Superior Properties Research Articles

Insights into triazole-based energetic material design from decomposition pathways of triazole derivatives.

Nitrogen-rich heterocycles are of great interest for the design of high-energy materials (HEMs) because they offer high density, positive heat of formation, superior detonation properties, and high thermal stability. Among the different types of nitrogen-rich heterocyclic azoles, 1,2,4-triazole provides a remarkable framework for the development of green energetic materials. The presence of functional groups, such as nitro, amino, and nitramino groups, affects the stability, thermal decomposition behavior, and energetic properties of HEMs. In the present study, we chose amino- and nitramino substituted 1,2,4-triazole and triazole containing both amino and carboxymethyl groups to compare their decomposition mechanisms. The decomposition pathways of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (1), 2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylidene-nitramide (2), and 5-amino-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl-acetic acid (3) were explored using thermal experiments and mass spectrometry. Kinetic parameters were evaluated using a nonlinear integral method, and decomposition pathways were elucidated based on mass fragmentation data obtained from mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry. Furthermore, near-real-time identification of decomposition products that evolved in the form of gases was performed using the TG-FTIR technique. Based on kinetic analysis, mass fragmentation data, and TG-FTIR analysis, the possible degradation pathways of the HEMs following the introduction of different substituents were identified.

Giant memory window performance and low power consumption of hexagonal boron nitride monolayer atomristor

Two-dimensional (2D) monolayers have gained significant attention as ultrathin active layers for fabricating atomic-scale memristor (atomristor) structures due to their crystalline structures and clean surfaces. This study reports on the giant memory window performance and low power consumption of the atomristor structures using a hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) monolayer and symmetric silver (Ag) metal electrodes through a polypropylene carbonate (PPC) assisted transfer method. The h-BN atomristor exhibits the highest memory window (~4 × 109), the lowest leakage current (~0.24 pA), and the lowest power consumption (~3 × 10−14 W) compared to the other 2D atomristors. Furthermore, the h-BN atomristor achieves significant endurances and yields of up to 10,000 switching cycles and 77%, respectively, due to the superior thermomechanical properties of the PPC support layer for transferring ultrathin and large-area h-BN monolayers. These results represent a significant step toward the realization of high-performance and energy-efficient neuromorphic computing circuits based on 2D monolayers.

Dual pH- and Temperature-Responsive Performance and Cytotoxicity of N-Isopropylacrylamide and Acrylic Acid Functionalized Bimodal Mesoporous Silicas with Core–Shell Structure and Fluorescent Feature for Hela Cell

Background: Polymer-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles have attracted immense research interest in stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems due to their drug-releasing ability on demand at specific sites in response to external or internal signals. However, the relationships between the coated-copolymer encapsulation and drug delivery performance in the hybrid nanocomposites was rarely reported. Therefore, the main objectives of the present work are to explore the cell uptake, cellular internalization, cytotoxicity, and hemolysis performance of the fluorescent hybrid materials with different polymer-encapsulated amounts. Methods: Using (2-(2-aminoethyl)-6-(dimethylamino)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione)-doped poly[(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-(acrylic acid)] (PAN) as a shell and bimodal mesoporous silicas (BMMs) as a core, the dual pH- and temperature-responsive mesoporous PAN@M-BMMs with the fluorescent performances were synthesized via a radical polymerization approach. The effects of the PAN-coated thicknesses on their physicochemical properties and structural features were demonstrated via XRD and SAXS patterns, SEM and TEM images, FT-IR spectra, and TG analysis. Their mass fractal (Dm) evolutions were elucidated on the basis of the SAXS patterns and fluorescence spectra. Results: The Dm values increased from 2.74 to 2.87 with an increase of the PAN-coated amount from 17 to 26.5% along with the particle size from 76.1 to 85.6 nm and blue-shifting of their fluorescent emission wavelength from 470 to 444 nm. Meanwhile, the PAN@M-BMMs exhibited a high ibuprofen (IBU) loading capacity (13.8%) and strong dual pH-/temperature-responsive drug-releasing performances (83.1%) at pH 7.4 and 25 °C, as comparison with that (17.9%) at pH 2.0 and 37 °C. The simulated results confirmed that the adsorption energy decreased from −67.18 kJ/mol for pure BMMs to −116.76 kJ/mol for PAN@M-BMMs, indicating the PAN-grafting on the surfaces of the BMMs core was beneficial to improve its IBU-adsorption capacity. Its uptake in the HeLa cell line was performed via microplate readers, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and ICP measurement, showing a low cytotoxicity at a concentration up to 100 µg/mL. Specially, P0.2AN@M-BMMs had a superior cellular uptake and fluorescence properties via the time-dependent uptake experiments, and exhibited the highest silicon content via the cellular internalization analysis, as compared to other carriers. Hemolysis tests confirmed the hemolysis rates below 5%. Conclusions: These demonstrations verified that PAN@M-BMMs should be a promising biomedical application prospect.

