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17 pages, 5909 KB  
Article
Optimization and Performance Study of 3D Printed Concrete Mixture for Underground Utility Tunnels
by Peixi Guo, Hanwen Zhang, Enmu Ge, Ming Lin, Hang Jia, Yao Zhang and Xinyu Fan
Buildings 2026, 16(4), 859; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16040859 (registering DOI) - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
The construction of traditional underground utility tunnels faces prominent challenges, including high costs, long construction cycles, and limited workspace. Although 3D printing technology offers an effective solution to these issues, its practical application is largely constrained by key performance factors such as the [...] Read more.
The construction of traditional underground utility tunnels faces prominent challenges, including high costs, long construction cycles, and limited workspace. Although 3D printing technology offers an effective solution to these issues, its practical application is largely constrained by key performance factors such as the printability, early strength, and interlayer bonding of concrete materials. This study aims to develop a 3D-printable concrete material specifically suited for the construction of underground utility tunnels. Through collaborative optimization of parameters such as the water–binder ratio, additives, and fiber content using single-factor and orthogonal tests, the optimal mix proportion was determined: a water–binder ratio of 0.30, a 10% dosage of rapid-hardening sulphoaluminate cement (R·SAC), a sand-to-binder ratio of 1.0, 20% mineral admixtures (15% fly ash + 5% silica fume), and a 1.0% volume fraction of polypropylene fibers. The results indicate that the fresh paste achieved a flowability of 192 mm, demonstrating excellent printability. Specimens printed using a sawtooth toolpath reached a 3-day compressive strength of 37.8 MPa, with 28-day compressive and flexural strengths increasing to 56.3 MPa and 7.8 MPa, respectively, and an interlayer bond strength of 3.5 MPa. Crucially, the compressive and flexural anisotropy coefficients were as low as 0.023 and 0.066, respectively, showing a preliminary exploratory trend superior to levels reported in some literature and suggesting the potential of printed components to improve structural performance consistency. This material system not only meets the requirements of 3D printing for early strength and workability but also, by introducing R·SAC to form a low-alkalinity binder system, provides a potential pathway for enhancing long-term durability in corrosive environments. This study offers a reliable theoretical and experimental basis for the application of 3D printing technology in underground engineering. Long-term durability will remain a primary focus of subsequent research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the 3D Printing of Concrete)
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22 pages, 4147 KB  
Article
Optimization of Microbial-Induced Carbonate Precipitation Parameters for Strength, Durability, and Environmental Safety of Phosphogypsum Road Base Materials
by Peiyao Sun, Xiaodi Hu, Jiaxi He, Quantao Liu and Pan Pan
Materials 2026, 19(4), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19040817 (registering DOI) - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
This study investigates the mechanical properties, moisture stability, and environmental safety of microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP)-treated phosphogypsum (PG)-based mixtures (MPGT) for road base utilization. Optimal cementation solution concentrations and bacterial-to-cementation solution ratios were determined via unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), [...] Read more.
This study investigates the mechanical properties, moisture stability, and environmental safety of microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP)-treated phosphogypsum (PG)-based mixtures (MPGT) for road base utilization. Optimal cementation solution concentrations and bacterial-to-cementation solution ratios were determined via unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), and splitting tensile strength tests. Durability was compared with untreated mixtures, and enhancement mechanisms were analyzed using XRD, SEM, and FTIR. Additionally, toxicity leaching tests evaluated environmental safety. Results indicated optimal parameters of 2.0 mol/L cementation solution and a 2:1 bacterial/cementation solution ratio for maximum mechanical strength. Under these conditions, MPGT durability significantly improved compared to untreated mixtures. Mechanism analysis revealed that MICP-generated calcium carbonate coats PG particles and fills voids, enhancing strength and durability. Furthermore, F and PO43− leaching concentrations were significantly reduced. In summary, MICP improves the mechanical performance, durability, and environmental safety of PG-based mixtures, promoting PG recycling in road engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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37 pages, 11576 KB  
Article
A Progressive, Resident-Modifiable Light-Gauge Steel Framing Housing Design for Post-Disaster Reconstruction: The Case of Mandalay, Myanmar
by Inkham Sai, Yi Hong, Shaofeng Wu, Chun Lin and Zan Liu
Buildings 2026, 16(4), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16040855 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
Post-disaster reconstruction in resource-constrained contexts is often delayed by limited material supply, skilled labor, and planning capacity. Following the Mw 7.7 earthquake that struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, in March 2025, extensive housing damage and displacement underscored the need for economical and rapidly constructible [...] Read more.
