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21 pages, 1946 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Modelling for Interfacial Behavior of a Thin Penny-Shaped Piezo-Thermo-Diffusive Actuator
by Hui Zhang, Lan Zhang and Hua-Yang Dang
Modelling 2025, 6(3), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling6030078 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
This paper presents a theoretical model of a thin, penny-shaped piezoelectric actuator bonded to an isotropic thermo-elastic substrate under coupled electrical-thermal-diffusive loading. The problem is assumed to be axisymmetric, and the peeling stress of the film is neglected in accordance with membrane theory, [...] Read more.
This paper presents a theoretical model of a thin, penny-shaped piezoelectric actuator bonded to an isotropic thermo-elastic substrate under coupled electrical-thermal-diffusive loading. The problem is assumed to be axisymmetric, and the peeling stress of the film is neglected in accordance with membrane theory, yielding a simplified equilibrium equation for the piezoelectric film. By employing potential theory and the Hankel transform technique, the surface strain of the substrate is analytically derived. Under the assumption of perfect bonding, a governing integral equation is established in terms of interfacial shear stress. The solution to this integral equation is obtained numerically using orthotropic Chebyshev polynomials. The derived results include the interfacial shear stress, stress intensity factors, as well as the radial and hoop stresses within the system. Finite element analysis is conducted to validate the theoretical predictions. Furthermore, parametric studies elucidate the influence of material mismatch and actuator geometry on the mechanical response. The findings demonstrate that, the performance of the piezoelectric actuator can be optimized through judicious control of the applied electrical-thermal-diffusive loads and careful selection of material and geometric parameters. This work provides valuable insights for the design and optimization of piezoelectric actuator structures in practical engineering applications. Full article
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19 pages, 6218 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Relationship Between Electrical Resistivity and Water Content in Unsaturated Loess: Theoretical Model and ERT Imaging Verification
by Hu Zeng, Qianli Zhang, Cui Du, Jie Liu and Yilin Li
Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080302 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
As a typical porous medium, unsaturated loess demonstrates critical hydro-mechanical coupling properties that fundamentally influence geohazard mitigation, groundwater resource evaluation, and foundation stability in geotechnical engineering. This investigation develops a novel theoretical framework to overcome the limitations of existing models in converting electrical [...] Read more.
As a typical porous medium, unsaturated loess demonstrates critical hydro-mechanical coupling properties that fundamentally influence geohazard mitigation, groundwater resource evaluation, and foundation stability in geotechnical engineering. This investigation develops a novel theoretical framework to overcome the limitations of existing models in converting electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles into water content distributions for unsaturated loess through quantitative inversion modeling. Systematic laboratory investigations on remolded loess specimens with controlled density and water content conditions revealed distinct resistivity–water interaction mechanisms. A characteristic two-stage decay pattern was identified: resistivity exhibited an exponential decrease from 420 Ω·m (water saturation (Sw = 10%)) to 90 Ω·m (Sw = 40%), followed by asymptotic stabilization at Sw ≥ 40%. The derived quantitative correlation provides a robust mathematical basis for water content profile inversion. Field validation through integrated ERT and borehole data demonstrated exceptional predictive accuracy in shallow strata (<20 m depth), achieving mean absolute errors of <5%. However, inversion reliability decreased with depth (>20 m), primarily attributed to density-dependent charge transport mechanisms. This underscores the necessity of incorporating coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes for deep-layer characterization. This study provides a robust framework for engineering applications of ERT in loess terrains, offering significant advancements in geotechnical monitoring and geohazard prevention. Full article
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17 pages, 11380 KiB  
Article
Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator in Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumours Treatment: A Simulation Study of Vibration and Temperature Field
by Ludovica Apa, Mauro Palmieri, Pietro Familiari, Emanuele Rizzuto and Zaccaria Del Prete
Bioengineering 2025, 12(8), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12080842 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
The aim of this work is to analyse the effectiveness of the medical use of the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA) in microsurgical treatment of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors (IMSCTs), with a focus on the thermo-mechanical effects on neighbouring tissues to assess any [...] Read more.
