Stability Enhancement Research Articles

An approach for strength development assessment of cement-stabilized soils with various sand and fine contents

Cement stabilization is a well-established ground improvement technique. However, there have been limited investigations aimed at the effect of heterogeneous soil types with varying amounts of coarse-grained (sand) and fine-grained (silt and clay) substances, on the strength enhancement of cement-stabilized soils. In this cement stabilization research study, sand (S) and clayey silt (F) were mixed together to have a variety between coarse- and fine-grained fractions at 100, 75, 50, 25, and 0 % by dry weight, designated as the ratio of S:F=100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, respectively. The water content was prepared at the range of 1.25–2.50 optimal water content to simulate field applications. The strength enhancement of cement-stabilized soils was influenced by the fine content, water content, and cement content. The soil–water to cement ratio (s-w/c) was effectively incorporate the impact of both water and cement contents on the strength enhancement, for a given a specific fine content. The generalized correlation between unconfined compressive strength, qu and s-w/c could be represented as a power function: qu = M/(s-w/c)N. In this equation, M and N are constants that are primarily influenced by the fine content. The shear strength ratio versus fine content chart was proposed as a means to assess the effect of fine content on the strength of cement-stabilized soil with varying s-w/c. A stepwise approach for assessing the strength enhancement of cement stabilization in soil based on physical characteristics (i.e., plasticity index and fine content) was proposed and validated. The robustness of the proposed approach was realized by the low mean absolute percent error, (MAPE<7.0 %) and high coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.95) for measured and predicted strengths comparison. This technique serves as a valuable tool for mix design, specifically in relation to clay mineral and fine content. It supports in making engineering decision regarding the appropriate amount of water and cement needed to achieve strength requirements throughout the requisite curing period, while minimizing the number of repetitions needed.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Recent Studies Investigating Nanofluids Utilization in Heat Exchangers

This comprehensive review critically examines recent research concerning the application of nanofluids in heat exchangers. The utilization of nanofluids, which are colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles in a base fluid, has garnered significant attention in enhancing heat transfer performance. Various studies have explored the potential benefits and challenges associated with incorporating nanofluids into heat exchanger systems. Through a systematic analysis of recent literature, this review assesses the effectiveness of nanofluids in improving heat transfer efficiency and overall performance of heat exchangers. Key parameters such as nanoparticle concentration, size, and type are thoroughly evaluated to understand their influence on heat transfer characteristics. Additionally, factors such as stability, flow behavior, and thermal conductivity enhancement are scrutinized to provide a comprehensive understanding of nanofluid behavior in heat exchangers. The review also addresses potential limitations and areas requiring further investigation to optimize the utilization of nanofluids in heat exchanger applications. By synthesizing recent findings, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of heat exchanger technology and nanofluid applications. Ultimately, the insights provided in this review offer valuable guidance for researchers and engineers seeking to enhance heat transfer processes through the implementation of nanofluid-based heat exchangers. Nanofluids offer advantages like enhanced thermal conductivity and tailored properties, promising optimized heat exchanger designs, leading to energy efficiency and reduced costs. However, challenges remain, such as nanoparticle dispersion and cost-effectiveness, necessitating further research for refinement. Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for advancing nanofluid applications, fostering innovation to meet demands for sustainable heat transfer solutions.

Leveraging Pumped Storage Power Plants for Innovative Stability Enhancement of Weakly Interconnected Power Systems

The hybrid AC/DC grid, based on a significant share of renewable energy sources, is gradually becoming an essential aspect of the modern energy system. The integration of intermittent renewable generators into contemporary energy systems is accompanied by the decommissioning of power plants containing synchronous generators. Consequently, this leads to a reduction in system inertia and an increase in the risk of stability disruption. The abrupt disconnection of the primary generator or power line can result in an unanticipated mismatch between power generation and consumption. This discrepancy can trigger substantial and swiftly evolving alterations in power distribution, angular speed, load flow, and the frequency of generators. The risks of an energy system collapse can be mitigated through automation, enabling rapid adjustments to generation and load capacities, as well as power flows, in the electrical network. This article justifies the utilisation of a power control method for high-voltage power line interconnections. The technology of hydro storage power plants and measurements of voltage phasors are employed. The potential for easing power flow restrictions and realising substantial economic benefits is supported by the results obtained using simplified dynamic model of the Baltic power system and Nord Pool electricity market model.

