Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Fluid Mechanics
Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers, 4th Edition
Unlocking the Potential of Agri-Food Waste for Innovative Applications and Bio-Based Materials
Hydrogels with Appropriate/Tunable Properties for Biomedical Applications
Experimental Testing, Manufacturing and Numerical Modelling of Composite and Sandwich Structures (Second Edition)
Composite materials can be used in a wide range of applications, including aerospace, automotive, construction, sports equipment, and electronics. These materials have a high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent fatigue and corrosion resistance, and low thermal expansion. However, there are still issues that need to be solved, including high production costs, difficulty in repairing damage, susceptibility to delamination and other types of damage, and characterization/modelling difficulties. Recent research has focused on issues such as advanced manufacturing techniques (including 3D printing and digital manufacturing), nanocomposites (to improve strength and stiffness, or thermal and electrical conductivity), sustainable composites (using renewable or recycled materials), multifunctional composites (taking advantage of shape memory alloys, piezoelectric materials, and carbon nanotubes), bioinspired composites (spider silk, seashells, and bone, and their unique properties' replication in synthetic materials), and numerical modelling (new approaches to simulate complex behaviour). Composite sandwich structures are widely used in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction, due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and durability. To advance the state-of-the-art and spread the recent advances in all composite-related matters, this Reprint gathers a significant number of contributions in this area through high-quality original or review works.
Crystallization of High Performance Metallic Materials (2nd Edition)
The Special Issue (SI) entitled 'Crystallization of High Performance Metallic Materials (2nd Edition)' has collected ten research papers focusing on different aspects of crystallization of metallic materials, e.g., solidification and continuous casting, crystal plasticity and recrystallization during deformation, laser cladding of the composite coatings, and non-metallic inclusions, as well as mechanical properties evolution of different engineering materials, e.g., non-oriented silicon steels (3 papers), stainless steels, Inconel alloys, aluminum alloys, etc. Both experimental and simulation studies relating to crystallization topics have been reported among the contributions. In addition, two review articles on crystal plasticity and antibacterial properties of magnesium alloys are presented in this Special Issue. This editorial summary aims to highlight the state of the art in the development of crystallization behaviors in different metallic materials.
Development of Boron-Based Materials
This Special Issue Reprint, "Development of Boron-Based Materials", compiles recent advances in the design, synthesis, characterization, and theoretical modeling of boron-based compounds. Boron, with its unique electron-deficient bonding, gives rise to diverse materials including clusters, sheets, glasses, and bulk ceramics with remarkable mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties. The nine contributions, together with the editorial, highlight both fundamental and applied aspects of boron-based materials science. Covered topics include low-dimensional boron allotropes such as borophenes, boron-rich carbides and borides, cluster-based composites, oxyhalide borate glasses, and borometallic molecular structures. The Reprint also addresses emerging applications in areas such as superconductivity, superhard coatings, radiation shielding, and chemical sensing. By combining theoretical and experimental perspectives, this Reprint offers an updated resource for scientists working in chemistry, physics, and materials engineering.
Lithium-Ion and Next-Generation Batteries Recycling
The progressive expansion of electromobility will lead to an increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in the future and thus inevitably to a drastically increased demand for raw materials for battery materials. The recycling and reuse of the individual components therefore serves as an important link in achieving a circular economy, whereby the dependence on geographically unevenly distributed elements and the associated costs can be reduced and the sustainability within the value chain improved.Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and upcoming cell chemistries like sodium-ion or lithium-sulfur batteries are and will be an integral part of our modern way of life, particularly in portable electronic devices and the emerging field of electric mobility. Ongoing research in the field, with the overarching aim of achieving higher energy densities and enabling lower material costs, has led to the continuous development of new cell chemistries specifically adapted to different requirements. The resulting high complexity of battery systems in combination with varying battery lifetimes leads to a heterogeneous flow of used end-of-life cells. In view of this, the establishment of universal, flexible, and robust recycling processes remains a major challenge, which is why it is crucial to thoroughly analyze and optimize the current state of the art and adapt it to future types and cell chemistries.
