Materials For Advanced Applications Research Articles

Photo-Healable Fabrics: Achieving Structural Control via Photochemical Solid-Liquid Transitions of Polystyrene/Azobenzene-Containing Polymer Blends.

While polymer fabrics are integral to a wide range of applications, their vulnerability to mechanical damage limits their sustainability and practicality. Addressing this challenge, our study introduces a versatile strategy to develop photohealable fabrics, utilizing a composite of polystyrene (PS) and an azobenzene-containing polymer (PAzo). This combination leverages the structural stability of PS to compensate for the mechanical weaknesses of PAzo, forming the fiber structures. Key to our approach is the reversible trans-cis photoisomerization of azobenzene groups within the PAzo under UV light exposure, enabling controlled morphological alterations in the PS/PAzo blend fibers. The transition of PAzo sections from a solid to a liquid state at a low glass transition temperature (Tg ∼ 13.7 °C) is followed by solidification under visible light, thus stabilizing the altered fiber structures. In this study, we explore various PS/PAzo blend ratios to optimize surface roughness and mechanical properties. Additionally, we demonstrate the capability of these fibers for photoinduced self-healing. When damaged fabrics are clamped and subjected to UV irradiation for 20 min and pressed for 24 h, the mobility of the cis-form PAzo sections facilitates healing while retaining the overall fabric structure. This innovative approach not only addresses the critical issue of durability in polymer fabrics but also offers a sustainable and practical solution, paving the way for its application in smart clothing and advanced fabric-based materials.

Tissue hydrate layer-trigger swollen gelatin-based aerogel hemostatic material with bletilla striata complex active ingredient complex to promote hemostasis

Gelatin exhibits excellent solubility at the 37℃ tissue surface due to its affinity for the rich tissue hydrate water. However, its inherent property doesn't facilitate the formation of a robust physical barrier to effectively manage wound hemorrhage and promote hemostasis. To address this challenge, a novel gelatin-based derivative (Ged) with swollen property upon absorbing the tissue hydrate layer was prepared. In this work, a hydrophobic monomer was introduced into gelatin under amide reaction to regulate the interactions between water molecules and gelatin molecular chains. This investigation results showed that Ged exhibited excellent adhesion properties and long-term swollen at 37 °C. In addition, bletilla striata complex active ingredients (Bscai) was employed to the Ged to promote hemostasis capacity, which referred to as Bscai/Ged hemostatic material. In-depth experiments were conducted to investigate the structural characteristics and biocompatibility of Bscai/Ged hemostatic materials, those results revealed that Bscai/Ged hemostatic materials had swift hydrate layer-trigger rate, robust adhesive strength on wet tissue surfaces, outstanding hemostatic properties and facilitating accelerated wound healing. Additionally, in vivo experimental results indicated that the Bscai/Ged hemostatic material could mitigate inflammatory responses, promote collagen deposition and enhance angiogenesis. Overall, Bscai/Ged hemostatic material presents a highly promising candidate for advanced hemostatic material applications.

Superstrong and tough silk fibers cross-linked with functionalized graphene

Natural silkworm silks with an intriguing integration of good strength, modulus, toughness and biocompatibility, have been widely used in textile and medical industry. However, the strength of silkworm silks is inferior to that of spider dragline silks, which are the strongest natural silks but extremely low yield. Herein, we develop a feasible strategy to continuously produce superstrong and tough regenerated silk fibers (RSFs) through the reconstruction of hierarchical and cross-linked architectures. Amine functionalized graphene (NH2-G) has been introduced to improve the content of β-sheet and crystalline orientation, and glutaraldehyde (GA) has been used to bridge NH2-G and silk micro/nanofibrils (SNFs) to form a highly interconnected and closely packed network, resulting in the remarkably improvement of mechanical properties. The resultant fibers exhibit an excellent tensile strength of 1029.6 ± 144.8 MPa, a Young's modulus of 16.8 ± 1.5 GPa, and a toughness of 277.4 ± 17.0 MJ/m3, exceeding those of the natural silkworm silks, spider dragline silks and most other previously reported regenerated silk fibers. We believe that the high-performance silk-based fibers are promising applications in lightweight and advanced structural materials.

