Materials Proceedings

8 pages, 961 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Analyzing Small-Particle Contamination in Disposable Food Service Ware, Drinking Water, and Commercial Table Salt in Doha, Qatar

by Marwa Al-Ani, Ala Al-Ardah, Mennatalla Kuna, Zainab Smati, Asma Mohamed, Mostafa Sliem and Noora Al-Qahtani

Mater. Proc. 2025, 22(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025022005 - 18 Jul 2025

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants due to their widespread presence across various ecosystems, including their use in single-use plastic food ware and table salt dispensers. This issue coincides with the presence of heavy metals in water sources in Doha, Qatar. [...] Read more.

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants due to their widespread presence across various ecosystems, including their use in single-use plastic food ware and table salt dispensers. This issue coincides with the presence of heavy metals in water sources in Doha, Qatar. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that the plastic plate and spoon were composed of polyolefin, with the spoon exhibiting additional peaks that indicated oxidation or the presence of additives. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) revealed that the spoon exhibited higher thermal stability, retaining approximately 10% of its mass at 700 °C, than the plate, which retained 2%, indicating the presence of complex additives or contamination. MPs in food-grade salt samples were verified through filtration and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, identifying polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These MPs likely stem from exposure to packaging or environmental contaminants. FTIR spectra confirmed the integrity of the polymers after treatment. Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis revealed varying levels of heavy metals in bottled and tap water, with notable findings including detectable arsenic and lead in both, higher calcium and magnesium in bottled water, and the presence of copper present in tap water only, highlighting potential health and infrastructure-related concerns. These results highlight the possible risks associated with exposure to MPs and heavy metals from everyday products and water sources, underscoring the need for enhanced regulatory oversight and safer material choices to ensure protection. Full article

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8 pages, 2222 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Advanced 3D Polymeric Sponges Offer Promising Solutions for Addressing Environmental Challenges in Qatar’s Marine Ecosystems

by Mohamed Helally, Mostafa H. Sliem and Noora Al-Qahtani

Mater. Proc. 2025, 22(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025022004 - 18 Jul 2025

Abstract

The increasing incidence of oil contamination in many aquatic ecosystems, particularly in oil-rich regions such as Qatar, poses significant threats to marine life and human activities. Our study addresses the critical need for effective and eco-friendly oil-water separation techniques, focusing on developing graphene [...] Read more.

The increasing incidence of oil contamination in many aquatic ecosystems, particularly in oil-rich regions such as Qatar, poses significant threats to marine life and human activities. Our study addresses the critical need for effective and eco-friendly oil-water separation techniques, focusing on developing graphene and chitosan-based three-dimensional (3D) polymeric sponges. These materials have demonstrated potential due to their high porosity and surface area, which can be enhanced through surface treatment to improve hydrophobicity and oleophilicity. This study introduces a new technique dependent on the optimization of the graphene oxide (GO) concentration within the composite sponge to achieve a superior oil uptake capacity (51.4 g oil/g sponge at 3% GO), and the detailed characterization of the material’s performance in separating heavy oil-water emulsions. Our study seeks to answer key questions regarding the performance of these modified sponges and their scalability for industrial applications. This research directly aligns with Qatar’s environmental goals and develops sustainable oil-water separation technologies. It addresses the pressing challenges of oil spills, ultimately contributing to improved marine ecosystem protection and efficient resource recovery. Full article

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8 pages, 706 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Developing a Nature-Inspired Sustainability Assessment Tool: The Role of Materials Efficiency

by Olusegun Oguntona

Mater. Proc. 2025, 22(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025022003 - 17 Jul 2025

Abstract

The global push for sustainable development has intensified the need for innovative tools to assess and enhance sustainability in the built environment. This study explores the role of materials efficiency (ME) within a nature-inspired sustainability assessment framework, focusing on green building projects in [...] Read more.

