Low Durability Research Articles

Effect of Different Surface Treatments on the Performance of Earth Plasters

Earth plasters have several advantages. Nevertheless, they are vulnerable when in contact with liquid water. For that reason, they have low durability when applied as an outdoor coating or in indoor areas with potential contact with water. In this study, the influence of six different surface treatments (traditional and innovative, based on raw materials and on waste) applied on a pre-mixed earth plaster, applied by a roller (r) or as a spray (s), was assessed. The treatments were: limewash (L), beeswax (BW), linseed oil (LO), graphene oxide dispersion (GO), water from paper immersion (WP) and water from gypsum plasterboard paper immersion (WPG). The application of L, BW and LO, despite the color change, improved the water resistance and the surface performance of the earth plaster (less than 80%–86%, 93%–98% and 97%–99% of mass loss from surface cohesion, from water erosion by dripping action and from dry abrasion, respectively, compared to the reference untreated plaster). However, the application of BW and LO had a negative effect on the hygroscopic capacity of the plaster (less than 28%–38% of water vapor adsorbed after 24 h and the MBV decreased 29%–50% compared to the reference plaster). Finally, the application of the remaining surface treatments did not significantly improve the characteristics of the plaster, having even worsened it in certain cases (more than 42%–149% of mass loss from water erosion, compared to the reference plaster). These results demonstrated that, among the treatments analyzed, the L, BW and LO treatments are the best options to apply on an earth plaster. In particular, the application of BW and LO are recommended in situations where it is necessary to improve water resistance and surface performance, and the hygroscopic capacity is not a conditioning characteristic, such as outdoor applications.

HIL Test Verification of PDPI Control of Induction Generator‐Based Multi‐Rotor Wind Turbine Systems

ABSTRACTIn this experimental study, a new technique is designed and presented for controlling the rotor side converter of an induction generator (IG) for multi‐rotor wind turbine (MRWT) systems. The direct power command (DPC) strategy is used to regulate the reactive and active power (Qs and Ps). DPC is characterized by several drawbacks, the most prominent of which are low durability, low current/power quality, and the use of power estimation. Therefore, a new PDPI (proportional‐derivative proportional‐integral) regulator is used as a suitable solution to overcome these shortcomings while maintaining simplicity, achieving a rapid dynamic response, and obtaining gains that characterize the DPC. The suggested DPC for controlling the IG inverter of an MRWT system uses two PDPI regulators and pulse width modulation (PWM) to create and generate the pulses necessary to run and regulate the IG inverter. First, the DPC‐PDPI‐PWM is verified in a MATLAB using different tests, and the characteristics of the DPC‐PDPI‐PWM is compared to that of DPC under different working conditions for a 1500 kW IG. Second, the validity of the simulated results is verified using the Hardware‐in‐the loop (HIL) test for the DPC‐PDPI‐PWM, and dSPACE 1104 is used for this purpose. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the DPC‐PDPI‐PWM approach over DPC, as the harmonic distortion of the stream is minimized by 36.66%, 22.68%, and 33.33% in the three proposed tests. Also, the overshoot value of Ps was reduced compared to DPC by ratios estimated at 70.96%, 71.42%, and 70.31% in all tests. DPC‐PDPI‐PWM also reduces the steady‐state error of Qs compared to DPC by 68.33%, 58.82%, 67.90% in all tests performed. The experimental results confirm the numerical results, suggesting that the DPC‐PDPI‐PWM is a suitable solution in the field of command in the future.

