Next Issue
Volume 18, February-1
Previous Issue
Volume 18, January-1
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.8
3.1
Journals
Materials
Volume 18
Issue 2
materials-logo

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Materials, Volume 18, Issue 2 (January-2 2025) – 255 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): The heterojunctions between BiVO4 nanomaterials and benchmark photocatalysts has been keenly pursued as a promising approach to improve the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of recalcitrant pharmaceuticals. Herein, a heterostructured TiO2/Mo-BiVO4 bilayer photoanode was fabricated by depositing a mesoporous TiO2 overlayer on top of Mo-doped BiVO4 porous films, which absorb light below 490 nm, while offering improved charge transport. The bilayer photoelectrode presented significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance on the degradation of the refractory ibuprofen drug with respect to the additive effect of the constituent layers, which was related to the enhanced light harvesting via backscattering by the mesoporous TiO2 layer in combination with the favorable charge transfer at the TiO2/Mo-BiVO4 interface. View this paper
  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Section
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
18 pages, 4999 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Properties and Durability Performance of Low Liquid Limit Soil Stabilized by Industrial Solid Waste
by Xiaoli Wang, Xiancong Wang, Pingfeng Fu and Jinjin Shi
Materials 2025, 18(2), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020469 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 587
Abstract
To improve the mechanical and durability properties of low liquid limit soil, an eco-friendly, all-solid, waste-based stabilizer (GSCFC) was proposed using five different industrial solid wastes: ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), steel slag (SS), coal fly ash (CFA), flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, and [...] Read more.
To improve the mechanical and durability properties of low liquid limit soil, an eco-friendly, all-solid, waste-based stabilizer (GSCFC) was proposed using five different industrial solid wastes: ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), steel slag (SS), coal fly ash (CFA), flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, and carbide slag (CS). The mechanical and durability performance of GSCFC-stabilized soil were evaluated using unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), and freeze–thaw and wet–dry cycles. The Rietveld method was employed to analyze the mineral phases in the GSCFC-stabilized soil. The optimal composition of the GSCFC stabilizer was determined as 15% SS, 12% GGBS, 16% FGD gypsum, 36% CS, and 12% CFA. The GSCFC-stabilized soil exhibited higher CBR values, with results of 31.38%, 77.13%, and 94.58% for 30, 50, and 98 blows, respectively, compared to 27.23%, 68.34%, and 85.03% for OPC. Additionally, GSCFC-stabilized soil demonstrated superior durability under dry–wet and freeze–thaw cycles, maintaining a 50% higher UCS (1.5 MPa) and a 58.6% lower expansion rate (3.16%) after 15 dry–wet cycles and achieving a BDR of 86.86% after 5 freeze–thaw cycles, compared to 65% for OPC. Rietveld analysis showed increased hydration products (ettringite by 2.63 times, C-S-H by 2.51 times), significantly enhancing soil strength. These findings highlight the potential of GSCFC-stabilized soil for durable road sub-base applications. This research provides theoretical and technical support for the development of sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly soil stabilizers as alternatives to traditional cement-based stabilizers while also promoting the synergistic utilization of multiple solid wastes. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 54914 KiB  
Article
Treatment and Valorization of Waste Wind Turbines: Component Identification and Analysis
by Xiaohan Zhao, Daria Pakuła, Miłosz Frydrych, Roksana Konieczna, Bogna Sztorch, Rafał Kozera, Hongzhi Liu, Hui Zhou and Robert E. Przekop
Materials 2025, 18(2), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020468 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 888
Abstract
Recycling end-of-life wind turbines poses a significant challenge due to the increasing number of turbines going out of use. After many years of operation, turbines lose their functional properties, generating a substantial amount of composite waste that requires efficient and environmentally friendly processing [...] Read more.
Recycling end-of-life wind turbines poses a significant challenge due to the increasing number of turbines going out of use. After many years of operation, turbines lose their functional properties, generating a substantial amount of composite waste that requires efficient and environmentally friendly processing methods. Wind turbine blades, in particular, are a problematic component in the recycling process due to their complex material composition. They are primarily made of composites containing glass and carbon fibers embedded in polymer matrices such as epoxies and polyester resins. This study presents an innovative approach to analyzing and valorizing these composite wastes. The research methodology incorporates integrated processing and analysis techniques, including mechanical waste treatment using a novel compression milling process, instead of traditional knife mills, which reduces wear on the milling tools. Based on the differences in the structure and colors of the materials, 15 different kinds of samples named WT1-WT15 were distinguished from crushed wind turbines, enabling a detailed analysis of their physicochemical properties and the identification of the constituent components. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified key functional groups, confirming the presence of thermoplastic polymers (PET, PE, and PP), epoxy and polyester resins, wood, and fillers such as glass fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) provided insights into thermal stability, degradation behavior, and the heterogeneity of the samples, indicating a mix of organic and inorganic constituents. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) further characterized phase transitions in polymers, revealing variations in thermal properties among samples. The fractionation process was carried out using both wet and dry methods, allowing for a more effective separation of components. Based on the wet separation process, three fractions—GF1, GF2, and GF3—along with other components were obtained. For instance, in the case of the GF1 < 40 µm fraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the residual mass is as high as 89.7%, indicating a predominance of glass fibers. This result highlights the effectiveness of the proposed methods in facilitating the efficient recovery of high-value materials. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5636 KiB  
Article
Effect of Hydride Types on the Fracture Behavior of a Novel Zirconium Alloy Under Different Hydrogen-Charging Current Densities
by Kun Zhang, Hang Fan, Baifeng Luan, Ping Chen, Bin Jia, Pengwan Chen and Hao Wang
Materials 2025, 18(2), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020467 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Hydrogen embrittlement is a critical issue for zirconium alloys, which receives long-term attention in their applications. The formation of brittle hydrides facilitates crack initiation and propagation, thereby significantly reducing the material’s ductility. This study investigates the tensile properties and hydride morphology of a [...] Read more.
