, thereby reducing process complexity and potential environmental burden. The recombinant filtrates showed strong chitinolytic activity and significantly inhibited the growth of multiple species of plant and opportunistic fungal pathogens in standardized plate- and broth-based assays relative to vector-only controls. Time-course microscopy revealed suppression of early hyphal elongation and germ-tube abnormalities, resulting in delayed or aberrant colony development. Additional imaging indicated cell wall surface irregularities and localized swelling consistent with chitin degradation and impaired wall integrity. Together, these observations provide experimental evidence that the recombinant yeast platform produces bioactive materials with reproducible antifungal effects. Ongoing studies are assessing enzyme stability, broadening pathogen coverage, and evaluating formulation and storage conditions to define application-relevant performance and constraints within sustainable antifungal strategies.

3.20. Effect of Surface Printing on the Release Kinetics of Gentamicin from Gradient Samples for Bone Applications

• Dominika Julia Wanat, Julia Sadlik, Katarzyna Haraźna and Agnieszka Tomala

• Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, CUT Doctoral School, Cracow University of Technology, 37 Jana Pawła II Av., 31-864 Kraków, Poland

The aim of this study was to investigate the release kinetics of gentamicin from a gradient-structured sample intended for bone applications and to assess the influence of surface printing on the antibiotic release profile. The base sample was designed with a spatial gradient of porosity, enabling controlled fluid penetration and gradual release of the active substance. Such a gradient structure was expected to combine an initial therapeutic concentration with a sustained delivery phase. In addition to the base design, selected samples were modified through surface printing with a gentamicin-containing layer. This approach aimed to further prolong drug release by introducing an additional diffusion barrier and altering surface properties. The release studies were carried out under static conditions in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C to simulate physiological temperature. Gentamicin concentration in the release medium was quantified at predetermined time intervals using a validated spectrophotometric method. The obtained results demonstrated clear differences in release profiles between the unmodified gradient sample and the surface-printed variant. In the surface-printed samples, the initial concentration of the drug in the medium was reduced compared to the base gradient structure, while the subsequent release phase was more uniform and extended over time. These findings indicate that surface printing represents an effective strategy for tailoring drug release kinetics from gradient materials, with potential applications in local bone infection treatment and implant-associated antimicrobial protection.

3.21. Effect of Surface Treatment on the Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Traditional Dental Materials

• Georgiana Osiceanu ^1,2 and Liliana Porojan²

¹ 

Department of Dental Prostheses Technology (Dental Technology), Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Doctoral School Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania

² 

Department of Dental Prostheses Technology (Dental Technology), Center for Advanced Technologies in Dental Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether any coating material would have a beneficial influence on maintaining color stability and surface roughness, and to what extent an uncoated resin composite can keep its original color. The study evaluated three direct composite resins (Gradia Direct Anterior A2, Tetric EvoCeram A2, Filtek Z550 A2) using 30 samples per material (1 mm thick, 14 × 10 × 1 mm). Samples were prepared in 3D-printed molds, light-cured for 40 s, and initially smoothed with abrasive paper (grit 400–2000). The surface treatments applied were as follows: group 1—polished with a brush and Compo + polishing paste; group 2—conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid, with single bond adhesive applied, light-cured.

All samples were cleaned ultrasonically for 5 min. Initial surface roughness and color were measured with a profilometer and spectrophotometer. Samples were then immersed in distilled water (control), Coca-Cola (at 37 °C) and red wine (at 10 °C), with surface roughness and color changes measurements taken on days 1, 7, and 14. Immersion media were refreshed weekly.

The most notable color changes after immersion in coloring solutions were observed in the groups treated with Coca-Cola and red wine, compared with the control group in distilled water. Statistically significant differences were found between the four evaluation stages, with the most pronounced changes occurring after 2 weeks of immersion.

This study simulates the oral environment and the exposure of restorative materials to staining agents. As the loss of esthetic properties over time is a continuous problem, the clinical significance of this research lies in demonstrating how a restorative material could resist pigmentation, when in contact with well-known high staining beverages, in order to maintain its esthetic properties and remain suitable for long-term use in the oral cavity. Moreover, the hypothesis that a coating material would protect the resin composite surface and reduce discoloration was tested.

3.22. Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications: Biocompatible Dressings and Bioactive Implant Coatings

• Gianluca Ciarleglio, Elisa Toto and Maria Gabriella Santonicola

• Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment (DICMA), Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 7, 00161 Rome, Italy

Electrospinning enables the fabrication of nanofibrous materials with tailoring architecture, high surface area, and tunable functional properties, making it a key technology in regenerative medicine and biomedical device design. This study presents two advanced biomedical applications of electrospun nanofibers: biocompatible PVA/HA dressings for promoting wound regeneration, and bioactive PLA/nHAp coatings for improving the surface performance of titanium-based implants.

In the first approach, aqueous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were electrospun and subsequently crosslinked through thermal treatment using citric acid (CA), a biobased, non-toxic crosslinker. The resulting nanofibrous mats exhibited uniform morphology with fiber diameters below 200 nm, as observed via SEM. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of ester bonds, while DSC analysis indicated thermal stability in physiologically relevant conditions. Swelling and degradation tests performed in PBS at different pH values demonstrated high water resistance and pH-responsive behavior, supporting their suitability as wound dressings with potential for controlled release of bioactive agents. Building on the versatility of electrospun nanofibers, a further application was explored for implant coatings based on polylactic acid (PLA), and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) were directly electrospun onto titanium substrates. The incorporation of nHAp improved fiber uniformity and increased porosity, contributing to a more favorable microstructure for cellular interaction. FTIR analysis confirmed successful nanofiller integration, while electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed enhanced corrosion resistance, highlighting the potential of these composite coatings as effective bioactive and protective barriers for metallic implants.

These results support the use of electrospun nanofibers as multifunctional materials for both wound healing and implant surface modification.

3.23. Evaluation and Statistical Optimization of Ophthalmic Nano-Gel Loaded with Ganciclovir for Better Residence Time

• Susanta Paul ¹, Subhabrota Majumdar ² and Mainak Chakraborty ³

¹ 

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata 700053, West Bengal, India

² 

Calcutta Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology & A.H.S, Uluberia, Howrah 711316, West Bengal, India

³ 

School of Medical Sciences, Adamas University, Barasat-Barrackpore Road, Barbaria, P.O Jagannathpur, District-24 Parganas (North), Kolkata 700126, West Bengal, India

Introduction: The delivery of antiviral agents to ocular tissues presents a significant challenge due to rapid drug clearance and limited bioavailability. Ganciclovir, a potent antiviral drug used for treating viral eye infections, suffers from poor ocular retention. To enhance its residence time and therapeutic efficacy, an ophthalmic nano-gel formulation was developed and optimized using statistical tools.

Methods: A nano-gel loaded with ganciclovir was formulated using a nanoparticulate drug delivery approach. Nanoparticles were prepared via the solvent evaporation method and incorporated into a thermosensitive in situ gel base. A 3² factorial design optimized key formulation parameters such as the concentration of ethyl cellulose and the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol, ensuring an ideal balance between particle size, % of encapsulation efficiency, and % of drug released at 12 h. Further characterization studies for prepared ganciclovir nanoparticles were conducted including zeta potential and the polydispersity index. The final in situ gel was prepared by simple dispersion of the best-optimized batch of ganciclovir nanoparticles into 18% w/v poloxamer solution, and this was evaluated by ex vivo permeation studies. Additionally, rheological assessments were performed to evaluate the gel’s residence time.

Results: The optimized formulation exhibited a nanosized drug carrier system with high drug entrapment efficiency and sustained drug release over 12 h. Rheological studies confirmed its sol-to-gel transition at physiological ocular temperature, ensuring prolonged retention. Ex vivo permeation studies demonstrated enhanced drug permeation compared to conventional formulations. The Draize ocular irritation study in a rabbit model indicated that the final formulation is non-irritant.

Conclusions: The optimized ganciclovir-loaded ophthalmic nano-gel demonstrated improved ocular retention, controlled drug release, and enhanced permeation, making it a promising alternative for treating viral eye infections. The application of statistical optimization ensured formulation robustness, paving the way for further clinical investigations.

3.24. Extended Experiment-Simulation Based Assessment of a Porous Ti Alloy

• Agnieszka Tomala ¹, Adam Ciszkiewicz ² and Areti Papastavrou ³

¹ 

Faculty of Materials Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, 37 Jana Pawła II Av., 31-864 Krakow, Poland

² 

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Kraków, Poland

³ 

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm, 90489 Nuremberg, Germany

• Introduction

With the recent advancements in implant technology, the need for novel biocompatible materials is higher than even. This is especially true for the hip joint, which is frequently injured with many patients disappointed from the surgery results.

• Methods

The aim of this work is to provide an extensive assessment of the properties of a porous 3D printed Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) Ti64 alloy. The assessment was carried out in two parts—experiment and simulation. The experimental part consisted of Tensile Strength mechanical testing of samples with to compute the porosity, density and Young’s modulus for two types of samples with varying levels of porosity (0%, 15% and 35%) and with 3 repetitions. Finite element modeling with parameter uncertainty was used to extend mechanical testing of the samples. The paddle sample FE model was solved 128 times based on a Sobol sequence with its parameters treated as random variables.

• Results

The measured values of porosity and density averaged at 27.3 ± 4.9 and 2.72 ± 0.03 [g/m³] for 35% porosity Ti6Al4V and 8.6 ± 0.5 and 3.52 ± 0.16 [g/m³] for 15% porosity Ti6Al4V and 1.9 ± 1.3 and 4.16 ± 0.1 for 0% porosity solid Ti6Al4V alloy. The Young’s modulus in tensile strength varied from 18 018.0 (35%) to 21 149.8 (15%) to 28 826.74 MPa (0%) between the samples.

• Conclusions

This study presents an extensive, two-step assessment of the Ti64 properties. Novel methods are applied both on the experimental side of the study, with tensile strength test and numerical part—with modeling under parameter uncertainty. The results showcase promising material properties of the Alloy for use in implant technology. Future studies will incorporate further experiments and extended modeling under more realistic implant loading conditions.

• Acknowledgements

Bayerische Forschungsallianz BayIntAn_THN_2025_40.

3.25. Femtosecond Laser Micro- and Nanostructuring of Aluminium Moulds for Durable Superhydrophobic PDMS Surfaces

• Stefania Caragnano ^1,2, Raffaele De Palo ¹, Felice Alberto Sfregola ^1,2, Caterina Gaudiuso ², Francesco Mezzapesa ², Pietro Patimisco ^1,3, Antonio Ancona ^1,2 and Annalisa Volpe ^1,2

¹ 

Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica, University and Politecnico of Bari, Via Amendola 173, 70126 Bari, Italy

² 

Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, CNR-IFN, via Amendola 122/D, 70126 Bari, Italy

³ 

PolySense Innovations srl, Via Amendola 173, 70126 Bari, Italy

Surface functionalization of polymers plays a crucial role in enhancing key properties such as wettability, frictional behaviour and resistance to mechanical wear. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a widely used polymer in microfluidics and biomedical applications due to its excellent biocompatibility, optical transparency and ease of processing. A common approach to tailoring its surface morphology and consequently its wettability is soft lithography. However, the fabrication of the moulds required for this technique is often time-consuming and resource-intensive.

In this study, we present a scalable strategy based on femtosecond laser micromachining to fabricate textured aluminium (AA2024) moulds for replicating PDMS surfaces with tunable hydrophobic behaviour. The moulds were laser-textured using a TruMicro Femto Laser system (Trumpf GmbH, Ditzingen, Germany) to create grid structures with controlled hatch distances and depths. Additionally, Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) were generated to assess nanoscale replication capabilities. PDMS was then cast onto the moulds and cured under standard conditions.

Surface characterization by scanning electron microscopy (ZEISS GeminiSEM 480) and profilometry (Bruker Countour x100) confirmed the high-fidelity transfer of both micro- and nanostructures from the laser-textured moulds to the PDMS. Wettability analysis via static contact angle measurements (DataPhysics OCA25) on water droplets of varying volume revealed a marked increase in hydrophobicity, reaching superhydrophobic levels for optimized geometries.

Moreover, a four-month stability test demonstrated that both hydrophobic and superhydrophobic properties remained stable over time, without the need for additional treatments or signs of surface degradation. This method, entirely free of chemical coatings, offers precise control over surface morphology and functional performance.

In conclusion, femtosecond laser-textured aluminium moulds offer a high-throughput, cost-effective approach for engineering hydrophobic and superhydrophobic PDMS surfaces, with promising applicability in lab-on-chip platforms, implantable biomedical devices and surface-functionalized microfluidic systems.

3.26. Genomic and Functional Characterization of a High-Performance MICP Strain for Sustainable Concrete Applications

• Ha-Yeon Song ¹, Seobeen Jo ², Hayeong Seo ³, JiHun Kim ², Jae-In Lee ⁴, Se-Jin Choi ⁴ and Jung-Mi Kim ³

¹ 

Institute of Life Science and Natural Resources, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea

² 

Department of Life and Environmental Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea

³ 

Department of Biomedical Materials Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea

⁴ 

Department of Architectural Engineering, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea

The growing demand for eco-friendly and carbon-neutral concrete technologies has driven interest in microbial solutions for CO₂ sequestration and self-healing properties. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a promising biomineralization process in which specific microorganisms hydrolyze urea via urease enzymes, increasing pH and promoting calcium carbonate formation. This precipitate fills pores and cracks in concrete, enhancing durability and enabling self-repair. In this study, microorganisms were isolated from waste concrete, yielding a total of 42 isolates. Biological analyses identified 11 distinct strains, from which those with high urease activity or spore-forming ability for alkaline survival were selected. The selected strains were tested in CaCl₂–Na₂CO₃ media, revealing that one strain exhibited the highest biomineralization efficiency. Genomic analysis identified a complete urease gene cluster (ureA–ureC structural genes and ureD, ureE, ureF, ureG maturation genes), with genetic variations influencing ureolytic activity. Additionally, genes such as nhaC, involved in pH homeostasis, and mgtE, regulating Mg²⁺ for membrane stability, were found to contribute to performance in alkaline concrete environments. These functional and genomic insights position the strain as a strong candidate for microbial concrete enhancement. Future work will focus on improving strain viability within concrete and validating its performance in real structures. This research advances sustainable construction materials by enabling enhanced durability, reduced carbon emissions, and the potential for large-scale CO₂ mitigation in the concrete industry.

3.27. Graphene–MXene Heterostructure for Combating Bacterial Infections: A Step Toward Safer Health and Environment

• Avdhesh Kumar ¹, Ankit Singh ¹, Sarva Shakti Singh ², Naveen Chaurasia ³ and Manish Pratap Singh ¹

¹ 

Department of Physics, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur 222003, India

² 

Department of Physics, Chowdhary Mahadeo Prasad Degree College, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002, India

³ 

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur 222003, India

The increasing threat of bacterial infections and the limitations of conventional antibiotics have intensified the search for innovative antimicrobial substances. This study examines a heterostructure nanomaterial of single layer graphene (SLG) and delaminated MXene (d-Ti3C2Tx), designed to efficiently inhibit bacterial growth. MXene was synthesised using selective etching and delamination, while the SLG/d-Ti3C2Tx composite was prepared via ultrasonication to ensure uniform dispersion and interfacial interaction between the materials. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), FTIR, and FE-SEM confirmed the successful integration of the 2D d-Ti3C2Tx and SLG. Antibacterial activity was assessed using two methods: optical density and colony-forming unit (CFU) quantification. At 500 µg/mL, the SLG/d-Ti3C2Tx heterostructure demonstrated the strongest antibacterial activity among all materials investigated. Low CFU counts and significant inhibition of bacterial growth were observed. The enhanced activity is attributed to the large surface area of graphene and the sharp edges and surface functionalities of d-Ti3C2Tx, which damage microbial membranes and obstruct cellular processes. The results clearly demonstrate that SLG/d-Ti3C2Tx acts as an effective antibacterial agent. This study opens new avenues for the future development of 2D heterostructures engineered for microbial resistance under diverse conditions. Thus, the designing of the 2D/2D heterostructure SLG/d-Ti3C2Tx is a promising strategy to achieve the antimicrobial activity for various applications.

3.28. Image-Driven Prediction of Mechanical Properties in Fiber-Reinforced Nylon Composites Fabricated via 3D Printing Using YOLOv8 and CNN

• Emir Oncu

• Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul 34220, Turkey

• Background

The mechanical characterization of fiber-reinforced composites is crucial for advancing materials engineering but traditionally relies on destructive, time-consuming testing protocols. The emergence of deep learning provides opportunities for non-destructive, image-based evaluation methods that can accelerate material design and performance assessment.

• Methods

This study proposes a novel image-driven framework that integrates a YOLOv8n-based object detection model with a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to predict tensile behavior in 3D-printed fiber-reinforced nylon composites from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The YOLOv8n model was used to identify and quantify deformation regions before and after tensile testing, while the CNN predicted deformation rates directly from raw image features. By combining these outputs, the framework computes deformation change, maximum deformation rate, and ultimate tensile load. Model interpretability was further enhanced using Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM).

• Results

The predictive framework was validated against 50 load–displacement curves representing the full spectrum of experimentally observed behaviors in 3D-printed nylon fiber composites. The YOLOv8n model achieved an accuracy of 0.937, while the CNN reached an accuracy of 0.961 in predicting deformation rates. Image-based predictions demonstrated excellent agreement with experimental measurements (R² = 0.9995, Pearson r = 0.9998). Furthermore, ultimate tensile loads derived from model outputs enabled the virtual reconstruction of load–displacement responses, effectively bridging microstructural imaging with macroscopic mechanical performance.

• Conclusions

The proposed framework establishes a scalable, non-destructive approach for predicting tensile behavior in fiber-reinforced composites. By integrating high-resolution SEM analysis with deep learning models, this methodology provides a reliable pathway for virtual material testing, reducing experimental demands and accelerating the evaluation and design of advanced composite systems.

3.29. Influence of Printing and Post-Treatment Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of a Dental Resin

• Carmen Mariño Martínez, Iria Feijoo Vázquez and Silvia Gómez Barreiro

• CINTECX, Universidade de Vigo, Encomat, 36310 Vigo, Spain

Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing technique that uses photopolymerization to cure resins, creating solid parts layer by layer from a CAD design. In the manufacture of clear dental aligners, the use of this technique is increasing. This technique is used to create resin molds, which are then used to obtain customized aligners through a thermoforming process. SLA offers significant advantages in terms of precision, customization, and reduced manufacturing time and cost compared to other conventional technologies.

In this study, different printing parameters (layer thickness and orientation) and post-curing parameters (temperature and curing time) were tested to evaluate their effect on the mechanical properties.

A fractional Taguchi design was first used to identify the most influential parameters, leading to the development of the first specimens. By analyzing the results obtained for these specimens in impact using compression and tensile tests, complemented by thermal characterization and roughness tests, the most impactful fabrication parameters on the mechanical properties of the resin were determined.

Once these parameters were determined, a full factorial design was performed to analyze the effect of each variable and their interactions on the properties of the final product in a more comprehensive statistical manner.

Once the results were obtained and the process were optimized, a time reduction was achieved, which improved the aligner manufacturing process without affecting the mechanical and surface properties of the resin dental molds.

3.30. Influence of Processing Parameters on Cracking Behavior: Insights from a Comparative Study Based on a Full Factorial Design

• Eleonora Sofia Cama, Mariacecilia Pasini, Francesco Galeotti and Umberto Giovanella

• National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies (SCITEC), Via Alfonso Corti 12, 20133 Milan, Italy

Cracks in materials and thin films are traditionally regarded as defects to be avoided; however, emerging research highlights how controlled cracking can be exploited as a design tool in electronics, optics, and smart materials. In this study, we explored a broad set of materials to assess their suitability for controlled cracking, including D-sorbitol, deoxycholic acid (DCA), chitosan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, Carbopol, ascorbic acid, agar-agar, titanium dioxide (TiO₂), Pluronic F127, egg white, and soluble coffee, tested under various processing conditions. Among those showing reproducible cracking, two chemically distinct representatives were selected for detailed investigation based on contrasting physicochemical properties: TiO₂, a well-established inorganic oxide, and DCA, a small organic molecule explored here for the first time. This contrast enables a comprehensive assessment of material-dependent cracking mechanisms across a broader chemical spectrum.

Using a 2³ full factorial Design of Experiments (DoE), we explored the effects of substrate temperature (X1) ranging from 4 to 50 °C, deposited volume (X2) ranging from 15 to 40 μL/cm², and solute (in the case of DCA) or co-solvent (in the case of TiO₂) concentration (X3) on cracking behavior, having each tested at two levels (−1: low, +1: high). The films were prepared via drop-casting onto glass substrates and evaluated based on two quantitative metrics: average crack width and fill factor (cracked area fraction). Analyses were performed mainly through optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), image processing, and profilometry.

Results reveal strong material-dependent responses. In DCA films, fill factor and spacing were primarily influenced by drying temperature and DCA concentration. In TiO₂ films, thickness was instead the dominant factor affecting all cracking responses. These findings establish a foundation for predictive modeling of crack behavior, enabling the deliberate tuning of crack morphology through processing parameters to meet the specific requirements of targeted applications.

3.31. Interfacial and Structural Characterization of BSA-Coated Silver Nanoparticles

• Paula Sofia Rivero and Paula Veronica Messina

• Department of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional del Sur, INQUISUR-CONICET, Bahia Blanca 8000, Argentina

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted considerable attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and potential applications in biomedicine, including antimicrobial activity and targeted drug delivery. The formation of a protein corona is a key determinant of nanoparticle behavior in biological environments, influencing stability, biodistribution, and cellular interactions. In this work, we investigated the interaction between AgNPs and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein, focusing on the physicochemical changes induced by the corona formation.

AgNPs were synthesized via a chemical reduction method and subsequently incubated with BSA under controlled conditions. Surface tension measurements were performed to evaluate changes in the interfacial properties of the nanoparticle–protein system, providing insight into adsorption processes at the nanoscale. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to characterize particle morphology, size distribution, and the presence of protein layers on the nanoparticle surface.

Surface tension analysis revealed a concentration-dependent decrease in interfacial tension upon BSA addition, indicating effective adsorption and surface modification of AgNPs. TEM images confirmed the formation of well-dispersed nanoparticles with spherical morphology and the presence of a thin, uniform organic coating consistent with a protein corona. The average particle size increased slightly after BSA adsorption, supporting the formation of a stable protein layer.

These findings demonstrate that BSA effectively interacts with AgNPs, inducing significant alterations in surface properties and nanoparticle morphology. The combination of surface tension measurements and TEM analysis provided complementary information, enabling a deeper understanding of the physicochemical effects of protein corona formation. Such insights are crucial for optimizing the design of nanoparticle-based systems for biomedical applications, where precise control over protein–nanoparticle interactions is essential to achieve predictable biological responses.

3.32. Lignin-Derived Metal–Organic Frameworks for Effective Removal of Methylene Blue from Water

• Aparna Sudarsana Babu, Florian Zikeli and Debora Puglia

• Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, UdR INSTM, University of Perugia, Strada di Pentima 4, 05100 Terni, Italy

Methylene blue (MB), the most widely used colorant in the textile industry, pollutes water bodies, rendering them unusable, and produces a global environmental challenge due to its high toxicity and harmful effects. In this study, lignin-based metal organic frameworks (lignin MOFs) are prepared from Organosolv lignin to develop a highly efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly adsorbent for the removal of MB from aqueous solutions. The introduction of a room temperature linker salt approach synthesis method using lignin as a bio ligand will facilitate the formation of porous structures with high surface area in MOFs, and combined with the rich functional groups of lignin will result in a good adsorption process. The resulting material was characterized using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis (BET) to confirm its structure, morphology, and porosity. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the adsorption efficiency of the prepared lignin-MOFs in comparison to conventional MIL53(AL). Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were analyzed using the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir model, respectively, to understand the adsorption mechanisms. The synthesized lignin-derived MOFs exhibited nanosized particles with a porous, crystalline structure with a high specific surface area and thermal stability, confirming their suitability as a non-toxic adsorbent compared to conventional organic ligand-derived MOFs. Adsorption experiments showed that the prepared lignin material effectively removed MB. This research successfully reveals the potential of utilizing an eco-friendly and low-cost precursor, lignin, to fabricate highly efficient biobased MOFs for water purification.

3.33. Membrane-Integrated Bi₂WO₆@WS₂ Sonophotocatalyst for Antibiotic Removal in Water

• Dominika Czekanowska ^1,2, Hugo Salazar ³, Jorge Saiz Galindo ³, Anatolijs Šarakovskis ⁴, Andrei Kholkin ⁵ and Paweł Głuchowski ^2,6

¹ 

Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Okólna 2, 50-422 Wroclaw, Poland

² 

Graphene Energy Ltd., Curie-Sklodowskiej Str. 55/61, 50-369 Wroclaw, Poland

³ 

BCMaterials, Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures, UPV/EHU Science Park, 48940 Leioa, Spain

⁴ 

Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, 8 Kengaraga str., LV-1063 Riga, Latvia

⁵ 

Department of Physics & CICECO−Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

⁶ 

Division of Optical Spectroscopy, Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 50-422 Wroclaw, Poland

The increasing presence of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals in water systems poses a significant environmental challenge due to their persistence and resistance to conventional treatment methods. Trimethoprim, a widely used antibiotic, is a frequent pollutant in wastewater and surface waters, raising concerns due to its bioactivity and toxicity. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), particularly photocatalysis, sonocatalysis, and their hybrid form sonophotocatalysis, offer promising strategies for degrading such contaminants through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Photocatalysis involves the use of a light-activated semiconductor catalyst that generates ROS under UV or visible light. Sonocatalysis relies on ultrasonic vibrations to excite piezoelectric materials and produce ROS. Bismuth tungstate (Bi₂WO₆), a layered Aurivillius oxide with a suitable bandgap (2.6–2.8 eV), exhibits enhanced photocatalytic performance due to its ability to promote charge carrier separation. WS₂, a two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide, offers strong piezocatalytic efficiency due to its mechanical flexibility, noncentrosymmetric monolayer structure, and highly polarizable W-S bonds, which improve charge separation under mechanical strain.

Integrating Bi₂WO₆ and WS₂ forms a heterojunction that enhances charge transfer and suppresses electron–hole recombination, synergistically boosting piezophotocatalytic performance. In this study, we developed a membrane system based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP), incorporating a Bi₂WO₆@WS₂ powder heterojunction for the sonophotocatalytic degradation of trimethoprim antibiotic. The wt. % ratio of PVDF to Bi₂WO₆@7wt%WS₂ was equal to 70:30. The composite membranes were characterized using XRD, TEM, XPS, Raman, DRS UV-Vis, PL, EIS, Mott–Schottky, and photocurrent, revealing favorable structural, optical, and electrochemical properties.

The composite demonstrated high catalytic efficiency, reusability, and stability, effectively degrading trimethoprim in both distilled and river water. A possible degradation mechanism under combined light and ultrasonic treatment was proposed. This work presents a flexible membrane platform that combines piezo- and photocatalytic activity for advanced water treatment applications.

3.34. Microwave Spectral Analysis of Watermelon Fruit Juice Using Time-Domain Reflectrometry

• Ashish Itolikar ¹, Anand Joshi ², Avadhut Deshmukh ³ and Ashok Kumbharkhane ⁴

¹ 

School of Humanities and Engineering Sciences, MIT Academy of Engineering, Alandi Road, Pune 412105, MS, India

² 

School of Basic and Applied Sciences, JSPM University, Pune 412207, MS, India

³ 

First Year Engineering Department, CSMSS Chh. Shahu College of Engineering, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 431010, MS, India

⁴ 

School of Physical Sciences, Swami Ramanad Tirth Marathwada University, Nanded 431606, MS, India

The objective of this study is to investigate the complex dielectric properties of watermelon juices using Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR) over a wide frequency range of 1 GHz to 30 GHz. This analysis provides useful information about the molecular composition and quality indicators. Fresh juice was extracted from watermelon fruit. The juice was then filtered to remove any solid particles before the dielectric measurements were taken. The dielectric properties of the filtered juices were measured at a controlled temperature of 23 °C using Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR). The microwave dielectric spectral analysis of watermelon juice was performed through the measurements, and the analysis of the real, i.e., permittivity, and imaginary dielectric loss components of the complex dielectric constants across the frequency range of 1 GHz to 30 GHz was carried out. The frequency-dependent dielectric constant and loss are presented and discussed. Additionally, a Cole–Cole plot is presented in this study. The findings from this study provide further insights into the molecular polarizability of fruit juice and hence its molecular structure and applicability as a quality indicator in the food industry. This study is the first comprehensive investigation of the complex dielectric properties of watermelon, using TDR across the frequency range from 1 GHz to 30 GHz.

3.35. Multi-Criteria Optimization of Mechanical Behavior in Jute, Glass, and Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composites Using ANOVA and AHP-TOPSIS Framework

• Rajesh Kumar Dewangan

• Focused Incubation Centre in Technical Textiles, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, Maharashtra, India

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites have emerged as high-performance materials in structural and lightweight engineering applications. However, the need to balance cost, mechanical efficiency, and sustainability has driven interest in hybrid composites integrating natural and synthetic fibers. This study presents a systematic investigation of epoxy-based hybrid laminates reinforced with jute, glass, and carbon fibers in various stacking sequences and ply orientations. A total of six composite configurations were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique, incorporating symmetric and anti-symmetric arrangements. Mechanical characterization was conducted to evaluate tensile strength, flexural strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and break strain. Statistical analysis using ANOVA identified significant differences among the laminate variants, followed by Tukey’s HSD test to establish pairwise comparisons. Furthermore, a multi-criteria decision-making approach combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was employed to rank the composite designs based on their overall mechanical performance. The CG4C configuration was identified as the top-performing laminate, exhibiting superior tensile and flexural properties. Additionally, the inclusion of jute fibers in certain balanced laminate structures notably enhanced the mechanical response while contributing to material sustainability. These findings demonstrate the potential of strategically engineered hybrid composites in applications requiring optimized strength-to-weight ratios and cost-effective performance.

3.36. One Chromatographic Tool with Sephadex G-10 for Green Chemistry Screening of Extracts from Nicotiana Glauca Graham

• Rosalía González-Brito ^1,2

¹ 

Organic Chemestry Department, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Spain

² 

Pharmacology Unit, Medical School, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Spain

• Introduction

Sephadex G-10 resin is a polymeric network composed of dextran units cross-linked by epichlorohydrin. Its physicochemical properties make it an excellent stationary phase for size-exclusion chromatography. This material allows to use physiological solutions (Krebs’, Tyrode’s, Locke’s… For example, Krebs-HEPES) as mobile phases.

In organic chemistry and pharmacology, the real-time monitoring of natural products is very important in the chemical and biological characterization of active compounds of extracts from living organisms. One example is the direct coupling chromatographic separation of organic extracts to study living tissues or organs.

• Methods

Size-exclusion chromatographic separation with Sephadex G-10 was carried out: medium-pressure liquid chromatography separation (MPLC) coupled directly to biological detection using perfused organs was used for chemical study of hydro-ethanolic extracts from Nicotiana glauca Graham (Solanaceae). The elution medium was Krebs-HEPES (a physiological solution). Perfused rings or portions of organs from the rat were employed: aorta artery, trachea, deferent conduct and ileum.

The chemical characterization of the separated and isolated compounds was realized by mass spectrometry analysis and infrared spectroscopy.

• Results

This type of pore size in Sephadex G-10 allows the lowest fractionation range (substance with molecular weight is below 700 Da (or g/mol), normally around 100–1000 Da. For this reason, anabasine (162.23 Da of molecular weight, MW) and nornicotine (MW: 148.21 Da) were isolated and identified as compounds responsible for contractile actions in smooth muscle of rat ileum and trachea.

This application of Sephadex G-10 separation could be carried out by a single person, with non-contaminating mediums, reducing time and cost of research, and minimizing the number of animals slaughtered.

• Conclusions

The application of Sephadex G-10 chromatography simplifies and rationalizes the bio-guided isolation and identification of natural products, positioning this approach within the framework of green chemistry dereplication methodologies and paving the way for future automated or robotic platforms.

3.37. Optimizing Fibre Length and Treatment Protocols for Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Malaysian Honey Bamboo Composites

• Danyal Sorayyaei Azar and Rubentheren Viyapuri

• Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia

This study investigates the effect of fibre length on the mechanical performance of epoxy bio-composites reinforced with Gigantochloa albociliata (Malaysian honey bamboo) fibres. The composites were fabricated via hand lay-up using short fibres (3 cm, Sample II), medium fibres (6 cm, Sample III), and long fibres (12 cm, Sample IV). All fibres underwent 6 wt% NaOH treatment under heterogeneous conditions, which involved either immersion for 24 h at 65 °C, followed by oven drying, or extended immersion for 48 h at room temperature with subsequent air drying. Fibre volume fractions ranged from 5% to 20%. Tensile tests revealed a consistent improvement in strength and stiffness with increasing fibre length and content. Short-fibre composites (Sample II) achieved up to a 43.2% increase in tensile strength over neat epoxy, while medium fibres (Sample III) recorded gains of 49.0%. The most pronounced enhancement was observed in the long-fibre composites with 48 h of treatment (Sample IV), where the 20% loading (IV-D) achieved the highest tensile strength (53.71 MPa) and Young’s modulus (1788.1 MPa), reflecting improvements of 115.8% and 62.6%, respectively, compared to neat epoxy (24.9 MPa, 1100.5 MPa). However, ductility declined, with strain at break reducing from 3.7% in neat epoxy to 1.98% in composite IV-D, reflecting the trade-off between stiffness and flexibility. These results confirm fibre geometry and treatment protocol as critical design factors, with longer fibres providing superior reinforcement efficiency. Overall, Gigantochloa Albociliata demonstrates strong potential as a sustainable reinforcement for high-performance bio-composites in load-bearing applications.

3.38. Regulation of the Rate of Biocorrosion and Cytotoxicity of Magnesium Alloys by Atomic Layer Deposition of Oxide Nanocoatings Using

• Vladislava Vartiajnen ¹, Lada Kozlova ¹, Anton Godun ² and Denis Nazarov ¹

¹ 

Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg 195251, Russia

² 

Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 198504, Russia

Magnesium and its alloys are materials that show great promise for use in bioresorbable implants, due to their unique mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, their widespread use is limited due to active biocorrosion, which results in the release of excess magnesium ions and gaseous hydrogen, as well as premature loss of the mechanical properties. The solution to this problem is to control of biodegradation rate using nanocoatings.

The present study investigated the regulation of biocorrosion and biocompatibility of the MA2-1pch magnesium alloy using Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ nanocoatings applied by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Coatings with a thickness ranging from 20 to 100 nanometres were synthesised at temperatures between 100 and 300 °C. Trimethylaluminium was used for Al₂O₃, while titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) or titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) was used for TiO₂.

It was determined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that the coatings exhibited high continuity and uniformity. The Al₂O₃ and TiO₂-TTIP coatings are amorphous, while TiO₂-TiCl₄ consists of crystalline grains with an anatase structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the absence of magnesium and zinc on the surface, thereby indicating the conformality of the coatings.

The study of biocorrosion was conducted by measuring the pH, hydrogen evolution, and sample mass loss in Ringer’s physiological, phosphate-buffered saline, and simulated body fluid solutions. Amorphous coatings have been demonstrated to reduce biocorrosion with increasing thickness. In contrast, minimal corrosion was observed at thickness of 40 nm for crystalline TiO₂.

The evaluation of biocompatibility was conducted through the analysis of the MG-63 osteoblast-like cells, utilising both SEM and fluorescence microscopy. The cytotoxic effect of excess magnesium ions and the effective protection afforded by the Al₂O₃ coating were confirmed using the MTT test. TiO₂-TTIP and Al₂O₃ samples did not manifest any significant signs of toxicity.

3.39. Soft, Stretchable, and Smart: Alginate/Gelatin Organohydrogels for Wearable Electronics

• Pietro Tordi ^1,2

¹ 

Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff” and CSGI, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy

² 

Institut de Science et d’Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS), Université de Strasbourg & CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France

Alginate, a naturally abundant polysaccharide, offers exceptional versatility in functional material design due to its charged backbone and its ability to form ionically crosslinked networks with multivalent cations [1,2]. When combined with gelatin in a glycerol-rich medium, it gives rise to a class of organohydrogels that are not only soft and stretchable, but also responsive, robust, and fully biocompatible.

We harness this platform to engineer multifunctional hydrogels tailored for both sensing and energy-related applications. By tuning the crosslinking chemistry with Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Zr⁴⁺ ions, we access highly adaptable materials that respond sensitively to mechanical strain (gauge factor > 1.6), temperature (0.19 K⁻¹), humidity (0.022 RH(%)⁻¹), and light (up to 9.2 μA/W) while retaining performance over 2500 mechanical cycles. These multiresponsive materials are ideal candidates for next-generation wearable sensors and electronic skins [3].

Building on this concept, we developed a complementary formulation serving as a gel polymer electrolyte for flexible supercapacitors. Through the synergistic interplay of Cu²⁺/Mn²⁺ crosslinking and Li⁺ doping, we modulate a nanoscale polymer structure (via SAXS) to enable high capacitance (up to 591.8 mF/cm²), excellent rate performance, and long-term stability (> 88% over 5000 cycles). This work demonstrates how ionic coordination directly governs electrochemical function and mechanical resilience [4].

Together, these studies showcase a green, modular strategy for designing biopolymer-based systems that seamlessly integrate soft sensing and energy delivery—offering a scalable path toward self-powered, sustainable devices.

• References

1.

Jeong, Y.; Tordi, P.; Tamayo, A.; Han, B.; Bonini, M.; Samorì, P. Mimicking Synaptic Plasticity: Optoionic MoS2 Memory Powered by Biopolymer Hydrogels as a Dynamic Cations Reservoir. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2025, 35, e09607. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202509607.

2.

Tordi, P.; Ridi, F.; Samorì, P.; Bonini, M. Cation-Alginate Complexes and Their Hydrogels: A Powerful Toolkit for the Development of Next-Generation Sustainable Functional Materials. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2025, 35, 2416390. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202416390.

3.

Tordi, P.; Tamayo, A.; Jeong, Y.; Bonini, M.; Samorì, P. Multiresponsive Ionic Conductive Alginate/Gelatin Organohydrogels with Tunable Functions. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2024, 34, 2410663. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202410663.

4.

Tordi, P.; Montes-García, V.; Tamayo, A.; Bonini, M.; Samorì, P.; Ciesielski, A. Ionically Tunable Gel Electrolytes Based on Gelatin-Alginate Biopolymers for High-Performance Supercapacitors. Small 2025, 21, 2503937. https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202503937.

3.40. Structural and Nanomechanical Homogeneity of FDM 3D-Printed PVA Tablets: Drug Incorporation for Controlled Release

• Ganna Kovtun ^1,2, Dionisio Rodrigo ¹, Geraldine Mariel Collado ¹, Demetrio Fuentes ¹, Krzysztof Łukowicz ³, Agnieszka Basta-Kaim ³, Beata Kaczmarek-Szczepańska ⁴ and Teresa Cuberes ¹

¹ 

Department of Applied Mechanics and Project Engineering, Mining and Engineering School of Almadén, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13400 Almadén, Spain

² 

V.G. Baryakhtar Institute of Magnetism of the NAS of Ukraine, 03142 Kyiv, Ukraine

³ 

Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-343 Kraków, Poland

⁴ 

Laboratory for Functional Polymeric Materials, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Toruń, Poland

The use of 3D-printed tablets for drug delivery has recently gained significant attention [1]. In this study, we have used commercially available polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) filaments (Smartfil PVA, Smart Materials 3D, based on Mowiflex C17, Kuraray) to incorporate model drugs from saturated solutions in absolute ethanol. Biocompatibility assays were conducted on the filament using HaCaT cells to confirm its non-toxic properties using an MTS assay. Cell viability on the material surface was 80.96 ± 5.13%, while cells treated with extracts from the material showed a viability of 102.57 ± 5.23%, indicating that the material is non-cytotoxic. Loading the filament with fluorescein using a saturated ethanolic solution enabled the production of luminescent printed tablets using a Creality Ender 6 FDM 3D Printer [2]. However, when attempting to load previously printed pristine PVA tablets, the printed layers disaggregated when the immersion time was prolonged. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) of 3D-printed tablets made from pure PVA and fluorescein-loaded PVA filaments revealed differences in their thermal degradation behavior. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data confirmed the semicrystalline nature of the pristine PVA tablets. The percentage of crystallinity decreased when the sample was loaded with fluorescein by immersion, but increased when using a fluorescein-loaded PVA filament to obtain the fluorescein-loaded tablets. Fast Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) on the 3D-printed tablets allowed us to identify the incorporation of fluorescein and its impact on the PVA chemical structure for the different tablets. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Ultrasonic Force Microscopy (UFM) provided valuable insights into the nanoscale morphology and elastic homogeneity of the 3D-printed samples.

• References

1.

Iqbal, H.; Fernandes, Q.; Idoudi, S.; Basineni, R.; Billa, N. Status of Polymer Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)-Based Three-Dimensional Printing (3DP) in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Polymers 2024, 16, 386.

2.

Goyanes, A.; Buanz, A.B.M.; Basit, A.W.; Gaisford, S. Fused-filament 3D printing (3DP) for fabrication of tablets. Int. J. Pharm. 2014, 476, 88–92.

