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
Characterization of Interfacial Corrosion Behavior of Hybrid Laminate EN AW-6082 ∪ CFRP
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1907; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081907 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The corrosion behavior of a hybrid laminate consisting of laser-structured aluminum EN AW-6082 ∪ carbon fiber-reinforced polymer was investigated. Specimens were corroded in aqueous NaCl electrolyte (0.1 mol/L) over a period of up to 31 days and characterized continuously by means of scanning
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The corrosion behavior of a hybrid laminate consisting of laser-structured aluminum EN AW-6082 ∪ carbon fiber-reinforced polymer was investigated. Specimens were corroded in aqueous NaCl electrolyte (0.1 mol/L) over a period of up to 31 days and characterized continuously by means of scanning electron and light microscopy, supplemented by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Comparative linear sweep voltammetry was employed on the first and seventh day of the corrosion experiment. The influence of different laser morphologies and production process parameters on corrosion behavior was compared. The corrosion reaction mainly arises from the aluminum component and shows distinct differences in long-term corrosion morphology between pure EN AW-6082 and the hybrid laminate. Compared to short-term investigations, a strong influence of galvanic corrosion on the interface is assumed. No distinct influences of different laser structuring and process parameters on the corrosion behavior were detected. Weight measurements suggest a continuous loss of mass attributed to the detachment of corrosion products.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obtaining and Characterization of New Materials, Volume IV)
Open AccessArticle
Effect of Ni Doping on the Thermoelectric Properties of YbCo2Zn20
by
Jorge R. Galeano-Cabral, Benny Schundelmier, Olatunde Oladehin, Keke Feng, Juan C. Ordonez, Ryan E. Baumbach and Kaya Wei
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1906; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081906 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Thermoelectric devices are both solid-state heat pumps and energy generators. Having a reversible process without moving parts is of high importance for applications in remote locations or under extreme conditions. Yet, most thermoelectric devices have a rather limited energy conversion efficiency due to
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Thermoelectric devices are both solid-state heat pumps and energy generators. Having a reversible process without moving parts is of high importance for applications in remote locations or under extreme conditions. Yet, most thermoelectric devices have a rather limited energy conversion efficiency due to the natural competition between high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity, both being essential conditions for achieving a high energy conversion efficiency. Heavy-fermion compounds Yb Zn (T = Co, Rh, Ir) have been reported to be potential candidate materials for thermoelectric applications at low temperatures. Motivated by this result, we applied chemical substitution studies on the transition metal site in order to optimize the charge carrier concentration as well as promote more efficient phonon scatterings. Here, we present the latest investigation on the Ni-doped specimens YbCo Ni Zn , where enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit values have been obtained.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disorder-Driven Structure-Property Functionality in Materials: From Material Discovery to Device Development)
Open AccessArticle
Magnetoelectric Properties of Multiferroic Composites Based on BaTiO3 and Nickel-Zinc Ferrite Material
by
Dariusz Bochenek, Przemysław Niemiec, Dagmara Brzezińska, Grzegorz Dercz, Grzegorz Ziółkowski, Elżbieta Jartych, Jakub Grotel and Jan Suchanicz
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1905; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081905 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to learn the morphological, structural, ferroelectric, dielectric, electromechanical, magnetoelectric, and magnetic properties, and DC conductivity of BaTiO3-Ni0.64Zn0.36Fe2O4 (BT-F) multiferroic composites compacted via the free sintering method. The
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The purpose of the present study was to learn the morphological, structural, ferroelectric, dielectric, electromechanical, magnetoelectric, and magnetic properties, and DC conductivity of BaTiO3-Ni0.64Zn0.36Fe2O4 (BT-F) multiferroic composites compacted via the free sintering method. The influence of the ferrite content in ceramic composite materials on the functional properties is investigated and discussed. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the presence of two main phases of the composite, with strong reflections originating from BaTiO3 and weak peaks originating from nickel-zinc ferrite. BT-F ceramic composites have been shown to exhibit multiferroism at room temperature. All studied compositions have high permittivity values and low dielectric loss, while the ferroelectric properties of the BT component are maintained at a high level. On the other hand, magnetic properties depend on the amount of the ferrite phase and are the strongest for the composition with 15 wt.% of F (magnetization at RT is 4.12 emu/g). The magnetoelectric coupling between BT and F phases confirmed by the lock-in technique is the largest for 15 wt.% ferrite. In the present work, the process conditions of the free sintering method for obtaining BT-F multiferroic composite with good electrical and magnetic properties (in one material) were optimized. An improved set of multifunctional properties allows the expansion of the possibilities of using multiferroic composites in microelectronics.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Ceramics and Their Composites: Preparation, Properties and Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Creep and Shrinkage Properties of Nano-SiO2-Modified Recycled Aggregate Concrete
