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Preparation of Photocurable Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Composites for Continuous Manufacturing of 3D-Patterned Abrasive
Ca/Cu-Decorated TiO₂: Physicochemical Traits and Antimicrobial Action
Raw Ilmenite as a Cost-Effective Photocatalyst for UV Photo Destruction of PFAS
Shear Thickening Fluid and Sponge-Hybrid Triboelectric Nanogenerator
New Bio-Inspired Structures for Enhanced Load Bearing and Deformation Stability

Journal Description

Materials

Materials is an international peer-reviewed, open access journal on materials science and engineering published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Portuguese Materials Society (SPM), Spanish Materials Society (SOCIEMAT), Manufacturing Engineering Society (MES) and Chinese Society of Micro-Nano Technology (CSMNT) are affiliated with Materials and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, Ei Compendex, CaPlus / SciFinder, Inspec, Astrophysics Data System, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Metallurgy and Metallurgical Engineering) / CiteScore - Q2 (Condensed Matter Physics)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Materials.
Companion journals for Materials include: Electronic Materials and Construction Materials.

Impact Factor: 3.1 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.4 (2023)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 1996-1944

Latest Articles

13 pages, 6819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural and Chemical Analysis of Three Regions of Bamboo (Phyllostachys Edulis)

by Shaohua Gu, Ana Lourenço, Xin Wei, Jorge Gominho, Ge Wang and Haitao Cheng

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5027; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205027 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

This study focuses on three different regions of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis): an inner layer (IB), middle layer (MB), and outer layer (OB), to comprehensively characterize the structural features, chemical composition (ash, extractives and lignin contents), and the lignin monomeric composition as determined [...] Read more.

This study focuses on three different regions of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis): an inner layer (IB), middle layer (MB), and outer layer (OB), to comprehensively characterize the structural features, chemical composition (ash, extractives and lignin contents), and the lignin monomeric composition as determined by analytical pyrolysis. The results show that bamboo presents a gradient structure. From the IB to OB, the vascular bundle density and fiber sheath ratio increase, the porosity decreases (from 45.92% to 18.14%), and the vascular bundle diameter–chord ratio increases (from 0.85 to 1.48). In terms of chemical composition, the ash, extractives, and acid-soluble lignin content gradually decrease from IB to OB. The holocellulose content follows the trend: MB (66.3%) > OB (65.9%) > IB (62.8%), while the acid-insoluble lignin content exhibits the opposite trend: IB (22.6%) > OB (17.8%) > MB (17.7%). Pyrolysis products reveal the diversity of carbohydrates and lignin derivatives, with a lignin monomeric composition rich in syringyl and guaiacyl units and lower amounts of H-units: the IB has an H:G:S relation of 18:26:55, while 15:27:58 is the ratio for the MB and 15:40:45 for the OB; S/G ratio values were, respectively, 1.22, 1.46, and 0.99. A comprehensive analysis highlights significant gradient variations in the structure and chemistry of bamboo, providing robust support for the classification and refinement methods of bamboo residues for potential applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Materials Science and Engineering—in Celebration of 55th Anniversary of the Faculty of Technical Sciences, Warmia and Mazury University in Olsztyn, Poland)

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15 pages, 1411 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Titanium Alloy Ti-6Al-4V Electrochemical Dissolution Behavior in NaNO₃ and NaCl Solutions at Low Current Density

by Shen Niu, Changyang Yu, Pingmei Ming, Siru Wang, Ge Qin, Xinchao Li and Huan Liu

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5026; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205026 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Jet electrochemical micromilling (JEMM) exhibits significant potential for high-efficiency and high-quality machining of titanium alloy microstructures. However, during the JEMM process, the machined surface of the workpiece inevitably experiences stray current attacks at low current levels. Due to the formation of a dense [...] Read more.

Jet electrochemical micromilling (JEMM) exhibits significant potential for high-efficiency and high-quality machining of titanium alloy microstructures. However, during the JEMM process, the machined surface of the workpiece inevitably experiences stray current attacks at low current levels. Due to the formation of a dense passive film on the surface of the titanium alloy under electrochemical action, stray corrosion occurs on the machined surface. Hence, the electrochemical dissolution behavior of titanium alloys at low current densities directly impacts both machining efficiency and quality. This study first analyzed the effects of electrolyte composition and current density on the transpassive potential, breakdown of the passive film, current efficiency, and the dissolved surface on Ti-6Al-4V. The transpassive potential and electrochemical impedance of Ti-6Al-4V were found to be lower in NaCl solution than in NaNO₃ solution. In addition, lower current densities enabled higher current efficiency and resulted in a more uniform and flat dissolution surface. Subsequent experiments used these two solutions for JEMM of complex-shaped microstructures on Ti-6Al-4V. The findings demonstrated that, compared to the NaNO₃ solution, the use of NaCl solution increases the material removal rate by approximately 30%, enhances the aspect ratio by about 26%, and reduces surface roughness by roughly 58%. This indicates that employing NaCl solution can lead to superior machining efficiency and quality. Full article

