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23 pages, 2980 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrasound-Assisted Processing of Aluminum Matrix Nanocomposites: Parameter Optimization for Enhanced Mechanical Properties

by Yesufikad Fentie Takele, Abraham Debebe Woldeyohannes, Saša Milojević, Slavica Miladinović, Mladen Radojković and Blaža Stojanović

Materials 2026, 19(9), 1876; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19091876 - 2 May 2026

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Abstract

This study investigates the enhancement of AA6082/Al₂O₃ aluminum metal matrix nanocomposites (AMMNCs) through powder metallurgy combined with systematic process optimization. Ultrasound-assisted dispersion and Taguchi design L9 orthogonal array were employed to improve nanoparticle distribution and optimize fabrication parameters. The effect [...] Read more.

This study investigates the enhancement of AA6082/Al₂O₃ aluminum metal matrix nanocomposites (AMMNCs) through powder metallurgy combined with systematic process optimization. Ultrasound-assisted dispersion and Taguchi design L9 orthogonal array were employed to improve nanoparticle distribution and optimize fabrication parameters. The effect of Al₂O₃ content and ultrasonication time (UT) on hardness and compressive strength was analyzed using S/N ratio and ANOVA. Characterization was performed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The result shows that Al₂O₃ content had the most significant influence on both hardness (82.25%) and compressive strength (81.08%), followed by UT. The optimal condition produced a maximum hardness of 31.9 HV and compressive strength of 205.53 MPa. Regression models demonstrated strong predictive accuracy (R² > 85%). Overall, the study highlights the effectiveness of parameter optimization in improving nanocomposite performance and provides valuable guidance for advanced material design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Properties and Application of Advanced Functional Materials and Advanced Composites)

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17 pages, 3077 KB

Open AccessArticle

Composite Adsorbent “1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Acetate [EMIM] [Ac] into Mesoporous Silica Gel” for Adsorption Heat Storage

by Angelo Freni, Elisa Passaglia, Emilia Bramanti, Silvia Pizzanelli, Roberto Spiniello, Francesca Nardelli, Luigi Calabrese, Stefano De Antonellis, Giorgio Tomaino and Alejandro Jose Di Cicco

Materials 2026, 19(5), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19051016 - 6 Mar 2026

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Abstract

The aim of this work is to prepare and characterize a composite adsorbent comprising the hydrophilic ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [EMIM-Ac] composite supported on mesoporous silica gel for application in adsorption heat storage systems. Water adsorption/desorption isotherms were measured gravimetrically at T = [...] Read more.

The aim of this work is to prepare and characterize a composite adsorbent comprising the hydrophilic ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [EMIM-Ac] composite supported on mesoporous silica gel for application in adsorption heat storage systems. Water adsorption/desorption isotherms were measured gravimetrically at T = 40, 50, 70 °C across a relative humidity (RH) range of 0–0.8, demonstrating a high adsorption capacity (up to 0.71 g/g at 50 °C and RH = 0.8, for a 50 wt % [EMIM-Ac] loading). Full process reversibility and negligible ad/desorption hysteresis were also verified. Thermal stability of the prepared silica/[EMIM-Ac] composites was confirmed up to approximately T = 200 °C. Structural stability of samples subjected to repeated ad/desorption aging cycles was verified via FT-IR, High-Resolution Solid-State NMR, and Time-Domain NMR spectroscopy. Finally, the thermodynamic analysis based on adsorption experimental data indicated that the silica/[EMIM-Ac] composite is highly suitable for adsorption heat storage, providing a volumetric density of 600–920 MJ/m³ at regeneration temperatures below 100 °C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Properties and Application of Advanced Functional Materials and Advanced Composites)

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18 pages, 1756 KB

Open AccessArticle

Controllable Preparation and Filtration Performance of New Composite Materials for Mining Masks

by Xin Zhang, Chenyu Zhang, Tianyu Zhou, Zeyu Sun, Yong Jin, Lihua Mi and Saisai Wu

Materials 2026, 19(3), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19030626 - 6 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 451

Abstract

The effective isolation of high-concentration dust during mining and transportation processes is a hot issue of occupational health concern for workers. Based on the characteristics of graphene and its derivatives, a new type of mining mask made of graphene oxide polypropylene composite material [...] Read more.