3.41. Surface-Engineered Graphene Oxide–MXene–SLG Composite with Enhanced Bactericidal Properties

• Manish Singh ¹, Avdhesh Kumar ¹, Ankit Singh ¹ and Sarva Shakti Singh ²

¹ 

Department of Physics, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur 222003, India

² 

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur 222003, India

The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has necessitated an urgent requirement for new antimicrobial materials that inhibit microbial proliferation through physical and chemical surface interactions, as opposed to traditional biochemical mechanisms. In this study, a ternary nanocomposite consisting of Graphene Oxide (GO), Single Layer Graphene (SLG), and delaminated MXene was synthesised utilising an ultrasonication-assisted method to ensure uniform dispersion and robust interfacial contact among the components. We used PXRD, XPS, and FE-SEM to look at the structure and shape of the materials, which proved that the layered materials were successfully integrated and kept their functional surface properties. The composite’s ability to kill bacteria was tested against certain strains by measuring optical density and colony-forming unit (CFU) assays. The GO–SLG–delaminated MXene composite demonstrated significantly enhanced antibacterial efficacy in comparison to its individual and binary forms, with substantial inhibition noted at the evaluated concentration. The improved effectiveness is due to the combined effects of GO-induced oxidative stress, SLG’s large surface area and capacity to interact with membranes, and delaminated MXene’s sharp edges and reactive surface groups that damage bacterial cells. The composite’s multifunctional surface structure makes it easier to break down membranes, interfere with metabolism, and cause oxidative damage, all of which work together to make it more effective against bacteria. These results show that created 2D heterostructures could be useful as antimicrobial agents. They also give us a good starting point for creating nanomaterials that are suited to certain surfaces for use in healthcare, sanitation, and environmental protection.

3.42. Synthesis and Characterization of Cu-Ni Bimetallic System for Its Potential Application in Glucose Biosensors

• Selene Libertad Rodríguez López ¹, Flor Cecilia Sánchez Vargas ¹, Cecilio Santos Hernandez ¹, Salvador Ivan Garduño Vertiz ², Félix Sánchez De Jesús ¹, Ana María Bolarín Miró ¹, María Del Pilar Gutiérrez Amador ³ and María Isabel Reyes Valderrama ¹

¹ 

Academic Area of Earth Sciences and Materials, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Carretera Pachuca-Tulancingo Km. 4.5, Ciudad del Conocimiento, Mineral de la Reforma 42184, Hidalgo, México

² 

Researcher for Mexico, SECIHTI–UAEH, Academic Area of Earth Sciences and Materials, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Carretera Pachuca-Tulancingo Km. 4.5, Ciudad del Conocimiento, Mineral de la Reforma 42184, Hidalgo, México

³ 

Apan High School, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Chimalpa Tlalayote, Municipio de Apan, Hidalgo, México

Diabetes is a chronic disease that has become a global health issue. Due to the annual increase in the number of diagnosed patients, there is growing interest in research works and the development of novel materials applicable to glucose biodetection. In this context, bimetallic materials are being implemented in the improvement of biosensors due to the enhanced physical and chemical properties that are provided by the combination of two related metallic elements. In this study, a copper–nickel (Cu-Ni) bimetallic system was synthesized via a hydrothermal approach, using them as precursors. The effect on different physical and chemical properties of the pH variation between 5 to 10 was evaluated while maintaining a constant temperature (140 °C), a reaction time (6 h), and a molar rate of the precursors (1:1). The synthesized Cu-Ni system was characterized by X-ray diffraction, determining diffraction peaks at 2θ angles of 44.33°, 51.62° and 76.31°, corresponding to the Ni element, and at 2θ angles of 43.34°, 50.47° and 74.23°, associated with Cu. The diffraction peaks of both metals correspond to the (111), (200), and (220) crystallographic planes of the face-centered cubic structure. Scanning electron microscopy characterzation was carried out, where the morphology analysis showed bar- and sphere-shaped particles for the bimetallic synthesized within the varied pH range. Finally, an FTIR spectroscopy analysis in the range from 400 to 4000 exhibited absorption bands at 470 and 517, which are attributed to the bending vibrations of the Ni-O and Cu-O bonds, respectively. The obtained results support the formation of the Cu-Ni bimetallic system and provide evidence of its suitable properties for use as a receptor element in a capacitive biosensor for glucose detection.

3.43. Synthesis and Characterization of Dual-Responsive Hydrogels for Biomedical Use

• Iga Peterson ¹, Aoife Murtagh ², Patricia Heavy ¹ and Clement Higginbotham ³

¹ 

Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science & Health, Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus, N37 HD68 Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

² 

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, Science Centre South, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 C1P1 Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland

³ 

Department of Polymer, Mechanical & Design, Faculty of Engineering & Informatics, Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus, N37 HD68 Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of dual-responsive hydrogels based on polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), incorporating N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) and Eudragit S100. The formulations (HNE1–HNE5) combine three components: PEGDMA as the hydrogel base (‘H’), NVCL (‘N’) for thermo-responsiveness, and Eudragit S100 (‘E’) for pH sensitivity. Photopolymerization was initiated using Irgacure 2959. The hydrogels were evaluated for their swelling behaviour, gel fraction, wettability, thermal transitions, and chemical structure. Swelling studies in simulated gastric (pH 1.2) and intestinal (pH 7.4) fluids confirmed the hydrogels’ pH-responsiveness, with maximum swelling occurring at pH 7.4. Among the formulations, HNE1 (550) and HNE3 (750) showed the highest swelling (~90%), highlighting the impact of PEGDMA molecular weight and formulation composition. In contrast, swelling was significantly reduced under acidic conditions (e.g., 27.29% for HNE1 550), consistent with the pH-triggered solubility behaviour of Eudragit S100. Gel fraction values ranged from 70.1% to 99.4%, indicating high crosslinking efficiency across the formulations. Notably, HNE3 (550) and HNE4 (550) exhibited gel fractions above 99% at pH 1.2, demonstrating strong network stability even in acidic conditions. Contact angle measurements revealed moderate hydrophilicity, with values decreasing over time—for example, HNE1 (550) dropped from 74.1° to 50.6° within 10 s—indicating dynamic wetting behaviour favourable for drug release. Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) confirmed the successful incorporation of monomers, with characteristic peaks such as C=O stretching around 1720 cm⁻¹ and minor residual vinyl peaks, indicating mostly complete photopolymerization. Preliminary Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed glass transition temperatures between −44.5 °C and −37.75 °C for HNE (750) samples, suggesting polymer chain mobility at physiological temperatures and correlating with the observed swelling behaviour. Further DSC comparisons are currently underway for HNE (550) formulations. These results demonstrate that the formulated hydrogels exhibit tunable pH- and temperature-responsive properties, making them promising candidates for site-specific drug delivery within the gastrointestinal tract.

3.44. Synthesis of Zn-Co Bimetallic MOFs on Polymeric Membranes for Selective Direct Lithium Extraction from Brines

• Camila Gattabria, Ilia V. Doroshenko, Maria A. Moshkova and Nadezhda A. Poponina

• Chem-Bio Cluster, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg 191002, Russia

The growing global demand for lithium, driven by the battery and renewable energy industries, calls for more efficient and environmentally responsible extraction technologies. Conventional methods, based on open-pond evaporation, generate significant ecological impact and exhibit low selectivity [1]. Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) has emerged as a key alternative, with hybrid membranes functionalized with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs).

In this work, polymeric membranes were modified via in situ synthesis of bimetallic ZIF-type MOFs, incorporating zinc and cobalt metal centers coordinated with 2-methylimidazole. Using a layer-by-layer approach, three variants were prepared with molar Zn:Co ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1. Morphological and compositional characterization was performed using FTIR, SEM, and XRD, while Li⁺ extraction efficiency was evaluated through electrochemical techniques and ion chromatography under simulated brine conditions.

Successful integration of MOFs onto the membranes was achieved through layer-by-layer coatings [2], revealing a direct correlation between the Zn:Co ratio and surface morphology. Preliminary analyses indicate that the metallic composition modulates membrane permeability and selectivity toward lithium ions, potentially affecting extraction efficiency. Although quantitative selectivity data against competing ions (Na⁺/Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺/K⁺) are still under investigation, structural differences suggest variable lithium affinity depending on the material’s composition.

These findings pave the way for the rational optimization of hybrid membranes for DLE, with potential to reduce chemical consumption, minimize waste generation, and enhance process sustainability.

• Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation under the state assignment of the national project “Science and Universities” No. FSER-2025-0016.

• References

1.

Calvo, E.J. New methods of direct lithium extraction: Impact on sustainable exploitation of Puna salt flats. Ciencia Hoy 2022, 30, 51–59.

2.

Kida, K.; Fujita, K.; Shimada, T.; Tanaka, S.; Miyake, Y. Layer-by-layer aqueous rapid synthesis of ZIF-8 films on a reactive surface. Dalton Trans. 2013, 42, 11128–11135.

3.45. Thin Films of Non-Glassforming Liquid Crystal: Relaxation and Vibrational Dynamics

• Anna Drzewicz ¹, Michał Krupiński ¹, Oleksandr Tomchuk ², Ewa Pięta ¹, Gabriela Lewińska ³ and Ewa Juszyńska-Gałązka ¹

¹ 

Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland

² 

ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot OX11 0QX, UK

³ 

Institute of Electronics, AGH University of Krakow, 30 Mickiewicza Ave, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

The progressive miniaturization of electronic and photonic devices has catalyzed growing scientific interest in the structural and functional behavior of ultrathin liquid crystal (LC) films. In this study, we present the first successful fabrication of ultrathin films of 4-hexyl-4′-isothiocyanatobiphenyl (6BT), a non-glassforming liquid crystal, using organic molecular beam deposition (OMBD) under room temperature conditions. This solvent-free, vacuum-based deposition technique enables precise control over film growth and molecular organization at the nanoscale.

Quantitative thickness measurements were performed using spectroscopic ellipsometry and X-ray reflectometry, allowing nanometer-resolution characterization of film morphology. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed a distinct evolution of molecular ordering with increasing film thickness. At minimal thicknesses, we observe initial self-organization dominated by π–π stacking of aromatic biphenyl cores and van der Waals interactions among alkyl chains. As the film grows thicker, a significant degree of orientational ordering emerges among the isothiocyanate (-NCS) terminal groups, suggesting enhanced intermolecular cooperativity.

Complementary broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) was employed to probe the dynamic response of the films, uncovering relaxation processes and vibrational dynamics that progressively shift toward bulk-like behavior with increasing thickness. These findings provide fundamental insight into structure–property relationships in confined liquid crystalline systems.

Our results offer a new platform for tailoring liquid crystal alignment, dynamics, and interfacial interactions in ultrathin geometries, opening promising avenues for the integration of anisotropic organic materials into next-generation nanoelectronic, photonic, and sensing technologies.

3.46. Three-Dimensional-Printed Polymer Composites for Temporary Crowns

• Giuseppe D’Albis and Saverio Capodiferro

• Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy

• Introduction

The application of 3D-printed polymer composites for temporary dental crowns represents a transformative step in modern restorative dentistry. These innovative materials are specifically engineered to offer optimal physical and mechanical characteristics, with a density of 1.4–1.5 g/cm³, viscosity between 2500 and 6000 MPa·s, and a flexural strength of ≥100 MPa. Such parameters ensure not only durability and dimensional stability but also resistance to masticatory stress over extended periods. The growing demand for faster, patient-specific solutions has pushed the development of advanced materials compatible with digital workflows.

• Methods

In evaluating the current state of the art, 3D-printed temporary crowns are increasingly being adopted as reliable alternatives to conventional materials such as PMMA and bis-acrylics. These composites allow for high customization, rapid fabrication, and reduced dependency on traditional manual procedures. Their use is particularly advantageous in cases requiring precision, efficiency, and predictable performance, such as full-arch rehabilitations or temporizations during implant integration phases.

• Results

This technology empowers clinicians to fabricate provisional restorations that are both highly individualized and reproducible. The integration of intraoral scanning, CAD software, and additive manufacturing significantly improves workflow efficiency. Additionally, these solutions enhance esthetics, fit, and function, while reducing chairside time and patient discomfort. The ability to make rapid adjustments or replacements is especially valuable in complex or time-sensitive treatments.

• Conclusions

While the early outcomes of using 3D-printed polymer composites for temporary crowns are highly promising, more longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate factors such as long-term biocompatibility, marginal integrity, and wear resistance. Nonetheless, these materials mark a substantial advancement in digital dentistry, combining precision, efficiency, and customization in a way that aligns with the evolving demands of modern prosthodontic care.

3.47. Towards Reliable Design of FRCM-Strengthened RC Beams: Database Analysis and Model Development

• Marielda Guglielmi and Pietro Mazzuca

• Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci Cubo 39B, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy

In recent years, the need for effective and durable solutions for the rehabilitation and strengthening of existing structures has led to the development and widespread adoption of advanced composite materials. Among these, Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional strengthening techniques, particularly in the field of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. FRCM composites offer several advantages, including compatibility with existing substrates, resistance to high temperatures, and improved mechanical performance without significantly increasing the weight or stiffness of the structural elements.

FRCM composites, consisting of high-strength fibre fabrics embedded into inorganic matrices (cement or lime-based), are suitable systems used for the strengthening and repair of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The widespread use of these composites is a result of the effective improvement they provide on both the flexural and shear capacities of RC members.

Although several studies predicting the shear capacity of FRCM-strengthened structures are available in the technical literature, some limitations related to the use of experimental data depending on the mechanical properties of specific FRCM systems have to be taken into account. The principal aim of this work is to provide enhanced insights into the shear performances of FRCM-strengthened RC beams. To attain this goal, experimental results, including the characteristics of different FRCM systems and the design parameters of RC beams, were collected in an extensive database. Available design models were subsequently used to predict the contribution of the FRCM systems to the shear capacity of the RC beams presented in the database. Furthermore, a new model to estimate the effective strain of the FRCM system was proposed and also validated with the experimental data, thus extending their applicability and generalisation for design purposes.

3.48. Ultrasensitive and Rapid Detection of LPG Below Sub-LEL Using MoTe₂ Thin Films: A Room Temperature Approach

• Ankit Singh ¹, Avdhesh Kumar ¹, Sharva Shakti Singh ², Navin Chaurasiya ³ and Manish Pratap Singh ¹

¹ 

Department of Physics, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, V. B. S. Purvanchal University, Jaunpur 222003, India

² 

Department of Physics, CMP Degree College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, India

³ 

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, V. B. S. Purvanchal University, Jaunpur 222003, India

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) plays a vital role in both domestic and industrial sectors; however, it poses serious safety risks due to accidental leakages arising from process malfunctions or human error. Therefore, the development of efficient sensors for reliable LPG detection is of critical importance. In the present study, a highly responsive and cost-effective liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensor operating at room temperature was developed using MoTe₂ thin films. MoTe₂ was synthesized through a low-cost hydrothermal route, and thin films were fabricated via the spin-coating technique. The prepared samples were thoroughly characterized to investigate their elemental composition, crystal structure, phase formation, and morphology using EDS, XRD, TEM, SEM, Raman, and FTIR spectroscopy. According to the results, PXRD and Raman spectroscopy suggest a pure phase of hexagonal 2H-MoTe₂. FTIR revealed the presence of Mo-Te vibrational modes. FE-SEM revealed elongated sheet-like structures. The EDX confirms the coexistence of the Mo and Te elements, while colour mapping confirmed the uniform distribution of Mo and Te. Further, the gas-sensing performance of the MoTe₂ thin film was examined toward LPG concentrations in the sub-LEL range (0.5–2.0 vol%). A maximum sensor response of 137 was achieved at 2.0 vol%, while the fastest response and recovery times were 8 s and 22 s, respectively, at 0.5 vol% LPG.

3.49. Voltammetric Platform for Real-Time Creatinine Monitoring in Clinical Applications

• Derya Bal Altuntaş

• Department of Bioengineering, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Rize 53100, Turkey

A novel, highly sensitive and stable voltammetric biosensor was developed for accurate creatinine determination in clinical and pharmaceutical applications. Creatinine serves as a crucial biomarker for kidney function assessment, making its precise quantification essential for early detection of renal disorders and monitoring therapeutic interventions. The innovative electrochemical platform incorporates advanced nanomaterial modifications to enhance detection capabilities and analytical performance metrics. The developed voltammetric creatinine biosensors demonstrated exceptional sensitivity with significantly improved signal-to-noise ratios and rapid response times for efficient creatinine quantification. The sensing mechanism relies on specific enzymatic reactions coupled with electrochemical signal transduction, enabling precise biomarker detection across clinically relevant concentration ranges. The biosensor exhibited excellent operational stability and maintained consistent performance characteristics for extended periods. Storage stability tests revealed reliable functionality for at least 4 weeks when preserved in controlled dry environments at optimal temperatures of 4–6 °C. These storage conditions ensure preservation of enzymatic activity and electrode surface integrity. Continuous operation studies demonstrated remarkable durability during prolonged testing periods. The biosensor maintained reproducible and stable electrochemical responses throughout at least 10 h of constant operation with 1 × 10⁻³ M creatinine solutions prepared in phosphate buffer medium. This operational robustness indicates excellent potential for real-world clinical applications. The developed microsensors were successfully validated through comprehensive testing with pharmaceutical sample matrices. Voltammetric performance characteristics including sensitivity, selectivity, detection limits, and linear response ranges were systematically investigated and optimized.

Session 4: Materials Theory, Simulations and AI

4.1. A Hierarchical Global-Local Shell Finite Element Analysis of Variable Stiffness Composite Structures

• Domenico Andrea Iannotta ^1,2,3, Gaetano Giunta ¹ and Marco Montemurro ³

¹ 

Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, L-4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, 5 Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

² 

University of Luxembourg, L-4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, 2 Avenue de l’Université, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

³ 

Arts et Métiers Institute of Technology, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INRA, Bordeaux INP, HESAM Université, I2M UMR 5295, F-33405 Talence, France

The present talk addresses the extension of hierarchical shell finite elements based on Carrera’s Unified Formulation (CUF) to a global-local approach for the investigation of Variable-Angle Tow (VAT) composite structures. VAT laminates are characterized by curvilinear fibres laid along predefined paths, enabling enhanced mechanical performance and a wider structural design space. Nevertheless, their analysis typically requires high computational effort to accurately capture the complex displacement and stress fields resulting from the variable in-plane fibre distribution. In the proposed strategy, a global analysis is first performed over the entire structural domain using low-order Abaqus shell elements with a reduced number of degrees of freedom. A subsequent local analysis employs a refined CUF model with higher-order through-the-thickness approximations in a layer-wise manner, enabling accurate and efficient capture of the high stress gradients that typically arise near geometric singularities and discontinuities. The governing equations are derived within the CUF framework using both the Principle of Virtual Displacements (PVD) and the Reissner’s Mixed Variational Theorem (RMVT). Validation against full three-dimensional finite element simulations in Abaqus demonstrates the accuracy of the proposed methodology. Comparisons in terms of degrees of freedom confirm that the global–local CUF-based approach achieves high accuracy near discontinuities at a significantly reduced computational cost relative to full 3D models. Furthermore, the differences observed between the PVD and RMVT formulations highlight the critical role of transverse stress prediction in the analysis of VAT composites.

4.2. Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Metamaterials Stiffness Prediction via the Variational Asymptotic Method for Unit Cell Homogenization

• Sara Mouam ^1,2, Yao Koutsawa ¹, Lucas Binsfeld ¹, Gaetano Giunta ¹ and Jieun Yang ²

¹ 

Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, L-4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, 5 Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

² 

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands

This work presents a comparative study on the mechanical homogenisation of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) lattice structures, which have attracted significant interest for their unique ability to combine lightweight design with tailored mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties. The study investigates the effective mechanical behaviour of Representative Unit Cells (RUCs) generated using the open-source Python tool Microgen. Two homogenisation strategies are considered: (i) Finite Element (FE)-based homogenisation carried out in Abaqus, and (ii) the Mechanics of Structure Genome (MSG), a unified theory for multiscale constitutive modelling, implemented in a specialized software framework. The comparison encompasses multiple TPMS topologies, including well-studied cases used for validation as well as less-explored ones to provide new insights, namely gyroid, diamond, PMY, and F-Rhombic Dodecahedron (F-RD). RUCs are analysed across relative densities ranging from 10% to 50%. Equivalent linear elastic properties (Young’s moduli, shear moduli, and Poisson’s ratios) are derived and compared to assess the consistency, accuracy, and computational efficiency of the two approaches. Furthermore, the anisotropy of each TPMS topology across the range of relative densities is examined through the directional distribution of Young’s moduli. The outcomes are expected to clarify the strengths and limitations of FE versus MSG in capturing the effective behaviour of architected cellular solids, thus supporting the selection of homogenisation strategies for the design of lattice-based lightweight structures.

4.3. Modelling and Simulation of Thermal Conditions in a Hot Microclimate Using Textile Cooling Clothing

• Oliwia Plewińska ¹ and Michał Frydrysiak ²

¹ 

Faculty of Process Engineering and Environmental Protection, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland

² 

Textile Institute of Lodz University of Technology, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland

The article discusses elevated ambient temperatures in the workplace, which can have a negative impact on humans. This is a hot microclimate, which is defined by Wet Bulb Globe Temperature norms and standards. Despite the Health and Safety regulations in force in Poland and recommendations regarding air conditioning, ventilation and access to drinks, in many industries—including metallurgy, construction and agriculture—the risk of overheating remains high and the problem remains unresolved. The aim of the study was to design and preliminarily evaluate an innovative textronic cooling module intended to reduce heat stress in work clothing. A heat exchange model was developed for three levels of physical exertion (light, moderate, intense), taking into account skin temperature, ambient temperature (WBGT), and the heat exchange mechanisms of the worker’s body. The model was verified in laboratory tests conducted under conditions similar to real-life conditions on a human skin model. The results obtained confirmed that the use of the cooling module leads to a significant reduction in temperature in the undergarment area and a reduction in the heat load on the worker’s body. A cooling power exceeding 220 W/m² proved sufficient to effectively reduce heat stress, even during intense physical exertion >300 W/m² energy expenditure. The high correlation between the model results and measurements, with a 9% coefficient of variation between measured and modelled values, confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed solution and the correctness of the computational assumptions. The developed module has great implementation potential in industries with elevated workplace temperatures, where employees are exposed to overheating. This contributes to the development of new textronic protective clothing that increases work safety. Further research is recommended, focusing on optimizing the module’s design and evaluating its effectiveness in real-world conditions, taking into account ergonomics and user comfort.

4.4. Investigation of Structure and Electronic Properties of Ag_nCu_(8-n) (n = 0–8) Cluster by DFT Calculation

• Van Hong Nguyen ¹ and Thanh Truc Huynh Thi ²

¹ 

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education, An Giang University, Vietnam National University, 268 Ly Thuong Kiet, Ward 14, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

² 

Faculty of Engineering–Technology–Environment, An Giang University, Vietnam National University, 268 Ly Thuong Kiet, Ward 14, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The structures and electronic properties of Ag_nCu_(8−n) clusters were investigated in detail using density functional theory (DFT), employing the Perdew–Wang 1991 (PW91) exchange–correlation functional combined with the triple-zeta valence correlation-consistent basis set with pseudopotentials (cc-pVDZ-PP). All calculations were performed in the gas phase to obtain intrinsic structural and electronic characteristics without solvent effects. Two of the most stable geometries of the pure Ag₈ and Cu₈ clusters were considered: the tetracapped tetrahedron and the monocapped pentagonal bipyramid. A series of computational evaluations was carried out, including the determination of ionization potential, electron affinity, electronegativity, chemical hardness, electrophilicity index, average binding energy, second-order energy difference, and the HOMO–LUMO energy gap. The results indicate that the tetracapped tetrahedron geometry is the most dominant and energetically favorable form, whereas only the Cu₈ cluster adopts the monocapped pentagonal bipyramid as its most stable configuration. When forming Ag_nCu_(8−n) bimetallic clusters, the most stable geometry consistently follows the rule that copper atoms preferentially occupy the inner positions of the cluster, while silver atoms are located on the outer shell. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis reveals that the frontier orbitals are strongly dominated by the d orbitals of copper atoms, influencing the clusters’ reactivity. Furthermore, electrostatic potential (ESP) mapping was performed to identify the most chemically active sites on the clusters. These findings provide valuable insights and suggest promising directions for applying silver–copper bimetallic clusters in chemical sensing, molecular adsorption, and catalytic processes for various chemical reactions.

4.5. Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Cry j 1 Allergen Adsorption on a PET Microplastic Surface

• Tochukwu Oluwatosin Maduka ¹, Christian Ebere Enyoh ², Qingyue Wang ³ and Miho Suzuki ⁴

¹ 

Department of Material Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-0825, Japan

² 

Department of Environmental Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-0825, Japan

³ 

Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-0825, Japan

⁴ 

Department of Functional Materials and Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-0825, Japan

Microplastic pollution is an emerging environmental concern, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles are among the most widespread synthetic polymers. Recent studies suggest that microplastics can act as carriers for biomolecules, including allergens, potentially influencing their transport, persistence, and biological activity. In this work, we investigate the adsorption mechanism of Cry j 1, a major Japanese cedar pollen allergen, onto a PET microplastic surface using atomistic molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations. A PET slab was constructed from a 6-mer repeat unit with CHARMM36 force field parameters and solvated in a TIP3P water box containing physiological ion concentrations. The Cry j 1 structure, obtained from AlphaFold2, was preprocessed and positioned 2 nm above the PET surface using Packmol. Simulations were conducted in GROMACS at 310 K under NPT conditions to monitor protein conformational changes, adsorption energy, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. Preliminary 20 ns trajectories reveal a progressive reduction in protein–surface separation distance, accompanied by stable hydrophobic contacts between PET aromatic rings and Cry j 1 surface residues. Ongoing analyses aim to quantify residue-specific interactions, solvent-accessible surface area changes, and adsorption free energy to better understand the driving forces behind allergen binding. This study provides atomistic insight into allergen–microplastic interactions, offering a predictive framework for assessing environmental exposure risks and informing strategies to mitigate the impact of microplastic-associated allergens in polluted ecosystems.

4.6. Molecular Dynamics Study of the Mechanical Behavior of BaTiO₃/PVDF Nanocomposites

• Imane El Bouchehati

• MMC, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Tangier, University Abdelmalek Essaadi, Tangier 90000, Morocco

The development of advanced and sustainable materials for green technologies aims to lessen the environmental impact of current systems. In this context, polymer-based nanocomposites have garnered increasing attention due to their lightweight nature, adjustable properties, and environmental friendliness. This study examines the mechanical properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), known for its piezoelectricity and semi-crystalline structure, both in its pure form and reinforced with barium titanate (BTO), a non-toxic, lead-free ceramic known for its mechanical and dielectric performance.

Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations via Materials Studio, we analyzed four distinct systems: pure PVDF (PVDF-0), as well as three composites containing one (PVDF-1), two (PVDF-2), and three (PVDF-3) BTO inclusions, corre- sponding to weight fractions of 7.57 wt%, 14.07 wt%, and 19.72 wt%, respectively.

After energy minimization and equilibration, stiffness matrices were calculated to derive key mechanical parameters, Young’s modulus, shear, and bulk moduli, to evaluate the impact of nanoparticle reinforcement.

The results show a substantial improvement in the stiffness and mechanical performance of PVDF with BTO addition, especially at low concentrations. These findings confirm that small amounts of BTO act as an effective reinforcement strategy for polymer matrices.

Molecular dynamics simulations are a crucial predictive tool for understanding mechanical properties at the nanoscale. They provide fundamental insights, essential for designing and optimizing high-performance composite materials.

By combining this approach with multi-scale modeling, we are paving the way for the development of eco-friendly materials, energy-harvesting devices, and smart systems, representing a key step in driving sustainable technological innovation.

4.7. AI-Driven Smart Material Design for Driver Stress Detection Based on Physiological Databases

• Yiheng Guan

• Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA

Driving-related stress contributes to approximately 1.35 million traffic fatalities annually worldwide, necessitating innovative approaches to enhance automotive safety through real-time stress monitoring and adaptive comfort systems. This research proposes the development of AI-driven smart materials for automotive applications based on a comprehensive analysis of existing physiological databases. The methodology integrates large-scale driving stress datasets, including the MIT PhysioNet DriveDB containing physiological recordings from 17 drivers across various stress conditions, and the SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study encompassing over 3400 drivers and 5 million miles of real-world driving data. Machine learning algorithms analyze heart rate variability, electromyography, and behavioral patterns to establish quantitative relationships between physiological stress indicators and optimal material property requirements. The Materials Project database, containing over 140,000 computed material properties, serves as the foundation for AI-predicted smart material compositions. Target materials include thermochromic polymers for visual stress feedback, shape memory materials for adaptive comfort adjustment, and conductive textiles for continuous physiological monitoring. Preliminary analysis demonstrates stress classification accuracy exceeding 85% using physiological parameters, with material property predictions validated against existing automotive-grade smart materials. Expected outcomes include validated AI algorithms for stress-responsive material design, optimized formulations for thermochromic, shape memory, and conductive polymer systems, and a comprehensive feasibility assessment for automotive industry implementation. This interdisciplinary approach establishes new paradigms for human-centered materials design, potentially reducing stress-related driving incidents by 15–25% through proactive comfort intervention and real-time physiological feedback systems.

4.8. An Integrated Framework for Studying Changes in Morphology and Porosity Under Static and Dynamic Conditions for Bioresorbable Polymeric Scaffolds

• Jacob Abdelfatah Ndioubnane ¹, Rubén Paz Hernández ², Mario Domingo Monzón Verona ² and Gabriel Winter Althaus ¹

¹ 

Institute of Intelligent Systems and Numerical Applications in Engineering, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Las Plamas de Gran Canaria, Spain

² 

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Las Plamas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Biodegradable polymeric materials such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polycaprolactone (PCL) are proven to be a good choice in the design of biopolymeric devices for tissue engineering applications for osteochondral implants such as scaffolds. The behaviour of these materials has been submitted to several studies and numerical models have been developed to predict the behaviour of such materials when implanted in the damaged tissue. When talking about amorphous polymers, there is a predominance of the degradation process of the polymeric material, and the surface erosion process. Here, a novel stable probabilistic-deterministic numerical tool developed on FreeFem++ to predict the erosion and degradation behavior of polymeric materials of biodegradable polymers is presented. The erosion model is based on a stochastic approach using cellular automated distribution. The degradation model is based on the Fick Law of diffusion of materials, whereas the surface erosion model is considered an stochastic process, and modelled using a Monte Carlo simulation technique. Furthermore, to validate the erosion mechanism, a porosity function is described, in order to compare the results with the experimental data. In order to gain more stability in the methodology, a Fictitious Domain Technique is implemented in order to describe the changes on the boundary during the erosion process.

4.9. Capacitive Behavior of Poly-Si Thin Films in TFTs: Optimizing Device Performance Through 2D Numerical Modeling

• Hadjira Tayoub ¹ and Ahlam Harhouz ²

¹ 

Research Center in Industrial Technologies, CRTI, P.O. Box 64, Cheraga, Algiers 16014, Algeria

² 

Laboratoire d’Analyse des Signaux et Systèmes, Department of Electronics, University of M’Sila BP.166, Route Ichebilia, M’Sila 28000, Algeria

This study investigates the high-frequency capacitance behavior of metal/insulator/polysilicon (MIS) structures used in polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) thin-film transistors (TFTs) through two-dimensional numerical modeling. A custom simulation code based on Poisson’s equation was developed to model the electrostatic potential and capacitance characteristics of an Al/SiO₂/poly-Si structure, accounting for the granular nature of poly-Si.

The poly-Si active layer is represented as a series of columnar grains separated by narrow, highly defective grain boundaries (GBs). These GBs, oriented perpendicular to the oxide interface, act as energy barriers that trap free carriers and reduce mobility. Simulations highlight how the number of GBs, grain size, layer thickness, and oxide thickness impact high-frequency capacitance and threshold voltage.

Results show that increasing the number of GBs shifts the capacitance–voltage C (V) curve, raising the threshold voltage due to enhanced charge trapping. Similarly, larger grain sizes and thicker active layers also lead to increased threshold voltages, with a quasi-linear relationship between grain size and layer thickness amplifying this effect. Thicker oxide layers reduce gate control, further increasing the threshold voltage.

A detailed electrostatic potential distribution confirms that GBs trap carriers and form potential barriers, especially under depletion conditions. These findings demonstrate the strong dependence of poly-Si TFT capacitance behavior on structural properties.

To optimize TFT performance, the study suggests increasing grain size and reducing GB density, which can be achieved through techniques like laser crystallization or rapid thermal annealing. These modifications lower defect density, improve carrier mobility, and enhance device performance.

In conclusion, the paper provides a valuable numerical tool and physical insights into the capacitive behavior of poly-Si TFTs, with direct implications for designing efficient electronic and display components.

4.10. Development of a Hybrid Natural Language Processing System for the Automated Extraction of Formulation Data in Direct Ink Writing

• Aliss Bejerano Kindelan, Manuel Belmonte and Cristina Ramírez

• Institute of Ceramics and Glass (ICV-CSIC), Kelsen 5, 28049 Madrid, Spain

The formulation of printable ceramic inks for additive manufacturing via direct ink writing remains a complex and time-consuming task, as it requires experimentally tuning the composition and rheological properties of the ink to ensure its printability. This process is typically based on trial and error, increasing costs and material waste.

In this work, we present the first stage of a data-driven formulation system built upon a hybrid information extraction pipeline that combines regular expressions with named entity recognition based on language models. The goal is to systematically retrieve key formulation parameters from full-text scientific articles. The pipeline identifies relevant entities such as powder composition, binder types and content, and water percentage, viscosity, yield stress, and viscoelastic moduli. A manually curated subset was used to validate the system, which achieves an 80% entity recognition rate. This strategy offers a promising tool to accelerate the design of new ceramic ink formulations for 3D printing, while significantly reducing manual effort, experimental costs, and material consumption. This work lays the foundation for a fully artificial intelligence AI-driven formulation assistant, where missing parameters can be inferred through predictive models and integrated into a structured database to support automated ink design.

This research work has been funded by the European Commission—NextGenerationEU, through the Momentum CSIC Programme: “Develop Your Digital Talent”.

4.11. DFT Study of Electronic and Optical Properties of Poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) for Optoelectronic Devices

• Oumaima El ouardi, Hassane Chadli and Brahim Fakrach

• Laboratory of Advanced Materials Study and Applications (LEM2A), Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, BP 11201, Zitoune, Meknes 50000, Morocco

In this study, the electronic and optical properties of poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) were analyzed using density functional theory (DFT) with the ab initio simulation package VASP. PPV, a conjugated polymer, has garnered significant attention due to its promising applications in optoelectronic devices. The study focuses on the calculation of key electronic properties such as the density of states (DOSs) and the electronic band gap, which was found to be approximately 0.84 eV. This band gap is crucial for determining the material’s suitability for devices that require efficient charge transport. The electronic structure reveals the characteristic behavior of delocalized π-electrons, which contribute to PPV’s conductive properties, making it ideal for electronic and optoelectronic applications.

In addition to the electronic properties, the optical characteristics of PPV were also studied. The calculations show important parameters, including the absorption spectrum and dielectric constant, with significant absorption observed in both the visible and ultraviolet ranges. These features make PPV particularly attractive for applications requiring efficient light absorption and emission. Furthermore, the material’s stability and performance under varying conditions were also evaluated, offering valuable insights into its practical applications. The combination of favorable electronic and optical properties suggests that PPV has strong potential for optoelectronic applications, particularly in organic photovoltaic cells, OLED lighting devices, and optical sensors, where light absorption, charge transport, and stability are essential for optimal performance.

4.12. Double Hydride Perovskites as Promising Materials for Clean Energy Storage: A First-Principles (DFT) Study

• Maryam Ayad ¹, Lalla Btissam Drissi ^1,2,3 and Chaymaa Kasbaoui ^1,4

¹ 

LPHE, Modeling & Simulations, Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco

² 

CPM, Centre of Physics and Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco

³ 

College of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology, Rabat 10100, Morocco

⁴ 

2CPM, Centre of Physics and Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco

Hydride materials are widely recognized for their significant potential in hydrogen storage, a crucial component of renewable energy systems. This study employs density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the structural, electronic, optical, and hydrogen storage properties of novel double hydride perovskites, such as Na₂LiXH₆ (X = Al, Ga). The materials crystallize in a cubic structure (Fm-3m), the optimized structural parameters are obtained through energy–volume (E-V) curve analysis, and the negative formation enthalpies confirm the thermodynamic stability of these compounds.

Electronic structure calculations reveal that Na₂LiAlH₆ and Na₂LiGaH₆ are semiconductors with indirect band gaps of approximately 2.60 eV and 0.66 eV, respectively. These values suggest potential applications in semiconductor-based devices. Optical analyses including the dielectric function, absorption coefficient, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and optical conductivity indicate strong absorption in the ultraviolet region, highlighting the materials’ potential for optoelectronic applications such as UV detectors and solar energy harvesting.

Moreover, the predicted gravimetric hydrogen storage capacities C_wt(%) are favorable, and the hydrogen desorption temperatures T_d are calculated to be 373.9 K for Na₂LiAlH₆ and 337.1 K for Na₂LiGaH₆. These properties indicate practical viability for energy storage applications. Together, these characteristics position Na₂LiXH₆ hydrides as promising multifunctional materials for next-generation clean energy technologies, combining efficient hydrogen storage with valuable electronic and optical features. This work contributes to the ongoing search for sustainable materials supporting the transition to renewable energy.

4.13. Dual-Energy CBCT Detector Configuration: High Z Materials for Improving Microcalcification Detection and Characterization in Breast Imaging

• Evangelia Karali, Christos Michail, George Fountos, Nektarios Kalyvas and Ioannis Valais

• Department of Biomedical Engineering, Radiation Physics, Materials Technology and Biomedical Imaging Laboratory, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos, 12210 Athens, Greece

Introduction: In dual-energy cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), structures with different X-ray absorption properties at different energy spectra are better depicted. In the case of breast microcalcifications, such a technique can lead to an accurate characterization of Type I and Type II microcalcifications, which indicates malignancy. The emergence of photon counting detectors has made dual-energy applications possible at low patient doses. CBCT detector technology relies on cesium iodine (CsI) scintillator. Materials of higher effective atomic number (Z_eff), density, and scintillation efficiency than CsI crystals could help in dense breast imaging. This study investigates whether material properties could improve image quality in dual-energy breast CBCT imaging.

Methodology: A micro-CBCT system was simulated in GATE, accompanied with seven different detector material schemes: CsI, bismutium germanate (BGO), lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO), lutetium–yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO), GAGG, lanthanum bromide (LaBr₃), and CZT, followed by the same electronic processing set up. Dual-energy methodology was applied to 25 keV and 40 keV.

Four breast phantoms, containing microcalcifications of Type I (CaCO₃ and CaC₂O₄) and Type II (HAp, hydroxyapatite), were imaged under monoenergetic and polyenergetic conditions. Planar images and tomographic data, reconstructed with filtered backprojection (FBP) and ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) algorithm, were used. CNR was calculated for each configuration for every microcalcification present.

Results: HAp-CNR values were the highest since they present the highest physical and electronic density. CZT and GAGG average relative CNR values were 1.17 and 1.15 for the monoenergetic application, and 1.08 and 1.03 for the polyenergetic model, respectively, in relation to HAp detection.

Conclusions: Detector material selection plays a crucial role in dual-energy CBCT. Both CZT and GAGG materials present a 3–17% increase in HAp-CNR values in comparison to CsI. These materials present superior stopping power, energy resolution, and light yield, and are an excellent alternative to a CsI scintillator.

4.14. Enhancing Predictive Accuracy of a Novel Creep Model for Stainless Steel-316 Using AI-Driven Optimization and Machine Learning Methods

• Mohsin Sattar and Jan Hosek

• Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic

The long-term reliability of stainless steel-316 (SS-316) components in high-temperature environments is a critical consideration in sectors such as energy production and aerospace engineering. In particular, welded or bonded joints in SS-316 structures are often the most vulnerable to creep deformation due to localized stress concentration and thermal exposure. This study advances the predictive capability of a recently developed creep model for SS-316 joints by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI)–based parameter optimization and machine learning (ML)–driven residual correction. Experimental creep data obtained from SS-316 joint specimens under varied stress and temperature conditions formed the basis for model calibration. Parameter refinement was carried out using Particle Swarm Optimization and Genetic Algorithms, both of which effectively reduced systematic prediction errors. Complementary ML models, including Support Vector Regression and Gradient Boosted Trees, were trained to identify and model complex nonlinear patterns that the analytical approach alone could not capture. Model accuracy was quantified using metrics such as the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and the coefficient of determination (R²). The optimized model exhibited a reduction in MAPE exceeding 25% compared to its unoptimized counterpart, while the hybrid analytical–ML framework achieved an R² of 0.98 on the validation dataset. These results confirm that integrating AI-driven optimization with ML-based correction significantly improves predictive accuracy and generalization for SS-316 joint creep behavior. The proposed approach not only enhances the modeling of high-temperature joint performance but also offers a transferable methodology for other materials and joint configurations subjected to complex thermo-mechanical loads, thereby contributing to safer and more efficient engineering design.

4.15. Experimental Investigation and Physics-Informed Neural Network Modeling of Hydrogen Embrittlement in Annealed 0.2 wt.% Carbon Steel

• Akash Kanji

• Department of Metallurgical and Material Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India

This integrated experimental–computational framework provides both empirical evidence and mechanistic insights into hydrogen transport in steels, establishing a robust pathway for the predictive modelling of embrittlement in hydrogen-based energy systems.

