Search Results (80)

Ice accumulation on critical infrastructure surfaces threatens operational safety in aviation, power transmission, and transportation systems. Conventional anti-icing and deicing strategies, such as chemical deicers and energy-intensive active heating, have inherent drawbacks. These include environmental pollution, high energy consumption, and low efficiency. In recent years, photothermal-responsive extremely water-repellent surfaces have attracted widespread attention. They can harvest renewable solar energy and achieve efficient anti-icing and deicing through tailored interfacial wetting properties. This review summarizes photothermal extremely water-repellent surfaces based on the “water as a lubricating layer” strategy. This strategy reduces ice adhesion strength and enables low-energy deicing. It works by forming a continuous lubricating film via photothermally induced interfacial meltwater. We discuss photothermal conversion mechanisms and strategies to enhance performance for stable lubricating film formation. We also analyze the stagewise physics of anti-icing and deicing, focusing on the interfacial tribological behavior of the water film. Key engineering challenges are addressed, including mechanical durability and all-weather applicability. Finally, we clarify future research directions for industrial translation. This review aims to provide theoretical insights and technical pathways for developing next-generation anti-icing and deicing surfaces that are efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable. Full article

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains among the most aggressive and therapeutically unresponsive subtypes due to the absence of ER, PR, and HER2 targets. Casein Kinase II (CK2), a pleiotropic serine/threonine kinase overexpressed in TNBC, represents a compelling target for rational drug design. Methods: Here, we present an AI-integrated benchmarking framework combining virtual drug discovery, molecular dynamics simulations, machine learning-driven QSAR modeling, and quantum-mechanical electronic structure analysis to identify potent CK2 inhibitors from natural product chemical space. Results: A validated XP docking protocol (ROC–AUC = 0.748) screened ~480,000 compounds, yielding seven hits, with superior binding to the reference inhibitor CX-4945. Among these, Anastatin B, 3,4,8,9,10-pentahydroxy-dibenzo-[b,d]pyran-6-one, Rhein, and aloe emodin acetate exhibited highly favorable docking scores (−11.6 to −13.1 kcal mol⁻¹) and stable 200 ns binding dynamics, reflected by RMSD ≤ 2 Å and compact Rg trajectories. MM-PBSA/MM-GBSA analyses confirmed robust thermodynamic stability, while DFT-derived HOMO–LUMO gaps (3.8–4.3 eV) suggested optimal electronic reactivity for kinase inhibition. Machine learning QSAR models demonstrated strong predictive performance, with the best stacking models achieving test R² ≈ 0.69 and consistent cross-validation performance (CV R² ≈ 0.66–0.69), supporting reliable prediction of pIC₅₀ values and prioritization of top-ranked scaffolds. Conclusions: Collectively, this integrative framework bridges AI-based learning and biophysical validation, establishing a reproducible paradigm for de novo CK2 inhibitor discovery in TNBC. Full article

The development of protective coatings that integrate self-healing and environmental tolerance is vital for extending substrate lifespan. In this study, a multifunctional hydrogel composite coating is developed based on a waterborne polyacrylate dynamic covalent network containing oxime–carbamate bonds. The functional monomer MEOC, which contains an oxime–carbamate dynamic bond, was synthesized and incorporated into the waterborne polyacrylate matrix to form a hydrogel network (OC-PA) with intrinsic self-healing capability. Prussian blue (PB) and nano-SiO₂ were incorporated to form a photothermal functional layer, imparting hydrophobicity and converting light into heat for de-icing, while also activating dynamic bond rearrangement within the substrate. When the MEOC content was 7 wt% and the PB content was 2 wt%, the coating temperature rose to 110 °C within 2 min under 0.6 W/cm² irradiation, and the scratch healed within 5 min. After 1 h of fracture repair, the tensile strength reached 6.68 MPa, with a repair rate as high as 92.91%, and de-icing time was reduced from 343 s to 183 s. The coating achieved a water contact angle >100°. At −20 °C, the icing delay time increased by 215%. The hydrogel coating also exhibited excellent abrasion resistance, chemical stability, UV aging resistance, and anti-fouling properties, offering a durable solution for demanding environments. Full article

