Application Of Materials Research Articles

Fatigue-resistant adhesion through high energy barriers

The applications of soft materials in various fields often require interfacial adhesion to sustain prolonged static or cyclic loads, whereas most existing adhesives are susceptible to fatigue failure. Unlike in a quasistatic debonding process, which depends more on the average resistance, the key to preventing fatigue crack propagation is to build up high energy barriers locally. Herein, we invoke three types of structural designs to induce large energy barriers at the interface to achieve fatigue-resistant adhesion. By varying the local bending stiffness of the backing layer, locally altering the fracture mode through kirigami patterns, or hindering crack initiation with simple edge notches, we enhanced the fatigue thresholds of various adhesives against peeling by several orders of magnitude, reaching record-breaking values. To verify the proposed mechanism and reveal the details of these remarkable enhancements, we develop theoretical models to study the peeling processes. Based entirely on structural design, the proposed mechanism is non-material-specific and universally applicable to various intermolecular interactions under any harsh environment, such as high temperature, high humidity, and physiological environments. We envision that the strategy and methodologies presented can pave the avenue of future adhesion designs for both durability and reliability.

Advances in well design and integrity: Areview of technological innovations and adaptive strategies for global oil recovery

Advances in well design and integrity are critical for enhancing global oil recovery rates. This review reviews technological innovations and adaptive strategies that drive efficiency and sustainability in oil production. The review discusses key themes such as reservoir characterization, wellbore stability, drilling fluids, and completion techniques. It highlights how these factors impact well integrity and production rates. The review emphasizes the importance of integrating innovative technologies and adaptive strategies to overcome challenges in complex reservoir environments. Key findings include the importance of reservoir characterization in designing wells that optimize recovery rates. It also highlights the role of wellbore stability in ensuring long-term integrity and reducing risks associated with drilling operations. The review discusses the advancements in drilling fluids, including the use of nanotechnology and biodegradable materials, to improve wellbore stability and minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the abstract explores advances in completion techniques, such as intelligent completions and sand control systems, to enhance production efficiency and reservoir management. It also discusses the integration of digital technologies, such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, to optimize well performance and reduce operational costs. The review concludes by highlighting the need for continued research and development to address the evolving challenges in global oil recovery. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders, research institutions, and regulatory bodies to drive innovation and ensure sustainable practices in oil production. Overall, the abstract provides a comprehensive overview of the technological innovations and adaptive strategies that are shaping the future of well design and integrity in the global oil industry. his review covers the evolution of well design practices, the application of new materials and technologies, and the strategic adaptations required to maintain operational safety and efficiency in diverse environmental conditions.

Exploring the Ne Bis in Idem principle: Material scope and application in EU law

This article examines and analyses the application of the ne bis in idem principle based on a final verdict of acquittal or conviction by a competent court where the cases have already been concluded by a final decision. It examines the principle concerning Article 4 of Protocol No. 7 of the European Convention on Human Rights (Article 4P7 ECHR), Article 50 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and its implication under Articles 54 to 58 of the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement (CISA). By reviewing previous literature, case law and fact sheets of the Court of Justice on the Ne bis in idem principle, the paper analyses the material scope of application of the principle and highlights the multifaceted significance of the Ne Bis in idem principle in criminal proceedings and the harmonisation of legal practices within the European Union. It reaffirms the principle's foundational importance in fostering fairness, legal certainty, and the protection of fundamental rights across a wide array of legal contexts. It elaborates and provides an interpretative analysis of the principle on the associated jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The paper also shows that the ne bis in idem principle serves as a common ground for judicial cooperation in criminal matters and mutual recognition of the Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA concerning the European Arrest Warrant (‘EAW FD’) and Directive 2014/41/EU regarding the European Investigation Order in criminal matters.

