Journal Description
Materials
Materials
is an international peer-reviewed, open access journal on materials science and engineering published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Portuguese Materials Society (SPM), Spanish Materials Society (SOCIEMAT) and Manufacturing Engineering Society (MES) are affiliated with Materials and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, Ei Compendex, CaPlus / SciFinder, Inspec, Astrophysics Data System, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering) / CiteScore - Q2 (Condensed Matter Physics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 13.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Materials.
- Companion journals for Materials include: Electronic Materials and Construction Materials.
Impact Factor:
3.4 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.8 (2022)
Latest Articles
Prediction of Aggregate Packing with Tubular Macrocapsules in the Inert Structure of Self-Healing Concrete Based on Dewar’s Particle Packing Model
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2455; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102455 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
This paper brings a new insight into understanding the influence of macrocapsules in packing systems, which can be useful in designing the inert structure of self-healing concrete. A variety of tubular macrocapsules, in terms of types and sizes, was used to assess the
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This paper brings a new insight into understanding the influence of macrocapsules in packing systems, which can be useful in designing the inert structure of self-healing concrete. A variety of tubular macrocapsules, in terms of types and sizes, was used to assess the capsules’ effect in the packing, together with various aggregate types and fractions. The voids ratios (U) of aggregate mixtures were evaluated experimentally and compared with the prediction via the particle packing model of Dewar. The packing of coarse particles was found to be considerably affected by the presence of macrocapsules, while no capsules’ effect on the packing of fine particles was attained. A higher capsule dosage and capsule aspect ratio led to a higher voids ratio. In the formulation of the inert structure, the packing disturbance due to capsules can be minimised by increasing the content of fine aggregates over coarse aggregates. Dewar’s model showed a good compatibility with experimental results in the absence of capsules. However, the model needed to be upgraded for the introduction of tubular macrocapsules. Accordingly, the effect of macrocapsules was extensively analysed and a ‘U model’ for capsules (with some limitations) was finally proposed, offering a high predicting accuracy.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cementitious Materials: From Self-Healing to Self-Sensing Abilities)
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Nano-Enhanced Phase Reinforced Magnesium Matrix Composites: A Review of the Matrix, Reinforcement, Interface Design, Properties and Potential Applications
by
Jiao-Yi Ren, Guan-Cheng Ji, Hao-Rui Guo, Yu-Meng Zhou, Xin Tan, Wen-Fang Zheng, Qian Xing, Jia-Yi Zhang, Jing-Ran Sun, Hong-Yu Yang, Feng Qiu and Qi-Chuan Jiang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2454; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102454 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Magnesium matrix composites are essential lightweight metal matrix composites, following aluminum matrix composites, with outstanding application prospects in automotive, aerospace lightweight and biomedical materials because of their high specific strength, low density and specific stiffness, good casting performance and rich resources. However, the
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Magnesium matrix composites are essential lightweight metal matrix composites, following aluminum matrix composites, with outstanding application prospects in automotive, aerospace lightweight and biomedical materials because of their high specific strength, low density and specific stiffness, good casting performance and rich resources. However, the inherent low plasticity and poor fatigue resistance of magnesium hamper its further application to a certain extent. Many researchers have tried many strengthening methods to improve the properties of magnesium alloys, while the relationship between wear resistance and plasticity still needs to be further improved. The nanoparticles added exhibit a good strengthening effect, especially the ceramic nanoparticles. Nanoparticle-reinforced magnesium matrix composites not only exhibit a high impact toughness, but also maintain the high strength and wear resistance of ceramic materials, effectively balancing the restriction between the strength and toughness. Therefore, this work aims to provide a review of the state of the art of research on the matrix, reinforcement, design, properties and potential applications of nano-reinforced phase-reinforced magnesium matrix composites (especially ceramic nanoparticle-reinforced ones). The conventional and potential matrices for the fabrication of magnesium matrix composites are introduced. The classification and influence of ceramic reinforcements are assessed, and the factors influencing interface bonding strength between reinforcements and matrix, regulation and design, performance and application are analyzed. Finally, the scope of future research in this field is discussed.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Alloy and Its Nanocomposites)