Advances in the Experimentation and Numerical Modeling of Material Joining Processes (Second Edition)
Nowadays, structural design is facing major challenges in the associated joining processes, such as material selection, different thermal coefficients and melting points, multi-material joining, the joining of thin-walled structures, traditional process effectiveness for new materials, cost-efficiency and ecological issues. To provide a strong, reliable and lightweight solutions for a given application, designers should either consider hybrid joining or choose from a large variety of available processes, such as welding, brazing, riveting, mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, clinching, friction stir welding, laser welding and diffusion welding, amongst others. These joining processes have evolved towards optimization and cost reduction in the early design stages in terms of their implementation and industrialization, destructive and non-destructive testing and either analytical or numerical modeling. Numerical modeling is particularly effective for simulating complex geometries, different load scenarios and materials with plasticity or anisotropy. The finite element method, together with fracture mechanics techniques, is a powerful and common approach employed in the scientific community, but less applied for the study of complex loads, such as high strain rates, fatigue or impact, and it is seldom used in the industry. To develop state-of-the-art techniques and disseminate the recent advances in all types of joining, either experimental or numerical, this Reprint brings together a significant number of high-quality contributions to this field of research through innovative and original works.
Battery Management in Electric Vehicles
Li-ion batteries (LiBs) are central to the global transition toward zero-carbon energy and the achievement of the COP26 target of net-zero emissions by mid-century. However, their rapid adoption presents a range of challenges. As demand for LiBs increases, especially in electric vehicles (EVs), concerns about their environmental impact and the stability of supply chains are mounting. The key materials used in LiBs are finite and concentrated in specific regions, heightening the risk of supply disruptions. Additionally, the eventual disposal of large quantities of battery waste introduces further complications. To address these challenges, the implementation of advanced battery management techniques in electric vehicles is essential. These strategies can enhance battery performance, extend their lifespan, enable secondary applications, and promote the recycling and reuse of EV batteries, thereby mitigating both environmental and supply chain risks. This Reprint seeks to update the scientific community on the latest advancements and future trends in EV battery management. It encompasses a broad spectrum of developments, ranging from foundational battery research to cutting-edge approaches like electro-thermal modeling, state-of-health estimation, thermal runaway analysis, aging and degradation studies in lithium batteries, and the development of modular battery management system (BMS) topologies. These innovations aim to optimize battery performance, improve efficiency, and ensure the long-term reliability of EV batteries.
Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking
Electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking is one of the most important steelmaking routes and currently accounts for approximately thirty percent of worldwide crude steel production. The share of scrap-based EAF steelmaking is expected to continue rising in the coming decades. In addition, EAF steelmaking provides the basis for plans to melt direct reduced iron (DRI) produced using hydrogen reduction. Accompanied by an editorial, this Reprint presents eight peer-reviewed articles from the Special Issue "Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking", published in the journal Metals.
Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition
The reprint, 'Environmental Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes, 2nd Edition', presents a comprehensive collection of eleven high-quality contributions addressing recent advances in catalytic and photocatalytic technologies for environmental remediation. This reprint highlights the design, synthesis, and characterisation of novel heterogeneous catalysts and their application in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the degradation of persistent organic pollutants and wastewater treatment. The featured studies cover diverse approaches, including photo-Fenton systems, peroxydisulfate activation, catalytic wet air oxidation, and semiconductor-based photocatalysis, with emphasis on both radical and non-radical oxidation pathways. Innovative reactor concepts, such as 3D-printed and rotating photo-disc reactors, are explored alongside investigations of noble and non-noble metal catalysts, biochar-based materials, and metal-free systems. Collectively, the contributions provide mechanistic insights and demonstrate how process intensification, material engineering, and light management can enhance pollutant removal efficiency. This reprint is intended for researchers, engineers, and students in catalysis, environmental chemistry, and process engineering, offering a timely overview of state-of-the-art strategies to address global environmental challenges.
Application of Microfluidic Technology in Bioengineering
Microfluidic technology, commonly referred to as lab-on-a-chip technology, represents a state-of-the-art research domain. It primarily centers on the manipulation and precise control of minute volumes of fluids within micrometer-sized channels. This innovative field has captured substantial attention on account of its distinctive characteristics. These features, such as miniaturization, integration, high precision, automation, and remarkable versatility, endow it with the status of a potent instrument for fluid manipulation and sample analysis across a wide spectrum of applications. These applications span multiple disciplines, including biomedical engineering, chemistry, materials science, and environmental sciences. The Special Issue under discussion is dedicated to the application of microfluidic technology in bioengineering. It encompasses a collection of 13 papers, comprising one Editorial, nine Research Articles, and three Reviews. These papers comprehensively cover the latest advancements in microfluidics, including single-cell manipulation and detection, liquid biopsy, molecular diagnosis, interface design, and simulation modeling. The contributions to this Special Issue come from researchers affiliated with 26 institutions in China, the United States, and Germany.
