Journal Description
Materials
Materials
is an international peer-reviewed, open access journal on materials science and engineering published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Portuguese Materials Society (SPM), Spanish Materials Society (SOCIEMAT) and Manufacturing Engineering Society (MES) are affiliated with Materials and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, Ei Compendex, CaPlus / SciFinder, Inspec, Astrophysics Data System, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering) / CiteScore - Q2 (Condensed Matter Physics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 13.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Materials.
- Companion journals for Materials include: Electronic Materials and Construction Materials.
Impact Factor:
3.4 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.8 (2022)
Latest Articles
Environmental and Economic Viability of Using Concrete Block Wastes from a Concrete Production Plant as Recycled Coarse Aggregates
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1560; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071560 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The construction sector must incorporate the circular economy to improve sustainability and efficiency. The use of recycled aggregates (RAs) as a substitute for natural aggregates (NAs) is currently being investigated and is expected to yield considerable benefits in the future. The objective of
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The construction sector must incorporate the circular economy to improve sustainability and efficiency. The use of recycled aggregates (RAs) as a substitute for natural aggregates (NAs) is currently being investigated and is expected to yield considerable benefits in the future. The objective of this research is to evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of using recycled coarse aggregates (RCAs) in different 1 m3 samples of concrete, substituting the natural coarse aggregate (NCAs) with RCAs in different percentages. RCAs generally come from the treatment of construction and demolition wastes (CDWs). However, in this research, the RCAs are the concrete block wastes (CBWs) generated by a concrete production plant. Among the most notable results is that compared to concrete with no RCAs, using alternatives in which RCAs have replaced 50% of the NCAs leads to an average decrease in impact category statistics of −3.30%. In contrast to the existing literature on the subject, the process of producing RCAs generated efficiency improvements in categories such as abiotic depletion of fossil fuels (−58.72%) and global warming potential (−85.13%). This is because the transport process, a key factor in determining the viability of using RAs instead of NAs, was eliminated. In economic terms, there is a slight decrease in the financial cost of producing 1 m3 of concrete as the quantity of RCAs increases. The maximum decrease was 0.23 €/m3 in the samples studied. Combining both the environmental and economic aspects resulted in a reduction factor of 0.420 g of CO2/€cent, which means fewer CO2 emissions per unit cost when using RCAs. In conclusion, these results are intended to further knowledge in the field of using RAs instead of NAs in order to help the sector achieve sustainability and find an alternative use for a particular type of business waste.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Challenges in Recycled Materials in Concrete)
Open AccessArticle
Quality Assessment of Socks Produced from Viscose and Lyocell Fibers
by
Antoneta Tomljenović, Juro Živičnjak and Zenun Skenderi
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1559; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071559 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Most casual socks are produced from cotton and are usually combined with synthetic fibers. The suitability of viscose and lyocell fibers for knitting socks needs to be investigated further. Therefore, three series of plain socks were produced, composed in the largest content from
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Most casual socks are produced from cotton and are usually combined with synthetic fibers. The suitability of viscose and lyocell fibers for knitting socks needs to be investigated further. Therefore, three series of plain socks were produced, composed in the largest content from single-spun viscose or lyocell yarns fully plated with texturized polyamide 6.6 multifilament yarn. The quality of three types of main yarns manufactured by ring, open-end rotor, and air-jet spinning processes and two types of polyamide plating yarns used in the production of socks were assessed together with the structural, usage, and comfort quality of the socks before and after simulating household laundering. In comparison with cotton socks produced from ring-spun yarns under the same conditions, the results showed that viscose and lyocell socks have better moisture absorption and breathability, comparable dimensional stability, and lower abrasion resistance; lyocell socks have lower thermal resistance; and viscose socks are less prone to surface pilling after wet pretreatment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Clothing and Textile Engineering—2nd Edition)
Open AccessArticle
Enhancement of Strength–Ductility Synergy of Al-Li Cast Alloy via New Forming Processes and Sc Addition
by
Shulin Lü, Zhaoxiang Yan, Yu Pan, Jianyu Li, Shusen Wu and Wei Guo
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1558; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071558 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