Hydrogen embrittlement is a critical issue for zirconium alloys, which receives long-term attention in their applications. The formation of brittle hydrides facilitates crack initiation and propagation, thereby significantly reducing the material’s ductility. This study investigates the tensile properties and hydride morphology of a novel zirconium alloy under different hydrogen-charging current densities ranging from 0 to 300 mA/cm2, aiming to clarify the influence of hydrides on the fracture behavior of the alloy. The mechanical property results reveal that, as the hydrogen-charging current density increases from 0 to 100 mA/cm2, the maximal elongation decreases from 24.99% to 21.87%. When the current density is further increased from 100 mA/cm2 to 200 mA/cm2, the maximal elongation remains basically unchanged. However, a substantial drop in elongation is observed as the hydrogen-charging current density rises from 200 mA/cm2 to 300 mA/cm2, decreasing from 20.77% to 15.18%, which indicates a marked deterioration in hydrogen embrittlement resistance. Subsequently, phase compositions, fracture morphology, and hydride types in the fracture region of tensile specimens were characterized. The morphology and quantity of hydrides change with increasing hydrogen-charging current density. When the hydrogen-charging current density reaches 100 mA/cm2, the δ-phase hydrides form, which significantly reduces the ductility of the zirconium alloy. At a hydrogen-charging current density of 200 mA/cm2, metastable ζ-phase hydrides are formed, resulting in negligible variations in the alloy’s mechanical properties. However, when it comes to 300 mA/cm2, stable δ-phase hydrides with diverse morphologies form, leading to a pronounced degradation in tensile performance. Finally, by integrating mechanical tests with microstructural characterization, the influence of hydrides formed under different hydrogen-charging current densities on the zirconium alloy was analyzed. With increasing hydrogen-charging current density, the maximal elongation of the specimens gradually decreases, while the tensile strength steadily increases. At a hydrogen-charging current density of 300 mA/cm2, a larger amount of hydrides is formed, and the hydride type transitions completely from a mixture of δ-phase and ζ-phase hydrides to entirely δ-phase hydrides. The formation of lath-like δ-phase hydrides induces twinning structures, resulting in further lattice mismatch, which significantly reduces the maximal elongation of the zirconium alloy. Additionally, the morphology of the δ-phase hydrides changes from slender needle-like structures to lath-like structures, leading to a notable increase in internal stress, which in turn further enhances the tensile strength of the specimens. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 2091 KiB  
Article
Simplified Model for the Behaviour of Asphalt Mixtures Depending on the Time and the Frequency Domain
by Péter Primusz and Csaba Tóth
Materials 2025, 18(2), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020466 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 443
Abstract
Sigmoid functions are widely used for the description of viscoelastic material properties of asphalt mixtures. Unfortunately, there are still no known closed functions for describing connections among model parameters in the time and the frequency domains. In most cases, complicated interconversion methods are [...] Read more.
Sigmoid functions are widely used for the description of viscoelastic material properties of asphalt mixtures. Unfortunately, there are still no known closed functions for describing connections among model parameters in the time and the frequency domains. In most cases, complicated interconversion methods are applied for the conversion of viscoelastic material properties. To solve this problem, an empirical material model with four parameters has been developed. Parameters of the model can be quickly determined in the frequency domain and can be used in an unchanged way for the description of the material behaviour of the asphalt mixture in the time domain. The new model starts from the mathematical formula of the Ramberg–Osgood material model (short form RAMBO) and its main advantage is that its parameters are totally independent. Model calculations have been performed for the determination of factors necessary for the interconversion in the time and the frequency domains, applying the approximate procedure of Ninomiya and Ferry. The analysis of data has indicated that the interconversion factors in the time and the frequency domains depend only on the slope of the new empirical model function. Consequently, there is no need for further calculations, since the RAMBO model parameters determined in the frequency domain provide an excellent characterisation of the analysed mixture in the time domain as well. The developed new empirical material model has been verified using laboratory data and exact numerical calculations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental Study, Numerical Simulation & Structural Applications of Construction Materials—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 19797 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Detachment of Glazed Ceramic Tiles Used in Buildings: A Brazilian Case Study
by Renato Freua Sahade, Priscila R. M. Leal, Sérgio S. Lima, Paulo Sérgio da Silva and Carlos R. C. Lima
Materials 2025, 18(2), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020465 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 559
Abstract
Ceramic detachments in cladding systems are indicative of adhesion loss between the ceramic tiles and the substrate or its adhesive mortar due to inadequate quality workmanship, the quality of the adhesive mortar or that of the ceramic material, whether acting simultaneously or not. [...] Read more.
Ceramic detachments in cladding systems are indicative of adhesion loss between the ceramic tiles and the substrate or its adhesive mortar due to inadequate quality workmanship, the quality of the adhesive mortar or that of the ceramic material, whether acting simultaneously or not. The shear stresses resulting from the ceramic tiles’ expansion due to humidity accelerate this process. There is a shortage of studies on the quality of ceramic tiles and adhesive mortars. This study conducted elemental, physical and microstructural characterization tests on ceramic tiles and adhesive mortars that showed detachment up to two years after being laid. At first glance, the adhesive mortar samples had adequate traits and degree of hydration. The ceramic tiles, on the other hand, showed high porosity and high levels of amorphous and poorly sintered materials, with no crystalline phase. In a second analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests associated with boiling plus autoclave moisture expansion tests executed on unused ceramic pieces of the same conformation proved to be more suitable for predicting expansion potential than standard tests. Due to the costs and difficulties in accessing and analyzing the SEM tests, chemical analysis of the ceramic tiles was executed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to assess the presence of the amorphous silica (free quartz) and alkaline oxides. Together with pressure and temperature determination tests (autoclave), they may represent another alternative that is easier to access and more cost-effective for predicting future expansion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Materials Characterization)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5495 KiB  
Article
Complex Inhibitor Protection of Some Steels in Hydrochloric Acid Solutions by 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives
by Yaroslav G. Avdeev, Tatyana A. Nenasheva, Andrey Y. Luchkin, Andrey I. Marshakov and Yurii I. Kuznetsov
Materials 2025, 18(2), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020464 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 510
Abstract
The behavior of low-carbon steels (LCSs), a high-strength steel and a nickel–chromium alloy in HCl solutions in the presence of N-containing organic substances has been studied. N-containing organic substances that comprise 1,2,4-triazole in their structure (substance I and substance II) provide comprehensive protection [...] Read more.
The behavior of low-carbon steels (LCSs), a high-strength steel and a nickel–chromium alloy in HCl solutions in the presence of N-containing organic substances has been studied. N-containing organic substances that comprise 1,2,4-triazole in their structure (substance I and substance II) provide comprehensive protection of various steel grades from corrosion and hydrogen absorption by the metal bulk in HCl solutions under both isobaric and isochoric conditions. All the compounds studied reduce, to varying degrees, the concentration of hydrogen adsorbed and absorbed by steel in HCl solutions. The most promising way to expand the scope of application is to use substance I in HCl solutions for protecting steels from high-temperature corrosion as a mixture with hexamethylenetetramine (HMT). In 2 M HCl (100 °C) under isochoric conditions, a mixture of compound I and HMT exhibited an excellent result: the degree of protection of LCS against corrosion was 99.5%. Substance I and its mixture with HMT protect steels not only in pure HCl solutions, but also in environments contaminated with hydrogen sulfide, which is especially important for the acid stimulation of wells in oil production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1485 KiB  
Article
Hybrids of Deep HOMO Organic Cyanoacrylic Acid Dyes and Graphene Nanomaterials for Water Splitting Photoanodes
by Alejandro Ansón-Casaos, Ana M. Benito, Wolfgang K. Maser, Jesús Orduna, Belén Villacampa and María-Jesús Blesa
Materials 2025, 18(2), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020463 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 662
Abstract
Dye-sensitization is a promising strategy to improve the light absorption and photoactivity abilities of wide-bandgap semiconductors, like TiO2. For effective water-splitting photoanodes with no sacrificial agents, the electrochemical potential of the dye must exceed the thermodynamic threshold needed for the oxygen [...] Read more.
