Search Results (240)

Solidification cracking is a critical defect in Cu–steel dissimilar laser welding for cylindrical lithium-ion battery busbar assembly, yet the metallurgical role of phosphorus (P) in crack formation has not been quantitatively established. In this study, the influence of phosphorus in the coating layer on weld solidification behavior was clarified by preparing Cu substrates with four different coating conditions—Ni–P-coated Cu (10 and 50 μm) and pure Ni-coated Cu (10 and 50 μm)—and performing high-speed single-mode fiber-laser welding under identical heat-input conditions. Shear-tensile testing, EPMA-based microstructural analysis, and Thermo-Calc solidification calculations were combined to correlate P segregation with solidification cracking susceptibility. The Ni–P 10 μm coating generated severe solidification cracking compared with the pure Ni 50 μm coating, which was attributed to excessive P enrichment in the terminal liquid phase (up to 8.8 mass%). This enrichment significantly expanded the mushy-zone width to approximately 869 K, yielding a highly solidification crack-susceptible fusion zone. In contrast, 50 μm pure Ni coatings produced narrow mushy-zone widths (200–400 K) and extremely low residual P levels (~0.1 mass%), resulting in fully crack-free microstructures. The 50 μm Ni coating exhibited the highest shear-tensile strength and largest rupture displacement among all conditions, confirming that suppression of P segregation directly improves both structural integrity and mechanical performance. Overall, this study demonstrates that phosphorus enrichment critically governs the solidification-cracking susceptibility of Cu–steel dissimilar welds by widening the solidification temperature range. Eliminating P from the coating layer and applying an adequately thick pure Ni coating constitute highly effective strategies for achieving crack-free, mechanically robust welds in lithium-ion battery busbar manufacturing. Full article

Ocean waves constitute a vast renewable resource, yet most linear generator-based wave energy converters (WECs) rely on single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) linear oscillators that exhibit narrow resonance bandwidths and utilise sliding components prone to wear. To address these limitations, this paper presents a nonlinear three-degree-of-freedom (3DOF) magnetic spring power-take-off (PTO) system for broadband wave energy harvesting. The device comprises three axially levitated NdFeB permanent magnets, each coupled to an independent copper coil, forming a compact, friction-free generator column. A coupled electromechanical state-space model was developed and experimentally validated on a laboratory-scale test rig. The 3DOF PTO exhibited three distinct resonance modes at approximately 35, 48, and 69 rad s⁻¹, enabling multi-mode energy capture across a broad frequency range. Under identical excitation (6.5 N amplitude and 3.13 Hz excitation force), the 3DOF configuration achieved a 114.5% increase in RMS voltage compared with the SDOF design and a 44.10% improvement over the 2DOF benchmark, confirming the effectiveness of the coupled resonance mechanism. The levitated magnetic architecture eliminates mechanical contact and lubrication, reducing wear and maintenance while improving long-term reliability in marine environments. A preliminary life-cycle assessment estimated a cradle-to-gate carbon intensity of 40–80 g CO₂-eq kWh⁻¹, significantly lower than that of conventional hydraulic PTOs, owing to reduced steel use and recyclable magnet assemblies. The proposed 3DOF magnetic spring PTO thus offers a sustainable, low-maintenance, and high-efficiency solution for next-generation ocean-energy converters. Full article

