Announcements

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the “Optics and Photonics” Section. Optics and photonics are all methodologies and technologies that use photons over the entire spectrum from X-ray to ultraviolet, visible, and infrared, to the terahertz range, and their interaction with a variety of materials. This is an evolving interdisciplinary field of research covering all the optical technologies used in life sciences and medicine. Special, new, and biocompatible materials for implants, tissue phantoms, cell printing, cell labeling, light delivery, etc., require research from scientists from various professions, such as physicists, chemists, engineers, biologists, and doctors.

We are pleased to present the 2023 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the “Optics and Photonics” Section listed below:

“Manganese Luminescent Centers of Different Valence in Yttrium Aluminum Borate Crystals”
by Anastasiia Molchanova, Kirill Boldyrev, Nikolai Kuzmin, Alexey Veligzhanin, Kirill Khaydukov, Evgeniy Khaydukov, Oleg Kondratev, Irina Gudim, Elizaveta Mikliaeva and Marina Popova
Materials 2023, 16(2), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020537
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/2/537

“Tet-Regulated Expression and Optical Clearing for In Vivo Visualization of Genetically Encoded Chimeric dCas9/Fluorescent Protein Probes”
by Liliya Maloshenok, Gerel Abushinova, Natalia Kazachkina, Alexei Bogdanov Jr. and Victoria Zherdeva
Materials 2023, 16(3), 940; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16030940
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/940

“Decay Kinetics of Gd₃Al₂Ga₃O₁₂:Ce³⁺ Luminescence under Dense Laser Irradiation”
by Paweł Karasiński, Magdalena Zięba, Ewa Gondek, Jacek Nizioł, Sandeep Gorantla, Krzysztof Rola, Alicja Bachmatiuk and Cuma Tyszkiewicz
Materials 2023, 16(3), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16030971
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/971

“ZGSO Spinel Nanoparticles with Dual Emission of NIR Persistent Luminescence for Anti-Counterfeiting Applications”
by Guanyu Cai, Teresa Delgado, Cyrille Richard and Bruno Viana
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031132
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1132

“MoS₂/Au Heterojunction Catalyst for SERS Monitoring of a Fenton-like Reaction”
by Qian Wei, Beibei Lu, Qing Yang, Can Shi, Yulan Wei, Minmin Xu, Chenjie Zhang and Yaxian Yuan
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031169
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1169

“Polarization Doping in a GaN-InN System—Ab Initio Simulation”
by Ashfaq Ahmad, Pawel Strak, Pawel Kempisty, Konrad Sakowski, Jacek Piechota, Yoshihiro Kangawa, Izabella Grzegory, Michal Leszczynski, Zbigniew R. Zytkiewicz, Grzegorz Muziol et al.
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031227
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1227

“Abnormal Eu³⁺ → Eu²⁺ Reduction in Ca_9−xMn_xEu(PO₄)₇ Phosphors: Structure and Luminescent Properties”
by Elena V. Sipina, Dmitry A. Spassky, Nataliya R. Krutyak, Vladimir A. Morozov, Evgenia S. Zhukovskaya, Alexei A. Belik, Mikhail S. Manylov, Bogdan I. Lazoryak and Dina V. Deyneko
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041383
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1383

“Strong Plasmon-Mie Resonance in Si@Pd Core-Ω Shell Nanocavity”
by Haomin Guo, Qi Hu, Chengyun Zhang, Haiwen Liu, Runmin Wu and Shusheng Pan
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041453
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1453

“Guard Ring Design to Prevent Edge Breakdown in Double-Diffused Planar InGaAs/InP Avalanche Photodiodes”
by Yu-Chun Chen, Ruei-Hong Yan, Hsu-Chia Huang, Liang-Hsuan Nieh and Hao-Hsiung Lin
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1667; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041667
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1667

