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Keywords = thin film bending

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13 pages, 6838 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Bonding Properties of Fabric Veneer Plywood
by Ziyi Yuan, Limei Cheng, Chengsheng Gui and Lu Fang
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080864 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 304
Abstract
Fabric veneer panels were prepared using ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film (EVA) as the intermediate layer and poplar plywood as the substrate. Eight fabrics with different compositions were selected for evaluation to screen out fabric materials suitable for poplar plywood veneer. The fabrics were [...] Read more.
Fabric veneer panels were prepared using ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film (EVA) as the intermediate layer and poplar plywood as the substrate. Eight fabrics with different compositions were selected for evaluation to screen out fabric materials suitable for poplar plywood veneer. The fabrics were objectively analyzed by bending and draping, compression, and surface roughness, and subjectively evaluated by establishing seven levels of semantic differences. ESEM, surface adhesive properties, and peel resistance tests were used to characterize the microstructure and physical–mechanical properties of the composites. The results show that cotton and linen fabrics and corduroy fabrics are superior to other fabrics in performance, and they are suitable for decorative materials. Because the fibers of the doupioni silk fabric are too thin, and the fibers of felt fabric are randomly staggered, they are not suitable for the surface decoration materials of man-made panels. The acetate veneer surface gluing performance was 1.31 MPa, and the longitudinal peel resistance was 20.98 N, significantly exceeding that of other fabric veneers. Through the subjective and objective analysis of fabrics and gluing performance tests, it was concluded that, compared with fabrics made of natural fibers, man-made fiber fabrics are more suitable for use as surface finishing materials for wood-based panels. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and process reference for the development of environmentally friendly decorative panels, which can be expanded and applied to furniture, interior decoration, and other fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Functional Coatings for Wood Processing)
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16 pages, 10306 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Characterization of Flexible pH Sensors Based on Pulsed Laser-Ablated Graphene/MoS2 Interdigitated Electrodes
by Zhaochi Chen, Chengche Liu and Minh-Quang Tran
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(14), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15141115 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 419
Abstract
Point-of-care (POC) diagnostic technologies have become essential for the real-time monitoring and management of chronic wounds, where maintaining a moist environment and controlling pH levels are critical for effective healing. In this study, a flexible pH sensor based on a graphene/molybdenum disulfide (graphene/MoS [...] Read more.
Point-of-care (POC) diagnostic technologies have become essential for the real-time monitoring and management of chronic wounds, where maintaining a moist environment and controlling pH levels are critical for effective healing. In this study, a flexible pH sensor based on a graphene/molybdenum disulfide (graphene/MoS2) composite interdigitated electrode (IDE) structure was fabricated using pulsed laser ablation. The pH sensor, with an active area of 30 mm × 30 mm, exhibited good adhesion to the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate and maintained structural integrity under repeated bending cycles. Precise ablation was achieved under optimized conditions of 4.35 J/cm2 laser fluence, a repetition rate of 300 kHz, and a scanning speed of 500 mm/s, enabling the formation of defect-free IDE arrays without substrate damage. The influence of laser processing parameters on the surface morphology, electrical conductivity, and wettability of the composite thin films was systematically characterized. The fabricated pH sensor exhibited high sensitivity (~4.7% change in current per pH unit) across the pH 2–10 range, rapid response within ~5.2 s, and excellent mechanical stability under 100 bending cycles with negligible performance degradation. Moreover, the sensor retained > 95% of its stable sensitivity after 7 days of ambient storage. Furthermore, the pH response behavior was evaluated for electrode structures with different pitches, demonstrating that structural design parameters critically impact sensing performance. These results offer valuable insights into the scalable fabrication of flexible, wearable pH sensors, with promising applications in wound monitoring and personalized healthcare systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser-Based Nano Fabrication and Nano Lithography: Second Edition)
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20 pages, 6738 KiB  
