Development Of Innovative Materials Research Articles

Computational Schemes in the Design of Novel Materials for Energy Savings

The current demand for lightweight energy efficient materials in industries to help in addressing the current challenges faced in reducing green house gas emissions is one of the motivations behind innovative material design. This paper has tried to review in particular the importance of the hierarchical multiscale modelling strategy in the design of novel lightweight materials. It also highlights on one of the hierarchical multiscale modelling methodologies from ab-initio level to macro level in predicting macroscopic material behaviour and the impact this simulation strategy will have on the development of innovative materials. It highlights on the limitations of this modelling strategy such as: the unreasonable computational time associated with the relaxation of polymeric chains or entanglements as well as scale bridging approaches between low level and high level models which are areas of current research interest.
 Keywords: Multiscale modelling, lightweight materials, energy-efficiency, scale bridging, length scale.

Role of copper oxide nanoparticles and gamma irradiation in optimising mechanical and the DC-electrical properties of nylon 66

This study used an aqueous precipitation method to synthesise copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. Nylon 66/CuO-based nanocomposites were prepared through a melt-mixing process using CuO nanoparticles with differing contents (1, 2, 3 and 4 wt%) and varying doses of gamma radiation (100, 200 and 300 kGy). The study also investigated the impact of these combinations on the structural, mechanical and DC-electrical attributes of nylon 66. The combination of CuO nanoparticles and gamma irradiation caused nylon 66 to undergo structural changes verified through X-ray diffraction measurement and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the morphology of the nylon 66/CuO nanocomposites and revealed that the CuO nanoparticles belonging to the nylon 66 matrixes had a homogeneous dispersion. According to the mechanical finding, the influence of CuO nanoparticles and gamma irradiation significantly augmented the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the nanocomposites. However, this addition led to a decline of elongation at break. To better understand the tensile mechanism, a correlation of tensile strength using theoretical models premised on Money, Einstein and Pukanszky were undertaken. The optimal deviation was exhibited by the Pukanszky model using tensile plots on an experimental basis. The study also examined the nanocomposite’s DC-electrical conductivity; electrical conductivity increased with CuO nanoparticle content and gamma irradiation. For every sample, the prevailing transport mechanism was the Poole–Frenkel emission. This finding is encouraging for the development of innovative materials with augmented tensile strength and nanoelectronic devices.

Current Status and Future Prospects of Applying Bioinspired Superhydrophobic Materials for Conservation of Stone Artworks

The development of innovative materials is one of the most important focus areas in heritage conservation research. Eligible materials can not only protect the physical and chemical integrity of artworks but also preserve their artistic and aesthetic features. Recently, as one of the hot research topics in materials science, biomimetic superhydrophobic materials have gradually attracted the attention of conservation scientists due to their unique properties. In fact, ultra-repellent materials are particularly suitable for hydrophobization treatments on outdoor artworks. Owing to their excellent hydrophobicity, superhydrophobic materials can effectively prevent the absorption and penetration of liquid water as well as the condensation of water vapor, thus greatly relieving water-induced decay phenomena. Moreover, in the presence of liquid water, the superhydrophobic surfaces equipped with a self-cleaning property can clean the dirt and dust deposited spontaneously, thereby restoring the artistic features simultaneously. In the present paper, besides the basic principles of wetting on solid surfaces, materials, and methods reported for preparing bioinspired ultra-repellent materials, the recently proposed materials for art conservation are also introduced and critically reviewed, along with a discussion on the droplet impact and durability of the artificial superhydrophobic surfaces. Lastly, the current status and the problems encountered in practical application are also pointed out, and the focus of future research is presented as well.

Financing of Innovative Projects in the Forest Industry

Over the past two decades, the Russian forest industry has faced many challenges. The combination of growing competition from imports, digitalization of the economy, competition from substitute materials, environmental problems and recent economic sanctions have led to a decrease in investment activity in the innovative development of the forest industry. The growing realization of the ecological properties of wood encourages governments and private enterprises to invest resources in research and development of innovative materials and products derived from this material[12]. Similarly, the desire for energy independence and concerns about climate change are driving the development of renewable energy. Woody biomass is a carbon-neutral energy source that can provide heat for district heating or be converted into biofuels by thermochemical or biochemical processes [20].This article provides some examples of major innovations in the production and application of wood products. The author’s definition of “innovations in the timber industry” is presented. The most effective measures of state support of the industry are highlighted. The stimulating aspects of innovation development in the forest sector are defined. This study found that the implementation of programs of transformation and innovation stimulation of the Russian timber industry is possible only with the radical tools used by the state.

