by Udeme Udokpoh  and Chidozie Nnaji

Received: 02 September 2022;  Published: 12 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2301006

The several furniture-making phases, from cutting to processing to polishing, produce a significant volume of sawdust of differing grades. The extraction and disposal of such waste in developing countries with no established or sustainable methods is an increasing problem, frequently posing environmental challenges. Sawdust is one of the most underused wood waste portions, with mounds dispersed around the region, detracting from its visual appeal and causing other ecological concerns. This study investigated potent [...]

by Taise M. Manhabosco  , Shaul Aloni  , Tevye R. Kuykendall  , Sara M. Manhabosco  , Ana Bárbara Batista  , Jaqueline S. Soares  , Ana Paula M. Barboza  , Alan. B. de Oliveira  , Ronaldo J. C. Batista  and Jeffrey J. Urban

Received: 06 September 2019;  Published: 29 October 2019;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.1904005

Tin telluride (SnTe) ultrathin films were deposited electrochemically on polycrystalline and monocrystalline gold substrates using the electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy (ECALE) method. The electrochemical behaviors of Sn and Te were studied systematically by means of cyclic voltammetry. Cyclic voltammetry curves for Sn displayed a broad peak in the region between -0.15 V and -0.35 V, which was related to the under-potential deposition (UPD), while the curves for Te displayed a peak at 0.3 V for Te UPD. X-ray pho [...]

by John Hanna

Received: 30 April 2023;  Published: 21 February 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2401006

The main weakest point of concrete is its exposure to cracks, and concrete structure repair is expensive, especially for infrastructure maintenance, which is difficult to access. The ability of self-healing concrete (SHC) to successfully heal fractures without the assistance of humans has received much attention since it increases operational life and lowers maintenance expenses. This paper reviews various techniques and technologies of autogenous and autonomous self-healing concrete. Much more attention is given t [...]

by Jeet Chand  , Shiva Jha  and Sameer Shrestha

Received: 29 August 2022;  Published: 25 November 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2204026

Water recycling is a potential tool for reducing the dependency on traditional water sources, which would eventually reduce the likelihood of volumetric restrictions and their impacts on the water sector. Therefore, exploration, development, and use of alternative water sources are required for sustainable development. Scientific studies on the efficient and economical use of nontraditional water sources developed using the recycling process have attracted the attention of agriculturists, planners, and engineers fo [...]

by Muhammad Qasim Zafar  , Ramisha Sajjad  , Muhammad Tuoqeer Anwar  , Muhammad Salman Mustafa  , Naveed Husnain  , Anas Bin Aqeel  and Muhammad Bilal Khan

Received: 01 October 2024;  Published: 10 February 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2501006

Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) process has been established as an industrial process for customized and intricate metallic components. It is one of the growing technologies proving its potential in numerous fields by introducing the latest processing methods. The significant growth in this technology is partially fueled by its ability to manufacture parts that could be performance-beneficial and commercially utilizable in various industries. The adaptability of metal AM processes has prompted innovation across [...]

by Yang Zhang  , Jiawen Chen  , Xiaowen Hu  , Wei Zhao  , Dirk J. Broer  and Guofu Zhou

Received: 17 August 2021;  Published: 01 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2104044

The reverse mode polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) is an emerging smart window technology. Unlike traditional PDLCs, a reverse mode PDLC can be transparent and opaque in the absence and presence of an external electric field. This report provides a brief introduction to several reverse modes PDLC smart window technologies, focusing on polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLCs). The systems based on electrohydrodynamic instability (EHDI) of liquid crystals have also been discussed. The working principles, mode [...]

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 Sabine Neusatz Guilhen  , Tamires Watanabe  , Thalita Tieko Silva  , Suzimara Rovani  , Júlio Takehiro Marumo  , Jorge Alberto Soares Tenório  , Ondřej Mašek  and Leandro Goulart de Araujo

Received: 19 April 2022;  Published: 19 May 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2202010

The point of zero charge (PZC) is an inherent electrokinetic property of biochars (BC). It influences the adsorption process under certain pH conditions. Herein, we report the method of determination of the PZC values of ten standard BCs. We used the salt addition method to select the BCs with suitable properties for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solutions. The standard BCs were obtained by pyrolyzing five different biomasses at two distinct temperatures (550°C and 700°C). The BCs derived from rice husk [...]

by Sydney Katras  , Dejian Ma  , Ayman al Dayeh  and David Tipton

Received: 31 March 2021;  Published: 12 August 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2103034

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used synthetic compound that has been identified as an endocrine disruptor. It has been linked to adverse health effects such as developmental defects, infertility in both men and women, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. There has been increased interest in BPA’s effects on the developing fetus and data has revealed that doses below the presumed safe dose can produce harmful effects. Orthodontic clear aligner therapy is a popular treatment modality that involves the patient we [...]

by Chingrishon Kathing  and Geeta Saini

Received: 15 October 2022;  Published: 30 December 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2204028

