by Ghazaleh Ramezani  , Theo G. M. van de Ven  and Ion Stiharu

Received: 20 September 2024;  Published: 21 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2501004

This study investigates the hypothesis that diverse synthesis techniques can yield cellulose-graphene hybrids with tailored properties for specific applications, enabling advancements in flexible electronics, energy storage, environmental remediation, and biomedical devices. We examined and compared multiple synthesis methods, including chemical reduction, in-situ synthesis, green synthesis using natural reducing agents, solvent-assisted approaches, hydrothermal and solvothermal techniques, mechanical and chemical [...]

by Yusuf Sani  , Raba’ah Syahidah Azis  , Ismayadi Ismail  , Yazid Yaakob  , Chen Soo Kien  , Mohd Mustafa Awang Kechik  and Lim Kean Pah

Received: 11 October 2024;  Published: 26 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2501003

The widespread usage of various wireless equipment in many facets of life has significantly contributed to the severe pollution caused by electromagnetic radiation. Thankfully, scientists have created materials that can absorb microwave radiation and convert dangerous electromagnetic waves into other forms of energy, including heat energy. Many recent investigations have been published regarding developing materials that absorb microwaves with different constituents, morphologies, and architectures. Microwave-absor [...]

by Melisa S. Romano  , Valeria Corne  , Ricardo R. Azario  , Emiliano Centurión  and María del Carmen García

Received: 24 October 2024;  Published: 10 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2501002

Lead is a non-biodegradable toxic heavy metal. Biosorption is a simple, cost-effective and eco-friendly method for remediating lead-contaminated environments. Additionally, rice husk is a highly available residual biomass that can be used as a biosorbent. This study aimed to analyze the biosorption of Pb2+ using both natural and chemically treated rice husk and to evaluate the incorporation of the resulting biomass-contaminant residue into ceramic matrices to immobilize the removed Pb2+. Natural and alkaline-activa [...]

by Recent Progress in Materials Editorial Office

Received: 02 January 2025;  Published: 02 January 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2501001

The editors of Recent Progress in Materials would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2024. We greatly appreciate the contribution of expert reviewers, which is crucial to the journal's editorial process. We aim to recognize reviewer contributions through several mechanisms, of which the annual publication of reviewer names is one. Reviewers can download a certificate of recognition directly from our submission system. Additionally, reviewers can sign up t [...]

by Kátia R. A. Nunes  and Cláudio F. Mahler

Received: 11 August 2024;  Published: 24 December 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2404029

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is a significant waste stream in Brazil. It represents 38.2% of the total CDW and MSW streams. The recycling of CDW in Brazil is estimated to be at least 7.2% by weight (collected CDW) or about 15% by volume (produced CDW). Therefore, only a tiny part of CDW is returned to construction activities. On the other hand, 48.9% of the total amount of the top fifty extracted minerals in the country is sand and gravel, which is used in the national construction industry. Considering [...]

by Jared Tucker  and Victor Lai

Received: 28 June 2024;  Published: 17 December 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2404028

Many cells demonstrate variances in behavior due to their cell culture environment. To provide a mechanically-tunable, tissue-like environment, a 3D hydrogel for cell culture was formulated using collagen (Col) and hyaluronic acid (HA) to help provide a system for studying these dynamic cellular responses in a soft-tissue environment. A design of experiments was organized to study the effects of collagen concentration, HA fragment size, and Col: HA mass ratio on the hydrogel mechanical properties. Mechanical charac [...]

by Hossein Hosseinkhani

Received: 26 August 2024;  Published: 12 December 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2404027

Viral and non-viral vectors for nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) therapeutics are important in development of pharmaceutical industries. Although viral vectors have shown significant impact in transfection of DNA/RNA, but numerus studies have shown that non-viral vectors are also effective for the safe and targeted delivery of DNA/RNA to exact location in the body with high percentage of efficacy, safety, and low-immunogenicity. It is also important to protect the nucleic acids from degradation and large-scale production ca [...]

by Daniel Foltuț  and Viorel-Aurel Șerban

Received: 30 June 2024;  Published: 04 November 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2404026

This review examines the latest developments in the study of how Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) elastomers behave in peripheral applications of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs), specifically on the cathodic side. The review highlights the crucial role of EPDM in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of PEMFCs in challenging conditions characterized by varying temperatures, humidity, and acidic environments. The study examines the impact of various additives and vulcanization procedures on EP [...]

by Bita Soleimani  , Ali Haghighi Asl  , Behnam Khoshandam  and Khadijeh Hooshyari

Received: 22 June 2024;  Published: 04 November 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2404025

The escalating global temperatures and their adverse effects underscore the growing imperative for the widespread adoption of clean fuels, notably hydrogen. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) emerge as a pivotal green energy technology, facilitating electricity and water generation. The optimization of PEMFC efficiency hinges on the judicious selection and fabrication of polymer membranes. Within innovative materials, Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) represent a novel subclass within the expansive fa [...]

by Mohammad Harun-Ur-Rashid  and Abu Bin Imran

Received: 30 June 2024;  Published: 30 September 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2403024

Emerging Trends in Engineering Polymers signify a pivotal transformation in material engineering, marking a departure from traditional materials towards innovative, multifunctional, and sustainable polymers. This review delineates the forefront of advancements in polymer materials, including high-performance, bio-based, biodegradable, innovative, and functional polymers. Highlighting their enhanced mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance showcases these materials' pivotal role in driving t [...]