Quantum dots (QDs) have sparked great interest due to their unique electronic, optical, and structural properties. In this review, we provide a critical analysis of the latest advances in the synthesis, properties, and applications of QDs. We discuss synthesis techniques, including colloidal and hydrothermal synthesis, and highlight how the underlying principles of these techniques affect the resulting properties of QDs. We then delve into the wide range of applications of QDs, from QDs based color conversion, light-emitting diodes and biomedicine to quantum-based cryptography and spintronics. Finally, we identify the current challenges and future prospects for quantum dot research. By reading this review, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the current state-of-the-art in QDs research and the potential for future development.
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Kushagra Agarwal et al 2023 Mater. Res. Express 10 062001
William Xaveriano Waresindo et al 2023 Mater. Res. Express 10 024003
Hydrogel is being broadly studied due to their tremendous properties, such as swelling behavior and biocompatibility. Numerous review articles have discussed hydrogel polymer types, hydrogel synthesis methods, hydrogel properties, and hydrogel applications. Hydrogel can be synthesized by physical and chemical cross-linking methods. One type of the physical cross-linking method is freeze-thaw (F–T), which works based on the crystallization process of the precursor solution to form a physical cross-link. To date, there has been no review paper which discusses the F–T technique specifically and comprehensively. Most of the previous review articles that exposed the hydrogel synthesis method usually mentioned the F–T process as a small part of the physical cross-linking method. This review attempts to discuss the F–T hydrogel specifically and comprehensively. In more detail, this review covers the basic principles of hydrogel formation in an F–T way, the parameters that influence hydrogel formation, the properties of the hydrogel, and its application in the biomedical field.
Ahmad Y Al-Maharma et al 2020 Mater. Res. Express 7 122001
In the present review, the effect of porosity on the mechanical properties of the fabricated parts, which are additively manufactured by powder bed fusion and filament extrusion-based technologies, are discussed in detail. Usually, additive manufacturing (AM) processes based on these techniques produce the components with a significant amount of pores. The porosity in these parts typically takes two forms: pores with irregular shapes (called keyholes) and uniform (spherical) pores. These pores are present at different locations, such as surface, sub-surface, interior bulk material, between the deposited layers and at filler/matrix interface, which critically affect the corrosion resistance, fatigue strength, stiffness, mechanical strength, and fracture toughness properties, respectively. Therefore, it is essential to study and understand the influence of pores on the mechanical properties of AM fabricated parts. The technologies of AM can be employed in the manufacturing of components with the desired porous structure through the topology optimization process of scaffolds and lattices to improve their toughness under a specific load. The undesirable effect of pores can be eliminated by using defects-free raw materials, optimizing the processing parameters, and implementing suitable post-processing treatment. The current review grants a more comprehensive understanding of the effect of porous defects on mechanical performance and provides a mechanistic basis for reliable applications of additively manufactured components.
Yangang Li et al 2022 Mater. Res. Express 9 122001
Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted extensive attraction due to their unique properties in novel physical phenomena, such as superconductors, Moiré superlattices, ferromagnetics, Weyl semimetals, which all require the high quality of 2D TMDs. Mechanical exfoliation (ME) as a top-down strategy shows great potential to obtain 2D TMDs with high quality and large scale. This paper reviews the theoretical and experimental details of this method. Subsequently, diverse modified ME methods are introduced. Significantly, the recent progress of the Au-assisted ME method is the highlight. Finally, this review will have an insight into their advantages and limitations, and point out a rational direction for the exfoliation of TMDs with high quality and large size.
