Mechanical Tests Research Articles

Mechanoluminescence driven by oxidation reactions in epoxy resins

The luminescence of two imidazole or anhydride cured epoxy resins has been investigated under the combined effect of mechanical stress and temperature using a special experimental setup developed for this purpose. Rupture and cyclic mechanical tests have been conducted in air and in nitrogen between room temperature and 110 °C. Luminescence was acquired through both temporal and spectral acquisitions. Light emission is observed only in air, and fits a Zhurkov model of bond scission. Spectral measurements show that adding a mechanical component to a thermal stress does not excite new molecular groups, indicating that degradation mechanisms under thermal stress or both thermal and mechanical stresses could be similar. A simple two-step model is proposed to describe luminescence as a combination of bond scission and light decay.

Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Chitosan Film with Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Leaf Extract Prepared Via 3D-Printing Method.

The combination of natural polymers and plant extract attracted much attention thanks to its valuable biological activities. This study presents the preparation and characterization of chitosan (CS) film containing Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extract. In which, the Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extract (SLE) with polyphenol-rich fractions was extracted by an ultrasonic-assisted extraction method. The prepared chitosan/polyphenol-rich fractions film (CSPPF) was characterized using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water absorption analysis. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the CSPPF were assessed using the agar well diffusion method and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assays, respectively. Besides, the release of the extract from the CSPPF as well as the drug release kinetics was also tested. The Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extract enhanced the antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and enhanced the anti-inflammatory activity as well as the swelling ability of the CSPPF. The CSPPF containing 1 wt.% of SLE can inhibit 77.70 % NO with an IC50 value of 19.40 μg/mL.

Development of high-performance biocomposites through lignin modification and fiber reinforcement

This study aimed to develop and characterize novel biocomposites incorporating tall oil fatty acid (TOFA)-modified lignin (TeL), citric acid-esterified polyvinyl alcohol (CeP), and unbleached fibers (UNB) to enhance thermal and mechanical properties while utilizing renewable resources. The research addressed the growing demand for sustainable high-performance materials in various industrial applications. Kraft lignin was modified through esterification with TOFA, while polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was crosslinked using citric acid. These modified components were combined with UNB to create biocomposites with varying compositions. The materials were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile strength testing. FTIR analysis confirmed successful esterification of lignin and PVA, evidenced by a strong ester carbonyl peak at 1730 cm⁻1. DMA results revealed significant improvements in viscoelastic properties, with the highest glass transition temperature (Tg) of 179.47 °C observed in the sample containing maximum TeL and CeP content. TGA demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, with samples containing higher TeL and CeP content exhibiting increased char formation and residual masses up to 47% at 500 °C. Mechanical testing showed a strong correlation between composition and performance, with the optimal formulation (TeL12-CeP4-UNB4) achieving a tensile strength of 8.7 MPa and a tensile modulus of 59.3 MPa. Potential applications of these high-performance biocomposites include sustainable alternatives for packaging, automotive components, building materials or insulation, electronic devices and other industries where enhanced thermal and mechanical properties are required. These materials present a viable option for replacing conventional petroleum-based polymers, contributing to the advancement of eco-friendly industrial solutions.

Initial Studies of Tellurium Embrittlement in 316H Stainless Steel

Post-irradiation examination of the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment from the 1970s revealed intergranular cracking of the salt-facing material, Hastelloy-N, from the penetration of fission products, specifically tellurium (Te), into the components. Stainless steel 316H is a candidate salt-facing structural material for future molten salt reactors due to its excellent corrosion, oxidation, and neutron irradiation resistance. Thus, studies are needed to verify if Te may lead to material degradation of salt-facing components made from 316H. This work examined the behavior of stainless steel 316H in three conditions: as received, heat treated to 800°C for 100 h without Te, and with a highly concentrated Te environment. After exposure, mechanical testing was performed on all samples to reveal the loss of strength and ductility in the Te-exposed samples. Additional analysis of the Te-exposed 316H samples using scanning electron microscopy displayed intergranular embrittlement and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy maps highlighted the infiltration of Te within grain boundary cracks. These results present the need for additional experiments to understand how Te weakens the structural material, especially in molten salt, and to eventually identify the driving mechanism for this observed behavior.

