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Silicon nanowires entail significant potential as sensors in nanoelectromechanical systems. Despite its crucial impact in such applications, inconsistent trends in mechanical behavior reported in computational and experimental studies remain unexplained. Hence, scale effect in even the most fundamental elastic properties requires clarification. This work introduces a multiscale model to bridge the existing gap between atomistic simulations and experimental observations encountered around a critical dimension of 10 nm. The combined approach of this work is based on molecular dynamics and modified core–shell model and captures the scale effect over a substantial size range. The evolution of the modulus of elasticity is thus studied and linked to nanowire critical dimension through the parameterization of surface inhomogeneity. The developed method is also validated through an analysis of native oxide revealing an average modulus of elasticity of 75 GPa. The method’s applicability can be extended to similar one-dimensional structures with unique surface states.

A nanocomposite consisting of iron disilicide nanocrystals embedded in a Si matrix was prepared from industry-grade ferrosilicon by ball milling and subsequent heat treatment. By tailoring the heat treatment temperature either the metallic α -FeSi _2 or the semiconducting β -FeSi _2 phase could be made the dominant one, as indicated by x-ray diffraction. Magnetization curve and zero-field cooled/field cooled measurements revealed that ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic centers are present in the nanocomposites, which could be attributed to Fe-rich defective regions at the surface of the iron disilicide nanocrystals. For both nanocomposites, containing either mainly the α or β phase, we could show that the magnetization can be varied by about 40% by electrochemical lithiation and delithiation of the surrounding Si matrix, with up to 6.5% of the magnetization change being reversible. These variations could be attributed to the formation of additional Fe-rich magnetic regions, induced by a local change of the Fe/Si fraction at the FeSi _2 /Si interfaces, and their subsequent partial elimination. Thus, this work demonstrates a new concept for how an ‘indirect magneto-ionic effect’ can be obtained in composite materials consisting of a phase prone to the electrochemical ion uptake (i.e. the Si matrix) and a magnetic phase (i.e. the FeSi _2 nanocrystals).

Therapeutic ultrasound for brain stimulation has increased in the last years. This energy has shown promising results for treating Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and traumatic brain injury, among other conditions. However, the application of ultrasound in the brain should trespass a natural but highly attenuating and distorting barrier, the cranium. Implantable ceramic materials can be used to replace part of the cranium as an alternate method to enhance ultrasound transmission. In this work, it is presented the acoustic characterization of alumina ceramic disks that can be employed as cranial implants for acoustic windows-to-the-brain. Alumina samples were prepared using current-activated pressure-assisted densification and were acoustically characterized. Acoustic impedance and attenuation of the samples were determined for different porosities. Additionally, measured and modeled acoustic fields are presented and analyzed in terms of the total ultrasound transmitted through the ceramics. Results indicate a resonant behavior in the alumina disks when the thickness corresponds to a half-wavelength of ultrasound; this resonance permits a total of 95.4% of ultrasound transmission; for thicknesses out of the resonant zone, transmission is 53.0%. Alumina proves to be an excellent medium for ultrasound transmission that, in conjunction with its mechanical and optical properties, can be useful for cranium replacement in mixed opto-acoustic applications.

Borogermanate glasses containing terbium ions are interesting materials due to their luminescent and magnetic properties. Terbium can present two different oxidation states and the thermal poling technique can be a pertinent way to modulate spatially the oxidation state of these ions. In this work, we demonstrate using a thermo-electrical imprinting process the transfer of micro scaled motifs on the surface of a borogermanate glass containing Tb ^3+ resulting in a micrometric structuring of the oxidation state of Tb ^3+ /Tb ^4+ ions. A large change in absorption and luminescence optical properties is observed, arising from the distinct properties of trivalent and tetravalent terbium ions. Correlative micro luminescence, Raman and second harmonic generation measurements were carried out on the patterned poled glass surface. This has demonstrated an accurate concomitant modification of the glass structure accompanying large luminescence changes and the appearance of a second order optical response which could be attributed to a localized space charge implantation. These original results demonstrate how a simple electrical process allows managing multi optical properties but also paves the way to induce static electrical functionalities in a magnetic optical glassy system.

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells provide an excellent basis for the advancement of high-temperature solid oxide devices, offering potential solutions to a range of challenges in the hydrogen energy and carbon capture fields. The facilitated ionic transport in proton-conducting electrolytes enables these cells to operate at temperatures 100 °C–500 °C lower than those of conventional solid oxide cells with known zirconia electrolytes. As a result, promising performances have been reported for various types of proton ceramic electrochemical cells. Nevertheless, these advancements have been demonstrated only at the laboratory scale, whereas their ZrO _2 -based counterparts have already been commercialized. This review presents an overview of the fundamental and applied aspects related to the fabrication of tubular protonic ceramic electrochemical cells and their subsequent characterization as hydrogen permeation membranes, hydrogen pumps, hydrogen sensors, fuel cells, electrolysis cells, and electrochemical reactors. A specific focus is placed on the technological aspects of the tube preparations derived from the original powder sources as well as the dimensional characteristics of the tubes, which serve as an indicator of scaling. Therefore, this review serves as a starting point for the development and scaling of protonic ceramic electrochemical cells, with the potential for large-scale production.

This study investigated the synthesis of Ni _50 Mn _35 Sn _15 (NMS) Heusler alloys using arc melting and laser-induced melting techniques, focusing on the influence of these methods on the alloys’ structural and magnetocaloric properties. The research further examined the impact of post-synthesis treatments, including annealing and mechanical grinding, as well as the stability of these alloys under repeated magnetization cycles. The results demonstrated that laser-induced melting significantly enhanced the magnetocaloric performance of NMS alloys compared to arc melting. This method produced alloys with finer microstructures, leading to improved performance and stability in magnetocaloric applications. The study emphasized the importance of synthesis methods in developing efficient magnetocaloric materials and highlights their potential to advance sustainable cooling technologies.

The aim of this study is to determine changes in the near-surface layer of ZrO _2 ceramics caused by irradiation with low-energy He ^2+ ions, as well as the associated formation of defects and structural deformations. During the experimental work conducted, it was established that the accumulation of deformation-structural distortions is of two stage nature, having a direct dependence on irradiation fluence and, therefore, on atomic displacement value. It was determined that at small atomic displacement values (less than 10 dpa), the main mechanisms of structural distortions are caused by tensile residual stresses, the value of which is less than 0.1 GPa. At the same time, the deformation distortion of chemical bonds has a pronounced anisotropy associated with a more pronounced distortion of the Zr–O _I chemical bonds, the distortion of which results in the formation of vacancy defects in the form of V _O . During determination of alterations in optical characteristics depending on the atomic displacement value, it was found that the dominant role at small values of dpa (less than 10 dpa) is played by point defects, which influence the formation of obstacles in the form of absorbing centers. In this case, an increase in the irradiation fluence above 10 ^17 ion cm ^−2 results in a growth in the linear refractive index, the change of which has a direct correlation with the value of residual stresses in the damaged layer. Certain dependencies of changes in structural features and their relationship with deformation distortions, as well as the accumulation of vacancy defects, can subsequently be used to predict the potential of using these ceramics as materials for new generation nuclear reactors.

