Material Utilization Efficiency Research Articles

Oriented Structures for High Safety, Rate Capability, and Energy Density Lithium Metal Batteries.

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have emerged in recent years as highly promising candidates for high-density energy storage systems. Despite their immense potential, mutual constraints arise when optimizing energy density, rate capability, and operational safety, which greatly hinder the commercialization of LMBs. The utilization of oriented structures in LMBs appears as a promising strategy to address three key performance barriers: 1) low efficiency of active material utilization at high surface loading, 2) easy formation of Li dendrites and damage to interfaces under high-rate cycling, and 3) low ionic conductivity of solid-state electrolytes in high safety LMBs. This review aims to holistically introduce the concept of oriented structures, provide criteria for quantifying the degree of orientation, and elucidate their systematic effects on the properties of materials and devices. Furthermore, a detailed categorization of oriented structures is proposed to offer more precise guidance for the design of LMBs. This review also provides a comprehensive summary of preparation techniques for oriented structures and delves into the mechanisms by which these can enhance the energy density, rate capability, and safety of LMBs. Finally, potential applications of oriented structures in LMBs and the crucial challenges that need to be addressed in this field are explored.

Oriented Structures for High Safety, Rate Capability, and Energy Density Lithium Metal Batteries.

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have emerged in recent years as highly promising candidates for high-density energy storage systems. Despite their immense potential, mutual constraints arise when optimizing energy density, rate capability, and operational safety, which greatly hinder the commercialization of LMBs. The utilization of oriented structures in LMBs appears as a promising strategy to address three key performance barriers: 1) low efficiency of active material utilization at high surface loading, 2) easy formation of Li dendrites and damage to interfaces under high-rate cycling, and 3) low ionic conductivity of solid-state electrolytes in high safety LMBs. This review aims to holistically introduce the concept of oriented structures, provide criteria for quantifying the degree of orientation, and elucidate their systematic effects on the properties of materials and devices. Furthermore, a detailed categorization of oriented structures is proposed to offer more precise guidance for the design of LMBs. This review also provides a comprehensive summary of preparation techniques for oriented structures and delves into the mechanisms by which these can enhance the energy density, rate capability, and safety of LMBs. Finally, potential applications of oriented structures in LMBs and the crucial challenges that need to be addressed in this field are explored.

Experimental investigation on battery thermal management using phase change materials with different arrangement schemes

Thermal management is imperative for regulating battery temperature during operation. In this paper, lithium iron phosphate batteries were taken to experimentally investigate the battery thermal management system module utilizing phase change materials. Various phase change material (PCM) plates with uniform and gradient phase change material arrangements were produced by pressing phase change material powder to closely adhere to the battery. The experimental results illustrated that the phase change material plate had a good temperature uniformity effect on the battery, and this effect became more noticeable under high-rate battery discharge. Over 80% of the experimental group’s the maximum temperature difference could be maintained within 3 °C. In addition, there was an optimal range for phase change material plate thickness, the effect of reducing the battery maximum temperature weakened and the efficiency of phase change material utilization decreased when the phase change material plate thickness exceeded a critical value. Specially, a gradient arrangement of the phase change material with different phase change temperatures had better cooling effect on the battery. Compared with uniform arrangement of PCM, the temperature difference with gradient arrangement of PCM was decreased by 55.6%, 70.8%, and 77.4% at 2C, 2.5C, and 3C discharge rates, respectively. To guarantee that the battery’s high heat-generating areas can always be cooled by phase change material through latent heat absorption in the middle and later stages of discharge, phase change material with higher phase-change temperatures should be placed in these areas, which can coordinate the non-uniform heat generation of battery and prevent severe temperature rise as well as further reduce the maximum temperature difference. The findings presented in this study provide new insights for designing a battery thermal management system utilizing phase change material.

