Demand For Materials Research Articles

Recent Advances and Applications of Sustainable and Recyclable Polymers

ABSTRACTThe increasing demand for sustainable and recyclable polymer materials has driven significant research efforts to address environmental concerns associated with conventional plastics. This review explores recent advancements in the development, fabrication, and applications of sustainable and recyclable polymers, with a focus on their role in promoting a circular economy. Key strategies for enhancing polymer recyclability and biodegradability, including bio‐based feedstocks, advanced chemical and mechanical recycling techniques, and novel polymer design approaches, are discussed. The review further highlights the integration of these materials into emerging technologies, including 3D printing, flexible electronics, solar‐driven interfacial evaporation, friction electric nanogenerators, and multifunctional membranes. In each of these fields, innovative polymeric solutions contribute to resource efficiency, reduced waste, and enhanced material performance. Additionally, this review addresses current challenges, such as cost barriers, recycling infrastructure limitations, and material property trade‐offs, while presenting future perspectives on sustainable polymer research. By integrating insights from recent studies, this work provides a roadmap for the continued advancement of sustainable polymer materials, fostering innovation in materials science and promoting global sustainability efforts.

Robust Optimization Model for Inventory Control Problems Production Raw Materials With Storage Costs and Orders Under Uncertainty

Inventory is a major part of a company's operations which can have a negative impact if it was not managed properly. Inventory control must be planned and controlled effectively and efficiently. The main problem in inventory control usually occurs because there are parameters that contain data uncertainty, such as uncertain product demand. Because of this element of uncertainty, it definitely influenced decision makers, according to many studies have discussed how to control uncertainty or minimize its impact. Therefore, This research presented a robust optimization model that can overcome the element of uncertainty in controlling the inventory of production raw materials, namely the uncertainty in the amount of demand for production raw materials where ordering capacity can only be ordered at the maximum value to obtain an optimal solution. Completion of the model was done by changing the mixed integer programming (MIP) problem into a linear programming (LP) problem. Data simulation was carried out with the help of MATLAB to obtain optimal results from the model created. This research also provides indications for decision makers in a company to model and control the company's production raw materials if demand becomes uncertain. Completion of the model was done by changing the mixed integer programming (MIP) problem into a linear programming (LP) problem. Data simulation was carried out with the help of MATLAB to obtain optimal results from the model created. This research also provides indications for decision makers in a company to model and control the company's production raw materials if demand becomes uncertain. Completion of the model was done by changing the mixed integer programming (MIP) problem into a linear programming (LP) problem. Data simulation was carried out with the help of MATLAB to obtain optimal results from the model created. This research also provides indications for decision makers in a company to model and control the company's production raw materials if demand becomes uncertain.

Optimizing mechanical properties and print accuracy of 3D printed lightweighting continuous fiber reinforced PLA foams

Abstract Due to the urgent demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in rail transportation, this study proposed foamed polylactic acid (PLA) composites reinforced with continuous basalt fibers (BF) using 3D printing technique to address the limitations posed by foaming-induced strength reduction in foam. Through a combination of parametric calculations, microscopic observations, and compression experiments, the effects of printing parameters on the expansion ratio and print accuracy of foamed composite were investigated. It was found that adding fibers to foamed PLA reduced the expansion ratio of PLA by up to 9.52% at lower printing temperatures and layer heights but increased it at higher settings. The expansion ratio of the composite significantly increased with high printing temperatures and layer heights. When the composites were fabricated at low print temperatures and high layer heights, noticeable interlayer gaps and exposed fibers leading to poor impregnation were observed at cross section. This phenomenon was improved as the expansion ratio increased. In addition, specimens with optimal print accuracy were prepared at specific combinations of printing temperature and layer height. In light of this discovery, a predictive function based on combined printing parameters was established to design composites with excellent print accuracy and specific densities. Finally, compression test results showed that with the same density of 0.5 g/cm3, the foamed composite exhibited substantial improvements in compressive strength, modulus, and strain energy density compared to the foamed PLA, with increases of 44.44%, 57.02%, and 24.19%, respectively.

