Choice Of Materials Research Articles

Seafloor Landing Dynamics of a Novel Underwater Robot Using ALE Algorithm

Seafloor landing research is crucial for underwater robots tasked with long-term fixed-point observation missions, particularly those requiring prolonged operations on the seabed. Developing safe and stable landing technology is essential for the success of these missions. This paper introduces a novel underwater robot by establishing its dynamic model and using the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method to conduct a comprehensive study of its deep-sea landing process. Prior to detailed parameter analysis, the ALE algorithm’s effectiveness and accuracy were validated through experimental data and simulation results from previous studies. This study examines the penetration depth and force conditions during the landing process by varying factors such as seabed soil properties, landing velocity, and the robot’s mass. Findings indicate that seabed soil properties significantly influence penetration depth and pressure, with variations in soil density and strength affecting the robot’s landing behavior. In contrast, the robot’s mass has a relatively minor effect, suggesting that the choice of structural materials has limited impact on penetration depth and pressure during landing. Additionally, landing velocity was found to significantly affect penetration depth and pressure; higher velocities result in greater penetration depths and pressures. This highlights the importance of controlling landing velocity to minimize impact forces and protect the robot. The results of this study provide theoretical support and data for developing deep-sea landing technology for novel underwater robots and inform the selection of structural materials, ensuring the successful execution of long-term fixed-point observation missions in deep-sea environments.

Impact of atmospheric plasma spraying parameters on microstructure, mechanical properties and thermal cycling performance of YSZ coatings

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings are widely utilized thermal protective layers for metal and superalloy surfaces. These coatings are employed as thermal barrier coating (TBCs) to insulate metallic parts from higher thermal energy, thereby minimizing the cooling need for the topcoat ceramic layer. The choice of material is 7 wt% YSZ due to its exceptional capability to withstand challenging conditions characterized by extremely high temperatures and pressures, typically employed by the atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) in gas turbines, effectively extending their lifespan and improving performance. The deposition process of TBCs is significantly influenced by various spraying parameters, including gas flow rate and current (amp). These key parameters mutually play a significant role in controlling thermal stability, phase composition, and improved mechanical and microstructure properties. The aim of this research is to evaluate and contrast the impact of various spraying parameters on YSZ TBC performance. Accordingly, the influence of Hydrogen (H2), Argon (Ar) flow rate, and Current (amp) was investigated. Microstructure and elemental mapping studying was conducted using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy FESEM/EDS and phase studying was examined with X-ray diffraction (XRD). Porosity was measured by IMAGE J software while hardness measurement was calculated by Vickers hardness tester. Additionally, thermal cycling tests were conducted between 700 °C and 1200 °C. The porous coatings exhibited poor performance, delaminating early during the tests. In contrast, dense coatings performed significantly better, enduring up to 140 cycles before failure.

Integrated Approach To Material Parameterization And Inflation Control Of Hyperelastic Membrane For Artificial Left Ventricle Development

Abstract In transitioning from conventional mechanical to biomedical applications, the choice of materials becomes critical. While hard materials like steel offer durability, their compatibility with biological systems, particularly blood, is limited due to the risk of cell damage. To address this, our research focuses on soft membrane-based systems to minimize haemolysis and optimize blood flow. By prioritizing biocompatibility and gentle interactions, our approach aims to enhance the safety and effectiveness of biomedical devices. Through innovative solutions in material selection and system design, we aim to advance cardiovascular medicine and contribute to the broader field of biomedical engineering.

Improvement of Capacitive Accelerometers: Integrating Modeling, Electrode Design, Signal Processing, and Material Selection

This work offers a thorough method for integrating advanced modeling, electrode design, signal processing, and material selection techniques to maximize the performance of capacitive accelerometers. Key performance measures, including noise reduction, sensitivity, and range, can be systematically analyzed and simulated to forecast how design decisions would affect the overall behavior of the sensor. Advanced electrode designs greatly increase capacitance, which results in more precise and trustworthy sensor readings. These designs include optimizing the shape and using high-permittivity materials. Furthermore, to guarantee that the accelerometer’s output precisely represents actual motion even in noisy surroundings, noise reduction strategies including filtering and digital signal processing methods are essential. Additionally, calibration is emphasized as a critical step in preserving measurement accuracy over time and accounting for environmental changes and sensor drift. The choice of material, with an emphasis on thermally stable and high-permittivity materials, is crucial in determining the capacitance, sensitivity, and durability of the sensor. The study offers a paradigm for the creation of capacitive accelerometers that perform better across a variety of applications by striking a balance between these variables.