When steels are exposed to hydrogen, a crucial degrading process known as hydrogen embrittlement (HE) causes early brittle failure. In this investigation, baseline, pre-strained, and hydrogen-charged conditions were used to assess the mechanical reaction of annealed 0.2 weight percent carbon steel. Significant ductility loss was found in tensile testing; total elongation dropped from 34.6% in the baseline condition to 12.0% following hydrogen charge and then to 11.3% when pre-strain and hydrogen exposure were combined. In embrittled samples, the reduction in area decreased by over 80%, indicating a significant loss of toughness. Fractography showed a distinct change from brittle, flat fracture in hydrogen-charged conditions to ductile cup-and-cone fracture in uncharged specimens.

A strain-controlled diffusion model was created using Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINN) and compared to a traditional Forward-Time Centered-Space (FTCS) solver in order to supplement the experimental results. The strain-dependent diffusivity included in the governing equation creates a feedback loop in which the concentration of hydrogen modifies the elastic modulus, strain, and diffusivity. The results show that, in comparison to Fickian diffusion, strain localisation speeds up hydrogen infiltration, which explains the experimentally observed embrittlement in pre-strained specimens.

A strong foundation for the predictive modelling of embrittlement in hydrogen-based energy systems is established by this combined experimental–computational approach, which offers empirical data and mechanistic insights into hydrogen transport in steels.

4.16. Integrated Solar-Driven PEM Fuel-Cell System with AI-Optimized Membrane Design for Sustainable Power Generation in Arid Climates

• Sayyad Zahid Qamar ¹, Muhammad Abdul Qyyum ², Ismail Al Shaibani ³, Saif Al Badi ³, Hamed Mohammed Al Salmi ³ and Saif Al Alawi ³

¹ 

Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Sultan Qaboos University, P.C. 123, Al-khod, Oman

² 

Chemical Engineering Department, Sultan Qaboos University, University, P.C. 123, Al-khod, Oman

³ 

Mechanical Engineering Student at Sultan Qaboos University, University, P.C. 123, Al-khod, Oman

Fuel cells (FCs) offer high-efficiency and low-emission energy conversion, making them a top contender in clean-energy technology. This paper presents the design and partial fabrication of a proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) specifically adapted to climatic and infrastructural context in the Gulf region. PEMFC was selected due to its compact form factor, rapid start-up capability, moderate temperature operation, and high Technology Readiness Level (TRL 8-9). One main target was the development of the membrane, the key electrochemical component facilitating selective proton transport from anode to cathode, while blocking electron and reactant gas crossover. Performance enhancement objectives include improved proton conductivity, chemical stability, and mechanical integrity matching or surpassing current commercial membranes. Local development of such membranes is strategically significant given the absence of domestic FC-manufacturing capabilities in the Gulf region.

Four design concepts were generated and evaluated. The optimal solution was integration of a solar-powered electrolysis system for on-site hydrogen and oxygen production. These gases are fed directly into the PEMFC, converting chemical energy into electrical output to power a small motor or fan in a proof-of-concept demonstration. The integration of renewable hydrogen generation with FC technology provides a closed-loop, emission-free energy system.

An artificial intelligence (AI) model was developed to predict membrane performance under varying operational conditions, enabling design optimization and efficiency improvements without extensive physical prototyping. The combined experimental–computational approach establishes a foundation for high-performance PEMFC membranes, scalable to larger systems in subsequent phases. This work is based on the Final Year Design project of a group of undergraduate mechanical engineering students. It makes a small but significant contribution to sustainable energy technology by advancing region-specific PEMFC design and fabrication capabilities, offering pathways toward local manufacturing, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced energy security in the Gulf region.

4.17. Mathematical Modelling of the Influence of Powder Boriding Parameters on Surface Roughness and Electrochemical Behaviour of Austenitic Stainless Steel AISI 316

• Dino Bogdanić, Josip Cerovečki and Darko Landek

• Department of Materials, Chair of Heat Treatment and Surface Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

This study investigates the effect of powder-pack boriding on the microstructure, surface roughness, and corrosion behaviour of AISI 316 (EN X5CrNiMo17-12-2) stainless steel, with the aim of developing a mathematical model based on the obtained experimental results.

Boriding was performed at 850, 900, and 950 °C for durations of 2–4 h using commercial Durborid G powder. Surface roughness was measured before and after treatment, corrosion performance was assessed in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution by potentiodynamic polarisation with focus on corrosion current density (icorr), and boride layer thickness was analysed metallographically. Mathematical models were developed to describe the dependence of surface and electrochemical properties on process parameters.

Boride layer thickness value ranged from ~10 µm at 850 °C/2 h to nearly 95 µm at 950 °C/2 h. Surface roughness generally increased compared to the untreated steel, except for the 850 °C/3 h condition, which exhibited a smoother surface. Corrosion currents revealed a strong influence of boriding conditions. The untreated specimen showed icorr = 4.36 µA. At 850 °C, icorr ranged between 8.86 µA and 20.5 µA, indicating deterioration of corrosion resistance. At 900 °C, the best results were obtained: icorr decreased to 1.13 µA at 2 h and 3.17 µA at 3 h, representing up to a fourfold improvement compared to untreated steel. Boriding at 950 °C gave mixed results, with icorr values between 5.37 µA and 8.67 µA.

These findings demonstrate that optimised boriding, particularly at 900 °C for short to moderate durations, can markedly reduce corrosion current and improve the electrochemical stability of austenitic stainless steel in chloride environments.

4.18. Multilayer THz Metasurface Bandpass Filter with PTFE and HDPE Dielectric Spacers

• Karen Simonyan and Mkrtich Eranosyan

¹ 

Innovation Center of Nanoscience and Technologies, A.B. Nalbandyan Institute of Chemical Physics NAS RA, 5/2 P. Sevak Str., Yerevan 0014, Armenia

² 

Institute of Physics, Yerevan State University, 1 A. Manoogian Str., Yerevan 0025, Armenia

Terahertz (THz) metasurfaces enable subwavelength electromagnetic wave control, offering a path to compact and tunable filters for spectroscopy, sensing, and communications. Here, we present a simulation-driven design for a compact multilayer THz bandpass metasurface filter [1]. The 3D device geometry consists of a silicon substrate supporting a thin gold film perforated with subwavelength annular apertures, a high-transmittance dielectric spacer (PTFE or HDPE), and an aligned array of gold rings on top. This stack can be fabricated by depositing gold through annular masks, eliminating the need for lithographic etching of the substrate presented in our previous model [2].

Full-wave electromagnetic simulations (COMSOL) guided the design process, optimizing spacer thickness and geometric parameters. Simulated transmission spectra show that devices with either PTFE or HDPE spacers yield broad passbands with high transmission. The spectral peak position and shape remain largely invariant under minor geometric deviations, indicating a robust design. The enhanced transmission is attributed to constructive interference between waves reflected at multiple interfaces in the multilayer structure. The combination of a simple mask-defined architecture, material-dependent tunability, and tolerance to fabrication imperfections makes this metasurface filter a promising candidate for THz bandpass filtering, anti-reflection coatings, spectroscopy, and biosensing. This work highlights the effectiveness of computational design in advancing THz metasurface technologies.

• Foundation

This work was supported by Grants No. 22rl-056 and 24AA-2J068 of the Higher Education and Science Committee of the RA MoESCS.

• References

1.

Li, G.-M.; Sun, T.; Li, J.-D.; Zhao, T.-T.; Wang, Y.-H.; Cao, H.-Z.; Ma, R.-D.; Fan, F.; Xu, S.-T. Terahertz bandpass and bandstop filter based on the babinet complementary metamaterials. Opt. Commun. 2024, 571, 130944.

2.

Simonyan, K.; Gharagulyan, H.; Parsamyan, H.; Khachatryan, A.; Yeranosyan, M. Broadband THz metasurface bandpass filter/antireflection coating based on metalized Si cylindrical rings. Semicond. Sci. Technol. 2024, 39, 095012.

4.19. Optimization of Commercial Extruder for Production of Polymeric Filament for 3D Printing Applications

• Fernando Rivera-López and Rubén Sahuquillo Redondo

• Departamento de Ingeniería Industrial, Escuela Superior de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad de La Laguna, Apdo. 456, E-38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

• Introduction

The growing use of 3D printing in both industrial and academic settings has increased the demand for high-quality polymeric filament [1]. Producing filament using a commercial extruder from pellets can reduce costs and improve material customization. However, ensuring dimensional stability and consistent quality remains a key challenge. This work focuses on the setup and optimization of a commercial single-screw extruder for the production of filament suitable for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers.

• Methods

A commercial tabletop extruder was adapted and calibrated to process thermoplastic pellets into filament. Key operational parameters, including extrusion temperature, screw speed, and cooling rate, were systematically varied. A real-time diameter monitoring system was implemented to assess filament uniformity during extrusion. The influence of each parameter on filament diameter and surface finish was analyzed. Post-extrusion, the filament was evaluated using calipers and visual inspection to ensure dimensional consistency.

• Results

This research found that maintaining a stable extrusion temperature and carefully controlling the extrusion rate and cooling environment are critical for achieving consistent filament diameter. The optimal combination of parameters led to the production of filament with a diameter close to 1.75 mm. The real-time implemented monitoring system proved effective in identifying anomalies during the manufacturing process, allowing for rapid control adjustments.

• Conclusions

The successful optimization of the extrusion process enables the reliable production of polymeric filament from raw pellets using a commercial extruder. The methodology ensures dimensional stability and quality suitable for 3D printing applications. Future work will focus on extending the approach to recycled plastic to promote sustainability in additive manufacturing.

4.20. Proxy of Ti-Ni Shape Memory Alloy Actuators Based on Recurrent Neural Networks

• Carlos Augusto Oliveira ¹, Adson Beserra da Silva ¹, Juan A. R. Tueros ², Cezar Henrique Gonzalez ¹, Karla Carolina Alves da Silva ³

¹ 

Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50740-550, Brasil

² 

Civil Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50740-550, Brasil

³ 

Administration, Federal University of Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns 55292-278, Brasil

The conventional experimental procedure involving Titanium–Nickel (Ti-Ni) shape memory alloys requires conducting dozens or even hundreds of heating and cooling cycles performed by the actuator to generate thermal hysteresis curves. This study proposes the development of a proxy model based on machine learning techniques, using experimental results, with the goal of replicating the actuator’s function in this experiment. The proxy model should be capable of accurately predicting the actuator’s thermomechanical response based on time series data of heating and cooling cycles over time. It is important to highlight that this is not the traditional time series forecasting problem aimed at predicting future values, but rather a problem of predicting the dynamic responses of the actuator associated with new input profiles (temperature, mechanical stress, and strain). The proposed strategy is based on the use of deep neural network algorithms, aiming to capture the actuator’s dynamics from experimental data. The main architecture used for modeling temporal dependencies is the recurrent neural network (RNN), specifically the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) type, known for its ability to extract complex and nonlinear temporal patterns in time series data. To evaluate the performance of the proxy model, an experimental dataset was generated using a helical spring-shaped actuator under load. The model’s predictions were compared with the experimentally obtained hysteresis curve in order to validate its generalization capability. The results demonstrate that the proposed technique is highly promising, achieving a mean squared error on the order of 1.2%.

4.21. Starting Temperature of the Silica-Glass Transition

• Shangcong Cheng

• Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

Understanding the complexity of glass formation remains a significant challenge in materials science. Solving the mystery of the dynamic processes involved during glass transition involves answering the key questions of where and why the transition begins and ends during the cooling process.

This study focuses on silica glass, considered to be the most fundamental glass-forming material. The research community has gathered extensive experimental data on both the physical properties and analytical techniques related to silica crystals and silica glass. These data can be used to assess new theories. This study recognizes that both the crystal and glass forms of silica are made up of SiO₄ tetrahedra. A thorough understanding of the crystallization process requires knowledge of how SiO₄ tetrahedra behave under different temperatures during slow-cooling. Based on this understanding and fundamental physical laws, it becomes possible to predict how SiO₄ tetrahedra react during rapid cooling. The available experimental data can help to verify the accuracy of these predictions. Once the silica glass transition process is understood, the insights gained can also be applied to the transitions of more complex glasses.

This analysis indicates that, during rapid cooling, silica structures within the temperature range from the melting point to the polymorphic inversion temperature, 1470 °C, are heterogeneous, featuring embryonic clusters, and begin to shift toward more stable structures at 1470 °C. Experimental data confirm that this is a continuous structural transition occurring over several hundred degrees.

It is concluded that the silica glass transition can be identified as a second-order phase transition, resulting in a glass state with a unique structure and properties that differ from those of liquid and crystalline silica. The method for determining the glass transition temperatures where the transition begins is straightforward and can also be applied to complex silicate glasses.

4.22. The Importance of Quantitatively and Graphically Simulating the Four Core Effects of High-Entropy Alloys Based on the Inherent Sublattice Preference of Atoms

• Bo Wu

• Material Genome Engineering Institute and Multiscale Computational Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350100, China

It is important to quantitatively and graphically characterize the four core effects, the most fundamental yet disputable issues of high-entropy alloys. Yet, the traditional and commonly believed special quasirandom structure (SQS) based on the prefect random mixing structure hypothesis is insufficient as the SQS model ignores the difference of the types of different constituent atoms, the difference of the types of different crystal lattice structure, such as FCC, BCC and HCP, and the difference of the different heat treatment temperatures. In this contribution, based on crystal structure, we propose an alloy thermodynamics model based on the crystallographic structure and then establish the thermodynamic database of the end-member involved by combining computational thermodynamics and first-principle calculations. Thus, the four core effects of high-entropy alloys with various phase structures were quantitatively and graphically characterized, including the site occupying fractions (SOFs), and then the atomic distribution model construction based on SOFs, short-range ordering (SRO) cluster, diverse mechanical property, interstitial atom diffusion, and catalytic characteristic of selected high-entropy alloys. Meanwhile, such behaviors of the commonly believed SQS based on the prefect random mixing structure were also simulated and compared with those of the SOF structures. We conclude that it is quite necessary and also feasible to consider the inherent and inevitable sublattice preference of constituent atoms to simulate the structure and diverse properties of HEAs theoretically, which extends beyond the commonly believed but baseless SQS based on the random mixing hypothesis.

4.23. The Space–Time Scaling Problem in Materials Science

• Audrius Jutas

• Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kaunas University of Technology, 51424 Kaunas, Lithuania

The aim of this study is to define the conditions and assumptions used in developing physical–mathematical models that reproduce—or, to some extent, question—the results of experiments and numerical calculations at the appropriate scales. The goal of describing a physical phenomenon as accurately as possible at larger scales starts with fermionic interactions in the excited state, such as Campton waves, which already have experimental and practical applications. This work presents that even in the unexcited state, electrons act as electrostatic oscillators of the wave function. At the atomic scale, the assumption of a process at the speed of light is no longer possible. Here, we discuss Fermi quantities. This work also asks the question of the constancy of Planck’s constant, which arises from the angular momentum and is influenced by the electron density of an individual material. The function that would link the relationship between distance and time changes begins with the creation of a physical model of the wave function that allows the speed of light to transition to Fermi quantities, which helps to connect free (valence) electrons in physical chemistry problems. The identity of the change in electron density as the electron states of the corresponding scale allows us to calculate the elastic constant as the Bulk modulus. The scaling procedure is based on the 2D screening of a certain experiment and acquires a more realistic application that can be verified experimentally. Its use is equivalent to the square of the wave function. The problem of quantum mechanics with a volumetric change in space is also associated with scaling, which can be described as one of the Lebesgue spaces. Scaling allows us to obtain a topological sequence of the necessary physical quantities and form a complex chain connected by a causal relationship of space–time variation.

4.24. Theoretical Design and Study of Porous Carbon Nitride Fullerenes: Introducing a Novel Family of Cage Molecules

• Zacharias G. Fthenakis ¹ and Nektarios Lathiotakis ²

¹ 

Istituto Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), and National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology (NEST), Scuola Normale Superiore, 56127 Pisa, Italy

² 

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, GR-11635 Athens, Greece

We introduce porous carbon nitride fullerenes (PCNFs), a novel family of cage molecules. They can be considered as the zero-dimensional (0D) counterparts of two-dimensional (2D) porous graphitic carbon nitrides, in a similar analogy to how icosahedral fullerenes are the 0D counterparts of graphene. In this theoretical study, we show how such structures can be designed from Goldberg polyhedra.

We perform a detailed investigation of the properties of two representative members of this family, icosahedral C₆₀N₆₀ and C₁₂₀N₆₀. Applying state-of-the-art DFT approximations and Reax-FF molecular dynamics, we perform a detailed investigation of their structural, vibrational, and electronic properties, as well as their thermal stability. Our results demonstrate that these molecules are dynamically stable. Additionally, their electronic state is robust, as evidenced by the large HOMO-LUMO gaps. The large values of their electron affinities suggest that they might be used in several applications as electron acceptors. Moreover, upon performing molecular dynamics simulations under NVT conditions with ReaxFF force fields, we showed that C₆₀N₆₀ and C₁₂₀N₆₀ are thermally stable well above 1000 K and 2000 K, respectively.

By inheriting the advantageous properties of their 2D counterparts, coupled with their distinct 0D characteristics, PCNFs represent promising structures for a range of applications. These include permeation, molecular trapping, and catalysis, offering potential uses that could extend beyond the capabilities of existing 2D graphitic carbon nitrides. The introduction of PCNFs establishes a significant new class of fullerene-based cage molecules, opening up exciting new directions in nanomaterials research and technology.

Session 5: Materials for Energy Harvesting, Conversion and Storage

5.1. Lab-to-Industry Bottlenecks in Solid-State Batteries: A Comparative View of Sulfide, Halide, Oxide, and Polymer Electrolytes

• Artur Tron

• Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology, Gagarin Ave., 8, Dnipro 49005, Ukraine

Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are key enablers of next-generation lithium battery systems, offering enhanced safety, higher energy density, and greater design flexibility compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This work presents a comparative overview of major SSE chemistries, including sulfide, halide, oxide, and polymer-based electrolyte systems, highlighting their unique advantages and ongoing challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on interfacial stability, chemical compatibility, and mechanical integrity, which remain critical obstacles to reliable device integration and long-term performance.

Scalable fabrication methods are discussed, ranging from traditional approaches such as dry processing and wet chemistry (e.g., tape casting) to advanced techniques like thin-film deposition and additive manufacturing. These processes are evaluated in terms of densification, throughput, and compatibility with industrial workflows. Case studies illustrate the transition from laboratory-scale prototypes to pilot-scale production, with a focus on process optimization, reproducibility, and quality control.

The work also explores future directions for the sustainable and large-scale use of solid-state batteries (SSBs). Topics include recycling strategies, circular material flows, and the integration of AI-assisted materials research to accelerate innovation and shorten development cycles. These approaches aim to bridge the gap between academia and industrial implementation, supporting the advancement of robust, scalable, and environmentally responsible solid-state battery technologies.

By combining materials science insights with engineering perspectives, this presentation contributes to the broader effort to enable commercially viable solid-state batteries for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and grid storage applications.

5.2. Beyond the Si/Al Ratio: Structure–Acidity Correlation in Mesostructured Al-SBA-16 Catalysts for the One-Pot CO₂-to-DME Conversion

• Fausto Secci ¹, Valentina Mameli ¹, Patrícia A. Russo ², Elisabetta Rombi ¹, Mauro Mureddu ³, Nicola Pinna ², João Rocha ⁴ and Carla Cannas ¹

¹ 

Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, University Street 40, 09124 Cagliari, Italy

² 

Institut für Chemie and IRIS Adlershof, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12489 Berlin, Germany

³ 

Sotacarbo S.p.A., Grande Miniera di Serbariu, 09013 Carbonia, SU, Italy

⁴ 

Department of Chemistry & CICECO−Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

• Introduction

Nowadays, research is increasingly focusing on green fuels produced from captured CO₂ (e-fuels). One of the most promising candidates is dimethyl ether (DME), a substitute for diesel fuel. DME can be synthesized from CO₂ via two consecutive reactions: the first, catalyzed by Cu-based reduction catalysts, involves the reduction of CO₂ to methanol; the second, promoted by solid acid catalysts, is the dehydration of methanol to DME. In this work, three mesostructured aluminosilicates (Al-SBA-16) with three different Si/Al ratios (10, 15, and 20) are presented as methanol dehydration catalysts for the one pot-CO₂-to-DME conversion. The catalysts have been tested and characterized with a particular focus on the correlation of their structural properties with their acid features and their catalytic performance.

• Methods

The Al-SBA-16 samples were obtained with an Evaporation-Induced Self-Assembly (EISA) method using a silicon alkoxide (TEOS) and aluminum chloride as precursors. The samples were studied with a wide range of techniques to determine their structural, textural, morphological, and acid properties, and evaluated to determine their catalytic performance.

• Results and discussion

Catalytic tests reveal an increased activity with higher Al content, in agreement with pyridine-FTIR acid site characterization, which shows a moderate increase in acid site number with decreasing Si/Al ratios; however, the trend is less pronounced than expected based merely on the Si/Al ratio. To investigate this finding, ²⁷Al and ²⁹Si solid-state NMR were employed to gather molecular-level insights into the structure–acidity relationship. The ²⁷Al-SS-NMR spectra reveal the presence of both tetrahedral (framework and Al₂O₃-derived) and octahedral Al species. A higher Si/Al ratio enhances aluminum incorporation into the framework, while higher aluminum content favors the formation of extra-framework Al₂O₃. These findings highlight the critical role of Al coordination and distribution in tuning acidity and catalytic activity.

5.3. Synthesis and Investigation of Tungsten–Copper Oxide Composites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Applications

• Janak Paudel ¹, Marvin M. Bonney ¹, Krishna KC ¹, Santiago J. Dopico ¹, Alex J. Kingston ¹, Ogooluwa P. Ojo ², Taylor Lackey ², Ashokkumar Misarilal Sharma ², Fumiya Watanabe ³ and John Nichols ¹

¹ 

School of Physical Science, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Littlerock, AR 72204, USA

² 

School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA

³ 

Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Science, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Littlerock, AR 72204, USA

A major challenge in energy technology is the limitation of large-scale energy storage technologies, which greatly impedes the widespread adoption of many renewable energy sources due to their non-constant and commonly unpredictable energy generation rates. Thus, for society to move away from its current dependence on fossil fuels, a cost-effective solution for large-scale energy storage is essential. One promising technology is hydrogen generation through photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, which uses sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gas. This method allows hydrogen gas to be stored and utilized as an on-demand energy source utilizing existing technologies, thus providing a green energy source with the flexibility of fossil fuels. Previous studies on single-catalyst PECs are greatly limited by only being able to harvest a fraction of the solar spectrum or have band edges that do not facilitate the evolution of both hydrogen and oxygen gases. In order to overcome this barrier, we have identified WO_2.9 and Cu₂O as co-catalysts for direct Z-scheme device geometry. We have prepared the WO_2.9/Cu₂O heterostructures by synthesizing WO_2.9 nanostructures using hot wire chemical vapor deposition on Cu₂O thin films that were grown in situ on Cu substrates. The resulting WO_2.9 nanostructures are rod-shaped with an average diameter of 50 nm. The photocatalyst shows excellent hydrogen production activity under visible light, achieving a solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency of approximately 1% without any applied bias potential. Here we will discuss these results along with their potential for utilization in high-performance, low-cost photocatalysts for green hydrogen production applications.

5.4. A Lithium Extraction Technology Based on MOF-Modified Membrane

• Ilia V. Doroshenko, Mariia A. Moshkova, Irina S. Filippova, Camila Gattabria and Nadezhda A. Poponina

• PISH, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg 197101, Russia

Lithium, often referred to as the “energy metal of the 21st century” [1], is facing rapidly growing demand driven by the expansion of lithium-ion battery technologies. It is projected that by 2030 global demand will exceed proven reserves by nearly twofold, underscoring the need for alternative extraction methods. Direct lithium extraction (DLE) offers a promising solution by enabling recovery from both conventional brines and unconventional sources, including lithium-rich waters associated with oil and gas condensate fields.

This study explores a membrane-based DLE approach for the selective recovery of lithium from oilfield brines. The membrane consists of a polyamide (PA) support that is functionalised with zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), which is a metal–organic framework that is characterised by uniform microporosity, an optimal pore size and a high surface area [2]. The PA provides a robust and cost-effective substrate, while the ZIF-8 imparts strong ion selectivity, facilitating the preferential transport of lithium over the competing cations present in brines [3].

An integrated extraction sequence was developed and evaluated, comprising brine pre-treatment, membrane separation, and final carbonation. Applied to a sample from an East Siberian oilfield, this process yielded lithium carbonate with a purity of 98.44%, demonstrating both technical feasibility and efficiency of the approach. These results highlight the potential of MOF-modified membranes for the valorisation of oilfield brines, paving the way for their future industrial-scale implementation.

• References

1.

Garcia, L.V.; Ho, Y.-C.; Myo Thant, M.M.; Han, D.S.; Lim, J.W. Lithium in a Sustainable Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review. Processes 2023, 11, 418.

2.

Zhao, J.; Fan, R.; Xiang, S.; Hu, J.; Zheng, X. Preparation and Lithium-Ion Separation Property of ZIF-8 Membrane with Excellent Flexibility. Membranes 2023, 13, 500.

3.

Hossain, S.M.; Wang, C.; Choo, Y.; Naidu, G.; Han, D.S.; Shon, H.K. Selective lithium extraction from diluted binary solutions using MOF-based membrane capacitive deionization. Desalination 2023, 556, 116569.

5.5. Ag- and Li-Doped ZnO Nanostructures: Morphological Features and Piezoelectric Applications

• Mariana Chelu, Mihai Anastasescu, José María Calderón Moreno, Daiana Mitrea, Hermine Stroescu and Mariuca Gartner

• Department of Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, “Ilie Murgulescu” Institute of Physical Chemistry, 202 Splaiul Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania

The pursuit of sustainable and lead-free alternatives for piezoelectric materials has motivated the development of new synthesis strategies with minimal environmental impact. In this study, we report an eco-friendly approach for fabricating piezoactive nanostructures based on zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with silver (Ag) and lithium (Li).

The nanostructures were synthesized via a low-temperature hydrothermal method directly on metallic substrates (platinum and titanium foils) previously coated with a ZnO seed layer obtained through sol–gel spin coating. The hybrid system was further encapsulated with a polymer layer to ensure mechanical stability and compatibility for device integration. Comprehensive morphological characterization was performed using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, confirming the successful growth of well-aligned doped ZnO nanostructures. The piezoelectric performance of the samples was evaluated through measurements of the direct piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃).

The results demonstrated that the incorporation of dopant ions not only preserved but also enhanced the piezoelectric activity of the ZnO structures, indicating that the synthesis route is both efficient and environmentally responsible. This work highlights the potential of Ag- and Li-doped ZnO nanostructures, prepared under green processing conditions, for obtaining large-area piezoelectric materials. The combination of low-cost synthesis, ecological benefits, and functional piezoelectric response suggests that this approach represents a promising pathway toward sustainable materials design for applications in energy harvesting.

5.6. Bi-Based Perovskite Materials for High-Sensitivity Gamma Ray Detection

• Paramesh Chandra and Swapan Kr. Mandal

• Department of Physics, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan 731 235, India

• Introduction

Bismuth-based perovskite materials have emerged as promising candidates for gamma ray detection due to their high atomic number, tunable optoelectronic properties, high bandgap, and cost-effective synthesis. This study investigates the structural, optical, and radiation detection properties of a (CH₃NH₃)₃Bi₂Cl₉ (MABiCl) perovskite material in pelletized form.

• Methods

Synthesis of the lead-free Bi-based perovskite MABiCl material as a light absorber was performed by mixing a 3:2 M ratio of CH₃NH₃Cl and BiCl₃ at 50 °C in DMF. The solution was stirred for half an hour, resulting in a white foggy solution. In total, 20 mL ethyl alcohol was added to achieve a white precipitate. The solution was filtered and dried under a constant temperature of 60 °C under vacuum conditions to obtain MABiCl powder.

• Results

X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms the formation of a highly crystalline perovskite structure with well-defined peaks, indicating phase purity. UV-Vis spectroscopy reveals a bandgap of 2.4 eV, which is suitable for efficient charge carrier generation under gamma ray exposure. Temperature-dependent electrical study, conducted at both high and low temperatures, demonstrate the material’s thermal stability and consistent performance across a wide temperature range, making it viable for diverse operational environments. Current versus time measurements under gamma ray irradiation from various sources (Co⁶⁰, Cs¹³⁷, Na²⁴) exhibit a rapid and reproducible photo response, with high sensitivity and low noise, indicating effective charge collection and detection efficiency. The material’s response to gamma rays shows a linear correlation between current output and radiation dose, highlighting its potential for quantitative detection applications.

• Conclusions

These findings suggest that the Bi-based perovskite material possesses favourable properties for gamma ray detection, including structural robustness, suitable optical characteristics, and reliable radiation response. Further optimization of material composition and device fabrication could enhance detection efficiency and scalability, paving the way for practical applications in medical imaging, nuclear security, and radiation monitoring.

5.7. Clayey Soil Improvement: Sustainable Solutions with Ladle Furnace Slag and Recycled Fibers from Wind Turbine Blade Waste

• Ana B. Espinosa ¹, Manuel Hernando-Revenga ², Víctor Revilla-Cuesta ², José A. Chica ^3,4 and Vanesa Ortega-López ²

¹ 

Department of Construction, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain

² 

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain

³ 

Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Science, University of the Basque Country, 48013 Bilbao, Spain

⁴ 

TECNALIA-BRTA, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia Astondo Bidea, 48160 Derio, Spain

This research explores the use of industrial by-products as stabilizers to enhance the bearing capacity of clayey soils, aiming to offer more sustainable alternatives to conventional lime or cement stabilization methods. Specifically, the feasibility of using ladle furnace slag (LFS) as a binder instead of lime was investigated. This study evaluated its key properties, including plasticity, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and expansive behavior. Additionally, the impact of incorporating fibers sourced from the mechanical recycling of wind turbine blade waste (WTBW) on UCS was examined. The results indicate that the addition of LFS to the soil led to a slight decrease in the plasticity index. Moreover, the CBR of the soil improved significantly, increasing from 5.3% to 74% immediately after mixing with 5% LFS. After 90 days of curing, UCS improvements of 87%, 246%, and 479% were observed for mixes with 5%, 8%, and 16% LFS, respectively, compared to untreated soil. These improvements surpassed those achieved with 2% lime stabilization by 44%. Furthermore, incorporating 1% recycled WTBW fiber into the mix with 8% LFS enhanced UCS by 30% after 90 days of curing compared to the mix without fibers and by 313% relative to untreated soil. These findings suggest that the combined use of LFS and WTBW fibers can effectively improve the mechanical properties of clayey soils, offering a promising and sustainable alternative to traditional soil stabilization methods.

5.8. Concentration Evaluation of Garcina kola Fruit Pulp Extract on the Electrochemical Performance of Mn0.6Ni0.4Co2S4/Ti3C2Tx for Supercapacitor Application

• Ebere Hope Nsude, Kingsley Ugonna Nsude and Fabian Ifeanyichukwu Ezema

• Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410105, Enugu State, Nigeria

• Abstract

Composite of nickel doped manganese cobalt sulfide (Mn0.6Ni0.4Co2S4) and MXene have proven to be good electrode materials but not without restacking, aggregation, slow reaction kinetics and volume expansion issues hindering their practical use. This work involves an easy synthesis of Mn1-xNixCo2S4/Ti3C2Tx described here as (MMNCS) nanocomposite utilizing the coprecipitation method using garcinia kola fruit pulp extract as green intercalant and evaluating the effect of extract concentration on the electrochemical performance of the synthesized composite. The XRD shows an increase in interlayer spacing distance of 9.6 Ả for Ti3C2Tx@Al to 12.04 Ả, 13.4 Ả, 14.8 and 14.1 Ả in MMNCS 0, MMNCS 1, MMNCS 2 and MMNCS 3 composites respectively while BET surface area analysis shows that MMCS 2 has the highest surface area of 102.2 m²/g. The green intercalated MMNCS 3 nanocomposite form a sandwich-like structure that is a boon for ion penetration. MXene’s bandgap value of 2.4 eV generally reduced to 2.22 eV, 2.18 eV, 1.92 eV and 2.09 eV for MMNCS 0, MMNCS 1, MMNCS 2 and MMNCS 3 respectively. FTIR spectra clearly show the various functional groups in the samples. Optimum specific capacitance of 1832 C/g was recorded by MMNCS 2 at 1.0 A/g with 90.3% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles. EIS spectra validate a quicker electron transfer rate for this electrode hence, it suggests the potential of the Mn0.6Ni0.4Co2S4/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposite synthesized with garcinia kola fruit pulp extract as green intercalant as a hopeful material for energy storage.

5.9. Development of gCN/Pt Electrocatalysts for Vis-Light-Activated Ethanol Electrochemical Valorization

• Davide Barreca ¹, Mattia Brugia ², Mattia Benedet ^1,2, Gian Andrea Rizzi ^1,2, Alberto Gasparotto ^1,2, Oleg I. Lebedev ³ and Chiara Maccato ^1,2

¹ 

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry and Energy Technologies, (CNR-ICMATE) and National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Department of Chemical Sciences, Padova University, 35131 Padova, Italy

² 

Department of Chemical Sciences, Padova University and INSTM, 35131 Padova, Italy

³ 

Laboratoire CRISMAT, ENSICAEN-CNRS UMR6508, 14050 Caen, Cedex 4, France

In the search for renewable and sustainable energy resources, a promising fuel is biomass-derived ethanol (EtOH), whose low toxicity, easy handling, and high energy density (29.7 MJ×kg⁻¹) have stimulated its valorization in direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), with it eventually being photo-promoted for hydrogen generation [1,2]. Unfortunately, the most used DEFC anodic catalysts based on Pt suffer from high costs, supply shortages, and poor sustainability. In this regard, a key challenge is the reduction of platinum content, and maintaining at the same time an appreciable electrocatalyst activity that can be achieved through a modular dispersion of low-dimensional metal nanoaggregates onto suitable substrates.

In this context, the present work reports on the fabrication of heterocomposites based on platinum nanoparticles and graphitic carbon nitride (gCN), a metal-free Vis-light-active semiconductor (E_G = 2.7 eV) endowed with the benefits of low cost, eco-friendly characteristics, and high structural and compositional flexibility. In fact, N-containing functional groups in gCN can effectively coordinate metal centers during the nucleation/growth of metal nanoparticles, allowing platinum content to be lowered and simultaneously boosting the system performance. The target materials are fabricated by an original route consisting of the electrophoretic deposition of exfoliated gCN on carbon paper, followed by the dispersion of Pt nanoparticles in ultra-low amounts (ca. μg/cm²) by sputtering from Ar plasmas. Optimization of processing conditions and the amount of deposited Pt yielded appreciable activity and stability towards ethanol oxidation in alkaline aqueous solutions, thanks to the synergistic Pt/gCN interactions. The obtained results highlight that attractive performances can be provided even by electrocatalysts containing very low platinum amounts, a key target that might pave the way to the implementation of photo-functional systems in the fields of chemical and solar energy conversion.

• References

1.

Brugia, M.; Benedet, M.; Rizzi, G.A.; Gasparotto, A.; Barreca, D.; Lebedev, O.I.; Maccato, C. Graphitic Carbon Nitride as a Promising Visible-Light-Activated Support Boosting Platinum Nanoparticle Activity in Ethanol Electrooxidation. ChemSusChem 2024, 17, e202401041.

2.

Brugia, M.; Gasparotto, A.; Benedet, M.; Barreca, D.; Rizzi, G.A.; Maccato, C. Pt-decorated graphitic carbon nitride on carbon paper by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Surf. Sci. Spectra 2024, 31, 024002.

5.10. Electrospun Lignin-Derived Carbon Nanofiber Mats for Sustainable Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Electrodes

• Emihle Tyandela ¹ and Myalelo Nomnqa ²

¹ 

Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Symphony Way, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa

² 

Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2088, South Africa

Carbon nanofiber mats derived from renewable resources are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic precursors for energy storage applications. Redox flow batteries are a promising solution for large-scale energy storage, facilitating the integration of renewable energy into the grid. However, the efficiency of these batteries is often limited by conventional carbon felts or papers, which suffer from poor electrocatalytic activity, hindering their potential for grid-scale applications. In this study, alkali lignin, a biopolymer rich in aromatic structures, was employed as the primary carbon source for the fabrication of carbon nanofiber mats via electrospinning, aimed at application in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was incorporated as a binder polymer to enhance the electrospinnability of the lignin solution using stationary needle-based electrospinning techniques. The electrospun mats underwent thermal stabilisation and carbonisation to yield conductive carbon nanofibers. A comprehensive analysis of the morphological and elemental evolution of the nanofibers throughout the processing stages was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The results demonstrate that lignin-based carbon nanofibers possess favourable characteristics such as interconnected morphology, adequate carbon yield, and structural integrity, making them promising electrode candidates for sustainable VRFB systems. This study underscores the potential of biomass-derived polymers in advancing the development of next-generation carbon electrodes for large-scale energy storage.

5.11. Engineering Low-Dimensional Materials for Efficient Energy Conversion

• Pawel Gluchowski ^1,2, Dominika Czekanowska ^1,2, Daniela Kujawa ^1,2, Hugo Salazar ³, Anna Grzegórska ⁴, Anna Zielinska-Jurek ⁴, Ermelinda Falletta ⁵, Melissa Galloni ⁵, Vincenzo Fabbrizio ⁵, Qianqian Chen ⁶, Carsten Blawert ⁶ and Maria Serdechnova ⁶

¹ 

Graphene Energy Ltd., PL-50422 Wroclaw, Poland

² 

Institute of Low Temperature and Structural Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Okólna 2, 50-422 Wrocław, Poland

³ 

BCMaterials, Basque Center for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures, UPV/EHU Science Park, 48940 Leioa, Spain

⁴ 

Department of Process Engineering and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza 11/12, PL-80233 Gdańsk, Poland

⁵ 

Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, via C. Golgi 19, IT-20133 Milano, Italy

⁶ 

Institute of Surface Science, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Strasse 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures, such as carbon dots, have gained significant attention due to their unique luminescent properties, high photostability, and excellent charge transport capabilities. These quasi-spherical nanoparticles, typically 10 nm in diameter, are valued for their ease of synthesis, versatile surface functionalization, strong light absorption, and high quantum yield. Such features make them promising for applications in photocatalysis, solar energy conversion, and optoelectronics. In photocatalytic systems, carbon dots enhance light harvesting, charge separation, and overall energy conversion efficiency. This review highlights recent progress in the synthesis, modification, and application of carbon dots for sustainable energy technologies. Two-dimensional (2D) materials offer exceptional electronic, optical, and mechanical properties, making them attractive for energy conversion applications. Their atomic thickness, large surface area, and tunable band structure enable efficient light–matter interactions and charge carrier transport, advancing photocatalysis, hydrogen evolution, and piezoelectric energy harvesting. In piezoelectric 2D materials such as Bi₂WO₆, WO₃ or MoS₂, mechanical deformation induces an internal electric field that promotes charge separation and reduces recombination, improving catalytic performance. 2D materials are also effective in sonocatalysis, where ultrasonic waves generate cavitation, producing localized high-energy conditions that activate catalyst surfaces, enhance mass transfer, and generate reactive species. Coupling light with ultrasound in sono-photocatalysis provides synergistic effects, enabling efficient pollutant degradation, water purification, and hydrogen production. Their incorporation into functional coatings and active membranes further improves selectivity, permeability, and durability, enabling multifunctional energy systems.

This review compares the advantages, challenges, and prospects of both 1D carbon-based nanostructures and 2D layered materials in next-generation sustainable energy technologies. The combined understanding of these material classes can guide future research, inspire hybrid designs, and accelerate the development of high-efficiency, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

• Acknowledgements

The European Commission grant supported this work: HORIZON-MSCA-2022-SE-01-01—Piezo2D (project number 101131229) and H2020-MSCA-RISE-2018-FUNCOAT (project number 823942).

5.12. Enhanced PCM Microencapsulation Using Cellulose Nanofibrils for Thermal Energy Storage

• Alexandra Vishnevich and Denis Voronin

• Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, 65 Leninsky Prospekt, 119991 Moscow, Russia

This study demonstrates the superior performance of cellulose nanofibril (CNF)-reinforced microcapsules for phase change material (PCM) encapsulation. Compared to conventional polyurethane encapsulation, CNF incorporation yields significant improvements in both structural and thermal properties while enhancing sustainability.

The CNF-modified microcapsules exhibit thick shells (530 nm maximum) with substantially improved mechanical strength, enabling better resistance to PCM volume changes during phase transitions. This structural enhancement leads to 78% encapsulation efficiency—an 11% increase over method without CNF—and to improved thermal stability due to the shift in onset decomposition temperatures and a more efficient protection of the encapsulated OD from elution in the organic solvent. The uniform CNF distribution creates a robust fibrous network that maintains capsule integrity through repeated thermal cycles.

CNF modification eliminates synthetic surfactants through its natural emulsifying properties while reducing chemical crosslinker requirements. The renewable nature of CNF makes this approach particularly attractive for sustainable energy storage solutions.

These advancements position CNF-enhanced microcapsules as ideal for demanding applications in building materials, thermal textiles, and electronic cooling systems where conventional encapsulation falls short. The combination of improved durability, thermal regulation, and eco-friendly credentials represents a significant advancement in PCM technology. Future work will focus on optimizing CNF surface modifications for specific application requirements while maintaining the demonstrated performance benefits. This research establishes CNF as a transformative additive for next-generation thermal energy storage systems.