Sichuan-style black soybean soy sauce is a traditional fermented condiment renowned for its complex and regionally distinctive flavor profile. This study systematically investigated the physicochemical properties, flavor compounds, and microbial succession during six months of natural fermentation to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its unique flavor formation. Results showed that the amino acid nitrogen level increased to a peak of 1.37 g/100 mL before stabilizing at 1.01 g/100 mL, accompanied by a continuous rise in total acidity (0.69–2.75 g/100 mL). A total of 132 volatile compounds were identified, with esters (e.g., hexanoic acid, methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, and methyl ester), alcohols (e.g., (E)-2-hepten-1-ol and trans-2-undecen-1-ol), and aldehydes (e.g., benzaldehyde and benzeneacetaldehyde) serving as key differentiating components. Nine taste-active (TAV ≥ 1) and 22 odor-active (ROAV ≥ 1) compounds were recognized as major flavor determinants, among which methional (ROAV = 4.77–119.05), 1-octen-3-ol (ROAV = 40.68–149.35), and 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol (ROAV = 4.70–36.26) were dominant contributors imparting sauce-like, mushroom-like, and smoky-clove notes, respectively. Microbial succession revealed a transition from Weissella and Aspergillus dominance in the early stage to salt-tolerant Tetragenococcus and aroma-producing yeasts (Kodamaea and Zygosaccharomyces) in later phases. Beyond organic acids and fermentation parameters (e.g., pH and salinity), microbial interactions were identified as critical drivers shaping community assembly and succession. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed a stage-dependent mechanism of flavor formation. During the initial stage (0–2 months), Aspergillus-mediated proteolysis released free amino acids as key taste precursors. In the later stages (3–6 months), Tetragenococcus and aroma-producing yeasts dominated, synthesizing characteristic esters (e.g., benzoic acid and methyl ester, correlated with Tetragenococcus; r = 0.71, p < 0.05), phenolics (e.g., 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, correlated with Wickerhamomyces; r = 0.89, p < 0.05), and sulfur-containing compounds (e.g., methional, correlated with Wickerhamomyces; r = 0.83, p < 0.05). Full article

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology that is receiving considerable attention in the scientific and industrial communities due to its great ability to efficiently produce functional and complex parts. The present work aims to fabricate a real prototype via SLS, such as a hose reel for industrial applications, using polyamide 11 (PA11) as a starting material. Characterization of the PA11 powder properties was first carried out from a thermal and morphological viewpoint to determine the powder’s thermal stability by TGA, the sintering window and degree of crystallinity by DSC, and the microstructure by SEM, PSD, and XRD analyses. The results revealed that PA11 has a 45-micron average particle size, circularity close to 1, and a Hausner ratio of 1.17. Together, these parameters ensure that PA11 powder flows smoothly, packs uniformly, and forms dense and defect-free layers during the SLS process, directly contributing to high part quality, dimensional precision, and stable process performance. The printability of the PA11 was optimized for the realization of 3D-printed parts for industrial applications. Finally, the quality of the printed samples and the mechanical and thermal performance were investigated. Several PA11-based parts were fabricated via SLS, showing a high level of complexity and definition, ideal for industrial applications, as confirmed by the predominantly green areas of the colored maps of X-CT. A complete prototypal case for a hose reel was assembled by using the parts realized, and it was chosen as a technological demonstrator to verify the feasibility of PA11 powder in the production of industrial professional components. Full article

MXene–polymer hybrids combine the high in-plane conductivity and rich surface chemistry of MXenes with the processability and mechanical tunability of polymers for lithium-metal and lithium–sulfur batteries. Most reported systems still rely on HF-etched MXenes, introducing F-rich terminations, safety and waste issues, and poorly controlled surfaces. This review instead centers on fluoride-free synthesis routes, benchmarks them against HF methods, and translates route–termination relationships into practical rules for choosing polymer backbones. We track the evolution from early linear hosts such as PEO- and PVDF-type polymers to polar nitrile or carbonyl matrices, crosslinked and ionogel networks, and emerging biopolymers and COF-type porous frameworks that are co-designed with MXene terminations to regulate ion transport, interfacial chemistry, and mechanical robustness. These chemistry–backbone pairings are linked to five scalable fabrication modes, including solution blending and film casting, in situ polymerization, surface grafting, layer-by-layer assembly, and electrospinning, and to roles as solid or quasi-solid electrolytes, artificial interphases, separator-like coatings, and electrode-facing architectures. Finally, we highlight key evidence gaps and reporting standards needed to de-risk scale-up of green MXene–polymer batteries. Full article

In this article, we present LaserCAD, an open-source, script-based software toolkit for the design and visualization of optical setups based on parametric ray tracing. Unlike conventional commercial tools, which focus on complex lens optimization and offer dense GUIs with extensive parameters, LaserCAD is tailored for fast, intuitive modeling of laser beam paths and opto-mechanical assemblies with minimal setup overhead. Written in Python, it allows users to describe optical systems in a language close to geometrical optics, using simple commands with sensible defaults for most parameters. Optical elements can be automatically positioned including the required mounts. As a graphical backend, FreeCAD renders 3D models of all components for interactive visualization and post-processing. LaserCAD supports integration with other simulation tools and can automate the creation of alignment aids for 3D printing. This makes it especially suitable for rapid prototyping and lab-ready designs. Full article

