Volume 11, Issue 1

In this article, Young’s modulus of a flexible piezoresistive nanocomposite made of a certain amount of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) contents dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has been investigated using theoretical and experimental approaches. The PDMS/MWCNT nanocomposites with the governing factor of MWCNT weight fraction ( e.g. , 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 wt%) were synthesized by the solution casting fabrication method. The nanocomposite samples were subjected to a standard compression test to measure their elastic modulus using Instron Universal testing machine under force control displacement mode. Due to the costs and limitations of experimental tests, theoretical predictions on the elasticity modulus of such flexible nanocomposites have also been performed using Eshelby–Mori–Tanaka (EMT) and Halpin–Tsai (HT) approaches. The theoretical results showed that HT’s approach at lower MWCNT contents and EMT’s approach at higher MWCNT contents have a better agreement to experimental results in predicting the elastic modulus of PDMS/MWCNT nanocomposites. The experimental results indicated that the inclusion of MWCNT in the PDMS matrix resulted in a noticeable improvement in Young’s modulus of PDMS/MWCNT nanocomposite at small values of MWCNT contents (up to w f = 0.25%); however, exceeding this nanofiller content did not elevate Young’s modulus due to the emergence of MWCNT agglomerations in the nanocomposite structure.

The carbon nanotube (CNT) is becoming more popular due to their low-density, high-strength etc. Among CNTs, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are gaining more importance due to their enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity. The present research is exploring the applicability of MWCNTs reinforced with AA2024-T351 alloys for electromechanical applications. This study is currently undertaken for using MWCNTs as a reinforcing particulate for the purpose to enhance the characteristics including low density, high strength, and hardness together with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity of the aluminum alloy matrices. Therefore, this article provides a state-of-the-art experimental approach to fabricate and furthermore, to evaluate the mechanical characteristics, microstructural analysis, and fatigue behavior of Al–Cu–Mg–T351/MWCNT composites under both the mechanical and thermal loading by utilizing powder technology processing route. The uniform dispersion of CNTs has been exposed using ball milling process. Results revealed that the MWCNTs provide extraordinary synergistic strength, enhances fatigue resistance, creep resistance, ductility, and other mechanical characteristics of the aluminum-based composites. The mechanical loading of the composite exhibited increased properties as compared to thermal-loaded aluminum-MWCNT composites. Findings conclude that the maximum hardness of 35Hv obtained for sintered AA2024-T351 and 45Hv for 0.5% MWCNT heat-treated samples indicate that the addition of MWCNT enhances the hardness which may be because CNT is evenly dispersed at the interfacial space. Maximum UTS of 105.21 MPa was obtained with 0.5% MWCNT for sintered composites. Microstructural analysis of the Al–Cu–Mg–T351/MWCNTs composite exhibits reasonably uniform distribution, void formation, and good interfacial bonding. X-ray Diffraction method patterns of fabricated composite shows that the CNT is present at 2 β = 23.6 and 44.6°, whereas high peaks of aluminum are present at uniform dispersed positions. Transmission electron magnifying instrument study further substantiates the above research. Fracture micrographs of the Al–Cu–Mg–T351/MWCNTs composite portray the resistant nature of the nanotubes due to the presence of CNTs, Al–Cu, and aluminum carbide elements in the alloy and the reactions that happened during heat treatment. This significant improvement was attributed to the shear interactions among the constituents and high load carrying capacity of the CNT, uniform dispersion, and interface bond strength among the matrix and constituents. The findings in the study will undoubtedly be beneficial for the development of high-strength, MWCNTs/Al–Cu–Mg–T351, matrix composites in future for multifunctional applications on broader spectrum.

In this study, sugar palm crystalline nanocellulose (SPCNC)-reinforced thermoplastic sugar palm starch (TPS) was blended with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) in order to prioritize the biodegradation feature while offsetting individual polymer limitation. Prior to melt blending process, SPCNC was dispersed through sonication in advance of starch gelatinization which was later casted into petri dishes. PLA and TPS were melt blended into five different ratios using Brabender mixer followed by compression molding. Soil degradation (4 months) and water uptake (4 weeks) tests were conducted to evaluate the physical stability of PLA/TPS blend bionanocomposites. Based on Fickian law, the diffusion curve and coefficient of diffusion for seawater, river water, and sewer water were calculated. The flammability and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM D635 and ASTM D2863, respectively. For PLA60TPS40 (40% TPS), significant reduction (46–69%) was recorded in maximum water uptake in all mediums, while soil degradation rate experienced insignificant increment (7.92%) for PLA70TPS30 (30% TPS) owing to the reinforcement of SPCNC through the well-dispersed TPS within PLA. Meanwhile, the flammability rates and LOI values for PLA40TPS60 and PLA60TPS40 indicated flammable material properties.

A new formulation (niosomes) was prepared to enhance the bioavailability, hepatic tissue uptake, and hepatoprotective activity of glutathione (GSH). The GSH-loaded niosomes (nanoform, N-GSH) were formulated by the thin-film hydration technique using cholesterol/non-ionic surfactants (Span ® 40, Span ® 60, and Tween ® 80) at a componential ratio of 1:1 and 2:1. The hepatoprotective activity of N-GSH, GSH, and the standard silymarin against CCl 4 -induced liver damage and oxidative stress were tested on the rats’ model. The hepatic morphology and histopathological characters were also investigated. The tissue contents of N-GSH were analysed using a concurrently validated RP-HPLC method. The optimized niosomes, composed of glutathione (500 mg), cholesterol, and Span ® 60-Tween ® 80 at a molar ratio of 2:1 of cholesterol/non-ionic surfactant, displaying a particle size of 688.5 ± 14.52 nm, a zeta potential of −26.47 ± 0.158 mV, and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 66 ± 2.8% was selected for in vivo testing. The levels of MDA, NO, SOD, NF-κB, IL-1β, and Bcl-2 were measured. The results demonstrated that hepatic tissue damage was ameliorated using N-GSH as confirmed by the morphological and histopathological examination compared to the CCl 4 and control groups. The N-GSH significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased the elevated levels of hepatic enzymes, oxidative parameters, and inflammatory mediators, as compared to silymarin and GSH. Also, N-GSH significantly ( p < 0.05) increased GSH hepatocyte concentrations as compared to the control groups. The present study demonstrated that N-GSH remarkably improved glutathione oral bioavailability and hepatic tissue uptake, thereby introducing a new glutathione formulation to protect hepatic tissue from injury and restore its GSH contents.

Establishing the correlation between the topography and the bactericidal performance is the key to improve the mechano-bactericidal activity. However, due to the complexity of the mechano-bactericidal mechanism, the correlation between density and bactericidal performance is still not clear. Based on this, a series of nanoblades (NBs) with various density but similar thickness and height were prepared on the chemically strengthened glass (CSG) substrate by a simple alkaline etching method. The mechano-bactericidal properties of NBs on CSG (NBs@CSG) surfaces exposed to Escherichia coli were evaluated. The results show that with the NB density increasing, the mechano-bactericidal performance of the surface increased first and then decreased. Besides, the bactericidal performance of NBs@CSG is not affected after four consecutive ultrasonic cleaning bactericidal experiments. This article can provide guidance for the design of the new generation of mechano-bactericidal surfaces. In addition, this technology is expected to be applied to the civil aviation cabin window lining. Graphical abstract Topography and mechano-bactericidal performance of nanoblades (NBs) with different densities on the chemically strengthened glass for civil aircraft portholes. Low-density NBs, medium-density NBs, high-density NBs, and ultra-high density NBs.

Wrapping insulation of coatings is effective for enhancing the microwave-absorbing properties (MAPs) of ferromagnetic absorbents (FMAs). However, the process is still limited by the low bonding strength with the matrix. Herein, an in situ regulation strategy based on the preparation of thin thickness and strong adhesion insulating layers through HNO 3 oxidation was developed to address the limitations. The oxidation process of FeSiAl (FSA) powders was carried out by HNO 3 following three main steps. First, the original oxide layer first reacted with HNO 3 to form Fe 3+ and Al 3+ . Second, the oxide layer composed of Al 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4 was preferentially formed due to the negative change in Gibbs free energy. Finally, the oxide and pigment-deposition layers were subjected to competitive growth and dissolution accompanied by the dissolution of Fe and Al atoms. Oxidation time up to 10 min resulted in the formation of a bilayer structure with a thickness of ∼50 nm on the FSA surface, as well as an outer layer crammed of Al(OH) 3 and Fe(OH) 3 , and an inner layer containing mixed Fe 2 O 3 , Fe 3 O 4 , Al 2 O 3 , and SiO 2 . The MAPs of as-treated FSA achieved minimum reflection loss (RL) of −25.90 dB at 13.36 GHz, as well as absorption bandwidth of 5.61 GHz (RL < −10 dB) at 10.13–15.74 GHz and thickness of 2.5 mm. In sum, the developed route looks promising for the preparation of high-performance FMAs.

In this paper, the chain structure of magnetorheological fluid (MRF) magnetic particles was studied and analyzed, the mechanical model of MRF with different diameter ferromagnetic particles was established, silicone oil-based MRF with different particle volume fractions was prepared, the shear properties of the MRF were tested, and the theoretical and experimental data were compared. The experimental results show that the shear stress is stable with the increase of shear strain rate under the action of the magnetic field, and it has a shear thinning effect. The shear stress increases linearly with the increase of particle volume fraction. The shear stress increases with the increase of magnetic induction intensity. After data analysis and in the case of control variables, the average error of improved theoretical data and experimental data is lower than that of previous theoretical data and experimental data, which verifies that the improved theory (mechanical model) has a certain accuracy.

This article presents the assessment of bulk and in situ mechanical properties of rubber–wood–plastic composites (RubWPC) and their correlations, aiming to obtain a thorough understanding of mechanical behaviour of RubWPC, which is an essential prerequisite in realising their optimal design and applications. Dynamic mechanical analysis results showed that the composites treated with multiple coupling agents (combination of maleic anhydride polyethylene [MAPE] and bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide and combination of MAPE and vinyltrimethoxysilane) exhibited greater storage modulus than both the untreated and single coupling agent treated composites owing to their superior interfacial bonding quality. The shift of relaxation peak and T g towards higher temperatures observed in the treated composites confirmed the enhancement of interfacial interaction and adhesion. Nanoindentation analysis suggested that the composite with optimised interface (MAPE and Si69 treated) possessed better nanomechanical property (elastic modulus) due to the resin penetration into cell lumens and vessels and the reaction between cell walls and coupling agents. Graphical abstract

Catalytic capacity of ceria mainly stems from a facile switch in the Ce oxidation states from +4 to +4 − x . While various experimental and computational studies pinpoint the reduction chemistry of Ce atom through the creation of oxygen vacancies, the analogous process when ceria surface is decorated with cations remains poorly understood. Where such results are available, a synergy between experimental and first principle calculation is scarce. Niobium materials are evolving and their use in catalysis is being widely investigated due to their high surface acidity and thermal and chemical stability. This study aims to report structural and electronic properties of various configurations of mixed Ce–Nb oxides and elaborates on factors that underpin potential catalytic improvements. Evaluations of the samples through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), N 2 -adsorption–desorption, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS), and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses are examined and discussed. First principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide structural features of the Ce–Nb solutions at low concentration of Nb via computing atomic charge distribution. Contraction in the lattice parameter after Nb doping was confirmed with both XRD and DFT results. SEM analysis reveals particle growth at the loading of 50 wt%. FTIR results established the Ce–Nb–O bond at 1,100 cm −1 and the TGA analysis confirms the thermal stability of Nb-doped ceria. Tetrahedral O atoms demonstrate an increase in electronegativity and this in turn facilitates catalytic propensity of the material because the O atoms will exhibit higher affinity for adsorbed reactants. Cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) after Nb doping displays a noticeable band gap narrowing, confirming the possible improvement in the catalytic behavior. The 4d states of the Niobium pentoxide (Nb 2 O 5 ) is found to fill up the 4f states of CeO 2 around the Fermi energy level promoting electrons excitation in the CeO 2 . Reported electronic, structural, and thermal characteristics herein indicate promising catalytic applications of niobium-promoted ceria.

Endothelins (ETs), which are multi-functional-peptides with potential for antagonist-based-therapy in various physiological-malfunctionings, including cardiovascular, nephrological, oncologic, and diabetic conditions, may produce newer chemical entities and drug leads. The present study deals with molecular-modeling of the ETs’ sub-types, ET-I, II, and III to find the structure property-relationship (SPR) of the ETs, and individual fragments derived from the ET sub-type ET-I. The ETs peptidic tails’ amino acid (AA) sequence’s structural differences and similarities, various dissected fragments of the ET-I, and SPR comparison with the sarafotoxin-6b (SRT-6b), a structurally-related snake-venom, showed points of dissimilarities for their structural specifications, geometric disposition, and physico-chemical properties. The generation of miniaturized (shortened sequence) peptides towards offering peptidomimetic compounds of near- and far-values compared SPR with estimations for log  P , hydration energy, and other molecular and quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) were based on random and ordered-fragments derived from the original ET-I AA’s sequence, and sequential distance changes in the original ET-I sequence’s chain of 1–21 AA. The feasibility of alternate and bond length parameters-based possible cysteine–cysteine cyclizations, sequence homology, AA’s positional demarcation, and presence/absence of cysteines, homology-based basic non-cysteine and cysteines-AA based cyclization, total structure and fragments end-to-end cyclizations, and geometrical analogy-based miniaturized sequence of the shorter AAs from the original ET-I sequence, together with mutated replacements with naturally constituent AAs of the ETs, and SRT-6 sequences were utilized. The major findings of the fragmented sequences, and sequences at par with the original ETs to provide structures similar to the size, volume and with molecular and electronic properties of electrostatic potential and total charge density distribution, crucial factors in receptor bindings were investigated. The SPRs, molecular properties, and QSAR values were estimated to compare and validate the findings with the known homologous compounds, ET-I, and its known and potent antagonists. The study resulted in leads of smaller and larger sizes of peptide-based compounds which may have prospects as potent antagonist and in future needs their bioactivity evaluations after the synthesis. Moreover, approach to plausible vesiculation of the ETs, and the involved processes and structural requirements, together with the molecular interactions in settling a nano-vesicle of the peptidic structure with a possible mechanism is also suggested. Graphical abstract The present study deals with the molecular modeling studies of the endothelins (ETs), a multi-functional 21 amino acid (AA) peptides, with sub-types ET-I, II, and III to find the structure property relationship (SPR) of different fragments naturally derived from the cyclic body part of the ETs’ structures together with the structurally similar and common tail sequence (AA 16–21) utilization of the ETs and the dissimilar sarafotoxin-6b (SRT-6b) hexapeptide chain tail, as well as their SPR comparisons to find peptide-based leads as comparable to the ETs, especially ET-I. Approach to plausible vesiculation of the ETs and the involved process as a suggested mechanism is also discussed.

The transition metal selenide can be used as a potential material for the negative electrode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its high density and conductivity. Unfortunately, a large volume change occurs in the transition metal selenide during the charging and discharging process, which eventually results in the poor rate performance and rapid capacity decay. In response to this, the N/S co-doped CoSe nanocubes (CoSe/C–NS) can be fabricated where the S-doped cobalt 2-methylimidazole (ZIF-67) as both sacrifice template and cobalt source to directly mix with selenium powder and followed by the annealing process. In the process, the carbon frameworks derived from ZIF-67 can establish a coating layer to protect the structure of materials, and simultaneously the N/S co-doping can enhance the conductivity and broaden the interlayer of frameworks. These can further accelerate the storage capacity and the Li + insertion and deintercalation process. As a negative electrode material of LIBs, the CoSe/C–NS delivers the high capacity, high rate performance, and long-term cycle stability. This protocol opens up an approvable approach to fabricate efficient anode materials with persistent electrochemical stability in LIBs. Graphical abstract

The present work addresses the optimal design of sandwich panels made of flax fabric (FF)/vinyl ester (VE) composite face sheets and honeycomb VE core. The sandwich structures are first optimized in terms of flammability by obtaining the best combination of ammonium polyphosphate (APP), halloysite nanotube (HNT), and magnesium hydroxide (MH) as three flame retardants (FRs). Using the Taguchi method and horizontal burning test, it is shown that [6, 3, and 3%] and [1, 0.5, and 0%] are the optimal combinations of APP, HNT, and MH for the face sheets and core, respectively. Cone calorimeter test results indicate that the optimal FR combinations significantly decrease the mass lost rate (MLR), heat rate release (HRR), total smoke release (TSR), and maximum average release heat emission (MARHE). The FR sandwich structures are then geometrically optimized under compressive loads based on their weight. Different failure modes are considered as the design constraints of the optimization problem. Imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA), as a powerful meta-heuristic algorithm, is implemented to considerably reduce the computational cost of the optimization process. The results of this study show that proper combinations of FR additives can increase the flame retardancy while decreasing the weight of sandwich panels.

Drug uptake and distribution through cell–receptor interactions are of prime interest in reducing the adverse effects and increasing the therapeutic effectiveness of delivered formulations. This study aimed to formulate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) conjugated to somatostatin analogs for specific delivery through somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) expressed on cells and by nebulizing the prepared AgNPs formulations into lung cells for in vivo application. AgNPs were prepared using the citrate reduction method, yielding AgNPs–CTT, which was further chemically conjugated to octreotide (OCT) to form AgNPs–OCT through an amide linkage. The AgNPs–OCT formulation was coated using alginate to yield a carrier, AgNPs–OCT–Alg, feasible for drug delivery through nebulization. AgNPs were uniform in size with an acceptable range of zeta potential. Furthermore, the concentrations of AgNP formulations were found safe for the model cell lines used, and cell proliferation was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner ( p < 0.05). In the healthy lung tissues, AgNPs–OCT–Alg accumulated at a concentration of 0.416 ± 5.7 mg/kg tissue , as determined via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. This study established the accumulation of AgNPs, specifically the AgNPs–OCT–Alg, in lung tissues, and substantiated the active, specific, and selective targeting of SSTRs at pulmonary sites. The anticancer efficacy of the formulations was in vitro tested and confirmed in the MCF-7 cell lines. Owing to the delivery suitability and cytotoxic effects of the AgNPs–OCT–Alg formulation, it is a potential drug delivery formulation for lung cancer therapy in the future.

Bi 2 S 3 nanostructures with various morphologies were synthesized through hydrothermal vulcanization at different sulfur precursor (thiourea) concentrations. A 100 nm thick sputter-deposited Bi 2 O 3 thin-film layer on a fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrate was used as a sacrificial template layer. The etching of the Bi 2 O 3 sacrificial template layer and the regrowth of Bi 2 S 3 crystallites during hydrothermal vulcanization produced the different Bi 2 S 3 nanostructure morphologies. The lowest sulfur precursor concentration (0.01 M) induced the formation of Bi 2 S 3 nanosheets, whereas the Bi 2 S 3 nanoribbons and nanowires were formed with increased sulfur precursor concentrations of 0.03 and 0.1 M, respectively. These results indicate that sputter-deposited Bi 2 O 3 thin-film layers can be effectively used to form low-dimensional Bi 2 S 3 crystals with controllable morphologies. Among the various Bi 2 S 3 samples, the Bi 2 S 3 nanosheets exhibited superior photoactive ability. The higher active surface area, surface defect density, light absorption capacity, and photo-induced charge separation ability of Bi 2 S 3 nanosheets explain their superior photoelectrocatalytic degradation ability of rhodamine B dyes.

In continuation of our previous studies, we developed polymeric epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG)-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) coupled with folic acid (FA), able to dually bind the human folate receptor alpha (FOLR1), and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA + ) in prostate cancer (PCa) model. After a preliminary computational molecular recognition of NP′ ligand binding on the FOLR1 active site, we synthesized the biocompatible block-copolymer PLGA–PEG–FA to prepare EGCG-targeted NPs (EGCG-T-NPs). The obtained NPs were characterized by various analytical techniques, and anticancer efficacy was determined by different sets of experiments in a 3D culture of PCa using PC3 and 22Rv1 cell lines. Results showed a significant reduction in spheroid size by EGCG-T-NPs, especially in PSMA + (22Rv1) cells. The targeted NPs significantly enhanced the antiproliferative activity of EGCG against PCa cell lines, especially toward the PSMA + cells, known to have higher FOLR1 expression. We did not observe any changes in the reactive oxygen species formation in both studied cell lines. However, significant changes in mitochondrial depolarization (15%) and polarization (18%) were recorded in response to EGCG-T-NP compared to control in 22Rv1. Similarly, EGCG-T-NP treatment also showed an increase in the number of dead apoptotic cells in 22Rv1 spheroids. Collectively, the obtained results support our hypothesis about the role of these targeted nanoprototypes in the increasing cellular uptake of EGCG payload into PCa cells, thus enhancing its antitumor efficacy.

Two different nanosized mineral fillers (nano calcium carbonate and nanoclay) were used in the high density poly(ethylene) (HDPE) composites pilot plant production. Structural and mechanical properties of the prepared composites were examined in this study. The homogenous filler distribution was confirmed in the tested samples by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses. The fillers’ fortifying effect on polymer composites’ mechanical performance was confirmed as indicated by the increased elastic modulus and indentation modulus. Additionally, the possible modulation of the plastic-elastic mechanical behavior was confirmed by the type of the filler as well as its concentration used in the final composites testing articles.

This work examines the effects of plasticizer type and concentration on mechanical, physical, and antibacterial characteristics of sugar palm nanocellulose/sugar palm starch (SPS)/cinnamon essential oil bionanocomposite films. In this research, the preparation of SPS films were conducted using glycerol (G), sorbitol (S), and their blend (GS) as plasticizers at ratios of 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 wt%. The bionanocomposite films were developed by the solution casting method. Plasticizer Plasticizers were added to the SPS film-forming solutions to help overcome the fragile and brittle nature of the unplasticized SPS films. Increasing plasticizer contents resulted in an increase in film thickness and moisture contents. On the contrary, the increase in plasticizer concentrations resulted in the decrease of the densities of the plasticized films. The increase in the plasticizer content from 1.5 to 4.5% revealed less influence towards the moisture content of S-plasticised films. For glycerol and glycerol-sorbitol plasticized (G and GS) films, higher moisture content was observed compared to S-plasticised films. Various plasticizer types did not significantly modify the antibacterial activity of bionanocomposite films. The findings of this study showed significant improvement in the properties of bionanocomposite films with different types and concentrations of plasticizers and their potential for food packaging applications was enhanced. Graphical abstract Processing of bionanocomposite film with various types and concentrations of plasticizers.

To reduce the thermal deformation of ball screws, the process of nano coating preparation for coating on ball screws to reduce temperature rise and thereby thermal deformation was discussed in this article. Simultaneously, the cooling mechanism was presented. The thermal channels and the relatively even distribution of graphene in the nano coating were observed in scanning electron microscopic images. In terms of the preparation of nano coating, optimization design was carried out to obtain the optimized material ratio and nozzle flow through orthogonal experiment. The influence of design parameters of nano coating on reducing thermal deformation was also discussed. The experimental results show that the maximum temperature rise, thermal deformation, and time to reach thermal balance decreased by 12.5, 69.1, and 46.3%, respectively. The effectiveness of nano coating in reducing thermal deformation was validated experimentally. Graphical abstract

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymers have been widely studied due to their excellent piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity. In this study, composite films are prepared by adding Ni nanoparticles (0.00–0.3 wt%) into poly(vinylidene fluoride- co -hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF–HFP) matrix by solution casting, uniaxial stretching, and high electric field poling. It is found that when the maximum electric field E max for poling is 130 MV m −1 , the calibrated open circuit voltage of the pure PVDF–HFP films reaches 3.12 V, which is much higher than those poled by a lower electric field (70 MV m −1 : 1.40 V; 90 MV m −1 : 2.29 V). This result shows that the effect of poling on the generated output voltage is decisive. By adding 0.1 wt% Ni nanoparticles, it increases to 3.84 V, 23% higher than that of the pure PVDF–HFP films. To further understand the enhancement mechanism, the effects of Ni nanoparticles on initial crystallization, uniaxial stretching, and high electric field poling are investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry.

The problem of non-Newtonian Casson thin film flow of an electrically conducting fluid on a horizontal elastic sheet was studied using suitable dimensionless transformations on equations representing the problem. The thin film flow and heat mechanism coupled with mass transfer characteristics are basically governed by the slip velocity, magnetic field, and the dissipation phenomenon. The present numerical analysis by the shooting method was carried out to study the detailed, fully developed heat and mass transfer techniques in the laminar thin film layer by solving the competent controlling equations with eight dominant parameters for the thin liquid film. Additionally, the predicted drag force via skin-friction coefficient and Nusselt and Sherwood numbers were correlated. In view of the present study, a smaller magnetic parameter or a smaller slip velocity parameter exerts very good influence on the development of the liquid film thickness for the non-Newtonian Casson model. Furthermore, a boost in the parameter of unsteadiness causes an increase in both velocity distribution and concentration distribution in thin film layer while an increase in the same parameter causes a reduction in the film thickness. Likewise, the present results are observed to be in an excellent agreement with those offered previously by other authors. Finally, some of the physical parameters in this study, which can serve as improvement factors for heat mass transfer and thermophysical characteristics, make nanofluids premium candidates for important future engineering applications.