15 pages, 11402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Corrosion Fatigue Behavior and Mechanism of AerMet 100 Steel in 3.5% NaCl at Room Temperature

by Donghua Tian, Can Xu, Hongli Wang, Chengchuan Wu and Yonghao Lu

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5025; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205025 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

AerMet 100 steel is a new type of double-hardened high-strength steel, which is often used as landing gear material in amphibious aircraft. In the present paper, the corrosion fatigue behavior and mechanism of AerMet 100 high-strength steel in a 3.5% NaCl solution was [...] Read more.

AerMet 100 steel is a new type of double-hardened high-strength steel, which is often used as landing gear material in amphibious aircraft. In the present paper, the corrosion fatigue behavior and mechanism of AerMet 100 high-strength steel in a 3.5% NaCl solution was studied by stress-controlled fatigue tests and a series of subsequent characterizations of the fracture surface, microstructure, and cracks. The results indicated that the fatigue life of AerMet 100 high-strength steel decreased with a decrease in the stress level in a 3.5% NaCl solution, satisfying the relationship lgN = −2.69 × 10⁻³ σ + 6.49. The corrosion fatigue crack usually initiated from the corrosion pit and propagated across the martensitic flat noodles. Meanwhile, the corrosion fatigue crack tip was filled with Cr₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and amorphous material; it propagated in the transgranular mode by a slip dissolution mechanism. This study provides some engineering significant for the fatigue performance of AerMet 100 steel in a 3.5% NaCl solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Corrosion)

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21 pages, 2456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regression Analysis and Optimum Values of Austempering Affecting Mechanical Properties of Compacted Graphite Iron

by Aneta Jakubus, Marek Sławomir Soiński, Piotr Mierzwa and Grzegorz Stradomski

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5024; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205024 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

The study examined the effect of heat treatment parameters of compacted graphite iron (CGI) on the mechanical properties of the material. The microstructure was characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Three levels of heat treatment parameters [...] Read more.

The study examined the effect of heat treatment parameters of compacted graphite iron (CGI) on the mechanical properties of the material. The microstructure was characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Three levels of heat treatment parameters were adopted considering the orthogonal test plan 2⁴. The effects of austenitizing temperature and time and austempering on tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation were analyzed. Polynomial regression was chosen because it extends linear regression and allows for modeling more complex, nonlinear relationships between variables. Total regression models were determined for each dataset. The models for tensile strength (R_m) had an approximately 82% coefficient of determination, for yield strength (R_0.2) around 50%, and for elongation (A₅) around 80%. For optimization, the response surface method (RSM) was used. The results obtained were compared with the proposed mathematical models. The ANOVO results showed that austempering temperature (T_pi) had the greatest effect on each parameter studied. The optimal conditions for the analyzed parameters, assuming tensile strength and yield strength at the maximum level and an elongation of about 0.7%, are obtained for the following heat treatment parameters: T_γ= 890 °C; T_pi= 290 °C; τ_γ= 120 min; τ_pi = 150 min. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achievements in Foundry Materials and Technologies)

30 pages, 5985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geophysics-Inspired Nonlinear Stress–Strain Law for Biological Tissues and Its Applications in Compression Optical Coherence Elastography

by Vladimir Y. Zaitsev, Lev A. Matveev, Alexander L. Matveyev, Anton A. Plekhanov, Ekaterina V. Gubarkova, Elena B. Kiseleva and Alexander A. Sovetsky

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5023; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205023 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

We propose a nonlinear stress–strain law to describe nonlinear elastic properties of biological tissues using an analogy with the derivation of nonlinear constitutive laws for cracked rocks. The derivation of such a constitutive equation has been stimulated by the recently developed experimental technique—quasistatic [...] Read more.

