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
The Waelz Slag from Electric Arc Furnace Dust Processing: Characterization and Magnetic Separation Studies
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2224; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102224 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The Waelz slag generated during electric arc furnace dust processing is an iron-rich product with significant amounts of iron, zinc and copper. About 600–800 kg of the Waelz slag is generated per ton of the dust processed. The Waelz slag samples from two
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The Waelz slag generated during electric arc furnace dust processing is an iron-rich product with significant amounts of iron, zinc and copper. About 600–800 kg of the Waelz slag is generated per ton of the dust processed. The Waelz slag samples from two different plants were thoroughly characterized using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), chemical phase analysis, Mössbauer spectroscopy and other supporting methods. The phase distribution of iron, zinc and copper was determined in the Waelz slag samples. Low-intensity wet magnetic separation was tested for the iron recovery from the Waelz slag samples. It was found that the Waelz slag samples have complex chemical and mineralogical compositions, which can impede the selective recovery of valuable elements. The obtained results indicate that the chemical and mineralogical composition of the Waelz slag samples has a considerable effect on the magnetic separation indexes. The experiments showed that the iron concentrates with Fe contents of 73% and 46.8% with the metallization degrees of 87.2% and 57.5% and the iron recovery degree of 54.8% and 52.9% were obtained at optimal conditions for two different samples, respectively, without selective segregation of Cu and Zn in the magnetic or non-magnetic fraction.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of End-of-Life Materials and Industrial Wastes – Volume 2)
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Effect of Geopolymerization Reaction on the Flexural Strength of Kaolin-Based Systems
by
Binghuan Gao, Yangyang Li, Seongwan Jang, Hyeonjin Son, Heesoo Lee and Chang-Jun Bae
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2223; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102223 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Geopolymers exhibit broad application prospects, including construction and radiation shielding, which require excellent mechanical performances. However, investigations on the nature of geopolymerization reactions and their consequential impact on mechanical performance are still vague. In this study, the effect of the major factors of
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Geopolymers exhibit broad application prospects, including construction and radiation shielding, which require excellent mechanical performances. However, investigations on the nature of geopolymerization reactions and their consequential impact on mechanical performance are still vague. In this study, the effect of the major factors of Si/Al ratio and curing time on the geopolymerization reaction and flexural strength were studied based on the microstructure evolution and chemical bonding formation analyzed using the SEM, FTIR, peak deconvolution, and XRD methods. The microstructure of geopolymers was transferred from initially layered smooth particles of kaolinite to a 3D network porous structure, corresponding to sodalite. A spectrum exclusive to the geopolymer structure occurred at 973 cm−1, corresponding to the sodium aluminum silicate hydrate (N-A-S-H) links, the integral area of which represents the degree of geopolymerization reaction. Furthermore, a controllable reaction degree was achieved by adjusting the Si/Al ratio and curing time, where the maximum reaction degree of 55% was achieved at a Si/Al ratio of 1.94 when cured for 7 d. The correlation between the flexural strength and reaction degree was found to follow a proportional relationship, achieving a flexural strength of 21.11 MPa with a degree of 45%. This study provides insight into the development of mechanical strength through controlling the reaction process.
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Open AccessArticle
Research on Slurry Flowability and Mechanical Properties of Cemented Paste Backfill: Effects of Cement-to-Tailings Mass Ratio and Mass Concentration
by
Yan Li, Jianxin Fu, Jiguang Yang and Jie Wang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2222; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102222 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The flowability and mechanical properties are increasingly crucial in the filling process of deep metal mines with mining depths exceeding 1000 m. The rheological properties of filling slurry in the pipeline were analyzed through rheological tests, L-tube self-flow tests, and semi-industrial loop tests.
