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MATERIAIS 2022, XX Congresso da Sociedade Portuguesa De Materiais

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 April 2024) | Viewed by 20899

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Prof. Dr. Geoffrey R. Mitchell

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Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Institute Polytechnic of Leiria, Rua de Portugal, 2430-028 Marinha Grande, Portugal
Interests: energy storage devices; additive manufacturing; X-ray and Neutron scattering; functional materials; electrically conductive polymers; electrochemistry; digital twins
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Prof. Dr. Nuno Manuel Fernandes Alves

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Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2430-028 Marinha Grande, Portugal
Interests: additive manufacturing; biomimetics and bioinspiration; computer-aided engineering; computer-aided manufacturing; multi-material 3D/4D structures; industrial/biomedical applications; tissue engineering; mould design and polymer injection moulding; circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

MATERIAIS 2022 continues the long-standing and well-established tradition of MATERIAIS congresses promoted by the Portuguese Materials Society (SPM). The first congress was held in Lisbon in 1983 and this edition, the XX Congresso da Sociedade Portuguesa de Materiais, will take place in Marinha Grande, Portugal, from 10 to 13 April 2022.

MATERIAIS 2022 will focus on the fact that we are on the cusp of the fourth industrial revolution, which will fundamentally alter the way we work, live, and relate to one another. The convergence of physical, digital, and biological sciences will bring about profound changes in the way we design and produce products, as well as the materials they are made from, whether they are metals, ceramics, glass, polymers, biological materials, or composites.

MATERIAIS 2022 will explore the latest scientific and technical developments in material science and materials engineering, and related areas, bridging different scientific domains under the scope of the main theme “MATERIALS: EXPLORING A BETTER FUTURE FOR SOCIETY”. Research and Development in advanced and sustainable materials as well as in their manufacturing techniques which result in new products, processes, and materials of significant value to the socio-economic development of society. This International Congress will cover all materials areas, namely functional materials; structural materials; materials processing and characterization; and materials modelling and simulation.

MATERIAIS 2022 will include four special sessions on:

Materials for Additive Manufacturing
Plastics and Sustainability
Materials and Processes: Digital Twins
Materials: From Research to Market

All submissions that embrace this vision will be most welcome.

Prof. Dr. Geoffrey R. Mitchell
Prof. Dr. Nuno Alves
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

sustainability
4th industrial revolution
digitisation
digital twins
ceramics
polymers
metals

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Research

20 pages, 8672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Properties of Liquid Crystal Polymers and Elastomers with Nano Magnetic Particles

by Sarah J. Reeves, Dil Patel, Peter J. F. Harris, Geoffrey R. Mitchell and Fred J. Davis

Materials 2024, 17(21), 5273; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17215273 - 30 Oct 2024

Viewed by 630

Abstract

Side-chain liquid crystal polymers have been mixed with ferromagnetic particles, and the formation of a monodomain in magnetic fields studied. At relatively low concentrations, the presence of ferroparticles substantially speeds up the rate of formation of a monodomain within the magnetic field, and, at a given concentration of ferroparticles, that rate is independent of the magnetic field’s strength. In this way, the rapid formation of a monodomain is possible at magnetic field strengths far lower those required for the liquid crystal polymer alone. This is anticipated to be very helpful in the fabrication of devices based on monodomain liquid crystal elastomers. Wide-angle x-ray scattering has been used to monitor the formation of the monodomain and small-angle x-ray scattering gives some indication of the ferroparticles’ behaviour. A model is developed to explain their behaviour. The alignment properties of the ferroparticles are related to their ability to form chains under the influence of very low magnetic fields; these chains are of relatively low stability and may become disrupted after long periods of time, high magnetic fields, or high concentrations. In general, the best results for alignment were at volume fractions below 1%, and under these conditions there is the potential for producing monodomain samples with improved properties; in particular, shape changes with temperature are significantly larger as a result of improved backbone orientation. Experiments involving monodomain formation and director realignment suggest that the presence of ferroparticles results in a modification of the mechanism for alignment development, driven by the organization of the polymer backbone, as a consequence of the constraints offered by the morphology of the chains of the ferroparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MATERIAIS 2022, XX Congresso da Sociedade Portuguesa De Materiais)