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Effects of a Complex Environment on Fatigue and Self-Healing Characterization of Asphalt Composites Containing Rock Asphalt
by
Ruixia Li, Shangjun Yu, Hailong Chen, Jiahui Wu, Yijun Chen and Jinchao Yue
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102453 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
In recent years, asphalt pavement has been subjected to varied environmental conditions during its service life, conditions that predispose it to deformation and cracking. To enhance the performance of asphalt pavement, rock asphalt has been selected as a modifier due to its good
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In recent years, asphalt pavement has been subjected to varied environmental conditions during its service life, conditions that predispose it to deformation and cracking. To enhance the performance of asphalt pavement, rock asphalt has been selected as a modifier due to its good compatibility with virgin asphalt binder and its ability to improve the fatigue cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures. Although scholars have conducted some studies on rock asphalt mixtures, research on the fatigue and self-healing performance of these mixtures under conditions such as ultraviolet (UV) aging and freeze–thaw remains limited. This paper presents findings from a study that employs a combined fatigue-healing test to assess the impact of such complex environmental factors on the fatigue and self-healing properties of fine aggregate matrix (FAM) mixtures containing three types of rock asphalts, i.e., Buton, Qingchuan (QC), and Uintaite Modifier (UM). The analysis of fatigue-healing test results, grounded in viscoelastic continuum damage (VECD) theory, indicates that rock asphalt can extend the fatigue life of FAM mixtures, albeit with a concomitant decrease in their self-healing capabilities. The study further reveals that UV aging, freeze–thaw, and UV aging–freeze–thaw conditions all led to a diminution in the fatigue and self-healing properties of FAM mixtures. However, FAM mixtures containing rock asphalt demonstrated greater resilience against these reductions. Atomic force microscope (AFM) results indicate that UV aging reduced the number of bee-structures and enlarged their area, whereas the incorporation of rock asphalt enhanced the uniformity of these structures’ distribution, thereby improving the fatigue cracking resistance of FAM mixtures. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis reveals that while UV aging increased the carbonyl and sulfoxide indices within the asphalt binder, rock asphalt is effective in mitigating this effect to a certain degree, thereby enhancing the aging resistance of FAM mixtures.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures, 2nd Edition)
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An Experimental Parametric Optimisation for Laser Engraving and Texturing to Integrate Zirconia Ceramic Blocks into Stainless Steel Cutlery: A State-of-the-Art Aesthetically Improved Perspective
by
Vipin Richhariya, Georgina Miranda and Filipe Samuel Silva
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2452; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102452 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Cutlery and flatware designs are an everchanging phenomenon of the manufacturing industry. Worldwide hospitality businesses demand perpetual evolution in terms of aesthetics, designs, patterns, colours, and materials due to customers’ demands, modernisation, and fierce competition. To thrive in this competitive market, modern fabrication
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Cutlery and flatware designs are an everchanging phenomenon of the manufacturing industry. Worldwide hospitality businesses demand perpetual evolution in terms of aesthetics, designs, patterns, colours, and materials due to customers’ demands, modernisation, and fierce competition. To thrive in this competitive market, modern fabrication techniques must be flexible, adoptive, fast, and cost effective. For decades, static designs and trademark patterns were achieved through moulds, limiting production to a single cutlery type per mould. However, with the advent of laser engraving and design systems, the whole business of cutlery production has been revolutionised. This study explores the possibility of creating diverse designs for stainless steel 304 flatware sets without changing the entire production process. The research analyses three key laser process parameters, power, scanning speed, and number of passes, and their impacts on the resulting geometry, depth of cut, surface roughness, and material removed. These parameters are comprehensively studied and analysed for steel and zirconia ceramic. The study details the effects of power, scanning speed, number of passages, and fluence on engraved geometry. Fluence (power*number of passages/scanning speed) positively influences outputs and presents a positive trend. Medium power settings and higher scanning speeds with the maximum number of passages produce high-quality, low-roughness optimised cavities with the ideal geometric accuracy for both materials.