Dye-sensitization is a promising strategy to improve the light absorption and photoactivity abilities of wide-bandgap semiconductors, like TiO2. For effective water-splitting photoanodes with no sacrificial agents, the electrochemical potential of the dye must exceed the thermodynamic threshold needed for the oxygen evolution reaction. This study investigates two promising organic cyanoacrylic dyes, designed to meet that criterion by means of theoretical calculations. Both yellow-colored dyes were synthesized and characterized by optical and photoelectrochemical techniques, demonstrating strong light absorption in the visible region, suitable experimental reduction potentials, and adsorption from the organic solvent onto mesoporous TiO2 layers. In addition, to promote immobilization in aqueous electrolytes, the dyes were hybridized with graphene oxide or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Photoelectrochemical analysis of the dye-sensitized photoelectrodes demonstrated efficient charge transfer from the dyes to the TiO2 photoanode under simulated solar light. While the starting photocurrent notably surpassed the blank TiO2, a subsequent decay points to kinetic obstacles that still need to be overcome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbonaceous Materials: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3586 KiB  
Article
Effect of Clamped Member Material and Thickness on Bolt Self-Loosening Under Transverse Loads
by Rashique Iftekhar Rousseau and Abdel-Hakim Bouzid
Materials 2025, 18(2), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020462 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 501
Abstract
Bolted joints, prevalent in industrial applications for component fastening, are susceptible to self-loosening—a critical issue resulting in a gradual reduction in clamping force. Gaining insight into the underlying mechanisms of self-loosening is crucial. While prior research has largely focused on evaluating component stiffness, [...] Read more.
Bolted joints, prevalent in industrial applications for component fastening, are susceptible to self-loosening—a critical issue resulting in a gradual reduction in clamping force. Gaining insight into the underlying mechanisms of self-loosening is crucial. While prior research has largely focused on evaluating component stiffness, limited attention has been given to its impact on the self-loosening behavior of bolted joints under transverse cyclic loading. This study investigates how component stiffness influences self-loosening in bolted joints by varying the material and thickness of clamped members. An experimental setup replicating real-world conditions is devised to simulate loosening caused by cyclic lateral displacement. Tests are conducted using steel and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) clamped members of different grip lengths to explore the relationship between stiffness and self-loosening. Key parameters measured include bolt axial load, transverse force on clamped members, relative displacement, and rotation between the bolt and nut. The findings provide valuable insights into the effects of stiffness across various clamped member materials and grip length combinations, which can enhance the understanding of conditions that promote loosening resistance. Moreover, by highlighting stage-II or rotational loosening, with each test resulting in complete preload loss, the study provides a comparative analysis of the influencing factors. This enables the identification of distinct loosening patterns and supports the development of improved bolted joint designs to reduce loosening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Experimental Investigation and Computational Modeling of Fiber Reinforced Polymers and Composites)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 24751 KiB  
Article
From Powders to Performance—A Comprehensive Study of Two Advanced Cutting Tool Materials Sintered with Pressure Assisted Methods
by Kinga Momot, Piotr Klimczyk, Beata Leszczyńska-Madej, Marcin Podsiadło, Yuliia Rumiantseva and Agnieszka Gubernat
Materials 2025, 18(2), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020461 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 624
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive study of two tool materials designed for the machining of Inconel 718 superalloy, produced through two distinct sintering techniques: High Pressure–High Temperature (HPHT) sintering and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). The first composite (marked as BNT), composed of 65 [...] Read more.
This paper presents a comprehensive study of two tool materials designed for the machining of Inconel 718 superalloy, produced through two distinct sintering techniques: High Pressure–High Temperature (HPHT) sintering and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). The first composite (marked as BNT), composed of 65 vol% cubic boron nitride (cBN), was sintered from the cBN–TiN–Ti3SiC2 system using the HPHT technique at a pressure of 7.7 GPa. The second composite (marked as AZW) was fabricated from the Al2O3–ZrO2–WC system using SPS at a pressure of 63 MPa. The final phase composition of BNT material differed significantly from the initial composition due to reactions occurred during sintering. In contrast, the phase composition of the AZW ceramic composite before and after sintering was similar. The materials exhibited high quality, as evidenced by a Young’s modulus of 580 GPa for BNT and 470 GPa for AZW, along with hardness of 26 GPa for BNT and 21 GPa for AZW. Both composites were used to prepare cutting inserts that were evaluated for their performance in machining Inconel 718 alloy. While both inserts showed durability comparable to their respective reference commercial inserts, they differed in performance and price relative to one another. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Multifunctional Materials Obtained at High Temperature and Pressure Conditions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1750 KiB  
Review
The Influence of Rice Husk Ash Incorporation on the Properties of Cement-Based Materials
by Zhiyun Guo, Zhao Chen, Xurong Yang, Lanyue Zhang, Canhua Li, Chuan He and Weihong Xu
Materials 2025, 18(2), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020460 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 557
Abstract
Rice husk ash is a kind of biomass material. Its main component is silicon dioxide, with a content of up to 80%. It has high pozzolanic activity and can react with hydroxide in cement. When treating rice husks, rice husk ash with high [...] Read more.
