Journal Description
Materials
Materials
is an international peer-reviewed, open access journal on materials science and engineering published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Portuguese Materials Society (SPM), Spanish Materials Society (SOCIEMAT) and Manufacturing Engineering Society (MES) are affiliated with Materials and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
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- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering) / CiteScore - Q2 (Condensed Matter Physics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 13.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Materials.
- Companion journals for Materials include: Electronic Materials and Construction Materials.
Impact Factor:
3.4 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.8 (2022)
Latest Articles
Analysis of the Surface of Historic Fabric from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum after Treatment with Ethanol Mist Used to Eliminate Microorganisms Harmful to Human Health
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2323; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102323 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Aim: the aim of the work was to present the changes occurring on the model and historical cotton surface of cotton resulting from disinfection with 90% ethanol mist. Materials and methods: Samples of historical materials consisted of fabric elements from suitcases stored in
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Aim: the aim of the work was to present the changes occurring on the model and historical cotton surface of cotton resulting from disinfection with 90% ethanol mist. Materials and methods: Samples of historical materials consisted of fabric elements from suitcases stored in A-BSM. A mist of 90% ethanol was applied for 15 s at a distance of 16 cm from the surface. The spectra of cotton samples before and after ethanol application were recorded using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). Analyses of the surface layers were performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results: the decontamination performed did not show any significant differences in the chemical composition and surface structure of cotton before and after the use of 90% ethanol mist. Conclusions: Ethanol mist, which eliminates microorganisms from the historical surface, does not cause significant changes to the surface of historical objects.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials in Cultural Heritage: Analysis, Testing, and Preservation)
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Phase Fraction Estimation in Multicomponent Alloy from EDS Measurement Data
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Andriy Burbelko, Tomasz Wiktor, Aldona Garbacz-Klempka and Eugeniusz Ziółkowski
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2322; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102322 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
To perform quality assessments of both metal alloys and many other engineering materials, measurements of the volume fractions of phases or microstructure components are utilized. For this purpose, quantitative analysis of the evaluated components’ distribution on metallographic specimens is often employed. Phases or
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To perform quality assessments of both metal alloys and many other engineering materials, measurements of the volume fractions of phases or microstructure components are utilized. For this purpose, quantitative analysis of the evaluated components’ distribution on metallographic specimens is often employed. Phases or components of the microstructure are identified based on the variation in signal received in the band of light seen. Problems with the correct identification of measurement results in this spectral band can be caused by the inhomogeneity of the etching when the alloy components are segregated. Additional uncertainty arises when the analyzed image pixel contains a boundary between grains of different phases. This article attempts to use the results of local chemical composition measurements as a source signal for quantitative evaluation of phase composition. For this purpose, quantitative maps of elemental concentration distributions, obtained with a Tescan Mira GMU high-resolution scanning electron microscope in QuantMap mode, were used as input data for the phase composition evaluation of an EN AC 46000 alloy sample. The X-ray microanalysis signal generation area may contain grains of more than one phase. Therefore, evaluation of the phase fractions in areas of individual measurements were calculated by looking for the minimum of the objective function, calculated as the sum of the squares of the deviations of the results of measurements of the concentration of individual elements from the weighted average values of solubilities of these elements in the phases.