Evaluation of the Healing Status of Lateral Ankle Ligaments 6 Weeks After an Acute Ankle Sprain

We aimed to investigate whether there is clinical and MRI evidence of healing of lateral ligaments 6 weeks after acute lateral ankle sprain (LAS). We prospectively enrolled 18 participants (age 32.7 ± 7.5 years) who sustained an acute LAS and underwent conservative treatment. An ankle MRI was acquired up to 48 hours and 6 weeks following the LAS. A partial tear of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) was observed in 10/18 and a complete tear in 8/18 of the patients. The calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) was partially torn in 11/18 and completely torn in 1/18 of the patients. The healing status, intensity, and thickness of the ligaments, Anterior Drawer Test (ADT), and FAOS scale were assessed. A control group (CG) was composed by 17 participants (age 40 ± 13.9 years). Six weeks after the LAS, 89% of the participants presented MRI evidence of ATFL healing. The repaired ATFL was thicker in comparison with the CG (p < .001). The cut-off of 2.5 mm for ATFL thickness in the 6th week maximized sensitivity (62.5%) and specificity (100%). CFL and PTFL presented 94% and 100% of healing signs, respectively. In the 6th week, 11/18 (61%) participants showed mild residual instability and a mean FAOS of 80 ± 11. The MRI revealed signs of the repair process in 89% of ATFL and 94% of CFL tears, 6 weeks after a moderate or severe LAS. The MRI findings were concomitant with enhancements in mechanical ankle stability and function.

Performance Enhancement of Tricalcium Phosphate Film for Bioelectronics with Bio‐Friendly Supercritical Fluids Desorption Technology

AbstractIn the rapidly advancing field of bioelectronics, searching for materials that combine superior insulating properties with biocompatibility is crucial, especially for implantable electronic devices. Traditional insulators in mature CMOS processes, though effective, lack biocompatibility, necessitating the exploration of alternative materials. This study introduces tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2), a primary component of human bones, and teeth, as an insulating layer material for the first time. High‐quality, thickness‐controlled Ca3(PO4)2 films are fabricated using magnetron sputtering, and their electrical insulation, stability, and optical transparency have been thoroughly evaluated. To further optimize the insulation performance of Ca3(PO4)2, particularly against residual impurities, and fabrication‐induced defects, a bio‐friendly low‐temperature supercritical fluid desorption (LTSCF‐Desorption) technique is developed, effectively removing impurities, repairing defects, and improving the interface states. After LTSCF‐Desorption treatment, the leakage current of the Ca3(PO4)2 films is reduced by 30%, along with the enhancements of the films' stability and transmittance. Further material analysis clarified the internal mechanisms behind the improvement of the Ca3(PO4)2 films. Overall, this study not only broadens the application scenarios of Ca3(PO4)2 in bioelectronics but also develops a bio‐friendly supercritical desorption technique, providing a new pathway for optimizing the performance of bioelectronic devices and materials.

Multi-Shell Nanourchin-Integrated Dual Mode Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Clinical Cardiac Myosin-Binding Protein C.

Cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) is a novel cardiac marker of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute cardiac injuries (ACI). Construction of point-of-care testing techniques capable of sensing cMyBP-C with high sensitivity and precision is urgently needed. Herein, we synthesized an Au@NGQDs@Au/Ag multi-shell nanoUrchins (MSNUs), and then applied it in a colorimetric/SERS dual-mode immunoassay for detection of cMyBP-C. The MSNUs displayed superior stability, colorimetric brightness, and SERS enhancement ability with an enhanced factor of 5.4 × 109, which were beneficial to improve the detection capability of test strips. The developed MSNU-based test strips can achieve an ultrasensitive immunochromatographic assay of cMyBP-C in both colorimetric and SERS modes with the limits of detection as low as 19.3 and 0.77 pg/mL, respectively. Strikingly, this strip was successfully applied to analyze actual plasma samples with significantly better sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy than commercially available gold test strips. Notably, this method possessed a wide range of application scenarios via combining with a color recognizer application named Color Grab on the smartphone, which can meet various needs of different users. Overall, our MSNU-based test strip as a mobile health monitoring tool shows excellent sensitivity, reproducibility, and rapid detection of the cMyBP-C, which holds great potential for the early clinic diagnosis of AMI and ACI.