Rice husk ash is a kind of biomass material. Its main component is silicon dioxide, with a content of up to 80%. It has high pozzolanic activity and can react with hydroxide in cement. When treating rice husks, rice husk ash with high volcanic ash activity and a good microaggregate filling effect can be obtained by selecting a suitable incineration environment. These advantages make rice husk ash an ideal concrete admixture, replacing the traditional admixture such as fly ash and slag in concrete. This paper summarizes the preparation methods and physical and chemical properties of rice husk ash, as well as the physical and chemical properties of rice husk ash concrete, such as mechanical properties, temperature resistance, freezing resistance, permeability resistance and chemical erosion resistance. The results show that using 20% rice husk ash as a substitute material for cement improves the resistance strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and permeability of concrete. In short, the incorporation of rice husk ash can effectively improve the performance of cement-based materials, which will be conducive to the green development of the building material industry and the implementation of the two-carbon strategy. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2209 KiB  
Article
Structural, Electronic, and Magnetic Properties of Neutral Borometallic Molecular Wheel Clusters
by Saira Perveen and Nevill Gonzalez Szwacki
Materials 2025, 18(2), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020459 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 511
Abstract
Atomic clusters exhibit properties that fall between those found for individual atoms and bulk solids. Small boron clusters exhibit planar and quasiplanar structures, which are novel materials envisioned to serve as a platform for designing nanodevices and materials with unique physical and chemical [...] Read more.
Atomic clusters exhibit properties that fall between those found for individual atoms and bulk solids. Small boron clusters exhibit planar and quasiplanar structures, which are novel materials envisioned to serve as a platform for designing nanodevices and materials with unique physical and chemical properties. Through past research advancements, experimentalists demonstrated the successful incorporation of transition metals within planar boron rings. In our study, we used first-principles calculations to examine the structure and properties of neutral boron clusters doped with transition metals, denoted as TMBn and TMB2n, where TM = Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Nb, or Mo and n=8–10. Our calculations show that the TMB2n structures, which involve sandwiching metal atoms between two rings (called the drum configuration), and clusters with the single ring configuration, TMBn, are stable. These clusters typically have relatively large HOMO-LUMO energy gaps, suggesting high kinetic stability and low chemical reactivity. Moreover, the clusters display interesting magnetic properties, determined not only by the metal atoms but also by the induced magnetism of the boron rings. These structures have potential applications in spintronics and sensing. This work also provides a basis for studying magnetism in the one-dimensional limit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Boron-Based Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 8313 KiB  
Article
Size Distribution of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Depending on the Temperature of Electrochemical Synthesis
by Michał Hajos, Maria Starowicz, Beata Brzychczyk, Grzegorz Basista and Sławomir Francik
Materials 2025, 18(2), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020458 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 528
Abstract
One of the methods for obtaining zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is electrochemical synthesis. In this study, the anodic dissolution process of metallic zinc in alcohol solutions of LiCl was used to synthesize ZnO NPs. The products were obtained as colloidal suspensions in [...] Read more.
One of the methods for obtaining zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is electrochemical synthesis. In this study, the anodic dissolution process of metallic zinc in alcohol solutions of LiCl was used to synthesize ZnO NPs. The products were obtained as colloidal suspensions in an electrolyte solution. Due to the small size and ionic nature of the zinc oxide molecule, colloidal nanoparticles tend to cluster into larger groupings, so the size of nanoparticles in solutions will differ from the size of nanoparticles observed in ZnO powders after solvent evaporation. The main goal of this research is to investigate the influence of the temperature of synthesis and the kind of alcohol on the size of ZnO NP micelles. Nanocrystals of zinc oxide were obtained in all tested alcohols: methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol. The particle size was determined using the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) method. It was observed that the particles synthesized in methanol were the largest, followed by smaller particles in ethanol, while the smallest particles were obtained in 1-propanol. Additionally, the particles obtained in ethanol were the most uniform in size, showing the highest level of size homogeneity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insight into Design and Properties of Nanomaterials (Third Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 6838 KiB  
Article
Films Based on Chitosan/Konjac Glucomannan Blend Containing Resveratrol for Potential Skin Application
by Karolina Kulka-Kamińska, Marzanna Kurzawa and Alina Sionkowska
Materials 2025, 18(2), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020457 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 527
Abstract
Biopolymers represent a significant class of materials with potential applications in skin care due to their beneficial properties. Resveratrol is a natural substance that exhibits a range of biological activities, including the scavenging of free radicals and anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. In this [...] Read more.
Biopolymers represent a significant class of materials with potential applications in skin care due to their beneficial properties. Resveratrol is a natural substance that exhibits a range of biological activities, including the scavenging of free radicals and anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. In this study, chitosan/konjac glucomannan resveratrol-enriched thin films were prepared. The enrichment of biomaterials with active ingredients is a common practice, as it allows the desired properties to be obtained in the final product. To characterize the films, several analyses were performed, including infrared spectroscopy, imaging of the samples by SEM and AFM techniques, swelling analysis in pH 5.5 and 7.4, mechanical and antioxidant assays, contact angle measurements, and determination of the resveratrol release profile under the skin mimicking conditions. Resveratrol incorporation into the matrices resulted in modifications to the chemical structure and film morphology. The mechanical characteristics of films with additives were found to undergo deterioration. The sample containing 10% of resveratrol exhibited a higher swelling degree than other films. The resveratrol-modified films demonstrated a notable antioxidant capacity, a reduced contact angle, and enhanced wettability. The resveratrol release occurred rapidly initially, with a maximum of 84% and 56% of the substance released depending on the sample type. Thus, the proposed formulations have promising properties, in particular good swelling capacity, high antioxidant potential, and improved wettability, and may serve as skin dressings after further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials Modification, Characterization and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

44 pages, 7000 KiB  
Review
Structural Regulation and Performance Enhancement of Carbon-Based Supercapacitors: Insights into Electrode Material Engineering
by Lu Guan, Dajin Li, Shanshan Ji, Xiuzhi Wei and Fanxiao Meng
Materials 2025, 18(2), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020456 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 487
Abstract
The development of carbon-based supercapacitors is pivotal for advancing high energy and power density applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of structural regulation and performance enhancement strategies in carbon-based supercapacitors, focusing on electrode material engineering. Key areas explored include pore structure optimization, [...] Read more.
The development of carbon-based supercapacitors is pivotal for advancing high energy and power density applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of structural regulation and performance enhancement strategies in carbon-based supercapacitors, focusing on electrode material engineering. Key areas explored include pore structure optimization, heteroatom doping, intrinsic defect engineering, and surface/interface modifications. These strategies significantly enhance electrochemical performance through increasing surface area, improving conductivity, facilitating charge transfer, introducing additional pseudocapacitive reactions, and optimizing the density of states at the Fermi level, among other mechanisms. After introducing these fundamental concepts, the review details various preparation methods and their effects on supercapacitor performance, highlighting the interplay between material structure and electrochemical properties. Challenges in scaling advanced fabrication techniques and ensuring the long-term stability of functionalized materials are discussed. Additionally, future research directions are proposed, emphasizing the development of cost-effective, scalable methods and interdisciplinary approaches to design next-generation supercapacitors, thereby meeting the growing demand for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fabrication, Structure, and Supercapacitance of Porous Carbon Nanomaterials)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 4752 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Strength and Mechanism Analysis of Silt Soil Cured by Straw Ash–Calcium Carbide Slag
by Yue Huang, Wenyuan Xu, Yongcheng Ji and Liang Yang
Materials 2025, 18(2), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020455 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 673
Abstract
Large-scale engineering projects frequently involve pit excavation and wetland landfill operations, resulting in significant silt accumulation that occupies land and adversely affects the environment. Curing technology offers a solution for reusing this waste silt. In this study, straw ash and calcium carbide slag [...] Read more.