Optical, Structural, and Morphological Characterization of Titanium Oxide (TiO2) Nanoparticles from Laser Ablation in Deionized Water

In this research, we focus on the synthesis of titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles using the Nd:Utilization of YAG laser pulse ablation technique in liquid environments, with pulse energies from 100 to 500 millijoules. The process employs a Nd:YAG laser operating at a frequency of 6 Hz and a wavelength of 1064 nm. (The TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized in this study could be used in different high-temperature environments, as they are characterized by favorable physical, chemical, and mechanical properties). The synthesized product was further treated by calcination for four hours at temperatures higher than 600°C which promoted crystalline structure in the lattice. Comprehensive analyses were carried out to determine the nanoparticles' features. Optical features were studied through UV-visible spectroscopy to examine the absorption spectrum and band gap. The detailed examination of the crystal and surface structures was done using X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), in order to obtain insight into the structural integrity and the morphology of the titanium oxide nanoparticles. The study provides a deeper insight into TiO2 nano particle production and their characteristics, thereby emphasizing their suitability for advanced material applications.

Applications and potential of advanced materials: An overview

This overview briefly describes the applications and potential of advanced materials. Highlighting the versatility of these materials across diverse domains, from powering electronics and enhancing aircraft performance to revolutionizing healthcare and sustaining renewable energy solutions, emphasizes their profound utility and impact. This overview illuminates the potential future prospects of advanced materials by examining their unique features and developing capabilities, highlighting their critical role in influencing technological breakthroughs and tackling global concerns. This review fills the research gap between efficient uses of advanced materials in medicine, space exploration, sustainable energy, wearable technology, and environmental remediation, and also discusses future prospects.

Directly processing natural cotton into eco-friendly, highly thermal-insulating textiles via hierarchically self-locking structures

Textiles, serving as a second skin for the human body, play a significant role in regulating the microenvironment temperature, and enhancing thermal comfort of the human body during cold weather. However, the most current methods for enhancing the warmth of fabrics involve complex chemical treatment or the application of advanced materials, thus suffering from potential chemical toxicity (especially for infants), complex processing and high cost. Herein, we report a simple strategy for directly processing cotton roving into environmentally friendly and structurally stable thermal-retention cotton textiles by means of hierarchically self-locking structures. The textile not only shows excellent heat-retention properties and mechanical firmness compared with conventional thermal insulation wadding and certain commercial blankets, but is also environmentally friendly and cost effective. This method may provide a new generation of thermal insulation materials with enhanced health and environmental benefits based on hierarchical structure design and natural textile materials.

Bottom-Up Synthesized Glucan Materials: Opportunities from Applied Biocatalysis.

Linear d-glucans are natural polysaccharides of simple chemical structure. They are comprised of d-glucosyl units linked by a single type of glycosidic bond. Noncovalent interactions within, and between, the d-glucan chains give rise to a broad variety of macromolecular nanostructures that can assemble into crystalline-organized materials of tunable morphology. Structure design and functionalization of d-glucans for diverse material applications largely relies on top-down processing and chemical derivatization of naturally derived starting materials. The top-down approach encounters critical limitations in efficiency, selectivity, and flexibility. Bottom-up approaches of d-glucan synthesis offer different, and often more precise, ways of polymer structure control and provide means of functional diversification widely inaccessible to top-down routes of polysaccharide material processing. Here the natural and engineered enzymes (glycosyltransferases, glycoside hydrolases and phosphorylases, glycosynthases) for d-glucan polymerization are described and the use of applied biocatalysis for the bottom-up assembly of specific d-glucan structures is shown. Advanced material applications of the resulting polymeric products are further shown and their important role in the development of sustainable macromolecular materials in a bio-based circular economy is discussed.