“Enhanced Luminescence of Yb³⁺ Ions Implanted to ZnO through the Selection of Optimal Implantation and Annealing Conditions”
by Renata Ratajczak, Elzbieta Guziewicz, Slawomir Prucnal, Cyprian Mieszczynski, Przemysław Jozwik, Marek Barlak, Svitlana Romaniuk, Sylwia Gieraltowska, Wojciech Wozniak, René Heller et al.
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1756; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051756
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/5/1756

“Optical Characterization of Thin Films by Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy Using an Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter”
by Ildus Sh. Khasanov, Boris A. Knyazev, Sergey A. Lobastov, Alexander V. Anisimov, Pavel A. Nikitin and Oleg E. Kameshkov
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1820; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051820
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/5/1820

“Intercoupling of Cascaded Metasurfaces for Broadband Spectral Scalability”
by Shaolin Zhou, Liang Liu, Qinling Deng, Shaowei Liao, Quan Xue and Mansun Chan
Materials 2023, 16(5), 2013; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16052013
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/5/2013

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that submitted to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of optics and photonics, and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Conference: The 7^th Conference on New Energy and New Chemical Materials Cum National Symposium on Energy Conversion and Storage Materials
Date: 7–9 April 2023
Place: Wuhan, China

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) will be attending the 7^th Conference on New Energy and New Chemical Materials Cum National Symposium on Energy Conversion and Storage Materials as an exhibitor from 7 to 9 April 2023, in Wuhan, China.

The 7^th Conference on New Energy and New Chemical Materials Cum National Symposium on Energy Conversion and Storage Materials is an important academic conference in the field of new energy materials and devices research in China. It has been successfully held six times in Xiamen, Suzhou, Dalian, Zhengzhou, and twice in Xi'an. The conference will focus on academic exchanges and discussions on secondary batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells and electrocatalysis, advanced energy storage materials and technologies, anode and cathode materials, and other energy storage technologies from the academic and application fields. The conference will bring together famous domestic experts, scholars, and enterprise technicians to discuss the future development prospects and directions of new energy materials and devices research.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Materials;
• Metals;
• Catalysts;
• Nanomaterials;
• Batteries;
• Electrochem;
• Electronic Materials;
• Crystals.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you plan on attending this conference. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions you might have.

For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: http://www.zgclzk.org.cn/col.jsp?id=141.

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the Section “Polymeric Materials”. We are pleased to present the 2023 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Polymeric Materials” listed below:

“Smart PEG-Block-PLA/PLA Nanosystems: Impact of the Characteristics of the Polymer Blend on the Redox Responsiveness”
by Louise Van Gheluwe, Stephanie David, Eric Buchy, Igor Chourpa and Emilie Munnier
Materials 2023, 16(2), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020539
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/2/539

“Polymer and Composite Materials in Two-Phase Passive Thermal Management Systems: A Review”
by Ali Ahmed Alqahtani and Volfango Bertola
Materials 2023, 16(3), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16030893
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/893

“Effect of Polydopamine Coating of Cellulose Nanocrystals on Performance of PCL/PLA Bio-Nanocomposites”
by Ivan Kelnar, Ludmila Kaprálková, Sabina Krejčíková, Jiří Dybal, Michaela Vyroubalová and A. M. Abdel-Mohsen
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031087
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1087

“Epoxy and Bio-Based Epoxy Carbon Fiber Twill Composites: Comparison of the Quasi-Static Properties”
by Carlo Boursier Niutta, Raffaele Ciardiello, Andrea Tridello and Davide S. Paolino
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041601
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1601

“Properties and Emissions of Three-Layer Particleboards Manufactured with Mixtures of Wood Chips and Partially Liquefied Bark”
by Wen Jiang, Stergios Adamopoulos, Reza Hosseinpourpia, Thomas Walther and Sergej Medved
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051855
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/5/1855

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the research groups that submitted to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Polymeric Materials and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

Conference: 6th International Conference on Natural Fibers
Date: 19–21 June 2023
Place: Funchal, Portugal

MDPI will be attending the 6th International Conference on Natural Fibers as an exhibitor. This meeting will be held at the VidaMar Resort Hotel, Funchal, Portugal, from 19 to 21 June 2023. The Organizing Committee comprises the University of Minho. The theme of the conference is "Nature Inspired Sustainable Solutions". Through this meeting, we wish to contribute to discussing and exchanging progress in the potential of natural fibers as key materials for smart designs and sustainable solutions in future generations. 