In this study, concurrent enhancements in both strength and ductility of the Al-2Li-2Cu-0.5Mg-0.2Zr cast alloy (hereafter referred to as Al-Li) were achieved through an optimized forming process comprising ultrasonic treatment followed by squeeze casting, coupled with the incorporation of Sc. Initially, the variations
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In this study, concurrent enhancements in both strength and ductility of the Al-2Li-2Cu-0.5Mg-0.2Zr cast alloy (hereafter referred to as Al-Li) were achieved through an optimized forming process comprising ultrasonic treatment followed by squeeze casting, coupled with the incorporation of Sc. Initially, the variations in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Sc-free Al-Li cast alloy (i.e., alloy A) during various forming processes were investigated. The results revealed that the grain size in the UT+SC (ultrasonic treatment + squeeze casting) alloy was reduced by 76.3% and 57.7%, respectively, compared to those of the GC (gravity casting) or SC alloys. Additionally, significant improvements were observed in its compositional segregation and porosity reduction. After UT+SC, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and elongation reached 235 MPa, 135 Mpa, and 15%, respectively, which were 113.6%, 28.6%, and 1150% higher than those of the GC alloy. Subsequently, the Al-Li cast alloy containing 0.2 wt.% Sc (referred to as alloy B) exhibited even finer grains under the UT+SC process, resulting in simultaneous enhancements in its UTS, YS, and elongation. Interestingly, the product of ultimate tensile strength and elongation (i.e., UTS × EL) for both alloys reached 36 GPa•% and 42 GPa•%, respectively, which is much higher than that of other Al-Li cast alloys reported in the available literature.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure Engineering of Metals and Alloys, Volume II)
Open AccessArticle
Interfacial Enhancement and Composite Manufacturing of Continuous Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced PA6T Composites via PrePA6T Ultrafine Powder
by
Jiahong Yao, Zhao Wang, Jiacao Yang, Xiaojun Wang and Jie Yang
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1557; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071557 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Semi-aromatic poly (hexamethylene terephthalamide) (PA6T) oligomer (prePA6T) ultrafine powder, with a diameter of <5 μm, was prepared as an emulsion sizing agent to improve the impregnation performance of CF/PA6T composites. The prePA6T hyperfine powder was acquired via the dissolution and precipitation “phase conversion”
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Semi-aromatic poly (hexamethylene terephthalamide) (PA6T) oligomer (prePA6T) ultrafine powder, with a diameter of <5 μm, was prepared as an emulsion sizing agent to improve the impregnation performance of CF/PA6T composites. The prePA6T hyperfine powder was acquired via the dissolution and precipitation “phase conversion” method, and the prePA6T emulsion sizing agent was acquired to continuously coat the CF bundle. The sized CF unidirectional tape was knitted into a fabric using the plain weave method, while the CF/PA6T laminated composites were obtained by laminating the plain weave fabrics with PA6T films. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS), tensile strength (TS), and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of prePA6T-modified CF/PA6T composites improved by 54.9%, 125.3%, and 120.9%, respectively. Compared with the commercial polyamide sizing agent product PA845H, the prePA6T sizing agent showed better interfacial properties at elevated temperatures, especially no TS loss at 75 °C. The SEM observations also indicated that the prePA6T emulsion has an excellent impregnation effect on CF, and the fracture mechanism shifted from adhesive failure mode to cohesive failure mode. In summary, a facile, heat-resistant, undamaged-to-fiber environmental coating process is proposed to continuously manufacture high-performance thermoplastic composites, which is quite promising in mass production.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Manufacturing Technologies of Thermoplastic Composites)
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Open AccessArticle
Theoretical Prediction and Experimental Synthesis of Zr3AC2 (A = Cd, Sb) Phases
by
Jia Luo, Fengjuan Zhang, Bo Wen, Qiqiang Zhang, Longsheng Chu, Yanchun Zhou, Qingguo Feng and Chunfeng Hu
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1556; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071556 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
MAX phases have great research value and application prospects, but it is challenging to synthesize the MAX phases containing Cd and Sb for the time being. In this paper, we confirmed the existence of the 312 MAX phases of Zr3CdC2
