Search Results (1,434)

High-zinc blast furnace dust is a zinc-bearing solid waste generated during ironmaking. Efficient de-zincing and iron enrichment are required for its resource utilization. This study investigated the high-temperature reduction behavior and kinetic transition mechanism of cold-bonded briquettes made from high-zinc blast furnace dust with a small addition of iron ore powder, with particular emphasis on the effects of reduction temperature (1000–1200 °C) and holding time (10–60 min). The results show that reduction at 1200 °C for 60 min can effectively remove zinc and enrich iron. The de-zincing rate reached 92%, and the TFe grade increased to 50 wt.%, achieving the goal of efficiently removing zinc while improving the TFe grade of the reacted briquettes. During the middle and later stages of reduction (1100–1200 °C, 30–60 min), the content of newly formed metallic iron increased, which restored the briquette strength to 524 N after reduction. In addition, the reduction kinetics of the system evolved from interfacial chemical reaction control in the initial stage to three-dimensional internal diffusion control in the middle and later stages. These results provide a theoretical basis and technical reference for the resource utilization of high-zinc blast furnace dust. Full article

The abrupt failure of shear-deficient RC beams may lead to harmful consequences under dynamic loading. The use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) aims to convert this brittle fracture into a ductile one. However, the complexity of the multiple damage mechanisms makes it difficult to assess their condition using conventional testing methods. In this study, the damage evolution of a shear-critical reference beam and its CFRP-strengthened counterpart was monitored using the acoustic emission (AE) technique. After correcting attenuated AE amplitudes, damage analysis was performed using the Shannon entropy approach based on true source amplitudes. The entropy analysis performed with these corrected data clearly revealed the shear failure in the reference beam through abrupt drops in entropy, indicating damage homogenization. In contrast, the entropy remaining high and dynamically varying over a much longer deflection range in the CFRP-strengthened beam demonstrated that CFRP distributes damage over a wider region and that different damage mechanisms, such as debonding and fiber breakage, in addition to concrete cracking, were simultaneously active. Full article

Our review focuses on methanesulfonamide-containing compounds, a well-characterized class of high-affinity blockers of the hERG potassium channel, which plays a critical role in cardiac repolarization by mediating the cardiac I_Kr. These compounds, which include notable class III antiarrhythmic drugs such as dofetilide and d-sotalol, block the hERG channel in its open state by binding within the inner vestibule. This interaction is particularly strong with some residues and the compounds form hydrogen bonds with others. This binding results in high-affinity inhibition with slow dissociation kinetics, frequently leading to drug trapping and prolonged action potential duration (APD). This can predispose patients to arrhythmias, including Torsades de Pointes. Beyond cardiac drugs, there are several non-cardiac methanesulfonamide drugs that also block the hERG channel. This causes pro-arrhythmic side effects despite their primary indications. The clinical significance of these effects, especially in patients with impaired drug elimination, is that accumulation increases the risk of arrhythmia. The objective of forthcoming research endeavors is to mitigate hERG affinity, with the aim of reducing pro-arrhythmic risks while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This means structural modifications that seek to remove or modify the methanesulfonamide group. Machine learning also emerged as promising tool for exploring drug–protein interactions. It is evident that the methanesulfonamide moiety plays a pivotal role in the structural basis of hERG blockade. However, it should be noted that this moiety does not necessarily represent a universal pharmacophore. This observation underscores the necessity for a nuanced approach in drug development, aimed at achieving a balance between efficacy and safety. Full article

Permeable pavements are increasingly adopted to reduce urban runoff and support sustainable stormwater management; however, their long-term performance in cold regions is often limited by the need to maintain both hydraulic conductivity and durability under freeze–thaw cycles and de-icing salt exposure. This study investigates polyurethane (PU)-bound permeable composites based on granite aggregates for paver joint filling, permeable paver production, and monolithic permeable paving. This study provides a combined evaluation of aggregate gradation and PU binder content in relation to hydraulic performance, mechanical resistance, adhesion/cohesion, water absorption, and salt-freeze scaling resistance. Four mixtures were prepared using different combinations of 0/1 and 2/5 mm granite fractions and PU binder contents. The results showed that all mixtures exceeded the target permeability requirement of 2 × 10⁻⁵ m/s, while the coarse-only mixture with 3.0% PU binder provided the most balanced performance. This mixture achieved the highest permeability, the highest compressive and splitting tensile strength among the tested mixtures, the lowest water absorption, and the lowest surface scaling after 28 freeze–thaw cycles in 3% NaCl solution. The findings indicate that a coarse aggregate skeleton effectively bonded by the PU can support both rapid drainage and improved resistance to salt-freeze deterioration. However, further field validation under traffic loading, clogging, and long-term environmental exposure would be needed before full-scale application. Full article

