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

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2026) | Viewed by 13966

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Dr. Madalina Simona Baltatu

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Department of Technologies and Equipment for Materials Processing, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Technical University Gheorghe Asachi of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania
Interests: materials science; metallic materials; biomaterials; titanium alloys
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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-anonymized 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 (10 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 11102 KB

Open AccessArticle

Creep-Based Ductile Failure Lifetime Estimation of Polyethylene Pipes Using Critical Strain Criterion

by Yu Tang, Wenbo Luo, Jiawei Liu, Jingze Yan and Fu Xu

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(11), 5414; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16115414 - 29 May 2026

Viewed by 379

Abstract

Polyethylene (PE) pipes are widely employed in urban gas and water conveyance systems due to their excellent corrosion resistance, cost efficiency, and long service life. However, creep-induced delayed failure remains a critical threat to long-term operational safety and may lead to leakage accidents. Accurate and efficient prediction of creep rupture life is essential for risk control and structural design. This study investigated the performance of four commercial polyethylene pipes, including two PE80-grade and two PE100-grade pipes. By combining the creep test with the critical strain criterion, an efficient and reliable method for predicting the ductile failure lifetime was developed. Creep tests were carried out on dumbbell specimens cut from PE pipes under multiple temperature and stress levels. The time-hardening model was adopted to characterize the nonlinear viscoelastic creep evolution, and the ductile failure time was determined by introducing the critical strain threshold. The predicted lifetimes were systematically validated against experimental data from long-term hydrostatic tests. Results show that the predicted failure times agree well with the measured values, verifying the accuracy and engineering applicability of the proposed method. This approach provides a high-efficiency alternative to conventional long-term hydrostatic tests, offering valuable support for material selection, safety evaluation, and engineering design of PE pipeline systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Development, and Characterization of Advanced Materials for Modern Industry)

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21 pages, 13225 KB

Open AccessArticle

Corrosion and Thermal Shock Behavior of Atmospheric Plasma Spraying Coatings on Agricultural Disc Harrows

by Corneliu Munteanu, Ramona Cimpoeșu, Fabian-Cezar Lupu, Boris Nazar, Bogdan Istrate, Iurie Melnic and Visanu Vitali

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3703; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083703 - 10 Apr 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 606

Abstract

Atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) represents a critical solution for enhancing the durability of agricultural components, such as harrow discs, which are subjected to synergistic wear and corrosion during soil cultivation. This study presents experimental results evaluating the electrochemical corrosion behavior and thermal shock resistance of discs coated via atmospheric plasma thermal spraying. Both metallic and ceramic materials, in powder form, from established manufacturers were used to produce the coatings, and the three types of coatings (two metallic and one ceramic) have the following chemical compositions and trade names: W₂C/WC12Co (Metco71NS), Cr₂O₃-4SiO₂-3TiO (Metco136F) and Co25.5Cr10.5Ni7.5W0.5C (Metco45C-NS). The coatings were analyzed using electron microscopy to evaluate the surfaces following corrosion testing. The ceramic coating based on the Cr₂O₃-4SiO₂-3TiO demonstrated the highest protective efficiency by increasing the charge transfer resistance from 307 Ω/cm² to 2213 Ω/cm² for the ceramic coating. It provided a superior physical barrier, reducing the corrosion current density from 0.140 mA/cm² for unprotected substrate to 0.004 mA/cm², representing an improvement of nearly two orders of magnitude. These findings demonstrate that implementing Cr₂O₃-4SiO₂-3TiO ceramic systems can significantly extend the operational lifespan of soil-engaging components, providing a cost-effective strategy for reducing maintenance intervals and material loss in aggressive agricultural environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Development, and Characterization of Advanced Materials for Modern Industry)

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22 pages, 5285 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cementation and Interface Analysis by Different Microscopically Techniques of Failure Cases After BHR Arthroplasty

by Razvan Adam, Iulian Antoniac, Adam Stuparu Andreea Minodora, Iuliana Corneschi, Larisa Popescu, Alexandru Stere, Sergiu Focsaneanu, Florin Miculescu and Ioana Dana Carstoc

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 3045; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16063045 - 21 Mar 2026

Viewed by 369

Abstract

Birmingham hip resurfacing (BHR) is an alternative to bone-sparing total hip arthroplasty; however, failures may be associated with the cementing technique. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the cement layer and potential failure mechanisms. BHR explants were analyzed using radiographic evaluation, stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and histopathology. The cement layer was nonuniform, with excessive thickness in the dome regions and insufficient lateral coverage. Increased cement penetration values exceeded recommended thresholds. SEM analysis revealed inhomogeneous cement with cracks, air inclusions, and loosening at the cement–prosthesis interface. BHR failure may be associated with a complex interplay between cementation parameters, cement mantle morphology, and the biological response at the bone–cement interface, as well as interactions at the cement–prosthesis interface. Microscopic evaluation may provide valuable insights into the mechanisms potentially contributing to BHR prosthesis failure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Development, and Characterization of Advanced Materials for Modern Industry)