Three-Dimensional Porous Ti Supported Ni/Sb Co-doped SnO2 Anode for Electrocatalytic Production of Ozone

Electrochemical ozone (O3) production (EOP) offers a promising green alternative for in situ generating high concentration, strongly oxidizing O3. However, its progress is hindered by low durability and poor Faradaic efficiency of the anodes. Herein, a nanosheet-structured nickel and antimony co-doped tin dioxide (Ni/Sb-SnO2) is directly grown on three-dimensional porous titanium (3D-PTi), achieving enhanced EOP performance. The 3D architecture and Ni/Sb co-doping synergistically improve both activity and stability, making it a highly efficient and durable EOP anode. The Ni/Sb-SnO2@3D-PTi anode achieved a Faradaic efficiency above 28% with an energy consumption of 25.44Whg⁻1 at 20mAcm-2 in 0.5M H2SO4, surpassing other SnO2-based comparative anodes. It maintains excellent stability for over 25h at 100mAcm-2. Furthermore, the high-flow O3 generated in situ effectively removes 97% of tetracycline within 2h, with a Total Organic Carbon (TOC) reduction of 66.1%. This work demonstrates the strong potential of EOP-derived advanced oxidation processes for environmental remediation.

Experimental Evaluation of Thermal Conductivity in Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites for Aerospace Applications

Abstract: This paper aims to study the thermal conductivity properties of GFRP composites and their prospect in aerospace sectors. GFRP composites are gradually becoming the material of choice in aerospace, given the properties of low density, high strength, and high durability. However, it is critical to comprehend their thermal properties for efficiency in habitats characteristic of aeronautical environments. The work will seek to assess and quantify the thermal conductivity of the GFRP composites and establish the influence of fiber orientation, volume fraction and temperature in the thermal properties of the composites. Composite samples were prepared from E-glass and epoxy-amine prepreg’s with controlled layup and post curing. Some important measures in this work were thermal conductivity, which was tested by a laser flash method, and depend on conditions, offering valid information. In general, findings show that fiber orientation plays a major role in determining the thermal conductivity of the samples examined, where the highest conductivity is recorded on the samples where the fiber orientation is parallel to the direction of heat transfer. Higher fiber volume fraction was also found to improve thermal conductivity. Moreover, the temperature dependence analysis showed a fly increase of thermal conductivity at high temperatures that suggests that the material is capable of handling temperatures stress. The results indicate that GFRP composites have the right thermal characteristic appropriate for aerospace application, especially where thermal management is crucial for a particular part. Thus, more research is advised that particularly emphasizes the use of different types of fiber, various types of polymer matrices as well as different hybrid composites suited for high stress conditions. This research provides important information concerning the application of GFRP composites in the aerospace sector, including the ongoing development of lightweight, insulating materials suitable for this sector.

Design and simulation of reconfigurable modular snake robots with bevel gear transmission

With the advancement of technologies, robotics is playing an increasingly important role in various fields. The snake robot has attracted widespread academic attention due to its efficient and flexible movement characteristics. Nevertheless, its popularity and application range are constrained by complex control, low durability, and high cost. Given this, this study proposed a modular design framework based on the concept of modular design and a reconfigurable modular snake robot using bevel gear transmission. The snake robot consists of several basic module units with the same structure, which are restructured and reconfigured to achieve different shapes and functions. A standardized interface and communication protocol were optimized and designed, with each module containing an autonomous control unit and several execution units. The robot realized motion and tasks through the collaborative work of multiple modules to adapt to various work and environmental requirements. In addition, the research analyzes distributed control, improved motion control (using PID algorithm), energy management, safety design and other aspects, based on the cost data, improvement measures were proposed. At the same time, the work risks of the robot are analyzed, such as mechanical damage to the human body, adverse environment and electromagnetic interference, and corresponding solutions are proposed, and problems are found through durability testing and material improvement measures are proposed. Finally, based on SolidWorks software, a three-dimensional modeling and simulation analysis was conducted on the robot to verify its correctness. This study can provide inspiration for the design and research of snake robots.