Few-layer graphene production through graphite exfoliation in pressurized CO2 assisted by natural surfactant

Graphene research has captivated researchers worldwide, propelling innovation across diverse industries. Through the liquid-phase exfoliation methodology of graphite powder, we have demonstrated a rapid route for obtaining few-layer and multi-layer graphene using a natural surfactant, cardanol. Aqueous phase exfoliation of graphite in the presence of cardanol as a surfactant was conducted to obtain pre-exfoliated graphite suspensions. The influence of different ultrasonication times, 10, 20, and 30 min, and contact times with the surfactant, 1 and 60 min, on the stability and concentration of dispersed exfoliated graphite was evaluated. Results indicate that ultrasonication for 20 min resulted in improved stability and reduced graphene flake sizes, making it suitable for scalable graphene production. Subsequently, the most stable dispersions of exfoliated graphite were subjected to CO2-pressurized treatment. Promising results were obtained when employing cardanol at its critical micelle concentration. The graphene exhibited good structural quality, low defect density, and small stacking, with an average size of 15 nm, where 40 % of the stacked graphene was smaller than 5 nm. The findings provide valuable recommendations for the scalable production of graphene with multilayers and a few layers (FLG/MLG), using cardanol, a friendly surfactant, and a novel method of exfoliation utilizing supercritical CO2. This technology represents an innovative approach, with potential applications in supercapacitors, solar cells, biosensors, polymer composites, and advanced materials.

Optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties of Cs2PtX6 (X=Cl, Br, I) for energy conversion applications: DFT calculations

This research employs density functional theory within the WIEN2k framework to simulate Cs2PtX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) perovskites. The study focuses on assessing the structural stability and thermodynamic properties through the computation of tolerance factor and formation energies, affirming the viability of the simulated materials. Notably, this investigation reveals a direct bandgap semiconducting character of these compounds, with specific values of the bandgap of 2.9, 2.15, and 1.08 eV for Cl, Br, and I-based compositions, respectively. The analysis of optical behavior demonstrates a redshift in absorption edge and an increase in optical conductivity, correlating with the enlarging halogen size within the series. The investigation into the thermoelectric characteristics of Cs2PtX6 perovskites, which include σ and κe as well as S, PF, and ZT, underscores the potential of Cs2PtX6 perovskites for deployment in thermal energy harvesting devices. Furthermore, the mechanical behavior assessment indicates the ductile nature of studied compounds, contributing to their overall mechanical stability. This study gives a comprehensive recognition of structural, electronic, mechanical, optical, and transport characteristics of Cs2PtX6 compounds, suggesting their promise for applications in advanced materials for optoelectronic and thermoelectric devices.

3D printing of personalised stents using new advanced photopolymerizable resins and Ti-6Al-4V alloy

PurposeThe development of new advanced materials, such as photopolymerizable resins for use in stereolithography (SLA) and Ti6Al4V manufacture via selective laser melting (SLM) processes, have gained significant attention in recent years. Their accuracy, multi-material capability and application in novel fields, such as implantology, biomedical, aviation and energy industries, underscore the growing importance of these materials. The purpose of this study is oriented toward the application of new advanced materials in stent manufacturing realized by 3D printing technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology for designing personalized medical devices, implies computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) techniques. By realizing segmentation, reverse engineering and deriving a 3D model of a blood vessel, a subsequent stent design is achieved. The tessellation process and 3D printing methods can then be used to produce these parts. In this context, the SLA technology, in close correlation with the new types of developed resins, has brought significant evolution, as demonstrated through the analyses that are realized in the research presented in this study. This study undertakes a comprehensive approach, establishing experimentally the characteristics of two new types of photopolymerizable resins (both undoped and doped with micro-ceramic powders), remarking their great accuracy for 3D modeling in die-casting techniques, especially in the production process of customized stents.FindingsA series of analyses were conducted, including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, mapping and roughness tests. Additionally, the structural integrity and molecular bonding of these resins were assessed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance analysis. The research also explored the possibilities of using metallic alloys for producing the stents, comparing the direct manufacturing methods of stents’ struts by SLM technology using Ti6Al4V with stent models made from photopolymerizable resins using SLA. Furthermore, computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulations for two different stent struts were carried out, providing insights into the potential of using these materials and methods for realizing the production of stents.Originality/valueThis study covers advancements in materials and additive manufacturing methods but also approaches the use of CAE analysis, introducing in this way novel elements to the domain of customized stent manufacturing. The emerging applications of these resins, along with metallic alloys and 3D printing technologies, have brought significant contributions to the biomedical domain, as emphasized in this study. This study concludes by highlighting the current challenges and future research directions in the use of photopolymerizable resins and biocompatible metallic alloys, while also emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence in the design process of customized stents by taking into consideration the 3D printing technologies that are used for producing these stents.