Antimicrobial coatings offer a promising solution for enhancing the efficacy of materials used to fabricate protective equipment for healthcare personnel. Given the rapid spread of respiratory diseases caused by pathogenic bioaerosols, our study delves into probing the antimicrobial properties of a sputtered ZnO nanolayer deposited onto polypropylene fabrics earmarked for the production of respiratory protective gear such as facemasks. A comprehensive methodology was developed to assess the immediate antimicrobial effect of the zinc oxide nanolayer against bioaerosols laden with four DNA or RNA viral surrogates and eight aerobic and anaerobic bacterial species. Additionally, its antimicrobial efficacy was measured over time across contact durations ranging from 0.5 to 24 h. The ZnO nanolayer exhibited an immediate reduction in infectivity of approximately 40% for RNA viruses, whereas only an 11% reduction was noted for the DNA virus. Remarkably, the infectivity of RNA viruses was totally eradicated after 12 h of contact with the ZnO nanolayer. In the case of anaerobic bacteria-laden bioaerosols, inhibition ratios ranged from 58% to 97% across various anaerobic strains, while aerobic bacteria aerosols demonstrated inhibition ranging from 26% to 74%. Notably, after 24 h of direct contact between bacteria and ZnO nanolayer, a substantial viability inhibition of most strains (80%–90%) was achieved. These findings underscore the potential of ZnO nanolayer for diverse biomedical purposes, encompassing personal protective equipment and other applications such as air purification systems.

Efficient transportation requires minimal frictional resistance. Skidding has become an alternative method of transporting heavy structures in recent years. The static coefficient of friction plays an important role in determining whether the piston force in the thrust direction is sufficient to counteract the horizontal frictional force caused by the structure’s weight. This study aimed to determine various static coefficient of friction values for PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE) and glass-reinforced PTFE-C15 materials on steel skids. The research presents the influence of lubrication and the reduction of surface roughness on the static coefficient of friction. We designed six combinations of experiments for 10 repetitions for PTFE and PTFE-C15 under dry, oiled, and oil lubrication with added weight conditions. An inclined plane method was used to investigate and compare the coefficients of friction values of pure PTFE and glass-reinforced PTFE-C15 materials on a steel surface. The steel surface roughness was reduced by grinding to an average Ra value of 2.8 to minimize adhesion, which created a vacuum effect during the test. The application of added weight onto the specimens overcame the vacuum effect. PTFE-C15 in oil lubrication with added weight demonstrated the lowest coefficient of friction. However, it is noteworthy that pure PTFE had better performance than PTFE-C15 when both were oil-lubricated. These results provide essential data for precise engineering calculations to determine the required piston force and total number of pistons for loading heavy structures.

Ti6Al4V is the most widely used materials in aerospace, medical, nuclear power and other fields. However, due to its unique properties such as low thermal conductivity, titanium alloy poses challenges in machining processes. Electrical discharge milling (EDM) is a machining method that utilizes the electrical corrosion phenomenon of pulsed spark discharge between two electrodes to remove materials, which is highly suitable for the machining of Ti6Al4V. This paper investigates a mixed powder EDM approach for titanium alloy using a graphene solution medium known for its green and sustainable characteristics. Compared to conventional deionized water medium processing which without powder particles, the material removal rate can be increased by 50%, the surface hardness after processing was 2.5 times higher than that of the substrate, the electrode wear rate could be reduced by 40%, the surface roughness values were reduced by more than 20%. Besides that, the micro-cracks and micro-pores on the workpiece surface can be significantly reduced. Subsequently, single factor experiments and orthogonal experiments were conducted using material removal rate, electrode wear rate, and surface roughness as process indicators. The influence of processing parameters on process indicators was investigated based on optimal selection method and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Finally, the optimized parameters in graphene solution mixed powder EDM for Ti6Al4V were obtained. When using the process combination A3B3C1D2, the maximum MRR can be obtained.

Objective . To compare the shear bond strength values of current CAD/CAM materials and to evaluate the color changes resulting from immersion in coloring solutions. Material and Methods . A total of 160 specimens were prepared from 4 CAD/CAM blocks; lithium disilicate glass ceramic (IPS E.max CAD[EC]), zirconia reinforced lithium silicate ceramic (Vita Suprinity[VS]), polymer infiltrated glass ceramic (Vita Enamic[VE]) and hybrid ceramic (GC Cerasmart [GC]). The ceramic specimens were immersed in tea, coffee, cherry juice and distilled water solutions. Color measurements were made. To compare the shear bond strength values, all specimens were bonded to resin cement. Then the specimens were aged with 5000 thermocycling. The failure modes were classified according to stereomicroscope analysis and than scanning electron microscopy images for surface topography were obtained. Results . The color change values were significantly greater in coffee compared to other solutions and the highest color change was seen in GC and VE. The highest bond strength values were seen in VS and VE. The shear bond strength values are listed as follows: VS>VE>EC>CS. Conclusions . EC and VS can be used, especially in aesthetic restorations, due to their high color stability. Additionally, considering the bond strength values of VS, it appears to be a highly satisfactory material.

In this study, the effect of welding currents and welding times on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the dissimilar welded joints of Q&P980 and Q&P1180 steel was investigated. The macrostructure and microstructure of the dissimilar welded joints were characterized and the relationship between the welding parameters and the mechanical performance was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscope, scanning electron microscope, and mechanical properties testers. Results show that with the increasing welding current and welding time, the nugget diameter, indentation rate, and maximum shear force of the dissimilar joint increase. The absorption energy of the dissimilar joint increases when the welding current rises, while it increases first and then decreases with elevating welding time. All the hardness distributions of the dissimilar Q&P980/Q&P1180 joints exhibit the highest hardness value in the fusion zone and a gradually decreasing hardness value in the heat-affected zone. Moreover, with increasing current and time, much higher hardness occurs at the FZ/HAZ boundary. The microstructure characterization illustrates the martensite fraction in the intercritical heat-affected zone of the Q&P1180 side is higher than that of the Q&P980 side after the welding process. With the increase of welding current and time, the lath martensite in the fusion zone gradually coarsens. The coarsening martensite and the nugget diameter are responsible for the change in the shear force and energy absorption of the dissimilar Q&P980/Q&P1180 joints.

The increasing demand for advanced energy storage solutions has driven extensive research into Zn-ion batteries due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compatibility. This study presents a synthesis and evaluation of VO _2 @VS _2 hollow nanospheres as a novel cathode material for Zn-ion batteries. The VO _2 @VS _2 composite, synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method, demonstrates a significant improvement in electrochemical performance. The material exhibits a reversible capacity of 468 mAh g ^−1 at 0.1 A g ^−1 and maintains a high capacity of 237 mAh g ^−1 at 1.0 A g ^−1 over 1000 cycles with a retention rate of 85%. Electrochemical analyses reveal enhanced charge transfer and Zn-ion storage, attributed to the synergistic effect and built-in electric field of the VO _2 and VS _2 heterostructure. Additionally, the composite shows superior electrochemical kinetics, facilitating rapid ion transport and charge transfer. In-situ Raman analysis confirms the reversible Zn-ion storage mechanism, further validating the composite’s structural stability during cycling. Density functional theory calculations further support these findings, indicating the composite’s potential for high-rate capability and long-term cycling stability. This research highlights the promise of VO _2 @VS _2 hollow nanospheres in advancing the performance of aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

Water molecules at solid–liquid interfaces play a pivotal role in governing interfacial phenomena that underpin electrochemical and catalytic processes. The organization and behavior of these interfacial water molecules can significantly influence the solvation of ions, the adsorption of reactants, and the kinetics of electrochemical reactions. The stepped structure of Pt surfaces can alter the properties of the interfacial water, thereby modulating the interfacial environment and the resulting surface reactivity. Revealing the in situ details of water structures at these stepped Pt/water interfaces is crucial for understanding the fundamental mechanisms that drive diverse applications in energy conversion and material science. In this work, we have developed a machine learning potential for the Pt(211)/water interface and performed machine learning molecular dynamics simulations. Our findings reveal distinct types of chemisorbed and physisorbed water molecules within the adsorbed layer. Importantly, we identified three unique water pairs that were not observed in the basal plane/water interfaces, which may serve as key precursors for water dissociation. These interfacial water structures contribute to the anisotropic dynamics of the adsorbed water layer. Our study provides molecular-level insights into the anisotropic nature of water behavior at stepped Pt/water interfaces, which can influence the reorientation and distribution of intermediates, molecules, and ions—crucial aspects for understanding electrochemical and catalytic processes.

