Search Results (951)

In the wet-process stage of lithium-ion battery manufacturing, double-sided coating combined with air-flotation drying can reduce repeated drying operations, thereby helping improve production throughput. However, the requirements of air-flotation drying for equipment stability, together with the coupling among process parameters such as temperature, air velocity, and tension, substantially increase the difficulty of process-parameter calibration. As critical components degrade over time, deviations arise between nominal process parameters and actual operating conditions, introducing non-negligible uncertainty and further complicating parameter recalibration. This paper proposes a collaborative robust multi-objective optimization algorithm to obtain stable and reliable process-parameter combinations under limited computational resources. Specifically, multi-objective optimization models are first established. Then, the operating condition of new equipment is approximately formulated as an undisturbed auxiliary optimization problem, whereas the operating condition of aged equipment with parameter perturbations is formulated as a robust optimization problem; surrogate models are constructed for both problems. Finally, search information from the auxiliary problem is used to guide the evolution of the robust optimization problem, thereby improving its optimization efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can obtain robust Pareto solutions with favorable convergence and diversity while consuming fewer resources, providing engineers with reliable references for selecting suitable process parameters. Full article

With the rapid advancement of wearable medical technologies, long-term, dynamic, non-invasive high-precision electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring has emerged as a critical requirement across clinical and civilian healthcare domains in both clinical and civilian applications. However, conventional Ag/AgCl wet electrodes and common flexible dry electrodes suffer from critical limitations, including high electrode–skin interfacial impedance, severe motion artifacts, inadequate biocompatibility, and poor long-term wearing comfort, which severely restrict their practical performance. The performance improvement of ECG electrodes relies on the synergistic realization of low interfacial impedance, strong anti-interference capability, excellent biocompatibility, and satisfactory long-term wearability. Biomimetic design provides a pivotal strategy for addressing the incompatibilities at the electrode–skin interface and breaking through the performance bottlenecks of traditional electrodes. This paper systematically reviews the fundamental theories and key design principles of biomimetic ECG electrodes, and elaborates the biomimetic prototypes, design mechanisms, and typical application cases from five core perspectives: structural biomimetics, interfacial biomimetics, mechanical biomimetics, functional biomimetics, and material biomimetics. Furthermore, the application progress of biomimetic electrodes in civil wearable devices, clinical monitoring, and special scenarios is summarized, together with an analysis of the current industrialization layout and patent status. Finally, future development trends are prospected, including multi-dimensional synergistic biomimetics, intelligent biomimetics, green biomimetics, clinical-grade biomimetics, and low-cost scalable fabrication. This review supplies systematic theoretical underpinnings and practical guidance for the design optimization, performance enhancement, and industrial application of biomimetic ECG electrodes, and is of great significance for promoting the evolution of ECG monitoring toward high precision, long-term operation, and convenient utilization. Full article

Red mud-based backfill containing circulating fluidized bed (CFB) ash and reactive MgO must maintain adequate mechanical integrity and environmental stability under moisture and alkaline exposure. This study investigated the durability of carbonation-solidified red mud-based backfill subjected to wetting–drying cycles and alkaline red mud liquor (RML) immersion. Specimens carbonated for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h were evaluated in terms of macroscopic morphology, mass loss, linear shrinkage, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), electrical resistivity, pH, hazardous-element leaching, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Increasing carbonation duration generally reduced mass loss and linear shrinkage while improving UCS and electrical resistivity within the investigated exposure range. Wetting–drying cycling resulted in progressive surface erosion, shrinkage, and strength deterioration. By contrast, RML immersion produced an initial increase in UCS and resistivity, followed by stabilization or a slight decline at later ages. The observed changes were consistent with pore filling by carbonate-bearing products and low-crystallinity reaction products, followed by local pore development and disruption of the cemented structure during prolonged exposure. At a UCS threshold of 0.8 MPa, the response-surface models yielded estimated threshold exposures of 6.92–13.98 cycles under wetting–drying conditions and 45.69–75.05 d under RML immersion, with the RML estimates extrapolated from the 28 d dataset. Within the tested conditions, carbonation improved the resistance of the backfill material to cyclic moisture disturbance and alkaline immersion, with the 8–10 h groups retaining relatively higher mechanical and dimensional performance. Full article