Structural Design Considerations for a Large Single Span Reinforced Concrete Monolithic Beam-Column Structures

Large-span reinforced concrete structures present unique design challenges that necessitate meticulous consideration of load-bearing capacity, deflection control, reinforcement, and material choices. For spans exceeding 10 meters, structural engineers must carefully apply the principles and recommendations of Eurocode 2 to ensure that the structure is safe, functional, and durable. This paper explores the critical aspects of designing large single spans in reinforced concrete beam- column systems using Eurocode, with a focus on load distribution, reinforcement detailing, deflection limits, and material properties. Practical insights into the implementation of these guidelines are provided through examples, offering structural engineers in Nigeria a comprehensive approach to achieving safe and cost- effective long-span structures.

Building shape optimization based on interconnected embodied and operational energy and carbon impacts

Strategic building design decisions informed by a comprehensive life cycle impact assessment hold substantial potential in addressing global energy consumption and carbon emissions, with buildings accounting for 40% of energy consumption and 37% of emissions. While building operational energy (OE) has traditionally received greater attention, the dynamic trade-offs between OE and embodied energy (EE) in building design are often overlooked. Design decisions, such material selection and building shape, can present conflicting considerations between OE and EE. Addressing these impacts in isolation may fail to achieve comprehensive reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions. This study highlights the necessity of a holistic approach to design decisions such as building shape and material selection, emphasizing the importance of considering both OE and EE simultaneously. Our literature review confirms a gap in studies that consider these factors together in the context of building shape optimization. To analyze the interconnectivity of building shape design, material choice, and the trade-offs between OE and EE, we devised two parametric test cases with identical features but using two different insulation materials: hemp-based and glass wool. The analysis allows us to (1) evaluate the impact of integrating total lifecycle impact on building shape design optimization, in comparison to designs that focus solely on OE; (2) assess how the selection of materials, specifically hemp-based versus glass wool insulation, influences optimized building shape and carbon emissions reduction; and explore the benefits of bio-based materials by analyzing performance variations in the two insulations case studies. Our findings reveal that although OE typically has a larger impact over a building’s lifetime, the optimal building shape can still vary significantly based on the EE contribution. The benefit of bio-based material is context-dependent, varying with factors such as the building shape discussed in this paper, as well as other factors such as climate. In our test cases, we observed that shape variations resulted in up to a 17.9% change in OE due to different building shapes, and a 60.7% variation in the envelope’s surface area, while the building area remained unchanged. This expanded understanding will facilitate more informed and sustainable decision-making in the construction and design industries, addressing the often-overlooked interconnectivity of OE and EE.

Global Warming Potential as Key Performance Indicator to steer renovation strategies for the built environment

Abstract The 2050 climate neutrality target has to deal with the challenge of upgrading the existing, highly energy-intensive building stock into a highly efficient one. Long-term renovation strategies aimed not only at optimizing operational energy, but also at reducing embodied energy and carbon are needed to facilitate the transition to a low CO2 emission. All measures adopted by the EU go in this direction and promote the use of indicators such as the Global Warming Potential (GWP) to quantify emissions from the operational phase and those embodied in building materials from cradle to grave. Material choice will play a key role. This paper analyzes the use of GWP as a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) to evaluate sustainability of building envelope renovations in relation to the materials used. In particular, GWP was used to compare the emissions associated with different solutions for insulating an existing wall to meet ZEB standards. The comparison was made between traditional thermal insulating materials and those made from recycled material, to highlight the benefits of circular design strategies that aim to reuse materials for the reduction of primary raw materials and waste. The GWP approach can be a useful decision support tool for designers, stakeholders and policy makers.