The global push for sustainable development has intensified the need for innovative tools to assess and enhance sustainability in the built environment. This study explores the role of materials efficiency (ME) within a nature-inspired sustainability assessment framework, focusing on green building projects in South Africa. Using a nature-based (biomimicry) approach, this study identifies and prioritises key ME criteria such as eco-friendly materials, local sourcing, and responsible processing. The methodology employed the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), with input from 38 carefully sampled construction experts, to rank ME criteria through pairwise comparisons. The findings revealed that eco-friendly materials (29.5%) and locally sourced materials (25.1%) were the highest-weighted factors, with strong expert consensus (CR = 0.01). The study highlights how nature-inspired principles like closed-loop systems and minimal waste can guide sustainable construction aligned with global goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The conclusion advocates for integrating ME criteria into green certification systems, industry collaboration, and further research to scale the framework globally. This study bridges biomimicry theory with practical sustainability assessment, offering actionable insights for the built environment. Full article

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7 pages, 1785 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Optimizing a Cu-Ni Nanoalloy-Coated Mesoporous Carbon for Efficient CO₂ Electroreduction †

by Manal B. Alhamdan, Ahmed Bahgat Radwan and Noora Al-Qahtani

Mater. Proc. 2025, 22(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025022002 - 16 Jul 2025

Abstract

Reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide is a critical global priority. This study investigates the influence of Cu-Ni nanoalloy loading on the CO₂ electroreduction efficiency in the context of mesoporous carbon supports. Current methods struggle when it comes to catalyst efficiency, selectivity, and longevity. [...] Read more.

Reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide is a critical global priority. This study investigates the influence of Cu-Ni nanoalloy loading on the CO₂ electroreduction efficiency in the context of mesoporous carbon supports. Current methods struggle when it comes to catalyst efficiency, selectivity, and longevity. By synthesizing copper–nickel nanoparticles through chemical reduction and depositing them on porous carbon, this research aimed to optimize catalyst loading and understand the structure–activity relationships. Catalyst performance was evaluated using chronoamperometry and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The results showed that 12 wt% catalyst loading achieved optimal CO₂ reduction, outperforming its 36 wt% counterpart by balancing the catalyst quantity. This study reveals that 12 wt% Cu-Ni loading provides a higher CO₂ reduction current density and greater long-term stability than 36 wt% loading, owing to better nanoparticle dispersion and reduced aggregation. Unlike previous Cu-Ni/mesoporous carbon studies, this work uniquely compares different loadings to directly correlate the structure, electrochemical performance, and catalyst durability. Full article

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8 pages, 180 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Implementation Benefits of Modular Building Practices in the Construction Sector

by Ifije Ohiomah, Olusegun Oguntona and Emmanuel Ayorinde

Mater. Proc. 2025, 22(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025022001 - 15 Jul 2025

Abstract

The construction industry faces significant challenges such as environmental degradation, resource depletion, waste generation, and pollution, necessitating a shift toward sustainable practices. This study explores the benefits of implementing modular building practices (MBP) as a transformative solution. A quantitative research approach was employed, [...] Read more.

The construction industry faces significant challenges such as environmental degradation, resource depletion, waste generation, and pollution, necessitating a shift toward sustainable practices. This study explores the benefits of implementing modular building practices (MBP) as a transformative solution. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire distributed to active and practising construction professionals. Data were analysed using mean item scores and standard deviation, with Cronbach’s alpha confirming the reliability of the research instrument (α = 0.961). The findings reveal that MBPs offer significant benefits, including eco-friendly operations, reduced material wastage, improved safety, and high productivity, among others. The discussion highlights MBPs’ potential to address environmental and economic challenges, aligning with global sustainability goals. The study concludes that MBP is a viable alternative to traditional construction, recommending policy support, industry collaboration, and further research to optimise its adoption and integration into the construction sector. Full article

1 pages, 120 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Statement of Peer Review

by Giuseppe Carbone

Mater. Proc. 2025, 20(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025020010 - 17 Jun 2025

Abstract

n/a Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biomimetics)

3 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Preface: The 1st International Online Conference on Biomimetics

by Giuseppe Carbone

Mater. Proc. 2025, 20(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025020009 - 17 Jun 2025

Abstract

n/a Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biomimetics)

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7 pages, 2607 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Perspective on the Biomimetic Approaches for the Design of Hydrophobic and Antimicrobial Paper Coatings with Hierarchical Surface Structures

by Pieter Samyn

Mater. Proc. 2025, 20(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025020008 - 17 Apr 2025

Abstract

The design of functional paper coatings with excellent barrier properties, including water repellence, anti-microbial properties, and recyclability, is highly demanded in view of the sustainable use of paper as flexible substrates for various industrial applications such as packaging. The enhanced coating functionalities should [...] Read more.