Recent years have witnessed a surge in the research of memristors as fundamental building blocks for neuromorphic computing, owing to their exceptional ability to emulate the plastic behavior of biological synapses in a high-density, low-power hardware format. These devices are increasingly recognized as the key to achieving efficient artificial neural networks. Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is a premier candidate for artificial synapses due to its atomic scale and tunable electronic properties. However, achieving wafer-scale MoS₂ thin films for integrated memristor systems remains a significant challenge. In this work, a scalable strategy combining cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-assisted electrochemical intercalation and oil–water interface self-assembly was developed to fabricate large-area 2H-phase MoS₂ thin films. Leveraging the amphiphilic nature of CTAB-functionalized MoS₂ nanosheets, continuous Janus-structured MoS₂ films with asymmetric wetting properties (hydrophilic vs. hydrophobic) were successfully prepared. Vertical-structured Ag/Janus-structured MoS₂/ITO memristors demonstrated robust non-volatile switching with high endurance and long-term retention. The devices successfully emulated biological synaptic behaviors, including short-term and long-term plasticity. Furthermore, the memristors exhibited distinct optoelectronic synergistic modulation under 405 nm illumination, enabling light-sensitive synaptic functions. This work offers a versatile interface engineering route for low-power integrated sensing–memory–computing hardware. Full article

Despite the fact that oxygen plasma treatments are widely used to modify the surface properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the long-term stability of these surface modifications has not been fully investigated. Specifically, the roles of morphological restructuring and chemical modifications at the surface remain to be understood. In this work, we treat commercial PTFE samples using O₂ plasmas at different discharge pressures to investigate their surface modifications and subsequent ageing at atmospheric pressure. We provide direct evidence that ageing behavior is governed by nanoscale and microscale restructuring of the plasma-modified interface, revealing a novel link between morphology dynamics and wettability properties. To capture this surface evolution, the modified interface was characterized using water contact angle (WCA) measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry (MS). Initial plasma treatment enhances PTFE hydrophobicity, shifting the WCA from ${\theta }_c\simeq 105°$ to a highly hydrophobic state of ${\theta }_c\simeq 135°$. By monitoring the samples in contact with air over a 67-day period a gradual transition toward hydrophilicity was revealed, with WCAs stabilizing at ${\theta }_c\simeq 70°$ after approximately 20 days. SEM observations identified time-dependent morphological degradation of plasma-induced nanostructures, while qualitative and quantitative FTIR analysis—utilizing the Specified Area Under Band (SAUB) method—confirmed corresponding shifts in carbonyl and hydrocarbon indices. These results demonstrate that ageing kinetics are a direct function of plasma pressure. The transition is further supported by a phenomenological fractal model, which confirms a morphological shift from an initial fractal surface ($d_s\simeq 2.25$) toward a standard flat geometry ($d_s=2$). Furthermore, calculations indicate a sign reversal in solid-gas interface tension parameters, reflecting the changed chemical nature of the surface. We conclude that the loss of hydrophobicity is driven by a synergistic interplay between morphological relaxation and chemical restructuring. Full article

This study investigates the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) fabrication of 17-4 PH stainless steel triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures and the wettability response of corresponding flat plates subjected to selected post-processing treatments. Five TPMS geometries were fabricated and visually examined to document their overall condition and manufacturing irregularities. Thermal aging, steel shot blasting, commercial hydrophobic coating, and selected treatment combinations were evaluated on flat plates manufactured using the same material and LPBF process. Wettability was assessed using time-dependent static contact angle (CA) measurements and a preliminary comparison of three steel shot grades. The fabricated TPMS structures retained their overall geometries but exhibited localized burnt edges, distortion of thin boundary features, and differences in surface appearance. The untreated LPBF-fabricated surface was hydrophilic and exhibited time-dependent wetting, with the CA decreasing from approximately 81° to as low as 48° within 4 min and complete wetting occurring within approximately 8–10 min. Among the evaluated blasting media, S-330 produced the highest CA values; however, blasted surfaces remained hydrophilic, and the response depended on whether the plate was untreated or aged. The coating produced CA of approximately 153–170° across all coated regions, both with and without prior blasting. These findings identify manufacturing considerations for LPBF-fabricated TPMS structures and demonstrate the effects of the investigated treatments on the wettability of corresponding flat surfaces, thereby providing insights for future studies of TPMS-based condensation surfaces in atmospheric water generation applications. Full article