5.13. Exploring the Ferroelectric Nematic Liquid Crystals for Electromechanical Performance Evaluation in PVDF-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators

• Kaustav Jit Bora and Aloka Sinha

• Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India

The integration of ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals (FNLCs) into polymer matrices offers a promising route to enhance dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the composites and thus improve the surface charge generation, which can be exploited to explore the triboelectric energy harvesting application. In this study, we report the development of an advanced poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based composite self-supporting film by infusing a novel room-temperature FNLC (FNLC-1571) for high-performance triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The composites were prepared via the spin coating method to achieve a uniform thickness (~100 μm) and controlled surface morphology. Incorporation of FNLCs within the PVDF matrix induced intermolecular nucleation, promoting enhanced crystallinity and preferential formation of the electroactive β-phase, as confirmed in related literature on LC-polymer composites. The presence of FNLC molecules, with their long-range polar order and high dielectric anisotropy, facilitates efficient dipole alignment and increases the net dielectric permittivity, thereby improving charge density during triboelectric contact. The fabricated films functioned as tribo-negative layers in a vertical contact–separation-mode TENG, paired with aluminum (Al) as the tribo-positive counterpart. The optimized device delivered an open-circuit voltage of ~60 V_PP and a short-circuit current (I_SC) of ~5 µA under low mechanical excitation (~10 N force @ 15 Hz), demonstrating high sensitivity to small-amplitude vibrations. The enhancement in triboelectric output is attributed to the synergistic effect of increased β-phase content, improved interfacial polarization, and optimized device geometry, which maximized effective contact area and charge transfer efficiency. This work establishes FNLC-infused PVDF composites as a viable and scalable material platform for next-generation self-powered sensors, portable electronics, and IoT-compatible energy harvesting systems.

5.14. Ge-Based Intermetallic Compounds as Materials for Catalysts in an Electrochemical Nitrite Reduction Reaction

• Dmitry Kultin ¹, Irina Kuznetsova ¹, Olga Lebedeva ¹, Sergey Nesterenko ¹, Ilja Chernyshev ¹ and Leonid Kustov ²

¹ 

Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia

² 

N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia

• Introduction

An important reaction contributing to the development of hydrogen energy and the potential replacement of the Haber–Bosch industrial process for ammonia synthesis is the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction, as well as the key reactions for optimizing this latter reaction: electrocatalytic nitrate and nitrite reduction reactions. Due to nitrate contamination of agricultural and industrial wastewater, nitrite contamination can be more dangerous due to the greater toxicity of the nitrite ion. Thus, the search for efficient and low-cost catalysts based on non-precious metals and their compositions is currently crucial. In turn, intermetallic compounds (IMCs) are currently poorly studied for this purpose and, at the same time, are in demand, since their catalytic efficiency can potentially approach single atomic catalysts (SACs). The aim of our study is to synthesize IMCs based on Ge and transition metals and test catalysts based on this in the electrochemical nitrite reduction reaction (NO₂^–RR).

• Methods

The Ge-IMC samples were prepared using arc melting in an argon atmosphere at the AM-200 facility. Mass control of the samples after fusion showed that melting losses did not exceed 1 mass%. The physicochemical methods of characterization of Ge-IMC samples were used in the work: UV-vis spectroscopy and XRD. Linear voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used to determine the optimal conditions for the reactions and synthesis of ammonia, respectively. Autolab PGSTAT302N and PS-20 potentiostats were also used.

• Results and Discussion

The results show that the use of Ge electrocatalysts is promising, since excellent values of Faradaic efficiency (FE) and ammonia yield rate were achieved in the NO₂^–RR. Moreover, IMC-based catalysts showed good results at significantly lower potentials than solid solution catalysts.

• Acknowledgment

The research was carried out at the expense of the grant of Russian Science Foundation (RSF) No 25-29-00488, https://rscf.ru/en/project/25-29-00488/.

5.15. Geopolymer Foams with the Addition of Paraffin Phase Change Materials Encapsulated in Diatomite to Improve Thermal Energy Storage

• Agnieszka Przybek ^1,2,3, Maria Hebdowska-Krupa ^2,3 and Michał Łach ^2,3

¹ 

CUT Doctoral School, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland

² 

Faculty of Material Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, Jana Pawła II 37, 31-864 Cracow, Poland

³ 

Interdisciplinary Center for Circular Economy, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland

Geopolymer foams are lightweight, porous materials increasingly recognized for their potential in sustainable construction, owing to their low density, tunable porosity, fire resistance, and environmentally friendly synthesis. Despite these advantages, their inherent thermal storage capability is relatively limited, which restricts their performance in applications where energy efficiency and thermal regulation are critical. To overcome this drawback, the present study focuses on the development of geopolymer foams enhanced with paraffin-based phase change materials (PCMs) encapsulated within diatomite. Diatomite, a naturally occurring siliceous material with a high surface area and porous structure, serves as an effective carrier for paraffin, ensuring good retention and reducing the risk of leakage during repeated melting and solidification cycles. The modified foams were prepared through the incorporation of diatomite-encapsulated PCM into the geopolymer matrix during the foaming process. Comprehensive characterization was carried out to evaluate the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of the resulting composites. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the successful distribution of PCM-loaded diatomite within the pore structure. At the same time, specific heat measurements highlighted a marked improvement in latent heat storage capacity without significant loss of insulating properties. Moreover, mechanical tests indicated that the addition of encapsulated PCM did not compromise the structural stability of the foams, maintaining adequate compressive strength for potential building applications. The results of this study demonstrate that integrating diatomite-encapsulated paraffin PCM into geopolymer foams provides a multifunctional material that combines thermal insulation with enhanced energy storage capacity. Such composites are particularly promising for applications in energy-efficient buildings, where passive thermal regulation and reduced energy consumption are increasingly important. Overall, the findings underscore the potential of geopolymer foams as sustainable construction materials with improved thermal management capabilities, contributing to the broader goals of energy conservation and environmental protection.

5.16. Highly Active FeCo Bimetallic Oxyhydroxide for Efficient Oxygen Evolution in Water Electrolysis

• Wenxin Jiao and Donghai Lin

• School of Energy and Materials, Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai 201209, China

The development of highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is crucial for advancing clean energy technologies. This study employed electrodeposition to fabricate a highly efficient and stable Fe-doped CoOOH electrocatalyst. During the OER process, the catalyst undergoes substantial electrochemical reconstruction, resulting in its in-situ transformation into a FeCo bimetallic oxyhydroxide (Fe-CoOOH) enriched with active sites. The introduction of Fe significantly enhances the intrinsic conductivity of the reconstructed material, thereby facilitating improved charge transfer kinetics. Furthermore, leveraging bimetallic synergy, the optimized catalyst exhibits a notably reduced Tafel slope of 30 mV dec⁻¹. This kinetic enhancement indicates a shift in the rate-determining step (RDS) from the conventional *OOH formation step (approximately 120 mV dec⁻¹), typical of cobalt-based oxyhydroxides, toward a mechanism dominated by electron transfer. The reconstituted Fe-CoOOH demonstrates exceptional electrocatalytic performance, requiring an overpotential of merely 283 mV to deliver a current density of 50 mA cm⁻². In summary, this work successfully prepared a high-performance bimetallic oxyhydroxide OER catalyst through an electrochemical reconstruction strategy. Fe doping played a critical role in enhancing electrical conductivity and, more importantly, in modulating the electronic structure of the reconstruction product, which led to a reduced Tafel slope and a fundamental change in the RDS. These findings provide valuable insights for the rational design of efficient bimetallic electrocatalysts for energy conversion applications.

5.17. Influence of RF Sputtering Power During RFMS on the Electrochemical Behavior of Zirconia Thin Films in a Hanks Solution

• Hind Zegtouf ¹, Nadia Saoula ² and Mourad Azibi ²

¹ 

Department of Sciences, Teacher Education College of Sétif-Messaoud Zeghar, El Eulma, Sétif 19600, Algeria

² 

Division Milieux Ionisés et Lasers, Centre de Développement des Technologies Avancées, (CDTA), Baba Hassen, Algiers 16081, Algeria

Zirconia (ZrO₂) is a ceramic oxide known for its properties such as inertness and biocompatibility, making it attractive for biomedical and protective coating applications.

In this study, Zirconia (ZrO₂) thin films were deposited using a radio-frequency magnetron sputtering (RFMS) system. A pure zirconium target was sputtered in an Ar–O₂ gas mixture. The sputtering power was systematically varied from 100 W to 400 W in order to investigate its influence on the film’s properties.

The structural, morphological and surface characteristics of the deposited films were analyzed using X-ray Diffraction, contact angle measurements and Atomic Force Microscopy. XRD results show that the monoclinic phase is predominant in lower sputtering power, and the increase in the power induces a notable change in the films’ crystallinity and the preferred orientation. Higher sputtering power also led to a significance increase in the surface roughness (from 0.46 nm at 100 W to 14.77 nm at 400 W). In line with our previous work [1], in this study, the contact angle measurement showed that a sputtering power of 250 W produced the most hydrophobic films. In addition. The electrochemical behavior of the films was assessed trough potentiodynamic polarization tests in Hank’s solution. Compare to the uncoated sample, the films presented a better corrosion resistance. The results also showed that the Zirconia films exhibited a protective anti-corrosion performance.

In conclusion, the results demonstrate that the sputtering power is a key deposing parameter for tailoring different properties of zirconia thin films, confirming their potential as a protective coating for biomedical metals.

• Reference

1.

Zegtouf, H.; Saoula, N.; Azibi, M.; Sali, S.; Mechri, H.; Sam, S.; Khelladi, M.R.; Kechouane, M. Influence of oxygen percentage on in vitro bioactivity of zirconia thin films obtained by RF magnetron sputtering. Appl. Surf. Sci. 2020, 532, 147403.

5.18. Investigating the Band Gap of TiO2, Nb2O5, and AlO3 Applied to Stainless-Steel Electrodes Utilized in Electrocoalescence

• Diogo Horst ¹, Andre Pscheidt ¹, Charles Adriano Duvoisin ¹, Eduardo Nunes Santos ¹, Moisés Alves Marcelino Neto ¹, Rigoberto Eleazar Melgarejo Morales ¹ and Carlos Schneider ²

¹ 

Multiphase Flow Research Center (NUEM), Federal University of Technology Paraná (UTFPR), Rua Deputado Heitor Alencar Furtado 5000, Bloco N, Curitiba 81280-340, CEP, Brazil

² 

Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Paraná, Curitiba 80060-000, PR, Brazil

The band gap energy in semiconducting materials is crucial for electric structure and is needed for procedures like water splitting. Electrostatic coalescence is an effective method for separating water from crude oil in the petroleum industry. Electrode geometry plays a crucial role in electrocoalescence, the process of phase separation in emulsions using electric fields. It influences the distribution of the electric field applied to the emulsion, affecting coalescence efficiency. The shape and size of electrodes can also affect the electric field strength at different points in the emulsion, promoting more efficient droplet coalescence.

Electrode geometry can also influence the direction of droplet flow in the emulsion, optimizing the phase separation process. Proper geometry can minimize unwanted side effects, such as the formation of more stable emulsions or undesirable electrochemical reactions. The choice of electrode geometry can be optimized for different types of emulsions and operating conditions, improving the efficiency of the electrocoalescence process.

This study investigates the influence of electrode geometry on electrocoalescence, a process that uses electric fields to separate phases in emulsions, focusing on oil–water separation. Electrodes coated with metal oxides (TiO₂, Nb₂O₅, and Al₂O₃) were designed for a static electrocoalescence cell. The optical and structural properties of the oxides were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results show that the metal oxides have different band gap energies, which can be adjusted to optimize the electrocoalescence process. The indirect and direct band gap energies were determined for each oxide: TiO₂ (3.18 eV and 2.96 eV), Al₂O₃ (4.29 eV and 3.67 eV/2.60 eV), and Nb₂O₅ (3.54 eV and 2.90 eV).

5.19. Lightweight Heat Exchanger Design Using Graphene-Reinforced Ceramics: A Comparative Study of Dimensional and Material Effects

• Yusuf Kepir ¹, Holger Seidlitz ¹, Lars Ulke-Winter ¹ and Felix Kuke ¹

¹ 

Chair of Polymer-Based Lightweight Design, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus–Senftenberg (BTU), 03046 Cottbus, Germany

² 

Research Division Polymeric Materials and Composites PYCO, Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, 15745 Wildau, Germany

Introduction: In high-temperature environments, heat exchangers require lightweight designs, high thermal resistance, and high effectiveness. Graphene-reinforced ceramic matrix composites (G-CMC) offer promising thermal properties for such applications. This study investigates the effectiveness changes of a block-type heat exchanger made of G-CMC, depending on the length and design, leveraging the potential of 3D printing in the production of complex geometries.

Methods: SolidWorks was used to create the solid model and perform the numerical analyses. First, flow analyses were performed on 180 mm long heat exchangers made of steel and G-CMC. Then, to examine the effect of channel geometry, each 4 × 4 mm channel was divided into four 1 × 4 mm parallel channels, keeping the total flow volume constant. This increased the contact surface area by approximately 2.5 times. Additionally, heat exchanger models with lengths of 180, 250, 450, and 600 mm were analyzed to examine the effect of heat exchanger length on effectiveness.

Findings: Using ceramic composite instead of steel resulted in an approximately 11% increase in effectiveness for the 180 mm design length heat exchanger. Subdividing the channels resulted in an 82% increase in effectiveness for the steel model and a 38% increase for the G-CMC model. Extending the heat exchanger length to 600 mm increased effectiveness by 56% for the steel model and 34% for the composite model. Furthermore, using G-CMC reduced heat exchanger mass by approximately 50%, and the potential to produce complex geometries with 3D printing could provides material and energy savings during the production process.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that material selection and geometric optimization are critical to achieving high effectiveness and sustainability in high-temperature heat exchanger applications. The results highlight the potential of G-CMC and additive manufacturing to produce lightweight and efficient heat exchangers for challenging thermal environments.

5.20. Next-Generation Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects

• Partha Protim Borthakur, Keshab Biswakarma and Sangeeta Saikia

• Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam 786004, India

• Introduction

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are pivotal to modern energy storage systems, powering everything from portable electronics to electric vehicles and grid infrastructures. With rising global energy demands and sustainability concerns, the development of next-generation LIBs hinges on the discovery and application of advanced materials that can enhance energy density, safety, cycle life, and environmental compatibility.

• Methods

This review synthesizes findings from over a decade of research on LIB material innovations. A comprehensive analysis of recent studies, including those focusing on electrode compositions, electrolytes, separators, and nanostructured materials, is undertaken. The methodology includes comparative assessments of anode and cathode chemistries, electrolyte performance, nanocomposite integration, and life cycle environmental impact studies.

• Results

Emerging anode materials such as silicon and lithium-metal-based composites demonstrate significantly higher theoretical capacities than commercial graphite but face limitations due to volumetric expansion and mechanical instability. Cathode advancements have focused on high-nickel and cobalt-free layered oxides to reduce costs and improve sustainability. Electrolyte innovations include solid-state and polymer-based alternatives that enhance safety and support high-voltage operations. Furthermore, nanocomposite materials incorporating carbon, oxides, and polymers have shown potential in improving structural integrity, conductivity, and lithium diffusion pathways. Advanced separators and interface engineering continue to address thermal stability and safety concerns. Environmental life cycle assessments have underscored the need for sustainable material sourcing, recycling technologies, and green processing, particularly for high-output markets.

• Conclusions

The development of high-performance LIBs is closely tied to breakthroughs in materials science. While significant progress has been made in enhancing energy density, thermal stability, and cycle life, issues of cost, safety, and environmental impact remain. The future of LIBs will be defined by the integration of silicon-based anodes, cobalt-free cathodes, safer solid-state electrolytes, and scalable nanomaterial applications. Additionally, closed-loop recycling and green chemistry approaches will be critical for establishing sustainable supply chains.

5.21. Novel Strategies to Mitigate Chromium Poisoning on the Air Electrodes of Solid Oxide Cells

• Awa Ukiwe Kalu and Wenyuan Li

• The Department of Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Evansdale campus, School of Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA

Our research aims to improve the performance and chromium resistance of lanthanum nickelate (LNO) air electrodes for solid oxide cells (SOCs). We investigated putting simple perovskite and high-entropy perovskite (HEP) coatings on the LNO backbone. Our findings show that simple perovskite coatings considerably improve LNO oxygen exchange capacities. This improvement results from the incorporation of transition metal cations into the LNO structure, which improves catalytic performance and shows the potential for tailored property modifications. Notably, HEP coatings demonstrated remarkable performance. LNO coated with LSPYB revealed exceptional oxygen exchange capacities under both standard and aging circumstances. Meanwhile, LNO coated with LSPGB demonstrated exceptional chromium resistance, significantly outperforming self-coated LNO in chromium-rich settings. The improved performance of LNO+LSPGB shows that it has special properties that allow it to maintain and even improve functionality under difficult operating situations, such as chromium-contaminated environments or extended operational stress. This phenomenon is due to the intrinsic properties of high-entropy perovskite coatings, which include compositional complexity, structural stability, and resistance to surface degradation. Overall, our results show that high-entropy perovskite coatings have great promise as a technique for dramatically improving the catalytic activity, chemical stability, and chromium resistance of LNO-based electrodes. This discovery paves the way for the development of strong, highly efficient, and long-lasting materials ideal for advanced SOC applications that require great performance, dependability, and resilience under difficult operational conditions.

5.22. Parameters Affecting Ammonia Production via Lithium-Mediated Electrochemical Dinitrogen Reduction

• Anna Mangini, Giulia Zagatti, Lorenzo Sibella, Noemi Pirrone, Sara Garcia-Ballesteros and Federico Bella

• Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy

NH₃ electrosynthesis is gaining interest as this molecule, essential for fertilizer production, may be exploited as a carbon-free fuel. However, NH₃ production relies almost exclusively on the Haber–Bosch process, which operates under extreme conditions, resulting in a global average ratio of about 2.5 tons of CO₂ emitted per ton of NH₃ produced [1]. Moreover, the Haber–Bosch plants are usually centralized to maximize the efficiency. Many challenges slowed down the decarbonization of NH₃ synthesis.

A fully electrified N₂-to-NH₃ pathway is hindered by particularly low selectivity, leading to a limited production and Faradaic efficiency (FE). Recently, the lithium-mediated strategy in aprotic media has opened up to remarkable results, as it leverages the lithium singular ability to both activate N₂ and stabilize the intermediate, enabling simultaneous protonation at ambient conditions [2]. After 300 h of continuous operation, an FE of 64% has been achieved [3]. However, scalability and long-term stability remain unresolved, as a deep understanding of this dynamic system evolution.

The effect of different process parameters will be detailed, towards an efficient lithium electrodeposition, passing through the electrolyte engineering [4]. In particular, the electrolyte composition and the electrochemical protocol were studied by means of different analytical and statistical tools. The main limitations encountered in studying this strategy will also be exposed. The findings underscore the potential of NH₃ electrosynthesis towards a more sustainable process, while identifying critical areas for future research.

This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 948769, project title: SuN₂rise).

• References

1.

Wang, M.; Khan, M.A.; Mohsin, I.; Wicks, J.; Ip, A.H.; Sumon, K.Z.; Dinh, C.-T.; Sargent, E.H.; Gates, I.D.; Kibria, M.G. Can sustainable ammonia synthesis pathways compete with fossil-fuel based Haber–Bosch processes? Energy Environ. Sci. 2021, 14, 2535–2548.

2.

Mangini, A.; Fagiolari, L.; Sacchetti, A.; Garbujo, A.; Biasi, P.; Bella, F.; et al. Lithium-Mediated Nitrogen Reduction for Ammonia Synthesis: Reviewing the Gap between Continuous Electrolytic Cells and Stepwise Processes through Galvanic Li─N₂ Cells. Adv. Energy Mater. 2024, 14, 2400076.

3.

Li, S.; Zhou, Y.; Fu, X.; Pedersen, J.B.; Saccoccio, M.; Andersen, S.Z.; Enemark-Rasmussen, K.; Kempen, P.J.; Damsgaard, C.D.; Xu, A. Long-term continuous ammonia electrosynthesis. Nature 2024, 629, 92–97.

4.

Mangini, A.; Mygind, J.B.V.; Ballesteros, S.G.; Pedico, A.; Armandi, M.; Chorkendorff, I.; Bella, F. Multivariate Approaches Boosting Lithium-Mediated Ammonia Electrosynthesis in Different Electrolytes. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2025, 64, e202416027.

5.23. Phase Transition and Transport Properties in p-Type Mn-Doped β-FeSi₂ Thermoelectric Materials

• Sopheap Sam ¹, Kosuke Yamazaki ², Muhammad Ibrar ² and Hiroshi Nakatsugawa ²

¹ 

Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba 305-0044, Ibaraki, Japan

² 

Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Kanagawa, Japan

Iron silicide (β-FeSi₂) is known as a promising thermoelectric (TE) material due to its non-toxicity and low cost. However, pure β-FeSi₂ exhibits relatively low TE performance. The performance of β-FeSi₂ can typically be improved through metal substitution. Adding metal usually causes the formation of secondary metallic phases, which degrade the thermopower, leading to a decrease in TE performance. Therefore, understanding the phase transition and its relationship with transport properties is important for optimizing the material’s performance. The present work aims to investigate the influence of Mn addition on the phase change and properties of β-Fe_1−xMn_xSi₂, where x is varied from 0 to 0.10.

The samples were prepared using arc-melting and a heat treatment process. The phase analysis was performed by Rietveld refinement. The electrical and TE properties, such as carrier density, mobility, electrical resistivity, and Seebeck coefficient, were measured by ResiTest8300 and a home-built apparatus. The thermal conductivity was measured by the power efficiency measurement (PEM-2) system.

The results indicate that the amount of semiconducting β-phase drastically drops at x ≥ 0.09, suggesting that the optimum doping level to improve TE performance should be lower than x 0.09. Compared to other metals such as Co and Ni, it is found that Mn has a higher solid solution limit in β-FeSi₂. Mn tunes the conduction of β-FeSi₂ from n-type to p-type. The electrical resistivity and the Seebeck coefficient decrease with Mn doping due to the increased carrier density and formation of secondary phases. The thermal conductivity moderately increases with Mn addition. As a result, the highest power factor of 970 μWm⁻¹K⁻² and dimensionless figure of merit of ZT = 0.12 are obtained in the x = 0.03 sample.

This study is useful for understanding the phase transition and its influence on the TE properties of metal-doped β-iron silicide compounds.

5.24. Simulation Analysis of Cu₂ZnSnS₄ Based Heterostructure Solar Cell

• Divyanshi Srivastava

• Department of Physics, Jagdam College, Jai Prakash University, Chapra, Bihar 841302, India

The performance parameter of Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (Copper Zinc Tin Sulphide) based heterostructure solar cell have been studied by one dimensional solar capacitance simulator software program (SCAPS 1D). This software provides device performance based on layer by layer material properties. The proposed device structure Mo/Cu₂ZnSnS₄/CdS/ZnO integrates the properties such as non toxic, cost effective, environmental friendly and photovoltaic making them suitable for photovoltaic applications. The key structural parameters such as thickness, carrier concentration and doping were systematically varied to analyze the effect on device performance. To enhance the cell power efficiency optimization of the device and their key parameters has been performed. The effect of changing doping concentration and thickness of electron transport layer (ETL) and hole transport layer (HTL) has also been studied. The simulation study includes the comprehensive analysis of J-V characteristics, recombination mechanism, carrier density profiles, Quantum efficiency and I-V behavior under AM 1.5 spectrum illumination at 300 K temperature. By tuning these parameters, the optimized device structure demonstrates a significant improvement in photovoltaic performance. The simulated device has achieved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21%. The result indicates the potential of CdS as an effective buffer layer in Cu₂ZnSnS₄ based solar cell in achieving high efficiency and stable solar devices.

5.25. Stable Hydrazyl Radicals as Redox Active Materials

• Petre Ionita

• Department of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Catalysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Regina Elisabeta, 030018 Bucharest, Romania

• Introduction

Although lithium-ion batteries are nowadays found in everyday life, such as in portable devices and vehicles, there is a high demand for a better technology to overcome the current conceivable maximum power and storage capacity, and also to address some issues regarding the environmental challenges. Stable organic compounds with unpaired electrons (open-shell molecules) are known as free radicals, and usually they possess fascinating and unique properties—the most important being their redox behavior. Therefore, organic radical batteries offer promising improvements on all characteristics of classical batteries, including freedom from rare metals, faster charging time, environmental friendliness, and so on. Stable hydrazyl free radicals are ideal redox species for such new batteries. Therefore, the well-known DPPH free radical (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was tested as a redox mediator in a lithium–graphene battery.

• Methods

Our work is primarily focused on the synthesis and characterization of a large number of such stable hydrazyl (di)radicals, tailoring their redox properties based on chemical design. After synthesis, structural characterization was performed by NMR, IR, UV-Vis, MS, (para)magnetic measurements (ESR, SQUID), and cyclic voltammetry, which allow for the evaluation of the redox properties.

• Results

Structures of the DPPH free radical derivatives were confirmed by different means. Electrochemistry was performed for both stable and persistent free (di)radicals. As expected, stable radicals showed a full reversible redox process. The oxidation potential usually ranges in the domain range of 0.5–1.5 V, with higher values recorded for poly-nitrated radicals and diradicals. The bond dissociation energy of the -NH- group (hydrazine-hydrazyl) is around 70–90 kcal/mol. Further experiments are underway.

• Conclusions

The use of stable hydrazyl radicals in organic batteries as redox active materials can potentially be an important step towards a new technology for the generation and storage of electrical energy.

5.26. Strategic Co-Doping of LiNiO₂ for High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries: Structural and Transport Enhancements

• Sarva Shakti Singh ¹, Avdhesh Kumar ², Ankit Singh ² and Manish Pratap Singh ²

¹ 

Department of Physics, Chowdhary Mahadeo Prasad Degree College, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002, India

² 

Department of Physics, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur-222003, India

The pursuit of high-energy-density cathode materials has positioned LiNiO₂ as a promising candidate due to its high theoretical capacity. However, its practical application is hindered by structural instability, cation mixing, and sluggish Li-ion mobility. This study presents a strategic co-doping approach to enhance the electrochemical performance of R3m-structured LiNiO₂ by introducing Na at the Li site and Nb/Al at the Ni site. First-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT), combined with the bond valence sum energy (BVSE) method, were employed to evaluate the structural, electronic, and transport properties of the doped systems. The optimized lattice parameters reveal that co-doping induces lattice expansion and suppresses cation disorder, thereby improving structural integrity. Band structure analysis indicates a reduced band gap in the co-doped configurations, suggesting enhanced electronic conductivity. Bader charge analysis confirms charge redistribution between dopants and host atoms, which stabilizes Ni oxidation states and mitigates Jahn–Teller distortion. Formation energy and phonon dispersion calculations validate the thermodynamic and dynamic stability of the modified structures. Furthermore, BVSE-based ion migration mapping shows that Na/Nb and Na/Al co-doping significantly broadens Li-ion diffusion pathways and lowers migration barriers compared to pristine LiNiO₂. These results demonstrate that dual-site doping is an effective strategy to overcome intrinsic limitations of Ni-rich layered oxides, offering a rational design route for next-generation Li-ion battery cathodes with improved cycling stability and rate capability.

5.27. Synthesis and Characterization of Solid-State Electrolyte NASICON (Na₃Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂) from Different Precursor Sources

• Ritom Bid ¹, Himanshu Bhardwaj ² and M. Dinachandra Singh ³

¹ 

Department of Physics, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073, India

² 

Vikramajit Singh Sanatan Dharma College (VSSD College), Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur 208002, Uttar Pradesh, India

³ 

Students Research Exposure Lab (SUREELA), Shiksha Sopan, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India

The growing demand for sustainable and cost-effective energy storage systems has accelerated research into sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as viable alternatives to lithium-ion technology. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of NASICON-type (Na₃Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂, NZSP) solid-state electrolytes, known for their high ionic conductivity and structural stability. Using a solid-state reaction method, two sets of NZSP samples were synthesized from different precursor sources: high-purity-grade chemicals (Sample-A) and more economical but low-purity-grade chemicals (Sample-B). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed successful phase formation in both cases, although a secondary phase structure was found in NZSP based on sample-B; however, the high-purity sample-A showed higher phase purity and crystallinity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis showed significantly improved ionic conductivity and reduced grain boundary resistance in the sample-A-based NZSP, while sample-B-based NZSP exhibited increased porosity and higher impedance. These differences are attributed to impurity levels and compositional uniformity in the starting materials. The study demonstrates that precursor quality plays a critical role in determining the electrochemical performance of NASICON electrolytes. Although low-purity (Sample-B)-based chemical sources offer a lower-cost pathway, their impact on structural integrity and conductivity must be addressed for practical application. This research highlights the importance of precursor selection in the scalable development of high-performance solid-state electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries, and contributes toward the realization of safer and more efficient energy storage technologies.

5.28. Tailoring Novel Cathode Materials with High Potential to Combine Performance with Reduced Content of Critical Raw Materials

• Ioana Anasiei ^1,2, Beatrice Adriana Șerban ¹, Ioana Cristina Badea ¹, Sabina Andreea Fironda ^1,2, Mihai Tudor Olaru ¹, Marian Burada ¹, Alexandru Cristian Matei ^1,2 and Elena Bacalum ¹

¹ 

National Research & Development Institute for Non-ferrous and Rare Metals—IMNR, 102 Biruinței, 077145 Pantelimon, Romania

² 

Department of Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 313 Splaiul Independentei, 060042 Bucharest, Romania

The economic impact of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines continues to grow. Dependence on fossil fuels significantly contributes to the rising global energy demand and has intensified the development of environmentally friendly systems for energy generation and storage. In this context, lithium-ion batteries have emerged as a viable solution to environmental, economic, and social challenges, currently dominating the electric vehicle industry.

Among the battery components, cathode material has the most significant influence on performance, safety, cost, or lifespan. The first commercialized cathode was LiCoO₂, which is now being gradually replaced due to its low safety level and high cost.

Partial or complete substitution of cobalt with other elements enables the development of new properties that would otherwise be difficult to achieve. The introduction of aluminium contributes to structural stability and reduced economic impact, but also leads to a decrease in storage capacity. Manganese has high potential for improving electronic conductivity, suppressing microcracks, enhancing structural integrity and mechanical strength. Nickel allows for high energy density, but pure LiNiO₂ is difficult to synthesize and process and lacks sufficient safety.

Therefore, although conventional cathodes, such as LiNi_1−x−yCo_xMn_y and LiNi_1−x−yCo_xAl_y exhibit valuable properties, they still suffer from several limitations. Therefore, the development of new cathode materials that deliver high performance without compromising safety or durability is essential.

This work focuses on the synthesis of new oxide-based materials with high potential for use as cathodes in lithium-ion batteries, aiming to achieve a balance between performance, cost-effectiveness, and criticality of the constituent elements.

5.29. Tailoring Surface Chemistry of MXenes for High-Performance Energy Storage: A Pathway Toward Sustainable Electrochemical Applications

• Muhammad Bilal Tahir

• Department of Physics, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan 64200, Pakistan

Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, collectively known as MXenes, have emerged as highly versatile and conductive materials for energy storage applications. Their layered structure, hydrophilic surfaces, and excellent electrical conductivity make them ideal candidates for use in next-generation electrochemical devices. This research focuses on tailoring the surface chemistry of Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXenes to enhance their electrochemical performance, particularly in supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. By applying controlled chemical etching, thermal treatments, and targeted surface modifications, we demonstrate improved ion diffusion pathways, higher pseudocapacitive behavior, and enhanced cyclic stability.

A series of characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV), were employed to correlate surface terminations (–OH, –O, –F) with electrochemical activity. Furthermore, hybrid electrode architectures combining MXenes with conductive polymers and transition metal oxides were developed to synergistically improve energy and power densities.

The findings highlight the crucial role of surface functionalization in tuning the charge storage mechanism of MXenes and demonstrate practical pathways for scalable fabrication of high-performance, sustainable electrode materials. This work offers valuable insights into the design of MXene-based nanomaterials for energy storage systems, especially for applications requiring fast charge/discharge cycles and long-term operational stability.

5.30. VOₓ Thin Films Deposited by Reactive Sputtering: Characterization and Electrochemical Performance

• Jelena P. Georgijević, Lazar Rakočević and Dejan Pjević

• Department of Atomic Physics, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia

The increasing demand for compact, flexible, and transparent energy storage devices has stimulated intensive research on advanced electrode materials. Transition metal oxides are among the most promising candidates, with vanadium oxide (VOₓ) attracting particular interest due to its wide range of accessible oxidation states and ability to form non-stoichiometric phases. In this work, VOₓ thin films were prepared on ITO-coated glass substrates by DC reactive sputtering under different oxygen pressures, without applying external heating. Structural and optical characterization by SEM and UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of smooth, uniform films with a thickness of about 100 nm and no detectable porosity. XPS analysis revealed that varying the oxygen pressure during deposition allows manipulation of the vanadium oxidation states, thereby tuning the electronic structure of the films. This adjustment in oxidation states directly influenced their electrochemical response. Electrochemical testing in 1 M Na₂SO₄ revealed excellent capacitive behavior: cyclic voltammetry showed a volumetric capacitance of 143 F/cm³ at 50 mV/s, while galvanostatic charge–discharge experiments demonstrated stable cycling at 1 mA/cm². These findings highlight reactive sputtering as a scalable method to produce VOₓ thin films with controlled structural and electronic properties. The observed correlation between oxidation state distribution and electrochemical behavior underscores their strong potential as electrodes for supercapacitor applications.

Session 6: Green Materials, Synthesis, Characterization and Recycling

6.1. Green Treatment and Thermal Characterization of Eucalyptus urograndis Leaves by TG/DTG

• Kaylane Dias de Medeiros, Naienne da Silva Santana and Michelle Gonçalves Mothé

• School of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, RJ, Brazil

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global pulp and paper production reached approximately 700 million tons in 2020. However, this impressive output comes at a cost, generating substantial amounts of lignocellulosic waste, particularly eucalyptus leaves, which are frequently discarded. For every 100 tons of pulp produced, an estimated 48 tons of waste are generated. The high content of organic extractives and lignin in eucalyptus leaves forms a natural barrier that complicates the extraction of nanocellulose, making delignification a crucial step in the process. This study evaluated the efficiency of treatments for obtaining nanocellulose from Eucalyptus urograndis leaves and characterized the resulting material using TG/DTG. Previously ground eucalyptus leaves were treated with NaOH solution (5% m/v), followed by washing protocols to achieve a neutral pH. The three samples then underwent steam explosion through cycles of pressurization and depressurization, followed by Turrax and sonication treatments. The treated samples were characterized by TG/DTG thermal analysis techniques in a TA Instruments Q600 simultaneous analyzer (25 to 600 °C, 10 °C/min under N₂). The thermogravimetric curves of all samples showed two main mass loss stages: the first (below 100 °C) corresponds to moisture evaporation, and the second (200 to 400 °C) corresponds to hemicellulose and cellulose decomposition. The DTG curves exhibited three decomposition peaks around 50 °C (moisture loss), 245 °C (hemicellulose decomposition), and 305 °C (cellulose decomposition). Notably, no lignin decomposition peak was observed, confirming the effectiveness of lignin removal. The results suggest that non-aggressive green treatment with a low alkaline reagent content was efficient in lignin removal, facilitating access to micro- and nanocellulose. This approach promotes the potential of agroforestry residues and supports sustainable applications in areas such as biodegradable packaging, polymeric reinforcements, and advanced biomaterials.

6.2. Incorporating Plastic Wastes into Pavement Materials

• Ali Ghodrati, Nuha Mashaan and Themelina Paraskeva

• Mineral Recovery Research Centre (MRRC), School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia

The accumulation of plastic waste is a considerable environmental concern, with continually low global recycling rates and an increasing reliance on landfilling. Incorporating waste plastics into asphalt pavements is a sustainable solution to divert waste from landfills and enhance pavement performance. This study integrates information from prior experimental and field investigations to assess the technical and environmental feasibility of plastic-modified asphalt. Peer-reviewed studies were examined, emphasizing polymer type, inclusion method (dry or wet process), particle size, and dosage, with performance metrics including rutting resistance, fatigue life, moisture susceptibility, and environmental effects. Comparative data were structured into tables and figures to discern performance trends and emphasize knowledge gaps. The results demonstrate that the use of 4–10% waste plastics can enhance rutting resistance by up to 40% and increase fatigue life by over 25%, depending on polymer type and modification method employed. Enhancements in stiffness and moisture resistance have been noticed; however, increased doses may diminish resistance to low-temperature cracking. Life cycle assessments indicate possible decreases in greenhouse gas emissions and significant diversion of plastics from landfills. The incorporation of waste plastics into asphalt can improve pavement durability and support circular economy goals, depending on the optimization of material selection and mix design parameters. The proposed conference presentation will feature comparative tables and charts from previous studies to graphically illustrate these findings and substantiate evidence-based discussions on sustainable pavement technologies.

6.3. Early-Age Curing Temperature Sensitivity and Strength Characteristics of Rapid Set Concrete Materials

• Daniel Damilare Akerele and Federico Aguayo

• Department of Construction Management, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA

Rapid-setting concretes are commonly used for pavement repairs due to their high early-age strength and ability to expedite traffic resumption. However, the accelerated hydration that drives rapid strength gain can alter microstructural development, creating potential trade-offs between early performance and long-term durability. This study evaluates calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA), polymer-modified, and prepackaged rapid-strength systems under three curing regimes (10 °C, ambient temperature, and 35 °C). The internal temperature evolution was monitored in laboratory specimens using a temperature logger and a controlled environmental chamber for 24 h, and compressive strength was measured at multiple ages up to 28 days per ASTM standard. The results show that elevated curing temperatures (35 °C) accelerated hydration, achieving 20–25 MPa within 4 h, but reduced 28-day strength by up to 15% compared with ambient curing. Low-temperature curing delayed strength development but increased 28-day strength by 8–12%. Several mixtures exhibited bimodal thermal profiles—an initial exotherm within 2 h followed by a secondary peak at 6–8 h—suggesting complex ettringite formation and secondary hydration reactions. These behaviors are crucial for understanding the compactibility of repair materials with existing soncrete or substrates. Linking thermal signatures to strength trajectories provides a practical framework for optimizing curing strategies across diverse climates. These findings inform material selection and specification practices for transportation agencies and contractors, enabling rapid-set concrete repairs that balance early-opening requirements with long-term structural performance under varying environmental constraints.

6.4. A Lignin-First Perspective on Biomass Dissolution: Molecular Dynamics Insights into Deep Eutectic Solvents

• Sarmad Rizvi and Hrushikesh M. Gade

• Department of Chemical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur 302017, India

Lignin is an essential yet underutilized component in biomass valorization. A majority of molecular dynamics (MD) studies on lignocellulosic dissolution via DESs use choline chloride as a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA). In contrast, this study adopts a lignin-first approach, employing tetraethylammonium chloride (TEAC) as the HBA, to better understand how alternative DES formulations modify lignin–cellulose interactions and propose avenues for selective lignin dissolution. All-atom MD simulations were performed on a representative lignin–cellulose complex solvated in two binary DES systems: TEAC:urea (1:2) and TEAC:lactic acid (1:2). Each system underwent energy minimization, equilibration, and 300 ns production runs at 373.15 K and 1 bar using the CHARMM36 force field. Analyses included RMSD, solvent-accessible surface area (SASA), hydrogen bonding, radial distribution function, and interaction energies, with emphasis on lignin responses. Results showed that cellulose remained structurally robust in both solvents. Lignin, however, displayed marked solvent-dependent differences in stability. In the TEAC:urea system, lignin maintained a comparatively stable conformation, with hydrogen bonding largely preserved and solvent interactions being less disruptive. In contrast, lignin was noticeably more unstable in TEAC:lactic acid, where solvent penetration was stronger, hydrogen bonds were disrupted more extensively, and DES–lignin interactions proved more destabilizing. These contrasting behaviors underline the importance of solvent environment in driving lignin conformational changes. By prioritizing lignin behavior and employing TEAC as an alternative HBA, this study highlights solvent-specific mechanisms for lignin dissolution, offering molecular-level guidance for lignin-first biomass processing and broadening the design space for green DES formulations beyond choline chloride.

6.5. Biodegradable Mulch Films from Recycled Cellulose: Mitigating Plastic Pollution and Conserving Soil Biodiversity in Agro-Ecosystems

• Abid Hussain

• Department of Biological Sciences, Thal Univeristy Bhakkar, Bhakkar 30000, Punjab, Pakistan

The widespread use of conventional polyethylene (PE) mulch films in agriculture leads to severe microplastic contamination, degrading soil structure and threatening vital terrestrial biodiversity. This persistent ‘white pollution’ requires sustainable alternatives. This study addresses this challenge by valorizing recycled cellulose to create fully biodegradable mulch films. Our objective was to synthesize and characterize these green materials, confirming their potential to mitigate plastic pollution while promoting soil health and biodiversity in agro-ecosystems. Films were synthesized via solution casting with glycerol as a plasticizer. Characterization included Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and tensile testing. Biodegradability was evaluated via a 90-day soil burial test (ISO 20200) [1], and ecosystem impact was assessed in microcosm studies measuring microbial biomass and cress seed germination. The fabricated films exhibited a uniform structure with mechanical properties suitable for field application. The soil burial test demonstrated complete biodegradability, with over 95% mass loss within 75 days. Crucially, microcosm studies revealed zero phytotoxicity, with germination rates identical to controls. Moreover, soil amended with the cellulose film showed a significant increase in microbial biomass compared to soils containing PE fragments, indicating a positive contribution to ecosystem vitality. This research demonstrates that mulch films from recycled cellulose can mitigate plastic pollution while actively supporting soil biodiversity. The findings confirm that these materials provide net benefits to the soil upon degradation, offering a powerful circular economy model for sustainable agriculture that transforms waste into a tool for ecosystem preservation and aligns with global goals for responsible consumption.