Comprehending the microscopic formation of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in nitrogen-doped diamonds is crucial for enhancing the controllable preparation of NV centers and quantum applications. Irradiation followed by annealing simulations for a type-Ib diamond with a 900 ppm concentration of isolated nitrogen is conducted along different orientations and at different annealing temperatures. In these simulations, molecular dynamics (MD) with smoothly connected potential functions are implemented. MD simulations revealed the dynamic formation process of the NV center, which was subsequently verified by first-principles calculations and experiments. The results indicate that vacancies undergo one or multiple migrations by exchanging sites with neighboring atoms. There are three mechanisms for the formation of NV centers: direct irradiation-induced NV formation, irradiation with further annealing to form NV and vacancy migration (VM) during the annealing process. Furthermore, the results show that both VM and NV center formations are affected by orientations. This study clarifies the formation of NV centers across multiple scales and provides a solid foundation for the targeted preparation of NV centers.

Electron beam melting (EBM) as one of the relatively new metal AM techniques showed promising and increasing applications. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the quality of the EBM process using its critical quality characteristics. However, EBM and different AM process parts have many functionally or statistically correlated quality characteristics. Consequently, the quality characteristics of the EBM process should be evaluated together. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the quality of the EBM process using a multivariate process capability index (MPCI). In this study, the dimensional accuracy in different directions is considered as a quality characteristics. The proposed methodology involves producing a large sample of small specimens of square shape using EBM technology. Three critical dimensions of the specimen in the X, Y, and Z axis are investigated as quality characteristics. The dimensions of quality characteristics are measured using a precise measurement device. The normality and stability assumptions of the collected data are investigated using skewness measure, and multivariate process control chart respectively. Then a large sample of the multivariate normal data is simulated using computer software to estimate the percent of nonconforming (PNC) from the established specification limits, which is used to estimate MPCI. Finally, the capable tolerance of the process is estimated and the sensitivity analysis of variation is investigated. The results show the capability of the EBM process under different specification limits designations. Estimating MPCI revealed that the EBM process is capable under very coarse limits only. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis showed that variation in quality characteristics data is very sensitive for MPCI estimation, especially variation in width quality characteristic.

The class of NbC-Ni cermets has emerged as a promising environmentally friendly alternative to WC-Co cemented carbide tools, although some inherent properties i.e. room temperature hardness and flexural strength, of NbC-Ni cermets may require further enhancements. To enhance the properties of NbC-Ni cermets, diverse methodologies were applied, including grain inhibition and the strengthening of the cermet through the use of reinforcements. This study systematically examined the impact of TiC additions, specifically at 10% and 20%, on both the microstructure and mechanical properties of NbC-12Ni-4VC-4Mo _2 C cermets. NbC-12Ni cermets were fabricated via vacuum liquid phase sintering (LPS) at 1400 °C and 1450 °C. Enhancements by incorporating 4% VC and 4% Mo _2 C, followed by TiC at 10% and 20% concentrations to the NbC-Ni-4VC4Mo _2 C cermet were made. XRD and SEM results confirm the formation of (Nb, X, Y) C solid solution cubic FCC carbides. Significant grain refinement was evident in the cermet samples, subjected to grain inhibition. The observed grain sizes ranged from a maximum of 6.84 μm (in NbC12Ni) to a minimum of 2.154 μm (in the sample containing 20% TiC) at 1450 °C. The incorporation of 20TiC at 1450 °C led to a remarkable 26.5% enhancement in average hardness compared to NbC-Ni cermet, and a 4.2% improvement over the 4VC4Mo _2 C cermet. At 1450 °C, 20TiC reinforcement led to an average fracture toughness of 9.331 MPa√m, representing a 4.56% improvement over the 4VC4Mo _2 C cermet. However, there was a marginal reduction in toughness compared to the NbC-Ni cermet. Moreover, the addition of TiC led to a decrease in the flexural strength of the cermets, with a maximum flexural strength of 939 N mm ^−2 recorded for NbC-Ni-4VC4Mo _2 C, representing an 11.6% increase compared to the NbC-Ni cermet.

The 70Cr8Ni2Y coatings were prepared by direct laser deposition (DLD) with different scanning speeds. The microstructure evolution and the relationship between microstructure and properties of the coatings were studied. The results demonstrated that the microstructure of DLD 70Cr8Ni2Y coatings was martensite, and the phases were α ′ (Fe-Cr) and γ -Fe (Fe-Ni). With the increased of scanning speed, the martensite size decreased from 5.42 ± 0.04 μm to 4.42 ± 0.01 μm and 3.20 ± 0.02 μm. When the scanning speed was 20 mm s ^−1 , the fabricated coating displayed the highest average microhardness (883 ± 37 HV) and the lowest mass wear rate (0.061 mg mm ^−1 ) without pores. The combined strengthening effect of fine grain strengthening and solid solution strengthening, as well as good formability, were the fundamental reasons for the high hardness and wear resistance of the coating. The results of this study can provide an experimental basis for the DLD alloy coatings with high hardness and wear resistance.

In this paper, a patterned graphene metamaterial terahertz absorber is theoretically designed. The proposed absorber consists of a gold layer, a dielectric layer of SiO _2 , and graphene. The sensing sensitivity of the proposed absorber is simulated for the absence and presence of a square convex nanostructure, trapezoidal convex nanostructure, and rounded convex nanostructure. The sensitivity comparison between convex and absent convex nanostructures is studied, compared to no convex nanostructure, the simulated results show that the sensing sensitivity can be improved with the convex nanostructures, it is found that the absorber has two obvious absorption peaks, and it is insensitive to TE and TM polarization, and the maximum sensitivity corresponding to low-frequency and high-frequency modes is 0.911 THz RIU ^−1 and 1.561 THz RIU ^−1 , respectively. Our work will play an important role in improving the sensing sensitivity of the graphene metamaterial absorber. Meanwhile, it can also greatly promote the application of biological sensing, modulation, integrated photodetectors, frequency selectors, sensors, filters and so on.

