Search Results (7,251)

The anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) is a highly abundant but underutilized fish resource in China, primarily due to its extreme post-harvest perishability. This study expanded the utilization of anchovy by developing a blended surimi from anchovy and golden threadfin bream, an I-optimal mixing design experiment was performed to optimize the formulation, and the effects of soy protein isolate (SPI), egg white powder (EWP), and yeast protein (YP) on the gel properties were investigated. The results of sensory evaluation and model prediction indicated that SPI had the most pronounced positive effect on the sensory characteristics of the gels, especially improving the elasticity, followed by EWP. Furthermore, the SPI-rich sample exhibited superior gel strength and chewiness, which was attributed to the increased β-sheet structure and the highest content of disulfide bonds in the protein network. And the water hold capacity of SPI-rich sample increased by 6.0%. The YP-rich group showed the strongest hydrophobic interactions and exhibited a significant enhancement in water hold capacity of 7.7%, which also provided a notable improvement in gel strength. The results showed that EWP contributed to the smoothness of the surimi, but it had no significant impact on water distribution, water-holding capacity, or the content of disulfide bonds within the gel network. Moreover, the EWP-rich group exhibited reduced the gel strength, hardness, and chewiness of the gel, resulting in the lowest overall sensory score of the surimi. Therefore, the optimal composite ratio was determined to be SPI:EWP:YP = 5.45%:2.55%:2.00%. These findings provided a precise blending strategy for developing high-quality surimi products from anchovy, offering a viable technical pathway for the value-added utilization of this resource. Full article

Semi-coking wastewater generated during coal pyrolysis contains extremely high concentrations of refractory organic pollutants, resulting in elevated chemical oxygen demand (COD) and posing significant environmental risks, making efficient COD removal a critical challenge for sustainable wastewater treatment in the coal chemical industry. In this study, a porous carbon-based resin (XDA-1G) was investigated as an adsorbent for COD removal from semi-coking wastewater. The adsorption performance and underlying mechanisms were systematically evaluated through adsorption isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic analyses, combined with structural characterization using FTIR, XPS, BET, XRD, and SEM–EDS. The resin exhibited a high COD removal efficiency of up to 91% with a maximum adsorption capacity of 2182 mg g⁻¹. Kinetic analysis followed the pseudo-second-order model, while the Freundlich isotherm best described the equilibrium behavior, indicating heterogeneous adsorption. Thermodynamic parameters confirmed that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. Spectroscopic and structural analyses revealed that COD removal is mainly governed by synergistic mechanisms including π–π interactions between aromatic pollutants and the carbon framework, hydrogen bonding with oxygen-containing functional groups, and pore filling within the hierarchical porous structure. These findings demonstrate the strong potential of porous carbon-based resins as efficient adsorbents for treating high-strength industrial wastewater. Full article

Despite the growing interest in orally disintegrating films (ODFs), developing soy protein isolate (SPI)-based ODFs with both rapid disintegration and high functional stability remains a challenge. This study developed a novel SPI-based ODF incorporated with a cinnamaldehyde/β-cyclodextrin (CA/β-CD) inclusion complex at varying concentrations (5‒20%, w/w) to address this gap. The control ODF exhibited poor structural order, a slow disintegration rate, and weak antioxidant activity. The incorporation of an appropriate amount of CA/β-CD inclusion complex (10‒15%) significantly improved the comprehensive properties of the ODFs. The inclusion complex facilitated the formation of an orderly, continuous network structure, leading to a substantial enhancement in tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), disintegration rate, thermal stability, and sustained antioxidant activity. An excessive inclusion complex concentration (20%) induced agglomeration, compromising the structural integrity and functionality of the ODF. FTIR and secondary structure analyses revealed that the enhanced hydrogen bonding between the CA/β-CD inclusion complex and the SPI matrix promoted the transformation of disordered protein structures into ordered conformations (β-sheets and α-helices). This structural ordering is the core mechanism driving the improved macroscopic physicochemical and functional properties of the ODFs. This study confirms that CA/β-CD inclusion complexes can enhance the performance of SPI-based ODFs and provide a highly promising delivery system for hydrophobic bioactive substances. Full article

