Inherent Material Properties Research Articles

Kinetic origin of hysteresis and the strongly enhanced reversible barocaloric effect by regulating the atomic coordination environment

Hysteresis is an inherent property of first-order transition materials that poses challenges for solid-state refrigeration applications. Extensive research has been conducted, but the intrinsic origins of hysteresis remain poorly understood. Here, we report a study of the kinetic origin of hysteresis and the enhanced barocaloric effect (BCE) in MnCoGe-based alloys with ~2% nonmagnetic In atoms. First-principles calculations demonstrate that substituting In atoms at Ge sites rather than Co sites results in a lower energy barrier, indicating a narrower hysteresis for the former. Combining neutron powder diffraction (NPD) with magnetic and calorimetric measurements completely verified the theoretical prediction. Electron local function (ELF) calculations further reveal the atomic coordination origin of regulated hysteresis due to weaker Co–Ge bonds when In atoms replace Ge, which is opposite to Co sites. Moreover, we experimentally investigate the BCE and find that although MnCo(Ge0.98In0.02) has a lower barocaloric entropy change ΔSP than does Mn(Co0.98In0.02)Ge, the reversible ΔSrev of the former is advantageous owing to a smaller hysteresis. The maximum ΔSrev of MnCo(Ge0.98In0.02) is 1.7 times greater than that of Mn(Co0.98In0.02)Ge. These results reveal the atomic-scale mechanism regulating hysteresis and provide insights into tailoring the functional properties of novel caloric refrigeration materials.

Negative Effect of the Calendering Process on the Interphase Formation and Electrochemical Behavior of Reduced Graphene Oxide Electrodes.

Many studies on electrode material development for rechargeable batteries have focused on improving the intrinsic physicochemical and electrochemical properties of active materials, but the electrochemical performances of batteries are exhibited by the overall electrode unit consisting of active materials, conductive additives, and a binder. Additionally, the electrodes have undergone an essential calendering process to enhance the physical contact between those components. Therefore, the electrochemical behavior and performance of a cell should be analyzed at the electrode level, as the inherent properties of active materials might be changed in electrode preparation, including the calendaring process and real-operating environments. In this study, we aimed to understand the electrochemical properties of the reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-containing electrodes rather than the RGO-active materials by studying the changes in the RGO electrode before and after the calendering process. Specifically, the study investigates the effect of the calendering process on the electrochemically active interphase formation and electrochemical properties of the RGO electrode. We found that the calendering process deteriorates the electrochemical properties of RGO electrodes by impeding enough electrolyte wetting, limiting the formation of thin and stable solid-electrolyte interphase, and leaving unreacted RGO sheets. Additional experiments with carbon-coated silicon/RGO composite electrodes demonstrate that after the calendering process, the sequential participation of Si/C particles in the electrochemical reaction resulted in much more severe capacity degradation over repeated cycling processes. The studies suggest that fine-controlling the number of RGO sheets and maintaining enough distance between those sheets even after the calendering process are required for the utilization of RGO in rechargeable batteries.

Non-Optical, Label-free Electrical Capacitance Imaging of Microorganisms.

Microbes live in diverse environments, and occupy biological roles across many timescales. Investigating the full scope of microbial activity requires imaging systems appropriate to each context. Though optical microscopy is powerful, the use of light, lenses, and other hardware limits where it can be applied. At the same time, existing non-optical imaging methods are frequently destructive to samples and require extensive equipment. In this paper we present a non-optical imaging system that is small, cheap, requires no sample labeling, and is compatible with a variety of microbial species. Our system uses semiconductor chips to measure the inherent material properties of a sample with spatial sensitivity, producing images of microbes contrasted against their environment and each other. Our technique captures label-free, micrometer-resolution images with a pocket-sized device, enabling microbiological imaging experiments in new environments with new species.