The Impact of Rural Tourism on Rural Culture Evidence from China

The development of rural tourism plays an important role in promoting rural culture. By integrating 3833 household questionnaires from the 2020 China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS) database with remote sensing data, we constructed an evaluation system to measure the level of rural culture. Then, we analyzed the impacts of rural tourism on rural culture from macro and micro perspectives. Our research results show the following: (1) Villages with developed rural tourism show a 85.9% increase in rural culture compared to those without tourism; (2) mechanism tests show that rural tourism promotes the rural culture by improving households’ risk-sharing behavior, human resources, and self-identification, leading to increases of 3.4%, 55% and 10.9%, respectively; (3) with micro-level (fieldwork survey) and macro-level analysis (remote sensing), we analyzed the various impacts of rural tourism on rural culture under different income levels, demographic structures, geographical locations and topographical conditions. The results show that at the micro level, the promotion effect of rural tourism on rural culture increases by 2.214% and 1.679% with the increase in per capita income and the proportion of women, respectively. For geographical location, macro-level data suggest that rural tourism in the east of China increases the rural culture by 3.416%. Moreover, in plain areas, both micro- and macro-level analysis indicated that rural tourism promotes rural culture by 2.323% and 4.607%, respectively. This is the first time rural culture has been evaluated on a large scale with two cross-validated approaches.

A systematic review of energy storing dynamic response foot for prosthetic rehabilitation.

The purpose of this paper is to undertake a systematic review on various mechanical design considerations, simulation and optimization techniques as well as the clinical applications of energy storing and return (ESAR) prosthetic feet used in amputee rehabilitation. Methodological databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were searched till July 2022, and the retrieved records were evaluated for relevance. The design, mechanism, materials used, mechanical and simulation techniques and clinical applications of ESAR foot used in developed and developing nations were reviewed. 61 articles met the inclusion criteria out of total 577 studies. A wide variety of design matrices for energy- storing feet was found, but the clinical relevance of its design parameters is uncommon. Definitive factors on technical and clinical characteristics were derived and included in the summary tables. To modify existing foot failure mechanisms, material selection and multiple experiments must be improved. Gait analysis and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) mechanical testing standards of energy-storing feet were the methods for integrating clinical experimentation with numerical results. To meet technological requirements, various frameworks simulate finite element models of the energy-storing foot, whereas clinical investigations involving gait analysis require proper insight. Analysis of structural behavior under varying loads and its effect on studies of functional gait are limited. For optimal functional performance, durability and affordability, more research and technological advancements are required to characterize materials and standardize prosthetic foot protocols.

Experimental study of the effect of senilia senilis as a partial replacement for cement in concrete production: towards sustainable construction materials

The world today, is plagued by several environmental problems including air pollution and global warming. These aforementioned environmental problems are prominently associated with the consumption of natural resources in manners that have proven to be unsustainable. The construction industry has been seen to play a major role in contributing to the natural resources consumption and environmental problems, at large. Cement production brings about the emission of toxic gases that pollute the atmosphere, thereby promoting these environmental problems. Consequently, concrete technology findings have been directed toward realizing alternative sustainable materials for utilization in the construction industry. Seashell waste has proven promising in the partial replacement of cement in concrete. This study had carried out experimental investigations on senilia senilis shell as a partial cement replacement material in concrete production. The senilia senilis shell was crushed into senilia senilis powder (SSP), processed, and utilized to partially replace cement at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% in concrete. Fineness, Initial and final setting, and specific gravity tests were carried out on seashell powder to ascertain its suitability for cement replacement. Physical and mechanical tests were carried out on the concrete samples produced. The mechanical properties of the various concrete specimens were also analyzed in this study. Also, the elemental composition and morphological analysis of the SSP and the various concrete specimens were examined in this study with the use of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The results of this study indicate that SSP concrete at 10% to 20% replacement of cement, can be utilized for various mix ratios in the construction industry.

