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Formation of Self-Healing Organic Coatings for Corrosion Protection of Al Alloys by Dispersion of Spherical and Fibrous Capsules
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Titanium Dioxide Thin Films Produced on FTO Substrate Using the Sol–Gel Process: The Effect of the Dispersant on Optical, Surface and Electrochemical Features
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Effectiveness of Self-Adhesive Resin Cement in CAD-CAM Blocks—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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Assessment Study on the Solvent Resistance of Low-Density Polyethylene with Pumpkin Seed Hulls
Journal Description
Materials
Materials
is a peer-reviewed, open access journal of materials science and engineering published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Portuguese Materials Society (SPM), Spanish Materials Society (SOCIEMAT) and Manufacturing Engineering Society (MES) are affiliated with Materials and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
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- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 13.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.5 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2022).
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- Companion journals for Materials include: Electronic Materials and Construction Materials.
Impact Factor:
3.748 (2021);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.042 (2021)
Latest Articles
The Study of Copper Powder Sintering for Porous Wick Structures with High Capillary Force
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4231; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124231 (registering DOI) - 07 Jun 2023
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The porosity, permeability, and capillary force of porous sintered copper were examined in relation to the effects of copper powder size, pore-forming agent, and sintering conditions. Cu powder with particle sizes of 100 and 200 μm was mixed with pore-forming agents ranging from
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The porosity, permeability, and capillary force of porous sintered copper were examined in relation to the effects of copper powder size, pore-forming agent, and sintering conditions. Cu powder with particle sizes of 100 and 200 μm was mixed with pore-forming agents ranging from 15 to 45 weight percent, and the mixture was sintered in a vacuum tube furnace. Copper powder necks were formed at sintering temperatures higher than 900 °C. The porosity, as determined by the Archimedes measurement method, and the permeability performance of the sintered body displayed higher values when the Cu powder size was uniform or small. To investigate the capillary force of the sintered foam, a test was conducted using a raised meniscus test device. As more forming agent was added, the capillary force increased. It was also higher when the Cu powder size was larger and the size of the powders was not uniform. The result was discussed in relation to porosity and pore size distribution.
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Open AccessArticle
Preparation and Characterization of Thermal-Insulating Microporous Breathable Al/LLDPE/CaCO3 Composite Films
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, , , , , and
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124230 (registering DOI) - 07 Jun 2023
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Breathable films were prepared based on linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and aluminum (Al; 0, 2, 4, and 8 wt.%) using extrusion molding at a pilot scale. These films must generally be able to transmit moist vapor through pores
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Breathable films were prepared based on linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and aluminum (Al; 0, 2, 4, and 8 wt.%) using extrusion molding at a pilot scale. These films must generally be able to transmit moist vapor through pores (breathability) while maintaining a barrier to liquids; this was accomplished using properly formulated composites containing spherical CaCO3 fillers. The presence of LLDPE and CaCO3 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction characterization. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results revealed the formation of Al/LLDPE/CaCO3 composite films. The melting and crystallization behaviors of the Al/LLDPE/CaCO3 composite films were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry. Thermogravimetric analysis results show that the prepared composites exhibited high thermal stability up to 350 °C. Moreover, the results demonstrate that surface morphology and breathability were both influenced by the presence of various Al contents, and their mechanical properties improved with increasing Al concentration. In addition, the results show that the thermal insulation capacity of the films increased after the addition of Al. The composite with 8 wt.% Al showed the highest thermal insulation capacity (34.6%), indicating a new approach to transform composite films into novel advanced materials for use in the fields of wooden house wrapping, electronics, and packaging.
