Progress in bioplastics blends, compatibilization, modifications, and AI-driven innovations for material applications

ABSTRACTThe Codex Alimentarius Commission has recently adopted maximum levels for inorganic arsenic (As; in 2014) and total cadmium (Cd; in 2006) in polished rice grains to maintain food safety and to decrease the risk to human health. As rice is a staple crop in Japan and monsoon Asian countries, reducing concentrations of As and Cd in rice is an urgent matter. In flooded conditions, Cd concentration in soil solution decreases whereas As concentration increases. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficiency of iron-bearing materials to decrease As concentration in soil solution and rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain under submerged cultivation, while also considering Cd concentration. In experiments conducted in paddy fields in six regions, As concentrations in the soil solution during the cultivation period decreased in the following order: control (REF) > steel converter furnace slag (SCS) > non-crystalline iron hydroxide (FH) > zero-valent iron (ZVI). The concentrations of As in brown rice were in the same order, with ZVI achieving particularly strong reduction. Cadmium concentrations were low, probably owing to submerged cultivation conditions. Application of iron-bearing materials slightly and insignificantly reduced the yields of brown rice and straw. Application of these materials did not have a significant negative impact on the quality of rice. Our data indicate that the application of iron-bearing materials effectively reduces As concentrations in soil solution and rice grains without negative effects on yield and quality, with a particularly powerful effect of ZVI which is possibly explained by arsenic sulfide formation.

In order to explore the design characteristics and application of materials, the role of materials in product innovation design needs to be given full play. From the perspective of material characteristics, this paper studies the user experience and innovation of the design and application of paper characteristics, ceramics and other materials, and summarizes the application mode of material experience in product innovation. To enrich users’ experience, it is necessary to break through the barrier of materials suitably, bring experience to users, and meet users’ dual demands for product functions and emotions.

the application of membrane materials in construction and interior design did not attract much attention until the application of membrane in Water Cube. By applying new building materials to home decoration design, we can make interior design more brilliant and meet high-end pursuits. Membrane materials are lightweight, tensile, pliable and highly resistant to UV and chemicals. They have long useful life, self-cleaning ability, translucence and high melting point. The application of these materials will make villa design refreshing. Besides meeting people’s needs for a comfortable living, they are also more environment-friendly.

The introduction of large amounts of pharmaceuticals into the environmental waters is well-documented in literature with their occurrence reported in all different water matrices accessible to humans and animals. At the same time, the increasing consumption of coffee and tea-based beverages results in the generation of solid waste, which is mostly disposed-off in the environment. To minimize environmental pollution, coffee and tea-based materials have been proposed as suitable options to remove pharmaceuticals in environmental waters. Therefore, this article provides a critical review on the preparation and applications of coffee and tea-based materials in removing pharmaceuticals from contaminated water. In this context, most studies in literature focused on the applications of these materials as adsorbents, while only limited work on their role in degradation of pharmaceuticals is discussed. The successful application in adsorption studies is attributed to high surface areas of adsorbents and the ability to easily modify the adsorbent surfaces by incorporating functional groups that provide additional oxygen atoms, which promote easy interactions with pharmaceuticals. Hence, the adsorption mechanisms are mostly described by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic and π-π interactions with sample pH playing a dominant role in the adsorption process. Overall, the present article focused on the developments, trends and future research direction on the preparations and applications of coffee and tea-based materials for efficient removal of pharmaceuticals in water. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Review of tea and coffee wastes application for removal of pharmaceuticals in water Key applications in adsorption and degradation of pharmaceuticals in water Removal mostly explained by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, and π-π interactions Trends, gaps, and future research to be explored are reviewed and highlighted.

In order to analyze the selection and application of environmental protection materials in contemporary architecture from the perspective of phenomenology, this article takes advantage of data and theoretical analysis methods to explore the works of three contemporary architects, namely Wang Shu, Steven Holl and Peter Zumthor. This article also makes a comparative analysis of materials. It aims to explain that different types of materials show different ecological characteristics. According to the research, hypotheses can be made: one is to realize the ecology of traditional materials through recycling; the other is to realize the ecology of natural materials through obtaining materials from local sources; the third is to realize the ecology of modern materials through the combination of high technology. Additionally, the application of materials in construction is diversified, and it usually uses a variety of materials and construction methods in the same building. In terms of materials, architectures explored in this paper, on the one hand, reflect the place spirit and perceptual feeling of phenomenology; on the other hand, it is express the concern for the sustainable development of the environment.