3D-printed LC3-based lightweight engineered cementitious composites: Fresh state, harden material properties and beam performance

3D concrete printing (3DCP) technology has undergone rapid development and is poised to emerge as a crucial component of intelligent construction due to its expeditious construction process and efficient material utilization. Integrating 3DCP with engineered cementitious composites (ECC) enables self-reinforced construction without placing steel bars. However, the environmental impacts associated with ordinary Portland cement-based printable ECC impose challenges to sustainable development. This study investigates a sustainable ECC for 3DCP applications with the integration of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) and lightweight fine aggregate. A systematic study of the innovative 3D-printable LC3-based lightweight engineered cementitious composites (LL-ECC) from fresh state to hardened state, accompanied from material level to component level was conducted. The printable mixture was designed through the optimization of the fresh properties of LL-ECC with different fiber contents. The mechanical properties of hardened LL-ECC demonstrated competitive or even superior mechanical performances compared to mold-cast counterparts, including compressive properties, fracture toughness, and shear strength. Moreover, the printed LL-ECC beams exhibited excellent flexural strength and ductility with increase of approximately 40 % and 100 % than mold-cast beams, respectively. LL-ECC further exhibited significant reductions in material cost, embodied energy and carbon footprint, and higher specific strength compared to those of traditional OPC-ECC. Therefore, LL-ECC is a high-performance and promising composite with balanced printability, mechanical properties, and sustainability in 3D printing.

Research on bubble-free Si/SiC hydrophilic bonding approach for high-quality Si-on-SiC fabrication

The electrical device fabricated by the Si-on-SiC substrate exhibits superior heat dissipation and minimal RF loss. However, a common challenge in hydrophilic direct bonding is the inevitable formation of bubbles at the Si/SiC interface, which compromises material utilization efficiency. To address this issue, a multi-bonding process was introduced in this research. Experimental findings revealed that this method effectively mitigated interfacial bubble formation, especially when incorporating a multi-step annealing–separating–bonding approach, yielding even more promising results. Ultimately, a bubble-free 3 × 3 cm2 Si-on-SiC substrate was fabricated. Material characterization techniques confirmed the high crystal quality and minimal surface roughness for the Si functional layer. Transmission electron microscopy further revealed the presence of an amorphous oxide layer (∼3.5 nm) at the interface, devoid of any defects or nanovoids. It is believed that with its excellent physical properties, Si-on-SiC will have a broader application prospect in extreme environments.

Experimental Investigation of GFRP-Reinforced Hollow Square Concrete Column

Due to their great structural efficiency and efficient utilization of materials, steel-reinforced hollow-core concrete columns are often employed in utility poles, ground piles, and piers for bridges. Based on research, these columns' performance is impacted by many design parameters. However, corrosion can be a problem in steel-reinforced concrete structures. This paper examines the differences between using steel and GFRP longitudinal bars in hollow-section square concrete columns and explores the potential benefits of using GFRP bars as an option that is economically viable and non-corrosive. According to the study results, the computational results clearly show how an increased longitudinal GFRP reinforcement ratio improves the columns' bearing capability, but when compared to steel reinforcement, it provides less bearing capability. For the same reinforcement ratio (1.46 %, 3.29 %, and 4.9 %), The findings demonstrated that GFRP columns had a decrease in the axial bearing load by 13.1%, 9.2 %, and 9.4%, respectively.

Effect of lignin on the structure-property behavior of metal-coordinated and chemically crosslinked ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer composites

The efficient development and utilization of green biomass-based macromolecule engineering materials are essential for the sustainable development of human civilization. In this study, lignin-based ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (EPDM) composites with excellent mechanical performance were fabricated using a simple method. The effects of water-insoluble enzymatically hydrolyzed lignin (EL) and alkali lignin (KL) on the mechanical performance of the composites were investigated separately. The results showed that the tensile strength of EPDM reinforced with KL and EL increased to 24.5 MPa and 22.1 MPa, respectively, surpassing that of the carbon black (CB)-reinforced EPDM. After 72 h of thermo-oxidative aging, the retention rates of the tensile strength and elongation at break in the lignin-reinforced EPDM were much better than those formed with pure CB, indicating that lignin significantly improved the thermo-oxidative aging resistance of the composites. In summary, the Zn2+ coordination bonds formed between the interface of EPDM and lignin in lignin/CB/EPDM ternary composites effectively improved the mechanical performance and aging resistance of the composites. This study has significant implications for enhancing the utilization of lignin and green functional polymer materials.

