Material Transport Research Articles

Silicon-Based Sodium Hydride Core-Shell Structure for Portable Hydrolytic Hydrogen Generation.

Hydrogen production from silicon (Si) hydrolysis is environmentally friendly, safe, portable, and promising. However, the self-protected oxide layer around Si and a sluggish hydrolysis rate impede its practical utilization. To address this problem, we introduced sodium hydride (NaH) to form the core-shell structure of NaH/Si composites via a straightforward one-step, hand-mixing method in an ambient environment. NaH-based Si-M composites exhibit 83% hydrogen yield and a 52.7 mL/min hydrogen generation rate at 1-0.7 molar ratios. The hydrolytic activity includes the breakdown of NaH and the continuous hydrolysis of Si. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, nanoindentation, and reaction observation studies have verified that NaH is pivotal in promoting thorough Si hydrolysis and attaining the maximum achievable yield compared to calcium hydride (CaH2). NaH/Si composites showed excellent hydrogen generation performance compared to CaH2/Si composites with microstructure silicon Si-S ≈ 1-3 μm, Si-M ≈ 75 μm, and Si-L ≈ 75-425 μm. Our study provided an innovative design and idea for utilizing cost-effective and easily transportable hydrogen production materials for practical applications, which has the potential for further advancement.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Material Transport Through Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Cell-laden, scaffold-based tissue engineering methods have been successfully utilized for the treatment of bone fractures and diseases, caused by factors such as trauma, tumors, congenital anomalies, and aging. In such methods, the rate of scaffold biodegradation, transport of nutrients and growth factors, as well as removal of cell metabolic wastes at the site of injury are critical fluid-dynamics factors, affecting cell proliferation and ultimately tissue regeneration. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify the underlying material transport mechanisms and factors associated with cell-seeded, scaffold-based bone tissue engineering. The overarching goal of this study is to contribute to patient-specific, clinical treatment of bone pathology. The overall objective of the work is to establish computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models: (i) to identify the consequential mechanisms behind internal and external material transport through/over porous bone scaffolds designed based on the principles of triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) and (ii) to identify TPMS designs with optimal geometry and flow characteristics for the treatment of bone fractures in clinical practice. In this study, advanced CFD models were established based on ten TPMS scaffold designs for (i) single-unit internal flow analysis, (ii) single-unit external flow analysis, and (iii) cubic, full-scaffold external flow analysis, where the geometry of each design was parametrically created. The influence of several design parameters, such as surface representation iteration, wall thickness, and pore size on geometry accuracy as well as computation time, was investigated in order to obtain computationally efficient and accurate CFD models. The fluid properties (such as density and dynamic viscosity) as well as the boundary conditions (such as no-slip condition, inlet flow velocity, and pressure outlet) of the CFD models were set based on clinical/research values reported in the literature, according to the fundamentals of internal and external Newtonian flow modeling. The main fluid characteristics influential in bone regeneration, including flow velocity, flow pressure, and wall shear stress (WSS), were analyzed to observe material transport internally through and externally over the TPMS scaffold designs. Regarding the single-unit internal flow analysis, it was observed that P.W. Hybrid and Neovius designs had the highest level of not only flow pressure but also WSS. This can be attributed to their relatively flat surfaces when compared to the rest of the TPMS designs. Schwarz primitive (P) appeared to have the lowest level of flow pressure and WSS (desirable for development of bone tissues) due to its relatively open channels allowing for more effortless fluid transport. An analysis of streamline velocity exhibited an increase in velocity togther with a depiction of potential turbulent motion along the curved sections of the TPMS designs. Regarding the single-unit external flow analysis, it was observed that Neovius and Diamond yielded the highest level of flow pressure and WSS, respectively, while Schwarz primitive (P) similarly had a relatively low level of flow pressure and WSS suitable for bone regeneration. Besides, pressure buildup was observed within the inner channels of almost all the TPMS designs due to flow resistance and the intrinsic interaction between the fluid flow and the scaffold walls. Regarding the cubic (full-scaffold) external flow analysis, the Diamond and Schwarz gyroid (G) designs appeared to have a relatively high level of both flow pressure and WSS, while Schwarz primitive (P) similarly yielded a low level of flow pressure and WSS. Overall, the outcomes of this study pave the way for optimal design and fabrication of complex, bone-like tissues with desired material transport properties for cell-laden, scaffold-based treatment of bone fractures.