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(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)
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Microstructure Evolution and Strengthening Mechanism of Dual-Phase Mg–8.3Li–3.1Al–1.09Si Alloys during Warm Rolling
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Ying Wang, Guangying Wu, Bingbing Liang, Yongquan He, Changhong Liu, Junwei Liu and Guobing Wei
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2321; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102321 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, the rolling process of the warm-rolled duplex-phase Mg–8.3Li–3.1Al–1.09Si alloy and the strengthening mechanism of as-rolled Mg–Li alloy were investigated. The highest ultimate tensile strength (UTS, 323.66 ± 19.89 MPa) could be obtained using a three-pass rolling process with a 30%
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In this study, the rolling process of the warm-rolled duplex-phase Mg–8.3Li–3.1Al–1.09Si alloy and the strengthening mechanism of as-rolled Mg–Li alloy were investigated. The highest ultimate tensile strength (UTS, 323.66 ± 19.89 MPa) could be obtained using a three-pass rolling process with a 30% thickness reduction for each pass at 553 K. The strength of the as-rolled LAS831 alloy is determined by a combination of second-phase strengthening, grain refinement strengthening, dislocation strengthening, and load-transfer reinforcement. Of these factors, dislocation strengthening, which is caused by strain hardening of the α-Mg phase, can produce a good strengthening effect but also cause a decrease in plasticity. The Mg2Si phase is broken up into particles or strips during the rolling process. After three passes, the AlLi particles were transformed into an AlLi phase, and the Mg2Si particles and nanosized AlLi particles strengthened the second phase to form a hard phase. The average size of the DRXed β-Li grains decreased with each successive rolling pass, and the average size of recrystallized grains in the three-pass-rolled LAS831 alloy became as low as 0.27 μm. The interface between the strip-like Mg2Si phase and the α-Mg phase is characterized by semicoherent bonding, which can promote the transfer of tensile and shear forces from the matrix to the strip-like Mg2Si phase, thereby improving the strength of the matrix and thus strengthening the LAS831 alloy.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Deformation Characteristics of Metals and Alloys—2nd Edition)
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Effect of Chemical Treatments on the Mechanical Properties of Jute/Polyester Composites
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André Luis Lima Flores, Agnė Kairytė, Jurga Šeputytė-Jucikė, Sylwia Makowska, Alessandra Lavoratti, Rafael de Avila Delucis and Sandro Campos Amico
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2320; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102320 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Natural fiber composites have been extensively studied for structural applications, with recent exploration into their potential for various uses. This study investigates the impact of chemical treatments on the properties of Brazilian jute woven fabric/polyester resin composites. Sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic
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Natural fiber composites have been extensively studied for structural applications, with recent exploration into their potential for various uses. This study investigates the impact of chemical treatments on the properties of Brazilian jute woven fabric/polyester resin composites. Sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid were utilized to treat the jute fabrics, followed by resin transfer molding (RTM) to form the composites. Evaluation included water absorption, flexural strength, tensile strength, and short-beam strength. The alkaline treatment induced changes in the chemical composition of the fibers’ surface. Chemical treatments resulted in increased flexural and short-beam strength of the composites, with no significant alterations in tensile properties. The hydrogen peroxide treatment exhibited lower water absorption, suggesting its potential as a viable option for enhancing the performance of these composites.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites: Microstructural, Thermal and Mechanical Properties (Second Volume))
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Open AccessArticle
Composite RGO/Ag/Nanosponge Materials for the Photodegradation of Emerging Pollutants from Wastewaters
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Ettore Madonia, Antonella Di Vincenzo, Alberto Pettignano, Roberto Scaffaro, Emmanuel Fortunato Gulino, Pellegrino Conte and Paolo Lo Meo
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2319; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102319 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Some composite materials have been prepared, constituted by a cyclodextrin-bis-urethane-based nanosponge matrix in which a reduced graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles photocatalyst has been dispersed. Different chain extenders were employed for designing the nanosponge supports, in such a way as to decorate their