Recent Strategic Developments in the Use of Superdisintegrants for Drug Delivery.

Improving drug bioavailability in the pharmaceutical field is a challenge that has attracted substantial interest worldwide. The controlled release of a drug can be achieved with a variety of strategies and novel materials in the field. In addition to the vast development of innovative materials for improving therapeutic effects and reducing side effects, the exploration of remarkable existing materials could encourage the discovery of diverse approaches for adapted drug delivery systems. Recently, superdisintegrants have been proposed for drug delivery systems as alternative approaches to maximize the efficiency of therapy. Although superdisintegrants are well known and used in solid dosage forms, studies on strategies for the development of drug delivery systems using superdisintegrants are lacking. Therefore, this study reviews the use of superdisintegrants in controlled drug release dosage formulations. This overview of superdisintegrants covers developed strategies, types (including synthetic and natural materials), dosage forms and techniques and will help to improve drug delivery systems.

Latest Advances on Bacterial Cellulose‐Based Materials for Wound Healing, Delivery Systems, and Tissue Engineering

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a nanocellulose form produced by some nonpathogenic bacteria. BC presents unique physical, chemical, and biological properties that make it a very versatile material and has found application in several fields, namely in food industry, cosmetics, and biomedicine. This review overviews the latest state-of-the-art usage of BC on three important areas of the biomedical field, namely delivery systems, wound dressing and healing materials, and tissue engineering for regenerative medicine. BC will be reviewed as a promising biopolymer for the design and development of innovative materials for the mentioned applications. Overall, BC is shown to be an effective and versatile carrier for delivery systems, a safe and multicustomizable patch or graft for wound dressing and healing applications, and a material that can be further tuned to better adjust for each tissue engineering application, by using different methods.

Tissue Response to Neural Implants: The Use of Model Systems Toward New Design Solutions of Implantable Microelectrodes.

The development of implantable neuroelectrodes is advancing rapidly as these tools are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in clinical practice, especially for the treatment of traumatic and neurodegenerative disorders. Electrodes have been exploited in a wide number of neural interface devices, such as deep brain stimulation, which is one of the most successful therapies with proven efficacy in the treatment of diseases like Parkinson or epilepsy. However, one of the main caveats related to the clinical application of electrodes is the nervous tissue response at the injury site, characterized by a cascade of inflammatory events, which culminate in chronic inflammation, and, in turn, result in the failure of the implant over extended periods of time. To overcome current limitations of the most widespread macroelectrode based systems, new design strategies and the development of innovative materials with superior biocompatibility characteristics are currently being investigated. This review describes the current state of the art of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models available for the study of neural tissue response to implantable microelectrodes. We particularly highlight new models with increased complexity that closely mimic in vivo scenarios and that can serve as promising alternatives to animal studies for investigation of microelectrodes in neural tissues. Additionally, we also express our view on the impact of the progress in the field of neural tissue engineering on neural implant research.

A New Family of Two-Dimensional Crystals: Open-Framework T3 X ( T = C, Si, Ge, Sn; X = O, S, Se, Te) Compounds with Tetrahedral Bonding.

To accelerate development of innovative materials, their modelings and predictions with useful functionalities are of vital importance. Here, based on a recently developed crystal structure prediction method, we find a new family of stable two-dimensional crystals with an open-channel tetrahedral bonding network, rendering a potential prototype for electronic and energy applications. The proposed structural prototype with a space group of Cmme hosts at least 13 different freestanding T3 X compounds with group IV ( T = C, Si, Ge, Sn) and VI ( X = O, S, Se, Te) elements. Moreover, the proposed materials display diverse electronic properties ranging from direct band gap semiconductor to topological insulator at their pristine forms, which are further tunable by mechanical strain.

