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15 pages, 7137 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classification of Electronic Waste Components through X-ray and Neutron-Based Imaging Techniques

by Noémi Anna Buczkó, Mariann Papp, Boglárka Maróti, Zoltán Kis and László Szentmiklósi

Materials 2024, 17(19), 4707; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194707 - 25 Sep 2024

Viewed by 336

Abstract

In modern society, the amount of e-waste is growing year by year. Waste electronic items are complex, highly heterogeneous systems, containing organic material as well as several exotic, valuable, toxic, mostly metallic elements. In this study, the potential of X-ray and neutron radiography [...] Read more.

In modern society, the amount of e-waste is growing year by year. Waste electronic items are complex, highly heterogeneous systems, containing organic material as well as several exotic, valuable, toxic, mostly metallic elements. In this study, the potential of X-ray and neutron radiography to reveal the inner structure of various complex e-waste was investigated. The images obtained using the two techniques were evaluated together to investigate the possibility of a more efficient segmentation of the individual components. The advantages and limitations of the two methods were identified for the studied waste types. X-ray radiography was found to be preferable for the identification of small metallic parts and for revealing the internal structure of e-waste with thick plastic coatings. Neutron radiography allowed for the identification of several components that did not provide sufficient contrast with X-ray imaging due to their similar X-ray attenuation compared to their surroundings. The combination of the two methods opens up new opportunities and could provide much more effective segmentation than either method alone. Full article

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

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30 pages, 22428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Dust Absorption Study in Automotive Engine Inlet Air Filter Materials

by Tadeusz Dziubak

Materials 2024, 17(13), 3249; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133249 - 2 Jul 2024

Viewed by 848

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to empirically evaluate the performance of fibrous materials that meet the criteria for inlet air filtration in internal combustion engines. The characteristics of filtration efficiency and accuracy, as well as the characteristics of flow resistance, were determined [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to empirically evaluate the performance of fibrous materials that meet the criteria for inlet air filtration in internal combustion engines. The characteristics of filtration efficiency and accuracy, as well as the characteristics of flow resistance, were determined based on the mass of dust accumulated in the filter bed during the filtration process. Single-layer filter materials tested included cellulose, polyester, and glass microfiber. Multilayer filter media such as cellulose–polyester–nanofibers and cellulose–polyester were also examined. A new composite filter bed—consisting of polyester, glass microfiber, and cellulose—and its filtration characteristics were evaluated. Utilizing specific air filtration quality factors, it was demonstrated that the composite is characterized by high pre-filtration efficiency (99.98%), a short pre-filtration period (q_s = 4.21%), high accuracy (d_pmax = 1.5–3 µm) for the entire lifespan of the filter, and a 60–250% higher dust absorption coefficient compared to the other tested materials. A filtration composite bed constructed from a group of materials with different filtration parameters can be, due to its high filtration efficiency, accuracy, and dust absorption, an excellent filter material for engine intake air. The composite’s filtration parameters will depend on the type of filter layers and their order relative to the aerosol flow. This paper presents a methodology for the selection and testing of various filter materials. Full article

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

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19 pages, 6141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation of Strain Rate Influence on Anisotropy of Uniaxial Tensile Mechanical Properties of CuFe2P Alloy Sheet

by Ante Bubalo, Zdenko Tonković, Lovre Krstulović-Opara and Vedrana Cvitanić

Materials 2024, 17(13), 3135; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133135 - 26 Jun 2024

Viewed by 892

Abstract

Wire crimping, a process commonly used in the automotive industry, is a solderless method for establishing electrical and mechanical connections between wire strands and terminals. The complexity of predicting the final shape of a crimped terminal and the imperative to minimize production costs [...] Read more.

Wire crimping, a process commonly used in the automotive industry, is a solderless method for establishing electrical and mechanical connections between wire strands and terminals. The complexity of predicting the final shape of a crimped terminal and the imperative to minimize production costs indicate the use of advanced numerical methods. Such an approach requires a reliable phenomenological elasto-plastic constitutive model in which material behavior during the forming process is described. Copper alloy sheets, known for their ductility and strength, are commonly selected as terminal materials. Generally, sheet metals exhibit significant anisotropy in mechanical properties, and this phenomenon has not been sufficiently investigated experimentally for copper alloy sheets. Furthermore, the wire crimping process is conducted at higher velocities; therefore, the influence of the strain rate on the terminal material behavior has to be known. In this paper, the influence of the strain rate on the anisotropic elasto-plastic behavior of the copper alloy sheet CuFe2P is experimentally investigated. Tensile tests with strain rates of 0.0002 s⁻¹, 0.2 s⁻¹, 1 s⁻¹, and 5.65 s⁻¹ were conducted on sheet specimens with orientations of 0°, 45°, and 90° to the rolling direction. The influence of the strain rate on the orientation dependences of the stress–strain curve, elastic modulus, tensile strength, elongation, and Lankford coefficient was determined. Furthermore, the breaking angle at fracture and the inelastic heat fraction were determined for each considered specimen orientation. The considered experimental data were obtained by capturing the loading process using infrared thermography and digital image correlation techniques. 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, 8026 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Heat-Applied Coatings to Reduce Wear on Agricultural Machinery Components

by Dawid Romek, Jarosław Selech and Dariusz Ulbrich

Materials 2024, 17(12), 2849; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122849 - 11 Jun 2024

Viewed by 559

Abstract

This article presents the effect of the conditions of abrasive compounds on the wear of samples made by different methods. The 28MnB5 steel was used, which is intended for agricultural components, to which two arc and laser coatings were applied. The study included [...] Read more.