Effective management of multidrug-resistant cancers depends on effective, localized drug release and accumulation within the tumor microenvironment. In our work, Pluronic P105 and F127 mixed nanogels (PM) were fabricated through self-assembly to combat multidrug-resistant cancer. The approximate diameter of our prepared PM is 115.7 nm, an optimal size for tumor accumulation through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. An in vitro drug release assay indicated that ultrasound could accelerate the drug release rate in doxorubicin-loaded Pluronic nanogels (PM/D). Additionally, the resistance reversion index (RRI) in the ultrasound-treated PM/D group was 4.55 and was two times higher than that in the free PM/D group, which represented better MDR reverse performance. Cell experiments demonstrated that, after 3 min of ultrasound, a greater amount of chemo-drug was released and absorbed by the MDR human breast cell line (MCF-7/ADR), resulting in significant cytotoxicity. Such enhanced therapeutic efficiency could be attributed to the combined effects of the two independent mechanisms: (i) ultrasound-controllable drug release realized effective release within resistant tumors with spatial and temporal precision and (ii) the contained Pluronic in the PM/D inhibited P-gp-mediated efflux activity to overcome MDR in tumors. Collectively, our findings support the feasibility of ultrasound-responsive PM as a drug-delivery platform for resistant cancers. Full article

Stress granules (SGs) are dynamic membrane-less structures assembled in response to stress. The formation of stress granules in plants is poorly understood, especially the mechanism of mRNA recruitment. The problem of the specificity of mRNA interaction with stress granule proteins is unexplored. Oligouridylate binding protein 1B (UBP1B) is considered as the core element of plant SGs. In this study, we expressed the AtUBP1b protein from Arabidopsis thaliana in E. coli cells. Mass spectroscopic analysis showed that the AtUBP1b protein expressed in E. coli cells is phosphorylated at serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues. We also performed a de novo phosphorylation reaction in wheat germ extracts with the addition of radioactively labeled phosphorus and showed AtUBP1b phosphorylation in plant extracts. We hypothesized that phosphorylation or dephosphorylation of AtUBP1b in plant cells is a signal for protein binding to RNA. The purified protein was tested for its ability to bind to mRNA in vitro. In gel-shifting assays we demonstrated that AtUBP1b protein binds specifically to 5′-untranslated regions (5′UTR) of mRNA. When AtUBP1b was added to a cell-free wheat germ translation system, it exerted different effects on protein synthesis. We showed that AtUBP1b had a significant inhibitory effect on the expression of mRNAs containing 5′UTRs that were shown to bind to the protein in the gel-shifting reaction. Full article

Based on the problem of incomplete mining of Additive Manufacturing (AM) potential caused by the limitations of current Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) methods, this paper proposes to integrate Additive Manufacturing and axiomatic design to obtain the global conceptual design method of products to be manufactured with AM. In response to the lower process dependence of AM technology compared to traditional processes, two integration measures of “influence region division” and “process domain forward” are proposed, and finally, the axiomatic design process for AM is obtained. Taking the assembly-free integrated design of mechanical fingers imitating dexterous hands as an example, the conceptual design method studied was validated. The application of innovative features such as flexible finger joints and lattice-filled finger joints shows that the design method proposed in this paper can deeply tap into the manufacturing potential of AM, achieve lightweight and integrated molding of products, which provides useful references for designers. Full article