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Solidification Behavior of Fe-6.5Si Alloy Powder for AM-SLM Processing, as Assessed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
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, , , , and
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4229; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124229 (registering DOI) - 07 Jun 2023
Abstract
Lab-scale investigations on the processing of small powder volumes are of special importance for applications in additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. Due to the technological importance of high-silicon electrical steel, and the increasing need for optimal near-net-shape AM processing, the aim of this study
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Lab-scale investigations on the processing of small powder volumes are of special importance for applications in additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. Due to the technological importance of high-silicon electrical steel, and the increasing need for optimal near-net-shape AM processing, the aim of this study was to investigate the thermal behavior of a high-alloy Fe-Si powder for AM. An Fe-6.5wt%Si spherical powder was characterized using chemical, metallographic, and thermal analyses. Before thermal processing, the surface oxidation of the as-received powder particles was observed by metallography and confirmed by microanalysis (FE-SEM/EDS). The melting, as well as the solidification behavior of the powder, was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Due to the remelting of the powder, a significant loss of silicon occurred. The morphology and microstructure analyses of the solidified Fe-6.5wt%Si revealed the formation of needle-shaped eutectics in a ferrite matrix. The presence of a high-temperature phase of silica was confirmed by the Scheil–Gulliver solidification model for the ternary model Fe-6.5wt%Si-1.0wt%O alloy. In contrast, for the binary model Fe-6.5wt%Si alloy, thermodynamic calculations predict the solidification exclusively with the precipitation of b.c.c. ferrite. The presence of high-temperature eutectics of silica in the microstructure is a significant weakness for the efficiency of the magnetization processes of soft magnetic materials from the Fe-Si alloy system.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials Research Considerations for Metal Powder Additive Manufacturing Processing)
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Overview and Recent Advances in Hyphenated Electrochemical Techniques for the Characterization of Electroactive Materials
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4226; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124226 (registering DOI) - 07 Jun 2023
Abstract
A hyphenated electrochemical technique consists of the combination of the coupling of an electrochemical technique with a non-electrochemical technique, such as spectroscopical and optical techniques, electrogravimetric techniques, and electromechanical techniques, among others. This review highlights the development of the use of this kind
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A hyphenated electrochemical technique consists of the combination of the coupling of an electrochemical technique with a non-electrochemical technique, such as spectroscopical and optical techniques, electrogravimetric techniques, and electromechanical techniques, among others. This review highlights the development of the use of this kind of technique to appreciate the useful information which can be extracted for the characterization of electroactive materials. The use of time derivatives and the acquisition of simultaneous signals from different techniques allow extra information from the crossed derivative functions in the dc-regime to be obtained. This strategy has also been effectively used in the ac-regime, reaching valuable information about the kinetics of the electrochemical processes taking place. Among others, molar masses of exchanged species or apparent molar absorptivities at different wavelengths have been estimated, increasing the knowledge of the mechanisms for different electrode processes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electroactive Materials: Synthesis, Properties, and Characterization)
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The Effect of Boron (B) and Copper (Cu) on the Microstructure and Graphite Morphology of Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron
by
, , , , , , , , , and
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4225; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124225 (registering DOI) - 07 Jun 2023
Abstract
This study examines the impacts of copper and boron in parts per million (ppm) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of spheroidal graphite cast iron (SCI). Boron’s inclusion increases the ferrite content whereas copper augments the stability of pearlite. The interaction between the