Woven fabric-reinforced laminates (FRLs) are widely used in flexible composite structures where fabric-adhesive bonding strongly influences load transfer, energy dissipation, and structural integrity. Recently, our team developed a yarn pullout in laminate (YPiL) test for bonding assessment in woven FRLs to overcome the limitations of the cumbersome T-peel test, with a focus on maximum pullout force. This study advanced the YPiL with an energy-based framework in which the force–displacement curve is interpreted using three zones: bonding, interfacial debonding, and drag friction/sliding associated with four metrics: maximum pullout force (F_max), pre-peak energy (E₁), energy to the slope-break point (E₂), and total pullout energy (E_total). A dataset of 187 specimens covering four plain-woven Kevlar structures and five fabric-to-adhesive weight ratios (r = 0.67–2.83) was analyzed using a numeric general linear model (GLM). The dominant factor was r, with F_max, E₁, E₂, and E_total all decreasing as r increased. The interaction between pullout yarn width and r ranked second in every model, confirming a stronger r effect in fabrics with wider pullout yarns. The energy-based metrics, particularly E_total, were more sensitive than F_max to structural and bonding differences, and the E_total model achieved R² = 0.94 with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) = 12.42 mJ. Full article

To address the durability limitations of conventional crack sealants under coupled extreme temperatures and traffic loads in long-life pavements, a bio-oil composite-modified patching material was developed using 90# base asphalt as the matrix, synergistically modified with crumb rubber (CR) and epoxidized soybean oil (ESO). To resolve the contradictory requirements for high elasticity and thermal expansion/contraction coordination in sealants, ESO was introduced; its polar epoxy groups optimize phase compatibility and promote low-temperature stress relaxation without restricting thermal deformability. Rheological evaluations revealed that the optimal system (OPT) successfully extended the service temperature window from PG 76–−24 °C (baseline) to PG 82–−24 °C, significantly enhancing its adaptability to extreme climatic fluctuations. At −24 °C, OPT exhibited a reduced creep stiffness (S) of 164 MPa and an increased creep rate (m) of 0.312, with a cracking resistance ratio (k) as low as 525.6; the quantitative significance of these metrics lies in granting the sealant superior stress relaxation capacity, enabling it to accommodate dynamic crack widening without interfacial debonding or brittle fracture. Fatigue testing via time sweeps demonstrated that N_f50 reached 2890 cycles, highlighting robust long-term resistance against high-frequency shear strains induced by tire edges. Micro-mechanistic analyses (FTIR, TG/DTG, and DSC) confirmed that the modification is primarily driven by physical blending. The elevation of the thermal decomposition threshold (T5%) to 302.4 °C and the residue at 600 °C to 44.8% provide a critical safety margin for high-temperature construction heating, preventing thermal degradation. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature (T_g) decreased to approximately −35.2 °C. These findings establish a rigorous quantitative and mechanistic framework for designing sustainable, high-performance patching materials for resilient pavement maintenance. Full article

Adhesive joints are widely used in structural applications. However, they are susceptible to degradation under service loads and adverse environmental conditions, leading to eventual catastrophic failure. Thus, the advancement of monitoring tools that can deliver real-time data on the deterioration of adhesive joints is crucial for enhancing the reliability of structures. This study investigated the feasibility of using electrical impedance responses to monitor integrity degradation under tensile and fatigue loading in single-lap adhesive joints in aluminum alloy and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) specimens. Previous works on electrical impedance monitoring of adhesive joint integrity invariably employed conductive adhesives. Theoretical considerations based on the concept of a capacitive system indicate that electrical impedance monitoring may still be feasible even if the joint is non-conductive. This has important implications as it suggests that the structural health of many existing ordinary adhesive joints may be amenable to impedance-based monitoring. To test this possibility, neat epoxy adhesive joints without the addition of conductive constituents were fabricated with aluminum and composite adherends. The specimens were subjected to tensile and fatigue degradation while the impedance responses under different excitation frequencies were monitored. The results showed that impedance monitoring is insensitive for detecting damage during tensile failure because the onset of debonding that produces a detectable impedance change occurs too close to the unstable final failure. For fatigue cycling, debonding developed at an early stage and evolved in a stable manner, and the impedance gradually increased with the number of fatigue cycles, reflecting the development of fatigue damage. These findings indicate that impedance-based monitoring on non-conductive adhesive joints has strong potential for tracking structural integrity degradation, particularly for fatigue loading. Full article