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Some composite materials have been prepared, constituted by a cyclodextrin-bis-urethane-based nanosponge matrix in which a reduced graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles photocatalyst has been dispersed. Different chain extenders were employed for designing the nanosponge supports, in such a way as to decorate their hyper-cross-linked structure with diverse functionalities. Moreover, two different strategies were explored to accomplish the silver loading. The obtained systems were successfully tested as catalysts for the photodegradation of emerging pollutants such as model dyes and drugs. Enhancement of the photoactive species performance (up to nine times), due to the synergistic local concentration effect exerted by the nanosponge, could be assessed. Overall, the best performances were shown by polyamine-decorated materials, which were able to promote the degradation of some particularly resistant drugs. Some methodological issues pertaining to data collection are also addressed.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysts for Biomass Conversion and Environmental Remediation)
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Open AccessArticle
Mechanical Behaviour of Photopolymer Cell-Size Graded Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structures at Different Deformation Rates
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Yunus Emre Yılmaz, Nejc Novak, Oraib Al-Ketan, Hacer Irem Erten, Ulas Yaman, Anja Mauko, Matej Borovinsek, Miran Ulbin, Matej Vesenjak and Zoran Ren
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2318; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102318 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
This study investigates how varying cell size affects the mechanical behaviour of photopolymer Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS) under different deformation rates. Diamond, Gyroid, and Primitive TPMS structures with spatially graded cell sizes were tested. Quasi-static experiments measured boundary forces, representing material behaviour,
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This study investigates how varying cell size affects the mechanical behaviour of photopolymer Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS) under different deformation rates. Diamond, Gyroid, and Primitive TPMS structures with spatially graded cell sizes were tested. Quasi-static experiments measured boundary forces, representing material behaviour, inertia, and deformation mechanisms. Separate studies explored the base material’s behaviour and its response to strain rate, revealing a strength increase with rising strain rate. Ten compression tests identified a critical strain rate of 0.7 s−1 for “Grey Pro” material, indicating a shift in failure susceptibility. X-ray tomography, camera recording, and image correlation techniques observed cell connectivity and non-uniform deformation in TPMS structures. Regions exceeding the critical rate fractured earlier. In Primitive structures, stiffness differences caused collapse after densification of smaller cells at lower rates. The study found increasing collapse initiation stress, plateau stress, densification strain, and specific energy absorption with higher deformation rates below the critical rate for all TPMS structures. However, cell-size graded Primitive structures showed a significant reduction in plateau and specific energy absorption at a 500 mm/min rate.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers for Energy, Biomedical and Electrical Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Influence of Imposed Strain on Weldability of Dievar Alloy
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Josef Izák, Marek Benč, Lenka Kunčická, Petr Opěla and Radim Kocich
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2317; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102317 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
The presented work is focused on the influence of imposed strain on the weldability of Dievar alloy. Two mechanisms affecting the microstructure and thus imparting changes in the mechanical properties were applied—heat treatment (hardening and tempering), and rotary swaging. The processed workpieces were
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The presented work is focused on the influence of imposed strain on the weldability of Dievar alloy. Two mechanisms affecting the microstructure and thus imparting changes in the mechanical properties were applied—heat treatment (hardening and tempering), and rotary swaging. The processed workpieces were further subjected to welding with various welding currents. In order to characterize the effects of welding on the microstructure, especially in the heat-affected zone, and determine material stability under elevated temperatures, samples for uniaxial hot compression testing at temperatures from 600 to 900 °C, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and microhardness testing were taken. The testing revealed that, although the rotary swaged and heat-treated samples featured comparable microhardness, the strength of the swaged material was approximately twice as high as that of the heat-treated one—specifically 1350 MPa. Furthermore, it was found that the rotary swaged sample exhibited favorable welding behavior when compared to the heat-treated one, when the higher welding current was applied.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Welding and Joining Technologies: Processes, Parameters, Structures, Properties and Simulations)