ALMA Observations of Solar Spicules in a Polar Coronal Hole

Abstract We report observations of solar spicules at millimeter wavelengths (mm-λ) using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). These are supplemented by observations in optical, ultraviolet (UV), and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths. The observations were made on 2018 December 25 of the northern polar coronal hole. ALMA obtained time-resolved imaging observations at wavelengths of 3 mm (100 GHz; 2 s cadence) and 1.25 mm (239 GHz; ≈2 minutes cadence) with an angular resolution of 2 . ″ 2 × 1 . ″ 3 and 1 . ″ 5 × 0 . ″ 7, respectively. Spicules observed at mm-λ are easily seen low in the chromosphere whereas spicules in UV bands are seen to extend higher. The spicules observed at mm-λ are seen in absorption against coronal EUV emission, allowing us to estimate the column depth of neutral hydrogen. Spicular emission at mm-λ, due to thermal free–free radiation, allows us to estimate the electron number density as a function of height. We find that spicule densities, inferred from the mm-λ data are uniquely insensitive to assumptions regarding the temperature of plasma in spicules. We suggest that the upward mass flux carried by spicules is unlikely to play a significant role in the mass budget of the solar corona and solar wind, and the transport of hot material into the corona by spicules may not play a significant role in coronal heating. However, the possibility that electric currents, fast kink and torsional waves, or other wave modes carried by spicules may play a role in transporting energy into the solar corona cannot be excluded.

Linking interannual variability of turbidity fronts in the Eastern China Seas to local processes and ocean warming

The turbidity front is susceptible to rapid changes in ocean hydrodynamics. Understanding its variability is crucial for elucidating material transport on continental shelves in light of evolving land-ocean interactions. However, the long-term frontal variability and its controlling mechanism over the shelf sea scale still need further study. Using a decade of satellite observations, this study assesses the interannual variability of turbidity fronts in the Eastern China Seas and their responses to local processes and rapid ocean warming. A gradient-based front detection algorithm and frontal probability are used to identify the geographical locations of turbidity fronts and their variability at the interannual scale, respectively. Regional heterogeneities in interannual variations and controlling mechanisms of frontal activity are observed. Specifically, the significant (p<0.05) and strongest correlations show that wind wave, horizontal temperature gradient, and mixed layer depth are identified as the most important drivers of interannual variations in frontal activity in the Bohai, Yellow, and East China Seas, respectively. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation influences frontal anomalies through a delayed wind-response mechanism (>=4 months). Notably, the recent increase in frontal probability (+0.07%/year) in offshore areas of the Yellow and East China Seas is primarily attributed to an intensified horizontal temperature (density) gradient (+0.0005 °C/km/year) resulting from ocean warming. As ocean warming continues, the offshore transport of terrigenous materials is expected to increase, potentially enhancing ocean primary productivity and carbon sequestration, and altering ecosystem function and fisheries.

The optimised model of predicting protein-metal ion ligand binding residues.

Metal ions are significant ligands that bind to proteins and play crucial roles in cell metabolism, material transport, and signal transduction. Predicting the protein-metal ion ligand binding residues (PMILBRs) accurately is a challenging task in theoretical calculations. In this study, the authors employed fused amino acids and their derived information as feature parameters to predict PMILBRs using three classical machine learning algorithms, yielding favourable prediction results. Subsequently, deep learning algorithm was incorporated in the prediction, resulting in improved results for the sets of Ca2+ and Mg2+ compared to previous studies. The validation matrix provided the optimal prediction model for each ionic ligand binding residue, exhibiting the capability of effectively predicting the binding sites of metal ion ligands for real protein chains.

Thriving in adversity: Understanding how maize seeds respond to the challenge of combined cold and high humidity stress.

Extreme conditions, such as cold and high humidity in northeast China's high-latitude maize region, can hinder crop yield and stability during the vegetative stage. However, there is a paucity of research examining the effects of simultaneous cold and high humidity stress on plant responses. In this study, we characterized the acclimation of JD558 (cold- and high humidity-sensitive hybrid) and JD441 (cold- and high humidity-tolerant hybrid) to stress at sowing caused by cold (4°C), high humidity (25%), and their combined stress for five days, using physiological measurements and metabolomics during the stress treatments and recovery stages. Cold, high humidity, and their combined stress prolonged seed development and restricted material transport, with high humidity harming seed survival more than cold. Combined stress exhibited a more significant inhibitory effect on growth than individual stress. Individual and combined stress reduced α-amylase activity, disrupted antioxidants levels, increased malondialdehyde content, disturbed the oxidative balance within seeds, and impeded seed growth and development. Most carboxylic acids and their derivatives were downregulated caused by combined stress. In JD558, sucrose, D-glucose, glucose-1-phosphate, and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate were downregulated, while these metabolites were upregulated in JD441, leading to a blockage of glycolysis in JD558. After eliminating stress, JD441 showed greater α-amylase activity and a smaller decrease in MDA levels, resulting in a smaller reduction in root growth and transport rate than JD558. In summary, the different responses of the cold and high humidity sensitive hybrid and the tolerant hybrid to combined stress are related to the recovery ability after stress elimination.

