Variety Of Materials Research Articles

Features and Limitations of Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) in Obtaining Textile-like Structures

In contemporary production processes and customisation, 3D printing has emerged as a prominent method for prototyping. It offers flexibility to create objects of diverse shapes, structures, sizes and materials. However, integrating this technology into the textile industry to achieve textile-like structures poses challenges. The fused deposition modelling (FDM) method is currently the closest approach to prototyping such structures due to its ability to extrude monofilaments resembling traditional threads. Regrettably, attempts to produce structures with properties akin to textiles, including flexibility, durability, breathability, lightness and fineness, have been unsuccessful due to various limitations inherent in the technical setups of 3D printers. This study analyses the key features of FDM printing that determine the feasibility of achieving authentic textile-like printed structures while clarifying the underlying logic behind their future purpose. Our aim was to assist future researchers in achieving the production of thin 3D-printed fibres (diameter ~0.1 mm) regardless of structure type.

Van der Waals Epitaxy and Beyond for Monolithic 3D Integration

Abstract As the limitations of silicon-based technologies approach their physical boundaries, monolithic three-dimensional integration (M3D) and two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), have emerged as promising solutions for continuous scaling in semiconductor devices. This perspective explores the evolution of van der Waals (vdW) epitaxy and its potential to integrate TMDs into M3D structures. By circumventing lattice mismatch issues, vdW epitaxy allows the formation of high-quality single-crystal heterostructures across diverse material systems. However, the challenge of achieving films with uniform thickness control remains unresolved. Herein, advanced epitaxial growth techniques for TMDs are reviewed, including quasi-vdW epitaxy, vdW recrystallization, and remote epitaxy, whilst also introducing emerging approaches, such as hypotaxy and interfacial epitaxy. These emerging techniques have the potential to produce large-area defect-free films with controllable thicknesses. Ultimately, the development of new epitaxial methods specifically designed for TMDs is essential for the future integration of 2D materials into industrial applications.

Versatile and Fast Electrochemical Activation Method for Carbon Nanotube Fibers with Diverse Active Materials.

In this study, the challenge of non-electrochemical activity in carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) is addressed by developing a modified chlorosulfonic acid (CSA) densification process specifically developed for directly spun CNTFs. This post-treatment method, well-known for enhancing the physical properties of CNTFs, utilizes the double diffusion phenomenon to efficiently integrate a diverse range of active materials, from conductive polymers like polyaniline (PANI) to metal oxides like nickel oxide (NiO), into the fibers. This universal and cost-effective approach not only simplifies the integration process but also significantly boosts both the electrochemical and physical properties of the fibers. For instance, the PANI@CNTF composite exhibited a remarkable 17-fold increase in specific capacitance and a two-fold increase in load value compared to its pristine counterparts. This method proves straightforward, efficient, and versatile, making it suitable for developing fiber-shaped electrodes that advance the capabilities of wearable energy storage systems.

Digital Access to Asia: An Analysis of the Coverage of Digital Asia Collections in Australian University Libraries

ABSTRACT Asia collections in Australian university libraries play a crucial role in supporting the teaching and research of Asian Studies and languages, as well as fostering a deeper understanding of Asia. Given Australia’s strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region, the study of Asia is of significant practical and national importance; however, it has faced a decline marked by the closure of Asian studies programs and reductions in resources. Initially developed in response to increased university investment in Asian area studies and language teaching, these collections have transitioned from print to digital formats, incorporating diverse materials related to Asia’s history, culture, languages, and societies. The article builds on the seminal appraisal by Bishop and Weller (1970), which highlighted the challenges of developing Asia collections due to limited access to print resources from regions with underdeveloped publishing industries. This paper analyses the current status of Asia-related collections in digital format, complementing existing literature focused primarily on print collections. It highlights innovations in information access through vendor subscription-based databases, which have transformed academic libraries’ ability to acquire materials. The study reveals trends in the growth of digital resources and examines the strengths and gaps in the coverage of Asia materials within contemporary academic libraries.