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The flowability and mechanical properties are increasingly crucial in the filling process of deep metal mines with mining depths exceeding 1000 m. The rheological properties of filling slurry in the pipeline were analyzed through rheological tests, L-tube self-flow tests, and semi-industrial loop tests. The results revealed that with an increase in the cement-to-tailings mass ratio (c/t ratio) and mass concentration, the slurry exhibited a higher flow resistance and decreased stowing gradient. During slurry transportation, the pressure loss in the straight pipe was positively correlated with the slurry flow rate, c/t ratio, and mass concentration. A uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) test was conducted to analyze the mechanical properties of the cemented paste backfill containing BMC (CCPB) in both standard and deep-underground curing environments. The UCS of the CCPB showed an increasing trend with the rise in curing age, mass concentration, and the c/t ratio. The comprehensive analysis concluded that when the c/t ratio is 1:4, and the mass concentration is approximately 74%, and parameters such as the slump, bleeding rate, and flowability of the filling slurry meet the criteria for conveying and goaf filling, resulting in a high-strength filling body.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Advanced Cementitious Materials)
Open AccessArticle
Thermodynamic Assessment of the P2O5-Na2O and P2O5-MgO Systems
by
Lideng Ye, Chenbo Li, Jifeng Yang, Guangcheng Xiao, Zixuan Deng, Libin Liu, Ligang Zhang and Yun Jiang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2221; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102221 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Knowledge about the thermodynamic equilibria of the P2O5-Na2O and P2O5-MgO systems is very important for controlling the phosphorus content of steel materials in the process of steelmaking dephosphorization. The phase equilibrium and thermodynamic
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Knowledge about the thermodynamic equilibria of the P2O5-Na2O and P2O5-MgO systems is very important for controlling the phosphorus content of steel materials in the process of steelmaking dephosphorization. The phase equilibrium and thermodynamic data of the P2O5-Na2O and P2O5-MgO systems were critically evaluated and re-assessed by the CALPHAD (CAlculation of PHAse Diagram) approach. The liquid phase was described by the ionic two-sublattice model for the first time with the formulas (Na+1)P(O−2, PO3−1, PO4−3, PO5/2)Q and (Mg+2)P(O−2, PO3−1, PO4−3, PO5/2)Q, respectively, and the selection of the species constituting the liquid phase was based on the structure of the phosphate melts. A new and improved self-consistent set of thermodynamic parameters for the P2O5-Na2O and P2O5-MgO systems was finally obtained, and the calculated phase diagram and thermodynamic properties exhibited excellent agreement with the experimental data. The difference in the phase composition of invariant reactions from the experimentally determined values reported in the literature is less than 0.9 mol.%. The present thermodynamic modeling contributes to constructing a multicomponent oxide thermodynamic database in the process of steelmaking dephosphorization.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Computational Materials Sciences)
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Analysis of Chemical, Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of a CuAlBe Material Regarding Its Role as a Non-Sparking Material
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Romeo Gabriel Chelariu, Ramona Cimpoesu, Adrian Marius Jurca, Catalin Mihai Popa, Marcelin Benchea, Gheorghe Badarau, Bogdan Istrate, Alin Marian Cazac, Nicanor Cimpoesu, Dan-Dumitru Pintilie, Gabriel Dragos Vasilescu and Costica Bejinariu
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102220 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
We developed and analyzed a novel non-sparking material based on CuAlBe for applications in potentially explosive environments. Using a master alloy of CuBe, an established material for anti-sparking tools used in oil fields, mines, or areas with potentially explosive gas accumulations, and pure
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We developed and analyzed a novel non-sparking material based on CuAlBe for applications in potentially explosive environments. Using a master alloy of CuBe, an established material for anti-sparking tools used in oil fields, mines, or areas with potentially explosive gas accumulations, and pure Al, we used an Ar atmosphere induction furnace to obtain an alloy with ~10 wt% Al and ~2 wt% Be percentages and good chemical and structural homogeneity. The new material was tested in an explosive gaseous mixture (10% H2 or 6.5% CH4) under extremely strong wear for 16,000 cycles, and no hot sparks capable of igniting the environment were produced. The material was used in the form of hot-rolled plates obtained from melted ingots. The experimental results reflect the use of a suitable material for non-sparking tools. This material has good deformability during hot rolling, abnormal grain growth during deformation under heat treatment and special thermo-mechanical processing, and no high chemical composition variation. Additionally, there are slightly different corrosion resistance and mechanical properties between the melt and hot-rolled state of CuAlBe material. Through hot rolling, the material’s corrosion resistance increased, reducing the chances of generating sparks capable of causing explosions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corrosion Resistance Enhancement of the Materials Surface—Volume II)
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Open AccessArticle