With the recent acceleration of industrialisation and urbanisation, increasing quantities of demolished construction waste and waste tyres are being produced. The production of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) and rubber particles from this waste, for use as partial or full replacements of normal aggregate in cement concrete, is attracting attention as a solution to the problem of solid waste management. However, the greater incidence of defects in RCA and rubber particles than in normal aggregate limits their application in construction industries. This study evaluated an economic and environmental approach to optimise the performance of rubberised concrete with RCA. Two types of nanomaterials, nano-SiO 2 (NS) solution and NS sol–gel, were used to pretreat RCA and rubber. The effect of the treatment time on the physical properties of the RCA was tested, and the mechanical properties of the rubberised mortar prepared with pretreated rubber were investigated. In addition, a compression test for the rubberised recycled aggregate concrete (RRAC) was designed using the Taguchi method. The effects of four factors (water–cement ratio, rubber content, rubber size, and aggregate treatment) on the stress–strain curve, compressive strength, elastic modulus, specific toughness, and failure patterns of RRAC were also analysed. The results showed that the NS-treated RCA exhibited lower water absorption rate and better mechanical properties. Moreover, the NS-modified rubber enhanced the compressive and flexural strengths of the rubberised mortar by 35 and 17%, respectively. Interestingly, it was found that simultaneous treatment of both RCA and rubber could negatively affect RRAC. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that NS improved the interfacial transition zone separating RCA and rubber from the cement matrix, whereas the pretreated RCA tended to bond with the pretreated rubber in RRAC. Graphical abstract

In order to explore the engineering application potential of coal gangue-based geopolymer concrete (CGGPC), this article formulated the fiber-reinforced coal gangue-based geopolymer concrete (FRCGGPC). The mechanical properties of the specimens were tested to analyze the effects of different types and dosing amounts of fibers on the mechanical properties of CGGPC. The microscopic morphology of the specimens was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the strengthening mechanism of fibers on the mechanical properties of the CGGPC. The experimental results show that the splitting tensile strength of FRCGGPC can be improved obviously, but the improvement of compressive strength is not obvious. The control groups containing steel fiber (SF) and polyester fiber (PF) had peaks in their compressive strength. Under the same dosage, the effect of SF and PF on the splitting tensile strength of FRCGGPC is better than basalt fiber. The results of SEM analysis show that within a certain range of dosage, the fiber is closely combined with the matrix, which has a good force transmission effect and strengthens the matrix material. When the fiber dosage is too much, it is easy to agglomerate, which leads to the decrease in the mechanical properties of the specimens.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles have unique catalytic and oxygen storage capacity properties. In this work, the morphology and size of cerium oxide nanoparticles were experimentally and theoretically investigated. For the synthesis of nanoparticles, the laser ablation method was used. The analysis of the size and morphological characteristics of nanoparticles was performed using transmission electron microscopy. Using the method of molecular dynamics, we reveal the limiting dimensional transition from octahedral morphology to a spherical form in cerium oxide nanoparticles. The results obtained will be relevant for the controlled synthesis of nanostructured materials based on cerium oxide.

This study investigates the effect of a bio-surfactant gelatin-modified carbon nanotubes (g-CNTs) on the fiber interfacial property and matrix performance of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite. Transverse fiber bundle test (TFBT) and in situ three-point bending test were conducted to analyze the fiber/matrix interfacial normal strength (IFNS) and bulk mechanical performance of the CNTs–CFRP composite. The results showed that g-CNTs have superb affinity and uniformity wrapping on the surface of carbon fiber via 2 min electrophoretic deposition (EPD) under a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL and a voltage strength of 10 V/cm, resulting in an increase of 40.3% of IFNS and 22.1%/25.3% of flexural strength/modulus of CFRP composites. Meanwhile, g-CNTs can also evenly distribute in the resin matrix with an improvement of 12.6% of IFNS and 20.3%/11.4% of flexural strength/modulus of CFRP composites under 0.1 wt% loading. This study provides a mechanism basis for the subsequent introduction of g-CNTs for the development of advanced CNT-reinforced CFRP composite.

In this paper, we reviewed the recent advances in nanoscale modifications and evaluated their potential for dental implant applications. Surfaces at the nanoscale provide remarkable features that can be exploited to enhance biological activities. Herein, titanium and its alloys are considered as the main materials due to their background as Ti-based implants, which have been yielding satisfactory results over long-term periods. At first, we discussed the survivability and the general parameters that have high impacts on implant failure and the necessities of nanoscale modification. Afterward, fabrication techniques that can generate nanostructures on the endosseous implant body are categorized as mechanical, chemical, and physical methods. These techniques are followed by biomimetic nanotopographies ( e.g. , nanopillars, nanoblades, etc. ) and their biological mechanisms. Alongside the nanopatterns, the applications of nanoparticles (NPs) including metals, ceramics, polymers, etc. , as biofunctional coating or delivery systems are fully explained. Finally, the biophysiochemical impacts of these modifications are discussed as essential parameters for a dental implant to provide satisfactory information for future endeavors.

Clathrate hydrates find diverse significant applications including but not limited to future energy resources, gas storage and transport, gas separation, water desalination, and refrigeration. Studies on the nucleation, growth, dissociation, and micro/nanoscale properties of clathrate hydrates that are of utmost importance for those applications are challenging by experiments but can be accessible by molecular simulations. By this method, however, identification of cage structures to extract useful insights is highly required. Herein, we introduce a hierarchical topology ring (HTR) algorithm to recognize cage structures with high efficiency and high accuracy. The HTR algorithm can identify all types of complete cages and is particularly optimized for hydrate identification in large-scale systems composed of millions of water molecules. Moreover, topological isomers of cages and n × guest@cage can be uniquely identified. Besides, we validate the use of HTR for the identification of cages of clathrate hydrates upon mechanical loads to failure.

The addition of microalloying elements improves the microstructure and properties of copper-based materials. In this study, WCu composites are synthesized in situ with Fe, Ni, or Mn as microalloying elements, and the effects of each element on the microstructural characteristics of the obtained composite are investigated. Fe, Ni, and Mn can be added in situ to WCu composites by thermite reduction. Increasing the temperature is not conducive to the reduction of MnO 2 by Al. Ni, Fe, and Mn were well dissolved in the copper matrix, and their contents decreases in turn, while the Al content in the matrix increases in turn. Mn clearly reduces the size of tungsten particles, and the size reduction effect of the microalloying elements on tungsten particles follows the order Mn > Fe > Ni. The effect on the wettability of the interface follows the order Ni > Mn > Fe. Increasing the interfacial wetting is not conducive to the refinement of tungsten particles.

Assessment of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) tumor marker status is an impressive factor in screening, diagnosing and monitoring breast cancer (BC). The electrochemical biosensor is a revolutionary method in cancer diagnosis, which is used in this research to detect HER2 + circulating tumor cells. The electrochemical activity, size, shape, and morphology of the synthesized nanomaterials were analyzed. The hybrid nanocomposite established by the coupling of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (rGONs) and rhodium nanoparticles (Rh-NPs) on the surface of graphite electrode resulted in improved surface area, electrochemical activity, and biocompatibility. The graphite electrode-based aptasensor (g-aptasensor) demonstrated exceptional performance against HER2-overexpressed SKBR3 cancer cells, with a linear dynamic range of 5.0 to 10.0 × 10 4  cells/mL, an analytical limit of detection (LOD) as low as 1.0 cell/mL, and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 3.0 cells/mL. The G-rich DNA aptamers can fold into an intermolecular G-quadruplex, which specifically bind to the target molecule. Consequently, the advantages of this highly efficient nanocomposite platform include broad dynamic range, high specificity, selectivity, stability, reproducibility, and low cost. These characteristics indicate that the fabricated nanobiosensor has a high potential for use in detecting and monitoring HER2 level for the care of BC patients and clinical diagnosis.

To investigate the effect of nano carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (nano CFRP) on retrofitting reinforced concrete (RC) structures, this article presented the progressive collapse performance of two half-scale four-bay RC frames including one control specimen S1 and specimen S2 with nano CFRP retrofitting beam ends. The progressive collapse performance was discussed by comparing crack patterns, failure mode, load–displacement curves, horizontal displacement, strains, and rotational and energy dissipation capacity. The test results demonstrated that nano CFRP did not change the ductile beam-hinge failure mode, but improved the load-bearing capacity and ductility efficiently, and postpone shear failure of the joint core region obviously. Due to the insufficient development of plastic hinges limited by nano CFRP, S2 failed to enter catenary action, which revealed its own defects in anti-progressive collapse. It was shown that the retrofitting strategy using nano CFRP can substantially improve the mechanical characteristics and implement the strong column-weak beam failure mode.

An in situ Schiff-base condensation between p -phthalaldehyde (PPD) and 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene (TAPB) or 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)triazine (TAPT) was actualized in the presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), producing imine-linked hyperbranched poly(PPD-TAPB) and poly(PPD-TAPT)-coated CNTs (abbreviated as CNT@HBP-1 and CNT@HBP-2, respectively). Such quasi-1D core–shell heterostructures are interleaved to build robust 3D networks with porous internal channels, which are favorable for efficient electron transport and ion diffusion, exposing active sites, fast redox kinetics, and high electrochemical utilization. When used as Li-ion anodes, both CNT@HBP-1 and CNT@HBP-2 exhibit larger specific capacity, better rate performance, and higher cycling stability compared to their pure polymers. Furthermore, CNT@HBP-2 delivers higher reversible capacities of 351 mA h g −1 at 0.05 A g −1 , and 81 mA h g −1 at 1.0 A g −1 , respectively, compared to CNT@HBP-1 (335 and 56 mA h g −1 ). Besides, CNT@HBP-2 retains 268 mA h g −1 over 100 cycles at 0.1 A g −1 , and 617 mA h g −1 in the 500th cycles at 0.5 A g −1 , respectively, outperforming CNT@HBP-1 (155 and 256 mA h g −1 ). Further improvements in the electrochemical performance for CNT@HBP-2 relative to CNT@HBP-1 are attributable to the incorporation of additional redox-active triazine units into HBP-2. This work would unlock insights into the rational development of metal-free polymer-based electrodes for rechargeable batteries.

This research is conducted to investigate heat and mass transport past over a stretched surface having pores in a pseudo-plastic model. To study porosity effect, Darcy Forchheimer relation is used. Thermal and mass transport expressions are derived by engaging the double diffusion theories as extensively used by researchers proposed by Cattaneo and Christov. Furthermore, the thermal performance is studied by mixing the tri-hybrid nanoparticles in a pseudo-plastic material. The phenomenon of boundary layer is used to derive the complex model. The correlation for tri-hybrid nanoparticles is used to convert the model partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations (ODE) along with appropriate similarity transformation. The transfigured ODEs are coupled nonlinear in nature, and the exact solution is not possible. To approximate the solution numerically, finite element scheme (FES) is used and code is developed in MAPLE 18.0 for the graphical results, grid independent survey, and tabular results. The obtained results are compared with the published findings that confirm the accuracy and authenticity of the solution and engaged scheme. From the performed analysis, it is concluded that FES can be applied to complex engineering problems. Furthermore, it is monitored that nanoparticles are essential to boost the thermal performance and higher estimation of Schmidt number control the mass diffusion.

This article analyzes the tensile modulus of shape memory polymer nanocomposites (SMPNs) at ambient temperature. Several conventional models, such as rule of mixtures, Halpin–Tsai and Kerner–Nielsen, cannot practically estimate the modulus due to the absence of some main parameters for nanocomposites. Additionally, some parameters in Kerner–Nielsen and Sato–Furukawa models are useless and ineffective, due to the small concentration and high modulus of nanofillers in SMPNs. Therefore, Kerner–Nielsen and Sato–Furukawa models are simplified and modified to deliver the simple models for calculation of modulus in SMPNs. Various nanocomposite samples are provided to prove the validity of the suggested models. The results demonstrate that the predictions of the suggested models have a good match with the experimental results. The models also demonstrate high simplicity and good accuracy for the calculation of modulus in SMPNs at ambient temperature. Generally, the calculated results disclose that the modified Kerner–Nielsen model is preferable for approximation of modulus in SMPNs.

Tin sulfide nanoparticles were prepared from tin( ii ) dithiocarbamate complexes: bis(benzylmethyl dithiocarbamate)tin( ii ) (SnS1), bis(dibenzyl dithiocarbamato)tin( ii ) (SnS2), and bis(imidazolyldithiocarbamato)tin( ii ) (SnS3) single-source precursors. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the as-prepared tin sulfide nanoparticles confirmed orthorhombic crystalline phase irrespective of the tin( ii ) dithiocarbamate precursors used to prepare the tin sulfide nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopic images showed SnS nanoparticles with average particle size of 1.35 ± 0.04 nm for SnS1, 2.63 ± 0.65 nm for SnS2, and 1.55 ± 0.15 nm for SnS3. The energy bandgap of the SnS nanoparticles obtained from Tauc plots are in the range 3.80–4.37 eV. The as-prepared SnS nanoparticles were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B with efficiency of 90.97, 61.53, and 80.26% for SnS1, SnS2, and SnS3, respectively, while for phenol degradation efficiency was 96.45, 75.13, and 90.69% after 180 min. The results indicate that the as-prepared SnS nanoparticle are efficient photocatalyst for rhodamine B and phenol degradation. The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B and phenol follows pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics model from which the photodegradation rate could be obtained. Scavenger studies show that electrons (e − ), hydroxy radicals (˙OH), and holes (h + ) play significant role in the photodegradation of rhodamine B and phenol by the SnS nanoparticles. Recyclability studies show the SnS photocatalyst could be reused for four cycles without losing its photodegradation ability.

This study presents the fabrication of polyethyleneimine (PEI)–graphene-derived rice husk char (GRHC)/activated carbon nanofiber (ACNF) composites via electrospinning and physical activation processes and its adsorption performance toward CO 2 . This study was performed by varying several parameters, including the loading of graphene, impregnated and nonimpregnated with amine, and tested on different adsorption pressures and temperatures. The resultant ACNF composite with 1% of GRHC shows smaller average fiber diameter (238 ± 79.97 nm) with specific surface area ( S BET ) of 597 m 2 /g, and V micro of 0.2606 cm 3 /g, superior to pristine ACNFs (202 m 2 /g and 0.0976 cm 3 /g, respectively). ACNF/GRHC0.01 exhibited CO 2 uptakes of 142 cm 3 /g at atmospheric pressure and 25°C, significantly higher than that of pristine ACNF’s 69 cm 3 /g. The GRHC/ACNF0.01 was then impregnated with PEI and further achieved impressive increment in CO 2 uptake to 191 cm 3 /g. Notably, the adsorption performance of CO 2 is directly proportional to the pressure increment; however, it is inversely proportional with the increased temperature. Interestingly, both amine-impregnated and nonimpregnated GRHC/ACNFs fitted the pseudo first-order kinetic model (physisorption) at 1 bar; however, best fitted the pseudo second-order kinetic model (chemisorption) at 15 bar. Both GRHC/ACNF and PEI-GRHC/ACNF samples obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, which indicates monolayer adsorption. At the end of this study, PEI-GRHC/ACNFs with excellent CO 2 adsorption performance were successfully fabricated.

The coupling of metal oxide nanoparticles and electrochemically active polymers has been considered as an effective way to improve the lithium storage performance of individual electrode materials. This work reports an electrospinning process followed by thermal annealing to produce composite nanofibers of cyclized-polyacrylonitrile (cPAN) containing Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles (cPAN/Co 3 O 4 ). The as-prepared cPAN/Co 3 O 4 nanofiber exhibits a porous nanostructure with an average diameter of 85 nm. When used for lithium-ion battery, the cPAN/Co 3 O 4 anode delivers a reversible specific capacity as high as 997.6 mA h g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 , and still maintains 396.5 mA h g −1 at 1.0 A g −1 . Meanwhile, the cPAN/Co 3 O 4 anode shows good cycling stability with a retention of 81% capacity after running 50 cycles at 0.1 A g −1 . The electrochemical performance of cPAN/Co 3 O 4 significantly outperforms its individual counterparts of cPAN and Co 3 O 4 .

Electrochemical response causing pitting corrosion of high-strength high carbon steel wire in deaerated electrolyte at pH 13.4 due to different chloride ion (Cl − ) concentrations was investigated using open circuit potential, cyclic potentiodynamic polarization, and anodic potentiostatic application (APA) within the passive zone. Results showed that the higher the Cl − concentration, the more negative the corrosion potential becomes. In the high alkaline pH 13.4 without the presence of free oxygen gas the Cl − concentration could reach up to 1 M not showing pitting potential. An inverse relationship between anodic potentials (APs) and Cl − concentrations was found and the rate of corrosion within passive period was almost a constant, not influenced by the Cl − concentrations. Faraday´s law failed to predict the mass loss when active pitting corrosion occurred. Green rust and hydrogen gas were observed during active pitting corrosion under APA. Pitting corrosion mechanism in the deaerated high alkaline electrolyte was then proposed. This work deduces that in the deaerated electrolyte at pH 13.4 with the presence of Cl − , it is essential to apply the APs within the safety margin on the high-strength high carbon steel wire to avoid active pitting corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement. Graphical abstract

Sorafenib (SFB) is an anticancer drug with sparingly water solubility and reduced bioavailability. Nanoformulation of SFB can increase its dissolution rate and solubility. The current study aimed to formulate SFB in nanoparticles to improve their solubility. The sorafenib nanoparticles (SFB-PNs) were synthesized using the solvent evaporation method, then evaluated for their particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta-potential, morphological structure, and entrapment efficiency (EE%). Further, the anticancer efficacy in A549 and Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cancer cell lines was evaluated. The SFB-NPs were uniform in size, which have 389.7 ± 16.49 nm, PDI of 0.703 ± 0.12, and zeta-potential of −13.5 ± 12.1 mV, whereas transmission electron microscopy showed a well-identified spherical particle. The EE% was found to be 73.7 ± 0.8%. SFB-NPs inhibited the cell growth by 50% after 48 h incubation, with IC 50 of 2.26 and 1.28 µg/mL in A549 and MCF-7, respectively. Additionally, SFB-NPs showed a significant decrease ( P < 0.05) in p21 , and stathmin-1 gene expression levels in both cell lines. Moreover, SFB-NPs showed a significant increase in DNA damage of 25.50 and 26.75% in A549 and MCF-7, respectively. The results indicate that SFB-NPs are a potential candidate with an effective anticancer agent compared with free drugs.

Recently, nanotechnology has been effectively used in the field of road pavement. Oxidation and aging of asphalt cause deterioration of road pavements and increase asphalt-related emissions. We propose an anti-aging strategy to interrupt the asphalt deterioration by using engineered clay/fumed silica nanocomposites. In this research, the morphological, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of nano-modified asphalt binders are meticulously analyzed in various conditions. The experiment results proved that this composite efficiently disrupts the chemical oxidation and decomposition in the mixture and reduces the aging rate. Remarkably, asphalt binder rheology experiments revealed that the addition of 0.2–0.3 wt% of nano-reinforced materials maximized their rheological resistance after short- and long-term aging. Moreover, nanoparticles improve the moisture resistance efficiency and in turn overcome the critical issue of moisture in low production temperature within the framework of warm mix asphalt technology. This cost-effective, facile, and scalable approach in warm mix asphalt mixtures can contribute to increased sustainability and lifespan of pavements and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Graphical abstract

Dielectric elastomer (DE) is widely used in various fields because of its advantages of large deformation, lightweight, and good flexibility. In this article, based on our previous research work, the actuation performance of the cone dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) is studied first, and the influence of loading voltage, domain ratio, and additional load on the displacement and output force of DEA is analyzed and discussed. Then, a three-dimensional model of displacement and force of DEA is established. At last, the relationship between the structure and the performance of DE is discussed from the microscopic point of view. The results show that the output displacement and force of the cone DEA increase with the increase of loading voltage and additional load. The three-dimensional model graph of cone DEA can reflect the performance change of DEA well. The design with different domain ratios is the key factor that influences the final DEA actuator, which has a great influence on the cross-link density and chain length in the DE structure. By making clear the regulating function of external environment factors, we can design DEA with different configurations, which lays a good foundation for the further development of DEA and enlarges the potential application scope of DEA.

Resourceful beyond-graphene two-dimensional (2D) carbon crystals have been proposed/synthesized; however, the fundamental knowledge of their melting thermodynamics remains lacking. Here, the structural and thermodynamic properties of nine contemporary 2D carbon crystals upon heating are investigated using first-principle-based ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations. Those 2D carbon crystals show distinct evolution of energetic and Lindemann index that distinguish their thermal stabilities. There are two or three critical temperatures at which structural transformation occurs for non-hexagon-contained 2D carbon allotropes. Analysis of polygons reveals that non-hexagon-contained 2D carbon crystals show thermally induced hex-graphene transitions via mechanisms such as bond rotations, dissociation, and reformation of bonds. The study provides new insights into the thermodynamics and pyrolysis chemistry of 2D carbon materials, as well as structural transitions, which is of great importance in the synthesis and application of 2D materials in high-temperature processing and environment.

In this work, the effect of common functional groups, namely hydroxyl, formyl, carboxyl, and amine groups on the interfacial behavior of surface-modified glass fiber-reinforced epoxy is investigated at molecular scale. The interfacial properties of the epoxy/silica coated with different functional group systems are quantified by performing pulling test using the steered molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that the system with hydroxyl groups has a relatively lower interfacial interaction, exhibiting an adhesive failure mode. When partial hydroxyl groups are replaced by carboxyl, amine, and formyl groups, respectively, the interfacial interactions are increased and these systems exhibit a cohesive failure mode where failure happens in the epoxy close to interface. A relatively higher force is required for the adhesive debonding, while more energy can be dissipated for the cohesive debonding. Because the increased interfacial interactions can prevent the mobility of polymer chains, and delay the propagation of micropores in the matrix, leading to the epoxy matrix with a high ability of energy absorption. Our work provides an insight into how functional groups affect the interface debonding behavior of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy, offering a guideline for control of the interfacial properties of such composites through surface modification techniques.

The micromechanical behavior of an Al/Al 2 Cu/Cu multilayer with characteristic crystal orientation during uniaxial tensile deformation was investigated by molecular dynamics. The simulation results showed that under tensile loading, the dislocation nucleates at the Cu/Al 2 Cu heterogeneous interface and moves toward the Cu layer along the {111} crystal plane. The deformation mechanism is intralayer confinement slip. As the dislocations proliferated, interactions between them occurred; resulting in the formation of insertion stacking faults and deformation twins in the Cu and Al layers. However, no dislocation lines were generated in the Al 2 Cu layer during tensile deformation. As the load increased, the stress concentration at the Al 2 Cu/Al interface led to the fracture of the complex. In addition, the microplastic deformation mechanism and mechanical properties of Al/Al 2 Cu/Cu composites at different temperatures and strain rates were significantly different. These results revealed the microdeformation mechanism of laminated composites containing brittle phases.

Transparent luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) windows with edge-attached photovoltaic (PV) cells have the potential for improving building efficiency without compromising aesthetics and comfort. Optimization of such windows requires an inexpensive simulator for experimenting with various designs. We report, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the simulator of a transparent LSC window in the form of a plastic container filled with a colloid of photoluminescent nanoparticles (NPs) in an organic solvent (1-propanol). The exemplary NPs were produced by ball milling of the powder of rare earth (RE)-doped phosphor NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ synthesized by the wet method. The NPs converted the ultraviolet (UV) solar spectrum into visible/near infrared (NIR) via spectral down-shifting and down-conversion (quantum cutting). With a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of the phosphor <0.4%, the LSC at a nanocolloid concentration of ∼0.1 g solids per 100 mL liquids demonstrated a power conversion efficiency of 0.34% and a power concentration ratio of ∼0.022 comparable to the LSCs with RE-doped NPs with 200 times greater PLQY. At the same time, the 3 cm thick LSC window simulator had ∼90% transmittance to the sunlight. The content and concentration of the nanocolloid could be easily modified to optimize the LSC window performance without a costly window making process.