Simulation of shockwave propagation characteristics in nuclear reactor cavity during external steam explosion using unified SPH

Steam explosions in nuclear reactors pose significant risks to reactor safety and containment integrity during severe accidents. This study addresses the challenges of accurately simulating shockwave propagation and structural impact in such events by establishing a unified Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) framework. The proposed SPH model was optimized using GPU parallelization and validated against experimental results from shock tube, underwater explosion and high-velocity impact tests, demonstrating its efficacy in capturing shockwave-structure interactions. The model was applied to simulate steam explosions in the APR1400 reactor cavity under various conditions, examining factors such as the equation of state (EOS) for water, structural materials and explosive forces. The study further found that the choice of EOS and structural material greatly influenced the peak pressure and the extent of damage, with the Mie-Grüneisen EOS producing higher peak pressures and reinforced concrete showing higher damage resistance. These findings suggest that the unified SPH approach provides a comprehensive and robust framework for assessing steam explosion risks, offering crucial insights for optimizing reactor design and safety measures against such events.

Capacity augmentation strategy in α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles through multifaceted structural and electrochemical analyses

Hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) has garnered significant research interest for supercapacitor applications, but capacity fading and limited cyclic life remain serious challenges. In this context, the present research provides a comprehensive study of the factors that significantly impact charge kinetics within the electrode and at the solid/electrolyte interface. By integrating structural and electrochemical analyses, this study offers an effective strategy to enhance the capacity of α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles through rigorous scientific analysis and identification of various qualitative and quantitative factors that influence charge storage capacity. A simple one-step co-precipitation method was adopted to synthesize porous α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles. The quantitative analysis of charge kinetics demonstrated the domination of diffusion-controlled charge storage as the main contributor to the total charge storage. The α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles-based electrode delivered a high energy density of 24.6 Wh kg⁻1 at an impressive power density of 478.7 W kg⁻1. Additionally, it displayed a capacity retention of 79 % over 10,000 cycle operations. The choice of electrode material and the superior porous nanoarchitecture have proven to be advantageous for high-performance supercapacitor applications, offering fast electron/ion transport.

Effects of Attachment Design and Aligner Material on Mandibular Canine Distal Bodily Movement in Aligner Treatment

Abstract Purpose Dental crowding is a result of a mismatch between tooth size and arch dimensions, which leads to malocclusion; treatment often involves premolar extraction before orthodontic alignment. Clear aligners are limited in their ability to achieve canine distal bodily movement, a common orthodontic maneuver. This study investigated the impacts of attachment design and aligner material on the efficacy of canine distal bodily movement. Methods A finite element analysis was conducted to examine the impact of various attachment designs and two aligner materials, thermoplastic polyurethanes/polycarbonate (TPU/PC) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG), on mandibular canine distal bodily movement. The investigation focused on the biomechanical responses in the periodontal ligament (PDL) and surrounding alveolar bone. Results Attachment configuration exerted a strong influence on mandibular canine movement. Vertically oriented attachment pairs positioned mesially (mesial occlusal–mesial cervical) resulted in the most effective canine distal bodily movement, followed by a rectangular attachment. TPU/PC aligners induced slightly higher principal stresses in the PDL and von Mises stress and strain in the surrounding alveolar bone compared with PETG aligners; however, the difference was negligible, amounting to less than 6%. Conclusion Attachment design, specifically vertically oriented pairs positioned mesially (mesial occlusal–mesial cervical), was determined to be the crucial factor influencing the efficacy of canine distal bodily movement. The choice of aligner material (TPU/PC or PETG) has minimal impact on this orthodontic procedure.

Flexible, Multifunctional, and Durable MXene/CeO2/Cellulose Nanofibers for Efficient Energy Conversion‐Storage Capacity Toward Self‐Powered Monitoring of Ammonia

AbstractThe appeal of wearable gas sensors for Internet of Things (IoTs) necessitates flexible sensory units along with sustainable source of energy supply. The key factors required for emergence of these devices are choice of electroactive materials, flexibility, skin‐compatibility, and robustness against harsh environment. Considering this, the multifunctional MXene/CeO2 composites reinforced with electrospun cellulose nanofibers are constructed and investigated for energy conversion, energy storage, and gas sensing applications. Among the synthesized composites, MXene/CeO2 (10 wt%) coated onto cellulose nanofibers outperformed triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with open‐circuit voltage of 160 V and supercapacitor (SC) specific capacitance of 388.98 F g−1 and sensing response of 212% toward 10 ppm NH3. The fabricated devices show promising outlooks against practical challenges of influence of humid conditions and different bending states. Lastly, the self‐chargeable device is integrated and the practical implications of charging of SC through TENG and its utilization in sensor powering is demonstrated. The above findings are expected to contribute significantly in envisioning development of wearable health monitors, combining the flexibility features and facilitating autonomous measurements of NH3 pollutant and biomarker.

