Material Utilization Efficiency Research Articles

Research on bubble-free Si/SiC hydrophilic bonding approach for high-quality Si-on-SiC fabrication

The electrical device fabricated by the Si-on-SiC substrate exhibits superior heat dissipation and minimal RF loss. However, a common challenge in hydrophilic direct bonding is the inevitable formation of bubbles at the Si/SiC interface, which compromises material utilization efficiency. To address this issue, a multi-bonding process was introduced in this research. Experimental findings revealed that this method effectively mitigated interfacial bubble formation, especially when incorporating a multi-step annealing–separating–bonding approach, yielding even more promising results. Ultimately, a bubble-free 3 × 3 cm2 Si-on-SiC substrate was fabricated. Material characterization techniques confirmed the high crystal quality and minimal surface roughness for the Si functional layer. Transmission electron microscopy further revealed the presence of an amorphous oxide layer (∼3.5 nm) at the interface, devoid of any defects or nanovoids. It is believed that with its excellent physical properties, Si-on-SiC will have a broader application prospect in extreme environments.

Experimental Investigation of GFRP-Reinforced Hollow Square Concrete Column

Due to their great structural efficiency and efficient utilization of materials, steel-reinforced hollow-core concrete columns are often employed in utility poles, ground piles, and piers for bridges. Based on research, these columns' performance is impacted by many design parameters. However, corrosion can be a problem in steel-reinforced concrete structures. This paper examines the differences between using steel and GFRP longitudinal bars in hollow-section square concrete columns and explores the potential benefits of using GFRP bars as an option that is economically viable and non-corrosive. According to the study results, the computational results clearly show how an increased longitudinal GFRP reinforcement ratio improves the columns' bearing capability, but when compared to steel reinforcement, it provides less bearing capability. For the same reinforcement ratio (1.46 %, 3.29 %, and 4.9 %), The findings demonstrated that GFRP columns had a decrease in the axial bearing load by 13.1%, 9.2 %, and 9.4%, respectively.

Effect of lignin on the structure-property behavior of metal-coordinated and chemically crosslinked ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer composites

The efficient development and utilization of green biomass-based macromolecule engineering materials are essential for the sustainable development of human civilization. In this study, lignin-based ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (EPDM) composites with excellent mechanical performance were fabricated using a simple method. The effects of water-insoluble enzymatically hydrolyzed lignin (EL) and alkali lignin (KL) on the mechanical performance of the composites were investigated separately. The results showed that the tensile strength of EPDM reinforced with KL and EL increased to 24.5 MPa and 22.1 MPa, respectively, surpassing that of the carbon black (CB)-reinforced EPDM. After 72 h of thermo-oxidative aging, the retention rates of the tensile strength and elongation at break in the lignin-reinforced EPDM were much better than those formed with pure CB, indicating that lignin significantly improved the thermo-oxidative aging resistance of the composites. In summary, the Zn2+ coordination bonds formed between the interface of EPDM and lignin in lignin/CB/EPDM ternary composites effectively improved the mechanical performance and aging resistance of the composites. This study has significant implications for enhancing the utilization of lignin and green functional polymer materials.

Mechanical and corrosion performance of WAAM printed steel structure

Wire plus arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is rapidly growing into a popular and cost-effective technology for manufacturing medium-large complex structured components. WAAM is a novel metal additive manufacturing method that deposits material layer by layer using an electric arc as a heat source, allowing the creation of metal components with high mechanical characteristics. The procedure allows for the construction of a near-net-shape structure at a rapid pace of production (50–130 gm/min) and material utilization efficiency (80–90 %). The present study mainly focuses on the fabrication of the WAAM structure and a detailed investigation of the mechanical and corrosion performance of multi-layer fabricated wall components. The most versatile and widely applicable stainless steel SS316L material is employed to build multi-layered wall structures. The average micro-hardness of the WAAM-built structure along the building direction was found to be 197.43±1.46 HV0.3 and that of the commercially available counterpart was found to be 187.26±1.17 HV0.3. Moreover, the maximum hardness was observed close to the bottom region (201.86±1.44 HV0.3) which further reduces with the building height. The ultimate tensile strength, and yield strength of the WAAM printed wall obtained as 573.81±2.3 MPa, and 275.41±1.1 MPa respectively found to have improved mechanical strength to that of wrought counter-part however the ductility in the form of percent elongation gets slightly reduced. Furthermore, comparable corrosion resistance was observed for the WAAM fabricated wall structure and conventionally manufactured SS316L structure. The bottom region experiences better corrosion resistance compared to the upper region in both saline environment and acidic corrosion solution with an average corrosion rate of 0.0276 mm/yr, and 0.0366 mm/yr respectively.