Study on the properties of ground film paper prepared from lactic acid-modified cellulose

Abstract Lactic acid impregnated ground film paper was prepared using the method of lactic acid impregnation of raw paper. The physical properties, chemical composition, crystallinity, thermal stability, surface morphology of the paper, barrier properties, and light transmittance of the lactic acid paper were investigated using FT-IR, XRD, TGA, SEM, water vapor blocking, oxygen blocking, mechanical properties testing, and optical property testing. Results showed that at room temperature (20 °C), when lactic acid concentration was 100 %, reaction time was 48 h, and 100 °C high temperature drying prepared lactic acid paper, it exhibited superior performance: dry strength of 2.83 IkN/m, wet strength of 0.36 kN/m, Cobb value of 4.50 g/m2, tear of 359.42 mN, water vapor barrier of 693.46 g m−2 24 h−1, and oxygen barrier of 933.43 cm3 m−2 24 h−1. Degradation rate reached 22.94 % after two weeks of soil landfill.

How does Environmental Protection Tax Law affect corporate investment preferences?

This study examines the influence of implementing the Environmental Protection Tax Law on the investment choices of multinational corporations by analyzing data from China's A-share listed companies spanning the years 2006 to 2022. The enforcement of the Environmental Protection Tax Law can stimulate company investment in tangible business operations while curbing corporate financialization. The mechanism test illustrates that implementing the Environmental Protection Tax can impede business financialization by significantly increasing environmental and research and development spending. This article presents policy suggestions for effectively implementing environmental legislation, aggressively reducing firm financial risks, and promoting genuine economic growth.

Reconstructing 3D histological structures using machine learning (artificial intelligence) algorithms.

Histomorphometry is currently the gold standard for bone microarchitectural examinations. This relies on two-dimensional (2D) sections to deduce the spatial properties of structures. Micromorphometric parameters are calculated from these sections based on the assumption of aplate-like 3D microarchitecture, resulting in the loss of 3D structure due to the destructive nature of classical histological processing. To overcome the limitation of histomorphometry and reconstruct the 3D architecture of bone core biopsy samples from 2D histological sections, bone core biopsy samples were decalcified and embedded in paraffin. Subsequently, 5 µm thick serial sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and scanned using a3DHISTECH PANNORAMIC 1000 Digital Slide Scanner (3DHISTECH, Budapest, Hungary). Amodified U‑Net architecture was trained to categorize tissues on the sections. LoFTR feature matching combined with affine transformations was employed to create the histologic reconstruction. Micromorphometric parameters were calculated using Bruker's CTAn software (v. 1.18.8.0, Bruker, Kontich, Belgium) for both histological and microCT datasets. Our method achieved an overall accuracy of 95.26% (95% confidence interval (CI): [94.15%, 96.37%]) with an F‑score of 0.9320 (95% CI: [0.9211, 0.9429]) averaged across all classes. Correlation coefficients between micromorphometric parameters measured on microCT imaging and histological reconstruction showed astrong linear relationship, with Spearman's ρ‑values of 0.777, 0.717, 0.705, 0.666, and 0.687 for bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), bone surface/TV, trabecular pattern factor, trabecular thickness, and trabecular separation, respectively. Bland-Altman and mountain plots indicated good agreement between the methods for BV/TV measurements. This method enables examination of tissue microarchitecture in 3D with an even higher resolution than microcomputed tomography (microCT), without losing information on cellularity. However, the limitation of this procedure is its destructive nature, which precludes subsequent mechanical testing of the sample or any further secondary measurements. Furthermore, the number of histological sections that can be created from asingle sample is limited.