Lippia origanoides Kunth (Verbenaceae family), popularly known in northern Brazil as “Salva-de-Marajó”, is a native plant widely used in traditional medicine and cooking. While previous studies have addressed its antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, its ability to inhibit disease-related enzymes has received limited attention. This study investigated the essential oil (EO) of L. origanoides as a source of enzyme inhibitors relevant to Alzheimer’s disease, metabolic disorders and skin pigmentation disorders. The EO showed strong inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (IC₅₀: 22.9 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀: 14.6 μg/mL), indicating potential for managing neurodegenerative conditions and diabetes, respectively. Moderate inhibition was observed for lipase, butyrylcholinesterase and tyrosinase. Although carvacrol, the major EO constituent, contributed significantly to these effects, it did not fully explain the observed bioactivity. Bio-guided fractionation revealed that oxygenated compounds were mainly responsible for inhibiting cholinesterases and lipase, whereas α-glucosidase inhibition was associated with hydrocarbon compounds. Both fractions contributed to tyrosinase inhibition, reinforcing the EO’s relevance for treating hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, the EO demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, largely linked to carvacrol and oxygenated constituents. Chemical characterization by GC-MS, GC-FID and enantiomeric analysis strengthened the relationship between composition and bioactivity. Overall, L. origanoides EO emerged as a promising multifunctional natural product for therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Full article

Wind and solar power generation represent crucial forms of clean energy utilisation, where generation efficiency is paramount. However, clean energy facilities such as wind turbine blades and photovoltaic sheets frequently cease operation during low temperatures due to ice and frost accumulation, resulting in energy wastage. This study investigates the mechanism of low-temperature surface frost formation through observational experiments. By comparing the temporal progression of frost accumulation on four materials—HIPS (high-impact polystyrene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), acrylic, and acrylic sheet with low-temperature flexible superhydrophobic coating (LFSC)—it validates the anti-frost capabilities of superhydrophobic surfaces. The experimental results show that, under the same conditions, surface frosting gradually decreases as the contact angle of the material increases. After 15 min of frosting, the frost layer thicknesses of the four materials were 0.057 mm, 0.101 mm, 0.105 mm, and 0.275 mm, respectively, and the frost coverage per unit area was 12%, 68%, 76%, and 88%, respectively. The frost formed on the superhydrophobic coating surface was loose and thin, with a frost suppression efficiency exceeding 80%. In contrast, the three materials—HIPS, ABS, and untreated acrylic sheets—exhibited significant frost particle accumulation, and as time progressed, a cycle of frost crystal growth, melting, and regrowth occurred. This study demonstrates that superhydrophobic surfaces possess excellent frost-inhibiting capabilities, which can reduce the energy consumption associated with traditional defrosting methods such as heating and spraying chemical de-icing agents, thereby enabling the sustainable use of energy. Full article

Icing poses significant operational and safety risks in aviation, especially for engine components such as cowls and baffles. This study explores the potential of a chemically exfoliated graphene-rich carbon platelet epoxy coating to improve the anti-icing and de-icing performance of 3003-H14 aluminum alloy, which is widely used in such applications. Chemically exfoliated graphite was incorporated into an epoxy resin, then applied to aluminum substrates. Characterization of the coated samples revealed ~30% improvement in surface Vickers hardness (HV) (HV 75.6 ± 1.15 vs. HV average of 98.3 ± 1.5) and enhanced thermal dissipation, with coated surfaces cooling from 104 °C to 22 °C in 530 s compared to 870 s for uncoated samples. While anti-icing performance was not directly evaluated, the observed improvements in thermal dissipation and surface hardness suggest that chemically exfoliated graphene-rich carbon platelet coatings could be promising for passive anti-icing applications. The literature suggests that graphene coating improves hydrophobicity, reducing ice adhesion and delaying nucleation due to its low surface energy and nanoscale roughness, thereby supporting potential passive anti-icing functionality for aircraft engine components. SEM analysis confirmed a uniform, compact coating layer. These preliminary findings indicate that chemically exfoliated graphene-rich carbon platelet coatings can deliver multifunctional performance—mechanical, thermal, and surface—making them promising candidates for passive anti-icing/de-icing solutions in engine components where conventional systems are ineffective. Full article