Post-disaster reconstruction in resource-constrained contexts is often delayed by limited material supply, skilled labor, and planning capacity. Following the Mw 7.7 earthquake that struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, in March 2025, extensive housing damage and displacement underscored the need for economical and rapidly constructible reconstruction housing that can also support longer-term recovery. This study proposes a progressive and resident-modifiable housing scheme based on light-gauge steel framing, integrating the seismic design principle of strong-column–weak-beam to improve structural reliability during aftershocks and future events. The proposed system combines a standardized light-gauge steel framing (LGSF) structural frame with locally accessible enclosure and infill materials, allowing rapid assembly of an initial modular unit to meet urgent shelter needs while enabling progressive upgrading of façades and interior space over time to enhance habitability and resilience. Validation analyses focusing on construction efficiency and mechanical performance indicate that the strong-column–weak-beam LGSF scheme, when paired with local materials, offers favorable applicability in terms of buildability, cost-effectiveness, and seismic behavior under realistic conditions in Mandalay. The study provides a feasible technical solution and design approach for progressive post-disaster reconstruction housing in the region. Full article
25 pages, 890 KB  
Review
High-Performance Interfacial Solar Evaporation for Zero Liquid Discharge Treatment of Coal Chemical Concentrated Brine: Principles, Challenges, and Recent Advances
by Qing Wen, Haoyang Xiong, Chunhui Zhang, Yang Yin, Haocheng Ye and Peidong Su
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040274 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
The rapid expansion of the coal chemical industry has led to a growing demand for effective treatment of high salinity wastewater, particularly the concentrated brine streams targeted for zero liquid discharge (ZLD) management. Conventional treatment technologies face significant challenges under such extreme conditions, [...] Read more.
The rapid expansion of the coal chemical industry has led to a growing demand for effective treatment of high salinity wastewater, particularly the concentrated brine streams targeted for zero liquid discharge (ZLD) management. Conventional treatment technologies face significant challenges under such extreme conditions, underscoring the urgency of developing innovative and energy-efficient alternatives. Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) has emerged as a promising approach for concentrated brine treatment owing to its rapid evaporation rates, low carbon footprint, and high solar thermal energy utilization. Nevertheless, the long-term stability of solar evaporators remains limited by photothermal material degradation, excessive heat loss, and salt accumulation—all of which constitute major bottlenecks preventing large-scale implementation of ISSG in ZLD systems. This review first outlines the fundamental principles, advantages, and practical constraints of interfacial solar evaporation. It then highlights recent advances in high-performance solar evaporators featuring broadband light absorption, efficient solar thermal conversion, suppressed heat dissipation, robust anti-salt fouling behavior, and sustained operational durability. These emerging designs substantially improve the feasibility of ISSG and provide promising pathways for the clean, efficient, and sustainable treatment of concentrated brine in the coal chemical industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology)
36 pages, 1757 KB  
Review
From Biomass Waste to Green Fuel: Biochar-Based Catalysts for Hydrogen Production
by Karoll M. Rubiano, Asim Jilani and Hussameldin Ibrahim
Energies 2026, 19(4), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19041087 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
With the increasing demand for energy given by the effects of extreme weathers in the last years, the need to expand the access to renewable energy such as green hydrogen has become a priority in current research. However, one of the main challenges [...] Read more.