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This study examines the impacts of copper and boron in parts per million (ppm) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of spheroidal graphite cast iron (SCI). Boron’s inclusion increases the ferrite content whereas copper augments the stability of pearlite. The interaction between the two significantly influences the ferrite content. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicates that boron alters the enthalpy change of the α + Fe3C → γ conversion and the α → γ conversion. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirms the locations of copper and boron. Mechanical property assessments using a universal testing machine show that the inclusion of boron and copper decreases the tensile strength and yield strength of SCI, but simultaneously enhances elongation. Additionally, in SCI production, the utilization of copper-bearing scrap and trace amounts of boron-containing scrap metal, especially in the casting of ferritic nodular cast iron, offers potential for resource recycling. This highlights the importance of resource conservation and recycling in advancing sustainable manufacturing practices. These findings provide critical insights into the effects of boron and copper on SCI’s behavior, contributing to the design and development of high-performance SCI materials.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Casting of Materials)
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Molecular Dynamics Study on the Mechanism of Gallium Nitride Radiation Damage by Alpha Particles
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4224; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124224 (registering DOI) - 07 Jun 2023
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In special applications in nuclear reactors and deep space environments, gallium nitride detectors are subject to irradiation by α-particles. Therefore, this work aims to explore the mechanism of the property change of GaN material, which is closely related to the application of semiconductor
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In special applications in nuclear reactors and deep space environments, gallium nitride detectors are subject to irradiation by α-particles. Therefore, this work aims to explore the mechanism of the property change of GaN material, which is closely related to the application of semiconductor materials in detectors. This study applied molecular dynamics methods to the displacement damage of GaN under α-particle irradiation. A single α-particle-induced cascade collision at two incident energies (0.1 and 0.5 MeV) and multiple α-particle injections (by five and ten incident α-particles with injection doses of 2 × 1012 and 4 × 1012 ions/cm2, respectively) at room temperature (300 K) were simulated by LAMMPS code. The results show that the recombination efficiency of the material is about 32% under 0.1 MeV, and most of the defect clusters are located within 125 Å, while the recombination efficiency of 0.5 MeV is about 26%, and most of the defect clusters are outside 125 Å. However, under multiple α-particle injections, the material structure changes, the amorphous regions become larger and more numerous, the proportion of amorphous area is about 27.3% to 31.9%, while the material’s self-repair ability is mostly exhausted.
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Structural Features of Fatigue Crack Propagation of a Forging Die Made of Chromium–Molybdenum–Vanadium Tool Steel on Its Durability
by
, , , , and
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4223; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124223 (registering DOI) - 07 Jun 2023
Abstract
The paper presents the results of tests on a die insert made of non-standardised chrome-molybdenum–vanadium tool steel used during pre-forging, the life of which was 6000 forgings, while the average life for such tools is 8000 forgings. It was withdrawn from production due
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The paper presents the results of tests on a die insert made of non-standardised chrome-molybdenum–vanadium tool steel used during pre-forging, the life of which was 6000 forgings, while the average life for such tools is 8000 forgings. It was withdrawn from production due to intensive wear and premature breakage. In order to determine the causes of increased tool wear, a comprehensive analysis was carried out, including 3D scanning of the working surface; numerical simulations, with particular emphasis on cracking (according to the C-L criterion); and fractographic and microstructural tests. The results of numerical modelling in conjunction with the obtained results of structural tests allowed us to determine the causes of cracks in the working area of the die, which were caused by high cyclical thermal and mechanical loads and abrasive wear due to intensive flow of the forging material. It was found that the resulting fracture initiated as a multi-centric fatigue fracture continued to develop as a multifaceted brittle fracture with numerous secondary faults. Microscopic examinations allowed us to evaluate the wear mechanisms of the insert, which included plastic deformation and abrasive wear, as well as thermo-mechanical fatigue. As part of the work carried out, directions for further research were also proposed to improve the durability of the tested tool. In addition, the observed high tendency to cracking of the tool material used, based on impact tests and determination of the K1C fracture toughness factor, led to the proposal of an alternative material characterised by higher impact strength.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Machining Technology for Modern Engineering Materials)
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Experimental Study on the Shear Strength and Failure Mechanism of Cemented Soil–Concrete Interface
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4222; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124222 (registering DOI) - 07 Jun 2023
Abstract