BORBOLETANDO PROJECT: STORYTELLING IN VIRTUAL MEDIA – AN INNOVATIVE PROPOSAL

This article deals with the "Borboletando Project: at home you also learn!", as an example of a successful experience that unites the art of storytelling in the continuum of informal education, enabling, in a playful way, the learning of themes focused on reality and everyday issues that involve families, students, teachers, or anyone interested in listening to stories and learning in a pleasurable way. The art of storytelling is an ancestral activity, but it arouses fascination even in a society mediated by digital technologies, enabling educational/pedagogical experiences in virtual networks. The Project emerged in 2020 and according to the author she was sensitized by the pandemic to the fact that she saw children, especially young ones, being cloistered indoors without being able to visit relatives, friends, colleagues, and often only in the company of their parents. The name of the project was inspired by the metamorphosis of the butterfly, first – a caterpillar – passing from leaf to leaf in the garden, and then trapped in the cocoon. The research has the following objectives: to analyze the Borboletando Project in the context of educational innovation; describe some experiences with storytelling promoted by the project; present the stories and memories of the protagonists about their experiences in the Project. The methodological path started from a qualitative research, based on Minayo (2002), in which a content analysis was carried out based on Bardin (2011). To this end, a semi-structured interview was applied and oral life histories of the research subjects were collected - students of the teacher training course in the scope of Pedagogy at the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). The Project brings playful alternatives using diverse materials, creativity and innovative practices from traditional educational resources (storytelling, music, visual arts, among others). This sharing allows parents and the school to suggest activities in which the child gains wings becoming the butterfly. It's been 4 (four) years of a project that offers some types of storytelling: storytelling itself through videos and animations. It expanded the educational and pedagogical possibilities provided by storytelling in virtual networks, as a university extension providing the community with the opportunity to participate with suggestions for specific themes. It is also a space for successful experiences for students at the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI).

Facile Construction of Soft Plasmonic Sensors with Exceptional Optical Activity for Quantitative Chiral Detection.

The facile construction of transmissive films with ultrabroad optical activity, spanning from deep-ultraviolet to short-wave infrared and offering convenient tunability across a wide range, is highly desirable for applications in sensing, imaging, and communication. However, achieving this remains challenging. Here, an easily applied wet-stretching method is introduced that simultaneously orients polymeric substrates and surface-coated plasmonic nanorods. Stacking two such hybrid films at an angle produces ultrastrong (ellipticity≈104 mdeg, gabs≈1) and broadband (200-2500 nm) circular dichroism (CD). The polymer's excellent strength and flexibility allow for broad-range tuning of the CD spectra by applying external force. The optical activity is sensitive to intervening medium, facilitating chiral detection of various inserted analytes in the forms of films, salt pellets, or solutions. This cost-effective and scalable fabrication strategy not only pioneers an expandable method for inducing chirality across diverse materials, but also offers a universal approach for constructing precise, non-destructive, non-contact, and reusable chiral sensors.

3D Nanofabrication via Directed Material Assembly: Mechanism, Method, and Future.

Fabrication of complex three-dimensional (3D) structures at nanoscale is the core of nanotechnology, as it enables the creation of various micro-/nano-devices such as micro-robots, metamaterials, sensors, photonic devices, etc. Among most 3D nanofabrication strategies, the guided material assembly, an efficient bottom-up approach capable of directly constructing designed structures from precise integration of material building blocks, possesses compelling advantages in diverse material compatibility, sufficient driving forces, facile processing steps, and nanoscale resolution. In this review, we focus on assembly-based fabrication methods capable of creating complex 3D nanostructures (instead of periodic or 2.5D-only structures). Recent advances are classified based on the different assembly mechanisms, i.e., assembly driven by chemical reactions, physical interactions, and the synergy of multiple microscopic interactions. The design principles of representative fabrication strategies with an emphasis on their respective advantages, e.g., structural design flexibility, material compatibility, resolution, or applications are analyzed. In the summary and outlook, existing challenges, as well as possible paths to solutions for future development are reviewed. We believe that with recent advances in assembly-based nanofabrication strategies, 3D nanofabrication has achieved tremendous progress in resolution, material generality, and manufacturing cost, for it to make a greater impact in the near future.