The energy sector’s transition to a circular economy (CE) is critical for achieving global decarbonization and resource security. The primary objective of this systematic literature review is to examine the co-evolution of circular business models (CBMs) and green financing mechanisms across the energy value chain. To achieve this, we synthesized 93 high-impact studies published between 2015 and 2024, which were retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Using the 10R hierarchy as an analytical framework, this study identifies a strategic shift from low-order recycling to high-value circularity, such as rethink, repurpose, and remanufacture. We analyze the role of the EU Taxonomy, green bonds, and equity crowdfunding in de-risking circular investments, while highlighting the “transparency paradox” in second-life markets and the “efficiency-waste trade-off” in rapid technological turnovers. Our findings reveal that while digital catalysts like blockchain and AI optimize resource flows, their scaling is hindered by a lack of empirical validation and fragmented regulations. The review concludes by proposing a “regulatory-technical nexus” for future research, emphasizing the need for circular digital twins and standardized decommissioning protocols to bridge the gap between theoretical optimization and operational reality in the renewable energy sector. Full article

The reliable evaluation of the interfacial bonding quality of steel structures strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) is crucial to ensuring the long-term service safety of the structures. Focusing on the active and passive detection methods based on piezoelectric sensing, this paper takes numerical simulation as the core research method to provide theoretical verification and mechanism explanation for subsequent key experiments, thus supporting the accurate detection of interfacial damage in CFRP–steel plate joints. A 3D piezoelectric–structural coupling finite element model and a 2D ultrasonic guided wave propagation finite element model were established via COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 to systematically simulate the electromechanical response characteristics of three piezoelectric sensors (PMN-PT, PZT and PVDF). The research focused on analyzing the potential output and voltage–load response of the three sensors, and simultaneously explored the propagation laws and energy evolution mechanisms of ultrasonic waves in the presence of different debonding damages and groove defects in CFRP plates. The simulation results show that the PMN-PT sensor exhibits the optimal detection performance, with its peak potential output reaching 2.66 times that of the PZT sensor and 4.69 times that of the PVDF sensor, with a load sensitivity of 484.3 mV/kN. In the ultrasonic active detection of interfacial debonding damage, the first-wave amplitude has a significant positive correlation with the debonding length, and this characteristic is attributed to the strong reflection effect and energy accumulation caused by the acoustic impedance mismatch at the CFRP–air interface. For the internal groove defects in CFRP plates, the simulation clarifies that the increase in groove length leads to energy trapping in the plate, while the increase in groove depth intensifies ultrasonic wave energy reflection. The numerical simulation results were compared and verified with data from companion experiments conducted by the authors’ team, showing a high degree of consistency, which confirms the accuracy and reliability of the established finite element models. Meanwhile, the physical essence of damage detection is elucidated from the perspective of wave theory, providing a solid numerical analysis foundation and theoretical support for the intelligent monitoring of interfacial damage in CFRP–steel structures. Full article

Evaluation of fiber–matrix interfacial properties is essential for understanding composite performance and exploring the feasibility of real-time diagnostic approaches. In this study, the interfacial behavior between glass fiber and epoxy resin was examined using acoustic emission (AE) features obtained during microdroplet pull-out tests. Four AE features (amplitude, energy, rise time, and Fast Fourier transform peak frequency) were used as input variables to Random Forest models for both regression and classification tasks, targeting interfacial shear strength estimation and failure mode identification (interfacial debonding vs. fiber fracture). In regression analysis, energy and amplitude showed stronger associations with interfacial shear strength, although overall regression performance remained limited. In classification analysis, amplitude alone provided the most stable discrimination between fiber fracture and interfacial debonding, while combining multiple features offered only a marginal additional benefit due to feature redundancy. These results suggest that intensity-related AE parameters are closely associated with interfacial debonding behavior and failure modes. Overall, this exploratory study indicates that AE-based machine learning can serve as a supplementary tool for indirect and trend-level assessment of fiber–matrix interfacial behavior, with potential relevance to real-time monitoring applications. Full article

The integration of multi-material 3D printing with origami engineering offers a promising avenue for deployable structures, but weak interfacial bonding between rigid and flexible phases remains a key limitation. This study first proposed four distinct hinge designs (enclosed, interlaced, inserted, and interlocked) for Miura-ori architectures, and subsequently investigated their mechanical behaviors with further elucidation of stress-transfer efficiency and interfacial failure modes under static tensile or compressive loading. Research outcomes identified the 5.0 mm interlaced hinge as the optimal interface design, improving stress distribution at the rigid–flexible interface and suppressing premature debonding. Notably, the dominant failure mode shifted from interfacial separation to ductile fracture within a TPU elastomer. Further research proves that increasing the embedment depth of the interlaced hinge from 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm can significantly increase fracture elongation from 100.8% to 342.4% while maintaining a stable peak tensile strength of approximately 12.5 MPa. At the structural scale, dual-material printed Miura-ori architecture exhibits better mechanical performance than single-material printed spatial counterparts (5163 N vs. 4019 N in compressive capacity, 18.7 mm vs. 8.0 mm in fracture elongation). These findings provide valuable insights into high-performance deployable structure design based on multi-material additive manufacturing. Full article