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(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)
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Open AccessArticle
Experimental Study on the Microfabrication and Mechanical Properties of Freeze–Thaw Fractured Sandstone under Cyclic Loading and Unloading Effects
by
Taoying Liu, Wenbin Cai, Yeshan Sheng and Jun Huang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2451; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102451 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
A series of freeze–thaw cycling tests, as well as cyclic loading and unloading tests, have been conducted on nodular sandstones to investigate the effect of fatigue loading and freeze–thaw cycling on the damage evolution of fractured sandstones based on damage mechanics theory, the
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A series of freeze–thaw cycling tests, as well as cyclic loading and unloading tests, have been conducted on nodular sandstones to investigate the effect of fatigue loading and freeze–thaw cycling on the damage evolution of fractured sandstones based on damage mechanics theory, the microstructure and sandstone pore fractal theory. The results show that the number of freeze–thaw cycles, the cyclic loading level, the pore distribution and the complex program are important factors affecting the damage evolution of rocks. As the number of freeze–thaw cycles rises, the peak strength, modulus of elasticity, modulus of deformation and damping ratio of the sandstone all declined. Additionally, the modulus of elasticity and deformation increase nonlinearly as the cyclic load level rises. With the rate of increase decreasing, while the dissipation energy due to hysteresis increases gradually and at an increasing rate, and the damping ratio as a whole shows a gradual decrease, with a tendency to increase at a later stage. The NRM (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) demonstrated that the total porosity and micro-pores of the sandstone increased linearly with the number of freeze–thaw cycles and that the micro-porosity was more sensitive to freeze–thaw, gradually shifting towards meso-pores and macro-pores; simultaneously, the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) indicated that the more freeze–thaw cycles there are, the more micro-fractures and holes grow and penetrate each other and the more loose the structure is, with an overall nest-like appearance. To explore the mechanical behavior and mechanism of cracked rock in high-altitude and alpine areas, a damage model under the coupling of freeze–thaw-fatigue loading was established based on the loading and unloading response ratio theory and strain equivalence principle.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Material Design and Nondestructive Testing Applications for Infrastructure Materials)
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Characteristics of Si (C,N) Silicon Carbonitride Layers on the Surface of Ni–Cr Alloys Used in Dental Prosthetics
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Leszek Klimek, Marcin Makówka, Anna Sobczyk-Guzenda and Zofia Kula
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2450; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102450 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Chromium- and cobalt-based alloys, as well as chrome–nickel steels, are most used in dental prosthetics. Unfortunately, these alloys, especially nickel-based alloys, can cause allergic reactions. A disadvantage of these alloys is also insufficient corrosion resistance. To improve the properties of these alloys, amorphous
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Chromium- and cobalt-based alloys, as well as chrome–nickel steels, are most used in dental prosthetics. Unfortunately, these alloys, especially nickel-based alloys, can cause allergic reactions. A disadvantage of these alloys is also insufficient corrosion resistance. To improve the properties of these alloys, amorphous Si (C,N) coatings were deposited on the surfaces of metal specimens. This paper characterizes coatings of silicon carbide nitrides, deposited by the magnetron sputtering method on the surface of nickel–chromium alloys used in dental prosthetics. Depending on the deposition parameters, coatings with varying carbon to nitrogen ratios were obtained. The study analyzed their structure and chemical and phase composition. In addition, a study of surface wettability and surface roughness was performed. Based on the results obtained, it was found that amorphous coatings of Si (C,N) type with thicknesses of 2 to 4.5 µm were obtained. All obtained coatings increase the value of surface free energy. The study showed that Si (C,N)-type films can be used in dental prosthetics as protective coatings.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Engineering and Technology of Surface Engineering of Metals and Alloys)
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A Peel Test Method to Characterize the Decay Law of Prepreg Tape Tack at Different Temperatures
by
Jiaqi Shi, Wang Wang, Yuequan Wang, Junwei Qi and Jun Xiao
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2449; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102449 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
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The tack of prepreg is a key factor affecting the automatic tape laying process. During the manufacturing process of large composite parts, prepreg material may be stored at room temperature for several days, resulting in a decrease in its tack. In this study,
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The tack of prepreg is a key factor affecting the automatic tape laying process. During the manufacturing process of large composite parts, prepreg material may be stored at room temperature for several days, resulting in a decrease in its tack. In this study, a new tack test tool was designed, and the decay rate of prepreg tack at different temperatures was tested. We proposed a prepreg tack decay model, which assumes that the main factor in tack decay is the reduction in resin chain activity during storage. The maximum deviation between the model calculation results and the experimental results of the tack decay rate is 9.7%. This study also proposed a new statistical unit for prepreg tack, which can establish the relationship between the tack of prepreg and its remaining storage time and reduce prepreg management costs.