The inherent hydrophobicity of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes leads to severe membrane fouling when processing proteinaceous solutions and organic contaminants, significantly limiting their practical applications. This study presents a novel metal-ion mediated co-deposition strategy for fabricating high-performance antifouling poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes. Through Zn²⁺ coordination-driven self-assembly, a uniform and stable composite coating of dopamine (DA), tannic acid (TA), and ZIF-8 nanoparticles was successfully constructed on the membrane surface under mild conditions. The modified membrane exhibited significantly enhanced hydrophilicity, with a water contact angle of 21° and zeta potential of −29.68 mV, facilitating the formation of a dense hydration layer that effectively prevented protein adhesion. The membrane demonstrated exceptional separation performance, achieving a pure water permeability of 771 L/(m²∙h∙bar) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection of 97.7%. Furthermore, it showed outstanding antifouling capability with flux recovery rates exceeding 83.6%, 74.7%, and 71.5% after fouling by BSA, lysozyme, and ovalbumin, respectively. xDLVO analysis revealed substantially increased interfacial free energy and stronger repulsive interactions between the modified surface and protein foulants. The antifouling mechanism was attributed to the synergistic effects of hydration layer formation, optimized pore structure, additional water transport pathways from ZIF-8 incorporation, and electrostatic repulsion from negatively charged surface groups. This work provides valuable insights into the rational design of high-performance antifouling membranes for sustainable water treatment and protein separation applications. Full article

The Bi-Sn, Bi-Sn-Ag, and Bi-Sn-Sb solder alloy systems represent lead-free, environmentally friendly alternatives for reliable electronic assembly. These alloys comply with increasingly strict environmental and health regulations, while offering low melting points suitable for soldering temperature-sensitive components. Microstructural analysis revealed distinct phase segregation in all alloys, with Sb promoting coarse Sn₂Sb₃ intermetallic compounds and Ag inducing fine needle-like Ag₃Sn precipitates. Eutectic refinement and compositional contrast were confirmed by SEM-BSE and EDS mapping. Vickers microhardness measurements revealed increased hardness in Sb- and Ag-modified Bi–Sn alloys, with Ag₃Sn dispersion yielding the highest strengthening effect, indicating enhanced mechanical potential. This study also reports the thermal and electrical conductivities of Bi60Sn40, Bi60Sn35Ag5, and Bi60Sn35Sb5 alloys over the 25–140 °C range. Bi60Sn40 showed an increase in thermal conductivity across the full temperature range from 16.93 to 26.93 W/m·K, while Bi60Sn35Ag5 reached 18.28 W/m·K at 25 °C, and Bi60Sn35Sb5 exhibited 13.90 W/m·K. These findings underline the critical influence of alloying elements on microstructure, phase stability, and thermophysical behavior, supporting their application in low-temperature soldering technologies. Full article

This study aimed to elucidate stage-specific dynamics, assembly mechanisms, and functional roles of bacterial communities during Macrobrachium rosenbergii larval development through high-resolution microbiota profiling. A high-frequency sampling strategy (126 samples across 11 zoeal stages and 1 post-larval stage within 21 days) and 16S rRNA absolute quantification sequencing were employed. Bacterial succession, persistent taxa, and ecological processes were analyzed using abundance-occupancy modeling, neutral community modeling, and PICRUSt2-based functional prediction. Absolute bacterial abundance exhibited a triphasic abundance trajectory. Initial accumulation: Linear increase (Dph 1–5, peak Δlog10 = +1.7). Mid-stage expansion: Peak abundance (log10 = 7.5 copies/g, Dph 7–8). Late-stage remodeling: Secondary peak (log10 = 7.1 copies/g, Dph 19). Eighty dominant amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) (dominant taxa: Herminiimonas, Maritalea, and Enterobacteriaceae) comprised > 95% of the total abundance and coexisted via niche partitioning. Community construction was dominated by ecological drift/dispersal limitation (neutral model R² = 0.16, p < 0.01). Metabolic pathways (e.g., nutrient metabolism) shifted with dietary transition. “Phylogenetic replacement” underpinned microbiota resilience against environmental perturbations. Optimizing aquaculture environments offers a viable antibiotic-free strategy for microbial management, advancing our understanding of host microbe interactions and ecological niche differentiation in aquatic animals. Full article