The aim of this work is to analyse the effectiveness of the medical use of the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA) in microsurgical treatment of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors (IMSCTs), with a focus on the thermo-mechanical effects on neighbouring tissues to assess any potential damage. Indeed, CUSA emerges as an innovative solution, minimally invasive tumor excision technique, enabling controlled and focused operations. This study employs a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate the vibratory and thermal interactions occurring during CUSA application. A computational model of a vertebral column segment affected by an IMSCT was developed and analysed using ANSYS 2024 software. The simulations examined strain distribution, heat generation, and temperature propagation within the biological tissues. The FEA results demonstrate that the vibratory-induced strain remains highly localised to the application site, and thermal effects, though measurable, do not exceed the critical safety threshold of 46 °C established in the literature. These findings suggest that CUSA can be safely used within defined operational parameters, provided that energy settings and exposure times are carefully managed to mitigate excessive thermal accumulation. These conclusions contribute to the understanding of the thermo-mechanical interactions in ultrasonic tumour resection and aim to assist medical professionals in optimising surgical protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical and Computational Modeling of Cancer Progression)
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14 pages, 3520 KiB  
Article
Design and Fabrication of Embedded Microchannel Cooling Solutions for High-Power-Density Semiconductor Devices
by Yu Fu, Guangbao Shan, Xiaofei Zhang, Lizheng Zhao and Yintang Yang
Micromachines 2025, 16(8), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16080908 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
The rapid development of high-power-density semiconductor devices has rendered conventional thermal management techniques inadequate for handling their extreme heat fluxes. This manuscript presents and implements an embedded microchannel cooling solution for such devices. By directly integrating micropillar arrays within the near-junction region of [...] Read more.
The rapid development of high-power-density semiconductor devices has rendered conventional thermal management techniques inadequate for handling their extreme heat fluxes. This manuscript presents and implements an embedded microchannel cooling solution for such devices. By directly integrating micropillar arrays within the near-junction region of the substrate, efficient forced convection and flow boiling mechanisms are achieved. Finite element analysis was first employed to conduct thermo–fluid–structure simulations of micropillar arrays with different geometries. Subsequently, based on our simulation results, a complete multilayer microstructure fabrication process was developed and integrated, including critical steps such as deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), surface hydrophilic/hydrophobic functionalization, and gold–stannum (Au-Sn) eutectic bonding. Finally, an experimental test platform was established to systematically evaluate the thermal performance of the fabricated devices under heat fluxes of up to 1200 W/cm2. Our experimental results demonstrate that this solution effectively maintains the device operating temperature at 46.7 °C, achieving a mere 27.9 K temperature rise and exhibiting exceptional thermal management capabilities. This manuscript provides a feasible, efficient technical pathway for addressing extreme heat dissipation challenges in next-generation electronic devices, while offering notable references in structural design, micro/nanofabrication, and experimental validation for related fields. Full article
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15 pages, 3571 KiB  
Article
Thermal Modulation of Photonic Spin Hall Effect in Vortex Beam Based on MIM-VO2 Metasurface
by Li Luo, Jiahui Huo, Yuanyuan Lv, Jie Li, Yu He, Xiao Liang, Sui Peng, Bo Liu, Ling Zhou, Yuxin Zou, Yuting Wang, Jingjing Bian and Yuting Yang
Surfaces 2025, 8(3), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces8030055 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 31
Abstract
The photon spin Hall effect (PSHE) arises from the spin–orbit interaction of light. Metasurfaces enable precise control over the PSHE through their influence. Using electromagnetic simulations as its foundation, this work engineers a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) metasurface for generating vortex beams in the near-infrared [...] Read more.
The photon spin Hall effect (PSHE) arises from the spin–orbit interaction of light. Metasurfaces enable precise control over the PSHE through their influence. Using electromagnetic simulations as its foundation, this work engineers a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) metasurface for generating vortex beams in the near-infrared band, targeting enhanced modulation of the PSHE. Electromagnetic simulations embed vanadium dioxide (VO2)—a thermally responsive phase-change material—within the MIM metasurface architecture. Numerical evidence confirms that harnessing VO2’s insulator–metal-transition-mediated optical switching dynamically tailors spin-dependent splitting in the illuminated MIM-VO2 hybrid, thereby achieving a significant amplification of the PSHE displacement. Electromagnetic simulations determine the reflection coefficients for both VO2 phase states in the MIM-VO2 structure. Computed spin displacements under vortex beam incidence reveal that VO2’s phase transition couples to the MIM’s top metal and dielectric layers, modifying reflection coefficients and producing phase-dependent PSHE displacements. The simulation results show that the displacement change of the PSHE before and after the phase transition of VO2 reaches 954.7 µm, achieving a significant improvement compared with the traditional layered structure. The dynamic modulation mechanism of the PSHE based on the thermal–optical effect has been successfully verified. Full article
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20 pages, 10502 KiB  
Article
Strengthening Mechanism of Char in Thermal Reduction Process of Silicon Dioxide
by Xiuli Xu, Peng Yu, Jinxiao Dou and Jianglong Yu
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3651; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153651 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 97
Abstract
This study investigates the strengthening mechanisms of char in silicon dioxide thermal reduction through systematic high-temperature experiments using three char types (YQ1, CW1, HY1) characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. HY1 char demonstrated superior reactivity due [...] Read more.