Development of innovative materials and thermal treatments for DEMO water cooled blanket

One of the options currently taken into account for the realization of the first DEMO reactor is the “water-cooled lanket”. This option implies an irradiation temperature for the blanket material in the range of 280–350 °C. Therefore, in light of the under irradiation behaviour of EUROFER, namely of the DBTT shift toward high temperature due to the low irradiation temperature embrittlement, the target of the hereby reported activities is the development of much tougher alloys, to try to tolerate the embrittlement due to the low irradiation temperature. We report in this paper the work done to optimize the toughness of Eurofer 97, increasing the normalizing temperature and maintaining a small grain size using multiple normalizing treatments. We report also the mechanical behaviour of two 9Cr1WTa type alloys, produced and tested with the same aim to find alloys more resistant to embrittlement at low irradiation temperature.

Application of analytical electron microscopy and FIB-SEM tomographic technique for phase analysis in as-cast Allvac 718Plus superalloy

Abstract The superalloys are usually used as structural material in jet engines due to their high-temperature stability and good endurance. Many components found in the hot-part of jet engines are of complex shape, therefore casting is utilized for to their production. One of the problems associated with the casting process of highly alloyed alloys, such as superalloys, is partitioning of alloying elements upon solidification. This segregation might lead to the formation of low melting temperature eutectics. Their presence in the material microstructure will have a negative effect on the weldability. Negative impact on weldability is one of the reasons why secondary phases should be avoided as microstructural elements in the welded materials. To eliminate such hazardous phases, the material should be subjected to a heat treatment with the aim of homogenizing the microstructure and chemical composition, which should enhance the weldability. The aim of this work was the application of analytical electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy as well as tomographic techniques for qualitative and quantitative characterization of structural elements in as-cast Allvac 718Plus Ni-based superalloy subjected to later heat treatment. Alloy 718Plus is a newly developed superalloy in which the secondary Laves phase forms as a low-melting eutectic upon casting. The development of innovative materials for aeronautics and clean energy systems requires the use of modern research methods for structure characterization on the level from micro- to the nanoscale. The performed analysis, allowed identification of phases (Laves and η) occurring in interdendritic regions of as-cast Allvac 718Plus superalloy and analyzing their microstructure down to the atomic scale, which revealed their complex nature. The experiments and investigation show that advanced microscopic techniques and test methods in conjunction with tomographic techniques enable complementary information about solidified structures of the alloy to be obtained that can be useful for the understanding process of casting and welding of the Allvac 718Plus.

Sustainability assessment for different design solutions within the automotive field

Sustainability is a critical issue for the automotive industry, making that car manufacturers have to address also environmental issues additionally to the traditional ones. Within this context, many research and industry activities have been concentrated in the field of lightweighting through the development of innovative materials and manufacturing technologies.This study deals with the sustainability assessment of two alternative design solutions for a door demonstrator module: a reference steel-based door structure is compared to a re-engineered variant which is mainly constituted of state-of-the art aluminum. Environmental impact, energy consumption and cost are chosen as sustainability pillars and the results are expressed respectively in terms of Global Warming Potential (kg CO2 eq), Primary Energy Demand (MJ) and total cost (Euro). The analysis follows a cradle-to-gate approach, capturing the contributions due to raw materials extraction, component manufacturing and operation; the use stage is evaluated for both Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (ICEV) and Electric Vehicle (EV) variants. The inventory for energy and impact assessment is mainly based on primary data directly measured on process site.The overall profile of the different design solutions is assessed and the main, environmental, energy and cost life-cycle hotspots are identified and critically discussed. The dependence of indicators on life-cycle mileage is investigated for both ICEV and EV case studies by means of the break-even point analysis. Finally, the effective convenience of reference and lightweight alternatives is evaluated considering the overall set of sustainability aspects through a multi-criteria decision analysis.

