Development Of Materials Research Articles

Analyzing the impact of TiO2 filler on the wear characteristics of flax fiber-reinforced epoxy composite using the Taguchi approach

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of titanium oxide (TiO2) filler on the coefficient of friction (COF) and specific wear rate (SWR) in flax fiber reinforced epoxy composites (FFRCs) under abrasive wear conditions utilizing the Taguchi approach. The primary objective is to enhance wear resistance and promote the development of sustainable materials for various applications. Design/methodology/approach Epoxy/flax composites with varying TiO2 filler content (0–8 wt%) are fabricated through the hand layup method. Subsequently, wear testing is conducted following ASTM G99-05 standards. The Taguchi design of experiments (DOE) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are utilized for statistical analysis. Findings Results indicate a significant improvement in abrasive wear properties with the incorporation of TiO2 filler. The COF is found to be most influenced by the normal load (55.19%), followed by grit size, wt% TiO2 filler and sliding distance. SWR is found to be most influenced by the grit size (42.92%), followed by wt% TiO2, normal load and sliding distance. Notably, the Taguchi model aligns well with experimental results, demonstrating its efficacy in predicting the abrasive wear behavior of FFRCs. Originality/value This research introduces a novel hybrid composite that combines TiO2 filler and flax fibers, showcasing their potential to enhance the tribological properties of epoxy composites. The study offers valuable insights into optimizing abrasive wear test variables in natural fiber-reinforced composites using Taguchi DOE and ANOVA, crucial for improving the performance of sustainable materials in engineering applications.

Development of Iron-Based Single Atom Materials for General and Efficient Synthesis of Amines.

Earth abundant metal-based heterogeneous catalysts with highly active and at the same time stable isolated metal sites constitute a key factor for the advancement of sustainable and cost-effective chemical synthesis. In particular, the development of more practical, and durable iron-based materials is of central interest for organic synthesis, especially for the preparation of chemical products related to life science applications. Here, we report the preparation of Fe-single atom catalysts (Fe-SACs) entrapped in N-doped mesoporous carbon support with unprecedented potential in the preparation of different kinds of amines, which represent privileged class of organic compounds and find increasing application in daily life. The optimal Fe-SACs allow for the reductive amination of a broad range of aldehydes and ketones with ammonia and amines to produce diverse primary, secondary, and tertiary amines including N-methylated products as well as drugs, agrochemicals, and other biomolecules (amino acid esters and amides) utilizing green hydrogen.

Multi-attribute optimization of eco-manufacturing based criteria in CNC manufacturing systems using an evolutionary algorithm

Manufacturing technology has evolved over the years with the development of CNC manufacturing systems, flexible manufacturing, rapid prototyping, smart manufacturing etc Simultaneously, the development of new and exotic materials to match specific requirements has shaped new problems in manufacturing. The materials developed thus far require special tools, lubricating agents, and extra-care in machining without compromising the quality. Further the study of carbon emissions in manufacturing sector has also gained unusual spotlight in view of their deleterious effect on the ecological balance. The manufacturing systems have to be consequently designed and developed, such that they generate minimal quantity of emissions without forfeiting the prime objectives of quality and tool morphology. The present work is principally intended to analyse the effect of cutting parameters on the emission rate of greenhouse gases, tool wear and work-piece temperature concurrently. These studies are accomplished in both dry and wet conditions on computer numerical control machining system. The machining process involved plain facing of a Ti-6Al-4V hardened material. The experimental studies are realized using both single point and multi-point cutting tools and are supplemented with the application of Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA). The MOGA generated set of pareto-fronts for the four machining conditions were subjected to VIKOR, TOPSIS and LINMAP decision making approaches to arrive at the optimum values of decision variables. The optimum cutting parameters obtained in single point cutting tool machining in dry conditions are speed (873.2 rpm), feed (0.199 mm rev−1) and depth of cut (0.25 mm), while the corresponding values of responses are tool wear (67.19 μm), work-piece temperature (39.36 °C) and carbon emission (0.138 Kg-CO2). The equivalent values for multi-point cutting were determined as 899.8 rpm, 0.195 mm rev−1 and 0.25 mm, while the responses for these optimal conditions are 69.92 μm, 39.48 °C and 0.137 Kg-CO2 in that order.