Wastewater generated by the textile industry has been a major environmental concern for a long. Production of fiber involves various steps and uses a lot of chemicals, dyes, and water. Therefore, the effluent produced from the textile industry needs proper purification before discharging into the water body. The current review summarizes various physical and chemical methods like ion exchange, coagulation-flocculation, membrane separation, membrane distillation, oxidation, ozonation, etc., for wastewater treatment. [...]

by Gérald Lopez

Received: 25 November 2020;  Published: 25 February 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2101005

Polymers such as polyimides and fluoropolymers are widely used for insulating aeronautic wires. They are exposed to various changing factors such as temperature, pressure, moisture, vibration, chafing, etc. The electrification on the horizon can potentially increase the demand for these systems. Indeed, this impending evolution of technology pushes the boundaries of commonly-employed wires. Downsizing systems and enhancing the performance is an urgent requirement. A new generation of insulating materials capable of [...]

by Babak Jahani  , Xinnan Wang  and Amanda Brooks

Received: 26 June 2020;  Published: 08 September 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2003021

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) as a modern and more effective treatment for bone defects has recently received lots of attention. One of the pivotal parts of BTE is the “scaffold”, which functions as an indwelling carrier of cells and additives, as well as, providing a foundation for cell growth and eventually forming new, native-like bone. Up to now, many methods and materials have been employed to manufacture bone scaffolds. This review focuses on providing both basic knowledge of BTE as well as possible methods o [...]

by Ju dong Lee  , Jinho Kim  and Seungjoo Lee

Received: 29 September 2022;  Published: 16 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2301007

Most spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a byproduct of brewing coffee, are buried in landfill sites, and their decomposition produces significant greenhouse gases. As the recent warming of the Earth’s climate has made it imperative that industries reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the present study investigates the viability of recycling SCGs for use as a partial replacement of aggregates in concrete materials. Cement mortar samples with a fixed cement-to-water ratio and varying amounts of SCGs were fabricated and tested. [...]

by Kai-Yang Liu  , Li-Xia Yin  , Xu Lin  and Shun-Xing Liang

Received: 20 March 2022;  Published: 21 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2202008

Biomaterials have always been the focus of material scientists and engineers. Titanium and its alloys have favorable properties, such as high strength, low density, good corrosion resistance, non-toxicity, low elastic modulus, biocompatibility, etc. Thus, Ti alloys have received much attention from scientists and engineers who work with biomaterials. Among these properties, the elastic modulus is a very important property for implant biomaterials because it avoids the “stress shielding” effect. In this study, we su [...]

by Dimitrios Dionysopoulos  , Olga Gerasimidou  and Constantinos Papadopoulos

Received: 01 May 2022;  Published: 01 June 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2202011

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are dental materials that were invented by Wilson & Kent in 1972. They can chemically bond to enamel and dentin and can exhibit anti-cariogenic activity that allows the release and uptake of fluoride ions. They also possess the ability to render color. The setting reaction of GICs is a neutralization reaction that results in the formation of polycarboxylate salts. The most important GIC modification process involves the addition of resin components, resulting in the development of resin [...]

by Sampo Mäkikouri  , Sirje Vares  , Kirsi Korpijärvi  and Nikolaos Papakonstantinou

Received: 12 January 2021;  Published: 13 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102018

Climate change has been identified as one of the biggest issues plaguing human life at present. Hence, immense attention is being paid to developing methods that can potentially reduce carbon dioxide emission. With the help of carbon-negative concrete, manufactured from alternative binders and cured with waste carbon dioxide, a major part of the manufacturing industries that emit carbon dioxide can be potentially turned into a carbon sink. In this study, the waste material streams in Finland, suitable for disposing [...]

by Zhong Hu  and Ruanbao Zhou

Received: 15 March 2024;  Published: 27 June 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2402015

Biodegradable plastics/polymers may serve as a promising solution to the global problem of plastic waste accumulation in oceans and soil and may significantly reduce carbon emissions from the manufacturing process, since the materials used to make biodegradable polymers are carbon-based and emitted during the synthesis processes. This article systematically reviewed the existing and closely related scientific literature on materials, biomaterials, and biodegradable materials to find answers on how to effectively st [...]

by Obinna Okolie  , Iwona Stachurek  , Balasubramanian Kandasubramanian  and James Njuguna

Received: 16 November 2021;  Published: 23 February 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2201004

There is a current need for tissue and organ repairs, replacement, and regeneration for patients who suffer from diseased or damaged tissues or organs. This situation is continuously on the rise and the supply of this form of therapy does not meet the patients demand mostly due to lack of donors and biocompatibility issues which causes immune system rejection of the implants. To succeed through these limitations, researchers are currently investigating the use of scaffolds as another approach for implants. The conv [...]

by Kuok Ho Daniel Tang

Received: 28 February 2025;  Published: 28 July 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2503011