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Polymers;
• Fibers;
• Macromol;
• Sustainability;
• Surfaces;
• Textiles;
• Materials. 

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit: https://www.icnf2023.fibrenamics.com/.

As the Editors-in-Chief of Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944), we are pleased to announce the winners of the Materials 2023 Travel Award—Dr. Barbara Tomadoni and Ms. Farah Daou.

With so many high-quality applicants, the evaluation process and the final decision were challenging. We want to thank all applicants for submitting their diverse and fascinating range of research topics.

The following is an interview with Dr. Barbara Tomadoni:

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your fields of interest? 
My name is Barbara Tomadoni. I have focused my research on bio-based materials. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher as part of the Group of Technology and Design of Multicomponent Products, at the University of Sevilla, Spain, where I work developing bio-based superabsorbent materials.

2. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
There are many trending topics in different areas that are of interest to the community in general. For example, data science and artificial intelligence have progressed rapidly in recent years. In medicine, genomics is an interesting and fast-growing research topic. In every scientific area, research is focusing on sustainability, aiming to achieve a circular economy and the replacement of petroleum-derived products and water treatments, among many others. Some trending topics particularly interesting in the materials field include nanotechnology, 3D printing, the replacement of lithium batteries, and the development of tailor-made functional materials.

3. Can you briefly describe the key to a happy laboratory life?
For me, one of the key elements to a happy lab life is to have the freedom and independence to work and to express your ideas. Collaboration with your peers is an essential part as well since teamwork is key to conducting successful research. The head of the lab is also an important factor in the life of the researchers, as this person will have a tremendous impact on their scientific and academic careers: a good leader is key to a happy lab life. Last but not least, it is very important to have a proper work–life balance, to avoid burnout and to reach your full potential, which is easier said than done.

4. What is your opinion of the Open Access model of publishing?
I believe that making research widely available to everyone contributes to higher quality research and will boost innovation. It is also important to have a proper research data management plan. For example, depositing research data within the university or institution repository. Making sure that data are available also guarantees the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and contributes to open science. 

5. As the winner of this award, is there something you would like to express?
I would like to thank the Materials journal and MDPI for this award that will allow me to attend the Seventh International Symposium Frontiers in Polymer Science in Gothenburg, Sweden. This will give me the opportunity to connect with the materials community, share our latest findings on superabsorbent materials based on protein, and expand my network and learn about the latest research in the polymer field.

The following is an interview with Ms. Farah Daou:

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about your fields of interest?
I am originally from Lebanon and moved to Italy as a research fellow. I am currently studying for my Ph.D. and my experiments are aimed at applications in real-life bone healing. I was interested in a European project, where I was introduced to Prof. Montini and began my journey in this field.

2. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
One of the most important challenges for the future is the global aging population, with the number of people aged 65 and over increasing significantly compared to younger age groups. It is researchers' responsibility to maintain the older population's physical and cognitive health, and therefore work on cartilage and bone regeneration is essential due to a high proportion of older people being significantly impacted by these issues, not only physically, but also through harm to their mental health.

3. Can you briefly describe the key to a happy laboratory life?
First of all, my group is very international and this is amazing. It adds the benefit of getting to know other people's cultures, but also adds different approaches to science and lab work, which gives the chance to improve your own knowledge and learn from others. It is important to accept an old saying from the Greek philosopher Socrates, 'I know that I know nothing'. Having intellectual humility helps in science, as it improves communication between researchers of all experiences and fields. Being able to ask about a topic that you do not know about creates an empowering environment, so it is important for research quality and morale. Science is interdisciplinary, so collaboration is necessary. This is the key to a happy lab life: collaboration and cooperation.