High‐performance and flexible thermoelectric generator based on a robust carbon nanotube/BiSbTe foam

AbstractOrganic thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are flexible and lightweight, but they often have high electrical resistance, poor output power, and low mechanical durability, because of which their thermoelectric performance is poor. We used a facile and rapid solvent evaporation process to prepare a robust carbon nanotube/Bi0.45Sb1.55Te3 (CNT/BST) foam with a high thermoelectric figure of merit (zT). The BST sub‐micronparticles effectively create an electrically conductive network within the three‐dimensional porous CNT foam to greatly improve the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient and reinforce the mechanical strength of the composite against applied stresses. The CNT/BST foam had a zT value of 7.8 × 10−3 at 300 K, which was 5.7 times higher than that of pristine CNT foam. We used the CNT/BST foam to fabricate a flexible TEG with an internal resistance of 12.3 Ω and an output power of 15.7 µW at a temperature difference of 21.8 K. The flexible TEG showed excellent stability and durability even after 10,000 bending cycles. Finally, we demonstrate the shapeability of the CNT/BST foam by fabricating a concave TEG with conformal contact on the surface of a cylindrical glass tube, which suggests its practical applicability as a thermal sensor.

Functionalized cellulose nanocrystals for enhanced wood protection: Synthesis, characterization, and performance

This study developed eco-friendly protective materials for wood preservation, focusing on enhancing fungal decay resistance, insect damage prevention, and improving physical and mechanical properties. The research examined the penetration of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and their functionalized compounds into wood tissue, evaluating their impact on poplar wood. Methodology included optimizing CNC production through acid hydrolysis, testing various temperature and time combinations. CNCs were then functionalized with Poly(dimethylsiloxane)-bis(3-aminopropyl) terminated (PDMS-NH), copper hydroxide, zinc oxide, and silver nanoparticles. Characterization techniques such as AFM, TEM, ESEM, XRD, FTIR, and μ-Raman spectroscopy analyzed CNCs and their derivatives. Wood samples were impregnated with CNCs and functionalized CNCs using pressure and vacuum treatments, then tested for weight gain, durability against white rot (Trametes versicolor) and brown rot (Coniophora puteana) fungi, resistance to insect attack (Trichoferus holosericeus), leaching resistance, and mechanical properties. Key findings included successful optimization of CNC production and functionalization, improved resistance against decay fungi (especially with CNC3/Cu treatment), elevating durability classification from "non-durable" to "low durability". However, treatments showed limited effectiveness against insect infestation. Leaching resistance varied among treatments, with CNC3/PDMS-NH performing best. Mechanical properties, particularly modulus of elasticity, improved significantly with CNC3 impregnation, especially in less degraded wood samples. The study contributes to eco-friendly wood protection systems development, demonstrating functionalized CNCs' potential to enhance wood durability and mechanical properties. Further research is needed to improve insect resistance and optimize the leaching performance of CNC-based treatments, paving the way for more sustainable wood preservation methods.

Fabrication of Long-Lasting Superhydrophilic Anti-Fogging Film Via Rapid and Simple UV Process.

Surface fogging is a common phenomenon that can result in restricted visibility, reduced light absorption, and image distortion. Although both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces are effective in preventing this phenomenon, typical coatings in both have limitations, including low durability and the need for frequent reapplication. To address these issues, a highly durable anti-fogging film that lasts over five weeks, even under high moisture conditions, while maintaining a promising degree of transparency (> 60%) is developed. A novel statistical random copolymer containing superhydrophilic and photo-crosslinkable segments that can be simultaneously crosslinked and chemically bonded to various substrates via a simple ultraviolet (UV) irradiation process is synthesized. Notably, the chemical bonding between the anti-fogging coating and substrate improves not only the durability but also the resistance to external forces and environmental changes. Furthermore, this film is versatile and applicable to diverse substrates, such as car windshields, polymer films, and aluminum foil. The innovative strategy offers a simple, rapid process and durable anti-fogging performance with broad applications in the automotive industry, optical devices, and building materials.

Potentially toxic elements in fly ash bricks and associated ecological health risk: An opinionated review

Abstract Exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTE) from various sources seriously threatens the ecosystem in the modern era. Fly ash produced from coal and solid waste combustion contains a high concentration of PTE. Fly ash is a major by-product of coal-based thermal power plants and municipal solid waste incineration units. Due to the high demand for fly ash reuse due to its unique properties, fly ash is now in demand for manufacturing of various building materials and geo-liner for landfills. Brick is the primary building material used in construction. Fly ash bricks are very popular nowadays due to their low cost and high durability. This study reveals the ecological risk index through the exposure of heavy metals in fly ash reported in various studies. Results indicate extremely high ecological risk mainly due to Cd content in fly ash followed by Hg, As, Cu, and Pb. Fly ash is one of the causative agents for several diseases affecting the nervous system, skin, circulatory system, digestive system, reproductive system, and immune responses in the human body.

