Search Results (13,895)

The growing application of nanotechnology in wood modification has led to significant improvements in the durability, fire resistance, and biological stability of wood-based building materials, such as glued laminated timber (GLT), as well as related chemical products, including fire retardants and anticorrosion preservatives. While numerous review papers have focused on material performance and functionalisation strategies, a comprehensive analysis of the research methodologies employed in this field remains limited. This review addresses this gap by systematically examining the experimental and analytical methods used in studies on nanomaterial-modified wood surface treatments. Scientific articles published and indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases within the last ten years were selected using keywords related to wood, nanotechnology, and surface applications simulating industrial timber treatment processes applied in factories and construction sites. Publications were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study selection process was conducted according to the PRISMA methodology, and 74 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for the final analysis. Extracted methodological features were coded and analysed using frequency-based descriptive statistics. Considerable methodological heterogeneity was observed among the analysed studies. Softwood species, TiO₂- and ZnO-based nanomaterials, and brushing or immersion treatments represented the most frequently investigated research configurations. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), often combined with EDS and XRD analyses, occupied a central role within the analytical framework of nanomodified wood research. In contrast, long-term durability assessments, biological resistance testing, and fire-performance evaluations were comparatively underrepresented. The review also revealed substantial variability in the use of testing standards and statistical methods. By linking research methodologies to normative requirements for construction materials, this work provides a methodological framework supporting future research, standardisation, certification, and commercial implementation of nanomaterial-based wood protection systems. Full article

Carbonation treatment can effectively address defects in recycled aggregates (RA) while achieving CO₂ sequestration, thereby improving properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). However, the compressive strength of carbonated recycled aggregate concrete (CRAC) is governed by complex interactions among multiple parameters, and existing machine learning (ML) studies often rely on heterogeneous literature data with limited parameter coverage, resulting in constrained predictive accuracy. To address this issue, this study established a robust ML framework for precise strength prediction. By integrating published literature with original experimental results, a dataset of 226 groups was constructed, incorporating 12 key parameters across RA properties, carbonation processes, mix proportions, and concrete age to systematically compare three ML models (GPR, SVM, EDT). To enhance model transparency, global sensitivity analysis used the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method, while X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and microhardness tests were employed to reveal reinforcement mechanisms at the phase, microstructural, and micromechanical levels, supporting the connection between intelligent prediction and mechanistic explanation. Results show that the GPR model exhibited the highest predictive performance and generalization capability (R² = 0.98 for training, R² = 0.94 for testing; RMSE = 1.08 MPa), outperforming comparative models in handling high-dimensional nonlinear relationships. SHAP analysis identified concrete age, water–cement (W/C) ratio, and the initial crush index of the RA as the primary factors, while carbonation process parameters, particularly relative humidity, carbonation pressure, and carbonation time, exerted significant regulatory effects on strength. XRD results qualitatively confirmed the formation of CaCO₃ after carbonation, while SEM and microhardness analyses indicated that carbonation products contributed to pore filling and interfacial transition zone (ITZ) strengthening, providing a physical basis for both macroscopic performance improvement and model reliability. This study provides a scientific, data-driven solution for the mix design optimization and performance prediction of CRAC, delivering substantial environmental and economic benefits. Full article

Three-year atmospheric field-exposure tests were conducted on 304 austenitic stainless steel at the Great Wall and Zhongshan Stations in Antarctica to evaluate its corrosion behavior under severe polar conditions. The exposed specimens were dominated by localized corrosion with pronounced pitting characteristics at both sites. Corrosion was more severe at Zhongshan Station, and the mean corrosion rates at Great Wall and Zhongshan Stations were 1.428 and 1.643 μm y⁻¹, respectively. The mean/maximum pit depths were 4.16/5.51 μm at Great Wall Station and 5.85/8.24 μm at Zhongshan Station. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), and focused ion beam-transmission electron microscopy (FIB-TEM) showed that the corrosion products consisted mainly of β-FeOOH, α-FeOOH, and γ-Fe₂O₃, and the Antarctic exposure substantially altered the thickness, structure, and electrochemical response of the passive film. Compared with the unexposed specimen, the exposed specimens exhibited markedly lower charge-transfer resistance and higher donor density, indicating degradation of the protective passive film. Combined with the site-specific environmental features, the lower temperature, more intense freeze–thaw cycling, freezing-induced concentration of electrolytes, and stronger irradiation at Zhongshan Station are inferred to promote Cl⁻ enrichment in localized surface liquid films and destabilization of the passive film, thereby accelerating pit initiation and growth. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for material selection and corrosion-protection design for 304 stainless steel in polar engineering environments. Full article