In this research project a large linear electromagnetic actuator (LLEA) was designed and manufactured. The electromagnetic performance was published in previous works, but in this paper we focus on the technological challenges related to the manufacturing in particular. This LLEA was based on the magnet-free switched-reluctance principle, having six effective energised stator “teeth” and four passive mover parts (4:6 ratio). Various aspects and challenges encountered during the manufacturing, transport, and assembly are discussed. Thermal expansion of steel contributed to the decision of the modular design, with each module having 1.3 m in length, with a 2 mm longitudinal dilatation gap. The initial prototype was tested with a 10.6 m length, with plans to extend the test track to 60 m, which was fully achievable due to the modular design and required 29 tons of electrical steel to be built. The stator laminations were cut by a bespoke progressive tool with stamping, and other parts by a CO₂ laser. Mounting was based on welding (back of the stator) and clamping plates (through insulated bolts). The linear longitudinal force was on the order of 8 kN, with the main air gap of 7.5–10 mm on either side of the mover. The lateral forces could exceed 40 kN and were supported by appropriate construction steel members bolted to the concrete floor. The overall mechanical tolerances after installation remained below 0.5 mm. The technology used for constructing this prototype demonstrated the cost-effective way for a semi-industrial manufacturing scale. Full article

Natural products possess potent pharmacological activities and health benefits. However, drawbacks such as water insolubility, poor stability, and low bioavailability limit their practical applications. This research is dedicated to the development of suitable natural self-assembled nano-delivery systems to encapsulate natural molecule drugs, improving their dispersion and stability in aqueous solution. As a model drug, curcumin (Cur) was encapsulated in zinc–adenine nanoparticles (Zn–Adenine), based on the self-assembly of a coordination matrix material. Hyaluronic acid (HA) was further functionalized on the surface of Cur@(Zn–Adenine) to realize a tumor-targeted delivery system. The morphology was characterized through TEM and zeta potential analyses, while the encapsulation mechanism of the nanoparticles was researched via XRD and FTIR. The formed Cur@(Zn–Adenine)@HA nanoparticles exhibited good drug loading efficiency and drug loading rate. Moreover, compared to free Cur, Cur-loaded (Zn–Adenine)@HA showed enhanced pH stability and thermal stability. In particular, Cur@(Zn–Adenine)@HA demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and strong specificity for targeting CD44 protein on cancer cells. The above results indicate that (Zn–Adenine)@HA NPs can serve as an effective nano-delivery system for hydrophobic substances. Full article

Semiconductor device fabrication is conducted through highly precise manufacturing processes. An essential component of the semiconductor package is the lead frame on which the silicon dies are assembled. Impurities such as oxides or organic matter on the surfaces have an impact on the process yield. Plasma cleaning is a vital process in semiconductor manufacturing, employed to enhance production yield through precise and efficient surface preparation essential for device fabrication. This paper explores the various facets of plasma cleaning, with a particular emphasis on its application in the cleaning of lead frames used in semiconductor packaging. To provide comprehensive context, this paper also reviews the critical role of plasma in advanced and emerging packaging technologies. This study investigates the fundamental physics governing plasma generation, the design of plasma systems, and the composition of the plasma medium. A central focus of this work is the comparative analysis of different plasma systems in terms of their effectiveness in removing organic contaminants and oxide residues from substrate surfaces. By utilizing reactive species generated within the plasma—such as oxygen radicals, hydrogen ions, and other chemically active constituents—these systems enable a non-contact, damage-free cleaning method that offers significant advantages over conventional wet chemical processes. Additionally, the role of non-reactive species, such as argon, in sputtering processes for surface preparation is examined. Sputtering is the ejection of individual atoms from a target surface due to momentum transfer from an energetic particle (usually an ion). Sputtering is therefore a physical process driven by momentum transfer. Energetic ions, such as argon (Ar⁺), are accelerated from the plasma to bombard a target surface. Upon impact, these ions transfer sufficient kinetic energy to atoms within the material’s lattice to overcome their surface binding energy, resulting in their physical ejection. This paper also provides a comparative assessment of various plasma sources, including direct current, dielectric barrier discharge, radio frequency, and microwave-based systems, evaluating their suitability and efficiency for lead frame cleaning applications. Furthermore, it addresses critical parameters affecting plasma cleaning performance, such as gas chemistry, power input, pressure regulation, and substrate handling techniques. The ultimate aim of this paper is to provide a concise yet comprehensive resource that equips technical personnel with the essential knowledge required to make informed decisions regarding plasma cleaning technologies and their implementation in semiconductor manufacturing. This paper provides various tables which provide the reader with comparative assessments of the various plasma sources and gases used. Scoring mechanisms are also introduced and utilized in this paper. The scores achieved by both the sources and the plasma gases are then summarized in this paper’s conclusions. Full article