Biopolymer‐Based Gel Electrolytes for Advanced Zinc Ion Batteries: Progress and Perspectives

AbstractIn recent years, aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) with ultra‐high safety and environmental friendliness have emerged as a promising candidates for energy storage and energy conversion devices. However, the severe side reactions and dendrites issues discourage the practical application of ZIBs. Recently, biopolymer‐based gel electrolytes have disclosed large potential in tackling these challenges of ZIBs, with numerous advancements reported. Their advantages lie in suppressing side reactions including hydrogen evolution and Zn metal anode corrosion, as well as inhibiting the growth of Zn dendrites. This review comprehensively examines the classification, structures and properties of biopolymer‐based gel electrolytes, with a focus on hydrogel electrolytes derived from various natural macromolecular biopolymers, along with a brief discussion on non‐hydrogel electrolytes using ionic liquids or organic solutions as solvents. Subsequently, the preparation of biopolymer‐based gel electrolytes with physical and chemical methods are summarized. Furthermore, the practical applications of biopolymer‐based gel electrolytes in ZIBs with diverse cathodes materials are introduced. Finally, it highlights the environmental benefits and excellent electrochemical performance of biopolymer‐based gel electrolytes, outlining their prospects for the next generation of ZIBs and proposing future perspectives.

Methodological steps forward in toxicological in vitro screening of mineral wools in primary rat alveolar macrophages and normal rat mesothelial NRM2 cells.

Man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF) comprise diverse materials for thermal and acoustic insulation, including stone wool. Depending on dimension, durability, and dose, MMVF might induce adverse health effects. Therefore, early predictive in vitro (geno)toxicity screening of new MMVF is highly desired to ensure safety for exposed workers and consumers. Here, we investigated, as a starting point, critical in vitro screening determinants and pitfalls using primary rat alveolar macrophages (AM) and normal rat mesothelial cells (NRM2). A stone wool fiber (RIF56008) served as an exemplary MMVF (fibrous vs. ground to estimate impact of fiber shape) and long amosite (asbestos) as insoluble fiber reference. Materials were comprehensively characterized, and in vivo-relevant in vitro concentrations defined, based on different approaches (low to supposed overload: 0.5, 5 and 50µg/cm2). After 4-48h of incubation, certain readouts were analyzed and material uptake was investigated by light and fluorescence-coupled darkfield microscopy. DNA-strand break induction was not morphology-dependent and nearly absent in both cell types. However, NRM2 demonstrated material-, morphology- and concentration-dependent membrane damage, CINC-1 release, reduction in cell count, and induction of binucleated cells (asbestos > RIF56008 > RIF56008 ground). In contrast to NRM2, asbestos was nearly inactive in AM, with CINC-1 release solely induced by RIF56008. In conclusion, to define an MMVF-adapted, predictive in vitro (geno)toxicity screening tool, references, endpoints, and concentrations should be carefully chosen, based on in vivo relevance, and sensitivity and specificity of the chosen cell model. Next, further endpoints should be evaluated, ideally with validation by in vivo data regarding their predictivity.

Lithographically defined cavities with high Quality and Purcell factors

Abstract We introduce and analyze a lithographically defined cavity (Li-cavity) incorporating a buried mesa defect in a planar vertical structure, which induces transverse photonic confinement while enabling compatibility with electrical injection. We systematically investigate the influence of key cavity parameters on optical behavior and fundamental properties using a comprehensive three-dimensional optical model. Our analysis reveals that the Li-cavity exhibits low optical scattering, resulting in high Q and Purcell factors, even at sub-wavelength dimensions. Furthermore, the Li-cavity supports single-mode operation within a broader aperture size range compared to conventional cavity designs, promising enhanced optical power of single-mode emission. Adequately designed structures demonstrate superior Q and Purcell factors at wavelength scale sizes,- outperforming conventional micropillar cavities. These improved properties and customizable device characteristics stem from a simple fabrication process that precisely controls the cavity size, shape, and optical mode. Superior characteristics, along with its adaptability to diverse materials, wavelengths, and photonic integration platforms, promise a broad range of applications and potential adaptation of this design to diverse photonic devices.