Snow accumulation and ice formation can significantly reduce pavement friction, posing a serious threat to traffic safety during winter. Traditional snow-removal methods, including mechanical removal, chemical de-icing agents, and heated pavement systems, suffer from several limitations such as low efficiency, environmental impacts, and high operational costs. Electrically conductive asphalt concrete (ECAC) has therefore emerged as a promising active snow-melting technology. When an electric current passes through the conductive network formed within the asphalt mixture, heat is generated through the Joule heating effect. After incorporating conductive fillers, the electrical resistivity of ECAC mixtures can be reduced from approximately 10⁶–10⁸ Ω·cm for conventional asphalt mixtures to about 10⁻¹–10² Ω·cm. Under an applied voltage typically ranging from 30 to 60 V, ECAC pavements can increase the surface temperature by 10–30 °C within 10–30 min, thereby enabling rapid snow melting and ice removal. Meanwhile, an optimized conductive network can maintain sufficient mechanical performance, with dynamic stability generally exceeding 3000 cycles/mm. When the conductive filler content is reasonably controlled, only a limited reduction in fatigue resistance is observed. This paper presents a comprehensive review of electrically conductive asphalt concrete technologies for snow-melting pavements. The background, underlying mechanisms, material development, system configuration, and field applications of ECAC are systematically summarized. Finally, the current challenges are discussed, including the stability of conductive networks, the trade-off between electrical conductivity and pavement performance, and electrical safety. Future research directions focusing on material optimization, intelligent power control, and long-term field performance evaluation are proposed to support the practical application of ECAC pavements in sustainable winter road maintenance. Full article

Large-scale mining of graphite, a crucial strategic mineral, generates substantial amounts of graphite tailings (GT). The stockpiling of this solid waste occupies vast land resources and poses persistent environmental risks due to potential heavy metal leaching. Repurposing GT into construction materials presents a promising solution, with its use as a partial replacement for fine aggregates in cementitious composites being one of the most effective methods. This review systematically consolidates current research on graphite tailings cement mortar (GTCM) and graphite tailings concrete (GTC). Due to its physicochemical properties comparable to natural sand, GT is suitable for producing building materials. Studies consistently demonstrate that a substitution level of 10% to 20% optimizes overall performance. This optimal range enhances particle packing, promotes cement hydration via pozzolanic activity, and refines the microstructure, leading to improved workability, superior mechanical strength, and enhanced durability, including resistance to permeability, freeze–thaw cycles, and chemical attacks. Moreover, the inherent carbon content imparts electrical conductivity to GTC, enabling functional applications like de-icing and structural health monitoring. The successful utilization of GT also extends to lightweight foamed and autoclaved aerated concrete. However, research on the structural behavior of GTC components remains limited. Preliminary findings on beams and columns are encouraging, but comprehensive studies on their seismic performance and design methodologies are urgently needed to facilitate the widespread engineering application of this sustainable material and mitigate the environmental impact of tailings accumulation. Full article

Aerosol sprayed from the wheels of vehicles driving on wet roads is a significant source of pollution in the vicinity of roads. If it contains residues of chemical de-icing agents, it can contribute to the faster degradation of objects and structures within its reach. The aim of this research was to determine how the direction of the wind and the intensity of traffic affect the dispersion of the aerosol particles. Using a numerical model of turbulent flow incorporating discrete phase modeling, seven variants of wind direction and two traffic intensities represented by the passing of one or two vehicles were simulated. The results showed that when the wind blew from the location where the particle amount was measured, particle deposition was highly concentrated near the road—peaking at 6.5% of the injected amount at a distance of 5 m—followed by a steep decline to negligible levels at 9 m. Conversely, in the opposite wind direction, deposition was lower (<1%) but exhibited a flat profile, maintaining stable particle concentrations even at the most distant sampling plane (13 m). The passage of two vehicles led to a higher number of particles being detected (reaching up to 8.1%) and induced a vertical dispersion plume reaching up to 13 m above the road surface, compared to a maximum of approximately 7 m observed for a single vehicle. A comparison of the simulated data with long-term in situ experimental measurements confirmed a decrease in aerosol particle deposition with distance from the road. The simulations revealed that the aerosol dispersion is influenced not only by the wind or traffic intensity, but also by specific flow conditions resulting from the terrain configuration. In conclusion, the study shows that while increased traffic intensity mainly extends the vertical reach of the aerosol, wind direction determines its spatial distribution. Since the particle cloud is uneven, measuring devices in a single line perpendicular to the road axis may not accurately capture the highest concentrations. Therefore, to reliably capture aerosol dispersion, it is recommended to also place measuring devices in a direction that is parallel to the road, with a spacing of approximately 9 m. Full article