• Reference

1.

ISO 20200:2023; Plastics—Determination of the Degree of Disintegration of Plastic Materials Under Composting Conditions in a Laboratory-Scale Test. ISO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2023.

6.6. Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulation of Sedimentation Process; Optimisation of Inclusion Control in Recycled Aluminium Alloys

• Nihal Ramesh Salian, Tharmalingam Sivarupan, Konstantinos Georgarakis, Konstantinos Salonitis and Mark Jolly

• Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK

The transition toward net-zero manufacturing increased the use of recycled aluminium alloys in high-performance applications. However, their wider adoption, particularly in aerospace manufacturing, is limited by the presence of inclusions and intermetallic compounds that reduce melt cleanness and mechanical integrity. This study investigates the sedimentation behaviour of inclusions in recycled A356 aluminium alloy using computational fluid dynamics simulation as part of the UltraCleanCAST DLMM project. The simulation model incorporated alumina and Fe-rich intermetallic inclusions with diameters between 25 µm and 1000 µm and densities of (2560, 3338, and 3990) kg/m³. Simulations were conducted at flow rates of (50, 100, 180, and 500) kg/h under different baffle configurations, temperature gradients up to 100 °C and localised heating conditions within a newly designed launder.

The results show that inclusion sedimentation is sensitive to both flow rate and temperature gradient. Previous studies showed that flow rates below 100 kg/h promoted greater inclusion settling, however, localised heating applied at the middle and outlet sections of the launder further improved sedimentation efficiency by ~66%. Under optimal combined conditions, the overall inclusion sedimentation efficiency increased by ~88%.

These quantitative results provide a basis for optimising launder design and operating parameters for sedimentation-based purification. The study supports the development of a low-energy purification strategy for secondary aluminium casting, enabling cleaner production of recycled alloys for aerospace applications.

6.7. Decarbonization and Circular Economy Transition: The Transformative Potential of Eco-Friendly Polymers

• Djamil Ben Ghida ¹, Sonia Ben Ghida ², Sabrina Ben Ghida ³ and Riad Ben Ghida ⁴

¹ 

School of Architecture, University of the Basque Country, Plaza Oñati, 2, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain

² 

Department of Sociology, McGill University, 855 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 2T7, Canada

³ 

Department of Mass Communication, Pukyong National University, 45, Yongso-ro, Nam-Gu, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea

⁴ 

Vitalité Health Network, 19 Aberdeen Street, Bathurst, NB E2A 1A9, Canada

• Introduction

The global plastic crisis, marked by over 460 million tons of annual production and only 9% effective recycling, has accelerated the need for sustainable alternatives to petrochemical-based polymers. Eco-friendly polymers, including biopolymers, geopolymers, and smart/stimuli-responsive polymers, offer a viable path toward reducing environmental impact, supporting the circular economy, and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their application spans diverse industries such as electronics, packaging, automotive, aerospace, construction, and biomedical engineering.

• Methods

This paper adopts a data-driven review approach, synthesizing recent academic literature, market data, and regulatory frameworks from 2018 to 2024. It focuses on the classification, sources, processing technologies, lifecycle assessments (LCAs), and performance metrics of eco-friendly polymers. Particular attention is given to bio-based polymers (e.g., PLA, PHAs), geopolymers derived from industrial waste (e.g., fly ash, slag), and smart polymers responsive to environmental stimuli (e.g., temperature, pH).

• Results

Biopolymers such as PLA and PHAs are widely adopted in packaging, accounting for 38.58% of the biopolymer market revenue in 2023. Their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and versatility support their use in food, cosmetics, and biomedical applications. Geopolymers show high mechanical performance and thermal resistance, making them suitable for construction. Smart polymers enable drug delivery and biosensor applications but face limitations related to response time and stability. Across categories, major challenges include high production costs (20–100% higher than conventional plastics), limited infrastructure for biodegradation and recycling, and regulatory inconsistencies.

• Conclusions

Eco-friendly polymers demonstrate significant potential to replace conventional plastics in both high-performance and consumer applications. Their success, however, hinges on overcoming scalability issues, enhancing end-of-life management, and standardizing environmental performance through frameworks such as REACH, TSCA, and ISO 14040/14044. Future progress will depend on interdisciplinary innovation, green chemistry integration, AI-assisted lifecycle assessments, and policy support to enable broader commercialization and a more sustainable material economy.

• Reference

1.

ISO 14044:2006; Environmental Management—Life Cycle Assessment—Requirements and Guidelines. ISO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2006.

6.8. Effect of Precursor and Exfoliation on the Photocatalytic Performance of g-C₃N₄ Toward Pharmaceutical Contaminants

• Paola Grobenski ¹, Floren Radovanović-Perić ², Gordana Matijašić ² and Lidija Ćurković ¹

¹ 

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ivana Lučića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

² 

Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Trg Marka Marulića 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

The increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals and their continuous release into aquatic environments have raised significant environmental concerns. Even at low concentrations, these contaminants can negatively impact ecosystems and human health. Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are often insufficient for their complete removal, emphasizing the need for more advanced treatment solutions. Among advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), heterogeneous photocatalysis has shown promise for the efficient degradation of various pharmaceutical compounds, including antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anesthetics. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), a polymeric, metal-free semiconductor composed primarily of carbon and nitrogen, is a promising material for visible-light-driven photocatalysis. In this study, g-C₃N₄ was synthesized via thermal polymerization using urea and melamine as nitrogen-rich precursors. The materials were subsequently exfoliated to improve their surface area and enhance photocatalytic activity. The prepared samples were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine bonding environments and crystal structure. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis was used to evaluate textural properties, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) was employed to estimate the optical band gap. The adsorption behavior and photocatalytic degradation of procaine, a local anesthetic, were studied under UV-A light and simulated solar irradiation in a batch reactor. Preliminary results suggest that exfoliated g-C₃N₄ synthesized from urea exhibits improved photocatalytic performance compared to other variants, likely due to its higher surface area. While full comparative testing is ongoing, these findings indicate that urea-derived, exfoliated g-C₃N₄ is a promising candidate for solar-driven degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants.

6.9. Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Brassica oleracea Extract: Catalytic Potential for Anti-Inflammatory Applications

• Krishnaveni Manubolu and Raveesha Peeriga

• Department of Pharmacognosy, Vallabhaneni Venkatadri Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gudlavalleru 521356, Krishna Distract, Andhra Pradesh, India

• Abstract

Background: The increasing interest in sustainable and biocompatible therapeutic agents has led to the exploration of green synthesis methods for producing nanoparticles. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized using plant extracts offer a promising route for biomedical applications, particularly in inflammation management.

Methods: This study reports the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Brassica oleracea (cabbage) extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesis involved the addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the cabbage extract mixed with zinc oxide precursors. This eco-friendly method minimizes the use of hazardous chemicals while enhancing the catalytic and biological properties of the nanoparticles. The morphology and surface characteristics of the ZnO nanoparticles were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results: SEM analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles with uniform surface morphology. The nanoparticles displayed notable catalytic activity by reducing pro-inflammatory markers. In vitro assays demonstrated that ZnO nanoparticles inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and key inflammatory cytokines. The catalytic properties of the nanoparticles were found to accelerate biochemical reactions that modulate inflammation, suggesting their dual functionality as catalytic and therapeutic agents.

Conclusions: The study highlights the efficacy of Brassica oleracea-mediated ZnO nanoparticles as catalytic agents with significant anti-inflammatory properties. This green synthesis approach presents an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for developing advanced catalytic materials with biomedical potential. Further research will focus on optimizing nanoparticle synthesis and evaluating their performance in complex biological systems.

6.10. Synthesis and Performance of Green Synthesized CuO Nanoparticles for Degradation of Noxious Bromocresol Green

• Shivam Pandey and Aayushi Vashisht

• Department of Chemistry, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India

Recent emphasis has been directed on attaining the sustainable development goals by 2030. Given the significance of water and its numerous functions, the necessity for clean water is paramount. The inefficacy of many water treatment methods limits their extensive application. Consequently, it is imperative to devise an efficient and environmentally sustainable approach for transforming organic pollutants into non-toxic and innocuous substances. This research employed a green synthesis method from Tradescantia spathacea to successfully produce CuO nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis were employed to characterize and elucidate the structural, morphological, and compositional properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. Furthermore, the synthesized particles were employed to decompose the harmful Bromocresol Green dye in the water. At a concentration of 1 g/L of catalyst and basic medium, the degradation rate accelerated to 90–100% under UV light after approximately 80 min. When the light was not present, the photocatalytic breakdown of bromocresol green using CuO nanoparticles was found to be about half as effective as when the light was present. The effectiveness of CuO nanoparticles that have been produced was maintained even after five cycles. Thus, the green synthesized catalysts were very practical, efficient, and stable.

6.11. Alkalizing Properties of Biomass Ash

• Tsvetelina Petrova ¹, Viktoria Nikolova ¹, Denitza Zgureva-Filipova ¹ and Kalin Filipov ²

¹ 

Technical College of Sofia, Technical University of Sofia, 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria

² 

Faculty of Power Engineering and Power Machines, Technical University of Sofia, 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria

Worldwide, the sunflower is an important agricultural crop—the seeds are used as a food source for people and animals, and as feedstock for liquid biofuel production. The biomass residues are utilised as solid biofuel for local heating systems and industrial facilities. Although the biomass ash is a tertiary product of biomass usage, it is not classed as waste—depending on the biomass type, it consists of valuable elements such as potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, etc. The current study aims to investigate the alkalizing properties of biomass ash in two forms: sunflower husk ash (SHA) and sunflower husk ash granules (SHAGs). Both materials were characterized with dominant alkaline oxides, as K₂O was in the range of 15.09–17.56 wt. % and Na₂O was in the range of 4.42–6.19 wt. %. The pH measurements were carried out with an apparatus type HI-5522, while the elemental analysis of solid and liquid samples was performed using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) apparatus type E-lite. The experiments were conducted with 30 mL of deionized water, different amounts (2 and 3 g) of SHA and SHAG, with and without stirring, at contact times of 2 and 72 h. The investigated materials demonstrated good alkalizing properties—the pH rose from 6.8 to over 10.3 and remained stable over time, with a maximum pH of 10.96 for 3 g SHA without stirring, after 2 h. The XRF results were similar for both materials—Na reacted with water was found to contain 37.51% SHA and 35.87% SHAG, while the dissolved K in the water was measured at 84.43% for SHA and 83.33% for SHAG. The obtained results are a prerequisite for further utilization of this by-product as a green chemical material for increasing pH, with different applications like the production of liquid fertilizers, soaps, etc., or for wastewater decontamination from heavy metals.

6.12. Autoclave-Assisted Mycosynthesis of Copper Nanoparticles from Pleurotus ostreatus Extract: Characterization and Antibacterial Effect Against Burkholderia glumae

• Roslina Ainna Roslan, Norfatimah Mohamed Yunus, Nurul Aili Zakaria and Sharifah Aminah Syed Mohamad

• School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam 40450, Selangor, Malaysia

• Abstract

• Introduction

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have attracted significant interest due to their diverse applications, particularly in antimicrobial treatments. In agriculture, the bacterial pathogen Burkholderia glumae (BG) is recognized as the primary causal agent of bacterial panicle blight (BPB) in rice, a disease that severely reduces yield and grain quality. Current management strategies, including chemical treatments, cultural practices, and resistant cultivars, remain limited by resistance development, inconsistent field performance, and environmental concerns. Therefore, the development of eco-friendly and effective alternatives is urgently needed.

• Methods

In this study, CuNPs were synthesized through a green mycosynthesis approach using Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) extract, with the synthesis process enhanced via an autoclave-assisted method. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antibacterial activity was evaluated against six BG strains of varying pathogenicity through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays.

• Results

Characterization confirmed successful nanoparticle formation, with a distinct absorption peak at 374 nm. FESEM images revealed irregular morphologies and a wide size distribution ranging from 41.56 to 131.9 nm, while FTIR spectra indicated functional groups acting as capping and stabilizing agents. Antibacterial testing demonstrated that the synthesized CuNPs were effective against all BG strains, with the lowest bactericidal concentration observed at 2.5 mg/mL.

• Conclusions

These findings highlight the potential of autoclave-assisted mycosynthesized CuNPs as an environmentally sustainable and efficient alternative for the control of B. glumae. Their dual ability to suppress bacterial growth and provide eco-friendly synthesis suggests a promising application in rice disease management and sustainable agriculture.

6.13. Closing the Loop: Valorization of Degraded Polypropylene and Metal-Modified MMT Fillers as Compatibilizers for PP/PE Blends

• Moon Paul, Omid Zabihi and Minoo Naebe

• Institute for Frontier Materials, SEBE, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia

Recycling polyolefins remains a significant challenge in advancing polymer sustainability due to their chemical inertness and inherent immiscibility in mixed polymer systems. In this study, a circular strategy is presented in which degraded polypropylene (PP) is transformed into a functional compatibilizer for polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE) blends, providing a value-added approach to polyolefin upcycling. Successive melt extrusion of PP in the presence of montmorillonite (MMT) and metal-modified MMT promoted extensive chain scission and oxidative degradation, generating oxygen-rich, low-molecular-weight fragments. Thermal analysis using TGA and DSC highlighted the efficiency of multiple processing cycles in modifying the polymer structure, and also highlighted the role of MMT as a stabilizing agent. The degraded fragments were subsequently recovered via solvent extraction, and detailed characterization using FTIR, NMR, TGA, and GC–MS confirmed the presence of carbonyl, hydroxyl, and ester functional groups. These functionalized oligomeric fragments were evaluated as compatibilizers in PP/PE blends, demonstrating their ability to improve interfacial adhesion and dispersion, thereby linking controlled polymer degradation to the creation of functional additives. Overall, this work establishes a closed-loop upcycling pathway in which the by-products of PP degradation are valorized as compatibilizers, offering a sustainable approach for the management of polyolefin waste and contributing to the development of circular polymer materials.

6.14. Design and Development of Green Materials Through Sustainable Synthesis, Characterization, and Recycling

• Annu Yadav

• Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University, Delhi 110042, India

Green materials are gaining rapid global attention as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics and composites due to their renewable origin and reduced environmental impact. In this study, bio-based resources such as natural polymers and plant-derived additives were used to develop sustainable materials through green chemistry routes and consciously avoiding toxic solvents and high-energy processes. The aim was to design functional materials that balance performance with environmental responsibility.

The synthesized materials were systematically characterized using FTIR, TGA, DSC, and SEM to evaluate their chemical bonding, thermal stability, and surface morphology. The findings confirmed that these materials exhibit desirable mechanical and barrier properties, making them promising for biodegradable packaging and low-impact construction. Recycling was assessed through both mechanical and chemical routes, ensuring resource recovery and waste minimization. Notably, after repeated recycling cycles, a slight deterioration in tensile strength, elasticity, and thermal resistance was observed. While these changes remain acceptable for short-term packaging, they may influence long-term structural applications, highlighting the need for tailored end-use considerations.

Overall, this research demonstrates an integrated approach that combines sustainable synthesis, performance assessment, and recycling strategies. By addressing both functionality and circularity, it offers a practical pathway toward reducing plastic pollution and advancing a greener, circular economy.

6.15. Design and Fabrication of a Biodegradable Plastic-Making System Using Starch-Based Polymers

• Nasreen Bano ¹, Tanzila Younas ², Huda Jan ¹, Mariya Murtaza ¹ and Syeda Wania ¹

¹ 

Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology University, Karachi 75600, Sindh, Pakistan

² 

University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia

Increased use of plastic is one of the main reasons for pollution. It takes about 20 to 500 years for traditional plastic to decompose; hence, it finds its way into landfills or oceans. The solution is to produce starch-based biodegradable plastic. The main ingredient of this would be starch, which is organic and natural, and all sorts of toxic additives would be avoided to ensure that plastic remains one hundred percent organic. This would allow it to come from the soil and go back to it without causing harm, completing a full natural life cycle. This study aimed to synthesize bioplastic, and involved the design and development an automated machine capable of producing biodegradable plastic bags using starch-based polymer films. The system described in this study integrates a mixing unit followed by a film-sliding mechanism, drying, and a thermal sealing unit, all controlled via Arduino to ensure precision and repeatability. Compared to conventional machines, this design consumes less energy and supports environmentally friendly materials. It efficiently processes starch-based polymers into usable bags with acceptable mechanical properties and biodegradability. It is an alternative to traditional plastic, which is vital, as removing the use of plastic from day-to-day life appears to be an impossible task. It contributes to sustainable manufacturing and serves as a foundation for further innovations in green packaging technologies.

6.16. Design, Synthesis, and Physicochemical Characteristics of Stable Nitronyl-Nitroxide Diradicals and Their Complexes with Cu(II) Based on Functional Derivatives of Isophthalaldehyde

• Gul Wali Khan

• Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, Russia

Stable high-spin organic radicals (S ≥ 1) are attractive objects for organic materials with potential applications in fields such as organic magnets, spintronics, spin filters, and memory devices [1]. However, the synthesis of thermally stable di- and polyradicals is a challenging task, especially when ferromagnetic exchange interactions between multiple paramagnetic centers are desired. The report discusses methods for obtaining promising synthetic blocks for the synthesis of functionally substituted di-nitronyl nitroxyl radicals and their complexes with Cu(hfac)2 based on m-xylene. Using the strategy of Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of active aryl halides based on 4,6-dibromoiso-phthalaldehyde, an approach to obtaining a new type of polyhetero-radicals is proposed. The structural features of the obtained paramagnets and their EPR spectra are considered. Recently, the bifunctional substituted nitronyl nitroxide (NNR) diradical which was synthesized by cross coupling reaction such as 1 which was successfully used as a working body in a molecular heat engine in the study of spin phase transitions between superconducting electrodes [2].

In this presentation and graphical abstract, various synthetic approaches to previously unknown types of functionally substituted (X, Y = Br, NO2, COOR) diradicals 2, 3 with meta-positioning of the NHR fragments will be discussed. Special attention will be paid to methods of introducing reactive groups into the diradical molecule by using cross coupling reaction and the possibility of obtaining various complexes with copper salts.

• References

1.

Tretyakov, E.V.; Zayakin, I.A.; Dmitriev, A.A.; Fedin, M.V.; Romanenko, G.V.; Bogomyakov, A.S.; Akyeva, A.Y.; Syroeshkin, M.A.; Yoshioka, N.; Gritsan, N.P. A Nitronyl Nitroxide-Substituted Benzotriazinyl Tetraradical. Chem. Eur. J. 2024, 30, e202303456.

2.

Volosheniuk, S.; Bouwmeester, D.; Vogel, D.; Wegeberg, C.; Hsu, C.; Mayor, M.; van der Zant, H.S.J. Enhancing thermoelectric output in a molecular heat engine utilizing Yu-Shiba-Rusinov bound states. Nat. Commun. 2025, 16, 3279.

6.17. Eco-Friendly Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles Using Ascorbic Acid and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant and Photocatalytic Activities

• Touafek Ouassila ¹, Touafek Naima ² and El Hattab Mohamed ¹

¹ 

Laboratory of Natural Products Chemistry and Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences, University Blida 1, P.O. Box 270, Soumaa Road, Blida 09000, Algeria

² 

Higher National School of Biotechnology “Toufik Khaznadar”, Ville University Ali Mendjeli, Boite Postale E66 Constantine, Constantine 25000, Algeria

Nanotechnology has advanced rapidly in recent years, revolutionizing various scientific fields, industries, and research areas through the development and application of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. Among these nanomaterials, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have gained significant attention due to their p-type semiconducting properties, narrow band gap, and large surface area [1]. These characteristics provide CuO NPs with excellent thermal stability, chemical resistance, and catalytic performance [2]. As a result, they are widely applied in photocatalysis, environmental remediation, sensing, and biomedical fields, due to their strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, and multifunctional activities [3,4]. The present study aimed to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using pure ascorbic acid as a potential reducing and stabilizing agent through an environmentally friendly green synthesis approach, and to evaluate their antioxidant and photocatalytic activities. The formation of CuO NPs has been confirmed by using powder X-Ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antioxidant potential of the synthesized CuO NPs was evaluated by assessing their scavenging activity against the stable DPPH free radical. The obtained results show that the CuO NPs possessed significant antioxidant capacity, with (IC₅₀ = 0.21 mg/mL). In comparison, pure ascorbic acid, used as a positive control, exhibited an IC₅₀ of 0.014 mg/mL. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated through the degradation of methylene blue under solar irradiation. The obtained results revealed that the biosynthesized CuO NPs were able to degrade approximately 80% of the dye within 120 min.

• References

1.

Tran, T.H.; Nguyen, V.T. Copper oxide nanomaterials prepared by solution methods, some properties, and potential applications: a brief review. Int. Sch. Res. Not. 2014, 2014, 856592.

2.

Assaouka, H.T.; Daawe, D.M.; Fomekong, R.L.; Nsangou, I.N. Kouotou, P.M. Inexpensive and easily replicable precipitation of CuO nanoparticles for low temperature carbon monoxide and toluene catalytic oxidation. Heliyon 2022, 8, e10689.

3.

Saleem, M.H.; Ejaz, U.; Vithanage, M.; Bolan, N.; Siddique, K.H. Synthesis, characterization, and advanced sustainable applications of copper oxide nanoparticles: A review. Clean Technol. Environ. Policy. 2024, 27, 5719–5744.

4.

Singh, J.; Dutta, T.; Kim, K.H.; Rawat, M.; Samddar, P.; Kumar, P. ‘Green’synthesis of metals and their oxide nanoparticles: applications for environmental remediation. J. Nanobiotechnol. 2018, 16, 84.

6.18. Ecofriendly Synthesis and Multiscale Characterization of Abies marocana Needle-Derived Biosorbent for Wastewater Remediation

• Malak Zirari ¹, Marouane Aouji ², Driss Hmouni ² and Nouredine El Mejdoub ¹

¹ 

Laboratory of Organic Chemistry Catalysis and Environment, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, BP 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco

² 

Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, BP 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco

The increasing demand for sustainable materials in wastewater treatment has led to exploring plant-based biosorbents. Abies marocana needles, an abundant Moroccan biomass, offer promising potential due to their rich surface chemistry and renewability. This study focuses on synthesizing and characterizing a biosorbent from these needles for dye removal applications.

Raw A. marocana needles were chemically activated using sulfuric acid to improve adsorptive properties. The biosorbent was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for functional groups, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology, analysis for surface area and porosity, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for crystallinity, and Point of Zero Charge (pHpzc) for surface charge determination. Preliminary adsorption tests with methylene blue dye were conducted to assess performance.

FTIR confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and phenolic groups essential for adsorption. SEM revealed a porous, heterogeneous surface after chemical treatment. Surface analysis showed increased surface area and pore volume, indicating enhanced adsorption sites. XRD patterns suggested an amorphous carbonaceous structure favorable for adsorption. The pHpzc value indicated a surface charge conducive to adsorbing cationic dyes. Adsorption tests demonstrated significant methylene blue uptake, confirming effective interaction between dye molecules and biosorbent surface.

The chemically activated A. marocana needle biosorbent exhibits promising structural and chemical properties for organic dye adsorption. This green material offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for wastewater treatment, warranting further optimization for industrial applications.

6.19. Enhanced Dye Filtration Using PVDF/Green-Synthesized MgO Nanocomposite Membranes: RSM, SOLVER, and ANN Optimization

• Konouz Hamidallah and Anouar Abdellah

• Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Environment (CAE), Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Hassan I University of Settat, Morocco

Industrial wastewater containing dye pollutants poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating advanced treatment technologies. This study presents the development and optimization of a novel PVDF/MgO mixed matrix membrane incorporating green-synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles using Arbutus unedo leaf extract for sustainable dye removal from aqueous solutions. The membrane’s performance for Bemacid Turquoise dye removal was systematically optimized using three complementary approaches: Response Surface Methodology (RSM), artificial neural networks (ANN), and SOLVER algorithms. Comprehensive characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical testing, and contact angle measurements. The optimum conditions were achieved with a membrane composition of 0.6%, a temperature of 40 °C, and an initial dye concentration of 100 mg. L⁻¹. Comparative analysis revealed superior predictive accuracy of the ANN model over RSM, evidenced by lower mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean squared error (RMSE) values, coupled with higher R² correlation. SOLVER optimization further refined the parameters, achieving maximum Bemacid Turquoise removal at 94.08 mg/L initial concentration, 0.51% membrane composition, and 50.12 °C temperature. The results demonstrate the exceptional potential of this eco-friendly PVDF/MgO membrane system as a sustainable and effective solution for industrial wastewater treatment, combining green synthesis principles with advanced optimization methodologies.

6.20. Evaluation of Durability of Clay Stabilized by Quarry Dust-Based Geopolymer

• John Henry Andes Escoto and Erica Elice Saloma Uy

• Department of Civil Engineering, Gokongwei College of Engineering, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines

High-plasticity clays (CH) are widely known in geotechnical engineering for their undesirable characteristics. These characteristics include low shear strength, high compressibility, and swelling potential, yet their presence in infrastructure projects is often unavoidable. This study aims at investigating a sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) stabilization by evaluating the durability performance of soil–geopolymer mixtures (SGMs) using quarry dust (QD), an industrial by-product from sand and gravel quarrying in the Philippines. Durability testing was considered essential in this study due to the tropical climate in the Philippines, which is characterized by alternating wet and dry seasons that can significantly affect the long-term performance of stabilized soils. The QD was activated with a combination of sodium silicate (SS) and sodium hydroxide (SH) and blended with CH to form SGMs. Index property tests were conducted to characterize the raw materials and determine optimal mix proportions. After a 28-day curing period, the SGMs underwent wetting–drying (WD) cycles, where each cycle consisted of 5 h of submersion in potable water, followed by 42 h of oven drying at 70 °C. Mass loss and soil-cement degradation were assessed by brushing the sample surfaces with a wire brush and weighing the samples, in accordance with procedures recommended by the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The results showed an average mass loss of 6.83% after 12 WD cycles, meeting the Portland Cement Association’s (PCA) requirement of less than 7.00% for stabilized clays. These findings support the use of QD-based geopolymer as an effective and environmentally sustainable stabilizer for high-plasticity clays, particularly in tropical regions where seasonal exposure cycles pose significant durability challenges.

6.21. Fabrication of High-Adhesion Hydrophobic Filter Paper and Its Application as a Device for Microscale Synthesis

• Nedal Abu-Thabit ¹, Sultan Akhtar ², Thamer Nasser Aldhafeeri ¹, Shallal Alshammari ¹ and Abbas Saeed Hakeem ³

¹ 

Chemical Engineering Department, Jubail Industrial College, Jubail Industrial City 31961, Saudi Arabia

² 

Department of Biophysics, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia

³ 

Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen Technologies & Carbon Management (IRC-HTCM), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia

Microscale synthesis in droplets enables the precise production of materials in tiny, isolated volumes, offering benefits such as high throughput, reduced reagent use, and improved reaction control. Inspired by the rose petal effect, hydrophobic surfaces with high water adhesion have shown potential for facilitating controlled synthesis within individual microdroplets. In this study, a novel hydrophobic filter paper (HFP) with high adhesion properties was fabricated and applied to carry out reactions in microscale settings. The fabrication process involves a straightforward two-step procedure and utilizes environmentally friendly chemicals. In the first step, iron hydroxide nanoparticles were deposited via a precipitation reaction, endowing the modified filter paper with hierarchical surface roughness. In the second step, a fatty acid was used to lower the surface energy and produce a hydrophobic surface (WCA ≈ 146°). The hydrophobic nature of the filter paper repels water-based liquids, while its adhesive properties enable microdroplet manipulations, such as transfer and mixing, without the use of external devices. The oxidative polymerization of aniline was demonstrated as a model reaction for the proposed microscale synthetic methodology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of microscale synthesis achieved on hydrophobic paper with strong adhesion properties. This approach aligns with green chemistry principles by minimizing chemical consumption and reducing chemical waste. The fabricated HFP has potential application as a microreactor device for microscale synthesis and for reactions involving microdroplet transfer through controlled wettability and adhesion.

6.22. Fabrication, Mechanical and Electrical Characterization of Pineapple Leaf Fibre Thermoplastic Composite

• Courage Kodzo Ahiabor, Priscilla Annan Jackson and Emmanuel Manu

• The Materials and Metallurgy Engineering Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana

Sachet water has been identified in recent years as the most common means of water packaging in West Africa, particularly Ghana. The water is packaged in 500 mL heat-sealed Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags, popularly known in the streets as “pure water” and is considered safe and hygienic for consumption. Sachet water after being consumed, however, is not properly disposed of, causing adverse environmental issues.

This study talks about the effect of improper disposal of the plastic packaging material, with the aim of combining the waste water sachet with pineapple leaf fibres to produce a composite material. The procedure through which the raw materials were obtained and how the composite was made are stated. Impact and breakdown voltage tests were performed on the material obtained, and the results were evaluated. The impact test results showed a decrease in impact strength as the fibre content was increased. This was attributed to the incomplete bond or adherence of the matrix to the fibre. The results obtained for the breakdown voltage test also showed an overall decrease in breakdown voltage values as compared to the value obtained for pure LDPE. Specimens with 15% fibre content had the highest value among the samples containing fibres. The values obtained were attributed to the presence of voids in the composite material.

6.23. From Waste to Roadway: Evaluating the Performance of Sustainable Asphalt with Waste Plastic Aggregates

• Adeel Iqbal, Nuha S. Mashaan and Themelina Paraskeva

• Mineral Recovery Research Centre (MRRC), School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University (ECU), Joondalup, Perth, WA 6027, Australia

The escalating environmental challenge posed by plastic waste accumulation necessitates innovative and sustainable solutions within civil engineering. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing a novel, custom-engineered waste plastic aggregate, derived from post-consumer waste, as a partial replacement for conventional coarse aggregate in an asphalt mixture. The primary objective is to determine the viability of this approach and quantify the impact of the plastic aggregate on the fundamental mechanical and volumetric properties of the asphalt. The methodology involves systematically incorporating the waste plastic aggregate at varying percentages and employing the Marshall mix design method to assess key performance indicators. Critical parameters such as Marshall stability, flow, Marshall quotient, and volumetric properties are determined. The full experimental results comparing the performance of the waste-plastic-aggregate-modified mixtures against the conventional control mix are currently being finalized. Key findings on Marshall stability, flow, Marshall quotient, and volumetric properties will be quantified and presented in detail at the conference, highlighting the performance trade-offs and benefits at different replacement percentages. This study will establish the feasibility of using custom-engineered waste plastic aggregates in asphalt mixtures. It is anticipated that the findings will offer crucial data for developing lighter, more resource-efficient, and environmentally friendly pavement materials. This work aims to advance circular economy principles by providing a viable, large-scale application for non-biodegradable plastic waste in sustainable construction.

6.24. Impact of Recycled Asphalt Content on Physico-Mechanical Properties of Cement-Retreated Materials

• Athanas Konin

• School of Civil Engineering, Felix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnical Institute (INP-HB), Yamoussoukro 1093, Côte d’Ivoire

The rehabilitation process of asphalt pavement using the milling and filling technique can cause several environmental problems due to either the disposal of milled asphalt mix or the exploitation of new deposits of natural resources. One alternative to reduce carbon emissions in road construction is the reuse this milled material in the construction of new pavement layers. This paper investigates the influence of asphalt content of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) on the physical and mechanical characteristics of the tested mix. Several series of specimens were made from three granular mixes, series 1: specimens made from unbound granular materials (UGM); series 2: specimens based on cement-bound granular materials (CBGM);and series 3: specimens made with a mix of UGM and different proportions (10%, 20%, 30%) of RAP. Physical and mechanical characterization tests of the prepared samples were carried out on all samples at 28 days of curing. The results show that mechanical strengths decrease with an increase in the RAP aggregate content. The modulus of the RAP-based specimens is between the modulus of UGM samples and that of CBGM. The best physical and mechanical characteristics of the recycled aggregate mix are obtained for a proportion of 10% RAP in the mix. Furthermore, an assessment of the carbon emission mitigation potential due to the replacement of new aggregates with RAP, using a life cycle analysis (LCA), shows a significant reduction in carbon emissions from 10% RAP in the granular mix. This work aims to advance policy discussions on integrating circular economy principles into infrastructure standards, with a focus on emissions reduction as a key indicator of sustainable road preservation.

6.25. Influence of Mg on the Microstructure and Mechanical Behaviour of Recycled Al-Si Alloys

• Anish G. P. Nand ¹, Marine Jamois ¹, Tharmalingam Sivarupan ¹, John Forde ², Konstantinos Salonitis ¹, Mark Jolly ¹ and Konstantinos Georgarakis ¹

¹ 

Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK

² 

JF Advanced Technology Solutions Ltd., Warwickshire CV32 4EA, UK

The transition to sustainable manufacturing is driving the increased use of recycled aluminium alloys. However, the variability of residual elements such as Mg, Fe, or Mn poses challenges for achieving reliable microstructural control and mechanical performance. This study investigated the influence of Mg and Mn content on the microstructure and properties of recycled Al-Si alloys. Alloys with varying Mg concentrations (0.2 to 0.5 wt.%) and Mn additions (0.07 to 0.54 wt.‰), representative of recycled feedstock compositions, were prepared by casting. Microstructure analysis revealed that increasing Mg promoted Mg₂Si formation, and also modified the morphology and distribution of intermetallic phases. Mechanical testing showed that increasing Mg from 0.2 to 0.5 wt.% enhanced strength through precipitation and solid solution strengthening while reducing ductility; the yield strength increased from 156 to 250 MPa and the ultimate tensile strength from 242 to 296 MPa, whereas ductility decreased from 7.8 to 2.9%. Addition of 0.54 wt.‰ Mn did not show a significant effect on strength or ductility in the compositions evaluated. The results highlight the critical role of Mg in recycled aluminium alloys, demonstrating both its strengthening potential and its risk of embrittlement as a function of its composition. The findings provide a pathway for alloy design and process optimisation to enable high-value use of recycled Al alloys in structural applications, supporting a more sustainable circular economy in the aluminium sector.

6.26. Mechanical Performance of AISI 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel for Cryo-Compressed Hydrogen Storage in Support of the 2050 Energy Transition

• Abdisa Sisay Mekonnin

• Department of Materials Technology, Faculty of Materials Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Krasinskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland

• Abstract

AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel (ASS) was systematically investigated to evaluate its mechanical behavior at cryogenic temperatures, with particular emphasis on its potential application in cryo-compressed hydrogen storage systems. Such systems are considered a cornerstone technology in the realization of global clean energy and decarbonization targets for 2050. To assess AISI 304 ASS’s performance under cryogenic conditions, uniaxial tensile tests were conducted at room temperature (298 K) and at progressively reduced temperatures of −30 °C (243 K), −60 °C (213 K), and −80 °C (193 K). All experiments were performed using a universal testing machine equipped with a cooling chamber under a constant strain rate of 10⁻³ s⁻¹ to ensure the consistency and reliability of results. The experimental data revealed a distinct temperature-dependent strengthening response. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increased significantly by approximately 54.2% as the testing temperature decreased, while the yield strength demonstrated a more moderate improvement of 7.25%. Although uniform elongation showed a gradual reduction with decreasing temperature, the alloy retained sufficient ductility, thereby maintaining a favourable strength–ductility balance even under cryogenic conditions. These results confirm that AISI 304 ASS possesses the mechanical reliability necessary for hydrogen storage at low temperatures. Beyond its demonstrated mechanical suitability, the deployment of this widely available material supports broader sustainability objectives. Its use in cryo-compressed hydrogen storage can directly contribute to strengthening clean energy infrastructure, minimizing carbon emissions, reducing health risks associated with fossil fuel reliance, and accelerating the global transition toward a net-zero energy system by 2050.

6.27. Mechanistic Insights into Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Environmental Remediation

• Mariyam Javed ¹, Priya Mishra ¹, Tahmeena Khan ² and Seema Joshi ¹

¹ 

Department of Chemistry, Isabella Thoburn College, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226020, Uttar Pradesh, India

² 

Department of Chemistry, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, Uttar Pradesh, India

Environmental pollution has emerged as a critical global concern due to the release of pollutants from industries, agricultural fields, and other human activities, requiring urgent attention and sustainable solutions. Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials consisting of organic ligands and inorganic metal ions or clusters. They have been introduced as a promising class of material for environmental remediation. Their variable pore size, large surface area, and diverse structural and functional properties make them suitable for environmental applications. Water purification through the removal of heavy metals, dyes, toxins, and organic pollutants have been achieved through these materials. The removal of harmful gases (carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ammonia) from the environment is another important application of MOFs. This paper gives a critical insight into the mechanistic pathways of MOFs in adsorption, photocatalysis, redox-mediated degradation, and ion-exchange processes used for the removal of pollutants. The structural features of MOFs influence contaminant capture, selectivity, and degradation kinetics. Recent studies employing in situ spectroscopy, computational modeling, and kinetic analysis have unraveled the interaction dynamics between MOFs and pollutants. By bridging structural attributes with mechanistic functions, this paper will be helpful in the further exploration of MOFs, with potential to restore the environment.

6.28. Natural Biopolymer-Based Microcapsules as Sustainable Agents for Hydrophobic Textiles

• Barbara Golja ^1,2, Blaž Stres ¹, Blaž Likozar ¹, Uroš Novak ¹ and Anja Verbič ¹

¹ 

Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering, National Institute of Chemistry, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia

² 

Department of Textile, Graphic Arts and Design, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

• Introduction

Textiles have relied, for a long time, on coatings containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), to achieve superior hydrophobic, oleophobic and stain-resistant properties. These coatings excel not only at repelling liquids, but also stand out for their durability, including resistance to heat, chemicals, and physical stress. However, the exact chemical structure, which provides durable properties, is also responsible for their persistence in the environment and accumulation in living organisms, raising a significant concern for environmental and human health. Our research presents a hydrophobic coating based on natural biopolymers sourced from renewable materials, which not only imparts hydrophobicity on textiles but also offers a safer alternative to PFAS, which reduces environmental and health risks.

• Methods

A plain weaved 100% cotton (CO) and polyester (PES) fabrics were rod-coated with multiple variations of a coating, containing a suspension of biopolymer-based microcapsules (MCs). The coated samples were analyzed to determine the presence and the distribution of MCs (scanning electron microscopy—SEM), hydrophobic properties before and after washing (water contact angle—WCA), physical properties (thickness, mass per unit area), mechanical properties (tensile strength), and change in color.

• Results

The results showed that hydrophobicity of the coated samples was achieved with minimal impact on the original properties of the CO and PES fabrics. The SEM analysis confirmed the presence of MC on the fibre surface. The WCA has increased from below 10° for untreated samples to above 120° for coated samples. Samples retained hydrophobic properties after washing, with some samples exceeding WCA of 120°. No significant changes in colorimetric parameters were observed after the coating deposition.

• Conclusions

A hydrophobic coating based on natural biopolymer microcapsules was successfully applied to CO and PES fabrics, providing durable hydrophobicity without altering the fabric color. This fluorine-free formulation offers a safer and environmentally friendly alternative to PFAS-based textile coatings.

6.29. Optimizing an Integrated Biorefining Process for Birch Wood and Lignocellulosic Residues

• Maris Puke ¹, Daniela Godina ² and Prans Brazdausks ²

¹ 

Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Dzerbenes 27, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia

² 

Biorefinery Laboratory. Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Dzerbenes 27, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia

The birch wood industry is a key component of Latvia’s forest-based economy and presents significant potential for biorefinery innovations aligned with sustainability goals. This study proposes an integrated biorefining process for birch wood and lignocellulosic (LC) residues that enhances the preservation of cellulose while maximizing the yield of value-added chemical intermediates, specifically furfural and acetic acid. Traditional furfural production processes, which typically rely on sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) catalysis, suffer from major drawbacks, including high cellulose degradation rates (40–50%) and the generation of environmentally hazardous sulfur-containing residues. In response, a novel pretreatment method using phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) as a catalyst was developed to enable selective furfural extraction with significantly reduced cellulose loss. The integration of this process with downstream production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) offers a promising biorefining platform. The chemical composition of raw LC material and post-treatment residues was analyzed using NREL protocols (TP-510-42618, TP-510-42622) and HPLC. Process optimization was conducted using DesignExpert11 software across 26 experimental trials. Fixed parameters included raw material moisture content (45%) and H₃PO₄ concentration (55%), while catalyst amount, reaction temperature, time, and water steam flow were varied. The optimized process achieved a maximum furfural yield of 10.11% based on oven-dry mass (o.d.m.), corresponding to 65.67% of the theoretical maximum—substantially outperforming the 50–55% yields typically reported in industrial settings. Acetic acid yield reached 5.71%, while glucose loss in the LC residue was limited to 8.89%. Further optimization at Technology Readiness TRL6 reduced glucose loss to just 2.00%.

These findings demonstrate the feasibility and industrial relevance of a sustainable, integrated biorefining approach that maximizes chemical recovery while preserving carbohydrate value, supporting future developments in green chemistry and circular bioeconomy systems.

Funding: This research was funded by the Latvian Council of Science State Research Program: “Innovation in Forest Management and Value Chain for Latvia’s Growth: New Forest Services, Products and Technologies” (Forest4LV), project No VPP-ZM-VRIIILA-2024/2-0002.

6.30. Preparation of Composite Materials from Compost and Construction Materials for the Building Industry

• Hafida Zouarhi, Hicham Lakrafli, Fatima Benaissa, Yassin Sadiki and Khalid Lekouch

• Superior School of Technology—Khenifra, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, P.O. Box 170, Khenifra 54000, Morocco

The construction sector is experiencing sustained growth worldwide, leading to an increasing demand for building materials. In this context, integrating and valorizing solid waste in construction represents a promising strategy, offering notable benefits such as environmental protection, reduced energy consumption, and decreased use of non-renewable raw materials.