Advances in Hybrid Supercapacitors
Hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs) are an emerging class of energy storage devices that combine the high power density of supercapacitors with the high energy density of batteries, offering a unique set of advantages that make them ideal for a wide range of applications. By pairing a faradaic electrode-where charges are stored through reversible redox, intercalation, or conversion reactions-with a non-faradaic or pseudocapacitive electrode that relies on surface ion adsorption, HSCs can provide higher energy density while still maintaining a high level of power output in short bursts, making them well-suited for applications that require rapid charging and discharging, such as in electric vehicles during acceleration, regenerative braking, or start-stop events; cordless power tools that must drive screws or drill masonry without voltage sag; grid-tied buffers that smooth short-term fluctuations from renewables; and even wearable or IoT devices that harvest intermittent energy and must transmit data bursts. This preprint features eleven research and review papers that focus on the recent advances in the field of hybrid supercapacitors, covering topics such as carbon-based and transition metal oxides electrode materials, electrolytes and additives, Zn-ion hybrid capacitors, hybrid energy storage systems, and control algorithms for supercapacitors. Research from over 40 authors from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Romania, the Republic of Korea, Greece, and other countries and regions contributed to this preprint.
Advanced Studies on High-Performance Metal-Ion Capacitors
This Special Issue, "Advanced Studies on High-Performance Metal-Ion Capacitors: Technologies, Systems and Applications", highlights recent progress in hybrid electrochemical energy storage systems that integrate the merits of both batteries and supercapacitors. This Special Issue brings together research articles and reviews that address the challenges involved in the construction of metal-ion capacitors from multiple perspectives, including electrode structure engineering, heteroatom doping, electrolyte design and innovative cell configurations. This Reprint provides a comprehensive overview of emerging technologies and future directions for metal-ion capacitors, offering valuable insights for designing next-generation high-performance and sustainable electrochemical energy storage systems.
Advances in Functional Polymers and Composites
Polymers and composites offer significant advantages such as cost-effectiveness, lightweight properties, design flexibility, and manufacturing adaptability. They are widely applied across aerospace, transportation, sustainable energy, construction, and other sectors. The production of polymer and composite components involves multiple steps, including structural design, preform shaping, curing and forming, machining and assembly, and inspection and analysis - each exerting a direct and significant influence on the final performance and reliability of the structure. With the growing use of these materials in high-end applications, composite components are increasingly developed at for large scale and integrated structures, with greater complexity and multifunctionality. These trends present new challenges in the design and manufacturing of advanced functional polymers and composites.This Reprint aims to showcase recent advances and cutting-edge research in this field, covering topics such as structural design, mechanics, molding processes, machining and assembly techniques, defect detection, and functional evaluation. Both original research articles and reviews are included, and through this collection, editors seek to promote the development of scientific theories and methodologies, and to support the broader application of advanced functional polymers and composites in high-performance equipment and interdisciplinary fields.
Recent Advances in Photocatalytic Treatment of Pollutants in Water
The pervasive contamination of water resources by persistent and emerging pollutants-including pharmaceuticals, industrial dyes, pesticides, and heavy metals-represents one of the most critical global environmental and public health challenges. Conventional water treatment methods often prove inadequate, inefficient, or costly for achieving the complete mineralization of these complex, non-biodegradable contaminants. With pollutants posing significant environmental threats, developing environmentally benign, efficient, and cost-effective treatment technologies is paramount. Photocatalysis stands at the forefront of this shift, offering a "green chemistry" pathway for water purification. In this Reprint, we focus on cutting-edge research on the application of photocatalysis for water treatment.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
This Reprint, titled "Lithium-Ion Batteries: Design, Preparation, Reaction Mechanisms of Electrode Materials, and Battery Life Evaluation," collates cutting-edge research focused on overcoming the performance limitations of current energy storage systems. This collection addresses critical challenges in the field, from the development of next-generation silicon and composite anodes to the engineering of high-capacity cathodes and stable interfacial architectures. A significant emphasis is placed on elucidating the complex reaction mechanisms and degradation pathways that govern cell performance and longevity. Advanced preparation techniques and innovative electrode design strategies are explored to enhance ionic conductivity, mechanical stability, and cycling durability. Furthermore, this Reprint highlights the application of sophisticated in situ and operando characterization methods, alongside robust modeling frameworks, for precise state-of-health monitoring and accurate battery life prediction. By integrating fundamental material insights with practical engineering solutions, this compilation serves as a vital resource for developing more efficient, reliable, and commercially viable lithium-ion batteries for the future of electrified transportation and grid storage.