A combined approach of melt pool ultrasonic vibration and inter-pass laser re-melting for achieving superior mechanical properties by controlling microstructure and phases in L-DED of Inconel 625

Abstract Laser Direct Energy Deposition (DED) is an additive manufacturing technique used in aerospace, automotive, nuclear industries. However, challenges such as porosity, cracks, microstructural inhomogeneity, elemental segregation, usually affect the mechanical properties of fabricated components. This study proposes the synergistic application of ultrasonic vibration and inter-pass laser re-melting in DED of Inconel 625 to effectively address these issues. Ultrasonic vibration to the melt pool results in equiaxed structures and reduces micro-pores by inducing acoustic streaming and cavitation effects, whereas inter-pass laser re-melting selectively melts the previously deposited layers and reduces porosity. Both the techniques influence the formation and distribution of intermetallic within the deposition. A synergistic application of these methods led to minimal porosity and equiaxed grains with thinner grain boundaries. Phase analysis revealed significant presence of similar intermetallic compounds in as-deposited and vibration-assisted samples, with (γ′) phase appearing specifically in re-melted and combined techniques. Further, intermetallic compounds, which were randomly distributed in as-deposited and re-melted conditions, were found predominantly near the grain boundaries when vibration was applied alone or with re-melting, resulting in better mechanical properties. The synergistic effect led to ∼20% increase in micro-hardness, ∼75% reduction in wear rate, ∼32% higher ultimate tensile strength, ∼25% increase in strain, and significantly enhanced corrosion resistance compared to as-deposited samples. This study underscores the potential of using ultrasonic vibration and inter-pass re-melting synergistically to enhance overall performance of DED-fabricated Inconel 625 components, outperforming their individual effect.

Effects of printing parameters on the properties of 316L stainless steel fabricated by fused filament fabrication

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of printing parameters, specifically raster angle and layer thickness, on the microstructure and mechanical properties of green and sintered parts produced through filament-based fused filament fabrication (FFF) using a self-developed filament. The goal is to improve the quality and performance of the final sintered components. Design/methodology/approach A filament containing 92 Wt.% 316L stainless steel with polyoxymethylene (POM)-based binder was formulated and evaluated for flexibility through a buckling resistance test. Green parts were printed with varying raster angles (+45°/−45°, 0°/90°) and layer thicknesses (0.2 mm, 0.3 mm), followed by catalytic debinding and high-temperature sintering. Microstructure, dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties, including microhardness, tensile strength and elongation at break, were analyzed to identify optimal parameters. Findings A raster angle of (+45°/−45°) produced denser interlayer bonding and a more compact green part structure, whereas a thicker layer (0.3 mm) resulted in a looser structure with larger pores. The optimal combination of +45°/−45° raster angle and 0.2 mm layer thickness achieved the highest relative density (99.37%) and superior mechanical properties: microhardness (216.83 HV), tensile strength (467.59 MPa) and elongation at break (16.81%). Originality/value A 92 Wt.% 316L stainless-steel filament for FFF was independently developed and near dense steel components were successfully fabricated. This study provides new insight into developing a novel formula of filament and optimizing printing parameters for FFF technology.