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22 pages, 5553 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Study on the Degradation Behavior of Different Antibiotic-Loaded Biomaterials for Orthopedic Applications

by Iulian Antoniac, Cozmina-Maria Cirdei, Aurora Antoniac, Ana-Iulia Bita, Alexandru Stere and Dan Nelu Anusca

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 2242; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052242 - 26 Feb 2026

Viewed by 570

Abstract

Local antibiotic delivery systems are increasingly used in orthopedic surgery to achieve optimal drug concentrations at the site of infection while minimizing systemic side effects. Among these systems, calcium sulfate-based resorbable cements and polymethyl methacrylate-based acrylic cements are commonly used. In this study, the structure, surface properties, and in vitro degradation behavior of CaSO₄-based samples loaded with gentamicin, vancomycin, or a combination thereof were investigated and compared with those of a calcium sulfate control sample and polymethyl methacrylate-based acrylic cement. The characterization of the materials was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. Surface wettability was assessed using contact angle measurements, and immersion tests were used to evaluate water absorption and mass loss. The results showed that the introduction of antibiotics into CaSO₄-based samples affected surface wettability, microstructure, and degradation profiles, particularly in samples containing gentamicin. A different behavior was observed in the case of acrylic cement, for which the mass loss is mainly attributed to the release of soluble components from the composition, such as residual monomer and antibiotics. Compared with acrylic cement, calcium sulfate-based samples, particularly those loaded with gentamicin, exhibited more hydrophilic surfaces and a microstructure that favors interaction with aqueous media, thereby leading to superior performance as local antibiotic delivery systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Development, and Characterization of Advanced Materials for Modern Industry)

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14 pages, 2752 KB

Open AccessArticle

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 918

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 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Development, and Characterization of Advanced Materials for Modern Industry)

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17 pages, 4271 KB

Open AccessArticle

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 3 | Viewed by 1538

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. 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Development, and Characterization of Advanced Materials for Modern Industry)

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Review

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36 pages, 1048 KB

Open AccessReview

Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Porous Metal Implants in Orthopedics: A Narrative Review of Current Applications and Future Prospects

by Connor P. McCloskey, Anoop Sunkara, Siddhartha Kalala, Jack T. Peterson, Michael O. Sohn, Austin R. Chen, Arun K. Movva and Albert T. Anastasio

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3192; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073192 - 26 Mar 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1276

Abstract

Atypical joint spaces, such as those encountered in complex segmental bone loss and large structural defects, remain challenging to manage with conventional implants within divisions across orthopedics, including arthroplasty, tumor reconstruction, trauma, and spine. Additive manufacturing advances have made patient-specific implants a possibility, and this promising solution has enabled the creation of implants with customized geometry and controlled surface porosity to enhance osseointegration, reduce rejection rates, optimize biomechanics, and promote longevity. Despite its potential, patient-specific implants are still eclipsed in use by conventional, “off-the-shelf” implants due to their lower cost, documented long-term durability, insurance coverage, and the strength of available clinical evidence supporting their use. This narrative review summarizes current materials and manufacturing approaches for additively manufactured metal porous implants, including imaging and design workflows, lattice and pore architecture, and how the printing process influences implant stiffness, fatigue strength, surface roughness, and porosity. We also discuss the experimental and preclinical data on mechanical performance, fatigue resistance, and osseointegration for new developments in the field. Emerging trends such as material innovation, streamlined digital planning-to-implant workflows, 4D printing and other advanced additive manufacturing concepts, and cost-reduction efforts are examined in the context of clinical practicality. In this review, the integration of engineering principles with early clinical outcomes will provide orthopedic surgeons with a realistic understanding of the benefits and limitations of the future utilization of additive manufacturing in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Development, and Characterization of Advanced Materials for Modern Industry)

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30 pages, 1216 KB

Open AccessReview

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

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1557

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 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Development, and Characterization of Advanced Materials for Modern Industry)

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35 pages, 5302 KB

Open AccessReview

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

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1176

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 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Development, and Characterization of Advanced Materials for Modern Industry)

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48 pages, 2001 KB

Open AccessReview

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 8 | Viewed by 4391

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 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Development, and Characterization of Advanced Materials for Modern Industry)

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