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Keywords = resistivity of metals

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17 pages, 972 KiB  
Article
A Preliminary Investigation into Heavy Metal Tolerance in Pseudomonas Isolates: Does the Isolation Site Have an Effect?
by Alessandro De Santis, Antonio Bevilacqua, Angela Racioppo, Barbara Speranza, Maria Rosaria Corbo, Clelia Altieri and Milena Sinigaglia
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1692; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151692 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
One hundred presumptive Pseudomonas isolates, recovered from 15 sites impacted by anthropogenic activity in the Foggia district (Italy), were screened for key adaptive and functional traits important for environmental applications. The isolates were phenotypically characterized for their ability to grow under combined pH [...] Read more.
One hundred presumptive Pseudomonas isolates, recovered from 15 sites impacted by anthropogenic activity in the Foggia district (Italy), were screened for key adaptive and functional traits important for environmental applications. The isolates were phenotypically characterized for their ability to grow under combined pH (5.0–8.0) and temperature (15–37 °C) conditions, to produce proteolytic enzymes, pigments, and exopolysaccharides, and to tolerate SDS. Moreover, the resistance to six environmentally relevant heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, As) was qualitatively assessed. The results highlighted wide inter-strain variability, with distinct clusters of isolates showing unique combinations of stress tolerance, enzymatic potential, and resistance profile. PERMANOVA analysis revealed significant effects of both the isolation site and the metal type, as well as their interaction, on the observed resistance patterns. A subset of isolates showed co-tolerance to elevated temperatures and heavy metals. These findings offer an initial yet insightful overview of the adaptive diversity of soil-derived Pseudomonas, laying the groundwork for the rational selection of strains for bioaugmentation in contaminated soils. Full article
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18 pages, 3140 KiB  
Article
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Conversational and Emerging Pollutants in Fecal Sludge from Rural Toilets, China
by Lin Lin, Yilin Shen, Guoji Ding, Shakib Alghashm, Seinn Lei Aye and Xiaowei Li
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7088; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157088 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Effective management of fecal pollutants in rural sanitation is crucial for environmental health and public safety, especially in developing regions. In this study, temporal and regional variations in nutrient elements, heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms (PMs), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of fecal samples [...] Read more.
Effective management of fecal pollutants in rural sanitation is crucial for environmental health and public safety, especially in developing regions. In this study, temporal and regional variations in nutrient elements, heavy metals, pathogenic microorganisms (PMs), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of fecal samples from rural toilets in China were investigated. The moisture contents of the fecal samples average 92.7%, decreasing seasonally from 97.4% in summer to 90.6% in winter. The samples’ pH values range from 6.5 to 7.5, with a slight decrease in winter (6.8), while their electrical conductivity varies from 128.1 to 2150 μs/cm, influenced by regional diets. Chromium (9.0–49.7 mg/kg) and copper (31.9–784.4 mg/kg) levels vary regionally, with higher concentrations in Anhui and Guangxi Provinces due to dietary and industrial factors. Zinc contents range from 108.5 to 1648.9 mg/kg, with higher levels in autumn and winter, resulting from agricultural practices and Zn-containing fungicides, posing potential health and phytotoxicity risks. Seasonal and regional variations in PMs and ARGs were observed. Guangxi Province shows the high PM diversity in summer samples, while Jiangsu Province exhibits the high ARGs types in autumn samples. These findings highlight the need for improved waste management and sanitation solutions in rural areas to mitigate environmental risks and protect public health. Continued research in these regions is essential to inform effective sanitation strategies. Full article
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14 pages, 10994 KiB  
Article
Novel Cemented Carbide Inserts for Metal Grooving Applications
by Janusz Konstanty, Albir Layyous and Łukasz Furtak
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3674; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153674 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Although cemented carbides have been manufactured by the powder metallurgy (P/M) technology for over a century now, systematic developmental efforts are still underway. In the present study, tool life improvements in metal grooving applications are the key objective. Four PVD-coated cemented carbides compositions, [...] Read more.