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18 pages, 4107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recycling Ophthalmic Lens Wastewater in a Circular Economy Context: A Case Study with Microalgae Integration

by Telma Encarnação, Nadia Nicolau, Pedro Ramos, Elsa Silvestre, Artur Mateus, Tomás Archer de Carvalho, Florindo Gaspar, Anabela Massano, Sara Biscaia, Ricardo A. E. Castro, Bernardo A. Nogueira, Poonam Singh, Diana Pacheco, Tatiana Patrício, Rui Fausto and Abílio J. F. N. Sobral

Materials 2024, 17(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17010075 - 22 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1675

Abstract

Water pollution poses a global threat to ecosystems and human health and is driven by the presence of various contaminants in wastewater, including nano- and microplastics. Despite the magnitude of this problem, the majority of global wastewater is released untreated into water bodies. To combat this issue, a multi-strategy approach is needed. This study explores a circular economy-based solution for treating emerging pollutants, particularly wastewater from ophthalmic spectacle lens production. Our approach integrates solid waste materials into polymeric and cement matrices while also utilising wastewater for microalgae cultivation. This innovative strategy focuses on biomass generation and economic valorisation. By adopting a circular economy model, we aim to transform environmental pollutants from wastewater into valuable organic products. A key component of our approach is the utilisation of microalgae, specifically Nannochloropsis sp., known for its high lipid content and resilience. This microalgae species serves as a promising biobased feedstock, supporting the production of innovative biobased products, such as biopolymers, for ophthalmic lens manufacturing. Our interdisciplinary approach combines microalgae technology, analytical chemistry, cement production, and polymer processing to develop a sustainable circular economy model that not only addresses environmental concerns, but also offers economic benefits. This study underscores the potential of harnessing high-value products from waste streams and underscores the importance of circular economy principles in tackling pollution and resource challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MATERIAIS 2022, XX Congresso da Sociedade Portuguesa De Materiais)

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22 pages, 9093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A 3D-Printed Ceramics Innovative Firing Technique: A Numerical and Experimental Study

by Tiago Santos, Melinda Ramani, Susana Devesa, Catarina Batista, Margarida Franco, Isabel Duarte, Luís Costa, Nelson Ferreira, Nuno Alves and Paula Pascoal-Faria

Materials 2023, 16(18), 6236; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186236 - 15 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2264

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, allows the fabrication of complex parts, which are impossible or very expensive to produce using traditional processes. That is the case for dinnerware and artworks (stoneware, porcelain and clay-based products). After the piece is formed, the greenware is fired at high temperatures so that these pieces gain its mechanical strength and aesthetics. The conventional (gas or resistive heating elements) firing usually requires long heating cycles, presently requiring around 10 h to reach temperatures as high as 1200 °C. Searching for faster processes, 3D-printed stoneware were fired using microwave (MW) radiation. The pieces were fired within 10% of the conventional processing time. The temperature were controlled using a pyrometer and monitored using Process Temperature Control Rings (PTCRs). An error of 1.25% was calculated between the PTCR (1207 ± 15 °C) and the pyrometer (1200 °C). Microwave-fast-fired pieces show similar mechanical strength to the references and to the electrically fast-fired pieces (41, 46 and 34 (N/mm²), respectively), presenting aesthetic features closer to the reference. Total porosities of ~4%, ~5% and ~9% were determined for microwave, electrically fast-fired and reference samples. Numerical studies have shown to be essential to better understand and improve the firing process using microwave radiation. In summary, microwave heating can be employed as an alternative to stoneware conventional firing methods, not compromising the quality and features of the processed pieces, and with gains in the heating time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MATERIAIS 2022, XX Congresso da Sociedade Portuguesa De Materiais)