Badrut Tamam Ibnu Ali et al 2022 Mater. Res. Express 9 125302
The selection of the solvent during the membrane preparation process significantly affects the characteristics of the resulting membrane. The large number of organic solvents available for dissolving polymers renders this experimental approach ineffective. A computational approach can select a solvent using the solvation energy value approach. In addition, no organic waste is generated from the computational approach, which is a distinct advantage. A computational approach using the DFT/B3LYP/def2-TZVP RIJCOSX method was used to optimize the structure of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET for the experiment was obtained from the utilization of plastic bottle waste. In addition, a review of the thermodynamics, geometry, HOMO-LUMO orbitals, and vibrational frequencies was conducted to validate the PET molecule against the experimental results. A conductor-like polarizable continuum model was used to determine the best solvent for dissolving the PET plastic waste. The results demonstrated that the Fourier Transform Infra-Red and Fourier Transform Raman spectra obtained from computational calculations were not significantly different from the experimental results. Based on a thermodynamic approach, computationally the Gibbs free energy (−724.723), entropy (0.0428), and enthalpy (−724,723 Kjmol−1 ) values of the PET dimer molecule are not much different from the experimental values (−601, 0.042, and −488 Kjmol−1). The computational approach was successful in selecting solvents that can dissolve PET plastic bottle waste. Phenol solvent has the lowest solvation energy value (−101.879 Kjmol−1) and the highest binding energy (2.4 Kjmol−1) than other solvents. Computational and experimental results demonstrated that the phenol solvent was able to dissolve PET plastic bottle waste better than the other solvents.
Xi Huang et al 2020 Mater. Res. Express 7 066517
The oxidation behavior of 316L stainless steel exposed at 400, 600 and 800 °C air for 100, 500 and 1000 h was investigated using different characterization techniques. Weight gain obeys a parabolic law, but the degree of deviation of n index is increasingly larger with the increase of temperature. A double oxide film, including Cr2O3 and Fe2O3 oxide particles in outer and FeCr2O4 oxides in inner, is observed at 400 °C. As regards to samples at 600 °C, a critical exposure period around 100 h exists in the oxidation process, at which a compact oxide film decorated with oxide particles transforms to a loose oxide layer with a pore-structure. In addition, an oxide film containing Fe-rich outer oxide layer and Cr-rich inner oxide layer is observed at 600 °C for 500 and 1000 h. Spallation of oxide scale is observed for all samples at 800 °C regardless of exposure periods, resulting in different oxidation morphologies, and the degree of spallation behavior is getting worse. A double oxide film with the same chemical composition as 600 °C is observed, and the thickness increases over exposure periods.
Jianxin Wu et al 2022 Mater. Res. Express 9 032001
Aluminum and its alloys having lots of advantageous properties are among the most-used metallic materials. So, it is of immense importance to find suitable processes and methods leading to high-quality purified Al melt. In this regard, there are numerous challenges in achieving high purity Al melts, such as its propensity to react with air, oxygen, and water vapor, the presence of a variety of oxide, non-oxide, and solid particle inclusions that lead to the production of pores, cracks, pinholes, and dross, finally adversely influencing the overall quality of the product. The main methods of melt refining are fluxing, floatation, and filtration, but more sophisticated methods have also emerged. The best method for purification can be chosen based on the type of impurities and the desired level of purification. With the industrial development, the need to establish more cost-effective and simpler methods has increased, and in addition, methods should be considered for recycling large volumes of scarp Al parts that contain more impurities. Moreover, achieving high purity melt is also a vital issue for use in specific applications. The present article has been written to discuss the above issues and focus on the study of various methods of aluminum purification.
Muhammad Hafeez et al 2020 Mater. Res. Express 7 025019
Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4-Nps) have many applications and now a days the green methods of synthesis of these NPs are preferred over other methods because of associated benefits. In this study, Co3O4-Nps were synthesized by using leaves extract of Populus ciliata (safaida) and cobalt nitrate hexa hydrate as a source of cobalt. The synthesized NPs were analyzed by different techniques such as fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial activities of the synthesized Co3O4-Nps were evaluated against gram negative and gram positive bacteria and found active against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebseilla pneumonia (K. pneumonia), Bacillus subtillus (B.subtillus) and Bacillus lichenifermia (B. lichenifermia). The activity results were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA, with 'Dunnett's Multiple Comparison Test'. The maximum mean activity (21.8 ± 0.7) was found for B. subtilis and minimum mean activity (14.0 ± 0.6) was observed for E. coli.