This article presents the effect of the conditions of abrasive compounds on the wear of samples made by different methods. The 28MnB5 steel was used, which is intended for agricultural components, to which two arc and laser coatings were applied. The study included the analysis of microstructure, microhardness, roughness, and tribological experiments on a dedicated stand. The arc coating was found to significantly improve the tribological properties compared to the samples without the coating. Varied wear results were obtained for the laser coating depending on the parameters of the abrasive compound. Studies of the surface roughness of the samples showed that the concentration and pH of the abrasives have a significant effect on the changes in the surface parameters after the tribological tests. The results of the tribological experiments indicated that wear resistance for some of the abrasive mass conditions was improved by the application of heat-applied coatings. In addition, it was found that the power consumption on the stand was the highest for abrasive mass conditions of a 10% moisture content and a pH of 10. For these test conditions, the mass loss was four times higher than for the parameter with W0% and pH7. The energy consumption of the stand was 60 kWh lower for this variant than for the parameter with W10% and pH10. The results of the study have important practical applications that can help in the selection of materials for agricultural machinery components, depending on the abrasive mass conditions. Full article

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

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15 pages, 7014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation and Defect Detection in L-Shaped GFRP Laminates by Infrared Thermography

by Małgorzata Chwał, Adam Stawiarski, Marek Barski and Marcin Augustyn

Materials 2024, 17(12), 2830; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122830 - 10 Jun 2024

Viewed by 616

Abstract

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates are used in many applications because of their availability, high mechanical properties, and cost-effectiveness. Fiber defects in the form of waviness or wrinkles can occur during the production of multilayered laminates. When curved laminates of significant thickness are [...] Read more.

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates are used in many applications because of their availability, high mechanical properties, and cost-effectiveness. Fiber defects in the form of waviness or wrinkles can occur during the production of multilayered laminates. When curved laminates of significant thickness are produced, the likelihood of such defects increases. Studies have confirmed that fiber deformation during manufacture leads to a reduction in the mechanical properties of laminates. Therefore, early detection of such defects is essential. The main part of this paper deals with research into the possibility of using active infrared thermography to detect wrinkles in curved multilayered GFRP laminates. The size of the artificial wrinkles was assessed by analyzing scans and microimages. The shape deformations of the samples were evaluated by comparing the samples with the mold and the assumed nominal shape. The influence of the out-of-autoclave manufacturing process on the reduction in wrinkles formed without significantly affecting the internal structure of the laminate is presented in this work. This research demonstrated the ability to detect wrinkles in thick curved laminates using active infrared thermography. However, it also showed how the interpretation of the thermographic results is affected by the curvature of the structure, the lack of uniform heating, and the configuration of the thermographic setup. Full article

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

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16 pages, 3753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Hydrogen Generation through Low-Temperature Plasma Treatment of Waste Aluminum for Hydrolysis Reaction

by Marius Urbonavicius, Sarunas Varnagiris, Ainars Knoks, Ansis Mezulis, Janis Kleperis, Christiaan Richter, Rauan Meirbekova, Gudmundur Gunnarsson and Darius Milcius

Materials 2024, 17(11), 2637; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112637 - 29 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 755

Abstract

This study investigates the low-temperature hydrogen plasma treatment approach for the improvement of hydrogen generation through waste aluminum (Al) reactions with water and electricity generation via proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM FC). Waste Al scraps were subjected to ball milling and treated using [...] Read more.

This study investigates the low-temperature hydrogen plasma treatment approach for the improvement of hydrogen generation through waste aluminum (Al) reactions with water and electricity generation via proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM FC). Waste Al scraps were subjected to ball milling and treated using two different low-temperature plasma regimes: Diode and magnetron-initiated plasma treatment. Hydrolysis experiments were conducted using powders with different treatments, varying molarities, and reaction temperatures to assess hydrogen generation, reaction kinetics, and activation energy. The results indicate that magnetron-initiated plasma treatment significantly enhances the hydrolysis reaction kinetics compared to untreated powders or those treated with diode-generated plasma. Analysis of chemical bonds revealed that magnetron-initiated hydrogen plasma treatment takes advantage by promoting a dual procedure: Surface cleaning and Al nanocluster deposition on top of Al powders. Moreover, it was modeled that such H₂ plasma could penetrate up to 150 Å depth. Meanwhile, electricity generation tests demonstrate that only 0.2 g of treated Al powder can generate approximately 1 V for over 300 s under a constant 2.5 Ω load and 1.5 V for 2700 s with a spinning fan. Full article