Biopolymer/tannic acid-based nanocomposites system: Stability enhancement of nobiletin

Based on self-assembly coatings guided by hydrogen bonding interaction, nobiletin (NOB)-loaded nanocomposites could be synthesized by the anti-solvent method. In this work, we fabricated controllable nanoaggregates with desired properties from molecular building blocks governed by tannic acid (TA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), selected as the wall materials for embedding NOB. From the results, TA/PEG coating was regulated by the pH conditions, temperatures, and the proportion of coating materials, further affecting the stability of the whole nanocomposite system. Eventually, the optimized samples demonstrated stability for at least 30 days, which was characterized as high-loading efficiency and sustained release properties in-vitro digestion experiments. Taken together, this study paves a new facile stabilization strategy for overcoming some bottlenecks in the storage and treatment of hydrophobic substances, which is expected to facilitate the rational design of polyphenol-based systems with potential in biomedical and environmental applications.

Current Advancements on Oral Protein and Peptide Drug Delivery Approaches to Bioavailability: Extensive Review on Patents.

Protein and peptide-based drugs have greater therapeutic efficacy and potential application and lower toxicity compared to chemical entities in long-term use within optimum concentration as they are easily biodegradable due to biological origin. While oral administration is preferable, most of these substances are currently administered intravenously or subcutaneously. This is primarily due to the breakdown and poor absorption in the GI tract. Hence, ongoing research is focused on investigating absorption enhancers, enzyme inhibitors, carrier systems, and stability enhancers as potential strategies to facilitate the oral administration of proteins and peptides. Investigations have been directed towards advancing novel technologies to address gastrointestinal (GI) barriers associated with protein and peptide medications. The current review intensifies formulation and stability approaches for oral protein & peptide drug delivery systems with all significant parameters intended for patient safety. Notably, certain innovative technologies have been patented and are currently undergoing clinical trials or have already been introduced into the market. All the approaches stated for the administration of protein and peptide drugs are critically discussed, having their current status, future directions, and recent patents published in the last decades.

Stability Enhancement by Hydrophobic Anchoring and a Cross-Linked Structure of a Phospholipid Copolymer Film for Medical Devices.

Surface modification using zwitterionic 2-methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine (MPC) polymers is one of the most reasonable ways to prepare medical devices that can suppress undesired biological reactions such as blood coagulation. Usable MPC polymers are hydrophilic and water soluble, and their surface modification strategy involves exploiting the copolymer structures by adding physical or chemical bonding moieties. In this study, we developed copolymers composed of MPC, hydrophobic anchoring moiety, and chemical cross-linking unit to clarify the role of hydrophobic interactions in achieving biocompatible and long-term stable coatings. The four kinds of MPC copolymers with cross-linking units, such as 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPTMSi), and four different hydrophobic anchoring moieties, such as 3-(methacryloyloxy)propyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane (MPTSSi) named as PMMMSi, n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) as PMBSi, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate (EHMA) as PMESi, and lauryl methacrylate as PMLSi, were synthesized and coated on polydimethylsiloxane, polypropylene (PP), and polymethyl pentene. These copolymers were uniformly coated on the substrate materials PP and poly(methyl pentene) (PMP), to achieve hydrophilic and electrically neutral coatings. The results of the antibiofouling test showed that PMBSi repelled the adsorption of fluorescence-labeled bovine serum albumin the most, whereas PMLSi repelled it the least. Notably, all four copolymers suppressed platelet adhesion similarly. The variations in protein adsorption quantities among the four copolymer coatings were attributed to their distinct swelling behaviors in aqueous environments. Further investigations, including 3D scanning force microscopy and neutron reflectivity measurements, revealed that the PMLSi coating exhibited a higher water intake under aqueous conditions in comparison to the other coatings. Consequently, all copolymer coatings effectively prevented the invasion of platelets but the proteins penetrated the PMLSi network. Subsequently, the dynamic stability required to induce shear stress was evaluated using a circulation system. The results demonstrated that the PMMMSi and PMLSi coatings on PMP and PP exhibited exceptional platelet repellency and maintained high stability during circulation. This study highlights the potential of hydrophobic moieties to improve hemocompatibility and stability, offering potential applications in medical devices.