With the increasing demand for energy given by the effects of extreme weathers in the last years, the need to expand the access to renewable energy such as green hydrogen has become a priority in current research. However, one of the main challenges for hydrogen production is the elevated cost of catalysts due to the consumption and lack of availability of rare metals. To reinforce sustainability, biochar, a carbon-rich material has emerged with huge potential. Its properties such as a high surface area and abundant functional groups facilitate catalyst adsorption and the dispersion of active sites, besides the mineral content and surface chemistry tunability, allow the activation and metal impregnation to improve hydrogen production. Considering these characteristics, this paper will highlight all the potential of biochar as a catalyst and catalyst support, the current advances identifying biochar as catalyst in hydrogen production, and the key characteristics that make it adequate in these applications. Finally, the remaining challenges and limitations are described, providing a perspective on future opportunities and research directions. Full article
11 pages, 347 KB  
Editorial
Properties and Multidisciplinary Applications of Zeolites and Mesoporous Materials
by Łukasz Kuterasiński
Molecules 2026, 31(4), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31040735 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
Zeolites and mesoporous materials are important within the field of scientific research [...] Full article
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20 pages, 1677 KB  
Article
Synergistic Optimization of Thermal and Mechanical Properties in SiO2-Aerogel- and Vitrified-Microsphere-Modified Cementitious Materials
by Jianbo Dai, Dong Liu, Chuang Rui, Shaokun He and Meimei Song
Buildings 2026, 16(4), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16040853 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
To address the integrated demands of structural reinforcement and energy-efficient retrofitting for existing buildings, a cementitious material modified with vitrified microspheres and SiO2 aerogel was developed to realize the synergistic enhancement of thermal insulation and mechanical strength. By substituting fine sand with [...] Read more.
To address the integrated demands of structural reinforcement and energy-efficient retrofitting for existing buildings, a cementitious material modified with vitrified microspheres and SiO2 aerogel was developed to realize the synergistic enhancement of thermal insulation and mechanical strength. By substituting fine sand with equal mass fractions of SiO2 aerogel and vitrified microspheres in the cement matrix, this study systematically investigated the synergistic regulatory effects of this binary modification on two core performance metrics—thermal conductivity and compressive strength. All performance tests were conducted in triplicate, and the results are presented as the mean values. The results indicated that the thermal conductivity of the composite exhibited a trend of decreasing first and then increasing with the rise in aerogel content. At an aerogel dosage of 6%, the thermal conductivity dropped to 0.2237 W/(m·K), achieving optimal thermal insulation performance while retaining a compressive strength of 17.96 MPa. The subsequent incorporation of 15% vitrified microspheres further reduced the thermal conductivity to 0.1642 W/(m·K) while maintaining a compressive strength of 15.34 MPa, thereby achieving an optimal balance between thermal insulation and mechanical performance. Microstructural characterization revealed that the incorporation of aerogel significantly increased the internal porosity of the composite, effectively reducing thermal conductivity by obstructing heat transfer pathways. Vitrified microspheres enhance thermal resistance via their closed-cell structure and promote the formation and densification of C-S-H gel. Synergistically with SiO2 aerogel, they construct a multi-scale porous composite system. By optimizing the interfacial bonding state and pore structure, this system achieves the synergistic optimization of mechanical strength and thermal insulation of cement-based composites, providing new materials and a theoretical basis for the functional integrated retrofitting of existing building structures. Full article
22 pages, 1738 KB  
Article
Buffalo Milk: Alternative Use for Soap Preparation Enriched with Vegetables
by Barbara la Gatta, Flavia Dilucia, Maria Teresa Liberatore, Mariacinzia Rutigliano, Aldo Di Luccia, Marzia Albenzio and Mariangela Caroprese
Molecules 2026, 31(4), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31040734 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
The surplus in the production of buffalo milk determines the possibility of finding alternative solutions for its use. Indeed, the utilization of milk in cosmetic formulations has been met with great approval by consumers, primarily due to its highly appreciated emollient characteristics. The [...] Read more.
The surplus in the production of buffalo milk determines the possibility of finding alternative solutions for its use. Indeed, the utilization of milk in cosmetic formulations has been met with great approval by consumers, primarily due to its highly appreciated emollient characteristics. The aim of this research was to test an alternative use of buffalo milk in the production of artisanal solid soaps, using buffalo milk as raw material and Lavender, Thyme, and Grape pomace as sources of natural bioactive compounds. The analytical approach was focused on using vegetable materials in three forms: fresh, dried, and freeze-dried. For this purpose, the chemical features of both raw materials and artisanal soaps were determined in order to understand the feasibility of these productions. All formulated artisanal soaps revealed good chemical characteristics, such as a low moisture content, and got high scores in the sensory evaluation, with those with Lavender and Grape pomace being the most appreciated formulations. Furthermore, adding vegetable materials increased the bioactive molecules content, as demonstrated by the data obtained from total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the addition of plants and vegetables to the formulation could represent an innovative production of natural soaps and be a further element for the market trends. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Food and Cosmetics Processing)
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24 pages, 1622 KB  
Article
Real-Time Wire Rope Inclination Detection Using YOLOv9-Based Camera–LiDAR Fusion for Overhead Cranes
by Anh-Hung Pham, Ga-Eun Jung, Xuan-Kien Mai, Byeong-Soo Go and Seok-Ju Lee
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(4), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14040393 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
Safe and efficient cargo handling is essential in modern port logistics, where overhead cranes are widely used to move containers, bulk materials, and heavy equipment. Accurate real-time measurement of wire rope inclination is critical for preventing collisions, reducing load sway, and enabling autonomous [...] Read more.