by
Yingwu Zhou, Jiahao Zhuang, Wenwei Lin, Wenzhuo Xu and Rui Hu
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1904; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081904 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The poor performance of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) leads to greater creep in recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) compared to natural aggregate concrete (NAC). To enhance the quality of RCA, this paper utilizes a 2% concentration of a nano-SiO2 (NS) solution for pre-soaking
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The poor performance of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) leads to greater creep in recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) compared to natural aggregate concrete (NAC). To enhance the quality of RCA, this paper utilizes a 2% concentration of a nano-SiO2 (NS) solution for pre-soaking RCA. This study aims to replace natural aggregate (NA) with NS-modified recycled aggregate (SRCA) and investigate the creep and shrinkage properties of NS-modified recycled aggregate concrete (SRAC) at various SRCA replacement rates. Subsequently, the creep and shrinkage strains of NAC, SRAC, and RAC are simulated using the finite element method. Finally, a comparative analysis is conducted with the predicted creep and shrinkage strains from CEB-FIP, ACI, B3, and GL2000 models. The experimental results indicate that the creep and shrinkage deformation of SRAC increases with the SRCA replacement rate. Compared to NAC, the creep and shrinkage deformation of SRAC at replacement rates of 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% increased by 2%, 7%, 13%, and 30%, respectively. However, when 100% of the natural aggregate is replaced with SRCA, the creep and shrinkage deformation decreases by 7% compared to RAC. Moreover, the CEB-FIP and ACI models can predict the creep and shrinkage deformation of concrete reasonably well.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Materials and Structures Achieving High-Performance, Low-Carbon and Sustainable Development)
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Open AccessArticle
The Influence of Electroluminescent Inhomogeneous Phase Addition on Enhancing MgB2 Superconducting Performance and Magnetic Flux Pinning
by
Yao Qi, Duo Chen, Chao Sun, Qingyu Hai and Xiaopeng Zhao
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1903; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081903 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
As a highly regarded superconducting material with a concise layered structure, MgB2 has attracted significant scientific attention and holds vast potential for applications. However, its limited current-carrying capacity under high magnetic fields has greatly hindered its practical use. To address this issue,
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As a highly regarded superconducting material with a concise layered structure, MgB2 has attracted significant scientific attention and holds vast potential for applications. However, its limited current-carrying capacity under high magnetic fields has greatly hindered its practical use. To address this issue, we have enhanced the superconducting performance of MgB2 by incorporating inhomogeneous phase nanostructures of p-n junctions with electroluminescent properties. Through temperature-dependent measurements of magnetization, electronic specific heat, and Hall coefficient under various magnetic fields, we have confirmed the crucial role of inhomogeneous phase electroluminescent nanostructures in improving the properties of MgB2. Experimental results demonstrate that the introduction of electroluminescent inhomogeneous phases effectively enhances the superconducting performance of MgB2. Moreover, by controlling the size of the electroluminescent inhomogeneous phases and optimizing grain connectivity, density, and microstructural uniformity, we can further improve the critical temperature (TC) and flux-pinning capability of MgB2 superconducting materials. Comprehensive studies on the physical properties of MgB2 superconducting structures added with p-n junction electroluminescent inhomogeneous phases also confirm the general effectiveness of electroluminescent inhomogeneous phases in enhancing the performance of superconducting materials.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends and Future Challenges of Electronic and Photonic Materials)
Open AccessArticle
Study on the Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Concrete Pavements in Seasonally Frozen Regions
by
Ruize Zhao, Chenglin Shi, Ruixin Zhang, Wensheng Wang, Huirong Zhu and Jing Luo
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1902; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081902 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
In seasonally frozen regions, concrete pavement is exposed to cycles of freeze-thaw and erosion from de-icing salt, which can lead to unfavorable service conditions and vulnerability to damage. This paper examines the compressive strength, flexural-tensile strength, abrasion resistance, permeability, and spacing factor of