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MAX phases have great research value and application prospects, but it is challenging to synthesize the MAX phases containing Cd and Sb for the time being. In this paper, we confirmed the existence of the 312 MAX phases of Zr3CdC2 and Zr3SbC2, both from theoretical calculations and experimental synthesis. The Zr3AC2 (A = Cd, Sb) phase was predicted by the first-principles calculations, and the two MAX phases were confirmed to meet the requests of thermal, thermodynamic, and mechanical stabilities using formation energy, phonon dispersion, and the Born–Huang criteria. Their theoretical mechanical properties were also systematically investigated. It was found that the elastic moduli of Zr3CdC2 and Zr3SbC2 were 162.8 GPa and 164.3 GPa, respectively. Then, differences in the mechanical properties of Zr3AC2 (A = Cd, In, Sn, and Sb) were explained using bond layouts and charge transfers. The low theoretical Vickers hardness of the Zr3CdC2 (5.4 GPa) and Zr3SbC2 (4.3 GPa) phases exhibited excellent machinability. Subsequently, through spark plasma sintering, composites containing Zr3CdC2 and Zr3SbC2 phases were successfully synthesized at the temperatures of 850 °C and 1300 °C, respectively. The optimal molar ratio of Zr:Cd/Sb:C was determined as 3:1.5:1.5. SEM and the EDS results analysis confirmed the typical layered microstructure of Zr3CdC2 and Zr3SbC2 grains.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Functional Materials and Nanomaterials in Asia 2023-2024)
Open AccessArticle
Research on the Properties of Steel Slag with Different Preparation Processes
by
Xingbei Liu, Chao Zhang, Huanan Yu, Guoping Qian, Xiaoguang Zheng, Hongyu Zhou, Lizhang Huang, Feng Zhang and Yixiong Zhong
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1555; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071555 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
To promote the resource utilization of steel slag and improve the production process of steel slag in steelmaking plants, this research studied the characteristics of three different processed steel slags from four steelmaking plants. The physical and mechanical characteristics and volume stability of
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To promote the resource utilization of steel slag and improve the production process of steel slag in steelmaking plants, this research studied the characteristics of three different processed steel slags from four steelmaking plants. The physical and mechanical characteristics and volume stability of steel slags were analyzed through density, water absorption, and expansion tests. The main mineral phases, morphological characteristics, and thermal stability of the original steel slag and the steel slag after the expansion test are analyzed with X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) tests. The results show that the composition of steel slag produced by different processes is similar. The main active substances of other processed steel slags are dicalcium silicate (C2S), tricalcium silicate (C3S), CaO, and MgO. After the expansion test, the main chemical products of steel slag are CaCO3, MgCO3, and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H). Noticeable mineral crystals appeared on the surface of the steel slag after the expansion test, presenting tetrahedral or cigar-like protrusions. The drum slag had the highest density and water stability. The drum slag had the lowest porosity and the densest microstructure surface, compared with steel slags that other methods produce. The thermal stability of steel slag treated by the hot splashing method was relatively higher than that of steel slag treated by the other two methods.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Recycling Techniques of Pavement Materials II)
Open AccessArticle
Influence of Layer Thickness and Shade on the Transmission of Light through Contemporary Resin Composites
by
Markus Heyder, Stefan Kranz, Julius Beck, Marlene Wettemann, Christoph-Ludwig Hennig, Ulrike Schulze-Späte, Bernd W. Sigusch and Markus Reise
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1554; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071554 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background: Material-dependent parameters have an important impact on the efficiency of light polymerization. The present in vitro study aimed to investigate the influence of the increment thickness and shade of nano- and nanohybrid resin composites on the transmission of curing light. Methods: Three
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Background: Material-dependent parameters have an important impact on the efficiency of light polymerization. The present in vitro study aimed to investigate the influence of the increment thickness and shade of nano- and nanohybrid resin composites on the transmission of curing light. Methods: Three contemporary resin composites were evaluated: Tetric EvoCeram® (TEC); Venus Diamond® (VD); and Filtek Supreme XTE® (FS XTE). Light transmission (LT) was recorded in accordance with the sample thickness (0.5 to 2.7 mm) and the shade. Polymerized samples were irradiated for 10 s each using the high-power LED curing light Celalux 2 (1900 mW/cm2). LT was simultaneously recorded using the MARC Patient Simulator (MARC-PS). Results: LT was strongly influenced by the composite layer thickness. For 0.5 mm-thick samples, a mean power density of 735 mW/cm2 was recorded at the bottom side. For the 2.7 mm samples, a mean power density of 107 mW/cm2 was measured. Only LT was markedly reduced in the case of darker shades. From A1 to A4, LT decreased by 39.3% for FS XTE and 50.8% for TEC. Dentin shades of FS XTE and TEC (A2, A4) showed the lowest LT. Conclusions: The thickness and shade of resin composite increments strongly influences the transmission of curing light. More precise information about these parameters should be included in the manufacture manual.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Composites)
Open AccessArticle
The Beneficial Effect of a TPMS-Based Fillet Shape on the Mechanical Strength of Metal Cubic Lattice Structures
by
Christian Iandiorio, Gianmarco Mattei, Emanuele Marotta, Girolamo Costanza, Maria Elisa Tata and Pietro Salvini