Magnesium alloys have great potential in biomedical applications due to their unique combination of satisfactory mechanical property and decent biodegradability. However, their poor corrosion resistance limits their applications in biomedical fields. In this work, we employ a chemical conversion deposition method to prepare a Zr-based conversion film on the surface of AZ31 magnesium alloy to serve as a passivation layer. The mechanism for the film formation was studied and it showed the deposition process consists of four steps: substrate dissolution, nucleation, film growth, and film equilibrium. The film is mainly composed of Zr(OH) _4 /ZrO and Mg(OH) _2 /MgO with small amount of MgF _2 and ZrF _4 . The protective performance of the Zr-based film was investigated by electrochemical and immersion tests in simulated body fluid (SBF). Electrochemical results showed a significant decrease in the corrosion current density ( I _corr ), a positive shift of corrosion potential ( E _corr ), a bigger capacitive loop diameter and higher impedance values for the Zr-coated substrate as compared with an uncoated one. Immersion results indicated the corrosion rate of the Zr-coated sample was ∼20% lower than that of an uncoated one. All above results corroborate the great potential of Zr-based coating in enabling AZ31 alloy for biomedical applications.

Understanding the behavior of magnetocaloric materials when exposed to high-energy x-ray irradiation is pivotal for advancing magnetic cooling technologies under extreme environments. This study investigates the magnetic and structural changes of two well-studied magnetocaloric materials, (MnNiSi) _1−x (Fe _2 Ge) _x composition (x = 0.34) and LaFe _13-x-y Mn _x Si _y H _z composition (x = 0.30,y = 0.1.26 and z = 1.53) alloys upon irradiation. The alloys were exposed to x-ray radiation with a dosage of a continuous sweeping rate of ∼>120 Gy min ^−1 and an absorbed dose of 35 kGy . Both the samples didn’t show any observable crystal change after irradiation. There was a considerable change in magnetization at low applied magnetic fields in magnetization versus temperature measurements from 2.72 emu g ^−1 to 4.01 emu g ^−1 in the irradiated (MnNiSi) _1−x (Fe _2 Ge) _x sample and 4.41 emu g ^−1 to 5.49 emu/g fo _r the LaFe _13-x-y Mn _x Si _y H _z alloys. The Magnetization versus magnetic field isotherms near transition temperature exhibited irradiation-induced magnetic hysteresis for the (MnNiSi) _1−x (Fe _2 Ge) _x (x = 0.34) while the LaFe _13-x-y Mn _x Si _y H _z samples did not result in any irradiation-induced magnetic hysteresis. In both the samples the magnitude of entropy change did not change due to irradiation however, the peak entropy change shifted to different temperatures in both the samples, (MnNiSi) _1−x (Fe _2 Ge) _x ( x = 0.34), showed a maximum entropy change, ΔS _mag of ∼ 11.139 J/kgK at 317.5 K compared to ΔS _mag of ∼ 11.349 J/kgK at T _ave peak of 312.5 K for the irradiated sample. LaFe _13-x-y Mn _x Si _y H _z , pristine sample exhibited a maximum magnetic entropy change, ΔS _mag ∼ 18.663 J/kgK, with the corresponding peak temperature, T _ave peak, of 295 K compared to ΔS _mag ∼ 18.736 J/kgK, at T _ave peak of 300 K. It was determined that irradiation applied to the samples did not induce any structural or magnetic phase changes in the selected compositions but rather modified the magnetic properties marginally.

Understanding plasticity and strength of high entropy alloys of HfNbTaTiZr is extremely significant in building nuclear reactors, gas turbines, aerospace devices etc. Here we study an equiatomic (Hf _0.20 -Nb _0.20 -Ta _0.20 -Ti _0.2 -Zr _0.20 ) and a non-equiatomic (Hf _0.35 -Nb _0.20 -Ta _0.15 -Ti _0.15 -Zr _0.15 ) mixture of two alloys under uniaxial tensile loading from molecular dynamics simulations. Modified Embedded atom potential is used to model both these bcc alloys and all simulations are performed at 300 K with three different tensile strain rates–0.0002, 0.0005 and 0.001 ps ^−1 . Radial distribution functions, bond-orientational parameters and OVITO are used to analyse the MD trajectories. At 0.001 ps ^−1 strain, both these alloys deform similarly, but differences are observed at 0.0005 and 0.0002 ps ^−1 strains. At these rates, both alloys deform elastically till 3%, thereafter they deform plastically till 15%–20% strain. Yield strengths are comparable in the elastic limit but in the plastic limit non-equiatomic alloy have higher strength. In equiatomic alloy, bcc phase transforms to fcc whereas in non-equiatomic alloy bcc phase transforms to both fcc and hcp. Formation of hcp atoms (50%) decrease the plasticity of the non-equiatomic alloy but increases its strength. We also observe that in both these alloys and at all strain rates, bcc atoms transform to fcc/hcp atoms through an intermediate amorphous like state. Local coordination and orientation of all atoms change similarly in equiatomic mixture. But in non-equiatomic mixture local orientation in Hf, Ti and Zr changes differently compared to Nb and Ta.

This study used a hydrothermal approach to synthesis carbon dots (CDs) from apricot peel, which were then used as a probe for the selective and sensitive detection of Cd ^2+ ions. The synthesized CDs’ surface groupings, structure, shape, biological nature, and overall size were examined using standard characterization techniques. With a quantum yield of 22.1%, these CDs showed excitation-dependent fluorescence emission. In addition, Cd ^2+ ions were distinguished from other metal ions by a noticeable drop in fluorescence intensity. The fluorescence probe showed a linear response ranging from 0–300 μM and a detection threshold (DT) of 0.21 μM, indicating its effectiveness for Cd ^2+ detection. Furthermore, the CDs demonstrated the practical application by detecting Cd ^2+ ion in actual water samples.

The existing cement masonry units consume cement, natural resources and fuel making it less sustainable. The unrestrained utilization of natural resources and substantial production of industrial wastes has led to reuse and recycling for sustainable development. Among the prevailing industrial wastes, steel slags are presently dumped in landfills. Previous studies have utilized Linz Donawitz (LD) slag aggregates as a partial replacement for natural aggregates. On the other hand, the locally available Mangalore tile waste (MTW) was studied as a natural aggregate replacement. In the current investigation, the LD slag aggregates, and the MTW fine powder, aggregates were incorporated into the masonry system and accessed their fresh properties such as setting time, flow and hardened property -compressive strength, along with microstructural investigations. The masonry mixes indicated that the LD slag type 3 and M sand-based masonry unit exhibited higher compressive strength, around 40 MPa, and can be categorized as heavy-duty bricks according to IS 2180:1988.

Thin films of Ni-Zn ferrite grown on MgO(111) single crystal substrate were prepared using radiofrequency magnetron sputtering, with a target of nominal composition Ni _0.5 Zn _0.5 Fe _2 O _4 . Subsequently, x-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed, which revealed characteristic reflections of a Ni-Zn ferrite structure, confirming the unique formation of the ferrite. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the presence of metal ions in their appropriate valence states within the crystalline structure of the Ni-Zn ferrite. The variation in binding energy observed in the thin film is attributed to changes in the environment of Fe ^3+ and Zn ^2+ or Ni ^2+ ions, resulting from the non-equilibrium distribution of cations in tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The saturation magnetization and the coercivity field were $7.05{\mu }_{{\rm{B}}}/{\rm{cell}}$ and 513 ± 32 Oe, respectively. In addition, ferromagnetic resonance studies were made using broad-band FMR spectroscopy based on a coplanar waveguide (CPW) spectrometer.