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In seasonally frozen regions, concrete pavement is exposed to cycles of freeze-thaw and erosion from de-icing salt, which can lead to unfavorable service conditions and vulnerability to damage. This paper examines the compressive strength, flexural-tensile strength, abrasion resistance, permeability, and spacing factor of concrete, taking into account the impact of various curing conditions, de-icing salt solutions, and mass fractions on the concrete’s freeze-thaw resistance. Two test methods, the single-face method and the fast-freezing method, were used to comparatively analyze the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete. The analysis was based on the surface scaling, water absorption rate, mass loss rate, relative dynamic elastic modulus, and relative durability index. The results indicate that the presence of salt solution significantly worsened the degree of concrete damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles. The use of freeze-thaw media, specifically sodium chloride (), calcium chloride (), and potassium acetate () at mass fractions of 5%, 4.74%, and 5%, respectively, had the greatest impact on the surface scaling of concrete. However, their effect on the water absorption rate was inconsistent. When the freeze-thaw medium was water, the concrete’s relative dynamic elastic modulus and relative durability index were 9.6% and 75.3% higher, respectively, for concrete cured in 20 °C—95% RH conditions compared to those cured in 0 °C—50% RH conditions. We propose a comprehensive relative durability index () by combining the results of two methods of freeze-thaw tests. The of concrete cured in 0 °C—50% RH conditions was 83.8% lower than that of concrete cured in 20 °C—95% RH conditions when exposed to a freeze-thaw medium of 5% mass fraction solution. To evaluate the salt freeze-thaw resistance of concrete pavement, it is recommended to use surface scaling and together.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Polyhydroxy-3-Butyrate (PHB)-Based Composite Materials Reinforced with Cellulosic Fibers, Obtained from Barley Waste Straw, to Produce Pieces for Agriculture Applications: Production, Characterization and Scale-Up Analysis
by
Helena Oliver-Ortega, Philippe Evon, Francesc Xavier Espinach, Christine Raynaud and José Alberto Méndez
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081901 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Cellulosic fibers obtained from Barley straw were utilized to reinforce PHB. Four different processed fibers were employed as reinforcing material: sawdust (SW), defibered (DFBF), delignified (DBF), and bleached (BBF) fibers. The composite was processed from two different perspectives: a discontinuous (bach) and an
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Cellulosic fibers obtained from Barley straw were utilized to reinforce PHB. Four different processed fibers were employed as reinforcing material: sawdust (SW), defibered (DFBF), delignified (DBF), and bleached (BBF) fibers. The composite was processed from two different perspectives: a discontinuous (bach) and an intensification process (extrusion). Once processed and transformed into final shape specimens, the materials were characterized by mechanical testing (tensile mode), scanning electron microscopy, and theoretical simulations by finite elements analysis (FEA). In terms of mechanical properties, only the elastic moduli (Et) exhibited results ranging from 37% to 170%, depending on the reinforcement composition. Conversely, strengths at break, under both tensile and bending tests, tended to decrease, indicating poor affinity between the components. Due to the mechanical treatment applied on the fiber, DFBF emerged as the most promising filler, with mechanical properties closest to those of neat PHB. DFBF-based composites were subsequently produced through process intensification using a twin-screw extruder, and molded into flowerpots. Mechanical results showed almost identical properties between the discontinuous and intensification processes. The suitability of the material for agriculture flowerpots was demonstrated through finite analysis simulation (FEA), which revealed that the maximum von Mises stresses (5.38 × 105 N/m2) and deformations (0.048 mm) were well below the limits of the composite materials.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Bio-Based Particleboards and Fiberboards)
Open AccessArticle
Three-Dimensional Meso-Structure-Based Model for Evaluating the Complex Permittivity of Asphalt Concrete
by
Zhenwen Xie, Xingzao Chen, Jing Wang and Jiaqi Chen
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1900; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081900 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Microwave heating is an emerging alternative pretreatment method for road maintenance in cold seasons. The thermal behavior of asphalt pavement under microwave heating is mainly determined by the complex permittivity of the asphalt mixture. In this study, an innovative approach for calculating the