This study investigates the strengthening mechanisms of char in silicon dioxide thermal reduction through systematic high-temperature experiments using three char types (YQ1, CW1, HY1) characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. HY1 char demonstrated superior reactivity due to its highly ordered microcrystalline structure, characterized by the largest aromatic cluster size (La) and lowest defect ratio (ID/IG = 0.37), which directly correlated with enhanced reaction completeness. The carbon–silicon reaction reactivity increased progressively with temperature, achieving optimal performance at 1550 °C. Addition of Fe and Fe2O3 significantly accelerated the reduction process, with Fe2O3 exhibiting superior catalytic performance by reducing activation energy and optimizing reaction kinetics. The ferrosilicon formation mechanism proceeds through a two-stage pathway: initial char-SiO2 reaction producing SiC and CO, followed by SiC–iron interaction generating FeSi, which catalytically promotes further reduction. These findings establish critical structure–performance relationships for char selection in industrial silicon production, where microcrystalline ordering emerges as the primary performance determinant. The identification of optimal temperature and additive conditions provides practical pathways to enhance energy efficiency and product quality in silicon metallurgy, enabling informed raw material selection and process optimization to reduce energy consumption and improve operational stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Carbon Materials)
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9 pages, 2739 KiB  
Article
Study on Measurement Methods for Moisture Content Inside Wood
by Takuro Mori, Ayano Ariki, Yutaro Enatsu, Yuri Sadakane and Kei Tanaka
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2719; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152719 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 90
Abstract
There has been growing interest in constructing mid- and high-rise wooden buildings in recent years. To ensure the feasibility of these structures, it is necessary to provide evidence that their long-term reliability can be guaranteed. While long-term testing is typically necessary, a continuous [...] Read more.
There has been growing interest in constructing mid- and high-rise wooden buildings in recent years. To ensure the feasibility of these structures, it is necessary to provide evidence that their long-term reliability can be guaranteed. While long-term testing is typically necessary, a continuous monitoring system for the moisture content of wood materials used in buildings has been proposed as an alternative. The proposed method measures the change in the local moisture content using the equilibrium moisture content calculated from the temperature and humidity measured using temperature and humidity sensors. The study used Japanese cypress specimens with dimensions of 50 mm, 75 mm, and 100 mm cubes and Douglas fir specimens of 50 mm cubes. The moisture content was measured under various external environments. Results showed that this system effectively captured changes in local moisture content, reflecting fluctuations in temperature and humidity in a controlled thermo-hygrostat over a three-day moisture absorption environment (20 °C, 95% humidity). Additionally, it was observed that higher moisture content levels yielded correspondingly higher local moisture content measurements compared to those obtained using the oven-drying method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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25 pages, 17212 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Printing of Personalized Carbamazepine Tablets Using Hydrophilic Polymers: An Investigation of Correlation Between Dissolution Kinetics and Printing Parameters
by Lianghao Huang, Xingyue Zhang, Qichen Huang, Minqing Zhu, Tiantian Yang and Jiaxiang Zhang
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2126; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152126 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 256
Abstract
Background: Precision medicine refers to the formulation of personalized drug regimens according to the individual characteristics of patients to achieve optimal efficacy and minimize adverse reactions. Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, has emerged as an optimal solution for precision [...] Read more.