In this study, we investigated the mechanical properties and chloride ion permeation resistance of geopolymer mortars based on fly ash modified with nano-SiO 2 (NS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber and metakaolin (MK) at dose levels of 0–1.2% for PVA fiber and 0–2.5% for NS. The Levenberg–Marquardt (L–M) back propagation (BP) neural network, as well as the radial-based function (RBF) neural network, was used to predict the compressive strength and chloride ion permeation resistance of the geopolymer mortar with different admixtures of nanoparticles and PVA fiber, wherein the electric flux value was used as the index for chloride ion permeation performance. The RBF–BP composite neural network was constructed to study the compressive strength and chloride ion permeation resistance of nanoparticle-doped and PVA fiber ground geopolymer mortars. According to the experimental results of the RBF–BP composite neural network model, the mean square error (MSE) was observed to be 0.00071943, root mean square error (RMSE) was 0.026822, and mean absolute error (MAE) was 0.026822, thereby showing higher prediction accuracy, faster convergence, and better fitting effect compared with the single BP neural network and RBF neural network models. In this study, we combined the RBF–BP composite artificial neural network, providing a new method for the future assessment of the compressive strength and chloride ion penetration resistance of geopolymer mortar merging PVA fibers and NS in experiments and engineering studies.

Cobalt is a promising material for electronic interconnections in the post-Moore law period. However, the vertical cobalt pillar is not fully compatible with the current electroplating-involved manufacturing process due to hydrogen evolution at the cathode and poor throwing power of the products. In this article, electrodeposition with multiple organic additives was employed to realize the fabrication of cobalt pillars. Electrochemical measurements were used to investigate the depolarization of 3-mercapto-1-propane sulfonate sulfonic acid (MPS) and the polarization of the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) during cobalt electrodeposition. Notably, the competitive adsorption between MPS and PVP was verified and discussed in cobalt electrodeposition. In order to understand the adsorption and functional groups of the additives, quantum chemical calculations were performed to simulate the distribution of electrostatic potential and molecular orbital energy of the additives. Accordingly, the thiol group of MPS and the amide group of PVP were speculated to be the molecular adsorption sites in cobalt electrodeposition. The mechanism including three stages was proposed for cobalt pillar electrodeposition in solution with MPS and PVP. The electrodeposition of practical cobalt pillars with a depth of 50 µm and diameters of 60, 80, and 100 µm was successfully achieved by electroplating experiments, thereby promoting the application of metal cobalt for electronic packaging.

The heat transport and entropy formation of an unsteady Sutterby hybrid nanofluid (SBHNF) are investigated in this work. SBHNF’s flowing and thermal transport properties are investigated by exposing the nanofluid to a slippery hot surface. This analysis includes the influences of solid-shaped nanoparticles, porous materials, radiative flux, and viscous dissipative flow. The Galerkin finite element technique (G-FEM) is used to find self-similar solutions to equations that are then transformed into ODEs using appropriate transformations. This research considers two diverse kinds of nanosolid-particles, copper (Cu) and graphene oxide (GO), using non-Newtonian engine-oil (EO) as the working fluid. In the flowing, energy, skin friction, Nusselt number, and entropy production, important findings for the various variables are visually depicted. The most notable finding of the analysis is that when SBHNF (GO–Cu/EO) is compared to a typical nanofluid (Cu–EO), the thermal transmission rate of SBHNF (GO–Cu/EO) gradually increases. Furthermore, heat transfer is greatest for spherical-shaped nanoparticles and lowest for lamina-shaped nanoparticles. The entropy in the model is increased when the size of the nanoparticles ϕ \phi is increased. The comparable impact is noticed once the radiation flowing N r {N}_{\text{r}} and Deborah number λ \lambda increase.

A new process for preparing vanadium by direct reduction of V 2 O 5 from the Mg–V 2 O 5 self-propagating system is proposed in this article. The reaction behavior and path of V 2 O 5 in the magnesiothermic reduction process were investigated using the XRD, SEM-EDS, laser particle size analyzer, and specific surface area analyzer. The experimental results show that the reaction of the V 2 O 5 –Mg system is a solid-solid reaction, and the initial reaction temperature is 570°C. Although the formation of MgV 2 O 4 spinel cannot be predicted via the calculation of thermodynamics, the presence of MgV 2 O 4 spinel is of great significance to the V 2 O 5 reduction process. Taking into account the characteristics of the gradual reduction of V 2 O 5 by Mg and the appearance of the MgV 2 O 4 spinel phase, the limiting link of the reaction may be the transition from MgV 2 O 4 to V. A reduction path of V 2 O 5 beyond the thermodynamic prediction is proposed: V 2 O 5 → V 3 O 5 → MgV 2 O 4 → V. The reaction temperature and the phase transformation process can be effectively controlled by adjusting the ratio of reactants and additives, and element V can be obtained by a one-step rapid self-propagating reaction and breaking through the reaction restriction link. In this experiment, the vanadium powder with a porous structure, a specific surface area of 3.44 m 2  g −1 , and the oxygen content of 4.86 wt% were obtained.

ZnS crystallite-loaded ZnO sheet composites were successfully synthesized through vulcanization of hydrothermally derived porous ZnO sheet templates. The sulfur precursor (Na 2 S: 0.05–0.25 M) concentration affects the ZnS loading content and surface morphology of the ZnO–ZnS composites. A higher sulfur precursor concentration increased the ZnS loading content and decreased the porosity of the ZnO–ZnS composites. The ZnO–ZnS sheet composites with the atomic composition ratio of ZnO larger than that of the decorated ZnS exhibited an enhanced photoactivity. By contrast, the overloading of ZnS crystallites on the ZnO template decreased photoactivity. The ZnO–ZnS sheet composite with a S/O atomic ratio of 0.61 exhibits the highest photoactivity among various samples. The enhanced charge separation efficiency because of the formation of ZnO/ZnS heterojunctions and porous structure allowed the synthesis of the ZnO–ZnS composite via hydrothermal vulcanization with 0.05 M Na 2 S, and shows the higher photoelectrochemical (PEC) degradation ability towards Rhodamine B solution among various samples. The scavenger tests and the proposed PEC-degradation mechanism demonstrate that superoxide radicals are the main active species for the degradation of the RhB solution. The experimental results herein show that the porous ZnO–ZnS sheet composite with a suitable phase ratio is promising for photoelectrocatalyst applications.

This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory responses induced by tungsten disulphide (WS 2 ) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS 2 ) nanoparticles (NPs) in human bronchial cells (BEAS-2B). For cytotoxicity assessment, the cells were exposed to different concentrations (2.5–200 µg/mL) of WS 2 -NPs or MoS 2 -NPs for 24 and 48 h and then the MTT assay was performed. Afterwards, long-term toxicity was assessed by the colony forming efficiency assay (CFEA) during a 10 days’ exposure of the cells. For pro-inflammatory responses, the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA was estimated by the real-time PCR method. Both nanomaterials showed similar cytotoxic effects on BEAS-2B cells assessed by the MTT assay, i.e. reduction in cell viability to approx. 60–70% at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 μg/mL after 24 and 48 h. The percentage viability remained relatively constant at this level across all concentrations above 5 μg/mL. In long-term exposure, both nanomaterials inhibited colony formation in a wide range of concentrations up to 100 µg/mL. MoS 2 -NPs were slightly more cytotoxic than WS 2 -NPs. Additionally, MoS 2 -NPs caused an increase in mRNA levels of cytokines, IL-1β, and IL-6 at concentration of 50 µg/mL, while WS 2 -NPs did not cause any changes in the level of mRNA for both cytokines. We also visualised the changes in the cells as a result of WS 2 -NPs or MoS 2 -NPs exposure (2.5 and 25 µg/mL) via holotomographic microscopy. This work demonstrates the hazardous potential of both nanomaterials and indicate that WS 2 and MoS 2 nanoparticles should be included in the occupational risk assessment.

Improving and reusing recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is an ideal approach to develop sustainability in the construction industry. In this article, a newly proposed physical compression casting method was used in combination with a treatment of nano-silica (NS) particles to enhance the properties of RAC. Although using NS contributed to accelerating hydration, promoting pozzolanic reaction, and increasing calcium-silicate hydrate gel, the enhancement in strength and reduction in porosity was found to be limited. Thus, the compression casting method was used to compensate for the weaknesses. The effects of compression casting, NS, and their combinations on the properties of RAC were investigated. At the macro-level, the stress–strain responses were evaluated by examining the compressive strength, peak strain, and modulus of elasticity. At the micro-level, the porosity and pore distribution along the interface transition zones (ITZs) were investigated using mercury intrusion porosimetry analysis and scanning electronic microscope imaging technology. Compared with normal RAC, the compressive strength achieved by using NS particles, compression casting, and their combination were increased by 37, 88 and 143%, respectively. The compression casting or combination of compression casting and NS particles treatment can effectively reduce the total porosity of the mortar and pore ratio along the ITZs.

The effects of a chemical reaction and radiative heat flux in a nonlinear mixed thermo-solutal convection flow of a viscoelastic nanoliquid from a stretchable surface are investigated theoretically. Newtonian heating is also considered. The upper-convected Maxwell (UCM) model is deployed to represent the non-Newtonian characteristics. The model also includes the influence of thermal radiation that is simulated via an algebraic flux model. Buongiorno’s two-component nanofluid model is implemented for thermophoretic and Brownian motion effects. Convective thermal and solutal boundary conditions are utilized to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of temperature and concentration distributions. Dimensionless equations are used to create the flow model by utilizing the appropriate parameters. The computed models are presented through a convergent homotopic analysis method (HAM) approach with the help of Mathematica-12 symbolic software. Authentication of HAM solutions with special cases from the literature is presented. The impact of various thermophysical, nanoscale and rheological parameters on transport characteristics is visualized graphically and interpreted in detail. Temperatures are strongly enhanced with Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameters. Velocity is boosted with the increment in the Deborah viscoelastic number and mixed convection parameter, and the hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness is reduced. A stronger generative chemical reaction enhances concentration magnitudes, whereas an increment in the destructive chemical reaction reduces them and also depletes the concentration boundary layer thickness. Temperature and concentration are also strongly modified by the conjugate thermal and solutal parameters. Greater radiative flux also enhances the thermal boundary layer thickness. Increasing the Schmidt number and the Brownian motion parameter diminish the concentration values, whereas they elevate the Sherwood number magnitudes, i.e. enhance the nanoparticle mass transfer rate to the wall.

This study carried out finite element dynamic analyses of carbon nanotubes/fiber/polymer composites (CNTFPC) with various geometries. In the first application, the effects of CNTs on the nonlinear transient responses of doubly curved shells for various cutout sizes and curvatures are studied. The numerical results obtained are in good agreement with those reported by other investigators. For the practical application, the focus of this study is to evaluate various performances of concrete structures reinforced with a rebar-type CNTFPC. The new results reported in this article show the interactions between CNT weight ratios and crack sizes in CNTFPC-reinforced concrete structures. Key observation points are discussed and a brief design guideline is given.

In the present study, pumpkin seed extract was used to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) along with evaluating its anticancer activity using different molecular biology tools in the human colorectal cancer cell line (HCT-116). Morphological and structural properties of the biogenically synthesized CuO NPs were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For estimating the anticancer efficacy, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide cytotoxicity, morphological alteration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and alterations in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were determined. SEM and TEM data revealed the formation of spherical nanoparticles possessing an average size of 20 nm. The CuO NPs showed 50% inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) at 25 µg/mL against the HCT-116 cell line. The treatment with IC 50 concentration of CuO NPs showed significant shrinking, detachment, membrane blebbing, and shape distortion of cancer cells. Similarly, the IC 50 dose of CuO NPs showed significantly early apoptosis in cancer cells compared to late apoptosis. The cancer cell line also showed a dose-dependent increase and decrease in ROS formation and MMP, respectively. The results obtained through various assays indicated significant anticancer efficacy of biogenically synthesized CuO NPs. Thus, further studies are recommended to validate our results using ex vivo and in vivo models.

Extraction from the herbs was performed using the Soxhlet method. Various formula was synthesized for niosomes containing the extracts through thin film synthesis technique, and the most efficient formulation was selected. Afterwards, physicochemical properties of niosomes, including size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficacy (EE%), extract release rate, non-interactive action between the extracts and niosomes, antibacterial potential, and cellular uptake were assessed. Finally, the toxicity level of the niosomes to breast cancer cells was compared and their impact on the expression of p53 and MCL-1 was evaluated. Our data demonstrated that the synthesized niosomes were sensitive to the temperature and pH. Also, the niosomes containing Hedera Helix extract (Nio-HHE) sized 97.7 nm, with a zeta potential of −19.9 ± 6.7 mV, PDI of 0.35, and 58 ± 2.4% encapsulation efficacy showed more toxicity to the cancer cells than the niosomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract (Nio-GGE) with the size of 111 ± 8.5 nm, zeta potential of −23.5 ± 4.5 mV, PDI of 0.113, and 69 ± 1.2% encapsulation efficacy. The former system proved to have more antibacterial potential, and affect the expression of the oncogenes more than the latter. Meanwhile, both niosomal systems demonstrated an acceptable cellular uptake, and no chemical interaction with the extracts was observed. Furthermore, useful function of the synthesized niosomes was confirmed by morphological assessments. Our data confirmed that encapsulation of herbal extracts improves their anticancer and antibacterial potential. We concluded that Nio-HHE has more significant antitumor effects on breast cancer cells than Nio-GGE. Consequently, applying nano drug delivery systems based on herbal therapy could mitigate the side effects resulting from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and offer promising perspectives for treatment of breast cancer.

This study is focused to elaborate on the effect of heat source/sink on the flow of non-Newtonian Burger nanofluid toward the stretching sheet and cylinder. The current flow analysis is designed in the form of higher order nonlinear partial differential equations along with convective heat and zero mass flux conditions. Suitable similarity transformations are used for the conversion of higher order nonlinear partial differential equations into the nonlinear ordinary differential equations. For the computation of graphical and tabular results, the most powerful analytical technique, known as the homotopy analysis method, is applied to the resulting higher order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The consequence of distinct flow parameters on the Burger nanofluid velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are determined and debated in a graphical form. The key outcomes of this study are that the Burger nanofluid parameter and Deborah number have reduced the velocity of the Burger nanofluid for both the stretching sheet and cylinder. Also, it is attained that the Burger nanofluid temperature is elevated with the intensifying of thermal Biot number for both stretching sheet and cylinder. The Burger nanofluid concentration becomes higher with the escalating values of Brownian motion parameter and Lewis number for both stretching sheet and cylinder. The Nusselt number of the Burger nanofluid upsurges due to the increment of thermal Biot number for both stretching sheet and cylinder. Also, the different industrial and engineering applications of this study were obtained. The presented model can be used for a variety of industrial and engineering applications such as biotechnology, electrical engineering, cooling of devices, nuclear reactors, mechanical engineering, pharmaceutical science, bioscience, medicine, cancer treatment, industrial-grid engines, automobiles, and many others.

Nanomaterials with unique nanotube arrays have attracted extensive attention in the field of blood-contacting biomaterials. In this study, the regular titanium dioxide nanotube arrays were first prepared on the pure titanium surface by anodic oxidation. Subsequently, copper ions (Cu 2+ ) and strontium ions (Sr 2+ ) were incorporated into the nanotubes by the chelation of dopamine to improve biocompatibility. The as-prepared TiO 2 nanotubes had an inner diameter of about 60 nm and an outer diameter of 90–110 nm, as well as a tube length of 4–6 µm. The following annealing treatment and the incorporation of Cu 2+ and Sr 2+ had little effect on the morphology and dimensions of the nanotubes, but can significantly improve the hydrophilicity, and promote the adsorption of bovine serum albumin concurrently inhibit the adsorption of fibrinogen, showing the effect of selective protein adsorption. At the same time, loading Cu 2+ and Sr 2+ can also effectively inhibit platelet adhesion and activation, promote endothelial cell growth, and upregulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and nitric oxide. Therefore, the results of this study showed that the incorporation of Cu 2+ and Sr 2+ into the TiO 2 nanotubes can simultaneously improve the hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility of endothelial cells, which can enlarge the application of titanium-based biomaterials in cardiovascular devices such as a stent.

The mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of tapioca starch films produced using a solvent casting method with varying concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs; 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35% w/w of solid starch) were investigated. The addition of 15% w/w CNP (size range: 20–50 nm) to the starch films (starch/CNP films) enhanced the tensile strength from 1.12 to 10.03 MPa (7.96-fold increment) and elongation at break from 67.00 to 90.77% (0.35-fold increment). However, the thermal stability of the starch films reduced slightly whereby the maximum degradation temperature decreased from 316.32 to 289.11°C (0.09-fold decrement) with the addition of CNP. The opacity of 15% w/w starch/CNP films increased from 8.07 to 14.67 due to the presence of CNP within the starch matrix that hinders the light transmission pass through the film. Furthermore, reductions in the water vapor permeability from 1.1 × 10 −11 to 0.63 × 10 −11  g/Pa h m (4-fold increment) and oxygen permeability from 7.38 × 10 −3 to 3.59 × 10 −3  cm 3 /m day Pa (0.51-fold increment) of the films were observed. Starch/CNP films fabricated in this work exhibit enhanced the mechanical and barrier properties, thus proving the promising potential to be employed as food packaging materials.

The surface adhesion mortar of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) is the main factor leading to poor aggregate quality, and it also affects the internal structure and mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). To improve the quality of RCA and mechanical properties of RAC, self-developed mortar removal equipment was used to strengthen the RCA. Then, the RCA was soaked in 1, 2, and 3% nano-silica solutions, and the vibration-mixing process was used to improve the quality of RAC. In addition, the microstructure of the RAC was examined via scanning electron microscopy to observe its improvement effect on the microstructure of the RAC. The results indicated that the quality of the RCA was improved by mechanical and physical strengthening, and the water-absorption rate and crushing value decreased by 32.9 and 23.9%, respectively. The improvement effect of nano-immersion on the RAC was obvious. The optimal condition was a combination of physical strengthening, 2 days of immersion in 2% NS solution, and vibration stirring. The 28 day compressive strength increased by 31.3%, the splitting tensile strength increased by 23%, and the flexural strength increased by 49%. The proposed strengthening method improves the mechanical properties and microstructure of RAC. The results of this study provided a technical reference for the mechanical strengthening of RAC and promotion of the application and popularization of RAC.

To date, the encapsulation of therapeutic enzymes in a protective matrix is an optimized strategy for the maintenance of their stability, facilitating their clinical application. However, the stability and activity of therapeutic enzymes are often in tension with each other. A rigid protective matrix may effectively maintain the stability of therapeutic enzymes, but it can reduce the diffusion of substrates toward the therapeutic enzyme active site, dramatically affecting their catalytic efficiency. Here, we exploited a kind of nanogels by in situ polymerization on the arginine deiminase (ADI) surface with 3-acrylamido-phenylboronic acid (APBA) monomer. These nanogels efficiently improved the thermal stability (25–75℃), the pH stability (pH 1–13), and protease (trypsin) stability of ADI due to the strong rigidity of the surface poly(APBA) shell. And even after 60 days of storage, ∼60% of the activity of ADI encapsulated by nanogels remained. Furthermore, ADI encapsulated by nanogels could efficiently degrade arginine to increase the ratio of citrulline to arginine in mice plasma. That is because autologous glucose binds with APBA leading to the hydrophilicity increase of nanogels, and then, the arginine molecules can readily diffuse toward the encapsulated ADI. This nanogel platform eases the tension between the stability and activity of therapeutic enzymes. The resulting nanogels can efficiently maintain the in vitro stability and the in vivo activity of therapeutic enzymes, facilitating the exploitation of new therapeutic enzyme formulations, which can be transported and stored in vitro for a long time and be applied effectively in vivo .

With the growing demand for sustainability and rapid development of nanotechnology, nanocellulose materials extracted from natural plants have attracted great attention. The incorporation of nanocellulose materials leads to a change in viscosity and yield stress on ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). Rheological parameters affect the mechanical strength and steel fiber distribution of UHPC significantly. Therefore, it is essential to adjust the matrix rheology within an appropriate range through nanocellulose materials. This study aims to propose a novel method to optimize steel fiber distribution and mechanical properties of UHPC by adjusting the matrix rheology with cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) suspensions. The relationship among CNF concentration, steel fiber distribution, and the mechanical properties of UHPC was established. Test results showed that the failure mode of UHPC containing CNFs changed from single cracking to multiple cracking, accompanied by 11–23% enhancement in tensile strength. With the increase of CNF concentrations, the probability density distribution functions of steel fiber orientation showed the trend toward the distribution with a larger inclination. The addition of CNF suspensions effectively reduced the number of steel fibers settling to the bottom of the specimens. Scanning electron microscopy analyses demonstrated that the nanoscale reinforcement by CNFs was conducive to improving the mechanical properties of UHPC.

To deal with the heat dissipation problem produced by a high integrated circuit, the preparation of heat spreaders with excellent heat transportation performance is increasing in demand. The Ti 3 C 2 MXene sheets and copper particles were fully contacted with cellulose nanofibers by a high-speed mixer, and the composite film was prepared as a heat spreader under the action of the vacuum-assisted filtration. The MXene sheets are connected by the esterification of the carboxyl group in MXene and the hydroxyl group in cellulose nanofibers to form a chemical bond and consist of the main skeleton of the composite film. Due to the synergistic effects of MXene and copper particles, the in-plane and out-of-plane thermal conductivities of the composite film reach 24.96 and 2.46 W m −1  K −1 , respectively. Compared with the pure cellulose nanofiber films, the thermal conductivity of composite films increased by 2819.2 and 187.6%, respectively. By designing two applications of composite films in the actual use process, the excellent heating conduction abilities in two directions have been proved. This measure to improve the thermal conductivities of composite films by MXene-copper binary fillers also provides ideas for the novel heat spreader. Graphical abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) has been regarded as a promising catalyst owing to its superior charge transport properties in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and photocatalytic hydrogen generation. However, a major bottleneck toward the utilization of TiO 2 photocatalysts is inefficient exploitation of visible light and low adsorption behavior. To address this issue, we fabricated a hybrid nanocomposite composed of one-dimensional N-doped TiO 2 nanotubes (N-TNTs) and two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (g-CNNs) to improve photocatalytic behavior. Furthermore, photogenerated electron–hole pairs in the hybrid N-TNT/g-CNN composites were efficiently separated by introducing g-CNNs. In addition, the improved specific surface area provided many active sites, resulting in higher photocatalytic reactions in kinetics. Based on these features, the Rhodamine B photocatalytic degradation efficiency was the highest, ∼85%, under solar-light irradiation in the N-TNT/g-CNN composites (7 wt% of the g-CNN content), which is two times higher than that of the N-TNT. Moreover, excellent durability and stability were observed after four cycles, which can be attributed to the extended optical absorption range and enhanced separation of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Graphical abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) have a critical function in mitigating the disease of fruits and vegetables. In the present investigation, the effects of three levels of concentrations (0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 mg/mL) of titanium dioxide NPs (TiO 2 -NPs) and silicon dioxide NPs (SiO 2 -NPs) were investigated against fungus Phomopsis vexans , bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum , and Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode). The present investigation’s findings found that the application of SiO 2 -NPs was more efficient against test pathogens in comparison to TiO 2 -NPs. The best result produced by SiO 2 -NPs against pathogenic strain was used in the molecular docking investigation with the protein of R. solanacearum to better understand the interaction of active amino acids with SiO 2 -NPs. The obtained results revealed that the administration of 0.20 mg/mL foliar spray of SiO 2 -NPs in plants with M. incognita improves up to 37.92% of shoot dry weight and increases 70.42% of chlorophyll content. P. vexans growth was suppressed by 41.2% with 0.62 mm of inhibition zone when SiO 2 -NPs were given at a dosage of 0.20 mg/mL. The reductions in egg hatching and M. incognita (J 2 ) mortality were greater in SiO 2 -NPs than in TiO 2 -NPs. The results of scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the application of both NPs harmed test pathogens. The confocal study also showed the penetration of NPs among test pathogens.

The aim of this work was to study the enhancement of thermal transportation in Carreau Yasuda liquid passed over a vertical surface in the presence of magnetic dipole. A mixture of tri-hybrid nanoparticles (Al 2 O 3 , MoS 3 , TiO 3 ) {\text{(Al}}_{2}{\text{O}}_{3}\text{,}\hspace{.25em}{\text{MoS}}_{3}{\text{, TiO}}_{3}\text{)} is inserted into the Carreau Yasuda liquid. The transport phenomenon of heat is derived in the presence of heat source/sink contribution. The concept boundary layer theory is engaged to derive the mathematical expression for momentum and energy in the form of coupled partial differential equations. The derivations are transformed into a set of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with the help of suitable similarity transformation. These converted ODEs have been handled numerically via finite element method. The grid-independent analysis is established for 300 elements. The impact of numerous involved parameters on temperature and velocity solution is plotted and their contribution is recorded. Temperature profile is inclined versus the higher values of heat generation and viscous dissipation numbers while thermal layers are also increasing the behavior. A vital role of magnetic dipole is examined to raise the production of thermal layers but declination is noticed in flow profile.

Rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted much interest as next-generation power sources due to their economical, safe, and capacity superiorities. However, the cathodes used in AZIBs always suffer from sluggish kinetics, inducing inadequate rate performance and poor cycle ability. Pre-intercalating transition metal element in the cathode materials offers an effective strategy for improving diffusion kinetics of Zn 2+ and thus the electrochemical activity. In this work, different proportions of Cu pre-intercalated V 2 O 5 were synthesized to form a composite phase of Cu 0.4 V 2 O 5 and VO 2 · n H 2 O nanosheets through the hydrothermal method. The reversible redox reaction of Cu 2+ and Cu 0 , accompanied by the phase changes of copper vanadate and zinc vanadate, contributes to an excellent battery performance. When the molar ratio between Cu precursor and commercial V 2 O 5 in the reaction solution is 1:2, the obtained material presents an outstanding electrochemical performance with the initial discharge capacity of 332 mAh g −1 at 0.2 A g −1 . The enlarged lattice distance together with the high conductivity leads to a high Zn ions diffusion rate of 10 −5  cm 2  s −1 . Even after 1,000 cycles at a current density of 2 A g −1 , the capacity attenuation is only 0.035% per cycle, exhibiting distinctive activities toward AZIBs.

Ultraviolet rays – B (UVB) can be efficiently absorbed by the cellular molecules of skin inducing damage within skin cells and a major cause of melanoma cancer. In recent years, several studies have reported the adverse effects of traditionally used organic and inorganic material-based sunscreens and UVB blockers. In this study, bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been used as a precursor to synthesize temperature- and pressure-dependent phase transition from sol (globular aggregates) – gel (hydrogels) – sol (carbon quantum dots) using a single-step hydrothermal method with an objective to develop an efficient and effective UVB blocker. The synthesized hydrogels exhibit UV – attenuation, self-fluorescence, and high biocompatibility properties that make them a suitable candidate for UV-blocker or sunscreen material. The biological efficacy of the hydrogels was studied through cyto-toxicity studies. Also, UVB blocking efficiency of developed hydrogel in primary mice skin cell culture as well as in vivo in mice model was studied. In vivo study on mice further demonstrated prominent thickening of stratum corneum and epidermis with perivascular edema in the dermis after 5 days of UVB exposure. Hence, this suggesting that hydrogel could be a potential candidate for protecting the skin from UVB exposure and reducing the threat of skin cancer. Graphical abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are extremely ideal nanofillers for applications in damping polymer. This work explores the damping behavior of polymer nanocomposite beams made of epoxy resin reinforced with CNTs and GNPs experimentally. Beam specimens for the vibration tests together with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) are fabricated with different weight ratios of CNTs and GNPs, upon which DMA and free vibration tests are conducted. Scanning electron microscope images are also obtained to check the dispersion of nanofillers in microscale. It is found that the first-order loss factor of composite beam specimens shows a rise of 41.1% at 0.4 wt% CNT content compared with that of pure epoxy, while the first-order loss factor of composite beam specimens with 0.025 wt% GNP content increases up by 128.9%. The maximum value of the first-order loss factor of nanocomposite beams with GNP reinforcement is 62.2% higher than that with CNTs.

Lightweight and high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are urgently required to solve increasingly serious radiation pollution. However, traditional lightweight EMI shielding materials usually show low EMI shielding performance, poor mechanical properties, and environmental stability, which greatly limit their practical applications. Herein Ni foam/graphene oxide/polyvinyl alcohol (Ni/GO/PVA) composite aerogels were successfully prepared by a freeze-drying method. The Ni/GO/PVA composite aerogels possessed low density (189 mg cm −3 ) and high compression strength (172.2 kPa) and modulus (5.5 MPa). The Ni/GO/PVA composite aerogel was hydrophobic, and their contact angle can reach 145.2°. The hydrophobic modification improved the environmental stability of the composite aerogels. Moreover, the Ni/GO/PVA composite aerogels exhibited excellent EMI shielding performance. Their maximum EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) can reach 87 dB at the thickness of 2.0 mm. When the thickness is only 1.0 mm, the EMI SE can still reach 60 dB. The electromagnetic energy absorption and attenuation mechanisms of Ni/GO/PVA composite aerogels include multiple reflection and scattering, dielectric loss, and magnetic loss. This work provides a promising approach for the design and preparation of the lightweight EMI shielding materials with superior EMI SE, which may be applied in various fields such as aircrafts, spacecrafts, drones, and robotics. Graphical abstract

Negative Poisson’s ratio (auxetic) material is one of the most widely studied metamaterials, and recent attempts have been made to discover auxeticity in graphene-based and related carbon-based materials. However, it is shown that negative Poisson’s ratio effect requires special conditions, such as high temperature. Achieving negative Poisson’s ratio effect under large strain at ambient conditions is the key to graphene materials in nano-device applications. In order to discover the auxetic properties of nanostructures under large strain, this article proposes periodically rotating graphene nanostructures (PRGNs) which are the combination of graphene and rotating rigid unit structures. Poisson’s ratio, Young’s modulus, and damage mechanism of PRGNs are investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. It can be possible to conclude that PRGNs can also exhibit auxetic behavior, and their negative Poisson’s ratio effect can be maintained even at large strains ( ε ∼ 0.1). Poisson’s ratio can be regulated by adjusting the value of the geometry parameters of the graphene sheets (GSs), which comprise the PRGNs, and changed from negative to positive and from positive to negative. Also, the influences of the structural size of GSs and the connection angle between GSs on the mechanical properties are explored, which will provide a theoretical basis for the preparation and performance optimization of GSs and the nano-auxetic properties of materials.

Most cementitious repair materials have non-ignorable drawbacks such as low strength, insufficient bonding, and low anti-permeability. Although the bonding and anti-permeability of repair mortars modified by polymer will be substantially improved, the compressive strength and component integrity will be decreased. Hereby six groups of cement mortars modified by varied dosages of Graphene Oxide (GO) and PA copolymer (GOPARMs) were prepared. The flexural strength ( f t ), compressive strength ( f c ), f t / f c , bond strength ( f b ), and chloride ion migration coefficient ( λ c ) of GOPARMs were systematically studied by axial compressive, three-bending, pull-out, RCM method, along with microstructure analysis. When GO and PA dosages are fixed at 0.03 and 5 wt%, respectively, the f t , f c , f t / f c , f b , and λ c of GOPARMs reach the best comprehensive performances, which are 6.4, 46.5, 0.14, 6.73 MPa, and 1.179 × 10 −12  m 2 /s. Compared with the control mortar, the f t , f c , f t /f c , and f b of GOPARMs are improved by 5.7, 12.3, 7, and 103%, respectively, and the corresponding λ c is dramatically reduced by 40.4%. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows that trace of GO can play a template nucleation effect on the hydration products’ morphology and microstructure of GOPARMs. Meanwhile, cured PA polymer can form hydrophobic film and fill the interfacial pores among hydration products, finally superior repairing performances of GOPARMs with optimal mix can be achieved. Graphical abstract

Carbon nanotube (CNT) film has attracted tremendous attention in functional material research for its unique structure and excellent properties. However, pristine CNT (PCNT) film is hydrophobic, and mechanical strength and conductivity are poor than reported individual CNT. These challenges impede its wide application. Highly efficient closed-loop recycling of both monomer and CNT film is a major challenge. Herein, hydrophilic CNT film with high mechanical strength and conductivity was prepared under the synergistic effects of in situ nitrogen doping and thiol-ene click reaction. The tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and electrical conductivity both in perpendicular and in longitudinal directions are 1,362, 1,658, 222, and 218% higher than those of PCNT film. Closed-loop recycling of CNT film and monomer with high recyclability (100 and 86.72%) has been achieved in a gentle acid environment. The CNT films are 100% recovered and reused to fabricate thiol-functionalized CNT film without deterioration of performance after three cycles, which provides a novel strategy for the preparation of high-performance CNT film and a pathway for high-efficiency closed-loop recycling of CNT film and monomer.

In this study, a two-layered thin-film structure consisting of a dispersed nanoscaled Ag 2 O phase and SnO 2 layer (SA) and a mono-composite film layer (CSA) consisting of a nanoscale Ag 2 O phase in the SnO 2 matrix are designed and fabricated for NO 2 gas sensor applications. Two-layered and mono-layered SnO 2 –Ag 2 O composite thin films were synthesized using two-step SnO 2 and Ag 2 O sputtering processes and Ag 2 O/SnO 2 co-sputtering approach, respectively. In NO 2 gas-sensing measurement results, both SA and CSA thin films that functionalized with an appropriate Ag 2 O content exhibit enhanced gas-sensing responses toward low-concentration NO 2 gas in comparison with that of pristine SnO 2 thin film. In particular, a gas sensor made from the mono-composite SnO 2 –Ag 2 O layer demonstrates apparently higher NO 2 gas-sensing performance than that of double-layered SnO 2 –Ag 2 O thin-film sensor. This is attributed to substantially numerous p–n junctions of Ag 2 O/SnO 2 formed in the top region of the SnO 2 matrix. The gas-sensing response of the optimal sample (CSA270) toward 10 ppm NO 2 gas is 5.91, and the response/recovery speeds in a single cycle dynamic response plot are 28 s/168 s toward 10 ppm NO 2 , respectively. Such a p–n thin-film configuration is beneficial to induce large electric resistance variation before and after the introduction of NO 2 target gas during gas-sensing tests. The experimental results herein demonstrate that the gas-sensing performance of p–n oxide composite thin films can be tuned via the appropriate design of composite thin-film configuration.

The simulation model represents the microstructure that can accurately analyze and predict composites’ micro-stresses and mechanical properties. The conventional representative volume element (RVE) model can only contain one single-particle form. It makes that all the particles in the simulation model have the same shape, which is significantly different from actual particles. In the present study, four typical particle-modeling methods were adopted to establish geometric models to analyze the particle morphology and RVE size selection rules. Particles with the same granularity and similar volume were selected to generate RVE models with randomly distributed particles to predict the mechanical properties and analyze the micro-stress. The micro-stress distribution of the matrix and particles conformed to the rule of normal distribution, while the stress of the interphase does not conform to this law. The particle morphology has a negligible effect on the stress distribution of the matrix; however, it has a significant influence on the stress distribution of particles and interphases, especially during plastic deformation. Furthermore, the micro-stress of composites containing nanoparticles also conforms to the above law, but the stress of the interphase is more minor, and the stress of particles is more dispersed than composites with micron particles.

The novel aligned polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) green core–shell nanofibers were reinforced to carbon fiber/epoxy prepregs and were manufactured through the vacuum bagging technique. Aligned nanofibers were achieved by suspending a grounded needle between the nozzle and the collector of electrospinning. The self-healing properties were tested through a periodic three-point bending test at an interval of 24 h at room temperature. The healing behavior was further confirmed through field-emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and an electrical conductivity test. The self-healing prepregs (1038.42 MPa) regained 66% of their original strength (1577.85 MPa) after the initial damage. EDX analysis confirmed the elements of the resin (VE (C, O)) and hardener (MEKP (C, O), CN (C, O, Co)) from the ruptured healing carriers. The damaged carbon prepregs healed by showing electrical conductivity of around 83%. The mechanical properties of self-healing composites were tested by tensile, flexural, and Izod impact tests and showed an increment in both flexural (7–12%) and impact strength (5–7%) with the addition of nanofibers. Overall, the research findings provided a design of eco-friendly carriers for carbon fiber-reinforced composites to obtain decent self-healing properties without deteriorating the mechanical strength.

In this study, three-dimensional (3D) printing of 3D scaffolds containing halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and strontium ranelate (SrR) as a carrier for the promotion of bone regeneration is investigated. SrR acts as an anabolic bone-forming and anti-catabolic agent, while HNTs act as a carrier of SrR. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is used as a biodegradable matrix and carrier for HNTs and SrR. The effects of the SrR addition on the morphological, biological, and in vitro release properties of the scaffolds are evaluated. The morphological results show a homogeneous structure with a proper pore size (approximately 400 µm) suitable for osteogenesis. The contact angle is decreased after the addition of SrR to the scaffold to 67.99°, suitable for cell attachment. X-ray diffraction shows that the SrR is homogenously and molecularly distributed in the PLA matrix and reduces the crystallinity in the prepared scaffolds. The in vitro release results demonstrate that the release profile of the SrR is stable, relatively linear, and continuous within 21 days (504 h). A cumulative release of SrR of approximately 49% is obtained after a controlled release for 504 h (21 days) and a low primary burst release (12%). Human adipose stem cells cultured on the 3D-printed scaffolds demonstrate that the SrR can efficiently promote biocompatibility, alkaline phosphatase activity, and alizarin red staining.

The interactions of nanomaterials with biological materials such as immortalized cell lines are recently on the rise. Owing to this superiority, the biosynthesis of AgNPs using gallic acid as a reductant was implemented in this study. After being synthesized, the AgNPs were characterized using techniques such as dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and X-ray diffraction methods. Furthermore, the AgNPs were assessed for their cytotoxic effects on the colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29. The mechanisms of such cell-killing effect were investigated by analyzing the expressions of 14 mRNAs using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The outcomes indicate that the synthesized AgNPs were cytotoxic on HT-29 cells. The expressions of all apoptotic genes analyzed including cyt-C, p53, Bax, Bcl2, CASP3, CASP8, CASP9, and CASP12 were upregulated. With regard to the autophagy-related genes, Beclin-1, XBP-1, CHOP, and LC3-II were upregulated, whereas the expressions of ATG3 and ATG12 were downregulated. To conclude, the AgNPs induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and non-canonical autophagy in HT-29 cells. A crosstalk did occur between autophagy and apoptosis in such a cell-killing effect. Hence, further studies are required to elucidate the exact mechanisms in animal models for further use of AgNPs in clinical medicine for the treatment of neoplasms of the digestive tract.

With the development of nano molding technology (NMT), the polymer/metal hybrid (PMH) composites have made great progress in industries like automobile, aircraft, and boat. The bonding structure and bonding strength are the key factors ruling the application of PMH. In this work, the PMH containing polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and Al alloy was prepared by NMT, and the surface treating of Al alloy and the bonding mechanism of PMH has been studied. The results reveal that the bonding strength between metal and polymer shows dependence on the pore structure of the metal surface, which could be controlled by changing the anodizing voltage and time. The PMH in which the Al plate was anodized at 15 V for 6 h achieves the best bonding strength of 1,543 N. The morphological analysis reveals that there forms an anchor and bolt structure in the interface of PPS and Al plate, which bonds the polymer and metal tightly. In addition, the chemical interaction between PPS and Al was confirmed by attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared spectroscopy, which indicates that both physical and chemical effects contribute to the bonding strength of the PMH. This PMH has great potential of being used as alternative to traditional pure metal components, especially the packing materials of automobiles, electronic products, and furniture.

The damage self-sensing and strain monitoring of glass-reinforced epoxy composites impregnated with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were investigated. Hand lay-up and vacuum bagging methods were used to fabricate the composite. Mechanical stirrer, high shear mixer, and ultrasonic probe were used to mix the nanofiller and epoxy. The loadings of the nanofiller used were 0.5, 1.5, 3, and 5 wt%. The specimens were tested using in situ electromechanical measurements under mechanical tests. The results show that the type and weight content of the nanofiller affect the electrical properties, damage self-sensing behaviour, and mechanical properties of the composites. The electrical conductivity of the GNP-glass and MWCNT-glass composites increased with nanofiller content. The tensile and flexural strengths of the composite improved with the addition of GNP and MWCNT nanofillers from 0.5 to 3 wt%. The 3 wt% nanofiller loading for GNP and MWCNT produces better mechanical–electrical performance. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the dispersion of GNP and MWCNT nanofillers in the composites.

The mathematical modeling of hybrid nanofluid flow and heat transfer with entropy generation toward parabolic trough surface collector (PTSC) inside the solar-powered ship (SPS) is performed. The mathematical model used non-Newtonian Oldroyd-B model amidst a constant inclined magnetic field influence is being considered. The mathematical model is then reduced by adopting appropriate similarity transformation into a higher-order nonlinear differential equations system. The reduced model is computed using the well-known technique called the Keller Box scheme. Physical parameters effectiveness, for instance, thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, hybrid nanoparticles, and Joule heating, is displayed in graphs. The silver-ethylene glycol (Ag-EG) characteristic performance outperformed the silver-magnetite-ethylene glycol (Ag-Fe 3 O 4 /EG). The maximum efficiency of Ag-EG is about 26.3%, while the minimum is at least 5.6%.

The development of a facile approach to simultaneously detect and separate Hg( ii ) ions in an aqueous solution is a challenging topic in the chemosensing field. Herein, we focus on constructing the Hg( ii )-sensitive fluorescence “turn-on”-type composite materials by using halloysite nanotube (HNT) as substrate. Two types of HNTs-based chemosensors, HNTs-PHT and HNTs-BP, were developed in this study, which exhibit Hg( ii )-sensitive fluorescence “turn on” behavior by forming interparticle and intraparticle excimers, respectively. Fortunately, HNTs-PHT is able to effectively restrict the solvent relaxation of π–π* transition and make it a better detection tool in aqueous solution than HNTs-BP. The addition of Hg( ii ) can trigger a dramatical increase at 469 nm in emission curves of HNTs-PHT, which cannot exhibit emission behaviors without the addition of Hg( ii ). Furthermore, the formation of interparticle excimers makes Hg( ii ) serve as a crosslinker to aggregate HNTs-PHT into precipitations. Following this way, Hg( ii ) ions can be facilely removed from the water via a simple filtration or centrifugation approach. The as-prepared HNTs-PHT shows high specificity and precision in simultaneously detecting and separating Hg( ii ) without the recourse to energy consumption, which will give a novel insight to deal with heavy metal pollution.

Strain sensors are essential for health monitoring of complex-shaped structures. Here, carbon nanotube thin films (CNTFS) with different double-layers were fabricated on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate using layer-by-layer self-assembly technique, and their resistance behaviors and piezoresistive sensing performances were comprehensively conducted. Results show that the assembled layers of CNTFS are evenly and compactly deposited with about 7–15 μm, and the resistance decreases with the increase in the assembly layer number. The piezoresistive sensing behavior increases first and then decreases with the increase in the number of assembly layers along with compression or tension cyclic loading; the nine-double-layer CNTFS shows the best linearity, sensitivity, hysterics, and repeatability of 3.22%, 0.12684/mm, 2.16%, and 3.06%, respectively.

There are flow research centers on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) emission of auxiliary liquid in an extended region. The prevailing model is constrained by attractions/infusion and gooey release. The administering model is based on the Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li nanofluid model in the existence of entropy generation. Final requirements of this model are addressed by implementing the shooting strategy, which incorporates a fourth approach for the Runge–Kutta strategy. Into the bargain, the last adds (in standard ordinary differential equations (ODE) divisions) are obtained from the measurable controls partial differential equations, which were represented toward the start of the overseeing model. The varieties for all boundaries are exhibited through graphical arrangements. It is noticed that expanding the substantial volume portion diminishes speed but builds nuclear power dispersion. Likewise, the classification of mathematical qualities on divider heat move rate and skin contact is introduced. Both Reynolds and Brinkman numbers improve the entropy rate of the thermal system resulting in the growth effects of inertial forces and the surface heat dissipation, respectively.

In this study, nano-SiO 2 (NS) and basalt fiber (BF) were used to improve the quality of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). The crushing value, water absorption, and apparent density of NS-modified recycled coarse aggregate (RA) were determined, and the effects of BF with different contents and lengths on the slump, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength of RAC and BF-reinforced RAC containing NS-modified RA were analyzed. Finally, the filling effect of NS, the toughening and crack resistance mechanism of BF, and the micro-composite effect between NS and BF were analyzed based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive detector (EDS) measurement. The results show that the optimum modified concentration of NS solution is 2%, the content of BF is the main factor affecting the mechanical properties of concrete, and the optimum length and content of BF are 12 mm and 0.2%, respectively. For BF-reinforced RAC containing NS-modified RA, the 28 day compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength of RAC increase by 34.28, 40.55 and 54.5%, respectively. Based on SEM and EDS measuring, NS can react with Ca(OH) 2 crystal to form flocculent C–S–H gel, which makes RAC compact and enhances the bonding properties of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between BF and the matrix.

The polyaniline (PANi)-coated nanodiamond (ND) composites were fabricated by the in situ polymerization process and dispersed in base oil as nanolubricant additives by ultrasonic-assisted dispersion. The morphology and microstructures of the nanocomposites were characterized. The in-house developed reciprocating tribo-device was utilized to conduct the tribological tests. An actual CrN piston ring–nitriding cylinder liner friction pair used in the diesel engine was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed nanolubricant additives. The wear tests were conducted under conditions that were close to the actual work condition of the selected friction pair. Furthermore, the anti-scuffing performance was also investigated and the associated mechanisms were analyzed. The results show the polymerization process inhibited the agglomeration of the NDs that were well dispersed in the PANi matrix. The stable hydrogen bonding interactions and the surface confinement effect promote the dispersion of the nanocomposites in organic base oil effectively. The developed additive can improve the friction and wear performance of the ring–cylinder liner friction pair by 12–19 and 15–24%, respectively, compared with the base oil. With the increase of temperature, the effectiveness of the nanolubricant additives is enhanced. Under the oil-starved condition, the friction pairs lubricated with PANi/ND lubricants can sustain a longer stable period with a lower friction force, and the anti-scuffing time is almost three times longer. Concerning the overall tribological performance, the optimal content of the PANi/ND additive in base oil is 2 wt%.

The impact of Marangoni convection has noteworthy applications in nanotechnology, atomic reactor, silicon wafers, semiconductor processing, soap films, materials sciences, thin-film stretching, crystal growth, and melting and welding processes. On the other hand, thermophoretic particle deposition (TPD) has a significant application in building ventilation systems, crushed coal burners, thermal exchangers, and air cleaners. Inspired by these applications, the present work mainly concentrates on the Marangoni convection flow of Al 2 O 3 /water-based nanofluid over a stretching sheet in a porous medium with TPD in the presence of Newtonian heating. Additionally, heat absorption/generation in energy expression is considered. A suitable similarity variable is applied to simplify the partial differential equations into a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Furthermore, Runge Kutta Fehlberg fourth fifth order method along with the shooting technique is implemented to solve the reduced ODEs. Furthermore, mathematical computational software helps to acquire a numerical solution. The velocity of nanofluid increases for enhancement of Marangoni number and diminishes for porosity parameter. The heat absorption/generation parameter improves thermal dispersion in both common wall temperature and Newtonian heating cases. For the upgradation in the thermophoretic parameter, the concentration decreases and the rate of mass transfer increases. The rate of heat transfer increases as the heat source parameter grows and decreases as the heat sink parameter decreases. In all of the profiles, nanofluid outperforms viscous fluid.

This work explores the possibility of manufacturing dense and nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) large monoliths by spark plasma extrusion (SPE). This method combines uniaxial mechanical compression, high temperature, and electromagnetic field to promote the extrusion and sintering of HA powder in one single step. The results show that the binder-free extrusion of pre-compacted HA powder is feasible at a temperature similar to the temperature at which nanocrystalline HA shows superplastic behavior. The extrusion continues throughout the sliding and rotation of the particles, and also due to the grain boundary sliding, up to the point where no more material is available, thus producing monoliths of nearly 30 mm in length and 10 mm in diameter. The dehydration and smooth surface of the powder appear as paramount factors to facilitate the HA extrusion without additives. The extruded HA preserved the stoichiometry and nanometric grain size and exhibited preferential microstructural alignment in the direction of extrusion. The material experiences local thermal and pressure gradients during extrusion, producing different densification and hardness along its length. The SPE of HA will benefit the healthcare field by offering new processing approaches of bone substitutes and osteosynthesis devices.

Based on micro morphology, a thermo-mechanical coupling model of shape memory graphene oxide/epoxy resin (SMGO/EP) was proposed. The heat transfer capability, mechanical property and shape memory ability of shape memory polymer (SMP) were further investigated. The reliability of the modeling was verified by comparing the heat transfer and shape fixation rate of the experimental and simulation data. The results showed that the maximum error of heat transfer was 6.04%, and shape fixing rate error was 2.33%. When the volume fraction of GO was 1.50 vol%, the maximum stress can reach 158.39 MPa, 46.52% higher than that of pure shape memory EP. With the increase in the volume fraction of GO in the SMGO/EP composites, the heat transfer enhancement and recovery rate of SMGO/EP were directly affected by the doping content of GO. The surface temperature of the composites with GO doping content of 1.50 vol% was 20.26°C higher than that of pure SMEP after heating for 300 s. Under the coupling effect of heat transfer and stress characteristics, the mechanism of shape memory effect of SMGO/EP composites was revealed. The thermo-mechanical coupling modeling of SMGO/EP can effectively predict the shape memory characteristics of the SMGO/EP composites.