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Microwave heating is an emerging alternative pretreatment method for road maintenance in cold seasons. The thermal behavior of asphalt pavement under microwave heating is mainly determined by the complex permittivity of the asphalt mixture. In this study, an innovative approach for calculating the complex permittivity of an asphalt mixture based on a three-dimensional meso-scale heterogeneous structure was proposed. A series of experiments was conducted to verify the accuracy of this approach. The effect of porosity, void size, moisture content and aggregate gradation on the complex permittivity for an asphalt mixture were computationally analyzed based on the validated approach. Moreover, the applicability of commonly used classical dielectric models was analyzed. The classical Lichtenecker–Rother (LR) dielectric model was modified on the basis of simulation data for various conditions. The results showed that the real part of the complex permittivity decreased with the increase in porosity. Some sudden change in the imaginary part of the complex permittivity was observed within the frequency range from 2.6 GHz to 3.9 GHz. A larger air void size would lead to a larger frequency at which sudden change occurs. The real part and imaginary part of the complex permittivity tend to be smaller when more coarse aggregates are replaced with fine aggregates. Both the real part and the imaginary part of the complex permittivity increase with higher moisture content due to the stronger dielectric property of water. Each 1% increase in moisture content would lead to about a 3~4% increase in the real part of the complex permittivity. The determination coefficients R2 for the real part and the imaginary part of the complex permittivity fitted by the modified Brown model were the maximum values, which were 0.922 and 0.980, respectively. The method presented in this study is useful for transportation agencies to optimize microwave heating during winter maintenance.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Alternative Asphalt and Pavement Materials: Design, Structure and Properties)
Open AccessArticle
Three-Dimensional Printed Teeth in Endodontics: A New Protocol for Microcomputed Tomography Studies
by
Tiago Reis, Cláudia Barbosa, Margarida Franco, Ruben Silva, Nuno Alves, Pablo Castelo-Baz, Jose Martín-Cruces and Benjamín Martín-Biedma
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1899; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081899 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to describe a support material removal protocol (SMRP) from inside the root canals of three-dimensional printed teeth (3DPT) obtained by the microcomputed tomography (microCT) of a natural tooth (NT), evaluate its effectiveness by comparing the 3DPT to NT in terms
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This study aimed to describe a support material removal protocol (SMRP) from inside the root canals of three-dimensional printed teeth (3DPT) obtained by the microcomputed tomography (microCT) of a natural tooth (NT), evaluate its effectiveness by comparing the 3DPT to NT in terms of internal anatomy and behaviour toward endodontic preparation, and evaluate if 3DPT are adequate to assess the differences between two preparation systems. After the SMRP, twenty 3DPT printed by PolyJet™ were microCT scanned before preparation and thereafter randomly assigned into two groups (n = 10). One group and NT were prepared using ProTaper Gold® (PTG), and the other group with Endogal® (ENDG). MicroCT scans were carried out after preparation, and the volume increase, volume of dentin removed, centroids, transportation, and unprepared areas were compared. For the parameters evaluated, no significant differences were found between the 3DPT and NT before and after preparation (p > 0.05), and no significant differences were found between the 3DPT PTG group and the 3DPT ENDG group (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that the SMRP described is effective in removing the support material SUP706B™. PolyJet™ is adequate for printing 3DPT. Furthermore, 3DPT printed with high-temperature RGD525™ have similar behaviour during endodontic preparation with PTG as the NT, and 3DPT can be used to compare two preparation systems.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies in Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry)
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Open AccessReview
A Mini-Review: Fabrication of Polysaccharide Composite Materials Based on Self-Assembled Chitin Nanofibers
by
Jun-ichi Kadokawa
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1898; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081898 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
This mini-review presents the fabrication methods for polysaccharide composite materials that employ self-assembled chitin nanofibers (ChNFs) as functional components. Chitin is one of the most abundant polysaccharides in nature. However, it is mostly not utilized because of its poor feasibility and processability. Self-assembled
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This mini-review presents the fabrication methods for polysaccharide composite materials that employ self-assembled chitin nanofibers (ChNFs) as functional components. Chitin is one of the most abundant polysaccharides in nature. However, it is mostly not utilized because of its poor feasibility and processability. Self-assembled ChNFs are efficiently obtained by a regenerative bottom-up process from chitin ion gels using an ionic liquid, 1-allyl-3-methylimodazolium bromide. This is accomplished by immersing the gels in methanol. The resulting dispersion is subjected to filtration to isolate the regenerated materials, producing ChNF films with a morphology defined by highly entangled nanofibers. The bundles are disintegrated by electrostatic repulsion among the amino groups on the ChNFs in aqueous acetic acid to produce thinner fibers known as scaled-down ChNFs. The self-assembled and scaled-down ChNFs are combined with other chitin components to fabricate chitin-based composite materials. ChNF-based composite materials are fabricated through combination with other polysaccharides.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Production, Processing and Application of Polymer Composites)