EFFECTS OF GUM ARABIC ON THE MOISTURE CONTENT AND WATER ABSORPTION OF LATERITIC BRICKS OF VARYING PARTICLE SIZES OF FINE AGGREGATES

The increasing greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction, accounts for 37% global emissions. In mitigating these challenges, the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) recommends the use of lateritic bricks due to it's environmental sustainability. To achieve durability and environmental sustainability, Gum Arabic is introduced in laterite soil to improve its properties. The objective of the study is to determine the suitability of Gum Arabic as stabilizer on the moisture content and water absorption capacity of earth bricks of different particle size distributions. Experimental research method was adopted for the study. The particle size distribution of the laterite soil was classified within the ranges 75µm-600µm, and 1.18mm- 4.76mm. Also, the content of the Gum Arabic was proportioned from the range of 0% to 30% partial replacements. Sample bricks were produced and tested at 14, 21 and 28 days curing period. The data collected from the results of the laboratory experiments was analysed using bar charts. The results showed that, particle size distributions for grading fine aggregate suitable for compressed stabilised earth bricks (CSEB) was found to be between 1.18mm-4.76mm considering it low extent of permeability and high durability properties at 28 days curing period. It was concluded that, moisture content influences the rate of water absorption, such that an increase in moisture content consequently increases the rate of water absorption. However, the low extent of water permeability recorded, reduces the water content in the pores of the CSEBs, thereby reducing the extent of expansion and contraction making the GA-based CSEBS to be less brittle and more durable. It was recommended that, when selecting eco-friendly bricks for construction of buildings, Gum Arabic based Compressed Stabilised Earth Bricks (GA-based CSEBs), should be utilised considering its low permeability and durability for particle size ˃ 600µm.

Performance Evaluation of Sponge Anaerobic Baffled Reactor for Municipal Wastewater Treatment

The anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) is a decentralized treatment system that is commonly used for municipal wastewater treatment. Slower growth rate of anaerobic microorganisms requires extended hydraulic retention time (HRT), leading to a larger bioreactor volume. In this study, polyurethane sponge sheets were provided in a six-compartment ABR for retention and growth of biomass to improve its treatment performance at shorter HRTs. Polyurethane sponge was selected for its low cost, durability, availability, easy emplacement, and high voidage. The sponge anaerobic baffled reactor (SABR) was operated within a temperature range of 35 ± 1 °C at HRTs of 18, 12, 8, and 6 h to evaluate its treatment performance. Average removal efficiencies ranged from 60–77% for organics, 74–81% for total suspended solids (TSS), 50–66% for total nitrogen (TN), and 47–57% for total phosphorus (TP). The shortest HRT was 8 h with average removal efficiencies of 74, 63, 64, and 52% for organics, TSS, TN, and TP, respectively, to meet effluent discharge limits. With the shortest HRT of 8 h, the SABR demonstrated low volume requirements, thereby making it an efficient solution for decentralized wastewater treatment, particularly advantageous for developing countries with warm climates.

Evaluations of the deterioration characteristics of thermally treated wood samples from Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus urophylla caused by marine wood borers