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1553; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071553 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The goal of this paper is to improve the mechanical strength-to-weight ratios of metal cubic lattice structures using unit cells with fillet shapes inspired by triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs). The lattice structures here presented were fabricated from AA6082 aluminum alloy using lost-PLA
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The goal of this paper is to improve the mechanical strength-to-weight ratios of metal cubic lattice structures using unit cells with fillet shapes inspired by triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs). The lattice structures here presented were fabricated from AA6082 aluminum alloy using lost-PLA processing. Static and dynamic flat and wedge compression tests were conducted on samples with varying fillet shapes and fill factors. Finite element method simulations followed the static tests to compare numerical predictions with experimental outcomes, revealing a good agreement. The TPSM-type fillet shape induces a triaxial stress state that significantly improves the mechanical strength-to-weight ratio compared to fillet radius-free lattices, which was also confirmed by analytical considerations. Dynamic tests exhibited high resistance to flat impacts, while wedge impacts, involving a high concentrated-load, brought out an increased sensitivity to strain rates with a short plastic deformation followed by abrupt fragmentation, indicating a shift towards brittle behavior.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Scale Modeling of Advanced Materials: Numerical Methods and Experimental Research)
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Open AccessArticle
Generation of Mechanical Characteristics in Workpiece Subsurface Layers through Milling
by
Michael Storchak, Larysa Hlembotska and Oleksandr Melnyk
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1552; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071552 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The generation of mechanical characteristics in workpiece subsurface layers as a result of the cutting process has a predominant influence on the performance properties of machined parts. The effect of the end milling process on the mechanical characteristics of the machined subsurface layers
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The generation of mechanical characteristics in workpiece subsurface layers as a result of the cutting process has a predominant influence on the performance properties of machined parts. The effect of the end milling process on the mechanical characteristics of the machined subsurface layers was evaluated using nondestructive methods: instrumented nanoindentation and sclerometry (scratching). In this paper, the influence of one of the common processes of materials processing by cutting—the process of end tool milling—on the generation of mechanical characteristics of workpiece machined subsurface layers is studied. The effect of the end milling process on the character of mechanical property formation was evaluated through the coincidence of the cutting process energy characteristics with the mechanical characteristics of the machined subsurface layers. The total cutting power and cutting work in the tertiary cutting zone area were used as energy characteristics of the end milling process. The modes of the end milling process are considered as the main parameters affecting these energy characteristics. The mechanical characteristics of the workpiece machined subsurface layers were the microhardness of the subsurface layers and the total work of indenter penetration, determined by instrumental nanoindentation, and the maximum depth of indenter penetration, determined by sclerometry. Titanium alloy Ti10V2Fe3Al (Ti-1023) was used as the machining material. Based on the evaluation of the coincidence of the cutting process energy characteristics with the specified mechanical characteristics of the machined subsurface layers, the milling mode effect of the studied titanium alloy, in particular the cutter feed and cutting speed, on the generated mechanical characteristics was established.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-destructive Testing of Materials and Parts: Techniques, Case Studies and Practical Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Operating Properties of Deep Hole Boring Tools with Modified Design
by
Norbert Kępczak, Grzegorz Bechciński and Radosław Rosik
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1551; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071551 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
This paper presents the results of research work on the revised design of a deep hole boring tool. The study was divided into three stages: theoretical, experimental and operational. In the theoretical part, a 3D model of the actual boring bar was created,
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This paper presents the results of research work on the revised design of a deep hole boring tool. The study was divided into three stages: theoretical, experimental and operational. In the theoretical part, a 3D model of the actual boring bar was created, which was subjected to strength tests using the Finite Element Method (FEM), and then prototypes of new deep hole boring tools were made with structural modifications to the shank part of the tool. For the polymer concrete core of a shank, there was a 14.59% lower displacement, and for the rubber-doped polymer concrete (SBR—styrene butadiene rubber) core of a shank there was a 4.84% lower displacement in comparison to the original boring bar. In the experimental part of the study, the original boring bar and the prototypes were subjected to experimental modal analysis and static analysis tests to compare dynamic and static properties. In the operational part of the study, boring tests were carried out for various workpiece materials, during which the basic parameters of the surface geometric structure (SGS), such as roughness Ra and Rz, were studied. Despite the promising preliminary results of the theoretical and experimental studies, using the described modifications to the boring bar is not recommended.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)