Open AccessArticle
Highly Sensitive Temperature Sensors Resulting from the Luminescent Behavior of Sm3+-Doped Ba2MgMoO6 High-Symmetry Double-Perovskite Molybdate Phosphors
by
Natalia Miniajluk-Gaweł, Bartosz Bondzior, Maciej Ptak and Przemysław Jacek Dereń
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1897; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081897 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
We present double-perovskite molybdate with the formula of Ba2MgMoO6 doped with Sm3+ ions as a potential red phosphor to improve the color characteristics of white-light-emitting dioded (wLEDs). The new orange–red phosphor was synthesized using the co-precipitation (CP) method, and
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We present double-perovskite molybdate with the formula of Ba2MgMoO6 doped with Sm3+ ions as a potential red phosphor to improve the color characteristics of white-light-emitting dioded (wLEDs). The new orange–red phosphor was synthesized using the co-precipitation (CP) method, and then its structural and spectroscopic properties were determined. Red emission at 642.6 nm dominates, which results from the electric dipole (ED) transition of the 4G5/2 → 6H9/2 type, and the materials are characterized by short luminescence decay times. BMM:Sm3+ is, to our best knowledge, the clearest example of dominant red emission of Sm3+ resulting from the location of the dopant in octahedral sites of high-symmetry cubic structure. In the sample containing 0.1% Sm3+, Sm3+ ions are located in both Mg2+ and Ba2+ sites, while at higher concentrations the Ba2+ site is less preferable for doping, as a result of which the emission becomes more uniform and single-site. The relative sensitivity calculated from FIR has a maximum of 2.7% K−1 at −30 °C and another local maximum of 1.6% K−1 at 75 °C. Such value is, to the best of our knowledge, one of the highest achieved for luminescent thermometry performed using only Sm3+ ions. To sum up, the obtained materials are good candidates as red phosphor to improve the color characteristics of wLEDs, obtaining a color-rendering index (CRI) of 91 and coordinated color temperature (CCT) of 2943 K, constituting a warm white emission. In addition to this, a promising precedent for temperature sensing using high-symmetry perovskite materials is the high sensitivity achieved, which results from the high symmetry of the BMM host.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research in Perovskite Films)
Open AccessArticle
Effects and Mechanism of Hyperbranched Phosphate Polycarboxylate Superplasticizers on Reducing Viscosity of Cement Paste
by
Jing Chen, Changhui Yang, Yan He, Futao Wang and Chao Zeng
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1896; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081896 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The adsorption behavior and dispersing capability of hyperbranched phosphated polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) containing phosphate monoester and phosphate diester were investigated. The hyperbranched structures were constructed using a special monomer dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAMEA) to create the branches during the polymerization. Meanwhile, the polymer architectures
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The adsorption behavior and dispersing capability of hyperbranched phosphated polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) containing phosphate monoester and phosphate diester were investigated. The hyperbranched structures were constructed using a special monomer dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAMEA) to create the branches during the polymerization. Meanwhile, the polymer architectures were tailored by varying the content of phosphate monoester and phosphate diester in the backbone via free radical solution polymerization. In contrast to comb-like PCE, hyperbranched PCEs presented a weaker dispersion capability at w/c = 0.29, but with a lower water-to-cement ratio (w/c), the hyperbranched PCEs exhibited a better dispersion capability than the comb-like PCEs. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis showed that the adsorption layer of hyperbranched PCEs were thicker than that of comb-like PCEs. A thicker adsorption layer thickness generated thinner diffusion water layer thickness. The increase of the free water amount due to the thinner water diffusion layer is the key mechanism for improving the dispersibility and decreasing the viscosity of cement paste.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Cement and Concrete Composites - Volume 2)
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Open AccessArticle
Fuel Characteristics and Phytotoxicity Assay of Biochar Derived from Rose Pruning Waste
by
Julia Stefanów, Karolina Sobieraj, Małgorzata Hejna, Katarzyna Pawęska and Kacper Świechowski
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1895; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081895 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was the characterization and evaluation of applicability as a soil amendment of biochar derived from rose pruning waste at different pyrolysis temperatures (200–500 °C) and process durations (20–60 min). The biochar properties were compared to the raw material.