IDENTIFYING CHALLENGES AFFECTING SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The challenges posed by rapid population growth and urbanization, coupled with advancements in technology and industry, have led to increased energy consumption, posing potential threats to the future well-being of all living organisms. In the contemporary discourse on sustainability, the efficient utilization of limited resources, including energy, water, and materials, has become pivotal in the construction sector. Developed nations have responded to these concerns by incorporating various regulations into their legal frameworks to promote sustainable construction projects. Consequently, adopting innovative practices in construction processes is essential for designing and implementing sustainable projects. Meeting these demands necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the challenges inherent in the sustainable construction process. Therefore, this study identifies and ranks the obstacles encountered in the Turkish construction industry concerning sustainable construction. Employing a “Systematic Literature Review,” 49 challenges were identified. A survey was organized using these challenges and conducted among architects, civil engineers, and construction contractors, and 209 participants fully completed the questionnaire. Quantitative methods were used to analyze the collected survey data. The study's results reveal that all identified criteria significantly and moderately influence the sustainable construction process within the Turkish construction industry. Furthermore, the research underscores that the most critical impediments are linked to the transition process toward adopting sustainable building practices.

A Comparative Analysis of Oak Wood Defect Detection Using Two Deep Learning (DL)-Based Software

The world’s expanding population presents a challenge through its rising demand for wood products. This requirement contributes to increased production and, ultimately, the high-quality and efficient utilization of basic materials. Detecting defects in wood elements, which are inevitable when working with a natural material such as wood, is one of the difficulties associated with the issue above. Even in modern times, people still identify wood defects by visually scrutinizing the sawn surface and marking the defects. Industrial scanners equipped with software based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) allow for the rapid detection of defects and have the potential to accelerate production and eradicate human subjectivity. This paper evaluates the suitability of defect recognition software in industrial scanners against software specifically designed for this task within a research project conducted using Adaptive Vision Studio, focusing on feature detection techniques. The research revealed that the software installed as part of the industrial scanner is more effective for analyzing knots (77.78% vs. 70.37%), sapwood (100% vs. 80%), and ambrosia wood (60% vs. 20%), while the software derived from the project is more effective for analyzing cracks (70% vs. 65%), ingrown bark (42.86% vs. 28.57%), and wood rays (81.82% vs. 27.27%).

Wood-products value-chain mapping

ABSTRACT With the increasing importance of wood as a sustainable material and addressing challenges facing the wood products industry, there is an emerging need for innovation and collaboration across all industry sectors. The mapping of the wood products industry has become crucial for gaining an overview and overall understanding of material flow. It also proved beneficial for educational and research purposes. The outcome of this study should help seek new economic opportunities and promote sustainable resource management. A Generic Map was developed to navigate the entire wood products industry as well as Dive-in Chain Maps will guide the four major production chains: sawmill (I), veneer mill (II), reconstituted wood manufacturing (III), and pulp and paper mills (IV). In addition, a By-products Management Wheel Diagram was introduced to clarify waste management practices within these chains. Our approach sheds light on efficient material flow and utilization, revealing opportunities for innovation and the development of high-value products. It also offers strategies for minimizing waste and making informed end-of-life decisions. Ultimately, this study enhances the understanding and potential for circularity and sustainability in the wood products industry.