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18 pages, 10865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reproducibility Study of the Thermoplastic Resin Transfer Molding Process for Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyamide 6 Composites

by Filipe P. Martins, Laura Santos, Ricardo Torcato, Paulo S. Lima and José M. Oliveira

Materials 2023, 16(13), 4652; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16134652 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1498

Abstract

Polyamide 6 (PA6) thermoplastic composites have higher recyclability potential when compared to conventional thermoset composites. A disruptive liquid molding manufacturing technology named Thermoplastic Resin Transfer Molding (T-RTM) can be used for processing composites due to the low viscosity of the monomers and additives. In this process, polymerization, crystallization and shrinkage occur almost at the same time. If these phenomena are not controlled, they can compromise the reproducibility and homogeneity of the parts. This work studied the influence of packing pressure, as a process variable, throughout the filling and polymerization stages. To assess the process reproducibility and parts’ homogeneity, physical, thermal and mechanical properties were analyzed in different areas of neat PA6 and composite parts. This study showed that a two-stage packing pressure can be successfully used to increase parts’ homogeneity and process reproducibility. The use of 3.5 bar packing pressure during the polymerization stage resulted in mechanical properties with lower standard deviations, indicating a higher degree of homogeneity of the manufactured parts and higher process reproducibility. These results will be used for establishing the actual state of the technology and will be a base for future process optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MATERIAIS 2022, XX Congresso da Sociedade Portuguesa De Materiais)

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14 pages, 4301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Potential of Metakaolin, Electric Arc Furnace Slag, and Biomass Fly Ash for Geopolymer Cement Compositions

by Tomás Archer de Carvalho, Florindo Gaspar, Ana C. Marques and Artur Mateus

Materials 2023, 16(7), 2741; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16072741 - 29 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1910

Abstract

The widespread use of geopolymer cement (GPC) has been hindered by a lack of scientific knowledge that still exists regarding its synthesis process. Key points, such as the release of aluminosilicate species from the raw materials and its link to the properties of GPC, have still not been completely studied. As a result, most of the GPC formulations covered in the literature are based on precursors’ elemental analysis using XRF (X-ray Fluorescence), or other equivalent analysis methods, and consider that the total aluminosilicate content of the precursors is available for participating in the geopolymerization process, which seems very unlikely. In this study, the amounts of aluminate and silicate species released from metakaolin (MK), electric arc furnace slag (EAFS), and biomass fly ash (BFA) in alkaline dissolution tests were determined by simple spectrophotometric methods. It was found that MK yields the highest aluminosilicate dissolution amount, about 2.1 mmol of silicate + aluminate per gram of MK, while EAFS and BFA yield about 0.53 and 0.32 mmol/g precursor, respectively. These results were used to estimate the total amounts of dissolved aluminosilicates in a series of GPC mortars prepared from these raw materials, which were thereafter subjected to mechanical tests. It was shown that the mortars’ compressive strength (which ranged from 1 to 63 MPa) is linearly correlated with their estimated total amount of dissolved aluminosilicates, with the best linear fit yielding a coefficient of determination above 0.99. It was concluded that by using the results of the dissolution tests, the estimation of compressive strength is greatly improved when compared to using the elemental analysis obtained by XRF, which yields a coefficient of determination of 0.88 and a larger dispersion of data points. The results reveal the usefulness of this simple method for evaluating the potential of inorganic industrial waste streams as precursors for GPC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MATERIAIS 2022, XX Congresso da Sociedade Portuguesa De Materiais)

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12 pages, 5643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Ultrasonic Agitation on the Seedless Growth of Cu on Ru-W Thin Films

by Rúben F. Santos, Bruno M. C. Oliveira, Paulo J. Ferreira and Manuel F. Vieira

Materials 2023, 16(1), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010167 - 24 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2463