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Cluster-Assisted Mesoplasma Chemical Vapor Deposition for Fast Epitaxial Growth of SiGe/Si Heterostructures: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
by
Wen-bo Wang, Wenfang Li, Ryoshi Ohta and Makoto Kambara
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2448; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102448 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Co-condensation of mixed SiGe nanoclusters and impingement of SiGe nanoclusters on a Si substrate were applied using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in this study to mimic the fast epitaxial growth of SiGe/Si heterostructures under mesoplasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) conditions. The condensation dynamics
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Co-condensation of mixed SiGe nanoclusters and impingement of SiGe nanoclusters on a Si substrate were applied using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in this study to mimic the fast epitaxial growth of SiGe/Si heterostructures under mesoplasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) conditions. The condensation dynamics and properties of the SiGe nanoclusters during the simulations were investigated first, and then the impingement of transient SiGe nanoclusters on both Si smooth and trench substrate surfaces under varying conditions was studied theoretically. The results show that the mixed nanoclusters as precursors demonstrate potential for enhancing epitaxial SiGe film growth at a high growth rate, owing to their loosely bound atomic structures and high mobility on the substrate surface. By varying cluster sizes and substrate temperatures, this study also reveals that smaller clusters and higher substrate temperatures contribute to faster structural ordering and smoother surface morphologies. Furthermore, the formed layers display a consistent SiGe composition, closely aligning with nominal values, and the cluster-assisted deposition method achieves the epitaxial bridging of heterostructures during cluster impingement, highlighting its additional distinctive characteristics. The implications of this work make it clear that the mechanism of fast alloyed epitaxial film growth by cluster-assisted mesoplasma CVD is critical for extending it as a versatile platform for synthesizing various epitaxial films.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Techniques in Materials Science for Electronic Devices Applications)
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The Influence of the Alkylamino Group on the Solvatochromic Behavior of 5-(4-substituted-arylidene)-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6-triones: Synthesis, Spectroscopic and Computational Studies
by
Ilona Pyszka, Przemysław Krawczyk and Beata Jędrzejewska
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2447; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102447 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Advances in electronics and medical diagnostics have made organic dyes extremely popular as key functional materials. From a practical viewpoint, it is necessary to assess the spectroscopic and physicochemical properties of newly designed dyes. In this context, the condensation of 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid with
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Advances in electronics and medical diagnostics have made organic dyes extremely popular as key functional materials. From a practical viewpoint, it is necessary to assess the spectroscopic and physicochemical properties of newly designed dyes. In this context, the condensation of 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid with electron-rich alkylaminobenzaldehyde derivatives has been described, resulting in a series of merocyanine-type dyes. These dyes exhibit intense blue-light absorption but weak fluorescence. An electron-donating alkylamino group at position C4 is responsible for the solvatochromic behavior of the dyes since the lone electron pair of the nitrogen atom is variably delocalized toward the barbituric ring, which exhibits electron-withdrawing properties. This was elucidated, taking into account the different geometry of the amino group. The intramolecular charge transfer in the molecules is responsible for the relatively high redshift in absorption and fluorescence spectra. Additionally, an increase in solvent polarity moves the absorption and fluorescence to lower energy regions. The observed solvatochromism is discussed in terms of the four-parameter Catalán solvent polarity scale. The differences in the behavior of the dyes were quantified with the aid of time-dependent density functional theory calculations. The obtained results made it possible to find regularities linking the basic spectroscopic properties of the compounds with their chemical structure. This is important in the targeted search for new, practically important dyes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Size-Dependent Effects in Materials for Environmental Protection and Energy Application (2nd Edition))
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Abrasion Wear Resistance of Precipitation-Hardened Al-Zn-Mg Alloy
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Tomislav Rodinger, Helena Lukšić, Danko Ćorić and Vera Rede
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2446; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102446 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