Development of Macro-Encapsulated Phase-Change Material Using Composite of NaCl-Al2O3 with Characteristics of Self-Standing

Developing thermal storage materials is crucial for the efficient recovery of thermal energy. Salt-based phase-change materials have been widely studied. Despite their high thermal storage density and low cost, they still face issues such as low thermal conductivity and easy leaks. Therefore, a new type of NaCl-Al2O3@SiC@Al2O3 macrocapsule was developed to address these drawbacks, and it exhibited excellent rapid heat storage and release capabilities and was extremely stable, significantly reducing the risk of leakage at high temperatures for industrial waste heat recovery and in concentrated solar power systems above 800 °C. Thermal storage macrocapsules consisted of a double-layer encapsulation of silicon carbide and alumina and a self-standing core of NaCl-Al2O3. After enduring over 1000 h at a high temperature of 850 °C, the encapsulated phase-change material exhibited an extremely low weight loss rate of less than 5% compared with NaCl@Al2O3 and NaCl-Al2O3@Al2O3 macrocapsules, for which the weight loss rate was reduced by 25% and 10%, respectively, proving their excellent leakage prevention. The SiC powder layer, serving as an intermediate coating, further prevented leakage, while the use of Al2O3 ceramics for encapsulation enhanced the overall mechanical strength. It was innovatively discovered that the Al2O3 particles formed a network structure around the molten NaCl, playing an important role in maintaining the shape and preventing leakage of the composite thermal storage phase-change material. Furthermore, the addition of Al2O3 significantly enhanced the rapid heat storage and release rate of NaCl-Al2O3 compared to pure NaCl. This encapsulated phase-change material demonstrated outstanding durability and rapid heat storage and release performance, offering an innovative approach to the application of salt phase-change materials in the field of high temperature rapid heat storage and release and encapsulating NaCl as a high-temperature thermal storage material in a packed bed system. Compared with conventional salt-based phase-change materials, the developed product is expected to significantly improve the reliability and thermal efficiency of thermal storage systems.

A review of humidity-Responsive Actuation in Liquid Crystal elastomer films: Controlling reversibility and irreversibility through hydrogen bonding

Humidity-responsive actuation refers to the phenomenon where certain materials alter their shape, size, or color in response to fluctuations in humidity levels. This behavior is reminiscent of natural processes observed in plants, where seeds and flowers react to moisture. The potential applications of humidity-responsive materials span various fields, including soft robotics, smart sensors, biomimetic devices, and anti-counterfeiting measures. Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs)are particularly noteworthy in this context, as they possess a unique combination of properties derived from both liquid crystals and elastomers. These materials exhibit significant changes in shape in response to external stimuli such as temperature, light, electric fields, and humidity. As a result, this paper focuses on the humidity-responsive properties of Liquid Crystal Elastomer (LCE) films, with a specific emphasis on the role of hydrogen bonding in this process. And this review covers the synthesis methods, underlying mechanisms, performance characteristics, challenges, and future prospects of humidity-responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer (LCE) films.

Studying quantum effects of fine scaling on the buckling behavior of CNTs under torsional loading using the density functional theory and molecular mechanics approach

In this study, we introduce a comprehensive investigation into the buckling behavior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a combined approach of quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics methods. A novel aspect of our research lies in the exploration of the quantum effects of fine scaling on the buckling behavior of finite‐length nanotubes across various dimensions and chiralities. Specifically, we analyze the critical buckling strain variations in CNTs with distinct lengths, diameters, and chiralities, revealing pronounced differences influenced by atomic arrangement and the type of structure used in nanotube construction. Our findings elucidate that at smaller dimensions, nanotubes exhibit a higher critical buckling strain than other chiralities, while zigzag atomic arrangements demonstrate greater resistance to torsional loading at larger diameters. Additionally, we compare the buckling behavior of nanotubes obtained by wrapping armchair and zigzag nanosheets, highlighting differential resistance trends. This research not only underscores the critical role of quantum effects in determining nanotube buckling but also provides valuable insights into the nuanced influences of atomic arrangement and nanosheet type on the mechanical properties of CNTs. Thus, our work contributes a novel perspective to the field, bridging the gap between quantum mechanics and the mechanical behavior of nanostructures, which has significant implications for the design and application of nanoscale materials

Water desalination, and energy consumption applications of 2D nano materials: hexagonal boron nitride, graphenes, and quantum dots

Abstract In this article, we explore the role of nanotechnology in addressing water scarcity through water desalination. The scope of nanotechnology in water treatment is discussed, emphasizing the potential of 2D nanomaterials such as hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), graphene, and quantum dots in revolutionizing desalination technologies. Various water desalination techniques, including membrane distillation (MD), solar-powered multi-stage flash distillation (MSF), and multi-effect distillation (MED), are analyzed in the context of nanomaterial applications. The review highlights the energy-intensive nature of conventional water treatment methods and underscores nanomaterials’ potential to enhance efficiency and sustainability in water desalination processes. Challenges facing desalination, such as scalability and environmental impact, are acknowledged, setting the stage for future research directions.