Based on the product innovation design idea, relationship between material-craft and product form, structure and funtion is researched. And it also annalyse their influence to the renew design and style characters of product by combining some typical innovation design. It then paper puts forward to emphersizes on the application of material and craft in product design innovation from the application and resonable combination of new material and craft and so on by combining with the features of consumer and the prevailing low-carbon design trend. It was pointed out the essentiality of material and craft in the product design innovation.

The sustainable development and application of indoor environmental protection materials

The concept of sustainability should be the main guiding principle in the construction industry today. It mandates conservation of natural resources and thus lower impact on the environment. In road construction, part of construction industry that consumes largest quantities of natural materials, sustainable building and maintenance of roads is possible trough application of secondary materials. Usage of industrial and construction waste presents energy, ecologically and financially effective alternative. Republic of Croatia, even as a new member of the European Union, still lags behind the well-established practices of the application of alternative materials in different European countries. The reasons for this can be found in the current legal and technical regulations for alternative materials. In this paper, the existing regulations for alternative materials and the impact they have on the application of these materials in practice in the region of eastern Croatia will be shown.

Fundamental tasks of material engineers are the application of materials, which can be manufactured from the less valuable materials with conservation or increasing of final properties, predominantly higher strength and durability. Present paper contributes to the category of experimental research of special composites development. Article describes the application of secondary raw materials for the production of special fibre-reinforced composite for high temperature application. These secondary raw materials are arising by the recycling of waste produced in the building industry or by the recycling of cast-off materials. Aim of performed experimental program was to prepare lightweight refractory materials based on aluminous cement with sufficient mechanical properties. Application of secondary raw materials could be interesting solution with environmental benefits. Investigation of new type of fire resistant composites were realized on the base mechanical properties determination after high temperature exposure.

In order to obtain better social and economic benefits, non-traditional materials and technologies must be closely integrated with non-traditional research mode. Traditional studies on materials and techniques are mainly undertaken by engineers of structures and materials, while architects play the role in the application of materials and technologies. Therefore, the application of new materials and technologies shall be inevitably accepted, well acquainted with and proficiently utilized by architects. The three factors that have a major impact on this process are the complexity, differentiation and timeliness, indicating that the application of new materials and technologies is simpler, similar to the application method of traditional materials and technologies and can be learned and mastered by architects in a short time. The hardcore of non-traditional research mode is the close coordination between architects and the engineers of structure and materials, the design methods and technical details that adapt to new materials and technologies.

In recent years, with the growing call for sustainable development, green building materials, which are of great meaning for reducing resource and environmental impacts, have attracted more and more attention. However, in China, a country with frequent construction activities and high resource consumption, the application of green building materials in construction projects still faces challenges. Building Information Modelling (BIM) as an emerging technology in the construction industry can increase the adoption rate of green building materials in construction projects. The aim of this study is to identify the barriers encountered in the application of green building materials in Chinese construction projects, and to propose corresponding improvement measures by integrating BIM in the decision making. This study adapted a qualitative research method, using semi-structured interviews as a research tool. A total of 6 respondents (including project managers, architects, engineers, and researchers) from Chinese construction companies and research institutions collected interview data, and used Nvivo software to analyze and summarize. The results of this study show that although the application of green building materials in construction projects in China still faces challenges, including market acceptance and supply chain issues, cost and economic feasibility issues, and lack of relevant technology and knowledge. In addition, the study found that BIM technology made a great contribution in promoting the application of green building materials. Through BIM technology, the whole life cycle information management such as material selection, engineering simulation and performance evaluation of construction projects can be carried out, so as to improve the application of green building materials. By exploring the obstacles to the application of green building materials in China’s construction projects and combining with the promotion of BIM technology, this study puts forward a series of specific suggestions and solutions to foster the application of green building materials. This research has made certain theoretical and practical contributions to foster the application of green building materials for the sustainable development of China's construction industry.