Stormwater controls for channel stability: Focusing on bed material transport prevents degradation.

The hydrologic benefits of catchment-scale implementation of stormwater control measures (SCMs) in mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization are well established. Nevertheless, recent studies indicate that the Unified Stormwater Sizing Criteria (USSC) regulations, mandating the combined use of distributed and storage stormwater controls, do not protect channel stability, despite their effectiveness in reducing runoff from impervious surfaces. The USSC are the basis of SCM design in 11 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. This study employed a calibrated, sequential modeling approach, which integrated a catchment-scale Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) with the Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System (HEC-RAS), to evaluate the effectiveness of two alternative stormwater regulations in preventing channel erosion. A three-step methodology was developed using the calibrated SWMM and HEC-RAS models: (1) establish the pre-development scenario; (2) design SCMs for channel stability under design storm conditions; and, (3) assess regulation effectiveness through continuous simulations. The modeling results revealed that designing stormwater controls using the USSC increased sediment transport for the 1-, 2-, and 5-yr, 24-hr annual recurrence interval (ARI) design storms 2 to 2.7 times the pre-development conditions. SCM designs aimed at matching the sediment transport of the pre-development catchment reduced peak flows 30-70% and prevented knickpoint formation, as compared to designs based on hydrologic targets only. Study results demonstrate that to protect channels from degradation following urban development, the morphology and bed material of the receiving channel must be considered in the design of stormwater controls.

High-performance optimization and Analysis of Cs₂CuSbCl₆-Based Lead-Free Double Perovskite Solar Cells with theoretical efficiency exceeding 27%

The primary challenges in photovoltaic solar energy include toxicity, stability, and the cost of solar cells. To address these issues, we propose the use of noble metal halide double perovskites, which are lead-free. CS2CuSbCl6 stands out as a popular absorber due to its huge bandgap, high absorption coefficient, and affordable price. Our research analyzes and simulates solar cells with Cs₂CuSbCl₆ as the absorber material, utilizing SCAPS-1D software. Along with AZnO for the electron transport layer (ETL), we assess the material's stability and suggest less expensive substitutes for hole transport materials (HTLs) such as Spiro-OMeTAD, MoO₃, NiO, Cu2O, and CuSCN. Our goal is to find the ideal values for important photovoltaic parameters to increase the efficiency of the suggested solar cells. This entails examining how the thickness, temperature, and doping level affect the properties of the solar cell. Furthermore, numerous feasible back electrodes are investigated and their impact on performance is assessed to replace the pricey gold (Au) electrode. We discovered that the optimal configuration for Cs2CuSbCl6 is C (metal back contact)/MoO3 (HTM)/Cs2CuSbCl6 (Absorber)/AZnO (ETM)/FTO, resulting in 300 K performance. PCE: 27.56%, Voc: 1.47 V, Jsc: 20.66 mA/cm2, and FF 89.83%.

Circularly Polarized Organic Light-Emitting Diode Based on Device Functional Layer Materials.

Circularly polarized light-emitting devices have found extensive application prospects in 3D displays and optoelectronic information. Among them, circularly polarized organic light-emitting diodes (CP-OLED), as a rising star of circularly polarized light-emitting devices, achieved good research results. However, the preparation of CP-OLED with a high electroluminescence asymmetry factor and high external quantum efficiency is a hot and difficult research topic. At present, the approaches for achieving circularly polarized electroluminescence via CP-OLED are: 1) Using chiral materials as luminescent materials, 2) Utilizing chiral functional materials. This review summarizes recent methodologies used for manufacturing CP-OLED. It focuses on the construction strategies and applications of chiral functional materials (chiral host materials, chiral hole transport materials, and chiral electron transport materials) in CP-OLED. While challenges such as complex chiral design and material interactions persist, advancements in material design and device architecture propel CP-OLED forward. These developments promise to elevate CP-OLED as a focal point in optoelectronic research, facilitating high-performance, circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)-capable devices for practical applications.