Mechanical and corrosion performance of WAAM printed steel structure

Wire plus arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is rapidly growing into a popular and cost-effective technology for manufacturing medium-large complex structured components. WAAM is a novel metal additive manufacturing method that deposits material layer by layer using an electric arc as a heat source, allowing the creation of metal components with high mechanical characteristics. The procedure allows for the construction of a near-net-shape structure at a rapid pace of production (50–130 gm/min) and material utilization efficiency (80–90 %). The present study mainly focuses on the fabrication of the WAAM structure and a detailed investigation of the mechanical and corrosion performance of multi-layer fabricated wall components. The most versatile and widely applicable stainless steel SS316L material is employed to build multi-layered wall structures. The average micro-hardness of the WAAM-built structure along the building direction was found to be 197.43±1.46 HV0.3 and that of the commercially available counterpart was found to be 187.26±1.17 HV0.3. Moreover, the maximum hardness was observed close to the bottom region (201.86±1.44 HV0.3) which further reduces with the building height. The ultimate tensile strength, and yield strength of the WAAM printed wall obtained as 573.81±2.3 MPa, and 275.41±1.1 MPa respectively found to have improved mechanical strength to that of wrought counter-part however the ductility in the form of percent elongation gets slightly reduced. Furthermore, comparable corrosion resistance was observed for the WAAM fabricated wall structure and conventionally manufactured SS316L structure. The bottom region experiences better corrosion resistance compared to the upper region in both saline environment and acidic corrosion solution with an average corrosion rate of 0.0276 mm/yr, and 0.0366 mm/yr respectively.

IDENTIFYING CHALLENGES AFFECTING SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The challenges posed by rapid population growth and urbanization, coupled with advancements in technology and industry, have led to increased energy consumption, posing potential threats to the future well-being of all living organisms. In the contemporary discourse on sustainability, the efficient utilization of limited resources, including energy, water, and materials, has become pivotal in the construction sector. Developed nations have responded to these concerns by incorporating various regulations into their legal frameworks to promote sustainable construction projects. Consequently, adopting innovative practices in construction processes is essential for designing and implementing sustainable projects. Meeting these demands necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the challenges inherent in the sustainable construction process. Therefore, this study identifies and ranks the obstacles encountered in the Turkish construction industry concerning sustainable construction. Employing a “Systematic Literature Review,” 49 challenges were identified. A survey was organized using these challenges and conducted among architects, civil engineers, and construction contractors, and 209 participants fully completed the questionnaire. Quantitative methods were used to analyze the collected survey data. The study's results reveal that all identified criteria significantly and moderately influence the sustainable construction process within the Turkish construction industry. Furthermore, the research underscores that the most critical impediments are linked to the transition process toward adopting sustainable building practices.

IDENTIFYING CHALLENGES AFFECTING SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The challenges posed by rapid population growth and urbanization, coupled with advancements in technology and industry, have led to increased energy consumption, posing potential threats to the future well-being of all living organisms. In the contemporary discourse on sustainability, the efficient utilization of limited resources, including energy, water, and materials, has become pivotal in the construction sector. Developed nations have responded to these concerns by incorporating various regulations into their legal frameworks to promote sustainable construction projects. Consequently, adopting innovative practices in construction processes is essential for designing and implementing sustainable projects. Meeting these demands necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the challenges inherent in the sustainable construction process. Therefore, this study identifies and ranks the obstacles encountered in the Turkish construction industry concerning sustainable construction. Employing a “Systematic Literature Review,” 49 challenges were identified. A survey was organized using these challenges and conducted among architects, civil engineers, and construction contractors, and 209 participants fully completed the questionnaire. Quantitative methods were used to analyze the collected survey data. The study's results reveal that all identified criteria significantly and moderately influence the sustainable construction process within the Turkish construction industry. Furthermore, the research underscores that the most critical impediments are linked to the transition process toward adopting sustainable building practices.