We propose a nonlinear stress–strain law to describe nonlinear elastic properties of biological tissues using an analogy with the derivation of nonlinear constitutive laws for cracked rocks. The derivation of such a constitutive equation has been stimulated by the recently developed experimental technique—quasistatic Compression Optical Coherence Elastography (C-OCE). C-OCE enables obtaining nonlinear stress–strain dependences relating the applied uniaxial compressive stress and the axial component of the resultant strain in the tissue. To adequately describe nonlinear stress–strain dependences obtained with C-OCE for various tissues, the central idea is that, by analogy with geophysics, nonlinear elastic response of tissues is mostly determined by the histologically confirmed presence of interstitial gaps/pores resembling cracks in rocks. For the latter, the nonlinear elastic response is mostly determined by elastic properties of narrow cracks that are highly compliant and can easily be closed by applied compressing stress. The smaller the aspect ratio of such a gap/crack, the smaller the stress required to close it. Upon reaching sufficiently high compressive stress, almost all such gaps become closed, so that with further increase in the compressive stress, the elastic response of the tissue becomes nearly linear and is determined by the Young’s modulus of the host tissue. The form of such a nonlinear dependence is determined by the distribution of the cracks/gaps over closing pressures; for describing this process, an analogy with geophysics is also used. After presenting the derivation of the proposed nonlinear law, we demonstrate that it enables surprisingly good fitting of experimental stress–strain curves obtained with C-OCE for a broad range of various tissues. Unlike empirical fitting, each of the fitting parameters in the proposed law has a clear physical meaning. The linear and nonlinear elastic parameters extracted using this law have already demonstrated high diagnostic value, e.g., for differentiating various types of cancerous and noncancerous tissues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Materials Investigated with Optical Methods)

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18 pages, 2342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Lime-Based Mortars Modified with Graphene Nanoplatelets

by Adam Pivák, Milena Pavlíková, Martina Záleská and Zbyšek Pavlík

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5022; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205022 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Materials for the conservation of cultural heritage must meet specific demands, such as high durability, service life, and compatibility with other materials used in the original building structures. Due to their low permeability to water and water vapor and their high rigidity, the [...] Read more.

Materials for the conservation of cultural heritage must meet specific demands, such as high durability, service life, and compatibility with other materials used in the original building structures. Due to their low permeability to water and water vapor and their high rigidity, the use of Portland cement (PC) mortars, despite their high mechanical resistance and durability, does not represent an appropriate solution for the repair of historic masonry and structures. Their incompatibility with the original materials used in the past, often on a lime basis, is therefore a serious deficiency for their application. On the other hand, lime-based mortars, compared to PC-based materials, are more susceptible to mechanical stress, but they possess high porosity, a high water vapor transmission rate, and moderate liquid water transport. This study aims at the development of two types of lime-based mortars, calcium lime (CL) and hydraulic lime (HL). The modification of mortars was conducted with a carbon-based nanoadditive and graphene nanoplatelets (GNs) in three dosages: 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% of the binder weight. The enhancement of CL mortars by GNs greatly increased mechanical strength and affected heat transport characteristics, while other characteristics such as porosity, water absorption, and drying rate remained almost similar. The application of GNs to HL not only enhanced the strength of mortars but also decreased their porosity, influenced pore size distribution, and other dependent characteristics. It can be concluded that the use of graphene nanoplatelets as an additive of lime-based composites can be considered a promising method to reinforce and functionalize these composite materials. The improved mechanical resistance while maintaining other properties may be favorable in view of the increasing requirements of building materials and may prolong the life span of building constructions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Additives and Alternative Admixtures for Sustainable Construction Materials)

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10 pages, 1660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reset-Voltage Controlled Resistance-State and Applications of Forming-Free Fe-Doped SrTiO₃ Thin-Film Memristor

by Ke-Jing Lee, Cheng-Hua Wu, Cheng-Jung Lee, Dei-Wei Chou, Na-Fu Wang and Yeong-Her Wang

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5021; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205021 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

In this study, we prepared a strontium ferrite titanate (STF) thin film using a sol–gel process to insulate resistive random-access memory (RRAM) applications. Compared to the typical strontium titanate (STO) RRAM, the improvement in the resistive switching characteristics in STF RRAM is obvious. [...] Read more.

In this study, we prepared a strontium ferrite titanate (STF) thin film using a sol–gel process to insulate resistive random-access memory (RRAM) applications. Compared to the typical strontium titanate (STO) RRAM, the improvement in the resistive switching characteristics in STF RRAM is obvious. The Al/STO/ITO/Glass RRAM set/reset voltages of −1.4 V/+3.3 V and the Al/STF/ITO/Glass RRAM set/reset voltages of −0.45 V/+1.55 V presented a memory window larger than 10³, a low operating voltage and device stability of more than 104 s. In this study, the influence of Fe on the conducting paths and the bipolar resistive switching properties of Al/STF/ITO/Glass RRAM devices is investigated. Full article

17 pages, 3443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Sequestration by Preparing Recycled Cement, Recycled Aggregates, and Recycled Concrete from Construction and Demolition (C&D) Wastes

by Jing Luo, Rong Huang, Junjie Wang and Yi Zhang

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5020; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205020 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

As the world’s largest producer of construction waste, China’s recycling and related policies are of the biggest concern to the world. However, the effective disposal and reuse of this waste has become an important issue since currently China still has a very low [...] Read more.