Although cemented carbides have been manufactured by the powder metallurgy (P/M) technology for over a century now, systematic developmental efforts are still underway. In the present study, tool life improvements in metal grooving applications are the key objective. Four PVD-coated cemented carbides compositions, dedicated to groove steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminium alloys, have been newly designed, along with their manufacturing conditions. Physical, mechanical and chemical characteristics—such as sintered density, modulus of elasticity, hardness, fracture toughness, WC grain size, and the chemical composition of the substrate material, as well as the chemical composition, microhardness, structure, and thickness of the coatings—have been studied. A series of grooving tests have also been conducted to assess whether modifications to the thus far marketed tool materials, tool geometries, and coatings can improve cutting performance. In order to compare the laboratory and application properties of the investigated materials with currently produced by reputable companies, commercial inserts have also been tested. The experimental results obtained indicate that the newly developed grooving inserts exhibit excellent microstructural characteristics, high hardness, fracture toughness, and wear resistance and that they show slightly longer tool life compared to the commercial ones. Full article
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14 pages, 2180 KiB  
Article
Study on Preparation of Nano-CeO2 Modified Aluminized Coating by Low Temperature Pack Aluminizing on γ-TiAl Intermetallic Compound
by Jiahui Song, Yunmei Long, Yifan He, Yichen Li, Dianqi Huang, Yan Gu, Xingyao Wang, Jinlong Wang and Minghui Chen
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080914 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
TiAl alloy offers advantages including low density, high specific strength and stiffness, and excellent high-temperature creep resistance. It is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and chemical sectors, as well as in other fields. However, at temperatures of 800 °C and above, it [...] Read more.
TiAl alloy offers advantages including low density, high specific strength and stiffness, and excellent high-temperature creep resistance. It is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and chemical sectors, as well as in other fields. However, at temperatures of 800 °C and above, it forms a porous oxide film predominantly composed of TiO2, which fails to provide adequate protection. Applying high-temperature protective coatings is therefore essential. Oxides demonstrating protective efficacy at elevated temperatures include Al2O3, Cr2O3, and SiO2. The Pilling–Bedworth Ratio (PBR)—defined as the ratio of the volume of the oxide formed to the volume of the metal consumed—serves as a critical criterion for assessing oxide film integrity. A PBR value greater than 1 but less than 2 indicates superior film integrity and enhanced oxidation resistance. Among common oxides, Al2O3 exhibits a PBR value within this optimal range (1−2), rendering aluminum-based compound coatings the most extensively utilized. Aluminum coatings can be applied via methods such as pack cementation, thermal spraying, and hot-dip aluminizing. Pack cementation, being the simplest to operate, is widely employed. In this study, a powder mixture with the composition Al:Al2O3:NH4Cl:CeO2 = 30:66:3:1 was used to aluminize γ-TiAl intermetallic compound specimens via pack cementation at 600 °C for 5 h. Subsequent isothermal oxidation at 900 °C for 20 h yielded an oxidation kinetic curve adhering to the parabolic rate law. This treatment significantly enhanced the high-temperature oxidation resistance of the γ-TiAl intermetallic compound, thereby broadening its potential application scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Temperature Protective Coatings)
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21 pages, 1360 KiB  
Article
Design and Characterization of Mn(II), Co(II), and Zn(II) Complexes with Chrysin: Spectroscopic, Antibacterial, and Anti-Biofilm Insights
by Elżbieta Woźnicka, Anna Miłoś, Lidia Zapała, Małgorzata Kosińska-Pezda, Katarzyna Lecka-Szlachta and Łukasz Byczyński
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2468; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082468 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study presents the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of coordination compounds formed between chrysin, a natural flavonoid, and transition metal ions: Mn(II), Co(II), and Zn(II). The complexes were obtained under mildly basic conditions and analyzed using elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), silver-assisted laser [...] Read more.