Cyclic voltammetry analysis of mercuric chloride redox reactions with orange G dye

This study investigates the redox behavior of bulk and nano mercuric chloride (HgCl2) using cyclic voltammetry in the presence and absence of Orange G dye, employing 0.1 M KCl as the supporting electrolyte at room temperature. The effects of varying scan rates on electrode processes and redox reaction kinetics were analyzed, revealing that the choice of electrode material, specifically a glassy carbon electrode, significantly influences reproducibility and sensitivity. The study has implications for various applications, including environmental and analytical chemistry. The interaction between mercuric chloride and Orange G was characterized through specific scan rates, highlighting distinct redox peaks and current changes. This research underscores cyclic voltammetry as a powerful technique for probing redox reactions, electroactive species, and complexation processes. Additionally, the determination of complexation stability constants and Gibbs free energies provides valuable insights into the nature of these interactions, paving the way for future applications in environmental and analytical chemistry.Environmental Implication: The redox behaviour of hazardous substance mercuric chloride in the presence of orange G dye has been studied, and the results have important environmental implications. By studying the electrode processes and redox reaction kinetics using cyclic voltammetry, researchers can gain a better understanding of how mercuric chloride behaves in different environmental conditions.The environmental implications of this research are significant. Understanding how mercuric chloride interacts with organic dyes can inform strategies to mitigate mercury pollution, a pressing issue in environmental chemistry. The findings contribute to the broader goal of developing effective remediation strategies for contaminated ecosystems.

Metabolic profile of fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and methylxanthines of cocoa kernels (Theobroma cacao L.) from different cultivars produced in cabruca and full sun farming systems

The demand for high-quality cocoa beans has increased in line with the growing global demand for chocolate. The chemical composition of cocoa beans can vary according to their origin and growing conditions. In this context, this study evaluated the influence of the cultivar type (CCN51 and PS1319) and the cocoa management system (cabruca and full sun) on the chemical composition of unfermented cocoa kernels. The cultivation system influenced the fatty acid composition of cocoa kernels, with higher values of linoleic acid associated with the full sun system, although higher total lipid contents were obtained in the cabruca system. The cultivar influenced the content of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and the saturated/unsaturated ratio (S/U). Lower levels of total phenolic compounds, total anthocyanins and antioxidant properties were found in the full sun system, especially in the PS1319 cultivar. Higher levels of epicatechin and catechin were found in the cocoa kernel of the CCN51 cultivar. Theobromine and caffeine were not influenced by the treatments. Neither the PCA of total lipids and fatty acids, nor the PCA of antioxidant properties, phenolic compounds and methylxanthines indicated an isolated clustering between cultivar and cultivation system. The results showed that the factors under study influenced the chemical composition of the unfermented cocoa kernel. Furthermore, they indicated that the migration from traditional systems, such as cabruca, to full sun systems can reduce the total lipids and phenolic compounds content of the cocoa beans. When planning new plantations, the choice of genetic material should also be carefully considered to produce higher-quality cocoa butter and beans with a higher phenolic compound content.

Overwrapping Bivalved Casts: Does the Material Matter?