Cement is always used in underground construction to reinforce and improve soft clay, resulting in the formation of a cemented soil–concrete interface. It is of great importance to study interface shear strength and failure mechanisms. So, in order to figure out the failure
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Cement is always used in underground construction to reinforce and improve soft clay, resulting in the formation of a cemented soil–concrete interface. It is of great importance to study interface shear strength and failure mechanisms. So, in order to figure out the failure mechanism and characteristics of a cemented soil–concrete interface, a series of large-scale shear tests of a cemented soil–concrete interface, and corresponding unconfined compressive tests and direct shear tests of cemented soil, were carried out specifically under different impact factors. A kind of bounding strength was observed during large-scale interface shearing. Resultantly, three stages of the shear failure process of the cemented soil–concrete interface are proposed, and bonding strength, peak (shear) strength and residual strength are pointed out, respectively, in interface shear stress–strain development. Based on the analysis results of the impact factors, the shear strength of the cemented soil–concrete interface increases with age, the cement mixing ratio and normal stress, and decreases with the water–cement ratio. Additionally, the interface shear strength grows much more rapidly after 14 d to 28 d compared to the early stage (1~7 d). Additionally, the shear strength of the cemented soil–concrete interface is positively related to unconfined compressive strength and shear strength. However, the trends of the bonding strength and unconfined compressive strength or shear strength are much closer than those of the peak and residual strength. This is considered to be related to the cementation of cement hydration products and probably the particle arrangement of the interface. Particularly, the cemented soil–concrete interface shear strength is always smaller than the cemented soil’s own shear strength at any age.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental, Theoretical, Numerical and Big-Data-Based Investigations on Characterizations for Geomaterials)
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Effect of Laser Beam Profile on Thermal Transfer, Fluid Flow and Solidification Parameters during Laser-Based Directed Energy Deposition of Inconel 718
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4221; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124221 (registering DOI) - 07 Jun 2023
Abstract
The profile of the laser beam plays a significant role in determining the heat input on the deposition surface, further affecting the molten pool dynamics during laser-based directed energy deposition. The evolution of molten pool under two types of laser beam, super-Gaussian beam
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The profile of the laser beam plays a significant role in determining the heat input on the deposition surface, further affecting the molten pool dynamics during laser-based directed energy deposition. The evolution of molten pool under two types of laser beam, super-Gaussian beam (SGB) and Gaussian beam (GB), was simulated using a three-dimensional numerical model. Two basic physical processes, the laser–powder interaction and the molten pool dynamics, were considered in the model. The deposition surface of the molten pool was calculated using the Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian moving mesh approach. Several dimensionless numbers were used to explain the underlying physical phenomena under different laser beams. Moreover, the solidification parameters were calculated using the thermal history at the solidification front. It is found that the peak temperature and liquid velocity in the molten pool under the SGB case were lower compared with those for the GB case. Dimensionless numbers analysis indicated that the fluid flow played a more pronounced role in heat transfer compared to conduction, especially in the GB case. The cooling rate was higher for the SGB case, indicating that the grain size could be finer compared with that for the GB case. Finally, the reliability of the numerical simulation was verified by comparing the computed and experimental clad geometry. The work provides a theoretical basis for understanding the thermal behavior and solidification characteristics under different laser input profile during directed energy deposition.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Processing and Multi-Energy Field Manufacturing of High-Performance Materials)
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In Situ Inclusion Detection and Material Characterization in an Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion Process Using Electron Optical Imaging
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124220 - 07 Jun 2023
Abstract
Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB) is an Additive Manufacturing (AM) method that utilizes an electron beam to melt and consolidate metal powder. The beam, combined with a backscattered electron detector, enables advanced process monitoring, a method termed Electron Optical Imaging (ELO). ELO