To clarify the evolution of dewetting during the aging of NEPE propellant during long-term storage and more intuitively reveal the impact of aging on dewetting behavior, we used micro-CT to scan NEPE propellant samples subjected to 20% constant strain at different points during aging. After image processing, the internal pores of the samples were extracted, porosity was calculated, and the law of the variation in dewetting behavior at the matrix/filler interface during aging was analyzed. Additionally, we used SEM technology to scan the tensile fracture surfaces of the NEPE propellant samples, observing the aging evolution of the matrix and matrix/filler interface on the fracture surfaces. Along with conducting a micro-CT test, we further explored the changes in bonding performance at the matrix/filler interface during aging. The micro-CT scanning results indicated that dewetting was evident in unaged samples under constant-strain loading, resulting in numerous petal-shaped pores with a significant volume. As aging progressed, the number of petal-shaped pores gradually decreased, and porosity dropped significantly. The SEM scanning results show that the matrix gradually softened during aging, encapsulating solid particles more tightly. Based on all the experimental results, debonding in the NEPE propellants became progressively less pronounced with aging, and interfacial adhesion between the matrix and filler improved. These results provide support for enhancing NEPE propellants’ matrix/filler interfacial bonding strength and, consequently, improving their mechanical properties. Full article

Background: Hip implant fractures are rare, yet difficult to correct once they occur. For cemented implants, fracture is often associated with increased stresses at the implant stem when proximal regions of the implant have debonded. While deterministic analyses offer predictive power by using averages for model inputs, averages fail to capture the variability inherent in device manufacturing and musculoskeletal biology. This study developed a probabilistic finite element model of a debonded hip implant to better account for some of these variabilities to predict the most likely failure mode. The hypothesis was that fatigue would be more likely to occur than overloading. Methods and Materials: Monte Carlo sampling generated 1000 simulations varying the material elastic modulus (implant, cement, and bone) and loading magnitude at stance phase of the gait. The resultant distributions of maximum von Mises stress at the stem were compared to distributions for failure properties in the literature. Results: The analysis found the likelihood of the implant failing due to overloading was remote. In contrast, fatigue failure had a 99.4% chance of occurring. Fracture mechanics predicted that the debonded implant would reach critical flaw length between 1.8 and 26.4 months, with a mean of 7.2 months. Conclusions: The results show good agreement with the findings of the case study the model was based on, particularly in predicting the location of failure and fatigue life. The results of this study provide a framework for developing future decision-making tools that ultimately may assist clinicians in deciding when interventions are necessary to minimize the risk of implant or periprosthetic fracture. Full article

Implant-supported overdentures improve denture retention and patient satisfaction, but debonding of attachment housings from the denture base remains a frequent prosthetic complication. This in vitro study evaluated the influence of attachment-housing and denture-base materials on debonding occurrence and maximum tensile force in resin-cemented attachment housing denture-base complexes subjected to cyclic mechanical loading. Thirty standardized specimens were digitally designed and fabricated from three denture-base materials—polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (n = 12), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) (n = 12), and cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) (n = 6)—and combined with either titanium or PEEK attachment housings, which were bonded with a dual-polymerized resin cement. The specimens were subjected to 1100 cycles of alternating tensile and compressive loading, and debonding occurrence and maximum tensile force were recorded. Debonding occurred in 60% of the specimens and differed significantly among denture base materials. No debond-ing was observed in the Co-Cr specimens, whereas debonding occurred in 75% of the PMMA and PEEK specimens. The Co-Cr specimens also demonstrated significantly higher maximum tensile force values than the PMMA and PEEK groups, while regarding the attachment-housing material, no significant main effect was detected. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the denture-base material, fabrication, and surface treatment combinations significantly influenced debonding and tensile force during cyclic loading, whereas the attachment-housing material did not demonstrate a significant main effect. Full article

Despite accounting for less than 0.03% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) face existential threats to their environment, livelihoods, and regional stability due to their heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels and disproportionate climate vulnerability. To address this “Justice Paradox,” this study utilises a Nexus Mapping framework to qualitatively synthesise the non-linear causal pathways between climate stressors and energy system vulnerabilities. Through an integrative thematic synthesis of literature and regional policy documents, the research identifies systemic bottlenecks, including the “fiscal trap” of post-disaster reconstruction, the “demand-utility paradox” of rising temperatures, and the logistical premiums of archipelagic energy distribution. The analysis suggests that energy decarbonisation represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen climate security across four dimensions: human, national, international, and ecological. To facilitate a secure transition, the study proposes a comprehensive “policy mix” of regulatory standards (sticks), economic de-risking through mechanisms such as Sovereign Green Bonds (carrots), and the institutionalisation of local technical sovereignty (sermons). This research offers an interpretive analytical framework for Pacific policymakers, arguing that decentralised, modular renewables may serve as a strategic shield against climatic instability and support the preservation of regional statehood. Full article