To address the accumulation of construction and demolition waste (W&D), this study recycled it into regenerated fine aggregate and prepared 3D-printed mortars with replacement ratios ranging from 0% to 100%. The mechanical properties of hardened specimens were tested, and the degradation mechanisms of mechanical performance were investigated through SEM, MIP, and microhardness analysis. The carbon emissions of the materials were evaluated. The results indicated that while the 3D-printed mortar exhibited excellent buildability, its compressive strength, flexural strength, and interlayer bond strength gradually decreased with increasing replacement ratio. MIP results showed that as the replacement ratio of the W&D increased from 0% to 100%, the total porosity of the 3D-printed specimens significantly increased from 14.7433% to 27.5903%. SEM and microhardness images confirmed severe ITZ deterioration, and the average ITZ width increased from 31 to 79 μm. As the W&D replacement ratio increased from 0% to 100%, the total GWP decreased from 0.4043 to 0.3800 kg CO₂-eq/kg mortar. Maximizing the utilization of W&D is key to achieving efficient utilization of solid waste. Considering printability, mechanical performance, interlayer behavior, microstructural characteristics, and environmental impact in a comprehensive manner, the 80% W&D replacement ratio can be regarded as a relatively balanced and promising selection. This work not only suggests the technical feasibility of recycling W&D in 3D printing mortar, but also proposes a sustainable pathway to reduce carbon emissions in construction. Full article

To address the trade-off between storage stability and curing reactivity in NCO-terminated waterborne polyurethane (WPU) systems, a solvent-free WPU emulsion with dual-curing characteristics was developed using vanillin (VAN) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate/pentaerythritol triacrylate (HEA/PETA). Hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (DMBA) were used as the isocyanate component and internal hydrophilic moiety, respectively, to prepare a self-dispersible polyurethane prepolymer. VAN was introduced as a latent isocyanate-related component, while HEA/PETA served as acrylate-bearing reactive modifiers, followed by self-emulsification to form a stable aqueous dispersion. The prepolymer structure, curing behavior, and adhesive performance on bamboo substrates were systematically investigated. The results supported the successful introduction of VAN-derived structures into the polyurethane chains and the retention of polymerizable C=C bonds from HEA/PETA. Thermal analysis suggested dual-curing behavior with two distinguishable thermal events, involving lower-temperature polymerization of unsaturated groups and a VAN-related higher-temperature reaction. The resulting WPU exhibited dry and wet shear strengths above 23 MPa and 9 MPa, respectively. These findings demonstrate a feasible strategy for integrating emulsion stability, staged curing, and adhesive performance in solvent-free WPU systems. Full article

Silver-coated copper (Cu@Ag) core–shell nanoparticles are promising interconnect materials for electronic packaging due to their high conductivity, oxidation resistance, and reduced use of precious metals. However, the key factors governing their sintering behavior and mechanical performance are not fully understood. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to examine the effects of sintering pressure (300–700 MPa), temperature (500–700 K), particle size, and silver shell thickness on atomic diffusion, microstructural evolution, and mechanical properties. Results show that higher pressure improves particle contact, accelerates densification, and strengthens interfacial bonding, with optimal performance achieved at 600–700 MPa. Elevated temperatures enhance atomic mobility, promoting neck growth and pore elimination, with the most active diffusion observed between 650 K and 700 K. Particle size and shell thickness also affect sintering: the Ag6Cu3 configuration exhibits the highest atomic mobility and a balanced combination of strength and ductility. Moderately thick silver shells facilitate surface diffusion and interfacial interdiffusion, while mechanisms such as the Kirkendall effect and local plastic relaxation reduce defect density, yielding stable sintered structures. These findings provide atomic-scale insights into the sintering mechanisms of Cu@Ag nanoparticle solder pastes and offer guidance for optimizing processing parameters in high-performance electronic packaging applications. Full article