Potential-Resolved Ratio Electrochemiluminescence Biosensor Based on Perylene Diimide-MOF and DNA Nanoflowers-CdS Quantum Dots for Detection of Dual Targets.

BRCA1 gene and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are important markers of breast cancer, so accurate detection of them is significant for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. In this study, a potential-resolved ratio electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor using perylene diimide (PDI)-metal-organic framework and DNA nanoflowers (NFs)-CdS quantum dots (QDs) was constructed for detection of BRCA1 and CEA. Specifically, PDI-MOF and CdS QDs can generate potential-resolved intense ECL signals only using one coreactant, so the detection procedure can be effectively simplified. PDI-MOF was first attached to the electrode by graphene oxide, and the dopamine (DA) probe was linked to quench the ECL signal by DNA hybridization. In the presence of target BRCA1, it can form a bipedal DNA walker, so the quenching molecules (DA) were detached from the electrode via the walker amplification process aided by Mg2+, so that the PDI signal at -0.25 V was restored for the BRCA1 assay. Moreover, CdS QDs@DNA NFs as amplified signal probes were formed by self-assembly, and the target CEA-amplified product introduced the CdS QDs@DNA NFs to the electrode, so the QD ECL signal at -1.42 V was enhanced, while the ECL signal of PDI is unchanged; thus, CEA detection was achieved by the ratio value between them. Therefore, the detection accuracy is guaranteed by detection of two cancer markers and a ratio value. This biosensor has a great contribution to the development of new ECL materials and a novel ECL technique for fast and efficient multitarget assays, showing great significance for the early monitoring and diagnosis of breast cancer.

Development of Antimicrobial Surfaces Using Diamond-like Carbon or Diamond-like Carbon-Based Coatings.

The medical device market is a high-growth sector expected to sustain an annual growth rate of over 5%, even in developed countries. Daily, numerous patients have medical devices implanted or inserted within their bodies. While medical devices have significantly improved patient outcomes, as foreign objects, their wider use can lead to an increase in device-related infections, thereby imposing a burden on healthcare systems. Multiple materials with significant societal impact have evolved over time: the 19th century was the age of iron, the 20th century was dominated by silicon, and the 21st century is often referred to as the era of carbon. In particular, the development of nanocarbon materials and their potential applications in medicine are being explored, although the scope of these applications remains limited. Technological innovations in carbon materials are remarkable, and their application in medicine is expected to advance greatly. For example, diamond-like carbon (DLC) has garnered considerable attention for the development of antimicrobial surfaces. Both DLC itself and its derivatives have been reported to exhibit anti-microbial properties. This review discusses the current state of DLC-based antimicrobial surface development.

Unraveling the Role of Li and Mg Substitution in Layered Sodium Oxide Cathodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Substituting electrochemically active elements such as Li and Mg in P2-type layered sodium oxide is an effective strategy for developing competitive cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries. However, the lack of atomic-level understanding regarding the distribution of substitution positions complicates the comprehension of the roles of substituting atoms and the mechanism of sodium-ion intercalation. In this study, we identified the stable configurations of Na in Na0.75Ni0.3Mn0.7O2 and Na0.75Li0.15Mg0.05Ni0.1Mn0.7O2 materials using the site exclusion method. Through simulating the complete charging process for both materials, the structure evolution of the cathodes during the cycling and the impact of the partial substitution of Ni elements by Li and Mg atoms were comprehensively elucidated. Our findings revealed that Mg atoms effectively regulate the distribution of forces within the materials, essentially serving as supportive pillars within the cathode. Meanwhile, Li atoms efficiently mitigated electron localization, consequently diminishing volume fluctuations during the charging process. More importantly, the substitution with Li and Mg atoms could synergistically reduce the interaction between transition metals and sodium ions, thereby reducing the diffusion energy barrier of Na ions. This study not only enhances the comprehension of substituted metal atoms in P2 layered oxides but also offers new insights for the development of sodium-ion cathode materials.

Enhancing Short-Range Interactions to Broaden the Temperature Range for Coexistence of Antiferroelectricity and Ferroelasticity.