Ensuring Appropriate Representation in Artificial Intelligence-Generated Medical Imagery: Protocol for a Methodological Approach to Address Skin Tone Bias.

In medical education, particularly in anatomy and dermatology, generative artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to create customized illustrations. However, the underrepresentation of darker skin tones in medical textbooks and elsewhere, which serve as training data for AI, poses a significant challenge in ensuring diverse and inclusive educational materials. This study aims to evaluate the extent of skin tone diversity in AI-generated medical images and to test whether the representation of skin tones can be improved by modifying AI prompts to better reflect the demographic makeup of the US population. In total, 2 standard AI models (Dall-E [OpenAI] and Midjourney [Midjourney Inc]) each generated 100 images of people with psoriasis. In addition, a custom model was developed that incorporated a prompt injection aimed at "forcing" the AI (Dall-E 3) to reflect the skin tone distribution of the US population according to the 2012 American National Election Survey. This custom model generated another set of 100 images. The skin tones in these images were assessed by 3 researchers using the New Immigrant Survey skin tone scale, with the median value representing each image. A chi-square goodness of fit analysis compared the skin tone distributions from each set of images to that of the US population. The standard AI models (Dalle-3 and Midjourney) demonstrated a significant difference between the expected skin tones of the US population and the observed tones in the generated images (P<.001). Both standard AI models overrepresented lighter skin. Conversely, the custom model with the modified prompt yielded a distribution of skin tones that closely matched the expected demographic representation, showing no significant difference (P=.04). This study reveals a notable bias in AI-generated medical images, predominantly underrepresenting darker skin tones. This bias can be effectively addressed by modifying AI prompts to incorporate real-life demographic distributions. The findings emphasize the need for conscious efforts in AI development to ensure diverse and representative outputs, particularly in educational and medical contexts. Users of generative AI tools should be aware that these biases exist, and that similar tendencies may also exist in other types of generative AI (eg, large language models) and in other characteristics (eg, sex, gender, culture, and ethnicity). Injecting demographic data into AI prompts may effectively counteract these biases, ensuring a more accurate representation of the general population.

Classification Analysis of Transition Metal Compounds Using Quantum Machine Learning

AbstractQuantum machine learning (QML) leverages the potential of machine learning (ML) to explore the subtle patterns in huge datasets of complex nature with quantum advantages. QML accelerates materials research with active screening of chemical space, identifying novel materials for practical applications, and classifying structurally diverse materials given their measured properties. This study analyzes the performance of three efficient quantum machine learning algorithms viz., variational quantum classifier (VQC), quantum support vector classifier (QSVC), and quantum neural networks (QNN) for distinguishing transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) from transitional metal oxides (TMOs). By employing feature selection, classical machine learning achieves 100% accuracy whereas QML achieves the highest performance of 99% and 98% for test and train data respectively on QSVC. Further, to extend the QML models for structural and functional analysis of materials that cannot be inferred directly from the formula, stability analysis, and magnetic nature analysis on 1000 and 500 materials are performed, respectively. The stability analysis achieves 78% accuracy with QSVC and the magnetic nature analysis achieves 88% with QNN establishing the competence of QML models. This study proves that QML models are remarkable in materials classification and analysis which fuels the task of materials discovery in the future.

Enhanced integrated acoustofluidics with printed circuit board electrodes attached to piezoelectric film coated substrate

The current key issues in applying acoustofluidics in engineering lie in the inflexibility of manufacturing processes, particularly those involving modifications to piezoelectric materials and devices. This leads to inefficient prototyping and potentially high costs. To overcome these limitations, we proposed a technique that is capable of prototyping acoustofluidic devices in a straightforward manner. This is achieved by simply clamping a printed circuit board (PCB) featuring interdigital electrodes (IDEs) onto a substrate coated with a piezoelectric thin film. By applying appropriate clamping force between the PCB and the substrate, one can effectively generate surface acoustic waves (SAWs) along the surface of the substrate. This approach simplifies the prototyping process, reducing the complexity and fabrication time. The clamping mechanism allows for easy adjustment and optimization of the SAW generation, enabling fine-tuning of the fluid and particle manipulation capabilities. Furthermore, this method allows for customizable interdigital transducers (IDTs) by ‘patterning’ IDEs on thin-film piezoelectric substrates (such as ZnO/Al and ZnO/Si) with various anisotropy orientations. This facilitates the on-demand generation of wave modes, including A0 and S0 Lamb waves, Rayleigh waves, and Sezawa waves. One notable advantage of this method is its capability to rapidly test acoustic wave patterns and performance on any substrate, offering a fast and streamlined approach to assess acoustic behaviors across diverse materials, thereby paving the way for efficient exploration of novel materials in SAW technology.