Enhancing the Thermal Resistance of UV-Curable Resin Using (3-Thiopropyl)polysilsesquioxane
by
Daria Pakuła, Bogna Sztorch, Monika Topa-Skwarczyńska, Karolina Gałuszka, Joanna Ortyl, Bogdan Marciniec and Robert E. Przekop
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2219; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102219 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
This study delineates a methodology for the preparation of new composites based on a photocurable urethane-acrylate resin, which has been modified with (3-thiopropyl)polysilsesquioxane (SSQ-SH). The organosilicon compound combines fully enclosed cage structures and incompletely condensed silanols (a mixture of random structures) obtained through
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This study delineates a methodology for the preparation of new composites based on a photocurable urethane-acrylate resin, which has been modified with (3-thiopropyl)polysilsesquioxane (SSQ-SH). The organosilicon compound combines fully enclosed cage structures and incompletely condensed silanols (a mixture of random structures) obtained through the hydrolytic condensation of (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. This process involves a thiol-ene “click” reaction between SSQ-SH and a commercially available resin (Ebecryl 1271®) in the presence of the photoinitiator DMPA, resulting in composites with significantly changed thermal properties. Various tests were conducted, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transmittance infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (Photo-DSC), and photoreological measurement mechanical property, and water contact angle (WCA) tests. The modification of resin with SSQ-SH increased the temperature of 1% and 5% mass loss compared to the reference (for 50 wt% SSQ-SH, T5% was 310.8 °C, an increase of 20.4 °C). A composition containing 50 wt% of SSQ-SH crosslinked faster than the reference resin, a phenomenon confirmed by photorheological tests. This research highlights the potential of new composite materials in coating applications across diverse industries. The modification of resin with SSQ-SH not only enhances thermal properties but also introduces a host of functional improvements, thereby elevating the performance of the resulting coatings.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials Containing Silicon, Its Inorganic Derivatives, Functional Silanes, and/or Organosilicon Polymers)
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The Dominant Role of Recrystallization and Grain Growth Behaviors in the Simulated Welding Heat-Affected Zone of High-Mn Steel
by
Yangwen Wang, Honghong Wang, Siyuan Peng, Bin Xia and Hai Zhu
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2218; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102218 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Single-pass-welding thermal cycles with different peak temperatures (Tp) were reproduced by a Gleeble 3800 to simulate the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of a Fe-24Mn-4Cr-0.4C-0.3Cu (wt.%) high manganese austenitic steel. Then, the effect of Tp on the microstructure and mechanical properties of
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Single-pass-welding thermal cycles with different peak temperatures (Tp) were reproduced by a Gleeble 3800 to simulate the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of a Fe-24Mn-4Cr-0.4C-0.3Cu (wt.%) high manganese austenitic steel. Then, the effect of Tp on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the HAZ were investigated. The results indicate that recrystallization and grain growth play dominant roles. Based on this, the HAZ is proposed to categorize into three zones: the recrystallization heat-affected zone (RHAZ) with a Tp of 700~900 °C, the transition heat-affected zone (THAZ) with a Tp of 900~1000 °C, and the coarse grain heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) with a Tp of 1000~1300 °C. The recrystallization fraction was 29~44% in the RHAZ, rapidly increased to 87% in the THAZ, and exceeded 95% in the CGHAZ. The average grain size was 17~19 μm in the RHAZ, slightly increased to 22 μm in the THAZ, and ultimately increased to 37 μm in the CGHAZ. The yield strength in the RHAZ and THAZ was consistent with the change in recrystallization fraction, while in the CGHAZ, it satisfied the Hall–Petch relationship with grain size. In addition, compared with the base material, the Charpy impact absorbed energy at −196 °C decreased by 22% in the RHAZ, but slightly increased in the CGHAZ. This indicates that the theory of fine grain strengthening and toughening is not entirely applicable to the HAZ of the investigated high-Mn steel.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Welding, Joining, and Additive Manufacturing of Metals and Alloys)
Open AccessArticle
Effect of the Inorganic Modification Mode on the Mechanical Properties of Rubber Recycled Concrete
by
Leifei Liu, Jingmei Zong, Xueqian Hou and Xiaoyan Liu
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2217; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102217 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The reasonable and effective application of waste tires and discarded concrete in concrete is an important branch of green concrete development. This paper investigates the effects of the inorganic modification mode on the basic mechanical properties of rubber recycled concrete based on indoor