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Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB) is an Additive Manufacturing (AM) method that utilizes an electron beam to melt and consolidate metal powder. The beam, combined with a backscattered electron detector, enables advanced process monitoring, a method termed Electron Optical Imaging (ELO). ELO is already known to provide great topographical information, but its capabilities regarding material contrast are less studied. In this article the extents of material contrast using ELO are investigated, focusing mainly on identifying powder contamination. It will be shown that an ELO detector is capable of distinguishing a single 100 μ foreign powder particle, during an PBF-EB process, if the backscattering coefficient of the inclusion is sufficiently higher than its surroundings. Additionally, it is investigated how the material contrast can be used for material characterization. A mathematical framework is provided to describe the relationship between the signal intensity in the detector and the effective atomic number of the imaged alloy. The approach is verified with empirical data from twelve different materials, demonstrating that the effective atomic number of an alloy can be predicted to within one atomic number from its ELO intensity.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Additive Manufacturing: Design, Opportunities, and Applications)
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Palladium-Phosphide-Modified Three-Dimensional Phospho-Doped Graphene Materials for Hydrogen Storage
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, , , , , , , , and
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4219; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124219 - 07 Jun 2023
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The development of efficient hydrogen storage materials is crucial for advancing hydrogen-based energy systems. In this study, we prepared a highly innovative palladium-phosphide-modified P-doped graphene hydrogen storage material with a three-dimensional configuration (3D Pd3P0.95/P-rGO) using a hydrothermal method followed
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The development of efficient hydrogen storage materials is crucial for advancing hydrogen-based energy systems. In this study, we prepared a highly innovative palladium-phosphide-modified P-doped graphene hydrogen storage material with a three-dimensional configuration (3D Pd3P0.95/P-rGO) using a hydrothermal method followed by calcination. This 3D network hindering the stacking of graphene sheets provided channels for hydrogen diffusion to improve the hydrogen adsorption kinetics. Importantly, the construction of the three-dimensional palladium-phosphide-modified P-doped graphene hydrogen storage material improved the hydrogen absorption kinetics and mass transfer process. Furthermore, while acknowledging the limitations of primitive graphene as a medium in hydrogen storage, this study addressed the need for improved graphene-based materials and highlighted the significance of our research in exploring three-dimensional configurations. The hydrogen absorption rate of the material increased obviously in the first 2 h compared with two-dimensional sheets of Pd3P/P-rGO. Meanwhile, the corresponding 3D Pd3P0.95/P-rGO-500 sample, which was calcinated at 500 °C, achieved the optimal hydrogen storage capacity of 3.79 wt% at 298 K/4 MPa. According to molecular dynamics, the structure was thermodynamically stable, and the calculated adsorption energy of a single H2 molecule was −0.59 eV/H2, which was in the ideal range of hydrogen ad/desorption. These findings pave the way for the development of efficient hydrogen storage systems and advance the progress of hydrogen-based energy technologies.
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Open AccessArticle
Synthesis of [email protected]3N4 and [email protected]3N4 Catalysts for Hydrogen Production from Sodium Borohydride
by
, , , , and
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4218; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124218 - 07 Jun 2023
Abstract
In this work, the [email protected]3N4 and [email protected]3N4 catalysts were prepared via the polycondensation process. The structural properties of these samples were completed on XRD, FTIR and ESEM techniques. The XRD pattern of [email protected]3N4 presents
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In this work, the [email protected]3N4 and [email protected]3N4 catalysts were prepared via the polycondensation process. The structural properties of these samples were completed on XRD, FTIR and ESEM techniques. The XRD pattern of [email protected]3N4 presents a sharp peak at 27.2° and a weak peak at 13.01° and the reflections of CuS belong to the hexagonal phase. The interplanar distance decreased from 0.328 to 0.319 nm that facilitate charge carrier separation and promoting H2 generation. FTIR data revealed the structural change according to absorption bands of g-C3N4. ESEM images of [email protected]3N4 exhibited the described layered sheet structure for g-C3N4 materials and [email protected]3N4 demonstrated that the sheet materials were fragmented throughout the growth process. The data of BET revealed a higher surface area (55 m2/g) for the CuS-g-C3N4 nanosheet. The UV–vis absorption spectrum of [email protected]3N4 showed a strong peak at 322 nm, which weakened after the growth of CuS at g-C3N4. The PL emission data showed a peak at 441 nm, which correlated with electron–hole pair recombination. The data of hydrogen evolution showed improved performance for the [email protected]3N4 catalyst (5227 mL/g·min). Moreover, the activation energy was determined for [email protected]3N4 and [email protected]3N4, which showed a lowering from 47.33 ± 0.02 to 41.15 ± 0.02 KJ/mol.