4. What is your opinion of the Open Access model of publishing?
I could not do experiments, research and write my thesis without access to articles. Therefore, I am an advocate for an Open Access model. I commented that both the publisher and authors should get their rights to the paper, which is a very important consideration. Publishing is becoming unaffordable, which drives the gap between smaller groups with limited resources that cannot pay for publishing and bigger groups who can afford to carry on and grow. Therefore, some further balance is needed, because allowing access to all is essential for having a proper scientific dialogue.

5. As the winner of this award, is there something you would like to express?
First of all, I want to thank Prof. Montini as the lab director for giving me the chance to come to Italy despite my limited experience; she opened the door of knowledge for me. When I moved to Italy, I came to understand how big research groups work and how research in developed countries is on another level. I would also like to thank all the people she works with, in the center for autoimmune and allergic diseases. Finally, I would like to thank all of my family members who have supported me, which I cannot go without.

On behalf of the assessment committee, we wish to congratulate the winners on their accomplishments.

The Section “Biomaterials” of Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) covers all aspects of the biomaterials field with a highly interdisciplinary scope, from the synthesis, processing, characterization, and testing to the biomedical applications of biomaterials. Topics of interest for this Section include but are not limited to materials for implants and prosthetic devices (orthopedic, cardiovascular, and other applications), bioactive and cell instructive materials, nanostructured biomaterials and nanoparticles, scaffolds for tissue engineering, biomedical coatings and antibacterial surfaces, materials for drug delivery carriers, tissue/biomaterial interfaces, and studies on clinical applications of biomaterials. Of special interest are papers that present the interaction of biomaterials and the biological environment, e.g., cell biology (in vitro) studies on biomaterials, microbiology interactions with materials (e.g., antibacterial materials), as well as in vivo studies that take the field closer to translation to clinical applications. Papers can present experimental or theoretical studies and should focus both on the “material” and on the “bio” component of biomaterials.

We are pleased to present the 2023 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Biomaterials” listed below:

“The Spray-Dried Alginate/Gelatin Microparticles with Luliconazole as Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System”
by Marta Szekalska, Magdalena Wróblewska, Anna Czajkowska-Kośnik, Katarzyna Sosnowska, Paweł Misiak, Agnieszka Zofia Wilczewska and Katarzyna Winnicka
Materials 2023, 16(1), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010403
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/403

“A Novel Chitosan Composite Biomaterial with Drug Eluting Capacity for Maxillary Bone Regeneration”
by Barbara Giordano-Kelhoffer, Raquel Rodríguez-Gonzalez, Marina Perpiñan-Blasco, Jenifer O. Buitrago, Begoña M. Bosch and Roman A. Perez
Materials 2023, 16(2), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020685
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/2/685

“Effects of Altering Magnesium Metal Surfaces on Degradation In Vitro and In Vivo during Peripheral Nerve Regeneration”
by Rigwed Tatu, Leon G. White, Yeoheung Yun, Tracy Hopkins, Xiaoxian An, Ahmed Ashraf, Kevin J. Little, Meir Hershcovitch, David B. Hom and Sarah Pixley
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1195; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031195
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1195

“Freeze Drying of Polymer Nanoparticles and Liposomes Exploiting Different Saccharide-Based Approaches”
by Ilaria Andreana, Valeria Bincoletto, Maela Manzoli, Francesca Rodà, Vita Giarraputo, Paola Milla, Silvia Arpicco and Barbara Stella
Materials 2023, 16(3), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16031212
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/3/1212

