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 [...]

by Michael Toryila Tiza  , Samson Imoni  , Ebenezer Ogırıma Akande  , Onyebuchi Mogbo  , Victoria Hassana Jiya  and Collins Onuzulike

Received: 04 July 2023;  Published: 26 September 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2403023

This study addresses the evolving challenges in infrastructure development by exploring recent advancements in civil engineering materials. The problem lies in the limitations of traditional materials such as concrete and steel, which, while foundational, may not fully meet the demands of modern construction in terms of sustainability, durability, and resilience. The objective of this review is to assess the role and impact of both traditional and emerging materials, including supplementary cementitious materials, [...]

by Georgia Savvidou  , Spyratou Ellas  and Efstathios P Efstathopoulos

Received: 23 April 2024;  Published: 29 August 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2403022

Nanotechnology is one of the most promising fields of study, and it represents a pioneering leap in science and technology by the precise control over materials at the atomic and molecular level. This transformation affects numerous aspects of modern human life, including medicine, healthcare, electronics, computing, and energy storage. Nanotechnology has shown significant advancements in managing various health problems through different nano-formulations. These engineered nano-systems can be used as drug delivery [...]

by Otar Tsagareishvili  , Archil Mikeladze  , Roin Chedia  , Tamaz Batsikadze  and Levan Chkhartishvili

Received: 21 March 2024;  Published: 26 August 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2403021

Tungsten carbide WC-based materials characterized by high hardness and wear resistance have long been widely used in manufacturing cutting and mining tools. They are alloyed or modified with different ceramic phases to improve operational characteristics further. There are obtained the hard tungsten carbide–cobalt WC–Co and tungsten carbide–titanium carbide–cobalt WC–TiC–Co metal-ceramic alloys ultradispersed powders modified with quasieutectic ceramic alloy B4C–30wt.%TiB2 [...]

by Bruno Schubert  and David Hochmann

Received: 18 February 2024;  Published: 22 August 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2403020

This study investigates the influence of thermal environmental conditions during printing and their effects on the mechanical properties of material extrusion (MEX) 3D-printed 17-4 PH stainless steel. Various ambient temperatures and cooling behaviors were used during the printing process of the tensile specimens. Following DIN EN ISO 50125 and DIN EN ISO 6892, the study analyzes tensile strength, elongation and yield strength. The results demonstrate that the thermal environmental conditions affect both tensile an [...]