The current study intended to investigate the viability and efficacy of performance measurement by incorporating one of the most hazardous leather wastes, that is, leather buffing dust and nanofillers as reinforcing constituents within recycled poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) as a matrix with maximum leather fiber-loading of 1:1, using a mill followed by hot-press molding. The samples were tested to evaluate the physicomechanical characteristics including tensile, compressive strength, density, abrasion-resistance, adhesion-strength, hardness, tear-resistance, compression and resilience, damping, and water-absorption as per the standard ASTM/SATRA/ISO testing methods. The thermoanalytical methods, namely thermalgravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, have been employed to simulate the performance, including the effectiveness of blended-mix through glass-transition and crystallization temperature. Furthermore, morphological properties of the fabricated composites have been explored using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis. In addition, the attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to examine the physicochemical molecular structure, chemical bonding, and functional groups of the neat recycled EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) copolymer and leather buffing dust/recycled EVA polymer composites. Throughout this study, the physicomechanical characteristics of leather buffing dust/recycled EVA composites were ameliorated by optimizing the operating parameters of the hot-press compression molding process through the central composite design approach in response surface methodology. The obtained results of the fabricated novel composites were certainly splendid for a value-added application in footwear, structural, floor-covering, and transportation domains. Graphical abstract

The aim of this article is to determine the relationships between the essential criteria for the performance of sandwich panels and various alternative hemispherical core designs using a hybridisation technique within the multi-criteria decision-making method. A major reduction in core density reduced the structural integrity of the metal sandwich panel and promoted a significant effect of failure such as early delamination. Therefore, an effective optimisation analysis with highly precise determination is required to reduce the overall cost. The output from the finite element analysis was segregated into the nine main criteria that contributed to the sandwich panel performance. The analytical hierarchical process was used to develop a pairwise comparison matrix table and determine the weightages for each criterion. Further analysis using the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was conducted to find the optimal solution for the core design. The results showed that a hemispherical dimple core design with a diameter of 6.0 mm and a depth of 3.0 mm achieved the highest-ranked closeness coefficient (CCi = 0.930 and 0.996) at both 70 and 50% of cyclic loading conditions. It was concluded that using small dimensions in the hemispherical core design configuration tends to produce better bonding strength performance in the sandwich panel, rather than configurations of larger dimensions. Hence, this method proved to be effective in determining the optimum selection, although the criteria and alternatives are intertwined, which complicates the process. Graphical abstract

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites are usually plasticized to overcome the problem of poor ductility, which decreases the valuable tensile strength. In this study, novel nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) was extracted to enhance the acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) plasticized PLA biocomposites. Interestingly, NFC not only exhibited an excellent strengthening effect but also showed a further toughening effect in the biocomposites. When 4 wt% NFC was added, the tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength of the biocomposites with 15 wt% ATBC and 20 wt% ATBC reached 52.6 MPa, 28.4%, 34.9 J/m and 35.8 MPa, 300.1%, 40 J/m, respectively. This is at least 1.1 folds higher in strength and 2.3 folds higher in impact toughness than the biocomposites without NFC. Glass transition and melting temperature slightly increased with NFC addition. More importantly, the mechanism of the strengthening and toughening effect was definitely elucidated, and the comprehensive performance of the application was evaluated. The findings of the study provide significant guidance for PLA application, such as in food packaging, medical engineering materials, and household products.

In this study, magnetic spinel copper ferrite (CuFe 2 O 4 ) nanostructures were eco-friendly synthesized using Nasturtium officinale extract. Physicochemical properties of these nanostructures were determined by transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry, and energy dispersive X-ray mapping analysis. XRD patterns conform to the CuFe 2 O 4 formation. SEM results demonstrated ceramic spinel CuFe 2 O 4 nanostructures with spherical surface morphologies. The cytotoxicity effect of CuFe 2 O 4 nanostructures against rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells was evaluated based on MTT assay. The magnetic nanostructures had low toxicity at a concentration of 250 µg/mL. It appears that these nanostructures can be considered as suitable candidates for drug delivery and other biomedical applications, because of their low toxicity effects.

The present work successfully incorporated the composite surface matrices of tantalum carbide (TaC) and niobium carbide (NbC) hybrids and mono-nanoparticles into wrought AA2024 using friction stir processing (FSP). The mechanical, electrical, and microstructural properties were analyzed and evaluated. The microstructure of the refined grains created during the FSP process was observed using polarized optical microscopy. Elongated grains were refined and equiaxed 33 times. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses showed good dispersion of the reinforcement nanoparticles in the base matrix. The mechanical properties of the hybrid AA2024/TaC_NbC nanocomposites, thus, the ultimate compressive stress showed an improvement of about 15.2, 16.7, and 20.6%, respectively, compared to the base alloy. Aging time significantly affected the hardness behavior of the hybrid nanocomposites; hence, a maximum value of 73% was reached compared to the base alloy. At the same time, the thermal expansion coefficient and electrical conductivity were reduced by 38.5 and 19.5%, respectively.

Capturing and detecting Fe 3+ ions in aqueous solution is of great significance in biological systems as well as the water treatment industry. Herein, pyrene-modified cellulose nanocrystal (CNC-1-Pyr) acting as a fluorescent probe was prepared by a one-step esterification reaction, which shows geometry relaxation under UV-light excitation. Experiments and density functional theory-based simulations revealed that the structural geometry relaxation is controlled by the electron excitation and fluorescence emission. The S1 state of CNC-1-Pyr provides a conformation match for coordination with Fe 3+ under the excitation of UV light, facilitating the detecting and capturing of Fe 3+ efficiently.

The creep of face-slab concrete in a rockfill dam is critical for determining the restrained stress and cracking resistance of the concrete at an early age. In this article, the mix proportion of the face-slab concrete for a rockfill dam under construction without any cracking resistance additive was taken as the reference concrete (called JC) mix proportion. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and magnesium oxide expansion agent (MEA) were incorporated into JC to prepare face-slab concretes called NC and PC, respectively. The temperature–stress tests under temperature matching curing (TMC) and constant temperature curing (CTC) modes were conducted on these three kinds of concretes to investigate the effects of CNTs and MEA on the early-age creep properties of the face-slab concrete under variable stress conditions. The results showed that the creep performance of NC concrete under CTC mode was lower than that under TMC mode. Combined with mercury intrusion porosimetry test results, the mechanism of the effect of CNTs and MEA on creep was analyzed. The results showed that the temperature change may lead to the CNTs debonding from the cementitious matrix or matrix cracking for the NC concrete. The incorporation of CNTs can increase the early-age creep and improve the cracking resistance of concrete.

In this article, the compression simulation of AZ31 magnesium alloy is simulated by the molecular dynamics method. The effects of loading mode, temperature, and strain rate on the compression behavior are analyzed. The lattice distortion, mechanical behavior, structural evolution, and dislocation evolution in the compression process are deeply analyzed, and the results of different loading modes are obtained. The hexagonal close-packed (HCP) → face-centered cubic (FCC) phase transformation mechanism of AZ31 magnesium alloy during compression at temperature and strain rate, which is related to the mechanical behavior, has been studied completely. This article perfects the research on the compression behavior of magnesium alloys, excavates the application potential of magnesium alloys, and provides a new idea for improving the processing technology and developing high-performance magnesium alloys.

For the first time, highly conductive thickly layered two-dimensional titanium carbide (MXene) was applied as a new coating agent for electromembrane-surrounded solid-phase microextraction (SPME) of triadimenol and iprodione as two model analytes. Preparation of the desired coated electrode was carried out using electrophoretic deposition of MXene on the surface of platinum electrode. Characterization of the prepared coated electrode was conducted using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The coated electrode was located inside a hollow fiber membrane impregnated by 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether as the supported liquid membrane (SLM), while an aqueous solution was injected inside the hollow fiber lumen. Separation and quantification of the analytes were carried out using a gas chromatography instrument equipped with mass spectrometric detection. The effective parameters of the microextraction procedure comprising pHs of sample solution and the acceptor phase, composition of the SLM, extraction time, and the applied voltage were optimized using one-variable at-a-time method. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration curves of the analytes were linear ( R 2 > 0.9973) in the range of 0.3–250.0 and 0.5–250.0 ng mL −1 for triadimenol and iprodione, respectively. The limit of detections was determined to be 0.10 and 0.15 ng mL −1 for triadimenol and iprodione, respectively. Repeatability and reproducibility of the method were evaluated by the calculation of intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (%). The applicability of the method was evaluated by quantitative analysis of the model analytes in environmental water samples. Relative recoveries in the range of 87.31–102.7% confirmed that the prepared coated electrode can be considered a reliable option in electromembrane-surrounded SPME techniques.

As nanoscale reinforcements, the graphene and graphene oxide nanoplates exhibit distinct mechanical and physical properties. The determination of the effective elasto-plastic behavior of nanoplate/ceramic nanocomposites and the different filling effects of graphene and graphene oxide nanoplate deserve systematic investigation. In this work, we intend to uncover how the graphene and graphene oxide nanoplates affect the macroscopic elasto-plastic characteristics of ceramic matrix nanocomposites and what differences in both nanoplates enhancements. A homogenization model is first utilized for determining the effective elastic parameters of nanoplate/ceramic composite with a perfect interface. Then the slightly weakened interface model is introduced to characterize the sliding effects of nanoplates in a ceramic matrix, and the effective elastic parameters of such nanoplates filled composites incorporating the interfacial sliding effects are explicitly formulated. Furthermore, a nonlinear micromechanics model is developed to investigate the macroscopic elastoplasticity and the yield behavior of graphene and graphene oxide nanoplate-filled ceramic nanocomposites subjected to confining pressure. The filling effects of the two kinds of nanoplates on the mechanical properties of such nanocomposite are comparatively examined. The calculated results demonstrate that types of the nanoplates and the imperfect interfaces between nanoplates and ceramic matrix have significant influences on the effective elasto-plastic behaviors of the nanoplate composites.

Herein we report encapsulation approaches for Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) encapsulated zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-8 (CdS@ZIF-8), such as “bottle-around-the-ship” and “ship-in-the-bottle.” In this study, these composites were evaluated for antibacterial and DNA-binding properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the synthesis of CdS nanoparticles using ZIF-8 as a capping agent. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Characterization studies revealed that both encapsulation approaches provided different morphologies to the encapsulated framework. The antibacterial activity of the as-fabricated nanocomposite, in which ZIF-8 acts as a capping agent, was more effective against Escherichia coli (E. coli) than Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) . Furthermore, DNA-binding studies of nanocomposites performed by UV absorption spectroscopic titration method in E. coli genomic DNA indicated that DNA binding occurs along with cleavage. Therefore, the designed nanocomposites demonstrate great promise for future anticancer research.

The cost-effective and environmental friendly biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles is becoming increasingly important in biomedical science. This study biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from pumpkin seed extract and assessed its anticancer activity by using different molecular biology experiments in human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines. The well-known analytical techniques, such as UV-visible spectrophotometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were used to confirm the synthesis and characterize the morphological and structural features of biogenic ZnO NPs. The formation of spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 50–60 nm was recorded using scanning electron microscopy and TEM. We observed the dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs in the MDA-MB-231 cell line with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 10 µg/mL. Moreover, the ZnO NPs also showed significant cell morphology changes, apoptosis induction, and reactive oxygen species production at the highest tested concentration. The cellular adhesion and migration assay indicated cell death and inhibition in the migration of breast cancer cells in response to ZnO NPs’ treatment. These results clearly demonstrated the significant anticancer potential of ZnO NPs against the studied breast cancer cell line. However, an extension of this study is recommended in different cancer models and, based on the results, in vivo validation should be done.

Chrysin (CHR), a dihydroxy flavone, exhibits several bioactivities, i.e. , anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer, and is known to possess limited aqueous solubility causing lowered bioavailability, and compromised therapeutic efficacy. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated chrysin (CHR–AuNPs) were prepared and characterized by UV-Vis, Fourier transform infra-red, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and zeta potential analyses. The nanoformulated CHR–AuNPs were primarily examined on trial scale for their cytotoxic, anti-oxidant, and anti-microbial activity in comparison to the unformulated CHR. The CHR–AuNPs effectively scavenged the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals, also in comparison to CHR and AuNPs. The CHR–AuNPs also exhibited potential cytotoxic effects in a dose-dependent manner and demonstrated significant reduction ( P = 0.05) of the cells proliferation, and growth of the human breast cancer cell lines, AMJ13, which were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazal- z -yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium, and crystal violet assays, respectively. When compared with the pure CHR and free-AuNPs, the CHR–AuNPs exerted highest anti-microbial bioactivity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . The strong anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, as well as cytotoxic activity of the CHR–AuNPs preparation has the potential for clinical use after considerable appropriate developments. Graphical abstract

A study was conducted through quantitative calculations on the correlation between the micron-scale pores and the strength of nano-SiO 2 (NS) sol reinforced cement mortar. The strength, pore structure, and microstructure of NS sol modified mortar were investigated, and the mortars were made equivalent to a two-phase material comprised of pores and mortar matrix; the model was applied to conduct a quantitative analysis of the correlation between pores and the strength. According to the research results, the modification made to the mortar using the NS sol led to significantly increased early strength and the level of porosity was also increased. Furthermore, the addition of NS caused a change to the C–S–H gel morphology of cement hydration products. As revealed by the results of quantitative analysis, the addition of 1.5 and 3% NS improved the mortar matrix strength by 29.3 and 56.6%, respectively. Moreover, the ratio between the mortar strength ( f c ) and matrix strength index ( K ) exhibited a nonlinear correlation with the porosity negatively. It was thus inferred that the increase in mortar porosity inhibited the improvement of mortar strength under the influence of NS sol.

The fractional model has been developed for the thermal flow of hybrid nanofluid due to the inclined surface. The thermal investigation of the hybrid nanomaterial is predicted by utilizing the molybdenum disulphide nanoparticles and graphene oxide nanomaterials. The flow computations for mixed convection flow of nanoparticles and base fluids are performed due to vertical oscillating plate. The simulations for the formulated model have been done ρ -Laplace transform technique for Caputo fractional simulations. Definitions of Mittage–Leffler function and ρ -Laplace transform are also presented for the governing model. The application of updated definitions of ρ -Laplace transform for the Caputo fractional model is quite interesting unlike traditional Laplace transforms. The comparative investigation for both types of nanoparticles is performed for heat and mass transfer rates. It is observed that the heat enhancement rate due to water-based nanoparticles is relatively impressive compared to the kerosene oil-based nanomaterials.

Viscosity shifts the flow features of a liquid and affects the consistency of a product, which is a primary factor in demonstrating forces that should be overcome when fluids are transported in pipelines or employed in lubrication. In carbon-based materials, due to their extensive use in industry, finding the simple and reliable equations that can predict the rheological behavior is essential. In this research, the rheological nature of graphene/aqueous nanofluid was examined. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction were used for analyzing the phase and structure. Transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy were also employed for micro and nano structural-study. Moreover, nanofluid stability was examined via zeta-potential measurement. Results showed that nanofluid has non-Newtonian nature, the same as the power-law form. Further, from 25 to 50°C, at 12.23 s −1 , viscosity decreased by 56.9, 54.9, and 38.5% for 1.0, 2.0, and 3.5 mg/mL nanofluids, respectively. From 25 to 50°C, at 122.3 s −1 , viscosity decreased by 42.5, 42.3, and 33.3% for 1.0, 2.0, and 3.5 mg/mL nanofluids, respectively. Besides, to determine the viscosity of nanofluid in varied temperatures and mass concentrations, an artificial neural network via R 2 = 0.999 was applied. Finally, the simple and reliable equations that can predict the rheological behavior of graphene/water nanofluid are calculated.

The efficient and sustainable development of deep marine carbonate rock reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin has higher technical requirements for reservoir acidizing alteration technology. However, the acidification effect of deep marine carbonate rock reservoirs was hampered by the drawbacks such as uncontrollable acidification rate of the reservoir, the large friction resistance, and the great acid filtration. A novel heat- and shear-resistant nano-silica gelling agent CTG-1 is prepared based on nano-silica and combined with amide compounds. The influence of different factors on the acid filtration performance and heat- and shear-resistant capacity of carbonate rock reservoirs were analyzed, and then the mechanism of nano-silica gelling agent for acid filtration reduction in carbonate rock reservoirs is revealed. The research results showed that the filtration resistance of acid solution decreases slightly with the increase in the content of nano-silica gelling agent and reservoir pressure. The viscosity, fluid loss coefficient, and friction-reducing rate are as high as 25 mPa s, 2.4 × 10 −2  m 3  min 1/2 , and 71%, respectively, showing significantly better result than that of commonly used commercial gelling agents. The development of nano-silica gelling agent provides a reliable reference for effectively improving the acidification and stimulation effect of deep marine carbonate rock reservoirs.

The present work pointed out the effect of adding different concentrations of MnO 2 (0.25, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 wt%) on the structure and crystallization performance of wollastonite glass. Nominal MnO 2 -containing wollastonite glass was prepared with the addition of 10% Na 2 O to decrease the melting temperature through melt quenching technique. The thermal history of glasses indicated that the crystallization temperature was between 864 and 895°C. The heat treating of glasses at ∼900 and 1,100°C gave combeite (Na 4 Ca 4 Si 6 O 18 ), rankinite (Ca 3 Si 2 O 7 ), pseudowollastonite (Ca 3 Si 3 O 9 ), bustamite (CaMnSi 2 O 6 ) and cristobalite. The later sample densities increased with the incorporation of MnO 2 from 1.88 to 2.24 g/cm 3 concomitant with decrease of porosities from 32.59 to 20.83%. The microstructure showed nano-size crystals in rounded, angular or irregular micro-size clusters, whereas after soaking in simulated body fluid for 1 month showed submicron crystals of carbonated calcium phosphate phase. Both fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray delineated the samples’ biocompatibility. Also, the negative zeta potential results enabled bone cell activity. Moreover, the bone healing with complete mineralization was remarked in case of the in vivo implantation of the G0.50 group. These results can be of a great significance in the application of MnO 2 -containing combeite, rankinite phases for bone treatment and biomedical applications.

The principal focal point of the current review is the second-grade nanofluid (SGNF) stream with slanted magnetohydrodynamics and viscous disintegration impacts across a moving level flat surface with entropy investigation. Here, we have done a comparative study on copper–methanol and iron–methanol second-grade nanoliquids. The governing conditions of the SGNF model are changed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using supportive changes. To tackle the non-straight ODEs, the Runge-Kutta Fehlberg-45 procedure is utilized. The result reveals that the velocity gradient of copper–methanol second-grade nanoliquid is strongly affected by suction, magnetic, and second-grade fluid parameters and declines faster when compared to iron–methanol second-grade nanoliquid. Copper–methanol SGNF shows improved heat transfer than iron–methanol SGNF for improved values of Eckert and Biot numbers.

In this study, copper oxide (CuO) specimens were successfully prepared by the hydrothermal process at altered calcination temperatures; 350, 450, and 550°C. The synthesized samples were analyzed through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-Vis spectroscopy to analyze the impact of calcination temperature on the structural, morphological, vibration spectra, functional group, and optical properties of CuO for optoelectronic device applications. XRD confirms the pure single-phase monoclinic structure of synthesized samples with no impurity phases and has good crystallinity with the development in calcination temperature. The average crystalline size, lattice constant, and porosity were found in the range of 3.98–5.06 nm; a = 3.4357 Å, b = 3.9902 Å, c = 4.8977 Å –  a = 3.0573 Å, b = 3.9573 Å, c = 4.6892 Å; and 3.37–1.03%, respectively. SEM exhibited a variation in morphology by increasing calcination temperature. Raman spectra revealed that the CuO sample calcinated at 550°C with a stone-like shape having a large grain size of 3.25 μm exhibited that Raman peak intensity and the multiphonon band became stronger and sharper and exhibited higher intensity compared to the samples calcinated at 350 and 450°C. FTIR spectra confirmed that these synthesized specimens exhibited the peaks associated with the typical stretching vibrations of the Cu–O bond between 400 and 500 cm −1 exhibiting the formation of CuO. The energy bandgap was slightly reduced from 1.61 to 1.43 eV with the increase in the calcination temperature. The optical studies revealed that the calcination temperature of 550°C improves the optical properties of CuO by tuning its optical bandgap. The modified structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of the prepared CuO samples make them an appropriate candidate for optoelectronic device applications.

In the following research, we specifically assessed the feasibility of a novel AS-1411-chitosan (CS)-gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) delivery system to carry methotrexate (MTX) into the cancer cells. The designed system had a spherical shape with average size of 62 ± 2.4 nm, the zeta potential of −32.1 ± 1.4 mV, and released MTX in a controlled pH- and time-dependent manner. CS-AuNPs could successfully penetrate the breast cancer cells and release the therapeutic drug, and ultimately, be accumulated by the nucleolin-AS1411 targeting mechanism within the in vivo environment. The anticancer activity of MTX was attributed to the induction of mitochondria membrane potential loss and nuclear fragmentation, which leads to apoptotic death. Moreover, the cellular internalization confirmed the high potential in the elimination of cancer cells without notable cytotoxicity on non-target cells. Therefore, it was concluded that the AS1411-CS-AuNPs with considerable in vitro and in vivo results could be utilized as a favorable system for breast cancer treatment.

The performance of asphalt mixture affects the service of pavement. Nano-alumina was employed as asphalt mixture modification to improve pavement performances. Properties of asphalt mixtures including high-temperature properties, low-temperature properties, water stability properties, and fatigue properties were investigated through rutting tests, dynamic creep tests, low-temperature bending tests, indirect tensile tests, Marshall stability tests, freeze-thaw splitting tests, and indirect tensile fatigue tests. Considering the various performance of nano-alumina-modified asphalt mixture, the optimization decision was made based on 21 sets of performance data, and the optimal dosage of nano-alumina was further clarified. The results demonstrate that nano-alumina improved all properties of asphalt mixtures, except for low-temperature properties. The decision revealed that the performance of the modified asphalt mixture was the most balanced when the content of nano-alumina is 9%. When the optimal dosage of nano-alumina was 9%, the dynamic stability of the asphalt mixture at 60°C was increased by 34.2%, the cumulative permanent strain was reduced by 36.5–49.5%, the water stability performance was improved by 8.3–19.5%, and the fatigue performance was improved by 3.8–7.2%. However, the low-temperature flexural tensile strain was reduced by 2.1% but still meets the specification requirements. Nano-alumina can be used to modify asphalt pavement materials in high-temperature and rainy areas.

Hybrid nanofluids can provide better physical strength, thermal conductivity, and mechanical resistance in many thermodynamic systems than pure nanofluids. To establish the novel results, using superior types of hybrid nanoparticles like graphene oxide (GO) and iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) is the main focus of recent work. This study investigates the innovative thermal and magnetic features of both pure nanofluid GO / engine oil (EO) and hybrid nanofluid GO–Fe 3 O 4 / EO under the simultaneous effects of induced as well as applied magnetic field. The chemical reaction phenomenon together with activation energy has also been taken into account. A novel algorithm based on order reduction and finite difference discretization is developed in order to numerically treat the problem. The efficiency of the code is appraised by a numerical comparison which is found to be in a good correlation with the existing results. From the consequences of this study, it is deduced that the reduction in induced magnetic field and fluid’s velocity (in case of either pure or hybrid nanofluid) is associated with the enlarging values of magnetic Prandtl number and induced magnetic field parameter. Further, activation energy is responsible for enhancement in concentration. The hybrid nano-composition of GO–Fe 3 O 4 /EO can provide the thermal stability, prevent the corrosion and make the liquid to stay in high temperature.

Pure and Ag@AgCl modified TiO 2 were synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method, which exhibit anatase/rutile/brookite (A/R/B) triphasic structure. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photocurrent response, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and the photocatalytic activity was evaluated by taking 100 mL (10 mg/L) methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution as the target pollutant. The results show that Ag@AgCl modification is beneficial for the separation of photogenerated charges and the absorption in visible region. The degradation degree of MB increases from 75.7% for pure TiO 2 to 97.3% for Ag@AgCl modified TiO 2 .