This study presents the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of coordination compounds formed between chrysin, a natural flavonoid, and transition metal ions: Mn(II), Co(II), and Zn(II). The complexes were obtained under mildly basic conditions and analyzed using elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), silver-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS), FT-IR spectroscopy, and 1H NMR. The spectroscopic data confirm that chrysin coordinates as a bidentate ligand through the 5-hydroxyl and 4-carbonyl groups, with structural differences depending on the metal ion involved. The mass spectrometry results revealed distinct stoichiometries: 1:2 metal-to-ligand ratios for Mn(II) and Co(II), and 1:1 for Zn(II), with additional hydroxide coordination. Biological assays demonstrated that Co(II) and Mn(II) complexes exhibit enhanced antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity compared to free chrysin, particularly against drug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, whereas the Zn(II) complex showed negligible biological activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Complexes: Design, Properties and Applications)
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35 pages, 1022 KiB  
Review
Mechanistic Role of Heavy Metals in Driving Antimicrobial Resistance: From Rhizosphere to Phyllosphere
by Rahul Kumar, Tanja P. Vasić, Sanja P. Živković, Periyasamy Panneerselvam, Gustavo Santoyo, Sergio de los Santos Villalobos, Adeyemi Nurudeen Olatunbosun, Aditi Pandit, Leonard Koolman, Debasis Mitra and Pankaj Gautam
Appl. Microbiol. 2025, 5(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmicrobiol5030079 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution represents a pervasive environmental challenge that significantly exacerbates the ever-increasing crisis of antimicrobial resistance and the capacity of microorganisms to endure and proliferate despite antibiotic interventions. This review examines the intricate relationship between heavy metals and AMR, with an emphasis [...] Read more.
Heavy metal pollution represents a pervasive environmental challenge that significantly exacerbates the ever-increasing crisis of antimicrobial resistance and the capacity of microorganisms to endure and proliferate despite antibiotic interventions. This review examines the intricate relationship between heavy metals and AMR, with an emphasis on the underlying molecular mechanisms and ecological ramifications. Common environmental metals, including arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and lead, exert substantial selective pressures on microbial communities. These induce oxidative stress and DNA damage, potentially leading to mutations that enhance antibiotic resistance. Key microbial responses include the overexpression of efflux pumps that expel both metals and antibiotics, production of detoxifying enzymes, and formation of protective biofilms, all of which contribute to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. In the soil environment, particularly the rhizosphere, heavy metals disrupt plant–microbe interactions by inhibiting beneficial organisms, such as rhizobacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and actinomycetes, thereby impairing nutrient cycling and plant health. Nonetheless, certain microbial consortia can tolerate and detoxify heavy metals through sequestration and biotransformation, rendering them valuable for bioremediation. Advances in biotechnology, including gene editing and the development of engineered metal-resistant microbes, offer promising solutions for mitigating the spread of metal-driven AMR and restoring ecological balance. By understanding the interplay between metal pollution and microbial resistance, we can more effectively devise strategies for environmental protection and public health. Full article
25 pages, 15569 KiB  
Article
Studies on the Chemical Etching and Corrosion Resistance of Ultrathin Laminated Alumina/Titania Coatings
by Ivan Netšipailo, Lauri Aarik, Jekaterina Kozlova, Aivar Tarre, Maido Merisalu, Kaisa Aab, Hugo Mändar, Peeter Ritslaid and Väino Sammelselg
Corros. Mater. Degrad. 2025, 6(3), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/cmd6030036 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 210
Abstract
We investigated the protective properties of ultrathin laminated coatings, comprising three pairs of Al2O3 and TiO2 sublayers with coating thicknesses < 150 nm, deposited on AISI 310 stainless steel (SS) and Si (100) substrates at 80–500 °C by atomic [...] Read more.