Abstract

Ru attracted considerable attention as a candidate to replace TaN as a diffusion barrier layer for Cu interconnect metallisation. The addition of W improves the diffusion barrier properties of Ru but appears to weaken the adhesion strength between the barrier and Cu and the direct (seedless) electroplatability behaviour. Although Cu can be directly electroplated on near equimolar Ru-W thin films, no complete substrate coverage is obtained. The understanding of Cu electrocrystallisation on Ru–W is essential to develop methods of fabricating thin, continuous, and well adherent films for advanced interconnect metallisation, where Ru–W thin films could be used as diffusion barriers. This work studies the effect of ultrasonic agitation on the growth of Cu films electroplated on Ru–W, namely on the impact on substrate coverage. Film structure, morphology and chemical composition were evaluated by digital and scanning and transmission electron microscopies, and X-ray diffraction. The results show that Cu particles decrease with increasing current density, but when no electrolyte agitation is applied, substrate coverage is incomplete in the central region, with openings around larger Cu particles, regardless of current density. Under ultrasonic agitation, substrate coverage is remarkably improved. An active particle detachment mechanism is proposed as responsible for attaining improved substrate coverage, only possible at intermediate current density. Lower current densities promote growth over nucleation, whereas higher currents result in extensive hydrogen reduction/formation. Ultrasonic agitation also enhances a preferential Cu growth along <111> direction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MATERIAIS 2022, XX Congresso da Sociedade Portuguesa De Materiais)

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20 pages, 8109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Characterization and Numerical Modeling of the Corrosion Effect on the Mechanical Properties of the Biodegradable Magnesium Alloy WE43 for Orthopedic Applications

by Felipe Saconi, Geraldine Hincapie Diaz, André Costa Vieira and Marcelo Leite Ribeiro

Materials 2022, 15(20), 7164; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207164 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2186

Abstract

Computational modeling plays an important role in the design of orthopedic implants. In the case of biodegradable magnesium alloys, a modeling approach is required to predict the effects of degradation on the implant’s capacity to provide the desired stabilization of fractured bones. In the present work, a numerical corrosion model is implemented to predict the effects of biodegradation on the structural integrity of temporary trauma implants. A non-local average pitting corrosion model is calibrated based on experimental data collected from in vitro degradation experiments and mechanical testing of magnesium WE43 alloy specimens at different degradation stages. The localized corrosion (pitting) model was implemented by developing a user material subroutine (VUMAT) with the program Abaqus^®/Explicit. In order to accurately capture both the linear mechanical reduction in specimen resistance, as well as the non-linear corrosion behavior of magnesium WE43 observed experimentally, the corrosion model was extended by employing a variable corrosion kinetic parameter, which is time-dependent. The corrosion model was applied to a validated case study involving the pull-out test of orthopedic screws and was able to capture the expected loss of screw pull-out force due to corrosion. The proposed numerical model proved to be an efficient tool in the evaluation of the structural integrity of biodegradable magnesium alloys and bone-implant assembly and can be used in future works in the design optimization and pre-validation of orthopedic implants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MATERIAIS 2022, XX Congresso da Sociedade Portuguesa De Materiais)

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11 pages, 7093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on a Cast Steel Reinforced with WC–Metal Matrix Composite

by Aida B. Moreira, Laura M. M. Ribeiro, Pedro Lacerda, Ana M. P. Pinto and Manuel F. Vieira

Materials 2022, 15(18), 6199; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15186199 - 6 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1672