Unveiling the structural and bonding properties of AuSi2- and AuSi3- clusters: A comprehensive analysis of anion photoelectron spectroscopy and abinitio calculations.

Silicon clusters infused with transition metals, notably gold, exhibit distinct characteristics crucial for advancing microelectronics, catalysts, and energy storage technologies. This investigation delves into the structural and bonding attributes of gold-infused silicon clusters, specifically AuSi2- and AuSi3-. Utilizing anion photoelectron spectroscopy and abinitio computations, we explored the most stable isomers of these clusters. The analysis incorporated Natural Population Analysis, electron localization function, molecular orbital diagrams, adaptive natural density partitioning, and Wiberg bond index for a comprehensive bond assessment. Our discoveries reveal that cyclic configurations with the Au atom atop the Si-Si linkage within the fundamental Si2 and Si3 clusters offer the most energetically favorable structures for AuSi2- and AuSi3- anions, alongside their neutral counterparts. These anions exhibit notable highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gaps and significant σ and π bonding patterns, contributing to their chemical stability. Furthermore, AuSi2- demonstrates π aromaticity, while AuSi3- showcases a distinctive blend of σ antiaromaticity and π aromaticity, crucial for their structural robustness. These revelations expand our comprehension of gold-infused silicon clusters, laying a theoretical groundwork for their potential applications in high-performance solar cells and advanced functional materials.

Roll-to-roll, high-resolution 3D printing of shape-specific particles

Particle fabrication has attracted recent attention owing to its diverse applications in bioengineering1,2, drug and vaccine delivery3–5, microfluidics6,7, granular systems8,9, self-assembly5,10,11, microelectronics12,13 and abrasives14. Herein we introduce a scalable, high-resolution, 3D printing technique for the fabrication of shape-specific particles based on roll-to-roll continuous liquid interface production (r2rCLIP). We demonstrate r2rCLIP using single-digit, micron-resolution optics in combination with a continuous roll of film (in lieu of a static platform), enabling the rapidly permutable fabrication and harvesting of shape-specific particles from a variety of materials and with complex geometries, including geometries not possible to achieve with advanced mould-based techniques. We demonstrate r2rCLIP production of mouldable and non-mouldable shapes with voxel sizes as small as 2.0 × 2.0 µm2 in the print plane and 1.1 ± 0.3 µm unsupported thickness, at speeds of up to 1,000,000 particles per day. Such microscopic particles with permutable, intricate designs enable direct integration within biomedical, analytical and advanced materials applications.

Systematic Review on Fabrication, Properties, and Applications of Advanced Materials in Wearable Photoplethysmography Sensors

AbstractPhotoplethysmography (PPG) technology enables the measurement of multiple physiological and psychological parameters with low‐cost wearable sensors and is reshaping modern healthcare. Advanced materials play a vital role in improving reliability and accuracy of PPG sensors. Recently, various advanced materials have been explored to optimize PPG sensor design, while some challenges exist toward large‐scale validation and mass production. This paper focuses on advanced materials applied in the photodetectors, light sources, and circuits of PPG sensors. The materials are categorized into four groups: inorganic, organic, nanomaterials, and hybrid materials. The properties and fabrication processes are summarized. Other technical details including the mode of operation, measurement sites, testing, and validation are discussed. The merits and limitations of the state of the art are highlighted to provide some suggestions for the future development of PPG sensors based on advanced materials.