Enhancing effect of β-cyclodextrin on carbonation properties of steel slag

In order to improve the carbonation properties of steel slag, the carbonation reaction process of steel slag and the formation of carbonation products were regulated by the interaction between multiple hydroxyl groups within β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) molecule and calcium ions leached from steel slag. Through a meticulous experimental design, varying contents of β-CD, from 0.0 % to 5.0 %, were mixed with steel slag to investigate their impact on carbonation kinetics, mechanical strength, and microstructural evolution. The results indicate that β-CD significantly accelerates the carbonation process of steel slag, with a particular boost to the carbonation of β-dicalcium silicate (β-C2S), a key mineral contributing to the carbonation activity. At an optimal β-CD concentration of 2.5 %, the compressive strength of the treated slag reached a peak of 138.5 MPa, marking a 13.4 % improvement over the control sample. Similarly, the CO2 uptake was optimized at 17.9 %, increasing by 21.8 %. Mechanism analysis reveals that β-CD not only facilitates carbonation but also refines the resulting carbonation products, leading to a denser microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties. However, at a β-CD content of 5.0 %, the carbonation process was hindered by excessive viscosity. These pivotal findings propose an innovative strategy to augment the efficiency of carbonation and the inherent material properties of steel slag, thereby fostering a more sustainable approach to the utilization of industrial byproducts.

Synergistic design of processable Nb2O5-TiO2 bilayer nanoarchitectonics: enabling high coloration efficiency and superior stability in dual-band electrochromic energy storage

This paper introduces a proof of concept for a dual-band electrochromic (EC) device to modulate solar light transmission across visible and near-infrared regions selectively. EC materials based on ion insertion/extraction mechanisms also present the possibility for energy storage, widening its functionality to the supercapacitor platform. The bi-functional performance of dual-band radiation control and energy storage was achieved by exploiting two earth-abundant metal oxides that could absorb two different spectral regions when electrochemically charged. The bilayer structure was prepared using a one-step hydrothermal method, which produced Nb2O5-TiO2 bilayer on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting glass substrates. The nano-dimensions of the active materials endorse the development of high-transparency thin film under open circuit conditions. The variations in the TiO2 annealing temperature influence the crystallinity and surface morphology of the thin films, which influence the performance of dual-band EC energy storage. The well-optimized NT-500 sample facilitated exclusive electron-charge transport, producing excellent electrochemical performance in dual-band EC and energy storage. A large optical modulation of 80.4 % and 89.8 % at 600 nm and 800 nm (near-infrared) was achieved with an enhanced areal capacitance of 88.1 mF/cm2 and excellent cycling stability after continuous coloring/bleaching cycles for 18,000 s. This paper presents a prototype bi-functional device based on NT-500, which showed independent control and modulation of visible and near-infrared transmittance. Notably, the device retained excellent energy storage performance alongside its advanced optical functionalities. This bilayer nanostructure capitalizes on the inherent electrochemical properties of both materials and introduces novel features that can potentially revolutionize the platform of EC-energy storage.

Nanozyme Decorated Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheet for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy Against Hypoxic Tumor.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted increasing attention in the clinical treatment of epidermal and luminal tumors. However, the PDT efficacy in practice is severely impeded by tumor hypoxia and the adverse factors associated with hydrophobic photosensitizers (PSs), including low delivery capacity, poor photoactivity and limited ROS diffusion. In this study, Pt nanozymes decorated two-dimensional (2D) porphyrin metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets (PMOF@HA) were fabricated and investigated to conquer the obstacles of PDT against hypoxic tumors. PMOF@HA was synthesized by the coordination of transition metal iron (Zr4+) and PS (TCPP), in situ generation of Pt nanozyme and surface modification with hyaluronic acid (HA). The abilities of hypoxic relief and ROS generation were evaluated by detecting the changes of O2 and 1O2 concentration. The cellular uptake was investigated using flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The SMMC-7721 cells and the subcutaneous tumor-bearing mice were used to demonstrate the PDT efficacy of PMOF@HA in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Benefiting from the 2D structure and inherent properties of MOF materials, the prepared PMOF@HA could not only serve as nano-PS with high PS loading but also ensure the rational distance between PS molecules to avoid aggregation-induced quenching, enhance the photosensitive activity and promote the rapid diffusion of generated radical oxide species (ROS). Meanwhile, Pt nanozymes with catalase-like activity effectively catalyzed intratumoral overproduced H2O2 into O2 to alleviate tumor hypoxia. Additionally, PMOF@HA, with the help of externally coated HA, significantly improved the stability and increased the cell uptake by CD44 overexpressed tumor cells to strengthen O2 self-supply and PDT efficacy. This study provided a new strategy of integrating 2D porphyrin MOF nanosheets with nanozymes to conquer the obstacles of PDT against hypoxic tumors.