Article
Biocompatible Inorganic PVD MeSiON Thin Films (Me = Cr or Zr) Used to Enhance the Bond Strength Between NiCr-Based Metallic Frameworks and Ceramic in Dental Restorations
by Mihaela Dinu, Cosmin Mihai Cotrut, Alina Vladescu (Dragomir), Florin Baciu, Anca Constantina Parau, Iulian Pana, Lidia Ruxandra Constantin and Catalin Vitelaru
Dent. J. 2025, 13(7), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13070318 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 229
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The increasing demand for aesthetics in dentistry has driven significant advancements in both materials and techniques. The primary cause of ceramic detachment in dental restorations is extensive mechanical stress, which often results in detachment and clinical complications. This study aims to improve [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The increasing demand for aesthetics in dentistry has driven significant advancements in both materials and techniques. The primary cause of ceramic detachment in dental restorations is extensive mechanical stress, which often results in detachment and clinical complications. This study aims to improve the bond strength between NiCr-based metal frameworks and ceramic coatings by introducing biocompatible inorganic MeSiON thin films (Me = Cr or Zr) as interlayers. Methods: MeSiON coatings with a thickness of ~2 μm were deposited on NiCr alloy using cathodic arc evaporation. To tailor the stoichiometry, morphology, and mechanical properties of the coatings, the substrate bias voltage was varied: −50 V, −100 V, −150 V, −200 V. Structural and surface characterization was performed using SEM/EDS, XRD, profilometry, and contact angle analysis. The coating adhesion was evaluated by using standardized scratch testing, while the bond strength was evaluated using a three-point bending test. Results: The NiCr alloy exhibited a dendritic microstructure, and the ceramic layer consisted mainly of quartz, feldspar, kaolin, and ZrO2. ZrSiON coatings showed superior roughness, elemental incorporation, and adhesion compared to Cr-based coatings, these properties being further improved by increasing the substrate bias. The highest bond strength was achieved with a ZrSiON coating deposited at −200 V, a result we attributed to increased surface roughness and mechanical interlocking at the ceramic-metal interface. Conclusions: CrSiON and ZrSiON interlayers enhanced ceramic-to-metal adhesion in NiCr-based dental restorations. The enhancement in bond strength is primarily ascribed to substrate bias-induced modifications in the coating’s stoichiometry, roughness, and adhesion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials Design and Innovative Treatment Approach)
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23 pages, 4015 KiB  
Article
Predicting Electromagnetic Performance Under Wrinkling in Thin-Film Phased Arrays
by Xiaotao Zhou, Jianfei Yang, Lei Zhang, Huanxiao Li, Xin Jin, Yesen Fan, Yan Xu and Xiaofei Ma
Aerospace 2025, 12(7), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12070630 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Deployable thin-film antennas deliver large aperture gains and high stowage efficiency for spaceborne phased arrays but suffer wrinkling-induced planarity loss and radiation distortion. To bridge the lack of electromechanical coupling models for tensioned thin-film patch antennas, we present a unified framework combining structural [...] Read more.
Deployable thin-film antennas deliver large aperture gains and high stowage efficiency for spaceborne phased arrays but suffer wrinkling-induced planarity loss and radiation distortion. To bridge the lack of electromechanical coupling models for tensioned thin-film patch antennas, we present a unified framework combining structural deformation and electromagnetic simulation. We derive a coupling model capturing the increased bending stiffness of stepped-thickness membranes, formulate a wrinkling analysis algorithm to compute tension-induced displacements, and fit representative unit-cell deformations to a dual-domain displacement model. Parametric studies across stiffness ratios confirm the framework’s ability to predict shifts in pattern, gain, and impedance due to wrinkling. This tool supports the optimized design of wrinkle-resistant thin-film phased arrays for reliable, high-performance space communications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Space Mechanisms and Robots)
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12 pages, 2447 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Modelling of Integration and Debonding Process of Ultra-Thin Inorganic Chips
by Kunwei Zheng, Shen Dai, Zhiyao Ling and Han Gong
Inorganics 2025, 13(7), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13070234 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
The research on ultra-thin inorganic chips is an important field in the development of inorganic flexible electronics. By thinning the inorganic (mainly silicon-based) chip to less than 50 μm, it will gain a certain degree of flexibility. After the ultra-thin chip is integrated [...] Read more.