Strength and Sustainability in Concrete: The Dual Role of Fly Ash and Accelerators in Reducing Environmental Impacts

The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has driven researchers to explore environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional concrete. This study aims to investigate the dual role of fly ash and chemical accelerators in enhancing both the strength and sustainability of concrete. The research focuses on optimizing the compressive strength of concrete by replacing 50% of cement with fly ash and incorporating various dosages of superplasticizers and accelerators. Compressive strength tests were performed after 18 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 28 days to assess early and long-term strength performance. Additionally, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed to assess the environmental impact of using fly ash in concrete production. The results show that all concrete variants achieved high early strength, with compressive strength values ranging from 32 MPa to 68 MPa within 24 hours, meeting the criteria for high early strength concrete. LCA analysis indicates that fly ash utilization significantly reduces the carbon footprint of concrete by reducing cement consumption. This research recommends the adoption of fly ash-based concrete with appropriate chemical additives as a sustainable solution to reduce environmental impacts in the construction industry while maintaining the required structural performance.

Improvement of vibration and acoustic properties of woven jute/polyester composites by surface modification of fibers with various chemicals

In response to the growing demand for lightweight and sustainable materials, the integration of natural fibers into polymer matrix composites has become very important. To improve the compatibility between hydrophilic natural fibers and matrices, surface modification has proven to be a crucial step. Therefore, this study advanced this technique by modifying the surfaces of woven jute mats with 1% of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), chromium sulphate (Cr2SO4), and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). The composite, containing 56% by volume of the fibers, was produced by compression moulding. Extensive testing was carried out, including three-point bending, free vibration mode and acoustic analysis. The Brüel and Kjær two-microphone impedance tube with a frequency range of 25–6400 Hz was used. Various properties such as bending strength, vibration behaviour, damping and sound absorption were evaluated. It was comparatively evident that the NaHCO3-treated composite samples exhibited the highest natural frequency of 61.04 Hz and the highest sound absorption coefficient of 0.67 at about 2000 Hz, which was 69% higher than that of the untreated composite samples and about 29–72% higher than that of other treated counterparts. In addition, other test results of the surface modified composites were better than the untreated counterparts. There was good agreement between the experimental data and the results obtained from the theoretical models, which is another significant contribution to the field of composite technology.

Impact of Seismic Design on Embodied Carbon in Steel Buildings: A Structural Element-based Assessment

The building and construction sector is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, with Embodied Carbon (EC) from material production, transportation, and construction gaining increasing attention. Although seismic design enhances structural safety, it also leads to a higher material consumption, thereby increasing the EC footprint of the buildings. This study examines the impact of seismic design on EC in steel buildings, focusing on columns, beams, and floors. A two-story steel-framed building was analyzed under low, moderate, and high seismic intensities. The EC assessment followed BS EN 15978, considering cradle-to-gate emissions (stages A1–A3) using industry-standard Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE) database values. Structural modeling was conducted using ETABS to determine the material demands. The results showed that the total EC increased by approximately 51% from non-seismic to high seismic conditions. Columns and beams exhibited the highest proportional increase owing to the larger cross-sectional sizes required for seismic stability, while concrete slabs contributed the most absolute emissions. Steel components, however, exhibited the greatest relative rise in carbon intensity. To reduce the EC in seismic design, structural optimization methods, high-strength steel utilization, and material reuse strategies should be explored. This study provides a scientific foundation for integrating sustainability into seismic regulations, thus contributing to low-carbon structural solutions for earthquake-prone regions.

Development and characterisation of eco-friendly hybrid polymer composites from palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre and glass fiber reinforced polyester for biomedical applications

ABSTRACT The growing demand for sustainable materials has prompted the use of natural fibre waste in composite development. This study investigates palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibres as reinforcement in polyester-based hybrid composites with glass fibres. Six composite formulations were fabricated and evaluated for their physical, microstructural, and mechanical properties. Water absorption, optical microscopy (OM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for characterisation, while mechanical performance was assessed through tensile, flexural, and impact tests following ASTM standards. The composite with 30% EFB fibres (EFB-3) showed a tensile strength of 12.79 MPa, while adding 5% glass fibres to 25% EFB (EFB-6) increased it to 23.37 MPa. The highest flexural strength (60.04 MPa) was observed in EFB-4. Although impact toughness remained low, glass fibre addition improved performance. These results highlight the potential of EFB-glass fibre hybrid composites as sustainable materials with tunable properties for biomedical applications.