Large-scale engineering projects frequently involve pit excavation and wetland landfill operations, resulting in significant silt accumulation that occupies land and adversely affects the environment. Curing technology offers a solution for reusing this waste silt. In this study, straw ash and calcium carbide slag are proposed as effective curing agents for silt soil. Various indoor tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the cured silt soil, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze its mineral composition and micro-morphology. The results showed that increasing the curing agent dosage significantly improved soil strength. Specifically, at a 10% dosage, the California bearing ratio (CBR) value increased to 18.7%, which is 13.4 times higher than untreated silt soil and exceeds road specifications by 8%. At a 20% dosage, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) value reached 1.38 MPa, meeting the ≥0.8 MPa requirement for roadbeds. Based on economic considerations, a 20% dosage of straw ash–calcium carbide slag was selected as optimal. Microscopic analysis revealed that the addition of these agents promoted the formation of hydrated calcium silicate, filling pores and enhancing the mechanical properties of the cured soil, resulting in a more dense and stable structure. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 18682 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation on Macroscopic and Microscopic Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer-Stabilized Macadam
by Hancheng Dan, Shenglong Ma, Mengjin Li, Jiawei Tan and Haoran Zhang
Materials 2025, 18(2), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020454 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 586
Abstract
Geopolymer, as a promising inorganic binding material, holds potential for use in constructing base layers for highway pavements. This study aims to evaluate the mechanical properties of geopolymer-stabilized macadam (GSM) at both the micro- and macro-scale by a series of tests, demonstrating that [...] Read more.
Geopolymer, as a promising inorganic binding material, holds potential for use in constructing base layers for highway pavements. This study aims to evaluate the mechanical properties of geopolymer-stabilized macadam (GSM) at both the micro- and macro-scale by a series of tests, demonstrating that high-Ca GSM is a high-quality material for pavement base layers. The results demonstrated that GSM exhibits outstanding mechanical and fatigue properties, significantly surpassing those of cement-stabilized macadam (CSM). Performance improvements were particularly notable with higher binder-to-aggregate ratios. GSM derived from a high-Ca precursor achieved a relatively higher fatigue life and resistance to permanent deformation under cyclic loading, outperforming CSM. Furthermore, relationship models developed from the indirect tensile fatigue test results provide a valuable framework for evaluating GSM’s long-term road performance. Microstructural analyses revealed that geopolymer features a reticulated gel structure and a denser, more continuous internal matrix, which contribute to its superior properties. The interface products of GSM, including C–A–S–H gel and C(N)–A–S–H gel, enhance mechanical interlocking and promote early strength development, accounting for its exceptional mechanical strength and fatigue resistance. These findings offer valuable insights and technical guidance for employing geopolymer as a sustainable and effective alternative to cement-stabilized macadam in base layer construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Road Materials and Pavement Engineering: Design, Structure, Performance and Characterization)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 16026 KiB  
Article
Research on Constitutive Modeling of DH460 Continuous Casting Steel with the Solidification End Reduction Process
by Bochun Liang, Chunxi Han, Tan Zhao, Cheng Ji and Miaoyong Zhu
Materials 2025, 18(2), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020453 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 552
Abstract
The constitutive model was commonly used to describe the flow stress of materials under specific strain, strain rate, and temperature conditions. In order to study the thermal–mechanical behavior of DH460 continuous casting steel during the solidification end heavy reduction (HR) process accurately. The [...] Read more.
The constitutive model was commonly used to describe the flow stress of materials under specific strain, strain rate, and temperature conditions. In order to study the thermal–mechanical behavior of DH460 continuous casting steel during the solidification end heavy reduction (HR) process accurately. The high-temperature compression experiment was carried out, and phenomenological constitutive models were established based on the experimental results. A new strain-strengthening factor (D(ε)) was proposed in order to improve the prediction accuracy of the current constitutive models. Then, the further-modified models were established. It was found that the new strain-strengthening factor significantly reduced the error of models. The average relative error (AARE) of the further-modified Johnson–Cook model and the further-modified Zerilli–Armstrong model were 6.27% and 5.54%, respectively. The results showed that the further-modified models were more suitable for describing the constitutive behavior of DH460 continuous casting steel during the solidification end reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Design, Preparation, and Mechanical Properties of New Metallic Materials and Alloys)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 16261 KiB  
Article
Comparative, Cost and Multi-Criteria Analyses of Traditional Binders in the Composition of Hemp-Based Finishing Products
by Raluca Iștoan, Daniela-Roxana Tămaș-Gavrea, Mihaela Dumitran and Ovidiu Gavriș
Materials 2025, 18(2), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020452 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 765
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of twelve compositions based on hemp shiv and four traditional binders used in the construction industry: cement, plaster, hydrated lime and clay, with the aim of using the resulting materials as final finishing [...] Read more.
The objective of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of twelve compositions based on hemp shiv and four traditional binders used in the construction industry: cement, plaster, hydrated lime and clay, with the aim of using the resulting materials as final finishing products applicable to the raw area of walls, slabs and other construction elements for walls. Comparative, cost and multi-criteria analyses were carried out on the proposed compositions. The comparative analysis focused on acoustic, thermal, mechanical and fire characteristics, followed by a cost analysis and ending with multi-criteria analysis. In general, cement presented the highest values for mechanical properties, while the other binders demonstrated the most favorable results for acoustic and thermal properties. This paper aims to provide an overview of the traditional binders used in hemp shiv composition and to examine the impact of the physical and mechanical properties of these binders on the final product. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Optimization, and Reuse of Sustainable Bio-Based Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 5614 KiB  
Review
Chemoresistive Gas Sensors Based on Noble-Metal-Decorated Metal Oxide Semiconductors for H2 Detection
by Min Zhu, Heng Zhang, Shengming Zhang, Haiyu Yao, Xuerong Shi and Shusheng Xu
Materials 2025, 18(2), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020451 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 809
Abstract
Hydrogen has emerged as a prominent candidate for future energy sources, garnering considerable attention. Given its explosive nature, the efficient detection of hydrogen (H2) in the environment using H2 sensors is paramount. Chemoresistive H2 sensors, particularly those based on [...] Read more.