Safe and efficient cargo handling is essential in modern port logistics, where overhead cranes are widely used to move containers, bulk materials, and heavy equipment. Accurate real-time measurement of wire rope inclination is critical for preventing collisions, reducing load sway, and enabling autonomous crane operation under challenging maritime conditions. This paper presents a You Only Look Once v9 (YOLOv9)-based camera–LiDAR fusion system for real-time estimation of the trolley–hook rope inclination angle in overhead cranes. A monocular industrial camera and a YOLOv9 detector provide semantic region-of-interest (ROI) masks for the trolley and hook, while a 3D LiDAR sensor, rigidly mounted and extrinsically calibrated to the camera, provides depth information. LiDAR points projected onto the image and filtered by YOLOv9 bounding boxes allow efficient extraction of safety-critical 3D geometry and reconstruction of the rope vector. Experimental results on an overhead crane testbed show that the proposed fusion estimator achieves an angle RMSE below 1 degree in dynamic swing and low-illumination scenarios, significantly outperforming a camera-only baseline (RMSE ≈ 2.11). These metrically validated results indicate that the proposed detection pipeline offers a robust foundation for intelligent crane monitoring and automation in maritime logistics and smart port operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
23 pages, 4647 KB  
Article
An AOP-Based Integrated In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of the Non-Genotoxic Carcinogenic Potential of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
by Minju Kim, Heesung Hwang, Sulhwa Song, Keun-Soo Kim, JuHee Lee and Seung Min Oh
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040273 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are increasingly incorporated into industrial and consumer products, raising concerns about potential carcinogenicity because their physicochemical properties vary widely among materials. Although Mitsui-7 has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC, Group 2B), the carcinogenic potential of domestically [...] Read more.
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are increasingly incorporated into industrial and consumer products, raising concerns about potential carcinogenicity because their physicochemical properties vary widely among materials. Although Mitsui-7 has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC, Group 2B), the carcinogenic potential of domestically manufactured MWCNTs and the determinants underlying material-specific differences remain insufficiently characterized. Here, we applied an adverse outcome pathway (AOP)-oriented integrated testing strategy (ITS) to compare four domestically manufactured MWCNTs with Mitsui-7 using human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Acute responses were assessed by measuring cytotoxicity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Exposure concentrations for long-term studies were selected using range-finding assays, and cells were then exposed for four weeks at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Following chronic exposure, transformation-related phenotypes were evaluated using anchorage-independent growth, anchorage-dependent clonogenicity, wound healing migration, and Transwell–Matrigel invasion assays, and tumorigenic potential was examined in xenograft models using colony-derived cells. Highly aggregated MWCNTs elicited stronger oxidative stress and were associated with increased proliferation/clonal expansion, enhanced anchorage-independent colony formation, and increased tumor formation in vivo, whereas other materials showed more limited or endpoint-specific responses. Overall, the results indicate that MWCNT-associated carcinogenic potential is material-dependent rather than a uniform class effect and support the utility of an AOP-aligned ITS for nanosafety assessment and hazard differentiation of carbon-based nanomaterials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Nanotoxicology)
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22 pages, 4772 KB  
Article
Beyond the Page: Solar Loading Thermographic Imaging and Predictive Modeling for Ancient Book Diagnostics—Preliminary Results
by Elena Marini, Gilda Russo, Hai Zhang and Stefano Sfarra
Sensors 2026, 26(4), 1358; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26041358 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
This study investigates the application of NDTs for the detection of sub-surface defects in an ancient book, with the aim of improving conservation methods in the field of cultural heritage. A sequence of thermographic images in a solar loading thermography (SLT) scenario was [...] Read more.