Reliable solder joint formation in electronic packaging depends on the coupled effects of solder composition and pad finish on molten solder wetting, yet direct comparisons of Bi-modified SAC305 and SAC405 solders on common surface finishes remain limited. In this study, nominal SAC305- and SAC405-based solders with Bi additions up to 3 wt.% were evaluated on ENIG and Cu-OSP finishes at 250 °C under forming gas. Sessile drop testing was used to measure contact angles, and atomic force microscopy and surface free energy measurements were used to characterize the substrates. The work of adhesion was calculated using the Young–Dupré relationship from contact angle and liquid surface tension values. For both alloy series, contact angle generally decreased with increasing Bi content, indicating improved spreading, with a stronger effect for SAC305 on Cu-OSP. ENIG produced lower contact angles and higher calculated work of adhesion than Cu-OSP. SAC405-based solders generally showed higher calculated work of adhesion than SAC305-based solders because of their higher liquid surface tension. However, the lowest contact angle did not always correspond to the highest calculated work of adhesion. These results show that Bi content, Ag level, and pad finish jointly influence the apparent wettability and calculated solder–substrate interaction of SAC-Bi solders. Full article

The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the reinforcement mechanisms of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) on the aggregate–asphalt interfacial adhesion in granite–asphalt systems under accelerated ultraviolet (UV) aging. The interfacial bonding durability of granite–asphalt composite systems is persistently threatened by hydrothermal stripping and UV weathering. A multiscale experimental framework comprising boiling kinetic tests, photoelectric colorimetry, and surface free energy (SFE) analysis based on the van Oss–Chaudhury–Good theory was executed, complemented by cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Macroscopic results demonstrate that a 3.0 wt.% LDH threshold optimizes the hydrothermal adhesion rating to Level 5. Thermodynamically, introducing 4.5 wt.% LDHs triggers a 176.37% surge in the polar SFE component (${\gamma }_S^{\mathit{AB}}$), causing the dry adhesion work ($W_{\mathit{AS}}$) to peak and the wet stripping work ($W_{\mathit{ALS}}$) to plummet by 45.03%, verifying a significantly compressed driving force for moisture displacement. A reconciliation of these dosage-dependent results establishes 4.5 wt.% as the scientifically optimal formulation for maximizing long-term thermodynamic stability. Microstructural SEM analysis reveals that LDHs transition the terminal UV-degradation behavior from severe, reticulated brittle macro-cracking into highly controlled, damage-tolerant micro-fissuring. These findings provide thermodynamic targets and mechanistic insights that can guide the design of durable, weather-resistant asphalt pavements. Full article

Long-span transmission towers in the Yangtze River basin are exposed to coupled low-temperature, high-humidity and strong-wind conditions, which promote nonuniform ice accretion on steel members and increase structural loads and ice-shedding risks. Although superhydrophobic coatings are promising passive anti-icing materials for civil infrastructure, most existing evaluations use idealized flat or cylindrical specimens and do not capture the geometry, substrate condition and coating uniformity of in-service tower members. Here, a multifactor coupled icing simulation system was developed, and comparative icing tests were conducted on three representative steel members (aged plain circular steel tube, new galvanized circular steel tube and new galvanized angle steel) under controlled temperature, wind speed, spray rate and icing duration. For uncoated members, ice mass increased with supercooling degree and spray rate, first increased and then decreased with wind speed, and exhibited a decelerating growth pattern within 24 h. The superhydrophobic coating reduced ice mass, ice thickness and circumferential nonuniformity under all tested conditions, but its effectiveness depended strongly on environmental loading and member geometry. Under reference conditions, the ice-reduction rates reached 41%, 45% and 38% for the three members, respectively, and remained 27–32% after 24 h of icing. Smooth circular substrates showed the best coating response, whereas angle steel was less effective because edge-induced flow distortion and poor coating uniformity promoted local wetting failure. Performance degradation under harsh conditions was associated with accelerated freezing, water-film formation and localized wetting failure. These findings define the applicability and durability limits of superhydrophobic coatings for passive anti-icing protection of long-span transmission tower steel members. Full article