A novel low loss rare-earth germanate La4GeO8 microwave dielectric ceramic with orthorhombic structure

This study delves into the synthesis and characterization of rare earth germanate La4GeO8 ceramics, employing the solid-phase reaction method, with a focus on their microwave dielectric properties and crystallographic characteristics. The research employs X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to ascertain the orthorhombic crystal structure within the Pnma space group. Rietveld refinement analysis precisely determines the lattice constants (a = 18.3006 Å, b = 7.6697 Å, c = 5.8513 Å) and unit cell volume (V = 821.28429 Å3). Raman spectroscopy provides insights into the correlation between the quality factor (Q × f) and the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) of the Ag(O) mode at 733 cm⁻1. A notable highlight of the study is the exceptional microwave dielectric performance of La4GeO8 ceramic sintered at 1540 °C, characterized by a relative dielectric constant (εr) of 13.24, a Q × f product of 47,826 GHz at 10.16 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of frequency (τf) of −82.3 ppm/°C. This comprehensive investigation offers valuable insights into the structural and microwave dielectric properties of AB-type rare earth germanate La4GeO8 ceramics, underscoring their potential in advanced dielectric material applications.

The development of a prototype footbridge composed of biological self-healing and ultra-high-performance concretes

Developments in concrete technologies have allowed engineers to design lightweight, slender, and aesthetically attractive structures. The application of new concrete types in real projects, however, is uncommon. The lack of regulation, uncertainty in material performance, and the absence of successfully implemented projects hinders the use of modern concretes in everyday design projects. The present paper examines the application of two specific concrete types in a prototype footbridge: ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), and biological self-healing concrete (BSHC). The material properties of UHPC were selected and tailored specifically for the prototype structure, applying the principles of performance-based design. To evaluate the efficiency of self-healing under real environmental conditions, BSHC beams were designed as a structural part of the bridge. The step-by step presentation of the bridge development demonstrates the specifics in material design and a structural analysis of the prototype structure. The prototype structure serves as demonstrative example of the use of BSH and UHP concretes, encouraging engineers towards the wider application of advanced materials in construction projects.

Molecular structure regulation of FCCs enabling N/S co-doped hollow amorphous carbon with enlarged interlayer spacing and rich defects for superior potassium storage

Constructing high-performance and low-cost carbon anodes for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) is highly desirable but faces great challenges. In this study, we present a novel approach to fabricating N/S co-doped hollow amorphous carbon (LNSHAC) for superior potassium storage through a template-assisted molecular structure regulation strategy. By tailoring a 3D crosslinked aromatics precursor from fluid catalytic cracking slurry (FCCs), the LNSHAC features a N/S co-doped hollow structure with enlarged interlayer spacing of up to 0.405 nm and rich defects. Such unique microstructure offers fast transport channels for K-ion intercalation/deintercalation and provides more active sites, leading to boosted reaction kinetics and potassium storage capacity. Consequently, the LNSHAC electrode delivers an impressive reversible capacity (466.2 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A/g), excellent rate capability (336.3 mAh g−1 at 2 A/g), and superior cyclic performance (256.9 mAh g−1 after 5000 cycles at 5 A/g with admirable retention of 76.9 %), standing out among the reported carbon-based anodes. When KFeHCF is employed as the cathode, the LNSHAC-based K-ion full cell exhibits a high reversible capacity of 176.6 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A/g and excellent cyclic stability over 200 cycles. This work will inspire the development and application of advanced carbon-based materials for potassium electrochemical energy storage.

Facile Construction of Chestnut-Like Structural Fireproof PDMS/Mxene@BN for Advanced Thermal Management and Electromagnetic Shielding Applications.