Desalination Research and Development in Saudi Arabia: Experience of the Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology at King Abdulaziz University

Membrane technology is growing very fast and it is used in several main applications from desalination, water and wastewater treatment to medical, biotechnology and gas separation field. Different membrane processes are applied depending on the applications from more traditional pressure-driven membrane processes (Microfiltration, MF; Ultrafiltration, UF; Nanofiltration, NF) to more advanced ones as Membrane contactors (Membrane Distillation, MD; Membrane Dryers; Membrane Emulsifiers) and membrane processes integrated with renewable sources. In this contest, the development of innovative materials, as nanocomposite membranes as well as the study of innovative membrane processes, as MD, are part of the latest scientific research most of the universities and research centers are focusing their efforts on. These topics are also part of main research activities of Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology (CEDT) at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and there will be described in details in next sections. CEDT is also involved in membrane processes and applications, renewable energy desalination, as well as computational modeling and simulation of membrane processes.

Finite Element Analysis of Additive Manufacturing Based on Fused Deposition Modeling: Distortions Prediction and Comparison With Experimental Data

Additive manufacturing (or three-dimensional (3D) printing) is constantly growing as an innovative process for the production of complex-shape components. Among the seven recognized 3D printing technologies, fused deposition modeling (FDM) covers a very important role, not only for producing representative 3D models, but, mainly due to the development of innovative material like Peek and Ultem, also for realizing structurally functional components. However, being FDM a production process involving high thermal gradients, non-negligible deformations and residual stresses may affect the 3D printed component. In this work we focus on meso/macroscopic simulations of the FDM process using abaqus software. After describing in detail the methodological process, we investigate the impact of several parameters and modeling choices (e.g., mesh size, material model, time-step size) on simulation outcomes and we validate the obtained results with experimental measurements.

Application and development trends in high strength steel and aluminium

Due to increasing competition globally among car manufacturing companies cost optimization is one of the major concerns in the automotive industries right from inception stage to the final product delivery along with maintaining its highest quality. Nowadays, rising demand for concept car, automobiles with latest technology, aesthetics of vehicles with safety concern, high strength and light weight results technological advancement in sheet metal forming and innovative material development like different grades of high strength steels and lightweight aluminium alloys. In 2015 with the initiative of the Imperial College London a research consortium was established under the umbrella Low Cost Materials Processing Technologies for Mass Production of Lightweight Vehicles. The primary aim of this project is to provide affordable low cost weight reduction in mass production of vehicles considering the entire life-cycle. The technological process solution for HFQ™ of Al-alloys is presented which greatly helped in reducing weight and increasing the strength.

Study and development of innovative materials for hydrogen storage activity

Study and development of innovative materials for hydrogen storage activity

Chitosan Derivatives: Introducing New Functionalities with a Controlled Molecular Architecture for Innovative Materials.

The functionalization of polymeric substances is of great interest for the development of innovative materials for advanced applications. For many decades, the functionalization of chitosan has been a convenient way to improve its properties with the aim of preparing new materials with specialized characteristics. In the present review, we summarize the latest methods for the modification and derivatization of chitin and chitosan under experimental conditions, which allow a control over the macromolecular architecture. This is because an understanding of the interdependence between chemical structure and properties is an important condition for proposing innovative materials. New advances in methods and strategies of functionalization such as the click chemistry approach, grafting onto copolymerization, coupling with cyclodextrins, and reactions in ionic liquids are discussed.

Towards Quantum Simulation with Circular Rydberg Atoms

The main objective of quantum simulation is an in-depth understanding of many-body physics. It is important for fundamental issues (quantum phase transitions, transport, . . . ) and for the development of innovative materials. Analytic approaches to many-body systems are limited and the huge size of their Hilbert space makes numerical simulations on classical computers intractable. A quantum simulator avoids these limitations by transcribing the system of interest into another, with the same dynamics but with interaction parameters under control and with experimental access to all relevant observables. Quantum simulation of spin systems is being explored with trapped ions, neutral atoms and superconducting devices. We propose here a new paradigm for quantum simulation of spin-1/2 arrays providing unprecedented flexibility and allowing one to explore domains beyond the reach of other platforms. It is based on laser-trapped circular Rydberg atoms. Their long intrinsic lifetimes combined with the inhibition of their microwave spontaneous emission and their low sensitivity to collisions and photoionization make trapping lifetimes in the minute range realistic with state-of-the-art techniques. Ultra-cold defect-free circular atom chains can be prepared by a variant of the evaporative cooling method. This method also leads to the individual detection of arbitrary spin observables. The proposed simulator realizes an XXZ spin-1/2 Hamiltonian with nearest-neighbor couplings ranging from a few to tens of kHz. All the model parameters can be tuned at will, making a large range of simulations accessible. The system evolution can be followed over times in the range of seconds, long enough to be relevant for ground-state adiabatic preparation and for the study of thermalization, disorder or Floquet time crystals. This platform presents unrivaled features for quantum simulation.