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

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15 pages, 6351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploration of Textile–Silicone Composites and Materials for Personal Impact-Resistant Protection

by Mei-Ki Chan, Pui-Ling Li, Kit-Lun Yick, Joanne Yip and Sun-Pui Ng

Materials 2024, 17(6), 1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17061439 - 21 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1126

Abstract

Conventional cushioning materials such as silicone sheets which have been recommended for resisting impact generally cause discomfort to the wearer from heat and perspiration. With the increasing need for personal protective equipment, textile–silicone composite structures are proposed in this study to reduce acute [...] Read more.

Conventional cushioning materials such as silicone sheets which have been recommended for resisting impact generally cause discomfort to the wearer from heat and perspiration. With the increasing need for personal protective equipment, textile–silicone composite structures are proposed in this study to reduce acute impact and moisture while enhancing thermal comfort. The influence of the composite structure and thickness on the mechanical and thermal properties of textile–silicone materials are systematically investigated. The results show that an additional knitted powernet fabric as a composite material can significantly improve the tensile properties of silicone rubber by up to 315%. However, only a slight improvement is found in the thermal conductivity (up to 16%), compression elasticity (up to 18%) and force reduction performance (up to 3.6%). As compared to inlaid spacer fabric, which has also been used for cushioning and preserving thermal comfort, the textile–silicone composites have higher tensile and compression elasticity, exhibit force reduction with the largest difference of 43% and are more thermally conductive, with increases more than 38%. The findings of this study introduced a cost-effective new silicone–textile composite for optimal impact protection and wear comfort for protective applications. Full article

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

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15 pages, 3696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using the LCA Method to Develop the Production of Pigment for Processing Plastics

by Patrycja Bałdowska-Witos, Andrzej Tomporowski and Marek Bieliński

Materials 2023, 16(16), 5524; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16165524 - 8 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1140

Abstract

In recent years, the chemical industry has been developing more and more dynamically, which results in the introduction of many new chemical substances to the market. However, some of them do not meet the accepted standards and may be toxic to humans and [...] Read more.

In recent years, the chemical industry has been developing more and more dynamically, which results in the introduction of many new chemical substances to the market. However, some of them do not meet the accepted standards and may be toxic to humans and the environment. This problem largely concerns polymer materials, which are currently widely used in many areas of the economy. This is indirectly related to the coloring of these materials during processing. Therefore, it became necessary to introduce modern research procedures that enable the quantitative and qualitative determination of the impact of coloring agents in the processing of plastics, in order to include their negative impact on humans and the natural environment. The LCA methodology was used in this work, with ReCiPe 2016 used as the test method. Among the analyzed technological operations, the highest negative impact on the environment was characterized by the process related to heating the tested material (2.08 × 10⁻¹ Pt). Among the materials, polyethylene terephthalate was distinguished by the greatest harmful effect on human health (2.91 × 10⁻¹ Pt) and the quality (2.35 × 10⁻² Pt) of the environment. The use of recycling processes would reduce the negative impact on human health (about −3.71 Pt), the ecosystem (about −0.14 Pt), and resources (about −0.27 Pt). Full article

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

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19 pages, 560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmentally Oriented Analysis of Benefits and Expenditures in the Life Cycle of a Wind Power Plant

by Łukasz Sobaszek, Izabela Piasecka, Józef Flizikowski, Andrzej Tomporowski, Edgar Sokolovskij and Patrycja Bałdowska-Witos

Materials 2023, 16(2), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020538 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1536

Abstract

The motivation for this study was the need to extend and supplement the previously conducted research on technical objects in the renewable energy sector with analyses of the environmental impact of the production, operation and post-operational development stages of the wind power plant. [...] Read more.

The motivation for this study was the need to extend and supplement the previously conducted research on technical objects in the renewable energy sector with analyses of the environmental impact of the production, operation and post-operational development stages of the wind power plant. The main purpose of the work was to investigate, analyze and assess the ecological effects of a real facility, which is a 2 MW Vestas V90/105 m wind farm, throughout its life cycle. The life cycle assessment analysis of the 2 MW wind power plant was performed using Impact 2002+ modeling. The results are presented for all impact levels and categories. The production stage was characterized by the highest total level of harmful effect. The use of recycling reduces the negative impacts of the life cycle by 6.5%. The investigated technical facility has the greatest negative impact during the production stage, especially in the area of depletion of fossil resources and human health. Full article

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

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25 pages, 2792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Life Cycle of a Wind and Photovoltaic Power Plant in the Context of Sustainable Development of Energy Systems

by Katarzyna Piotrowska, Izabela Piasecka, Zbigniew Kłos, Andrzej Marczuk and Robert Kasner

Materials 2022, 15(21), 7778; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217778 - 4 Nov 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2778

Abstract

The conversion of kinetic energy from wind and solar radiation into electricity during the operation of wind and photovoltaic power plants causes practically no emissions of chemical compounds that are harmful to the environment. However, the production of their materials and components, as [...] Read more.