Two-dimensional Ti₃C₂O₂ MXene has emerged as a promising electrode material for non-enzymatic glucose sensing due to its metallic conductivity and biocompatibility. However, the atomic-scale sensing mechanism remains unclear. This DFT study uses the PBE functional with the D3(BJ) dispersion correction to elucidate glucose–MXene interactions under idealized vacuum conditions. Pristine Ti₃C₂O₂ shows metallic behavior with a density of states of about 8.2 states per electron volt at the Fermi level, dominated by Ti 3d states. β-d-glucose adsorbs onto the surface through hydrogen bonding, with an adsorption energy of −0.82 eV at a separation distance of 2.8 angstroms. Bader analysis indicates a transfer of about 0.15 electrons from MXene to glucose, resulting in a Fermi level shift of about −0.15 eV and an 18% reduction in the density of states at the Fermi level. These changes correspond to an estimated sensitivity of approximately 0.6 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻² and a detection limit of about 17 µM, consistent with reported experimental performance of MXene-based sensors. Comparative adsorption calculations for common sweat interferents yield −0.45 eV for lactate and −0.25 eV for urea, indicating weaker interfacial affinity than glucose; these values reflect thermodynamic binding strength and possible surface occupation rather than definitive electrochemical selectivity, which additionally depends on redox potential, electron-transfer kinetics, and operating bias. We acknowledge three main limitations: first, the model considers only pure oxygen termination rather than mixed oxygen, hydroxyl, and fluorine terminations; second, the calculations are performed under vacuum rather than in aqueous conditions; third, the study is based on static zero kelvin structures rather than finite temperature dynamics. Despite these idealizations, the results provide baseline mechanistic insights to support rational design of MXene-based glucose sensors. Full article

To address inherent limitations of chitosan-based edible films, including inadequate mechanical strength and poor moisture resistance, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were employed as a synergistic film-forming component to partially substitute chitosan in the fabrication of ternary composite films (denoted as CSTF-CNFs). This approach was based on a previously developed chitosan matrix modified with tannin-Fe³⁺ nanoparticles (TF). It was hypothesized that CNF could function as a reinforcing scaffold to improve the dispersion of TF within the film matrix and, through hydrogen bonding and physical entanglement, form an interpenetrating fiber network with chitosan, thereby enhancing the structural and barrier properties of the films. The present study systematically evaluated the influence of varying CNF substitution ratios (0–30%) on the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting composite films and their performance in tomato preservation. The results demonstrated that an appropriate CNF incorporation facilitated the formation of a dense, cross-linked network with chitosan and TF via hydrogen bond interactions, significantly improving both mechanical strength and water resistance. Among all formulations, the CSTF-CNF20 film exhibited optimal comprehensive performance, achieving the highest tensile strength of 27.60 MPa. Moreover, its swelling ratio markedly decreased from 675.5% (CSTF-CNF0) to 120.9%, while the water contact angle increased to 113.7°, and the DPPH radical scavenging activity remained above 85%. Tomato preservation assays revealed that, in comparison with the untreated control and polyethylene film-wrapped groups, the application of CSTF-CNF20 coating effectively mitigated the decline in weight loss and firmness, preserved surface color integrity, and resulted in the highest L* value alongside the lowest soluble solids content. These findings suggest that the synergistic integration of CNF with nano-scale metal–phenolic networks offers a viable strategy for developing high-performance chitosan-based edible films. The CSTF-CNF20 composite film holds significant promise for application in the postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables. Full article

Natural pumice can reduce the self-weight of concrete, but its high porosity, high water absorption, and weak interfacial bonding tend to limit the strength and durability of lightweight aggregate concrete. To address this issue, this study proposes a method for preparing and applying reinforced pumice lightweight aggregates, namely, using nano-SiO₂-modified fly ash to construct a nanocomposite material at the micro-interface for the reinforcement treatment of natural pumice aggregates, and reveals the mechanism by which this treatment enhances the performance of lightweight aggregate concrete. Through aggregate performance tests, compressive strength tests, XRD, SEM, and freeze–thaw cycle tests, the effects of the reinforced pumice aggregate on the performance of lightweight concrete were systematically investigated. The results show that after the reinforcement treatment, the water absorption of the pumice aggregate decreases by 17.6%, and the cylinder compressive strength increases by 34.3%. As the replacement ratio of reinforced pumice increases, both the early-age and later-age compressive strengths of the concrete continuously improve. When all the pumice aggregate is reinforced, the 3 d and 28 d compressive strengths increase by 35.1% and 33.44%, respectively. Meanwhile, the reinforced pumice effectively improves the interfacial bonding between the aggregate and the cement paste, reducing the width of the interfacial transition zone by 32%, enhancing the matrix compactness, and delaying crack propagation. The study demonstrates that the reinforced pumice aggregate possesses favorable characteristics, not only effectively improving the mechanical properties and freeze–thaw resistance of lightweight concrete but also providing a new technical pathway for the high-performance utilization of porous lightweight aggregates, offering a reference for the resource utilization of industrial solid waste and engineering applications in cold regions. Full article