Curvature-induced enhancement of thermal stability of skyrmions

Geometry plays an important role in the nucleation, stabilization, and manipulation of magnetization patterns within magnetic nanoelements. This work analyzes the impact of curvature on the thermal stability of skyrmions hosted on Gaussian-shaped nanoshells. Based on annihilation processes observed in flat nanoparticles, three distinct annihilation processes—skyrmion contraction, expansion, and displacement toward the nanodot border—are analyzed. We show that curvature-induced effective interactions significantly alter the energy barriers associated with these annihilation processes. The changes in energy are related to the relative alignment between the skyrmion core and the direction normal to the surface, highlighting the presence of favorable and unfavorable chiralities for skyrmion stabilization in curved nanodots. We also show that, unlike the one obtained for flat nanodots, where the skyrmion lifetimes typically span seconds, the lowest energy barrier values in curved nanodots reach values that ensure skyrmion lifetimes at room temperature to months before thermal fluctuations annihilate them. Curvature parameters can control the annihilation mechanism. This enhancement in skyrmion stability holds even without external additional stimuli. This underscores the profound impact of curvature on the dynamic behavior and thermal stability of skyrmions within magnetic nanoelements.

Enhanced catalytic performance and pH stability of Streptomyces Laccase Y230R and its degradation of malachite green

The escalating threat of malachite green (MG) pollution poses significant risks to ecosystems. Saturation mutation targeting Tyr230 of small laccase (SLAC) from Streptomyces coelicolor yielded Y230R, exhibiting a remarkable 104 % increase in specific activity. Notably, this mutation achieved dual enhancements in both activity and pH stability. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed higher structural stability of Y230R compared to wild-type (WT) across varying pH levels. The increased count of hydrogen bonds in Y230R compared to WT may be contribute to its stability. Y230R demonstrated superior catalytic efficiency (67.0 %) in MG decolorization, maintaining over 90 % activity after 30 min incubation in MG solution (500 mg/L), highlighting enhanced tolerance compared to WT. Molecular docking analysis attributed the differential catalytic effects on MG and ABTS to structural disparities and hydrogen bonding. Y230R stands as a promising composite mutant for future laccase engineering and industrial applications.

Enzymatic acylation of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside with aromatic and aliphatic acid methyl ester: Structure–stability relationships of acylated derivatives

Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments, but they tend to be unstable in aqueous solutions. Modification of their molecular structure offers a viable approach to alter their intrinsic properties and enhance stability. Aromatic and aliphatic acid methyl esters were used as acyl donors in the enzymatic acylation of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), and their analysis was conducted using ultraperformance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The highest conversion rate achieved was 96.41 % for cyanidin-3-O-(6″-feruloyl) glucoside. Comparative evaluations of stability revealed that aromatic acyl group–conjugated C3G exhibited superior stability enhancement compared with aliphatic acyl group derivatives. The stability of aliphatic C3G decreased with increasing carbon chain length. The molecular geometries of different anthocyanins were optimized, and energy level calculations using density functional theory (DFT) identified their sites with antioxidant activities. Computational calculations aligned with the in vitro antioxidant assay results. This study provided theoretical support for stabilizing anthocyanins and broadened the application of acylated anthocyanins as food colorants and nutrient supplements.

By Introducing Multiple Hydrogen Bonds Endows MOF Electrodes with an Enhanced Structural Stability.

Recently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted great interest in energy storage areas. However, the poor structural stability of MOFs derived from weak coordination bonds limits their applications. Here, quadruple hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) were introduced onto the MOFs to enhance their structural stability. Cross-linked networks could be formed between molecules owing to multiple H-bonds, strengthening the framework stability. Moreover, the dynamic reversibility of H-bonds could endow MOFs with self-healing ability. Furthermore, due to lower binding energy compared to coordination bonds, H-bonds break preferentially when subjected to internal stress, thus protecting the MOFs. Consequently, the as-prepared self-healing hybrid (SHH-Cu-MOF@Ti3C2TX) exhibited high capacitance retention (89.4%) after 5000 cycles at 1 A g-1, while that hybrid without dynamic H-bonds (H-Cu-MOF@Ti3C2TX) presented a 79.9% retention, delivering an enhancement in cycling stability. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was fabricated by employing SHH-Cu-MOF@Ti3C2TX and activated carbon (AC) as the electrodes. The ASC delivered a specific capacitance (47.4 F g-1 at 1 A g-1), an energy density (16.9 Wh kg-1), and a power density (800 W kg-1) as well as good rate ability (retains 81% of its initial capacitance from 0.2 A g-1 to 5 A g-1).