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate the local reinforcement of low carbon cast steel specimens with WC–metal matrix composites (WC–MMCs), to obtain a new material effective in competing with hard alloy steels. For this purpose, a powder compact of tungsten carbide (WC) and iron (Fe) was prepared and placed in the mold cavity before casting. The reactions that occurred with the molten steel led to the formation of the WC–MMC and, consequently, to the local reinforcement of the steel. The microstructure of the WC–MMC reinforcement was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The results showed a microstructural variation throughout the depth of the reinforcement. In the surface region, most of the original WC particles retain their polygonal morphology, but towards the base metal, the dissolution of the WC particles increased with the formation of (Fe,W)₆C carbides. Closer to the base metal, dendritic eutectic carbides of (Fe,W)₆C and fine (Fe,W)₂₃C₆ precipitates in a matrix of martensite were formed. The mechanical properties of the reinforcement were evaluated by hardness and ball-cratering abrasion tests. The results revealed a significant increase in hardness, being three times harder than the base metal, and a decrease of 39% in the wear rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MATERIAIS 2022, XX Congresso da Sociedade Portuguesa De Materiais)

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15 pages, 4711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Embossing Pressure Effect on Mechanical and Softness Properties of Industrial Base Tissue Papers with Finite Element Method Validation

by Joana Costa Vieira, António de O. Mendes, Marcelo Leite Ribeiro, André Costa Vieira, Ana Margarida Carta, Paulo Torrão Fiadeiro and Ana Paula Costa

Materials 2022, 15(12), 4324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15124324 - 18 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2919

Abstract

Embossing is a converting process in which the surface of a tissue paper sheet is changed under high pressure, allowing different functions. In this work, the authors intend to study how the embossing pressure affects the main properties of tissue paper, using a laboratory embossing system. An optimum pressure was achieved at 2.8 bar to this embossing laboratory set-up. The effect of pressure when densifying the paper sheet gives it a gain in mechanical strength but no differences in terms of liquid absorbency. The two embossing patterns present different behaviors but both evidence losses in mechanical and softness properties. On the other hand, the finite element method (FEM) does not show clear evidence of how the pressure affects the paper strength. For the deco die, it is possible to observe that the amount of yielding is slightly higher for lower pressure (2.4 bar), but this plasticity state parameter is very similar for 2.8 bar and 3.2 bar. For the micro die, FEM simulations of the manufacturing pressure do not show a considerable impact on the amount of plasticity state of the material; only for 3.2 bar, it shows a change in the pattern of the plasticity state of the paper during the embossing processes. In the end, to achieve a final product with excellent quality, it is important to make a compromise between the various properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MATERIAIS 2022, XX Congresso da Sociedade Portuguesa De Materiais)

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10 pages, 1510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural and Optical Characterization of Mechanochemically Synthesized CuSbS₂ Compounds

by Luís Esperto, Isabel Figueira, João Mascarenhas, Teresa P. Silva, José B. Correia and Filipe Neves

Materials 2022, 15(11), 3842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15113842 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1795

Abstract

One of the areas of research on materials for thin-film solar cells focuses on replacing In and Ga with more earth-abundant elements. In that respect, chalcostibite (CuSbS₂) is being considered as a promising environmentally friendly and cost-effective photovoltaic absorber material. In the present work, single CuSbS₂ phase was synthesized directly by a short-duration (2 h) mechanochemical-synthesis step starting from mixtures of elemental powders. X-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesized CuSbS₂ powders revealed a good agreement with the orthorhombic chalcostibite phase, space group Pnma, and a crystallite size of 26 nm. Particle-size characterization revealed a multimodal distribution with a median diameter ranging from of 2.93 μm to 3.10 μm. The thermal stability of the synthesized CuSbS₂ powders was evaluated by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. No phase change was observed by heat-treating the mechanochemically synthesized powders at 350 °C for 24 h. By UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy the optical band gap was determined to be 1.41 eV, suggesting that the mechanochemically synthesized CuSbS₂ can be considered suitable to be used as absorber materials. Overall, the results show that the mechanochemical process is a viable route for the synthesis of materials for photovoltaic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MATERIAIS 2022, XX Congresso da Sociedade Portuguesa De Materiais)

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