Veera Prabakaran Elanjeitsenni et al 2022 Mater. Res. Express 9 022001
Thin film sensors are used to monitor environmental conditions by measuring the physical parameters. By using thin film technology, the sensors are capable of conducting precise measurements. Moreover, the measurements are stable and dependable. Furthermore, inexpensive sensor devices can be produced. In this paper, thin film technology for the design and fabrication of sensors that are used in various applications is reviewed. Further, the applications of thin film sensors in the fields of biomedical, energy harvesting, optical, and corrosion applications are also presented. From the review, the future research needs and future perspectives are identified and discussed.
Ruby Garg et al 2020 Mater. Res. Express 7 022001
To meet the energy needs batteries and supercapacitors are evolved as a promising candidate from the class of energy storage devices. The growth in the development of new 2D electrode materials brings a new revolution in energy storage devices with a comprehensive investigation. MXene, a new family of 2D metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides due to their attractive electrical and electrochemical properties e.g. hydrophilicity, conductivity, surface area, topological structure have gained huge attention. In this review, we discussed different MXene synthesis routes using different etchants e.g. hydrofluoric acid, ammonium hydrazine, lithium fluoride, and hydrochloric acid, etc showing that fluorine formation is compulsory to etch the aluminum layer from its precursor. Due to the advantage of large interlayer spacing between the MXene layers in MXene, the effect of intercalation on the performance of batteries and supercapacitors using MXene as electrodes by various sized cations are reviewed. Different MXene hybrids as supercapacitor electrodes will also be summarized. Lastly, the conclusion and future scope of MXene to be done in various supercapacitor applications are also presented.
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Mustafa A Fawzy et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 055404
The use of microalgae to remediate heavy metal-contaminated wastewater has attracted more and more interest. In this investigation, the green microalgae Chloroidium ellipsoideum and Desmodesmus subspicatus were used to study copper uptake from nutrient media and its effect on algal growth and metabolism. The growth of C. ellipsoideum and D. subspicatus generally decreased with increasing copper concentrations. There was a decrease in the carbohydrate content of C. ellipsoideum, but an increase was observed in D. subspicatus by treatment with various copper concentrations. Low concentrations of copper helped to increase the protein content of C. ellipsoideum, but a decline in protein content was reported for D. subspicatus. By increasing the copper concentrations, an increase in the free amino acids and a decrease in the total lipid content of C. ellipsoideum and D. subspicatus were recorded. At 0.1 mgl–1 copper concentration, pH of 6.8, and algal dose of 1 g L−1, the maximum biosorption capacity of C. ellipsoideum was 0.398 mg g−1, corresponding to the maximum reduction of 68.66% of Cu2+, and 0.396 mg/g for D. subspicatus, corresponding to the maximum reduction of 59.52%. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich models were applied to describe the isothermal biosorption of Cu2+ ions in studied algae. The Dubinin–Radushkevich model indicated that the copper biosorption mechanism was physical in nature. Cu2+ has a greater affinity for D. subspicatus than C. ellipsoideum, suggesting that C. ellipsoideum was relatively more resistant to Cu2+ toxicity than D. subspicatus. Moreover, FT-IR analysis revealed that carboxyl, amide, amino, carbonyl, hydroxyl, methyl and alkyl groups were the key groups responsible for the biosorption process. Therefore, D. subspicatus and C. ellipsoideum are efficient biosorbents for Cu2+ and can be used as biosorbents for heavy metals removal from wastewater.