Circumferential integrity of bivalved casts (cut twice longitudinally) can be restored by overwrapping with different materials. This study compared the mechanical properties of solid casts and bivalved casts overwrapped with semirigid fiberglass (SF), elastic bandages (EB), and rigid fiberglass (RF) using an overwrapped-bivalved cast-bone fracture (OBCBF) model. This study used an MTS Bionix Servohydraulic system to test properties of OBCBF models in 4 conditions: intact Control made of RF (not bivalved or overwrapped), a Rigid overwrapped model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with RF, a Semirigid overwrapped model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with SF, and an Elastic model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with EB. Constructs were tested in 4-point bending. Force-displacement curves (FDC) were generated to calculate load-at-critical-failure (LCF, angulation > 10 degrees = 6.6mm vertical deformation) and stiffness. Five controls and 30 OBCBF models with 3 overwrapped cast types were tested, with each overwrapped cast type tested with 2 orientations of the initial cast bivalve axis, yielding 7 conditions (Control, Rigid 0 degrees, Rigid 90 degrees, Semirigid 0 degrees, Semirigid 90 degrees, Elastic 0 degrees, Elastic 90 degrees). Mean LCF was: Rigid 90 degrees > Rigid 0 degrees > Control > Semirigid 0 degrees > Semirigid 90 degrees > Elastic 90 degrees > Elastic 0 degrees ( P <0.0001). Mean stiffness was: Rigid 0 degrees > Rigid 90 degrees > Control > Semirigid 90 degrees > Semirigid 0 degrees > Elastic 0 degrees > Elastic 90 degrees ( P <0.0001). Multiple comparisons indicated no significant difference between LCF and stiffness for Semirigid 0 degrees/90 degrees casts compared with Controls. Mechanical properties of overwrapped bivalved casts change depending on the materials used to overwrap, with higher LCF and stiffness when overwrapping with RF > SF > EB; however, mean comparisons indicate that rigid bivalved casts overwrapped with SF did not have significantly different mean stiffness and LCF from controls and other cast models. This study compares the bending properties of a bivalved cast-construct overwrapped with different materials, providing basic science evidence for orthopaedic surgeons who have several choices of materials to overwrap bivalved casts.

Suppression of Transition Metal Dissolution in Mn-Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes with Graphene Nanocomposite Dry Coatings

The growing demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and the reliance on scarce metals in cathode active materials (CAMs) have prompted a search for sustainable alternatives. However, the performance of Mn-rich CAMs formulated with less Co suffer from transition metal dissolution (TMD). TMD can be suppressed by applying a thin film of carbon or oxide to the CAM but the assumed need for a continuous film necessitates bottom-up coating methods. This has been a challenge for LIB production as well as limiting material choices. Here we show that particulate coatings can also suppress TMD, allowing for scalable, material-independent, dry coating methods. Dry coating the Mn-rich CAM surfaces with graphene encapsulated nanoparticles (GEN) (1 wt%) suppresses TMD while nearly doubling the cycle life and improving rate capacities up to 42% under stressful conditions. The ability to suppress TMD is attributed to the unique chemical and electronic properties of the GEN produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The method is general and could provide a scalable path to CAM with less Co.

Comparative evaluation of various biomaterials as pulpotomy agents in molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: A randomized single-blinded single-center control trial

Abstract Introduction: Untreated tooth decay in mature permanent dentition is a prevalent global issue, affecting 34.1% of people with 2.5 billion cases annually. Extensive decay often leads to irreversible pulpitis, characterized by pulp inflammation and pain. Pulpectomy, the standard treatment, involves complex procedures with potential complications. Modern endodontics favors minimally invasive treatment such as pulpotomy, which preserves pulp vitality. This study aims to compare the clinical as well as radiographic outcomes of different pulpotomy agents: Biodentine, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Bio-C repair, and Endosequence Bio-ceramic root repair material (BCRRM) in mature permanent molars. Methodology: This single-blind, single-center study involved 80 participants randomly assigned to four groups, each receiving one of the biomaterials. Ethical approval was obtained. Participants aged 14–60 years with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were selected. Pulpotomy procedures were performed, and follow-up evaluations occurred at 24 h, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months. Clinical success was measured by the absence of pain, sensitivity, and tenderness. Radiographic evaluation used the periapical index (PAI) scoring system. Results: Pulpotomy significantly reduced postoperative pain in all groups. Endosequence BCRRM showed the maximum pain reduction at 24 h with a statistically significant difference from all the groups (at 1% probability level), followed by Bio-C repair, Biodentine, and MTA. At 1 week, Bio-C repair led in pain reduction with statistically nonsignificant results. All groups reported no pain at 3, 6, and 12 months. Endosequence BCRRM had the highest improvement in periapical findings at 1 year. Sensitivity to hot and cold improved significantly in all groups, with Endosequence BCRRM performing best. Conclusion: Endosequence BCRRM provided the best overall outcomes, emphasizing the importance of material choice in pulpotomy treatments. Further research on biomaterials’ long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes is needed to enhance treatment efficacy.