Prebiotics empower probiotics with gastrointestinal stress resistance for colon-targeted release to synergistically alleviate colitis.

Oral administration of probiotics holds promise for alleviating ulcerative colitis (UC), yet their efficacy is inevitably compromised by the hostile gastrointestinal (GI) environment. Here, we devised a strategy by coating β-glucan (GN) prebiotic onto the surface of Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) probiotic at the single-cell level (Lp@CGN) based on bioorthogonal chemistry in a layer-by-layer manner. This achieved to form a firm, dense, and multifunctional GN-based "armor" with advances of superior protective properties, colon-targeted degradation, and prebiotic benefits. Under the protection of the prebiotic-based "armor", Lp@CGN exhibited a notable 276-fold increase in the survival rate compared to naïve Lp after exposure to whole GI conditions. Upon reaching the colon, the "armor" was metabolized into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by gut microbiota, facilitating the timely release of Lp within colon, thereby achieving a synergistic treatment effect due to sustained SCFAs generation and Lp liberation. As a result, oral administration of Lp@CGN efficiently realized the alleviation of UC in both preventative and therapeutic models through restoring intestinal mucosal barriers, positively regulating inflammatory cytokines, renovating the dysbiosis of gut microbiota, and promoting SCFAs production. In sum, our strategy marks the reconstruction of probiotics with chemical tools, offering useful insights into powering probiotics for disease treatment.

Probiotic properties of Bacillus licheniformis HN318 and comparison of the effects of its bacterial cells and cultures on growth, immunity and disease resistance of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀)

IntroductionBacillus species are probiotics commonly utilized in aquaculture to enhance aquatic animal growth, inhibit pathogens, and strengthen immunity. However, research comparing the effects of probiotic bacterial cells and cultures is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic potential of Bacillus licheniformis strain HN318 and compare its impact on growth, immunity, and disease resistance in hybrid grouper when administered as bacterial cells or cultures.MethodsThe study involved assessing the auto-aggregation capability, gastrointestinal stress resistance, and safety of HN318. Enzymatic activities and antibacterial properties of HN318 cultures and bacterial cells were also compared. Hybrid grouper were fed with HN318 cultures and bacterial cells for 8 weeks, and their growth, feed utilization, immune responses, and survival rates upon challenge with Vibrio harveyi were evaluated. Additionally, the expression of immune-related genes was analyzed.ResultsHN318 exhibited high auto-aggregation and gastrointestinal stress resistance, and was found to be safe for use in aquaculture. Cultures of HN318 displayed higher protease, amylase, and antibacterial activities compared to bacterial cells. Both forms significantly improved growth and feed utilization in hybrid grouper. Notably, HN318 cultures induced higher levels of immune enzymes and activities, and provided better protection against V. harveyi challenge, with a higher relative percent survival compared to bacterial cells. Furthermore, HN318 cultures upregulated the expression of immune-related genes more than bacterial cells.DiscussionThis study highlights the potential of both HN318 cultures and bacterial cells as immune enhancers for hybrid grouper. However, HN318 cultures demonstrated superior probiotic properties, including higher enzymatic activities, antibacterial properties, and immunomodulatory effects. These findings provide new insights and references for the diverse application forms of probiotics in aquaculture, suggesting that cultures may be more effective than bacterial cells in enhancing the health and performance of aquatic animals.

Use of different protein and antioxidant sources in couscous production to improve chemical and functional properties.