Design & Impact Analysis of Automobile Chassis/Frame

The impact performance of a vehicle chassis is critical for safety and durability, influenced significantly by the materials used. Two common materials are AISI 4130 and AISI 1018, each with distinct properties affecting their impact resistance. AISI 4130, a chromium-molybdenum steel, is known for its high strength and toughness, providing excellent resistance to deformation and cracking. This makes it ideal for high-performance vehicles where impact resistance is crucial. However, its increased weight can be a drawback in some applications. Conversely, AISI 1018 is a low-carbon steel offering a balance of strength, ductility, and formability. It is lighter and more easily formed into complex shapes, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications. Despite its lower strength compared to AISI 4130, it is suitable for scenarios where weight and cost are more critical. Choosing between AISI 4130 and AISI 1018 depends on specific application needs. For high impact resistance and performance, AISI 4130 is preferred. For weight-sensitive and cost-efficient applications, AISI 1018 is more suitable. The decision requires careful consideration of material properties, application requirements, and design constraints. Key Words: AISI 4130, AISI 1018, Chromium Molybdenum Steel, Low Carbon Steel, Impact Resistance.

Purely ionically bonded cation paving the way to ultralow thermal conductivity and large thermoelectric figure of merit in Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite Cs2SnI2Br2

Lower dimensional materials have gained quite a bit of popularity in the last few decades. Perovskite materials have been studied extensively for their photovoltaic properties. But for large scale application of photovoltaic materials, the thermal properties need to be studied. In this work, using first principles calculations, we have studied the thermal conductivity and thermoelectric performance of quasi two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden–Popper phase of perovskite, Cs2SnI2Br2. The Cs atoms are found to be ionically bonded to the halogens leading to low elastic constants and hence give rise to weak bonding. The large anharmonicity in this material causes the lattice thermal conductivity to be ultralow having a value of 0.30 W·m−1·K−1 at 300 K and therefore the thermoelectric figure of merit has been found to be high with a maximum value of 2.08 at 600 K. This lead-free 2D perovskite can be the precursor to a wide variety of similar materials with ultralow thermal conductivity.

Novel Aluminum Alloy Tailored for Additive Manufacturing: Structural Characterization and Qualification Perspectives

The recent advances achieved in additive manufacturing (AM) technology demonstrate the potential to realize customized metal components, ensuring weight reduction opportunities. These benefits make AM attractive for high-cost aerospace applications, especially where high geometric complexity is required. In the context of an EU research scenario, the H2020 MANUELA (Additive Manufacturing Using Metal Pilot Line) project promotes the development of new technologies for design optimization by enabling the application of novel materials in AM. This paper illustrates recent advances in a new aluminum alloy (Al-HS1) with high strength emphasizing all of the characterization steps at the coupon level. This material has been employed in the re-engineering of a conventional hydraulic manifold using a powder bed fusion-laser beam (PBF-LB) process. Both the simulations and structural tests allowed for proving its compliance and technological maturity with industrial standards and applicable airworthiness requirements.

State of the Art on Relative Permeability Hysteresis in Porous Media: Petroleum Engineering Application

This paper delivers an examination of relative permeability hysteresis in porous media in the field of petroleum engineering, encompassing mathematical modeling, experimental studies, and their practical implications. It explores two-phase and three-phase models, elucidating the generation of scanning curves and their applications in various porous materials. Building on the research of traditional relative permeability hysteresis models, we have incorporated literature on forward calculations of relative permeability based on digital rock core models. This offers a new perspective for studying the hysteresis effect in relative permeability. Additionally, it compiles insights from direct relative permeability and flow-through experiments, accentuating the methodologies and key findings. With a focus on enhanced oil recovery (EOR), carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS), and hydrogen storage applications, the paper identifies existing research voids and proposes avenues for future inquiry, laying the groundwork for advancing recovery techniques in oil and gas sectors.