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The aim of this study was the characterization and evaluation of applicability as a soil amendment of biochar derived from rose pruning waste at different pyrolysis temperatures (200–500 °C) and process durations (20–60 min). The biochar properties were compared to the raw material. The biochars produced at 300 °C for 40 and 60 min demonstrated the best fuel properties. These variants showed high energy gain rates (77.6 ± 1.5% and 74.8 ± 1.5%, respectively), energy densification ratios (1.35 ± 0.00 and 1.37 ± 0.00, respectively), high heating values (24,720 ± 267 J × g−1 and 25,113 ± 731 J × g−1, respectively), and relative low ash contents (5.9 ± 0.5% and 7.1 ± 0.3%, respectively). Regarding fertilizer properties, such as pH value, ash content, heavy metal content, and pollutant elution, the biochars showed better qualities than the raw material. All tested biochar did not exceed the permissible values for heavy metals, including Cr, Cd, Ni, and Pb. The most optimal properties for soil amendments were noted for biochar variants of 400 °C for 40 min, 450 °C for 20 min, and 500 °C for 20 min. Generally, biochars produced at temperatures ≥400 °C did not inhibit root elongation, except for the material produced at 450 °C for 60 min (4.08 ± 23.34%). Biochars obtained at ≥300 °C showed a positive impact on seed germination (86.67 ± 18.48–100 ± 24.14%).
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Materials: From Processing to Modern Applications)
Open AccessArticle
A High-Performance Supercapacitor Based on Hierarchical Template-Free Ni/SnO2 Nanostructures via Hydrothermal Method
by
Abdul Samad Shameem, Anbazhagan Murugan, Vadivel Siva, Govindasamy Palanisamy, Ikhyun Kim, Jintae Lee and Sivaprakash Paramasivam
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1894; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081894 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Novel flake-like Ni1−xSnxO2 particles were successfully prepared by template-free hydrothermal synthesis. The prepared samples were investigated for their properties by different characterization techniques. Scanning micrographs showed that the obtained particles consisted of nanoflakes. The X-ray diffraction results of
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Novel flake-like Ni1−xSnxO2 particles were successfully prepared by template-free hydrothermal synthesis. The prepared samples were investigated for their properties by different characterization techniques. Scanning micrographs showed that the obtained particles consisted of nanoflakes. The X-ray diffraction results of the Ni1−xSnxO2 revealed the formation of mixed-phase Ni/SnO2 having the typical tetragonal structure of SnO2, and the cubic structure of Ni in a nanocrystalline nature. The doping with Ni had a certain influence on the host’s lattice structure of SnO2 at different doping concentrations. Confirmation of the functional groups and the elements in the nanomaterials was accomplished using FTIR and EDS analyses. The electrochemical performance analysis of the prepared nanomaterials were carried out with the help of the CV, GCD, and EIS techniques. The specific capacitance of the synthesized nanomaterials with different concentrations of Ni dopant in SnO2 was analyzed at different scanning rates. Interestingly, a 5% Ni-doped SnO2 nanocomposite exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 841.85 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1 in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. Further, to boost the electrochemical performance, a redox additive electrolyte was utilized, which exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 2130.33 at 5 mV s−1 and an excellent capacitance retention of 93.22% after 10,000 GCD cycles. These excellent electrochemical characteristics suggest that the Ni/SnO2 nanocomposite could be utilized as an electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Nanomaterials in Energy and Environmental Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Impact of ZrO2 Content on the Formation of Sr-Enriched Phosphates in Al2O3/ZrO2 Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering
by
Fabio Caixeta Nunes, Sarah Ingrid Pinto Santos, Luiz Alberto Colnago, Peter Hammer, Julieta Adriana Ferreira, Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio and Eliria Maria Jesus Agnolon Pallone
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081893 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the profound impact of the ZrO2 inclusion volume on the characteristics of Al2O3/ZrO2 nanocomposites, particularly influencing the formation of calcium phosphates on the surface. This research, aimed at advancing tissue engineering, prepared nanocomposites with
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This study investigates the profound impact of the ZrO2 inclusion volume on the characteristics of Al2O3/ZrO2 nanocomposites, particularly influencing the formation of calcium phosphates on the surface. This research, aimed at advancing tissue engineering, prepared nanocomposites with 5, 10, and 15 vol% ZrO2, subjecting them to chemical surface treatment for enhanced calcium phosphate deposition sites. Biomimetic coating with Sr-enriched simulated body fluid (SBF) further enhanced the bioactivity of nanocomposites. While the ZrO2 concentration heightened the oxygen availability on nanocomposite surfaces, the quantity of Sr-containing phosphate was comparatively less influenced than the formation of calcium phosphate phases. Notably, the coated nanocomposites exhibited a high cell viability and no toxicity, signifying their potential in bone tissue engineering. Overall, these findings contribute to the development of regenerative biomaterials, holding promise for enhancing bone regeneration therapies.