In this study, it was aimed to improve couscous chemical and functional properties by replacing wheat flour used in traditional couscous production with pea and mung bean flours as different protein sources at the rate of 20% and with ginger and turmeric powders as antioxidant sources at the rate of 1%, 2%, and 3%. Sixteen different couscous formulations were produced. In those couscous samples, some chemical contents (moisture, ash, protein, fat, and phytic acid), bioactive contents (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay and ion reducing antioxidant capacity antioxidant activities and total phenolic content), color (L*, a*, and b*), firmness and cooking properties were determined. The use of pea and mung bean flour decreased the L* value of the samples, while turmeric increased the yellowness values. In addition, the weight increase and firmness values of couscous decreased with the use of leguminous flours and antioxidant sources. The use of peas and mung beans significantly increased the amount of ash, protein, and phytic acid values compared to the control. The antioxidant activity value of ion-reducing antioxidant activity capacity increased by 7 and 5 times, and the total phenolic contents increased approximately 2 times, respectively, in the samples with the substitution of 3% turmeric and pea and mung bean flour. Pea flour and mung bean flour provided a significant increase in the amounts of Ca, Mg, K, and Zn. The combination of pea flour with 3% turmeric powder resulted in couscous with superior nutritional and functional properties.

Investigation on the Anisotropic Electrothermal Performance of Wood‐Based Graphene Electric Heating Composites

The unique material structure and pronounced anisotropy of wood bestow it with an array of remarkable properties, creating opportunities for designing functional materials. This study investigates the application of wood's anisotropic structure in temperature‐controlled intelligent electric heating materials by preparing wood‐based graphene electric heating composites (GNPs@EW). Graphene nanosheets (GNPs) are incorporated into a birch matrix (EW) to enhance the electrical and thermal conductivity of insulating wood. The integration of graphene with wood is confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis. The optimal composite (GNPs@EW1) is prepared with graphene‐to‐anhydrous ethanol mass ratio of 1:1. The results demonstrate the influence of wood's anisotropy on the electrical and thermal conductivity of the composites, revealing superior performance in the axial direction compared to the tangential direction. The resistivity of GNPs@EW1 along the axial direction decreases by 2.1–2.9 times relative to the tangential direction, and the temperature rise after energization at 6 V is 22–29 °C higher in the axial direction. Furthermore, GNPs@EW1 exhibits thermal stability, enhanced axial mechanical properties, and temperature uniformity, establishing these superior axial properties as a foundation for the development of wood‐based heating materials and innovative smart heating applications.

Super Strong Bonding at the Interface between ETL and Perovskite for Robust Flexible Optoelectronic Devices

AbstractOrganic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites have demonstrated great potential for flexible optoelectronic devices due to their superior optoelectronic properties and structural flexibility. However, mechanical deformation‐induced cracks at the buried interface and delamination from the substrate severely constrain the optoelectronic performance and device lifespan. Here, we design a two‐site bonding strategy aiming to reinforce the mechanical stability of the SnO2/perovskite interface and perovskite layer using a multifunctional organic salt, 4‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (TPH). This approach significantly enhances the bonding at the buried interface between the electron transport layer and perovskite layer, which is demonstrated by TPH‐modified SnO2/perovskite interface remaining intact after 10,000 bending cycles. Meanwhile, TPH mitigates void formation, enhances perovskite crystallinity at the buried interface, and inhibits ion migration inside the devices. Furthermore, incorporating TPH in perovskite bulk decreases the nucleation activation energy and accelerates nucleation, leading to high‐quality perovskite film. Consequently, power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 21.64 % and 23.61 % are achieved for target flexible and rigid perovskite solar cells, respectively. The target flexible device retained 92.3 % of its initial PCE after 25,000 bending cycles. This approach provides a robust solution for enhancing the mechanical durability of flexible perovskite optoelectronic devices.

A Rhodamine-Based Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor for Dual-Channel Visible and Near-Infrared Emission Detection of NAD(P)H in Living Cells and Fruit Fly Larvae.