Rational Comparison of Anode Material Properties for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

Due to the increasing need for sustainable energy, the hydrogen (H2) economy is a topic of interest where H2 is used for energy storage and as a fuel [1]. In this regard, the utilization of hydrogen as a promising energy source for achieving global decarbonization goals has led to the exploration of water electrolysis (WE) as a viable route for producing green hydrogen [2,3]. Although proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is established, they suffer from the reliance on expensive noble metals as catalysts. In contrast, recently, anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is emerging as a low-cost alternative solution that combines the strengths of both alkaline, WE (low capital cost and use of liquid electrolyte), and PEMWE (low ohmic resistance and high gas purity) where cost-effective transition metal oxides can be used [4-5].Among various materials that are being investigated as AEM anodes, Ni-based systems show high promises. However, a rational comparison between different Ni-based benchmarks as AEM anodes under different stages of electrode production is still lacking. Such a comparison would provide insight into the material properties that are relevant for optimization in each stage thereby producing highly performing catalysts. To achieve this, these materials have to be processed under comparable conditions during the electrode fabrication to draw meaningful correlations between the performance and influencing parameters.Herein, we developed a protocol for rationally comparing different commercial benchmark anode materials in AEMWE. The aim is to understand material properties that influence the final catalyst performance and further enhance their catalytic activity by fine-tuning pivotal material properties. We selected Ni-Co-O, Ni-Fe-O, and Ni-Co-O doped by Fe as potential anode materials for AEMWE and performed a systematic evaluation and comparison of the properties in powder, ink, and electrode layer stages.After the initial characterization of the powders by complimentary techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we developed ink formulations from each material. The stability of dispersions in various solvents was assessed using Hanson Solubility Parameters extracted from Analytical Centrifugation (AC) data [6]. AC in conjunction with own developed algorithms were then used to represent long-term stability data as transmittograms. During the ink development, particular care was taken to use solvent matrices that lead to comparable particle size distributions within the materials library together with constant catalyst to binder ratio and ink processing (e.g., ultrasonication) to assure the properties of each material to be the only free parameter in both ink formulation and electrode development. In the subsequent step, electrode layers from each material were obtained by spray deposition with defined deposition parameters (substrate temperature, ink flow and nozzle to substrate distance) that enabled the achievement of comparable electrode layers. These layers were characterized by atomic force microscopy and N2 sorption for understanding the microstructure and specific surface area of each electrode which was used for normalizing the electrochemical data. Specifically, an own developed AFM-based multi-stage data quantification was applied for evaluating the microstructure on larger scales [7]. Finally, the electrochemical performance of these materials as anodes in AEMWE were tested and correlated with the inherent material properties as well as ink and electrode layer characteristics.This work sheds light on a systematic workflow for characterizing AEMWE anode materials at different stages which provides a comprehensive picture about the underlying property-performance relationship. The developed coherent workflow can be expanded to other materials in AEMWE. Staffell, Iain, et al. "The role of hydrogen and fuel cells in the global energy system." Energy & Environmental Science 12.2 (2019): 463-491.Kusoglu, A., Chalkboard 1-the many colors of hydrogen. The Electrochemical Society Interface, 2021. 30(4): p. 44.Harkema, D., G. Palasantzas, and J. Miocic, Hydorgen in the European energy transition: Where will it come from? 2022.Miller, H.A., et al., Green hydrogen from anion exchange membrane water electrolysis: a review of recent developments in critical materials and operating conditions. Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 2020. 4(5): p. 2114-2133.Santoro, C., et al., What is Next in Anion‐Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers? Bottlenecks, Benefits, and Future. ChemSusChem, 2022. 15(8): p. e202200027.Bapat, S., et al., Towards a framework for evaluating and reporting Hansen solubility parameters: applications to particle dispersions. Nanoscale Advances, 2021. 3(15): p.4400-4410.Jain, A., et al., "Small-Area Observations to Insight: Surface-Feature-Extrapolation of Anodes via Multistage Data Quantification. " Under review, ChemCatChem

Strengthening effect of mechanical vibration on the carbonation properties of steel slag compact

This study examines the impact of mechanical vibration on the carbonation process of steel slag, a substantial byproduct of steel production. Employing a methodical experimental design that modulates mechanical vibration frequencies, the research reveals that mechanical vibration markedly influences carbonation, with an optimal frequency of 180 Hz leading to a 27.5 % increase in compressive strength of steel slag compact and an increase in CO2 uptake of 6.8 %. The application of vibration appears to catalyze the conversion of calcium-rich minerals into well-formed rhombohedral calcite, which emerges as the predominant carbonation product. Mechanism analysis suggests that vibration-induced particle redistribution creates new reaction surfaces, thereby accelerating the carbonation process. However, the effect is more pronounced in early stages, with diminishing returns as carbonation progresses. These pivotal findings propose an innovative strategy to augment the efficiency of carbonation and the inherent material properties of steel slag, thereby fostering a more sustainable approach to the utilization of industrial byproducts.