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(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials)
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Quality Evaluation of New Types of Layered Composites for Flooring Materials
by
Sylwia Olenska and Piotr Beer
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1892; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081892 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The need, or even the obligation, to take care of the natural environment compels a search for new technological solutions, or for known solutions to be adapted to new applications. The maxim is ‘don’t harm, but improve the world for future generations’. In
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The need, or even the obligation, to take care of the natural environment compels a search for new technological solutions, or for known solutions to be adapted to new applications. The maxim is ‘don’t harm, but improve the world for future generations’. In the wood industry in particular, given that it is based on a natural raw material, we must look for ecological solutions. Trees grow, but the demand for wood exceeds the volume of tree growth. In industrial manufacturing, one of the ways to make full use of wood is through chipless processing, which occurs during rotary cutting (peeling). In addition, wood is a natural material, each fragment of which has a range of properties. In addition, wood defects in quality manipulation generate a lot of waste. The aim of this study was to analyse the quality effect of the tested layered composites for flooring materials on production application. The practical purpose was to exchange actual sawing-based production for chipless production. The composite base layers were made of pine wood (Pinus L.) veneers with differing quality classes. The samples were subjected to three-point bending tests to calculate the moduli of elasticity and stiffness, which are the most important parameters. Because both analysed parameters describe product quality, the analyses were based on the creation of Shewhart control charts for each parameter. In theory, these control charts are tools for analysing whether the production process is stable and yields predictable results. To have full control over the process, five elements have to be applied: central line (target), two types of control lines (upper and lower) and two types of specification lines (upper and lower). New types of layered composites for flooring may be applied to production once verified using Shewhart control charts. It turns out that it is possible to produce the base layer of the flooring materials using the rotary cutting (peeling) method without having to analyse the quality of the raw material. This is a way to significantly increase the efficiency of production in every element of manufacturing.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing Technology, Materials and Methods (Second Edition))
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Open AccessArticle
Research and Optimization of Extrusion Tap Structure Based on Numerical Simulation and Experimental Analysis
by
Yi Tao, Nian Wan, Daoming Xu and Qiang He
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1891; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081891 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
In order to enhance the quality of thread processing by tap, a systematic analysis of its forming mechanism and factors affecting forming quality is conducted. Effects of the number of edges, the amount of shovel back, the extrusion cone, the calibration part and
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In order to enhance the quality of thread processing by tap, a systematic analysis of its forming mechanism and factors affecting forming quality is conducted. Effects of the number of edges, the amount of shovel back, the extrusion cone, the calibration part and the extrusion cone angle on the torque and temperature are achieved by finite element analysis and experiments. From the perspective of reducing torque and temperature during the forming process, the optimal combination of tap structural parameters for machining M22×2 internal threads on 42CrMo4 high-strength steel are further obtained through orthogonal optimization. The results show that, unlike the cutting process of threads, the extrusion forming process of threads is a net forming process in which metal undergoes plastic deformation in a limited space, and the metal material continuously flows along the edge of the V-shaped groove of the tap, gradually piling up to form the thread tooth shape. This also caused a noticeable lack of flesh at the top of the extruded thread teeth. Better quality threads can be obtained by machining with optimized structural parameters. The maximum torque and temperature during the machining process are reduced by 22.86% and 20.31%, respectively. The depth of the hardened layer increased by 0.05 mm, and the root and top hardness of the teeth increased by 10 HV0.2 and 5 HV0.2, respectively.