Plastic pollution has received worldwide attention due to its extensive environmental and health implications. The circular economy has emerged as a potential solution to plastic pollution. This overview comprehensively presents different plastic circular economy approaches and discusses their advantages, disadvantages, and implementation challenges. It highlights that the current plastic circular economy approaches primarily comprise mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, bio-based and biodegradable plastics, e [...]

by Chandra Mouli Vemury  , Marco Corradi  , Feras Abozaid  , Alasdair Charles  and David Hughes

Received: 19 August 2019;  Published: 30 March 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2101009

Shape memory alloys (SMA) belong to a family of smart materials, which undergo diffusionless phase transformations when subjected to thermo-mechanical changes making them ideally suitable for utilization in several structural engineering applications. Within this class of materials, Ni-Ti (Nickel-Titanium) alloys are predominantly used due to their non-linear behaviour. Nitinol, one of the Ni-Ti alloys, possesses unique properties such as super-elasticity and shape- memory effect, which makes it suitable for dampin [...]

by Frederick H. Silver  , Nikita Kelkar  , Tanmay Deshmukh  , Istvan Horvath  and Ruchit G. Shah

Received: 04 February 2020;  Published: 29 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2002010

Elastic moduli of tissues and synthetic polymeric materials are important design properties needed to develop new implants. In this paper we report the use of vibrational optical coherence tomography (VOCT) to measure the resonant frequency and calculate the modulus of tissues and synthetic polymers non-invasively and non-destructively in vitro and in vivo. Values of tissue and polymer moduli were obtained by applying an audible sinusoidal sound wave to the surface of each specimen. The sound wave travels to the in [...]

by Erik B Karlsson

Received: 29 December 2019;  Published: 13 April 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2002009

Decoherence is a relatively recent concept in the field of quantum mechanics. Although the pioneers of the field must have understood that loss of phase coherence in quantum superpositions is the reason underlying the appearance of definite outcomes in the quantum measurement problem, the latter was not treated in terms of decoherence until sixty years after the formulation of quantum mechanics as described in a report by Joos and Zeh in 1983 [1]. However, soon after, the theory was developed in further detail, and [...]

by H. Hakemi  , O. Pinshow  and D. Gal-Fuss

Received: 24 June 2019;  Published: 07 August 2019;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.1903002

In the past few years, there have been many attempts to commercialize Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) for Rear Projection Screen (RPS) in electrically switchable films and glass products. This application is based on the exceptional image quality of PDLC at a wide viewing angle. However, due to the high price of conventional switchable PDLC privacy glass, the integration of RPS in PDLC failed to attract large multimedia and entertainment markets. An obvious solution to this problem is the independent develo [...]

by Pierre Bernstein  , Yiteng Xing  and Jacques Noudem

Received: 07 July 2022;  Published: 15 September 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2203018

Stable levitation of systems consisting of a magnetic source and a superconductor is actively investigated due to the promising applications of this technology. While huge efforts have been made for modeling these setups with numerical simulations, analytical models, in spite of their use being limited to devices with a high degree of symmetry, can bring precious information on certain characteristics of levitating systems. Summarizing our previous work in the field, we present the mean-field model that we have pro [...]

by Xinran Lv  , Ziqiang Yin  , Zhigang Yang  , Junshuai Chen  , Shen Zhang  , Shaolei Song  and Gang Yu

Received: 02 January 2024;  Published: 03 April 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2402009

Titanium diboride (TiB2) materials have garnered significant attention due to their remarkable comprehensive properties. They offer potential applications in high-temperature structural materials, cutting tools, armor, electrodes for metal smelting, and wear-resistant parts. However, due to the low self-diffusion coefficient, the TiB2 exhibits poor sinterability, excessive grain growth at elevated temperatures, and inadequate oxidation resistance, limiting its wide application. Therefore, many research works are de [...]

by Jeonghyeon Cheon  and Seunghyun Kim

Received: 21 October 2021;  Published: 25 January 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2201002

3D printing is an attractive method to fabricate microfluidic devices due to (1) its fast and simple process without specialized equipment and cleanroom environment, and (2) its capability to create complex 3D structures. Combined with Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), it can be used to develop various microfluidic devices taking advantage of both 3D printing and PDMS. In this paper, we investigated a Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printer to fabricate 3D printing/PDMS integrated microfluidic devices. We used it to f [...]

by Supriya Rattan  , Derek Fawcett  , M. Tennant  , Joanna Granich  and Gerrard Eddy Jai Poinern

Received: 02 November 2020;  Published: 05 March 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2101007

To date, many studies have examined the development and use of novel materials, enhancing the performance of existing dental composites and improving methods for restoring tooth structure. In recent years, nanotechnology-based techniques have been used to develop a variety of nanomaterial-based dental products aimed at conservative dentistry applications. These new nanomaterial-based materials offer improved physicochemical and mechanical properties, combined with enhanced aesthetics that makes them superior restor [...]

by Herinjaka Haga Ratsimbazafy  , Aurélie Laborel-Préneron  , Camille Magniont  and Philippe Evon

Received: 26 March 2021;  Published: 20 June 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102026