Background: Precision medicine refers to the formulation of personalized drug regimens according to the individual characteristics of patients to achieve optimal efficacy and minimize adverse reactions. Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, has emerged as an optimal solution for precision drug delivery, enabling customizable and the fabrication of multifunctional structures with precise control over morphology and release behavior in pharmaceutics. However, the influence of 3D printing parameters on the printed tablets, especially regarding in vitro and in vivo performance, remains poorly understood, limiting the optimization of manufacturing processes for controlled-release profiles. Objective: To establish the fabrication process of 3D-printed controlled-release tablets via comprehensively understanding the printing parameters using fused deposition modeling (FDM) combined with hot-melt extrusion (HME) technologies. HPMC-AS/HPC-EF was used as the drug delivery matrix and carbamazepine (CBZ) was used as a model drug to investigate the in vitro drug delivery performance of the printed tablets. Methodology: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to assess the thermal compatibility of CBZ with HPMC-AS/HPC-EF excipients up to 230 °C, surpassing typical processing temperatures (160–200 °C). The formation of stable amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) was validated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), hot-stage polarized light microscopy (PLM), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). A 15-group full factorial design was then used to evaluate the effects of the fan speed (20–100%), platform temperature (40–80 °C), and printing speed (20–100 mm/s) on the tablet properties. Response surface modeling (RSM) with inverse square-root transformation was applied to analyze the dissolution kinetics, specifically t50% (time for 50% drug release) and Q4h (drug released at 4 h). Results: TGA confirmed the thermal compatibility of CBZ with HPMC-AS/HPC-EF, enabling stable ASD formation validated by DSC, PLM, and PXRD. The full factorial design revealed that printing speed was the dominant parameter governing dissolution behavior, with high speeds accelerating release and low speeds prolonging release through porosity-modulated diffusion control. RSM quadratic models showed optimal fits for t50% (R2 = 0.9936) and Q4h (R2 = 0.9019), highlighting the predictability of release kinetics via process parameter tuning. This work demonstrates the adaptability of polymer composite AM for tailoring drug release profiles, balancing mechanical integrity, release kinetics, and manufacturing scalability to advance multifunctional 3D-printed drug delivery devices in pharmaceutics. Full article
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13 pages, 1247 KiB  
Article
Controlling Sodium Titanate Crystal Size to Improve Wettability and Early Osseointegration of Titanium Implants: Insights from an Animal Model
by Saray Fernández-Hernández, Javier Gil, Marta Sanjuán-Álvarez, Ignacio Sanz, Mariano Herrero-Climent and Aritza Brizuela-Velasco
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(8), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16080283 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 216
Abstract
The thermo-chemical treatment of dental implants leads to the formation of sodium titanate crystals on their surface. When in contact with blood, these crystals dissolve and trigger an ionic exchange cascade, resulting in the formation of a calcium apatite layer. This study, carried [...] Read more.
The thermo-chemical treatment of dental implants leads to the formation of sodium titanate crystals on their surface. When in contact with blood, these crystals dissolve and trigger an ionic exchange cascade, resulting in the formation of a calcium apatite layer. This study, carried out both in vitro and in an animal model, aimed to determine whether the cooling rate of the treatment affects the size of the deposited crystals, and whether this in turn influences wettability and early bone-to-implant contact (BIC). A total of 50 dental implants and 50 titanium discs were treated using four different cooling rates, along with a control group. Crystal size was analyzed on implant surfaces using scanning electron microscopy, and wettability was assessed on titanium discs using a goniometer. Finally, the implants were placed in the tibiae of 13 rabbits, and histological analysis was performed after three weeks to compare BIC among groups. Results suggest that a cooling rate of 75 °C/h produces smaller sodium titanate crystals, which are associated with significantly improved surface wettability and a higher percentage of bone-to-implant contact after 3 weeks of healing (p < 0.05). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Dental Reparative and Regenerative Therapies)
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20 pages, 6058 KiB  
Article
The GPI-Anchored Aspartyl Proteases Encoded by the YPS1 and YPS7 Genes of Candidozyma auris and Their Role Under Stress Conditions
by Alvaro Vidal-Montiel, Daniel Clark-Flores, Eulogio Valentín-Gómez, Juan Pedro Luna-Arias, Erika Rosales-Cruz, César Hernández-Rodríguez, Lourdes Villa-Tanaca and Margarita Juárez-Montiel
J. Fungi 2025, 11(8), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11080573 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 204
Abstract
Candidozyma auris is a multidrug-resistant, thermo- and osmotolerant yeast capable of persisting on biotic and abiotic surfaces, attributes likely linked to its cell wall composition. Here, seven putative genes encoding yapsins, aspartyl proteases GPI-anchored to the membrane or cell wall, were identified in [...] Read more.