Mechanically Stable and Biocompatible Polymer Brush Coated Dental Materials with Lubricious and Antifouling Properties.

Surface modification plays a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of implanted interventional medical devices, offering added advantages to patients, particularly in terms of lubrication and prevention of undesired adsorption of biomolecules and microorganisms, such as proteins and bacteria, on the material surfaces. Utilizing polymer brushes for surface modification is currently a promising approach to maintaining the inherent properties of materials while introducing new functionalities to surfaces. Here, surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) technology to effectively graft anionic, cationic, and neutral polymer brushes from a mixed silane initiating layer is employed. The presence of a polymer brush layer significantly enhances the lubrication performance of the substrates and ensures a consistently low coefficient of friction over thousands of friction cycles in aqueous environments. The antimicrobial efficacy of polymer brushes is evaluated against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli). It is observed that polym er brushes grafted to diverse substrate surfaces displays notable antibacterial properties, effectively inhibiting bacterial attachment. Furthermore, the polymer brush layer shows favorable biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory characteristics, which shows potential applications in dental materials, and other fields such as catheters and foodpackaging.

New trends on noise reduction for power grid by acoustic metamaterials

AbstractLightweight low‐frequency acoustic materials have become an important direction in the development of acoustic protection materials for power grid facilities and equipment. However, conventional acoustic materials cannot simultaneously meet the special requirements of low frequency, frequency‐selective, lightweight, and fire‐proofing for noise reduction of power grid facilities and equipment. Acoustic metamaterials have extraordinary acoustic properties, such as low‐frequency sound absorption and sound insulation that breaks the mass law. They mainly rely on microstructure design rather than the inherent properties of raw materials to achieve macroscopic extraordinary performance and are expected to meet the above requirements. The authors introduced the physical mechanisms and latest developments of different acoustic metamaterials for sound absorption, sound and vibration control, and briefly described the latest design methods based on artificial intelligence technologies. The potential application of acoustic metamaterials is discussed for noise reduction of power grid facilities and equipment.

Theoretical model for elastic modulus prediction on basis of atomic structure information: Beginning from amorphous carbon to covalent bonding materials

The mechanical property is one of the most important properties of a material and is determined by the atomic-scale structure. It is thus crucial to establish the theoretical model for the prediction of materials' mechanical properties, benefiting the material design. In our previous work, we proposed an atomic-scale structure-based model for predicting the Young's modulus of hydrogenated amorphous carbon; however, the application range of this model is too narrow to be used practically for the materials development. Therefore, in this work, an extended prediction model of Young's modulus of materials with wide applicability is successfully constructed, based on the two important inherent properties of materials: one is effective coordination number (CNeff) evaluating how densely atoms are structured and the another one is effective bond stiffness (Keff) that is first proposed here and indicates how bonding types contribute the elastic properties. Through the high-throughput molecular dynamics simulations, the predictive model of Young's modulus (E) is determined as E = 3.37Keff (CNeff - 2.0)1.5. Then we demonstrate that this model is valid for a large variety of materials including both amorphous and crystalline structures, and the accuracy is proven by comparing with other work. Overall, this fundamental work may benefit the preparation, development, and utilization of new materials.