The use of plant aggregates obtained from agricultural co-products mixed with mineral binders to form eco-friendly insulating building materials has been initiated for a few years to bring environmentally friendly solutions to the construction sector. Several studies on different agro-resources have already been carried out, providing various information about the properties of plant aggregates and plant-based concrete. However, the characteristics of the agricultural co-product, which allow it to qualify as a plan [...]

by Paola Stabile  , Francesco Radica  , Luigi Ranza  , Michael R. Carroll  , Carlo Santulli  and Eleonora Paris

Received: 12 December 2020;  Published: 02 March 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2101006

In this work, two types of wastes were introduced, namely, glass from municipal waste and Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW). The latter, which was obtained from rubble generated by the seismic events occurred in Central Italy in 2016, was introduced in two configurations, the single-layer and the double-layer of the cement-based Terrazzo tiles. A maximum of 77% of waste introduction was proven to be possible, therefore creating the possibility of obtaining construction products including high quantities of se [...]

by Sana Sandhu  , Anindita Arpa  , Xi Chen  , Rahul Kumar  and Justyn Jaworski

Received: 15 September 2019;  Published: 25 November 2019;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.1904006

Increasing interest in bacterial cellulose due to the huge potential which exists for the development of this new biomaterial for medical applications has been met with recent growth in research in engineering this unique microbial manufactured material. The mechanical properties, porosity, and biocompatibility of bacterial cellulose derived biomaterials are particularly attractive for use in wound healing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery applications. Advances in synthetic biology and soft materials engineer [...]

by Seong Soo Choi  , Byung Seong Bae  , Kyoung Jin Kim  , Myoung JIn Park  , Yong Min Lee  , Hyun Tae Kim  and Soo Bong Choi

Received: 22 December 2020;  Published: 05 February 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2101004

We fabricated various nanoaperture plasmonic platforms for single-molecule detection. We fabricated nanoapertures like nanopores on a pyramid and nanoslits on an Au flat membrane using a Ga ion focused ion beam drilling technique, followed by irradiating with a high energy electron beam, dependent on the electron beam current density to obtain nanoapertures with a few nanometer sizes (circular nanopore, nanoslit pores). We examined their optical characteristics with varying aperture sizes and sample thicknesses. We [...]

by Ryan L Dimmock  , Xuyiling Wang  , Yibin Fu  , Alicia J El Haj  and Ying Yang

Received: 09 December 2019;  Published: 28 February 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2001005

Advancements in surface engineering and material fabrication techniques have enabled the creation and replication of naturally occurring surface topographies or the extrapolation of natural patterns to become achievable targets. Polymers are used extensively in the field of biomedical sciences for containment, handling, and as cell culture substrates. It is well established that several polymers exhibit good biocompatibility for cell culture, with properties that include exhibiting minimal to no cytotoxicity and be [...]

by Obumneme Emmanuel Ezeani  , Christopher Igwe Idumah  , Ifeanyi Emmanuel Okoye  and Chioma Joan Ikebudu

Received: 13 January 2025;  Published: 27 May 2025;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2502009

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the textile industry by introducing innovative finishing techniques that enhance the durability and performance of textile materials and the application of nanoscale/nanoparticles/nanomaterials and processes to improve the properties and performance of textiles. The synergism of textile technology and nanotechnological advancements has propelled a paradigm shift, changed the narrative, and formed novel platforms for textile surface engineering at both atomically affiliated and mole [...]

by Ben Milborne  , Abul Arafat  , Rob Layfield  , Alexander Thompson  and Ifty Ahmed

Received: 18 March 2020;  Published: 12 May 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2002012

Radiotherapy has become one of the most prominent and effective modalities for cancer treatment and care. Ionising radiation, delivered either from external or internal sources, can be targeted to cancerous cells causing damage to DNA that can induce apoptosis. External beam radiotherapy delivers either photon radiation (x-rays or gamma rays) or particle radiation (neutrons or protons) in a targeted manner to specific tumour locations. Internal radiotherapy involves placing radioactive sources within the body to de [...]

by Carlos A. Echeverry-Gonzalez  and Vladimir V. Kouznetsov

Received: 01 December 2020;  Published: 28 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102015

The design of nanomaterials for application in diverse fields ranging from photovoltaic to fluorescence sensing is a research area of increasing interest. Recently, Quantum Dots (QDs), which are classified as semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs) and Carbon dots (CDs), have become a hot topic of investigation, owing to their extraordinary tunable fluorescence emission properties that render them excellent candidates for sensing metal ions. The detection of metal ions in aqueous solutions with high sensitivity is very i [...]