The effective isolation of high-concentration dust during mining and transportation processes is a hot issue of occupational health concern for workers. Based on the characteristics of graphene and its derivatives, a new type of mining mask made of graphene oxide polypropylene composite material (GO polypropylene composite material) and reduced graphene oxide polypropylene composite material (rGO polypropylene composite material) was prepared using the direct impregnation method. Moreover, particle filtration performance tests were conducted under different gas flow conditions. The results showed that, at the same concentration, the reduction group (rGO polypropylene composite material) had more compliance indicators, and the comprehensive performance ranking was as follows: reduction group (rGO polypropylene composite material) > oxidation group (GO polypropylene composite material) > control group (polypropylene composite material). The reduction group with a concentration of 0.3 g/L showed the best overall performance. At a flow rate of 1.0 m³/h, the filtration efficiency of PM₁₀ (95.61%) and PM_2.5 (95.01%) met the relevant standards, while PM_1.0 (94.88%) was close to the standard threshold (with a difference of only −0.12%), significantly better than the control (PM₁₀, 93.39%) and the oxidation (PM₁₀, 95.01%) groups. Moreover, at various flow rates, its particulate matter concentration was significantly lower than that for the oxidation and control groups. Overall, it meets the requirements of providing ideal filtration effects under different work intensities (low, medium, and high flow rates), thus providing strong technical support for individual protection of mine workers and a theoretical basis and practical guidance for reducing occupational diseases caused by dust exposure in mines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Properties and Application of Advanced Functional Materials and Advanced Composites)

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18 pages, 1770 KB

Open AccessArticle

Performance and Regeneration Evaluation of rGO Filter Materials During Ultrasonic Cleaning with Different Cleaning Solutions

by Tao Yu, Wenjun Leng, Xin Zhang and Qing Liu

Materials 2026, 19(3), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19030566 - 1 Feb 2026

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Abstract

The regeneration of air filter materials can extend the service life of filters, and also reduce resource waste and air pollution caused by replacements, which directly lower carbon emissions. This paper focuses on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) filter materials, investigating the effects of [...] Read more.

The regeneration of air filter materials can extend the service life of filters, and also reduce resource waste and air pollution caused by replacements, which directly lower carbon emissions. This paper focuses on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) filter materials, investigating the effects of ultrasonic cleaning utilizing water, lemon acid, and a cleaning agent. Regeneration performances were also tested and discussed and analyzed. Results show the synergistic effect of the cleaning agent and ultrasonic cleaning yields the most optimal regeneration performance. Compared to the water and lemon acid, filtration efficiency of rGO materials for PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM_1.0 increased by 2.0%~12.15% and 0.42%~7.13%, 0.04%~5.67% and 0.03%~2.35%, and 0.02%~3.47% and 0.16%~2.02%, respectively. Filtration efficiency recovery rates for PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM_1.0 using the cleaning agent exceeded 70%. Counting filtration efficiency exhibited significant changes for particle sizes from 0.265 to 1.0 μm. The resistance after water cleaning was higher than that of cleaning agent cleaning and lemon acid cleaning. After 10 cleaning cycles, the cleaning agent exhibited QF values that were 0.0012 Pa⁻¹, 0.0003 Pa⁻¹, and 0.0001 Pa⁻¹ higher for PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM_1.0, respectively, compared to the water, and 0.0007 Pa⁻¹, 0.0001 Pa⁻¹, and 0.0001 Pa⁻¹ higher compared to the lemon acid. It provides data references for the efficient regeneration of rGO materials and promotes the green application of air filter materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Properties and Application of Advanced Functional Materials and Advanced Composites)

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14 pages, 14424 KB

Open AccessArticle

In-Situ Growth of Carbon Nanotubes on MOF-Derived High-Entropy Alloys with Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

by Zhongjing Wang, Bin Meng, Xingyu Ping, Qingqing Yang, Kang Wang and Shuo Wang

Materials 2026, 19(2), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19020239 - 7 Jan 2026

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Abstract

To obtain an excellent electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption material, a strategy was proposed in this study with the aid of in-situ growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the surface of a metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived FeCoNiMnMg high-entropy alloy (HEA). The HEA@CNT composite was successfully [...] Read more.