Muscari neglectum is a Mediterranean geophyte with a long tradition of ethnomedicinal use, yet the phytochemistry of its bulbs remains underexplored compared with aerial parts. This study aimed to characterise the metabolite profile of M. neglectum bulbs and to assess their antioxidant and radical scavenging potential, and anti-inflammatory potential. Bulb extracts were obtained by hydroethanolic extraction and analysed through HPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS, leading to the annotation of 72 compounds spanning diverse chemical families, including flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, terpenoids, fatty acids, and triterpenoid saponins. Flavonoids constituted the most abundant group, with homoisoflavanones representing a characteristic class of metabolites in the Muscari genus and reflecting its distinctive secondary metabolism. Quantitative analyses revealed a high total phenolic content (65.5 mg GAE/g DE) and total flavonoid content (14.3 mg Epi/g DE). Antioxidant assays demonstrated measurable reducing power (FRAP: 0.26 mmol Fe²⁺/g DE; TEAC: 0.45 mmol TE/g DE), while radical scavenging assays indicated activity against superoxide anion (IC₅₀ = 848 mg/L) and hypochlorous acid (IC₅₀ = 9.2 mg/L). Additionally, the extract inhibited xanthine oxidase (IC₅₀ = 20.6 mg/L). Furthermore, the extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, effectively scavenging nitric oxide radicals (IC₅₀ = 78 ± 3 mg/L) and inhibiting lipoxygenase (IC₅₀ = 66 ± 2 mg/L), suggesting that phenolic compounds and triterpenoid saponins contribute to the modulation of oxidative and enzymatic inflammatory pathways. These findings highlight M. neglectum bulbs as a rich source of structurally diverse bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity. The results provide a chemical basis for their traditional use and reinforce the value of bulb-specific studies within the Asparagaceae family. Full article

Deicing salt effectively melts ice and snow to maintain traffic flow in seasonal freezing zones, but its erosion effect compromises the water stability and structural integrity of asphalt pavements. To comprehensively explore the impacts of salt erosion on the interfacial behaviors of rubber asphalt–aggregate systems, this study developed a multiscale characterization method integrating a macroscopic mechanical test, microscopic tests, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Firstly, laboratory-controlled salt–freeze–thaw cycles were employed to simulate field conditions, followed by quantitative evaluation of interfacial bonding properties through pull-out tests. Subsequently, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) tests were conducted to characterize the microscopic morphology evolution and chemical functional group transformations, respectively. Moreover, by combining the diffusion coefficients of water molecules, salt solution ions, and asphalt components, the mechanism of interfacial salt erosion was elucidated. The results demonstrate that increasing NaCl concentration and freeze–thaw cycles progressively reduces interfacial pull-out strength and fracture energy, with NaCl-induced damage becoming limited after twelve salt–freeze–thaw cycles. In detail, with exposure to 15 freeze–thaw cycles in 6% NaCl solution, the pull-out strength and fracture energy of the rubber asphalt–limestone aggregate decrease by 50.47% and 51.57%, respectively. At this stage, rubber asphalt exhibits 65.42% and 52.34% increases in carbonyl and sulfoxide indexes, respectively, contrasted by 49.24% and 42.5% decreases in aromatic and aliphatic indexes. Long-term exposure to salt–freeze–thaw conditions promotes phase homogenization, ultimately reducing surface roughness and causing rubber asphalt to resemble matrix asphalt morphologically. At the rubber asphalt–NaCl solution–aggregate interface, the diffusion of Na⁺ is faster than that of Cl⁻. Meanwhile, compared with other asphalt components, saturates exhibit notably enhanced mobility under salt erosion conditions. The synergistic effects of accelerated aging, salt crystallization pressure, and enhanced ionic diffusion jointly induce the deterioration of interfacial bonding, which accounts for the decrease in macroscopic pull-out strength. This multiscale investigation advances understanding of salt-induced deterioration while providing practical insights for developing durable asphalt mixtures in cold regions. Full article

The demand for sustainable methods to extract bioactive compounds from native fruits is increasing. We evaluated the potential of natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to recover phenolic compounds from Ugni molinae Turcz. (murta), a Chilean fruit with recognized ethnopharmacological and antioxidant value. Seven choline chloride-based NaDESs (M1–M7) were assessed and compared with conventional methanol: formic acid extraction (M8). The choline chloride: 1,2-propanediol system (1:2, M2) achieved the highest recovery of total phenolics (64.87 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (35.38 mg QE/g), together with strong antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 1.05 µg/mL; ORAC: 40,291 µmol TE/g). When comparing the different NaDES formulations (M1–M8), M8 displayed superior FRAP and ORAC values, although its phenolic and flavonoid yields were lower, reflecting differences in solvent selectivity. HPLC-DAD analysis further revealed that NaDES, particularly M5 (choline chloride: oxalic acid, 1:1), favored the extraction of flavonoid and anthocyanin-type compounds. Multivariate and PCA analyses showed distinct chemical profiles in NaDES extracts, forming two clusters apart from M8. Pearson correlation analysis linked antioxidant capacity with major flavonoids. Overall, NaDES combined with UAE represents an efficient, green strategy for selectively recovering bioactives, supporting applications in foods, nutraceuticals, and health products from Chilean native fruits. Full article