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 Eugene Stephane Mananga

Received: 26 December 2020;  Published: 13 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102012

by Lucy V. Fisher  and Andrew R. Barron

Received: 24 February 2021;  Published: 16 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2103028

One of the largest problems facing the steelmaking industry is the high amount of waste currently produced and the low amount of waste that is currently recycled. This study aims to look at the suitability of 3 different samples of basic oxygen steelmaking (BOS) slag as a construction material, in concert with their carbon capture capacity. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), CO2 adsorption analysis [...]

by Aurélie Laborel-Préneron  , Paulina Faria  , Jean-Emmanuel Aubert  and Camille Magniont

Received: 12 March 2021;  Published: 07 May 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102016

Bio-based earth composites present various environmental benefits, such as usable wastes, coproducts, abundant or renewable materials, etc. Moreover, the incorporation of bioaggregates in the earth matrix allows the buildings to act as an effective carbon sink. A growing number of studies are now focusing on the mechanical and hygrothermal properties of bio-based earth building materials. However, the durability of these types of material is a major concern, and knowledge of their various aspects is essential to an [...]

by Ki-Won Jeong  , Jeong Chan Kim  and In-Sung Luke Yeo

Received: 13 August 2020;  Published: 17 December 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2004024

A connection structure using both a screw and friction is advantageous to secure an abutment to an implant. Understanding the biomechanics of the implant-abutment connection is necessary for the long-term clinical survival of a dental implant with decreased complications. The internal conical friction connection structure and micro-threads have shown favorable biological hard tissue response with exceptional structural features. The internal conical connection structure maintains the soft tissue seal and the margin [...]

by Roland Pässler

Received: 17 June 2021;  Published: 22 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2104042

The well-known classical heat capacity model developed by Debye proposed an approximate description of the temperature-dependence of heat capacities of solids in terms of a characteristic integral, the T-dependent values of which are parameterized by the Debye temperature, ΘD. However, numerous tests of this simple model have shown that within Debye's original supposition of approximately constant, material-specific Debye temperature, it has little chance to be applicable to a larger variety of non-metals, e [...]

by Alexander Henn  and Maija-Liisa Mattinen

Received: 08 March 2019;  Published: 26 April 2019;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.1902001

Technical lignins from the biorefinery, pulp, and paper industries are largely underutilized, even though this aromatic and randomly structured biopolymer could be an interesting raw material for advanced applications in addition to bulk daily goods. Recently, colloidal lignin particles (CLPs) have gained much of the research interests due to the attractive multi-functional properties of the biopolymer. Utilization of lignin in nanoparticulate morphology resolves most of the drawbacks when using lignin (heterogenei [...]

by Geeta Pokhrel  , Hongmei Gu  , Douglas J. Gardner  and Shane O'Neill

Received: 07 December 2021;  Published: 09 February 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2201003

This study is expanding the previous studies that were focused on the material properties and transportation costs of the two alternative feedstocks for manufacturing wood-plastic composites (WPCs): wood flour and pellets. Besides the material properties and cost analysis, life-cycle assessment (LCA) is equally important to assess the environmental impacts of these two alternative wood feedstocks to manufacture WPCs and gain the knowledge of influences from the manufacturing and transportation processes. The main g [...]

by Omar Alelweet  and Sara Pavia

Received: 09 June 2021;  Published: 13 October 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2104041

Alkali activated (AA) materials have been investigated for decades as an alternative to Portland cement (PC) products. Most consist of a silicate waste activated with alkalis, which leads to lower green-house gas emissions and a substantial drop in the use of unrenewable material resources. This paper studies the durability of AA materials made with a ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) from Dublin, activated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), both combined and separately, and cure [...]

by Zhong Hu  and Haiping Hong

Received: 21 March 2023;  Published: 16 August 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2303031

The chemically functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs) and hydrogen bonding modified polymer composites (CPCs) exhibit unique chemical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties and are emerging as promising materials to achieve extraordinarily high electrical and thermal conductivity, lightweight and anticorrosion, superior strength and stiffness for potential applications in the aerospace and automotive industries, energy conversion, and optical and electronic devices, therefore, attracting considerable res [...]

by Sofía Albolafio  , María I. Gil  , Ana Allende  and Epameinondas Xanthakis

Received: 02 December 2020;  Published: 21 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102013

The present study aimed to characterize wastewater fractions obtained after the wet extraction of proteins from legumes. In addition, the suitability of wastewater fractions for the potential recovery of high value-added compounds was also examined, and consequently, the prevention of the environmental impact of these wastes was explored. Similar to the industrial production of proteins, wet alkaline and acidic extractions of proteins from faba bean and pea flours were performed in two stages of extraction. The dif [...]

by Amir Mahboob  , Omid Hassanshahi  , Abdulqaiyoum Hakimi  and Mohammad Safi

Received: 02 March 2023;  Published: 19 April 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2302016

The largest proportion of the material used in multistory buildings, and thus its carbon impact, is attributed to their slabs being the main contributor of weight. Because of their high strength and concrete self-weight reduction, composite beams with hollow-core slabs were created for their technical and economic benefits, making this system inexpensive and with a reduced environmental impact, thereby lowering carbon emissions. Geometrically, the hollow slab has a sequence of T and L form pieces on both sides. Hol [...]