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The Use of Ground Coal Bottom Ash/Slag as a Cement Replacement for Sustainable Concrete Infrastructure
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Sandip Poudel, Samrawit Menda, Joe Useldinger-Hoefs, Lidya E. Guteta, Bruce Dockter and Daba S. Gedafa
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2316; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102316 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Cement production requires considerable energy and natural resources, severely impacting the environment due to harmful gas emissions. Coal bottom ash (CBA) and coal boiler slag (CBS), byproducts of coal-fired powerplants having pozzolanic properties, can be mechanically ground and replace cement in concrete, which
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Cement production requires considerable energy and natural resources, severely impacting the environment due to harmful gas emissions. Coal bottom ash (CBA) and coal boiler slag (CBS), byproducts of coal-fired powerplants having pozzolanic properties, can be mechanically ground and replace cement in concrete, which reduces waste in landfills, preserves natural resources, and reduces health hazards. This study was performed to determine the optimum cement replacement amount of ground CBA (GCBA) and ground CBS (GCBS) in concrete, which was 10% for GCBA and 5% for GCBS. GCBA-based concrete exhibited superior tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and durability compared to the control. In the Rapid Chloride Penetration Test, 10% GCBA concrete resulted in 2026 coulombs at 56 days, compared to 3405 coulombs for the control, indicating more resistance to chloride penetration. Incorporating 2.5% nanoclay in GCBA-based concrete increased the optimum GCBA content by 5%, and the compressive strength of 15% GCBA concrete increased by 4 MPa. The mortar consisting of the finest GCBA(L1) having Blaine fineness of 3072 g/cm2 yielded the highest compressive strength (32.7 MPa). The study discovered that the compressive strength of GCBA and GCBS-based mortars increases with fineness, and meeting the recommended fineness limit in ASTM C618 enhances concrete or mortar properties.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Application and Performance Improvement of Pavement Materials)
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Progress and Challenges of Ferrite Matrix Microwave Absorption Materials
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Xianfeng Meng, Wenlong Xu, Xujing Ren and Maiyong Zhu
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102315 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
Intelligent devices, when subjected to multiple interactions, tend to generate electromagnetic pollution, which can disrupt the normal functioning of electronic components. Ferrite, which acts as a microwave-absorbing material (MAM), offers a promising strategy to overcome this issue. To further enhance the
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Intelligent devices, when subjected to multiple interactions, tend to generate electromagnetic pollution, which can disrupt the normal functioning of electronic components. Ferrite, which acts as a microwave-absorbing material (MAM), offers a promising strategy to overcome this issue. To further enhance the microwave absorption properties of ferrite MAM, numerous works have been conducted, including ion doping and combining with other materials. Notably, the microstructure is also key factor that affects the microwave absorption properties of ferrite-based MAM. Thus, this article provides a comprehensive overview of research progress on the influence of the microstructure on ferrite-based MAM. MAMs with sheet and layered structures are also current important research directions. For core-shell structure composites, the solid core-shell structure, hollow core-shell structure, yolk-eggshell structure, and non-spherical core-shell structure are introduced. For porous composites, the biomass porous structure and other porous structures are presented. Finally, the development trends are summarized, and prospects for the structure design and preparation of high-performance MAMs are predicted.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Magnetic Nanomaterials)
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Special Issue: Damage Analysis for Composite Materials: Methods, Testing and Evaluation
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Luis M. P. Durão and Nuno C. Loureiro
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2314; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102314 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
After the Stone, the Bronze, and the Iron Ages, material history is now in the Composite Age [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Damage Analysis for Composite Materials: Methods, Testing and Evaluation)
Open AccessArticle
Improvement in Grain Size Distribution Uniformity for Nuclear-Grade Austenitic Stainless Steel through Thermomechanical Treatment