The design of new ultra-light Mg-Li alloys have great significance in aerospace and other fields. In this paper, Sn and Y elements were simultaneously added into Mg-8Li-3Al (wt%) alloy and the effect of Y content on microstructure evolution and tensile properties of Mg-8Li-3Al-2Sn-xY (wt%) alloys was studied. The as-cast Mg-8Li-3Al-2Sn alloy is composed of α -Mg + β -Li duplex-phase matrix, fine MgLiAl _2 phase and coarse fishbone-like Li _2 MgSn phase. As Y element is added, granular Al _2 Y phase is formed, and grain size of α -Mg phase decreases significantly with shape changing from well-developed coarse dendritic to equiaxed dendritic. After hot extrusion, α -Mg phase is elongated along the extrusion direction, and β -Li phase undergoes complete dynamic recrystallization and transforms into fine equiaxed grains. The addition of 0.5% Y improves the tensile properties of as-cast Mg-8Li-3Al-2Sn-0.5Y alloy. However, the tensile properties show a downward trend with further increase of Y content. Hot extrusion significantly enhances the tensile properties of Mg-8Li-3Al-2Sn-xY alloys. Similarly, strength reaches the highest when the Y content is 0.5% for extruded Mg-8Li-3Al-2Sn-xY alloys.

Micro diamond tools are indispensable for the efficient machining of microstructured surfaces. The precision in tool manufacturing and cutting performance directly determines the processing quality of components. The manufacturing of high-quality micro diamond tools relies on scientific design methods and appropriate processing techniques. However, there is currently a lack of systematic review on the design and manufacturing methods of micro diamond tools in academia. This study systematically summarizes and analyzes modern manufacturing methods for micro diamond tools, as well as the impact of tool waviness, sharpness, and durability on machining quality. Subsequently, a design method is proposed based on the theory of cutting edge strength distribution to enhance tool waviness, sharpness, and durability. Finally, this paper presents current technical challenges faced by micro diamond tools along with potential future solutions to guide scientists in this field. The aim of this review is to contribute to the further development of the current design and manufacturing processes for micro diamond cutting tools.

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials exhibit remarkable emission properties in the aggregated or solid states, offering numerous advantages such as high quantum yield, excellent photostability, and low background signals. These characteristics have led to their widespread application in optoelectronic devices, bio-detection markers, chemical sensing, and stimuli-responsive applications among others. In contrast to traditional manufacturing processes, 3D printing (3DP) enables rapid prototyping and large-scale customization with excellent flexibility in manufacturing techniques and material selection. The combination of AIE materials with 3DP can provide new strategies for fabricating materials and devices with complex structures. Therefore, 3DP is an ideal choice for processing AIE organic luminescent materials. However, 3DP of AIE materials is still in the early stages of development and is facing many challenges including limited printable AIE materials, poor printing functionalities and limited application range. This review aims to summarize the significant achievements in the field of 3DP of AIE materials. Firstly, different types of AIE materials for 3DP are studied, and the factors that affect the printing effect and the luminescence mechanism are discussed. Then, the latest advancements made in various application domains using 3D printed AIE materials are summarized. Finally, the existing challenges of this emerging field are discussed while the future prospects are prospected.

High-performance permanent magnets play an indispensable role in manufacturing highly efficient motors and generators, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of our planet. Achieving high coercivity ( μ _0 H _c ) in hard magnetic materials at or above room temperature without relying on heavy rare-earth elements remains a challenge. Effective strategies for augmenting μ _0 H _c utilizing low-cost materials involve inter-granular addition and the grain-boundary diffusion (GBD) processes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of selected techniques for developing grain-boundary (GB) modification through a specific focus on the reduction of using heavy rare earth (HRE) elements and utilizing cost-effective non-rare earth and light rare earth (LRE) sources for GBD. To date, the successful application of HRE based metals and compounds, and LRE based alloys as diffusion sources has significantly contributed to μ _0 H _c enhancement. Drawing upon global advancements and findings from various research groups, this comprehensive review offers a critical analysis of the fundamentals and progress in GBD processes (GBDPs). Considering the different types of permanent magnets, the GBDPs, based on the diverse diffusion sources and diffusion processes, are thoroughly compared and summarized. This encapsulates the current state of knowledge in the field, providing valuable insights into the ongoing developments in GB modification to improve permanent magnet performance.

This study investigates the effectiveness of CVD coated carbide inserts in turning hardened AISI 4340 steel at high-machining speed V = 300, 350 m min ^−1 under sustainable dry cutting environment. Experiments were executed in accordance to Taguchi L _4 orthogonal array and crucial machinability aspects tool life, tool wear progression and mechanism, cutting force, and surface roughness were evaluated in detail. The results of this study revealed that Al _2 O _3 /TiCN coating successfully inhibited the faster progression of tool wear at low cutting speed (300 m min ^−1 ), feed rate (0.05 mm rev ^−1 ) and depth of cut (0.1 mm), thus delivering the highest tool life of 19.25 min and lowest cutting force of 76.8 N. However, better surface finish of 0.305 μm was obtained at high cutting speed (350 m min ^−1 ), low feed rate (0.05 mm rev ^−1 ), and high depth of cut (0.1 mm). Nevertheless, at high cutting speed (350 m min ^−1 ) and feed rate (0.1 mm rev ^−1 ), involvement of intense thermal-mechanical effects suppressed the effectiveness of coating and tool completed its useful life at 9.24 min. Severe flaking on the cutting edge was observed at high machining parameters. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed that adhesion, oxidation, and small scale chipping and abrasion were the primary wear mechanisms attributing in competing the tool life criteria (Vb = 300 μm) in all cutting conditions. Furthermore, it was established that the cutting force and surface roughness increased with increasing tool flank wear due to coating delamination, material adhesion and tool chipping. This research emphasizes the significant potential of adopting Al _2 O _3 /TiCN coated carbide inserts for high-speed industrial hard-turning of AISI 4340 steel.

Adhesion, abrasion, plowing and transverse displacement are the major causes of origin of friction. During dry machining of ductile materials, chips are fused with the rake face of the cutting tool and contribute to the formation of the built up edge. Built up edge protects the rake face of the tool from wear, but makes the machined surface rough. To improve the tribological properties and to decrease the tool-chip adhesion, cutting fluids are used. Cutting fluids are added to the machining zone to minimise cutting temperature and friction, but they result in environmental and health degradation. Surface texturing of tools is a potential way to modify the tribological properties of mating surfaces in order to increase the tribological qualities and decrease the tool-chip adhesion. The performance of surface textured tools depends upon orientation, dimple depth, width and pattern. Under lubrication regime, microholes in surface textured tools acts both as lubrication reservoir and traps wear debris to reduce abrasive wear. Nano Minimum Quantity Lubrication (nano-MQL) is an advanced lubrication technique used in machining processes, specifically designed to minimize the use of lubricants while maintaining effective lubrication. This method involves delivering an extremely small amount of high-performance lubricant directly to the cutting zone. The MoS _2 lubricant with sunflower oil is typically in the form of nanodroplets, which are much smaller than conventional minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) droplets. The Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) methodology enables the identification of patterns, trends, and outliers within the collected data, offering insights into the complex interplay of factors affecting the machining of Aluminium Alloy AA2024. At a spindle speed of 3500 rpm the feed force decreases by 37% under dry environment when compared with nano-MQL environment. Under dry environment average surface roughness reduces by 27% when compared with nano-MQL environment.