“Novel Artificial Scaffold for Bone Marrow Regeneration: Honeycomb Tricalcium Phosphate”
by Yasunori Inada, Kiyofumi Takabatake, Hidetsugu Tsujigiwa, Keisuke Nakano, Qiusheng Shan, Tianyan Piao, Anqi Chang, Hotaka Kawai and Hitoshi Nagatsuka
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041393
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1393

“Antimicrobial Properties of TiNbSn Alloys Anodized in a Sulfuric Acid Electrolyte”
by Yu Mori, Satoko Fujimori, Hiroaki Kurishima, Hiroyuki Inoue, Keiko Ishii, Maya Kubota, Kazuyoshi Kawakami, Naoko Mori, Toshimi Aizawa and Naoya Masahashi
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1487; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041487
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1487

“Porous Thermoplastic Molded Regenerated Silk Crosslinked by the Addition of Citric Acid”
by Alessio Bucciarelli, Nicola Vighi, Alessandra Maria Bossi, Brunella Grigolo and Devid Maniglio
Materials 2023, 16(4), 1535; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041535
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/4/1535

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that have submitted their work to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network. Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
This Section is currently open for submissions. Papers may be submitted via the following link: https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Biomaterials and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

We are pleased to highlight the hot papers published in Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) last year. We invite you to read the selection of published papers listed below:

1. “Multifunctional Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: A Review”
by Hung-Vu Tran, Nhat M. Ngo, Riddhiman Medhi, Pannaree Srinoi, Tingting Liu, Supparesk Rittikulsittichai and T. Randall Lee
Materials 2022, 15(2), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15020503
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/2/503

2. “Synthesis and Applications of Graphene Oxide”
by Adéla Jiříčková, Ondřej Jankovský, Zdeněk Sofer and David Sedmidubský
Materials 2022, 15(3), 920; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15030920
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/3/920

 4. “Applications of Phyto-Nanotechnology for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders”
by Tanima Bhattacharya, Giselle Amanda Borges e Soares, Hitesh Chopra, Md. Mominur Rahman, Ziaul Hasan, Shasank S. Swain and Simona Cavalu
Materials 2022, 15(3), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15030804
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/3/804

 5. “A Comprehensive Review of Biodegradable Polymer-Based Films and Coatings and Their Food Packaging Applications”
by Vatsla Gupta, Deblina Biswas and Swarup Roy
Materials 2022, 15(17), 5899; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15175899
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/17/5899

 6. “Microstructure Evolution and Improved Permeability of Ceramic Waste-Based Bricks”
by Wenfei Zhou, Huiling Du, Le Kang, Xian Du, Yupu Shi, Xiaojing Qiang, Haodong Li and Jing Zhao
Materials 2022, 15(3), 1130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15031130
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/3/1130

 7. “The Mechanical Resistance of Asphalt Mixture with Steel Slag to Deformation and Skid Degradation Based on Laboratory Accelerated Heavy Loading Test”
by Jiasheng Li, Jianying Yu, Shaopeng Wu and Jun Xie
Materials 2022, 15(3), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15030911
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/3/911

 8. “Synthesis, Characterization and Biomedical Application of Silver Nanoparticles”
by Ashwini Naganthran, Gayathiri Verasoundarapandian, Farah Eryssa Khalid, Mas Jaffri Masarudin, Azham Zulkharnain, Norazah Mohammad Nawawi, Murni Karim, Che Azurahanim Che Abdullah and Siti Aqlima Ahmad
Materials 2022, 15(2), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15020427
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/2/427

 9. “Review on Graphene-, Graphene Oxide-, Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Flexible Composites: From Fabrication to Applications”
by Aamir Razaq, Faiza Bibi, Xiaoxiao Zheng, Raffaello Papadakis, Syed Hassan Mujtaba Jafri and Hu Li
Materials 2022, 15(3), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15031012
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/3/1012