Hydrogen has emerged as a prominent candidate for future energy sources, garnering considerable attention. Given its explosive nature, the efficient detection of hydrogen (H2) in the environment using H2 sensors is paramount. Chemoresistive H2 sensors, particularly those based on noble-metal-decorated metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs), have been extensively researched owing to their high responsiveness, low detection limits, and other favorable characteristics. Despite numerous recent studies and reviews reporting advancements in this field, a comprehensive review focusing on the rational design of sensing materials to enhance the overall performance of chemoresistive H2 sensors based on noble-metal-decorated MOFs is lacking. This review aims to address this gap by examining the principles, applications, and challenges of chemoresistive H2 sensors, with a specific focus on Pd-decorated and Pt-decorated MOSs-based sensing materials. The observations and explanations of strategies employed in the literature, particularly within the last three years, have been analyzed to provide insights into the latest research directions and developments in this domain. This understanding is essential for designing and fabricating highly efficient H2 sensors. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6816 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Flexural Behaviour of Prefabricated Steel–Concrete Composite I-Beams Under Negative Bending Moment: Comparative Study
by Huiteng Pei, Shang Zha, Tingying Wu, Baidian Li, Gangyi Zhan and Wenqin Deng
Materials 2025, 18(2), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020450 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 576
Abstract
The issues of numerous steel beam components and the tendency for deck cracking under negative bending moment zones have long been challenges faced by traditional composite I-beams with flat steel webs. This study introduces an optimized approach by modifying the structural design and [...] Read more.
The issues of numerous steel beam components and the tendency for deck cracking under negative bending moment zones have long been challenges faced by traditional composite I-beams with flat steel webs. This study introduces an optimized approach by modifying the structural design and material selection, specifically substituting flat steel webs with corrugated steel webs and using ultra-high-performance concrete for the deck in the negative bending moment zone. Three sets of model tests were conducted to compare and investigate the influence of deck material and web forms on the bending and crack resistance of steel–concrete composite I-beams under a negative bending moment zone. The findings indicate that, compared to a conventional steel–normal concrete composite I-beam, incorporating ultra-high performance concrete into the negative bending zone enhances the cracking load by 98%, resulting in finer and denser cracks, and improves the ultimate bearing capacity by approximately 10%. In comparison to the composite I-beam with flat steel webs, the longitudinal stiffness of the composite I-beam with corrugated steel webs is smaller, which can further enhance the bridge deck’s resistance to cracking in the negative bending moment zone, and maximize the steel-strengthening effect of the lower flange of the steel I-beam. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to use steel ultra-high-performance concrete composite I-beams with corrugated steel webs due to their superior crack resistance, bending strength, and efficient material utilization. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 8834 KiB  
Article
Impact Damage Localization in Composite Structures Using Data-Driven Machine Learning Methods
by Can Tang, Yujie Zhou, Guoqian Song and Wenfeng Hao
Materials 2025, 18(2), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020449 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 623
Abstract
Due to the uncertainty of material properties of plate-like structures, many traditional methods are unable to locate the impact source on their surface in real time. It is important to study the impact source-localization problem for plate structures. In this paper, a data-driven [...] Read more.
Due to the uncertainty of material properties of plate-like structures, many traditional methods are unable to locate the impact source on their surface in real time. It is important to study the impact source-localization problem for plate structures. In this paper, a data-driven machine learning method is proposed to detect impact sources in plate-like structures and its effectiveness is tested on three plate-like structures with different material properties. In order to collect data on the localization of the impact source, four piezoelectric transducers and an oscilloscope were utilized to construct an experimental platform for impulse response testing. Meanwhile, the position of the impact source on the surface of the test plate is generated by manually releasing the steel ball. The eigenvalue of arrival time in the time domain signal is extracted to build data sets for machine learning. This paper uses the Back Propagation (BP) neural network to learn the difference in the arrival time of each sensor and predict the location of the impact source. The results demonstrate that the machine learning method proposed in this paper can predict the location of the impact source in the plate-like structure without relying on the material properties, with high test accuracy and robustness. The research work in this paper can provide experimental methods and testing techniques for locating impact damage in composite material structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Methods and Modeling Applied for Composite Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 36169 KiB  
Article
FSW Optimization: Prediction Using Polynomial Regression and Optimization with Hill-Climbing Method
by Piotr Myśliwiec, Paulina Szawara, Andrzej Kubit, Marek Zwolak, Robert Ostrowski, Hamed Aghajani Derazkola and Wojciech Jurczak
Materials 2025, 18(2), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020448 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 501
Abstract
This study presents the optimization of the friction stir welding (FSW) process using polynomial regression to predict the maximum tensile load (MTL) of welded joints. The experimental design included varying spindle speeds from 600 to 2200 rpm and welding speeds from 100 to [...] Read more.
This study presents the optimization of the friction stir welding (FSW) process using polynomial regression to predict the maximum tensile load (MTL) of welded joints. The experimental design included varying spindle speeds from 600 to 2200 rpm and welding speeds from 100 to 350 mm/min over 28 experimental points. The resulting MTL values ranged from 1912 to 15,336 N. A fifth-degree polynomial regression model was developed to fit the experimental data. Diagnostic tests, including the Shapiro–Wilk test and kurtosis analysis, indicated a non-normal distribution of the MTL data. Model validation showed that fifth-degree polynomial regression provided a robust fit with high fitted and predicted R2 values, indicating strong predictive power. Hill-climbing optimization was used to fine-tune the welding parameters, identifying an optimal spindle speed of 1100 rpm and a welding speed of 332 mm/min, which was predicted to achieve an MTL of 16,852 N. Response surface analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the identified parameters and demonstrated their significant influence on the MTL. These results suggest that the applied polynomial regression model and optimization approach are effective tools for improving the performance and reliability of the FSW process. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 10404 KiB  
Article
Development of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel for Low-Power Selective Laser Sintering
by Yu-Deh Chao, Shu-Cheng Liu, Fu-Lin Chen, Mayur Jiyalal Prajapati, Ajeet Kumar, Jung-Ting Tsai and Jeng-Ywan Jeng
Materials 2025, 18(2), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020447 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 483
Abstract
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one of the prominent methods of polymer additive manufacturing (AM). A low-power laser source is used to directly melt and sinter polymer material into the desired shape. This study focuses on the utilization of the low-power laser SLS [...] Read more.