This study investigates the application of NDTs for the detection of sub-surface defects in an ancient book, with the aim of improving conservation methods in the field of cultural heritage. A sequence of thermographic images in a solar loading thermography (SLT) scenario was acquired during a diagnostic campaign in Harbin, China, to identify four distinct fabricated dowels made of Wool, Rubber, Teflon®, and Synthetic material. The images were processed in two ways: the first combined advanced image-processing methods: pre-processing via MdFIF, post-processing, PCT and RPCT, applied both to the original sequence and to the MdFIF-filtered thermograms. The second approach employed numerical simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics® to develop a predictive thermal model. The comparison of localized thermal anomalies obtained from the two approaches demonstrated the capability of NDTs to reliably reveal artificial defects, confirming their suitability for diagnostic conservation. Overall, the integration of advanced image processing with numerical simulation enhances diagnostic accuracy, particularly for subtle or low-contrast anomalies, thereby enabling more informed condition assessment and supporting rapid, targeted, and preventive conservation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physical Sensors)
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11 pages, 577 KB  
Article
Injection of Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Rapidly Relieves Pain in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
by Yong Sang Kim, Dong Suk Suh, Yoo Beom Kwon, Jai Hyun Chung and Yong Gon Koh
Medicina 2026, 62(2), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62020409 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Intra-articular injection of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has emerged as a promising regenerative treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA) because of its heterogeneous cellular composition and potent anti-inflammatory paracrine effects. Although SVF therapy has demonstrated clinical efficacy, the timing [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Intra-articular injection of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has emerged as a promising regenerative treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA) because of its heterogeneous cellular composition and potent anti-inflammatory paracrine effects. Although SVF therapy has demonstrated clinical efficacy, the timing of pain relief and the influence of SVF cell dose on early clinical outcomes remain incompletely defined. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 146 patients (217 knees) with Kellgren–Lawrence (K–L) grade II–IV knee OA who underwent intra-articular injection of autologous adipose-derived SVF and completed a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), and patients reported the time to perceived pain improvement after treatment. Radiographic severity was evaluated using the K–L grading system. Correlation analyses were performed to assess associations between pain-related outcomes, SVF cell number, and radiographic severity. Results: VAS scores improved significantly from baseline to the final follow-up (p < 0.01). Patients reported perceived pain improvement at a mean of 18.9 ± 14.5 days after SVF injection. The mean injected dose was 7.4 × 107 total SVF cells per knee, including approximately 7.0 × 106 stromal cells. Higher SVF cell numbers were significantly associated with greater pain improvement and lower VAS scores at final follow-up (p < 0.001 for both). Radiographic severity was not significantly correlated with pain at final follow-up, the magnitude of pain improvement, or the time to symptom relief. No clinically relevant adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Intra-articular injection of high-dose autologous SVF was associated with rapid and clinically meaningful pain relief, with symptom improvement occurring within approximately 3 weeks after treatment. The dose-dependent association and the lack of correlation with radiographic severity suggest that early pain relief is primarily mediated by the anti-inflammatory and paracrine effects of SVF rather than immediate structural cartilage regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bone Regeneration, Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis)
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20 pages, 4323 KB  
Article
Influence of Infill Density on the Fatigue Performance of FDM-Manufactured Orthopaedic Plates
by Aleksa Milovanović, Simon Sedmak, Aleksandar Sedmak, Filip Vučetić and Katarina Monkova
Materials 2026, 19(4), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19040816 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
Orthopaedic plates are long-established medical devices conventionally manufactured from metals, most notably titanium alloys. The introduction of Additive Manufacturing (AM) has created new opportunities to design implants with complex internal architectures, enabling precise control over infill patterns and densities that directly influence mechanical [...] Read more.