Antiferroelectric (AFE) materials, characterized by double electric hysteresis loops, can be transformed to the ferroelectric (FE) phase under an external electric field, making them promising candidates for electronic energy storage and solid-state refrigeration. Additionally, the field-induced strain in AFE materials is contingent upon the direction of the electric field, rendering it with a switching characteristic. Although AFE materials have made progress in the field of energy storage and negative electrocaloric effect, the coexistence of AFE and ferroelasticity is still rarely reported. Here, two isomorphic organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites, HDAEPbCl4 and HDAEPbBr4 (HDAE is [2-(hydroxydimethylammonio)ethan-1-aminium]), exhibiting FE-AFE-PE (PE is paraelectric) phase transitions, are presented. Remarkably, the temperature range where AFE and ferroelasticity coexist is significantly broadened from 59.9 K to 115.1 K by strengthening short-range forces via halogen substitution. This discovery extends the family of FE, AFE, and ferroelastic materials, contributing to the development of multifunctional materials and advancing multifunctional material development.

Experimental Investigations and MD Simulation on Nanoparticle-Enhanced CO2-Responsive Foam (NECRF): Implications on CO2-EOR.

CO2-responsive foam (CRF) is a highly promising candidate for CO2-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) because it displays higher stability than the surfactant-stabilized foam owing to the formation of robust wormlike micelles (WLMs) upon exposure to CO2. In this work, the nanoparticle-enhanced CO2-responsive foam (NECRF) was properly prepared using lauryl ether sulfate sodium (LES)/diethylenetriamine/nano-SiO2, and its interfacial properties and EOR potential were experimentally and numerically assessed, aiming to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of NECRF as a novel CO2-EOR technique. It was found that the interfacial expansion elastic modulus increased 6-fold after CO2 stimulation. The modulus continued to increase with the introduction of nano-SiO2 owing to the pronounced synergistic effect of WLMs and nanoparticles. In addition to increasing the viscosity of the foaming liquid, WLMs and nano-SiO2 enhanced the shearing resistance of the NECRF as well. Calculations demonstrated that both the coarsening rate and the size distribution uniformity coefficient of NECRF were markedly lower than that of the LES foam, which subsequently inhibited NECRF decay and greatly improved its dynamic stability. Besides, molecular dynamics simulation revealed that adding inorganic salts to NECRF could notably enhance the foaming performance due to the intensified hydration of surfactant head groups and reduced binding energy of neighboring molecules. Nuclear magnetic resonance-assisted core flooding experiments validated the exceptional capacity of NECRF to sweep the low-permeability region and improve the conformance profile. Overall, these findings may provide valuable insights into the development and application of novel materials and strategies for the CO2-EOR.

Lewis Base-Catalyzed Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Transformation of Racemic Chlorosilanes en Route to Si-Stereogenic Silylethers.

Enantiopure Si-stereogenic organosilanes are highly valued in the fields of organic synthesis, development of advanced materials, and drug discovery. However, they are not naturally occurring, and their synthesis has been largely confined to resolution of racemic silanes or desymmetrization of symmetric silanes. In contrast, the dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation (DYKAT) of racemic organosilanes offers a mechanistically distinct approach and would broaden the accessibility of Si-stereogenic silanes in an enantioconvergent manner. In this study, we report a Lewis base-catalyzed DYKAT of racemic chlorosilanes. The chiral isothiourea catalyst, (S)-benzotetramisole, facilitates silyletherification with phenols, yielding (R)-silylethers in good yields with high enantioselectivity (27 examples, up to 86% yield, up to 98:2 er). Kinetic analysis, control experiments, and DFT calculations suggest that a two-catalyst-bound pentacoordinate silicate is responsible for the Si-configurational epimerization of the ion-paired tetracoordinated silicon intermediates.

Innovative polymer‐based composite materials in additive manufacturing: A review of methods, materials, and applications

AbstractThis review paper delves into the manufacturing methods, material properties, and applications of polymer‐based composites in the field of advanced manufacturing, offering a detailed explanation of their production through various additive manufacturing (AM) techniques and their diverse applications across multiple industries. Polymer‐based composite materials have emerged as crucial elements in AM due to their enhanced properties and design versatility, enabling the creation of components with unprecedented performance characteristics. The paper comprehensively covers the major AM methods employed for composite materials, including fused filament fabrication, Digital Light Processing/Stereolithography, Direct Ink Writing, and Selective Laser Sintering. Each of these methods is explored in terms of its mechanism, suitability for different composite materials, and the resulting material properties. The review also provides an insightful analysis of how these AM techniques are revolutionizing industries such as soft robotics, mechanical, electrical, and biomedical fields. The paper concludes by discussing the current challenges in this domain and projecting future trends in the development and application of composite materials in advanced manufacturing. This review aims to offer a comprehensive resource for researchers and practitioners in the field, highlighting the transformative impact of polymer‐based composites in AM and their growing significance across various sectors.Highlights Comprehensive review and classification of novelties in printing method for polymer based composite material manufacturing. Introduces innovative techniques to create and enhance material properties of composites. Explores interdisciplinary applications in biomedical, electronics, and sensors, demonstrating material versatility. Provides a systematic correlation between manufacturing method, material properties, and applications of novel polymer‐based composites.