1,3,4-Oxadiazole-Bridged 3,5-Dinitropyrazoles: Powerful Alliance toward High Performance and High Thermal Stability.

The ever-increasing demand for heat-resistant energetic materials in deep mining and space exploration has led to significant interest in developing new materials with exceptional thermal stability and detonation performance. In this work, a novel heat-resistant energetic compound, 2,5-bis(3,5-dinitro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (3), was achieved through a simple and straightforward method where two 3,5-dinitropyrazole moieties are linked through a 1,3,4-oxadiazole ring. Compound 3, a symmetrical conjugated molecule, demonstrates superior thermal stability (Tdec = 325 °C), good energetic performance (Dv = 8464 m s-1), and improved physical stability (IS = 7.5 J) compared to the industrially used heat-resistant explosive, HNS. The properties of 3 were further optimized by forming energetic salts, 4 and 5. An attempted reaction to synthesize zwitterionic compound 7, having 3,5-dinitropyrazole and 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole ring connected via a C-C bond, resulted in another zwitterionic compound 6. Energetic salts 4 (Tdec = 291 °C) and 5 (Tdec = 275 °C), as well as zwitterionic compound 6 (Tdec = 286 °C), demonstrated excellent decomposition temperatures with good physical stability. The dihydroxylammonium salt (5) (Dv = 8507 m s-1, P = 31.25 GPa) exhibited the best energetic properties, approaching the performance of RDX. The remarkable overall performance of compounds 3-5 makes them suitable candidates for high-performance, heat-resistant explosives.

Dual Capture of Iodine and Methyl Iodide Using Nonporous Nitrogen-Enriched Palladium(II) Assemblies.

The increasing reliance on nuclear energy amid fossil fuel depletion has intensified the demand for effective materials to capture and store radioactive species. Among these, molecular iodine and methyl iodide present serious environmental and health risks due to their volatility and persistence in nuclear waste. Herein, four nonporous self-assembled metallo-supramolecular assemblies (C1-C4) containing nitrogen-enriched cores (pyridyl, pyrimidine, or phenazine units) with distinct cavity sizes were investigated for their potential in simultaneous capture of both iodine and organic iodide. In the vapor phase, the assemblies achieved exceptional iodine uptake of up to 3.03 g g-1 at 75 °C, and in n-hexane solution, capacities reached 493.5 mg g-1, highlighting the materials' efficiency across different phases facilitated by electron-pair interactions. Additionally, these materials exhibited excellent performance in capturing methyl iodide vapor, with adsorption capacities as high as 1.2 g g-1 via methylation reactions. The assemblies proved to be robust and reusable, maintaining their efficacy over at least five cycles without significant degradation. This work presents the first report on an N-heteroatom functionalization approach to design recyclable coordination assemblies for the safe and efficient capture and storage of radioactive iodine and methyl iodide, contributing to the mitigation of nuclear energy-associated risks.

Sustainable Polypropylene Blends: Balancing Recycled Content with Processability and Performance.

The increasing demand for sustainable materials has renewed interest in recycling polyolefins, particularly polypropylene (PP), due to its widespread use and environmental persistence. Post-consumer recycled polypropylene (PPr), however, often exhibits compromised properties from prior exposure to thermal, oxidative, and mechanical degradation. This study investigates the potential of using post-consumer PPr in melt-blended extrusion formulations with virgin PP (PPv), focusing on how different PPr contents affect processability, thermal stability, oxidative resistance, and mechanical performance. Blends containing 25%, 50%, and 75% PPr, as well as 100% PPr and virgin PP, were evaluated using melt flow index (MFI), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), oxidation induction time (OIT), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile testing. Results show that increasing PPr content improves polymer fluidity and thermal stability under inert conditions but significantly reduces oxidation resistance and ductility. However, the 25% PPr blend demonstrated a favourable balance between performance and recyclability, presenting 96% of the elastic modulus and 101% of the yield strength of PPv. Homogenization by extrusion improved the oxidative stability of recycled PP by 22% compared to its non-extruded form. These findings support the use of low-to-moderate levels of PPr in virgin PP for applications requiring predictable and tunable performance. contributing to circular economy goals.