Nguyen Mau Thanh et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 055006
In this work, a nanocomposite based on nickel ferrite/activated carbon (NiF/AC) was used to modify a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for the quantification of theophylline (TPL) in pharmaceutical tablets. The synthesized materials were characterized using x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy-elemental mapping and surface area analysis via the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. Cyclic voltammetry was employed to study the electrocatalytic properties of the NiF/AC-GCE toward the oxidation of TPL. The dependence of the electrochemical response on the scan rate and pH was also investigated, and the working parameters were optimized. The linear range of the established electrochemical biosensor was from 0.5 to 5 μM (R2 = 0.997), with a detection limit of 0.21 μM. The present method was tested using three pharmaceutical formulation standard samples with good accuracy and acceptable recovery. Thus, it is a promising candidate for the determination of TPL in pharmaceutical formulations.
Sawan Shetty et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 056515
Over the last few decades, 'Discontinuously Reinforced Particulate Composites (DRPCs)' are a popular class of composite materials with considerable challenge in processing, characterization and machinability because of their increased strength-weight ratio, stiffness, specific strength and oxidization when compared to various metals and their alloys. This paper discusses experimental and numerical investigation on mechanical characteristics of aluminum metal matrix reinforced with various reinforcement particulates such as silicon carbide, aluminium oxide, and zirconium oxide, compaction pressure (kN) and hold time (s) based on Design of Experiments (DOE) and Finite Element Analysis. Initially this paper discusses the process optimization of Aluminum Matrix reinforced with different particulates experimentally to identify the favourable processing conditions by varying reinforcement materials, compaction pressure (kN) and hold time (s) based on TDOE (Taguchi's Design of Experiments). Further, this paper concentrates to determine 'maximum principal stress, equivalent elastic strain and equivalent (von-mises) stress' based on Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS Workbench-2023R1). The results of the experimentation showed that the highest hardness values were achieved with ZrO2 reinforcement material. Increasing the compaction pressure from 8 to 12 kN resulted in a slight decrease in surface roughness and porosity. Higher compaction pressures have assumed to facilitate better particle distribution and improved interfacial bonding, leading to smoother surfaces and lower void content. The simulation results showed that the maximum principal stress achieved were (2235.8 MPa) SiC, (3444.4 MPa) Al2O3, and (3582.5 MPa) ZrO2. The equivalent elastic strain achieved was (0.2488) SiC, (0.2421) Al2O3 and (0.262) ZrO2. The equivalent (Von Mises) stress achieved was (28751 MPa) for SiC, (24880 MPa) for ZrO2 and (26972 MPa) for Al2O3. This experimentation and simulation demonstrated that the PM process can be used to fabricate DRAMMC with different reinforcement particulates. The understanding gained experimentally and analytically from this research can be applied for future processing of Aluminum Matrix Reinforced with different particulates.
Wentai Zhu et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 056404
In this study, we integrated the wide-bandgap material TiO2 as a photosensitive layer with the WSe2/2DEG heterostructure, creating a hybrid WSe2/TiO2/2DEG heterojunction. This hybrid structure significantly improves the device's photosensitivity, exhibiting a high rectification effect and a switching ratio of 103. The photodetector shows excellent performance, with a responsivity of 0.61 A W−1 and a detectivity of up to 1.1×1011 Jones at 405 nm, along with a very fast photoresponse speed. The buried TiO2 channel allows photogenerated electrons to easily flow through the reduced barrier at the depleted region. This hybrid heterojunction holds promise for the development of high-performance photoelectric devices.
B O Mnisi and M M Tibane 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 056514
In the present study, ab initio density functional theory calculations were used to assess the effect of first-row transition metals (X = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) on the stability of Zr0.5N0.5 nitrides. Specifically, the structural, mechanical, and electronic properties were studied to evaluate their applicability in high-temperature structural applications such as coating. The heat of formation for all X-doped Zr0.5N0.5 ternaries were found to be lower than that of the undoped Zr0.5N0.5. Specifically, Mn-doped Zr0.5N0.5 was observed to be the most thermodynamically stable structure, due to its lowest heat of formation. The density of states for both the undoped and doped Zr0.5N0.5 nitrides indicated full metallic behavior and observed that doping with 3d-transition metals reduce the density of states at the Fermi energy, thereby enhancing the electronic stability. Furthermore, mechanical stability was observed in these nitrides with increased melting temperatures expect for Zr0.5N0.5 doped Ti. Since Zr0.5N0.5 doped with X is thermodynamically, electronically, and mechanically stable, they are deemed suitable for high-temperature structural applications especially Zr0.5N0.5 doped Mn.