To obtain an excellent electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption material, a strategy was proposed in this study with the aid of in-situ growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the surface of a metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived FeCoNiMnMg high-entropy alloy (HEA). The HEA@CNT composite was successfully prepared via a solvothermal method combined with a one-step pyrolysis process. With the pyrolysis temperature increasing from 600 °C to 800 °C, the length of CNTs grew from 200 nm to about 600 nm approximately, while the defect density of CNTs was enhanced. This structural evolution significantly improved the dielectric properties and impedance matching. Consequently, the sample prepared at 800 °C (HEA@CNT-800) exhibited outstanding microwave absorption performances, achieving a minimum reflection loss (RL_min) of −57.52 dB at a matched thickness of 2.3 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.4 GHz at a thinner thickness of 1.9 mm. This work provides a novel perspective for designing high-performance MOF-derived absorption materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Properties and Application of Advanced Functional Materials and Advanced Composites)

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16 pages, 11330 KB

Open AccessArticle

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Enriched with Diatomaceous Earth as a Sustainable Ecological Composite Material with the Possibility of Machining

by Anna Gaweł and Andrzej Matras

Materials 2025, 18(24), 5571; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18245571 - 11 Dec 2025

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Abstract

In this study, the milling process of eco-friendly polymer composites enriched with an organic filler was analyzed. Polyhydroxyalkanoate was filled with 0.5%, 1%, and 2% of diatomite and produced via injection molding. Then, the milling process was performed on the obtained samples to [...] Read more.

In this study, the milling process of eco-friendly polymer composites enriched with an organic filler was analyzed. Polyhydroxyalkanoate was filled with 0.5%, 1%, and 2% of diatomite and produced via injection molding. Then, the milling process was performed on the obtained samples to determine the effect of diatomite content on the machinability of the produced composites. The results showed that the analyzed diatomite content in the machined samples had no significant influence on the cutting process. If the cutting parameters are not properly selected, excessive heat generated during machining can lead to a heterogeneous geometric surface microstructure. The milling process resulted in a series of high-quality surfaces (Ra < 2 μm), chip temperatures below 90 °C, and a feed component of the total cutting force below 11 N. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Properties and Application of Advanced Functional Materials and Advanced Composites)

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14 pages, 11487 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Voids in the Cracking of Single-Crystalline Composites with Quasicrystal Phase Fraction

by Jacek Krawczyk

Materials 2025, 18(19), 4506; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18194506 - 28 Sep 2025

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Abstract

The novel fibrous composites of Al₆₁Cu₂₇Fe₁₂ alloy with a single-crystalline matrix and quasi-crystal phase fraction obtained in situ by directional solidification by the Bridgman method were studied to characterize the voids and their role in composites cracking. The [...] Read more.

The novel fibrous composites of Al₆₁Cu₂₇Fe₁₂ alloy with a single-crystalline matrix and quasi-crystal phase fraction obtained in situ by directional solidification by the Bridgman method were studied to characterize the voids and their role in composites cracking. The voids were analyzed using light-optical and scanning electron microscopy to study their nature before and after uniaxial tensile tests. Tension tests were performed on plate-like samples up to rupture. The tensile fracture surfaces were also observed and analyzed. The single-crystallinity and crystalographic parameters of composites were studied using the X-ray Laue diffraction method. It was stated that such new type of composite is characterized by a relatively high void content with a ratio of approximately 2.6%. The composite’s cracking is initiated at voids and progress through the voids and stair steps in the matrix and the reinforcing fibers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Properties and Application of Advanced Functional Materials and Advanced Composites)