Helium plasma irradiation on Nickel: Nanostructure formation and electrochemical characteristics

Nanotechnology offers new avenues for the design, fabrication, and application of novel materials. Helium plasma exposure is a technique that can be used to fabricate self-supported metallic nanostructures. In this work, we explore the plasma irradiation conditions for fabricating various morphologies on planar nickel surfaces, and evaluate the electrochemical performance of these surfaces for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. The preferential growth towards certain morphologies such as nano-pillars, nano-blocks, and micro-structures, is found to be primarily influenced by the applied plasma conditions and two counteracting processes of sputtering and annealing. The plasma treatment increased the electrochemical surface area of the modified samples by approximately 3 to 4 times as compared to the planar/unmodified surfaces, along with an increase in the OER performance for all morphologies. However, in addition to the increased surface area, the electrochemical performance was found to be dependent on the shape, size and thickness of the nano/micro-features. Moving ahead, the ability of this technique to achieve control over the feature size along with its effectiveness for a broad range of metals offers new routes for nanostructuring and functionalization of emerging materials.

Applications of optical control materials based on localized surface plasmon resonance effect in smart windows

Applications of optical control materials based on localized surface plasmon resonance effect in smart windows

Narrowband room temperature phosphorescence of closed-loop molecules through the multiple resonance effect

Luminescent materials with narrowband emission show great potential for diverse applications in optoelectronics. Purely organic phosphors with room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) have made significant success in rationally manipulating quantum efficiency, lifetimes, and colour gamut in the past years, but there is limited attention on the purity of the RTP colours. Herein we report a series of closed-loop molecules with narrowband phosphorescence by multiple resonance effect, which significantly improves the colour purity of RTP. Phosphors show narrowband phosphorescence with full width at half maxima (FWHM) of 30 nm after doping into a rigid benzophenone matrix under ambient conditions, of which the RTP efficiency reaches 51.8%. At 77 K, the FWHM of phosphorescence is only 11 nm. Meanwhile, the colour of narrowband RTP can be tuned from sky blue to green with the modification of methyl groups. Additionally, the potential applications in X-ray imaging and display are demonstrated. This work not only outlines a design principle for developing narrowband RTP materials but also makes a major step forward extending the potential applications of narrowband luminescent materials in optoelectronics.

Crystal structure, stability, and transport properties of Li2BeAl and Li2BeGa Heusler alloys: a DFT study

In this study, the structural, elastic, electronic, and thermoelectric properties of full Li2BeAl and Li2BeGa Heusler alloys were explored using density functional and the Boltzmann transport theories. The GGA and HSE approximations have been used for the exchange–correlation potential. Results indicated that these two compounds are more energetically stable in the inverse Heusler structure. Additionally, both Li2BeAl and Li2BeGa Heusler alloys were found to be mechanically stable due to the positive values of the elastic constants. Also, the high values of the Young's modulus indicate that these compounds are stiff and exhibit a semi-metallic nature. The band gaps were determined to be 0.13 eV and − 0.22 eV for Li2BeAl and Li2BeGa alloys, respectively, using the GGA approximation. By employing the HSE hybrid functional, however, the band gap for Li2BeAl increased to 0.26 eV, and for Li2BeGa, it decreased to − 0.16 eV. Regarding thermoelectric properties, Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, electronic and lattice thermal conductivities, power factor, and the figure of merit have been calculated for both Li2BeAl and Li2BeGa Heusler alloys at different temperatures. Seebeck coefficient in both alloys decreases with increasing the temperature and has the highest value at 300 K. Thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity increase with increasing the temperature, which confirms the intermetallic behavior of the Heusler alloys. The results obtained for both alloys show that n-type doping has better thermoelectric properties than p-type doping. The maximum value of the figure of merit (ZT) was obtained for n-type doping, which was 1.43 at 660 K for Li2BeAl and 0.39 at 1000 K for Li2BeGa alloy. The high values of ZT especially for electron-dopped Li2BeAl suggest the great potential of this material for use in thermoelectric devices. This study suggests that the proposed materials have potential applications in spintronic devices and thermoelectric materials due to their intermetallic character and effective thermoelectric coefficients.