Development and Characterization of a W8Ni3Cu Alloy for Gamma Radiation Shielding

This study investigates the potential of a W8Ni3Cu alloy as a gamma radiation shielding material for transporting highly radioactive substances. The alloy, composed of tungsten (W), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu), was characterized using X-ray diffraction after sintering, revealing a body-centered-cubic crystal structure with an α-tungsten phase and a secondary γ-nickel-tungsten (Ni17W3) phase. The gamma radiation attenuation coefficients of the alloy were measured using a 60Co source. The results showed linear attenuation coefficients of 0.688 cm-1 for the alloy sintered at 1200°C and 0.488 cm-1 for the alloy sintered at 1300°C. These values are 34% and 53% lower than the reference value of pure tungsten (1.044 cm-1), but they still demonstrate adequate shielding properties for practical use. The findings suggest that the W8Ni3Cu alloy is a promising candidate for fabricating containers for the safe transport of radioactive material.

Constructing n/n- Type Perovskite Homojunctions to Achieve High-Efficiency and Stable Printable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells.

In recent years, carbon-based printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells (p-MPSCs) without hole transport layers have garnered considerable interest because of their outstanding benefits in terms of stability and cost. However, the use of carbon electrodes instead of hole transport materials and noble metal electrodes leads to energy level mismatch, which limits the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of p-MPSCs. In this work, a molecular doping strategy is proposed employing cyclopentylmethanamine to passivate surface and subsurface crystal defects in perovskite layers while inducing an energy shift toward the p-type in the perovskite region within carbon electrodes. This approach facilitates the formation of a perovskite homojunction at carbon micro-interfaces between carbon electrodes and perovskites. Results demonstrate that the formation of this homojunction optimizes the internal energy level alignment of devices, thereby increasing driving force for hole transfer to carbon electrodes. Ultimately, the devices optimized through this strategy increase the PCE from 17.50% to 19.50% while retaining over 92% of the initial PCE after over 150 days in air ambiance. This study provides a straightforward and effective approach for designing high-efficiency and stable p-MPSCs.

Trace Yb doping-induced cationic vacancy clusters enhance thermoelectrics in P-type PbTe

Alloying has been widely used to enhance thermoelectric (TE) performance, but achieving high TE performance remains challenging due to strong coupling between electrical and thermal transport in lead telluride-based materials. In this Letter, trace doping of the rare earth element Yb in a Pb0.95Na0.04Te matrix effectively regulates charge carriers by competing with cation vacancies. This mechanism optimizes carrier concentration and phonon scattering, resulting in a high power factor of ∼27 μW cm−1 K−2 and a low lattice thermal conductivity of ∼0.42 W m−1 K−1 at 823 K in Pb0.94Na0.04Yb0.01Te. First-principles calculations reveal that Yb doping induces local lattice distortions in PbTe, potentially forming pseudo-nanostructures in localized regions. This strategy leads to a peak zT of ∼2.4 at 823 K and an average zT of ∼1.4 from 303 to 823 K in Pb0.94Na0.04Yb0.01Te. Our findings suggest that the competition between dopant cations and cation vacancies reduces thermal conductivity via local lattice distortions while simultaneously improving electrical conductivity at high temperatures. This synergistic control of electrical and thermal transport offers an approach for boosting zT in TE materials.

Predicting Landslide Deposit Zones: Insights from Advanced Sampling Strategies in the Ilopango Caldera, El Salvador

In landslide susceptibility modeling, research has predominantly focused on predicting landslides by identifying predisposing factors, often using inventories primarily based on the highest points of landslide crowns. However, a significant challenge arises when the transported mass impacts human activities directly, typically occurring in the deposition areas of these phenomena. Therefore, identifying the terrain characteristics that facilitate the transport and deposition of displaced material in affected areas is equally crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive capability of identifying where displaced material might be deposited by using different inventories of specific parts of a landslide, including the source area, intermediate area, and deposition area. A sample segmentation was conducted that included inventories of these distinct parts of the landslide in the hydrographic basin of Lake Ilopango, which experienced debris flows and debris floods triggered by heavy rainfall from Hurricane Ida in November 2009. Given the extensive variables extracted for this evaluation (20 variables), the Induced Smoothed (IS) version of the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) methodology was employed to determine the significance of each variable within the datasets. Additionally, the Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) algorithm was used for modeling. Our findings revealed that models developed using the deposition area dataset were more effective compared with those based on the source area dataset. Furthermore, the accuracy of models using deposition area data surpassed that of that using data from both the source and intermediate areas.