Enhancing adhesive bonding and mechanical properties of composite sandwich panels through atmospheric plasma activation

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of atmospheric plasma activation (APA) treatment on the thermomechanical performance of adhesively bonded skins of composite sandwich panels. The investigations show that APA treatment enhances surface wettability through the water contact angle measurements, and adhesion between the skin and honeycomb core of the panels under mechanical tests. Specifically, APA treatment results in an 11% increase in flatwise tensile strength and a 12% enhancement in the impact strength of the sandwich laminates. Flatwise tensile tests reveal superior tensile strength and toughness in APA‐treated specimens, with fracture patterns suggesting more robust adhesion. Charpy impact test results confirm increased energy absorption, reflecting better mechanical resilience. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) techniques are utilized to validate these findings. Overall, APA treatment proves to be an effective technique for enhancing the performance of composite sandwich panels, offering improved adhesion, strength, and impact resistance. This approach holds significant promise for advancing high‐performance composite materials in various engineering applications.Highlights APA treatment enhances wettability and adhesion in sandwich panels. Improved adhesive distribution between skin‐core after sandwich manufacturing. 11% increase in tensile strength and 12% in impact strength with APA. Better toughness and energy absorption via SEM and DMA support in APA.

Design, Evaluation, and Implementation of a Novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Compatible Physiologic Loading Simulator for Ex-Vivo Joints.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI), in combination with mechanical testing, offers potential to investigate how loading (e.g., from daily physical exercise) is related to joint and tissue function. However, current testing devices compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are often limited to uniaxial compression, often applying low loads, or loading individual tissues (instead of multiple), while more complex simulators do not facilitate MRI. Hence, in this work, we designed, built and tested (N = 1) an MRI-compatible multi-axial load-control system, which enables scanning cadaveric joints (healthy or pathologic) loaded to physiologically relevant levels. Testing involved estimating and validating physiologic loading conditions before implementing them experimentally on cadaver knees to simulate and image gait loading (stance and swing). The resulting design consisted of a portable loading device featuring pneumatic actuators to reach a combined loading scenario, including axial compression (≤2.5 kN), shear (≤1 kN), bending (≤30 N·m) and muscle tension. Initial laboratory testing was carried out; specifically, the device was instrumented with force and pressure sensors to evaluate loading and contact response repeatability in one cadaver knee specimen. This loading system was able to simulate healthy or pathologic gait with reasonable repeatability (e.g., 1.23-2.91% coefficient of variation for axial compression), comparable to current state-of-the-art simulators, leading to generally consistent contact responses. Contact measurements demonstrated a tibiofemoral to patellofemoral load transfer with knee flexion and large contact pressures concentrated over small sites between the femoral cartilage and menisci, agreeing with experimental studies and numerical simulations in the literature.

New chamber stapes prosthesis: Effect of ionizing radiation on material and functional properties

Abstract New chamber stapes prosthesis (ChSP) is a middle-ear prosthesis intended for use in ear surgery for restoring the patient's middle ear function. As the prosthesis is an implantable medical device, it must be sterilized before use. However, possible alterations in the material and the functional properties following the sterilization process can influence the safety aspects while using the prosthesis. The purpose of this paper was to determine the effects of ionizing radiation (IR) on the physicochemical and biological properties of the new chamber prosthesis by utilizing EPR spectroscopy, mechanical testing, and cytotoxicity studies. Our research shows that the radiation treatment increases the hardness and the elastic modulus of the polymer, decreases the stiffness of the prosthesis membrane, and does not cause chemical changes in the polymers that may result in cytotoxicity. Furthermore, new ChSPs were successfully tested in preclinical in vitro tests. The test results justify the undertaking of further work, including in vivo biocompatibility tests and clinical trials, which would eventually lead to the increased use of the prosthesis in clinical practice.

Sustainable Smart Packaging from Protein Nanofibrils.

Smart packaging technologies are revolutionizing the food industry by extending shelf life and enhancing quality monitoring through environmental responsiveness. Here, a novel smart packaging concept is presented, based on amyloid fibrils (AM) and red radish anthocyanins (RRA), to effectively monitor food spoilage by color change. A protein nanofibrils biofilm is developed from whey protein, which is functionalized with RRA to endow the resulting films with advanced monitoring capabilities. A comprehensive characterization, including pH responsiveness, water vapor permeability, thermal and mechanical testing, and colorimetric responses, demonstrates the superiority of AM/RRA films compared to control films based on whey monomer building blocks. The findings indicate that the AM/RRA films can effectively monitor, for example, shrimp freshness, showing visible changes within one day at room temperature and significant alterations in color after two days. Furthermore, these films exhibit high antibacterial and antioxidant activities, reinforcing their suitability for efficient food packaging. By integrating bio-based materials from whey and natural anthocyanins, this research presents a biodegradable, sustainable, and cost-effective smart packaging solution, contributing to eco-friendly innovations in food preservation.