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Qiaoqiao Lan et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 052001
Bio-based polyurethanes are novel material with potential advantages for sustainable development, and their development play significant roles in promoting sustainability. Curcumin, a natural monomer, possesses high biological activity and features a symmetrical chemical structure with various functional groups such as phenolic hydroxyl, carbonyl and benzene ring. The presence of hydroxyl groups in the structure of curcumin provides essential conditions for its involvement in polyurethane synthesis. This review article provides an overview of the applications of curcumin as a chain extender, crosslinking agent and end-capper in polyurethanes, as well as its effects on the chemical structure, mechanical properties, and chemical stability of polyurethanes. Furthermore, the functional applications of curcumin-based polyurethanes in various fields such as medicine, food packaging, and coatings are discussed. Finally, considering the current research status and inherent properties of curcumin, the future prospects of curcumin-based polyurethanes are contemplated.
Tao Huang et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 032003
As a kind of special energy field assisted plastic forming, electric pulse assisted plastic forming combines multiple physical fields, such as thermal, electrical, magnetic and mechanical effects, has multiple effects on metal. It has a good industrial application prospect in the fields of directional microstructure regulation of materials and preparation of new materials. The flow stress of metal materials can be effectively reduced by electro-pulse assisted forming. The action mechanism of pulse current includes thermodynamics (Joule heating effect) and kinetic (pure electro-plastic effect or athermal effect). Thermodynamically, electric pulses can be used to provide the energy for dislocation migration and atomic diffusion, and aid in microstructure changes such as recrystallization, phase transition and microcrack healing of metals. In terms of dynamics, electric pulse has an effect on the speed and path of dislocation structure evolution. On this basis, a series of theoretical models for accurately predicting the flow stress of materials in electrically assisted forming process were formulated by combining the stress–strain constitutive relationship considering the temperature rise effect and the pure electro-plastic effect. The accuracy of the predicting model is greatly enhanced by the introduction of electrical parameters. The mechanism for electrically assisted forming was further revealed.
Ane Lasa et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 032002
All plasma facing surfaces in a fusion reactor, whether initially pure or an alloy, will rapidly evolve into a mixed material due to plasma-induced erosion, migration and redeposition. Beryllium (Be) erosion from the main chamber, and its transport and deposition on to a tungsten (W) divertor results in the growth of mixed Be-W layers, which can evolve to form beryllides. These Be-W mixed materials exhibit generally less desirable properties than pure tungsten or pure beryllium, such as lower melting points. In order to better understand the parameter space for growth of these alloys, this paper reviews the literature on Be-W mixed material formation experiments—in magnetically confined fusion reactors, in linear plasma test stands, and during thin-film deposition—and on computational modeling of Be-W interactions, as well as briefly assesses the Be-W growth kinetics. We conclude that the following kinetic steps drive the material mixing: adsorption of the implanted/deposited ion on the metal surface; diffusion of the implanted/deposited ion from surface into the bulk, which is accelerated by defects; and loss of deposited material through erosion. Adsorption dominates (or prevents) material mixing in thin-film deposition experiments, whereas diffusion drives material mixing in plasma exposures due to the energetic ion implantation.