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(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)
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The Strain Rate Effects of Coral Sand at Different Relative Densities and Moisture Contents
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4217; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124217 - 07 Jun 2023
Abstract
A 37-mm-diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus was used for impact loading tests to determine the effects of the relative density and moisture content on the dynamic properties of coral sand. The stress–strain curves in the uniaxial strain compression state were obtained
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A 37-mm-diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus was used for impact loading tests to determine the effects of the relative density and moisture content on the dynamic properties of coral sand. The stress–strain curves in the uniaxial strain compression state were obtained for different relative densities and moisture contents under strain rates between 460 s−1 and 900 s−1. The results indicated that with an increase in the relative density, the strain rate becomes more insensitive to the stiffness of the coral sand. This was attributed to the variable breakage-energy efficiency at different compactness levels. Water affected the initial stiffening response of the coral sand, and the softening was correlated with the strain rate. Strength softening due to water lubrication was more significant at higher strain rates due to the higher frictional dissipation. The volumetric compressive response of the coral sand was investigated by determining the yielding characteristics. The form of the constitutive model has to be changed to the exponential form, and different stress–strain responses should be considered. We discuss the effects of the relative density and water content on the dynamic mechanical properties of coral sand and clarify the correlation with the strain rate.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Research of Reinforced Concrete Materials)
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Evaluation of a Hydrophobic Coating Agent Based on Cellulose Nanofiber and Alkyl Ketone Dimer
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4216; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124216 - 07 Jun 2023
Abstract
In this study, we report on the development and testing of hydrophobic coatings using cellulose fibers. The developed hydrophobic coating agent secured hydrophobic performance over 120°. In addition, a pencil hardness test, rapid chloride ion penetration test, and carbonation test were conducted, and
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In this study, we report on the development and testing of hydrophobic coatings using cellulose fibers. The developed hydrophobic coating agent secured hydrophobic performance over 120°. In addition, a pencil hardness test, rapid chloride ion penetration test, and carbonation test were conducted, and it was confirmed that concrete durability could be improved. We believe that this study will promote the research and development of hydrophobic coatings in the future.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Concrete in Structural Engineering: Fabrication and Mechanical Behavior ‖)
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Energy Equivalence Based Estimation of Hybrid Composites Mechanical Properties
by
and
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4215; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124215 - 06 Jun 2023
Abstract
Hybrid composites, usually combining natural and synthetic reinforcing filaments, have gained a lot of attention due to their better properties than traditional two-component materials. For structural applications of hybrid composites, there is a need to precisely determine their mechanical properties on the basis
[...] Read more.
Hybrid composites, usually combining natural and synthetic reinforcing filaments, have gained a lot of attention due to their better properties than traditional two-component materials. For structural applications of hybrid composites, there is a need to precisely determine their mechanical properties on the basis of the mechanical properties, volume fractions, and geometrical distributions of constituent materials. The most common methods, such as the rule of mixture, are inaccurate. More advanced methods, giving better results in the case of classic composites, are difficult to apply in the case of several types of reinforcement. In the present research, a new estimation method is considered, which is simple and accurate. The approach is based on the definition of two configurations: the real, heterogeneous, multi-phase hybrid composite configuration, and the fictitious, quasi-homogeneous one, in which the inclusions are “smeared out” over a representative volume. A hypothesis of the internal strain energy equivalence between the two configurations is formulated. The effect of reinforcing inclusions on the mechanical properties of a matrix material is expressed by functions of constituent properties, their volume fractions, and geometrical distribution. The analytical formulas are derived for an isotropic case of a hybrid composite reinforced with randomly distributed particles. The validation of the proposed approach is performed by comparing the estimated hybrid composite properties with the results of other methods, and with experimental data available in the literature. It is shown that a very good agreement is obtained between experimentally measured hybrid composite properties and their predictions resulting from the proposed estimation method. The estimation errors are much lower than the errors of other methods.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Material Durability and Mechanical Properties)
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Development of Pore Pressure in Cementitious Materials under Low Thermal Effects: Evidence from Optimization of Pore Structure by Incorporation of Fly Ash
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4214; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124214 - 06 Jun 2023
Abstract
Studies on durability of cementitious materials have focused on harsh environments, but less attention has been paid to low thermal loading situations. In this paper, with the aim of exploring the evolution of internal pore pressure and microcrack extension of cementitious under low
[...] Read more.