Role of Graphene in Surface Plasmon Resonance-Based Biosensors.

This work explores the transformative role of graphene in enhancing the performance of surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensors. The motivation for this review stems from the growing interest in the unique properties of graphene, such as high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and versatile functionalization capabilities, which offer significant potential to improve the sensitivity, specificity, and stability of SPR biosensors. This review systematically analyzes studies published between 2010 and 2023, covering key metrics of biosensor performance. The findings reveal that the integration of graphene consistently enhances sensitivity. Specificity, although less frequently reported numerically, showed promising results, with high specificity achieved at sub-nanomolar concentrations. Stability enhancements are also significant, attributed to the protective properties of graphene and improved biomolecule adsorption. Future research should focus on mechanistic insights, optimization of integration techniques, practical application testing, scalable fabrication methods, and comprehensive comparative studies. Our findings provide a foundation for future research, aiming to further optimize and harness the unique physical properties of graphene to meet the demands of sensitive, specific, stable, and rapid biosensing in various practical applications.

Bromelain Immobilized onto Clay-Carboxymethylcellulose Composites for Improving Nutritive Value of Soybean Meal.

Improvement of nutritional value and reduction of antinutritional factors (ANFs) of soybean meal (SBM) for animal feed applications could be achieved by using bromelain immobilized onto bentonite (Bt)-carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) composites. The composite with mass ratio between CMC to calcium ion (Ca2+) at 1:20 provided the highest enzyme activity, immobilization yield higher than 95%, with superior thermal and storage stabilities. Performance of the immobilized bromelain for soybean protein hydrolysis was further studied. The results showed that at 60 °C, the immobilized bromelain exhibited the highest efficiency in enzymatic hydrolysis to release free alpha amino nitrogen (FAN) as a product with high selectivity and to effectively reduce SBM allergenic proteins within 30 min. In conclusion, immobilization of bromelain onto Bt-CMC composites leads to stability enhancement of the enzyme, enabling effective improvement in SBM quality in a short treatment time and showing great potential for application in animal feed industries.

Effects of Saline–Alkali Composite Stress on the Growth and Soil Fixation Capacity of Four Herbaceous Plants

Plants play a crucial role in soil fixation and enhancement of slope stability, and saline–alkaline stress is one of the main restrictions inhibiting plant growth and development. At present, there is a lack of research on the effects of saline–alkaline composite stress on the mechanical properties of the root system and the erosion resistance of the root–soil complex. In this study, three gradients of saline–alkaline composite stress treatments and a control of saline-free treatment was set up for Oenothera biennis, Perilla frutescens, Echinops sphaerocephalus, and Lychnis fulgens. The plant salt damage rate, osmotic index, antioxidant enzyme activity and plant root morphological indicators were measured. The biomechanical characteristics were determined by stretching tests, the resistance of the plant was measured by a whole-plant vertical uprooting test, and the anti-erosion capacity of the root soil composite was measured by scrubbing test. The results showed that, at 200 mM, the salt damage index and salt damage rate of the four plants, in descending order, were as follows: E. sphaerocephalus &lt; L. fulgens &lt; O. biennis &lt; P. frutescens. Among them, SOD of Perilla frutescens did not play an obvious protective role, and the substantial changes in CAT and POD, as well as the content of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and proline, showed its sensitivity to saline and alkaline stresses. Root growth was also significantly suppressed in all four plants, the 100- and 200-mM concentrations of saline solution significantly reduced the average tensile strength of O. biennis and P. frutescens, while the saline–alkali solution of 200 mM significantly reduced the elongation of E. sphaerocephalus and L. fulgens, and significantly elevated the soil detachment rate of the root–soil composite for E. sphaerocephalus. Additionally, all three concentrations of saline treatments significantly reduced the pullout resistance of all 4 plants. There was a negative power rate relationship between tensile resistance and root diameter in four plant species, while the relationship between tensile strength and root diameter showed a negative power law only for L. fulgens treated with 0–50 mM saline solution. There was no significant correlation between elongation and root diameter in the four plants. P. frutescens had the greatest tensile resistance and strength, as well as the lowest rate of elongation, while L. fulgens possessed the greatest pullout resistance, and both had comparable resistance to erosion of the root–soil complex. Therefore, compared to the other three plants, L. fulgens is more suitable for soil reinforcement applications on saline slopes.