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one of the prominent methods of polymer additive manufacturing (AM). A low-power laser source is used to directly melt and sinter polymer material into the desired shape. This study focuses on the utilization of the low-power laser SLS system to successfully manufacture metallic components through the development of a metal–polymer composite material. In this study, 17-4 PH stainless powders are used and mixed with polyoxymethylene (POM) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to prepare the composite powder material. The polymeric mixture is removed during the thermal degreasing process and subsequent sintering results in a solid metallic component. Sinterit Lisa with a 5 W, 808 nm laser source is used to fabricate the green part. For the printing parameters of 140 °C, laser power of 35.87 mJ/mm2, and layer thickness of 100 μm, the printed samples achieved a maximum density of 3.61 g/cm3 and a complete shape. After sintering at 1310 °C for 180 min, the tensile strength of the shrunk sample is 605.64 MPa, the hardness is HRC 14.8, the average shrinkage rate is 22%, and the density is 7.57 g/cm3, which can reach 97% of the theoretical density. This process allows the use of a wide range of particle sizes that the usual AM technologies have, making it a low-cost, low-energy-consumption, high-speed AM technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insight of Powder Metallurgy: Microstructure, Durability and Mechanical Properties—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 8986 KiB  
Article
Study of the Influence of Desert Sand-Mineral Admixture on the Abrasion Resistance of Concrete
by Aoli Cao, Yuwei Ma, Zhiqiang Li, Xixian Du, Gang Li and Aiqin Wang
Materials 2025, 18(2), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020446 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 357
Abstract
The incorporation of desert sand-mineral admixture improves the abrasion resistance of concrete. To prolong the service life of assembled concrete channels and mitigate the depletion of river sand resources, the effects of fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), desert sand (DS), and basalt [...] Read more.
The incorporation of desert sand-mineral admixture improves the abrasion resistance of concrete. To prolong the service life of assembled concrete channels and mitigate the depletion of river sand resources, the effects of fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), desert sand (DS), and basalt fiber (BF) on the mechanical properties and the abrasion resistance of concrete were examined, alongside an analysis of their microstructures to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of influence. The results indicated that the abrasion resistance strength of concrete mixed with 10% FA and 0.05% BF alone increased by 80.19% and 81.59%, respectively, compared with ordinary concrete (OC). When SF was added to the concrete at a dosage of 10%, it improved the mechanical properties and the abrasion resistance of the concrete. Furthermore, adding SF resulted in a 12.50% increase in compressive strength and a 12.27% increase in abrasion resistance strength compared to OC. The addition of DS did not significantly enhance the concrete’s abrasion resistance. The combination of ingredients for desert sand concrete (DSC) that provides excellent abrasion resistance was determined using an orthogonal experiment. The optimal mixture consisted of 10% FA content, 10% SF content, 40% DS content, and 0.05% BF content, which increased the abrasion resistance strength by 112.95% compared to OC. Through microscopic analysis, it is found that the width of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) is an important factor in determining the abrasion resistance of concrete, and a narrower ITZ enhances the concrete’s abrasion resistance. The study’s findings could function as a theoretical reference for the engineering design of DSC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction and Building Materials (3rd Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

5 pages, 150 KiB  
Editorial
Welding, Joining, and Additive Manufacturing: Experiments, Materials, and Modeling
by Swarup Bag and C. P. Paul
Materials 2025, 18(2), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020445 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 515
Abstract
With the advancement of technologies, welding and joining have become an integral part of advanced manufacturing systems [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Welding, Joining and Additive Manufacturing: Experiments, Materials and Modelling)
22 pages, 8704 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Photoelectrocatalytic Performance of ZnO Nanowires for Green Hydrogen Production and Organic Pollutant Degradation
by Nawal Al Abass, Talal F. Qahtan, Amani M. Alansi, Almqdad Bubshait, Maria Al-Ghamdi, Zahra Albu, Noof Soltan Albasiry, Hisham Mohammed Aljahfal, Abdulrahman E. Aldossary and Mohammed Tariq Faraj
Materials 2025, 18(2), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020444 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 623
Abstract
With growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable energy, multifunctional materials that can simultaneously address water treatment and clean energy production are in high demand. In this study, we developed a cost-effective method to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires via the anodic [...] Read more.
With growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable energy, multifunctional materials that can simultaneously address water treatment and clean energy production are in high demand. In this study, we developed a cost-effective method to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires via the anodic oxidation of zinc foil. By carefully controlling the anodization time, we optimized the Zn/ZnO-5 min electrode to achieve impressive dual-function performance in terms of effective photoelectrocatalysis for water splitting and waste water treatment. The electrode exhibited a high photocurrent density of 1.18 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE and achieved a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 0.55%. A key factor behind this performance is the presence of surface defects, such as oxygen vacancies (OVs), which enhanced charge separation and boosted electron transport. In tests for waste water treatment, the Zn/ZnO-5 min electrode demonstrated the highly efficient degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye, with a reaction rate constant of 0.4211 min−1 when exposed to light and a 1.0 V applied voltage significantly faster than using light or voltage alone. Electrochemical analyses, including impedance spectroscopy and voltammetry, further confirmed the superior charge transfer properties of the electrode under illumination, making it an excellent candidate for both energy conversion and pollutant removal. This study highlights the potential of using simple anodic oxidation to produce scalable and efficient ZnO-based photocatalysts. The dual-function capability of this material could pave the way for large-scale applications in renewable hydrogen production and advanced waste water treatment, offering a promising solution to some of today’s most pressing environmental and energy challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrocatalytic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications (Second Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

24 pages, 13675 KiB  
Article
Low-Waste Technology for High-Precision Connecting Rod Forging Manufacturing
by Łukasz Dudkiewicz and Marek Hawryluk
Materials 2025, 18(2), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020443 - 18 Jan 2025
Viewed by 700
Abstract
This study refers to the application of an advanced tool in the form of numerical modelling in order to develop a low-waste hot die forging technology to produce a connecting rod forging. The technology aims at ensuring a limited amount of the charge [...] Read more.