Studies on durability of cementitious materials have focused on harsh environments, but less attention has been paid to low thermal loading situations. In this paper, with the aim of exploring the evolution of internal pore pressure and microcrack extension of cementitious under low thermal environment, cement paste specimens with thermal environment slightly below 100 °C and three water–binder ratios (0.4, 0.45 and 0.5) and four fly ash admixtures (0, 10%, 20% and 30%) were designed. Firstly, the internal pore pressure of the cement paste was tested; secondly, the average effective pore pressure of the cement paste was calculated; and finally, the phase field method was used to explore the expansion of microcracks inside the cement paste when the temperature gradually increased. It was found that the internal pore pressure of the paste showed a decreasing trend as the water–binder ratio and fly ash admixture increased, and the numerical simulation found that the sprouting and development of cracks were delayed when 10% fly ash was added to the cement paste, which was consistent with the experimental results. This work provides a basis for the durability development of concrete under low thermal environment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transforming Industrial Waste into Sustainable Construction Materials)
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The Use of Aluminosilicate Ash Microspheres from Waste Ash and Slag Mixtures in Gypsum-Lime Compositions
by
, , , and
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124213 - 06 Jun 2023
Abstract
The article considered the issues of the modification of gypsum stone to improve its performance properties. The influence of mineral additives on the physical and mechanical characteristics of the modified gypsum composition is described. The composition of the gypsum mixture included slaked lime
[...] Read more.
The article considered the issues of the modification of gypsum stone to improve its performance properties. The influence of mineral additives on the physical and mechanical characteristics of the modified gypsum composition is described. The composition of the gypsum mixture included slaked lime and an aluminosilicate additive in the form of ash microspheres. It was isolated from ash and slag waste from fuel power plants as a result of their enrichment. This made it possible to reduce the carbon content in the additive to 3%. Modified compositions of the gypsum composition are proposed. The binder was replaced with an aluminosilicate microsphere. Hydrated lime was used to activate it. Its content varied: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% of the weight of the gypsum binder. Replacing the binder with an aluminosilicate product for the enrichment of ash and slag mixtures made it possible to improve the structure of the stone and increase its operational properties. The compressive strength of the gypsum stone was 9 MPa. This is more than 100% higher than the strength of the control composition of gypsum stone. Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of using an aluminosilicate additive—a product of enrichment of ash and slag mixtures. The use of an aluminosilicate component for the production of modified gypsum mixtures allows the saving of gypsum resources. Developed formulations of gypsum compositions using aluminosilicate microspheres and chemical additives provide the specified performance properties. This makes it possible to use them in the production of self-leveling floors, plastering and puttying works. Replacing traditional compositions with a new composition based on waste has a positive effect on the preservation of the natural environment and contributes to the formation of comfortable conditions for human habitation.