Open AccessArticle
Surface Modification of Magnetoactive Elastomers by Laser Micromachining
by
Izidor Straus, Gaia Kravanja, Luka Hribar, Raphael Kriegl, Matija Jezeršek, Mikhail Shamonin, Irena Drevensek-Olenik and Gašper Kokot
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1550; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071550 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
It has been recently demonstrated that laser micromachining of magnetoactive elastomers is a very convenient method for fabricating dynamic surface microstructures with magnetically tunable properties, such as wettability and surface reflectivity. In this study, we investigate the impact of the micromachining process on
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It has been recently demonstrated that laser micromachining of magnetoactive elastomers is a very convenient method for fabricating dynamic surface microstructures with magnetically tunable properties, such as wettability and surface reflectivity. In this study, we investigate the impact of the micromachining process on the fabricated material’s structural properties and its chemical composition. By employing scanning electron microscopy, we investigate changes in size distribution and spatial arrangement of carbonyl iron microparticles dispersed in the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix as a function of laser irradiation. Based on the images obtained by a low vacuum secondary electron detector, we analyze modifications of the surface topography. The results show that most profound modifications occur during the low-exposure (8 J/cm2) treatment of the surface with the laser beam. Our findings provide important insights for developing theoretical models of functional properties of laser-sculptured microstructures from magnetoactive elastomers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composites III)
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Fabrication of Metal Contacts on Silicon Nanopillars: The Role of Surface Termination and Defectivity
by
Federico Giulio, Antonio Mazzacua, Luca Calciati and Dario Narducci
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1549; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071549 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The application of nanotechnology in developing novel thermoelectric materials has yielded remarkable advancements in material efficiency. In many instances, dimensional constraints have resulted in a beneficial decoupling of thermal conductivity and power factor, leading to large increases in the achievable thermoelectric figure of
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The application of nanotechnology in developing novel thermoelectric materials has yielded remarkable advancements in material efficiency. In many instances, dimensional constraints have resulted in a beneficial decoupling of thermal conductivity and power factor, leading to large increases in the achievable thermoelectric figure of merit ( ). For instance, the of silicon increases by nearly two orders of magnitude when transitioning from bulk single crystals to nanowires. Metal-assisted chemical etching offers a viable, low-cost route for preparing silicon nanopillars for use in thermoelectric devices. The aim of this paper is to review strategies for obtaining high-density forests of Si nanopillars and achieving high-quality contacts on them. We will discuss how electroplating can be used for this aim. As an alternative, nanopillars can be embedded into appropriate electrical and thermal insulators, with contacts made by metal evaporation on uncapped nanopillar tips. In both cases, it will be shown how achieving control over surface termination and defectivity is of paramount importance, demonstrating how a judicious control of defectivity enhances contact quality.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disorder-Driven Structure-Property Functionality in Materials: From Material Discovery to Device Development)
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Open AccessArticle
Experimental Investigation on the Effects of Mineral Water Composition on the Leaching of Cement-Based Materials
by
Alienor Pouyanne, Sonia Boudache, Benoît Hilloulin, Ahmed Loukili and Emmanuel Roziere
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1548; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071548 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The common phenomenon observed for concrete in aggressive water is leaching, which involves the dissolution of cement hydration products. Many studies have focused on leaching in demineralised water or acid attacks, but mineral water still deserves further investigation. In most standards, the aggressiveness