This study focuses on assessing the impact of incorporating compost, derived from recycled organic matter, into cement–sand composite materials intended for building applications. Compost was selected for its local availability, renewable nature, and potential to support more sustainable construction practices, in line with circular economy principles and the valorization of underused organic resources.

Standardized specimens were produced by incorporating varying proportions of compost into a reference cement–sand matrix. Mechanical tests, including flexural strength and compressive strength, were conducted in accordance with current standards to ensure the reliability and comparability of results.

The findings indicate that the addition of compost leads to a gradual reduction in mechanical performance, particularly at higher incorporation rates, due to increased porosity and less optimal bonding between the matrix and the reinforcement. Nevertheless, these negative effects can be offset by the environmental benefits associated with compost valorization in construction materials, making it a viable option for sustainable building strategies.

6.31. Recent Advances in Fiber-Reinforced Biopolymers Derived from Rice Husk Waste for Sustainable Construction Materials

• Pabina Rani Boro, Partha Protim Borthakur, Madhurjya Saikia and Rupam Deka

• Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, Assam, India

• Introduction

The increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly construction materials has spurred interest in biopolymer composites reinforced with agricultural waste. Rice husk (RH), a byproduct of rice milling, is abundant and rich in lignocellulosic fibers and silica, making it an excellent for use in fiber-reinforced biopolymers. This study investigates recent developments in RH-reinforced biopolymer composites and evaluates their potential in construction applications due to their mechanical, thermal, and ecological advantages.

• Methods

Rice husk was subjected to alkaline treatment using 5% NaOH to remove surface impurities and enhance fiber–matrix interaction. The treated fibers were incorporated into various polymer matrices including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polylactic acid (PLA), epoxy resin, and unsaturated polyester. The composites were fabricated through melt blending and compression molding techniques. Physical and mechanical properties—such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact resistance, water absorption, and thermal stability—were measured according to ASTM standards.

• Results

Incorporation of RH improved mechanical performance in all tested polymers. LDPE/RH composites exhibited a 25% increase in tensile strength (from 13.2 MPa to 16.5 MPa), while epoxy/RH systems showed a 32% enhancement in flexural strength. Treated composites exhibited an 18% increase in hardness. RH ash increased compressive strength of cementitious composites by 15%. In biodegradability studies, composites with RH particles 250 μm showed 60% degradation after 90 days. RH biochar and chitosan-enhanced soil samples showed a 22% increase in shear strength.

• Conclusions

Fiber-reinforced biopolymers made from rice husk waste show significant promise as sustainable alternatives to conventional construction materials. Their enhanced mechanical properties, biodegradability, and thermal performance make them suitable for use in panels, insulation, cementitious composites, and soil reinforcement. These materials contribute to circular economy practices and offer environmentally friendly solutions for green construction. Further research should focus on large-scale implementation, cost analysis, and long-term durability studies.

6.32. Research and Application of Optimal Chair Design Using Green Materials Based on the Finite Element Method

• Jinglong Li ¹, Rosalam Che Me ¹ and Qisen Zhu ²

¹ 

Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Seri Kembangan, Malaysia

² 

Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

Ming-style round-backed armchairs, as a classic Chinese chair design, are renowned for their blend of ergonomics, practicality, and elegance. Although the Chinese armchair furniture industry has made strides in sustainability, further improvements in material selection, manufacturing processes, and supply chain management are still needed to fully support the development of sustainable furniture. Laminated bamboo lumber, as a new sustainable material, is becoming an increasingly popular option for furniture designers in the era of “sustainable design.” This research aims to investigate the feasibility and application of laminated bamboo lumber in the design of Chinese armchairs and proposes innovative ideas for optimizing the armchair’s structure. First, an empirical study was conducted to comprehensively analyze the structural classification of Ming-style round-backed armchairs and develop a 3D model. Second, an experimental research method was employed to explore the parameters of laminated bamboo lumber for future applications. Additionally, a validation experiment was conducted to compare real-world scenarios with simulations using finite element analysis in ANSYS. The feasibility of using laminated bamboo lumber in furniture design was then evaluated through finite element analysis, focusing on the material’s mechanical properties. Results indicate that laminated bamboo lumber possesses excellent mechanical characteristics suitable for furniture design. Consequently, by applying optimized results, the use of 0.6319 kg of steel was successfully reduced by 23.68% while maintaining the armchair’s stability. This research provides a reference for future computer-assisted and standardized innovative designs of Chinese armchairs. By incorporating computer-assisted design and lightweight optimization, it is possible to save materials and use resources more efficiently, thereby contributing to sustainable development goals in the field of furniture design.

6.33. Research on Solid Waste-Based Cementitious Materials and the Properties for Solidification of Dredged Sediment with High Moisture Content

• Hongwei Wang, Jiahui Zhang, Yuanbo Ding and Yue Li

• School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China

The characteristics of high moisture content, poor compaction, and excessive heavy metal content hinder the reuse of dredged sediment in engineering practice [1]. Meanwhile with the advancement of industrialization, there are still challenges of industrial solid waste large stockpiles and low comprehensive utilization rate in various countries [2]. To collaboratively address these issues, a new low-carbon solid waste-based cementitious material was developed in this study, primarily composed of various industrial solid wastes, including phosphogypsum, slag, and fly ash, for solidifying dredged sediment. The mix proportions of solid waste-based cementitious material were optimized through response surface methodology. Additionally, the mechanical properties, environmental stability, and sulfate corrosion durability of solidified dredged sediment were systematically investigated. The results indicate that the 28d-unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the optimal solid waste-based cementitious material (PBC) reached 24.65 MPa. Compared with ordinary Portland cement (OPC), the costs and carbon emissions of PBC preparation reduced by 54.86% and 96.84%, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanical and environmental performances of the solidified sediment was comprehensively optimized under the following conditions: 20% binder dosage, 75% moisture content, and an OPC:PBC ratio of 3:7. The new low-carbon binder solidified dredged sediment effectively immobilized fluorine, phosphate, sulfate ion and multiple mental ions, reducing their leaching concentrations, and making them below the limits specified in relevant environmental standards. After 60 days of exposure to a sodium sulfate environment, samples solidified under optimal conditions exhibited no cracking and maintained stable compressive strength. In this presentation, the OPC and PBC composite binder solidified sediment provided a technically feasible and environmentally sustainable approach for the reuse of high moisture content soils in engineering applications.

• References

1.

Wang, L.; Kwok, J.S.H.; Tsang, D.C.W.; Poon, C.S. Mixture design and treatment methods for recycling contaminated sediment. J. Hazard. Mater. 2014, 283, 623–632.

2.

Wu, J.; Deng, Y.F.; Zhang, G.P.; Zhou, A.N.; Tan, Y.Z.; Xiao, H.L.; Zheng, Q.S. A Generic Framework of Unifying Industrial By-products for Soil Stabilization. J. Clean. Prod. 2021, 321, 128920.

6.34. Sustainable Coffee Based Adsorbents for Fluoride Removal

• Beatriz Carolina Alvez Tovar ¹, José Marçal Da Silva ², Giovanny Angiolillo Rodriguez ¹, Leonardo Ribeiro Pinto ³, Paulo Sergio Scalize ²

¹ 

Instituto de Biologia Experimental, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Campus Ciudad Universitária, Caracas, Distrito Capital, Venezuela

² 

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Laboratório de Análise de Água, Universidade Federal de Goiás–Campus Samambaia, Goiânia-Goiás, Brazil

³ 

Instituto Federal de Goiás-Câmpus Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil

Fluoride contamination in drinking water is a global challenge due to its adverse health effects, including dental and skeletal fluorosis. The limitations of conventional removal methods, such as chemical precipitation and ion exchange, drive the search for sustainable and low-cost adsorbents. Coffee grounds, an abundant agro-industrial residue rich in carbon, show great potential as a precursor for activated carbon. Surface modification with citric acid, including its natural source from lemon juice, can significantly enhance adsorption capacity and provide a low-cost process accessible to rural communities, thereby promoting self-sufficiency in safe water treatment locally.

In this study, activated carbons derived from coffee grounds were prepared under different activation conditions (non-activated, CO₂-activated, and H₃PO₄-activated) and subsequently impregnated with citric acid or lemon extract. Adsorption experiments using sodium fluoride solutions were conducted to evaluate performance. CO₂-activated carbon impregnated with citric acid exhibited the highest adsorption capacity, reaching 0.16 mg g⁻¹ after 6 h of contact.

The results demonstrate that agro-industrial residues, when converted into functional adsorbents, can provide viable, sustainable, and low-cost alternatives for fluoride removal in drinking water. This innovative approach reinforces the role of circular economy strategies and technological innovation in decentralized sanitation, particularly in vulnerable rural communities lacking access to conventional solutions.

6.35. Sustainable Valorization and Characterization of Rice Husk as a Potential Bioadsorbent

• Naienne da Silva Santana ¹, João Vitor Gaiotto Gomes ² and Michelle Gonçalves Mothé ¹

¹ 

School of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

² 

Polytechnic School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global rice production is projected to exceed 550 million tons by 2025. As one of the world’s primary food crops, rice generates a remarkable amount of agro-industrial waste, particularly rice husks, which comprise about 20% of the total grain mass. This waste is often used for energy generation but releases polluting gases into the atmosphere, highlighting the need for more sustainable recovery alternatives. In this context, this study aimed to characterize the physicochemical properties of rice husks and evaluate their potential as a bioadsorbent. Ground rice husks were treated with NaOH solutions (less than 5% w/v) for delignification, followed by acidification with acetic acid under mild conditions. The samples underwent additional steam explosion pretreatment, followed by agitation in the Turrax. The physicochemical characterization of the samples was conducted using TG/DTG (model Q600 from TA Instruments, N₂ atmosphere, 25 to 600 °C), SEM (model Quanta 400 FEG from FEI Company), and UV-Vis (model UV-2600i from Shimadzu). The TG curves revealed two significant decomposition stages between 25–100 °C and 225–600 °C. DTG curves indicated peaks at 40 and 325 °C, linked to water loss and cellulose degradation, respectively. The micrographs indicated significant changes in fiber morphology after treatment, with exposure of cellulose nanofibers. Also, all samples were evaluated for color removal in beverage additives. Remarkably, as a bioadsorbent, the rice husks achieved an approximate 60% reduction in color intensity, especially in samples that underwent more extensive depressurization during steam explosion. These results reveal the potential of rice husks as a sustainable and effective material for color adsorption in aqueous solutions.

6.36. Synthesis and Biosensor Applications of Metal/Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Using Camellia sinensis Cultivated in Rize Region

• Derya Bal Altuntaş

• Department of Bioengineering, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Rize 53100, Turkey

Nanostructures have found extensive applications across various research fields due to their superior properties, including high surface area-to-volume ratio, and unique optical, electrical, and mechanical characteristics. With increasing usage areas, the demand for nanostructures has grown significantly, and this situation has necessitated more synthesis processes. In this regard, studies have concentrated on improving the synthesis methods of nanostructures. Traditional synthesis approaches often involve harmful chemicals and generate toxic byproducts, raising environmental and health concerns. Green synthesis methods have been developed as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional approaches that use harmful chemicals. These “Green synthesis” methods enable the synthesis of nanostructures without requiring any chemicals, making the process more sustainable and cost-effective. Green synthesis, which is a branch of the “bottom-up” approach among nanoparticle synthesis methods, utilizes various biological sources as reducing and stabilizing agents. In green synthesis, metal nanoparticle synthesis is carried out using many biological sources such as sugars, vitamins, plant extracts, microorganisms, bacteria, algae, and fungi, each offering unique advantages in terms of biocompatibility and environmental safety. In this study, Camellia sinensis cultivated in the Rize region was employed for the green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. The rich polyphenol content and antioxidant properties of Rize tea make it an excellent candidate for nanoparticle synthesis. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using advanced analytical techniques, and their potential applications in antimicrobial activity, catalysis, environmental remediation, and biomedical fields were thoroughly investigated. Results demonstrated that Rize tea serves as an effective biological source for environmentally friendly nanoparticle synthesis.

6.37. Synthesis for Obtaining Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs) and Their Physicochemical Characterizations

• Adriana Rodrigues Machado ¹, Carolina Cassoni ², Gonçalo Sá ¹, João Nunes ¹ and Manuela Pintado ²

¹ 

Associação CECOLAB, Collaborative Laboratory Towards Circular Economy, Business Centre, Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição, 2, Oliveira do Hospital, 3405-155 Coimbra, Portugal

² 

Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF-Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina–Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Diogo Botelho 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs) are formed through hydrogen bonding interactions between a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and a hydrogen bond donor (HBD), resulting in a stable, homogeneous liquid. In this work, preliminary analyses were conducted to evaluate the influence of the synthesis method on the physicochemical properties of NADESs. Two preparation techniques, mechanical agitation and ultrasound, were applied to four NADES systems composed of choline chloride (ChCl), urea (Ur), citric acid (CA), and glycerol (Gly): N1 (CA: Gly, 1:3 M), N2 (ChCl: Ur, 2:1 M), N3 (ChCl: CA, 1:1 M), and N4 (ChCl: Gly, 1:1 M), all with 20% (w/w) water. Properties assessed included pH, electrical conductivity, density, and refractive index. Results showed variable pH values without a consistent trend. Electrical conductivity was higher in NADESs synthesized via agitation, notably in N2 (37.7 mS/cm vs. 16.4 mS/cm with ultrasound), suggesting enhanced ionic mobility. Ultrasound-assisted synthesis generally yielded NADESs with greater density, as observed in N1 and N4 (1.155 vs. 1.084 g/cm³ and 1.154 vs. 1.138 g/cm³, respectively), potentially due to improved molecular packing. Refractive index values remained relatively stable across methods, though slight deviations were observed. These findings indicate that mechanical agitation favors higher conductivity, whereas ultrasound may promote greater homogeneity and compactness. Therefore, the choice of synthesis method should be tailored to the targeted physicochemical profile for specific applications.

6.38. Tailoring Benzene Based Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Nitrogen Reduction Reaction Catalysis

• Bhavadharini A., Vasanthakannan V. M. and Senthilkumar K.

• Department of Physics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India

• Abstract

Ammonia (NH₃) is regarded as a green energy carrier owing to its low-carbon footprint, pollution-free and environmentally friendly characteristics. Its high hydrogen content (17.6 wt%) and ease of liquefaction at ambient conditions make it as a promising medium for hydrogen storage and long-distance energy transport [1]. Currently, ammonia synthesis relies almost exclusively on the Haber–Bosch process, which operates under high temperature and pressure, consuming substantial energy derived from fossil fuels and contributing significantly to global CO₂ emissions. The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) offers a sustainable alternative, enabling ammonia production under ambient conditions powered by renewable energy sources. However, NRR is hindered by poor N₂ adsorption and activation, and the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) [2]. In NRR, the catalyst material plays an important role by activating the N₂ molecule, lowering the energy barriers of the reaction pathway and suppressing competing hydrogen evolution. Various types of catalyst materials, metal surfaces, graphene derivatives and porous organic materials have been studied for NRR. However, these materials suffer from drawbacks, such as high cost, limited active-sites, poor selectivity due to competing HER and stability issues under operating conditions. Recently, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have gained attention due to their high specific surface area, tunable pore structure and tailorable active sites [3]. Therefore, in this work, we have explored the impact of transition metals (TM- Cr,Mn,Fe) doping and substitution of functional groups on the catalytic performance of benzene based COFs by using density functional theory calculations. This study provides atomistic insights and design principles for tailoring the COFs toward efficient catalysts for NRR.

• References

1.

Lan, R.; Irvine, J.T.S.; Tao, S. Ammonia and related chemicals as potential indirect hydrogen storage materials. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 2012, 37, 1482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.10.004.

2.

Singh, A.R.; Rohr, O.A.; Schwalbe, J.A.; Cargnello, M.; Chan, K.; Jaramillo, T.F.; Chorkendorff, O.; Nørskov, J.K. Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis—The Selectivity Challenge. ACS Catal. 2017, 7, 706. https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.6b03035.

3.

Chowdhury, I.H.; Gupta, S.; Rao, V.G. Covalent Organic Framework: An Emerging Catalyst for Renewable Ammonia Production. ChemCatChem 2023, 15, e202300243. https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.202300243.

6.39. The Use of Camelina Sativa Oil as an Asphalt Rejuvenator

• Daniel Hochstein ¹, Mohab El-Hakim ^1,2, Yelda Hangun-Balkir ¹ and Kevin Kllobocishta ³

¹ 

Manhattan University, Manhattan College, Bronx, NY 10471, USA

² 

University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada

³ 

Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

Asphalt rejuvenators are commonly used in the production of hot-mixed asphalt (HMA) pavements that contain a high content of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). When an asphalt pavement reaches the end of its service life and is removed, the existing pavement is typically crushed, processed into RAP, and used as a constituent in the new pavement. Without the use of rejuvenators, the resulting asphalt pavement is brittle and can be susceptible to both fatigue and thermal cracking. Conversely, using an unsuitable rejuvenator or an excessive amount of rejuvenator can lead to excessive long-term permanent deformations. Thus, selection of both the appropriate rejuvenator and correct dosage is critical when including large amounts of RAP in HMA.

This study explores the suitability of using camelina sativa oil as an asphalt rejuvenator by investigating its ability to restore the rheological properties of asphalt binder that has undergone thermal oxidation. PG 64-22S asphalt binder was first aged using a rolling thin-film oven and a pressure aging vessel. The aged asphalt binder was then rejuvenated by blending it with various dosages of camelia sativa oil (5, 10, and 15% by weight) and subjected to various performance tests using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR). The DSR was used to measure the rutting parameter (G*/sinδ), fatigue parameter (G*sinδ), and non-recoverable creep compliance while the BBR was used to measure the creep stiffness.

Camelina sativa oil was able to perform successfully as a rejuvenator at a dosage of 5%, as demonstrated by the rejuvenated asphalt binder meeting the AASHTO M320 and M332 performance grading criteria. At a dosage of 10% only the rutting parameter and fatigue parameter criteria were met, while at a dosage of 15% only the fatigue parameter criterion was met.

6.40. Thermal Deformability of Concrete with Wind-Turbine Blade Waste

• Javier Manso-Morato ¹, Nerea Hurtado-Alonso ², Francisco Fiol ², Roberto Serrano-López ¹ and Marta Skaf ²

¹ 

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain

² 

Department of Construction, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain

Thermal variations are currently among the most significant threats to concrete. First, they can increase the stresses to which concrete is subjected. Second, these changes often lead to the appearance of cracks, which hinder concrete’s durability and ability to maintain a prolonged service life by creating pathways for water and other harmful agents to penetrate. Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) is commonly used to withstand these issues, as this type of reinforcement helps to maintain the original dimensions of concrete and stitch the cementitious matrix to prevent cracking. Nowadays, researchers have begun to use sustainable fibers to mitigate the high environmental impact of conventional concrete and fiber production, such as the impact of such materials obtained through the mechanical treatment of Wind-Turbine Blade Waste (WTBW). In our research, mixes containing WTBW of up to 10% vol. were manufactured, and their Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (LCTE) was studied using a novel methodology developed by the authors. These specimens were left in an environmental chamber for 6 months in order to achieve shrinkage stabilization, and then they were subjected to temperatures from −30 °C up to +80 °C in different steps while the thermal strain that they experienced was measured with a comparator (± 0.001 mm). Next, the length variation of each specimen was divided by the original length and the difference in temperature, which allowed the LCTE of that specific mixture to be obtained through a regression methodology. The lower thermal deformability of the components in WTBW, mainly glass fiber-reinforced polymer, yielded enhanced results, with up to 17% strain reductions recorded, and all mixes exhibited values below conventional plain concrete. Additionally, no cracking or visible damage was observed in any specimen, regardless of the WTBW percentage incorporated. Therefore, enhanced thermal behavior of the mixes was achieved while providing a solution for WTBW recycling and increasing concrete sustainability, which facilitated the creation of greener materials.

6.41. Use of Recycled Asphalt Shingles to Recycle Asphalt Pavement

• Tony Kllobocishta and Daniel Hochstein

• Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Manhattan University, Riverdale, NY 10471, USA

The use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) has grown as transportation agencies seek to reduce costs and limit landfill waste. Working with RAP allows for the reuse of the aggregate and its asphalt coating, reducing waste. The asphalt coating needed for HMA is largely found on the finer aggregates, resulting in a dominantly finer graded mixture, reducing its compressive strength and increasing its susceptibility to rutting. Recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) have around five times the asphalt content found on fine RAP aggregate, which can offset this issue by supplying an alternative asphalt binder, allowing for more coarse aggregate to be introduced, improving overall pavement performance and durability.

This study investigates the feasibility of incorporating RAS into high-RAP mixtures, reducing dependence on fine RAP binder. The control is a 100% RAP HMA with a baseline gradation of 60% fine aggregate and 40% coarse aggregate. A 5% RAS dosage by total mix weight was added based on manufacturer recommendations. Subsequent designs adjust the fine-to-coarse ratio while holding RAS constant to identify mixtures that meet or surpass the control’s performance. The performance was assessed through the IDEAL-CT test (ASTM D8225) [1] for cracking tolerance and the HT-IDT test (ASTM D6931) [2] for indirect tensile strength (ITS), benchmarked against NYSDOT thresholds of CT index ≥ 135 and ITS ≥ 35 psi.

Incorporating RAS improved the CT index by up to 6% and increased ITS as much as 15%. A mix containing 5% RAS, 35% RAP sand, and 60% RAP stone satisfied the ASTM D6931 strength requirement but didn’t consistently achieve the ASTM D8225 cracking criterion. The shortfall in the CT index values is believed to come from an underestimation of the RAS performance grade (PG), resulting in the mixture being stiffer than expected.

• References

1.

ASTM D8225; Standard Test Method for Determination of Cracking Tolerance Index of Asphalt Mixture Using the Indirect Tensile Cracking Test at Intermediate Temperature. ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2014.

2.

ASTM D6931; Standard Test Method for Indirect Tensile (IDT) Strength of Bituminous Mixtures. ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2014.

6.42. Utilization of Ceramic and Brick Waste in Geopolymers: A Preliminary Study of Physical and Mechanical Properties

• Jhojamn Franklin Arroyo Guzmán, Joaquin Humberto Aquino Rocha, Americo Dustin Montaño Gonzales and Victor Hugo Miranda Challapa

• San Simón University, Cochabamba, Bolivia

Geopolymers represent a sustainable alternative to traditional binders, as they utilize industrial and construction waste, contributing to a reduction in the environmental impact. In this context, the present research focuses on the fabrication of geopolymers from ceramic and brick powder obtained from construction waste through milling and fine sieving, resulting in particles smaller than 150 μm. The study evaluated the influence of three factors on the physical and mechanical properties of the geopolymers: sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration, the mass ratio of sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃)/NaOH, and the curing method. Mixtures were prepared with mass ratios of 2:1 and 2.5:1 (Na₂SiO₃:NaOH), using dry NaOH dissolved in concentrations of 5, 7.5, 10, and 12 mol/L. A constant liquid-to-solid ratio of 0.4 was used and this was adjusted with additional water to improve workability. Three curing conditions were tested to determine the optimal method: air curing for 7 days, curing in a humid environment for 7 days, and mixed curing (6 days in air and 1 day at 60 °C before the compressive strength test). The characterization of the hardened samples included tests for density, absorption, and voids, as well as compressive strength. The preliminary results indicate that mixed curing produces higher mechanical strength and that the workability of the mixtures vary depending on the NaOH concentration and the Na₂SiO₃/NaOH ratio. This work provides criteria for optimizing the preparation and curing of geopolymers made with ceramic and brick waste, promoting their application in civil engineering within a sustainable context.

Session 7: Materials Manufacturing, Processing and Applications

7.1. Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber/Polyamide 6 Composites Prepared by Film Stacking and Compression Molding

• André Rosas ¹, José C. Ribeiro ¹, João F. Silva ² and Paulo Roque Novoa ^2,3

¹ 

Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal

² 

Composite Materials Research Unit, INEGI, Porto, Portugal

³ 

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

There is increasing interest in thermoplastic polymer matrix composites due to their potential for simplified recycling and integration into circular economy strategies. A straightforward method for their production is film stacking, where a laminate is pre-assembled as alternating layers of thermoplastic films and fiber reinforcements, then consolidated by compression molding in a hot-plate press. This method requires the matrix to be available in film form.

In this work, a glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6 laminate was produced via film stacking. The composite’s quality depends strongly on processing parameters that control polymer melt infiltration prior to matrix solidification.

Laminate composition was assessed by the calcination method. Mechanical and physical properties—tensile, flexural, and density—were measured and compared to predictions from micromechanics and classical laminate theory. Charpy impact strength was also evaluated using notched and unnotched edgewise specimens, as well as unnotched flatwise specimens.

A composite with approximately 45 wt% glass fiber content, in line with predictions, was obtained. The tensile modulus (~12 GPa) matched theoretical estimates, while the flexural modulus (~9 GPa) was slightly lower, suggesting incomplete fiber tow wet-out. This indicates potential for optimization of processing conditions.

Impact testing yielded Charpy values of 55 kJ/m² (notched) and 75 kJ/m² (unnotched) in edgewise configuration, demonstrating significant notch sensitivity. Flatwise results were inconclusive due to specimen flexibility.

The obtained results provide a property baseline for this composite system and support future improvements to compression molding parameters in film stacking.

7.2. Formulation of Anti-Corrosion Coatings Using a Mill Scale-Based Pigment

• Hadria Ferdenache ¹, Belgacem Bezzina ¹, Ouahida Khireddine ¹, Ouahiba Bechiri ² and Mohamed elhocine Benhamza ³

¹ 

Research Center in Industrial Technologies, Algiers, Algeria

² 

Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Department of Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Badji Mokhtar Annaba University, Annaba, Algeria

³ 

Laboratory of Industrial Analysis and Materiel Engineering, Department of Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, 8 Mai 1945 Guelma University, Guelma, Algeria

This study investigates the use of industrial mill scale waste as a sustainable source for developing an effective anti-corrosion pigment. Mill scale, a mixture of iron oxides (FeO, Fe₂O₃, and Fe₃O₄), forms as a crust on steel parts when heated above 575 °C. Its formation is an unavoidable byproduct of steelmaking, hot or semi-hot forging, and hot rolling processes. To create the anti-corrosion pigment, we combined mill scale with a specific ore. We then incorporated this synthesized pigment into various protective coating formulations, systematically varying the proportions of mill scale at 100%, 42.85% and 28.57%. Prior to application on steel substrates, the substrates were polished to ensure optimal adhesion of the paint. The prepared coating formulations were characterized for their dry extract, flow time, and density. Electrochemical evaluation of the coated samples was performed using an AUTOLAB potentiostat-galvanostat controlled by ANOVA software. A standard three-electrode setup was employed for all experiments, consisting of a saturated calomel reference electrode, a platinum counter electrode, and the coated sample as the working electrode. The electrochemical analysis was conducted under specific operating conditions: a scan range of Ei = 0 ± 250 mV/E.C.S, a scan speed of 1 mV/sec, and a 3.5% NaCl electrolyte. The results of the electrochemical analysis revealed significant anti-corrosion performance from the coatings. Notably, formulations containing the pigment with 28.57% mill scale demonstrated enhanced corrosion resistance. This research highlights a promising and sustainable approach to anti-corrosion solutions by effectively repurposing industrial byproducts.

7.3. Printability Mapping of HPMC Bioinks for Electrohydrodynamic Jet Printing

• Joana Lopes ^1,2, Gabriel Moreira ¹, Artur J. Martins ¹, Pedro Miguel Silva ³, Rui M. R. Pinto ³, Michele Michelin ^2,4, Patrícia C. Sousa ¹, Lorenzo M. Pastrana ³ and Miguel A. Cerqueira ³

¹ 

INL-International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenida Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal

² 

Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal

³ 

INL-International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenida Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal

⁴ 

LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jet printing is a new micro-additive manufacturing technology that uses electric fields to precisely deposit material through a nozzle, achieving high resolutions with high-viscosity inks. Seeing as it is a recent technology, bio-based inks have yet to be designed and optimized. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) stands out as a biodegradable biopolymer with excellent compatibility, paving the way for sustainable smart packaging sensors.

In this work, solutions with different concentrations of HPMC (1%, 2% and 3%) in ethanol (from 0% to 90%) were evaluated and characterized in terms of viscosity, surface tension and conductivity, and used in printability tests using a home-made EHD jet printer. Certain parameters of the EHD jet printer were fixed, such as the flow rate (28.28 μL h⁻¹, corresponding to a shear rate of 10 s⁻¹ in the nozzle type), working distance (1 mm), substrate (glass with a 100 nm layer of tungsten and titanium) and the nozzle diameter and material (200 μm, stainless steel). The speed was varied between 1 mm s⁻¹ and 15 mm s ⁻¹ and the voltage was manipulated between 1.5 kV and 2.5 kV until Taylor’s Cone formation.

Then, a printability ternary graph (water–ethanol–HPMC) was obtained, selecting HPMC- based bioinks that achieved higher resolutions (dots and lines as small as 50 μm, determined by microscopy), with less clogging and reproducible results. The printable zone was obtained from concentrations between 1 and 2% HPMC in 10–50% ethanol. In this range, the bioinks present viscosities of 13 mPa s to 100 mPa s, a surface tension of 29 mNm to 42 mNm and conductivities of 16 μS cm⁻¹ to 69 μS cm⁻¹.

Overall, the results show the potential of using HPMC to develop bioinks compatible with EHD jet printing, foreseeing their use on food and biomedical applications.

7.4. Reinforcing L-PBF 316L Stainless Steel with BN: A Strategy for Enhanced Performance

• Zeinab Jafari ¹, Amir Behjat ², Mohammad Taghian ², Abdollah Saboori ^2,3 and Luca Iuliano ^2,3

¹ 

Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

² 

Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

³ 

Integrated Additive Manufacturing Center (IAM@PoliTo), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Castelfidardo 51, 10129 Torino, Italy

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) is an advanced additive manufacturing (AM) technique widely used for producing complex metal components with high precision and flexibility enables the development of new alloys and metal matrix. AISI 316L stainless steel, commonly employed in L-PBF, is known for its excellent corrosion resistance and ductility, However, its relatively low hardness and limited wear resistance present significant limitations in more demanding applications. To address these challenges, this study investigates the use of hexagonal boron nitride (BN) as a reinforcing phase to modify the microstructure and improve the mechanical properties of L-PBF AISI 316L parts. Microstructural characterization through optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed distinct modifications in grain morphology, and the presence of solidification cracks, primarily attributed to the rapid cooling inherent to the LPBF process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified phase composition and secondary phases, while x-ray computed tomography (XCT) assessed internal porosity and subsurface defects in the fabricated parts. The mechanical results demonstrate that incorporating BN into L-PBF AISI 316L leads to a substantial improvement in performance. Nanoindentation hardness increased from 5.01 GPa to approximately 20%, while the microhardness rose from 210 HV by about 15%. These findings highlight that BN reinforcement is an effective strategy for enhancing the strength and durability of L-PBF AISI 316L components.

7.5. Solidification, Microstructure and Elemental Partitioning in the FeMnNi Medium Entropy Alloy

• Dashty Akrawi and Konstantinos Georgarakis

• Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK

Fe-Mn-Ni alloys represent a core subsystem of the widely studied high-entropy Cantor alloy family and offer provide an ideal platform to explore the solidification behaviour, and the impact of elemental partitioning on the microstructural stability and properties. In this work, the microstructure and elemental segregation was systematically investigated in an equimolar FeMnNi medium entropy alloy (MEA). Samples were sectioned from as-cast 400 × 200 × 10 mm slabs to examine the microstructure, elemental behaviour and distribution as this alloy upon solidification. Melting took place in vacuumed-furnace ceramic crucible and casting was done in a heat-resistant tool steel rectangular mould. Optical and electron microscopy revealed a predominantly coarse dendritic microstructure with chemical segregation between Fe-rich dendritic cores and Mn-enriched interdendritic regions. EDS chemical mappings and EPMA analysis depicted the elemental segregation: Fe (melting point 1538 °C) was mostly concentrated within the coarse grains and arms of the dendrite, while Mn (melting point 1246 °C) was segregated towards the interdendritic structure. Ni (melting point 1455 °C) Ni was enriched in regions where higher concentrations of Mn were detected, i.e., interdendritic regions. The effects of the elements’ physical properties and thermodynamic parameters including the atomic size, enthalpy of mixing (∆H_mix) and electron state on segregation behaviour during solidification are discussed. The results highlight the potential of as-cast FeMnNi alloys as a model system for understanding metastability-driven deformation in medium entropy alloys, while also pointing to their promise for structural applications requiring robust ductility and toughness, particularly under cryogenic conditions.

7.6. 3D Printing Blends of Sodium Alginate:Hydroxyapatite Structures for Controlled Release of Sulfanilamide

• Gonçalo Santos ¹, Tiago A. Fernandes ^2,3, Tiago Charters ⁴ and Ana Catarina Sousa ^1,2

¹ 

Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal

² 

MINDlab: Molecular Design & Innovation Laboratory, Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal

³ 

Departamento de Ciências e Tecnologia (DCeT), Universidade Aberta, 1000-013 Lisboa, Portugal

⁴ 

Departamento de Matemática-Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an additive manufacturing process that enables the precise production of complex structures, layer by layer, with functional properties. The development of new biomaterials that could be used to produce 3D scaffolds for tissue regeneration and/or drug release systems, is nowadays a developing research field [1,2]. Biocompatibility and non-toxic properties are fundamental requirements to select the polymers to use as base matrices. However, using exclusively biopolymers often leads to poor mechanical properties. To overcome this challenge, inorganic reinforcing compounds, as hydroxyapatite, can be applied. This strategy improves both the structural and functional properties of the printed scaffolds.

In this research, an extrusion-based 3D printing was used, with a computer-controlled system, that enabled continuous deposition of the proposed bioblends, along the x-y-z axis. The studied formulations consisted of sodium alginate (5, 7.5 and 10%):hydroxyapatite (0, 2.5 and 5%) mixtures, dopped with 0.1% sulfanilamide. After printing, chemical crosslinking was performed by immersion in an aqueous calcium chloride solution.

The results showed that the addition of hidroxiapatite was fundamental to achieve a printable blend, once increase the viscosity. Mechanical properties were also enhanced and alginate and hydroxyapatite concentrations had influence on the drug release profile.

The feasibility of creating network-like three-dimensional structures using sulfanilamide-doped alginate–hydroxyapatite formulations was confirmed in our investigation. The drug release process performed better with lower alginate concentrations and more successfully with the addition of hydroxyapatite. These results show that these composite systems are promising for developing better biomaterials for use in tissue regeneration and drug delivery systems.

7.7. A Comparative Multi-Method Study of Uniform and Graded TPMS Lattices Fabricated via Additive Manufacturing

• Pouya Azarandaz ¹, Abdollah Saboori ^2,3, Mohammad Taghian ^2,3 and Luca Luliano ^2,3

¹ 

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

² 

Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

³ 

Integrated Additive Manufacturing Center (IAM@PoliTo), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Castelfidardo 51, 10129 Torino, Italy

Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) lattices produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) using AlSi10Mg were examined to assess their mechanical performance and structural reliability. This study focused on Face-Centered Rhombic Dodecahedron (FRD) structures, including both uniform and functionally graded variants (FRD-30, FRD-40, FRD-45), and compared them with Gyroid and Fischer–Koch–S topologies, all designed with a relative density of 45%. Quasi-static compression tests carried out in accordance with ISO 13314 standards [1] revealed that FRD-40 provided the highest elastic modulus, reflecting superior stiffness and load-bearing capacity. In contrast, the Fischer–Koch–S design achieved the highest total and specific energy absorption, coupled with a uniform defect distribution and minimal pore volume, making it well-suited for energy-dissipative applications. FRD-30 further demonstrated stable deformation and smoother stress–strain behaviors relative to its uniform counterparts. Defect morphology and internal porosity were characterized through high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (XCT), while fracture surface analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) identified delamination, unfused particles, and localized porosities that contributed to crack initiation and propagation. Finite Element simulations successfully captured the experimentally observed deformation and stress localization, validating the predictive power of the numerical models, while the Ashby–Gibson framework established density–property correlations and explained deviations caused by geometry and process-induced defects. Collectively, these results highlight how functional grading and topology optimization can improve the structural efficiency of AlSi10Mg TPMS lattices, offering valuable design strategies for demanding aerospace, automotive, and biomedical applications.

• Reference

1.

ISO 13314; Mechanical Testing of Metals—Ductility Testing—Compression Test for Porous and Cellular Metals. ISO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2011.

7.8. Additive Manufacturing of Graded TPMS and Voronoi Lattices in AlSi10Mg: From Design to Mechanical Characterization

• Alireza Kavei ¹, Mohammad Taghian ^2,3, Abdollah Saboori ^2,3 and Luca Iuliano ^2,3

¹ 

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy

² 

Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy

³ 

Integrated Additive Manufacturing Center (IAM@PoliTo), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Castelfidardo 51, 10129 Turin, Italy

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), a type of additive manufacturing (AM), allows for the production of metallic lattice structures with highly adaptable geometries and graded material properties. Functionally Graded Lattice Structures (FGLSs) are advantageous for high-performance applications, including biomedical implants. These advanced structures, produced through additive manufacturing, exhibit spatially varying mechanical properties that are crucial for mimicking biological gradients, thereby reducing stress shielding and promoting better integration.

This research explores the design, fabrication, and mechanical characterization of FGLS using AlSi10Mg. Three advanced lattice topologies were investigated: Gyroid, Split-P (a TPMS-derived surface), and Stochastic Voronoi (ST). Tensile and compression specimens were fabricated via LPBF, with functional gradation introduced by varying strut and wall thickness along the specimen length. The mechanical properties, including elastic modulus, ultimate tensile and compressive strength, and energy absorption, were evaluated through quasi-static tensile and compression tests. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans were used to capture the as-built geometry, verify dimensional accuracy, and identify potential manufacturing defects. These images were further analyzed to assess internal fidelity, strut thickness deviations, and porosity, supporting the mechanical testing with geometric validation. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was carried out on the fracture surfaces of the broken specimens to better understand the behaviour of the material.

Considering compressive properties, in every case, at any density, cylindrical cell maps outperform cubic ones. In compression samples, switching from cylindrical to cubic in Split-P cuts energy absorption by only 10%, but in Gyroid it drops 24%. Considering tensile specimens, in ST and Split-P lattices, stiffness scales nearly one to one with relative volume. However, in gyroid lattices, lowering the thickest walls stiffens the structure while thinning the smallest walls softens it. AM defects resulting in sudden fracture under localized high stress and brittle behaviour, even in ductile alloys like AlSi10Mg.

7.9. Application of LePera Etchant in the Characterization of Multiphase Steels

• Taiana She Mir Mui

• Department of Mechanics, SENAI Faculty of Technology Taubaté, Taubaté 12031-001, Brazil

TRIP (Transformation Induced Plasticity) steels, also referred to as TRIP-Assisted Steels, constitute a class of advanced high-strength steels characterized by their complex multiphase microstructures. These steels are extensively employed in the automotive industry due to their superior combination of high tensile strength, excellent ductility, and relatively low weight, which contribute significantly to vehicle lightweighting. Typically, these alloys present low carbon content, combined with small additions of alloying elements such as silicon, manganese, and aluminum, which play a fundamental role in suppressing carbide precipitation and stabilizing the retained austenite phase. From a metallographic perspective, one of the major challenges lies in the accurate identification and quantification of the individual phases present in TRIP steels. Conventional chemical etchants are usually insufficient, as they fail to distinctly reveal the multiple phases associated with such complex microstructures. In this context, this work reports the application of the LePera reagent to distinguish the multiphase constituents. The etchant was prepared and applied following standard metallographic procedures to ensure reproducibility and reliability of the microstructural characterization. The application of the LePera etchant produced a distinct contrast between the phases present in the TRIP steel microstructure. Ferrite grains were revealed in shades of blue, while bainitic regions appeared in a characteristic brown coloration. The martensite–retained austenite constituent (M–A), which cannot be distinguished into its individual components through this reagent, was observed as bright white areas distributed within the matrix. Although LePera etching provides valuable insight into the distribution and morphology of these phases, it does not permit the separation of martensite and retained austenite, which remain indistinguishable within the M–A constituent. Therefore, complementary characterization techniques or alternative chemical etching methods are necessary to achieve a more precise differentiation and quantification of these critical microstructural constituents.

7.10. Characterization of Additively Manufactured Parts of Inconel 718

• Kalyani Lohar and Santosh Kumar Sahu

• Department of Mechanical Engineering, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla 768018, Sambalpur, India

This research focused on characterizing an Inconel 718 (IN718) nickel-based super alloy fabricated via Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), specifically examining the impact of homogenization, solution, and aging treatment on grain structure, crystallographic texture, precipitate formation/dissolution, and material hardness. Studies have revealed that as-printed IN718 exhibits a microstructure defined by extremely fine columnar or cellular dendrites with laves phase precipitates forming at both grain boundaries and inter-dendritic areas; this contrasts with the microstructure of cast materials and necessitates a unique heat treatment regimen distinct from conventional methods. The findings indicate that the homogenization process at 1080 °C, combined with solution treatment at 980 °C, as well as aging treatment at both 720 °C and 620 °C, is sufficient to drastically alter the grain structure as printed and eliminate the segregates and Laves phase, resulting in noticeable modifications to the crystallographic texture and grain structure. The hardness level rose by 51–72% relative to the as-printed state, and this increase was largely caused by the formation of γ′, γ″ phases within the γ-matrix, which occurred following the heat treatment. This study conducts a thorough examination and analysis of the as-built sample and the sample treated with heat under various conditions, such as the laser power, scanning speed, and layer thickness, which are established to govern the manufacturing process and subsequently dictate the microstructure, ultimately affecting the mechanical properties, including the tensile strength, yield strength, impact strength, and hardness.