The design of functional paper coatings with excellent barrier properties, including water repellence, anti-microbial properties, and recyclability, is highly demanded in view of the sustainable use of paper as flexible substrates for various industrial applications such as packaging. The enhanced coating functionalities should be incorporated through a combination of selected bio-based materials and the creation of appropriate surface textures enhancing coating performance. The bio-inspired approaches through the replication of hierarchical surface structures with multi-scale dimensional features in combination with selection of appropriate bio-based functional groups offer new concepts for coating design. In this short perspective paper, concepts in the field are illustrated with a focus on the combination of hydrophobic and anti-microbial properties. Based on long-term work with the available toolbox of bio-based building blocks and nanoscale architectures, they can be processed into applicable aqueous suspensions for sprayable paper coatings. The macroscopic roughness profile of paper substrates can be complemented through the decoration of nanoscale bio-based polymer particles of polyhydroxybutyrate or vegetable oil capsules with dimensions in the range of 20–50 nm or 100–500 nm depending on the synthesis conditions. The anti-microbial properties can be provided by the surface modification of nanocellulose with biologically active molecules sourced from nature. Besides the more fundamental issues in design and synthesis, the industrial application of the bio-inspired coatings through spray-coating becomes relevant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biomimetics)

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7 pages, 1700 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Development of a Process for Low-Cost LFP Batteries Treatment

by Rafaella-Aikaterini Megaloudi, Alexandros Galanis, Paschalis Oustadakis and Anthimos Xenidis

Mater. Proc. 2023, 15(1), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2023015096 - 25 Mar 2025

Abstract

The recycling of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries from electric and hybrid vehicles was investigated, by applying mechanical pretreatment and hydrometallurgical methods. The aim was to extract lithium (Li) into the aqueous solution and precipitate iron (Fe) in the form of [...] Read more.

The recycling of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries from electric and hybrid vehicles was investigated, by applying mechanical pretreatment and hydrometallurgical methods. The aim was to extract lithium (Li) into the aqueous solution and precipitate iron (Fe) in the form of ferric iron phosphate (FePO₄). Samples of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries from small electric vehicles provided by the company BEEV were used in this study. Initially, the black mass was isolated using mechanical crushing, screening, and sink–float separation methods, avoiding the need for costly chemical or thermal treatments. The cathodic material was then leached with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to oxidize ferrous to ferric iron, resulting in the precipitation of iron phosphate, which was collected in the solid residue from the leaching process. Leaching tests were conducted by varying the concentrations of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, as well as the leaching time. It has been indicated that by using a sulfuric acid concentration equal to the stoichiometric requirement, and hydrogen peroxide at four times the stoichiometric amount, Li extraction of greater than 98% was achieved within the first few minutes of leaching, while iron extraction remained below 0.5%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2nd International Conference on Raw Materials and Circular Economy “RawMat2023”)

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9 pages, 1975 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Sensitivity of CO₂ Flow in Production/Injection Wells in CPG (CO₂ Plume Geothermal) Systems

by Sofianos Panagiotis Fotias and Vassilis Gaganis

Mater. Proc. 2023, 15(1), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2023015095 - 19 Mar 2025

Abstract

Geothermal energy is typically produced from underground reservoirs using water as the working fluid to transfer heat energy to surface and eventually to the delivery point. CO₂ has been proposed as an alternative working fluid due to its improved mobility, density and [...] Read more.

Geothermal energy is typically produced from underground reservoirs using water as the working fluid to transfer heat energy to surface and eventually to the delivery point. CO₂ has been proposed as an alternative working fluid due to its improved mobility, density and its supercritical phase state, leading thus to so-called CPG (CO₂ Plume Geothermal) systems. As a positive side effect, the injected CO₂ mass circulation in the reservoir can be considered a CO₂ storage mechanism, which, depending on the size of the porous medium, may account for few millions of CO₂ tons. Moreover, the thermosiphon effect, owned to the significant change of fluid density between the injection (cold) and the production wells (hot) as well as to its change along the wells, significantly reduces the need for pumping, hence the operating costs. In this work, we setup a mathematical model that fully describes flow in the production/injection wells doublet as well as in the geothermal reservoir. Subsequently, the model is used to evaluate the sensitivity of the beneficial effects of circulating CO₂ rather than water. Parameters such as reservoir properties, injection temperature and thermal effects, are tweaked to demonstrate the sensitivity of each one to the system performance. The results can be utilized as a guideline to the design of such systems and to the emphasis needed to be paid by the engineers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2nd International Conference on Raw Materials and Circular Economy “RawMat2023”)

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7 pages, 2393 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Basic Understanding of the Flow Characteristics over a Bio-Inspired Corrugated Wing at a Low Reynolds Number (10’000) in Gliding Flight

by Almajd Alhinai and Torsten Schenkel

Mater. Proc. 2025, 20(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025020007 - 13 Mar 2025

Abstract

A computational fluid dynamics-based study of a corrugated wing section inspired by the dragonfly wing was performed for a low Reynolds number (10’000), focusing on gliding flight. The aerodynamic characteristics are compared to those of a typical technical aerofoil (NACA 0009). The objective [...] Read more.