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The common phenomenon observed for concrete in aggressive water is leaching, which involves the dissolution of cement hydration products. Many studies have focused on leaching in demineralised water or acid attacks, but mineral water still deserves further investigation. In most standards, the aggressiveness of a given water body is determined by its pH and not its composition. The effect of the calcium content of the water on degradation is yet to be determined. In this paper, the leaching of Portland cement-based mortar was induced by two types of drinking water with different calcium contents and buffer capacity in controlled conditions. The Langelier saturation index (LSI) was used to describe water aggressiveness based on the calco-carbonic equilibrium. The studied waters had the same pH but LSIs of +0.5 and −1.0 corresponding to scaling with respect to aggressive water; demineralised water was used as a reference. Microstructural damage was checked by TGA and X-ray microtomography. Macroscopic measurements were used to monitor global degradation. The soft water caused a 53% deeper deterioration of the mortar sample than the hard water. Soft water-induced leaching was found to be similar yet slower to leaching via demineralised water (with a mass loss of −2.01% and −2.16% after 200 days, respectively). In contrast, hard water induced strongly time-dependent leaching, and the damage was located close to the surface. The roughness of leached specimens was 18% higher in hard water than in soft water. The formation of calcite on the sample surface not only affects the leaching rate by creating a protective surface layer, but it could also act as a calcium ion pump.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Concretes and Cement-Based Composites: Additives/Admixtures, Hydration Process and Durability Research II)
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Open AccessArticle
Abrasive Wear Behavior of Batch Hot-Dip Galvanized Coatings
by
Thomas Pinger, Marco Brand, Sonja Grothe and Gabriela Marginean
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1547; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071547 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
In recent decades, batch hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel has proven itself in practical applications due to the good corrosion resistance of its components. Despite the importance of the mechanical-load-bearing capacity of these coatings, the wear behavior has, so far, only been investigated very
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In recent decades, batch hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel has proven itself in practical applications due to the good corrosion resistance of its components. Despite the importance of the mechanical-load-bearing capacity of these coatings, the wear behavior has, so far, only been investigated very sporadically and not systematically, so a quantification of the wear behavior and statements on the mechanisms are vague. Therefore, two body wear tests with bonded abrasive grain were carried out. Varying the friction rolls, load, and total number of cycles, the wear behavior was investigated. The mass loss and the layer thickness reduction were measured at different intervals. After the test, the microstructure in the cross-section and the hardness according to Vickers (0.01 HV) were evaluated. The results showed that the wear behavior of HDG coatings against abrasive loads can be characterized with the selected test conditions. Initially, the applied load removed the soft η-phase. As the total number of cycles increases, the η- and ζ-phases deform plastically, resulting in a lower mass reduction compared to that expected from the measured layer thickness. The characteristic structure of a batch HDG coating with hard intermetallic Zn-Fe phases and an outer pure zinc phase has demonstrated effective resistance to abrasion.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Coatings for Wear and Corrosion Applications (Second Edition))
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Hydrogen Embrittlement of 27Cr−4Mo−2Ni Super Ferritic Stainless Steel
by
Fei Yang, Yujin Nie, Huiyun Zhang, Weiqiang Niu, Quanxin Shi, Jinyao Ma, Liuwei Zheng and Wei Liang
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1546; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071546 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The effect of hydrogen content on the deformation and fracture behavior of 27Cr−4Mo−2Ni super ferritic stainless steel (SFSS) was investigated in this study. It was shown that the plasticity and yield strength of SFSS were very susceptible to hydrogen content. The introduction of
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The effect of hydrogen content on the deformation and fracture behavior of 27Cr−4Mo−2Ni super ferritic stainless steel (SFSS) was investigated in this study. It was shown that the plasticity and yield strength of SFSS were very susceptible to hydrogen content. The introduction of hydrogen led to a significant decrease in elongation and a concurrent increase in yield strength. Nevertheless, a critical threshold was identified in the elongation reduction, after which the elongation remained approximately constant even with more hydrogen introduced, while the yield strength exhibited a monotonic increase with increasing hydrogen content within the experimental range, attributed to the pinning effect of the hydrogen Cottrell atmosphere on dislocations. Furthermore, the hydrogen-charged SFSS shows an apparent drop in flow stress after upper yielding and a reduced work hardening rate during the subsequent plastic deformation. The more hydrogen is charged, the more the flow stress drops, and the lower the work hardening rate becomes.