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the Section “Thin Films and Interfaces”. Thin film materials are widespread for technological applications, spanning from electronics through medicine. Thin film materials can exhibit a greater number of vastly different structural, chemical, electrical, optical, and mechanical properties compared to their corresponding bulk counterparts due to the choice of substrate or underlying material, the material deposition and fabrication process, and the resulting variations in crystal phase, disorder and defects within poly-/nano-crystalline and amorphous materials, strain, and composition. The very nature of thin films involves the formation of interfaces, including that with the substrate, underlying or overlying layers, and/or the ambient. These interfaces and interfacial regions may exhibit additional variations due to confinement, bonding configurations, chemical composition, exposure to ambient, physical mixing, and the morphology present.

We are pleased to present the 2022 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Thin Films and Interfaces” listed below:

“Tuning of the Titanium Oxide Surface to Control Magnetic Properties of Thin Iron Films”
by Juliusz Chojenka, Arkadiusz Zarzycki, Marcin Perzanowski, Michał Krupiński, Tamás Fodor, Kálmán Vad and Marta Marszałek
Materials 2023, 16(1), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010289
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/289

“Deposition of Sol–Gel ZnO:Mg Films and Investigation of Their Structural and Optical Properties”
by Tatyana Ivanova, Antoaneta Harizanova, Tatyana Koutzarova, Benedicte Vertruyen and Raphael Closset
Materials 2022, 15(24), 8883; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15248883
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/24/8883

“Hybrid Dispersion Model Characterization of PAZO Azopolymer Thin Films over the Entire Transmittance Spectrum Measured in the UV/VIS/NIR Spectral Region”
by Dorian Minkov, Lian Nedelchev, George Angelov, Emilio Marquez, Blaga Blagoeva, Georgi Mateev and Dimana Nazarova
Materials 2022, 15(23), 8617; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238617
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8617

“Effects of Cold Rolling Reduction on Microstructure, Thickness, Adhesive Force of Al-Si Coating and on Bending Toughness of Al-Si Coated Press-Hardened Steel”
by Xue Feng, Xianlei Hu and Xianghua Liu
Materials 2023, 16(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010004
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/4

“Polycrystalline PbTe:In Films on Amorphous Substrate: Structure and Physical Properties”
by Vadim Kovalyuk, Evgeniia Sheveleva, Mark Auslender, Gregory Goltsman, Roni Shneck and Zinovi Dashevsky
Materials 2022, 15(23), 8383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238383
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8383

“Effect of Substrate Temperature on the Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of DC Magnetron Sputtered VO₂ Thin Films”
by Chunzi Zhang, Ozan Gunes, Shi-Jie Wen, Qiaoqin Yang and Safa Kasap
Materials 2022, 15(21), 7849; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217849
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/21/7849

“Characterization of Porous CuO Films for H₂S Gas Sensors”
by Dawoon Jung, Sehoon Hwang, Hyun-Jong Kim, Jae-Hee Han and Ho-Nyun Lee
Materials 2022, 15(20), 7270; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207270
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/20/7270

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that submitted to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network.

Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
Papers may be submitted via the following link:
https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field. More information can be found at the following link:
https://www.mdpi.com/journalproposal/sendproposalspecialissue/materials.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Thin Films and Interfaces and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the Section “Manufacturing Processes and Systems”. We are pleased to present the 2022 Editor’s Choice Articles, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Manufacturing Processes and Systems” listed below:

“Processing and Properties of Tungsten-Steel Composites and FGMs Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering”
by Jiří Matějíček, Radek Mušálek, Zdeněk Dlabáček, Veronika Klevarová and Lenka Kocmanová
Materials 2022, 15(24), 9037; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15249037
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/24/9037

“The Influence of Co Addition on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Tungsten Heavy Alloys”
by Paweł Skoczylas and Mieczysław Kaczorowski
Materials 2022, 15(24), 9064; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15249064
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/24/9064

“Growth Kinetics, Microstructure Evolution, and Some Mechanical Properties of Boride Layers Produced on X165CrV12 Tool Steel”
by Natalia Makuch, Michał Kulka, Mourad Keddam and Adam Piasecki
Materials 2023, 16(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010026
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/26

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the research groups that submitted to Materials. We would appreciate it if you could circulate this document among your colleagues and network.

