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The Journal of Materials Science awards the annual Robert W. Cahn Prize to recognize the best paper published in the journal each year. The winner of the 2023 Cahn Prize is a research paper titled "Molecular modelling of graphene nanoribbons on the effect of porosity and oxidation on the mechanical and thermal properties." The paper presents molecular simulation models of graphene nanoribbons and examines the impact of porosity and oxidation on their mechanical and thermal conductivity properties. The paper is well-written and provides valuable insights for researchers in this field. Two other papers were selected as runners-up for the prize. All the monthly finalists for the Cahn Prize can be downloaded for free on the journal's website. [Extracted from the article]

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High-entropy borides are deemed robust candidates because of their complex combination of entropy-driven, multi-component disordered solid solutions. They are particularly remarkable for their unique single-crystal structures and significant bandgap. This structural adaptability positions them uniquely among materials, setting them apart from conventional transition metal diborides. Researchers have been fascinated by the appeal of high-entropy borides for a long time, driven by the groundbreaking idea of 'High entropy ceramics'. Nevertheless, the lack of thorough review papers in this field has hindered the progress of creating strong and durable high-entropy borides. This paper proposes adopting a collaborative strategy to properly negotiate this unexplored region. This perspective covers the up-to-date research on successfully synthesized high-entropy boride complexes. It examines compositional strategies, historical backgrounds, structural complexity, fabrication methods, mechanical, thermal, and oxidation properties, as well as emergent properties with potential uses, pathways, and future possibilities. This attempt challenges materials science traditions by introducing novel materials with superior performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper investigates novel approaches to the fabrication of fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) via additive manufacturing (AM), with a focus on improving mechanical properties in polymers, metals, and ceramics while reducing weight of the structures. FRCs have been regarded as the optimal material choice across the automobile, aerospace, and construction industries due to their exceptional characteristics, including high strength-to-weight ratio, elevated stiffness, commendable thermal stability, remarkable fatigue and impact resistance, as well as noteworthy chemical and corrosion resistance. AM plays a significant role in FRCs production by offering design flexibility, product customization, waste reduction, near net shape fabrication, cost-effectiveness, and fast prototyping. This paper initially categorizes AM of FRCs into three categories: AM of polymer-matrix, metal-matrix, and ceramic-matrix composites. These categories are further subdivided based on the types of matrix as well as fibers used. Subsequently, it emphasizes the roles of 4D printing and numerical simulation in AMFRCs. The review concludes by addressing potential applications, existing challenges, and scope of AMFRCs in future research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the importance and limitations of peer-reviewed journal articles in the scientific community. The author emphasizes that a single paper should not be seen as an indisputable scientific fact, but rather as part of an ongoing process of scientific discovery and refinement. The author suggests several ways to assess the trustworthiness of a paper, including evaluating the authors' track record, the number of citations the paper has received, and the reputation of the journal in which it is published. However, the author also highlights the importance of personal relationships and trust in assessing the quality of a paper. Overall, the article provides valuable insights into the peer-review system and the challenges it faces in the modern scientific landscape. [Extracted from the article]

Twinning is an important deformation mechanism for magnesium alloys, which has a significant impact on the texture evolution and mechanical properties. Pre-twinning deformation has been considered as an effective method for texture regulation. For each twinning mode, there are six crystallographically equivalent variants. Properly identifying the activated twin and understanding its variant selection criteria are essential for the development of high-performance magnesium alloys. As summarized in this paper, the observed twin variant by the commonly employed electron backscatter diffraction technique can be identified by several approaches, including misorientation analysis, trace analysis and matrix method. Schmid factor analysis was commonly performed to explain the selection of twin variants. To broaden the application scope under complex stress state, a generalized Schmid factor was derived by introducing a stress tensor. The efficiency of Schmid criteria to assess twin variant selection was confirmed to be influenced by the type of the applied stress. To consider the local effect on twin activation, in particular twin-twin transfer and slip-induced twinning, displacement gradient tensor calculation and geometrical compatibility factor analysis have been employed. It was demonstrated that local strain accommodation played a critical role in selecting the variants of cross-boundary twins in magnesium alloys. Assisted with crystal plasticity finite element modeling, the resolved shear stress on twinning and a composite Schmid factor combining the global Schmid factor and geometrical compatibility factor were obtained to better explain the activated twin variants in magnesium alloys. All the above-mentioned Schmid law based criteria and some energy based criteria as well are summarized in this paper. Their applications in evaluating twin variant selection in magnesium alloys are critically reviewed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalloying has been an important method in aluminum alloy development for decades. Large number of papers have shown that the addition of trace element Erbium (Er) can effectively improve the comprehensive properties of aluminum alloys. Similar with the trace element Scandium (Sc), addition of trace element Er in aluminum alloys could form nano-sized L12-ordered Al3Er precipitates, which was coherent with the Al matrix. However, the dispersion precipitation strengthening effect of Al3Er was more significant than that of Al3Sc, at the same atomic content. In the case of the addition of both Er and Zr, core–shell-structured Al3(Er, Zr) precipitates formed instead of Al3Er precipitates. Those thermally-stable