As the world’s largest producer of construction waste, China’s recycling and related policies are of the biggest concern to the world. However, the effective disposal and reuse of this waste has become an important issue since currently China still has a very low recycling ratio compared to developed countries, and most of the waste concrete was only simply broken and used as low-grade recycled aggregates for subgrade cushion, cement stabilized crushed stone, and filler wall. In this paper, a concrete cycle model focusing on how to effectively recycle and utilize waste concrete is put forward to prepare high quality recycled concrete, especially through a series of technical means, such as effective separation, carbon sequestration, and reactivation. Producing high quality recycled concrete can not only replace traditional concrete but also effectively reduce the consumption and waste of raw materials. What’s more, the calculation results show a potential of significantly carbon sink; for every ton of recycled cement produced, the CO₂ emission could be reduced by 0.35–0.77 tons compared to ordinary Portland cement, corresponding to a reduction of 47%–94%; and for every ton of recycled concrete produced, the CO₂ emission could be reduced by 0.186 tons compared to normal concrete. A yearly CO₂ sequestration of 1.4–3.08 gigatonnes could happen if the ordinary Portland cement could be replaced by the recycled cement around the world. Taking the currently accumulated construction and demolition (C&D) wastes globally, the production of recycled cement, recycled aggregates, and recycled concrete could induce a significant carbon sink in the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green and Sustainable Infrastructure Construction Materials (2nd Edition))

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12 pages, 2562 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Leveraging Bayesian Optimization Software for Atomic Layer Deposition: Single-Objective Optimization of TiO₂ Layers

by Philipp Häussermann, Nikhil Biju Joseph and Daniel Hiller

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5019; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205019 - 14 Oct 2024

We demonstrate the application of free-to-use and easy-to-implement Bayesian optimization (BO) software to streamline atomic layer deposition (ALD) process optimization. By employing machine learning-based Bayesian optimization algorithms, we enhanced the silicon surface passivation quality of titanium dioxide layers deposited using titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP). [...] Read more.

We demonstrate the application of free-to-use and easy-to-implement Bayesian optimization (BO) software to streamline atomic layer deposition (ALD) process optimization. By employing machine learning-based Bayesian optimization algorithms, we enhanced the silicon surface passivation quality of titanium dioxide layers deposited using titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP). Unlike classical designs of experimental methods, such as Box–Behnken or Plackett–Burman designs, which require a predefined set of experiments and can become resource intensive, BO offers several advantages. It dynamically updates the search strategy based on previous outcomes, allowing for efficient exploration of parameter spaces with fewer experimental runs. This adaptive approach is particularly advantageous in small-scale experiments or laboratories where time, resources, and materials are limited. In a single-objective optimization experiment, we identified constrained search spaces that limited further optimization, underscoring the importance of properly defined parameter bounds prior to the optimization process. Our findings highlight that Bayesian optimization can not only reduce time and resource costs associated with ALD process optimization but also support faster discovery of more optimal ALD process parameters, even with minimal prior knowledge of the deposition process or precursor chemistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Silicon-Based Solar Cells)

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25 pages, 23025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Simulation of Rubber Concrete Considering Fatigue Damage Accumulation of Cohesive Zone Model

by Cai Liu, Houmin Li, Kai Min, Wenchao Li and Keyang Wu

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5018; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205018 - 14 Oct 2024

Rubber concrete (RC) has been used in fatigue-resistant components due to its durability, yet the numerical simulation of its fatigue properties remains in its early stages. This study proposes a cohesive zone model (CZM) that accounts for the accumulation of fatigue damage at [...] Read more.