The detection and dynamic monitoring of intracellular NAD(P)H concentrations are crucial for comprehending cellular metabolism, redox biology, and their roles in various physiological and pathological processes. To address this need, we introduce sensor A, a near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent sensor for real-time, quantitative imaging of NAD(P)H fluctuations in live cells. Sensor A combines a 3-quinolinium electron-deficient acceptor with a near-infrared rhodamine dye, offering high sensitivity and specificity for NAD(P)H with superior photophysical properties. In its unbound state, sensor A emits strongly at 650 nm and weakly at 465 nm upon 400 nm excitation. Upon binding to NAD(P)H, it shows a fluorescence increase at 465 nm and a decrease at 650 nm, enabling accurate ratiometric measurements. Sensor A also exhibits ratiometric upconversion fluorescence when excited at 800 or 810 nm, offering additional flexibility for different experimental setups. The sensor's response relies on the reduction of the 3-quinolinium acceptor by NAD(P)H, forming a 1,4-dihydroquinoline donor that enhances fluorescence at 465 nm and quenches the near-infrared emission at 650 nm through photoinduced electron transfer. This mechanism ensures high sensitivity and reliable quantification of NAD(P)H levels while minimizing interference from sensor concentration, excitation intensity, or environmental factors. Sensor A was validated in HeLa and MD-MB453 cells under various metabolic and pharmacological conditions, including glucose and maltose stimulation and treatments with chemotherapeutic agents. Co-localization with mitochondrial-specific dyes confirmed its mitochondrial targeting, enabling precise tracking of NAD(P)H fluctuations. In vivo imaging of Drosophila larvae under nutrient starvation or chemotherapeutic exposure revealed dose-dependent fluorescence responses, highlighting its potential for tracking NAD(P)H changes in live organisms. Sensor A represents a significant advancement in NAD(P)H imaging, providing a powerful tool for exploring cellular metabolism and redox biology in biomedical research.

First-Principles Study of Mechanical Properties of Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 in the Cubic and Tetragonal Phase

In this study, we employed the first-principles method based on density functional theory to calculate the elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and density of states for both cubic and tetragonal phases of Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3. The structural model of Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 was established using the virtual crystal approximation (VCA). Our results demonstrate that the VCA-calculated properties are in excellent agreement with other theoretical predictions and experimental data. As the Zr content increases, the lattice constants of both cubic and tetragonal Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 increase, while the c/a ratio initially decreases and subsequently increases. Both cubic and tetragonal Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 satisfy the Born stability criteria, indicating mechanical stability. For the cubic phase, the elastic constants, bulk modulus, and shear modulus decrease with increasing Zr content. In contrast, for the tetragonal phase, the elastic and shear moduli exhibit a non-monotonic trend, peaking at a Zr content of 0.5, where Pb(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O3 demonstrates superior mechanical properties. A comparative analysis reveals that as Zr content increases, the cubic phase exhibits enhanced structural resilience, greater electronic structure stability, and increased anisotropy. These characteristics make cubic Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 more suitable for advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing, offering enhanced design flexibility for ferroelectric materials.

Use of deep eutectic solvents based on choline chloride, urea, and lactic acid as plasticizers in low‐density polyethylene films

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the performance of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as plasticizers in low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films and to compare them with di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). DESs were produced by mixing choline chloride with lactic acid and urea in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios. The prepared DESs were added to LDPE at two different ratios (10% and 30%), and films with 10 different compositions were produced by the extrusion method. The densities, viscosities, pH, volatility, and thermal values of the produced DESs were determined between 1.14 and 1.18 g/cm3, 22 and 99 mPa.s, 0.05 and 9.02, 0.7% and 18.9%, and <−70 and 63°C, respectively. When the DESs were examined in terms of their bond structure, it was observed that they could be produced successfully. The LDPE films with DES were characterized by thickness, mechanical, barrier, optical, DSC, FTIR, SEM, water behavior properties, heat sealability, and overall migration (OM) properties. According to the results of some basic analyses performed on the films, the first three films with the best properties (CL1:30, CL2:30, and DEHP:30) were determined using TOPSIS from the multi‐criteria decision hierarchy techniques. It was determined that the DES films with the most suitable properties had better properties than the control and DEHP films in terms of tensile strength (10–12 MPa), elongation at break (500%–545%), water vapor permeance (0.03–0.04 g/m2/h/kPa), and oxygen transmission rate (13–14 cm3/m2/day), water contact angle (>99°), and UV light barrier analyses. DES did not cause any change in the DSC and OM values of LDPE films. In general, important results were obtained regarding the use of DES as effective plasticizers in LDPE films.Highlights DES is a sustainable alternative to DEHP for LDPE plasticization. DES‐plasticized films showed 400% better elongation performance. DES‐plasticized films showed 25% better water vapor and 80% better oxygen barriers. DES‐plasticized films have superior UV light barrier and hydrophobic properties. DES‐plasticized films did not affect thermal stability or OM.