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(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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Eco-Concrete in High Temperatures
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4212; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124212 - 06 Jun 2023
Abstract
Concrete technology is becoming more and more sustainable and ecological following more extensive and focused research. The usage of industrial waste and by-products, such as steel ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), mine tailing, fly ash, and recycled fibers, is a very important step
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Concrete technology is becoming more and more sustainable and ecological following more extensive and focused research. The usage of industrial waste and by-products, such as steel ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), mine tailing, fly ash, and recycled fibers, is a very important step toward a good transition of concrete into a “green” future and significant improvement in waste management in the world. However, there are also several known durability-related problems with some types of eco-concretes, including exposure to fire. The general mechanism occurring in fire and high-temperature scenarios is broadly known. There are many variables that weightily influence the performance of this material. This literature review has gathered information and results regarding more sustainable and fire-resistant binders, fire-resistant aggregates, and testing methods. Mixes that utilize industrial waste as a total or partial cement replacement have been consistently achieving favorable and frequently superior outcomes when compared to conventional ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based mixes, especially at a temperature exposure up to 400 °C. However, the primary emphasis is placed on examining the impact of the matrix components, with less attention given to other factors such as sample treatment during and following exposure to high temperatures. Furthermore, there is a shortage of established standards that could be utilized in small-scale testing.
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(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Manganese Alloying on Infrared Detectors Made of Pb1−xMnxTe/CdTe Multilayer Composite
by
, , , , , and
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4211; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124211 - 06 Jun 2023
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The properties of Pb1−xMnxTe/CdTe multilayer composite grown by molecular beam epitaxy on a GaAs substrate were studied. The study included morphological characterization by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, as well as electron transport and optical
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The properties of Pb1−xMnxTe/CdTe multilayer composite grown by molecular beam epitaxy on a GaAs substrate were studied. The study included morphological characterization by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, as well as electron transport and optical spectroscopy measurements. The main focus of the study was on the sensing properties of photoresistors made of Pb1−xMnxTe/CdTe in the infrared spectral region. It was shown that the presence of Mn in the Pb1−xMnxTe conductive layers shifted the cut-off wavelength toward blue and weakened the spectral sensitivity of the photoresistors. The first effect was due to an increase in the energy gap of Pb1−xMnxTe with an increase in Mn concentration, and the second was due to a pronounced deterioration in the crystal quality of the multilayers owing to the presence of Mn atoms, as shown by the morphological analysis.
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Open AccessArticle
High-Entropy Perovskite Thin Film in the Gd-Nd-Sm-La-Y-Co System: Deposition, Structure and Optoelectronic Properties
by
, , , , , , , and
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4210; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124210 - 06 Jun 2023
Abstract
Multicomponent equimolar perovskite oxides (ME-POs) have recently emerged as a highly promising class of materials with unique synergistic effects, making them well-suited for applications in such areas as photovoltaics and micro- and nanoelectronics. High-entropy perovskite oxide thin film in the (Gd0.2Nd
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Multicomponent equimolar perovskite oxides (ME-POs) have recently emerged as a highly promising class of materials with unique synergistic effects, making them well-suited for applications in such areas as photovoltaics and micro- and nanoelectronics. High-entropy perovskite oxide thin film in the (Gd0.2Nd0.2La0.2Sm0.2Y0.2)CoO3 (RECO, where RE = Gd0.2Nd0.2La0.2Sm0.2Y0.2, C = Co, and O = O3) system was synthesized via pulsed laser deposition. The crystalline growth in an amorphous fused quartz substrate and single-phase composition of the synthesized film was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Surface conductivity and activation energy were determined using a novel technique implementing atomic force microscopy (AFM) in combination with current mapping. The optoelectronic properties of the deposited RECO thin film were characterized using UV/VIS spectroscopy. The energy gap and nature of optical transitions were calculated using the Inverse Logarithmic Derivative (ILD) and four-point resistance method, suggesting direct allowed transitions with altered dispersions. The narrow energy gap of RECO, along with its relatively high absorption properties in the visible spectrum, positions it as a promising candidate for further exploration in the domains of low-energy infrared optics and electrocatalysis.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Energy Materials for Solar Cells, Photocatalysis, and Optoelectronic Devices)
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