Mechanical performance study of PVA fiber-reinforced seawater and sea sand cement-based composite materials

Due to the swift progress in the construction sector, there is a global concern about the potential scarcity of river sand and freshwater resources. The development of new construction materials is considered an inevitable trend for industry growth. PVA fibers, known for their strong corrosion resistance, cost-effectiveness, and high toughness, have the potential to enhance the corrosion resistance and seismic performance of structures in marine environments. However, their mechanical properties and durability in the seawater and sea sand environment are not well understood. Therefore, the investigation of the impact of seawater and sea sand on the mechanical properties and durability of PVA fiber-reinforced cement composites is considered crucial. A mechanical performance analysis of PVA fiber-reinforced seawater and sea sand fiber cement composites was conducted in this study. PVA fiber volume fractions of 0%, 0.75%, and 1.5%, cement composite matrix strength grades of C30 and C50, and curing periods of 28 days, 90 days, and 180 days were examined, investigating their influence on the bending toughness of PVA fiber-reinforced seawater and sea sand cement composites. Specific conclusions include the addition of fibers increased the peak bending load, had a less corrosive effect in seawater, and improved the flexural toughness of the material. The most significant improvement was observed at 1.5% fiber content, where the load-deflection curve was fuller and the energy absorption capacity of the material increased by 33–109%, maintaining good bending toughness. Furthermore, higher fiber contents are required for high-strength cementitious composites to improve flexural toughness and durability. The formulation of calculation formulas for predicting bending strength and corresponding deflection, which fit well with the experimental results; and the development of a calculation model for the bending toughness index of PVA fiber-reinforced seawater and sea sand cement composites, providing an effective prediction of material bending toughness.

Preparation and property study of sawdust-modified cement mortar

Sawdust, a solid waste generated during stone processing, poses a serious threat to the environment with its untreated accumulation. This paper first analyzes the chemical composition and physical properties of sawdust, and discusses its mechanism of action in cement mortar. By systematically optimizing the blending ratio and modification method of sawdust, the sawdust-modified cement mortar with excellent performance was prepared. This study evaluates the key performance indicators of sawdust-modified cement mortar, such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and durability, through a series of experiments. The experimental results indicate that the incorporation of an appropriate amount of sawdust significantly enhances the mechanical properties of cement mortar, while also improving its durability, particularly in terms of freeze-thaw resistance. Microstructural analysis reveals the mechanism by which sawdust improves the pore structure of cement mortar; the active components in the sawdust react with the hydration products of cement, resulting in the formation of crystalline structures with higher strength.Therefore, the use of sawdust as a modifier in cement mortar can improve its mechanical properties and durability, while simultaneously reducing the accumulation of solid waste and promoting the sustainable development of building materials.

Preparation and properties of alkali-activated fly ash-waste brick porous building materials

This study explores the development of sustainable porous building materials through the alkali-activation of fly ash and waste clay brick powder. Utilizing Class F fly ash and brick powder from demolished buildings, a series of alkali-activated mortars with varying brick powder replacements (0 % to 50 % by mass) were formulated and analyzed. The results reveal that a 10 % brick powder replacement optimizes the compressive strength, reaching 73 MPa at 28 days, attributed to enhanced nucleation and calcium-rich gel formation. However, higher brick content reduces strength due to the dilution of key reactive materials, with a 50 % replacement leading to a strength of 27 MPa. Porosity increases proportionally with brick content, achieving a maximum of 42 % at 50 % replacement, suggesting potential applications in insulation-centric scenarios. Microstructural analysis confirms the formation of a porous network and identifies the phase compositions and reaction products. This research demonstrates the potential of repurposing construction waste into efficient and environmentally friendly building materials, contributing to waste reduction and offering a greener alternative to traditional practices.