Investigation of temperature jump, first and second-order velocity slip effects on blood-based ternary nanofluid flow in convergent/divergent channels

Purpose High surface area-to-volume ratios make nanoparticles ideal for cancer heat therapy and targeted medication delivery. Moreover, ternary nanofluids (TNFs) may possess superior thermophysical properties compared to mono- and hybrid nanofluids due to their synergistic effects. In light of this information, the objective of this article is to examine the blood-based TNF flow within convergent/divergent channels under velocity slip and temperature jump. Design/methodology/approach Leading partial differential equations corresponding to the problem are transformed into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by using similarity variables. The bvp4c code that uses the finite difference method is used to obtain a numerical solution. Findings The effect of nanoparticles may change depending on the characteristics of flow near the wall. The properties and proportions of the used nanoparticles become important to control the flow. When TNF was used, an increase in the Nusselt number between 4.75% and 6.10% was observed at low Reynolds numbers. At high Reynolds numbers, nanoparticles reduce the Nusselt number and skin friction coefficient values under some special flow conditions. Importantly, the effects of second-order slip on engineering parameters were also investigated. Furthermore, the Nusselt number increases with increasing shape factor. Research limitations/implications Obtained results of the study can be beneficial in both nature and engineering, especially blood flow in veins. Originality/value The main innovations of this study are the usage of blood-based TNF and the examination of the effect of shape factor in convergent/divergent channels with second-order velocity slip.

Predicting two-dimensional ferroelastic semiconductors LuX (X=N, P, As): negative poisson's ratio, high carrier mobility, and strong visible light absorption

Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) materials manifesting ferroelasticity have received significant attention, yet it is uncommon for single materials to exhibit ferroelasticity alongside high carrier mobilities and strong visible light absorption. In this study, we use first-principles calculations to predict three 2D semiconductors: LuX monolayers (X = N, P, As), which are distinguished by their exceptional dynamical, thermodynamic, and mechanical stability. These LuX monolayers feature band gaps ranging from 0.98 eV to 1.98 eV, placing them within the ideal range for solar cell applications, and they exhibit strong visible light absorption, reaching up to 5%. Notably, the LuP monolayer demonstrates remarkable carrier mobility, reaching 1796 cm²·s⁻¹·V⁻¹, surpassing that of MoS₂ and showcasing its superior transport properties. Mechanical analyses reveal a significant in-plane negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) for these materials, as high as -0.37, which is substantially greater than that of black phosphorus. Additionally, all LuX monolayers are identified as 2D ferroelastic materials, with reversible strains ranging from 12.9% to 17.8%. Our findings highlight the exceptional electronic, mechanical, and optical properties of the LuX monolayers, making them promising candidates for a wide range of multifunctional applications.