Rubber concrete (RC) has been used in fatigue-resistant components due to its durability, yet the numerical simulation of its fatigue properties remains in its early stages. This study proposes a cohesive zone model (CZM) that accounts for the accumulation of fatigue damage at the mesoscale to investigate the fatigue performance of RC. The model integrates static and fatigue damage in the CZM, effectively capturing damage caused by fatigue loading. Validation was conducted using experimental data from the existing literature. Based on this validation, four concrete beams with varying rubber replacement rates (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) were tested. The CZM was employed to describe the mechanical behavior of the interface transition zones (ITZs) and the mortar interior, which were simulated and analyzed under different stress levels. The results demonstrate that the model accurately simulates crack propagation paths, interface damage evolution, and the fatigue life of RC beams under fatigue loading. A functional relationship between fatigue life and stress level was established for various rubber replacement rates. This study provides a reference model for numerical simulations of RC under fatigue loading conditions and introduces new approaches for analyzing the fatigue performance of other materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Incorporating Advanced New or Recycled Materials in Reinforced Concrete Structures)

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10 pages, 6879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing the Influence of Titanium Content in 5087 Aluminum Filler Wires on Metal Inert Gas Welding Joints of AA5083 Alloy

by Jiaolong Liu, Xin Nai, Hao Ran, Pengcheng Wang, Haiyan Chen, Xianqi Meng, Xiaojun Chen, Wenya Li and Yuzeng Chen

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5017; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205017 - 14 Oct 2024

As the demand for lightweight structures in the transportation industry continues to rise, AA5083 aluminum alloy has become increasingly prominent due to its superior corrosion resistance and weldability. To facilitate the production of high-quality, intricate AA5083 components, 5087 aluminum filler wire is commonly [...] Read more.

As the demand for lightweight structures in the transportation industry continues to rise, AA5083 aluminum alloy has become increasingly prominent due to its superior corrosion resistance and weldability. To facilitate the production of high-quality, intricate AA5083 components, 5087 aluminum filler wire is commonly utilized in metal inert gas (MIG) welding processes for industrial applications. The optimization of filler wire composition is critical to enhancing the mechanical properties of AA5083 MIG-welded joints. This study investigates the effects of modifying 5087 aluminum filler wires with different titanium (Ti) contents on the microstructure and weldability of AA5083 alloy plates using MIG welding. The influence of Ti contents was systematically analyzed through comprehensive characterization techniques. The findings reveal that the constitutional supercooling induced by the Ti element and the formation of Al₃Ti facilitate the heterogeneous nucleation of α(Al), thereby promoting grain refinement. When the Ti content of 5087 filler wire is 0.1 wt.%, the grain size of the weld center was 78.48 μm. This microstructural enhancement results in the improved ductility of the AA5083 MIG-welded joints, with a maximum elongation of 16.64% achieved at 0.1 wt.% Ti addition. The hardness of the joints was the lowest in the weld center zone. This study provides critical insights into the role of Ti content in MIG welding and contributes to the advancement of high-performance filler wire formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Interfacial Bonding Design and Applications in Structural and Functional Materials)

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16 pages, 2049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potentiometric Electronic Tongue for the Evaluation of Multiple-Unit Pellet Sprinkle Formulations of Rosuvastatin Calcium

by Patrycja Ciosek-Skibińska, Krzysztof Cal, Daniel Zakowiecki and Joanna Lenik

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5016; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205016 - 14 Oct 2024

Sprinkle formulations represent an interesting genre of medicinal products. A frequent problem, however, is the need to mask the unpleasant taste of these drug substances. In the present work, we propose the use of a novel sensor array based on solid-state ion-selective electrodes [...] Read more.

Sprinkle formulations represent an interesting genre of medicinal products. A frequent problem, however, is the need to mask the unpleasant taste of these drug substances. In the present work, we propose the use of a novel sensor array based on solid-state ion-selective electrodes to evaluate the taste-masking efficiency of rosuvastatin (ROS) sprinkle formulations. Eight Multiple Unit Pellet Systems (MUPSs) were analyzed at two different doses (API_50) and (API_10), as well as pure Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) as a bitter standard. Calcium phosphate-based starter pellets were coated with the mixture containing rosuvastatin. Some of them were additionally coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which was intended to separate the bitter substance and prevent it from coming into contact with the taste buds. The sensor array consisted of 16 prepared sensors with a polymer membrane that had a different selectivity towards rosuvastatin calcium. The main analytical parameters (sensitivity, selectivity, response time, pH dependence of potential, drift of potential, lifetime) of the constructed ion-selective electrodes sensitive for rosuvastatin were determined. The signals from the sensors array recorded during the experiments were processed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results obtained, i.e., the chemical images of the pharmaceutical samples, indicated that the electronic tongue composed of the developed solid-state electrodes provided respective attributes as sensor signals, enabling both of various kinds of ROS pellets to be distinguished and their similarity to ROS bitterness standards to be tested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Development of Polymer-Based Drug Carriers for Biomedical Applications)

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15 pages, 6850 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing the Pore Structure of Lotus-Type Porous Copper Fabricated by Continuous Casting

by Byung-Sue Shin and Soong-Keun Hyun

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5015; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205015 - 14 Oct 2024

Lotus-type porous copper was fabricated using a continuous casting method in pressurized hydrogen and nitrogen gas atmospheres. This study evaluates the effects of process parameters, such as the hydrogen ratio, total pressure, and transference velocity, on the resulting pore structure. A continuous casting [...] Read more.