Sustainable Monocoque Materials for Application in E-Scooter Chassis: Mechanical Properties of Highly Biodegradable Polymer Composites

This study investigated the potential of biodegradable polymer composites for e-scooter chassis applications in response to the growing demand for sustainable materials. Four composites were tested: two carbon fiber-based (10H and 4H), one fiberglass-based, and one linen (flax)-based. The mechanical properties evaluated included tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and impact resistance. The results showed that carbon fiber composites (10H and 4H) demonstrated tensile strengths of 2900 MPa and 2860 MPa, respectively, while the flax composite achieved a tensile strength of 940 MPa. The fiberglass composite exhibited the highest flexural strength at 2200 MPa, followed by the carbon 10H composite at 1690 MPa and the flax composite at 1300 MPa. Impact resistance ranged from 90 kJ/m² for the fiberglass composite to 75 kJ/m² for the flax composite. The modulus of elasticity was highest in the carbon 10H composite at 134 GPa, with the flax composite having the lowest value of 70 GPa. These findings suggest that biodegradable composites, particularly carbon and flax-based materials, could serve as viable alternatives to traditional materials in e-scooter chassis applications. However, further research is required to validate their performance under real-world conditions.

Al319-Fly Ash Hybrid Composites Fabricated Via Stir Casting

The growing demand for lightweight, cost-effective, and high-performance materials in the automotive and aerospace sectors has spurred interest in aluminum matrix composites (AMCs). Among various aluminum alloys, Al319 has garnered attention for its excellent castability and mechanical strength. In this study, hybrid composites of Al319 reinforced with varying weight percentages of fly ash were synthesized using the stir casting technique. Fly ash, a low-cost industrial by-product, was selected due to its availability, low density, and potential to enhance wear resistance and stiffness. The fabricated composites were evaluated for microstructural characteristics, hardness, tensile strength, and wear behavior. The results revealed uniform distribution of fly ash particles, improved mechanical properties, and notable reduction in material cost. The study highlights the suitability of stir casting as a viable and economical method for producing Al319-based hybrid composites with enhanced performance, contributing to sustainable materials engineering.

Concrete Hollow Block with Reused Glass

Concrete is being used a lot in construction. As urbanization accelerates globally, the demand for sustainable construction materials is becoming increasingly critical. Traditional concrete, a staple in the construction industry, is known for its environmental impact due to high energy consumption in production and the extensive use of natural resources. In response to these concerns, researchers and industry practitioners are exploring innovative approaches to enhance the sustainability of construction materials. One promising area of investigation is the incorporation of recycled materials into concrete mixtures. In this study, we aimed to determine the level of glass replacement resulting in optimal compressive strength. The objectives of this study are to produce a concrete hollow block with reused glass and to find out whether the reused glass can be used as partial replacement for aggregates. Three concrete samples were tested at 7, 14 and 28 days for glass replacement proportions of 10%, 15% and 20%. Based on its maximum load at failure, 10% of reused glass substitution is applicable for interior wall. The hollow concrete produced by using 10% of reused glass with sized 320cmx180cmx180cm.

Investigation on the development and characterization of barkcloth-velvetleaf fiber composites using Taguchi-grey relational analysis for sustainable food packaging applications