Furthermore, the following opportunities for collaboration may be of interest:

Submitting a manuscript:
Papers may be submitted via the following link:
https://susy.mdpi.com/user/manuscripts/upload?journal=materials.

Launching a Special Issue:
You have the opportunity to propose hot topics and edit a Special Issue together with experts in the field. More information can be found at the following link:
https://www.mdpi.com/journalproposal/sendproposalspecialissue/materials.

Joining the Editorial Board:
If you are an active researcher in the field of Manufacturing Processes and Systems and are interested in joining the Editorial Board, please do not hesitate to get in touch (materials@mdpi.com).

Materials Editorial Office

Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944) has launched the Section “Advanced Composites”. Advanced composites are increasingly used in several industrial sectors such as transportation (airplanes, helicopters, trains, automobiles, motorbikes, and bicycles), civil construction, electrical and electronic equipment, pipes and tanks, marine, energy conversion, and consumer goods. They play a key role in the development of lightweight structures with outstanding mechanical properties, high reliability, and environmental resistance.

We are pleased to present the Editor’s Choice Articles from December 2022, a carefully curated list of high-quality articles from the Section “Advanced Composites”, as listed below:

“Nonlinear Analytical Procedure for Predicting Debonding of Laminate from Substrate Subjected to Monotonic or Cyclic Load”
by Marco Lamberti, Francesco Ascione, Annalisa Napoli, Ghani Razaqpur and Roberto Realfonzo
Materials 2022, 15(23), 8690; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238690
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8690

“Open Hole Tension of 3D Printed Aligned Discontinuous Composites”
by Narongkorn Krajangsawasdi, Ian Hamerton, Benjamin K. S. Woods, Dmitry S. Ivanov and Marco L. Longana
Materials 2022, 15(23), 8698; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238698
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/23/8698

“Transparent Wood-Based Materials: Current State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives”
by Alberto Mariani and Giulio Malucelli
Materials 2022, 15(24), 9069; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15249069
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/24/9069

“Polymer Composites with Self-Regulating Temperature Behavior: Properties and Characterization”
by Radu Setnescu, Eduard-Marius Lungulescu and Virgil Emanuel Marinescu
Materials 2023, 16(1), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010157
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/157

“Effective Halogen-Free Flame-Retardant Additives for Crosslinked Rigid Polyisocyanurate Foams: Comparison of Chemical Structures”
by Johannes U. Lenz, Doris Pospiech, Hartmut Komber, Andreas Korwitz, Oliver Kobsch, Maxime Paven, Rolf W. Albach, Martin Günther and Bernhard Schartel
Materials 2023, 16(1), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010172
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/172

“Microstructural Characterization and Property of Carbon Fiber Reinforced High-Density Polyethylene Composites Fabricated by Fused Deposition Modeling”
by Partha Pratim Pandit, Chang Liu, Scott Iacono, Giancarlo Corti and Yingbin Huz
Materials 2023, 16(1), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010180
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/180

“In-Service Delaminations in FRP Structures under Operational Loading Conditions: Are Current Fracture Testing and Analysis on Coupons Sufficient for Capturing the Essential Effects for Reliable Predictions?”
by Andreas J. Brunner, René Alderliesten and John-Alan Pascoe
Materials 2023, 16(1), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010248
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/248

“Improvement of the Thermal Conductivity and Mechanical Properties of 3D-printed Polyurethane Composites by Incorporating Hydroxylated Boron Nitride Functional Fillers”
by Kai-Han Su, Cherng-Yuh Su, Wei-Ling Shih and Fang-Ting Lee
Materials 2023, 16(1), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010356
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/356