Lotus-type porous copper was fabricated using a continuous casting method in pressurized hydrogen and nitrogen gas atmospheres. This study evaluates the effects of process parameters, such as the hydrogen ratio, total pressure, and transference velocity, on the resulting pore structure. A continuous casting process was developed to facilitate the mass production of lotus-type porous copper. To achieve the desired porosity and pore diameter for large-scale manufacturing, a systematic evaluation of the influence of each process parameter was conducted. Lotus-type porous copper was produced within a hydrogen ratio range of 25–50%, a transference velocity range of 30–90 mm∙min⁻¹, and a total pressure range of 0.2–0.4 MPa. As a result, the porosity ranged from 36% to 55% and the pore size varied from 300 to 1500 µm, demonstrating a wide range of porosities and pore sizes. Through process optimization, it is possible to control the porosity and pore size. The hydrogen ratio and total pressure were found to primarily affect porosity, whereas the hydrogen ratio, transference velocity, and total pressure significantly influenced pore diameter. When considering these parameters together, porosity was most influenced by the hydrogen ratio, whereas the total pressure and transference velocity had a greater influence on pore diameter. Reducing the hydrogen ratio and increasing the transference velocity and total pressure reduced the pore diameter and porosity. This optimization of the continuous casting process enables the control of porosity and pore diameter, facilitating the production of lotus-type porous copper with the desired pore structures. Full article

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10 pages, 1905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unraveling Asymmetric Electrochemical Kinetics in Low-Mass-Loading LiNi₁/₃Mn₁/₃Co₁/₃O₂ (NMC111) Li-Metal All-Solid-State Batteries

by Byoung-Nam Park

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5014; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205014 - 14 Oct 2024

In this study, we fabricated a Li-metal all-solid-state battery (ASSB) with a low mass loading of NMC111 cathode electrode, enabling a sensitive evaluation of interfacial electrochemical reactions and their impact on battery performance, using Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄) [...] Read more.

In this study, we fabricated a Li-metal all-solid-state battery (ASSB) with a low mass loading of NMC111 cathode electrode, enabling a sensitive evaluation of interfacial electrochemical reactions and their impact on battery performance, using Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃ (LATP) as the solid electrolyte. The electrochemical behavior of the battery was analyzed to understand how the solid electrolyte influences charge storage mechanisms and Li-ion transport at the electrolyte/electrode interface. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements revealed the b-values of 0.76 and 0.58, indicating asymmetry in the charge storage process. A diffusion coefficient of 1.5 × 10⁻⁹ cm²⋅s⁻¹ (oxidation) was significantly lower compared to Li-NMC111 batteries with liquid electrolytes, 1.6 × 10⁻⁸cm²⋅s⁻¹ (oxidation), suggesting that the asymmetric charge storage mechanisms are closely linked to reduced ionic transport and increased interfacial resistance in the solid electrolyte. This reduced Li-ion diffusivity, along with the formation of space charge layers at the electrode/electrolyte interface, contributes to the observed asymmetry in charge and discharge processes and limits the rate capability of the solid-state battery, particularly at high charging rates, compared to its liquid electrolyte counterpart. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Battery Applications and Photoelectric Devices)

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9 pages, 1248 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Enhanced Diffusion and Non-Gaussian Displacements of Colloids in Quasi-2D Suspensions of Motile Bacteria

by Xiao Chen and Yaner Yan

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5013; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205013 - 14 Oct 2024

In the real world, active agents interact with surrounding passive objects, thus introducing additional degrees of complexity. The relative contributions of far-field hydrodynamic and near-field contact interactions to the anomalous diffusion of passive particles in suspensions of active swimmers remain a subject of [...] Read more.

In the real world, active agents interact with surrounding passive objects, thus introducing additional degrees of complexity. The relative contributions of far-field hydrodynamic and near-field contact interactions to the anomalous diffusion of passive particles in suspensions of active swimmers remain a subject of ongoing debate. We constructed a quasi-two-dimensional microswimmer–colloid mixed system by taking advantage of Serratia marcescens’ tendency to become trapped at the air–water interface to investigate the origins of the enhanced diffusion and non-Gaussianity of the displacement distributions of passive colloidal tracers. Our findings reveal that the diffusion behavior of colloidal particles exhibits a strong dependence on bacterial density. At moderate densities, the collective dynamics of bacteria dominate the diffusion of tracer particles. In dilute bacterial suspensions, although there are multiple dynamic types present, near-field contact interactions such as collisions play a major role in the enhancement of colloidal transport and the emergence of non-Gaussian displacement distributions characterized by heavy exponential tails in short times. Despite the distinct types of microorganisms and their diverse self-propulsion mechanisms, a generality in the diffusion behavior of passive colloids and their underlying dynamics is observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Soft Matter)