Currently, the original Miedema mixing enthalpy model yields calculation results that exhibit some discrepancies when compared to experimental data. Therefore, improving the precision of the Miedema model is essential to advance its development and application in developing samarium–cobalt permanent magnet alloys. To address this issue, the enthalpies of mixing for Sm–(Co, Cu, Fe, Zr) binary alloys were calculated using the modified model. In addition, the mixing enthalpy (Δ H ), excess entropy ( S ^E ), excess Gibbs free energy ( G ^E ), component activity ( α ) and binary Gibbs free energy of Sm–Co and Sm–Fe were calculated. The results indicate that the improved Miedema model more accurately matches the experimental values. Sm– (Co, Fe, Cu) binary alloys tend to form intermetallic compounds easily, whereas Sm–Zr does not. The Δ H , S ^E and G ^E of Sm-(Co, Fe) are negative, and the activity of each component shows a considerable negative deviation from Raoult’s law in contrast to that of an ideal solution. In the range of 1550 ∼ 1620 K, the Gibbs free energy of SmCo _5 and Sm _2 Co _17 reactions is negative with the Sm _2 Co _17 phase being thermodynamically more stable than the SmCo _5 phase.

Titanium alloys are considered one of the most promising materials. However, their poor thermal expansion property remains a major obstacle to their widespread application. In this study, we explored an innovative design strategy to tune the thermal expansion properties of titanium alloy. Specifically, we used rare earth iron intermetallic compounds (Gd-Fe IMCs) with low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) as expansion inhibitors to prepare composites with the required thermal expansion properties via in situ reaction. The morphology and size of Gd-Fe IMCs can be effectively controlled by electromagnetic and ultrasonic fields, resulting in a dense distribution of micro/nano-structured Gd-Fe IMCs and strong interfacial bonding of the composites. This alloy has an excellent CTE of 6.8 × 10 ^−6 /K and a high ultimate tensile strength of 921 MPa. The improvement in the physical properties (especially in thermal expansion properties) of titanium alloy can be attributed to the synergistic effect between Gd-Fe IMCs and Ti matrix. This design strategy can also be extended to other titanium alloys as a reference for designing low thermal expansion titanium alloys.

High-performance aircraft engines require superior aviation oils to enhance their lubricating performance and prolong service life. Addition of nano-sized ceramic particles has been considered as a useful way to improve the tribological performance of base fluids. Up to now, few previous studies focused on the tribological properties of ZrO _2 nanoparticles in aviation oil. The current study dispersed ZrO _2 nanoparticles into PAO _20 aviation base oil as lubricant additives. A dual-step method comprised of physical blending and ultrasonic dispersing was applied in the preparation of ZrO _2 nanofluids. Oleic acid was utilized as surfactant to enhance the stability of ZrO _2 nanofluids. Ball-on-plate reciprocating sliding wear tests were conducted to obtain the coefficient of friction and wear volumes. It was found that the PAO _20 base oil produced the highest coefficient of friction of 0.278 and wear volumes of 2.305 × 10 ^−2 mm ^3 . 5 wt% ZrO _2 nanofluids with 5 wt% oleic acid showed the best lubricating performance. The coefficient of friction was reduced by 31.29%, and wear volume was reduced by 42.95%. In the examination of wear tracks, a physically embedded tribo-layer of ZrO _2 nanoparticles and an oleic acid tribo-film with low shearing resistance were formed, which lowered the friction, and protected the mating surfaces against abrasive and adhesive wear. The results obtained in this study have applicable values in the development of high-performance aviation lubricants.

Rare earth light conversion agent material is a fluorescent material that can convert solar energy into light of different wavelengths for various applications. In this paper, the research progress of organic rare earth complexes and inorganic rare earth light conversion agent materials is first reviewed. Then, the luminescence principles, classification, synthesis methods, characterization and performance methods of organic rare-earth complexes and inorganic rare-earth light conversion agent materials are reviewed, as well as their recent progress in agricultural film applications. Finally, the challenges and development prospects faced by organic rare earth complexes and inorganic rare earth light conversion agent materials are summarized.

Infections during or after the denture filling pose a serious threat to recovery later, and antibiotics are scanty for quick healing. The antibacterial potential of Zn has convinced us to fabricate its composites with hydroxyapatite (HA), which has distinct biological properties. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the antibacterial potential of Zn-doped HA and investigate its molecular interaction with bacterial strains to enhance its defensive ability against bacterial attack. This study investigates the synthesis of zinc-doped hydroxyapatite nano-powder (Zn-HA) as coating and filling materials for dental applications. The co-precipitation technique was used in this regard to obtain the purest form of nanoparticles. The as-prepared Zn-HA samples were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy to assess the interaction of functional groups between components, x-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine percentage crystallinity, SEM to explore the surface morphology of composites, and EDX to confirm the incorporation of Zn in the apatite structure. The crystalline size of Zn-HA decreases from 99 nm to 40 nm with an increase in the doping of Zncl _2 from 0 to 2.5 g. With increasing the concentration of Zn doping, the effectiveness of antibacterial potential was increased. Due to an increased in the concentration of doped Zn, the Zn ions effectively rupture the bacterial membrane and destroy its DNA. Meanwhile, it shows the highest antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas (20.2 ± 0.02), Klebsiella (25.8 ± 0.05), Bacillus (18.3 ± 0.09), S. aureus (24 ± 0.03), and E. coli (19.3 ± 0.09) with Zn/HA5. It showed that by increasing the concentration of Zinc ions in hydroxyapatite, the antibacterial potential increased. This increased concentration of zinc ions in HA enhances its-defensive ability against the attack of various bacterial strains, this makes it a potential material and enhances its efficacy in dental applications like coating, filling material, or dental restoratives, in inhibiting the growth of bacterial colonies and biofilm formation in the oral cavity. In this way, Zn/HA as an efficient dental composite as a restorative material with enhanced antibacterial potential may help to mitigate the risk of dental infections, promote dental as well as oral health, and overall improve the life of dentine.

Multi-layer and multi-pass laser cladding is a promising and important process for repairing and strengthening Al alloy parts, whereas the temperature and residual stresses have a great influence on the properties of the laser cladding layer. In this paper, a nonlinear transient thermo-mechanical coupling finite element model of multi-layer and multi-pass cladding of 6061Al alloy was established. Meanwhile, the DFLUX user subroutine was developed using Fortran code to define the movement of the three-dimensional heat source model. From there, the distribution and evolution of temperature and stresses at different times were investigated. In addition, the micro-morphology and micro-hardness after cladding were also analyzed in detail. The results show that both the maximum residual tensile and compressive stresses decrease with increasing the number of cladding passes. At the same time, due to the reheating effect of each cladding on the previous cladding, a few bubbles appear at the top, middle and bottom of the overlap surfaces. Moreover, the micro-hardness of the overlap surfaces decreases slightly. This study can provide a theoretical basis for further research into multi-layer and multi-pass laser cladding of 6061Al alloy.