Contact dermatitis (CD) is one of the most common occupational skin diseases worldwide, and patch tests are used to identify allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Half of the cases were negative for patch tests (non-ACD). In our study, we aim to analyze patch test negativity in different occupational groups from the Triveneto (northeast Italy) Patch Test Database and to identify associated demographic and exposure-related factors. Data from 31,948 patients evaluated for suspected ACD between 1997 and 2023 were analyzed. All participants underwent clinical examination, completed a standardized questionnaire, and underwent patch testing. Occupational categories and anatomical sites were aggregated into broader groups and analyzed with multivariable logistic regression models. Among 31,948 patients with CD, 43.4% had negative patch test results. The mean age was 43.8 ± 17.2 years, with a predominance of female patients (66.7%). Hands were the most affected body site (30.9%), with lower prevalence of patch test negativity (OR 0.936; 95% CI 0.892–0.981). Non-ACD was more frequent among non-workers as students (OR 1.380; 95% CI 1.192–1.597) and in occupational groups involved in wet work, detergent use, mechanical friction, and exposure to irritating substances such as mechanics (OR 1.152; 95%CI 1.018–1.204) and cooks with hand dermatitis (OR 1.784; 95%CI 1.936–3.071). These findings highlight the importance of non-ACD, the need for better prevention strategies, improved skin protection practices, and early recognition of irritant exposure in the workplace. Full article

The interfacial microstructure evolution and high-speed ball shear reliability of SAC305 (Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu)/Cu-20wt%Zn solder joints were systematically investigated after isothermal aging at 180 °C for up to 250 h. SAC305/electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG) joints were used as a comparative reference. Unlike prior studies that benchmarked Cu-Zn against bare Cu, this work directly compares the two systems, establishing ENIG as the industrially relevant reference. Cu₆(Sn,Zn)₅ was identified as the dominant intermetallic compound (IMC) phase at the SAC305/Cu-Zn interface by SEM/EDS analysis. At the SAC305/ENIG interface, (Cu,Ni)₆Sn₅ formed as the dominant IMC phase, accompanied by a P-rich layer at the (Cu,Ni)₆Sn₅/Ni(P) boundary. The IMC thickness of SAC305/Cu-Zn joints increased from approximately 2.50 μm in the as-reflowed condition to 3.41 μm at 250 h, consistently exceeding that of SAC305/ENIG joints (1.94–2.25 μm) throughout aging. Despite this, the high-speed ball shear strength of SAC305/Cu-Zn joints was equivalent or superior to that of SAC305/ENIG joints at all aging durations. Fractographic analysis confirmed that the P-rich layer in ENIG joints acted as a preferential crack propagation path under impact loading, driving the brittle fracture ratio to approximately 75% at 250 h—compared to approximately 47% in SAC305/Cu-Zn joints. These results demonstrate that Cu-Zn electroplated from a neutral pyrophosphate-based bath constitutes a highly reliable wetting layer, offering impact reliability equivalent or superior to that of the conventional ENIG surface finish. Full article

The degradation of the natural fibers in the hydraulic binder alkaline matrix is widely known. This study investigates the effect of two fiber treatments, namely immersion in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and hornification, in two types of alkaline environmental ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and a mixture of OPC and natural hydraulic lime (NHL). After curing for 28 days, the specimens were subjected to 25 and 50 dry–wet aging cycles to evaluate their degradation behavior. Subsequently, the specimens underwent flexural and compressive strength tests. This study reveals that the specimens with the mixed binder of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and natural hydraulic lime (NHL), after 50 aging cycles, reached toughness values in the descending branch compared to the total toughness obtained in the flexural–displacement diagram, of 17% and 27% for the treatment with NaOH and hornification fiber, compared to 3% and 10% obtained for the matrix with an OPC binder. Therefore, the inclusion of NHL as a matrix binder provided better softening behavior than those with only the OPC binder, providing better protection of the fibers against environmental alkalinity due to matrix alkalinity. In addition, the hornification treatment better preserved the fibers throughout the aging process. Full article