The low natural durability properties of some types of wood indicate the need for treatments to enhance the resistance of these materials to biological decay. In the sea, this resistance is necessary due to the actions of wood-boring mollusks and crustaceans. These treatments must be effective without harming the environment. Wood thermal treatment should be evaluated for this purpose. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the deterioration characteristics of thermally treated wood samples from Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus urophylla under the actions of marine wood borers. A method was proposed to aid in this assessment. Ten samples of these woods, both untreated and thermally treated, were submerged in the sea, each at a depth of 2.5 meters, for five months. After this period, the external borehole number, mass loss, and central flat lesion parameters of the samples were evaluated. Both the thermally treated and untreated wood samples of C. citriodora showed less deterioration than those of E. urophylla, with fewer boreholes, smaller lesioned areas, and lower mass losses. Compared with untreated wood and E. urophylla wood, thermally treated C. citriodora wood exhibited some resistance to marine wood borers. It was concluded that C. citriodora wood was naturally more resistant to marine wood borers than E. urophylla wood. Moreover, thermal treatment increased the boring resistance of C. citriodora wood while increasing the susceptibility of E. urophylla wood. The digital measurement of flat lesions was proven to be an auxiliary and promising method for evaluating the deterioration process.

Long-term Durability of Seawater Electrolysis for Hydrogen: From Catalysts to Systems.

Direct electrochemical seawater splitting is a renewable, scalable, and potentially economic approach for green hydrogen production in environments where ultra-pure water is not readily available. However, issues related to low durability caused by complex ions in seawater pose great challenges for its industrialization. In this review, a mechanistic analysis of durability issues of electrolytic seawater splitting is discussed. We critically analyze the development of seawater electrolysis and identify the durability challenges at both the anode and cathode. Particular emphasis is given to elucidating rational strategies for designing electrocatalysts/electrodes/interfaces with long lifetimes in realistic seawater including inducing passivating anion layers, preferential OH-adsorption, employing anti-corrosion materials, fabricating protective layers, immobilizing Cl- on the surface of electrocatalysts, tailoring Cl- adsorption sites, inhibition of OH- binding to Mg2+ and Ca2+, inhibition of Mg and Ca hydroxide precipitation adherence, and co-electrosynthesis of nano-sized Mg hydroxides. Synthesis methods of electrocatalysts/electrodes and innovations in electrolyzer are also discussed. Furthermore, the prospects for developing seawater splitting technologies for clean hydrogen generation are summarized. We found that researchers have rethought the role of Cl- ions, as well as more attention to cathodic reaction and electrolyzers, which is conducive to accelerate the commercialization of seawater electrolysis.

Long‐term Durability of Seawater Electrolysis for Hydrogen: From Catalysts to Systems

AbstractDirect electrochemical seawater splitting is a renewable, scalable, and potentially economic approach for green hydrogen production in environments where ultra‐pure water is not readily available. However, issues related to low durability caused by complex ions in seawater pose great challenges for its industrialization. In this review, a mechanistic analysis of durability issues of electrolytic seawater splitting is discussed. We critically analyze the development of seawater electrolysis and identify the durability challenges at both the anode and cathode. Particular emphasis is given to elucidating rational strategies for designing electrocatalysts/electrodes/interfaces with long lifetimes in realistic seawater including inducing passivating anion layers, preferential OH−adsorption, employing anti‐corrosion materials, fabricating protective layers, immobilizing Cl− on the surface of electrocatalysts, tailoring Cl− adsorption sites, inhibition of OH− binding to Mg2+ and Ca2+, inhibition of Mg and Ca hydroxide precipitation adherence, and co‐electrosynthesis of nano‐sized Mg hydroxides. Synthesis methods of electrocatalysts/electrodes and innovations in electrolyzer are also discussed. Furthermore, the prospects for developing seawater splitting technologies for clean hydrogen generation are summarized. We found that researchers have rethought the role of Cl− ions, as well as more attention to cathodic reaction and electrolyzers, which is conducive to accelerate the commercialization of seawater electrolysis.

Production of high-calorific hybrid biofuel pellets from urban plastic waste and agro-industrial by-products