Mixed-Matrix Organo-Silica–Hydrotalcite Membrane for CO2 Separation Part 1: Synthesis and Analytical Description

Hydrotalcite exhibits the capability to adsorb CO2 at elevated temperatures. High surface area and favorable coating properties are essential to harness its potential for practical applications. Stable alcohol-based dispersions are needed for thin film applications of mixed membranes containing hydrotalcite. Currently, producing such dispersions without the need for delamination and dispersing agents is a challenging task. This work introduces, for the first time, a manufacturing approach to overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above. It includes a synthesis of hydrotalcite nanoparticles, followed by agent-free delamination of their layers and final dispersion into alcohol without dispersing agents. Further, the hydrotalcite-derived sorption agent is dispersed in a matrix based on organo-silica gels derived from 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTESE). The analytical results indicate that the interconnection between hydrotalcite and BTESE-derived gel occurs via forming a strong hydrogen bonding system between the interlayer species (OH groups, CO32−) of hydrotalcite and oxygen and silanol active gel centers. These findings lay the foundation for applications involving incorporating hydrotalcite-like compounds into silica matrices, ultimately enabling the development of materials with exceptional mass transfer properties. In part 2 of this study, the gas separation performance of the organo-silica and the hydrotalcite-like materials and their combined form will be investigated.

Multi-component attached carbon matrix composites with superior electromagnetic wave absorption performance and multifunctional applications

The preparation of highly absorbing and high-performance electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials remains a significant challenge. In this paper, carbon matrix composites modified with sodium inorganic salts (CMS) have been successfully prepared by using the solvent evaporation method in combination with the hydrothermal treatment and high temperature carbonization processes. The composition of the product can be manipulated by varying the material ratios, which in turn affects the interface and dielectric properties of the material. Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) was produced as a transition phase between sodium silicate and carbon matrix due to high temperature. According to differential charge density a significant charge accumulation found between the interfacial of Na2CO3 and carbon layer is helpful to polarization. The synergistic effect of polarization and conduction loss due to the formation of multiple heterogeneous interfaces and carbon matrix results in excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance. The minimum reflection loss (RLmin) is −55.49 dB when the thickness is 3.1 mm. Furthermore, CMS composites exhibit notable flame retardancy and thermal insulation properties, rendering them suitable for a diverse range of applications. These remarkable achievements provide new ideas for the design and development of efficient electromagnetic wave absorption materials.

Novel V2O3@N-C cathode for superior aqueous zinc-ion batteries via melamine foam templating

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are increasingly garnering attention due to their inherent safety features and the economic benefits of using metallic zinc. Among the promising cathode materials for AZIBs, V2O3-based compounds are extensively studied because of their unique tunnel structure and high energy density. However, the broader application of V2O3-based materials is hindered by several challenges, including sluggish reaction kinetics, poor cycling stability, and the lack of effective methods for large-scale synthesis. In response to these limitations, this study utilizes melamine foam as a self-sacrificing template to develop a V2O3@N-C cathode that aims to enhance the performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The resulting cathode benefits from the uniform dispersion of V2O3 nanoparticles and a trace carbon-coated structure enriched with oxygen vacancies, yielding significant reversible capacity (569.62 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and 411.63 mA h g−1 at 20 A g−1) and superior cycling stability (369.66 mA h g−1 after 3200 cycles at 10 A g−1). Additionally, ex-situ characterization techniques have been employed to thoroughly investigate the zinc storage mechanism, offering novel insights for the development of high-performance cathode materials for AZIBs.

Biosynthesis of microrubble-shaped nanoporous Co3O4/rGO NCs using leaves extract of Neolamarckia cadamba and its antibacterial/antioxidant performance