A computational fluid dynamics-based study of a corrugated wing section inspired by the dragonfly wing was performed for a low Reynolds number (10’000), focusing on gliding flight. The aerodynamic characteristics are compared to those of a typical technical aerofoil (NACA 0009). The objective of this study is to develop a simulation tool for the design and development of corrugated wings for aerospace applications and to gain a better understanding of the flow over corrugated wing sections. The simulation results were verified using a convergence study and validated by an angle of attack study and comparison with experimental results. The results demonstrated the simulations capability of predicting key flow features but there were some discrepancies from the experimental observations, mainly the prediction of the critical angle of attack. Overall, the simulation results demonstrated a comparable, if not better, aerodynamic performance compared to the technical aerofoil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biomimetics)

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Graphical abstract

7 pages, 655 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Fish Scale-Inspired Stab-Resistant Body Armour

by Sidharath Sharma and Parvez Alam

Mater. Proc. 2025, 20(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025020006 - 12 Mar 2025

Abstract

While commercially available lightweight “stab-proof” apparel exists, it offers little resistance to true stabbing as it is primarily designed to withstand slash attacks. Yet, crimes involving the use of a knife or sharp instrument have consistently been rising in the UK over several [...] Read more.

While commercially available lightweight “stab-proof” apparel exists, it offers little resistance to true stabbing as it is primarily designed to withstand slash attacks. Yet, crimes involving the use of a knife or sharp instrument have consistently been rising in the UK over several decades. For the most part, the various proposed solutions to stab-proofing are based on speciality textiles and while these have shown success in slash-proofing, their utility for stab-proofing is still somewhat of a misnomer. Nature showcases a plethora of puncture-resisting materials and structures. At the macro-scale, these include carapaces, egg cases, toughened skin, and more. One of the most effective protective mechanisms known comes through surface scaling, present on animals such as reptiles and fish. Scaled protective armours present in extant fish species include overlapping elasmoid scales, interlocking ganoid scales, placoid scales, tessellating carapace scutes, and interlocking plates. Here, we research overlapping and interlocking scaled structures to ascertain the stab penetration resistance of biomimetic scaled structures against continuum material to obtain the force–time relationship of the impact event as well as ascertaining the penetration depth. We use additive manufacturing methods to manufacture biomimetic armour made of nylon, a common protective artificial material used in slash-proofing textiles. Stab testing to the closely replicated HOSDB body armour standard 2017, we find that biomimetic scales made of nylon offer greater protection against direct stabbing than continuum nylon material sheets. This can be attributed to (a) the heightened flexibility in an interlocked fish scale structure that does not exist in a continuum sheet of the same material; (b) the effect of overlapping of the fish scales, resulting in a greater penetration depth requirement before the structure undergoes perforation; and (c) segmentation into smaller armour plates (of the same thickness) rather than continuum sheets provides a lower span-to-depth ratio, therefore leading to a smaller deflection of the plate upon impact and a greater deceleration and, hence, a greater impact force. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biomimetics)

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8 pages, 7098 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Caninoid Necro-Robots: Geometrically Selected Rearticulation of Canine Mandibles

by Ben Jørgensen, Oscar Powell, Freddie Coen, Jack Lord, Yang Han Ng, Jeremiah Brennan, Gurå Therese Bergkvist and Parvez Alam

Mater. Proc. 2025, 20(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025020005 - 12 Mar 2025

Abstract

In line with Sustainable Development Goal 9 (sustainable industrialisation and innovation), environmentally responsible engineering designs in modern robotics should consider factors such as renewability, sustainability, and biodegradability. The robotics sector is growing at an exponential rate and, as a consequence, its contribution to [...] Read more.