Candidozyma auris is a multidrug-resistant, thermo- and osmotolerant yeast capable of persisting on biotic and abiotic surfaces, attributes likely linked to its cell wall composition. Here, seven putative genes encoding yapsins, aspartyl proteases GPI-anchored to the membrane or cell wall, were identified in the genomes of C. auris CJ97 and 20-1498, from clades III and IV, respectively. The C. auris YPS1 gene is orthologous to the SAP9 of C. albicans. The YPS7 gene is orthologous to YPS7 in C. glabrata and S. cerevisiae, so that they may share similar roles. An in silico analysis suggested an interaction between pepstatin and the catalytic domain of Yps1 and Yps7. Although this inhibitor, when combined with caffeine, had a subtle effect on the growth of C. auris, it induced alterations in the cell wall. CauYPS1 and CauYPS7 expression increased under nutrient starvation and NaCl, and at 42 °C. The transcriptome of the 20-1498 strain suggests that autophagy may play a role in thermal stress, probably degrading deleterious proteins or maintaining cell wall and vacuolar homeostasis. Therefore, CauYps1 and CauYps7 may play a role in the cell wall integrity of C. auris in stress conditions, and they could be a target of new antifungal or antivirulence agents. Full article
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11 pages, 1630 KiB  
Article
Optical Design and Lens Fabrication for Automotive Thermal Imaging Using Chalcogenide Glass
by Young-Soo Choi and Ji-Kwan Kim
Micromachines 2025, 16(8), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16080901 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 131
Abstract
This paper is about the design and fabrication of infrared lenses, which are the core components of thermal imaging cameras to be mounted on vehicles. To produce an athermalized optical system, chalcogenide glass (As40Se60) with a lower thermo-optic coefficient [...] Read more.
This paper is about the design and fabrication of infrared lenses, which are the core components of thermal imaging cameras to be mounted on vehicles. To produce an athermalized optical system, chalcogenide glass (As40Se60) with a lower thermo-optic coefficient (dn/dT) than germanium was adopted as a lens material, and each lens was designed so that defocus occurs in opposite directions depending on temperature. The designed lens was fabricated using a compression molding method, and the molded lenses showed less than 1.5 μm of form error (PV) using a mold iteration process. Through evaluations of MTF and thermal images obtained from the lens module, it was judged that this optical design process is obtainable. Full article
17 pages, 3817 KiB  
Article
The Distribution Characteristics of Frost Heaving Forces on Tunnels in Cold Regions Based on Thermo-Mechanical Coupling
by Yujia Sun, Lei Peng and Qionglin Li
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8537; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158537 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 127
Abstract
To address the freezing damage to tunnel lining caused by frost heaving of the surrounding rock in water-rich tunnels in cold regions, a numerical thermo-mechanical coupling model for tunnel-surrounding rock that considers the anisotropy of frost heave deformation was established by examining overall [...] Read more.
To address the freezing damage to tunnel lining caused by frost heaving of the surrounding rock in water-rich tunnels in cold regions, a numerical thermo-mechanical coupling model for tunnel-surrounding rock that considers the anisotropy of frost heave deformation was established by examining overall frost heaves in a freeze–thaw cycle. Using a COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 platform and the sequential coupling method, the temperature field evolution of tunnel-surrounding rock, freezing cycle development, and distribution characteristics of the frost heaving force of a tunnel lining under different minimum temperatures, numbers of negative temperature days, frost heave ratios, and anisotropy coefficients of frost heave deformation were systematically simulated. The results revealed that the response of the temperature field of tunnel-surrounding rock to the external temperature varies spatially with time lags, the shallow surface temperatures and the area around the lining fluctuate with the climate, and the temperature of the deep surrounding rock is dominated by the geothermal gradient. The extent of the freezing cycle and the frost heaving force increase significantly when lowering the minimum temperature. The maximum frost heaving force usually occurs in the region of the side wall and the spring line, and tensile stress is prone to be generated at the spring line; the influence of slight fluctuations in the minimum temperature or the short shift in the coldest day on the frost heaving force is limited. A substantial increase in frost heaving force is observed with higher frost heave ratios; for example, an increase from 0.25% to 2.0% results in a 116% rise at the sidewall. Although the increase in the anisotropy coefficient of frost heave deformation does not change the overall distribution pattern of frost heaving force, it can exacerbate the directional concentration of frost heave strain, which can increase the frost heaving force at the periphery of the top arch of the lining. This study revealed the distribution pattern and key influencing factors of the freezing cycle and frost heaving force for tunnels, providing a theoretical basis and data reference for the frost resistance design of tunnels in cold regions. Full article
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15 pages, 3565 KiB  
Article
Controlled PolyDMAEMA Functionalization of Titanium Surfaces via Graft-To and Graft-From Strategies
by Chiara Frezza, Susanna Romano, Daniele Rocco, Giancarlo Masci, Giovanni Sotgiu, Monica Orsini and Serena De Santis
Micromachines 2025, 16(8), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16080899 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 115
Abstract
Titanium is widely recognized as an interesting material for electrodes due to its excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. However, further functionalization is often necessary to impart advanced interfacial properties, such as selective ion transport or stimuli responsiveness. In this context, the [...] Read more.