Maintaining wellbore stability in deep and ultra-deep formations demands plugging agents capable of sealing nano- to micro-scale pores under high-temperature conditions. A core–shell nano-plugging agent (CSP) was synthesized via emulsion polymerization using KH-570-modified nano-SiO₂ as the rigid core and a poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) terpolymer as the deformable shell. CSP particles had a mean diameter of 196.5 nm (polydispersity index, PDI = 0.183) and an onset decomposition temperature of 342 °C. Compatibility tests at 180 °C confirmed that 3 wt% CSP caused no adverse changes in the rheology or emulsion stability of the oil-based drilling fluid (OBM). At 180 °C, CSP reduced the high-temperature high-pressure (HTHP) filtrate loss by 64.4% and the permeability plugging apparatus (PPA) filtrate loss by 66.1%. Sand-disk tests elevated the breakthrough pressure from 1.5 to 9.2 MPa. Core displacement on sandstone cores achieved a plugging rate of 98.30%, and pressure transmission tests on natural shale cores extended the 50% equalization time by 7.8-fold. Comparative evaluation confirmed that the core–shell architecture consistently outperformed nano-SiO₂ alone, polymer alone, and their physical blend. Low-temperature N₂ adsorption provided direct evidence of pore sealing, with the treated-shale Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and total pore volume reduced by about 62% (12.6 to 4.8 m²/g and 0.0325 to 0.0121 cm³/g, respectively). Scanning electron microscopy of the shale surface before and after treatment further provided direct visual evidence of pore sealing, showing the open, porous matrix being converted into a dense, compacted filter cake. Filter-cake thickness measurements are consistent with a proposed three-stage plugging mechanism—bridging, deformation filling, and thermal compaction—driven by the complementary roles of the rigid core and the deformable shell. These findings indicate that CSP merits further evaluation as a high-temperature plugging agent for wellbore stabilization in deep shale formations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fibronectin glomerulopathy (FNG) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited kidney disease. Approximately 40% of genetically confirmed FNG cases are associated with likely pathogenic variants in FN1. Patients with FNG have similar clinical features as those with chronic nephritis. Due to nonspecific clinical manifestations mimicking common childhood glomerular diseases, FNG poses significant diagnostic challenges in children, frequently resulting in delayed diagnosis. Case Description: A 9-year-old Chinese girl presented with manifestations suggestive of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN), including edema, hypertension, hypocomplementemia, nephrotic-range proteinuria (3.34 g/24 h), and microscopic hematuria (45–55 cells/HP). Despite resolution of edema and normalized complement C3 after initial therapy, proteinuria and hematuria persisted. Renal biopsy revealed prominent mesangial deposits extending to glomerular capillary walls, with strong fibronectin (FN) immunoreactivity and fibrillary electrondense deposits on electron microscopy. Genetic testing identified a heterozygous FN1 missense variant c.3051G>C (p.Trp1017Cys) in the proband and her asymptomatic father, classified as likely pathogenic per ACMG guidelines (supporting evidence: PS1, PM2, PP3, PP4). mRNA and cDNA sequencing confirmed the transcription of the mutant allele in the family members. Notably, these transcriptional analyses cannot provide direct evidence for the functional pathogenicity of the variant. The patient received combined angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy, and renal function remained stable during 3 years of follow-up. Conclusions: The FN1 c.3051G>C represents a novel nucleotide variant, while the corresponding amino acid alteration p.Trp1017Cys has been reported in the previous literature. This case expands the variant spectrum of FN1 and emphasizes the critical value of renal biopsy and genetic testing for diagnosing FNG in pediatric patients with persistent renal manifestations after suspected APSGN. Family screening is essential for identifying asymptomatic carriers. Our findings also highlight the phenotypic heterogeneity of FNG. Full article