Abstract The rising demand for biodegradable and sustainable packaging materials has generated delicate interest in natural fiber composites, with barkcloth-velvetleaf fiber composites providing a renewable alternative for food packaging applications. This research seeks to formulate and refine these composites to attain improved mechanical characteristics, moisture resistance, and non-toxicity for sustainable packaging solutions. The composites were produced following Taguchi’s L9 Orthogonal Array (OA) design, with Fiber Orientation (FO), NaOH Treatment (NT), Fiber-to-Matrix Ratio (FMR), and Binder Concentration (BC) as principal variables. Mechanical characterization was executed in accordance with ASTM standards for tensile and flexural assessments, while microstructural and chemical evaluations were carried out utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX). The Taguchi Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) were utilized for data analysis and optimization. Optimum tensile strength of 27.985 MPa and flexural strength of 35.321 MPa were attained using parameter configurations. SEM and EDS demonstrated improved fiber-matrix adhesion, while moisture resistance and non-toxicity confirmed the composites’ appropriateness for humid conditions. The research illustrates the viability of barkcloth-velvetleaf fiber composites as sustainable, non-toxic packaging materials, enhancing environmentally acceptable food packaging options.

Progress in galactomannan-based materials for biomedical application.

Progress in galactomannan-based materials for biomedical application.

Investigation of microwave absorption performance of anti-radiation plastic cement brick

The increasing demand for effective anti-microwave radiation materials motivates the exploration of sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. This research investigates the microwave absorption properties of various brick compositions, including commercial brick (CB) and solid bricks (SB1, SB2 and SB3) incorporating recycled materials, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and palm oil fuel ash (POFA). The dimension of the developed brick is 200×100×60 mm (length×width×height). The absorption performance of the bricks was measured in 100 mm and 60 mm thickness across the frequency range of 1 to 12 GHz using the naval research laboratory (NRL) free space arch method. At 100 mm thickness, SB3 shows the highest absorption up to-32.2061 dB at 1.98 GHz. At 60 mm thickness, SB1 achieved the maximum absorption at -57.6511 dB at 2.505 GHz. SB2 shows consistent average absorption performance at 15.2064 dB at 100 mm thickness and -19.5 dB at 60 mm thickness respectively. The compressive strength of the brick was measured, and it was shown that SB2 exhibited the highest average compressive strength of 7.17 MPa. Considering the standard wall thickness and brick strength, SB2 shows the most effective performance due to its enhanced composition and consistent performance across frequencies.

Effect of Lantana Camara, Cassia Occidentalis and Rucinus Communis Seeds and Leaves Extract as Corrosion Inhibitors of Mild Steel in 2M HCL Solution

Corrosion phenomena, control, and prevention are significant scientific issues that require ongoing attention due to the increasing demand for metallic materials in various technological developments. The use of natural inhibitors is an attractive option for preventing corrosion due to their environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and ease of sourcing and renewability. This research investigates the potential of locally sourced, non-edible plants as corrosion inhibitors. Specifically, extracts from Lantana camara, Cassia occidentalis, and Ricinus communis seeds and leaves were tested on mild steel in a 2M HCl solution to determine their corrosion prevention potency and compare the inhibitive properties between the leaves and seeds of each plant. The maceration method was employed for extraction using ethanol as the solvent. Corrosion tests were conducted using the weight loss technique to determine the corrosion rate of mild steel coupons over a 14-day period, with measurements taken at 24-hour intervals. The results indicate that Cassia occidentalis leaves and Lantana camara leaves exhibit lower corrosion rates compared to their respective seeds. Conversely, Ricinus communis seeds showed a lower corrosion rate than its leaf extract. All inhibitors demonstrated notable inhibitive properties, with Cassia occidentalis leaves displaying the highest inhibitive efficiency, likely due to its high phytochemical constituents.

Fully-biodegradable and self-powered intelligent filter assembled by fibrous cellulose and MOF-functionalized poly(lactic acid) core-shell nanofibers for active PM capturing and passive respiratory sensing.

Fully-biodegradable and self-powered intelligent filter assembled by fibrous cellulose and MOF-functionalized poly(lactic acid) core-shell nanofibers for active PM capturing and passive respiratory sensing.

Tuning energy transport in helical protein nanotubes through side-chain modifications.

Tuning energy transport in helical protein nanotubes through side-chain modifications.

Cumin essential oil-infused chitosan-PVA composite coatings: An innovative approach for developing antimicrobial, antioxidant and functionalized polyethylene films.

Cumin essential oil-infused chitosan-PVA composite coatings: An innovative approach for developing antimicrobial, antioxidant and functionalized polyethylene films.