Assessing the influence of biomass origin and fractionation methods on pyrolysis of primary biomass fractions

Pyrolysis has emerged as a highly promising technology for the efficient utilization of organic materials, particularly lignocellulosic materials. This study investigates the behavior and influence of three primary biomass fractions (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) derived from different sources (trees, shrubs, and agricultural residues) on the kinetic of the pyrolysis process. With this objective, different fragmentation methods were employed to isolate the main components of the lignocellulosic biomass, followed by thermogravimetric analysis to examine the pyrolysis process. The activation energy was determined using both, the Friedman differential kinetic models of and the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa integrated method, with the latter being found to be more efficient. The activation energy (Ea) was found to be influenced by several factors, including the fractionation process and the origin of the raw material. For hemicellulose, the Ea was in the range of 200–300 kJ mol−1, while cellulose showed Ea values of about 180–220 kJ mol−1. In contrast, lignin displayed a wider range of Ea variation, with its values being more sensitive to the fractionation method used. Gas samples were collected through adsorption tubes during pyrolysis for analysis of gas stream compositions from different lignocellulosic fractions using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Furfural, among other compounds, was predominantly detected in the pyrolysis of hemicellulose fractions, ranging from 6.6 % to 19.3 %.

Finite Elements Analysis and Topology Optimization of Parking Brake Lever and Ratchet

Topology optimization is known as one of the basic categories of structural optimization. Topology optimization is received increasing attention in many engineering disciplines. Topology optimization contributes to minimizing emissions and environmental effects by increasing material utilization efficiency and manufacturing sustainability. The mechanical parking brake is still used in many vehicles. This study aims to contribute to the reduction in vehicle weight by applying topology optimization. In addition, it also purposes to promote sustainability in manufacturing by reducing material usage and energy consumption. A CAD model was created by considering the existing mechanism element dimensions. The parking brake lever mechanism component was evaluated using topology optimization and finite element analysis methods. Static analyses were performed using a finite element analysis program. The results of this analysis were used as input data for topology optimization. In the topology optimization, the response constraint mass was increased by 5 increments from 50% to 95%. As a result, the maximum equivalent (von Mises) stress for the parking brake lever is 230,29 MPa, and for the ratchet is 11,559 MPa. The maximum total deformation value for the brake lever is 0,95853 mm and for the ratchet is 0,0079482 mm. The parking brake lever mass decreased by 18,48% from 0.27751 kg to 0.22622 kg. The ratchet mass decreased from 0.095042 kg to 0.061911 kg by 34.85%.

Self-enhanced nanohydrogel electrochemiluminescence biosensor based on CRISPR/Cas12a and gold platinum nanoparticles modification for high-sensitivity detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei

The simple, rapid, and accurate detection of highly lethal melioidosis is crucial for early clinical diagnosis and improving cure rates. Currently, due to time consumption, low sensitivity and detection rate the existing clinical detection methods cannot satisfy the needs of clinical diagnosis. Herein, a novel self-enhanced porous hydrogel material (Au@PEI-ABEI@Pt) for ultrasensitive ECL strategy of detection B. pseudomallei was report. The novel porous hydrogel material composed of PEI-ABEI porous hydrogel, gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNP) have large specific surface area and porous structure, which not only fix more ABEI to realize self-enhanced ECL signal amplification, but also facilitate ion diffusion and efficient utilization of catalytic materials, realizing rapid electron transfer and zero-distance catalysis, significantly improving the initial signal of ECL sensor. Moreover, the most attractive aspect is that Au@PEI-ABEI@Pt hydrogels with good biocompatibility can achieve widespread application of CRISPR/Cas12a in solid-phase carriers without affecting the sensitivity, specificity and shearing activity of CRISPR/Cas12a. After coupling with the ECL system and CRISPR/Cas12a signal amplification strategy, the Au@PEI-ABEI@Pt can achieve an ultrasensitive ECL assay of B. pseudomallei with the LOD of 5 CFU mL−1 in complex samples, with high specificity and stability to effectively classify B. pseudomallei and other Gram-negative bacteria. This study shows that the developed porous hydrogel materials not only serve as an excellent ECL signal reporter to significantly improve the detection sensitivity of ECL biosensors, but also provide a new approach for the wide application of CRISPR/Cas systems in solid-phase carriers.