Abrasion damage is inevitable for hydraulic structure concrete, to increase the service life of large water conservancies and to keep them running safely and reliably, hydraulic concrete requires a high abrasion resistance. This review synthesizes current practices defined by scientific literature in a format focused on allowing quick comparison and understanding of the current scenario of anti-abrasion concrete enhancing mechanism, measuring methods, and approaches to enhance concrete abrasion resistance. Besides, the review highlights the application of widely used materials and potential materials application, like silica fume and fibers which are mature research at present, and effective but preliminary used materials like nanoparticles, to better understand the development of higher abrasion resistance of concrete. According to the present research, it indicate that incorporating enhancement materials into concrete to achieve better abrasion resistance are basically through the way of hardening cement paste, controlling internal crack propagation, or using stronger coarse aggregate to enhance its ability for anti-abrasive. Finally, based on the systematic literature review, a discussion on major areas holding the significant potential to improve current practices is presented and practical recommendations are provided to advance toward more direct and optimized methods.

In this article, we prepared novel basalt fiber (BF)-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites based on the synergistic reinforcement of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). First, we compared the enhancement effect of CNCs and silane coupling agent-modified BFs on PP, showing that the enhancement effect of the former was more significant. Subsequently, to further improve the mechanical properties of the composites, CNCs were introduced into the BF-reinforced PP composite system as the third phase, and the results suggested that their combination with BFs could synergistically strengthen the PP matrix composites. Simultaneously, the study also shows that when the mass percentage of CNCs and BFs are 1 and 30%, respectively, the composite achieves the highest mechanical strength, which is 64.31% higher than that of the PP matrix. The systematic characterization revealed the synergistic enhancement mechanism: on the one hand, CNCs not only promoted the improvement of PP crystallinity by heterogeneous nucleation but also formed a wedge-shaped structure between them and BFs through hydrogen bonding to prevent PP molecular movement; on the other hand, the BFs promote not only the extrusion crystallization of the resin matrix but also the network structure formed by the appropriate content of BFs can realize the rapid transmission of external stress.

Thermal protection system (TPS) is of great significance to launch hypersonic flight and landing process of hypersonic vehicles, which can effectively shield the hypersonic vehicle from severe aerodynamic heating encountered. Phenolic aerogels play an important role in TPS due to their characteristics of low density, high porosity, and low thermal conductivity. However, phenolic aerogel is easy to be oxidized at elevated temperatures under oxidizing environments, which severely limits its large-scale application as thermal insulation materials in TPS. In this study, a novel TiB 2 –B 4 C/carbon (TB/C) aerogel composite was synthesized by introducing TiB 2 and B 4 C particles into phenolic aerogels through quick-gelation and mechanical mixing. The developed aerogel composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, thermal analysis, etc. , to evaluate their microstructure, oxidation resistance, and mechanical properties. Experimental evidence showed that TiB 2 and B 4 C particles reacted with the oxygen-containing molecules to form TiO 2 –B 2 O 3 layer, which effectively improved oxidation resistance and mechanical properties of phenolic aerogel composites.

In this study, we prepared a silica nanoparticle from South African fly ash (SAFA), using a facile microwave (MW)-assisted sol–gel template free syntheses method. Prepared silica nanoparticles (SNP MW ) were characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transition electron microscope (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller ( S BET ) surface area analysis, and ultraviolet visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy. XRF analysis suggests SAFA as fly ash class F. The XRD pattern reveals the structural composition of SAFA and the amorphous nature of extracted SNP, while the FTIR assay shows the presence of silanol and siloxane groups. SEM and TEM analyses revealed primary silica nanoparticles were roughly spherical with sizes of about <200 nm. EDX spectra confirm the presence of SiO 2 . The optical bandgap of SNP MW was established to be 4.67 eV. The application of SNP MW demonstrated that it can be used to remove Pb 2+ from an aqueous solution. Test results show the optimum treatment time as 60 minutes, while removal efficiency increases from 66.76 to 96.64% as the pH rises from 3 to 5, but as the pH rises above 5, the efficiency decreases. The use of an MW-assisted sol–gel preparation method gave rise to an elevated reaction rate with minimal contamination and thinner particle size SNP MW , which was utilized for the removal of Pb 2+ in an aqueous solution.

Nickel( ii ) oxide-graphitic carbon nitride ( n -NiO@g-C 3 N 4 ) nanocomposite, in which nickel oxide nanoparticles ( n -NiO) are anchored on the polymeric surface of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ), was synthesized using the pulsed laser post processing (PLPP) in liquid medium. In the PLPP method, the precursors (NiO and g-C 3 N 4 ) were simultaneously subjected to pulsed laser-induced fragmentation, and pulsed laser-induced defect engineering (anchoring of NiO on g-C 3 N 4 ). To optimize the functionality of the material, n -NiO@g-C 3 N 4 with four different mass contents of n -NiO was synthesized. The synthesized n -NiO@g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposite and its composite partners ( n -NiO and g-C 3 N 4 ) were structurally, morphologically, elementally characterized by X-ray diffraction, filed emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. As a first anti-microbial application, n -NiO@g-C 3 N 4 was used to evaluate the minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration against the gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. As a second anti-microbial application, the efficacy of n -NiO@g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposite to retard S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms’ growth was evaluated. It was found that for both applications, n -NiO@g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposite exhibited an excellent anti-bacterial activity compared to pure g-C 3 N 4 .

In this article, nano-ZrSi 2 -modified phenolic (Ph) resin and nano-ZrSi 2 -modified quartz–phenolic (Q–Ph) composites are, respectively, prepared by resin casting and compression molding. The effect of nano-ZrSi 2 on the thermal stability of Ph resin and the role of nano-ZrSi 2 on the thermal reusability of Q–Ph composites are investigated by multiple thermal gravimetric analyses and mechanical tests. The strengthening mechanism of nano-ZrSi 2 modification is investigated by the evolution of microstructure. The results show that the addition of nano-ZrSi 2 enhances the thermal stability of Ph resin under repeated heating at 1,200°C in air. The enhancement in thermal stability of resin exhibits a positive effect on improving the thermal reusability of composites. Within the range of 20 repeated heating times, the flexural strength of nano-ZrSi 2 -modified composites is above 16.01 MPa, which is 163.8% higher than that of unmodified composites. The strengthening mechanism of nano-ZrSi 2 is mainly in the inhibition of thermal oxidation and the reduction of microstructural defects during the repeated thermal environment.

Electrodeposited tin is a crucial corrosion-resistant metal to protect electronic interconnection and copper circuits in the manufacturing process of electronic products. The corrosion-resistant properties of electrodeposited tin can be improved with the addition of additives in electrodeposition. Three benzaldehyde derivatives including vanillin, ethyl vanillin, and veratraldehyde as brighteners were investigated for tin electrodeposition. Computational and experimental analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between coating properties and the chemical factors including the molecular structure, adsorption process, and electrochemical behavior of the brighteners. The computational work demonstrated that all three brighteners could hold high reactivity and spontaneously absorb on the tin surface. The results of linear sweep voltammetry tests (LSV) illustrated that all three brighteners effectively increased the cathode polarization but ethyl vanillin exhibited the best inhibiting performance in the tin deposition. Besides, the adsorption behavior of brighteners on the tin layer also affected the grain morphology and preferred growth orientation of the crystal surface. The corrosion rate and side erosion results both indicated that ethyl vanillin could benefit to form a tin coating with good corrosion performance to meet the requirement of copper circuit fabrication of printed circuit board.

4D printing is a new technology to fabricate active smart materials, which can change the configuration according to environmental stimuli. To obtain shape memory graphene oxide/bisphenol A epoxy acrylate (GO/Bis-A EA) composites with outstanding shape memory properties and significant thermal conductivity, GO was introduced into Bis-A EA to prepare shape memory GO/Bis-A EA composites by light curing. Through the shape recovery and heat transfer experiments, the shape recovery rate and heating rate were tested to characterize the shape memory and heat transfer performance. The relationship between various influencing factors and the properties of composites were investigated, and the optimal fitting model was established to optimize the preparation process by setting shape recovery rate and heating rate as response values. The results showed that when the content of diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide was 4.4%, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate/Bis-A EA was 0.6, curing power was 40 W, GO content was 0.05%, and curing time was 14 s, the shape recovery rate of the experiments was 87.22% with the heating rate being 0.1532°C/s. The predicted values of shape recovery rate and heating rate inferred by the response surface optimization model were 86.35% and 0.1520°C/s, respectively, which were within 2% error. Through the process optimization research, the 4D-printed shape memory GO/Bis-A EA can achieve excellent shape recovery and heat transfer performance to meet the application of shape memory composites in extreme environments.

Developing efficient and robust electrocatalysts is increasingly essential for water splitting, severely hindered by the sluggish four-electron transfer process of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Amorphous/crystalline heterophase engineering has recently emerged as a promising electronic modulation approach for OER catalysts but suffers from poor conductivity of the amorphous structure. Here, we coupled the amorphous/crystalline NiFe 2 O 4 induced by vanadium doping with NiP heterojunction, highlighting the synergistic effect in modulating the electronic structures and the complementary effect in promoting conductivity. As a superior electrocatalyst to commercial RuO 2 , the as-prepared NFO-V 0.3 -P showed a low overpotential of 277 mV at the current density of 20 mA cm −2 , a Tafel slope of 45 mV dec −1 , and long-term stability. The excellent OER catalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic effect at the heterophase interface with rich active sites, fine-tuning of electronic regulation, and enhanced conductivity.

The focus of this research was to investigate the effects of graphene oxide (GO) on the microscopic composition, structure, pore size, and mechanical properties of GO-reinforced cement composites. Furthermore, the research explored the thermal behavior of GO-reinforced cement mortar at different elevated temperatures (250, 500, 750, and 1,000°C). This study considered three sets of GO-reinforced cement composites with 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 wt% of GO (by weight of cement); the water–cement ratio in all the mixtures was 0.5. To characterize the chemical composition, microstructure, and hydration degree resulting from GO addition, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, derivative thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) were used. The experimental results revealed that GO addition changed the microstructural composition and pore diameter distribution of the cement composite. The optimal amount of GO required for improving the mechanical properties of the cement composite under both unheated and heated conditions was identified to be 0.1 wt%. GO improves the cement matrices’ ability to bind with GO nanosheets, leading to compressive strength retention and decreased micro-cracking (computed by material and defected volume changes by Micro-CT analysis). This is primarily due to the hydration products. However, the optimal amount of GO can result in nanomaterial agglomeration, thus lowering the thermal resistance of the cement composite. Overall, the study identified GO as a nano-additive with the potential to improve the strength and toughness of the cement composites. Moreover, the effect of elastic modulus was also evaluated. As a result, the GO microstructure analysis revealed that it has a porous structure with a visible crack pattern.

To investigate the mechanical properties and durability of nano-SiO 2 , polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber-modified fly ash (FA), and metakaolin (MK)-based geopolymer mortar (FMGM), tests of compressive strength, electrical flux, freeze–thaw cycles, and sulfate dry and wet cycles were conducted. Based on the experimental results, combined with Dunn’s gray correlation theory analysis method, a mathematical analysis of the effect sensitivity of the contents of the four mixtures on the mechanical properties and durability of FMGM was carried out. The method of gray correlation analysis can solve the mathematical problem with partial unclear and uncertain information, and the method requires less data and less computation compared with other mathematical analysis method. The results showed that the gray correlation degree between the content of MK and the electric flux value is higher than the that of other comparison sequence and each reference sequence, while the gray correlation degree between the PVA fiber dosage and the loss rate of compressive strength is lower than that of other comparison sequence and each reference sequence. The influence of the four mixture contents on the compressive strength and mass loss rate was in the following decreasing order: MK and FA, PVA fiber, and nano-SiO 2 . In addition, the influence of the four material mixture contents on the electric flux value and compressive strength loss rate was consistent in the following decreasing order: MK and FA, nano-SiO 2 , and PVA fiber. Furthermore, the mechanical properties and durability reached the optimum when the PVA fiber content was 0.6% and the dosage of nano-SiO 2 was 1.0%. The results of this study can provide a new method for the analysis and evaluation of mechanical properties and durability of nano-SiO 2 and PVA fiber-reinforced FMGM in future.

Cu–Cr–Ti alloy with gradient properties was prepared at 960°C for 2 h in air, 80% cold rolling, and then aging at 500°C for 1 h. The results showed that the surface layer of Cu–Cr–Ti alloy had achieved a good match of electrical conductivity (96.2% International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS)), thermal stability (softening temperature of 650°C), and wear resistance (friction coefficient of 0.17). Meanwhile, the core region maintains high tensile strength (519 MPa) and good electrical conductivity of 71.8% IACS. Transmission electron microscope characterization revealed that the precipitates of surface layer are composed of Cr oxides, complex oxides formed by Cu, Cr, and O, and Ti-rich phases. The existence of oxide particles with discontinuous distribution and stable properties is the reason for the good electrical conductivity, excellent thermal stability, and outstanding wear resistance of the surface layer. The main precipitates of the core are Cr. The high tensile strength of the core is ascribed to the aging strengthening effect of these fine Cr particles. This work provides ideas and approaches for the preparation of copper alloy with excellent properties for high-speed railway contact wire, and solves the drawbacks of composites synthesized from heterogeneous materials.

Leather industries cause soil pollution in terms of leather wastes. Chrome-containing leather wastes (CCLW) also cause various types of pollutions such as air and soil pollution. The utilization of CCLW in the development of aluminum-based composite is the emerging area in the synthesis of materials. In this study, chromium(Cr) in the form of collagen powder was extracted from CCLW. Extracted collagen powder was ball milled with alumina particles for 12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 h. The average density of the mixture of ball-milled collagen and alumina particles was reduced by about 1.20% after ball milling for about 100 h. The stir casting technique was employed to develop the aluminum-based composite material. The ball-milled reinforced aluminum-based composite material showed a fair distribution of reinforcement particles as compared without ball-milled reinforced composite material. Tensile strength and hardness of composite material improved by about 35.53 and 46.61%, respectively, after using the mixture of ball-milled 5% collagen powder and 5% alumina particles in the aluminum alloy. However, ductility and toughness were reduced. Corrosion weight loss and thermal expansion of the Al/5% collagen/5% alumina particles with ball-milled composite were found to be 0.022 mg and 5.44 mm 3 , respectively. X-Ray diffraction of the Al/5% collagen/5% alumina particles with ball-milled composite showed the presence of Al, Al 2 O 3 , Cr 2 O 3 , and Cr phases. The presence of hard phases such as Al 2 O 3 , Cr 2 O 3 , and Cr was responsible for enhancing the hardness and tensile strength of the composite. The developed composite material can be utilized in the fabrication of engine blocks, connecting rods, and piston rings.

The flexible polymers have an outstanding impact-resistant performance because of the improved stiffness upon a high speed loading. At the aspect of microstructure, the soft segments make an important contribution. In this article, molecular dynamics simulation is carried out to reveal the dynamic mechanical behavior of a mono helical soft segment. The tensile loadings at various strain rates are conducted. The stress–strain relations and strain rate dependencies of mechanical properties are derived. The evolution of potential energy with straining accompanied by the disentanglement of molecular chain is characterized. The characteristic molecular chain of dynamic mechanical response is determined. The intrinsic physical origins of straightening of characteristic molecular chain and bond angle expansion are explored. New parameters are defined to quantitatively analyze the micro mechanisms and their rate dependencies, which are linked to the dynamic mechanical properties. This work is full of interest to fill a knowledge gap of the physical origins of dynamic mechanical behavior of flexible polymers.

This study synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using a facile microwave-assisted chemical route and evaluated them as potential anticancer candidates against breast and colon cancer cell lines. Numerous spectral characterization tools were used to study the optical properties, structure, and morphology of the prepared AuNPs. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a characteristic peak at 517 nm, which confirms the formation of AuNPs. The crystalline structure of NPs was studied by X-ray diffraction, and the NPs’ shape and size were calculated with Field emission transmission electron microscopy. The synthesized AuNPs were found to be uniform in size in the range of 2–6 nm. A variety of biological tests, including MTT, scratch, real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and comet assays were adopted to assess the anticancer potential of these AuNPs in the studied cancer cell models. The findings suggested a cell-dependent cytotoxicity of AuNPs. Different cell viability of 40.3 and 66.4% were obtained for MCF-7 and HCT-116, respectively, at 5 µg/mL of AuNPs. The scratch assay showed AuNPs impede cell migration in a concentration-dependent manner in the MCF-7 cell line. On the other hand, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of apoptotic (p53, Bax, and caspase-3) and anti-apoptotic (BCl-2) genes revealed upregulation and downregulation of these genes, respectively, probably leading to its cytotoxicity. At 5 µg/mL concentration of AuNPs, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was found to be increased by 26.4 and 42.7%, respectively, in MCF-7 and HCT-116 cells. Similarly, comet assay demonstrated AuNPs induced DNA damage in the studied cancer cell lines. These findings suggest that the observed anticancer efficacy of AuNPs was driven by ROS generation. The synthesized AuNPs appeared to be a promising therapeutic against cancer cells. However, our in vitro data need to be confirmed and validated in ex vivo and in vivo models so that this NP can be further exploited for human use.

Since the beginning of the third Millennium, specifically during the last 18 years, three outbreaks of diseases have been recorded caused by coronaviruses (CoVs). The latest outbreak of these diseases was Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic. For this reason, current efforts of the environmental, epidemiology scientists, engineers, and water sector professionals are ongoing to detect CoV in environmental components, especially water, and assess the relative risk of exposure to these systems and any measures needed to protect the public health, workers, and public, in general. This review presents a brief overview of CoV in water, wastewater, and surface water based on a literature search providing different solutions to keep water protected from CoV. Membrane techniques are very attractive solutions for virus elimination in water. In addition, another essential solution is nanotechnology and its applications in the detection and protection of human and water systems. Graphical abstract

When surfactant is used as emulsifier, the stability of emulsion is often greatly reduced with the influence of reservoir conditions (temperature, pressure, salinity, etc. ), which shortens the validity period of emulsion. Pickering emulsion has a wide range of applications in the oil and gas field due to its advantages of good stability and easy regulation. In this article, the formation, stabilization mechanism, and influencing factors of Pickering emulsions were introduced, and the application status and prospects of Pickering emulsions in oil and gas field were summarized. It was pointed out that Pickering emulsion has many advantages and important research value when applied in deep strata and complicated reservoirs. It is expected that this article can effectively reflect the application value of Pickering emulsion in oil and gas field and promote the application of Pickering emulsion in petroleum industry.

The high mortality associated with tuberculosis brings forward the urgency of developing new therapies and strategies against the disease. With the advance of drug-resistant strains, traditional techniques have proven insufficient to manage the disease appropriately. Microfluidic devices have characteristics that can enhance treatment prescription and significantly advance our knowledge about the disease and its interaction within the human body. In addition, microfluidic systems provide advantages in terms of time and costs, which are particularly important in countries with low income and resources. This review will highlight how microdevices can help bridge the gaps in disease management, including their use for drug testing and development, drug susceptibility, basic research, and novel approaches to anti-TB vaccines and organ-on-chip studies.

Graphene, owing to its unique chemical structure and extraordinary chemical, electrical, thermal, optical, and mechanical properties, has opened up a new vista of applications, specifically as novel sensing platforms. The last decade has seen an extensive exploration of graphene and graphene-based materials either alone or modified with nanoparticles and polymers for the fabrication of nanoscale biosensors. These biosensors displayed excellent conductivity, high sensitivity, and selectivity, good accuracy, and precision, rapid detection with low detection limits as well as long-term stability. The unmatched properties of graphene and graphene-based materials have been applied for the detection of a number of chemical and biological molecules successfully for the diagnosis of a variety of diseases, pathogens, and biomarkers of the diseases. This review is aimed to cover the fabrication methods, functionalization techniques, and biomedical applications along with the recent advancements in the field of development of graphene-based biosensors. Recent clinical trials and patents as well as market trends and opportunities associated with graphene-based biosensors are also summarized. The application of graphene-based biosensors in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19 is also reviewed.

The synthesis, characterization, and applications of iron oxide nanorods have received attention in recent years. Even though there are several studies on the biological applications of iron oxide nanoparticles, recent studies have shown that rod-shaped iron oxides are effective in magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) as therapeutic technique to treat cancer. This review focused on the synthesis and encapsulation of magnetic iron oxide nanorods (MIONRs) and their use in (MHT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancer cells. Among the synthetic methods that have been used to prepare MIONRs, some could be used to precisely control the particle size of the as-prepared magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs), while others could be used to prepare monodisperse particles with uniform size distributions. Some of the results presented in this review showed that magnetic oxide nanorods are more potent in MHT than polyhedral-shaped MIONs. The review shows that mixtures of polyhedral- and rod-shaped MIONs resulted in 59 and 77% cell death, while monodisperse MIONRs resulted in 95% cell death. It could thus be concluded that, for magnetic iron oxide to be effective in MHT and PTT, it is important to prepare monodisperse magnetic oxide nanorods.

The integrins belong to the cell-surface polypeptide family and are the mediating partners among the cells, and extracellular matrix (ECM). They are also involved in the biological processes of cell migration, wound healing, blood clotting, immunological response generation, tissue morphogenesis, leucocyte reticulations, and angiogenesis and are therefore very relevant in stem cell technology and are useful as biomarkers, diagnostic probes, and drug-target ligands. The ανβ3 ( alpha-nu-beta 3) integrin antagonists are an excellent target example for designing and developing newer drug candidates, drug leads and templates for various diseases, and physiological malfunctioning, including cancers. The current review examines the ανβ3 integrin structural features involved in the drug design and its antagonistic ligands and highlights the development of anti-ανβ3 integrin-antagonists as nano-architectural design-based nanomedicine, especially for cancer chemotherapy. The perspectival review discusses the ανβ3 integrin structure, mode of action, involved pathways, and the concepts utilized in nanomedicine design, and ligands related to integrins. It also covers the latest thyrointegrin approaches toward the development of anti-angiogenesis agents and entails the anti-angiogenesis approach to cancer growth inhibition through targeting by the anti-integrin ligands and related chemical entities. The current perspective on the nano-architectural design approach for the known anti-integrin compounds is also outlined. Graphical abstract The ανβ3 integrin antagonistic ligands, i.e. , drugs as nano-architectural design-based nanomedicine, especially for cancer chemotherapy, are discussed.

Functionally graded porous (FGP) nanocomposites are the most promising materials among the manufacturing and materials sector due to their adjustable physical, mechanical, and operational properties for distinctive engineering applications for maximized efficiency. Therefore, investigating the underlying physical and materialistic phenomena of such materials is vital. This research was conducted to analyze the preparation, fabrication, applications, and elastic properties of functionally graded materials (FGMs). The research investigated for both porous and nonporous synthesis, preparation, and manufacturing methods for ceramics, metallic, and polymeric nanocomposites in the first section, which is followed by deep research of the development of elastic properties of the above-mentioned materials. Main nano-reinforcing agents used in FGMs to improve elastic properties were found to be graphene platelets, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanofibers. In addition, research studied the impact of nano-reinforcing agent on the elastic properties of the FGMs. Shape, size, composition, and distribution of nano-reinforcing agents were analyzed and classified. Furthermore, the research concentrated on modeling of FGP nanocomposites. Extensive mathematical, numerical, and computational modeling were analyzed and classified for different engineering analysis types including buckling, thermal, vibrational, thermoelasticity, static, and dynamic bending. Finally, manufacturing and design methods regarding different materials were summarized. The most common results found in this study are that the addition of reinforcement units to any type of porous and nonporous nanocomposites significantly increases materialistic and material properties. To extend, compressive and tensile stresses, buckling, vibrational, elastic, acoustical, energy absorption, and stress distribution endurance are considerably enhanced when reinforcing is applied to porous and nonporous nanocomposite assemblies. Ultimately, the review concluded that the parameters such as shape, size, composition, and distribution of the reinforcing units are vital in terms of determining the final mechanical and materialistic properties of nanocomposites.