Artificial Intelligence-Based State-of-Health Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have a wide range of applications, but one of their biggest problems is their limited lifetime, which is due to performance degradation during usage. It is, therefore, essential to determine the battery's state of health (SOH) so that the battery management system can control the battery, enabling it to run in the best state, and thus prolonging its lifetime. Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies possess immense potential in inferring battery SOH, and can extract aging information (i.e., SOH features) from measurements and relate them to battery performance parameters, avoiding a complex battery modeling process. Therefore, this Special Issue showcase manuscripts showing efficient SOH estimation methods using AI which exhibit good performance, such as high accuracy, high robustness against the changes in working conditions, good generalization, etc.
Polymers, Colloids, and Surface Chemistry
Polymers, colloids, and surface chemistry are interconnected areas that play significant roles in the development and functionality of various products and technologies. The book helps to address issues related to material performance, stability and interactions. It begins with an introduction to polymers, covering their history, classification, nomenclature, molecular weight, and industrial significance. The chemistry of polymerization is then discussed in detail, including the mechanisms and kinetics of free radical, cationic, anionic, step-growth, and coordination polymerization, along with industrial techniques. The book also delves into polymer solutions, emphasizing thermodynamics, solubility, phase behavior, and applications in industries such as plastics, coatings, and biomedical fields. Moving to colloid chemistry, it explores colloidal systems, their comparison with true solutions and suspensions, types, preparation methods, and industrial relevance. The properties of colloids, including optical, kinetic, and electrical properties such as the Tyndall effect, Brownian motion, and electrophoresis, are discussed alongside suspensions, emulsions, and their practical applications. The surface chemistry of colloids is examined through interfacial phenomena, surface potential, Langmuir-Blodgett films, electrical aspects, and colloidal stability. Furthermore, the applications of colloids in petroleum, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, water purification, and environmental science are highlighted, demonstrating their interdisciplinary significance. The book concludes with an in-depth study of surface chemistry, focusing on adsorption phenomena, types of adsorption, adsorption isotherms, and industrial applications in catalysis, chromatography, pollution control, and biological systems. With a structured approach, real-world examples, and a focus on industrial and scientific relevance, this book serves as a valuable resource for students aiming to master the fundamental and applied aspects of polymers, colloids, and surface chemistry.
Engineering Sustainability Goals
According to Socrates, "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." The new includes healthier living and sounder engineering. Specifically, we strive to generate cleaner energy and spread to to all corners of the world; improve understanding and care for the land, sea, and air; transform waste into useful resources; implement more eco-friendly agriculture and farming; and invigorate humans' minds, bodies, and souls. The emphasis is on bettering tomorrow in an integrated manner, through the knowledge of the interlinkages among technologies, social and behavioral perspectives, the environment and ecology, and policies and governances. The volume provides the first go-to reference for everyone who wishes to brighten tomorrow by thriving through change. It shows how to capitalize change and hasten the transition into a sustainable tomorrow from various perspectives. To sustainably thrive, we adapt cradle-to-cradle engineering. This closed cycle engineering ensures the end of a product, or an operation, is the beginning of a new one. The book is essential for researchers including students, professionals, policy makers, and tomorrow's leaders.
Forensic Chemistry Fundamentals
Fundamentals of Forensic Chemistry strives to help scientists & lawyers, & students, understand how their two disciplines come together for forensic science, in the contexts of analytical chemistry & related science more generally, and the common law systems of Canada, USA, UK, the Commonwealth. In this book, forensics is considered more generally than as only for criminal law; workplace health & safety, and other areas are included. And, two issues of Canadian legal process are argued as essays in the final two chapters.