We investigated the protective properties of ultrathin laminated coatings, comprising three pairs of Al2O3 and TiO2 sublayers with coating thicknesses < 150 nm, deposited on AISI 310 stainless steel (SS) and Si (100) substrates at 80–500 °C by atomic layer deposition. The coatings were chemically etched and subjected to corrosion, ultrasound, and thermal shock tests. The coating etching resistance efficiency (Re) was determined by measuring via XRF the change in the coating sublayer mass thickness after etching in hot 80% H2SO4. The maximum Re values of ≥98% for both alumina and titania sublayers were obtained for the laminates deposited at 250–400 °C on both substrates. In these coatings, the titania sublayers were crystalline. The lowest Re values of 15% and 50% for the alumina and titania sublayers, respectively, were measured for laminate grown at 80 °C on silicon. The coatings deposited at 160–200 °C demonstrated a delay in the increase of Re values, attributed to the changes in the titania sublayers before full crystallization. Coatings grown at higher temperatures were also more resistant to ultrasound and liquid nitrogen treatments. In contrast, coatings deposited at 125 °C on SS had better corrosion protection, as demonstrated via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and a standard immersion test in FeCl3 solution. Full article
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19 pages, 2157 KiB  
Article
WEEE Glass as a Sustainable Supplementary Cementitious Material: Experimental Analysis on Strength, Durability and Ecotoxic Performance of Mortars
by Raphaele Malheiro, André Lemos, Aires Camões, Duarte Ferreira, Juliana Alves and Cristina Quintelas
Sci 2025, 7(3), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7030107 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 194
Abstract
This study investigates the use of waste glass powder derived from fluorescent lamps as a partial replacement for cement in mortar production, aiming to valorize this Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and enhance sustainability in the construction sector. Mortars were formulated [...] Read more.
This study investigates the use of waste glass powder derived from fluorescent lamps as a partial replacement for cement in mortar production, aiming to valorize this Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and enhance sustainability in the construction sector. Mortars were formulated by substituting 25% of cement by volume with glass powders from fluorescent lamp glass and green bottle glass. The experimental program evaluated mechanical strength, durability parameters and ecotoxicological performance. Results revealed that clean fluorescent lamp mortars showed the most promising mechanical behavior, exceeding the reference in long-term compressive (54.8 MPa) and flexural strength (10.0 MPa). All glass mortars exhibited significantly reduced chloride diffusion coefficients (85–89%) and increased electrical resistivity (almost 4 times higher), indicating improved durability. Leaching tests confirmed that the incorporation of fluorescent lamp waste did not lead to hazardous levels of heavy metals in the cured mortars, suggesting effective encapsulation. By addressing both technical (mechanical and durability) and ecotoxic performance, this research contributes in an original and relevant way to the development of more sustainable building materials. Full article
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13 pages, 2303 KiB  
Article
A Stable Metal Chalcogenide Cluster-Based Framework Decorated with Transition Metal Complexes for an Efficient Electrocatalytic O2 Reduction Reaction
by Xiang Wang, Juan Li and Tao Wu
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(15), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15151186 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 109
Abstract
Highly efficient and stable non-Pt-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) are highly desirable in energy conversion and storage systems. Herein, we report a hydrothermally synthesized metal chalcogenide cluster-based framework (NCF-3-Mn), which is decorated with transition metal complexes ([Mn(TEPA)]2+, TEPA = [...] Read more.
Highly efficient and stable non-Pt-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) are highly desirable in energy conversion and storage systems. Herein, we report a hydrothermally synthesized metal chalcogenide cluster-based framework (NCF-3-Mn), which is decorated with transition metal complexes ([Mn(TEPA)]2+, TEPA = tetraethylenepentamine), for an electrocatalytic O2 reduction reaction (ORR). Benefitting from the abundant Mn-S bonds and Mn-N-C structures in NCF-3-Mn, it was found that NCF-3-Mn displayed a high onset potential (0.90 V) and an efficient four-electron transfer reaction pathway, which are much better than those of its analogue framework (T2-GaSbS). Moreover, NCF-3-Mn also exhibited a considerable long-term stability and methanol resistance toward ORRs. This work will present new opportunities for exploring the utilization of chalcogenide frameworks as novel non-Pt electrocatalysts for ORRs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Micro/Nanoscale Open Framework Materials (OFMs))
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11 pages, 5112 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of a Porous TiNi3 Intermetallic Compound to Enhance Anti-Corrosion Performance in 1 M KOH
by Zhenli He, Yue Qiu, Yuehui He, Qian Zhao, Zhonghe Wang and Yao Jiang
Metals 2025, 15(8), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15080865 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 141
Abstract
Porous intermetallic compounds have the properties of porous materials as well as a combination of covalent and metallic bonds, and they exhibit high porosity, structural stability, and corrosion resistance. In this work, a porous TiNi3 intermetallic compound was fabricated through reactive synthesis [...] Read more.