A Comparative Analysis of Oak Wood Defect Detection Using Two Deep Learning (DL)-Based Software

The world’s expanding population presents a challenge through its rising demand for wood products. This requirement contributes to increased production and, ultimately, the high-quality and efficient utilization of basic materials. Detecting defects in wood elements, which are inevitable when working with a natural material such as wood, is one of the difficulties associated with the issue above. Even in modern times, people still identify wood defects by visually scrutinizing the sawn surface and marking the defects. Industrial scanners equipped with software based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) allow for the rapid detection of defects and have the potential to accelerate production and eradicate human subjectivity. This paper evaluates the suitability of defect recognition software in industrial scanners against software specifically designed for this task within a research project conducted using Adaptive Vision Studio, focusing on feature detection techniques. The research revealed that the software installed as part of the industrial scanner is more effective for analyzing knots (77.78% vs. 70.37%), sapwood (100% vs. 80%), and ambrosia wood (60% vs. 20%), while the software derived from the project is more effective for analyzing cracks (70% vs. 65%), ingrown bark (42.86% vs. 28.57%), and wood rays (81.82% vs. 27.27%).

Wood-products value-chain mapping

ABSTRACT With the increasing importance of wood as a sustainable material and addressing challenges facing the wood products industry, there is an emerging need for innovation and collaboration across all industry sectors. The mapping of the wood products industry has become crucial for gaining an overview and overall understanding of material flow. It also proved beneficial for educational and research purposes. The outcome of this study should help seek new economic opportunities and promote sustainable resource management. A Generic Map was developed to navigate the entire wood products industry as well as Dive-in Chain Maps will guide the four major production chains: sawmill (I), veneer mill (II), reconstituted wood manufacturing (III), and pulp and paper mills (IV). In addition, a By-products Management Wheel Diagram was introduced to clarify waste management practices within these chains. Our approach sheds light on efficient material flow and utilization, revealing opportunities for innovation and the development of high-value products. It also offers strategies for minimizing waste and making informed end-of-life decisions. Ultimately, this study enhances the understanding and potential for circularity and sustainability in the wood products industry.

Assessing the influence of biomass origin and fractionation methods on pyrolysis of primary biomass fractions

Pyrolysis has emerged as a highly promising technology for the efficient utilization of organic materials, particularly lignocellulosic materials. This study investigates the behavior and influence of three primary biomass fractions (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) derived from different sources (trees, shrubs, and agricultural residues) on the kinetic of the pyrolysis process. With this objective, different fragmentation methods were employed to isolate the main components of the lignocellulosic biomass, followed by thermogravimetric analysis to examine the pyrolysis process. The activation energy was determined using both, the Friedman differential kinetic models of and the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa integrated method, with the latter being found to be more efficient. The activation energy (Ea) was found to be influenced by several factors, including the fractionation process and the origin of the raw material. For hemicellulose, the Ea was in the range of 200–300 kJ mol−1, while cellulose showed Ea values of about 180–220 kJ mol−1. In contrast, lignin displayed a wider range of Ea variation, with its values being more sensitive to the fractionation method used. Gas samples were collected through adsorption tubes during pyrolysis for analysis of gas stream compositions from different lignocellulosic fractions using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Furfural, among other compounds, was predominantly detected in the pyrolysis of hemicellulose fractions, ranging from 6.6 % to 19.3 %.

Finite Elements Analysis and Topology Optimization of Parking Brake Lever and Ratchet

Topology optimization is known as one of the basic categories of structural optimization. Topology optimization is received increasing attention in many engineering disciplines. Topology optimization contributes to minimizing emissions and environmental effects by increasing material utilization efficiency and manufacturing sustainability. The mechanical parking brake is still used in many vehicles. This study aims to contribute to the reduction in vehicle weight by applying topology optimization. In addition, it also purposes to promote sustainability in manufacturing by reducing material usage and energy consumption. A CAD model was created by considering the existing mechanism element dimensions. The parking brake lever mechanism component was evaluated using topology optimization and finite element analysis methods. Static analyses were performed using a finite element analysis program. The results of this analysis were used as input data for topology optimization. In the topology optimization, the response constraint mass was increased by 5 increments from 50% to 95%. As a result, the maximum equivalent (von Mises) stress for the parking brake lever is 230,29 MPa, and for the ratchet is 11,559 MPa. The maximum total deformation value for the brake lever is 0,95853 mm and for the ratchet is 0,0079482 mm. The parking brake lever mass decreased by 18,48% from 0.27751 kg to 0.22622 kg. The ratchet mass decreased from 0.095042 kg to 0.061911 kg by 34.85%.