The research on ultra-thin inorganic chips is an important field in the development of inorganic flexible electronics. By thinning the inorganic (mainly silicon-based) chip to less than 50 μm, it will gain a certain degree of flexibility. After the ultra-thin chip is integrated into the flexible substrate, it is bent repeatedly during the operation of the system. When the bending angle is excessively large, the chip and substrate will debond, or the chip will break. In this process, whether the chip can be stably adhered to the substrate depends on many factors, and debonding can only be reduced by continuously adjusting the process parameters. From an energy method perspective, this study divides the bending process of flexible silicon-based chips and flexible films into two states: debonding and non-debonding. A debonding mechanical model of flexible chips is established, and the regulatory relationship between the adhesion coefficient between the chip and film, chip geometric size, and material parameters was established. Experiments were also conducted to verify the relevant theoretical results. The theoretical results show that the risk of chip debonding decreases with a reduction in chip thickness, an increase in interface adhesion, and an increase in bending radius. Improving the interface adhesion during the bending process can effectively stabilize the adhesion of flexible chips. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the integration and bending of ultra-thin flexible chips and flexible substrates, promoting the practical assembly and application of ultra-thin chips. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Inorganic Semiconductor Materials, 3rd Edition)
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20 pages, 4487 KiB  
Article
Investigation on Corrosion-Induced Wall-Thinning Mechanisms in High-Pressure Steam Pipelines Based on Gas–Liquid Two-Phase Flow Characteristics
by Guangyin Li, Wei He, Pengyu Zhang, Hu Wang and Zhengxin Wei
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2096; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072096 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 315
Abstract
In high-pressure thermal power systems, corrosion-induced wall thinning in steam pipelines poses a significant threat to operational safety and efficiency. This study investigates the effects of gas–liquid two-phase flow on corrosion-induced wall thinning in pipe bends of high-pressure heaters in power plants, with [...] Read more.
In high-pressure thermal power systems, corrosion-induced wall thinning in steam pipelines poses a significant threat to operational safety and efficiency. This study investigates the effects of gas–liquid two-phase flow on corrosion-induced wall thinning in pipe bends of high-pressure heaters in power plants, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of void fraction and inner wall surface roughness. Research reveals that an increased void fraction significantly enhances flow turbulence and centrifugal effects, resulting in elevated pressure and Discrete Phase Model (DPM) concentration at the bend, thereby intensifying erosion phenomena. Simultaneously, the turbulence generated by bubble collapse at the bend promotes the accumulation and detachment of corrosion products, maintaining a cyclic process of erosion and corrosion that accelerates wall thinning. Furthermore, the increased surface roughness of the inner bend wall exacerbates the corrosion process. The rough surface alters local flow characteristics, leading to changes in pressure distribution and DPM concentration accumulation points, subsequently accelerating corrosion progression. Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses reveal changes in the chemical composition and microstructural characteristics of corrosion products. The results indicate that the porous structure of oxide films fails to effectively protect against corrosive media, while bubble impact forces damage the oxide films, exposing fresh metal surfaces and further accelerating the corrosion process. Comprehensive analysis demonstrates that the interaction between void fraction and surface roughness significantly intensifies wall thinning, particularly under conditions of high void fraction and high roughness, where pressure and DPM concentration at the bend may reach extreme values, further increasing corrosion risk. Therefore, optimization of void fraction and surface roughness, along with the application of corrosion-resistant materials and surface treatment technologies, should be considered in pipeline design and operation to mitigate corrosion risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)
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21 pages, 8938 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Adhesion Properties of Electrodeposited Copper Thin Films: Theoretical and Experimental Approach
by Ivana O. Mladenović, Jelena S. Lamovec, Dana G. Vasiljević-Radović, Rastko Vasilić, Vesna J. Radojević and Nebojša D. Nikolić
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2480; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112480 - 25 May 2025
Viewed by 595
Abstract
The adhesion of copper thin films galvanostatically electrodeposited on Cu cathodes from electrolytes without or with the addition of various additives, such as chloride ions, polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000), and 3–mercapto–1–propanesulfonic acid, has been investigated. Morphological and structural analyses of synthesized films [...] Read more.