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(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)
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Open AccessArticle
Synthesis of Bio-Based Polyester Resins for Vat Photopolymerization 3D Printing
by
Ines Cazin, Martin Ocepek, Janez Kecelj, Aleš Stanislav Stražar and Sandra Schlögl
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1890; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081890 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Driven by environmental considerations, the scientific community has directed great effort towards the synthesis of new materials derived from renewable resources. However, for photocurable resins, most commercially available building blocks still rely on petroleum-based precursors. Herein, we present a simple synthesis route for
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Driven by environmental considerations, the scientific community has directed great effort towards the synthesis of new materials derived from renewable resources. However, for photocurable resins, most commercially available building blocks still rely on petroleum-based precursors. Herein, we present a simple synthesis route for bio-based acrylate-modified polyester resins, whose viscosity is sufficiently low for processing them with vat photopolymerization 3D printing. The established synthesis route enables the gradual substitution of fossil-based raw materials with bio-based alternatives. The acid number, color and viscosity of the bio-based acrylic resins are characterized and photocurable formulations are prepared by adding a radical photoinitiator. The photopolymerization kinetics, and thermomechanical and mechanical properties of the photopolymers are investigated as a function of the resin structure and benchmarked against a commercially available petroleum-based counterpart. Finally, the processability of the new bio-based resins via digital light processing 3D printing is demonstrated and test specimens are successfully 3D printed with a resolution in the millimeter range.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in the Section 'Polymeric Materials' (2nd Edition))
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Analytical Review of the Current State of Technology, Structure Formation, and Properties of Variatropic Centrifugally Compacted Concrete
by
Evgenii M. Shcherban’, Sergey A. Stel’makh, Levon R. Mailyan, Alexey N. Beskopylny, Alla S. Smolyanichenko, Andrei Chernil’nik, Diana Elshaeva and Nikita Beskopylny
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1889; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081889 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Current regulatory documents and the scientific literature lack a theoretical framework and practical guidance for calculating centrifugally compacted reinforced concrete structures, taking into account the variatropy of their structure and the material’s characteristics across the section. A problem related to this research lies
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Current regulatory documents and the scientific literature lack a theoretical framework and practical guidance for calculating centrifugally compacted reinforced concrete structures, taking into account the variatropy of their structure and the material’s characteristics across the section. A problem related to this research lies in the need to form a systematized, theoretical, and practical knowledge base about variatropic concretes, the importance of which has been proven by various scientists without, to date, the creation of a unified scientific methodological base. The importance of this study is linked to the need for the world’s construction projects and processes to transition to the most economically, materially, and resource-efficient types of building structures, which, of course, include structures made of variable-type concrete. This study’s objective is to fill these scientific and engineering gaps. The purpose of this study was to systematize the existing knowledge base about the technology, structure formation, and properties of variatropic concrete, using an analytical review of previously conducted studies by ourselves and others, both in Russia and abroad. A theoretical justification for the formation of the structure of variatropic materials is presented. An analysis of the basic physical and mechanical properties of variatropic concretes is carried out and the features of their microstructures are considered. The main structures created using centrifugation technology are considered. Variatropic concrete has an increased amount of mechanical characteristics compared to traditional concrete, on average by up to 45%. The durability of variatropic concrete is improved, on average, by up to 30% compared to conventional concrete.
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(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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Fused Filament Fabrication of Polyethylene/Graphene Composites for In-Space Manufacturing
by
Susanna Laurenzi, Federica Zaccardi, Elisa Toto, Maria Gabriella Santonicola, Sabina Botti and Tanya Scalia
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1888; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081888 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Graphene-based composite materials are highly sought after for space applications due to their ability to encompass various properties, such as electrical conductivity, thermal resistance, and radiation shielding. This versatility allows for the creation of multifunctional components that can serve various purposes in space.
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Graphene-based composite materials are highly sought after for space applications due to their ability to encompass various properties, such as electrical conductivity, thermal resistance, and radiation shielding. This versatility allows for the creation of multifunctional components that can serve various purposes in space. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of composite materials in space offers a versatile and efficient means of manufacturing components, tools, and structures that are tailored to the unique challenges and requirements of space missions. In this work, we aim to develop 3D-printed composites made of medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) matrix and exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets (xGnP) as filler, using fused filament fabrication (FFF). Our research focuses on the challenges associated with the FFF process for fabricating MDPE/xGnP materials, particularly by optimizing filament extrusion and assessing the resulting material properties and space environmental compatibility. Firstly, we optimize the extrusion process, and use the MDPE/xGnP filaments to fabricate 3D-printed samples after defining the FFF parameters. We employ differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to assess the melting properties and crystallization degree of the extruded filaments and 3D-printed samples, providing insights into the relationship between these properties and the characteristics of the initial powders. Electrical and tensile tests are carried out to evaluate the material properties after successfully mitigating challenges, such as warping and inadequate adhesion, to build plates during the printing process. Finally, we subject the 3D-printed composites to outgassing tests under exposure to the AM0 solar spectrum to evaluate their space environmental suitability. The results of this work demonstrate the capability of the FFF-based process to efficiently manufacture components made of MDPE/xGnP composites, providing optimized parameters for their potential in-space fabrication.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Materials and Composites: Manufacturing, Properties, and Applications in the Aerospace Field)
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