nanosized precipitates could significantly refine the grain size, retard the recrystallization, improve the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. This paper reviewed several typical Er-containing microalloyed commercial aluminum alloys, like 2xxx (Al–Cu) alloys, 4xxx (Al–Si) alloys, 5xxx (Al–Mg) alloys, 7xxx (Al–Zn–Mg–Cu) alloys, as well as selective laser melting aluminum alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of society and technology, machinery and equipment have enhanced our work efficiency but have also introduced various hazards, such as electromagnetic radiation, medical, industrial, and agricultural rays. The harms these radiations inflict on human health are significant, with severe cases leading to cancer, disability, or even life-threatening situations. Therefore, effective protective measures in some fields are crucial. This paper firstly summarized the basic principles of radiation protection for different rays, then systematically introduced the widely used manufacturing methods for flexible radiation shielding materials, including weaving with metal fibers, fiber blending, silver-plated fibers, and so on. Subsequently, the paper reviewed the testing methods of radiation-protective clothing materials. Finally, it comprehensively concluded the discussions on flexible radiation shielding materials and offered a perspective on their future development trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increased environmental awareness, the depletion of fossil fuels, and expanding ecological concerns, today's society has a larger need for environmentally friendly materials. The idea of sustainable development of environmental material resources with enhanced economic activities was born from the rise in ecological consciousness. The textile industry generates enormous amounts of cotton waste. The environmental impact of disposing of this cotton waste makes it difficult for the textile sector to dispose of the vast amounts of produced cotton waste. As a result, all-cellulose composites (ACCs) have piqued the interest of researchers in recent years. All-cellulose composites are cellulose-based mono-component cellulose composites in which the reinforcing phase is typically composed of high-strength cellulose fibres, and the matrix is composed of regenerated cellulose. This composite type is distinguished by its exceptional interfacial compatibility and biodegradability due to the matrix and reinforcing phase having common cellulosic compositions. ACCs will become a more alluring option as enterprises prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility because they can be recycled and reused rapidly and simply. This will contribute to less waste and enhance the overall sustainability of our society. This review paper discusses various methods to develop ACCs, textile waste-based thermoset and thermoplastic composites and textile waste-based cellulose composites (TWCCs). This review paper emphasizes approaches to develop TWCCs and the challenges and opportunities in TWCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are widely used to reinforce and repair buildings due to their high strength, corrosion resistance, lightweight, and convenient of construction. The interfacial properties between FRP and the reinforced buildings play a very important role in the effective transfer of stress and largely determine the service hours of the reinforced structures. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress on the interfacial properties of FRP reinforced concrete. First, the composition of FRP reinforcement system is introduced. EB-FRP and NSM-FRP reinforcement methods are suitable for reinforcing different buildings. Then, the influence factors of the interfacial properties are highlighted. The choice of interfacial agent, roughness of the reinforced concrete surface, temperature and environment have very important impact on the reinforcement effect. Finally, the main damage modes and failure mechanisms of the interface between FRP and the reinforced concrete are summarized. The choice of the interfacial agent determines the main failure mode. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the further research on the interface damage mechanism of FRP reinforced concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural waste is an economically and environmentally beneficial precursor material for the development of activated carbon (AC) due to its low price, wide sources, and large production scale. This makes it a crucial field for agricultural waste treatment and AC development. This paper reviews the research progress of agricultural waste-based activated carbon (AWAC), including the sources and characteristics of agricultural waste, and the effects of raw material characteristics and activation conditions on the performance of AWAC. It analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of various preparation methods of AWAC. Additionally, it explains the research status of AWAC in wastewater treatment, gas adsorption, catalyst carrier, and energy carrier. Finally, this paper summarizes the advantages and limitations of using agricultural wastes as raw materials for AC, and provides a prospect for raw material development, process optimization, and application expansion, taking into account the shortcomings of current research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnZrOx has been used in large quantities for the preparation of light olefins from CO2, but the relationship between structure and performance remains unclear at present. In this paper, ZnZrOx were prepared by co-precipitation method, and a series of oxides with different sizes were prepared by varying the calcination temperatures. Subsequently, these oxides were combined with SAPO-34 to create a composite bifunctional catalyst for the synthesis of light olefins by CO2 hydrogenation, in which the impact of nanocrystal size effect was examined. The catalytic performance significantly increased as the nanocrystal size reduced from 18 to 12 nm. However, when the nanocrystal size was further decreased to 8 nm, the catalytic performance decline. Characterizations revealed a gradual increase in the number of oxygen vacancies with decreasing nanocrystal size. However, the oxide with the smallest nanocrystal size, prepared by varied calcination temperatures, did not yield the optimal catalytic performance due to sintering occurring during the reaction process. The results show that the assumption that smaller nanocrystal sizes inherently equate to improved catalytic performance is not universally valid, and stability must be considered when the nanocrystal size is decreased. The bifunctional catalysts used in this paper for the prepared light olefins from CO2 in yield as high as 13.8%, which is higher than most previous reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]