Self-enhanced nanohydrogel electrochemiluminescence biosensor based on CRISPR/Cas12a and gold platinum nanoparticles modification for high-sensitivity detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei

The simple, rapid, and accurate detection of highly lethal melioidosis is crucial for early clinical diagnosis and improving cure rates. Currently, due to time consumption, low sensitivity and detection rate the existing clinical detection methods cannot satisfy the needs of clinical diagnosis. Herein, a novel self-enhanced porous hydrogel material (Au@PEI-ABEI@Pt) for ultrasensitive ECL strategy of detection B. pseudomallei was report. The novel porous hydrogel material composed of PEI-ABEI porous hydrogel, gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNP) have large specific surface area and porous structure, which not only fix more ABEI to realize self-enhanced ECL signal amplification, but also facilitate ion diffusion and efficient utilization of catalytic materials, realizing rapid electron transfer and zero-distance catalysis, significantly improving the initial signal of ECL sensor. Moreover, the most attractive aspect is that Au@PEI-ABEI@Pt hydrogels with good biocompatibility can achieve widespread application of CRISPR/Cas12a in solid-phase carriers without affecting the sensitivity, specificity and shearing activity of CRISPR/Cas12a. After coupling with the ECL system and CRISPR/Cas12a signal amplification strategy, the Au@PEI-ABEI@Pt can achieve an ultrasensitive ECL assay of B. pseudomallei with the LOD of 5 CFU mL−1 in complex samples, with high specificity and stability to effectively classify B. pseudomallei and other Gram-negative bacteria. This study shows that the developed porous hydrogel materials not only serve as an excellent ECL signal reporter to significantly improve the detection sensitivity of ECL biosensors, but also provide a new approach for the wide application of CRISPR/Cas systems in solid-phase carriers.

A partially hollow BCC lattice structure with capsule-shaped cavities for enhancing load-bearing and energy absorption properties

Lattice structures have gained larger design space and wider application in aerospace, automobile, civil and other engineering fields due to the advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Seeking the optimal lattice structure configuration for the purpose of enhancing mechanical performance holds paramount importance. The hollow lattice structure possesses high material utilization efficiency, but often suffers from premature failure at the node interconnections. In this paper we propose a partially hollow lattice structure (PHBCC) with solidified nodes and capsule-shaped cavities in the middle of truss components. Quasi-static compression tests were performed on the partially hollow body-centered cubic (BCC) lattices manufactured via selective laser melting technology (SLM). The effects of various geometric parameters were analyzed through finite element simulations. The findings demonstrate that the introduced PHBCC lattice exhibits enhanced mechanical properties. Specifically, there is an observed increase of 92%, 51.9%, and 22.8% in terms of specific stiffness, specific strength, and specific energy absorption, respectively, in comparison to the conventional BCC and hollow BCC (HBCC) structure. Notably, the proposed PHBCC lattice displays superior energy absorption capacity compared to a majority of existing lattice structures.

Carbon Footprint Drivers in China’s Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants and Mitigation Opportunities through Electricity and Chemical Efficiency

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to address climate change is a global consensus, and municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPs) should lead the way in low-carbon sustainable development. However, achieving effluent discharge standards often requires considerable energy and chemical consumption during operation, resulting in significant carbon footprints. In this study, GHG emissions are systematically accounted for, and the driving factors of carbon footprint growth in China’s MWWTPs are explored. In 2020, a total of 41.9 million tons (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) were released by the sector, with nearly two-thirds being indirect emissions resulting from energy and material usage. The intensity of electricity, carbon source, and phosphorus removing agent consumption increasingly influence carbon footprint growth over time. Through statistical inference, benchmarks for electricity and chemical consumption intensity are established across all MWWTPs under various operational conditions, and the potential for mitigation through more efficient energy and material utilization is calculated. The results suggest that many MWWTPs offer significant opportunities for emission reduction. Consequently, empirical decarbonization measures, including intelligent device control, optimization of aeration equipment, energy recovery initiatives, and other enhancements to improve operational and carbon efficiency, are recommended.