The growing need for lightweight, multifunctional, and high-performance structures in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical industries has driven the development of advanced joining technologies for polymers and metal-polymer combinations. Among these, ultrasonic welding (USW) and friction stir spot welding (FSSW) have emerged as promising solid-state techniques capable of producing reliable joints with minimal thermal degradation and enhanced interfacial bonding. This review focuses on recent developments in USW and FSSW of thermoplastics, fiber-reinforced composites, and hybrid metal–polymer systems, with a particular emphasis on process mechanics, microstructural evolution, and joint performance. The mechanisms of heat generation, material flow behavior, and consolidation are discussed in relation to key process parameters, including applied pressure, rotational speed, vibration amplitude, plunge depth, and dwell time. Microstructural transformations such as polymer chain orientation, recrystallization, interfacial diffusion, and defect formation are analyzed to establish process–structure–property relationships. Mechanical performance metrics, including lap shear strength, fatigue resistance, impact behavior, and environmental durability, are critically compared across different materials and welding methods. Furthermore, recent advances in numerical and thermo-mechanical modeling, in situ process monitoring, and data-driven optimization are discussed to highlight pathways toward predictive and scalable manufacturing. Current industrial applications and existing limitations such as challenges in automation, thickness constraints, and hybrid material compatibility are also evaluated. Finally, key research gaps and future directions are identified to improve joint reliability, sustainability, and broader industrial adoption of advanced solid-state welding technologies. Full article

Silane-based hydrophobic coatings are widely used to improve the durability of cement-based materials in aggressive environments such as marine and hydraulic structures. However, their long-term effectiveness is strongly influenced by interfacial adhesion degradation under humid conditions, which remains a critical challenge in engineering applications. From a scientific perspective, the fundamental mechanisms governing how silane-based coatings interact with cement hydration products, particularly under varying moisture conditions, are still not fully understood. In particular, the role of interfacial water in regulating bonding strength and intermolecular force transfer at the nanoscale has not been quantitatively clarified. To address these issues, this study investigates the interfacial debonding behavior of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a representative silane-based hydrophobic component, on calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) substrates using molecular dynamics simulations under controlled hydration states. The results show that the interfacial interaction is dominated by van der Waals forces, with a calculated binding energy of approximately 357 kcal/m². As the interfacial water content increases from dry to high-humidity conditions, the maximum debonding force (F_max) decreases from approximately 1.6 × 10³ pN to 1.3 × 10³ pN, corresponding to a reduction of about 18–20%. Similarly, the debonding work (W_max) shows a consistent decreasing trend, indicating reduced energy required for interface separation. This reduction is attributed to the formation of a continuous water film, which increases the interfacial separation distance and reduces the efficiency of intermolecular force transfer. These findings demonstrate the humidity-dependent weakening of interfacial adhesion and provide new insights into the nanoscale mechanisms governing the performance of silane-based coatings. The results offer a theoretical basis for optimizing the durability and reliability of hydrophobic treatments in cement-based materials under realistic service conditions. Full article