The disposal of construction and demolition waste (CDW) and the rehabilitation of water-rich goafs present two pressing challenges in sustainable mining and geotechnical engineering. This study introduces a bio-carbonated reactive magnesia cement (RMC) technology to solidify CDW for goaf backfilling applications. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties, water stability, and durability of bio-carbonated RMC-solidified CDW under simulated water-rich goaf environments. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the 16% RMC specimens reached 3.12 MPa after 28 days, which was approximately 21% higher than that of the 12% Portland cement (OPC) control. Under dynamic water erosion conditions of 1.0 m/s for 72 h, the 16% RMC specimens showed a mass loss rate of 2.68% and a strength retention rate of 84.2%, both of which were superior to those of the 12% OPC control. The water–land strength ratio of the 16% RMC specimens reached 0.90 after 28 days of immersion, and the strength retention rate remained at 73.1% after 12 wet–dry cycles. Compared to the OPC control, these two indicators respectively represent a precise increase of 25% and approximately 60%. Microstructural analysis revealed that hydrated magnesium carbonates (HMCs), including nesquehonite and hydromagnesite, formed a dense spatial network that binds CDW particles and blocks pore channels. Additionally, a random forest model quantified the relative importance of RMC content, curing age, and carbonation degree on UCS, confirming that RMC dosage and the extent of carbonation are the dominant controlling factors. The optimal RMC content was determined to be 16%, balancing performance and cost. This study demonstrates that bio-carbonated RMC-solidified CDW is a technically viable and low-carbon backfill material with substantial CO₂ sequestration potential for water-rich goafs. Full article

Wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and remains a major cause of severe vision loss in older adults. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is the current standard of care for wAMD. However, repeated injections are associated with poor adherence, procedure-related complications, and a substantial cumulative treatment burden. Topical nanocarrier-based systems have therefore attracted increasing attention as needle-free approaches for improving posterior segment drug exposure. Complementing broader reviews of ocular nanomedicine, this review specifically examines topical nanocarrier-mediated posterior segment delivery for wAMD, with a focus on three representative platforms: liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and polymeric micelles. These systems are engineered through the optimization of particle size, surface properties, drug-loading strategies, and functional modifications to improve payload stability, ocular surface residence, tissue penetration, and lesion-relevant delivery. By integrating formulation design, ocular barrier transport, ocular posterior segment bioavailability, and translational feasibility in the context of wAMD, this review provides a disease-focused and application-oriented perspective that complements existing broader reviews of ocular nanocarriers and ophthalmic nanomedicine. We summarize current evidence from preclinical and translational studies and discuss major barriers limiting clinical application, including insufficient posterior segment drug exposure, dose–safety trade-offs, pharmacokinetic instability, limited targeting efficiency, and challenges in delivering macromolecular biologics, such as anti-VEGF antibodies and fusion proteins. At present, topical nanocarrier-based strategies remain investigational, but they hold potential for development as therapeutic approaches for wAMD. Key priorities for future development include quantitative posterior segment pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation, long-term safety assessment, payload-specific carrier design, scalable manufacturing, and clinically relevant efficacy endpoints. This review provides a focused framework for the rational design and translational assessment of nanocarrier-based topical strategies for wAMD management. Full article

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can progress to wet AMD when leaking capillaries grow under the macula. Although rare, this transition holds significant risk as it causes more rapid and severe vision loss. Oxidative stress is damaging to cellular components and plays a pivotal role in chronic diseases. We aim to determine whether oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells elicits a proangiogenic microenvironment. We exposed human primary RPE cells to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and we analyzed their metabolic activity, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and angiogenic factors. In addition, we evaluated the potential of RPE cell-conditioned medium (CM) to induce HUVEC cell tube formation. RPE cells exposed to H₂O₂ displayed a dose-dependent decrease in their metabolic activity, and increased ROS levels. The analysis of the CM of exposed RPE cells revealed differential expression of a panel of proangiogenic factors. Notably, the expression of the major angiogenic factors (VEGF, FGF) was increased. Exposure of HUVEC cells to the CM of H₂O₂-exposed RPE cells promoted tube formation suggestive of microvessel formation. Our findings bring new insights into the role of oxidative stress in altering RPE cell behavior that might have consequences in the progression of AMD towards the exudative form. Full article