by Michelle Szucs  , Miguel Angulo  , Carlos Costa  and Mª Carmen Márquez

Received: 12 May 2021;  Published: 08 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2104045

Five different commercial proteases (Alcalase 2.4L, Flavourzyme 1000L, Neutrase, Protamex, and PTN) were evaluated for the simultaneous recovery of protein and lipids through hydrolysis. The hydrolysis reaction was monitored using the pH-stat procedure, in which samples were collected after 240 min of hydrolysis using each enzyme. The samples were analyzed for the degree of hydrolysis, protein hydrolysate, collagen, lipids, and fatty acids. A clear relationship was observed between the degree of hydrolysis and the [...]

by Khaled Hassan  , Ian Sims  , Murray Reid  , Alex Smith  and Mohammed Al-Kuwari

Received: 18 April 2021;  Published: 26 September 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2103038

Wadi gravel is a local aggregate in Qatar that could contribute to enhanced sustainability by replacing expensive imported gabbro. The material needs to be processed before use to reduce sulfate content to acceptable levels. The paper presents the performance assessment of three full-scale buildings, variously made with 50% and 100% Wadi gravel and conventional gabbro concretes. Site monitoring up to four years in service demonstrated the strength development with age and resistance to the aggressive exposure condi [...]

by Ladislaus Alexander Bányai  and Mircea Bundaru

Received: 21 October 2022;  Published: 08 December 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2204027

We describe here the coherent formulation of electromagnetism in the non-relativistic quantum-mechanical many-body theory of interacting charged particles. We use the mathematical frame of the field theory and its quantization in the spirit of the quantum electrodynamics (QED). This is necessary because a manifold of misinterpretations emerged especially regarding the magnetic field and gauge invariance. The situation was determined by the historical development of quantum mechanics, starting from the Schrödinger e [...]

by Kamalakanta Sahoo  , Richard Bergman  and Poonam Khatri

Received: 24 August 2021;  Published: 21 December 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2104049

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the construction and operation of buildings accounted for nearly 38% of total global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019. The construction sector has been striving to use more low-carbon footprint building products to mitigate climate change and enhance environmentally preferable purchasing. Over the last several decades, there has been substantial growth in engineered wood products for the construction industry. To assess these products used in constru [...]

by Athanasia Soultana  , Michael Galetakis  , Anthoula Vasiliou  , Konstantinos Komnitsas  and Despina Vamvuka

Received: 11 February 2021;  Published: 17 August 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2103035

Waste concrete is the most predominant constituent material among construction and demolition waste. Current waste concrete recycling is limited to the use of recycled concrete aggregates as a road-base material and less as aggregates in new concrete mixes. Further, the production of recycled concrete aggregates results in the generation of a high amount of fines, consisting mainly of cement paste particles. Hence, this study aims to produce the cement mortars using the upgraded recycled concrete aggregates (sand g [...]

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 Suhail Hyder Vattathurvalappil  , Syed Fahad Hassan  and Mahmoodul Haq

Received: 24 January 2023;  Published: 16 March 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2301012

Thermoplastics polymers like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) are often reinforced with nano/micro reinforcements to enhance their mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. However, the viscoelastic nature of these polymers results in their strong dependence on the applied strain rate and temperature sensitivity, leading to their characterization complexity. Hence it is paramount to study the strain rate-dependent mechanics of neat ABS. In this study, the effect of strain rate and temperature on Young’s m [...]

by Alhayat Getu Temesgen  , Ömer Fırat Turşucular  and Elif Dicle Turşucular

Received: 12 December 2023;  Published: 15 March 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2401008

This mini-compilation study included the chemical structure, mechanical, thermal, and dimensional properties of silk fiber, its production process, pre-treatment, and biomedical applications from various experimental studies, which are compiled and summarized. The silk fiber should have a degumming process before using biomedical applications. The 25% concentration for Na2CO3 in ethanol solution (80%) as a coagulant chemical with a salt such as LiB2 (9 M) at a temperature of 98°C for 45 minutes at pH between 6 [...]

by CT Valliappan  , J Joyson Joe Asir  , V Subashri  , V Vaishnavi  and I Anand Sherwood

Received: 28 December 2020;  Published: 27 April 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102014

Furcal perforation management in root canal retreatment is often challenging as the outcome of the perforation sealing depends on several parameters. The recent introduction of several bioactive cements and magnification systems has made the sealing of perforations easier and the outcome more predictable. This study highlights the clinical outcomes of furcal perforation management in root canal retreatment using biodentine.

by Adefemi Adebisi Alade  and Ahmed Ibrahim

Received: 22 September 2022;  Published: 09 January 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2301003

Performance evaluations of wood and other lignocellulosic-based composites involve complex scenarios of several factors such as material heterogeneity and geometry that often leads to complicated, expensive, and time-consuming experimental procedures. Hence, the application of computational modeling and simulation is desirable to mitigate these biocomposites’ performance testing challenges. This review paper, therefore, presents an outlook on the finite element method (FEM) application in probing performance charac [...]