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The reasonable and effective application of waste tires and discarded concrete in concrete is an important branch of green concrete development. This paper investigates the effects of the inorganic modification mode on the basic mechanical properties of rubber recycled concrete based on indoor tests. Inorganic modification, such as water washing, acid washing, and alkaline washing modification, was mainly used to treat and modify rubber particles. The factors affecting the compressive strength, the splitting tensile strength, the flexural strength, the axial compressive strength, and the modulus of elasticity of modified rubber recycled concrete were analyzed. The study results show that the incorporation of recycled aggregates and rubber reduced the mechanical properties of concrete, with the compressive and splitting tensile strengths showing the greatest reductions of 27.36% and 27.24%, respectively. Three modification methods significantly improved the mechanical properties of rubber recycled concrete. The alkali washing modification method was the most effective, maximally improving the mechanical properties of rubber recycled concrete by 7.53–15.51%. The effects of the three modifications on the mechanical properties of concrete were ranked as follows: alkali washing > acid washing > water washing. This study provides a data basis for the practical application of rubber recycled concrete in engineering and a test basis for the development of green concrete.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization, Applications and New Technologies of Civil Engineering Materials and Structures, 2nd Edition)
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Comparison of Fracture Behavior in Single-Edge Notched Beams Reinforced with Steel Bars or CFRP Bars
by
Zhiyong Wang, Yushu Yang, Min Song, Jie Zhang and Zhihua Wang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2216; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102216 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
To explore and compare the failure modes, deformation behaviors, and load-bearing capacities of single-edge notched (SEN) beams strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and steel bars, static and dynamic three-point bending tests on both types of concrete beams have been carried out in
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To explore and compare the failure modes, deformation behaviors, and load-bearing capacities of single-edge notched (SEN) beams strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and steel bars, static and dynamic three-point bending tests on both types of concrete beams have been carried out in this study. During the static tests, the electro-hydraulic servo machine served as a loading device to apply pressure to CFRP beams and reinforced concrete (RC) beams. During the impact experiments, different impact velocities were imparted by adjusting the drop hammer’s height. Thus, information regarding crack propagation, energy absorption, and deformation was obtained. The results from the static tests showed that the RC beams predominantly experienced shear failure. In contrast, the CFRP beams primarily exhibited bending–shear failure, attributed to the relatively weaker bond strength between the bars and the concrete. Impact tests were conducted at three different velocities in this study. As the impact velocity increased, both types of concrete beams transitioned from bending failure to bending–shear failure. At the lowest velocity, the difference in energy absorption between beams reinforced with different materials was insignificant during the bending process. However, at the highest velocity, CFRP beams absorbed less energy than RC beams. The study of structures’ impact failure modes and their mechanical characteristics offers valuable references for the anti-collision design and protection of structures.
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Open AccessArticle
On Spontaneous Dispersion as a Cause of Microstratification of Metal Melts
by
Olga A. Chikova, Vladimir S. Tsepelev and Kseniya Yu. Shmakova
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2215; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102215 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The phenomenon of spontaneous dispersion is considered as the cause of the microstratification of metal melts. In a microstratification melt, a violation of long-range order in the arrangement of atoms (LRO) is observed, which corresponds to a dispersed particle size of more than
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The phenomenon of spontaneous dispersion is considered as the cause of the microstratification of metal melts. In a microstratification melt, a violation of long-range order in the arrangement of atoms (LRO) is observed, which corresponds to a dispersed particle size of more than 2 nm. Microseparation occurs due to spontaneous dispersion upon contact of liquid and solid metal or the mixing of two liquid metals. The possibility of spontaneous dispersion was assessed using three different criteria: Volmer’s criterion, Rehbinder’s criterion and the diffusion rate criterion. The diffusion rate criterion was obtained on the basis of the theory of rate processes, which describes how diffusing atoms overcome the interphase boundary. It has been established that Al–Sn melts contain colloidal-scale particles (4 nm), and Al–Si and Al–Ge melts contain atomic-scale particles (0.1 nm). For a system with a continuous series of Cu–Ni solid solutions in dispersion (Cu10Ni90—Cu20Ni80), the particle size is 2 nm. The particle size of the ternary eutectic GaInSn in the dispersion (Ga50In50—Ga50Sn50) is 5.6 nm, and the size of immiscible Cu–Fe melts in the dispersion (Cu80Fe20—Cu60Fe40) is 4.8 nm. Long-range order violations (LRO) and the presence of microlayering with colloidal particles larger than 20 nm were observed in the GaInSn ternary eutectic, in the Al–Sn simple eutectic with the preferential interaction of similar atoms, and in Cu–Fe melts with a monotectic phase diagram.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Metals: From Fundamentals to Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Effect of In Situ Heating on the Growth and Electrochromic Properties of Tungsten Trioxide Thin Films