Advances in waste-to-energy technology and sustainable fuel production drive significant changes in the energy industry. These innovative solutions not only address waste management challenges but also contribute to broadening the energy source matrix and reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels. This study evaluates the incorporation of polyethylene and polypropylene urban plastic waste in various agro-industrial by-product blends, which combine beet pulp, radiata pine, and eucalyptus bark wastes. The generation of the hybrid biofuel from agro-industrial waste and domestic solid waste in pellet form is investigated to determine the optimal blends in terms of durability, ash generation and calorific value. Both urban plastics incorporated in the mixtures not only significantly increase the calorific energy value but also promote the binding of the solid biofuel components. The polypropylene-based urban plastic pellet exhibited superior binding capacity and lower ash generation, even in complex hydroxyl functional groups. It also displayed suitable properties for solid biofuels, such as low fine content, high durability, and dimensional stability. The highest resulting calorific value of 22.6 MJ/kg was determined for the mass ratio of the blend with 99% durability, 0.23% fines content, and 5.1% combustion ash generation. This new hybrid biofuel is presented as a sustainable option and a significant contribution in the field of waste-to-energy technology and renewable energy production. The production cost of the hybrid biofuel is competitive with wood-based biofuels, with only a 6.25% increase observed for pellets made from 50% wood and 20% beet pulp compared to traditional 100% wood pellets. However, significant cost reductions were achieved through specific configurations, resulting in savings of 14.8%. The novel hybrid biofuel requires only 9.2 MJ/kg to produce 22.6 MJ/kg, demonstrating significant energy impact and viability as a sustainable energy source in waste-to-energy technology and renewable energy production.

A review of ordered PtCo3 catalyst with higher oxygen reduction reaction activity in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

This review is devoted to the potential advantages of ordered alloy catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), specifically focusing on the development of the low Pt content, high activity, and durability ordered PtCo3 catalyst. Due to the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics and poor durability, the overall performance of the fuel cell is affected, and its application and promotion are limited. To address this issue, researchers have explored various synthetic strategies, such as element doping, morphology adjusting, structure controlling, ordering and support/metal interaction enhancement. This article extensively discussed the Pt related ORR catalysts and follows an in-depth analysis of ordered PtCo3. The introduction briefly discusses the direction of development of fuel cell catalysts and frontier progress, including theoretical mechanism, practical preparation, and Pt-containing electrode structures, etc. The subsequent chapter focuses on the Pt-Co catalyst, the evolution process of Pt alloy to Pt-Co alloy and the improvement scheme are introduced. The next chapter describes the properties of PtCo3. Although the ordered PtCo3 catalyst has a wide range of applicability due to low cost and high activity catalyst. However, besides the common agglomeration and sintering problems of Pt-Co alloy, its commercial application still faces unique problems of oversized crystal size, phase segregation, ordering transformation and transition metal dissolution. Therefore, in Chapter 4, this overview provides some possible improvement methods for three specific functions: crystal refinement, enhancing the effect of support and active substances, and anti-dissolution.

Characteristics of Fast-Growing Wood Impregnated Using Monoethylene Glycol and SiO Nanoparticles Against Fungal Attacks

Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba) and Sengon (Falcataria moluccana) were fast-growing wood species widely planted in the community forest. Both kinds of wood have low durability even though they can potentially be used in the carpentry material industry. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the vacuum-pressure impregnation effect using monoethylene glycol (C2H6O2) or MEG and silica dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles on wood resistance to fungal decay. The results showed that impregnation treatment with MEG and SiO2 nanoparticles significantly improved the durability of Jabon and Sengon against fungal attacks. Furthermore, MEGSiO2 with 24-hour polymerization had a better impact on durability compared to both the control and MEGSiO2 with 12-hour polymerization. The 24-hour polymerization using 1% SiO2 nanoparticles resulted in the lowest weight loss for Jabon (5.86% ) and Sengon (5.21%). In addition, the variation of SiO2 nanoparticle concentration did not significantly affect the weight loss and durability of Jabon and Sengon against fungal decay.

Enhancing weathered slope stability assessment through the integration of slake durability index, elastic modulus of knocking ball, and electrical resistivity tomography.