Aerogel-enhanced systems for building energy retrofits: Insights from a case study

The development of innovative materials aiming to achieve energy savings is a main focus in the building technology sector. In this context, aerogel-enhanced products are often indicated as promising materials for increasing the thermal resistance of the building envelope. In particular, aerogel blankets have already started showing their effectiveness in retrofitting projects, while the development and adoption of aerogel-enhanced renders and aerogel-incorporating glazing systems is progressing. Based on the state of the art, this paper describes several new aerogel-enhanced systems that have been developed over the last few years at Ryerson University in Toronto, ON. In particular, the paper presents the recent results regarding aerogel-enhanced plasters, lightweight concretes, blankets, and glazing systems. Thermal characterization tests of these new materials confirm the superior performance for building retrofits. For example, the thermal conductivity of plasters with more than 80%vol. aerogel is below 0.025W/(mK), a tenth of the respective value for traditional plasters, while mortars with more than 30%vol. aerogel show a thermal conductivity as low as 0.23W/(mK). The newly presented aerogel-based systems are then assessed for the retrofitting project of an educational building located in Toronto. An extensive energy audit was conducted through measurements of the envelope thermal characteristics, the building airtightness, and several indoor environmental parameters. The audit helped to build an accurate energy model that was used for analyzing the energy consumptions of the building and assessing several energy saving measures. The study showed that high thermal resistance values could be obtained installing thin aerogel-enhanced products in the opaque and transparent envelope, with overall building energy savings up to 34%, with limited impacts and interruptions on the building functionality and internal usable space. However, the high costs of aerogel-enhanced products made their payback times of several decades and represented a barrier for the adoption of most of the systems presented in this paper.

Hygrothermal properties of clayey plasters with olive fibers

This research deals with how to use agricultural waste materials in constructions considering that the development of innovative materials has to respond to both environmental and energy issues. The leaves and the small branches derived from the pruning of olive trees were incorporated, after drying, into a clay-sand mixture to obtain a bio-based plaster. Earthen samples, containing different percentages of olive fibers, were prepared and tested to investigate their hygrothermal behaviour. Thermal conductivity and the effects of several parameters on thermal performance were analyzed. The evaluation of the hygric behaviour was based on the measurement of the water vapour diffusion resistance factor and of the isothermal sorption curves. Results showed that the addition of olive fibers in the earth matrix enhances the insulating and hygric performances. The ability of the material to exchange moisture was studied by calculating the ideal Moisture Buffering Value (MBVideal). Results showed that the effects of moisture adsorption/desorption improved with the increase of the fibers content.

Production and Status of Bacterial Cellulose in Biomedical Engineering.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a highly pure and crystalline material generated by aerobic bacteria, which has received significant interest due to its unique physiochemical characteristics in comparison with plant cellulose. BC, alone or in combination with different components (e.g., biopolymers and nanoparticles), can be used for a wide range of applications, such as medical products, electrical instruments, and food ingredients. In recent years, biomedical devices have gained important attention due to the increase in medical engineering products for wound care, regeneration of organs, diagnosis of diseases, and drug transportation. Bacterial cellulose has potential applications across several medical sectors and permits the development of innovative materials. This paper reviews the progress of related research, including overall information about bacterial cellulose, production by microorganisms, mechanisms as well as BC cultivation and its nanocomposites. The latest use of BC in the biomedical field is thoroughly discussed with its applications in both a pure and composite form. This paper concludes the further investigations of BC in the future that are required to make it marketable in vital biomaterials.