Nowadays, the whole globe is paying great attention for the sustainable development, eco-friendly and economical production of nanostructures materials. With this motivation, the present work portrayed one-step ‘in-situ’ bioinspired green fabrication of Co3O4–reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (Co3O4–rGO NCs) for the first time utilizing an aqueous leaf extract of Neolamarckia cadamba. As-fabricated NCs were characterized by several analytical and electron microscopic techniques viz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate their phases, structure, shape, composition, chemical state, porosity, optical and morphological aspects. The XRD study revealed a cubic spinel symmetry of NCs, while crystallite size estimated around 25 nm. TEM spectroscopy exposed an average particle size 8–10 nm of Co3O4 grown on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO NCs), whereas SEM analysis showed sharped microrubble-shaped morphology. The formation of NCs by doping metal oxide with rGO through in-situ method were confirmed by XRD, EDS, Raman, and XPS spectroscopy. The BET study estimated the specific surface area and pore size of NCs as 98 m2/g and 8.9 nm respectively. The Co3O4–rGO NCs demonstrated an effective bactericidal activity against S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and B. subtillis. Prominently it was found that, a significant antibacterial activity seen against E. coli and S. aureus at a concentration 0.1 mg/100 µL may be due to scaffold morphology, nanoscale-structures and nanoporosity of the NCs. Due to receiving significant antibacterial activity, material’s molecular docking was assessed. Furthermore, an antioxidant activity of leaf extract and NCs was evaluated by DPPH method. An outstanding biological study of bioinspired NCs revealed that material could be used as a potent antimicrobial agent.

Synergistic engineering of heterojunction and surface coating to boost Zn storage performance of V2O3-based microspheres as an advanced cathode for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Vanadium-based compounds are highly regarded as potential cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) owing to the high theoretical capacity, diverse structural frameworks and abundant oxidation states. Nevertheless, the challenges such as slow diffusion kinetics, low electrical conductivity and inadequate structural stability restrict their further development. Herein, yolk shell-like SiO2-coated V2O3/VN heterojunction microspheres (VON@SiO2) are synthesized through a hydrothermal method followed by annealing and subsequent SiO2 coating. As an advanced cathode for AZIBs, the construction of V2O3/VN heterojunction effectively exposes reactive sites, leads to the reduction in interfacial charge transfer resistance, and thus improves the ion diffusion kinetics, while the surface coating of SiO2 is beneficial for enhancing the structural stability of the material and further reduces the capacity fading. Additionally, the micromorphology of porous yolk shell-like microspheres self-assembled by nanoparticles contributes to the complete penetration of electrolyte and greatly exposing reactive sites. Based on synergistic engineering of heterojunction, surface coating and porous shell-like micromorphology, the synthesized VON@SiO2 delivers excellent specific capacities of 483.5 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and 294 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1, and exhibits impressive cycling performance with 94 % of capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 10 A g−1. Further, in-situ XRD and ex-situ XPS reveals the mechanism of zinc ion storage. This work offers a valuable reference into the development of high-performance cathode materials for AZIBs by co-engineering of heterojunction, surface coating and micromorphology optimization.

Stimuli-Responsive Chiral Cellulose Nanocrystals Based Self-Assemblies for Security Measures to Prevent Counterfeiting: A Review.

The proliferation of misleading information and counterfeit products in conjunction with technical progress presents substantial worldwide issues. To address the issue of counterfeiting, many tactics, such as the use of luminous anticounterfeiting systems, have been investigated. Nevertheless, traditional fluorescent compounds have a restricted effectiveness. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), known for their renewable nature and outstanding qualities, present an excellent opportunity to develop intelligent, optically active materials formed due to their self-assembly behavior and stimuli response. CNCs and their derivatives-based self-assemblies allow for the creation of adaptable luminous materials that may be used to prevent counterfeiting. These materials integrate the photophysical characteristics of optically active components due to their stimuli-responsive behavior, enabling their use in fibers, labels, films, hydrogels, and inks. Despite substantial attention, existing materials frequently fall short of practical criteria due to limited knowledge and poor performance comparisons. This review aims to provide information on the latest developments in anticounterfeit materials based on stimuli-responsive CNCs and derivatives. It also includes the scope of artificial intelligence (AI) in the near future. It will emphasize the potential uses of these materials and encourage future investigation in this rapidly growing area of study.

Hydrogels in Soft Robotics: Past, Present, and Future.

The rise of soft robotics in recent years has motivated significant developments in smart materials (and vice versa), as these materials allow for more compact robotic designs thanks to the embodied intelligence that they provide. Hydrogels have long been postulated as one of the potential candidates to be used in soft robotics due to their softness, elasticity, and smart properties that can be tuned with nanomaterials. However, nowadays they represent only a small percentage of the materials used in the field. In this perspective, the drawbacks that have hindered their utilization so far are analyzed as well as the current state of hydrogel-based soft actuators, sensors, and manufacturing possibilities. The future improvements that need to be made to achieve a real application of hydrogels in soft robotics are also discussed.