In this study, we explored the potential of chitosan, a natural polysaccharide derived from shrimp shell waste, for piezoelectric applications in biomedical, food, and agricultural industries. Despite limited research on its piezoelectric properties, chitosan has gained attention due to its non-toxicity and energy-harvesting potential. We focused on optimizing the extraction of chitosan from shrimp shell waste for these applications. Chitin powder was treated with NaOH concentrations ranging from 30% to 60% to remove acetyl groups and create chitosan. The best results for chitosan extraction were achieved using a 50% NaOH solution. Piezoelectric properties of chitosan thin films dissolved in formic acid were also analyzed, showing the best performance with a piezoelectric constant (k) of 0.3158, maximum charge (Qm) of 64.1, and a low loss tangent (tan δ) of 0.0156. Later, the biological assessment of the chitosan thin films, namely the antimicrobial and biocompatibility analyses, were performed to evaluate their interaction with biological systems and to determine their potential for biomedical and biotechnological applications. The results indicated that the chitosan thin film exhibited no cytotoxic effects, highlighting its promise as a safe and suitable material for diverse biomedical uses.

Thermoplastic honeycomb cores for sandwich structures offer, in addition to high stiffness and low weight, further advantages such as recyclability, chemical resistance, and suitability for large-scale processing. These properties, combined with the broad range of characteristics offered by high-performance thermoplastics such as polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polyether ether ketone (PEEK), make these materials promising for use in the aerospace industry. With this focus, this paper examined PEI films and carbon fiber-reinforced non-woven materials with PEI and PPS matrices to assess their potential as thermoplastic cores in sandwich structures. Assessing the performance of new material combinations requires adapted testing methods, since conventional characterization of sandwich structures is complex due to their multi-layered nature, especially with regard to the structured core layer. This work introduces a simplified test method for determining the compressive stiffness of film-like and paper-like non-woven thermoplastic core materials. The approach is based on curved compression tests at the coupon level and complemented by in situ computed tomography (CT) analysis of the thermoplastic sandwich at the substructure level, enabling the extraction of mechanical properties and the evaluation of failure mechanisms. Using ThermHex® honeycombs as an example and in comparison to Nomex® structures, the study demonstrates that thermoplastic sandwich semi-finished products hold high potential for efficient, sustainable, and high-performance lightweight applications in aviation.

To mitigate ionic transport through connected pores in anodic aluminum oxide (AAO), a multicomponent silica sol-gel sealing process was applied to AA6061. By varying concentrations of nano-silicon dioxide (SiO2)—specifically, 0, 2, 4, and 8 g·L-1—the relationships among coating microstructure, electrochemical response, and corrosion resistance were systematically evaluated. The results indicate that the response to a SiO2 concentration of 2 g·L-1 is the most favorable among the tested concentrations. The number of open pores decreased, pore apertures narrowed, and cross-sectional densification was enhanced by this concentration. The total resistance, contributed by both porous and barrier layers, was 191 kΩ·cm2. The corrosion current density decreased to 0.61 μA·cm-2. The sealed coating showed a lower corrosion rate in phosphoric acid immersion and maintained surface integrity after 720 h of neutral salt spray exposure. These findings indicate that silica is incorporated within the pores, effectively filling and extending diffusion pathways. As a result, the pores become less accessible, and the connectivity of the pore network is reduced. The results indicate an effective range of SiO2 concentration for anodized AA6061, where improved corrosion resistance and enhanced protective characteristics of the anodic oxide layer contribute to greater material durability in corrosive environments.