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(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)
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Effect of Controlling Nb Content and Cooling Rate on the Microstructure, Precipitation Phases, and Mechanical Properties of Rebar
by
Bin Shen, Shangjun Gu, Jie Wang, Fulong Wei, Zhiying Li, Zeyun Zeng, Junxiang Zhang and Changrong Li
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1545; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071545 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Seismic anti-seismic rebar, as materials for supporting structures in large buildings, need to have excellent mechanical properties. By increasing the Nb content and controlling the cooling rate, the microstructure and precipitation behavior of the steel are adjusted to develop seismic anti-seismic rebar with
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Seismic anti-seismic rebar, as materials for supporting structures in large buildings, need to have excellent mechanical properties. By increasing the Nb content and controlling the cooling rate, the microstructure and precipitation behavior of the steel are adjusted to develop seismic anti-seismic rebar with excellent mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a universal tensile testing machine were used to characterize the microstructure, precipitation phases, and mechanical properties of the experimental steels. The results show that the ferrite grain size, pearlite lamellae layer (ILS), and small-angle grain boundaries (LAGB) content of the high-Nb steels decreased to 6.39 μm, 0.12 μm, and 48.7%, respectively, as the Nb content was increased from 0.017 to 0.023 wt.% and the cooling rate was increased from 1 to 3 °C·s−1. The strength of the {332}<113>α texture is the highest in the high-Nb steels. The precipitated phase is (Nb, Ti, V)C with a diameter of ~50 nm, distributed on ferrite, and the matrix/precipitated phase mismatch is 8.16%, forming a semicommon-lattice interface between the two. The carbon diffusion coefficient model shows that increasing the Nb content can inhibit the diffusion of carbon atoms and reduce the ILS. The yield strength of the high-Nb steel is 556 MPa, and the tensile strength is 764 MPa.
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(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)
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Theoretical Study of Electric, Dielectric, and Optical Properties in Ion Doped Multiferroic SrFe12O19 Nanoparticles
by
Angel T. Apostolov, Iliana N. Apostolova and Julia Mihailowa Wesselinowa
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1544; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071544 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Electric, dielectric, and optical (band gap) properties of pure multiferroic as well as La- and Ni-doped (SFO) (at different sites) are investigated using a microscopic model and Green’s function technique. The concentration dependence of the polarization P is considered
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Electric, dielectric, and optical (band gap) properties of pure multiferroic as well as La- and Ni-doped (SFO) (at different sites) are investigated using a microscopic model and Green’s function technique. The concentration dependence of the polarization P is considered for substitution of rare earths ions on the Sr sites. For a small La ion doping concentration, x = 0.1, La-doped SFO is ferroelectric, whereas for a larger doping concentration, for example x = 0.5, it is antiferroelectric. The real part of the dielectric constant increases with an increasing magnetic field h. decreases with an increasing frequency and La dopants. Therefore, La-doped SFO is suitable for microwave application with a low dielectric constant. The magnetic properties of pure SFO NPs are also studied. Ni doping at the Fe site of SFO leads to enhanced ferroelectric polarization and dielectric constant. The band gap decreases or increases by substitution of Ni or In ions on the Fe site, respectively. The results reveal that the tuned band gap of Ni-doped SFO makes it a crucial candidate for optoelectronic and solid oxide fuel cell applications.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ferromagnetic and Ferroelectric Materials: Synthesis, Applications, and Techniques (Second Edition))
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Atomic Diffusivities of Yttrium, Titanium and Oxygen Calculated by Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics in Molten 316L Oxide-Dispersion-Strengthened Steel Fabricated via Additive Manufacturing
by
Zhengming Wang, Seongun Yang, Stephanie B. Lawson, V. Vinay K. Doddapaneni, Marc Albert, Benjamin Sutton, Chih-Hung Chang, Somayeh Pasebani and Donghua Xu
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1543; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071543 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) steels have long been viewed as a prime solution for harsh environments. However, conventional manufacturing of ODS steels limits the final product geometry, is difficult to scale up to large components, and is expensive due to multiple highly involved, solid-state processing