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Yong Wang, Weiwei Xue, Zongxu Pang, Zichen Zhao, Zhuohua Liu, Chenyuan Liu, Fei Gao and Weijuan Li
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102313 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2024
Abstract
In this work, thermomechanical treatment (single-pass rolling at 800 °C and solution treatment) was applied to nuclear-grade hot-rolled austenitic stainless steel to eliminate the mixed grain induced by the uneven hot-rolled microstructure. By employing high-temperature laser scanning confocal microscopy, microstructure evolution during solution
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In this work, thermomechanical treatment (single-pass rolling at 800 °C and solution treatment) was applied to nuclear-grade hot-rolled austenitic stainless steel to eliminate the mixed grain induced by the uneven hot-rolled microstructure. By employing high-temperature laser scanning confocal microscopy, microstructure evolution during solution treatment was observed in situ, and the effect of single-pass rolling reduction on it was investigated. In uneven hot-rolled microstructure, the millimeter-grade elongated grains (MEGs) possessed an extremely large size and a high Schmid factor for slip compared to the fine grains, which led to greater plastic deformation and increased dislocation density and deformation energy storage during single-pass rolling. During subsequent solution treatment, there were fewer nucleation sites for the new grain, and the grain boundary (GB) was the main nucleation site in MEGs at a lower rolling reduction. In contrast, at a higher reduction, increased uniformly distributed rolling deformation and more nucleation sites were developed in MEGs. As the reduction increased, the number of in-grain nucleation sites gradually exceeded that of GB nucleation sites, and in-grain nucleation preferentially occurred. This was beneficial for promoting the refinement of new recrystallized grains and a reduction in the size difference of new grains during recrystallization. The single-pass rolling reduction of 15–20% can effectively increase the nucleation sites and improve the uniformity of rolling deformation distribution in the MEGs, promote in-grain nucleation, and finally refine the abnormally coarse elongated grain, and eliminate the mixed-grain structure after solution treatment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Microstructure Evolution and Properties of High-Strength Steel)
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Effect of Cold-Rolling Deformation on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of a Biocompatible Ti-Nb-Zr-Ta-Sn-Fe Alloy
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Vasile Dănuț Cojocaru, Alexandru Dan, Nicolae Șerban, Elisabeta Mirela Cojocaru, Nicoleta Zărnescu-Ivan and Bogdan Mihai Gălbinașu
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2312; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102312 - 14 May 2024
Abstract
The primary focus of the current paper centers on the microstructures and mechanical properties exhibited by a Ti-30Nb-12Zr-5Ta-2Sn-1.25Fe (wt. %) (TNZTSF) alloy that has been produced through an intricate synthesis process comprising cold-crucible induction in levitation, carried out in an atmosphere controlled by
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The primary focus of the current paper centers on the microstructures and mechanical properties exhibited by a Ti-30Nb-12Zr-5Ta-2Sn-1.25Fe (wt. %) (TNZTSF) alloy that has been produced through an intricate synthesis process comprising cold-crucible induction in levitation, carried out in an atmosphere controlled by argon, and cold-rolling deformation (CR), applying systematic adjustments in the total deformation degree (total applied thickness reduction), spanning from 10% to 60%. The microstructural characteristics of the processed specimens were investigated by SEM and XRD techniques, and the mechanical properties by tensile and microhardness testing. The collected data indicate that the TNZTSF alloy’s microstructure, in the as-received condition, consists of a β-Ti phase, which shows polyhedral equiaxed grains with an average grain size close to 82.5 µm. During the cold-deformation processing, the microstructure accommodates the increased applied deformation degree by increasing crystal defects such as sub-grain boundaries, dislocation cells, dislocation lines, and other crystal defects, powerfully affecting the morphological characteristics. The as-received TNZTSF alloy showed both high strength (i.e., ultimate tensile strength close to σUTS = 705.6 MPa) and high ductility (i.e., elongation to fracture close to εf = 11.1%) properties, and the computed β-Ti phase had the lattice parameter a = 3.304(7) Å and the average lattice microstrain ε = 0.101(3)%, which are drastically influenced by the applied cold deformation, increasing the strength properties and decreasing the ductility properties due to the increased crystal defects density. Applying a deformation degree close to 60% leads to an ultimate tensile strength close to σUTS = 1192.1 MPa, an elongation to fracture close to εf = 7.9%, and an elastic modulus close to 54.9 GPa, while the computed β-Ti phase lattice parameter becomes a = 3.302(1) Å.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials: Process, Properties, and Applications)