The conversion of kinetic energy from wind and solar radiation into electricity during the operation of wind and photovoltaic power plants causes practically no emissions of chemical compounds that are harmful to the environment. However, the production of their materials and components, as well as their post-use management after the end of their operation, is highly consumptive of energy and materials. For this reason, this article aims to assess the life cycle of a wind and photovoltaic power plant in the context of the sustainable development of energy systems. The objects of the research were two actual technical facilities—a 2 MW wind power plant and a 2 MW photovoltaic power plant, both located in Poland. The analysis of their life cycle was carried out on the basis of the LCA (life-cycle assessment) method, using the ReCiPe 2016 calculation procedure. The impact of the examined renewable energy systems was assessed under 22 impact categories and 3 areas of influence (i.e., human health, ecosystems, and resources), and an analysis was conducted for the results obtained as part of three compartments (i.e., air, water, and soil). The life cycle of the wind power plant was distinguished by a higher total potential negative environmental impact compared to the life cycle of the photovoltaic power plant. The highest levels of potential harmful impacts on the environment in both life cycles were recorded for areas of influence associated with negative impacts on human health. Emissions to the atmosphere accounted for over 90% of all emissions in the lifetimes of both the wind and the photovoltaic power plants. On the basis of the obtained results, guidelines were proposed for pro-ecological changes in the life cycle of materials and elements of the considered technical facilities for renewable energy sources, aimed at better implementation of the main assumptions of contemporary sustainable development (especially in the field of environmental protection). Full article

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

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22 pages, 10861 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy-Dependent Particle Size Distribution Models for Multi-Disc Mill

by Weronika Kruszelnicka, Marek Opielak, Kingsly Ambrose, Saugirdas Pukalskas, Andrzej Tomporowski and Patrycja Walichnowska

Materials 2022, 15(17), 6067; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15176067 - 1 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1801

Abstract

Comminution is important in the processing of biological materials, such as cereal grains, wood biomass, and food waste. The most popular biomaterial grinders are hammer and roller mills. However, the grinders with great potential in the processing of biomass are mills that use [...] Read more.

Comminution is important in the processing of biological materials, such as cereal grains, wood biomass, and food waste. The most popular biomaterial grinders are hammer and roller mills. However, the grinders with great potential in the processing of biomass are mills that use cutting, e.g., disc mills. When it comes to single-disc and multi-disc grinders, there are not many studies describing the relationships between energy, motion, material, and processing or describing the effect of grinding, meaning the size distribution of a product. The relationship between the energy and size reduction ratio of disc-type grinder designs has also not been sufficiently explored. The purpose of this paper was to develop models for the particle size distribution of the ground product in multi-disc mills depending on the variable process parameters, i.e., disc rotational velocity and, consequently, power consumption, and the relationship between the grinding energy and the shape of graining curves, which would help predict the product size reduction ratio for these machines. The experiment was performed using a five-disc mill, assuming the angular velocity of the grinder discs was variable. Power consumption, product particle size, and specific comminution energy were recorded during the tests. The Rosin–Rammler–Sperling–Bennet (RRSB) distribution curves were established for the ground samples, and the relationships between distribution coefficients and the average angular velocity of grinder discs, power consumption, and specific comminution energy were determined. The tests showed that the specific comminution energy increases as the size reduction ratio increases. It was also demonstrated that the RRSB distribution coefficients could be represented by the functions of angular velocities, power consumption, and specific comminution energy. The developed models will be a source of information for numerical modelling of comminution processes. Full article

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

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22 pages, 5734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructure and Wear Characterization of the Fe-Mo-B-C—Based Hardfacing Alloys Deposited by Flux-Cored Arc Welding

by Michał Bembenek, Pavlo Prysyazhnyuk, Thaer Shihab, Ryszard Machnik, Olexandr Ivanov and Liubomyr Ropyak

Materials 2022, 15(14), 5074; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15145074 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 3600

Abstract

An analysis of common reinforcement methods of machine parts and theoretical bases for the selection of their chemical composition were carried out. Prospects for using flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) to restore and increase the wear resistance of machine parts in industries such as [...] Read more.