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17 pages, 3011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Eco-Cements Made with Marabou Weed Biomass Ash

by Moisés Frías, Ana María Moreno de los Reyes, Ernesto Villar-Cociña, Rosario García, Raquel Vigil de la Villa and Milica Vidak Vasić

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205012 - 14 Oct 2024

Biomass ash is currently attracting the attention of science and industry as an inexhaustible eco-friendly alternative to pozzolans traditionally used in commercial cement manufacture (fly ash, silica fume, natural/calcined pozzolan). This paper explores a new line of research into Marabou weed ash (MA), [...] Read more.

Biomass ash is currently attracting the attention of science and industry as an inexhaustible eco-friendly alternative to pozzolans traditionally used in commercial cement manufacture (fly ash, silica fume, natural/calcined pozzolan). This paper explores a new line of research into Marabou weed ash (MA), an alternative to better-known conventional agro-industry waste materials (rice husk, bagasse cane, bamboo, forest waste, etc.) produced in Cuba from an invasive plant harvested as biomass for bioenergy production. The study entailed full characterization of MA using a variety of instrumental techniques, analysis of pozzolanic reactivity in the pozzolan/lime system, and, finally its influence on the physical and mechanical properties of binary pastes and mortars containing 10% and 20% MA replacement content. The results indicate that MA has a very low acid oxide content and a high loss on ignition (30%) and K₂O content (6.9%), which produces medium–low pozzolanic activity. Despite an observed increase in the blended mortars’ total and capillary water absorption capacity and electrical resistivity and a loss in mechanical strength approximately equivalent to the replacement percentage, the 10% and 20% MA blended cements meet the regulatory chemical, physical, and mechanical requirements specified. Marabou weed ash is therefore a viable future supplementary cementitious material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Rock and Mineral Materials)

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12 pages, 2780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication and Characterization of Flexible CuI-Based Photodetectors on Mica Substrates by a Low-Temperature Solution Process

by Chien-Yie Tsay, Yun-Chi Chen, Hsuan-Meng Tsai and Kai-Hsiang Liao

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5011; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205011 - 14 Oct 2024

Both CuI and CuI:Zn semiconductor thin films, along with MSM-structured UV photodetectors, were prepared on flexible mica substrates at low temperature (150 °C) by a wet chemical method. The two CuI-based films exhibited a polycrystalline phase with an optical bandgap energy close to [...] Read more.

Both CuI and CuI:Zn semiconductor thin films, along with MSM-structured UV photodetectors, were prepared on flexible mica substrates at low temperature (150 °C) by a wet chemical method. The two CuI-based films exhibited a polycrystalline phase with an optical bandgap energy close to 3.0 eV. Hall effect measurements indicated that the CuI thin film sample had p-type conductivity, while the CuI:Zn thin film sample exhibited n-type conductivity, with the latter showing a higher carrier mobility of 14.78 cm²/Vs compared to 7.67 cm²/Vs for the former. The I-V curves of both types of photodetectors showed asymmetric rectification characteristics with rectification ratios at ±3 V of 5.23 and 14.3 for the CuI and CuI:Zn devices, respectively. Flexible CuI:Zn devices exhibited significantly better sensitivity, responsivity, and specific detectivity than CuI devices both before and after static bending tests. It was found that, while the optoelectronic performance of flexible CuI-based photodetectors degraded under tensile stress during static bending tests, they still exhibited good reproducibility and repeatability in their photoresponses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research in Thin-Film Deposition: From Principles and Technologies to Film Properties and Applications)

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14 pages, 11311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cooling Rate on α Variant Selection and Microstructure Evolution in TB17 Titanium Alloy

by Guoqiang Shang, Xueping Gan, Xinnan Wang, Jinyang Ge, Chao Li, Zhishou Zhu, Xiaoyong Zhang and Kechao Zhou

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5010; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205010 - 13 Oct 2024

The α variant selection and microstructure evolution in a new metastable β titanium alloy TB17 were studied in depth by DTA, microhardness, XRD, SEM, and EBSD characterization methods. Under the rapid cooling rate conditions (150 °C/min–400 °C/min), only a very small amount of [...] Read more.