The adhesion of copper thin films galvanostatically electrodeposited on Cu cathodes from electrolytes without or with the addition of various additives, such as chloride ions, polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000), and 3–mercapto–1–propanesulfonic acid, has been investigated. Morphological and structural analyses of synthesized films were performed using the SEM, AFM, and XRD methods, while the adhesion of the films was examined by applying the theoretical Chen–Gao (C–G) composite hardness model using results from Vickers microindentation, a bidirectional bending test, and a scratch-tape adhesion test. The morphologies of the films were either very smooth, with mirror-like brightness, obtained from the electrolyte containing all three additives, or microcrystalline, with different grain sizes, obtained from other electrolytes. The best adhesion was observed in the fine-grained film with numerous boundaries among grains, obtained with the addition of chloride ions and PEG 6000, while the mirror-bright film obtained with a combination of all three additives showed the worst adhesion. The boundaries among grains represented barriers that decreased the depth of penetration during microindentation and, consequently, increased the hardness and enhanced the adhesion of the film. The size of the grains—and hence, the number of grain boundaries—was regulated by the composition of the electrolytes achieved by the addition of additives. Good agreement was observed among the various methods used for the estimation of the adhesion properties of Cu films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obtaining and Characterization of New Materials (5th Edition))
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11 pages, 2446 KiB  
Article
Highly Stable, Flexible, Transparent Hybrid Strontium Titanate Conductive Thin Films with Embedded Cu Nanowires
by Ming Liu, Shihui Yu, Lijun Song, Jiesong Li and Jian Feng
Materials 2025, 18(10), 2398; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18102398 - 21 May 2025
Viewed by 473
Abstract
To meet the stringent demands of next-generation flexible optoelectronic devices, a novel fabrication approach is employed that integrates the spray-coating of copper nanowires (Cu NWs) with the magnetron sputtering of SrTiO3 thin films, thereby yielding SrTiO3/Cu NWs/SrTiO3 hybrid thin [...] Read more.
To meet the stringent demands of next-generation flexible optoelectronic devices, a novel fabrication approach is employed that integrates the spray-coating of copper nanowires (Cu NWs) with the magnetron sputtering of SrTiO3 thin films, thereby yielding SrTiO3/Cu NWs/SrTiO3 hybrid thin films. The incorporation of the SrTiO3 layers results in improved optical performance, with the transmittance of the Cu NW network increasing from 83.5% to 84.2% and a concurrent reduction in sheet resistance from 16.9 Ω/sq to 14.5 Ω/sq. Moreover, after subjecting the hybrid thin films to 100 repeated tape-peeling tests and 2000 bending cycles with a bending radius of 5.0 mm, the resistance remains essentially unchanged, which underscores the films’ exceptional mechanical flexibility and robust adhesion. Additionally, the hybrid thin films are subjected to rigorous high-temperature, high-humidity, and oxidative conditions, where the resistance exhibits outstanding stability. These results substantiate the potential of the SrTiO3/Cu NWs/SrTiO3 hybrid thin films for integration into flexible and wearable electronic devices, delivering enhanced optoelectronic performance and long-term reliability under demanding conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Thin Films and Interfaces)
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16 pages, 4542 KiB  
Article
Studies of Raman-Scattered Technology on S-Shaped Dinaphtho[2,1-b:2′,1′-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-10 (S-DNTT-10)
by Haobing Wang, Olivier Simonetti, Oumaima Et-Thakafy, Nicolas Bercu, Florence Etienne, Sylvain Potiron, Pierre-Michel Adam and Louis Giraudet
Materials 2025, 18(10), 2389; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18102389 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 533
Abstract
S-shaped dinaphtho[2,1-b:2′,1′-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (S-DNTT) molecules have shown promise for applications in organic electronic devices, though their molecular characteristics are not fully understood yet. In this study, we first revealed the material characteristics of S-DNTT-10 by vibrational dynamics using Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory [...] Read more.