Optimizing the mechanical performance of nacre‐like hydroxyapatite/polymethylmethacrylate–polyacrylic acid composites with apatite‐wollastonite

AbstractBiomimetic materials inspired by the hierarchical structure of nacre offer promising opportunities to enhance the mechanical strength and toughness of load‐bearing bone implants. This study investigates the incorporation of apatite‐wollastonite (AW) into nacre‐like hydroxyapatite (HA)/polymethylmethacrylate–polyacrylic acid (PMMA–PAA) composites to improve their mechanical properties. The composite mimics the natural nacre structure, featuring a brick‐and‐mortar architecture where ceramic components form the “bricks,” and the polymer phase acts as the “mortar.” The results showed that adding AW significantly increased the density of the ceramic scaffolds and improved the sinterability of HA. However, at higher AW concentrations (e.g., 20 wt%), excessive grain growth was observed, which could negatively affect the composite's mechanical properties. The best mechanical performance was achieved at 15 wt% AW, which enhanced the sintering process and reinforced the HA through the formation of a stronger wollastonite phase, as revealed by x‐ray diffraction analysis. Mechanical testing showed that the composite with 15 wt% AW exhibited superior properties, with flexural strength increasing from 158.2 ± 7.1 MPa (for HA/PMMA–PAA) to 188.7 ± 6.2 MPa (for AW–HA/PMMA–PAA). Fracture toughness also improved significantly, from 5.2 to 10.2 MPa m1/2. In addition to improved flexural strength and fracture toughness, the composite's Young's modulus of 28.5 ± 1.6 GPa closely matched that of cortical bone, reducing the risk of stress shielding, a common issue with commercial implants. Acellular bioactivity tests demonstrated the formation of a biologically relevant apatite layer on the composite surface, indicating its potential to promote osseointegration. Cytocompatibility assays confirmed favorable cell proliferation and viability, supporting its suitability for clinical applications. In summary, the addition of AW enhanced sinterability and introduced a stronger wollastonite phase within the HA ceramic layer, leading to improved strength and toughness of the nacre‐like HA/PMMA–PAA composites. However, there was an optimal AW concentration that balanced superior mechanical properties with controlled grain growth. The bioactive and cytocompatible composites showed great promise as candidates for next‐generation load‐bearing bone implants.

Enhanced Wire-Shaped Micro-Supercapacitor Treated with a Continuous Surface Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Approach.

Microscale, wire-shaped flexible supercapacitors are gaining significant attention due to the growing demand for wearable electronics and microrobotic technologies. Among various materials, copper sulfide stands out as an ideal candidate because of its superior electrochemical properties, which can be attributed to its nanostructured composition. This structure enhances the surface area, reduces ion transport distances, and improves charge-discharge kinetics. However, conventional electrode synthesis methods-such as annealing and hydrothermal processes-are limited by long production times and scalability issues, making them unsuitable for wire-shaped supercapacitor development. In this study, an innovative fabrication technique using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) for both surface treatment and material synthesis is proposed. By integrating the APPJ with a winding mechanism, roll-to-roll processing for continuous production is enabled, significantly enhancing the scalability of the manufacturing process. The fabricated wire-shaped microscale electrodes demonstrate high specific capacitance (153.39 mF cm-2), specific energy density (15.48 µWh cm-2), and excellent capacitance retention (91.32%) after 30000 charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, a wire-shaped solid-state flexible asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled using the fabricated electrodes in a coaxial configuration. The supercapacitor exhibits exceptional flexibility and energy storage performance, underscoring the practical applicability of the proposed method for advanced electronics.

Phenolic Resin-type Microporous Organic Polymers for High-Performance Carbon Dioxide Adsorption.

Three new types of Si-centered porous organic polymer (Si-POPs) were successfully prepared using phenolic resin-type chemistry to form C-C bonds. This new family of microporous Si-POPs manifests as uniform, microporous, spherical particles with a high specific surface area. Notably, Si-POPs were engineered to possess varying numbers of hydroxyl (-OH) groups by altering the monomer in the synthetic process. Among these materials, the variant with the highest number of hydroxyl groups exhibited ultra-high CO2 adsorption capacity, reaching up to 4.3 mmol g-1 at 273 K and 1.0 bar, which surpasses the performance of most porous polymers. Furthermore, Si-POPs also demonstrated remarkable selectivity adsorption for carbon dioxide over nitrogen (17-50, IAST at 273 K and 1.0 bar). This study not only highlighted the superior CO2 adsorption properties of Si-POPs but also explored their potential application in selective gas adsorption.