We reviewed the research on super-hydrophobic materials. Firstly, we introduced the basic principles of super-hydrophobic materials, including the Young equation, Wenzel model, and Cassie model. Then, we summarized the main preparation methods and research results of super-hydrophobic materials, such as the template method, soft etching method, electrospinning method, and sol-gel method. Among them, the electrospinning method that has developed in recent years is a new technology for preparing micro/nanofibers. Finally, the applications of super-hydrophobic materials in the field of coatings, fabric and filter material, anti-fogging, and antibacterial were introduced, and the problems existing in the preparation of super-hydrophobic materials were pointed out, such as unavailable industrialized production, high cost, and poor durability of the materials. Therefore, it is necessary to make a further study on the application of the materials in the selection, preparation, and post-treatment.

ConspectusThe directed synthesis and functionalization of porous crystalline materials pose significant challenges for chemists. The synergistic integration of different functionalities within an ordered molecular material holds great significance for expanding its applications as functional materials. The presence of coordination bonds connected by inorganic and organic components in molecular materials can not only increase the structural diversity of materials but also modulate the electronic structure and band gap, which further regulates the physical and chemical properties of molecular materials. In fact, porous crystalline materials with coordination bonds, which inherit the merits of both organic and inorganic materials, already showcase their superior advantages in optical, electrical, and magnetic applications. In addition to the inorganic components that provide structural rigidity, organic ligands of various types serve as crucial connectors in the construction of functional porous crystalline materials. In addition, redox activity can endow organic linkers with electrochemical activity, thereby making them a perfect platform for the study of charge transfer with atom-resolved single-crystal structures, and they can additionally serve as stimuli-responsive sites in sensor devices and smart materials.In this Account, we introduce the synthesis, structural characteristics, and applications of porous crystalline materials based on the famous redox-active units, tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and its analogues, by primarily focusing on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). TTF, a sulfur-rich conjugated molecule with two reversible and easily accessible oxidation states (i.e., radical TTF•+ cation and TTF2+ dication), and its analogues boast special electrical characteristics that enable them to display switchable redox activity and stimuli-responsive properties. These inherent properties contribute to the enhancement of the optical, electrical, and magnetic characteristics of the resultant porous crystalline materials. Moreover, delving into the charge transfer phenomena, which is key for the electrochemical process within these materials, uncovers a myriad of potential functional applications. The Account is organized into five main sections that correspond to the different properties and applications of these materials: optical, electrical, and magnetic functionalities; energy storage and conversion; and catalysis. Each section provides detailed discussions of synthetic methods, structural characteristics, the physical and chemical properties, and the functional performances of highlighted examples. The Account also discusses future directions by emphasizing the exploration of novel organic units, the transformation between radical cation TTF•+ and dication TTF2+, and the integration of multifunctionalities within these frameworks to foster the development of smart materials for enhanced performance across diverse applications. Through this Account, we aim to highlight the massive potential of TTF and its analogues-based porous crystals in chemistry and material science.

Within a wider study of possible applications of some natural materials as filtration media, some physico-chemical properties of anthracite and quartz sand were investigated. The applicability of these materials was tested in the process of separation of suspended particles from kaoline suspensions (model system). They were examined under conditions of the single– and dual–medium open, fast, gravitational filtration. It was found that separation of suspended particles by filtration was almost complete. A significant increase was found in the active filtration period, as compared to classical sand filters.

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of job training in improving employee performance at PT. BPR Hayura Artalola. The background of the study is based on findings in the field that indicate that there is still a mismatch between training materials and their implementation in daily work. Although training has been carried out routinely every six months, some employees still have difficulty in carrying out their duties independently, which has an impact on the quality of service to customers. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method, through observation and interviews with employees and related parties. The results of the study indicate that job training is considered quite effective in improving employee knowledge and skills, especially in terms of service and administration. However, there are still obstacles in the application of training materials, such as the gap between theory and practice, and time constraints in mastering internal digital systems. This mismatch factor is also exacerbated by the inequality of understanding between employees, especially when the volume of work increases. Therefore, it is recommended that future job training be designed to be more varied and applicable, with methods such as simulations, case studies, group discussions, and mentoring programs to support understanding and application of materials more effectively in the field.