Composite polymer materials featured superior thermal conductivity, flame retardancy, and electromagnetic shielding performance are increasingly in demand due to the rapid development of highly miniaturized, portable, and flexible electronic devices. Herein, a facile and green ball milling shear method is utilized for generating MXene@Boron nitride (MXene@BN). The multi-functional fillers (MXene@BN) are constructed and incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to prepare a multifunctional composite (PDMS/MXene@BN) for achieving improved electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance and thermal conductivity as well as flame retardancy simultaneously. When the PDMS/MXene@BN composite has a MXene@BN loading of 2.4 wt.%, it exhibits a high thermal conductivity of 0.59Wm-1K-1, which is 210% higher than that of the pure PDMS matrix. This is attributed to its unique chestnut-like double-layer structure. With a smoke production rate (SPR) of 0.04 m2s-1 and total smoke production (TSP) of 3.51 m2, PDMS/MXene@BN 2.4 composite exhibits superb smoke suppression properties. These SPR and TSP values are 63.20% and 63.50% lower than the corresponding values of pure PDMS. Moreover, the EMI SE of the PDMS/MXene@BN 2.4 can reach 26.3dBat 8.5GHz. The work reported herein provides valuable insight into developing composites with multiple functions, which show strong potential for application in advanced packaging materials.

Tailoring the physical parameters of nematogen using non-mesogenic ferromagnetic unit: dielectric and photoluminescence study

Liquid crystals are self-organized anisotropic fluids which exhibit ordered states ranging from nematics to smectics/hexatics. Hybridized liquid crystals with nanoparticles broaden the research area in finding the novel functional devices. Reported herein, the study of highly stable room temperature nematic liquid crystal E7 and carbon-coated cobalt (Co) nanoparticles. Dispersion of 0.50 wt.% Co into E7 has been introduced to tailor the physical parameters of host E7. Dielectric studies have been performed in planar as well as homeotropic cells in the frequency range of 20 Hz–10MHz while photoluminescence spectra have been recorded at excitation wavelength of 325 nm in planar cells. Dielectric studies reveal the change in phase transition temperature and molecular dynamics associated with magnetic nanoparticles doped liquid crystals. Quenching in photoluminescence intensity has been observed with the inclusion of Co nanoparticles due to the formation of non-radiative channels in the composite system. The intercalation of Co nanoparticles into E7 studies manifests the strong correlation between liquid crystals and nanoparticles. Allocation of magnetic attributes onto liquid crystal molecules finds potential applications in advanced magnetic materials, information devices and optical devices.

Negative poisson’s ratio behavior of Al4Li9 alloy

The negative Poisson’s ratio behavior in three-dimensional crystalline materials is a novel phenomenon. Deepening the research into the theoretical mechanisms that govern the negative Poisson’s ratio behavior offers valuable insights for the design and application of advanced auxetic materials. In this study, we construct the atomic model of Al4Li9 alloy based on experimental results and investigate the direction-dependent mechanical properties using the molecular statics simulations and density functional theory calculations. Our theoretical investigation reveals that a unique charge response within the analogous honeycomb structural unit in the Al4Li9 alloy results in a distinct exhibit of the significant negative Poisson’s ratio property during deformation.

Enhancing Aluminum-Based Composite Manufacturing: Harnessing Si3N4 Reinforcement via Stir Casting Technique

This study investigates the enhancement of aluminum-based composite manufacturing by incorporating Si3N4 reinforcement via the stir casting technique. Aluminum alloy serves as the matrix material, augmented with ceramic reinforcement particles. The alloy is melted at approximately 700°C in a muffle furnace, with ceramic particles gradually introduced and dispersed homogeneously through continuous stirring at 400 rpm for 10 minutes. The uniform distribution of Si3N4 particles underscores the efficacy of the stirring technique. Addition of 7.5% Si3N4 reinforcement results in substantial improvements across mechanical properties: tensile strength increases by 24.76%, hardness by 24.76%, fatigue strength by 26.78%, and wear resistance by 29.50%. These enhancements highlight the effectiveness of Si3N4 reinforcement in augmenting the performance of aluminum composites. The findings hold significant implications for industries requiring lightweight, high-strength materials, such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, suggesting promising avenues for further research and practical applications in advanced engineering materials.