Towards Sustainability in Hydraulic Machinery Manufacturing by 3D Printing

Material wear, maintenance costs, performance, efficiency, and corrosion are some of the issues that turbomachinery impellers may encounter. The optimization of impellers through additive manufacturing (AM) has been the focus of extensive research, aiming to address these challenges in turbine, pump, compressor, fan, and mixer components. This research aims to identify and analyze the main techniques currently being developed to tackle several of these issues. Evaluating the published research, the methodology highlights various AM techniques applied to impellers and related components, as well as the diverse materials used in functional system elements. The analysis revealed that the most commonly used additive manufacturing technologies for the production of turbomachinery components are FDM, with a 22% application rate, and powder bed fusion technology, accounting for 35%, utilized for high-complexity parts and even superalloys. Although more expensive, these technologies employ materials with superior resistance capabilities, surpass the limitations of conventional machining, optimize manufacturing times, and allow for the fine-tuning of multiple parameters. In terms of wear and corrosion resistance, materials such as Inconel 718 exhibited a loss of less than 0.1 mpy (mils per year) in highly corrosive environments, representing a significant improvement over traditional materials.

Transparent TiO2/MoO3 Heterojunction-Based Photovoltaic Self-Powered Triethylamine Gas Sensor with IoT-Enabled Smartphone Interface.

Conventional gas sensors encounter a significant obstacle in terms of power consumption, making them unsuitable for integration with the next generation of smartphones, wireless platforms, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Energy-efficient gas sensors, particularly self-powered gas sensors, can effectively tackle this problem. The researchers are making significant strides in advancing photovoltaic self-powered gas sensors by employing diverse materials and their compositions. Unfortunately, several of these sensors seem complex in fabrication and mainly target oxidizing species detection. To address these issues, we have successfully employed a transparent, cost-efficient solution processed bilayer TiO2/MoO3 heterojunction-based photovoltaic self-powered gas sensor with superior VOC sensing capabilities, marking a significant milestone in this field. The scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) measurement reveals the remarkable change in contact potential difference (-23 mV/kPa) of the TiO2/MoO3 bilayered film after UV light exposure in a triethylamine (TEA) atmosphere, indicating the highest reactivity between TEA molecules and TiO2/MoO3. Under photovoltaic mode, the sensor further demonstrates exceptional sensitivity (∼2.35 × 10-3 ppm-1) to TEA compared to other studied VOCs, with an admirable limit of detection (22 ppm) and signal-to-noise ratio (1540). Additionally, the sensor shows the ability to recognize TEA and estimate its composition in a binary mixture of VOCs from a similar class. The strongest affinity of TiO2/MoO3 toward the TEA molecule, the lowest covalent bond energy, and the highest electron-donating nature of TEA may be mainly attributed to the highest adsorption between TiO2/MoO3 and TEA. We further demonstrate the practical applicability of the TEA sensor with a prototype device connected to a smartphone via the IoT, enabling continuous surveillance of TEA.

Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills in Senior High School Students through Targeted Strategies in English Reading Instruction: A Comprehensive Examination and Implementation Framework

This article explores the vital task of cultivating critical thinking skills in senior high school students through English reading instruction. Recognizing the pivotal role of critical thinking in fostering independent and analytical learners, this study employs a comprehensive methodology, integrating literature review, theoretical frameworks, and practical strategies. We present an implementation framework, synthesizing established critical thinking theories with innovative pedagogical methods, addressing the unique challenges of senior high school English classrooms. Our framework includes diverse reading materials, interactive learning experiences, and assessment tools to measure and reinforce critical thinking. Drawing on insights from educators, students, and experts, the research contributes valuable guidance for optimizing English reading instruction. As education evolves, this timely resource aims to support educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers in fostering a generation of students equipped with the cognitive agility essential for success in academic pursuits and beyond.