Porous intermetallic compounds have the properties of porous materials as well as a combination of covalent and metallic bonds, and they exhibit high porosity, structural stability, and corrosion resistance. In this work, a porous TiNi3 intermetallic compound was fabricated through reactive synthesis of elemental powders. Next, detailed studies of its phase composition and pore structure characteristics at different sintering temperatures, as well as its corrosion behavior against an alkaline environment, were carried out. The results show that the as-prepared porous TiNi3 intermetallic compound has abundant pore structures, with an open porosity of 56.5%, which can be attributed to a combination of the bridging effects of initial powder particles and the Kirkendall effect occurring during the sintering process. In 1 M KOH solution, a higher positive corrosion potential (−0.979 VSCE) and a lower corrosion current density (1.18 × 10−4 A∙cm−2) were exhibited by the porous TiNi3 intermetallic compound, compared to the porous Ni, reducing the thermodynamic corrosion tendency and the corrosion rate. The corresponding corrosion process is controlled by the charge transfer process, and the increased charge transfer resistance value (713.9 Ω⋅cm2) of TiNi3 makes it more difficult to charge-transfer than porous Ni (204.5 Ω⋅cm2), thus decreasing the rate of electrode reaction. The formation of a more stable passive film with the incorporation of Ti contributes to this improved corrosion resistance performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Ti-Based Alloys and Ti-Based Materials)
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20 pages, 3136 KiB  
Review
The Role of Genomic Islands in the Pathogenicity and Evolution of Plant-Pathogenic Gammaproteobacteria
by Yuta Watanabe, Yasuhiro Ishiga and Nanami Sakata
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1803; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081803 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 85
Abstract
Genomic islands (GIs) including integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), prophages, and integrative plasmids are central drivers of horizontal gene transfer in bacterial plant pathogens. These elements often carry cargo genes encoding virulence factors, antibiotic and metal resistance determinants, and metabolic functions that enhance [...] Read more.
Genomic islands (GIs) including integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), prophages, and integrative plasmids are central drivers of horizontal gene transfer in bacterial plant pathogens. These elements often carry cargo genes encoding virulence factors, antibiotic and metal resistance determinants, and metabolic functions that enhance environmental adaptability. In plant-pathogenic species such as Pseudomonas syringae, GIs contribute to host specificity, immune evasion, and the emergence of novel pathogenic variants. ICEclc and its homologs represent integrative and mobilizable elements whose tightly regulated excision and transfer are driven by a specialized transcriptional cascade, while ICEs in P. syringae highlight the ecological impact of cargo genes on pathogen virulence and fitness. Pathogenicity islands further modulate virulence gene expression in response to in planta stimuli. Beyond P. syringae, GIs in genera such as Erwinia, Pectobacterium, and Ralstonia underpin critical traits like toxin biosynthesis, secretion system acquisition, and topoisomerase-mediated stability. Leveraging high-throughput genomics and structural biology will be essential to dissect GI regulation and develop targeted interventions to curb disease spread. This review synthesizes the current understanding of GIs in plant-pathogenic gammaproteobacteria and outlines future research priorities for translating mechanistic insights into sustainable disease control strategies. Full article
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12 pages, 815 KiB  
Article
Profiles of Sensitivity to Antibiotics and Heavy Metals in Strains of Pseudomonas mendocina Isolates from Leachate Pond
by Aura Falco, Alejandra Mondragón-Quiguanas, Laura Burbano, Miguel Ángel Villaquirán-Muriel, Adriana Correa and Carlos Aranaga
Antibiotics 2025, 14(8), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14080781 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 146
Abstract
Background/Objetives: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a multifaceted issue that the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies as one of the primary threats to global health for humans, animals, and the environment. In Colombia, AMR has been extensively studied at the hospital level; however, [...] Read more.