A partially hollow BCC lattice structure with capsule-shaped cavities for enhancing load-bearing and energy absorption properties

Lattice structures have gained larger design space and wider application in aerospace, automobile, civil and other engineering fields due to the advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Seeking the optimal lattice structure configuration for the purpose of enhancing mechanical performance holds paramount importance. The hollow lattice structure possesses high material utilization efficiency, but often suffers from premature failure at the node interconnections. In this paper we propose a partially hollow lattice structure (PHBCC) with solidified nodes and capsule-shaped cavities in the middle of truss components. Quasi-static compression tests were performed on the partially hollow body-centered cubic (BCC) lattices manufactured via selective laser melting technology (SLM). The effects of various geometric parameters were analyzed through finite element simulations. The findings demonstrate that the introduced PHBCC lattice exhibits enhanced mechanical properties. Specifically, there is an observed increase of 92%, 51.9%, and 22.8% in terms of specific stiffness, specific strength, and specific energy absorption, respectively, in comparison to the conventional BCC and hollow BCC (HBCC) structure. Notably, the proposed PHBCC lattice displays superior energy absorption capacity compared to a majority of existing lattice structures.

Carbon Footprint Drivers in China’s Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants and Mitigation Opportunities through Electricity and Chemical Efficiency

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to address climate change is a global consensus, and municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPs) should lead the way in low-carbon sustainable development. However, achieving effluent discharge standards often requires considerable energy and chemical consumption during operation, resulting in significant carbon footprints. In this study, GHG emissions are systematically accounted for, and the driving factors of carbon footprint growth in China’s MWWTPs are explored. In 2020, a total of 41.9 million tons (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) were released by the sector, with nearly two-thirds being indirect emissions resulting from energy and material usage. The intensity of electricity, carbon source, and phosphorus removing agent consumption increasingly influence carbon footprint growth over time. Through statistical inference, benchmarks for electricity and chemical consumption intensity are established across all MWWTPs under various operational conditions, and the potential for mitigation through more efficient energy and material utilization is calculated. The results suggest that many MWWTPs offer significant opportunities for emission reduction. Consequently, empirical decarbonization measures, including intelligent device control, optimization of aeration equipment, energy recovery initiatives, and other enhancements to improve operational and carbon efficiency, are recommended.

Design and manufacture of near-net-shape metal-ceramic composites with gradient-layered structure and optimized damage tolerance

Optimizing the composition and structure of materials in localized regions of the materials is an effective approach to enhance the material utilization efficiency and achieve a performance-on-demand design. However, it is challenging to achieve such design owing to limitations in manufacturing technology. In this study, we devised a method involving vat photopolymerization 3D printing and magnet-assisted pressure infiltration techniques for fabricating near-net-shape customized gradient composites with Al/Al2O3 as the model system. The mechanical properties of the fabricated Al/Al2O3 composites at specific locations could be optimized by appropriately setting the thickness ratio of the metal layer to the ceramic layer, and a desirable combination of strength, toughness, and wear resistance could thereby be achieved. The fracture behavior of the composites was analyzed through in situ observation and finite element simulations. The proposed design concept and fabrication method are flexible and adaptable, and they can be easily extended to other material systems and structural models. They are expected to pave the way for the development of lightweight, strong, tough, and near-net-shape structural and functional materials.

Recent Advancements in Copper Infiltration Applied to Sintered Steel

Sintered steel is widely used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction machinery, due to its notable attributes such as high precision, wear resistance, efficient material utilization, and cost-effectiveness. However, the presence of pores hinders sintered steel from achieving a fully dense state, thereby restricting its broader applications. Copper infiltration enables the reduction or elimination of pores, minimizes stress concentration, and prevents microcrack formation. Consequently, this process significantly enhances the material’s density and mechanical properties, particularly its dynamic mechanical characteristics such as impact toughness and fatigue performance. This paper provides an overview of the copper infiltration development history in sintered steel, summarizes the factors including substrate, infiltrant, and infiltration process, and highlights the research progress in copper infiltration application in sintered steel. Furthermore, challenges associated with copper-infiltrated sintered steel are discussed, and recommendations for future development are presented.

