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Design, Development, and Characterization of Advanced Materials for Modern Industry

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 6357

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to the latest advances in the field of advanced materials, with a particular focus on their fabrication, development, and characterization for modern industrial applications. The aim is to bring together innovative research papers and critical reviews that illustrate new directions and trends in materials engineering.

We invite contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics: innovations in composites, ceramics, metals, and polymers; advanced material manufacturing and processing techniques; detailed characterization of the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of materials; applications of advanced materials in key industry sectors such as automotive, aeronautics, biomedicine, and electronics; sustainability and the environmental impact of advanced materials; and case studies and industrial applications that demonstrate the benefits of adopting new materials.

Selected papers will highlight the significant impact of advanced materials on performance, efficiency, and innovation within modern industry. This Special Issue will provide a documentation of current knowledge for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals.

Dr. Madalina Simona Baltatu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • characterization and fabrication, innovations in composites, ceramics, metals, and polymers
  • material manufacturing and processing
  • physical, chemical, and mechanical properties
  • applications of automotive, aeronautics, biomedicine, and electronics
  • sustainability and the environmental impact

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2752 KB  
Article
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in Tire Waste Mortars
by Marta Ioana Moldoveanu, Daniela Lucia Manea, Elena Jumate, Raluca Iștoan, Radu Fechete and Tudor Panfil Toader
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6895; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126895 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 705
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to characterize mortars containing recycled rubber waste as an eco-innovative material for sustainable construction. The primary objective was to analyze the way rubber granules influence hydration kinetics, microstructural development and pore [...] Read more.
This study aims to investigate the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to characterize mortars containing recycled rubber waste as an eco-innovative material for sustainable construction. The primary objective was to analyze the way rubber granules influence hydration kinetics, microstructural development and pore structure. The innovative mortar formulations incorporated rubber granules, casein, natural hydraulic lime (NHL), and latex. NMR analysis revealed distinct T2 relaxation time distributions correlated with different pore sizes and water states: shorter T2 values demonstrate strongly bound water in small pores, while longer T2 values are associated with loosely bound or free water in larger pores. The formulation with 3.5% NHL and 5% rubber granules exhibited optimal microstructural characteristics. These results reveal that NMR is a valuable, non-destructive tool for monitoring cementitious material evolution and supporting the use of tire-derived waste in eco-innovative mortar designs. Full article
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17 pages, 4271 KB  
Article
Impact of CoCrFeNiMo High-Entropy-Alloy Doping on the Mechanical and Electrochemical Properties of B4C Ceramic
by Alberto Daniel Rico-Cano, Julia Claudia Mirza-Rosca, Burak Cagri Ocak and Gultekin Goller
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4859; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094859 - 27 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1120
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to evaluate and compare the mechanical and electrochemical properties of four new materials, composed of a B4C ceramic matrix doped with 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 3% volumes of CoCrFeNiMo HEA with monolithic B4C. [...] Read more.
The purpose of this article is to evaluate and compare the mechanical and electrochemical properties of four new materials, composed of a B4C ceramic matrix doped with 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 3% volumes of CoCrFeNiMo HEA with monolithic B4C. The studied samples were obtained using the spark plasma sintering technique. The structure and hardness of the samples were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a Vickers microhardness test. After immersion in artificial sea water to simulate a corrosive marine environment, corrosion potential, corrosion rate and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests were carried out to determine the samples’ electrochemical behavior. Tafel slopes and the equivalent circuit that fit the EIS experimental data were obtained. A denser microstructure and smaller grain size was achieved as the HEA content increase. According to the Vickers measurements, every sample showed a normal distribution. All studied samples exhibit great corrosion resistance in a two-step chemical interaction, influenced by the presence of the Warburg element. The research demonstrates that increasing the HEA content implies better performance of corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, confirming the materials’ potential use in corrosive environments and harsh mechanical applications. Full article
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Review