S-shaped dinaphtho[2,1-b:2′,1′-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (S-DNTT) molecules have shown promise for applications in organic electronic devices, though their molecular characteristics are not fully understood yet. In this study, we first revealed the material characteristics of S-DNTT-10 by vibrational dynamics using Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) simulations, employing the B3LYP functional method and the 6-311G (d, p) basis set. The molecular vibrations identified included C–H bending in alkyl chains and the deformation of S-shaped thiophene rings. In addition, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with 785 nm incident light was applied to thermally deposited 25 nm S-DNTT-10 thin films with gold (Au) nanostructures. It showed enhanced Raman signals from the lower S-DNTT-10 layers. The findings significantly contribute to the knowledge of S-DNTT-10 molecular properties and also contribute insights into using this material into organic electronic devices in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Materials Characterization)
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13 pages, 3059 KiB  
Article
High-Energy Storage Performance in La-Doped Lead Zirconate Films on Flexible Mica Substrates
by Jianzeng Guo, Chao Yin, Xue Zhang and Qingguo Chi
Materials 2025, 18(10), 2353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18102353 - 19 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 528
Abstract
Flexible thin-film capacitors have gained a lot of attention in energy storage applications because of their high energy storage densities and efficient charge–discharge performances. Among these materials, antiferroelectric compounds with low residual polarization and strong saturation polarization have shown great promise. However, their [...] Read more.
Flexible thin-film capacitors have gained a lot of attention in energy storage applications because of their high energy storage densities and efficient charge–discharge performances. Among these materials, antiferroelectric compounds with low residual polarization and strong saturation polarization have shown great promise. However, their comparatively low breakdown strength continues to be a major issue restricting further developments in their energy storage performance. While La3+ doping has been explored as a means to enhance the energy storage capabilities of antiferroelectric thin films, the specific influence of La3+ on breakdown strength and the underlying mechanism of phase transitions have not been thoroughly investigated in existing research. In this study, Pb1−3x/2LaxZrO3 thin films were successfully synthesized and deposited on mica substrates via the sol–gel process. By varying the concentration of La3+ ions, a detailed examination of the films’ microstructures, electrical properties, and energy storage performances was carried out to better understand how La3+ doping influences both breakdown strength and energy storage characteristics. The results show that doping with La3+ significantly improves the breakdown strength of the films, reduces the critical phase transition electric field (EF-EA), and enhances their energy storage capabilities. Notably, the Pb0.91La0.06ZrO3 thin film achieved an impressive energy storage density of 34.9 J/cm3 with an efficiency of 58.3%, and at the maximum electric field strength of 1541 kV/cm, the recoverable energy density (Wrec) was 385% greater than that of the PbZrO3 film. Additionally, the film still maintains good energy storage performance after 107 cycles and 104 bending cycles. These findings highlight the potential of flexible antiferroelectric Pb0.91La0.06ZrO3 thin films for future energy storage applications. Full article
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15 pages, 3932 KiB  
Article
Strain-Induced Modifications of Thin Film Silicon Membranes Through Physical Bending
by Eleni Margariti, Jochen Bruckbauer, Aimo Winkelmann, Benoit Guilhabert, Naresh-Kumar Gunasekar, Carol Trager-Cowan, Robert Martin and Michael Strain
Materials 2025, 18(10), 2335; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18102335 - 17 May 2025
Viewed by 504
Abstract
Silicon, being the fundamental material for modern semiconductor devices, has seen continuous advancements to enhance its electrical and mechanical properties. Strain engineering is a well-established technique for improving the performance of silicon-based devices. In this paper, we propose a simple method for inducing [...] Read more.