In this study, we investigated the mechanical performance and durability of supersulfated pastes (SSP) formulated with locally sourced pumice (PM) activated by a two-stage NaOH process, proposed as a low-carbon alternative to Portland cement (PC) for protective coatings in marine environments. The novelty of this work lies in the development of a supersulfated paste for coating that uses local pumice activated with NaOH as the main cementitious material, reaching PC substitutions up to 50%. Seven formulations were prepared, including a PC control, with varying proportions of PM, PC, hemihydrate, and Ca(OH)2, cured for 28, 56, and 90 days, and subsequently exposed to an accelerated regimen of marine aerosols. Compressive strength, carbonation depth, chloride penetration, and moisture absorption were quantified as key indicators of durability. According to the results, SSP consistently outperformed PC control in all four durability parameters. Statistical analysis confirmed significant improvements in carbonation resistance, chloride resistance, and moisture absorption from 56 days after curing. Overall, SSP containing 30% PC, and 70% supersulfated components (SC), as well as those with 40% PC and 60% SC, demonstrated superior strength and durability compared to the control sample. In addition, the properties of the supersulfated pastes improved markedly after 56 days, cementing their potential as durable coating materials for coastal environments.

This editorial note presents the 2025 journal report of AIMS Materials Science, which was run by AIMS Press. It provides a brief summary of the journal's development in 2025 and outlines proposed directions and priorities for its continued growth in 2026.

This study systematically investigated the thermal, mechanical, and structural properties of a bismuth-based (Bi-Pb-Sn-Cr-In) pentacrystalline structure solder matrix doped with nano-alumina powders to evaluate its characteristics at various nano-alumina loadings (0.5–1.5 wt%). Four well-designed nano-Al2O3 production alloys, differing only in nano-Al2O3 content, were synthesized and then investigated through X-ray diffraction, thermal/electrical transport tests, and elastic-hardness mapping methods to evaluate the effectiveness of the reinforcement. The results indicate that the presence of Al2O3 optimized the crystalline lattice of the alloy and effectively enhanced its mechanical properties, especially nano-Al2O3 at 1 wt%, which acted as a structural refiner, leading to the finest crystal domains and to the maximum Vickers microhardness value of 19.05 kg/mm2. Thermal management of Al2O3 agglomerate improves thermal stability and mechanical strength by increasing the alloy's melting temperature and pasty range. The specified 1 wt% nano-Al2O3 reinforcement loading provides enhanced mechanical robustness, thermal endurance, and electrical conductivity, with outcomes such as extended operational lifespans, lower failure rates, and long-term reliability in electronic packaging systems.

The porously branched P-type nano silicon oxide (SiO2) utilized in this study, which has not been explored before in fiber composites, creates a balance between mechanical reinforcing and electrical insulating. Here, the carbon fiber weight fraction was varied from 20% to 60% with the addition of P-type SiO2 (15–20 nm, 0.1–0.3 wt.%). The porous morphology of the fibers and their branched structure result in high adhesion to the polyester matrix. A vacuum cast was used to minimize air bubbles in the composite during the manufacturing phase. Tensile characteristics (ASTM D3039) and electrical conductivity of the composites were defined, and the characterization of the composite microstructure was performed. The addition of 0.3% nano-SiO2 improved tensile strength by 87.4% at a carbon fiber weight fraction of 60%, and ductility was reduced. Specific resistance was reduced by 39% at a carbon fiber weight fraction of 20% with 0.3% SiO2. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that with 0.1% SiO2, the homogenization of the microstructures was enhanced, improving strength. Due to its porous structure and enhanced adhesion compared with conventional and hybrid silicon oxide systems, P-type SiO2 demonstrates potential for industrial applications in aviation, vehicles, or biomedical materials.