Improving the antibacterial properties of polyethylene food packaging films with Ajwain essential oil adsorbed on chitosan particles

The aim of this research is to develop a composite antibacterial film for food packaging using low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA), and incorporating chitosan (CS) particles onto which ajwan essential oil (AEO) is adsorbed. The films were characterized using various techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile testing, oxygen transmission rate (OTR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and antibacterial assays. FTIR results confirmed the presence of CS and/or AEO in the films. Mechanical testing indicated a decrease in tensile strength and an increase in elongation at break with the addition of AEO, while CS reduced elongation. In the sample containing only 7.5% chitosan (PE-7.5-0), the oxygen permeability was reduced to 910 cm2/m2·day·bar due to the presence of CS. However, the inclusion of AEO in the sample (PE-0-10) increased the oxygen permeability to 2200 cm2/m2·day·bar, which is higher than that of the control sample (PE-0-0) with an oxygen permeability of 1680 cm2/m2·day·bar. The antibacterial activity results demonstrated a synergistic inhibitory effect of CS and AEO. Data from GC-MS and inhibition zone (IZ) tests indicated that while chitosan alone does not exhibit significant antibacterial activity due to its incorporation in the bulk of the film, its combination with AEO enhances antibacterial efficacy. This enhancement occurs as the oil is adsorbed and protected from evaporation during the film formation process. Overall, the findings from this research suggest that the composite film PE-7.5-10, which possesses suitable mechanical properties and significant antibacterial activity, could be an effective candidate for food packaging applications.

Exploring the dynamic mechanical response and mesoscopic characteristics of typical frozen rock in Yulong Copper Mine

Dynamic mechanical characteristic testing at low temperatures was conducted for the typical porphyry and sandstone specimens of Yulong Copper Mine in Tibet, China. The stress and strain characteristics of the specimens at different temperatures were analyzed. A dynamic constitutive model was developed by considering the initial damage. Furthermore, microscopic damage characteristics during the water-saturated rock freezing process were investigated using the PFC3D software, revealing the mechanisms of frost heave damage to rocks. The results indicated that the water-ice phase transition either enhanced or deteriorated the specimen strength at low temperatures. Specifically, freezing at −10°C and −20°C enhanced the strength of sandstone. However, freezing at −10°C enhanced the porphyry specimens, and freezing at −20°C caused significant frost swelling injury. The new constitutive equation effectively fitted the dynamic stress and strain curves for both specimens, highlighting their differences. The maximum contact force and particle contact in the frozen rock PFC3D model were affected by rock and water particle deformations. The frost swelling deformation of water particles had a more pronounced impact on specimen damage and was related to the temperature. A specific freezing temperature existed at which the increase in saturated rock strength corresponded to the maximum specimen strength at that temperature.

Does Environmental Information Disclosure Reduce PM2.5 Emissions? Evidence from Chinese Prefecture-Level Cities

As an important means of regulating pollution emissions, environmental regulation is crucial for reducing urban PM2.5. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the emission reduction effect of formal environmental regulations and neglected the role played by informal environmental regulations represented by environmental information disclosure. We employed a multiperiod difference-in-differences (DID) model to assess the effectiveness of EID policies in mitigating PM2.5 emissions and to investigate their abatement mechanism by focusing on green innovation and industrial structure. The findings indicate that the implementation of EID policies significantly reduces PM2.5 emissions. Mechanism tests reveal that EID promotes PM2.5 reductions by fostering green innovation and upgrading industrial structure. In addition, the impact of EID policy is more marked in resource-based cities and those located in interior regions. This study contributes to the reduction in urban haze emissions in China, offering empirical evidence and policy recommendations for the further implementation of environmental information disclosure.