Mechanical damage remains a major constraint in low-damage harvesting and handling of the Korla fragrant pear, owing to its cultivar-specific bruise-sensitive traits (BSTs), namely its thin peel, crisp flesh, smooth epidermis, and high bruise sensitivity. This review synthesizes evidence from the Korla fragrant pear, other pear cultivars, apple, and related fresh produce to clarify damage mechanisms and engineering strategies for damage control. The reviewed studies show that injury is mainly governed by impact energy, compression load, contact stiffness, friction, fruit velocity, spacing, and transfer trajectory. Quasi-static compression and drop-impact tests provide essential thresholds, including elastic modulus, rupture force, absorbed energy, bruise area, and bruise volume, but Korla-specific data remain insufficient. Nondestructive techniques are complementary: RGB machine vision supports rapid surface screening, hyperspectral imaging improves early bruise detection, X-ray computed tomography quantifies internal bruising, and scanning electron microscopy verifies cellular damage mechanisms. FEM and DEM can predict stress distribution, deformation, collision behavior, and equipment-induced injury when calibrated with cultivar-specific parameters. Overall, apple- or general pear-based technologies require recalibration before application to the Korla fragrant pear. Future work should establish Korla-specific damage thresholds and validate detection, simulation, and conveying systems under real orchard and packing-line conditions. Full article

The demand for large-scale high-performance components with tailored properties in the aerospace and automotive industries has increased interest in multi-material additive manufacturing (AM). Among AM techniques, the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process is preferred for bimetallic fabrication due to high deposition rates, low equipment costs, and efficient material utilization. However, differences in metallurgical and thermal properties between dissimilar alloys can cause heat accumulation, leading to thermal stresses, cracking, and weak interfacial bonds. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has reported the fabrication and characterization of a 17-4PH SS/Inconel 625 joint using the large-scale CMT-WAAM Process. To fill this gap, this study characterizes the microstructure and elemental distribution of the joint using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Microscopy (XRM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Microstructural analysis revealed a martensitic matrix with retained δ-ferrite in the 17-4PH region, a fully austenitic γ-phase in the Inconel 625 region, and a mixed BCC–FCC transition zone at the interface. EDS results demonstrated a Fe–Ni compositional gradient across the interface. Radiographic inspection confirmed a defect-free build, and XRM results showed a porosity of less than 0.003% only in the 17-4PH region. Tensile testing confirmed joint integrity, with fracture occurring in the Inconel 625 region, and average yield and ultimate tensile strengths of 391 ± 7 MPa and 676 ± 9 MPa, respectively. The simplified Johnson-Cook constitutive model successfully predicted the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), with a prediction error of 9.3% compared to the experimental result. Furthermore, a novel 3D-structured light scanner technique was developed and validated with an extensometer to provide insight into localized strain behavior. Full article

Gravel soil used as backfill behind rockfall barriers in mountainous roads can extend structural service life and support sustainable resource utilization. However, rainfall-induced erosion may cause soil loss and reduce its buffering capacity. The fibers are short discrete fibers with a length of approximately 12 mm and an average diameter of 32.7 μm, corresponding to an aspect ratio of approximately 367. Reinforcement is achieved through fiber–soil interaction mechanisms, including particle bridging, interfacial friction, and pull-out resistance. The effects of polyurethane and fiber contents on compressive strength, shear strength, and impact resistance were evaluated using response surface methodology. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the microstructural features associated with the reinforcement mechanisms, and engineering-scale model tests were conducted to assess erosion and impact resistance under representative service conditions. The results show that polyurethane and fibers produce significant nonlinear enhancement effects on the mechanical properties of gravel soil, mainly through their individual contributions, whereas their interaction is limited. Multi-objective optimization indicates that the optimal mixture contains 6.8% polyurethane and 0.19% fiber, with prediction errors below 5%. The unconfined compressive strength of the gravelly soil increased from 107.6 kPa to 931.5 kPa, representing a 765.7% increase. Cohesion increased from 23.4 kPa to 83.44 kPa, representing a 256.4% increase. The internal friction angle increased from 43.4° to 61.23°, corresponding to a 41.08% increase. Under 1 h of intense rainfall erosion, the stabilized soil exhibited only slight surface particle detachment and maintained overall integrity. In impact tests, the velocity attenuation rate reached 65.6–71.4%. The proposed material provides a sustainable solution for improving buffer layers in rockfall barriers. Full article