Magnetic spinel ferrite nanoparticles (SFNPs) attract high scientific attention from researchers due to their broad area for biomedicine applications, comprising cancer magnetic hyperthermia and targeted drug delivery. Uniquely, its excellent performance, namely, tuning size and surface morphology, excellent magnetism, extraordinary magnetically heat induction, promising biocompatibility, and specific targeting capacity, is essential for their effective utilization in clinical diagnosis and therapeutics of diseases. This review emphasizes the anticancer properties of nanoparticles of spinel ferrites with extra focus on the most recent literature. A critical review is provided on the latest applications of SFNPs in cancer therapy. Based on the results obtained from this review, SFNPs have the indefinite ability in cancer therapy through two mechanisms: (1) hyperthermia, where SFNPs, used as a hyperthermia mediator, elevated the tumor cells heat post-exposure to an external magnetic field and radiosensitizer during cancer radiotherapy; and (2) targeted drug delivery of cytotoxic drugs in tumor treatment. SFNPs induced apoptosis and cell death of cancer cells and prevented cancer cell proliferation. Graphical abstract

Emerging contaminants are the contaminants that newly identified their adverse effects on the environment. Pharmaceutical compounds have gained researchers’ attention among developing organic pollutants as the demand for pharmaceutical compounds has increased, implying their continuing release into the environment. Acetaminophen (ACT) is a popular drug that is wildly used without prescription for the relief of headaches and rheumatic pains. In some places, the detected values of ACT are more than the natural values, which may seriously threaten the environment. Many methods have been applied to remove ACT from water. The advanced oxidation process (AOP) based on micro and nanoparticles has shown promising results to remove ACT from an aqueous medium. This review provides a summary and an organization of the scattered available information related to studies that investigated the removal of ACT from water by an AOP based on micro and nanoparticles. Many topics investigated in this review include the influence of temperature, pH, catalyst concentration, pollutant concentration, the effects of scavengers and oxidants, the stability of the catalyst, and doping ratio. The main results obtained for the removal of ACT by using micro and nanoparticles have been discussed in this review.

Lung cancer (LC) has high morbidity and fatality rate that can be attributed to its poor diagnostic and monitoring facilities. Hence, there is a need to design advanced detection and monitoring systems to facilitate fast, efficient, and early diagnosis. The emerging research on novel nanotechnology-based strategies and conceptual models has made early-stage detection of LC possible by employing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to surmount the barriers of slow diagnostic efficiency. Herein, the emphasis is on the recent advancement of MNP-based detection and monitoring systems for LC diagnosis, and future perspectives in the current scenario are discussed. The integration of MNP-based advanced diagnostic tools (microfluidic chips, artificial intelligence, biosensors, biomarkers detection, machine learning, nanotheranostics, deep learning, and internet of things platform) with conventional ones bronchoscopy, computed tomography scan, positron emission tomography, distant metastases, transthoracic biopsy, and magnetic resonance imaging might help to resolve current challenges related to early diagnosis of LC. Graphical abstract

This review attempts to compile the physics and chemistry of defects in zinc oxide (ZnO), at both, the fundamental and application levels. The defects, either inherent ones or introduced externally, have broadened the ZnO material field in various directions. The ZnO material exhibits many defect-attributed properties leading to broad technological applications: electronic and optoelectronic devices, sensors, optical components, ceramic industry, biomedical, catalysis, lightening, etc . Considering the huge defect-dependent technological scopes, the ZnO material is constantly engineered for various defects, and corresponding functionalities are tailored with respect to particular applications. The functional properties of ZnO are strongly influenced by the defects, and as a result, the defect engineering of the ZnO materials has remained an important motivation in materials science and engineering in terms of localized defects, extended defects, impurities, and surface defects, etc . A detailed characterization of these defects seems to be an essential part of any research area. The correlations of the microstructural characteristics with electrical and optical properties of ZnO are then a natural step for further facilitating an efficient way toward advanced ZnO-based materials and devices. The present review is an effort to shed light on the defects of ZnO, properties, theoretical aspects, and corresponding applications. Graphical abstract

COVID-19 outbreak has become one of the catastrophic health emergencies that could threaten public health worldwide through several hospitalizations and thousands of deaths, leading to boosting global concern intensive precautionary measurements. The clinical and research trials are ongoing for developing several diagnostic tools, antiviral therapeutics, and vaccines versus COVID-19 infectiousness. This review argues the recent nanomedical progress and efficient nanomedicine applications and highlights relevant challenges and considerations of nano-based materials for combating COVID-19 infectiousness and severity. Eventually, we also provide futuristic avenues and perspectives paving the way to explore outstanding solutions for SARS-CoV-2 control and eradication.

Magnesium-based composites are promising materials that can achieve higher strength, modulus, stiffness, and wear resistance by using metals, ceramics, and nanoscale carbon-based materials as reinforcements. In the last few decades, high-performance magnesium-based composites with excellent interfacial bonding and uniformly distributed reinforcements have been successfully synthesized using different techniques. The yield strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation of SiC nanoparticle-reinforced Mg composites reached ∼710 MPa, ∼86 GPa, and ∼50%, respectively, which are the highest reported values for Mg-based composites. The present work summarizes the commonly used reinforcements of magnesium composites, particularly nano-reinforcements. The fabrication processes, mechanical properties, reinforcement dispersion, strengthening mechanisms, and interface optimization of these composites are introduced, and the factors affecting these properties are explained. Finally, the scope of future research in this field is discussed.

This study presents an outline of the 12 principles of green relevance in nanomaterial synthesis. The goal of using green renewable resources is to protect the environment from negative effects, which can be achieved via several main directions, including the choice of innocuous solvents, such as supercritical (SC) fluids or water, and/or additives ( i.e. stabilizers, capping, and reducing agents) such as polysaccharides, using alternative reaction circumstances, and the development of energy-efficient synthetic methods. This review shows how different green renewable resources routes are reducing the impact of chemical processes on the environment and how their benefit can be achieved in nanotechnology applications such as green energy.

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial-reinforced polymer composites exhibit superior properties and multifunctional applications. Compared to lower dimensional nanomaterials such as nanotubes and nanoparticles, 2D nanomaterials show a larger surface area. The large surface area makes 2D nanomaterials more effectively restrict the mobility of polymer chains and yields better reinforcing efficiency than the lower-dimensional nanomaterials. To gain an in-depth understanding and extend the applications of polymer composites reinforced with 2D nanomaterials, this paper reviews the progress in the fundamentals of synthesis and applications of such composites. The motivation and improvement of adding 2D nanomaterials to polymer materials are introduced first, followed by the synthesis approaches and the properties of typical 2D nanomaterials, including graphene, boron nitride nanosheet, and molybdenum disulfide nanosheet. Based on the properties of 2D nanomaterials, polymer composites reinforced with different types of 2D nanomaterials are designed for structural application, thermal dissipation application, tribological application, three-dimensional printing composite structures, and strain sensing application. Afterwards, the significance of reinforcement–matrix interaction and its improving approach are reviewed. The current progress envisions that polymer composites reinforced with 2D nanomaterials can be used in the fields of aviation and aerospace for improving radiation shielding capacity and nanomedical engineering.

Owing to their optical, mechanical, and catalytic properties, plasmonic nanomaterials (P-NMs) have been widely used in sensing, disease treatment, as well as energy transfer and conversion applications. Therefore, the synthesis, properties, and applications of P-NMs have garnered significant interest in recent decades. This review surveys the various types of P-NMs, their synthesis methods, their properties, and recent applications. In addition, we summarize the current challenges and future developments in P-NMs. We hope this article will help researchers to gain a deeper understanding of P-NM applications in the field of energy, overcome the current problems associated with P-NMs, and develop novel P-NMs with better characteristics.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), products released by cells in multiple biological activities, are currently widely accepted as functional particles and intercellular communicators. From the orthodox perspective, EVs derived from apoptotic cells (apoEVs) are responsible for cell debris clearance, while recent studies have demonstrated that apoEVs participate in tissue regeneration. However, the underlying mechanisms and particular functions in tissue regeneration promotion of apoEVs remain ambiguous. Some molecules active during apoptosis also function in tissue regeneration triggered by apoptosis, such as caspases. ApoEVs are generated in the process of apoptosis, carrying cell contents to manifest biological effects and possess biomarkers to target phagocytes. The regenerative effect of apoEVs might be due to their abilities to facilitate cell proliferation and regulate inflammation. Such regenerative effect has been observed in various tissues, including skin, bone, cardiovascular system, and kidneys. Engineered apoEVs are produced to amplify the biological benefits of apoEVs, rendering them optional for drug delivery. Meanwhile, challenges exist in thorough mechanistic exploration and standardization of production. In this review, we discussed the link between apoptosis and regeneration, current comprehension of the origination and investigation strategies of apoEVs, and mechanisms in tissue regeneration of apoEVs and their applications. Challenges and prospects are also addressed here.

Metal oxides are ideal for the fabrication of gas sensors: they are sensitive to many gases while allowing the device to be simple, tiny, and inexpensive. Nonetheless, their lack of selectivity remains a limitation. In order to achieve good selectivity in applications with many possible interfering gases, the sensors are inserted into an electronic nose that combines the signals from nonselective sensors and analyzes them with multivariate statistical algorithms in order to obtain selectivity. This review analyzes the scientific articles published in the last decade regarding electronic noses based on metal oxide nanowires. After a general introduction, Section 2 discusses the issues related to poor intrinsic selectivity. Section 3 briefly reviews the main algorithms that have hitherto been used and the results they can provide. Section 4 classifies the recent literature into fundamental research, agrifood, health, security. In Section 5, the literature is analyzed regarding the metal oxides, the surface decoration nanoparticles, the features that differentiate the sensors in a given array, the application for which the device was developed, the algorithm used, and the type of information obtained. Section 6 concludes by discussing the present state and points out the requirements for their use in real-world applications.

Framework materials, including metal–organic framework materials (MOFs), Prussian blue/Prussian blue analogs (PB/PBAs), and covalent framework materials (COFs), are promising candidates for fabricating electrodes for use in electrochemical devices, especially supercapacitors. Supercapacitors have been widely investigated over the past decade. Active materials as electrode materials are vital to the development of the next generation of supercapacitors. Therefore, designing and fabricating novel electrode materials endowed with superior specific capacitance, perfect cycling stabilities, and distinguished power/energy density are crucial. In this review, we focus on framework materials – MOFs, PB/PBAs, and COFs – and report electrode materials based on their pristine forms, derivatives, and composites for supercapacitors. Recent advances and potential applications of framework materials in supercapacitors are also discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the opportunities and challenges for the future direction of supercapacitors based on framework materials. Graphical abstract Framework materials for supercapacitors: Supercapacitors are perfect energy storage devices with superior cycling life, remarkable power/energy density, fast charge–discharge rates, and environmental friendliness. Frameworks materials, including metal organic frameworks (MOFs), Prussian blue/Prussian blue analogs (PB/PBAs), and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), are outstanding candidates in supercapacitors. In this review, we mainly report typical research progress on framework materials, their derivatives, and composites in a supercapacitor.

With the glorious discovery of graphene back in 2004, the field of nanotechnology was faced with a breakthrough that soon attracted the attention of many scientists from all over the world. Owing to its unique bidimensional structure and exquisite physicochemical properties, graphene has successfully managed to cave its way up to the list of the most investigated topics, while being extensively used in various fields of science and technology. However, serious concerns have been raised about the safety of graphene, for which numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the toxicity of graphene derivatives in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The reproductive toxicity of graphene is one of the most important aspects of this subject as it not only affects the individual but can also potentially put the health of one’s offsprings at risk and display long-term toxic effects. Given the crucial importance of graphene’s reproductive toxicity, more attention has been recently shifted toward this subject; however, the existing literature remains insufficient. Therefore, we have conducted this review with the aim of providing researchers with assorted information regarding the toxicity of graphene derivatives and their underlying mechanisms, while mentioning some of the major challenges and gaps in the current knowledge to further elucidate the path to exploring graphene’s true nature. We hope that our work will effectively give insight to researchers who are interested in this topic and also aid them in completing the yet unfinished puzzle of graphene toxicity.

When combined with nanomaterials, antibiotics show antibacterial activity against susceptible and resistant bacterial strains at significantly lower concentrations. Unfortunately, to date, no research study has examined the effect of the antibiotic mode of action and mechanism of bacterial resistance on the effectiveness of combined antibacterial treatment with nanomaterials. Therefore, in this review, we performed a thorough analysis and critical evaluation of previously published data related to the combined antibacterial effect of antibiotics with nanostructured materials with a targeted focus on relationships between antibiotic’s modes of action and bacterial resistance mechanisms for relevant nanomaterials and their impact on the resulting synergistic effects. Following thorough data analysis and critical discussion, we have discovered and are the first who present that antibiotic’s mode of action and bacterial resistance mechanism determine the final effectiveness of combined antibacterial treatment with nanomaterials. We therefore conclude that only certain combinations of nanomaterials with antibiotics can lead to the enhancement and restoration of the antibacterial effectiveness of antibiotics against certain resistant bacteria. Moreover, the recently occurring development of bacterial resistance towards nanomaterials is also discussed together with a possibility of how to prevent it. All discovered findings provide a new view and perspective on this issue helping to navigate further approaches to combat the antibiotic crisis. Graphical abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is an additive manufacturing technology designed to rapidly process and manufacture complex geometrical components based on computer model design. Based on a 3D data model, materials are accumulated layer by layer through computer control, and the 3D model is finally turned into a stereoscopic object. Compared with traditional manufacturing methods, 3D printing technology has the advantages of saving man-hours, easy operation, no need for molds, and strong controllability of component geometry. With the development of this technology, according to the core materials and equipment and other elements of the printing molding technology, several types of 3D printing technologies such as fused deposition modeling, selective laser sintering, stereolithography, and solvent cast-3D printing have gradually formed. This review focuses on the principles and characteristics of several of the most representative 3D printing molding processes. And based on carbon nanomaterial (carbon fibers, graphene, and carbon nanotubes) reinforced polymer composite materials, the research progress of different 3D printing molding processes in recent years is reviewed. At the same time, the commercial application of 3D printing molding process in this field is analyzed and prospected.

The use of computational modelling and simulation methodologies has grown in recent years as researchers try to understand the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process and create new microstructures and nanostructures. This review article explains and simplifies two simulation methodologies, molecular dynamics and the density functional theory (DFT), in solving atomic layer deposition problems computationally. We believe that these simulation methodologies are powerful tools that can be utilised in atomic layer deposition. DFT is used to solve problems in surface science and catalysis (predicting surface energy, adsorption energy, charge transfer, etc. ), semiconductors (band structure, defect bands, band gap, etc. ), superconductors (electron–phonon coupling, critical transition temperature), and molecular electronics (conductance, current–voltage characteristics). Molecular dynamics (MD) is used to predict the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of a material. Of interest in this article is a review where different material problems emanating from atomic layer deposition from these fields have been addressed by DFT and MD. Selected publications are discussed where DFT and MD have been successfully applied in atomic layer deposition (and related processes in some instances). The applications of DFT stretch from binding energy calculations of molecules and the solid band structure in chemistry and physics, respectively, computing the electron density up to determining the properties of a many-electron system. Also highlighted in this review study are the challenges that DFT and MD simulations must overcome.

In recent years, PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride) and its copolymers have attracted great attention in the development of energy-harvesting devices because of their unique properties such as good flexibility, environmental friendliness, high halogen and acid resistance, lightweight and good biocompatibility. Compared to the most commonly used PZT (lead zirconate titanate), the piezoelectricity of PVDF and its copolymer-based materials is relatively low. To further expand the applications of PVDF, there is an urgent need for efficient methods to prepare high piezoelectric polymers or composites. In this work, the crystal phases are introduced first. Then, the preparation methods of PVDF and its copolymer-based materials are summarized, which are mainly focused on four determining factors of piezoelectricity. The mechanisms of piezoelectric β-phase formation and α- to β-phase transformation are introduced. The influence parameters of each process and their interactions are discussed in detail. In the last section, the progress of the preparation methods is summarized. This work will provide useful information to researchers working on piezoelectric composites.

In this review article, the joining of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composite with metallic materials by using friction welding techniques was discussed and the effects of process parameters on the weld properties were evaluated. Major parameters involved in this process were plunge depth (PD), dwell time, joining time, and tool rotational speed. A successful friction joint of carbon fiber-reinforced poly composite laminate (CF-PPS)-metal was formed with an interlayer film of additional polyphenylene sulfide. In addition, a detailed overview of the friction techniques was discussed, such as friction stir spot welding (FSSW), friction stir welding (FSW), and refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW). In this current work, we had focused on the parameters, process, and their development during friction welding of similar and dissimilar metals with CFRP joint. Regarding the FSSW review, the best tensile shear load was 7.1 kN obtained from AA5182 and CFRP at a rotational speed of 3,000 rpm and 5 s welding time. The thickness for AA5182 and CFRP are 1.2 and 3 mm, respectively. The most efficient parameters are rotational speed, PD, dwell time, and shoulder penetration depth. In addition, the heat generated during the process parameters, its influence on mechanical and microstructure properties along with the possible defects and internal cracks of the similar and dissimilar welded joints will be reviewed and discussed.

Nano-SiO 2 is a non-toxic, tasteless, and pollution-free material with hydroxyl groups that facilitate the adsorption of water on its surface. Nano-SiO 2 is characterized by small particle size, high purity, low density, large surface area, and good dispersion properties. In addition, nano-SiO 2 has excellent stability, reinforcement, thixotropy, and optical and mechanical properties. The additive of nano-SiO 2 can enhance the mechanical properties and microstructure of concrete. Therefore, nano-SiO 2 is widely used as an additive in the field of building materials. Geopolymers have excellent mechanical properties, acid–alkali resistance, fire resistance, and high-temperature resistance. In addition, mineral waste and construction waste can be used as raw materials for geopolymers. Therefore, geopolymers have the potential to substitute ordinary Portland cement and have good prospects for application as construction materials. The application of nanomaterials in geopolymer products has shown that nano-SiO 2 is effective in increasing the rate of geopolymerization reaction and reducing the setting time of geopolymers in a controlled quantity. Related results indicate that an appropriate quantity of nano-SiO 2 can make the microstructure of fly ash-based geopolymers denser and produce higher mechanical strength. In this study, based on the mechanism of geopolymerization, the effects of nano-SiO 2 on the properties of fly ash-based geopolymers including compressive strength, microstructure, hardening properties, shear bond strength, durability, and practical applications have been summarized. This study can provide a basis for understanding the effects of nano-SiO 2 on the mechanical properties and durability of fly ash-based geopolymers.

Graphene-based materials are widely applied due to their interesting physical and chemical properties, but their hydrophobic surface and toxicity to living creatures limit their application in some fields. Biopolymers are incorporated with graphene-based materials to overcome these issues and improve their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and ecological friendliness, and the synergetic effect enhances other properties as well. These properties make graphene-based materials a novel subject of interest in science and industry. In this study, the various applications of developed biopolymer/graphene-based composites are broadly addressed, and recent progress in the field is emphasized. Modification, stability, and compatibility are among the key merits for developing highly advanced composites with desirable properties. The major challenges and some recommendations in various applications based on reviewed studies are covered. However, the development of environmentally friendly, low-cost, high-quality, and large-scale biopolymer/graphene-based composites for specified applications is challenging. Studies based on application and trend are conducted. Opportunities and limitations can guide researchers in the field to solve challenges, provide directions for future studies, and optimize sustainable biopolymer/graphene-based composites for specified industrial applications. Graphical abstract

A new virus, the coronavirus (COVID-19), is causing serious respiratory infections in humans. Rapid, specific, and sensitive diagnostic techniques for early-stage detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral protein are developing as a necessary response for effective smart diagnostics, treatment optimization, and exploration of therapeutics with better effectiveness in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping the considerations mentioned above, we propose a new modeling graphene nanocomposite-based biosensing device for detecting COVID-19 at the site of the epidemic as the best way to manage the pandemic. It is important to address the problems of COVID-19 management. With the challenges and aspects of COVID-19 management in mind, we present in this review a collective approach involving electrochemical COVID-19 biosensing required for early-stage COVID-19 diagnosis and the direct interaction with viral surface glycoproteins and metal nanoparticles that can enter cells and neutralize viruses by interacting directly with the viral genome (ribonucleic acid), which identifies the COVID-19 spike protein and antiviral procedure including virus inactivation, host cell receptor inactivation, electrostatic entrapment, and physicochemical destruction of viral species by nucleotide ring opening. The interactions between the graphene composite and virus may be boosted by functionalization of the carbon surface and decoration of metallic components that enhance these interactions. Our proposed new modeling molecular dynamic simulation-based neutralizing mechanism and real-time detection of COVID-19 on graphene nanocomposite-based biosensors are suitable for point-of-care diagnostic applications, and this sensing platform can be modified for the early diagnosis of severe viral infections using real samples. For the potential application, the suggested one is the chemical reaction and bond breaking between the metallic component and molecule of COVID19 with computer simulation data. Graphical abstract

Bamboo is one of the renewable materials which can be applied in the engineering field widely. Previous research has shown that bamboo’s inherent poor durability can limit the application of bamboo materials. And nanotechnology has been receiving more and more attention on improving the properties of natural materials, simultaneously. This article aims to promote the application of nanotechnology on bamboo by presenting some guides. And this article has been organized as follows: first, the characteristics and nanomechanical behavior of bamboo in mesoscopic and nanoscopic scale have been introduced. Then, nanomaterials for modifying bamboo have been presented. Next, some analyses on the improvement of some properties of nano-modified bamboo materials have been made. Finally, future perspectives have been discussed.

Fossil-based resources are finite; thus, materials derivable from these resources are nonsustainable. As no methods for renewing the depleting fossil reserves have been discovered, humanity must seek renewable, sustainable, and efficient alternatives to satisfy its material needs and preserve civilization. Solar energy remains the “capital income” of the global community and is pivotal to meeting the current needs of humankind by using biorenewable resources. Hence, the scientific community should ultimately shift its focus away from the well-established field of fossil-based chemistry to the less examined area of biorenewable chemistry. Although nature-based materials offer enormous opportunities as eco-friendly and renewable resources toward materials sustainability, their application ranges are beset with limitations compared to conventional materials – hence, enhancing their properties for advanced applications toward sustainable development represents a very challenging task. This review discusses the existing techniques for various synergizing approaches developed in the fields of biology, chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology to overcome the limitations of biorenewable nanocomposites, expand their application range into previously restricted areas, and establish biorenewables as viable alternatives to conventional materials fabricated from fossil-based resources. In addition, we briefly outline various preparation methods for biobased nanocomposites as their limitations and directions for future studies. Graphical abstract

The lipid-based colloidal carriers, such as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanocapsules, liposomes, and microemulsion, are the latest and significant entrants in the development of drug delivery systems owing to their myriad advantages. The NLCs are second-generation SLNs having unstructured matrix, have high drug loading, and provide long-term drug stability in comparison to SLNs and other colloidal systems, which show lower drug loading and experience burst release/drug expulsion during storage. This review is aimed to summarize the formulation development and optimization strategies for NLCs as reported in the literature collected from authentic databases. Various types of NLCs, formulation components, methods of preparation, characterization parameters, optimization (statistical designs) strategies, toxicity, regulatory aspects, and their applications in oral, parenteral, ocular, pulmonary, nose-to-brain, tumor targeting, and transdermal drug delivery have been dealt in detail. Patents granted on the NLCs have also been enlisted.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has the advantages of fast design and fabrication in clinical orthopedics. This study proposed the application of 3D-printed personalized reverse shoulder prosthesis in a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for a patient with tuberculosis of the shoulder joint. Traditional and personalized shoulder prostheses were compared and studied. The mechanical simulation analysis was conducted on the individualized prosthesis and scapula. A personalized reverse total shoulder prosthesis was fabricated by 3D printing technology. Finite element analyses were conducted for implantation of traditional and personalized prostheses. The numerical results show that the maximum equivalent stress of screws inserted into bone tissue is 43.23 MPa in the personalized prosthesis. But in traditional prostheses, the maximum equivalent stress of screws performing the same function is 246.50 MPa. The structural advantages of the personalized prosthesis effectively reduce the local pressure of the screws to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the material during service. At the same time, the scapula paired with the personalized prosthesis also shown a smaller mean equivalent stress that can reduce patient stress. The postoperative evaluation of implant stability and patient status was good. The results indicated that 3D printing technology has important application value in orthopedic surgery.

Biocompatible, attuned, and congruent stimuli-responsive polymers of synthetic and plants and animals-based origins are essential raw materials for constructing bio-matching scaffolds, devices, and vehicles for payload deliveries, tissue engineering, therapeutics, and diagnostic purposes, and also as fill-in materials at biosites for various biomimetic applications. The nanobiomaterials for nanobiotechnology, nanopharmaceuticals, and nanobioengineering requires to have fit-in intrinsic chemical, physical, physico-chemical, mechanical, biological, and chemo-biological characteristics. The developed nanomaterials are also required to be receptive and biomimicking in quality, and they must not be toxic at any stage of use or implantation, minimally or of zero order degradation together with aging and use-related degradation, and last a life-time. The biomaterial at the upgraded scale needs to possess intricate characteristics equivalent to the biological materials, and compatible to the biological-sites during transportation, delivery, and site-unloading, and use. Recent developments in nanobiomaterial substrate designs and structure, characteristics, design requirements, chemo-biological interface related bio-systems response-compatibility, biomaterial synchronized, contemporaneous, and evolving applications in health care, therapeutics, nanomedicine, bio-hazard prevention, toxicity and ways of toxicity-control are outlined. The structure-function relationship, scope and limitations, structural and functional classes, and diversified biological outreach are discussed.