An analysis of common reinforcement methods of machine parts and theoretical bases for the selection of their chemical composition were carried out. Prospects for using flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) to restore and increase the wear resistance of machine parts in industries such as metallurgy, agricultural, wood processing, and oil industry were presented. It is noted that conventional series electrodes made of tungsten carbide are expensive, which limits their widespread use in some industries. The scope of this work includes the development of the chemical composition of tungsten-free hardfacing alloys based on the Fe-Mo-B-C system and hardfacing technology and the investigation of the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the developed hardfacing alloys. The composition of the hardfacing alloys was developed by extending the Fe-Mo-B-C system with Ti and Mn. The determination of wear resistance under abrasion and impact-abrasion wear test conditions and the hardness measurement by means of indentation and SEM analysis of the microstructures was completed. The results obtained show that the use of pure metal powders as starting components for electrodes based on the Fe-Mo-B-C system leads to the formation of a wear-resistant phase Fe(Mo,B)₂ during FCAW. The addition of Ti and Mn results in a significant increase in abrasion and impact-abrasion wear resistance by 1.2 and 1.3 times, respectively. Full article

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

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16 pages, 1976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ways to Improve the Efficiency of Devices for Freezing of Small Products

by Oleg Bazaluk, Nikolai Struchaiev, Serhii Halko, Oleksandr Miroshnyk, Larysa Bondarenko, Oleksandr Karaiev and Vitalii Nitsenko

Materials 2022, 15(7), 2412; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15072412 - 25 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2092

Abstract

It has been established that one of the main problems in the technology of the production of loose food products is the sticking of vegetables or fruits into one block. It has been proven that one of the steps to solve this problem [...] Read more.

It has been established that one of the main problems in the technology of the production of loose food products is the sticking of vegetables or fruits into one block. It has been proven that one of the steps to solve this problem is the use of berries, fruits, or vegetables during freezing in the form of a fluidized bed in air. However, a significant part of the energy is spent precisely when creating a fluidized bed with the help of fans. By improving the separation efficiency of small products in the freezing process, it would be possible to significantly reduce the energy costs of freezing worldwide. The purpose of this work was to determine ways to increase the efficiency of devices for freezing small products. The goal was achieved through the use of a modified method for studying energy costs, taking into account energy costs for fluidization and mechanical shaking. For comparison, two options for the efficient separation of small products during freezing were considered. Namely the separation of small products in the process of freezing with the help of fluidization, and with the help of mechanical shaking. Comparison of these variants showed that it was advisable to separate small products during freezing by mechanical shaking. It was established that their energy parameters, as well as fractional properties, are significantly different. The product temperature was determined for the case of a constant temperature of the cooling air and equipment elements. The results obtained confirmed the possibility of achieving significant energy savings of 1.5–3.5 times by using the mechanized device we proposed for freezing fruits and vegetables. The main result of this paper is the proposed method, or algorithm, for calculating energy costs for fluidization and mechanical shaking, which could be used in the design of devices for the freezing of small products; as well as the obtained data confirming the correspondence of the theoretical calculations to reality. The novelty of the research consists in presenting a model or algorithm for calculating the energy costs for fluidization and mechanical shaking. The importance of the results of the work lies in the possibility of using this technique to assess the energy effectiveness of devices for the freezing of small products. Full article

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

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13 pages, 4890 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Finite Element Analysis of Silver Nanorods, Spheres, Ellipsoids and Core–Shell Structures for Hyperthermia Treatment of Cancer

by Muhammad Usama Daud, Ghulam Abbas, Muhammad Afzaal, Muhammad Yasin Naz, Nazma Goher Fatima, Abdul Ghuffar, Muhammad Irfan, Mater H. Mahnashi, Stanislaw Legutko, Jana Petrů, Jiří Kratochvíl and Usama Muhammad Niazi

Materials 2022, 15(5), 1786; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15051786 - 26 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2960

Abstract

The finite element analysis technique was used to investigate the suitability of silver nanorods, spheres, ellipsoids and core–shell structures for the hyperthermia treatment of cancer. The temperature of the silver nanostructures was raised from 42 to 46 °C, in order to kill the [...] Read more.

The finite element analysis technique was used to investigate the suitability of silver nanorods, spheres, ellipsoids and core–shell structures for the hyperthermia treatment of cancer. The temperature of the silver nanostructures was raised from 42 to 46 °C, in order to kill the cancerous cells. The time taken by the nanostructures to attain this temperature, with external source heating, was also estimated. The heat transfer module in COMSOL Multiphysics was used for the finite element analysis of hyperthermia, based on silver nanostructures. The thermal response of different shapes of silver nanostructures was evaluated by placing them inside the spherical domain of the tumor tissue. The proposed geometries were heated at different time intervals. Optimization of the geometries was performed to achieve the best treatment temperature. It was observed that silver nanorods quickly attain the desired temperature, as compared to other shapes. The silver nanorods achieved the highest temperature of 44.3 °C among all the analyzed geometries. Moreover, the central volume, used to identify the thermal response, was the maximum for the silver nano-ellipsoids. Thermal equilibrium in the treatment region was attained after

0.5 μ s

of heating, which made these structures suitable for hyperthermia treatment. Full article