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Effects of HiPIMS Duty Cycle on Plasma Discharge and the Properties of Cu Film
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Yongjie Ren, Heda Bai, Xincheng Liu, Jin Li and Xiangli Liu
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2311; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102311 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
In this paper, Cu thin films were deposited on Si (100) substrates by the high−power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiIPMS) technique, and the effects of different duty cycles (from 2.25% to 5.25%) on the plasma discharge characteristics, microstructure, and electrical properties of Cu thin
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In this paper, Cu thin films were deposited on Si (100) substrates by the high−power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiIPMS) technique, and the effects of different duty cycles (from 2.25% to 5.25%) on the plasma discharge characteristics, microstructure, and electrical properties of Cu thin films were investigated. The results of the target current test show that the peak target current remains stable under 2.25% and 3% duty cycle conditions. Under the conditions of a 4.5% and 5.25% duty cycle, the target peak current shows a decreasing trend. The average power of the target shows a rising trend with the increase in the duty cycle, while the peak power of the target shows a decreasing trend with the increase in the duty cycle. The results of OES show that with the increase in the duty cycle, the total peak intensity of copper and argon emissions shows an overall increasing trend. The duty cycle from 3% to 4.5% change in copper and argon emission peak total intensity change is not obvious. The deposition rate and surface morphology of the copper film were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, and the deposition rate of the copper film increased with the increase in the duty cycle, which was mainly due to the increase in the average power. The surface roughness of the copper film was evaluated by atomic force microscopy. X−ray diffraction (XRD) was used to analyze the grain size and texture of the Cu film, and the results showed that the average grain size of the Cu film increased from 38 nm to 59 nm on the (111) and (200) crystal planes. Four−probe square resistance test copper film resistivity in 2.25%, 3% low duty cycle conditions of the copper film resistivity is generally higher than 4.5%, 5.25% high duty cycle conditions, the copper film resistivity shows the trend of change is mainly affected by the copper film grain size and the (111) face of the double effect of the optimal orientation. The lowest resistivity of the copper film measured under the 4.5% duty cycle condition is 1.7005 μΩ·cm, which is close to the intrinsic resistivity of the copper film of 1.67 μΩ·cm.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Thin Films Materials: Properties, Characterization, Physical Vapor Deposition and Application)
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Microstructure and Hardness Characteristics of Swing-Arc SAW Hardfacing Layers
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Zhengyu Zhu, Maoyang Ran, Xuyang Li, Pichang Ma, Shubin Liu and Jiayou Wang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2310; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102310 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Hot-rolled backup rolls are widely used in steel rolling and usually need to be repaired by arc hardfacing after becoming worn. However, a corrugated-groove defect commonly occurs on the roll surface due to the uneven hardness distribution in the hardfacing layers, affecting the
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Hot-rolled backup rolls are widely used in steel rolling and usually need to be repaired by arc hardfacing after becoming worn. However, a corrugated-groove defect commonly occurs on the roll surface due to the uneven hardness distribution in the hardfacing layers, affecting the proper usage of the roll. Accordingly, a new swing-arc submerged arc welding (SA-SAW) process is proposed to attempt to solve this drawback. The microstructure and hardness are then investigated experimentally for both SAW and SA-SAW hardfacing layers. It is revealed that a self-tempering effect occurs in the welding pass bottom and the welding pass side neighboring the former pass for both processes, refining the grain in the two areas. In all the zones, including the self-tempering zone (STZ), heat-affected zone (HAZ), and not-heat-affected zone in the welding pass, both SAW and SA-SAW passes crystallize in a type of columnar grain, where the grains are the finest in STZ and the coarsest in HAZ. In addition, the arc swing improves the microstructure homogeneity of the hardfacing layers by obviously lowering the tempering degree in HAZ while promoting the even distribution of the arc heat. Accordingly, the hardness of the SA-SAW bead overall increases and distributes more uniformly with a maximum difference of < 80 HV0.5 along the horizontal direction of the bead. This hardness difference in SA-SAW is accordingly decreased by ~38.5% compared to that of the SAW bead, further indicating the practicability of the new process.