7.11. Common Issues in Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing: Analysis of Defects and Improvement Strategies

• F. Rivera-López

• Departamento de Ingeniería Industrial, Escuela Superior de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad de La Laguna. Apdo. 456, E-38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

• Introduction

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a widely used additive manufacturing technique valued for its affordability and accessibility. Despite its widespread adoption in education, prototyping, and hobbyist use, FDM often suffers from quality and consistency issues. Common problems such as warping, stringing, first-layer adhesion, or dimensional inaccuracies reduce the functionality and reliability of 3D-printed prototypes. Understanding the causes of these issues is essential to improving print quality and expanding the applicability of low-cost 3D printing.

• Methods

A series of standardized models were manufactured using desktop FDM printers under controlled conditions. Key variables such as nozzle temperature, material type, layer height, cooling, and filament quality were systematically investigated. The manufactured pieces were evaluated through visual inspection and dimensional measurement to assess the presence and severity of defects. Environmental factors and hardware calibration (e.g., bed leveling) were also considered.

• Results

This study identified clear correlations between specific printing parameters and the emergence of imperfections. Among the findings is that warping is strongly influenced by material choice and bed temperature. An excess of deposited material is a consequence of non-optimal nozzle temperature selection. Additionally, filament quality and printer maintenance were found to have a significant impact on print reliability.

• Conclusions

The findings of this work highlight the importance of parameter optimization and equipment upkeep in achieving consistent FDM print quality. A set of practical guidelines is proposed to help users diagnose and mitigate common printing issues. These recommendations aim to support both novice and experienced users in enhancing the performance of their FDM fabrications. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader goal of making desktop 3D printing more reliable for functional and engineering-oriented applications.

7.12. Comparative Characterization of Blast Furnace Slags: From Raw to Activated for Innovative Applications

• Ouahida Khireddine, Toufik Chouchane, Atmane Boukari and Hadria Ferdenache

• Research Center in Industrial Technologies, Algiers, Algeria

Blast furnace slags (BFSs), significant by-products of the steel industry, represent a valuable, underutilized resource for environmental applications, particularly in adsorption. While raw BFSs have inherent limitations, their reactivity and performance as adsorbents can be substantially enhanced through mechanical, thermal, or chemical activation processes. This study delves into understanding the microstructural and compositional changes induced by various activation methods and their direct impact on the adsorption capacity of the slags. To comprehensively evaluate and quantify these transformations, the main objective of this research is to investigate the effect of local materials, specifically co-products from the El-Hadjar steel company (Annaba steel plant). We employed advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for physical and chemical characterization, and used Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and specific adsorption tests for the identification of different chemical bonds. The primary objective is to demonstrate how activation transforms a material often considered waste into an efficient and cost-effective adsorbent. This valorization of BFSs not only contributes to the circular economy but also offers sustainable solutions for pollution control and environmental remediation. Future prospects for this research include further optimizing activation processes and exploring novel high-value applications for BFSs, such as the removal of emerging pollutants or the recovery of valuable resources

7.13. Contribution of Tensile Concrete to the Resistance Moment of Cfrp Singly Reinforced Concrete Sections

• Muhideen Olamilekan Olowonjoyin ¹, Samuel Olugbenga Abejide ² and Daniel Oluwafemi Oguntayo ³

¹ 

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, Nigeria

² 

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

³ 

Mineral Recovery Research Center (MRRC), School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia

Concrete is widely recognized for its excellent compressive strength but limited tensile resistance, which necessitates reinforcement with high-performance materials for effective structural applications. This study investigates the role of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) as tensile reinforcement in singly reinforced concrete sections, with emphasis on the contribution of tensile concrete to overall flexural resistance. The elastic behaviour of concrete is first examined, demonstrating stability under low stress levels and progressive deterioration caused by matrix cracking at higher stress states. To capture the structural response, a variable-angle strut model is employed for predicting the load–deflection behaviour of CFRP-reinforced beams subjected to combined flexure and shear. Numerical optimization using Box’s Complex Method is incorporated to refine the stress–strain representation and develop an improved stress diagram that realistically reflects CFRP–concrete interaction. The results highlight that tensile concrete, even after cracking, provides significant resistance through tension stiffening, while CFRP reinforcement remains effective under high load conditions. Furthermore, the optimization process reveals that a neutral axis depth of 0.75d substantially greater than conventional design recommendations, mobilizes nearly 200% additional tensile concrete. This enhanced mobilization improves flexural efficiency and overall load-bearing capacity. The findings of this study provide new insights into the synergistic behaviour of CFRP and concrete, emphasizing that tensile concrete should not be disregarded in design. The proposed framework offers a practical and reliable approach for improving the moment resistance of CFRP-reinforced sections, contributing to safer, more economical, and performance-driven structural design practices.

7.14. Cost-Effective and Sustainable Production of AlSi10Mg Components Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion

• Amin Mohammadzadeh Qamat ¹, Mohammad Taghian ^2,3, Amir Behjat ^2,3, Abdollah Saboori ^2,3 and Luca Iuliano ^2,3

¹ 

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

² 

Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

³ 

Integrated Additive Manufacturing Center (IAM@PoliTo), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Castelfidardo 51, 10129 Torino, Italy

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) is a leading metal additive manufacturing process capable of producing complex, high-performance components sustainably. AlSi10Mg is one of the most widely used aluminium alloys in L-PBF due to its low density, high mechanical strength, and thermal stability, making it ideal for the aerospace and automotive industries and other demanding applications. However, its large-scale adoption is limited by the challenge of simultaneously optimizing mechanical performance, surface finish, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

This study examines the influence of layer thickness, laser power, scan speed, and hatch distance on quality, build rate, and cost. Using gas-atomized AlSi10Mg powder, fifty-four cubic specimens were fabricated and analyzed. Scan speed and layer thickness had the greatest impact on densification, with an optimal volumetric energy density of 35–45 J/mm³ achieving >99% relative density with minimal porosity. Higher scan speeds increased pore size, while higher laser power reduced it. The best surface quality was achieved with thinner layers, lower scan speeds, and higher laser powers, whereas higher build rates generally increased roughness.

Mechanical performance correlated with density and pore size, with optimized 60 µm builds matching or exceeding the strength and ductility of 40 µm builds. The highest-performing sample reached UCS = 420 MPa, YS = 340 MPa, and strain at failure = 0.25. Increasing the build rate from 6.7 to 12.5 mm³/s reduced the build time by 40% for single parts and 70% for 16-part batches. A cost model for a turbine wheel case study identified machine time as the dominant cost driver, with up to 70% cost reduction achievable through higher build rates and full platform utilization without compromising density.

These findings show that careful parameter optimization can deliver high quality, mechanical integrity, productivity, and cost efficiency, enabling L-PBF adoption where performance and economics are equally critical.

7.15. Deformation Behavior of Additively Manufactured AISI 316L: Experimental Compression Tests and Numerical Rolling Simulations

• Patrik Petroušek and Róbert Kočiško

• Institute of Materials, Faculty of Materials, Metallurgy and Recycling, Technical University of Košice, Letná 1/9, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia

Austenitic stainless steel AISI 316L produced by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is one of the most extensively investigated alloys in additive manufacturing due to its good processability and corrosion resistance. However, its mechanical performance is strongly influenced by subsequent post-processing, particularly heat treatment and thermomechanical deformation. This work focuses on the evaluation of the compressive behavior of 316L in three different conditions: as-built, after heat treatment at 1000 °C/1 h followed by water quenching (HT2), and in comparison with conventionally manufactured bulk material. Uniaxial compression tests were carried out to obtain true stress–strain curves, which were further used as input data for numerical simulations. The simulations were performed using DEFORM software to model hot rolling with different thickness reductions (20, 40, 60, and 80%). Both symmetric and asymmetric rolling configurations were considered to investigate the influence of deformation mode on stress distribution and strain localization. The comparison between experimental data and numerical predictions enables validation of the applied material model and provides insights into the deformation mechanisms of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel. The expected outcomes highlight the role of heat treatment in tailoring the mechanical response and demonstrate the potential of finite element methods for designing efficient rolling strategies for L-PBF materials. This approach may contribute to the development of hybrid processing routes combining additive manufacturing with conventional forming.

7.16. Direct Ink Writing of Hydroxyapatite Based Paste Scaffolds for Absorption-Release of Drug Solutions

• Tiago Ferreira ¹, Tiago Fernandes ^2,3 and Tiago Charters ⁴

¹ 

Department of Chemical Engineering-Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro, 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal

² 

MINDlab: Molecular Design & Innovation Laboratory, Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal

³ 

Science and Technology Department (DCeT), Universidade Aberta, Palácio Ceia, Rua da Escola Politécnica, 147, 1269-001 Lisboa, Portugal

⁴ 

Department of Mathematics-Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro, 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal

The demand for new processes of production, materials and applications of medication has changed significantly. In particular, there is a growing need for the development of methodologies to delivery active compounds with specific properties for patient-specific drugs with customized dosages, shapes, and release profiles. Three-dimensional bioprinting (3D) emerges as a promising technology, as it enables the creation of structures with high precision, low cost, and the potential to incorporate therapeutic agents.

In this study we developed a hydroxyapatite-based paste suitable for direct-ink-writing (DIW) 3D printing, with a view to producing relatively porous, multi-layered scaffolds that allow the incorporation of antibiotics.

The methodology adopted to obtain these structures consisted of using the 3D syringe extrusion printing technique, based on digital CAD models of varying complexity, which were subsequently rendered and adjusted with optimized printing parameters. This process allowed the creation of hydroxyapatite-based structures with controlled internal and external structure, ensuring a good mechanical stability even when doped with antibiotics. The optimization of the paste was ensured with a specific ratio: 37.5% of hydroxyapatite, 38% of sucrose, 0.5% of sodium alginate and 24% of water w/w. After printing, the scaffolds were impregnated with antibiotics and evaluated in a bacterial culture environment, one containing Escherichia coli and the other in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, respectively.

The results demonstrated that DIW 3D printing of the hydroxyapatite paste was successful, producing stable scaffolds that were suitable for drug solution absorption. Antibiotic impregnation was successful, as the structures exhibited activity against the tested bacteria. This approach has potential to be a promising strategy to develop controlled drug delivery systems that may assist in prevent ant treat localized infections.

7.17. Direct Lithium Extraction Membrane Technology from Associated Waters of Oil and Gas Condensate Fields

• Mariia A. Moshkova, Ilia V. Doroshenko, Irina S. Filippova, Nadezhda A. Poponina, Camila Gattabria and Artem I. Moshkov

• PISH, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg 197101, Russia

Lithium, widely recognized as the “energy metal of the 21st century,” is essential for the transition to sustainable energy systems and the expansion of electromobility. With annual consumption increasing by nearly 30% and global demand expected to outpace accessible reserves by 2030, the development of efficient, scalable, and environmentally responsible lithium extraction technologies has become an urgent industrial priority.

Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) has gained attention as a sustainable alternative to evaporation ponds and mining, particularly for underutilized resources such as lithium-enriched associated waters from oil and gas condensate fields. These waters, often considered industrial waste, represent a promising source of lithium when processed through advanced membrane technologies. Unlike traditional approaches, DLE provides high recovery rates, reduced environmental footprint, and product purity compatible with battery-grade requirements.

This work focuses on the design of composite polymer membranes modified with crown ethers, specifically amino-benzo-15-crown-5 ether (AB15C5). Crown ethers are macrocyclic ligands that selectively bind alkali metal cations depending on the size of their central cavity. AB15C5 exhibits a strong affinity for Li⁺ due to the close match between its coordination cavity (1.7–2.2 Å) and the ionic radius of lithium. This guest–host complexation mechanism allows for preferential lithium transport, even in the presence of competing ions such as Na⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺, which are typically abundant in oilfield brines. Structural characterization confirmed the uniform distribution of the ligand, and electrochemical testing demonstrated a marked increase in lithium selectivity. Pilot-scale experiments with East Siberian formation waters yielded lithium carbonate with 98.5% purity, underscoring the practical viability of this approach.

By integrating selective crown ether chemistry with scalable membrane engineering, this technology transforms a challenging industrial byproduct into a valuable resource. The results highlight the potential of crown ether-modified membranes as a competitive DLE solution, enabling sustainable lithium recovery and supporting the global shift toward clean energy.

7.18. Effect of Graphite Solution as a Quenchant on the Corrosion Resistance of Steels

• Nirlipta Niharika Prusty and Manila Mallik

• Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Sambalpur, Odisha, India

Owing to their cost-effective and comprehensive physical and chemical properties, steels are often utilized as structural materials in the construction of bridges, industrial equipment, marine vessels, and offshore platforms. Most of these steels are central components of load-bearing applications, which are usually exposed to harsh corrosion environments such as marine atmosphere, acid fog, and polluted industrial corrosive effluents. Conventional methods rely on coatings such as painting, electroplating, or galvanizing, which involve operational complexities, high costs, and environmental concerns. A potential solution to these disadvantages involves improving their inherent corrosion resistance through the refinement of the grain structure of alloy steels. In this study, the possibility of graphite solution as a quenchant for steel is explored. Since graphite has an excellent thermal conductivity of 2000 W/m K compared to water’s conductivity of 0.598 W/m K, its quenching characteristics show promising results. In this study, the corrosion resistance of the steel samples was evaluated under both stagnant and flow-accelerated conditions. The graphite-quenched samples consistently demonstrated superior corrosion resistance compared to the water-quenched ones, particularly in a flow-accelerated environment. Microstructural analysis supported these findings, showing reduced surface degradation in graphite-quenched specimens. The Tafel plot analysis further confirmed the results, with the lower corrosion current density of graphite-quenched samples being shown in both stagnant and flow-accelerated conditions. Moreover, the graphite-quenched samples had a more positive corrosion potential, which indicates their greater electrochemical stability. This research highlights the potential of graphite-based quenchants as viable alternatives for applications that require enhanced corrosion resistance, without significantly compromising hardness.

7.19. Electrochemical Performance of Ti–10Mo Alloy Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion for Biomedical Applications

• Amir Shabani ¹, Amir Behjat ^2,3, Arash Fattah-alhosseini ⁴, Razieh Chaharmahali ⁴, Ehsan Norouzi ⁵, Jin-Yoo Suh ⁵, Luca Iuliano ^2,3 and Abdollah Saboori ^2,3

¹ 

Department of Applied Sciecne and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

² 

Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

³ 

Integrated Additive Manufacturing Center (IAM@PoliTo), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Castelfidardo 51, 10129 Torino, Italy

⁴ 

Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

⁵ 

Center for Energy Materials Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea

This study investigates the electrochemical performance of a Ti–10Mo alloy fabricated via Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) for potential biomedical implant applications. The alloy was engineered to improve corrosion resistance, while the LPBF technique enabled the production of dense, fine-grained structures suited for implantation in corrosive physiological environments. Microstructural characterization revealed the presence of partially unmelted molybdenum particles retained within the matrix, which was consistent with tomography analysis. The incomplete melting is attributed to the significantly higher melting point of molybdenum (2623 °C) compared to titanium (1668 °C), along with differences in laser absorptivity and thermal conductivity, particularly under insufficient energy input during LPBF processing. To evaluate corrosion behavior under simulated physiological conditions, potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed in 0.9% NaCl solution after 48 h of immersion. The LPBF-processed Ti–10Mo alloy exhibited a corrosion potential (E_corr) of –0.17 V, a corrosion current density (I_corr) of 34.48 nA/cm², and a polarization resistance (Rp) of 345.94 kΩ·cm². In contrast, commercially pure titanium displayed E_corr = –0.44 V, I_corr = 494.73 nA/cm², and Rp = 61.52 kΩ·cm². These results indicate that the LPBF-fabricated Ti–10Mo alloy demonstrates a significantly more noble electrochemical potential, a lower corrosion rate, and a substantially higher resistance to charge transfer, highlighting its suitability for long-term biomedical implant applications.

7.20. Enabling the Inclusion of Materials in the Optimisation of Direct Digital Manufacturing

• Geoffrey Robert Mitchell ¹, Anabela Pavia Massano ¹, Manoj K Patel ², Pedro G. Martinho ³ and Joao Matias ³

¹ 

Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2430-080 Marinha Grande, Portugal

² 

Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Chandigarh 160030, India

³ 

Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Institute Polytechnic of Leiria, 2430-080 Marinha Grande, Portugal

Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution, is focused on the complete digitalisation of manufacturing, and has been spearheaded by the development of direct digital manufacturing technologies, such as selective laser melting and extruder-based 3D printing. As a consequence, there is the possibility Tthat significant changes will be made to the way in which products are designed and fabricated. In particular, these approaches can take advantage of digital optimisation processes such as topology optimisation. As an example, the form of a particular product can be optimised against a specific property, such as mass, as additive manufacturing allows materials to be placed at any point in the volume. We can easily envisage that the target function in the optimisation could involve other properties such as carbon footprint and the possibility of recycling or composting. These powerful optimisation processes are unlocked within the context of digital manufacturing if the complete chain is digital. As a result, in the design and fabrication cycle, the material selected for that product will naturally play a critical role in determining the properties of the final product. Some additive manufacturing technologies are able to fabricate in a straightforward and controlled manner, with spatial variations in properties. Taking advantage of these developments would provide additional advantages to digital fabrication technologies. This work is focused on developing a framework for handling materials within digital manufacturing processes to enable advances in a digital manner as described above. It is particularly challenging to identify a single framework which is suitable for all types of materials, including metals, ceramics, glass and polymers, although to do so would be especially advantageous with respect to the optimisation of products with regard to sustainability. This work proposes that the coordinate space of materials only makes sense if it is related to what is available in the specific manufacturing process.

7.21. Energy-Absorbing Lattice Structures: Design, Simulation and Manufacturing Evaluation

• Ciro Annicchiarico, Daniele Almonti and Nadia Ucciardello

• Department of Enterprise Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy

This work explores the design, simulation and manufacturing of energy-absorbing two-dimensional lattice structures, aiming to identify geometries and processes that improve impact mitigation and lightweight performance. Several representative lattices were selected from literature or modified, including honeycomb, anti-tetrachiral and others. CAD models were prepared in CATIA V5 and evaluated with finite element analysis. Both static compression and explicit dynamic simulations were carried out in Ansys to study elastic-plastic behaviour, reaction forces and energy dissipation. The comparison showed that while honeycomb remains a conventional reference, auxetic and anti-tetrachiral geometries displayed greater capacity for plastic deformation and lower transmitted forces, which are desirable for energy absorption.

In addition to structural simulations, manufacturing feasibility was investigated. Additive manufacturing by Selective Laser Melting (AlSi10Mg) and investment casting with additive-assisted moulds were simulated in Altair Inspire and Inspire Cast. Preliminary coupons were also fabricated by polymer FDM printing to verify geometrical consistency and prepare for mechanical testing. These first physical prototypes confirm that the designed structures can be produced with acceptable accuracy and provide the basis for further experiments.

The study highlights the strong influence of lattice geometry on energy absorption efficiency and underlines the importance of combining digital modelling, process simulation and preliminary prototyping. Future work will extend the study to full mechanical tests on manufactured coupons to validate the numerical simulations. The results are expected to support the selection of one or two lattice families that combine mechanical efficiency with robust and cost-effective manufacturing processes.

7.22. High-Manganese Steel Reinforcement by Super-Deep Penetration

• Yulia Sergeevna Usherenko ¹, Sergey Aleksandrovich Lenkevich ² and Ali Hossein Yazdanicherati ³

¹ 

Riga Technical University, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia

² 

Faculty of Energy Costruction, Belarusian National Technical University, 220005 Minsk, Belarus

³ 

Mechanical Technological Faculty, Belarusian National Technical University, 220005 Minsk, Belarus

Hadfield steel (mangalloy, 1.2% C, 13% Mn) is known for its exceptional wear resistance and ability to work-harden under impact loads, yet conventional heat treatment does not increase its hardness. Dynamic alloying in the super-deep penetration (SDP) mode, a process which involves the introduction of high-velocity streams of powder particles into bulk steel, offers a novel approach for the solid-state modification of its properties. The aim of this study was to determine how SDP processing using SiC-based powder mixtures with different metallic additives affects the microstructure and hardness of Hadfield steel.

Cast Hadfield steel samples were dynamically treated with SiC powders (100 μm) mixed with nickel (Ni) or tin (Sn). The SDP process was performed at an average particle velocity of approximately 3000 m/s, with a penetration depth of up to 100 mm. The microstructure and element distribution were examined using scanning electron microscopy and elemental mapping, while the hardness was measured using Rockwell (HRB) and Brinell (HB) methods before and after processing, as well as following heat treatment.

SDP processing resulted in a deep incorporation of Ni and Sn into the steel matrix and a significant increase in hardness. Compared to the as-cast state (61–62 HRB; 109–112 HB), the SiC+Ni treatment increased hardness to 78–80 HRB (146–149 HB), and the SiC+Sn treatment to 76–77 HRB (143–145 HB), corresponding to improvements of about 29% and 24.5%, respectively. Post-processing heat treatment had minimal effect, confirming that strengthening occurs primarily during dynamic alloying.

These results show that SDP-based dynamic alloying effectively transforms Hadfield steel into a composite-like material with enhanced mechanical performance. The process enables deep, homogeneous alloying in the solid state without melting or quenching, thereby lowering energy consumption and expanding the technological potential of high-manganese steels for wear-resistant components in mining, construction, and heavy machinery.

7.23. Impact of Surface Post-Treatments on the Properties of Additively Manufactured Ti-6242 Alloy

• Mahta Khorramian ^1,2, Amir Behjat ^1,2, Abdollah Saboori ^1,2 and Luca Iuliano ^1,2

¹ 

Department of Management and Production Engineering (DIGEP), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

² 

Interdepartmental Center IAM@PoliTo–Integrated Additive Manufacturing, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Castelfidardo 51, 10129 Torino, Italy

Metal additive manufacturing, particularly Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), enables the fabrication of geometrically complex components such as those made from Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo (Ti-6242). However, the as-built surface condition often exhibits high roughness and partially fused particles, which can negatively impact part life and wear resistance. This study focused on optimizing L-PBF process parameters to maximize relative density and minimize defects, followed by a comprehensive evaluation of mechanical, thermal, and chemical base surface post-treatment techniques: grinding, tumble finishing, laser polishing, and chemical polishing. Process optimization identified a parameter set—200 W laser power, 1000 mm/s laser scan speed— that achieved the highest density (~99%) and relatively low surface roughness, selected as the baseline for surface treatment trials. All post-processing methods significantly reduced surface roughness, with grinding achieving the greatest reduction, followed by tumble finishing, laser polishing, and chemical polishing. SEM analysis and roughness profiling revealed distinct mechanisms of surface modification, including plastic deformation, abrasive smoothing, and localized melting. Nanoindentation tests indicated that laser polishing slightly reduced near-surface hardness due to thermal relaxation, while tumble finishing caused localized strain hardening. These results highlight the importance of combining optimized build parameters with tailored surface finishing strategies to enhance the performance of Ti-6242 AM components, particularly for applications demanding high surface integrity and mechanical reliability.

7.24. In Situ Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers on the Surface of Fibers in Selected Nonwovens

• Dawid Stawski and Aleksandra Maria Nowak

• Institute of Materials Science of Textiles and Polymer Composites, Lodz University of Technology, 116 Żeromskiego Street, 90-924 Lodz, Poland

This study focused on the modification of polylactide (PLA) nonwoven fabric using two distinct approaches: in situ polymerization and the spraying of a polymer solution in ethanol. The objective was to evaluate how the modification method and the amount of polymer influence the hydrophilic and thermal properties of the material. The modification process involved the use of N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), which was either polymerized directly on the PLA surface or applied in its pre-polymerized form as poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA).

The effectiveness of the modifications was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), as well as water absorption and moisture sorption measurements. The results clearly demonstrated that the modification technique significantly impacts the material’s functional performance. In situ polymerization enabled a more durable anchoring of the polymer to the fiber surface, resulting in enhanced hydrophilicity and improved thermal stability compared to the spraying method. The findings suggest that both modification methods hold potential for tailoring PLA nonwovens for advanced applications. However, in situ polymerization proved more effective in achieving stronger and more uniform functionalization. These insights are particularly valuable for the development of functional materials in fields such as biomedical engineering, hygiene products, and filtration systems, where moisture management and thermal resistance are critical.

7.25. In-Process Mitigation of Residual Stress in Laser Powder Bed Fusion: Effect of Scanning Strategies

• Ali Kazemi Movahed ¹, Reza Ghanavati ^2,3, Mohammad Taghian Todeshki ^2,3, Abdollah Saboori ^2,3 and Luca Iuliano ^2,3

¹ 

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy

² 

Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy

³ 

Integrated Additive Manufacturing Center (IAM@PoliTo), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Castelfidardo 51, 10129 Turin, Italy

Residual stress is a critical challenge in laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) that can compromise the mechanical performance and dimensional accuracy of printed parts. This study investigated the role of scanning strategy on residual stress mitigation and temperature distribution in Ti-6Al-4V components fabricated by L-PBF. Six scanning strategies, comprising three continuous and three discontinuous patterns with rotation angles of 45° and 67° and unidirectional paths, were evaluated using a combined experimental–numerical approach. Experimental analyses included computed tomography (CT), surface roughness and hardness tests, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) residual stress measurement, while thermal and static finite element simulations were conducted to capture temperature evolution and stress distribution.

The results revealed that discontinuous strategies generally outperformed continuous ones in mitigating defects and residual stress. In particular, the discontinuous 67° rotation strategy exhibited the most favorable performance, achieving a high relative density of 99%, reduced peak temperatures, the lowest residual stress of 220 MPa, and a uniform stress field. CT analysis confirmed that continuous 45° rotation yielded the lowest density (97%) due to poor overlap and possible keyhole porosity, whereas discontinuous patterns reduced porosity and improved surface finish. Thermal simulations indicated that continuous strategies generated smoother but more heat-accumulated fields, leading to higher stresses, while discontinuous approaches facilitated thermal relaxation and stress homogenization.

This study demonstrated the importance of choosing scanning strategies for residual stress mitigation in L-PBF. The insights gained provide valuable guidance for improving the structural integrity and reliability of additively manufactured components.

7.26. Influence of Heat Input on Interface Properties in WAAM-Fabricated Steel-Based Aluminium, Inconel, and Stainless-Steel Bimetallic Structures

• Somnath Nandi ^1,2, Shatarupa Biswas ³ and Manidipto Mukherjee ^1,2

¹ 

CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur 713209, West Bengal, India

² 

Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India

³ 

Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad 826004, Jharkhand, India

Fabricating bimetallic structures (BmSs) to reduce weight and improve performance has challenges in automobile, infrastructure, and aerospace applications. This study investigates the effect of heat input, Q_H, on interfacial properties of three different wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM)-based BmSs, SS316L-SS308L, EN31–AA4043, and SS316L–In718, through microstructural and mechanical characterisations. The value 250–400 J/mm is the determined heat input range for SS-SS and SS-Inconel, and for steel–aluminium, the range is 35–60 J/mm. At the interface of SS316L-SS308L BmS, both the austenitic (γ) and delta-ferrite (δ-Fe) phases formed. The higher tensile strength and elongation reached 591 MPa and 37.2%, respectively, at an optimum Q_H of 330 J/mm, as the composition of the interface was close to the mirror composition with filler wire. While the average micro-hardness achieved at the interface is 248.3 HV, due to δ-α phases, the interface hardness is enhanced. But for the SS316L–In718 interface, the formation of IMCs (FeNi and FeNi₃) is proportionally influenced by the variation in Q_H. The SEM-EDX analysis demonstrated the enhancement of interface thickness (IT) and elongation while tensile stress was reduced (optimum: 542 MPa) with increasing Q_H. The average micro-hardness value reduced (194.7 to 174.6 HV) with increasing QH due to the coarse grain structure. Conversely, the optimum Q_H was achieved at 43.55 J/mm for the EN31-Al4043 interface, and the SEM and XRD analyses revealed the brittle binary (Fe-Al) and ternary (Al-Fe-Si) IMC formations at the interface. Under optimal conditions, minimal IT (4 µm), considerable tensile strength (73.2 MPa), very little elongation (~0.9%), and an average micro-hardness value of 128.1 HV were achieved. This analysis highlights heat input as a crucial factor for developing tailored BmSs using WAAM as it controls interface properties. To develop a multi-material high-performance structure, process parameters should be optimized.

7.27. Influence of Plasma Transferred Arc Cladding Parameters on Dilution and Deposition Characteristics of Duplex Stainless Steel Overlay

• Paschal Ateb Ubi ¹, Wojciech Suder ² and Konstantinos Georgarakis ¹

¹ 

Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK

² 

Welding and Additive Manufacturing Centre, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK

Duplex stainless steel (DSS) cladding offers an attractive solution for combining the corrosion resistance and strength of DSS with the low cost of mild steel substrates. This approach is highly relevant for industries such as chemical processing, marine engineering, and energy systems, where enhanced durability and reduced material costs are critical. A major challenge, however, is dilution at the clad-substrate interface, which can degrade the intended properties of the DSS overlay. This study investigates the influence of plasma transferred arc (PTA) cladding parameters on dilution and associated deposition characteristics. Systematic variation of current (150–170 A), wire feed rate (1.1–1.3 m/min) and travel speed (1.0–2.5 mm/s) resulted in heat inputs between 1.39 KJ/mm and 3.94 kJ/mm, corresponding to dilution levels between 34% and 45%. Higher current and lower travel speed increased heat input, leading to deeper penetration (1.6–3.9 mm) and wider beads (5.6–11.5 mm). Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) across the clad-dilution region revealed progressive Fe enrichment from 58.6 wt% to 69.7 wt% with rising dilution, accompanied by Cr and Ni depletion from 29 wt% and 7 wt%, respectively (feedstock) to 18–21 wt% Cr and ~4.5 wt% Ni. Microhardness measurements exhibited limited variation (within ±10%) despite these compositional shifts, indicating that hardness does not directly reflect dilution. These results establish quantitative correlations between process parameters, dilution and composition, providing a framework for optimising PTA cladding conditions to achieve high-performance overlays on low-cost substrates.

7.28. Influence of Surface Morphology and PTFE Impregnation of Anodized Aluminum on Wettability, Frost Resistant and Corrosion Properties of Oxide Layers

• Marta Gostomska ¹, Zofia Buczko ¹, Klaudia Olkowicz ², Anna Kapuścińska ³ and Michał Hanke ³

¹ 

Łukasiewicz Research Network-Warsaw Institute of Technology, ul. Duchnicka 3, 01-796 Warszawa, Poland

² 

Air Force Institute of Technology, ul. Księcia Bolesława 6, 01-494 Warsaw, Poland

³ 

Łukasiewicz Research Network–Institute of Aviation al. Krakowska 110/114, 02-256 Warsaw, Poland

One very promising method of imparting additional functional properties to aluminium products is to modify the surface of an aluminium alloy by anodic oxidation and impregnation of a porous oxide layer, thereby obtaining superhydrophobic properties. The methods presented in this study involved a few steps. First, the substrate material was subjected to abrasive blasting to obtain a rough surface. Samples mechanically prepared with three different grades of roughness were then anodically oxidised to produce a thick (≈20 µm) oxide coating with adsorption properties. The adsorption properties of the oxide coating were then used to saturate the pores with a 10% PTFE aqueous suspension, diluted from a 60% commercial solution. This process resulted in an oxide coating with a developed surface area, which gained superhydrophobic properties after impregnation in a PTFE suspension. Anti-icing properties were also tested, and accelerated ageing tests were carried out in a climate chamber. The results obtained were analysed in light of the correlations between wetting angles, freezing delays of water droplets and the surface roughness profiles of the substrates, as well as corrosion resistance. Corrosion resistance was evaluated using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS).

The combination of abrasive blasting, anodic oxidation and PTFE impregnation treatments resulted in hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surface properties. The best results for delaying water droplet freezing were obtained for the smooth surface sample, which also revealed the best corrosion resistance. After cycles of testing in a climate chamber, the hydrophobic and superhydrophobic properties of the surface did not decrease and were also characterised by very high corrosion resistance compared to pure aluminium after the anodic oxidation process.

The best results for delaying water droplet freezing were obtained for the smooth surface sample, which also revealed the best corrosion resistance.

7.29. Influence of the Pt Addition on the Microstructure and Hardness of Cast Ni-Based Superalloy for Aerospace Applications

• Wojciech Buda and Łukasz Rakoczy

• Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Kraków, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland

Nickel-based superalloys, such as Rene N5, are commonly used in high-temperature turbine components due to their exceptional mechanical strength and stability. While platinum is recognized for its role in enhancing oxidation resistance and microstructural stability, its impact on mechanical performance has not been thoroughly investigated. This study explores the effects of platinum additions ranging from 0 to 5 wt.% on the microhardness and microstructure of Rene N5 in both as-cast and heat-treated conditions. Thermo-Calc simulations indicated that the additions of platinum influence phase stability and precipitation behavior. Vickers microhardness measurements were conducted under a 0.1 kgf, while light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized for microstructural analysis. In the as-cast state, the highest hardness was recorded for the Pt-free variant (486 HV), with the hardness values of the other compositions ranging from 452 HV to 477 HV. After heat treatment, the hardness generally decreased, resulting in values between 385 HV (for 3% Pt) and 420 HV (for 5% Pt). SEM observations clearly revealed the very distinct presence of intermetallic γ′ precipitates in both dendritic regions and interdendritic spaces.

This work was supported by the National Science Center (Poland) under project “Monocrystalline Ni-based superalloys modified with platinum for the production of critical rotating turbine components of aircraft engines” (2023/51/D/ST11/00945).

7.30. Influence of Thermal and Atmospheric Conditions on Phase Formation of High-Entropy Oxides in Co-Cu-Zn-Mn-Ni-Li-O System

• Alejandro F. Manchón-Gordón ¹, Eva Gil-González ^1,2, Mario González-Gallardo ¹ and Alejandro Morales-Falcón ¹

¹ 

Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Sevilla, CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla, C. Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain

² 

Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Sevilla, 41071 Sevilla, Spain

Expanding the chemical complexity of materials beyond conventional compositions represents a promising strategy to address the growing demand for novel functionalities and tailored properties. This approach has led to the development of high-entropy materials, HEMs, a class of compounds characterized by the incorporation of multiple principal elements within a single-phase crystal structure. By enabling access to an expansive and largely unexplored chemical space, HEMs offer unique opportunities for the design of materials with tunable structural and functional properties. The concept was initially introduced in 2004 with high-entropy alloys (HEAs) [1], and later extended to ceramics, with the first high-entropy oxides (HEOs) reported in 2015 [2]. Since then, a wide range of HEMs have been synthesized.

This study explores the development of high-entropy rock-salt ceramics in the Li-doped Co-Cu-Zn-Mn-Ni-O system. The investigation focuses on the phase formation and stability of selected compositions synthesized via solid-state reaction and electric-field-assisted techniques, such as reaction flash sintering. This study provides a detailed comparison between both methodologies, where the influence of temperature, synthetic atmosphere as well as electric parameters is studied. Note that electric-field-assisted methodologies are of particular interest due to its adaptability to various atmospheric conditions, which can significantly impact the oxidation states of the constituent elements. The coexistence of multiple cations with distinct site preferences and potential interactions enables fine-tuning of material properties by modifying synthesis parameters. As a result, it is possible to obtain compounds with identical cation compositions but differing in crystal structure and stoichiometry.

• References

1.

Cantor, B.; Chang, I.T.H.; Knight, P.; Vincen, A.J.B. Microstructural development in equiatomic multicomponent alloys. Mater. Sci. Eng. A 2004, 375–377, 213–218.

2.

Rost, C.M.; Sachet, E.; Borman, T.; Moballegh, A.; Dickey, E.C.; Hou, D.; Jones, J.L.; Curtarolo, S.; Maria, J.-P. Entropy-stabilized oxides. Nat. Commun. 2015, 6, 8485.

7.31. Integration of 3D Scanning in the Abrasive Surface Processing of Cast Components

• Robert Żuczek

• Centre of Materials and Manufacturing Technology, Łukasiewicz-Krakow Institute of Technology, Zakopianska 73 str, 30-418 Krakow, Poland

The foundry industry, particularly the knock-out and cleaning stations for removing residual moulding sand and gating systems after casting, is among the most exposed to occupational hazards and harmful factors for workers.

The assumptions adopted in the automation project for the cleaning process of large-scale castings indicate a potential reduction in processing time by 30%, alongside a 6% total cost reduction per finished casting.

As part of the cleaning process, it is proposed to integrate 3D scanning of the actual part. Based on machine vision imaging, the scanned model is compared to its digital twin. The resulting numerical excess material, confirmed through texture-based surface imaging (identifying residual moulding compounds), defines the specific areas of the casting targeted for abrasive blasting.

The use of a dedicated robotic arm will significantly simplify the scanning operation. Once the 3D camera is returned to the tool storage station and the blasting head toolpaths are generated, the robotic arm will replace the human operator during the abrasive treatment phase. Initially, the process will be semi-automated and require operator involvement. However, after optimization using artificial intelligence algorithms and the development of a comprehensive comparison database, full integration of the processing chain scanning → 3D model → blasting head will be achieved, eliminating human decision-making from the workflow.

A final textured surface scan of the cleaned part will validate and ensure that the casting meets the required surface quality standards.

The AUTOWIND project, no. 1/Ł-KIT/CŁ/2023, titled “Automation of Production Processes for Wind Tower Components Including Recycling and Post-Production Waste Management Technologies”, aims at designing and implementing a fully automated line for the cleaning of large-scale castings.

7.32. Investigation of the Structural and Mechanical Properties of the High-Entropy Alloy Al_0.25Ti_0.25CrFeNi After Heat Treatment

• Róbert Kočiško ¹, Patrik Petroušek ¹, Ondrej Milkovič ^2,3, Dávid Csík ¹, Gabriel Sučík ¹, Karel Saksl ^1,2 and Pavel Diko ³

¹ 

Faculty of Materials, Metallurgy and Recycling, Technical University of Košice, Letna 9, 04200 Kosice, Slovakia

² 

Institute of Materials Research, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 04001 Košice, Slovakia

³ 

Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 04001 Košice, Slovakia

Current research on high-entropy alloys (HEAs) aims to reduce material costs while enhancing mechanical performance. This is primarily achieved by decreasing the proportion of expensive alloying elements and tailoring the microstructure through the controlled formation of multiple phases, particularly the coexistence of face-centered cubic (FCC) and body-centered cubic (BCC) structures. In this study, the structural and mechanical properties of the Al_0.25Ti_0.25CrFeNi alloy, produced by arc melting, were investigated in both the as-cast condition and after heat treatment. The microstructural evolution was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the melting temperature was determined by differential thermal analysis (DTA). XRD measurements and structural analysis confirmed the presence of three distinct phases: one FCC phase and two BCC phases. In the as-cast state, the alloy exhibited a relatively high microhardness of 566 HV0.1, which is attributed to the significant presence of the BCC phase. To evaluate the mechanical behavior, compression tests and additional microhardness measurements were conducted. The results showed that the applied heat treatment led to a more favorable phase distribution, grain refinement, and an improved balance between strength and plastic strain. These findings highlight the potential of this alloy system for the development of cost-effective HEAs with enhanced mechanical properties, making it a strong candidate for future engineering applications.

7.33. Kinetics of δ-Ferrite to Austenite Transition in Grade 92 Steels Using Dilatometry

• Nitin Saini

• Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2V4, Canada

Understanding the phase transformation kinetics from delta-ferrite (δ) to austenite (γ) is essential for optimizing post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) protocols in 9Cr steel welds, which are extensively used in high-temperature pressure components such as steam headers, piping, and turbine casings. The stability and dissolution behavior of δ-ferrite directly influence the final microstructure, mechanical properties, and long-term service performance of these steels. In this study, dilatometry was employed to investigate the δ→γ transformation under precisely controlled heating conditions. δ-ferrite–containing Grade P91 steel specimens, produced via weld metal solidification, were subjected to a range of heating rates representative of industrial PWHT practices. Dimensional changes were continuously monitored to capture transformation events with high temporal resolution. The onset and completion temperatures of the δ→γ transformation were determined for each heating rate, and transformation kinetics were quantitatively analyzed. Results show that both heating rate and prior microstructure exert a pronounced influence on transformation behavior. Higher heating rates shift the transformation to higher temperatures and, in some cases, result in incomplete δ-ferrite dissolution, potentially leading to microstructural inhomogeneity. These findings provide critical insights into the transformation mechanisms in Grade 91 steels and highlight the importance of carefully controlling PWHT parameters to achieve a fully homogenized and stable tempered martensitic microstructure, thereby improving mechanical performance and service reliability in welded components.