In winter, stay cable sheaths are prone to icing, which increases cable loads and poses a falling-ice hazard upon thawing. While manual and chemical de-icing are common methods, their safety and cost drawbacks make robotic de-icing a promising alternative. Robotic de-icing offers a promising alternative. However, to protect the sheath from damage, the de-icing blade is designed to minimize contact with its surface. Consequently, a thin layer of residual ice is often left behind, which reduces the surface friction coefficient and complicates the climbing process. This study evaluates the climbing performance of a self-manufactured cable-climbing mechanism through laboratory tests and dynamic simulations (ADAMS). A physical prototype was built, and dynamic simulations of the cable-climbing mechanism were conducted using Automated Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems (ADAMS) software. The preliminary validation results demonstrate that the mechanism is capable of maintaining stable climbing under extreme conditions, including a friction coefficient of 0.12 to reflect thin-ice variability and indicated stable climbing even at μ = 0.12), a vertical inclination of 90°, and a load of 12 kg, confirming the design’s validity. Furthermore, we analyzed key parameters. A lower friction coefficient requires a higher clamping force and adversely affects the climbing speed due to increased slip. Similarly, an increased payload elevates the mechanism’s deflection angle, spring force, and wheel torque, which in turn reduces the climbing speed. Cable inclination has a complex effect: deflection decreases with slope, yet clamping force peaks near 70°, showing a bell-shaped trend. This peak requirement dictated the damping spring selection, which was given a safety margin. This ensures safe operation and acceleration at all other angles. Limitations: The present results constitute a feasibility validation under controlled laboratory conditions and rigid-support simulations. The long-term effects of residual ice and field performance remain to be confirmed in planned field trials. Full article

Winter road safety is threatened by black ice, while traditional de-icing methods, such as chemical spreading and electrically heated pavement systems, raise concerns about environmental impact and economic costs. This study proposed a hydronic heated pavement system utilizing geothermal energy (HHPS-G)-integrated concrete pavement that ensures environmental sustainability and structural stability. The design utilizes hollow steel pipes as both reinforcement and heat exchange conduits, thereby eliminating the need for separate high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. To enhance upward heat transfer, bottom-ash concrete was introduced as an alternative to conventional insulation, providing thermal insulation and structural strength. A validated numerical model was developed to compare the de-icing and snow-melting performance of different pipe types. The results show that hollow steel pipes reduced the time to reach 0 °C on the concrete pavement surface by 30.86% and improved heat flux by 10.19% compared to HDPE. The depth of pipe installation significantly influenced performance: positioning the pipes near the surface achieved the fastest heating (up to 70.11% faster), while mid-depth placement, recommended for structural integrity, still provided substantial thermal benefits. Variations in insulation thermal conductivity below 1 W/m·K had little effect, whereas replacing the base layer with bottom-ash concrete provided both insulation and strength without the need for separate insulation layers. Full article

Conventional asphalt pavement snow and ice removal methods suffer from issues such as time-consuming operations, high costs, and pollution from chemical de-icing agents. Commonly used thermally conductive asphalt concrete (TCAC) faces problems including limited filler diversity, high filler content, and elevated costs. To address these challenges, this study developed a thermally conductive asphalt concrete incorporating carbon fiber–silicon carbide composite fillers to provide a low-cost, energy-saving winter pavement snow melting solution and enhance eco-friendly de-icing performance. Finite element simulation software was employed to model its snow and ice melting performance, investigating the factors influencing this capability. Thermal conductivity was measured using the transient plane source (TPS) technique. The results show that with 0.3% carbon fiber, thermal conductivity reaches 1.43 W/(m·°C), 72.3% higher than ordinary asphalt concrete. Finite element simulations in finite element simulation software were used to model snow and ice melting, and strong agreement with field test data (correlation coefficients > 0.9) confirmed model reliability. Then, the finite element simulation software was used to study the effects of wind speed, temperature, laying power, and spacing on the snow and ice melting of TCAC. The simulation results show that the heating rate increases with TCAC thermal conductivity. Raising the power of the embedded carbon fiber heating cord reduces de-icing time but shows a threshold effect. In this study, asphalt pavement with high thermal conductivity was prepared using a low content of thermal conductive filler, providing a theoretical basis for sustainable pavement design, reducing energy use and environmental damage. TCAC technology promotes greener winter road maintenance, offering a low-impact alternative to chemical de-icing, and supports long-term infrastructure sustainability. Full article