Deuterated Multiple‐Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitter and Their Application in Vacuum‐Deposited Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes

AbstractMultiple‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) emitters have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their remarkable properties, such as high luminescent quantum yield, robustness, and their compliance with the Broadcast Television 2020 standard for the new generation of ultrahigh‐definition. Despite these advancements, the operational lifetimes of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) relying on MR‐TADF emitters still fall short for practical application. It is believed that the enhancement of the intrinsic molecular stability of tBu‐DABNA, a fundamental backbone of MR‐TADF emitters, holds great promise to be a universal strategy for all MR‐TADF emitters improving the operational lifetimes of OLEDs. Herein, the design and synthesis of targeted deuteration are reported on donor and/or backbone of MR‐TADF emitters, where the structure‐property relationship between intrinsic molecular stability upon isotopic effect and device operational stability are examined. The isotopic analogs show a gradual increase in the device operational stability and achieve long‐lifetime LT80 (80% of the initial luminance of 1000 cd m−2) of 24.3 h for TADF‐sensitized fluorescence OLED, representing a sevenfold enhancement when compared with the undeuterated counterpart. This strategic deuteration approach underlines the importance of structural modification on materials toward device operational stability.

The development of a bilayer absorption scenario of CsPbI3/Cs2SnI6 PSCs for enhanced efficiency and stability

The introduction of heterojunction structures in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) can lead to substantial enhancements in power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability. Using the SCAPS-1D software, we have theoretically investigated the performance potential of CsPbI3/Cs2SnI6 heterojunction PSCs. The purpose of incorporating a thin layer of Cs2SnI6 perovskite onto the CsPbI3 layer is to enhance the stability of the device through the formation of a protective barrier that prevents the continuous degradation of CsPbI3. The device's overall efficiency was found to be greatly enhanced by meticulously optimizing the acceptor concentration (NA), defect density (Nt), and absorber thickness of CsPbI3. In addition, the influence of various physical parameters such as the operating temperature, the work function of the metal rear contact, and series and shunt resistance on the photovoltaic performance of the device is comprehensively examined. With the systematic optimization of these parameters, the device exhibited improved performance and attained an outstanding PCE of 20.86 %, an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.19 V, a fill factor (FF) of 81.77%, and a current density voltage (JSC) of 21.32 mA/cm2. We think that our work will provide theoretical guidance in the advancement of heterojunction devices with much improved efficiency and stability.

Remarkable Enhancement of Detectivity and Stability in Flexible n–i–p-Type Perovskite Photodetectors by Concurrent Use of Various Two-Dimensional Materials: Doped Graphene, Graphene Quantum Dots, WS2, and h-BN

Remarkable Enhancement of Detectivity and Stability in Flexible n–i–p-Type Perovskite Photodetectors by Concurrent Use of Various Two-Dimensional Materials: Doped Graphene, Graphene Quantum Dots, WS₂, and h-BN

Binary eutectic phase change materials application in cooling asphalt: An assessment for thermal stability and durability

Organic eutectic phase change materials (PCM) show great promise as thermal storage agents for regulating the temperature of asphalt pavements. Assessing their aging characteristics and durability when integrated into asphalt is crucial and necessitates further in-depth research. This study evaluates the impact of aging on binders with acid/palmitic acid binary eutectic PCM (SA/PA-PCM). Aging was simulated using the rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and pressure aging vessel (PAV) devices. The current study leads to the conclusion that the use of SA/PA-PCM is promising. Specifically, the incorporation of SA/PA-PCM significantly improves the aging resistance, showcasing notable enhancements in thermal stability, fatigue performance, anti-cracking ability, and thermal regulation of asphalt. Only a 5 % decrease occurred in the melting enthalpy of the binder with 15 % SA/PA-PCM after 60 h of long-term aging (from 32.17 to 25.87 J/g), showing a stable thermal storage ability. The maximum temperature difference and lag is 9.3 °C and 46 min. respectively. To sum up, Asphalt with 15 % SA/PA-PCM surpasses other binders, displaying higher melting latent heat, reduced sulfoxide index, increased long-term aging resistance, and superior stress relaxation capabilities. This research confirms the potential of SA/PA-PCM in asphalt applications, providing a new path for durable and environmentally friendly road infrastructure.