7.34. Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition of Ti-21S: Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Resistance

• Alireza Sohrabi ¹, Amir Behjat ^2,3, Federico Mazzucato ⁴, Anna Valente ⁴, Arash Fattah-alhosseini ⁵, Razieh Chaharmahali ⁵, Luca Iuliano ^2,3 and Abdollah Saboori ^2,3

¹ 

Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

² 

Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

³ 

Integrated Additive Manufacturing Center (IAM@PoliTo), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Castelfidardo 51, 10129 Torino, Italy

⁴ 

Department of Innovative Technologies, University of Applied Science and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), Via La Santa 1, 6962 Lugano, Switzerland

⁵ 

Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

• Abstract

Metastable β-titanium alloys are attractive for the aerospace industry and medical applications, due to their low density, high strength, low young modulus, and excellent hardenability. Among these alloys, Titanium Grade 21S is renowned for its outstanding elevated temperature strength, creep resistance, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. However, its limited weldability and poor thermal conductivity present significant challenges to traditional manufacturing methods, resulting in increased difficulty and costs. This study explores the potential of laser powder directed energy deposition (LP-DED) to fabricate Ti-21S samples. This additive manufacturing (AM) technique as compared to other fusion-based AM processes, offers faster material deposition rates, resulting in faster build times. The produced components were comprehensively evaluated for their microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior using various methodologies. Based on the defect analysis, it was achieving >99.9% of theoretical density with appropriate processing parameters. Microstructure analysis indicated a fully beta-phase microstructure alongside notable mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Hardness and microstructural uniformity were consistent across all samples, while electrochemical tests demonstrated robust resistance to aggressive environments. These findings underscore the effectiveness of LP-DED as a processing technique for Ti-21S, preserving its advantageous properties and addressing the limitations of conventional manufacturing.

Keyword: Beta-Ti21S alloy; Laser powder directed energy deposition; Additive manufacturing; electrochemical; Ti alloys.

7.35. Laser Synthesis of Cu\Cu-Oxide Composite Particles: Formation, Properties, and Applications

• Zaneta Swiatkowska-Warkocka ¹, Mohammad Sadegh Shaheri ¹ and Katharine Moore Tibbetts ²

¹ 

Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland

² 

Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA

Laser-based colloid synthesis has emerged as a powerful and versatile technique in nanoscience, offering a clean, surfactant-free route to the production of functional nanomaterials. This approach is gaining increasing attention due to its wide application in energy, catalysis, photonics, and biomedicine. In particular, composite nanoparticles—comprising combinations of metals and metal oxides—generate great interest. Their unique physicochemical properties arise from nanoscale interactions and can be fine-tuned by controlling parameters such as composition, morphology, and structural architecture.

Metallic nanoparticles such as copper (Cu) are well known for their plasmonic behavior, bactericidal properties, catalytic efficiency, and thermal conductivity, making them valuable in various applications from electronics and optoelectronics to medicine. Copper oxides (Cu₂O, CuO), as semiconducting materials, play a key role in sustainable technologies, including hydrogen production by water splitting, photocatalysis for environmental remediation, and sensor development. These oxides also exhibit antibacterial and catalytic activities, which further enhance their multifunctionality.

Our research focused on the laser fabrication of Cu\Cu-oxide composite nanoparticles under varying conditions of laser fluence, irradiation time, precursor material, and solvent environment. We investigated the mechanisms underlying their formation, the interplay between processing parameters and particle structure/composition, and how these factors affected key properties. The results of our study, along with an evaluation of the antibacterial and electrocatalytic activities of the obtained composites, will be presented.

This research was partially supported by the Polish National Science Centre under grants No. 2018/31/B/ST8/03043 and No. 2022/06/X/ST3/01743, and partially by the Kosciuszko Foundation Exchange Program to the United States.

7.36. Load Effects on the Tribological Response of Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glasses

• Patricia Catalán Wic, Paschal Ateb Ubi, Martin Stiehler, Muhammad Khan, Konstantinos Salonitis and Konstantinos Georgarakis

• Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are metastable materials that lack the crystalline atomic structure of conventional metals and alloys. Owing to their amorphous structure they combine an exceptional set of properties including high hardness, elastic limit, and corrosion resistance, making them promising candidates for wear-resistant applications. However, their friction and wear behaviour especially under different loading regimes, remains yet not well understood. In this study, the tribological response of a Zr-Cu-Ni-Al BMG was evaluated against a stainless-steel counterpart using a ball-on-disc testing across loads ranging from 1 to 20 N. X-ray diffraction (XRD), confocal microscopy, profilometry, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) were employed to study the structure and the morphology of the wear tracks. Friction coefficients varied between ~0.5 and 0.9, depending on applied load. Detailed surface analysis and chemical mapping revealed significant material transfer and distinct load-dependent wear mechanisms. At low loads (1 N), wear was dominated by oxidative film formation and transfer of stainless steel into the BMG wear track. At higher loads (5–20 N), severe shear localisation and mechanical mixing promoted an adhesive wear mechanism predominantly. The findings provide new insights into the interplay between shear banding, counter body transfer, and tribochemical processes in Zr-based BMGs, highlighting both their potential and their limitations as candidate materials for tribological applications.

7.37. Manufacturing a Boat Hull Sample Using Composite Materials

• Amine Beloufa ¹, Mohamed Amirat ² and Nabil Benmansour ¹

¹ 

Smart Structures Laboratory (SSL), University of Ain Témouchent, Ain Témouchent 46000, Algeria

² 

University of Tlemcen, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria

The manufacture of hulls for small boats requires a thorough knowledge of the hull manufacturing field, hull materials, and the damage that hulls may encounter during maritime navigation (such as cracks or wear caused by shock or collision, etc.). Materials such as wood, aluminum, stainless steel, and composite materials are used to manufacture these hulls. This work was interested in the manufacturing of layered composite materials; these are lightweight, less expensive, more hermetic, and more resistant. The main objective of this work is to manufacture a part of the hull of a small boat using composite materials. Also, testing the mechanical strength of the manufactured sample constitutes a second objective of this work. In this work, a boat hull sample was manufactured using composite materials (glass fiber mat E-type with polyester resin). Calculation of fiber and resin quantities was performed to manufacture a sample with a thickness equal to 4 mm. A visual analysis of the defects obtained on the manufactured sample, and the identification of their causes, were performed in this work. Several mechanical tests were performed to measure the permeability, hardness, and Young’s modulus of the tested specimens. The results obtained show that the mechanical properties of the layered sample respect maritime safety rules and the rigour required during boat construction.

7.38. Manufacturing Multilayers for Clear Aligners with Tunable Thermomechanical Properties

• José Ignacio Delgado ^1,2 and Juan Pedro Fernandez Blázquez ²

¹ 

Secret Aligner S.L., C/Sangenjo 34, 28034 Madrid, Spain

² 

IMDEA Materials Institute, C/Eric Kandel, 2, 28906 Getafe, Spain

Clear aligners are a new technique in dentistry that involves moving teeth using a dental appliance made from transparent, thermoplastic material, based on standardised movements programmed by software. Conventionally, the thermoplastics in use were copolyesters and polyurethanes, but the need for more precise and comfortable treatments has pushed the industry into using combinations of thermoplastics [1,2].

¨This project aims to manufacture multilayers from widely available materials with comparable properties to commercial multilayers of unknown composition, and to control the thermomechanical properties to adapt multilayers to different treatment situations.

The thermomechanical properties of different thermoplastics suitable for manufacturing clear aligners were analysed by DMTA, DSC, tensile testing, and stress relaxation. Later, multilayers were manufactured using thin layers of different thermoplastics. Finally, the multilayers were analysed in the same fashion as the original thermoplastics.

The results show a high similarity in thermomechanical properties between homemade and commercial multilayer materials, and a better performance of both materials against conventional copolyesters and polyurethanes in terms of storage and loss modulus, elastic modulus, yield strain, and stress relaxation. Moreover, those properties can be controlled by selecting wisely the thermoplastics in the multilayer.

In conclusion, it is possible to manufacture clear aligners from widely available materials, but it is also feasible to adapt the properties of the thermoplastic to each treatment situation in an easy manner. Multilayer thermoplastics are hence one of the best candidates in the upcoming generation of personalised-force clear aligners.

Work supported by a grant for an industrial PhD of the Community of Madrid regional Government (IND2022/IND-23679), in collaboration with Secret Aligner S.L.

• References

1.

Cenzato, N.; Di Iasio, G.; Martìn Carreras-Presas, C.; Caprioglio, A.; Del Fabbro, M. Materials for Clear Aligners—A Comprehensive Exploration of Characteristics and Innovations: A Scoping Review. Appl. Sci. 2024, 14, 6533.

2.

Ciavarella, D.; Cianci, C.; Laurenziello, M.; Troiano, G.; De Cillis, F.; Tepedino, M.; Montaruli, G.; Grassia, V.; Muzio, L.L.; Pappalettere, C. Comparison of the Stress Strain Capacity between Different Clear Aligners. TODENTJ 2019, 13, 41–47.

7.39. Mechanical Properties and Fractographic Analysis of Austenitic Stainless Steel at Sub-Zero Temperatures

• Abdisa Sisay Mekonnin

• Department of Materials Technology, Faculty of Materials Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Krasinskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice, Poland

• Abstract

Stainless steels are widely recognized for their superior combination of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance compared to carbon steels, making them attractive candidates for structural and cryogenic applications. Among them, austenitic stainless steels, such as AISI 304, are extensively used in low-temperature environments owing to their excellent toughness and corrosion resistance even under severe sub-zero conditions. In this study, the mechanical behaviour and fracture response of AISI 304 were systematically investigated through cryogenic tensile testing. Cylindrical specimens with a gauge length of 50 mm and diameter of 8 mm were deformed using a Z100 Zwick/Roell universal testing machine equipped with a liquid nitrogen cooling chamber capable of reaching 173 K. Tests were conducted at room temperature (298 K), −30 °C (243 K), −60 °C (213 K), and −80 °C (193 K) under constant strain rates of 10⁻², 10⁻³, and 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹. Temperature stability was ensured by nitrogen gas circulation, while a K-type thermocouple affixed to the specimen surface verified the actual specimen temperature. The results revealed a pronounced strengthening response with decreasing temperature and strain rate. At 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹, the yield strength increased from 611.9 MPa at 298 K to 657.3 MPa at 193 K, while the ultimate tensile strength rose from 810 MPa to 1246 MPa. Similar trends were observed across higher strain rates, confirming the robustness of the strengthening effect. Conversely, elongation decreased gradually, from 0.65 at room temperature to 0.59 at 193 K, indicating reduced ductility. Fractographic analysis demonstrated a transition from ductile dimple rupture at room temperature to mixed-mode fracture with cleavage features at cryogenic temperatures. These findings establish a clear correlation between temperature, strain rate, and fracture mechanisms, providing critical insights into the cryogenic reliability of AISI 304 stainless steel and reinforcing its suitability for advanced applications such as hydrogen storage and low-temperature energy infrastructures.

7.40. Mechanical Property Enhancement of Tool Steel for Solid Expandable Tubular Mandrels

• Sayyad Zahid Qamar, Tasneem Pervez and Farooq Al Jahwari

• Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman

Solid Expandable Tubular (SET) technology is a proven method in oil and gas drilling, enabling water shutoff, zonal isolation, and life extension of wells through in situ plastic expansion of steel casing. The expansion mandrel, a precision-engineered conical tool, performs this cold expansion under demanding downhole conditions. D6 steel (a high-carbon, high-chromium cold-work tool steel) was selected for its manufacture. This tool steel has exceptional wear and abrasion resistance, high compressive strength, dimensional stability, and heat-treatment versatility. These properties make it well suited for repeated contact, resistance to plastic deformation, and consistent expansion performance.

This study investigates the influence of heat treatment on D6 steel to determine an optimum sequence for SET mandrel applications. The process includes annealing, austenitizing, air and oil quenching, and single and double tempering at six temperatures (100–600 °C). Mechanical testing (following ASTM standards) included Rockwell hardness, Charpy V-notch impact toughness, and tensile properties, supported by microstructural and fractographic analyses. Single tempering produced variable properties and reduced strengths, while double tempering with air cooling (DTA) or oil quenching (DTO) yielded superior results. DTO at 400 °C achieved maximum hardness (57 HRC), whereas DTA at 400 °C offered slightly lower hardness (52 HRC) but higher yield and tensile strengths with improved ductility. Considering overall performance, DTA at 400 °C is recommended for optimum combination of hardness, toughness, and ductility, enhancing mandrel life and tubular expansion accuracy. The findings provide practical heat treatment guidelines for D6 steel in SET applications, improving durability, dimensional precision, and operational efficiency in harsh oilfield environments.

7.41. Metal Powder Bed Thermal Diffusivity and Effects of Gas Environments on Powder Flow

• Ummay Habiba

• Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA

A laser flash tri-layered analysis was conducted to measure the thermal diffusivity of nickel-based superalloy Inconel 718 (IN718) powder, Ti64 powder, and 316L stainless steel powder, which are widely used in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing. In the LPBF process, the thermal properties of the powder bed are strongly influenced by various input parameters. Understanding these thermal transport properties is essential for predicting melt pool behavior, microstructural evolution, and the final part quality. In this study, the thermal diffusivities of the powder samples were measured in two distinct gaseous environments, helium (He) and nitrogen (N₂), inside a high-temperature furnace. Measurements were performed at 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C to investigate the combined effects of gas environment and temperature. The results indicate that variations in temperature have only a minimal effect on thermal diffusivity, whereas the surrounding gas environment plays a critical role. Helium consistently enhanced the thermal diffusivity compared to nitrogen. For comparison, the thermal diffusivity of solid samples of IN718, Ti64, and 316L stainless steel was also measured. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses were conducted to examine changes in powder morphology and surface oxidation state after exposure to high temperature and different gas atmospheres.

7.42. Microstructural Investigation of AgCuZnSn Brazed Joints in Additively Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel

• Sofia Papadopoulou ¹, Francis Livera ², Spyridon Chaskis ³, Afroditi Niki Kouvarda ³, Paul Panagiotis Stavroulakis ², Russell Goodall ² and Spyros Papaefthymiou ³

¹ 

Department of Physical Metallurgy and Forming, Hellenic Research Centre for Metals (ELKEME S.A.), 61st km Athens-Lamia National Road, 32011 Oinofyta, Greece

² 

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin St, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK

³ 

Laboratory of Physical Metallurgy, Division of Metallurgy and Materials, School of Mining & Metallurgical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9, Her. Polytechniou Str., Zografos, 15780 Athens, Greece

This study provides novel insights into the influence of additive manufacturing (AM)-induced grain texture on the solidification behavior of AgCuZnSn filler metal during brazing—a phenomenon not previously reported. The AM surface was shown to affect the crystallographic orientation of the filler metal, suggesting that control over AM texture can be used to tailor the properties of brazed joints. Systematic characterization of the joint microstructure was carried out using SEM, EDS, and EBSD techniques.

AM enables the fabrication of complex geometries, but the limited part size often necessitates joining. Brazing is a suitable method for this, though further study is required to understand the interactions between AM surfaces and filler metals. In this work, AM 316L stainless steel tiles were brazed to machined SS316L cylinders using an AgCuZnSn filler metal. Variables included flux type and filler metal quantity.

Microstructural characterization focused on grain size and orientation in the joint region, particularly at the interfaces between the filler and the two different base materials. All samples exhibited porosity at the filler–cylinder interface. Two main phases were identified in the filler: a Cu-rich and an Ag-rich phase, with the Cu-rich phase forming globular structures at the AM tile interface. Notably, grain structures differed between the two interfaces.

The sample brazed with MetaBraze LT 21 showed similar crystallographic orientation in the filler and AM base metal, suggesting a more isotropic response during deformation. These findings indicate that controlling AM-induced texture could serve as a strategy to engineer the microstructure and performance of brazed joints.

7.43. Optimising the Bond Quality in Hybrid Maple–Poplar Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT): Influence of Specimen Size and Manufacturing Pressure

• Sumanta Das ^1,2, Miroslav Gašparík ¹, Manaswini Mahapatra ³, Anil Kumar Sethy ⁴ and Kaushal Kumar ²

¹ 

Department of Wood Processing, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 1176, Praha 6–Suchdol, 16521 Prague, Czech Republic

² 

Department of Forest Product & Utilisation, Faculty of Forestry, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi 834006, India

³ 

Faculty of Agriculture & Allied Sciences, CV Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar 752054, India

⁴ 

ICFRE-Institute of Wood Science and Technology, 18th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore 560003, India

With the rapidly increasing population and the impact of climate change, green construction materials are evolving into sustainable alternatives. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials due to its numerous advantages, such as high prefabrication potential, reduced construction time, seismic safety, and a favourable strength-to-weight ratio, as well as being a potential carbon sink. Even though hardwood CLT has better mechanical performance, it is still underutilised compared to softwood CLT. This is mainly because of the bonding challenges due to their variations in densities and anatomical structures. Three-layer CLT panels were produced utilising maple for the outer layers and poplar for the core, employing one-component polyurethane (PUR) adhesive without edge gluing with two different pressure levels—0.6 MPa and 1.0 MPa—using a hydraulic press. Delamination tests were performed on specimens of two dimensions, 70 × 70 × 60 mm and 100 × 100 × 60 mm (length × width × height), following EN 16351:2015. Forty specimens were evaluated for percentage wood failure. Results demonstrated that both smaller specimen size and bonding pressure significantly affected delamination, with 1.0 MPa achieving the most consistent bond integrity. The lower specimen size reduces the amount of delamination by reducing the exposed surface area to the vacuum-pressure delamination method. The findings highlight that optimal bonding pressure is critical for hardwood-based CLT production, with implications for improving manufacturing protocols and expanding the commercial viability of hardwood CLT in load-bearing applications.

7.44. Optimization of Jute-Based Filament Thickness for 3D Printing

• Sweety Shahinur

• Department of Testing and Standardization, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Manik Mia Avenue, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh

The pursuit of sustainable materials for additive manufacturing has drawn significant attention from both industry and academia. This study focuses on the development and optimization of jute–polylactic acid (PLA) composite filaments as a biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based thermoplastics for 3D printing. Key challenges, including filament thickness, uniformity, brittleness, and printability, were addressed by optimizing the material composition. The Taguchi design of experiment was employed with three factors and three levels. Filaments were produced using PLA blended with 5 wt%, 7.5 wt%, and 10 wt% jute fiber via a single-screw extruder under three different outlet temperatures (150 °C, 155 °C, and 160 °C). An automated winding system, incorporating microprocessor control, tension regulation, and a diameter measuring sensor, was designed to enhance filament uniformity. The printability of the jute filament is checked based on the product surface morphology by changing the nozzle size of the 3D printer. After optimizing the nozzle size, the filaments were mechanically and thermally characterized. Mechanical characterization, including tensile (ASTM D638) [1] and flexural (ASTM D790) [2] strength tests, demonstrated improved strength properties with increasing jute reinforcement percentage, particularly at 10 wt.%. However, at 10 wt.% jute, increased brittleness and extrusion discontinuity were observed. At higher temperatures, this discontinuity was minimized. Thermogravimetric Analysis (ASTM D3850) [3], water uptake (ASTM 570) [4], and microscopic imaging further supported these results, revealing enhanced thermal stability but increased moisture absorption with higher jute content in the filament.

• References

1.

ASTM D638; Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics. ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2014.

2.

ASTM D790; Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials. ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2016.

3.

ASTM D3850; Standard Test Method for Rapid Thermal Degradation of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials By Thermogravimetric Method (TGA). ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2025.

4.

ASTM 570; Standard Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics. ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 1998.

7.45. Plasma-Flash Sintering: Broadening the Horizons of Flash Sintering Techniques

• Eva Gil-González ^1,2, Alejandro F. Manchón-Gordón ², Antonio Perejón ^2,3, Pedro E. Sánchez-Jiménez ² and Luis A. Pérez-Maqueda ²

¹ 

Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Sevilla, 41071 Sevilla, Spain

² 

Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Sevilla, CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla, C. Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain

³ 

Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain

Flash sintering (FS) is an electric field assisted sintering technique that enables densification of ceramics material at a reduced furnace temperature and time. In this work, we expand the capabilities of FS, by introducing and investigating plasma-flash sintering, PFS, a novel methodology that incorporates the formation of plasma prior to the flash event. PFS is conducted under a low-pressure nitrogen atmosphere and offers new processing pathways for ceramic materials. Although further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanism of PFS, initial findings demonstrate its ability to stabilize metastable surface phases and promote the superficial absorption of ionized species [1]. Notably, PFS also enables the densification of ZnO at room temperature (RT) without any external heating, using an electric field as low as 250 V cm⁻¹ [2]. This operating field is substantially lower than that required by conventional flash sintering (FS) methods, which typically need electric fields in the kilovolt-per-centimeter range to initiate the flash at RT. This reduction may mitigate common issues such as current localization, hot spots, and increased risk of mechanical failure. Furthermore, unlike other RT FS approaches, PFS does not rely on conductivity-enhancing additives or ambient moisture, thereby minimizing the risk of sample contamination.

• References

1.

Gil-González, E.; Taibi, A.; Perejón, A.; Sánchez-Jiménez, P.E.; Pérez-Maqueda, L.A. Plasma-flash Sintering: Metastable phase stabilization and evidence of ionized species. J. Am. Ceram Soc. 2025, 108, e20105.

2.

Gil-González, E.; Manchón-Gordón, A.F.; Perejón, A.; Sánchez-Jiménez, P.E.; Pérez-Maqueda, L.A. Plasma-flash Sintering II: Flashing ZnO at room temperature using low AC voltage. J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 2025, 108, e70129.

7.46. Porosity Evaluation in Laser Powder Bed Fusion Processed 316L-2.5%Cu: A Comparative Multi-Technique Study

• Sanae Tajalli Nobari ¹, Alireza Moradi ², Amir Behjat ^3,4, Mohammad Taghian ^3,4, Luca Iuliano ^3,4 and Abdollah Saboori ^3,4

¹ 

Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

² 

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

³ 

Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

⁴ 

Integrated Additive Manufacturing Center (IAM@PoliTo), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Castelfidardo 51, 10129 Torino, Italy

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) has been recognized as a key additive manufacturing (AM) technique for the fabrication of complex metal components. Despite its advantages, the process has been affected by inherent defects such as porosity, which have been shown to influence mechanical properties and part reliability significantly. In this study, 316L stainless steel alloyed with 2.5 wt% copper was fabricated using L-PBF, and its porosity and relative density were analyzed under a wide range of processing parameters. A comprehensive evaluation was carried out using three distinct techniques: optical microscopy (OM), Archimedes density measurements, and X-ray computed tomography (XCT). These methods were employed to analyze pore morphology, including size, shape, and spatial distribution. The primary objective was to perform a comparative analysis of the precision and applicability of each technique for this specific alloy, which had not been extensively studied. In this study, relative density varied from 95.45% at high VED values to 99.04% in optimized conditions, highlighting the strong influence of processing parameters on defect content. The results revealed differences among the methods: XCT provided volumetric insight into internal porosity, OM offered high-resolution 2D surface analysis, and the Archimedes method was found to be sensitive to open pores and surface-connected defects. While XCT detected relative densities up to 99.04% with precise pore morphology classification, the Archimedes method slightly underestimated density in samples with surface-connected defects, and OM showed higher variability due to its 2D limitation. XCT revealed that pores with sphericity ≥0.45 and compactness ≥0.2 dominated in high-density samples, whereas irregular pores were more prevalent under excessive energy input. The study highlighted the importance of choosing suitable evaluation methods for analysing defect content in additively manufactured parts and demonstrated the influence of processing parameters on porosity characteristics.

7.47. Redefining Constitutive Parameters as Functions of EBSD-Derived Microstructural Features in Additively Manufactured Inconel 625

• Amirhossein Nikouy Dorostkar ^1,2 and Mohammad Malekan ¹

¹ 

Centre for Industrial Mechanics, Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, 6400 Sønderborg, Denmark

² 

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Guilan, Rasht, Guilan 695013, Iran

Additive manufacturing (AM) of high-performance alloys has gained increasing attention due to its capability to produce complex geometries with tailored properties. In this study, Inconel 625 powder is processed using the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) AM technique to fabricate tensile specimens. The printed samples are first characterized through electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to investigate their microstructural features, EBSD provides grain orientations, crystallographic textures, Taylor factors, and geometrically necessary dislocation densities, all of which play a critical role in the mechanical response of the alloy. Subsequently, tensile testing is performed to obtain the corresponding stress-strain curve of the samples. Building on these experimental results, a constitutive model is developed to establish correlations between the model’s unknown parameters and the microstructural data obtained from EBSD. The novelty of this work lies in the formulation of the constitutive equation, by analyzing parameters that are traditionally treated as constants, such as hardening coefficients or strain-rate sensitivities, etc. to be expressed as functions of EBSD-derived microstructural descriptors. The aim is to simulate the tensile behavior of the LPBF-manufactured specimens with improved accuracy by directly linking mechanical performance to microstructural characteristics. Furthermore, the study explores the possibility of correlating process parameters with EBSD-derived features. If such a relationship can be identified, it would enable the prediction of mechanical behavior directly from process parameters, reducing the need for extensive experimental testing. Based on the results, the proposed model demonstrates strong predictive capability for capturing the tensile behavior of LPBF-fabricated Inconel 625 directly from microstructural features. By redefining constitutive parameters as functions of EBSD-derived descriptors, the model achieves accurate stress–strain predictions with minimal computational cost. Compared to traditional approaches, the framework reduces error in yield strength and strain hardening predictions by an anticipated margin of 5–10%, while significantly improving correlation between simulated and experimental curves.

7.48. Sorption of HAsO₄^2- Anions on Modified Layered Double Hydroxides

• Agnieszka Lipke ^1,2, Denis Sokol ¹, Agnieszka Gladysz-Plaska ², Gabriele Klydziute ¹, Renata Lyszczek ², Halina Gluchowska ², Marek Majdan ² and Aivaras Kareiva ¹

¹ 

Institute of Chemistry, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania

² 

Institute of Chemical Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland

Arsenate(V) ions occur naturally in the environment as a component of the lithosphere and, due to their relatively easy penetration into groundwater, also in the hydrosphere. However, in recent decades, their content has increased significantly due to intensive human activity, primarily related to the development of the mining and metallurgical industries. Arsenic compounds are characterized by high toxicity and proven carcinogenic properties. Therefore, it is necessary to search for increasingly effective methods for their removal from the natural environment. The most popular method is sorption. The aim of the presented research was to remove HAsO42- anions from aqueous solutions using layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as adsorbents. Their structure consists of positively charged layers of mixed hydroxides of metal cations, in this case Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Al³⁺, arranged alternately with charge-compensating interlayers of Cl⁻ or CO₃²⁻ anions. LDH, both before and after the sorption process, was analyzed using the following analytical techniques: (i) thermal analysis using thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods (SETSYS16/18 analyzer, Setaram); (ii) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) (Alpha spectrometer, Bruker Inc., Germany); and (iii) powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) (MiniFlex II diffractometer, Rigaku). The concentration of HAsO₄²⁻ ions in the solutions was determined by a colorimetric method based on ammonium molybdate using a JASCO V-660 UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The effect of contact time, initial concentration and pH of the solutions on the sorption efficiency of As(V) ions on LDH materials was determined. Layered double hydroxides, particularly in the chloride form, have proven effective in removing arsenic contaminants from aqueous systems. Depending on the LDH form, different mechanisms of As ion sorption were observed: surface adsorption or mixed adsorption, with a significant contribution from ion exchange.

This research is funded by the Lithuanian Research Council under the postdoctoral fellowship project no. S-PD-24-145.

7.49. Steel–FRP Synergy: Enhancing Serviceability in Hybrid Reinforced Concrete Beams

• Salvatore Prete and Pietro Mazzuca

• Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci Cubo 39B, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy

This study investigates the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with a hybrid reinforcement system comprising both steel and fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars, with a specific focus on serviceability deflection performance. The incorporation of FRP reinforcement offers significant advantages in terms of corrosion resistance and reduced self-weight, making it an attractive complement to conventional steel reinforcement. However, the linear-elastic response of FRP up to failure, combined with its lower modulus of elasticity, limits its suitability as a complete replacement for steel. Hybrid reinforcement systems therefore present a promising compromise, combining the ductility of steel with the durability of FRP. An extensive database of experimental tests on hybrid reinforced beams, compiled from the literature, was analysed. Measured mid-span deflections were compared with predictions from established guidelines. The findings indicate that many existing models tend to underestimate deflections, which may have implications for both serviceability and long-term structural performance. To address these discrepancies, the analytical models were recalibrated by introducing correction factors derived through multiple error functions, including mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and the coefficient of determination (R²). Finally, a parametric analysis identified the most influential variables affecting deflection, including the stiffness ratio between steel and FRP reinforcement, the proportion of FRP reinforcement, and the shear span-to-depth ratio. The results provide valuable guidance for optimising hybrid reinforcement design and contribute towards the development of dedicated design provisions, addressing current gaps in structural codes and promoting the wider adoption of steel–FRP hybrid systems in civil engineering practice.

7.50. Strength Prediction of Adhesively Bonded Lap Shear Joints at Elevated Temperatures

• Syd Soltani ¹ and Marina Ruggles-Wrenn ²

¹ 

Mechanical Engineering Department, Virginia Military Institute, Letcher Avenue Lexington, VA 24450, USA

² 

Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics AFIT/ENY, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, OH 45433-7765, USA

This study presents an investigation into the strength prediction of adhesively bonded single lap shear joints subjected to elevated temperatures, with a focus on capturing the adhesive response beyond the glass transition temperature (Tg). Finite element analysis with Ansys was used to simulate the mechanical behavior of single lap shear joints made of Aluminum 6061 T6, with a thickness of 1.5 mm substrates and Henkel LOCTITE EA 7000 structural adhesive. This epoxy adhesive has excellent moisture and corrosion resistance in high humidity environments with a minimal reduction in mechanical properties. The simulations incorporated temperature-dependent material response to predict joint strength under thermal and mechanical loading. Experimental validation was conducted through single lap shear tests at temperatures ranging from ambient to above the adhesive’s Tg, highlighting the agreement between simulated and experimental results. The test specimens were made according to ASTM D1002 [1]. The results show a drop in the joint strength above the glass transition temperature. The observed drop in could be attributed to the thermal degradation and oxidation in the adhesive which, in turn, reduces its adhesion and cohesion properties. The findings highlight the critical influence of temperature on adhesive performance and joint’s structural integrity, providing valuable insights for designing reliable bonded structures at elevated temperatures.

• Reference

1.

ASTM D1002; Standard Test Method for Apparent Shear Strength of Single-Lap-Joint Adhesively Bonded Metal Specimens by Tension Loading (Metal-toMetal). ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2005.

7.51. Sustainable Microencapsulation of Limonene via Complex Coacervation with Natural Biopolymers

• Guilherme Andreoli Gil ¹, Maria Filomena Filipe Barreiro ², Caroline Casagrande Sipoli ¹, Isabel Patrícia Martins Fernandes ³ and Fabricio Maestá Bezerra ⁴

¹ 

Department of Chemistry Engineering, Federal University of Technology—Paraná (UTFPR), 635 Marcílio Dias St., Apucarana 86812-460, Paraná, Brazil

² 

School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (ESTiG-IPB), Santa Apolónia Campus, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal

³ 

Research and Development Department, Tree Flowers Solutions, Brigantia EcoPark, 506 Cidade de León Ave., Lab. 213, 5300-358 Bragança, Portugal

⁴ 

Department of Textile Engineering, Federal University of Technology–Paraná (UTFPR), 635 Marcílio Dias St., Apucarana 86812-460, Paraná, Brazil

Essential oils have been extensively explored across different industrial sectors due to their multiple bioactive properties and health benefits. Among their main constituents, terpenes stand out, with limonene being one of the most abundant in nature, particularly present in citrus essential oils. This compound possesses well-recognized antioxidant, antimicrobial, aromatic, and therapeutic activities, making it a promising candidate for applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, and sustainable materials. However, its high volatility and sensitivity to adverse environmental conditions limit its stability and direct application, making microencapsulation an essential strategy for preserving its functional properties and enabling controlled release. Therefore, the aim of this study was to produce limonene microcapsules via complex coacervation using natural biopolymers, such as chitosan and gum arabic, in order to investigate the effect of biopolymer concentration and limonene content on productivity as well as on the chemical and morphological properties of the particles. The microcapsules were characterized in terms of morphology, solid content, particle size, and encapsulation efficiency. Microscopic analyses revealed predominantly spherical and uniform morphologies, with diameters ranging from 1 to 10 µm. The solid content varied from 2.06% to 5.68% (w/w), influenced by formulation composition and close to the theoretical values calculated. Particle size distribution by laser diffraction showed mean values between 0.74 µm and 1.22 µm. Encapsulation efficiencies were remarkably high, exceeding 99% in all trials. The results confirm the feasibility of complex coacervation with natural biopolymers as a sustainable, versatile, and highly efficient method for limonene microencapsulation. This approach not only ensures the protection and stability of the compound but also enables its incorporation into innovative formulations, driving the development of functional products with high added value across different industrial sectors.

7.52. Textile Laminate with Integrated Heating and Humidity Monitoring Functions in Protective Clothing

• Michal Frydrysiak ¹ and Aleksander Bednarek ²

¹ 

Faculty of Material Technology and Textile Design, Textile Institute, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego 116 St., 90-543 Lodz, Poland

² 

Albed Sp. z o.o. ul. Plonowa 13 b 90-001 Łódź, Poland

This article presents a textile laminate system with heating and relative humidity measurement functions. The laminate was designed specifically for specialized protective clothing for workers. The goal was to design a method for manufacturing a layered textile laminate that incorporates a heating and measurement system without compromising the user’s comfort. The laminate should be characterized by appropriate thermal resistance values, increased durability of printed electrically conductive traces, and directional water vapor transmission from the underwear under varying conditions of relative humidity and moisture content within the garment structure. This goal was achieved by sequentially modifying the textile laminate layers to appropriately combine functions such as a moisture barrier, water vapor transmission, heating, and humidity measurement. Inkjet printing technology was used for that purpose. The system was powered by a 3.7-volt lithium-ion battery and utilized Wi-Fi communication. This article presents a measurement data acquisition system and a web-based application for monitoring and managing the thermal properties of the laminate. Environmental tests were conducted at various relative humidity levels to determine the system’s effectiveness.

The main conclusions are as follows:

The heating module’s efficiency is higher than 8 °C/W as a function of heating power. A temperature increase of 8 °C was achieved by supplying 0.5 to 0.16 W of power to a heating pad with a width of 2 to 6 mm. The maximum efficiency achieved for the heating module in the research is 47 °C/1W of power. The expanded uncertainty (U RH) of the humidity of the printed sensor on the knitting laminate substrate is less than 9%. The following was achieved: URH = 8.83%. The relationship between the static temperature of the heating module and the supplied power is linear.

These interactive laminates fit into the concept of smart clothing, especially protective clothing for workers.

7.53. The Structure and Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Stainless Steel Obtained by WAAM from a Developed Flux-Cored Wire

• Natalia N. Soboleva ^1,2, Aleksandr N. Mushnikov ¹, Valeria E. Veselova ¹, Ekaterina B. Votinova ^1,2, Evgeny A. Merkushkin ^1,2, Mikhail S. Smolentsev ^1,2, Alexander V. Berezovskiy ^1,2, Alexander M. Kuznetsov ^1,2, Matvei V. Lapin ^1,2 and Alexey S. Smolentsev ^1,2

¹ 

Institute of Engineering Science, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 34 Komsomolskaya st., Yekaterinburg 620049, Russia

² 

Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N.Yeltsin, 19 Mira St., Yekaterinburg 620002, Russia

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is an additive technology in which a metal wire is melted with an electric arc, and the parts are formed layer by layer. Austenitic stainless steel wires are promising materials in the manufacture of parts via WAAM. Austenitic steels have good ductility and corrosion resistance, but low strength. Nitrogen alloying, which leads to solid-solution hardening, can increase strength. In addition, austenitic stainless steels are sensitive to the formation of hot cracks during welding, which can be corrected by the low content of δ-ferrite in the structure of such steels.

In this work, a flux-cored wire was developed using WAAM, which ensures the formation of an austenitic–ferritic structure of the deposited metal. The chemical composition of the deposited metal was as follows: wt. %: 0.055 C; 0.43 Si; 5.0 Mn; 20.1 Cr; 4.1 Ni; 2.1 Mo; 2.9 Cu; 0.319 N.

The characteristics of the WAAM product made from developed flux-cored wire were compared with the properties of AISI 321 steel. The deposited layers of the experimental composition were characterized by greater microhardness and improved strength characteristics, with a slight decrease in plastic properties, compared with AISI 321 steel. In addition, the developed material surpasses AISI 321 steel in terms of the pitting potential in artificial seawater. The phase composition of the deposited layers is deformationally stable: no austenite–martensite phase transformation was detected in tensile plastic deformation tests.

This research was carried out with the support of a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RSF) No. 24-19-20059 (https://rscf.ru/en/project/24-19-20059/) and the Government of the Sverdlovsk Region.

7.54. Thermal Modification of Black Alder Wood in an Inert Atmosphere Under Pressure

• Juris Grinins, Guntis Sosins, Prans Brazdausks

• Biorefinery laboratory, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia

This research investigates the thermal modification (TM) of European black alder (Alnus glutinosa) wood boards (1000 × 100 × 25 mm), treated under nitrogen atmosphere at 4 bar starting pressure. TM was performed at temperatures of 160 °C and 170 °C for 30, 60, 120, or 180 min. Despite growing interest, detailed studies on the impact of TM on black alder wood, particularly under nitrogen pressure, are scarce.

The TM process resulted in mass reductions ranging from 4.6% to 8.6%, with shrinkage observed across all anatomical directions. Water retention decreased significantly, with the cell wall’s total water content dropping from 35% to a range of 14–27%. Anti-swelling performance improved, with efficiency between 21% and 61%. Notably, the treated wood exhibited more than a 50% reduction in volumetric swelling and equilibrium moisture content compared to untreated samples.

Regarding mechanical properties, a decrease in the modulus of rupture was noted, particularly for treatments at 160 °C for 180 min and 170 °C. On the other hand, the modulus of elasticity saw minor increases, though they were not substantial. Brinell hardness tests highlighted a significant contrast between the tangential and radial surfaces, with the tangential surface demonstrating notably lower hardness.

In conclusion, TM substantially improves dimensional stability and moisture resistance in black alder wood. The dark brown color developed during TM enhances its visual appeal, making it a competitively priced alternative to more expensive wood materials. This study expands the knowledge of TM applied to black alder, demonstrating its potential for use in sustainable wood product industries.

7.55. TiO₂ Nanotube-Based Surface Modification of EB-PBF Ti6Al4V: Toward Multifunctional Performance Enhancement

• Alireza Moradi Ghasemabadi ¹, Sanae Tajalli Nobari ², Amir Behjat ^3,4, Luca Iuliano ^3,4 and Abdollah Saboori ^3,4

¹ 

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino

² 

Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

³ 

Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

⁴ 

Integrated Additive Manufacturing Center (IAM@PoliTo), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Castelfidardo 51, 10129 Torino, Italy

The surface modification and anodization behavior of Ti6Al4V (Ti64) alloy components produced by electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) were investigated to enhance their compatibility for biomedical applications. Ti64 samples were fabricated using optimized EB-PBF parameters to achieve a uniform microstructure and surface finish. Anodization was performed at 40 V and 60 V, resulting in the formation of self-organized TiO₂ nanotube arrays. Subsequently, a heat treatment at 550 °C was applied to improve the crystallinity of the nanotubes while preserving their structural integrity. Surface morphology and topography were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), revealing voltage-dependent variations in nanotube thickness and surface roughness. Phase composition analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of anatase TiO₂. Mechanical properties were evaluated using nanoindentation and nanoscratch techniques, showing higher hardness and improved adhesion in samples anodized at 40 V, attributed to their denser nanotube structure. Electrochemical testing demonstrated a significant enhancement in corrosion resistance in anodized samples compared to their untreated parts. Furthermore, in vitro bioactivity analysis confirmed increased apatite formation on anodized surfaces, indicating an improved biological response. These findings demonstrate that the combination of EB-PBF and controlled anodization presents an exciting approach for modifying the surface properties of Ti64 parts, thus improving their mechanical performance, corrosion resistance, and bioactivity for biomedical applications.

7.56. Vibration-Based Intelligent Monitoring for L-PBF Additive Manufacturing

• Ramin Moradi ¹, Amir Behjat ^2,3, Vahid Yaghoubi Nasrabadi ⁴, Abdollah Saboori ^2,3 and Luca Iuliano ^2,3

¹ 

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

² 

Integrated Additive Manufacturing Center (IAM@PoliTo), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Castelfidardo 51, 10129 Torino, Italy

³ 

Department of Management and Production Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

⁴ 

Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands

Ensuring defect-free parts in metal additive manufacturing (AM) is vital for safety-critical components, yet it often relies on costly trial-and-error and slow computed-tomography (CT) inspections. Here, we introduce a two-stage, machine-learning-driven quality-assurance framework for laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF) that balances predictive modeling with rapid, vibration-based, non-destructive evaluation (NDE).

• Stage 1: Process-Parameter Optimization

A full-factorial design of experiments (DoE) covering laser power, scan speed, and hatch spacing (75 successful builds) feeds a polynomial Ridge-regression surrogate. Using nested 5-fold cross-validation and grid-search tuning, the final quadratic Ridge model achieved a validation R² of 0.51 (RMSE ≈ 0.59% density), capturing just over half of the variance in out-of-sample relative-density measurements.

• Stage 2: Vibration-Based Defect Screening

Specimens are subjected to modal excitation and frequency-response analysis (150–390 kHz), yielding 10,000 interpolated features. After in-fold LARS feature-selection and stability-thresholding, three classifiers (5-NN, SVC, and MLP) were evaluated via nested CV. The best model (MLP) attained 0.81 ± 0.08 accuracy, with true-negative rates above 90%, but modest true-positive recall (25–35%).

• Integrated Impact

By combining proactive parameter tuning with vibration-based NDE, the framework enables the removal of the majority of defective builds before certification and replaces hour-long CT scans with minute-scale vibration tests. This dual-stream approach lays the groundwork for scalable, in-situ quality assurance in AM, offering a path toward the real-time monitoring and digital-twin certification of complex parts.