The removal of industrial pollutants from water remains a significant challenge in water treatment processes. This study investigated the efficacy of powder-activated carbon (PAC), thermally modified PAC (TPAC), and chemically modified PAC (CPAC) for removing bovine serum albumin (BSA) and methyl orange (MO) from simulated wastewater. After undergoing treatment, the BET surface area of TPAC increased to 823 m ^2 g ^−1 , while that of CPAC increased to 657 m ^2 g ^−1 compared to the initial surface area of pristine PAC, which was 619 m ^2 g ^−1 . Batch adsorption experiments assisted by ultrasonication were conducted to evaluate the impact of solution pH, initial concentration, and contact time on the adsorption capacities ( q _max ) of BSA and MO. TPAC demonstrated superior performance, achieving q _max values of 152 mg g ^−1 for MO and 133 mg g ^−1 for BSA, compared to PAC, which provided q _max values of 124 mg g ^−1 and 112 mg g ^−1 , respectively. Furthermore, pH levels of 3 and 5 were identified as highly effective for the removal of MO and BSA from water, respectively. The adsorption kinetics of both MO and BSA followed pseudo2nd-order ( R ^2 > 0.99) reaction kinetics under both batch and ultrasonic conditions, confirming the removal of contaminants through chemisorption. The adsorption trends also satisfied the Langmuir isothermal model, indicating the formation of a uniform monolayer during the adsorption process of these contaminants. To understand the simultaneous effect of all the variables, response surface methodology (RSM) using central composite design (CCD) was used to predict the adsorption capacities of CPAC. After five adsorption cycles, the removal efficiencies of MO (from 98% to 80%) and BSA (from 55% to 40%) decreased in the CPAC system. The results suggested that CPAC can be effectively utilized to remove MO from wastewater.

The discreteness correction for simple lattices has been determined, however, there is still no detailed and rigorous derivation of the discreteness correction for compound lattices due to the relatively complex structure (simple lattices have only one set per slip system, while complex lattices have at least two sets). A lattice dynamics model which takes into account the energy increments caused by changes in bond length and bond angle is constructed for sphalerite crystals and the relationships between discreteness parameters and elastic constants are determined for the $\left\langle 110\right\rangle \left\{111\right\}$ slip system. Compared to glide set, the discreteness correction for shuffle set is much larger due to it is mainly contributed by the interactions between nearest neighbor atoms. Based on the results obtained from the model, the dislocations in ZnS crystal are investigated. The theoretical prediction result of Peierls stress for shuffle $60{\rm{^\circ }}$ dislocation closely matches the experimental critical shear stress. It is inferred that the initial plastic deformation of ZnS is closely related to the movement of shuffle $60{\rm{^\circ }}$ dislocations.

This study investigates the impact of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling parameters on Cu-Al-Mn SMAs (Shape memory alloys) to evaluate the effects on Surface Roughness (SR) and Material Removal Rate (MRR). The primary variables examined comprise of cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. Results indicate that the Shape Memory Effect (SME) is higher in Copper Aluminium Manganese (CAM 3) compared to CAM 1 and CAM 2, with SME improving from 3.5% to 5.5% as Manganese (Mn) content increases, reflecting an increase in dislocations within the metal’s crystal structure. Surface roughness increases with higher feed rates and depths of cut but decreases with increased cutting speed. MRR shows a positive correlation with feed rate, depth of cut, and cutting speed, though it decreases with higher Mn content. Notably, CAM 3 exhibits lower MRR compared to CAM 1 and CAM 2. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) reveals that at lower feed rates (0.10 mm rev ^−1 ), the surface is smooth and free of ridges or feed marks, while at higher feed rates (0.18 mm rev ^−1 ), noticeable surface imperfections and plastic deformation occur. The addition of Mn improves surface smoothness and machinability, it also affects MRR. Further suggesting that Mn content and milling parameters significantly influence both the mechanical properties and machinability of Cu-Al-Mn SMAs respectively.

This study endeavoured to investigate the machining of Waspaloy using Electric Discharge Machining (EDM), utilizing copper-graphite composites as the tool material. Given the limited existing research on machining Waspaloy with composite tools, this study aims to address this gap by employing a copper-graphite composite tool. In this work, pure copper electrode and three composite electrodes with varying graphite percentages in copper, viz. copper containing 5%, 10%, and 15% graphite (CuGr-5, CuGr-10, and CuGr-15), are utilized for experimentation. Composite electrodes are fabricated by the stir-casting process. The scanning electron microscope reveals that the graphite specks are homogeneously disseminated over the matrix material. The Taguchi mixed orthogonal array was used for developing experimental runs. By varying the current, polarity, pulse on and off times, tool materials, and gap, machining performance was measured in terms of Material Removal Rate (MRR), Tool Wear Rate (TWR), and Surface Roughness (Ra). It was observed that CuGr-5 provides an enhancement in MRR due to the improved electric conductivity, bridging effect, and increased energy concentration at the spark gap. Diverse characteristics witnessed on the surface morphology include black dots, globules, remelted layers, micro-cracks, and scratches. When machined with a CuGr5 electrode, the surface quality improved owing to the completed flushing and uniform distribution of generated heat as confirmed through worn surface morphology. The parameters were optimized utilizing the PROMETHEE optimization technique; it was found that the CuGr-5 electrode with the assessment value 0.02458 was optimal for machining of Waspaloy.

High-bandwidth nano-positioning stages (NPSs) have boosted the advancement of modern ultra-precise, ultra-fast measurement and manufacturing technologies owing to their fast dynamic response, high stiffness and nanoscale resolution. However, the nonlinear actuation, lightly damped resonance and multi-axis cross-coupling effect bring significant challenges to the design, modeling and control of high-bandwidth NPSs. Consequently, numerous advanced works have been reported over the past decades to address these challenges. Here, this article provides a comprehensive review of high-bandwidth NPSs, which covers four representative aspects including mechanical design, system modeling, parameters optimization and high-bandwidth motion control. Besides, representative high-bandwidth NPSs applied to atomic force microscope and fast tool servo are highlighted. By providing an extensive overview of the design procedure for high-bandwidth NPSs, this review aims to offer a systemic solution for achieving operation with high speed, high accuracy and high resolution. Furthermore, remaining difficulties along with future developments in this fields are concluded and discussed.

Rare Earth Zirconates with pyrochlore/flourite structure have attracted interests owing to their immense potential in modern technological applications. Among these, Lanthanum Zirconates are a promising top coat thermal barrier material and also a candidate nuclear waste host matrix for radionuclide immobilization. Despite its candidacy for these high-tech applications, the fundamental questions related to process—structure—property correlation still lacks a thorough understanding and this article is an attempt to bridge this gap. The current study investigates the microstructural characteristics of Lanthanum Zirconate powders synthesized using co-precipitation method under various pH, annealing temperature and hold durations. An evolution from disordered to ordered pyrochlore structure is observed at a relatively lower annealing temperature of 950 °C, as investigated through x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, confirmed via synchrotron investigations. Further examinations of the samples synthesized at varied pH conditions indicated a relatively high surface area and stable microstructure with a lower propensity for grain growth for the samples synthesized at pH 11. The comprehensive material microstructural information as a function of process conditions studied here is thought to be crucial for microstructure tailoring in both pristine and doped Lanthanum Zirconates.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been suitably synthesized by reduction of silver ion (Ag ^+ ) using carbon dots (CDs) as a reducing agent and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizing agent. The purpose of this study was to clarify the efficiency of reducing agent (CDs) for the synthesis of AgNPs. The CDs and AgNPs have been characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were also used to characterize CDs. The particle size of CDs and AgNPs was determined by Dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results showed that the CDs with particle size of 4.6 nm could be efficiently reduce silver ion at a sufficient ratio of CDs/silver ion to be 100 ml 1 mM ^−1 . The average size of AgNPs was 41 nm. The results of DLS measurement showed that the Zeta potential of AgNPs was −18, 8 mV. In addition, the duration of 60 min was needed to reduce silver ion completely at ambient temperature. The as-synthesized AgNPs may have a potential for antibacterial application and the other purposes as well namely catalysis, biosensor, electromagnetic coating...