by
Jinfeng Xu, Xirui Li, Yong Zhang, Xueru Zhang, Jiaqin Liu and Yucheng Wu
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2214; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102214 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Electrochromism has emerged as a pivotal technology in the pursuit of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, spurring significant research efforts aimed at the creation of advanced electrochromic devices. Most electrochromic materials are used for smart window applications. However, current electrochromic materials have been
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Electrochromism has emerged as a pivotal technology in the pursuit of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, spurring significant research efforts aimed at the creation of advanced electrochromic devices. Most electrochromic materials are used for smart window applications. However, current electrochromic materials have been applied to new energy vehicles, cell phone back covers, AR glasses, and so on. More application scenarios put forward more requirements for the color of the colored states. Choosing the right color change in the application will be the trend in the future. In this work, tungsten trioxide (WO3) thin films were prepared by adjusting the in situ heating temperature. WO3 with a crystalline structure showed excellent cyclic stability (5000 cycles), electrochromic performance (ΔT = 77.7% at 633 nm, CE = 37.1 cm2/C), relatively fast bleaching/coloring speed (20.0 s/19.4 s), and the darkest coloring effect (L* = 29.32, a* = 7.41, b* = −22.12 for the colored state). These findings offer valuable insights into the manipulation of smart materials and devices, contributing to the advancement of electrochromic technology.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochromic Materials Research and Devices)
Open AccessArticle
The Optimization of the One-Pot Synthesis of Au@SiO2 Core–Shell Nanostructures: Modification with Dansyl Group and Their Fluorescent Properties
by
Agata Kowalska, Elżbieta Adamska, Anna Synak and Beata Grobelna
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102213 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
This work describes the optimization of the one-pot synthesis of fine core–shell nanostructures based on nanogold (Au NPs) and silica (SiO2). The obtained core–shell nanomaterials were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM and by the method of spectroscopes such as UV
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This work describes the optimization of the one-pot synthesis of fine core–shell nanostructures based on nanogold (Au NPs) and silica (SiO2). The obtained core–shell nanomaterials were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM and by the method of spectroscopes such as UV–Vis Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). In addition, the measurement of the zeta potential and size of the obtained particles helped present a full characterization of Au@SiO2 nanostructures. The results show that the influence of reagents acting as reducers, stabilizers, or precursors of the silica shell affects the morphology of the obtained material. By controlling the effect of the added silica precursor, the thickness of the shell can be manipulated, the reducer has an effect on the shape and variety, and then the stabilizer affects their agglomeration. This work provides also a new approach for Au@SiO2 core–shell nanostructure preparation by further modification with dansyl chloride (DNS–Cl). The results show that, by tuning the silica shell thickness, the intensity of the fluorescence spectrum of Au@SiO2–(CH2)3–NH–DNS nanocomposite is about 12 times higher than that of DNS–Cl.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Biological, Medical and Environmental Applications (Volume II)—the 15th Anniversary of Materials)
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Molecular Dynamics Simulation and the Regeneration and Diffusion Effects of Waste Engine Oil in Aged Asphalt Binder
by
Yuxuan Sun, Augusto Cannone Falchetto, Fan Zhang, Di Wang and Wei Chen
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2212; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102212 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
In recent years, the potential of waste engine oil (WEO) as a rejuvenator for aged asphalt binders has gained significant attention. Despite this interest, understanding WEO’s regeneration mechanism within aged asphalt binders, particularly its diffusion behavior when mixed with both aged and virgin
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In recent years, the potential of waste engine oil (WEO) as a rejuvenator for aged asphalt binders has gained significant attention. Despite this interest, understanding WEO’s regeneration mechanism within aged asphalt binders, particularly its diffusion behavior when mixed with both aged and virgin asphalt binders, remains limited. This study adopts a molecular dynamics approach to constructing models of virgin, aged, and rejuvenated asphalt binders with different WEO contents (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%). Key properties such as the density, glass transition temperature, cohesive energy density, solubility parameter, viscosity, surface free energy, fractional free volume, and diffusion coefficient are simulated. Additionally, models of rejuvenated asphalt binder are combined with those of aged asphalt binder to investigate mutual diffusion, focusing on the impact of WEO on the relative concentration and binding energy. The findings reveal that WEO notably decreased the density, viscosity, and glass transition temperature of aged asphalt binders. It also improved the molecular binding within the asphalt binder, enhancing crack resistance. Specifically, a 9% WEO content can restore the diffusion coefficient to 93.17% of that found in virgin asphalt binder. Increasing the WEO content facilitates diffusion toward virgin asphalt binders, strengthens molecular attraction, and promotes the blending of virgin and aged asphalt binders.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Materials Characterization and Modified Asphalt Binders for Sustainable Pavement Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Investigation of the Effect of Blended Aggregate on the Strength and Drying Shrinkage Characteristics of Alkali-Activated Slag Mortar