New developments of hydrogen impurity online-monitoring in liquid lithium of IFMIF-DONES

On the way to future nuclear fusion power plants, the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) – DEMO Oriented Neutron Source (DONES), is an important key element between ITER and DEMO to study before the influence of DEMO-neutron irradiation on foreseen fusion materials. The core of DONES, currently under construction near Granada, Spain, is based on a circuit containing liquid lithium at elevated temperatures acting as a functional material for the (d,n)-Li reaction in a materials test cell. In addition to this actual function of DONES, there are important aspects of maintenance in which hydrogen isotopes are generated under operating conditions and dissolved in this aggressive and very reactive alkali metal. This implies strong unfavourable effects on the applied structural materials, e.g. hydrogen embrittlement and others.To counteract these unfavourable effects, endangering the safe operation, an Impurity Control System (ICS) is an integral part of the DONES instrumentation. As part of the tasks of the European Neutron Source (ENS) to develop redundant systems for monitoring impurities, a special sub-task was defined for the development of an electrochemical H-sensor for concentrations in liquid lithium, ECHSLL. It is determined by detecting the electrical potentials of the lithium melts compared to a standard Li-based chemical reference system. This allows an inherent material property to be directly correlated (i.e. through appropriate electrochemical instrumentation) with chemical concentration values. This article presents important advancements in the applied ECHSLL technique, such as improving laboratory measurements from stagnant conditions to dynamic and realistic flow conditions of the liquid lithium material, as well as appropriate approaches to overcome the challenges in distinguishing the hydrogen isotopes by ECHSLL system (protium and deuterium among given laboratory conditions).

MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION OF ROTARY ASSISTED ELECTROCHEMICAL ARC DRILLING (R-ECAD) PROCESS USING GRA

Electrochemical Arc Drilling (ECAD) has demonstrated its effectiveness in micro-machining a variety of materials notwithstanding the inherent properties of materials. The increased machining properties of the ECAD method are a result of the inclusion of rotational effect of the working material. Better electrolyte replenishment, effective debris flushing, thin gas layer development, and spark uniformity are all credited with this improvement. Several input factors affect the machining characteristics of ECAD, making it difficult to simultaneously optimize these factors for several objectives. In order to maximise Material Removal Rate (MRR) and minimising Hole Overcut (HOC), this paper focuses on the multi-objective optimization of rotary-assisted ECAD (R-ECAD) input factors. Taguchi's L9 experimental design is used to produce micro-holes, and then Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) is used to perform the multi-objective optimization. The chosen input factors are working material rotation (WR), tool feed rate (FR) and applied voltage (V), whereas the chosen response factors are MRR and HOC. Results indicate that the rotating effect of the working material, which aids in the replenishment of electrolyte and the creation of a stable gas layer surrounding the tool, is notably the most significant input factor. For maximising the MRR and minimising HOC, the GRA-based optimised factors were found to be AIICIIBIII (60 rpm, 40 V, 0.8 mm/min). The responses are greatly improved by 39% as compared to the original machining, as demonstrated by microscopy images obtained during the GRA-based input factor optimization.

Photo‐Driven Sperm‐Inspired Microrobots Serving in Liquid Environments

Bionic microrobots working in liquid environments have attracted attention in recent years, because they play an important role in the medical fields. So far, most bionic microrobots serving in liquid environments (swimming microrobots) are fabricated based on organic materials. Limited by the inherent property of organic materials, the performance and lifetime of the swimming microrobots are still deficient. Facing this challenge, inspired by sperms, swimming microrobots based on the inorganic phase transition driving material vanadium dioxide are developed. In liquid environments, the linear and rotary motion of these sperm‐like micro‐robots could be controlled by changing the laser modulation frequency. The highest linear speed attained is 56 μm s−1, and the highest rotary speed attained is 14° s−1. The microrobot is able to undergo more than 105 cycles in a liquid environment without degradation of its performance. Considering its high performance and controllability, the swimming microrobot is expected to be helpful in medical applications such as precision drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery.

20‐5: Quantum Dots and Device Optimizations towards Ink Jet Printing Quantum Dots Light Emitting Diodes Displays

In this paper, we have meticulously refined both the quantum dot (QD) materials, particularly the blue variants, and the ink formulations to achieve aesthetically pleasing, high‐performance printing devices. Furthermore, in anticipation of future mass production challenges, we have tailored the quantum dot ligands and adopted surface passivation of zinc oxide nanoparticles, leveraging their inherent material properties. This innovation has culminated in remarkable enhancements for inkjet QLED device in long‐term storage stability and efficiency.

Opportunity of Patterning in Chemistry.

Patterning offers an efficient way to quantitatively enhance and enlarge material properties and functionalities, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation in various scientific domains. By precisely controlling the spatial arrangement of materials at the micro- and nanoscale, patterning enables the exploitation of inherent material properties in novel ways. In addition, it generates new properties, leading to the development of advanced devices and applications. This article highlights the significant contributions of spatially controlled patterning in chemistry, particularly in generating new functional properties and devices, discussing some representative articles. Examples include the use of unconventional patterning techniques for surface functionalization, as well as the application of spatial confinement in improving material properties and controlling crystallization processes. Furthermore, the discussion extends to creating new devices, such as optical storage media and sensors, through spatial organization of materials.