The α variant selection and microstructure evolution in a new metastable β titanium alloy TB17 were studied in depth by DTA, microhardness, XRD, SEM, and EBSD characterization methods. Under the rapid cooling rate conditions (150 °C/min–400 °C/min), only a very small amount of granular α_WM (α Widmanstatten precipitates within the grains) precipitated within the grains. The secondary α phase precipitated in the alloy changed from granular to fine needle-like at moderate cooling rates (15 °C/min–20 °C/min). When continuing to slow down the cooling rates (10 °C/min and 1 °C/min), the α_GB (α precipitates along the β grain boundaries), α_WGB (α Widmanstatten precipitates that developed from β grain boundaries or α_GB) and α_WM grew rapidly. Moreover, the continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram illustrated the effect of cooling rate on the β/α phase transition. EBSD analysis revealed that the variants selection of α near the original β grain boundary is mainly divided into three categories. (i) The double-BOR (Burgers orientation relationship) α_WGB colonies within neighboring β grains grow in different directions but have the same crystallographic orientation. (ii) The double-BOR α_WGB colonies within neighboring β grains have different growth directions and different crystallographic orientations. (iii) The double-BOR α_WGB colonies within the same grain have the same growth direction, but different crystallographic directions. And these double-BOR α_WGB colonies correspond to two variants of the given {0001}α//{110}β. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Performance Improvement of Advanced Alloys)

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20 pages, 4614 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Systematic Review of AI-Driven Prediction of Fabric Properties and Handfeel

by Yi-Fan Tu, Mei-Ying Kwan and Kit-Lun Yick

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5009; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205009 - 13 Oct 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the textile industry by improving the prediction of fabric properties and handfeel, which are essential for assessing textile quality and performance. However, the practical application and translation of AI-predicted results into real-world textile production remain unclear, posing challenges [...] Read more.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the textile industry by improving the prediction of fabric properties and handfeel, which are essential for assessing textile quality and performance. However, the practical application and translation of AI-predicted results into real-world textile production remain unclear, posing challenges for widespread adoption. This paper systematically reviews AI-driven techniques for predicting these characteristics by focusing on model mechanisms, dataset diversity, and prediction accuracy. Among 899 papers initially identified, 39 were selected for in-depth analysis through both bibliometric and content analysis. The review categorizes and evaluates various AI approaches, including machine learning, deep learning, and hybrid models, across different types of fabric. Despite significant advances, challenges remain, such as ensuring model generalization and managing complex fabric behavior. Future research should focus on developing more robust models, integrating sustainability, and refining feature extraction techniques. This review highlights the critical gaps in the literature and provides practical insights to enhance AI-driven prediction of fabric properties, thus guiding future textile innovations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Designs of Materials, Machines and Processes in a Circular Economy)

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17 pages, 4502 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formation Mechanism and Prevention of Cu Undercut Defects in the Photoresist Stripping Process of MoNb/Cu Stacked Electrodes

by Dan Liu, Liang Fang, Zhonghao Huang, Haibo Ruan, Wenxiang Chen, Jing Xiang, Fang Wu and Gaobin Liu

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5008; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205008 - 13 Oct 2024

The Cu undercut is a recently discovered new defect generated in the wet stripping process of MoNb/Cu gate stacked electrodes for thin-film transistors (TFTs). The formation mechanism and preventive strategy of this defect were identified and investigated in this paper. The impact of [...] Read more.

The Cu undercut is a recently discovered new defect generated in the wet stripping process of MoNb/Cu gate stacked electrodes for thin-film transistors (TFTs). The formation mechanism and preventive strategy of this defect were identified and investigated in this paper. The impact of stripper concentration and stripping times on the morphology and the corrosion potential (E_corr) of Cu and MoNb were studied. It is observed that the undercut is Cu tip-deficient, not the theoretical MoNb indentation, and the undercut becomes severer with the increase in stripping times. The in-depth mechanism analysis revealed that the abnormal Cu undercut was not ascribed to the galvanic corrosion between MoNb and Cu but to the local crevice corrosion caused by the corrosive medium intruding along the MoNb/Cu interface. Based on this newly found knowledge, three possible prevention schemes (MoNiTi (abbreviated as Mo technology development (MTD) layer/Cu), MoNb/Cu/MTD, and MoNb/Cu/MoNb) were proposed. The experimental validation shows that the Cu undercut can only be completely eliminated in the MoNb/Cu/MTD triple-stacked structure with the top MTD layer as a sacrificial anode. This work provides an effective and economical method to avoid the Cu undercut defect. The obtained results can help ensure TFT yield and improve the performance of TFT devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Corrosion and Protection of Metallic Materials, 2nd Edition)

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