The heat treatment of aluminum alloys is very important in industries where low weight in combination with high wear resistance, good strength, and hardness are important. However, depending on their chemical composition, aluminum alloys are subjected to different mechanical and thermal treatments to
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The heat treatment of aluminum alloys is very important in industries where low weight in combination with high wear resistance, good strength, and hardness are important. However, depending on their chemical composition, aluminum alloys are subjected to different mechanical and thermal treatments to achieve the most favorable properties. In this study, an Al-Zn-Mg alloy was heat-treated including solution annealing at 490 °C for 1 h with subsequent artificial aging at 130, 160, and 190 °C for 1, 5, and 9 h. The hardness (HV1) and abrasive wear resistance with three different abrasive grain sizes were measured for all samples. The highest hardness was measured for the samples artificially aged at 130 °C/5 h, 227 HV1, while the lowest hardness was measured for the samples aged at 190 °C/9 h. The highest and the lowest wear resistance was also observed for the same state, i.e., artificially aged at 130 °C/5 h and 190 °C/9 h, respectively. The critical abrasive grain size was detected for some samples, where a decrease in wear rate was observed with an increase in the abrasive grain size from the medium value to the largest. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to demonstrate the influence of the input parameters on the material wear rate.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tribology in Croatia: Challenges and Development)
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Photoluminescence Spectra Correlations with Structural Distortion in Eu3+- and Ce3+-Doped Y3Al5-2x(Mg,Ge)xO12 (x = 0, 1, 2) Garnet Phosphors
by
Heonji Ha, Sungjun Yang and Sangmoon Park
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2445; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102445 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Garnet-type materials consisting of Y3Al5-2x(Mg,Ge)xO12 (x = 0, 1, 2), combined with Eu3+ or Ce3+ activator ions, were prepared by a solid-state method to determine the structural and optical correlations. The structure
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Garnet-type materials consisting of Y3Al5-2x(Mg,Ge)xO12 (x = 0, 1, 2), combined with Eu3+ or Ce3+ activator ions, were prepared by a solid-state method to determine the structural and optical correlations. The structure of Y3Al5-2x(Mg,Ge)xO12 (x = 1, 2) was determined to be a cubic unit cell (Ia-3d), which contains an 8-coordinated Y3+ site with octahedral (Mg,Al)O6 and tetrahedral (Al,Ge)O4 polyhedra, using synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. When Eu3+ or Ce3+ ions were substituted for the Y3+ site in the Y3Al5-2x(Mg,Ge)xO12 host lattices, the emission spectra showed a decrease in the magnetic dipole f-f Eu3+ transition and a redshift of the d-f Ce3+ transition, related to centrosymmetry and crystal field splitting, respectively. These changes were monitored according to the increase in Mg2+ and Ge4+ contents. The dodecahedral and octahedral edge sharing was identified as a key distortion factor for the structure-correlated luminescence in the Eu3+/Ce3+-doped Y3Al5-2x(Mg,Ge)xO12 garnet phosphors.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photoelectric Materials: Preparation, Properties, and Applications)
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On the Determination of Elastic Properties of Single-Walled Nitride Nanotubes Using Numerical Simulation
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Nataliya A. Sakharova, André F. G. Pereira, Jorge M. Antunes, Bruno M. Chaparro, Tomás G. Parreira and José V. Fernandes
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2444; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102444 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
In recent years, tubular nanostructures have been related to immense advances in various fields of science and technology. Considerable research efforts have been centred on the theoretical prediction and manufacturing of non-carbon nanotubes (NTs), which meet modern requirements for the development of novel
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In recent years, tubular nanostructures have been related to immense advances in various fields of science and technology. Considerable research efforts have been centred on the theoretical prediction and manufacturing of non-carbon nanotubes (NTs), which meet modern requirements for the development of novel devices and systems. In this context, diatomic inorganic nanotubes formed by atoms of elements from the 13th group of the periodic table (B, Al, Ga, In, Tl) and nitrogen (N) have received much research attention. In this study, the elastic properties of single-walled boron nitride, aluminium nitride, gallium nitride, indium nitride, and thallium nitride nanotubes were assessed numerically using the nanoscale continuum modelling approach (also called molecular structural mechanics). The elastic properties (rigidities, surface Young’s and shear moduli, and Poisson’s ratio) of nitride nanotubes are discussed with respect to the bond length of the corresponding diatomic hexagonal lattice. The results obtained contribute to a better understanding of the mechanical response of nitride compound-based nanotubes, covering a broad range, from the well-studied boron nitride NTs to the hypothetical thallium nitride NTs.