Advances in Computation and Modeling of Materials Mechanics
This Reprint compiles the published articles from the Special Issue "Advances in Computation and Modeling of Materials Mechanics" in the journal Materials. The collection features cutting-edge research contributions in materials mechanics, covering experimental characterization and computational modeling of composite materials, simulation of irradiation effects in nuclear materials for enhanced performance and safety, multi-scale material mechanics simulations, and innovative machine learning approaches for material property prediction and design. The articles highlight significant advancements in computational methodologies, including multi-scale modeling, high-performance computing, and data-driven techniques, which enable a deeper understanding of complex material behavior under diverse conditions. By providing insights into the latest developments, this Reprint serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers in materials science and engineering, fostering further innovation in the design and application of advanced materials for critical sectors.
Inorganic Electrode Materials in High-Performance Energy Storage Devices
This Reprint focuses on the innovation, optimization, and application of inorganic electrode materials for high-performance energy storage, addressing key challenges in advanced energy storage technologies. It covers a diverse range of systems, including lithium-sulfur batteries, lithium-ion batteries, aqueous zinc-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, hybrid supercapacitors, and methanol-mediated water splitting. Featured research highlights cutting-edge strategies: structural engineering (hollow architectures, carbon nanofiber encapsulation, porous nanosheets), composition regulation (bimetallic synergistic effects, heteroatom doping, high-entropy alloying), and simplified scalable synthesis (EDTA-based synchronous carbonization-doping, two-step thermal annealing). The collected works report remarkable performance breakthroughs-such as long-cycle stability for sodium-ion battery anodes, high-rate capability for lithium-ion battery electrodes, and low overpotential for water-splitting catalysts-while elucidating critical structure-performance relationships. This Reprint serves as a concise, authoritative resource for researchers and engineers, facilitating knowledge exchange on inorganic electrode materials and accelerating the translation of fundamental research into practical, sustainable energy storage solutions.
Multifunctional Application of Electrospun Fiber
This Special Issue compiles collective contributions that comprehensively reflect the versatile applications and cutting-edge advancements of electrospun nanofibers across diverse fields. These include biomedicine and drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, environmental remediation and adsorption materials, air filtration and protective technologies, antibacterial and antifungal applications, and flexible electronics and energy devices. Each study offers a distinct perspective, which deepens the scientific and engineering insights into the design and fabrication of next-generation electrospun materials. It is anticipated that through the industry-academia-research collaborative model of "scientific breakthroughs led by universities and industrialization practices driven by enterprises", more electrospun nanofiber materials will transition from laboratory-scale research to real-world market applications. This will ultimately facilitate the full realization of the industrial value inherent in electrospun nanofibers.
Topoisomerases as Targets for Novel Drug Discovery
Topoisomerases play a crucial role in controlling DNA topology and have long been established as the therapeutic targets of several clinically successful antibacterial and anticancer drugs. Despite decades of clinical use, topoisomerase-targeting agents still face several limitations, including antibiotic resistance, off-target toxicity, the induction of secondary malignancies, cardiotoxicity, and limited tumor selectivity. These challenges have driven extensive research toward elucidating novel inhibitory mechanisms, designing more selective or multitarget topoisomerase inhibitors, and developing combination strategies that enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity.Topoisomerases as Targets for Novel Drug Discovery is a Reprint of the Special Issue in Pharmaceuticals and contains a collection of review and research articles highlighting recent progress made in overcoming these challenges. The contributions explore the discovery and development of new topoisomerase inhibitors, innovative strategies to improve therapeutic selectivity and safety, and novel insights into the management of chemotherapy-induced toxicities. Overall, these articles highlight emerging trends in topoisomerase research and emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that connect structural biology, chemistry, and pharmacology to advance the next generation of topoisomerase-targeting therapies.