Flexible electronics have attracted extensive attention across a wide range of fields due to their potential for preventive medicine and early disease detection. Microfiber-based textiles, encountered in everyday life, have emerged as promising platforms with integrated sensing capabilities. Microfluidic technology has been recognized as a promising avenue for the development of flexible conductive microfibers and has made significant achievements. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art advancements in microfiber-based flexible electronics fabricated using microfluidic platforms. Firstly, the fundamental strategies of the microfluidic fabrication of conductive microfibers with different structures and morphologies are introduced. Subsequently, attention is then directed towards the diverse applications of these microfibers in bioelectronics. Finally, we offer a forward-looking perspective on the future challenges about microfluidic-derived microfibers in flexible bioelectronics.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have considerable potential for bone regeneration. However, their performance is limited by a lack of scaffolds that adequately mimic the hierarchical structure of bone to promote proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. In this study, nanofiber membranes composed of polycaprolactone, poly(lactide-co-glycolide), and hydroxyapatite (HAp) were prepared via electrospinning, and the membranes curled after responding to temperature stimuli in an aqueous solution. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that needle-like HAp nanoparticles with an average diameter of 57 ± 39 nm and a length–diameter ratio of 7.4 ± 1.56 were entrapped in the nanofiber matrix and did not affect the surface morphology of fibers. After cutting and deformation, the nanofibers changed from straight to bent, and the diameters increased; they were 1105 ± 200 nm for BPLG85-H and 1120 ± 199 nm for BPLG80-H. Additionally, tubular units with a single layer (BPLG-H(1.5)) or multiple layers (BPLG-H(3.5)) were obtained by controlling the initial shape and size of the membranes. rADSCs on the concave surface of BPLG-H(3.5) proliferated faster and exhibited better osteogenic activity than those on the convex side of BPLG-H(3.5) and both surfaces of BPLG-H(1.5), which was correlated with the higher expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein 2. Additionally, rADSCs on both units maintained osteogenic activity after storage at -80 °C for 20 d. In rat skull defect (diameter of 8 mm) models, rADSC-loaded BPLG-H(3.5) units fixed using gelatin hydrogel (ADSC@BHM) exhibited 84.1 ± 6.6% BV/TV after implantation for 12 weeks, which was 155.6% higher than that of the Blank group. H&E and Masson’s staining results demonstrated that there was more bone regeneration at the defect center of ADSC@BHM than in the BHM and Blank groups. In conclusion, rADSC-loaded BPLG-H(3.5) with an osteon-mimic structure provides a potential strategy to repair bone defects.

With the continuous exploration of researchers in the field of sodium-ion batteries, the performance of these batteries has been greatly improved, and they have a wide range of application prospects in large-scale energy storage, traffic power and other fields. Hard carbon is the most important anode material for sodium-ion batteries. Although it has the advantages of low cost, stable structure and performance, it still has the problems of low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and poor rate performance in application. In order to solve the problem of low ICE of hard carbon anode in sodium-ion batteries, in recent years the literature about hard carbon anode in sodium-ion batteries has been comprehensively reviewed. Based on the microstructure of hard carbon material, the causes of low ICE of hard carbon are analyzed. At the same time, from the point of view of material structure design and regulation, the current optimization strategies of hard carbon anode ICE are summarized, including the following aspects: optimization and improvement of the carbonization process, precursor screening and design, surface coating strategy, micro-pore structure control, catalytic carbonization strategy. We hope that this review will provide reference for further optimization of hard carbon properties and its large-scale application in sodium-ion batteries.

A multi-component category of an alloy containing very specific properties revolutionized the area of material science and the present engineering era. Laser cladding, a technique for surface coating, enhances surface quality and modifies properties using advanced coating technologies. In current trends, Laser cladding is mainly used in equipment and machine parts for enhancing surface properties, repairing damaged parts and surface coating caused by its advantages such as small heat-affected zone, low substrate damage, low dilution rate and exceptional metallurgical material bonding among coating and used substrate. Laser cladding improves substrates’ mechanical and various functional-specific properties, ensuring a high-quality balance between mechanical and surface attributes. The research society was able to investigate laser-cladding HEAs coatings because of the superior attributes of HEAs compared to ordinary alloys. This paper reviews current developments in laser-cladding HEAs coatings and the application of laser-cladding technology to HEAs materials. The laser cladding high-entropy alloy coatings have potential applications in corrosion, wear, and oxidation resistance, as well as their respective substrates. Cladded coatings composed of HEAs materials are measured to have shown potential applications in recent technology, opening exciting possibilities for the future. The study also discusses current trends and future prospects.

Polypropylene is widely used in the plastics industry, especially in the tobacco industry, served as cigarette filters to reduce tar and harm. However, it’s difficult to degrade these polypropylene plastics and suitable methods for recycling and reuse is urgent. This research proposes an efficient method for the reuse of polypropylene cigarette filters by mixing waste polypropylene filters with nickel source in different proportions, followed by a facile calcination treatment to prepare nickel-modified carbon-based composite materials with microwave absorption properties. Morphology and magnetic properties of as-prepared samples were analyzed via XRD, SEM, and VSM, exhibiting an increase in carbon content with raising nickel content. Nickel ion anchored on polypropylene fiber may facilitate better fixation of carbon chains during the polypropylene decomposition process. Among the as-prepared samples, CN2 exhibited superior microwave absorption performance, with an optimal absorption peak of −26.76 dB at 7.97 GHz when matched with a given thickness of 4.3 mm, and an effective absorption bandwidth of 3.64 GHz (8.04 GHz to 11.68 GHz) with a matching thickness of 3.5 mm, covering the X band. Therefore, the as-prepared microwave absorbers provides a feasible solution for the recycling and reuse of polypropylene filters, aligning with the tobacco industry requirements for sustainable development.

This study investigates the enhancement of concrete slabs using a biopolymer-modified cementitious repair material (CXT) composed of Ordinary Portland Cement, Xanthan Gum, and Tartaric Acid Powder. The innovative formulation of CXT aims to improve the mechanical properties of repaired concrete structures. Experimental results demonstrate that CXT significantly enhances mechanical properties such as the load-bearing capacity of concrete slabs. Non-destructive testing methods, including the Rebound Hammer test and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), as well as destructive testing methods, were employed to evaluate the performance of CXT in repairing cracks. The study highlights the improved load-bearing capacity and structural integrity of CXT-repaired slabs, contributing to increased longevity and reduced maintenance costs of concrete structures. Furthermore, the sustainability metrics of CXT, including Process Mass Intensity (PMI), Energy Intensity (EI), Environmental Factor (E-Factor), and Reaction Mass Efficiency (RME), are evaluated, illustrating its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. This comprehensive approach underscores the potential of CXT as a durable and sustainable repair material for concrete infrastructure.