Silicon, being the fundamental material for modern semiconductor devices, has seen continuous advancements to enhance its electrical and mechanical properties. Strain engineering is a well-established technique for improving the performance of silicon-based devices. In this paper, we propose a simple method for inducing and permanently maintaining strain in silicon through pure physical bending. By subjecting the silicon substrate to a controlled bending process, we demonstrate the generation of strain levels that persist even after the removal of external stress, with a maximum strain value of 0.4%. We present a comprehensive study of the mechanics behind this phenomenon, a full finite element mechanical model, and experimental verification of the bending-induced strain in Si membranes using electron backscatter diffraction measurements. Our findings show the potential of this approach for strain engineering in high-performance silicon-based technologies without resorting to complex and expensive fabrication techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optical and Photonic Materials)
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15 pages, 5194 KiB  
Article
Cable-Driven Underactuated Flexible Gripper for Brown Mushroom Picking
by Haonan Shi, Gaoming Xu, Yixuan Xie, Wei Lu, Qishuo Ding and Xinxin Chen
Agriculture 2025, 15(8), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15080832 - 11 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 522
Abstract
Brown mushrooms are widely consumed globally due to their low calorie content, high nutritional value, and suitability for periodic growth in industrial mushroom houses, offering significant commercial value. Most robotic grippers pick mushrooms based on precise force control, which requires a high-precision force [...] Read more.
Brown mushrooms are widely consumed globally due to their low calorie content, high nutritional value, and suitability for periodic growth in industrial mushroom houses, offering significant commercial value. Most robotic grippers pick mushrooms based on precise force control, which requires a high-precision force sensor, increasing production costs and potential failure rates. This study presents a fully soft gripper, as the body made of silicon rubber and driven by cable. Its inherent softness, offering a more natural solution for safely picking mushrooms by relying only on simple position control of the servo. Finite element analysis was employed to optimize the cable-driven displacement. Additionally, the gripper can measure mushroom diameters during picking using rough thin-film force sensors and bending sensors attached to the fingers, based on mathematical derivation. Field experiments were conducted with the proposed gripper mounted on a homemade mushroom-harvesting robot to pick medium-sized and large-sized mushrooms. The results demonstrated non-destructive harvesting, an average measurement accuracy of 96.6% for medium mushrooms and 96.1% for large mushrooms, and an average harvesting time of 7.5 s per mushroom. Compared to force-controlled grippers, the proposed cable-driven gripper features a simpler structural design and more efficient control logic, making it highly suitable for industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
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18 pages, 5532 KiB  
Article
Investigation of a Magnetic Sensor Based on the Magnetic Hysteresis Loop and Anisotropic Magnetoresistance of CoFe Thin Films Epitaxial Grown on Flexible Mica and Rigid MgO Substrates with Strain Effect
by Jen-Chieh Cheng, Min-Chang You, Aswin kumar Anbalagan, Guang-Yang Su, Kai-Wei Chuang, Chao-Yao Yang and Chih-Hao Lee
Micromachines 2025, 16(4), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16040412 - 30 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 527
Abstract
The anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) effect is widely used in microscale and nanoscale magnetic sensors. In this study, we investigate the correlation between AMR and the crystal structure, epitaxial relationship, and magnetic properties of Co50Fe50 thin films deposited on rigid MgO [...] Read more.
The anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) effect is widely used in microscale and nanoscale magnetic sensors. In this study, we investigate the correlation between AMR and the crystal structure, epitaxial relationship, and magnetic properties of Co50Fe50 thin films deposited on rigid MgO and flexible mica substrates. The AMR ratio is approximately 1.6% for CoFe films on mica, lower than the 2.5% observed in epitaxially grown films on MgO substrates. The difference is likely due to the well-defined easy axis in the single domain epitaxial thin films on MgO, which enhances the AMR ratio. Microscopic strain induced by lattice mismatch and bending on flexible substrates were determined using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine structure techniques. These results showed that neither microscopic nor macroscopic strain (below 0.5%) affects the AMR ratio on mica, suggesting its suitability for magnetic sensors in flexible and wearable devices. Additionally, investigating M-H loops under various growth temperatures, lattice mismatch conditions, and bending strains could further benefit the fabrication and integration of the micro-scale magnetic sensors in the microelectronic industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Micromachines in 'Materials and Processing' 2024)
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18 pages, 12970 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Modification on the Delta Tc Parameter for PG58-XX and PG64-XX Asphalt Binders
by Masoud Darabi and Bisher Matalkeh
Constr. Mater. 2025, 5(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater5010017 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 355
Abstract
The use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in asphalt mixtures has increased due to its economic and environmental benefits. However, RAP integration can negatively impact the durability and performance of asphalt binders, particularly at low temperatures. This study evaluates the effects of RAP [...] Read more.