In line with Sustainable Development Goal 9 (sustainable industrialisation and innovation), environmentally responsible engineering designs in modern robotics should consider factors such as renewability, sustainability, and biodegradability. The robotics sector is growing at an exponential rate and, as a consequence, its contribution to e-waste is a growing concern. Our work contributes to the technological development of caninoid necro-robots, robots that are built from the skeletons of deceased dogs. The already formed skeletal structures of deceased dogs (and other animals) are ideal natural material replacements for synthetic robotic architectures such as plastics, metals, and composites. Since dog skeletons are disarticulated, simple but effective methods need to be developed to rearticulate their bodies. The canine head is essentially a large end effector, but its mandible is held together by a fibrocartilaginous joint (symphysis) that degrades at a higher rate than the bone itself. The degradation of the symphysis would ordinarily negate the utility of a canine head as a necro-robotic end effector; however, in this research, we consider simple methods of mandible reinforcement to circumvent this problem. Our research uses 3D scans of a real canine head, which is modelled using the finite element method to ascertain optimal geometrical reinforcements for the mandible. The full head structures and their reinforcements are printed and adhesively connected to determine the most effective reinforcing strategy of the mandible. Here, we elucidate geometrically selected reinforcement designs that are evidenced through mechanical testing, to successfully increase the stiffness of a disarticulated mandible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biomimetics)

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7 pages, 2143 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Performance of Fish Scale-Inspired Armour Subjected to Impact Loading by Different Impactor Shapes: A Numerical Investigation

by Hari Bahadur Dura, Paul J. Hazell and Hongxu Wang

Mater. Proc. 2025, 20(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025020004 - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact performance of a hybrid scale–tissue structure inspired by elasmoid fish scales. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) acted as the hard scales, whereas thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) mimicked the soft tissue. Low-velocity impact scenarios were investigated using a commercially available software, [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the impact performance of a hybrid scale–tissue structure inspired by elasmoid fish scales. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) acted as the hard scales, whereas thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) mimicked the soft tissue. Low-velocity impact scenarios were investigated using a commercially available software, ANSYS LS-Dyna. The effect of indenter shape (conical, hemispherical, and flat head) was studied at three impact energy levels (50 J, 75 J, and 100 J). The specific energy absorbed for the conical indenter was the highest. The peak force for the conical, hemispherical, and flat-head indenters at an impact energy of 100 J was 6.0 kN, 5.4 kN, and 4.5 kN, respectively. The primary failure modes were shear failure and tensile breaking of the scales. The present study highlights the effect of indenter shape on the impact behaviour of a fish scale-inspired structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biomimetics)

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12 pages, 6353 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Low-Velocity Impact Behaviour of Biomimetic Cornstalk-Inspired Lightweight Structures

by Shakib Hyder Siddique, Paul J. Hazell, Gerald G. Pereira, Hongxu Wang and Juan P. Escobedo

Mater. Proc. 2025, 20(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025020003 - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamic response and damage characteristics of cornstalk-inspired lightweight structures. Specimens were fabricated via 3D printing using Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) as the chosen thermoplastic due to its toughness and resistance to impact. Low-velocity impact tests were conducted at varying [...] Read more.

This study investigates the dynamic response and damage characteristics of cornstalk-inspired lightweight structures. Specimens were fabricated via 3D printing using Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) as the chosen thermoplastic due to its toughness and resistance to impact. Low-velocity impact tests were conducted at varying incident energies, with subsequent damage analyses performed using X-ray CT scans. The effect of geometrical variations in the constituents on energy-absorbing capability was also investigated. The results demonstrate a ~14% increase in specific energy absorption (SEA) compared to quasi-static measurements. This research is built upon the authors’ previous work on the quasi-static response of the cornstalk-inspired design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biomimetics)

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2 pages, 140 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

The International Conference on Advanced Nano Materials—ANM 2024

by Joao Ventura and Elby Titus

Mater. Proc. 2025, 21(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025021006 - 5 Mar 2025

Abstract

The ANM2024 Conference (https://www [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The International Conference on Advanced Nano Materials)

4 pages, 179 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The H2Excellence Project-Fuel Cells and Green Hydrogen Centers of Vocational Excellence Towards Achieving Affordable, Secure, and Sustainable Energy for Europe

by António J. Gano, Paulo J. R. Pinto, Maria A. Esteves and Carmen M. Rangel

Mater. Proc. 2025, 21(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025021005 - 28 Feb 2025

Abstract

The demand for green hydrogen (H₂) and related technologies is expected to increase in the coming years, driven by climate changes and energy security of supply issues, amid the European and global energy crises. The European Green Deal and REpowerEU Plan [...] Read more.