by Aadharshini Ganesh  , Nisha Gupta  , Prosenjit Saha  and Pallab Bhattacharya

Received: 31 January 2023;  Published: 08 May 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2302020

Energy storage devices (ESD) including batteries, and supercapacitors are becoming progressively imperative in the transition to a renewable energy future, as they enable the integration of intermittent renewable sources into the grid and provide backup power during outages. There are already reviews available on various energy storage materials and systems. However, the challenges in the choice of suitable materials and fabrication technology are yet to establish for the commercialization of affordable and efficie [...]

by Omar Alelweet  , Sara Pavia  and Zehao Lei

Received: 28 September 2021;  Published: 29 November 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2104047

This paper investigates the composition, properties and reactivity of a red mud waste generated in Saudi Arabia with a view to find alternative materials to replace construction binders of high environmental impact. The phase transformation triggered by the sintering of the RM up to 1000°C is determined with thermal and X-Ray Diffraction analyses. Reactivity is investigated with chemical and physical methods including the Chapelle test, setting times, mechanical index and microscopy. The RM is clearly pozzol [...]

by Emma G. Norris  , Diane Dalecki  and Denise C. Hocking

Received: 22 March 2020;  Published: 21 July 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2003018

Ultrasound is emerging as a promising tool for both characterizing and fabricating engineered biomaterials. Ultrasound-based technologies offer a diverse toolbox with outstanding capacity for optimization and customization within a variety of therapeutic contexts, including improved extracellular matrix-based materials for regenerative medicine applications. Non-invasive ultrasound fabrication tools include the use of thermal and mechanical effects of acoustic waves to modify the structure and function of extracell [...]

by Satoshi Migita  and Tomoya Yamaguchi

Received: 18 September 2019;  Published: 14 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2001003

The surface roughness of titanium could regulate various cellular functions such as survival and growth. In the context of cell adhesion to materials, cell spreading and cell shape are also closely linked to various cellular functions. Previously, we found that Ti substrate with a 100-nm scale surface roughness reduced cell survival. However, effects of surface roughness on cell shape were not investigated. Herein, we quantified the initial adhesion behavior of osteoblasts on a Ti substrate with ~100 nm scale surfa [...]

by Trenton Cersoli  , Muneer Barnawi  , Kerry Johnson  , Edward Burden  , Frank Li  , Eric MacDonald  and Pedro Cortes

Received: 17 February 2022;  Published: 29 April 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2202009

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are smart materials that can respond to certain thermal, chemical or electrical stimuli by inducing a structural conformation change into a temporary shape. In this work, a 3D printing process based on a Vat Photo-polymerization of a shape memory polymer (SMP) was investigated to produce customized smart and complex morphable antennas. The mechanical and material properties were examined through a tensile, flexural and rheological testing for different polymer mixture ratios. It was obs [...]

by Sumita Jain  , Noufa Khan  , Yena Park  , Densen Cao  and Daniel CN Chan

Received: 02 May 2022;  Published: 15 June 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2302024

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is used to prevent microbial degradation and deterioration of manufacturing starting materials such as plastics, polymers, and latexes. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-bacterial properties of ZPT. Currently, there is insufficient data on the effect of ZPT on viability of commonly encountered bacterial pathogens. We tested the efficacy of ZPT manufactured in the form of film rolls as an anti-bacterial protective layer by using the ASTM–recommended protocol on gro [...]

by Rolf R. Gerhardts

Received: 11 November 2019;  Published: 17 March 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2001007

We summarize and discuss a self-consistent screening and magneto-transport theory, developed to understand the results of scanning-force-microscope experiments on the current distribution in a two-dimensional electron system (2DES), located in a narrow Hall bar under the conditions of the integer quantum Hall effect (IQHE) and its breakdown. The theory explains why, at low temperatures, at certain intervals of the applied perpendicular magnetic field, the current density is confined to “incompressible stripes” (ISs [...]

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 Andrea P. Cuevas-Gómez  , Izlia J. Arroyo-Maya  and Humberto Hernández-Sánchez

Received: 26 April 2021;  Published: 22 June 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102027

Whey protein is a byproduct of cheese, casein, and Greek yogurt produced in Europe, North America, and Australasia. It is a substantial source of functional proteins and peptides for the worldwide food industry. α-Lactalbumin (α-La) is a globular protein that can be isolated from WPI (whey protein isolates) using techniques such as chromatography/gel filtration, membrane separation, etc. α-La is used in the elaboration of functional foods and is a very good source of peptides with anticancer, antimicrobial, antivir [...]

by Julia Tourtelot  , Ann Bourgès  and Emmanuel Keita

Received: 09 March 2021;  Published: 26 July 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2103031

Currently, the largest among the earth excavation sites in Europe are located in the Paris region. The soils excavated from these sites are often considered waste and are not valorized. With an increasing focus on sustainable development, the demand for low-carbon building materials is rising. Although construction using raw earth is a vernacular technique, the diversity in the behavior of the raw earth building materials warrants better control of their mechanical properties. The construction techniques differ dep [...]