Functionalized materials and geometric designs of thermoelectric devices for smart wearable applications

Wearable thermoelectric devices provide a favorable solution for wearable electronics, due to their ability to harvest electricity or regulate human body temperature. To this end, there have been extensive studies of thermoelectric devices for wearable applications, employing diverse materials, structures, designs, and other possible techniques to improve performance. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of recent wearable thermoelectric device works that examine how the materials and design geometry properties can influence the key performance parameters, along with potential real-life applications. The review mainly discusses three main factors of materials, geometry, and configuration modules, along with the strengths and weaknesses of the corresponding materials and designs. Finally, we evaluate the prominent wearable applications based on the diverse materials, structures, and module design requirements, along with future outlook and potential opportunities for next generation thermoelectric wearables.

The nexus of clay mineralogy and soil fertility under diverse parent materials in two distinct geomorphological settings

The nexus of clay mineralogy and soil fertility under diverse parent materials in two distinct geomorphological settings

Residual Stress Analysis in High‐Speed Physical Vapor Deposition Coatings

Several studies focus on impact of residual stress in coatings, predominantly those synthesized by conventional physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques like arc PVD and magnetron sputtering. High‐speed PVD (HS‐PVD) is based on hollow cathode gas flow sputtering, enabling the deposition of thick coatings s &gt; 20 μm in contrast to the mentioned processes, where coating thickness is limited due to compressive residual stresses. Therefore, the effect of residual stresses on HS‐PVD coatings and adhesion was analyzed for the first time. The aim is to evaluate the influence of diverse substrate materials, different coating systems, and process parameters on the residual stress states in HS‐PVD coatings. Different coating systems like AlCrN and AlCrO are deposited at different reactive gas flows, coating times, and bias voltages. The residual stress of oxide coatings, deposited on cemented carbide and steel X40CrMoV5–1, is analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and the sin2ψ method. For AlCrN coatings, in addition to the XRD method, the residual stresses are measured by focused ion‐beam‐digital image correlation ring‐core method to investigate different measuring methods. Both coating systems show higher adhesion strength with increasing thickness. Lower residual compressive stresses are unexpectedly observed at higher coating thickness using both analysis methods.

Highly-sensitive detection of CP-type synthetic cannabinoids from e-cigarettes by anovel Zn/Bi bimetallic organic framework-derived ZnO-Bi2O3 heterojunctions sensing platform.

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), often masqueraded in "e-cigarettes," are novel popular psychoactive substances with diverse structures and complex material compositions, making their detection more challenging for prompt intervention. Herein, a novel electrochemical sensing platform based on Zn/Bi bimetallic organic framework-derived ZnO-Bi2O3 heterojunctions was constructed for the detection of cyclohexanylphenol synthetic cannabinoids (CP-type SCs: CP47,497 and CP55,940). The sensing characteristics of ZnO-Bi2O3 were studied under various conditions, including solvent composition, molar ratio of metal, and calcination temperature. The optimized ZnO-Bi2O3 heterojunction exhibited a larger surface area, more active sites, and stronger stability, conducive to enhanced electrochemical catalytic performance. Under optimal conditions, aZnO-Bi2O3 modified screen-printed electrode (ZnO-Bi2O3/SPE) showed good linear responses toward CP47,497 and CP55,940 within the concentration ranges 7 × 10-9 ~ 5 × 10-6M and 1 × 10-9 ~ 5 × 10-6M, with detection limits of 2.3 × 10-9M and 3.3 × 10-10M, respectively. The sensor also depicted excellent reliability and can be used for on-site electrochemical detection of target objects in e-cigarettes with high recovery. Finally, the electrochemical oxidation mechanisms of CP47,497 and CP55,940 were studied for the first time, and electrochemical fingerprints of CP-type SCs were speculated.