In this study, a new translucent geopolymer concrete (TGPC) was developed using recycled crushed glass as a partial fine aggregate substitute and metakaolin as the only binder to combine sustainability with architectural functionality. This paper presents an eco-innovative system that simultaneously optimizes the structural, optical, and thermal properties, in contrast to traditional translucent concrete that uses Portland cement and virgin optical fibers. Alkali-resistant glass fibers (ARGF), coated and uncoated optical glass fibers (OGF), and crushed glass (0–60%) were included in different amounts in the six mix designs. Extensive tests were performed, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microstructural analysis, light transmittance, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and flexural strength. The optimum proportion (T3), based on the data obtained, reached a unique synergy between strength, transparency, and thermal insulation with a compressive strength of 35.8 MPa, bending strength of 5.0 MPa, light transmission of 2.2%, and lower thermal conductivity of 0.686 W/m·K. Based on the SEM analysis, early interface degradation was noted on the uncoated fibers, but the fluoropolymer-coated OGF retained robust fiber-to-matrix adhesions. This work is original in the context of the first study that employed a unique combination of recycled glass materials, fluoropolymer-coated fibers, and a metakaolin binder with lower carbon emissions. These data show that TGPC is an alternative material suitable for ecologically concerned and energy-efficient daylighting architectural technologies.

Bumper beam performance and design are critical to vehicle safety, structural integrity, and environmental sustainability. We analyzed lattice-structured bumper beams and explained how they can be designed to address issues associated with traditional solid systems. For instance, bumper beams made of conventional steel and aluminium contribute to increased vehicle weight, which negatively impacts fuel economy. We explored lattice geometries, particularly octet lattice structures, using advanced materials and novel additive manufacturing techniques to mitigate these issues. In this study, lattice-structured auto bumper beams were designed to possess octet truss geometries, which were then subjected to finite element analysis (FEA). This was intended to lower component weight and enhance energy absorption from traditional solid bumpers. Structural steel and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) bumper designs were simulated using lattice and solid, and the material was set as the material of FEA. It was demonstrated that, in the lattice configuration, a weight reduction of 88.2% and significantly higher energy absorption are possible. The numerical results demonstrated positive findings; however, it is suggested that experimental testing be conducted in future investigations. It was shown that lattices and additive manufacturing can enable sustainable high-performance vehicle components. The conclusions emphasized the advantages of advanced materials, such as carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, which offer high impact resistance and lightweight properties. Furthermore, adaptive manufacturing ensures precise material distribution, minimizes waste, and enhances cost efficiency. These findings underscore the potential of forged lattice designs in vehicle safety systems, improving crashworthiness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and aligning with sustainable manufacturing principles. We identified forged-lattice bumper beams as a transformative innovation for next-generation motor vehicle components, leading to safer, lighter, and more environmentally friendly automobiles.

This study investigated the structural, mechanical, and ionizing-radiation shielding properties of Bi-based binary and ternary alloys (Bi–Pb–Sn) synthesized via rapid quenching using a melt-spinning technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed crystalline phase formation with reduced grain sizes, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed homogeneity in the microstructure. Mechanical testing showed that the Bi-5Pb35Sn alloy achieved the highest microhardness of 50.4 HV, tensile strength of 126 MPa, and Young's modulus of 20.8 GPa, indicating enhanced resistance to premature fracture. Radiation shielding characteristics were evaluated using both MCNP5 simulation and WinXCOM software across photon energies of 0.015–15 MeV. The mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) of the optimized alloy reached 1.22 cm2/g at 0.06 MeV, with a corresponding half-value layer (HVL) of 0.56 cm, and radiation protection efficiency (RPE) exceeding 94.8%. The effective atomic number (Zeff) ranged from 44.7 to 61.2 depending on photon energy, and relative deviation between MCNP5 and XCOM results remained below 4%, confirming the model's accuracy. Furthermore, the Bi-40Pb alloy also had superior neutron shielding properties (0.109 cm−1) in comparison to typical neutron protecting materials, but Bi-50Sn had a comparatively higher ∑R value. The incorporation of Sn significantly enhanced both mechanical integrity and shielding performance. These findings position the Bi40Pb10Sn50 alloy as a promising lead-reduced material with superior radiological and mechanical characteristics. Its performance supports its potential for practical applications in medical diagnostics, nuclear facility shielding, and radiation-safe industrial design, aligning with the need for efficient, non-toxic, and regulation-compliant shielding materials.