This study refers to the application of an advanced tool in the form of numerical modelling in order to develop a low-waste hot die forging technology to produce a connecting rod forging. The technology aims at ensuring a limited amount of the charge material is necessary to produce one forging, as well as minimizing forging forces, and thus the electric energy consumption. The study includes a verification of the current production technology, which constituted the basis for the construction and development of a numerical model. A new construction of the forging tools was developed, with an additional pre-roughing pass (0X). The new process consists of die forging in the pre-roughing pass (0X), the roughing pass (1X) and the finishing impression (2X). Numerical modelling was subsequently conducted with the use of the Forge 3.0 NxT software. A detailed analysis was conducted on the accuracy of the tool impression filling (including the pre-roughing pass) by the deformed material, the distribution of temperatures for the forgings and the plastic deformations, as well as the courses of forging forces and energy. The results were verified under industrial conditions and compared with the forgings obtained in the previous technology (a roughing pass and a finishing impression). As a result of introducing the pre-roughing pass 0X, the forces were distributed between three impressions, including the especially developed pre-roughing pass. It was confirmed that the abovementioned changes in terms of forging tool construction had a positive effect on relieving the roughing pass and the finishing impression as well as limiting the charge material, and they also lowered the process energy consumption by 10%. This study also validated the relevance of using FE modelling to verify processes under virtual conditions before being implemented under industrial conditions. Therefore, the proposed approach based on multi-variant numerical simulations can be successfully used to improve other manufacturing processes in terms of reducing energy and material consumption and increasing tool service life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-conventional Machining: Materials and Processes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 17872 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Reciprocating Wear Resistance of Co37Cr28Ni31Al2Ti2 Spark Plasma Sintered Medium-Entropy Alloy via TiC Addition
by Yubo Zhao, Wenbo Ma and Oleksandr Tisov
Materials 2025, 18(2), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020442 - 18 Jan 2025
Viewed by 634
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of TiC addition on the microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of the medium-entropy alloy Co37Cr28Ni31Al2Ti2, which is suitable for applications in aerospace, automotive, and energy industries due to its high strength and wear [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of TiC addition on the microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of the medium-entropy alloy Co37Cr28Ni31Al2Ti2, which is suitable for applications in aerospace, automotive, and energy industries due to its high strength and wear resistance. The samples containing 0, 10, 20, and 40 wt.% of TiC were synthesized. The alloy’s microstructure changes significantly with the addition of TiC particles: they are uniformly dispersed in the FCC matrix, effectively increasing the Vickers hardness from 439 HV for the base alloy to 615 HV for the 40% TiC alloy. The four alloys were subjected to reciprocating dry sliding friction tests at loads of 2 N, 5 N, and 10 N. The wear volumes of the base alloy at these loads were 2.7 × 107, 4.6 × 107, and 1.1 × 108 μm3, respectively. The experimental results indicate that adding TiC greatly improves the wear resistance of the alloy by increasing the hardness and forming an oxide protective film. This study highlights the potential for developing alloys with excellent tribological properties for demanding application scenarios. Full article
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 5935 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Behavior of PEEK and PMMA Graphene and Ti6Al4V Implant-Supported Frameworks: In Silico Study
by Mariano Herrero-Climent, Fernando Sanchez-Lasheras, Jordi Martinez-Lopez, Javier Gil and Aritza Brizuela-Velasco
Materials 2025, 18(2), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020441 - 18 Jan 2025
Viewed by 618
Abstract
A comparative analysis has been carried out between three different dental materials suitable for the prostheses manufacturing. The analysis performed is based on the finite elements method (FEM) and was made to evaluate their performance under three different loading conditions. Three different materials [...] Read more.
A comparative analysis has been carried out between three different dental materials suitable for the prostheses manufacturing. The analysis performed is based on the finite elements method (FEM) and was made to evaluate their performance under three different loading conditions. Three different materials were modeled with 3D CAD geometry, all of them suitable to be simulated by means of a linear elastic model. The materials employed were graphene polymethyl methacrylate (G-PMMA) with 0.25% of graphene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and Ti6Al4V. Three loading conditions have been defined: distal, medial, and central. In all cases under study, the load was applied progressively, 5 N by 5 N until a previously fixed threshold of 25 N was reached, which always ensures that work is carried out in the elastic zone. The behavior of G-PMMA and PEEK in the tests performed is similar. Regarding maximum deformations in the model, it has been found that deformations are higher in the G-PMMA models when compared to those made of PEEK. The highest values of maximum stress according to the von Mises criteria are achieved in models made of Ti6Al4V, followed by G-PMMA and PEEK. G-PMMA is more prone to plastic deformations compared to Ti6Al4V. However, due to its relatively higher stiffness compared to other common polymers, G-PMMA is able to withstand moderate stress levels before significant deformation occurs, placing it in the intermediate position between Ti6Al4V and PEEK in terms of stress capacity. It should be noted that there is also a difference in the results obtained depending on the applied load, whether distal, medial, or central, proving that, in all simulations, it is the distal test that offers the worst results in terms of presenting a higher value for both displacement and tension. The results obtained allow us to identify the advantages and limitations of each material in terms of structural strength, mechanical behavior, and adaptability to loading conditions that simulate realistic scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Dental Materials: From Design to Application, Second Volume)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 21062 KiB  
Article
Influence of Microstructure on Music Properties of SWP-B Music Steel Wire Under Different Annealing Treatments
by Xinru Jia, Qinghua Li, Fuguo Li, Xiaohui Fang, Junda You, Qian Zhao, Xia Wang and Jinhua Lu
Materials 2025, 18(2), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020440 - 18 Jan 2025
Viewed by 444
Abstract
The mechanical properties of music wire are contingent upon its microstructure, which in turn influences its applications in music. Chinese stringed instruments necessitate exacting standards for comprehensive performance indexes, particularly with regard to the strength, resilience, and rigidity of the musical steel wires, [...] Read more.
The mechanical properties of music wire are contingent upon its microstructure, which in turn influences its applications in music. Chinese stringed instruments necessitate exacting standards for comprehensive performance indexes, particularly with regard to the strength, resilience, and rigidity of the musical steel wires, which differ from the Western approach to musical wire. In this study, SWP-B music wire was selected for investigation through metal heat treatment, which was employed to regulate its microstructure characteristics. Furthermore, a spectral analysis was conducted to evaluate the musical expression, encompassing attributes such as pitch and timbre. In conclusion, the governing law of the impact of the microstructure of music wire on its musical expression was established. The results demonstrate that steel wire subjected to a 200 °C annealing treatment for cementite spheroidization can effectively reduce stress concentration, thereby reducing the probability of fracture and consequently improving tonal uniformity and richness while increasing tensile strength from 2578 MPa to 2702 MPa. Conversely, the high-temperature annealing treatment alters the crystalline structure of the material and refines the grain structure, thereby improving the material’s performance and sound quality. The fine microstructure of the music steel wire displays enhanced uniformity. As the annealing temperature increases, the strength of the ferrite phase <110>//ND (<010>//ND, indicating that the <010> direction of the crystal is parallel to the normal direction of the material) and the cementite phase <010>//ND demonstrates a gradual decline. However, this also results in a more pronounced harmonic performance, which, in turn, affects the overall music expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Production, Processing and Characterization of Industrial Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-255
Previous Issue
Next Issue
Back to TopTop