by
Choonghyun Kang, Yongmyung Park and Taewan Kim
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2211; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102211 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
To reduce drying shrinkage of AASC mortar (AASM), mixed aggregate mixed with river sand (RS) and silica sand in three sizes was used to investigate the effect of the physical properties of mixed aggregate on shrinkage reduction. A mixture of river sand (0.2–0.8
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To reduce drying shrinkage of AASC mortar (AASM), mixed aggregate mixed with river sand (RS) and silica sand in three sizes was used to investigate the effect of the physical properties of mixed aggregate on shrinkage reduction. A mixture of river sand (0.2–0.8 mm), S1 (2.5–5.0 mm), S2 (1.6–2.5 mm), and S3 (1.21–160 mm) had river sand–silica sand mean diameter ratios (dr) of 7.68 (S1/RS), 3.75 (S2/RS), and 3.02 (S3/RS). The compressive strength and drying shrinkage characteristics of mixed aggregates according to fineness modulus, surface area, bulk density, and pore space were investigated. It had the highest bulk density and lowest porosity at a substitution ratio of 50%, but the highest strength was measured at a substitution ratio of 50% or less. High mechanical properties were shown when the fineness modulus of the mixed aggregate was in the range of 2.25–3.75 and the surface area was in the range of 2.25–4.25 m2/kg. As the substitution rate of silica sand increased, drying shrinkage decreased. In particular, the drying shrinkage of RS + S1 mixed aggregate mixed with S1 silica sand, which had the largest particle size, was the smallest. When silica sand or river sand was used alone, the drying shrinkage of the sample manufactured only with S1, which has the largest particle size of silica sand, was the smallest among all mixes. Compared to RS, at a 5% activator concentration, drying shrinkage was reduced by approximately 40% for S1, 27% for S2, and 19% for S3. At a 10% concentration, S1 showed a reduction effect of 39%, S2 by 28%, and S3 by 13%. As a result of this study, it was confirmed that the drying shrinkage of AASM could be reduced simply by controlling the physical properties of the aggregate mixed with two types of aggregate. This is believed to have a synergistic effect in reducing drying shrinkage when combined with various reduction methods published in previous studies on AASM shrinkage reduction. However, additional research is needed to analyze the correlation and influencing factors between the strength, pore structure, and drying shrinkage of AASM using mixed aggregate.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Alkali-Activated Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
Impact of Cutting Data on Cutting Forces, Surface Roughness, and Chip Type in Order to Improve the Tool Operation Reliability in Sintered Cobalt Turning
by
Emilia Franczyk and Wojciech Zębala
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102210 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The authors present the results of laboratory tests analysing the impact of selected cutting data and tool geometry on surface quality, chip type and cutting forces in the process of orthogonal turning of sintered cobalt. The selected cutting data are cutting speed and
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The authors present the results of laboratory tests analysing the impact of selected cutting data and tool geometry on surface quality, chip type and cutting forces in the process of orthogonal turning of sintered cobalt. The selected cutting data are cutting speed and feed rate. During the experiments, the cutting speed was varied in the range of vc = 50–200 m/min and the feed rate in the range of f = 0.077–0.173 mm/rev. In order to measure and acquire cutting force values, a measuring setup was assembled. It consisted of a Kistler 2825A-02 piezoelectric dynamometer with a single-position tool holder, a Kistler 5070 signal amplifier and a PC with DynoWare software (Version 2825A, Kistler Group, Winterthur, Switzerland)). The measured surface quality parameters were Ra and Rz. The components of the cutting forces obtained in the experiment varied depending on the feed rate and cutting speed. The obtained test results will make it possible to determine the optimal parameters for machining and tool geometry in order to reduce the machine operating time and increase the life of the cutting insert during the turning of sintered cobalt, which will contribute to sustainable technology.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization and Simulation in Alloy Cutting Processes (Second Volume))
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Enhancement of Filtration Performance Characteristics of Glass Fiber-Based Filter Media, Part 1: Mechanical Modification with Electrospun Nanofibers
by
Laura Weiter, Stephan Leyer and John K. Duchowski
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2209; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102209 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Various modifications of standard glass fiber filtration media using electrospun PA66 nanofibers are described. PA66 were selected because they were readily available from commercial sources. Other polymers, such as PP, PET and PBT, could also be used. The first set of samples was