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(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology)
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Viscoelastic Analysis of Asphalt Concrete with a Digitally Reconstructed Microstructure
by
Marek Klimczak
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2443; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102443 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
In the finite element analysis of asphalt concrete (AC), it is nowadays common to incorporate the information from the underlying scales to study the overall response of this material. Heterogeneity observed at the asphalt mixture scale is analyzed in this paper. Reliable finite
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In the finite element analysis of asphalt concrete (AC), it is nowadays common to incorporate the information from the underlying scales to study the overall response of this material. Heterogeneity observed at the asphalt mixture scale is analyzed in this paper. Reliable finite element analysis (FEA) of asphalt concrete comprises a set of complex issues. The two main aspects of the asphalt concrete FEA discussed in this study are: (1) digital reconstruction of the asphalt pavement microstructure using processing of the high-quality images; and (2) FEA of the asphalt concrete idealized samples accounting for the viscoelastic material model. Reconstruction of the asphalt concrete microstructure is performed using a sequence of image processing operations (binarization, removing holes, filtering, segmentation and boundaries detection). Geometry of the inclusions (aggregate) are additionally simplified in a controlled mode to reduce the numerical cost of the analysis. As is demonstrated in the study, the introduced geometry simplifications are justified. Computational cost reduction exceeds of several orders of magnitude additional modeling error occurring due to the applied simplification technique. Viscoelastic finite element analysis of the AC identified microstructure is performed using the Burgers material model. The analysis algorithm is briefly described with a particular focus on the computational efficiency aspects. In order to illustrate the proposed approach, a set of 2D problems is solved. Numerical results confirm both the effectiveness of the self-developed code and the applicability of the Burgers model to the analyzed class of AC analysis problems. Further research directions are also described to highlight the potential benefits of the developed approach to numerical modeling of asphalt concrete.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental Tests and Numerical Analysis of Construction Materials)
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Influence of Carboxymethyl Cellulose as a Thickening Agent for Glauber’s Salt-Based Low Temperature PCM
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Jay Thakkar, Sai Bhargav Annavajjala, Margaret J. Sobkowicz and Jan Kosny
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102442 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
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This work is focused on a novel, promising low temperature phase change material (PCM), based on the eutectic Glauber’s salt composition. To allow phase transition within the refrigeration range of temperatures of +5 °C to +12 °C, combined with a high repeatability of
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This work is focused on a novel, promising low temperature phase change material (PCM), based on the eutectic Glauber’s salt composition. To allow phase transition within the refrigeration range of temperatures of +5 °C to +12 °C, combined with a high repeatability of melting–freezing processes, and minimized subcooling, the application of three variants of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) with distinct molecular weights (700,000, 250,000, and 90,000) is considered. The primary objective is to optimize the stabilization of this eutectic PCM formulation, while maintaining the desired enthalpy level. Preparation methods are refined to ensure repeatability in mixing components, thereby optimizing performance and stability. Additionally, the influence of Na-CMC molecular weight on stabilization is examined through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), T-history, and rheology tests. The PCM formulation of interest builds upon prior research in which borax, ammonium chloride, and potassium chloride were used as additives to sodium sulfate decahydrate (Glauber’s salt), prioritizing environmentally responsible materials. The results reveal that CMC with molecular weights of 250 kg/mol and 90 kg/mol effectively stabilize the PCM without phase separation issues, slowing crystallization kinetics. Conversely, CMC of 700 kg/mol proved ineffective due to the disruption of gel formation at its low gel point, hindering higher concentrations. Calculations of ionic concentration indicate higher Na ion content in PCM stabilized with 90 kg/mol CMC, suggesting increased ionic interactions and gel strength. A tradeoff is discovered between the faster crystallization in lower molecular weight CMC and the higher concentration required, which increases the amount of inert material that does not participate in the phase transition. After thermal cycling, the best formulation had a latent heat of 130 J/g with no supercooling, demonstrating excellent performance. This work advances PCM’s reliability as a thermal energy storage solution for diverse applications and highlights the complex relationship between Na-CMC molecular weight and PCM stabilization.