Influence of Heat Treatment on Microstructure Evolution and Yield Surfaces of Ni/PU Hybrid Foams

Metal foams are characterized by low weight, high resource efficiency, high relative stiffness, and exceptional energy absorption capacity under compressive load. Nickel/polyurethane (Ni/PU) hybrid foams consist of an open‐cell polyurethane foam coated with a layer of nickel produced by electrochemical deposition. The coating of the PU foams takes place in a flow reactor, in which the electrolyte is pumped through the foam at a defined flow velocity. The macromechanical properties of foam‐like structures depend on the structure of the skeleton, the inherent material properties and, in the case of Ni/PU hybrid foams, the properties of the electrochemically generated nickel layer. To influence their mechanical properties, the Ni/PU hybrid foams are subjected to heat treatment. In the given experimental setup, the parameters flow velocity, temperature, and duration of the heat treatment are each investigated at two different levels. Thus, interactions between the initial microstructure and the type of heat treatment are evaluated by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements. Interactions between initial mechanical properties and heat treatment are investigated by uniaxial compression tests and superimposed compression‐torsion tests. The knowledge gained is used to control the macromechanical properties of the hybrid foam.

Form, function, mind: What doesn't compute (and what might)

The applicability of computational and dynamical systems models to organisms is scrutinized, using examples from developmental biology and cognition. Developmental morphogenesis is dependent on the inherent material properties of developing animal (metazoan) tissues, a non-computational modality, but cell differentiation, which utilizes chromatin-based revisable memory banks and program-like function-calling, via the developmental gene co-expression system unique to the metazoans, has a quasi-computational basis. Multi-attractor dynamical models are argued to be misapplied to global properties of development, and it is suggested that along with computationalism, classic forms of dynamicism are similarly unsuitable to accounting for cognitive phenomena. Proposals are made for treating brains and other nervous tissues as novel forms of excitable matter with inherent properties which enable the intensification of cell-based basal cognition capabilities present throughout the tree of life. Finally, some connections are drawn between the viewpoint described here and active inference models of cognition, such as the Free Energy Principle.

Chiral twisted molecular carbons: Synthesis, properties, and applications

AbstractIn recent years, the precisely controlled synthesis of chiral twisted molecular carbons has emerged as a forefront topic in the research of carbon materials. Molecular carbons refer to carbon nanomaterials synthesized with precision at the atomic level. Through rational design, rigid and stable chiral twisted structures can be synthesized. The exploration in the field of chiral twisted molecular carbons is key to fully understanding the various twisted configurations of carbon materials and delving into the relationship between structure design and functionality. This review explores chiral twisted configurations of carbon nanomaterials such as nanographene, carbon nanobelts, carbon nanosheets, graphdiyne, etc. It emphasizes the role of photocyclization, Scholl reaction, and Diels–Alder reactions in achieving precise chiral control and discusses a range of innovative design strategies. These strategies have led to the development of various twisted structures, such as helical, propeller, and Möbius strip configurations. The introduction of chirality, combined with the inherent exceptional optical properties of nanocarbon materials, has facilitated the creation of materials with superior chiroptical performances. This advancement is driving applications in fields such as optoelectronics and chiral optics.

Orthotropic failure criteria based on machine learning and micro-mechanical matrix adapting coefficient

Several studies have examined the use of fibrous and non-fibrous anisotropic materials in various industries and proposed failure criteria for consideration. These criteria can be categorized into theories that address specific failure modes and those that do not. However, these theories often fail to address both the representation of inherent material properties and the combination of different loading modes. To address this, a micromechanical approach called micromechanical modeling of laminates (“MACML”) has been developed, which gradually transitions from anisotropic to isotropic materials by incorporating reinforcement and adapting coefficients. MACML combines machine learning (ML) techniques and introduces a new method to identify safe and failure-prone regions in composites. This approach allows for independence from the influence of fibers by representing them as an active stress proportion of the isotropic matrix. Additionally, standard experimental procedures can be applied based on the isotropic matrix, and experimental results have been conducted to validate the established failure criteria in the MACML method.