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Oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) steels have long been viewed as a prime solution for harsh environments. However, conventional manufacturing of ODS steels limits the final product geometry, is difficult to scale up to large components, and is expensive due to multiple highly involved, solid-state processing steps required. Additive manufacturing (AM) can directly incorporate dispersion elements (e.g., Y, Ti and O) during component fabrication, thus bypassing the need for an ODS steel supply chain, the scale-up challenges of powder processing routes, the buoyancy challenges associated with casting ODS steels, and the joining issues for net-shape component fabrication. In the AM process, the diffusion of the dispersion elements in the molten steel plays a key role in the precipitation of the oxide particles, thereby influencing the microstructure, thermal stability and high-temperature mechanical properties of the resulting ODS steels. In this work, the atomic diffusivities of Y, Ti, and O in molten 316L stainless steel (SS) as functions of temperature are determined by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The latest Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP) package that incorporates an on-the-fly machine learning force field for accelerated computation is used. At a constant temperature, the time-dependent coordinates of the target atoms in the molten 316L SS were analyzed in the form of mean square displacement in order to obtain diffusivity. The values of the diffusivity at multiple temperatures are then fitted to the Arrhenius form to determine the activation energy and the pre-exponential factor. Given the challenges in experimental measurement of atomic diffusivity at such high temperatures and correspondingly the lack of experimental data, this study provides important physical parameters for future modeling of the oxide precipitation kinetics during AM process.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality, Microstructure and Properties of Metal Alloys (Second Volume))
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Open AccessReview
Porous High-Entropy Oxide Anode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries: Preparation, Characterization, and Applications
by
Lishan Dong, Yihe Tian, Chang Luo, Weimin Zhao, Chunling Qin and Zhifeng Wang
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1542; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071542 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
High-entropy oxides (HEOs), as a new type of single-phase solid solution with a multi-component design, have shown great potential when they are used as anodes in lithium-ion batteries due to four kinds of effects (thermodynamic high-entropy effect, the structural lattice distortion effect, the
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High-entropy oxides (HEOs), as a new type of single-phase solid solution with a multi-component design, have shown great potential when they are used as anodes in lithium-ion batteries due to four kinds of effects (thermodynamic high-entropy effect, the structural lattice distortion effect, the kinetic slow diffusion effect, and the electrochemical “cocktail effect”), leading to excellent cycling stability. Although the number of articles on the study of HEO materials has increased significantly, the latest research progress in porous HEO materials in the lithium-ion battery field has not been systematically summarized. This review outlines the progress made in recent years in the design, synthesis, and characterization of porous HEOs and focuses on phase transitions during the cycling process, the role of individual elements, and the lithium storage mechanisms disclosed through some advanced characterization techniques. Finally, the future outlook of HEOs in the energy storage field is presented, providing some guidance for researchers to further improve the design of porous HEOs.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Porous Materials: Synthesis, Characterisations and Applications (2nd Editon))
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Metallic and Ceramic Materials Integrity—Surface Engineering for Wear, Corrosion and Erosion Prevention
by
Mirosław Szala and Mariusz Walczak
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1541; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma17071541 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The literature systematically describes the wear behavior and phenomena responsible for the degradation resistance of materials [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallic and Ceramic Materials Integrity – Surface Engineering for Wear, Corrosion and Erosion Prevention)
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