Calcium Zirconate: Methods of Synthesis and Applications of Ceramic and Refractory Materials Based Thereon — A Review. Part 2. Applications of Ceramic and Refractory Materials Based on Calcium Zirconate

Calcium Zirconate: Methods of Synthesis and Applications of Ceramic and Refractory Materials Based Thereon — A Review. Part 2. Applications of Ceramic and Refractory Materials Based on Calcium Zirconate

Preparation and characterization of chiral carbon dots with red emission

Methods for the synthesis of chiral carbon dots (CDs) possessing bright long-wavelength emission are highly desirable. Here, we develop red-emissive chiral CDs from hydrothermal treatment of L-/D-lysine and o-phenylenediamine (OPD). Pure chiral CDs are obtained by filtration and dialysis. Ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) absorption spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, PL quantum yield (QY), and PL decay of the chiral CDs are thoroughly studied. The chiral CDs exhibit bright red fluorescence with PL QY in the range of 26.6%–42.2% in different solvents. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicate that the chiral CDs have a mean particle size of 2.7 nm, and consist of graphite-like carbons and abundant functional groups at their surfaces. Circular dichroism spectroscopy shows new Cotton bands at about 300 and 610 nm for chiral CDs differed from those of L-/D-lysine, revealing the generation of optical chirality for CDs. Then transparent optical resins made of CDs/epoxy resin composites are prepared, possessing red fluorescence and circular dichroism, broadening potential applications of solid materials with chiroptical properties. Finally, we discuss the possible origins of chirality and fluorescence of the CDs. The exploitation of highly red-emissive chiral CDs may promote the development and application of chiral CDs.

MgSnO3 epitaxial thin films for solar-blind photodetection: Fabrication and properties

In alkaline earth stannates, MgSnO3 has low density, high specific strength and wide bandgap (∼4.0 eV), which is a particularly promising semiconductor material. However, the lack of single crystal film limits the application of such materials in photoelectric devices. Here, high-quality MgSnO3 epitaxial film was grown on SrTiO3 substrate by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The film grown under an oxygen pressure of 5 Pa at 900 °C presented the best crystal quality, which has high transmittance (>93 %) and wide bandgap (3.94 eV). The in-plane and out-of-plane epitaxial relationships between the film and substrate are MgSnO3[1 1‾ 00] ⎜⎜SrTiO3[1 1‾ 0] and MgSnO3(0001) ⎜⎜SrTiO3(111), respectively. Due to the lower formation energy of Mg vacancies compared to Sn vacancies, the Mg/Sn molar ratio in the film is less than 1, increasing with the oxygen pressure rising during the film. For the solar-blind photodetector based on 10 Pa sample, the device presents a photo-responsivity of 3.76 × 10−3 A ∙ W−1 and a fast speed of photoresponse (<0.05 s). The excellent performance exhibited by single crystal thin films will undoubtedly promote the development of MgSnO3 based single crystal devices.

Agriculture 4.0: Polymer Hydrogels as Delivery Agents of Active Ingredients.

The evolution from conventional to modern agricultural practices, characterized by Agriculture 4.0 principles such as the application of innovative materials, smart water, and nutrition management, addresses the present-day challenges of food supply. In this context, polymer hydrogels have become a promising material for enhancing agricultural productivity due to their ability to retain and then release water, which can help alleviate the need for frequent irrigation in dryland environments. Furthermore, the controlled release of fertilizers by the hydrogels decreases chemical overdosing risks and the environmental impact associated with the use of agrochemicals. The potential of polymer hydrogels in sustainable agriculture and farming and their impact on soil quality is revealed by their ability to deliver nutritional and protective active ingredients. Thus, the impact of hydrogels on plant growth, development, and yield was discussed. The question of which hydrogels are more suitable for agriculture-natural or synthetic-is debatable, as both have their merits and drawbacks. An analysis of polymer hydrogel life cycles in terms of their initial material has shown the advantage of bio-based hydrogels, such as cellulose, lignin, starch, alginate, chitosan, and their derivatives and hybrids, aligning with sustainable practices and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources.

Construction of the Red‐Green‐Blue Luminescence Conversion System Based on Donor‐Acceptor Dyes Exchange with Diels‐Alder Dynamic Covalent Bonds

AbstractThe construction of full‐color fluorescence systems has received widespread attention because of their applications in lighting materials, optoelectronic materials, and fluorescent probes. However, for the full‐color luminescence system based on trichromatic materials, there are no connections between materials of different luminescent colors. Herein, A new donor‐acceptor dye with red fluorescence was synthesized. The dye displays excellent optical properties of short half‐peak width and strong fluorescence emission. An effective energy transfer process from the dansyl donor to the acceptor was observed with a transfer efficiency of 81 %. Further, dyes with green and blue fluorescence were introduced to construct a full‐spectrum fluorescent system. Through exchange reactions of Diels‐Alder dynamic covalent bonds, red, green, and blue luminescence can be converted. This work provides a new idea for the design of full‐color fluorescent materials.