The use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in asphalt mixtures has increased due to its economic and environmental benefits. However, RAP integration can negatively impact the durability and performance of asphalt binders, particularly at low temperatures. This study evaluates the effects of RAP modification on the ΔTC parameter, a key indicator of binder brittleness and resistance to non-load-related cracking, focusing on PG XX-34 and PG XX-28 grades commonly used in Kansas. Laboratory testing was conducted on virgin and RAP binders subjected to Rolling Thin-Film Oven (RTFO) and Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) aging. Blended binders were prepared with RAP replacement levels of 15%, 25%, and 40%. The critical temperatures TC,m, TC,S, and ΔTC values were calculated using data from Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) testing. The results showed that increasing RAP content generally led to more negative ΔTC values, indicating reduced relaxation capacity and higher susceptibility to thermal cracking. RAP source variability also affected performance, with some sources causing more severe deterioration than others. These findings highlight the limitations of conventional linear blending assumptions and underscore the need for improved RAP characterization in binder selection. The study recommends limiting RAP replacement to 25% unless the RAP source demonstrates favorable properties, incorporating ΔTC thresholds (−2.5 °C and −5.0 °C) into binder specifications, and further investigating RAP–virgin binder interactions to enhance long-term pavement performance. The findings support the potential adoption of ΔTC as a specification criterion for binder evaluation, helping agencies like the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) balance binder durability and RAP use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Materials for Asphalt Pavements)
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16 pages, 6727 KiB  
Article
Processing and Characterization of Unidirectional Flax Fiber-Reinforced Bio-Based Polyamide 11 Biocomposites
by Patrick Hirsch, Benjamin Tillner, André Henkel, Nico Teuscher, Ivonne Jahn and Maik Feldmann
Polymers 2025, 17(5), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17050666 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 950
Abstract
Within this study, the impregnation behavior and resulting mechanical properties of unidirectional flax fiber-reinforced polyamide 11 biocomposites were investigated. Therefore, different grades of bio-based polyamide 11 have been evaluated regarding their eligibility as composite matrix material. The production of the unidirectional flax fiber-reinforced [...] Read more.
Within this study, the impregnation behavior and resulting mechanical properties of unidirectional flax fiber-reinforced polyamide 11 biocomposites were investigated. Therefore, different grades of bio-based polyamide 11 have been evaluated regarding their eligibility as composite matrix material. The production of the unidirectional flax fiber-reinforced biocomposites was investigated using a continuous film-stacking method. It was found that the flow behavior of the polyamide 11 matrix polymer significantly affected the impregnation quality and the resulting mechanical properties as tested by tensile and bending tests. A lower shear viscosity and stronger shear thinning behavior led to better impregnation, a 15% higher stiffness, and 18% higher strength. This was also analyzed with morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the effect of the fiber volume content of the flax fibers on the mechanical properties was tested, showing a positive correlation between the fiber content and the resulting stiffness and strength, leading to an increase of 48% and 55%, respectively. In result, a maximum Young’s modulus of 16.9 GPa and tensile strength of 175 MPa at a fiber volume content of 33% was achieved. Thus, the unidirectional flax fiber-reinforced polyamide 11 biocomposites investigated can be a sustainable construction material for lightweight applications, e.g., in the automotive industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Fiber Composites: Synthesis and Applications)
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