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Open AccessArticle
Influence of Fibre Orientation on the Slotting Quality of CFRP Composites Using the Multi-Tooth Mill
by
Ying Zhai, Shuwei Lv, Defeng Yan, Shuaishuai Wang, Junyi Lin, Chunyu Mao, Qihao Xu and Jiyu Liu
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102441 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites, prized for their exceptional properties, often encounter surface quality issues during slotting due to their inherent heterogeneity. This paper tackles CFRP slotting challenges by employing multi-tooth mills in experiments with various fibre orientations and tool feed rates. In-plane
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Carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites, prized for their exceptional properties, often encounter surface quality issues during slotting due to their inherent heterogeneity. This paper tackles CFRP slotting challenges by employing multi-tooth mills in experiments with various fibre orientations and tool feed rates. In-plane scratching tests are performed under linearly varying loads; then, slotting experiments are conducted at different parameters. The scratching test results indicate that the fibre orientation and cutting angles have significant influences on forces and fracture process. The slotting experiments demonstrate that cutting forces and surface roughness Sa of the bottom slotting surface are notably affected by the fibre orientation, with disparities between up-milling and down-milling sides. Reorganising Sa data by local fibre cutting angle θ highlights consistent Sa variations between up-milling and down-milling sides for 0° ≤ θ ≤ 90°, with lower Sa on the up-milling side. However, for 90° < θ ≤ 150°, Sa variations diverge, with lower Sa on the down-milling side. Unexpectedly, Sa on the down-milling side decreases with increasing θ in this range. Additionally, the tool feed rate exerts a more pronounced influence on Sa on the up-milling side.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Machining and Micro-/Nano Manufacturing)
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Influence of Solute Drag Effect and Interphase Precipitation of Nb on Ferrite Transformation
by
Yiming Cai, Ran Wei, Duoduo Jin, Honghong Wang, Xiangliang Wan, Chengyang Hu and Kaiming Wu
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102440 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
The significant impact of Nb on ferrite transformation, both in terms of solute drag effect (SDE) and interphase precipitation, was investigated quantitatively. Ferrite transformation kinetics were characterized using thermal expansion experiments and theoretical calculations. The microstructures were characterized using high−temperature confocal laser scanning
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The significant impact of Nb on ferrite transformation, both in terms of solute drag effect (SDE) and interphase precipitation, was investigated quantitatively. Ferrite transformation kinetics were characterized using thermal expansion experiments and theoretical calculations. The microstructures were characterized using high−temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), a field−emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Under a higher driving force, interphase precipitations were observed in the sample with a higher Nb content. A three−dimensional (3D) reconstruction method was used to convert the two−dimensional (2D) image of interphase precipitation into a three−dimensional model for a more typical view. The SDE and interphase precipitation had opposite effects on the kinetics of ferrite transformation. A lower Nb content showed a strong contribution to the SDE, which delayed ferrite transformation. A higher concentration of Nb was expected to enhance the SDE, but the inhibition effect was eliminated by the interphase precipitation of NbC during interfacial migration. Both the experimental results and theoretical calculations confirmed this phenomenon.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plastic Deformation, Strengthening and Toughening of Advanced Metallic Materials (2nd Edition))
Open AccessReview
Exploring the Progress of Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels: Synthesis, Characteristics, and Wide-Ranging Applications
by
Iman Gholamali, Trung Thang Vu, Sung-Han Jo, Sang-Hyug Park and Kwon Taek Lim
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102439 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the world of hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels, exploring their creation, characteristics, research methodologies, and uses. HA hydrogels stand out among natural polysaccharides due to their distinct features. Their exceptional biocompatibility makes them a top choice for diverse biomedical
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This comprehensive review delves into the world of hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels, exploring their creation, characteristics, research methodologies, and uses. HA hydrogels stand out among natural polysaccharides due to their distinct features. Their exceptional biocompatibility makes them a top choice for diverse biomedical purposes, with a great ability to coexist harmoniously with living cells and tissues. Furthermore, their biodegradability permits their gradual breakdown by bodily enzymes, enabling the creation of temporary frameworks for tissue engineering endeavors. Additionally, since HA is a vital component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in numerous tissues, HA hydrogels can replicate the ECM’s structure and functions. This mimicry is pivotal in tissue engineering applications by providing an ideal setting for cellular growth and maturation. Various cross-linking techniques like chemical, physical, enzymatic, and hybrid methods impact the mechanical strength, swelling capacity, and degradation speed of the hydrogels. Assessment tools such as rheological analysis, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, swelling tests, and degradation studies are employed to examine their attributes. HA-based hydrogels feature prominently in tissue engineering, drug distribution, wound recovery, ophthalmology, and cartilage mending. Crafting HA hydrogels enables the production of biomaterials with sought-after qualities, offering avenues for advancements in the realm of biomedicine.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Characterization of Hydrogels)
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Open AccessArticle