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Open AccessArticle
Enhancing Interaction between Lanthanum Manganese Cobalt Oxide and Carbon Black through Different Approaches for Primary Zn–Air Batteries
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Mario García-Rodríguez, Jhony X. Flores-Lasluisa, Diego Cazorla-Amorós and Emilia Morallón
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2309; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102309 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Due to the need for decarbonization in energy generation, it is necessary to develop electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a key process in energy generation systems such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Perovskite–carbon material composites have emerged as active and
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Due to the need for decarbonization in energy generation, it is necessary to develop electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a key process in energy generation systems such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Perovskite–carbon material composites have emerged as active and stable electrocatalysts for the ORR, and the interaction between both components is a crucial aspect for electrocatalytic activity. This work explores different mixing methods for composite preparation, including mortar mixing, ball milling, and hydrothermal and thermal treatments. Hydrothermal treatment combined with ball milling resulted in the most favorable electrocatalytic performance, promoting intimate and extensive contact between the perovskite and carbon material and improving electrocatalytic activity. Employing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), an increase in the number of M-O-C species was observed, indicating enhanced interaction between the perovskite and the carbon material due to the adopted mixing methods. This finding was further corroborated by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) techniques. Interestingly, the ball milling method results in similar performance to the hydrothermal method in the zinc–air battery and, thus, is preferable because of the ease and straightforward scalability of the preparation process.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Electrode for High-Performance Supercapacitors and Electrocatalysis)
Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Laminated Composite Porous Plate under Sinusoidal Load with Various Boundary Conditions
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Raushan Kumar, Ajay Kumar, Wojciech Andrzejuk, Małgorzata Szafraniec and Danuta Barnat-Hunek
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2308; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102308 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Bending analysis was carried out for a laminated composite porous plate due to sinusoidal loading with various boundary conditions using improved third-order theory. Zero transverse shear stress provided a free surface at the top and bottom of the plate. Also, the authors developed
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Bending analysis was carried out for a laminated composite porous plate due to sinusoidal loading with various boundary conditions using improved third-order theory. Zero transverse shear stress provided a free surface at the top and bottom of the plate. Also, the authors developed a finite element formulation based on improved third-order shear deformation theory. To circumvent the C1 continuity requirement associated with improved third-order shear deformation theory, a C0 FE formulation was developed by replacing the out-of-plane derivatives with independent field variables. An in-house FORTRAN code was developed for the bending analysis of the laminated porous plate considering a 2D finite element model. The complete thickness of the plate was covered with different porosity patterns. The impacts of various modulus ratios, boundary conditions, thickness ratios, fiber orientation angles, and material parameters were examined for laminated porous plates. There was an 18.8% reduction in deflection in the case of the square plate as compared to rectangular plates, with a porosity value of 0.1, a thickness ratio of 10, and an orientation angle of 0°/90°/0°. According to the current research, adding porosities causes a relatively greater change in deflection rather than stress, thereby aiding in the development of a lightweight structure.
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(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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Adobe Bricks of the Champagne Region (France): Characterization of a Chalky Raw Earth Construction Material
by
Guillaume Polidori, Adrien Aras-Gaudry, Fabien Beaumont, Fabien Bogard, Sébastien Murer, Mohammed Lachi, Chadi Maalouf, Tala Moussa, Christophe Bliard, Gilles Fronteau and Erwan Hamard
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2307; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102307 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Raw earth bricks made from the soil of the Chalky Champagne region (France) have been used for at least two millennia in construction, a promising heritage in the context of reducing the carbon emissions of buildings. The present experimental study aims to measure
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Raw earth bricks made from the soil of the Chalky Champagne region (France) have been used for at least two millennia in construction, a promising heritage in the context of reducing the carbon emissions of buildings. The present experimental study aims to measure the physical, mechanical, thermal, and hydric properties of adobes collected from a local village barn. The results show a high chalk content, estimated at 71%, and a clay content, acting as a binder, of 14%. Despite limited load-bearing capacity, these lightweight adobes are suitable for current single-story constructions, while their hydrothermal properties classify them as excellent moisture regulators for occupants. In association with other bio-sourced materials such as starch–beet pulp bricks, Chalky Champagne adobes yield promising insulating properties, and meet the criteria defined by current energy standards.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Sustainable Construction Materials)
Open AccessArticle
Surface Bubbles Emergence as an Indicator for Optimal Concrete Compaction
by
Hassan Ahmed and Jouni Punkki
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2306; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102306 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Compaction quality significantly influences the strength and durability of concrete in structures. Under-compacting can retain entrapped air, reducing strength, while over-compacting can lead to segregation, creating local variances in strength distribution and modulus of elasticity in the concrete structure. This study examines the
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Compaction quality significantly influences the strength and durability of concrete in structures. Under-compacting can retain entrapped air, reducing strength, while over-compacting can lead to segregation, creating local variances in strength distribution and modulus of elasticity in the concrete structure. This study examines the widely adopted concept that compaction is optimal when bubbles cease to emerge on the concrete surface. We recorded the surface activity of six comparable concrete specimens during the compaction process using a 4K video camera. Four specimens were compacted using a table vibrator and two with a poker vibrator. From the video frames, we isolated the bubbles for analysis, employing digital image processing techniques to distinguish newly risen bubbles per frame. It was found that the bubbles continuously rose to the surface in all specimens throughout the compaction process, suggesting a need for extended compaction, with some specimens showing a slow in the rate of the bubbles’ emergence. However, upon examining the segregation levels, it was discovered that all the specimens were segregated, some severely, despite the continued bubble emergence. These findings undermine the reliability of using bubble emergence as a principle to stop compaction and support the need for developing online measurement tools for evaluating compaction quality.