This research assesses the stability of sedimentary rock slopes in Teloi, Sik, Kedah, by focusing on the mechanical properties of the rock layers and their susceptibility to weathering. Key tests include the slake durability index (SDI), elastic modulus of knocking ball (Ekb), and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). The incorporation of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data through the virtual reality platform facilitates the visualization of subsurface conditions. The variability of strength characteristic of interbedded sedimentary rocks leads to the differential weathering of rock layers, which causes deterioration on the slope structure. The testing revealed significant variability in rock strength, with sandstone displaying higher durability (Id > 17.1%) and elasticity (Ekb: 0.97 to 29.31 GPa) compared to shale and siltstone, which exhibited lower durability and elasticity (Id < 2.2%, Ekb: 0.2 to 2.2 GPa). Utilizing the Wenner array setup, three distinct electrical resistivity lines were established to evaluate subsurface anomalies. The ERT profiles revealed variations in electrical resistivity among different rock types, identifying areas of weaker material, which are siltstone and shale, while high resistivity areas indicate sandstone. Kinematic analysis through the stereonet process revealed direct toppling as the primary failure mechanism, driven by the critical orientations of joint sets J1, J2, and J3. This aligns with on-site observations of hanging sandstone blocks prone to toppling failure. The findings of this research show that the slake durability index (SDI) and the elastic modulus of the knocking ball (Ekb) enhance the assessment of mechanical properties and weathering resistance of interbedded sedimentary rocks. The virtual reality platform was particularly helpful in analyzing and visualizing the sub-surface conditions and enhancing the evaluation of complex geological data. As a conclusion, this integrated method was helpful in the comprehensive geotechnical evaluation of the slopes, enabling the selection of effective stabilization measures by assessing the differential weathering of interbedded sedimentary rock and identifying potential failure zones.

An Adhesive Hydrogel Technology for Enhanced Cartilage Repair: A Preliminary Proof of Concept.

Knee cartilage has limited natural healing capacity, complicating the development of effective treatment plans. Current non-cell-based therapies (e.g., microfracture) result in poor repair cartilage mechanical properties, low durability, and suboptimal tissue integration. Advanced treatments, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation, face challenges including cell leakage and inhomogeneous distribution. Successful cell therapy relies on prolonged retention of therapeutic biologicals at the implantation site, yet the optimal integration of implanted material into the surrounding healthy tissue remains an unmet need. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a newly developed photo-curable adhesive hydrogel for cartilage repair, focusing on adhesion properties, integration performance, and ability to support tissue regeneration. The proposed hydrogel design exhibited significant adhesion strength, outperforming commercial adhesives such as fibrin-based glues. An in vivo goat model was used to evaluate the hydrogels' adhesion properties and long-term integration into full-thickness cartilage defects over six months. Results showed that cell-free hydrogel-treated defects achieved superior integration with surrounding tissue and enhanced cartilage repair, with notable lateral integration. In vitro results further demonstrated high cell viability, robust matrix production, and successful cell encapsulation within the hydrogel matrix. These findings highlight the potential of adhesive hydrogel formulations to improve the efficacy of cell-based therapies, offering a potentially superior treatment for knee cartilage defects.

Advanced approach for active and durable proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Coupling synergistic effects of MNC nanocomposites

AbstractAtomically dispersed metal and nitrogen co‐doped carbon (MNC) is a promising oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst for electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications but typically suffers from low durability and activity under the acidic conditions of practical polymer electrolyte exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Recently, the performance of MNC nanocomposites under acidic ORR conditions has been enhanced by exploiting the synergistic coupling effects of their constituents (single‐atom sites, nanoclusters, and nanoparticles). The unique geometric structures formed by the coupling of diverse sites in these nanocomposites provide optimal electronic structures and efficient reaction pathways, thus resulting in high activity and long‐term durability. This work provides an overview of MNC nanocomposites as ORR electrocatalysts under practical PEMFC conditions, focusing on activity and durability enhancement methods and highlighting the strategies used to prepare electrocatalytically efficient MNC nanocomposites containing no or low amounts of platinum group metals. Progress in the development of advanced MNC nanocomposites as acidic ORR catalysts is discussed, and the pivotal role of synergistic effects resulting from the coupling sites within the nanocomposites is explored together with the characterization methods used to elucidate these effects. Finally, the challenges and prospects of developing MNC nanocomposites as next‐generation electrocatalysts are presented.image