Meng Xu et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 032001
Heavy metal ions and organic pollutants cause irreversible damage to water environment, thereby posing significant threats to the well-being of organisms. The techniques of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation offer versatile solutions for addressing water pollution challenges, attributed to their inherent sustainability and adaptability. Silicates exhibit exceptional practicality in the realm of environmental protection owing to their structural integrity and robust chemical/thermal stability during hybridization and application process. Furthermore, the abundance of silicate reserves, coupled with their proven effectiveness, has garnered significant attention in recent years. This detailed review compiles and analyzes the extensive body of literature spanning the past six years (2018–2023), emphasizing the pivotal discoveries associated with employing silicates as water purification materials. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, classification, and chemical composition of diverse silicates and offers a thorough descriptive analysis of their performance in eliminating pollutants. Additionally, the utilization of diatomite as either precursors or substrates for silicates, along with the exploration of their corresponding purification mechanisms is discussed. The review unequivocally verifies the efficiency of silicates and their composites in the effective elimination of various toxic pollutants. However, the development of novel silicates capable of adapting to diverse environmental conditions to enhance pollution control, remains an urgent necessity.
Arijit Mitra et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 022002
Magnetic materials at the nanometer scale can demonstrate highly tunable properties as a result of their reduced dimensionality. While significant advancements have been made in the production of magnetic oxide nanoparticles over the past decades, maintaining the magnetic and electronic phase stabilities in the nanoscale regime continues to pose a critical challenge. Finite-size effects modify or even eliminate the strongly correlated magnetic and electronic properties through strain effects, altering density and intrinsic electronic correlations. In this review, we examine the influence of nanoparticle size, shape, and composition on magnetic and tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) properties, using magnetite (Fe3O4) as an example. The magnetic and TMR properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles are strongly related to their size, shape, and synthesis process. Remarkably, faceted nanoparticles exhibit bulk-like magnetic and TMR properties even at ultra-small size-scale. Moreover, it is crucial to comprehend that TMR can be tailored or enhanced through chemical and/or structural modifications, enabling the creation of 'artificially engineered' magnetic materials for innovative spintronic applications.
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Lin et al
The in-situ Ti43Zr27Mo5Cu10Be15 amorphous composites were investigated for their corrosion properties in solutions of NaCl, HCl, H2SO4 and NaOH. Electrochemical testing, SEM, EDS and XPS analyses revealed that pitting in NaCl and HCl solutions caused local surfaces damage. Amorphous matrix corrodes slightly in H2SO4 solution. Uniform corrosion occurred in NaOH solution without passive film formed, leading to the worst corrosion resistance. The optimal corrosion performances for NaCl and HCl solution are achieved at 0.5 mol/L and 0.75 mol/L separately which is related to the shortage of oxygen content in the solutions. While, the best corrosion performances for H2SO4 and NaOH solution are at 0.25 mol/L. Moreover, the research on the effect of temperature was conducted in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, it was found that Ti43Zr27Mo5Cu10Be15 amorphous composites exhibited good corrosion resistance at 298K, while the Ecorr declined with increasing solution temperature.
Zhang et al
The significant improvement of decolorization and disinfection technologies has been a hotspot in wastewater reutilization. In this study, we realized a novel construction of K-doped nano-ZnO and borneol based hydrogel composite material (K-ZnO/B-hydrogel) by low-temperature in situ sol-gel growth. The techniques such as fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were applied to recognize the synthesized hydrogel. The results reveal that K-doped ZnO nanoparticles have been uniformly decorated onto the B-hydrogel. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectra show that impurity doping of potassium element into ZnO could reduce the band gap, improving the visible light absorption efficiency. In virtue of photodegradation and antimicrobial experiments, K-ZnO/B-hydrogel exerts great advantage for methylene blue (MB) removal, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) sterilization under visible light irradiation. This composite will push ahead with a closed-loop wastewater treatment system for dye and pathogenic microorganism disposal, which combines the excellent adsorption ability of hydrogel and the outstanding photocatalytic ability of ZnO nanoparticles with easy sample handling and separation, and help to eliminate secondary pollution.