In recent years, several strategies have been proposed and demonstrated to enhance the efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photovoltaics (OPVs). In both types of devices, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is commonly used to enhance hole injection. The layer is further designed by incorporating metallic-based, carbon-based, organic, inorganic, and hybrid nanoparticles with the aim of improving the performance and hence the efficiency through the improvement of light out-coupling in OLEDs and enhancement in light absorption generation of hole-charge carriers in OPVs. This review elucidates the use of different types of nanoparticles that are doped into PEDOT:PSS and their effects on OLEDs or OPVs. The effects include surface plasmon resonance (SPR), scattering, better charge transport, improvement in surface morphology and electrical properties of PEDOT:PSS. Promising results have been obtained and can potentially lead to low cost, large-area manufacturing process.

Advancement in nanotechnology and its intervention into the medical field has led to significant development in the field of oral health. Also, the combination of nanomaterial science and biotechnology in dental nanorobotics has enthralled us by adding momentum to contemporary dental practices. The progressive nature of dental afflictions often requires an umbrella approach for their prevention, diagnosis, and complete treatment. Furthermore, the complex nature of dental diseases entails customized treatment modalities, which provides the development of various nanotechnology armamentariums. Furthermore, with the objective of controlled drug delivery, researchers have done a plethora of work to apply nanomaterials such as nanospheres, nanotubes, and nanocomposites for dental infections. However, the fundamental concern with nanotechnology is cost involvement and scaleup hurdles which limits its commercialization. Nevertheless, we hope that optimal utilization of the available nanotechnological interventions for modern dental practice will shortly improve oral health. Hence, this review primarily focuses on the types of nanotechnological interventions explored for various dental afflictions. Also, the authors have attempted to enlighten the readers about the practical aspects of nanotherapeutics for dental disease, that is, a journey from laboratory to product commercialization.

Design and development of new materials and their hybrids are key to addressing current energy issues. Thanks to their tunable textural and physiochemical properties, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) show great potential toward gas sorption, catalysis, sensing, and electrochemical energy applications. Nevertheless, practical applications of MOFs have been hampered because of their limited electrical conductivity, micropore size, and poor stability. However, smart integration of zero-dimensional quantum dots (QDs) into an MOF template, where the host structure offers suitable interactions for enhancing the stability and synergic properties, may be a solution. The objective of this review is to summarize recent advances in the field of QD@MOFs, highlighting fresh approaches to synthesis strategies and progress made in their application to optoelectronic devices, sensing, biomedical, catalysis, and energy storage. The current challenges and future directions of QDs@MOFs hybrids toward advancing energy and environmental applications are also addressed. We anticipate that this review will inspire researchers to develop novel MOF hybrids for energy, optoelectronics, and biomedical applications.

Short nanofibers have been of interest in preparing 3D porous structures, aerosol filters, and nanocomposites. These materials require nanofiber retrieval and application in short form with simultaneous control over aspect ratio. Electrospinning, conventionally, offers minimal control over short nanofiber yield as nonwoven mat is the default configuration of collected sample. High surface area to volume ratio nanofiber, however, can offer new vistas in material design if standardization of short nanofiber preparation practices, offering control over aspect ratio, can be attained. It will provide novel insights into design of tissue engineering scaffolds, filtration membranes, and nanocomposite properties. This work summarizes reported efforts to prepare short nanofiber through mechanical, chemical, material, and operational variables. It aims to provide comparative glance at attempts to control aspect ratio along with pros and cons of the adopted techniques. Lastly, discussion shares generalized conclusions and insights gathered while reviewing material and operational variables adopted for short nanofiber preparation. Graphical abstract

The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) has long been considered as a zone of weakness in concrete. Many scholars have carried out relatively scattered tentative explorations to improve the performance of ITZ. The application of nanomaterials to enhance ITZ in concrete is a promising research. In order to further study the basic principles and practical applications of this field, it is urgent to systematically sort out the existing results. In this study, the nano-modification of ITZ in concrete is systematically reviewed and summarized. First, this study reviews the microscopic characterization of ITZ, including hydration products, porosity, and microhardness. Then, the influence of nanomaterials on ITZ is reviewed from the view of the above three aspects. Finally, the method and mechanism of the ITZ modified by nanomaterials were preliminarily clarified, which provided theoretical and empirical data support for the team’s next experimental work. A large number of research results show that nanomaterials improve the mechanical properties and microstructure of the ITZ, thus enhancing the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. The results of this article will provide source materials for the development of this field, a broader research basis for peer research, and a basis for further development of green engineering materials.

Food safety has become a topic of global concern in the recent decades. The significant food safety incidents occur from time to time around the world, seriously threatening the public health and causing extensive economic losses. In particular, the occurrence of COVID-19 highlights the importance of the food safety for the public health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish a fast, simple, sensitive, and efficient method for the detection of food safety. In recent years, the upconversion (UC) nanotechnology has been widely used in the field of food detection. The UC fluorescence analysis technology possesses the advantages of ultra-sensitivity detection, non-invasiveness, light stability, etc. , and has broad application prospects in the field of food safety. After cladding and surface modification, it can be combined with other substances through a variety of mechanisms, such as electrostatic interaction, thereby expanding its application in the food safety detection. Thus, overall, there is a vital need to evaluate and utilize the potential of UC nanoparticles in the field of rapid detection of food safety.

The application of nano-fertilizers (NFs) is an emerging research field in agriculture. These are materials in the size range of 1–100 nm that support the nutrition of the plants. It is a novel way to optimize the nutrient supply, either alone or in combination. NFs are an economical alternative to ordinary chemical fertilizers that can increase global food production in a sustainable way. NFs are made up of nutrients and micronutrients and may act as carriers for nutrients. The nanocarriers deliver the nutrients to the right place, reducing the additional amount of active chemicals deposited in the plant, besides a slow release. Although nano-coated materials manage to penetrate through the stomata with a size exclusion limit greater than 10 nm, the nanoparticles appear to be able to make holes and enter the vascular system. This review addresses the potential benefits of NFs to agriculture, synthesis, mode of entry, mechanisms of action, and the fate of nanomaterials in soil. Finally, policy makers will have the bases to regulate the dose, frequency, and time period of NF applications for food production. We suggest formulating the integrated risk management frameworks for the possible applications of NFs in agriculture.

Cocrystallization is an important method to obtain high-energy and low-sensitivity explosives. Therefore, the synthesis, structures, and properties of cocrystal energetic materials have become a highly active research topic. Studying the physical and chemical properties of cocrystal energetic materials by molecular dynamics is of great significance for the in-depth understanding and design/synthesis of new cocrystal energetic materials. This review introduces the method of molecular dynamics, the cocrystal energetic materials synthesized successfully to date, and the application of molecular dynamics to cocrystal energetic materials. The existing problems and future development directions are discussed. We hope that this review will encourage researchers interested in the field to design and synthesize high-energy and low-sensitive energetic materials with practical application value.

Nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) has been widely studied as a promising biomaterial because of its potential mechanical and biological properties. In this article, different synthesis methods for nano-HA were summarized. Key factors for the synthesis of nano-HA, including reactant concentration, effects of temperature, PH, additives, aging time, and sintering, were separately investigated. The biological performances of the nano-HA depend strongly on its structures, morphology, and crystallite sizes. Nano-HA with different morphologies may cause different biological effects, such as protein adsorption, cell viability and proliferation, angiogenesis, and vascularization. Recent research progress with respect to the biological functions of the nano-HA in some specific biological applications are summarized and the future development of nano-sized hydroxyapatite is prospected.

Agriculture and industrial wastes (AIWs) have attracted much attention because of their huge environmental, economic, and social impacts. AIWs have been considered a crucial link of a closed-loop for the fabrication of nanomaterials and composites wherein they replace traditional resources with sustainable waste in waste management. In this context, the proper disposal of AIWs is required. This review aims to investigate the technical feasibility of using innovative AIW resources and various strategies for the fabrication of nanomaterials for improving energy applications. First, the utilization of AIWs is classified comprehensively. Second, key technologies to produce nanomaterials are summarized. In addition, this review discusses the potential applications of the fabricated nanomaterials in energy storage and energy conversion. Graphical abstract

Semiconductor nanomaterials, also known as quantum dots (QDs), have gained significant interest due to their outstanding optical properties with potential biological and biomedical applications. However, the presence of heavy toxic metals such as Cd, Pb, and Hg in conventional QDs have been a major challenge in their applications. Therefore, it is imperative to seek a viable alternative that will be non-toxic and have similar optical properties as the conventional QDs. Ternary I–III–VI QDs have been found to be suitable alternatives. Their optical properties are tunable and have emissions in the near-infrared region. These properties make them useful in a wide range of biological applications. Hence, this review focuses on the recent progress in the use of ternary QDs in Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET), nanomedical applications such as drug and gene delivery. It also discusses the biophotonic application of ternary I–III–VI QDs in optical imaging, biosensing, and multimodal imaging. Furthermore, we looked at the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of these QDs, and their toxicity concerns. Finally, we looked at the current status, challenges, and future directions in the application of these ternary QDs. Graphical abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), as the third gasotransmitter, plays important roles in promoting the growth, proliferation, and metastasis of cancer cells. Recently, emerging nanotherapeutics have been developed for cancer therapy by regulating the H 2 S concentration at tumor sites. The action of H 2 S in cancer therapy can be demonstrated by a bell-shaped dose-response curve. In addition to the H 2 S donation from gas therapy, reducing the level of intratumoral H 2 S can also exert an antitumor effect by disturbing the redox balance of tumor cells. On top of that, the integration of nanotechnology further enhances the diversity of H 2 S-involved cancer treatments. As a result, phototherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and ultrasonic therapy can all be realized by designing nanotherapeutics based on the physicochemical properties of H 2 S. Furthermore, the active/passive targeting effects and onsite H 2 S-regulating ability of nanotherapeutics greatly improve the safety of treatment. To track the development and promote the clinical transformation of H 2 S-involved nanotherapeutics, this review introduced the antitumor-related properties of H 2 S gas and the evolution of H 2 S-involved cancer therapy. Then, we discussed the design concepts and mechanisms of H 2 S-involved nanotherapeutics in depth. Finally, the future expectations and challenges were spotlighted in the concept of translational medicine.

During the orthodontic process, increased microbial colonization and dental plaque formation on the orthodontic appliances and auxiliaries are major complications, causing oral infectious diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases. To reduce plaque accumulation, antimicrobial materials are increasingly being investigated and applied to orthodontic appliances and auxiliaries by various methods. Through the development of nanotechnology, nanoparticles (NPs) have been reported to exhibit excellent antibacterial properties and have been applied in orthodontic materials to decrease dental plaque accumulation. In this review, we present the current development, antibacterial mechanisms, biocompatibility, and application of antibacterial NPs in orthodontic materials.

Skin wound healing is a continuous and complex process affected by many factors. Growth factors play an important role in the process of wound healing. Local application of growth factors can significantly promote wound healing. However, the degradation and time dependence of growth factors require appropriate delivery systems to help them play a role in wound healing. In recent years, wound dressing products with hydrogels as matrix materials or main components have shown obvious advantages in promoting wound healing. By modifying the hydrogel or combining it with other factors or materials that are beneficial to wound healing, the healing effect can be further enhanced. This review will introduce the research status of growth factors and hydrogels based on natural biological materials in skin wound repair and review the effects and research progress of the combination of growth factors and hydrogels in skin wound healing.

The bactericide is one of the major objective consequences related to healthcare in the world. Natural enzymes have been broadly utilized in various applications such as biomedical areas due to their broad catalytic activities and substrate particularity. While anticipating, it has drawbacks like higher cost, low stability, and troubles in reprocessing. Additionally, artificial enzymes (nanozymes) have favors above natural enzymes, for example, the effortless yield on a big scale, low costs, and high stability in coarse surrounds. The amount of antibiotic repellent microorganisms has activated big concern in the growth of stuff with essential bactericide potentials such as metal or metal oxide nanoparticles, cationic polymeric compounds, graphene oxide, and other carbon materials that can be used as antibacterial agents by altering cell morphology. In this report, we have summarized catalytic antibacterial strategies by natural enzymes, artificial enzymes, or photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the demands and hereafter contents about catalytic antibacterial strategies are supposed in this report.

Over the last decades, nanotechnology applied in medicine (nanomedicine) has sparked great interest from the scientific community, thanks to the possibility to engineer nanostructured materials, including nanoparticles (NPs), for a specific application. Their small size confers them unique properties because they are subject to physical laws in the middle between classical and quantum physics. This review is proposed to explain better how to design a specific NP and clarify the relationship between the type, size, and shape of NPs and the specific medical applications. NPs are classified into inorganic (metallic NPs, quantum dots, carbon-based nanostructures, mesoporous silica NPs) and organic (liposomes and micelles, dendrimers, and polymer NPs). Here, we report an accurate description of the potential of each NPs type focusing on their multiple areas of application, including theranostics drug delivery, imaging, tissue engineering, antimicrobial techniques, and nanovaccines. All these features make NPs a promise to revolutionize the new era of nanomedicine. Graphical abstract

Since their discovery in 1991, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have found widespread use in various industries, from aerospace to energy, due to their excellent mechanical, thermal, electrical, and tribological properties. Their lightweight nature, small size, incredible tensile strength, and conductivity have made them very popular as reinforcements in metals, polymers, and even finding employment in additive manufacturing. In this review, we provide a rundown of these structures and discuss in detail the numerous methods used to process CNT-reinforced materials, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), ball milling, hot pressing, and selective laser melting. The limitations of manufacturing and processing these composites are also discussed, strengthened by the support of different published works. To understand the changes in the properties of these composites in terms of varying parameters such as temperature, CNT length, diameter, etc ., an extensive summary is provided, describing several techniques to perform experimental analysis and giving plausible reasons for attributing these changes. Consequently, we explore the specific areas of applications for these CNT-reinforced composites in fields such as aerospace, energy, biomedical, and automobile, and how they can be further processed and changed to allow for more affordable and efficient solutions in the future.

Nanomaterials have been widely researched for use in construction materials. Numerous studies demonstrate that nanomaterials in small quantities can significantly improve the macroscopic properties of cement paste, mortar, or concrete through various mechanisms. Nanomaterials retrieved from biomass sources have recently gained particular research interest due to remarkable structural properties and the source material’s abundance and renewability. Cellulose and chitin are the most abundant polysaccharides in nature; thus, they are candidates for nanomaterials extraction as multifunctional additives in cementitious systems. In recent years, cellulose nanomaterials in cementitious composites have been extensively investigated, but chitin nanomaterials and starch derivatives for cement and concrete are still emerging research areas. This review article starts with an overview of polysaccharide nanomaterials’ (PNMs) physicochemical properties as a result of different chemical and mechanical extraction processes. Next a brief overview of cement hydration chemistry and microstructure and the interfacial interactions between the cement and the various surface chemical functionalities of PNMs are discussed. Then, the key mechanisms governing the cement strength enhancement by PNMs, such as bridging, nucleating and filling effect, and internal curing, are described. Finally, the impacts of PNMs on other properties of the cement are discussed.

The service conditions of rubber seals are primarily in the dynamic sliding state, with a high coefficient of friction, which can seriously compromise the equipment’s safety and the services’ lifespan. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films have been the ideal candidate for tribological modification of rubber surfaces due to their excellent tribological properties over the last two decades. This field can be widely discussed as a hard film on soft substrates, where the challenge is the mismatch of mechanical properties, leading to the exfoliation of DLC films in friction. Early work developed the DLC films with a segment structure to solve this critical issue, illustrating the possibility of wear-resistant rubber. In recent years, researchers have paid attention to further increasing the coated rubber’s lifetime in friction, focusing on adhesion. These research achievements were reviewed on the aspects of structurization, adhesion, and doping in this article. It proposed an alternative direction of understanding the surface wear mechanism for designing wear-resistant DLC films on rubber.

Ion erosion and carbonization in concrete are the key factors leading to the deterioration of durability. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are a kind of functional material with layered structures and ion exchange properties, which can capture a variety of harmful anions in concrete pore solutions. Therefore, LDHs exhibit great potential in improving the durability of concrete as new modified material. This article reviews the recent progress of LDHs. Based on the structural characteristics of LDHs, this work discusses the binding effect of LDHs on Cl − , SO 4 2 − {\text{SO}}_{4}^{2-} , and CO 3 2 − {\text{CO}}_{3}^{2-} in cement-based materials. We also analyze the influence of LDHs on the physical, mechanical, and hydration properties of cement-based materials and describe the modification mechanisms. Further, the improved durability of concrete and the corrosion inhibition of reinforcement by LDHs were summarized. Finally, we briefly point out some problems in the current research and development trends in the future on LDHs modified cement-based materials.

Silica (SiO 2 ) is one of the most promising inorganic nanofillers, and it has been widely used in the preparation of polymer nanocomposites due to its adjustable morphology, large specific surface area, and ease of functionalization. The surface modification, structural characteristics, and bonding mechanisms of SiO 2 are crucial in enhancing the overall performance of polymer nanocomposites. This review focuses on summarizing the recent progress made regarding the preparation and structure characterization methods, unique properties, and rheological behavior of SiO 2 /polymer nanocomposites. In addition, the latest applications of SiO 2 /polymer nanocomposites in coatings, smart devices, biomedicine, and environment are further explored. A comprehensive summary of the main challenges, opportunities, and perspectives regarding SiO 2 /polymer nanocomposites is also presented.

The field of tissue engineering is poised to be positively influenced by the advent of supramolecular biopolymers, because of their promising tailorability coming from the bottom-up approach used for their development, absence of toxic byproducts from their gelation reaction and intrinsic better mimicry of extracellular matrix nanotopography and mechanical properties. However, a deep understanding of the phenomena ruling their properties at the meso- and macroscales is still missing. In silico approaches are increasingly helping to shine a light on questions still of out of reach for almost all empirical methods. In this review, we will present the most significant and updated efforts on molecular modeling of SBP properties, and their interactions with the living counterparts, at all scales. In detail, the currently available molecular mechanic approaches will be discussed, paying attention to the pros and cons related to their representability and transferability. We will also give detailed insights for choosing different biomolecular modeling strategies at various scales. This is a systematic overview of tools and approaches yielding to advances at atomistic, molecular, and supramolecular levels, with a holistic perspective demonstrating the urgent need for theories and models connecting biomaterial design and their biological effect in vivo .

The development and utilization of perovskites are beneficial to improve or even change the optical properties of devices and obtain fascinating performances such as higher photoelectric conversion efficiency, better thermal stability, higher external quantum efficiency, more excellent remodeling, and flexibility. So, there are many articles on perovskite reviews having been reported from synthesis, properties to various applications (such as optoelectronic devices, electrical memristor, etc. ). Based on the reported review of perovskites, this study will make a further supplement to the research progress of perovskites in visible light communication (VLC), optical neuromorphic devices, and highlight huge development prospects in these emerging fields in recent years. First, we briefly reviewed the preparation methods of common perovskite materials, followed by the optical and electrical characteristics. Then, the specific applications of optical properties based on perovskite materials are emphatically investigated, in addition to traditional photovoltaic devices, especially the latest cutting-edge fields of information encryption and decryption, VLC as well as optical memristive devices for photonic synapse and photonic neuromorphic computing. Finally, the main conclusions and prospects are given. Perovskite-based optical memristive devices are enabled to assist photonic neuromorphic calculations, showing huge potential application prospects in intelligent integrated chip fusing sensing, storage, and computing.

The palladium (Pd)-catalysed reaction has attracted much attention, making Pd the most valuable of the four major precious metals. Several different forms of Pd can be used as a catalyst; nanoparticles (NPs) have the advantage of a high surface area:volume ratio. Since the chemical production of Pd NPs is not environmentally friendly, biological synthesis interest has grown. However, the production mechanism remained unknown in several cases and was recently described for the electroactive bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. The application of these green synthesised NPs was established in different fields. This review discusses the production pathway and the novel biological-inspired methods to produce tailored biogenic palladium nanoparticles (bio-Pd NPs), with their broad application fields as biogenic nanocatalysts. Two significant applications – reductive bioremediation of persistent organic contaminants and energy-producing microbial fuel cells – are discussed in detail. The current challenges in optimising bio-Pd NPs production and the potential research directions for the complete utilisation of its novel catalytic properties are highlighted. Graphical abstract Novel application of bio-Pd NPs

Nanofluids have been widely used as a class of promising working fluids with excellent heat transfer properties. However, the theoretical research on the thermal enhancement mechanism of nanofluids is still in the preliminary stage. Fractional constitutive models provide a new powerful tool to investigate the superior mechanical and thermal properties of nanofluids owing to their advantages in depicting the memory and genetic properties of the system. Fractional nanofluid models have become one of the hot research topics in recent years as better control of flow behavior and heat transfer can be achieved by considering fractional derivatives. The existing studies have indicated that the results obtained by the fractional-order nanofluid model are more consistent with the experimental results than traditional integer-order models. The purpose of this review is to identify the advantages and applications of fractional nanofluid models. First, various definitions of fractional derivatives and correlations of flux utilized in nanofluid modeling are presented. Then, the recent researches on nanofluids with fractional derivatives are sorted and analyzed. The impacts of fractional parameters on flow behaviors and heat transfer enhancement are also highlighted according to the Buongiorno model as well as the Tiwari and Das nanofluid model with fractional operators. Finally, applications of fractional nanofluids in many emerging fields such as solar energy, seawater desalination, cancer therapy, and microfluidic devices are addressed in detail.

The association between electrospinning and polysaccharides corresponds to an important area under exploration, to meet the demands of biotechnological industries claiming for polymers with novel functional properties. Among the group of polysaccharides that attract attention for the manufacture of spun fibers; those from the marine origin that exhibit a remarkable potential, due to the possibilities to act as sulfated glycosaminoglycan mimics; as well as, exhibit an easily modifiable chemical structure that allow the production of derivatives suitable for biotechnological applications. Although electrospinning is a seemingly simple method, its applicability is not an easy task. The problem linked to the spinning of pure biomacromolecules has been generally evaluated embracing polymers from different origins. In this review, the parameters affecting the electrospinning of different marine polysaccharides in their pure form will be considered. The chemical features of these polysaccharides as well as the rheological aspects of their solutions will be in depth analyzed, emphasizing the difficulties associated with the use of water as the working solvent. Strategies used to produce spun fibers from other polymers will be also analyzed in this review, proposing them as an alternative to be studied when the production of spun fibers of marine polysaccharides is envisaged.

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing is a cutting-edge micro/nano manufacturing technology for flexible substrates. Generally, EHD printing uses an electric field to drive droplet jet printing, which has characteristics of low cost, simple structure, and high precision. According to the research status of EHD printing at home and abroad, this article mainly focuses on the processing and applications of demanding devices by EHD printing, as well as the influence of associated-processing parameters, with regard to the breakthrough of different kinds of electronic inks developed in recent 5 years. Upon the understanding of the challenges and opportunities from the point of view of engineering applications, optimization strategies for ink selection are put forward for driving EHD printing in various fields of transistors, sensors, biomedicine, and electroluminescent devices.

Materials with desired thermal deformation are very important for various engineering applications. Here, a material with the combination of chiral structure and TiNi shape memory alloy (SMA) sheets that performs a twist during heating is proposed. The thermo-mechanical properties of these materials are experimentally investigated. Inspired by this, a car-like material performing translational and rotational motion is designed, which illustrates the potential applications for the next-generation soft robotic devices. Based on this method, one can design remotely manipulated artificial muscles, nanorobots, revolute pairs, and thermal sensors or actuators in a noncontact fashion. Graphical abstract (a) Geometrical model, (b) anti-clockwise, (c) clockwise, (d) chiral structure with SMA, (e) 2D car model, (f) 3D car model, (g) two wheels in identical direction, (h) two wheels in opposite direction.

In recent years, the adsorption method is usually adopted in the actual treatment of crude oil spills. However, the high viscosity of crude oils prevents them from diffusing into the internal pores of the adsorbent, resulting in ineffective oil capture. Photothermal materials can reduce the viscosity of crude oil by in situ heating through the photothermal conversion effect, making it easier for crude oil to occupy the internal pores of the adsorbent. At present, the review of the application of photothermal materials in the field of crude oil adsorption is still blank. This review focuses on the application of novel photothermal conversion materials in the field of crude oil adsorption and their performance comparison. Among the photothermal conversion materials used in the field of crude oil adsorption, some are commercial sponges with high porosity and photothermal coating, while others are self-assembled three-dimensional porous structures of materials with inherent photothermal properties. This review mainly introduces the types and research progress of materials with good photothermal effect at home and abroad in recent years and summarizes some new research ideas and materials that can be applied to photothermal conversion.