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

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15 pages, 5078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gold Nanorods for Doxorubicin Delivery: Numerical Analysis of Electric Field Enhancement, Optical Properties and Drug Loading/Releasing Efficiency

by Muhammad Qamar, Ghulam Abbas, Muhammad Afzaal, Muhammad Y. Naz, Abdul Ghuffar, Muhammad Irfan, Stanislaw Legutko, Jerzy Jozwik, Magdalena Zawada-Michalowska, Abdulnour Ali Jazem Ghanim, Saifur Rahman, Usama M. Niazi, Mohammed Jalalah, Fahad Salem Alkahtani, Mohammad K. A. Khan and Ewelina Kosicka

Materials 2022, 15(5), 1764; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15051764 - 26 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2694

Abstract

The optical properties and electric field enhancement of gold nanorods for different cases were investigated in this study. The numerical analysis was carried out to understand the functionality and working of gold nanorods, while the experimental portion of the work was focused on [...] Read more.

The optical properties and electric field enhancement of gold nanorods for different cases were investigated in this study. The numerical analysis was carried out to understand the functionality and working of gold nanorods, while the experimental portion of the work was focused on the efficiency of gold nanorods for targeted drug delivery. COMSOL Multiphysics was used for numerical analysis. The theoretical results suggest the use of gold nanorods (AuNRs) for anticancer applications. The resonance peaks for gold nanorods of 10 nm diameter were observed at 560 nm. The resonance peaks shifted towards longer wavelengths with an increase in nanorod size. The resonance peaks showed a shift of 140 nm with a change in nanorod length from 25 to 45 nm. On the experimental side, 22 nm, 35 nm and 47 nm long gold nanorods were produced using the seed-mediated growth method. The surface morphology of the nanorods, as well as their optical characteristics, were characterized. Later, gold nanorods were applied to the targeted delivery of the doxorubicin drug. Gold nanorods showed better efficiency for doxorubicin drug loading time, release time, loading temperature, and release temperature. These results reveal that AuNRs@DA possess good ability to load and deliver the drug directly to the tumorous cells since these cells show high temperature and acidity. Full article

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

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13 pages, 4903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Glass-Ceramic Foam from Clay-Rich Waste Diatomaceous Earth

by Martin Sedlačík, Martin Nguyen, Tomáš Opravil and Radomír Sokolář

Materials 2022, 15(4), 1384; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15041384 - 13 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2586

Abstract

In this study, the potential use of waste diatomaceous earth from the production of diatomaceous earth for filtration purposes, as an alternative raw material for foam glass production, was explored. The chemical and mineralogical composition and the high temperature behavior of waste diatomite [...] Read more.

In this study, the potential use of waste diatomaceous earth from the production of diatomaceous earth for filtration purposes, as an alternative raw material for foam glass production, was explored. The chemical and mineralogical composition and the high temperature behavior of waste diatomite were studied to assess its suitability for foam glass production. Glass-ceramic foams were prepared using NaOH solution as a foaming agent, via a hydrate mechanism. The influence of different pretreatments and firing temperatures on the foam’s structure, bulk density and compressive strength was investigated. High temperature behavior was studied using TG/DTA analysis and high temperature microscopy. Phase composition was studied using X-ray diffraction analysis. Glass-ceramic foam samples of a high porosity comparable to conventional foam glass products were fabricated. The pretreatment temperature, foaming temperature and sintering holding time were found to have a significant influence on foam properties. With increased pretreatment temperature, pyrogenic carbon from the thermal decomposition of organic matter contained in the raw material acted as an additional foaming agent and remained partially unoxidized in prepared foams. The bulk densities of prepared samples ranged from 150 kg/m³ to 510 kg/m³ and their compressive strengths were between 140 and 1270 kPa. Full article

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

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22 pages, 6246 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of Manganese-Modified Black TiO₂ Nanoparticles and Their Performance Evaluation for the Photodegradation of Phenolic Compounds from Wastewater

by Muhammad Irfan, Rab Nawaz, Javed Akbar Khan, Habib Ullah, Tahir Haneef, Stanislaw Legutko, Saifur Rahman, Jerzy Józwik, Mabkhoot A. Alsaiari, Mohammad Kamal Asif Khan, Salim Nasar Faraj Mursal, Fahad Salem AlKahtani, Omar Alshorman and Abdulnour Ali Jazem Ghanim

Materials 2021, 14(23), 7422; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14237422 - 3 Dec 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2664

Abstract

The release of phenolic-contaminated treated palm oil mill effluent (TPOME) poses a severe threat to human and environmental health. In this work, manganese-modified black TiO₂ (Mn-B-TiO₂) was produced for the photodegradation of high concentrations of total phenolic compounds from TPOME. [...] Read more.