Background/Objetives: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a multifaceted issue that the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies as one of the primary threats to global health for humans, animals, and the environment. In Colombia, AMR has been extensively studied at the hospital level; however, there are limited environmental studies, particularly concerning leachates from landfills. The objective of this study was to identify and determine the genetic relationships, as well as the sensitivity profiles to antibiotics and heavy metals, of ten Pseudomonas mendocina isolates from a leachate pond. Methods: Identification was conducted using MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight), while genotyping was performed via rep-PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, and quinolones was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer method. Additionally, sensitivity profile to heavy metals was evaluated using the broth microdilution technique. Results: Rep-PCR analysis indicated that 60% (n = 6/10) of the isolates exhibited a clonal relationship. Sensitivity testing revealed that 30% (n = 3/10) of the isolates displayed reduced sensitivity to aminoglycosides and β-lactams. Finally, the broth microdilution showed that 90% (n = 9/10) of the isolates were tolerant to copper sulfate. Conclusions: These results provide evidence that landfill leachates may serve as a potential reservoir for bacteria harboring antimicrobial resistance determinants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic Resistance: The Role of Aquatic Environments)
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12 pages, 3313 KiB  
Article
Graphene-Based Grid Patterns Fabricated via Direct Ink Writing for Flexible Transparent Electrodes
by Yongcheng Zheng, Hai Zi, Shuqi Wang, Shengming Yin and Xu Shen
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8553; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158553 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 145
Abstract
Graphene is considered one of the most promising flexible transparent electrode materials as it has high charge carrier mobility, high electrical conductivity, low optical absorption, excellent mechanical strength, and good bendability. However, graphene-based flexible transparent electrodes face a critical challenge in balancing electrical [...] Read more.
Graphene is considered one of the most promising flexible transparent electrode materials as it has high charge carrier mobility, high electrical conductivity, low optical absorption, excellent mechanical strength, and good bendability. However, graphene-based flexible transparent electrodes face a critical challenge in balancing electrical conductivity and optical transmittance. Here, we present a green and scalable direct ink writing (DIW) strategy to fabricate graphene grid patterns by optimizing ink formulation with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and ethanol. SDS eliminates the coffee ring effect via Marangoni flow, while ethanol enhances graphene flake alignment during hot-pressing, achieving a high conductivity of 5.22 × 105 S m−1. The grid-patterned graphene-based flexible transparent electrodes exhibit a low sheet resistance of 21.3 Ω/sq with 68.5% transmittance as well as a high stability in high-temperature and corrosive environments, surpassing most metal/graphene composites. This method avoids toxic solvents and high-temperature treatments, demonstrating excellent stability in harsh environments. Full article
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21 pages, 3814 KiB  
Article
Features of the Structure of Layered Epoxy Composite Coatings Formed on a Metal-Ceramic-Coated Aluminum Base
by Volodymyr Korzhyk, Volodymyr Kopei, Petro Stukhliak, Olena Berdnikova, Olga Kushnarova, Oleg Kolisnichenko, Oleg Totosko, Danylo Stukhliak and Liubomyr Ropyak
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3620; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153620 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 224
Abstract
Difficult, extreme operating conditions of parabolic antennas under precipitation and sub-zero temperatures require the creation of effective heating systems. The purpose of the research is to develop a multilayer coating containing two metal-ceramic layers, epoxy composite layers, carbon fabric, and an outer layer [...] Read more.