Advances and prospects of cell-penetrating peptides in tumor immunotherapy

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been shown to have superior material transport ability because poor infiltration of activated lymphocytes into tumors is one of the crucial factors limiting the therapeutic effect of tumor immunotherapy. Numerous studies have investigated the potential application of CPPs in tumor immunotherapy. This review delves into the crucial role that CPPs play in enhancing tumor immunotherapy, emphasizing their impact on various immunotherapy strategies, such as cytokine therapy, adoptive cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We also discuss the practical application challenges associated with enhancing the efficiency of CPPs in terms of their stability and targeting ability. In conclusion, the combination of CPPs with tumor immunotherapy is a promising strategy that has potential for precision administration and requires further research for optimal implementation.

Effects of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei infection on intestinal immune defense and physiological processes of Penaeus vannamei

As the main pathogen causing growth retardation, EHP is considered to be mainly parasitic in the hepatopancreas of shrimp. However, the intestines of shrimp infected with EHP frequently exhibit syndromes such as jejunum and white midgut. Therefore, the challenge experiment was carried out in this study to compare the differences in intestinal histology, digestion and absorption, immune defense and oxidative stress of P. vannamei between the control group and EHP infection group. Histological analysis showed that EHP infection significantly damaged the intestine of the shrimp, including intestinal villus rupture and outer membrane impairment. Concurrently, EHP infection can trigger intestinal immune response, and the expression of key immune genes like Toll, myeloid differentiation factor, anti-lipopolysaccharide factor, and Relish was significantly enhanced, while the expression of IMD and alkaline phosphatase was suppressed. Additionally, antioxidant genes manganese superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 were up-regulated to varying extents in EHP infection group, and the contents of lipid peroxides and malondialdehyde were heavily accumulated. Moreover, the expression levels of key genes involved in nutrient absorption, transport and synthesis, such as glucose transporter 1, Na+-K+ATPase, fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, rapamycin kinase, mTOR regulation-related protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein, ribosomal protein S6 kinase, were significantly up-regulated. However, the activities of amylase, lipase, and trypsin were inhibited in EHP infection group throughout the experiment. In summary, EHP infection damaged the intestine of P. vannamei, accompanied by immune response and oxidative stress. At the same time, nutrient transport and synthesis pathways were activated, while digestive enzyme activities were inhibited, indicating that in order to maintain survival, shrimps must accelerate material transport. Unfortunately, it remains in a state of nutrient deficiency that ultimately affects growth.

Analyzing Travel and Emission Characteristics of Hazardous Material Transportation Trucks Using BeiDou Satellite Navigation System Data

Road hazardous material transportation plays a critical role in road traffic management. Due to the dangerous nature of the cargo, hazardous material transportation trucks (HMTTs) have different route selection and driving characteristics compared to traditional freight trucks. These differences lead to unique travel and emission patterns, which in turn affect traffic management strategies and emission control measures. However, existing research predominantly focuses on safety aspects related to individual vehicle behavior, with limited exploration of the broader travel and emission characteristics of HMTTs. To bridge this gap, this study develops a comprehensive framework for analyzing the travel patterns and emissions of HMTTs. The methodology begins by applying a Gaussian mixture distribution model to identify vehicle stop points, eliminating biases associated with subjective settings. Origin–destination (OD) pairs are then determined through stop time clustering, followed by the extraction of travel characteristics using non-negative matrix factorization. Emissions are subsequently calculated based on the identified trip data. The relationship between emissions and land use characteristics is further analyzed using geographically weighted regression (GWR). Crucially, this study leverages data from the BeiDou Satellite Navigation System, focusing on HMTTs operating within Shanghai. The processed data reveal three distinct travel modes of HMTTs, categorized by spatiotemporal patterns: Daytime—Surrounding cities, Early morning—In-city, and Midnight—Scattered. Moreover, unlike other road vehicles, HMTT emissions are heavily influenced by industrial and company-related points of interest (POIs). These findings highlight the significant role of BeiDou Satellite Navigation System data in optimizing HMTT management strategies to reduce emissions and improve overall safety.

Enhanced Interlayer Interactions in Tin Halide Perovskite Solar Cells with a Fluorinated Fullerene Derivative.