Biofilm formation dynamics in long-distance water conveyance pipelines: Impacts of nutrient levels and metal stress

Biofilm formation in long-distance water conveyance pipelines poses significant risks to water quality, particularly under varying nutrient levels and heavy metal stress. However, the impacts of pipeline material on biofilm formation dynamics under different raw water conditions remain elusive. This study investigated the effects of nutrient availability and Fe-Mn stress on biofilm development, structural stability, bacterial community composition, and the occurrence of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) bacteria. Using reactors with different nutrient conditions, we observed that increased nutrient levels promote biofilm growth but lead to greater instability, heightening the risk of secondary contamination. Notably, nutrient escalation beyond a critical threshold had a diminishing impact on biofilm community composition. Additionally, Fe-Mn stress, while initially enhancing microbial adhesion and metabolic activity, ultimately inhibited biofilm formation over time and increases the prevalence of VBNC bacteria, particularly on stainless steel (SS) surfaces. Our findings also highlighted the importance of material selection for pipelines, with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) showing reduced biofilm formation compared to SS, making it a more suitable option for transporting raw water in environments with high metal content. Dispersal limitation determined the bacterial community assembly during the biofilm formation, accounting for 64.53–90.67 % of the variability in different scenarios. These insights offer valuable guidance for managing biofilm-related issues in water distribution systems, emphasizing the need for careful control of nutrient levels and material choice to ensure water safety over long distances.

Developing a hybrid-built pre-hardened alloy steel for injection moulding tools using the laser powder bed fusion process

Hybrid additive-subtractive manufacturing has been adopted as a cost-effective alternative for manufacturing plastic injection moulding tools with conformal-cooled inserts created by fusing powder and wrought material. This article reports the development of a hybrid power-wrought pre-hardened alloy steel to supplement the current material choice for fabricating injection mould inserts using this advanced manufacturing strategy. In this study, MS1 (maraging 300) steel powder was additively deposited onto pre-machined wrought Nimax steel to form a hybrid alloy material. The mechanical and microstructural properties of the fusion-bonded interface were examined. Microstructural observation revealed a 280 μm thick interfacial region consisting of a homogenous mixing of powder and substrate materials. As a result of solid solution strengthening within the region, tensile tests established robust powder-substrate bonding with tensile ruptures occurring well away from the interface. The as-built hybrid-alloy steel possessed excellent mechanical properties, with 1200 MPa in ultimate tensile strength, 12.4 % in elongation at fracture and 39 HRC (Nimax)/42 HRC (MS1) in hardness. The overall results suggested that hybrid MS1-wrought Nimax steel is a suitable pre-hardened material for manufacturing durable and high-performance injection mould inserts as part of a cost-effective hybrid additive-subtractive manufacturing strategy.

The risk of shifting environmental burdens in biobased construction - Life cycle assessment of a residential renovated building case study in Belgium

Abstract The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation, resource depletion, and energy consumption. As global concerns about sustainability and environmental impact continue to rise, it becomes imperative to reassess the materials used in building construction. This research paper presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) using the Belgian TOTEM tool according to EN15804+A2 for evaluating material choices in building construction with a focus on the renovation of residential buildings in Belgium. The study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the environmental implications associated with biobased construction materials enabling informed decision-making for sustainable building practices. To achieve this, we conducted an analysis of the life cycle environmental performance of biobased materials used in external walls of a renovation case study project and compared it to common built-up scenarios of conventional construction materials applied in the same case study. The research results show that using biobased materials for renovation can significantly reduce embodied GHG emissions but can lead to burden shifting such as resulting in an increased impact on land use, particulate matter emissions, depletion of abiotic resources and eco-toxicity. The study not only underscores the importance of comprehensive cradle-to-grave life cycle thinking but also provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the construction industry.

Lifecycle Evaluation of Environmentally Friendly Construction Materials: A Review

Abstract: This approach presumes that practices like using locally sourced materials or products containing recycled content are environmentally beneficial, irrespective of the product’s manufacturing process or disposal methods. The choice and application of sustainable building materials are crucial in the design and construction of green buildings. This chapter aims to provide an overview of sustainable materials and their environmental impacts. Additionally, it explores life cycle assessment (LCA) as a methodological framework for evaluating these materials and examines the limitations of LCA in analyzing the sustainability of building materials. the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was utilized to evaluate the environmental impacts of building materials in different construction systems. The study compared three types of construction systems: reinforced concrete, hotrolled steel, and light steel. Among these, the light steel system had the lowest embodied energy and global warming potential, followed by reinforced concrete and hot-rolled steel. Additionally, the constructions were assessed using the LEED certification system