High-strength nanofiber yarns exhibit pronounced nonlinear tensile responses arising from their hierarchical fibrous architecture, yet compact constitutive descriptions remain limited. Here, high-strength polyacrylonitrile nanofiber yarns were prepared by post-drawing as-spun yarns above the glass transition temperature, and their aligned, stacked morphology was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Monotonic tensile tests at different loading rates were used to quantify the rate-dependent stress–strain response. The tangent modulus derived from the tensile curve varied strongly with strain, confirming clear deviation from linear viscoelasticity. To capture this behavior, two effective models were established: a modified nonlinear three-element model and a structural four-element model incorporating a nonlinear elastic contribution. Closed-form stress–strain expressions were derived for constant strain-rate loading and fitted to experimental data using nonlinear regression. Both models reproduced the measured tensile curves with high accuracy over the investigated loading-rate range, with correlation coefficients close to unity and low fitting errors. The identified parameters were highly consistent between formulations, indicating functional equivalence for the present monotonic tensile dataset. These results provide a compact framework for characterizing and designing hierarchical polymer nanofiber yarns. Full article

Background: Compomer materials combine the advantages of composite resins and glass ionomer cements, including fluoride release, durability, and aesthetics. This study evaluated the effects of silver nanoparticles (nAg⁰) and copper oxide (CuO) particles on fluoride ions release and the structural properties of a commercially available compomer. Methods: Compomer discs modified with 0.125 wt.%, 0.25 wt.%, and 0.5 wt.% nAg⁰ or CuO were prepared and analyzed in demineralized water and artificial saliva at various pH levels for 168 h. Fluoride release was measured using a fluoride-selective electrode, while structural and morphological properties were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Under most of the tested conditions, the modified materials exhibited higher fluoride release than the unmodified compomer, with the greatest increase typically observed at higher additive concentrations. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of crystalline phases of Ag⁰ and CuO while maintaining the amorphous nature of the compomer matrix. SEM observations revealed better particle dispersion at lower additive concentrations and increased agglomeration at a 0.5% content. Conclusions: These results indicate that the incorporation of nAg⁰ and CuO particles may enhance the fluoride-releasing potential of compomer materials; however, further studies are necessary to evaluate their mechanical, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and aesthetic properties prior to clinical application. Full article

In this study, lamellar MFI (Mobile Five-membered ring Intergrowth) zeolites pillared with TiO₂ were synthesized using tetraethyl orthotitanate (TEOTi) as titanium precursor and evaluated as photocatalysts for Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under UV irradiation. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption–desorption, photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD confirmed the preservation of the lamellar MFI structure and the formation of anatase TiO₂ pillars within the interlayer space. The composites exhibited hierarchical micro/mesoporosity, high surface areas (>320 m² g⁻¹), and mesopore sizes of approximately 4.1–4.2 nm. Photocatalytic experiments revealed that the incorporation of TiO₂ into the lamellar MFI framework significantly enhanced the degradation kinetics of RhB compared with bare TiO₂. The apparent pseudo-first-order rate constants followed the order MFIPTi-6 > MFIPTi-3 > MFIPTi-12 > TiO₂ > MFIPTi-24, with MFIPTi-6 exhibiting the highest activity (k_app = 0.049 min⁻¹), approximately 1.6 times higher than that of pure TiO₂. Scavenger experiments identified hydroxyl radicals as the predominant reactive species involved in the degradation process. TOC (Total Organic Carbon) measurements showed approximately 80% organic carbon removal, while recyclability tests demonstrated stable photocatalytic performance over six consecutive cycles. These results highlight the potential of lamellar TiO₂/MFI composites as efficient and reusable photocatalysts for water treatment applications. Full article

To address early-age cracking in concrete walls of hydraulic structures such as ship locks, basalt fibers (BFs) were incorporated as a reinforcement strategy. The effects of varying BF dosages and lengths on the workability, mechanical strength, and crack resistance of concrete were systematically evaluated. Furthermore, the internal microstructure was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the durability performance, including impermeability, freeze–thaw resistance, and abrasion resistance, was assessed. The results indicate that workability decreased with increasing fiber content and length. The highest mechanical performance among tested mixes was achieved with 0.1% BF of 9 mm length, increasing 7-day and 28-day compressive strength by 17.47% and 22.59%, respectively, compared to plain concrete. The greatest crack resistance was observed with 0.2% BF of 18 mm length, delaying cracking by 150% and reducing crack width by 85%. Durability tests showed that a 0.2%-18 mm BF mix reduced water permeability depth by 47.37% and a 0.3% BF content optimized abrasion resistance. Freeze–thaw cycles indicated that a 0.3% fiber content effectively maintained the relative dynamic elastic modulus. SEM analysis revealed that BFs act as micro-bridges within the matrix, optimizing pore structure, inhibiting micro-crack propagation, and enhancing concrete density. This study evaluates BF-reinforced concrete and provides a practical reference for improving crack resistance and long-term durability in ship lock structures. Full article