Titanium is widely recognized as an interesting material for electrodes due to its excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. However, further functionalization is often necessary to impart advanced interfacial properties, such as selective ion transport or stimuli responsiveness. In this context, the integration of smart polymers, such as poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA)—noted for its dual pH- and thermo-responsive behavior—has emerged as a promising approach to tailor surface properties for next-generation devices. This work compares two covalent immobilization strategies for PDMAEMA on titanium: the “graft-to” method, involving the attachment of pre-synthesized polymer chains, and the “graft-from” method, based on surface-initiated polymerization. The resulting materials were characterized with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) for molecular weight, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical structure, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology, and contact angle measurements for wettability. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization studies were used to assess electrochemical performance. Both strategies yielded uniform and stable coatings, with the mode of grafting influencing both surface morphology and functional stability. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of adaptive, stimuli-responsive titanium-based interfaces in advanced electrochemical systems. Full article
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19 pages, 2954 KiB  
Article
Static Analysis of Temperature-Dependent FGM Spherical Shells Under Thermo-Mechanical Loads
by Zhong Zhang, Zhiting Feng, Zhan Shi, Honglei Xie, Ying Sun, Zhenyuan Gu, Jie Xiao and Jiajing Xu
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2709; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152709 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 82
Abstract
Static analysis is conducted for functionally graded material (FGM) spherical shells under thermo-mechanical loads, based on the three-dimensional thermo-elasticity theory. The material properties, which vary with both the radial coordinate and temperature, introduce nonlinearity to the problem. To address this, a layer model [...] Read more.
Static analysis is conducted for functionally graded material (FGM) spherical shells under thermo-mechanical loads, based on the three-dimensional thermo-elasticity theory. The material properties, which vary with both the radial coordinate and temperature, introduce nonlinearity to the problem. To address this, a layer model is proposed, wherein the shell is discretized into numerous concentric spherical layers, each possessing uniform material properties. Within this framework, the nonlinear heat conduction equations are first solved iteratively. The resulting temperature field is then applied to the thermo-elastic equations, which are subsequently solved using a combined state space and transfer matrix method to obtain displacement and stress solutions. Comparison with existing literature results demonstrates good agreement. Finally, a parametric study is presented to investigate the effects of material temperature dependence and gradient index on the thermo-mechanical behaviors of the FGM spherical shells. Full article
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21 pages, 5366 KiB  
Article
Multifaceted Analysis of Pr2Fe16.75Ni0.25 Intermetallic Compound: Crystallographic Insights, Critical Phenomena, and Thermomagnetic Behavior near Room Temperature
by Jihed Horcheni, Hamdi Jaballah, Sirine Gharbi, Essebti Dhahri and Lotfi Bessais
Magnetochemistry 2025, 11(8), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/magnetochemistry11080065 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 67
Abstract
The alloy Pr2Fe16.75Ni0.25 has been examined to investigate its structural properties, critical behavior, and magnetocaloric effects. Rietveld’s refinement of X-ray diffraction patterns has revealed a rhombohedral structure with an R3¯m space group. Pr2Fe [...] Read more.
The alloy Pr2Fe16.75Ni0.25 has been examined to investigate its structural properties, critical behavior, and magnetocaloric effects. Rietveld’s refinement of X-ray diffraction patterns has revealed a rhombohedral structure with an R3¯m space group. Pr2Fe16.9Ni0.25 also demonstrates a direct magnetocaloric effect near room temperature, accompanied by a moderate magnetic entropy change (ΔSMmax = 5.5 J kg−1 K−1 at μ0ΔH=5 T) and a broad working temperature range. Furthermore, the Relative Cooling Power (RCP) is approximately 89% of the widely recognized gadolinium (Gd) for μ0ΔH=2 T. This compound exhibits a commendable magnetocaloric response, on par with or even surpassing that of numerous other intermetallic alloys. Critical behavior was analyzed using thermo-magnetic measurements, employing methods such as the modified Arrott plot, critical isotherm analysis, and Kouvel-Fisher techniques. The obtained critical exponents (β, γ, and δ) exhibit similarities to those of the 3D-Ising model, characterized explicitly by intermediate range interactions. Full article
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