Characteristic analysis of lithium–oxygen batteries considering the discontinuous deposit and electrolyte degradation effects during discharge

The modeling research plays a crucial role in grasping the reaction mechanisms and forecasting the performance of lithium‑oxygen (LiO2) batteries. A transient LiO2 battery model including continuity, transportation, and reaction kinetics by simultaneously considering the discontinuous deposit of discharge product Li2O2 and the formation of by-product Li2CO3 due to electrolyte degradation, is developed to reveal the discharge phenomena. The effects of operating conditions and electrolyte and electrode properties on the discharge behaviors including voltage-capacity curve, energy density, profiles of O2 concentration (CO2) and porosity (ɛ) at the cathode are quantitatively studied. It is found that enhancing O2 solubility (SO2) and diffusivity (DO2) significantly improves discharge capacity and voltage plateau; the promotion of voltage plateau will be inconspicuous as electrolyte conductivity (κ) is enlarged over 1 S/m. With the rise of ɛ from 0.73 to 0.93, the specific capacity is boosted from 874 to 6122 mAh/g‑carbon, and the corresponding specific energy upgrades from 2260 to 15,610 mWh/g‑carbon. Shortening cathode thickness (Lca) facilitates the efficient utilization of carbon cathode material but this comes at the expense of lowering the mass loading of carbon, the practical energy drops 59.4 % as Lca reduces from 750 μm to 100 μm. After 20 consecutive charge-discharge cycles, the capacity retention obtained is 36.884 %, accompanied by a 13.8 % volume fraction of Li2CO3 formation inside the cathode. This work may guide in designing electrodes and electrolytes and provide performance regulation strategies for LiO2 batteries.

Nanoconfined catalytic membrane assembled by nitrogen-doped carbon encapsulating Fe-based nanoparticles for rapid removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol in wastewater by peroxymonosulfate activation

Surface-dependent non-radical oxidation of carbon materials-based persulfate systems show a better application prospect in the removal of pollutants in complex wastewater. However, their potential is severely limited by the restricted liquid-to-solid mass transfer efficiency of conventional suspension systems. In this paper, a nitrogen-doped carbon encapsulating iron-based nanoparticles (Fe@NC) was prepared, and loaded onto a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane to construct a novel catalytic membrane Fe@NC/PVDF. The Fe@NC/PVDF/PMS system could achieve 99.74% of 2,4-dicholophenol (2,4-DCP) removal within a retention time of 0.867 s, the kinetic constant is 840 times higher than that of Fe@NC/PMS system, and 2–5 orders of magnitude higher than that of various reported advanced oxidation processes systems. The system exhibits strong anti-interference to various water matrices, long-time operational stability at high flux (306 L·m−2·h−1), universality to pollutants that do not contain strong electron-withdrawing groups and mitigation of membrane fouling. Mechanism studies indicate that the electron transfer pathway dominates the 2,4-DCP removal, and singlet oxygen (1O2) plays an auxiliary role. The higher mass transfer efficiency of the filtration mode releases the full potential of the non-radical pathway. This paper provides theoretical and technical support for the development and efficient utilization of carbon-based materials with excellent persulfate catalytic properties.

PRODUCTION OF CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS USING COAL TAR RESIN AND INVESTIGATION OF THEIR SURFACE PROPERTIES

The traditional technological process for creating highly porous materials from carbonaceous raw materials involves two stages of thermal treatment: carbonization (pyrolysis) and activation (gasification), aimed at forming a porous structure capable of adsorption. Combining both stages into a single process with chemical activation allows for efficient raw material utilization and control of the material's porous structure at different levels, providing the ability to customize its characteristics. The choice of a chemical activator depends on the type of raw material and the required characteristics of porous carbon materials. In this study, it is established that the analysis of surface properties of highly porous carbon materials synthesized from coal tar pitch, obtained by distillation of coal tar resin from JSC "Shubarkolkomir," confirms the outstanding operational characteristics of this material. The application of a combined process of carbonization and activation of coal tar pitch at an optimal temperature in an inert atmosphere leads to the formation of porous carbon materials with a high specific surface area: 561 (traditional method), 789 (chemical activation), and 881 m²/g (templating method), as well as a pore volume of 0.30; 0.40; and 0.48 cm³/g, respectively. This work not only expands the technological methods of obtaining carbon materials from coal tar resin but also underscores their potential for improving soil structure and increasing the efficiency of agricultural production.