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Various modifications of standard glass fiber filtration media using electrospun PA66 nanofibers are described. PA66 were selected because they were readily available from commercial sources. Other polymers, such as PP, PET and PBT, could also be used. The first set of samples was prepared by mixing the nanofibers at two, three and five weight percent with glass fibers, and the second by laying the same proportion of the nanofibers directly onto the downstream side of the substrate. The aim of these modifications was to improve the three most basic functionalities of filter media, the separation efficiency, the differential pressure (ΔP) and the dirt holding capacity (DHC). The modified media samples were evaluated with the standard textile characterization techniques and filtration performance evaluation procedures. The results showed differences in the several tens of percentage points achieved with the two modification methods. Moreover, additional differences in performance were observed depending on the percentage of nanofibers admixed to the substrate. These differences were most apparent in the filtration efficiency and the DHC, both by several percentage points, with no apparent effect on the ∆P. The results strongly suggest that the preparation of new filter media by incorporating nanofibers directly into the matrix can result in significant improvements in filtration performance characteristics.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Advanced Textile Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
In Vitro Study of the Proliferation of MG63 Cells Cultured on Five Different Titanium Surfaces
by
Roberto Campagna, Valentina Schiavoni, Enrico Marchetti, Eleonora Salvolini, Andrea Frontini, Francesco Sampalmieri, Fabrizio Bambini and Lucia Meme’
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2208; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102208 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The use of dental implants for prosthetic rehabilitation in dentistry is based on the concept of osteointegration. This concept enables the clinical stability of the implants and a total absence of inflammatory tissue between the implant surface and the bone tissue. For this
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The use of dental implants for prosthetic rehabilitation in dentistry is based on the concept of osteointegration. This concept enables the clinical stability of the implants and a total absence of inflammatory tissue between the implant surface and the bone tissue. For this reason, it is essential to understand the role of the titanium surface in promoting and maintaining or not maintaining contact between the bone matrix and the surface of the titanium implant. Materials and Methods: Five types of titanium discs placed in contact with osteoblast cultures of osteosarcomas were studied. The materials had different roughness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photos were taken before the in vitro culture to analyze the surfaces, and at the end of the culturing time, the different gene expressions of a broad pattern of proteins were evaluated to analyze the osteoblast response, as indicated in the scientific literature. Results: It was demonstrated that the responses of the osteoblasts were different in the five cultures in contact with the five titanium discs with different surfaces; in particular, the response in the production of some proteins was statistically significant. Discussion: The key role of titanium surfaces underlines how it is still possible to carry out increasingly accurate and targeted studies in the search for new surfaces capable of stimulating a better osteoblastic response and the long-term maintenance of osteointegration.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Titanium Alloy: Surface Modification and Biomedical Applications)
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Initial Characteristics of Alkali–Silica Reaction Products in Mortar Containing Low-Purity Calcined Clay
by
Daria Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka, Roman Jaskulski, Kinga Dziedzic, Aneta Brachaczek and Dariusz M. Jarząbek
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2207; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102207 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
An alkali–silica reaction (ASR) is a chemical process that leads to the formation of an expansive gel, potentially causing durability issues in concrete structures. This article investigates the properties and behaviour of ASR products in mortar with the addition of low-purity calcined clay
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An alkali–silica reaction (ASR) is a chemical process that leads to the formation of an expansive gel, potentially causing durability issues in concrete structures. This article investigates the properties and behaviour of ASR products in mortar with the addition of low-purity calcined clay as an additional material. This study includes an evaluation of the expansion and microstructural characteristics of the mortar, as well as an analysis of the formation and behaviour of ASR products with different contents of calcined clay. Expansion tests of the mortar beam specimens were conducted according to ASTM C1567, and a detailed microscopic analysis of the reaction products was performed. Additionally, their mechanical properties were determined using nanoindentation. This study reveals that with an increasing calcined clay content, the amount of the crystalline form of the ASR gel decreases, while the nanohardness increases. The Young’s modulus of the amorphous ASR products ranged from 5 to 12 GPa, while the nanohardness ranged from 0.41 to 0.67 GPa. The obtained results contribute to a better understanding of how the incorporation of low-purity calcined clay influences the ASR in mortar, providing valuable insights into developing sustainable and durable building materials for the construction industry.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recycling and Development of New Building Materials or Products (Second Volume))