Collapsible soils present significant geotechnical challenges due to their abrupt volume reduction and strength degradation upon wetting, which can lead to severe structural damage. This study evaluates the effectiveness of sustainable and eco-friendly additives—including rice husk ash, lime, eggshell powder, turmeric, polypropylene fibers, nanosilica, and Sarooj mortar—in stabilizing a naturally collapsible clay soil from Gorgan, Iran. A comprehensive experimental program comprising collapse potential, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and unconsolidated undrained (UU) triaxial tests was conducted. The untreated soil exhibited a high collapse potential of approximately 11.1%, classifying it as severely collapsible. Upon stabilization, the collapse potential was significantly reduced to 1.35–4.63%, representing a reduction of up to ~88%, and reclassifying the soil into slight to moderate collapsibility. In terms of strength improvement, the UCS increased from 0.71 kg/cm² (untreated soil) to values exceeding 3.5–4.3 kg/cm² after 28 days of curing, corresponding to an increase of more than 4–5 times depending on the mixture composition. Additionally, triaxial test results indicated improvements of over 20% in shear strength parameters, including cohesion and friction angle, particularly after 28 days of curing. The observed improvements are attributed to the combined effects of pozzolanic reactions (lime, rice husk ash, nanosilica), cementitious bonding (Sarooj mortar), and mechanical reinforcement (polypropylene fibers), which collectively enhance soil structure, reduce the void ratio, and increase interparticle bonding. Among the tested mixtures, samples containing higher nanosilica and fiber content demonstrated superior performance in both strength and collapse resistance. Overall, the integration of traditional Sarooj mortar with modern eco-friendly additives provides a sustainable and efficient solution for mitigating collapse potential and enhancing the mechanical behavior of clayey soils. The proposed approach offers a low-carbon alternative to conventional stabilization methods, with significant implications for foundation engineering and infrastructure development in regions with problematic soils. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bond reliability is essential in orthodontic treatment, as temperature fluctuations in the oral environment can weaken adhesive interfaces and increase the risk of bracket failure. However, direct comparison of the long-term durability of commonly used orthodontic resin cements under thermocycling conditions is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) and failure modes of Transbond™ XT and Orthomite™ LC before and after thermal cycling (Tc). Methods: A total of 60 bovine enamel specimens were used in this study. Specimens were bonded with either Transbond XT or Orthomite LC under standardized conditions. SBS was measured at 24 h (Tc0) and after 5000 thermal cycles (Tc5000). Failure modes were classified as adhesive (A), enamel cohesive (B), or bracket cohesive (C) failure. Statistical analyses included the Mann–Whitney U test for SBS and Fisher’s exact test for failure mode distribution. Results: At Tc0, there was no significant difference in SBS between the two cements (p > 0.05). After Tc5000, Orthomite LC showed significantly higher SBS than Transbond XT (p = 0.00368). Failure mode analysis revealed that, after Tc, Transbond XT exhibited a higher incidence of adhesive failures (A), whereas Orthomite LC predominantly demonstrated bracket cohesive failures (C) (p = 0.00020). Conclusions: Orthomite LC demonstrated greater resistance to thermal cycling–induced bond degradation compared with Transbond XT, likely due to differences in resin monomer composition and interface stability. Full article

This study addresses the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics by developing biodegradable composites from peach and apple processing waste employing hot compression molding. Utilizing a definitive screening design, the impact of the process variables, including recipe composition, grinding size, pressure, temperature, and holding time, on the physical (including water resistance) and mechanical properties of the composites was systematically evaluated. Physicochemical and thermal analyses of the dried by-products indicated that processing temperatures below 150 °C prevent the degradation of lignocellulosic constituents. The results demonstrated that increasing both the molding pressure and holding time decreased the composite thickness, while enhancing the stiffness and flexural strength, with modulus of elasticity values exceeding 1000 MPa under optimal conditions. Higher molding temperatures reduced water absorption and diffusivity, particularly in lignin-rich composites, by promoting lignin softening and particle consolidation, resulting in denser structures with limited moisture transport. Biodegradability was assessed through soil burial tests over 200 days, revealing a weight loss ranging from 54.2% to 90.7% among samples, with apple-based composites exhibiting greater degradation compared to peach-based ones. Overall, the study highlights the development of a “green composite” formulation inspired by biomimetic principles, exploiting the natural self-bonding capacity of lignocellulosic biomass, where two different-in-composition biowastes are combined to produce a plastic-free composite material with possible applications in the foodservice industry. Full article

To enhance the mechanical properties and waterproof performance of polymer–cement (JS) waterproof coatings, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were surface-modified using vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES). The modified cellulose nanofibrils (m-CNFs) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). JS waterproof coatings incorporating m-CNFs were subsequently prepared. The performance and mechanism were systematically evaluated using the tensile strength, bonding strength, water absorption, contact angle, permeability test, durability test, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results indicated that the coating exhibited optimal performance when 1 wt% m-CNFs were incorporated. Under this condition, the tensile strength and bonding strength increased by 33.8% and 9.8%, respectively, while the 7-day water absorption decreased by 72.9%. The contact angle reached 97.1°, and the durability of the coating was also improved. Moreover, the amphiphilic nature introduced by silane modification effectively improved the interfacial adhesion between the organic and inorganic phases within the coating. In addition, due to their water absorption capacity, m-CNFs fill the micropores of the coating during the curing process and produce an internal curing effect, thereby reducing the porosity of the material. As a result of these synergistic effects, the mechanical strength and hydrophobicity of the JS waterproof coating are significantly enhanced. This study expands the application of CNFs, a sustainable nanomaterial, in building waterproofing materials. Full article