Design and manufacture of near-net-shape metal-ceramic composites with gradient-layered structure and optimized damage tolerance

Optimizing the composition and structure of materials in localized regions of the materials is an effective approach to enhance the material utilization efficiency and achieve a performance-on-demand design. However, it is challenging to achieve such design owing to limitations in manufacturing technology. In this study, we devised a method involving vat photopolymerization 3D printing and magnet-assisted pressure infiltration techniques for fabricating near-net-shape customized gradient composites with Al/Al2O3 as the model system. The mechanical properties of the fabricated Al/Al2O3 composites at specific locations could be optimized by appropriately setting the thickness ratio of the metal layer to the ceramic layer, and a desirable combination of strength, toughness, and wear resistance could thereby be achieved. The fracture behavior of the composites was analyzed through in situ observation and finite element simulations. The proposed design concept and fabrication method are flexible and adaptable, and they can be easily extended to other material systems and structural models. They are expected to pave the way for the development of lightweight, strong, tough, and near-net-shape structural and functional materials.

Recent Advancements in Copper Infiltration Applied to Sintered Steel

Sintered steel is widely used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction machinery, due to its notable attributes such as high precision, wear resistance, efficient material utilization, and cost-effectiveness. However, the presence of pores hinders sintered steel from achieving a fully dense state, thereby restricting its broader applications. Copper infiltration enables the reduction or elimination of pores, minimizes stress concentration, and prevents microcrack formation. Consequently, this process significantly enhances the material’s density and mechanical properties, particularly its dynamic mechanical characteristics such as impact toughness and fatigue performance. This paper provides an overview of the copper infiltration development history in sintered steel, summarizes the factors including substrate, infiltrant, and infiltration process, and highlights the research progress in copper infiltration application in sintered steel. Furthermore, challenges associated with copper-infiltrated sintered steel are discussed, and recommendations for future development are presented.

Characteristic analysis of lithium–oxygen batteries considering the discontinuous deposit and electrolyte degradation effects during discharge

The modeling research plays a crucial role in grasping the reaction mechanisms and forecasting the performance of lithium‑oxygen (LiO2) batteries. A transient LiO2 battery model including continuity, transportation, and reaction kinetics by simultaneously considering the discontinuous deposit of discharge product Li2O2 and the formation of by-product Li2CO3 due to electrolyte degradation, is developed to reveal the discharge phenomena. The effects of operating conditions and electrolyte and electrode properties on the discharge behaviors including voltage-capacity curve, energy density, profiles of O2 concentration (CO2) and porosity (ɛ) at the cathode are quantitatively studied. It is found that enhancing O2 solubility (SO2) and diffusivity (DO2) significantly improves discharge capacity and voltage plateau; the promotion of voltage plateau will be inconspicuous as electrolyte conductivity (κ) is enlarged over 1 S/m. With the rise of ɛ from 0.73 to 0.93, the specific capacity is boosted from 874 to 6122 mAh/g‑carbon, and the corresponding specific energy upgrades from 2260 to 15,610 mWh/g‑carbon. Shortening cathode thickness (Lca) facilitates the efficient utilization of carbon cathode material but this comes at the expense of lowering the mass loading of carbon, the practical energy drops 59.4 % as Lca reduces from 750 μm to 100 μm. After 20 consecutive charge-discharge cycles, the capacity retention obtained is 36.884 %, accompanied by a 13.8 % volume fraction of Li2CO3 formation inside the cathode. This work may guide in designing electrodes and electrolytes and provide performance regulation strategies for LiO2 batteries.