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Role of Woody Biomass Ash Material in Immobilization of Cadmium, Lead and Zinc in Soil
by
Elżbieta Rolka, Mirosław Wyszkowski, Andrzej Cezary Żołnowski and Anna Skorwider-Namiotko
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2206; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102206 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Nowadays, we have observed the dynamic development of bio-heating plants that use wood biomass for heating or energy purposes. The result of this process is a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions as well as in the production of biomass ash (BA). Despite the
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Nowadays, we have observed the dynamic development of bio-heating plants that use wood biomass for heating or energy purposes. The result of this process is a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions as well as in the production of biomass ash (BA). Despite the waste nature of BA, it should be carefully analyzed and assessed for various applications, including environmental ones. Due to the features attributed to BA, including its alkaline reaction, the high capacity of its sorption complex, relatively low salinity, and significant content of macro- and microelements, a hypothesis was put forward in this work undertaken about the positive role of BA as an immobilizing factor for Cd-, Pb-, and Zn-contaminated soils. This research was based on a pot experiment in which four series were considered: (1) BA; (2) BA + Cd; (3) BA + Pb; and (4) BA + Zn. BA was used at doses of 30, 60, and 90 mg pot−1, and metals at doses of 2 mg Cd, 100 mg Pb, and 300 mg Zn kg−1 of soil. The test plant was corn grown for green mass. The study took into account the influence of BA on the content of the total forms of heavy metals (Metot) and their available forms (Meav). In the soil without the addition of metals, a significant increase in the content of Cdtot and Cdav, and a decrease in the content of Zntot were observed due to the application of BA. The addition of metals against the background of the BA used resulted in a significant increase in Cdtot, Pbtot, and Zntot, as well as an increase in the available forms of Pbav but a decrease in Znav. However, there was no significant increase in the Cdav content. The obtained results may indicate the potentially immobilizing role of BA only in the case of zinc. They may constitute the basis for further, more detailed research aimed at determining the role of BA in the immobilization of various metals in soil.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Advanced Materials and Technology for Green and Sustainable Environmental Remediation)
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(Ca0.25La0.5Dy0.25)CrO3 Ceramic Fiber@Biomass-Derived Carbon Aerogel with Enhanced Solute Transport Channels for Highly Efficient Solar Interface Evaporation
by
Wei Zhang, Liyan Xue, Jincheng Zhang, Meng Zhang, Kaixian Wang, Minzhong Huang, Fan Yang, Zhengming Jiang and Tongxiang Liang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2205; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102205 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The use of solar interface evaporation for seawater desalination or sewage treatment is an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach; however, achieving efficient solar energy utilization and ensuring the long-term stability of the evaporation devices are two major challenges for practical application. To address
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The use of solar interface evaporation for seawater desalination or sewage treatment is an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach; however, achieving efficient solar energy utilization and ensuring the long-term stability of the evaporation devices are two major challenges for practical application. To address these issues, we developed a novel ceramic fiber@bioderived carbon composite aerogel with a continuous through-hole structure via electrospinning and freeze-casting methods. Specifically, an aerogel was prepared by incorporating perovskite oxide (Ca0.25La0.5Dy0.25)CrO3 ceramic fibers (CCFs) and amylopectin-derived carbon (ADC). The CCFs exhibited remarkable photothermal conversion efficiencies, and the ADC served as a connecting agent and imparted hydrophilicity to the aerogel due to its abundant oxygen-containing functional groups. After optimizing the composition and microstructure, the (Ca0.25La0.5Dy0.25)CrO3 ceramic fiber@biomass-derived carbon aerogel demonstrated remarkable properties, including efficient light absorption and rapid transport of water and solutes. Under 1 kW m−2 light intensity irradiation, this novel material exhibited a high temperature (48.3 °C), high evaporation rate (1.68 kg m−2 h−1), and impressive solar vapor conversion efficiency (91.6%). Moreover, it exhibited long-term stability in water evaporation even with highly concentrated salt solutions (25 wt%). Therefore, the (Ca0.25La0.5Dy0.25)CrO3 ceramic fiber@biomass-derived carbon aerogel holds great promise for various applications of solar interface evaporation.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Entropy Ceramics: Synthesis and Applications)
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