Combustion Synthesis of Functionalized Carbonated Boron Nitride Nanoparticles and Their Potential Application in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
by
Stanisław Cudziło, Bożena Szermer-Olearnik, Sławomir Dyjak, Mateusz Gratzke, Kamil Sobczak, Anna Wróblewska, Agnieszka Szczygieł, Jagoda Mierzejewska, Katarzyna Węgierek-Ciura, Andrzej Rapak, Paulina Żeliszewska, Dawid Kozień, Zbigniew Pędzich and Elżbieta Pajtasz-Piasecka
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2438; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102438 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
In this research, we developed boron-rich nanoparticles that can be used for boron neutron capture therapy as potential carriers for boron delivery to cancerous tissues. Functionalized carbonated boron nitride nanostructures (CBNs) were successfully synthesized in self-propagating combustion waves in mixtures of high-nitrogen explosives
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In this research, we developed boron-rich nanoparticles that can be used for boron neutron capture therapy as potential carriers for boron delivery to cancerous tissues. Functionalized carbonated boron nitride nanostructures (CBNs) were successfully synthesized in self-propagating combustion waves in mixtures of high-nitrogen explosives and boron compounds. The products’ composition, morphology, and structural features were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen sorption analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The extreme conditions prevailing in combustion waves favor the formation of nanosized CBN hollow grains with highly disordered structures that are properly functionalized on the surface and inside the particles. Therefore, they are characterized by high porosity and good dispersibility in water, which are necessary for medical applications. During biological tests, a concentration-dependent effect of the obtained boron nitride preparations on the viability of normal and neoplastic cells was demonstrated. Moreover, the assessment of the degree of binding of fluorescently labeled nanoparticles to selected cells confirmed the relationships between the cell types and the concentration of the preparation at different incubation time points.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanomaterials for Medical Application, Drug Delivery and Bone Tissue Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Development of Low-Weight and High-Strength AA6005A Extrudates Intended for Modern Architecture and Design of Innovative Die for Extrusion Process
by
Jacek Madura, Sandra Puchlerska, Maciej Balcerzak, Piotr Noga, Marek Bogusz, Józef Zasadziński, Dariusz Leśniak, Krzysztof Żaba and Henryk Jurczak
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2437; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102437 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
In the realm of modern architecture, the demand for materials that combine strength, durability, and aesthetic flexibility is ever-growing. Addressing this need, this paper presents a study on the innovative use of aluminum extrudates in construction. Focusing on the AA6005 alloy, which is
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In the realm of modern architecture, the demand for materials that combine strength, durability, and aesthetic flexibility is ever-growing. Addressing this need, this paper presents a study on the innovative use of aluminum extrudates in construction. Focusing on the AA6005 alloy, which is known for its excellent balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability, this research delves into the development of an extrusion process that yields thin-walled, lightweight, yet high-strength structural components. Using FEM simulations, a new extrudate of the AA6005A was developed. It is compatible with standard façade systems, with high-strength properties and a weight reduced by 20% compared to that of conventional extrudates made of the AA6063 alloy. Using CAD engineering and FEM simulations of aluminum extrusion process, an innovative die was designed for the extrusion process, ensuring uniform flow of metal from the bearing and minimizing the elastic deflection of the die. This resulted in an increase in the extrusion velocity of thin-walled extrudate from AA6005A by 24% compared to conventional profiles extruded from AA6063. As part of the research, a trial test was carried out in production conditions and the quality of the extrudates was tested by 3D optical scanning, mechanical and structural properties tests, and microstructure observation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)
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Open AccessArticle
Reversible Multi-Mode Optical Modification in Inverse-Opal-Structured WO3: Yb3+, Er3+ Photonic Crystal
by
Bokun Zhu, Keliang Ruan, Cherkasova Tatiana and Yangke Cun
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2436; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102436 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
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Reversible optical regulation has potential applications in optical anti-counterfeiting, storage, and catalysis. Compared to common power materials, the reverse opal structure has a larger specific surface area and an increased contact area for optical regulation, which is expected to achieve higher regulation rates.
[...] Read more.
Reversible optical regulation has potential applications in optical anti-counterfeiting, storage, and catalysis. Compared to common power materials, the reverse opal structure has a larger specific surface area and an increased contact area for optical regulation, which is expected to achieve higher regulation rates. However, it is difficult to achieve reversible and repeatable regulation of the luminescent properties of photonic crystals, especially with the current research on the structural collapse of photonic crystals. In this work, WO3: Yb3+, Er3+ inverse photonic crystals were prepared by the template approach, and reversible multi-mode optical modification was investigated. Upon heat treatment in a reducing atmosphere or air, the color of the photonic crystals can reversibly change from light yellow to dark green, accompanied by changes in absorption and upconversion of luminescence intensity. The stability and fatigue resistance of this reversible optical modification ability were explored through cyclic experiments, providing potential practical applications for photocatalysis, optical information storage, and electrochromism.
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