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22 pages, 10555 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Properties and Cutting Performance of Si₃N₄/Sc₂W₃O₁₂ Composite Ceramic Tools Materials

by Zhiyuan Zhang, Xiaolan Bai, Jingjie Zhang, Mingdong Yi, Guangchun Xiao, Tingting Zhou, Hui Chen, Zhaoqiang Chen and Chonghai Xu

Materials 2025, 18(15), 3440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153440 - 22 Jul 2025

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Abstract

To address the poor thermal shock resistance and high brittleness of traditional ceramic tools, a novel Si₃N₄/Sc₂W₃O₁₂ (SNS) composite ceramic material was developed via in situ synthesis using WO₃ and Sc₂O [...] Read more.

To address the poor thermal shock resistance and high brittleness of traditional ceramic tools, a novel Si₃N₄/Sc₂W₃O₁₂ (SNS) composite ceramic material was developed via in situ synthesis using WO₃ and Sc₂O₃ as precursors and consolidated by spark plasma sintering. Sc₂W₃O₁₂ with negative thermal expansion was introduced to compensate for matrix shrinkage and modulate interfacial stress. The effects of varying Sc₂W₃O₁₂ content on thermal expansion, residual stress, microstructure, and mechanical properties were systematically investigated. Among the compositions, SNS3 (12 wt.% Sc₂W₃O₁₂) exhibited the best overall performance: relative density of 98.8 ± 0.2%, flexural strength of 712.4 ± 30 MPa, fracture toughness of 7.5 ± 0.3 MPa·m^1/2, Vickers hardness of 16.3 ± 0.3 GPa, and an average thermal expansion coefficient of 2.81 × 10⁻⁶·K⁻¹. The formation of a spherical chain-like Sc-W-O phase at the grain boundaries created a “hard core–soft shell” interface that enhanced crack resistance and stress buffering. Cutting tests showed that the SNS3 tool reduced workpiece surface roughness by 32.91% and achieved a cutting distance of 9500 m. These results validate the potential of this novel multiphase ceramic system as a promising candidate for high-performance and thermally stable ceramic cutting tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Properties and Application of Advanced Functional Materials and Advanced Composites)

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18 pages, 2637 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tailored 3D Lattice SAPO-34/S-PEEK Composite Sorbents by Additive Manufacturing for Sorption Heat Transformation Applications

by Gabriele Marabello, Emanuela Mastronardo, Davide Palamara, Andrea Frazzica and Luigi Calabrese

Materials 2025, 18(15), 3428; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153428 - 22 Jul 2025

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Abstract

The development of high-performance adsorbent materials is crucial for any sorption-based energy conversion process. In such a context, composite sorbent materials, although promising in terms of performance and stability, are often challenging to shape into complex geometries. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D [...] Read more.

The development of high-performance adsorbent materials is crucial for any sorption-based energy conversion process. In such a context, composite sorbent materials, although promising in terms of performance and stability, are often challenging to shape into complex geometries. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has emerged as a powerful technique for fabricating intricate structures with tailored properties. In this paper, an innovative three-dimensional structure, constituted by zeolite as filler and sulfonated polyether ether ketone as matrix, was obtained using additive manufacturing technology, which is mainly suitable for sorption-based energy conversion processes. The lattice structure was tailored in order to optimize the synthesis procedure and material stability. The complex three-dimensional lattice structure was obtained without a metal or plastic reinforcement support. The composite structure was evaluated to assess its structural integrity using morphological analysis. Furthermore, the adsorption/desorption capacity was evaluated using water-vapor adsorption isobars at 11 mbar at equilibrium in the temperature range 30–120 °C, confirming good adsorption/desorption capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Properties and Application of Advanced Functional Materials and Advanced Composites)

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