Scanning acoustic microscopy is a useful non-destructive imaging technique for semiconductor inspection, providing acoustic contrast without physical sectioning. However, the selection of an ultrasound transducer for high-quality imaging is not determined by the operating center frequency alone. The focusing condition, represented by the F-number, also plays a critical role in determining the lateral resolution. In this study, the combined effects of the center frequency and F-number on lateral resolution were investigated using wafer-based test samples. Focused ultrasound transducers with different center frequencies were used to image a striped resolution target for quantitative lateral resolution analysis. In addition, a custom-fabricated silicon wafer containing void-mimicking patterns was also imaged for qualitative evaluation. The results show that a higher frequency does not necessarily guarantee better lateral resolution. In fact, a lower-frequency transducer with tighter focusing showed greater image quality compared to a higher-frequency transducer with a larger F-number. These findings indicate that both frequency and F-number should be jointly considered when selecting ultrasound transducers for semiconductor inspection. This wafer-based evaluation provides practical guidance for optimizing imaging conditions in scanning acoustic microscopy, according to target feature size and inspection requirements. Full article

High-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia is an experimental metabolic condition characterized primarily by dysregulated serum lipid levels and hepatic lipid accumulation, with associated oxidative, inflammatory, mitochondrial, and cardiovascular alterations. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-functionalized selenium nanoparticles (EGCG-SeNPs) against HFD-induced metabolic and hepatic injury, in comparison with free EGCG, sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃), and Lipanthyl. EGCG-SeNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and UV–visible spectrophotometry. Forty-two adult male rats were allocated into six groups: control, HFD, HFD/Lipanthyl, HFD/EGCG, HFD/Na₂SeO₃, and HFD/EGCG-SeNPs. High-fat diet (HFD) feeding induced pronounced dyslipidemia, elevated hepatic enzymes, increased cardiac injury biomarkers, enhanced lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress, depletion of antioxidant defenses, and disruption of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Keap1/Nrf2) regulatory axis. HFD also increased nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while altering mitochondrial apoptotic markers, including B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), cytochrome c, and caspase-3. At the transcriptional level, HFD increased lipogenic gene expression and reduced the expression of genes related to fatty-acid oxidation, metabolic regulation, and mitochondrial homeostasis. EGCG-SeNPs showed the greatest overall improvement among the tested interventions, as indicated by an improved lipid profile, hepato-cardiac injury biomarkers, antioxidant status, inflammatory markers, apoptotic markers, hepatic architecture, and Nrf2 immunoreactivity. Collectively, EGCG-SeNPs may mitigate HFD-induced hepatic lipotoxicity and associated cardiac stress through coordinated modulation of lipid metabolism, redox balance, inflammation, and mitochondrial homeostasis. Full article

Titanium alloys are among the most important biomaterials due to their good biocompatibility, high corrosion resistance and favourable mechanical properties. Particular interest is directed towards β-Ti alloys, whose properties can be tailored by adding β-stabilisers such as molybdenum and chromium, with the aim of developing materials suitable for biomedical applications. This paper investigates the influence of chemical composition on the phase composition, microstructure, microhardness and corrosion properties of experimental Ti-Mo-Cr alloys produced by casting. Phase composition was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), while microstructural characteristics were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that increasing the molybdenum and chromium content contributes to the stabilisation of the β-phase and reduces the proportion of α and α″ martensite. Complete stabilisation of the β-phase was achieved in the Ti-10Mo-30Cr alloy, while the Ti-10Mo-10Cr alloy showed a dominant presence of α″ martensite. EDS analysis confirmed the segregation of alloying elements during solidification. Microhardness measurements showed an increase in hardness with increasing total alloying element content, with the highest hardness measured in the Ti-20Mo-20Cr alloy. Corrosion properties were tested using open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel polarisation methods in 0.9% NaCl (sodium chloride) medium. Among the alloys investigated, Ti-20Mo-20Cr showed a favourable overall balance of electrochemical properties, while Ti-10Mo-30Cr exhibited the lowest corrosion rate. The results suggest that a balanced ratio of molybdenum and chromium plays a key role in optimising the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion performance of Ti-Mo-Cr alloys. Full article