Fabrication and characterization approach to enhance the mechanical performance of zirconia‐coated Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes reinforced High density polyethylene composites

AbstractThis study presents a comprehensive investigation into the fabrication and characterization of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites reinforced with zirconia (ZrO2)‐coated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). HDPE, a widely used polymer for pressure pipe applications, was selected for its superior mechanical properties, while ZrO2‐coated MWCNTs were employed as nanofillers to enhance these properties further. The acid functionalization of MWCNTs, followed by the application of a ZrO2 coating, was executed to ensure optimal dispersion and interfacial bonding within the HDPE matrix. The functionalized MWCNTs (f‐MWCNTs) were synthesized via an acid treatment process using 8 M HNO3, which significantly eased agglomeration and facilitated a stable ZrO2 coating. Subsequent hydrothermal processing at 200°C for 18 h yielded uniformly coated MWCNTs. These nanofillers were then melt‐blended with HDPE, followed by injection molding. Mechanical testing revealed substantial enhancements in the tensile, flexural, and hardness properties of the composites. The tensile strength exhibited a marked increase, peaking at a 3 wt.% ZrO2‐coated MWCNT concentration, with a 50% improvement over pristine HDPE. Flexural modulus and hardness values also saw significant increments, with the highest enhancements recorded at 4 wt.% filler content. Impact testing showed improved toughness, although excessive filler loading led to diminished returns due to nanoparticle aggregation. FTIR and XRD analyses supported the successful integration of ZrO2‐coated MWCNTs within the HDPE matrix, highlighting the presence of characteristic peaks associated with both MWCNTs and HDPE. These findings provide the potential of ZrO2‐coated MWCNTs as effective nanofillers in enhancing the mechanical performance of HDPE composites, making suitable for advanced engineering applications.Highlights Coating of ZrO2 on MWCNTs using Hydrothermal method. Melt blending of ZrO2 coated MWCNT with HDPE using twin‐screw extruder. Preparation of samples through injection molding as per ASTM standard. Mechanical properties and characterization analysis of the composite.

Effects of High Temperature and Water Re-Curing on the Flexural Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Steel–Basalt Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) has become increasingly important in recent decades due to its superior mechanical properties, especially flexural strength and toughness, compared to normal concrete. FRC has also received significant attention because of its superior fire resistance performance compared to non-fiber concrete. In recent years, studies on the mechanical performance, fire design, and post-fire repair of thermally damaged fibrous and non-fibrous concrete have gained importance. In particular, there are very few studies in the literature on the mechanical performance and flexural behavior of steel and basalt hybrid fiber concretes after high temperature and water re-curing. This study aims to determine the mechanical properties and toughness of concrete containing steel fiber (SF) and basalt fiber (BF) after ambient and high temperature (400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C). Additionally, this study aimed to examine the changes in fire-damaged FRCs as a result of water re-curing. In this context, high temperature and water re-curing were carried out on non-fibrous concrete (control) and four different fiber compositions: in the first mixture, only steel fibers were used, and in the other two mixtures, basalt fibers were substituted at 25% and 50% rates instead of steel fibers. Furthermore, in the fifth mixture, basalt fibers were replaced by polypropylene fibers (PPFs) to make a comparison with the steel and basalt hybrid fiber-reinforced mixture. This study examined the effects of different fiber compositions on the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and compressive and flexural strength of the specimens at ambient temperature and after exposure to elevated temperatures and water re-curing. Additionally, the load–deflection curves and toughness of the mixtures were determined. The study results showed that different fiber compositions varied in their healing effect at different stages. The hybrid use of SF and BF can improve the flexural strength before elevated temperature and particularly after 600 °C. However, it caused a decrease in the recovery rates, especially after re-curing with water in terms of toughness. Water re-curing provided remarkable improvement in terms of mechanical and toughness properties. This improvement was more evident in steel–polypropylene fiber-reinforced concretes.