Triboelectric Nanogenerator-Based Electronic Sensor System for Food Applications

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have garnered significant attention due to their ability to efficiently harvest energy from the surrounding environment and from living organisms, as well as to enable the efficient utilization of various materials, such as organic polymers, metals, and inorganic compounds. As a result, TENGs represent an emerging class of self-powered devices that can power small sensors or serve as multifunctional sensors themselves to detect a variety of physical and chemical stimuli. In this context, TENGs are expected to play a pivotal role in the entire process of food manufacturing. The rapid development of the Internet of Things and sensor technology has built a huge platform for sensor systems for food testing. TENG-based sensor data provide novel judgment and classification features, offering a fast and convenient means of food safety detection. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest progress in the application of TENGs in the food field, mainly involving food quality testing, food monitoring, food safety, and agricultural production. We also introduce different TENG-based, self-powered devices for food detection and improvement from the perspective of material strategies and manufacturing solutions. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and potential opportunities for future development of TENGs in the food field. We hope that this work can provide new insights into the structural and electronic design of TENGs, thereby benefiting environmental protection and food health.

Suppressing Rampant and Vertical Deposition of Cathode Intermediate Product via PH Regulation Toward Large-Capacity and High-Durability Zn//MnO2 Batteries.

Despite great prospects, Zn//MnO2 batteries suffer from rampant and vertical deposition of zinc sulfate hydroxide (ZSH) at the cathode surface, which leads to a significant impact on their electrochemical performance. This phenomenon is primarily due to the drastic increase in the electrolyte pH value upon discharging, which is closely associated with the electrodissolution of Mn-based active materials. Herein, the pH value change is effectively inhibited by employing an electrolyte additive with excellent pH buffering capability. As such, the formation of ZSH at the cathode is postponed, resulting in the deposition of ZSH in a horizontal arrangement. This strategy can significantly enhance the utilization efficiency of cathode active material, while also enabling a solid electrolyte interphase layer at the Zn anode to address low Zn stripping/plating reversibility. With the optimal electrolyte, the Zn//MnO2 battery realizes a 25.6% increase in the specific capacity at 0.2 A g-1 compared to that with the baseline electrolyte, great rate capability (161.6 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1 ), and superior capacity retention (90.2% over 5,000 cycles). In addition, the pH buffering strategy is highly applicable in hydrogel electrolytes. This work underscores the importance of pH regulation for Zn//MnO2 batteries and provides enlightening insights.

Synergies between Carnot battery and power-to-methanol for hybrid energy storage and multi-energy generation

Power-to-methanol (PtMe) technologies and Carnot batteries are two promising approaches for large-scale energy storage. However, the current low efficiency and inadequate profitability of these two technologies, especially concerning green methanol production, pose challenges for their industrial implementation. One solution is to integrate these two technologies to augment the material and energy utilization efficiency through dynamic operational coordination and multi-energy production. This study systematically investigates the synergies of integrating CO2 energy storage (CES) and PtMe for combined heating, power, and methanol generation, aiming to enhance system's efficiency and economic viability. In this context, a novel hybrid energy-driven polygeneration system (CES-PtMe) is developed, featuring a highly integrated methanol production process and a newly proposed CES configuration with heating input and output capabilities. Detailed system simulations assess its performance under steady state, while nonlinear programming models are formulated for optimal storage sizing and energy scheduling considering fluctuating renewable energy. Various scenarios are set to examine the techno-economic potential of the CES-PtMe system, using renewable data from Gansu, China as a case study. The results indicate that the system can achieve a high efficiency of nearly 80% with a renewable penetration exceeding 77%. By incorporating optimal energy scheduling throughout the year, the system shows economic viability in the context of the current fossil energy market. While it has a limited ability to meet user energy demands, the proposed system retains economic benefits compared to standalone technologies.