Xu et al
The particle size and pore size of spherical mesoporous silica materials play significant roles in their application. However, relatively limited systematic research has been conducted on how preparation conditions influence these properties. In particular, the effects of some important factors have not been adequately studied, including reaction time, reaction temperature, and organic solvent type. In this work, octane and water were used as solvents, and tetraethyl orthosilicate was used as the silicon source to systematically study the effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, different organic solvents, octane/water mass ratio, styrene template concentration, and surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB)/H2O mass ratio on the particle morphology, particle size, and pore size of silica. The results suggest that the above-mentioned neglected factors exert a substantial influence on both particle size and pore size. In the experimental temperature range, the pore diameter decreases and the particle size increases with increasing temperature. The maximum particle size and pore size are achieved after a reaction time of 3 h, and a further increase in reaction time leads to a smaller particle size and pore size. As the number of carbon atoms in the organic solvent decreases, the pore size also gradually increases. Styrene and organic solvents that dissolve in CTAB micelles are crucial factors in pore formation, while the aggregation of the swollen CTAB micelles influences the particle size. The changes in the pore structure stability and hydroxyl density of the synthesized samples in water were also studied. After undergoing water treatment at temperatures ranging from 20 to 60 ℃ for 72 h, both the pore structure and morphology remain relatively unchanged. When the temperature increases, the surface hydroxyl density exhibits a more pronounced increase in the presence of water. After water treatment for 5 h, the surface hydroxyl density reaches saturation.
Narendra et al
Red mud (RM) has drawn a lot of attention in the search for potential uses in the production of sintered artificial aggregate from industrial waste products. The main objective of the study is to produce an RM-based sintered artificial aggregate (SAA), with several blends (binary, ternary, and quaternary) using various industrial wastes. This study includes assessing the mechanical and physical properties of SAA as well as the sintering parameters in order to determine the appropriate material mix ratio. To achieve these objectives, a comprehensive experimental approach was adopted. A total of 35 different mixtures were formulated by incorporating various industrial wastes as binders and sintering additives. The green pellets were preheated at 105°C for 24 hours, and consecutively sintered at different temperatures, namely 700°C, 900°C, 1100°C, and 1150°C with a duration of 30 minutes. A compressive strength test was performed in order to find the mechanical property of SAA similarly water absorption and bulk density tests were conducted to find the physical properties of SAA. To characterize the SAA, scanning electron microscope analysis (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were conducted, and also data analysis was performed using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) tools, yielding accurate predictions. Successfully best compressive strength low water absorption SAA was produced. The best material weight mix ratio for the production of SAA was identified as (A18) RM: Fly Ash: Waste Glass Powder; 78:10:12. Out of all blends the ternary blend (A18) SAA exhibited impressive properties after 30 minutes of sintering at 1150°C: high compressive strength of 22.92 MPa, water absorption of 4.26%, and bulk density of 1296.12 kg/m³. This was made possible by the high amount of Al2O3, SiO2, in the combination of fly ash, and waste glass powder with RM. SEM and XRD analysis also confirmed that the (A18) SAA achieved the best compressive strength, and low water absorption due to turning the surface and core area into a solid, reduced internal pores and formed quartz, and hematite phases. The findings of this study serve as a foundation for future work and pave the way for the development of sustainable construction materials. 
Shi et al
The deep drawing properties of high-strength magnesium alloy AZ91D sheets are investigated. The results of orthogonal experiments show that AZ91D has no deep drawing properties at room temperature and that its plastic forming capability is only realized under hot forming conditions. When the temperature is increased from room temperature to 400 ℃, the limiting drawing ratio of the sheet increases significantly to 1.91, and the thinning rate reaches a minimum value of 6% at approximately 400 ℃ due to the improved plastic flowability. The optimum process parameters for the hot deep drawing conditions are a temperature of 400 ℃, a blank holder force of 5 kN, and a punch speed of 3 mm/s. The microstructural evolution shows that the plastic forming of the AZ91D magnesium alloy at high temperatures is markedly twinning and that under heating conditions, this twinning deformation mechanism is activated and overcomes the hindrances of the reinforcing phases to achieve better forming properties.