The demand for green hydrogen (H₂) and related technologies is expected to increase in the coming years, driven by climate changes and energy security of supply issues, amid the European and global energy crises. The European Green Deal and REpowerEU Plan have identified H₂ as a key pillar for reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and for the intensification of hydrogen delivery targets, bringing the large-scale adoption of hydrogen production and applications, and stressing the need for a skilled workforce in emergent H₂ markets. To that end, the H2Excellence project will establish a Platform of Vocational Excellence in the field of fuel cells and green hydrogen technologies, with an educational and training scheme to tackle identified skill gaps and to implement life-long learning opportunities. This project aims to become a European benchmark in training and knowledge transfer, incorporating the entire hydrogen value chain. The work is supported by the Knowledge Triangle Model, integrating education, research, and innovation efforts to build a dynamic ecosystem in the green hydrogen sector. In this work, activities conducted so far by LNEG as a project partner and expected impacts are highlighted. Those activities are based on a stakeholder needs assessment conducted by project partners and on the knowledge and experience accumulated in research activities developed in the Materials for Energy research area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The International Conference on Advanced Nano Materials)

10 pages, 1433 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Biomimetic-Hydrogel-Based Electronic Skin: An Overview Based on Patenting Activities and the Market

by Ahmed Fatimi

Mater. Proc. 2025, 20(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025020002 - 28 Feb 2025

Abstract

Electronic skin (e-skin) is an innovative technology characterized by its flexibility, stretchability, and self-healing properties, designed to biomimic the functionalities of human or animal skin. This technology is well-suited for applications in robotics, prosthetics, and health monitoring since it can sense a wide [...] Read more.

Electronic skin (e-skin) is an innovative technology characterized by its flexibility, stretchability, and self-healing properties, designed to biomimic the functionalities of human or animal skin. This technology is well-suited for applications in robotics, prosthetics, and health monitoring since it can sense a wide range of tactile signals, such as humidity, pressure, temperature, and stress. Developing e-skin for wearable devices faces several challenges. One major challenge is the need for soft and stretchable electronic materials, as conventional materials are brittle. Furthermore, the development of skin-like hydrogel devices for wearable electronics faces challenges such as limited functionality, low ambient stability, poor surface adhesion, and relatively high power consumption. Innovation in this area has the potential to pay off. Organizations that invest in and develop innovative e-skin technologies based on biomimetic hydrogels can secure intellectual property rights through patents. This study is dedicated to reviewing the state of the art by presenting what has been patented concerning biomimetic-hydrogel-based e-skin. At the end, a section presents relevant patents to demonstrate the innovation and formulation of such hydrogels as biomimetic materials for e-skin applications. A market overview of e-skins is also presented. This contextualizes the significance of research in biomimetic-hydrogel-based e-skins within the broader commercial landscape. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biomimetics)

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7 pages, 3217 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Studying the Magnetic Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Coated NdFeB Magnets

by Fatih Doğan

Mater. Proc. 2025, 21(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025021004 - 25 Feb 2025

Abstract

Commercial NdFeB magnets are often coated with different thin layers to increase corrosion resistance. Fast and reliable test methods are being developed, especially for the automotive industry. Since corrosion test methods can inadequately describe the operating conditions of the e-motor, magnets are usually [...] Read more.

Commercial NdFeB magnets are often coated with different thin layers to increase corrosion resistance. Fast and reliable test methods are being developed, especially for the automotive industry. Since corrosion test methods can inadequately describe the operating conditions of the e-motor, magnets are usually only tested in the demagnetized state. Corrosion tests close to sintered NdFeB magnet e-motor application conditions have been applied. Corrosion tests for sintered NdFeB magnets are usually demagnetized and performed in aqueous solutions or vapor environments instead of organic substances such as oil. In this study, sintered NdFeB magnets were immersed in a pre-saturated water-based salt solution and placed in gearbox oil. The test conditions have been specially selected to test the suitability of the magnets for e-motor applications (e.g., in hybrid vehicles). The microstructural effect of magnetic properties and corrosion resistance on the NdFeB magnets have been systematically studied. The aim of the study is the realization of the coating on the sintered NdFeB magnet, which provides high corrosion resistance and significantly reduces the thickness of the coating and ensures maximum efficiency in the use of magnets. The results of these studies are thought to play an important role in determining and optimizing the usage strategy of coated NdFeB magnets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The International Conference on Advanced Nano Materials)

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Materials Proceedings

Vol. 21

ANM 2024

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