by Mikhail Batanov-Gaukhman

Received: 10 November 2023;  Published: 26 June 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2402014

The article aims to develop the stochastic interpretation of quantum mechanics by E. Nelson based on balancing the intra-systemic contradiction (i.e., antisymmetry) between “order” and “chaos”. For the set task, it is proposed to combine two mutually opposite system-forming principles: “the principle of least action” and “the principle of maximum entropy” into one, the “principle of averaged efficiency extremum”. In a detailed consideration of the averaged states of a chaotically wandering particle, the time-indepe [...]

by Kianoush Hatami Dehnou  and Mohammad Jafar Hadianfard

Received: 14 December 2023;  Published: 03 May 2024;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2402011

The use of silicone rubber as an implant is limited due to its weak properties. In this study, the impact of various reinforcements, such as TiO2 or SiO2 nanoparticles, carbon, or polypropylene fiber micro reinforcements, on the mechanical, thermal, and viscoelastic properties of silicone rubber composites with RTV-4125 matrix was investigated. The composites were evaluated through several tests, including tensile, compression, FTIR, TGA, DMTA, and water adsorption tests. It was found that the composites' tensi [...]

by Kikuko Hayamizu  , Tomoyuki Haishi  , Yasuhiko Terada  , Kunimitsu Kataoka  and Junji Akimoto

Received: 24 January 2023;  Published: 03 April 2023;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2302014

Pulsed field-gradient (PFG) NMR spectroscopy was applied to thin disk samples (0.5, 1 and 2 mm thick, 4 mm diameter) of LLZO-Ta (Li6La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12) single crystal. We have measured the diffusion of 7Li in thin pellets (0.5 to 3 mm thick) of NASICON-type LAGP powder and found that the Li+ diffuses preferentially in the thicker direction. In this study, we placed 1 mm thick, 4 mm diameter disk-shaped single crystals vertically, i.e., parallel to the PFG direction. We found that 7Li ions diffuse similarly as in rod- [...]

by Sam T Briggs  , Mary Beth B Monroe  , Mark A Weizbicki  , Sayyeda Marziya Hasan  and Duncan J Maitland

Received: 05 April 2021;  Published: 25 June 2021;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2102025

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are highly attractive materials for medical devices. Specifically, SMP foams are currently being used as embolic devices in peripheral and cerebral vascular applications. To ensure the proper function and safety of these materials in their intended applications, it is important to understand how processing treatments, such as aging, sterilization, and foam composition can influence their degradation. Here, SMP foams were treated with industry relevant processing parameters, and the infl [...]

by Fabrice Debbasch

Received: 15 October 2019;  Published: 06 January 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2001002

A relativistic Wigner function for free Discrete Time Quantum Walks (DTQWs) on the square 2D space-time lattice is defined. The transport equation obeyed by the relativistic Wigner function is derived in terms of discrete derivatives and degenerates in the continuum limit into the transport equation obeyed by the Wigner function of 2D Dirac fermions. The first corrections to the continuous equation induced by the discreteness of the lattice are also determined and the similarities with non-quantum relativistic tran [...]

by H. Hakemi  , M. Khenkin  , R. Tamari  and D. Gal-Fuss

Received: 10 December 2019;  Published: 05 March 2020;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2001006

In the present study, we report the experimental results related to the transient phenomenon, i.e., the time-dependent changes in the electro-optical properties of as-made polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films prepared by the UV-curing phase-separation method. This phenomenon occurs explicitly via polymer-induced phase separation when the matrix curing is not complete, some liquid crystal plasticized in the matrix, and some uncured pre-polymer components remain in the liquid crystal droplets. The outcome is [...]

by Naiwei Chi  , Shuyao Zheng  , Elwin Clutter  and Rong Wang

Received: 30 October 2019;  Published: 18 December 2019;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.1904007

Background:Diabetic patients suffer from chronic wounds partly due to altered function of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts of diabetic patients synthesize collagen I (COLI) at a much higher level than collagen III (COLIII), resulting in delayed tissue granulation and, consequently, a delay in the overall wound healing process. Methods:We aimed to revive the matrix protein productivity of diabetic fibroblasts by employing aligned, electrically conductive and biocompatible spider silk-CNT fibers as a cell culture matrix to m [...]

by Yaser Banadaki  , Nariman Razaviarab  , Hadi Fekrmandi  , Guoqiang Li  , Patrick Mensah  , Shuju Bai  and Safura Sharifi

Received: 24 November 2021;  Published: 28 February 2022;  doi: 10.21926/rpm.2201005

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a crucial component of the smart manufacturing industry. In this paper, we propose an automated quality grading system for the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process as one of the major AM processes using a developed real-time deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model. The CNN model is trained offline using the images of the internal and surface defects in the layer-by-layer deposition of materials and tested online by studying the performance of detecting and grading the failure [...]