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30 pages, 1216 KB  
Review
Bioactive Hydroxyapatite–Collagen Composite Dressings for Wound Regeneration: Advances in Fabrication, Functionalization and Antimicrobial Strategies
by Bogdan Radu Dragomir, Alina Robu, Ana-Iulia Bita and Daniel Sipu
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020576 - 6 Jan 2026
Viewed by 570
Abstract
Chronic and complex wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, burns and post-surgical defects, remain difficult to manage due to persistent inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, microbial colonization and insufficient extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Conventional dressings provide protection, but they do not supply the [...] Read more.
Chronic and complex wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, burns and post-surgical defects, remain difficult to manage due to persistent inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, microbial colonization and insufficient extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Conventional dressings provide protection, but they do not supply the necessary biochemical and structural signals for effective tissue repair. This review examines recent advances in hydroxyapatite–collagen (HAp–Col) composite dressings, which combine the architecture of collagen with the mechanical reinforcement and ionic bioactivity of hydroxyapatite. Analysis of the literature indicates that in situ and biomimetic mineralization, freeze-drying, electrospinning, hydrogel and film processing, and emerging 3D printing approaches enable precise control of pore structure, mineral dispersion, and degradation behavior. Antimicrobial functionalization remains critical: metallic ions and locally delivered antibiotics offer robust early antibacterial activity, while plant-derived essential oils (EOs) provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects with reduced risk of resistance. Preclinical studies consistently report enhanced epithelialization, improved collagen deposition and reduced bacterial burden in HAp–Col systems; however, translation is limited by formulation variability, sterilization sensitivity and the lack of standardized clinical trials. Overall, HAp–Col composites represent a versatile framework for next-generation wound dressings that can address both regenerative and antimicrobial requirements. Full article
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35 pages, 5302 KB  
Review
Use of Thermal Coatings to Improve the Durability of Working Tools in Agricultural Tillage Machinery: A Review
by Corneliu Munteanu, Fabian Cezar Lupu, Bogdan Istrate, Gelu Ianus, Grigore Marian, Nazar Boris, Teodor Marian and Vlad Nicolae Arsenoaia
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010474 - 2 Jan 2026
Viewed by 379
Abstract
This article presents an in-depth analysis of the application of thermal deposition techniques, in particular thermal spraying, to improve the properties of materials used in agricultural components that work the soil, such as agricultural plows (mainshare and foreshare). Due to the difficult operating [...] Read more.
This article presents an in-depth analysis of the application of thermal deposition techniques, in particular thermal spraying, to improve the properties of materials used in agricultural components that work the soil, such as agricultural plows (mainshare and foreshare). Due to the difficult operating conditions, characterized by abrasive wear, mechanical shocks, and chemical exposure from various soils, these surface coatings aim to increase the durability and corrosion resistance of the materials of components intended for working with the soil. The study investigates thermal deposition methods and their effects on the microstructure, hardness, and friction resistance of the obtained layers. The study highlights experiments that reveal significant improvements in mechanical properties, highlighting superior behavior in real conditions of agricultural use. Nevertheless, soil types significantly influence the abrasive wear rate of the components and also their corrosion, which depends on the soil pH. The results confirm that the use of thermal deposition represents a sustainable and effective solution for extending the life of plows, thus reducing maintenance costs and increasing the efficiency of agricultural processes. This research contributes to the optimization of agricultural equipment, providing an innovative approach for adapting plows to the increasing demands of agricultural exploitation. Full article
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48 pages, 2001 KB  
Review
A Review of the Methods Used in the Study of Creep Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Composites and Future Developments
by Mostafa Katouzian and Sorin Vlase
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(13), 7265; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137265 - 27 Jun 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2973
Abstract
This paper presents the main methods for analyzing the creep of fiber-reinforced composite materials used by researchers. Creep is a characteristic property of composites made of a fiber-reinforced matrix and determines the acceptability of some materials in various engineering applications. The paper attempts [...] Read more.
This paper presents the main methods for analyzing the creep of fiber-reinforced composite materials used by researchers. Creep is a characteristic property of composites made of a fiber-reinforced matrix and determines the acceptability of some materials in various engineering applications. The paper attempts to update the works in the field with recent research and analyzes the main methods for modeling these types of materials, the calculation methods, and the results obtained by researchers. It thus provides a framework for researchers to choose the most appropriate calculation method for the specific application studied. The results that have already become classics, along with the results that have appeared recently and special cases, are critically presented in the paper. Future research directions are highlighted for the various methods described and for the field as a whole. Full article
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