Development of thermo-regulating mattress fabrics by application microcapsules containing n-hexadecane/n-octadecane coated with gum arabic/gelatin

Microcapsules containing n-hexadecane/n-octadecane phase change materials, coated with a gum arabic/gelatin layer, were synthesized to impart thermal regulation efficiency to knitted mattress fabrics. The microcapsules were compared with a commercially available microcapsule (Micrathermic P). Furthermore, both types of microcapsules were assessed by blending them in a 1:1 ratio. The results revealed that the majority of the laboratory-produced microcapsules exhibited a spherical morphology and were smaller than 10 μm in diameter. The encapsulation rate of these microcapsules was determined to be 37.8%, and the encapsulation efficiency was found to be 22.8%. These microcapsules exhibited a higher endothermic heat storage capacity compared to the commercial version; however, their thermal storage effectiveness was decreased when integrated into fabrics. The highest maximum heat flow rate and thermal absorptivity were detected in fabrics to which a combination of laboratory-produced and commercial microcapsules was applied. Mechanical tests revealed an increase in the bursting strength of fabrics treated with microcapsules.

The influence of plastic flow localization on the surface morphology of aluminum alloy specimens subjected to complex loading

This study investigates the effects of complex (nonproportional) loading on plastic deformation in aluminum alloys (Al-6% Mg), with a focus on understanding surface morphology changes driven by the Portevin–Le Chatelier effect. Mechanical tests on the deformation of thin-walled tubular specimens were carried out on an Instron 8850 two-axis servohydraulic testing system. Quantitative analysis of the lateral surface of the specimens roughness was carried out based on data obtained using a NewView 5010 interferometer-profilometer. Localized plasticity zones in a wide spectrum of spatial scales were determined using the Hurst exponent as a roughness characteristic. The results of measuring changes in the surface geometry of specimens under various programs of complex (disproportionate) loading are presented. A compact representation of data on the specimens surface relief in the form of amplitude-frequency characteristics was obtained using wavelet analysis. The results obtained can be used to assess the surface roughness of products, especially at the final stages of their manufacturing process by plastic deformation.

Fracture characteristics of human cortical bone influenced by the duration of in vitro glycation

Abstract Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in various tissues, including bone, due to aging and conditions like diabetes mellitus. To investigate the effects of AGEs on bone material quality and biomechanical properties, an in vitro study utilized human tibia, sectioned into 90 beams, and randomly assigned to three mechanical test groups. Each test group included ribose (c=0.6 M) treatment at 7-, 14-, and 21-day, alongside control groups (n=5 per group). Fluorescent AGE (fAGE) and carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) levels were assessed through fluorometric analysis and mass spectrometry, while bone matrix composition was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Mechanical properties were determined through nanoindentation and three-point bending tests on non-notched and notched specimens. The results showed significant increases in fAGEs levels at 7-, 14-, and 21-day compared to controls (119%, 311%, 404%; p=0.008, p<0.0001, p<0.0001; respectively), CML levels also rose substantially compared to controls (383%, 503%, 647%, p<0.0001, p<0.0001, p<0.0001; respectively). Analysis of bone matrix composition showed greater sugars/Amide I ratio at 21-day glycation compared to controls, 7-day, and 14-day (p=0.001, 0.011, 0.006; respectively); and higher carbonate-to-phosphate ratios in the ribose treatment group compared to controls (p<0.05) in the interstitial bone area. Mechanical testing of notched specimens exhibited a higher yield force, pre-yield toughness, and growth toughness at 14-day glycation compared to controls and to both 7-day and 21-day glycation (p<0.05). Nanoindentation showed that the hardness was lower at 7-day glycation compared to the controls and 21-day glycation (p<0.05). In conclusion, the study found altered mechanical properties at 7 and 14 days of glycation, which then returned to control levels at 21 days, indicating a dynamic relationship between glycation duration and mechanical characteristics that deserves further exploration.