The release of phenolic-contaminated treated palm oil mill effluent (TPOME) poses a severe threat to human and environmental health. In this work, manganese-modified black TiO₂ (Mn-B-TiO₂) was produced for the photodegradation of high concentrations of total phenolic compounds from TPOME. A modified glycerol-assisted technique was used to synthesize visible-light-sensitive black TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs), which were then calcined at 300 °C for 60 min for conversion to anatase crystalline phase. The black TiO₂ was further modified with manganese by utilizing a wet impregnation technique. Visible light absorption, charge carrier separation, and electron–hole pair recombination suppression were all improved when the band structure of TiO₂ was tuned by producing Ti³⁺ defect states. As a result of the enhanced optical and electrical characteristics of black TiO₂ NPs, phenolic compounds were removed from TPOME at a rate of 48.17%, which is 2.6 times higher than P25 (18%). When Mn was added to black TiO₂ NPs, the Ti ion in the TiO₂ lattice was replaced by Mn, causing a large redshift of the optical absorption edges and enhanced photodegradation of phenolic compounds from TPOME. The photodegradation efficiency of phenolic compounds by Mn-B-TiO₂ improved to 60.12% from 48.17% at 0.3 wt% Mn doping concentration. The removal efficiency of phenolic compounds from TPOME diminished when Mn doping exceeded the optimum threshold (0.3 wt%). According to the findings, Mn-modified black TiO₂ NPs are the most effective, as they combine the advantages of both black TiO₂ and Mn doping. Full article

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

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23 pages, 6968 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Fuzzy Logic Model for the Analysis of Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Turning and Conventional Turning of Ti-Based Alloy

by Riaz Muhammad

Materials 2021, 14(21), 6572; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14216572 - 1 Nov 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2006

Abstract

Titanium and its alloys are largely used in various applications due its prominent mechanical properties. However, the machining of titanium alloys is associated with assured challenges, including high-strength, low thermal conductivity, and long chips produced in conventional machining processes, which result in its [...] Read more.

Titanium and its alloys are largely used in various applications due its prominent mechanical properties. However, the machining of titanium alloys is associated with assured challenges, including high-strength, low thermal conductivity, and long chips produced in conventional machining processes, which result in its poor machinability. Advanced and new machining techniques have been used to improve the machinability of these alloys. Ultrasonic vibration assisted turning (UVAT) is one of these progressive machining techniques, where vibrations are imposed on the cutting insert, and this process has shown considerable improvement in terms of the machinability of hard-to-cut alloys. Therefore, selecting the right cutting parameters for conventional and assisted machining processes is critical for obtaining the anticipated dimensional accuracy and improved surface roughness of Ti-alloys. Hence, fuzzy-based algorithms were developed for the ultrasonic vibration assisted turning (UVAT) and conventional turning (CT) of the Ti-6Al7Zr3Nb4Mo0.9Nd alloy to predict the maximum process zone temperature, cutting forces, surface roughness, shear angle, and chip compression ratio for the selected range of input parameters (speed and depth-of-cut). The fuzzy-measured values were found to be in good agreement with the experimental values, indicating that the created models can be utilized to accurately predict the studied machining output parameters in CT and UVAT processes. The studied alloy resulted in discontinued chips in both the CT and UVAT processes. The achieved results also demonstrated a significant decline in the cutting forces and improvements in the surface quality in the UVAT process. Furthermore, the chip discontinuity is enhanced by the UVAT process due to the higher process zone temperature and the micro-impact imposed by the cutting tool on the workpiece. Full article

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

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19 pages, 951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Comparative Assessment of Effects on the Power System and Environment of Selected Electric Transport Means in Poland

by Katarzyna Markowska, Józef Flizikowski, Kazimierz Bieliński, Andrzej Tomporowski, Weronika Kruszelnicka, Robert Kasner, Patrycja Bałdowska-Witos and Łukasz Mazur

Materials 2021, 14(16), 4556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14164556 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2716

Abstract

Currently, electric vehicles are a rapidly growing alternative to those with combustion engines and can contribute to reduction of CO₂ emissions in the transport sector, especially when the energy to power electric motors is predominantly derived from renewable sources. Until now, the [...] Read more.

Currently, electric vehicles are a rapidly growing alternative to those with combustion engines and can contribute to reduction of CO₂ emissions in the transport sector, especially when the energy to power electric motors is predominantly derived from renewable sources. Until now, the comparison of environmental impact and influence of electric transport means on the power systems was not fully addressed in the case of Poland. The purpose of the study is to describe, analyse and assess electric vehicles (EV) operation against performance indicators in Poland, especially the influence of electric transport means (ETM) (electric cars, trams, trolley buses and buses) on power system and environment. The influence on the power system was investigated for the Polish National Powers system using the simulation of different scenarios of loads generated by EV charging. The energy demand of the National Power System and daily load variability indices were determined. Based on the data of ETM powers consumption and emissions of energy production, the emissions of harmful gases per one km and per one person were calculated, as well as the financial outlays for energy necessary to drive 1 km per 1 passenger. To assess and compare the environmental impact of the selected ETM life cycle, the life cycle assessment method was used. The results of environmental impacts were determined for selected assessment methods: CML 2 and IPCC 2013 GWP 100. The functional unit in this study is one selected ETM with a service life of 100,000 km. Comparison of trams, trolley buses, buses and electric passenger cars indicates that most beneficial are electric buses which do not need rails or overhead lines, thus investment costs are lower. Full article