Lead-free tin halide perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) have recently made significant progress in power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, the presence of mismatched energy levels and weak interlayer interactions between the electron transport materials (ETMs) and tin perovskites has limited the achievable PCE. Here, a new fluorinated fullerene derivative, C60-FTPA (F12), was designed and synthesized to construct a binary ETM with C60-ETPA (F6) reported in our group, resulting in a reduction in defects and improved molecular structure ordering. Furthermore, the binary ETM exhibited a stronger interaction with the tin perovskite and delivered a PCE up to 11.93%.

Forgotten Industrial Heritage: The Cement Factory from La Granja d’Escarp

In the municipality of La Granja d’Escarp, for over thirty years, an important natural cement factory was in operation. In 1876, the Girona family, who were businessmen and bankers from Barcelona, opened the factory with modern industrial facilities. It included kilns, mills, and crushers, alongside warehouses, a small railway for internal transportation of the various materials used, and even a housing area for workers. The neighboring Ebro River allowed distribution by river transport at first. Later, with the use of railways, transport to consumption points was possible. This industrial complex became a center of significant importance in Catalonia in the production of cement, which was used for building hydraulic and civil works. During the first decade of the twentieth century, the factory stopped its activity and the facilities were abandoned. Nowadays, this industrial heritage site is in a state of neglect, without any kind of protection or maintenance. In turn, this has caused the collapse of some buildings in recent times and the loss of historical value of the architectural ensemble. We have carried out initial geomatic research, which has highlighted the constructive properties of the kilns. We have also tested five samples from different buildings using XRD and TGA/DSC, which showed the use of lime mortars in their construction. This is the first study to be carried out at this site, with the aim of showing the historical importance of the ensemble. The goal of the study was to highlight the value of this industrial heritage site and illustrate that it was once a pioneer in the production of natural cement and a driving force for Catalonia.

Greater Influence of Density on the Electrical Properties of an Organic Semiconductor Glass Compared to Molecular Orientation.

Physical vapor deposition is widely used in the fabrication of organic light-emitting diodes and has the potential to adjust the density and orientation through substrate temperature control, which may lead to enhanced electrical performance. However, it is unclear whether this enhanced property is because of the horizontal molecular orientation or the increased density. The effects of the density and orientation on the electrical properties of a potential electron transport material, (3-dibenzo[c,h]acridin-7-yl)phenyl)diphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO-dibenzacridine), were investigated. According to the gyration tensor analysis, TPPO-dibenzacridine resembled an oblate ellipsoid. Furthermore, these films exhibited the highest density when prepared at a substrate temperature of 87.5% of the glass transition temperature with an increase in density of approximately 1.5%. Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements confirmed that the transition dipole moment direction of the dibenzacridine moiety, which is involved in the electrical properties, remained isotropic at this temperature. Although horizontal orientations are known to optimize their π-π overlap and improve the electrical properties, the lowest driving voltage was observed under these conditions, which led to the conclusion that the enhanced electrical properties of TPPO-dibenzacridine are greatly influenced by the increased density rather than by the molecular orientation.

Ascertaining the Environmental Advantages of Pavement Designs Incorporating Recycled Content through a Parametric and Probabilistic Approach.

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is a widely used end-of-life (EoL) material in asphalt pavements to increase the material circularity. However, the performance loss due to using RAP in the asphalt binder layer often requires a thicker layer, leading to additional material usage, energy consumption, and transportation effort. In this study, we developed a parametric and probabilistic life cycle assessment (LCA) framework to robustly compare various pavement designs incorporating recycled materials. Our framework is built upon thermodynamic and physical principles to reveal the complex relationship among the parameters. Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) models and Highway Development Management (HDM4) models are integrated into the framework to estimate pavement roughness and vehicle fuel consumption during the use phase. The pedigree approach and Monte Carlo simulation are integrated into the framework to reflect data uncertainty at the parameter level. We applied the framework to evaluate 66 Flemish motorway segments, revealing that using RAP in the binder layer with increased thickness does not necessarily guarantee lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for pavement construction. However, it may lead to lower GHG emissions due to fuel savings when considering the use phase, highlighting the vital role of the use phase in pavement LCA. Our global sensitivity analysis highlights several contributors (out of 87 parameters) to GHG emissions variance depending on the LCA scope: fuel consumption during the use phase, transport distances, mass of fine aggregate, and machine power and machine productivity during pavement construction. Reducing uncertainties in these parameters can decrease the variance by up to 60%, enhancing discernibility by up to 11%. In conclusion, our parametric and probabilistic LCA framework provides a nuanced understanding when comparing various pavement designs incorporating recycled content, enabling robust decision-making through improved data quality.