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(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
Open AccessArticle
Experimental Study on Calcination of Portland Cement Clinker Using Different Contents of Stainless Steel Slag
by
Jiantao Ju, Haibo Cao, Wenke Guo, Ning Luo, Qiming Zhang and Yonggang Wang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102305 - 13 May 2024
Abstract
In order to increase the utilization rate of stainless steel slag, reduce storage needs, and mitigate environmental impacts, this study replaces a portion of limestone with varying amounts of stainless steel slag in the calcination of Portland cement clinker. The study primarily examines
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In order to increase the utilization rate of stainless steel slag, reduce storage needs, and mitigate environmental impacts, this study replaces a portion of limestone with varying amounts of stainless steel slag in the calcination of Portland cement clinker. The study primarily examines the influence of stainless steel slag on the phase composition, microstructure, compressive strength, and free calcium oxide (ƒ-CaO) content of Portland cement clinker. The results show the following: (1) Using stainless steel slag to calcine Portland cement clinker can lower the calcination temperature, reducing industrial production costs and energy consumption. (2) With an increase in the amount of stainless steel slag, the dicalcium silicate (C2S) and tricalcium silicate (C3S) phases in Portland cement clinker initially increase and then decrease; the C3S crystals gradually transform into continuous hexagonal plate-shaped distributions, while the tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF) crystal structures become denser. When the stainless steel slag content is 15%, the dicalcium silicate and tricalcium silicate phases are at their peak; the C3S crystals are continuously distributed with a relatively dense structure, and C3A and C4AF crystals melt and sinter together, becoming distributed around C3S. (3) As stainless steel slag content increases, the compressive strength of Portland cement clinker at 3 days, 7 days, and 28 days increases and then decreases, while ƒ-CaO content decreases and then increases. When the stainless steel slag content is 15%, the compressive strength at 28 days is at its highest, 64.4 MPa, with the lowest ƒ-CaO content, 0.78%. The test results provide a basis for the utilization of stainless steel slag in the calcination of Portland cement clinker.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Functional Materials and Nanomaterials in Asia 2023-2024)
Open AccessArticle
Accelerated Ballast Tank Corrosion Simulation Protocols: A Critical Assessment
by
Remke Willemen, Kris De Baere, Rob Baetens, Maarten Van Rossum and Silvia Lenaerts
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2304; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102304 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
In the realm of accelerated testing within controlled laboratory settings, the fidelity of the service environment assumes paramount importance. It is imperative to replicate real-world conditions while compressing the testing duration to facilitate early evaluations, thereby optimizing time and cost efficiencies. Traditional immersion
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In the realm of accelerated testing within controlled laboratory settings, the fidelity of the service environment assumes paramount importance. It is imperative to replicate real-world conditions while compressing the testing duration to facilitate early evaluations, thereby optimizing time and cost efficiencies. Traditional immersion protocols, reflective solely of full ballast tank conditions, inadequately expedite the corrosion process representative of an average ballast tank environment. Through the integration of immersion with fog/dry conditions, aligning the test protocol more closely with the internal conditions of an average ballast tank, heightened rates of general corrosion are achieved. This augmentation yields an acceleration factor of 7.82 times the standard test duration, under the assumption of a general corrosion rate of 0.4 mm/year for uncoated ballast tank steel, with both sides exposed. Subsequently, the fog/dry test protocol, albeit only resembling the environment of an empty ballast tank, closely trails in terms of acceleration efficacy. The fog/dry test protocol offers cost-effectiveness and replicability compared to the AMACORT CIFD-01 protocol, making it a strong competitor despite the relatively close acceleration factor.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Corrosion)
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