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

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24 pages, 9297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Erosivity of High-Pressure Pulsating Water Jets Produced in the Self-Excited Drill Head

by Monika Szada-Borzyszkowska, Wojciech Kacalak, Dariusz Lipiński and Błażej Bałasz

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4165; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154165 - 27 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2109

Abstract

The dynamic impact of a water jet with a periodically changing structure can be used in various industries. The paper presents a design solution for a self-excited pulse head. This head can be used in mining for drilling holes and breaking rocks. The [...] Read more.

The dynamic impact of a water jet with a periodically changing structure can be used in various industries. The paper presents a design solution for a self-excited pulse head. This head can be used in mining for drilling holes and breaking rocks. The design of the head was developed based on computer simulations, which made it possible to learn the mechanism of impulse shaping inside the head. Tests of the water jet produced in the self-excited pulsation head showed the occurrence of periodic changes in its internal structure and pulsation frequency. A significant increase in the dynamic stream pressures was demonstrated for the head working in the water environment compared to the head working in the air environment For example, for nominal medium and highest pressures, this increase is up to 82%, while for the lowest pressures (10 MPa), the pressure force values increase by 46%. It was found that an increase in the nominal water pressure causes a decrease in the frequency of hydrodynamic pulses in the head operating in both the water and air environment. Full article

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

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33 pages, 2887 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biochar from Co-Pyrolyzed Municipal Sewage Sludge (MSS): Part 2: Biochar Characterization and Application in the Remediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils

by Michael Biney and Mariusz Z. Gusiatin

Materials 2024, 17(15), 3850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17153850 - 3 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1366

Abstract

The disposal of municipal sewage sludge (MSS) from wastewater treatment plants poses a major environmental challenge due to the presence of inorganic and organic pollutants. Co-pyrolysis, in which MSS is thermally decomposed in combination with biomass feedstocks, has proven to be a promising [...] Read more.

The disposal of municipal sewage sludge (MSS) from wastewater treatment plants poses a major environmental challenge due to the presence of inorganic and organic pollutants. Co-pyrolysis, in which MSS is thermally decomposed in combination with biomass feedstocks, has proven to be a promising method to immobilize inorganic pollutants, reduce the content of organic pollutants, reduce the toxicity of biochar and improve biochar’s physical and chemical properties. This part of the review systematically examines the effects of various co-substrates on the physical and chemical properties of MSS biochar. This review also addresses the effects of the pyrolysis conditions (temperature and mixing ratio) on the content and stability of the emerging pollutants in biochar. Finally, this review summarizes the results of recent studies to provide an overview of the current status of the application of MSS biochar from pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis for the remediation of HM-contaminated soils. This includes consideration of the soil and heavy metal types, experimental conditions, and the efficiency of HM immobilization. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of MSS biochar for environmental sustainability and offers insights into future research directions for optimizing biochar applications in soil remediation. Full article

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

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35 pages, 5894 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biochar from Co-Pyrolyzed Municipal Sewage Sludge (MSS): Part 1: Evaluating Types of Co-Substrates and Co-Pyrolysis Conditions

by Michael Biney and Mariusz Z. Gusiatin

Materials 2024, 17(14), 3603; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143603 - 21 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1541

Abstract

With the increasing production of municipal sewage sludge (MSS) worldwide, the development of efficient and sustainable strategies for its management is crucial. Pyrolysis of MSS offers several benefits, including volume reduction, pathogen elimination, and energy recovery through the production of biochar, syngas, and [...] Read more.

With the increasing production of municipal sewage sludge (MSS) worldwide, the development of efficient and sustainable strategies for its management is crucial. Pyrolysis of MSS offers several benefits, including volume reduction, pathogen elimination, and energy recovery through the production of biochar, syngas, and bio-oil. However, the process can be limited by the composition of the MSS, which can affect the quality of the biochar. Co-pyrolysis has emerged as a promising solution for the sustainable management of MSS, reducing the toxicity of biochar and improving its physical and chemical properties to expand its potential applications. This review discusses the status of MSS as a feedstock for biochar production. It describes the types and properties of various co-substrates grouped according to European biochar certification requirements, including those from forestry and wood processing, agriculture, food processing residues, recycling, anaerobic digestion, and other sources. In addition, the review addresses the optimization of co-pyrolysis conditions, including the type of furnace, mixing ratio of MSS and co-substrate, co-pyrolysis temperature, residence time, heating rate, type of inert gas, and flow rate. This overview shows the potential of different biomass types for the upgrading of MSS biochar and provides a basis for research into new co-substrates. This approach not only mitigates the environmental impact of MSS but also contributes to the wider goal of achieving a circular economy in MSS management. Full article

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

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