Orthopaedic plates are long-established medical devices conventionally manufactured from metals, most notably titanium alloys. The introduction of Additive Manufacturing (AM) has created new opportunities to design implants with complex internal architectures, enabling precise control over infill patterns and densities that directly influence mechanical properties and fatigue performance. Biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) have attracted growing interest in biomedical engineering, potentially reducing the need for secondary implant-removal surgery if degradation rates are carefully controlled and clinically approved. Additionally, AM offers the ability to customise internal structure for improved mechanical performance and load-bearing, while also providing the possibility of integrating advanced functionalities, such as controlled drug delivery. Building on previous work by our research group at the University of Belgrade, this study investigates the fatigue behaviour of the best-performing AM-optimised orthopaedic plate design. Numerical models incorporating honeycomb infill structures with the full range of achievable densities were developed to assess structural integrity under fatigue loading. Fatigue crack growth was simulated in ANSYS Mechanical (ANSYS Inc., Canonsburg, PA, USA) software, employing a four-point bending configuration in accordance with the ASTM F382 standard. A validated PLA material model was implemented at a reduced load level (10%) relative to previous studies. Direct comparison with titanium plates was avoided due to fundamentally different material properties, focusing instead on infill architecture to identify optimal AM design strategies for orthopaedic plates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Materials for Additive Manufacturing)
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16 pages, 5386 KB  
Article
Terahertz Wave Absorber Relying on Strontium Titanate and Dirac Semimetal for Dual Adjustability
by Zeng Qu, Mengyuan Zhao, Yuanhao Huang, Yibin Gong, Shishengdian Lu, Xuanqi Zhang, Jiayun Wang, Yuanhui Wang, Yinuo Cheng and Binzhen Zhang
Micromachines 2026, 17(2), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17020266 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
Limited by the material response characteristics and structural design, the development of dynamically tunable terahertz absorbers with multi-functional properties remains a major challenge. In this study, a dual-tunable terahertz absorber based on the synergistic integration of strontium titanate (STO) and Dirac semimetal (BDS) [...] Read more.
Limited by the material response characteristics and structural design, the development of dynamically tunable terahertz absorbers with multi-functional properties remains a major challenge. In this study, a dual-tunable terahertz absorber based on the synergistic integration of strontium titanate (STO) and Dirac semimetal (BDS) is proposed. By utilizing the temperature-sensitive dielectric constant of STO and the electrically tunable conductivity of BDS, the device can realize on-demand switching between a broadband absorption mode (absorptivity >90% in the 1.347~2.1271 THz band) and a dual-narrowband absorption mode under external field excitation. Notably, the centrosymmetric cross-patterned structure on the top layer ensures the polarization insensitivity of the device, and this single structure can also serve as a high-sensitivity temperature sensor. Simulation results verify that the device exhibits stable performance under different incident angles and environmental variations. This study constructs a compact multi-functional device platform integrating dynamic absorption regulation and in situ sensing, which provides a new technical route for the development of intelligent terahertz systems in the fields of terahertz imaging, communication, detection and other related areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible Intelligent Sensors: Design, Fabrication and Applications)
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27 pages, 7954 KB  
Article
A Study of Abrasive Solid Particles Erosion for a Centrifugal Pump Operated as a Pump and as a Turbine Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
by Jamal El Mansour, Patrick Hendrick, Abdelowahed Hajjaji and Fouad Belhora
Processes 2026, 14(4), 707; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14040707 - 20 Feb 2026
Abstract
Impeller blades are one of the main parts of a centrifugal pump that affect the performance of the pump. The presence of solid particles in seawater, transported through a centrifugal pump, causes wear in the blade surface that reduces blade lifetime. In the [...] Read more.
Impeller blades are one of the main parts of a centrifugal pump that affect the performance of the pump. The presence of solid particles in seawater, transported through a centrifugal pump, causes wear in the blade surface that reduces blade lifetime. In the orthogonal direction, this wear is an erosion thickness of the blade. Assuming that these particles have a spherical shape, the erosion rate depends on their velocity, size, impingement angle, and material hardness index. In this work, we investigate the erosion thickness of a low-head centrifugal pump operating in pump and turbine modes, with a particle radius ranging from 4 μm to 50 μm. The numerical simulation used an RNG k–ε turbulence model, assuming a perfect bounce collision between the particle and the rotating solid wall. The study shows that the blade pressure side is impacted by a solid particle concentration higher than the suction side. In pump mode, the erosion thickness on the blade sides increases if the particle radius is above 4 μm and reaches a maximum at 40 μm. In turbine mode, the erosion thickness decreases when the particle radius is greater than 5 μm. The thickness loss is greater in turbine mode than in pump mode. The influence of particle flow rate was investigated. Below a particle radius of 10 μm, particles follow the flow directions and reside for a longer time in the blade channel. Passing from a particle radius of 50 μm to 100 μm, the blade lifetime was decreased by a factor of 11. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CFD Simulation of Fluid Machinery)
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