Difficult, extreme operating conditions of parabolic antennas under precipitation and sub-zero temperatures require the creation of effective heating systems. The purpose of the research is to develop a multilayer coating containing two metal-ceramic layers, epoxy composite layers, carbon fabric, and an outer layer of basalt fabric, which allows for effective heating of the antenna, and to study the properties of this coating. The multilayer coating was formed on an aluminum base that was subjected to abrasive jet processing. The first and second metal-ceramic layers, Al2O3 + 5% Al, which were applied by high-speed multi-chamber cumulative detonation spraying (CDS), respectively, provide maximum adhesion strength to the aluminum base and high adhesion strength to the third layer of the epoxy composite containing Al2O3. On this not-yet-polymerized layer of epoxy composite containing Al2O3, a layer of carbon fabric (impregnated with epoxy resin) was formed, which serves as a resistive heating element. On top of this carbon fabric, a layer of epoxy composite containing Cr2O3 and SiO2 was applied. Next, basalt fabric was applied to this still-not-yet-polymerized layer. Then, the resulting layered coating was compacted and dried. To study this multilayer coating, X-ray analysis, light and raster scanning microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used. The thickness of the coating layers and microhardness were measured on transverse microsections. The adhesion strength of the metal-ceramic coating layers to the aluminum base was determined by both bending testing and peeling using the adhesive method. It was established that CDS provides the formation of metal-ceramic layers with a maximum fraction of lamellae and a microhardness of 7900–10,520 MPa. In these metal-ceramic layers, a dispersed subgrain structure, a uniform distribution of nanoparticles, and a gradient-free level of dislocation density are observed. Such a structure prevents the formation of local concentrators of internal stresses, thereby increasing the level of dispersion and substructural strengthening of the metal-ceramic layers’ material. The formation of materials with a nanostructure increases their strength and crack resistance. The effectiveness of using aluminum, chromium, and silicon oxides as nanofillers in epoxy composite layers was demonstrated. The presence of structures near the surface of these nanofillers, which differ from the properties of the epoxy matrix in the coating, was established. Such zones, specifically the outer surface layers (OSL), significantly affect the properties of the epoxy composite. The results of industrial tests showed the high performance of the multilayer coating during antenna heating. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)
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23 pages, 4116 KiB  
Article
Taxonomic and Functional Profiling of Bacterial Communities in Leather Biodegradation: Insights into Metabolic Pathways and Diversity
by Manuela Bonilla-Espadas, Marcelo Bertazzo, Irene Lifante-Martinez, Mónica Camacho, Elena Orgilés-Calpena, Francisca Arán-Aís and María-José Bonete
Bacteria 2025, 4(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria4030037 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 87
Abstract
Leather biodegradation is a complex microbial process with increasing relevance for sustainable waste management. In this study, we investigated bacterial communities responsible for the degradation of leather treated with different tanning agents (chrome, Zeolite, Biole®) using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing [...] Read more.
Leather biodegradation is a complex microbial process with increasing relevance for sustainable waste management. In this study, we investigated bacterial communities responsible for the degradation of leather treated with different tanning agents (chrome, Zeolite, Biole®) using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metatranscriptomic analysis. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Patescibacteria emerged as the dominant phyla, while genera such as Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Sphingopyxis were identified as key contributors to enzymatic activity and potential metal resistance. A total of 1302 enzymes were expressed across all the conditions, including 46 proteases, with endopeptidase La, endopeptidase Clp, and methionyl aminopeptidase being the most abundant. Collagen samples exhibited the highest functional diversity and total enzyme expression, whereas chrome-treated samples showed elevated protease activity, indicating selective pressure from heavy metals. Differential enzyme expression patterns were linked to both the microbial identity and tanning chemistry, revealing genus- and treatment-specific enzymatic signatures. These findings deepen our understanding of how tanning agents modulate the microbial structure and function and identify proteases with potential applications in the bioremediation and eco-innovation of leather waste processing. Full article
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