Recent Researches in Polymer and Plastic Processing
This Reprint, entitled "Recent Researches in Polymer and Plastic Processing", presents a curated selection of ten scientific articles from the journal Materials, offering a comprehensive overview of current trends and innovations in polymer science. Under the guiding theme of Polymers Reimagined-From Surface Engineering to Sustainable Recycling, this publication explores the following: Plasma-based surface treatments to enhance coating adhesion; The inkjet printability of biodegradable starch-based films; The impact of infill density reduction on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed PLA structures within a circular economy framework; The optimization of injection molding parameters using BP neural networks and NSGA-II algorithms; The strengthening of SGFRP-BMC composites through fiber shortening and electron beam irradiation; The use of asphalt as a low-cost plasticizer in polyacrylonitrile-based synthetic fiber production; The development of hydrogels incorporating plant-based ashes for internal curing in cementitious materials; UV-assisted degradation of PET using nonmetallic dibasic ionic liquids; Advanced recycling techniques for recovering EVA, PVDF, and PET from end-of-life photovoltaic modules.This volume is an essential resource for researchers, engineers, and students interested in advanced polymer processing, sustainable materials, and industrial applications. It highlights the transformative potential of polymers in shaping a more efficient and environmentally responsible future.
Polymeric Materials in Energy Conversion and Storage, 2nd Edition
This reprint provides a comprehensive overview of the current advancements and emerging roles of polymer-based materials in energy conversion and storage technologies. Each chapter highlights recent findings on the design, synthesis, and functional optimization of novel polymers and polymer composites exhibiting superior electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The discussed materials demonstrate significant potential for applications in sensors, energy harvesting systems, batteries, supercapacitors, and various electronic devices. Emphasis is placed on understanding the structure-property-performance relationships that govern the efficiency and stability of these systems. Collectively, the contributions in this volume offer valuable insights into the development of next-generation polymeric materials for sustainable and high-performance energy technologies.
Surface Science
The Reprint of the Special Issue "Surface Science: Polymer Thin Films, Coatings and Adhesives" in the journal Surfaces gathers cutting-edge original research articles discussing how mastering surface and interface properties and phenomena allow the development of new polymer-based thin films, coatings and adhesives. Dedicated articles address topics related to new chemical (nanoimprinting coupled to controlled graft polymerization) and physical (plasma activation) surface treatments to prepare surface-functionalized polymer-based films and fibres or to enhance corrosion protection. Wettability challenges are also highlighted in this Reprint, demonstrating how Marangoni flow drives self-assembling of hydrogels. The core of the Reprint concerns the development of advanced coatings with original articles on new polyurethane preventive coatings, functional polyacrylate textile coatings and waterborne acrylic coatings. Finally, the chosen articles discuss the enhancement of ultimate properties (fracture toughness, wear), performances and sustainability of polymer films and coatings.
Polymer Thin Films
The use of polymer thin films is currently implemented in almost every aspect of modern life, due to their cost-efficiency, lightness, flexibility, and unique physical and chemical properties. The reason for focusing research into polymer thin films is to understand the mechanisms that affect interfacial interactions, flow behavior, film formation, and relationships between deposition process parameters and the film structure, as well as other advanced functional properties.This Special Issue highlights and discusses studies on the development and characterization of functional polymer coatings and films for various applications. In summary, the studies focus on the contribution of nano- and microfillers embedded in polymer matrices for enhancement of thermal and mechanical stability. It also covers the preparation and use of coated microcapsules, which effectively enhance antibacterial properties, and highlights the role of natural additives in improving performance. One study examines coatings for reducing foodborne pathogens on blackberries. Furthermore, the examination of different polyols in polyester-based polyurethane coatings demonstrates their influence on functional properties, while the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique for antistatic polyester fibers presents innovative approaches to modifying surface characteristics. Lastly, the synthesis and evaluation of bio-sourced plasticizer thin films highlight improvements in eco-friendly materials, as well as the use of a silicone coupling reagent for the preservation of oracle bones.
Molecular Simulations of Energy Materials
The continuous rise in global energy demand, together with the depletion of conventional resources, places increasing pressure on the scientific community to develop materials that enable clean, efficient, and sustainable energy generation, storage, and utilization. The phenomena underlying these processes are inherently complex, often occurring simultaneously across multiple spatial (from atomic to macroscopic) and temporal (from femtoseconds to years) scales. While experimental investigations remain fundamental to the study of energy and environmental systems, our understanding of material behavior under extreme conditions-particularly at the microscopic level-remains limited. Computational molecular science has therefore become an indispensable complement, offering powerful tools to analyze and describe the mechanisms governing these phenomena.Molecular simulations, including static calculations, Molecular Dynamics, and Monte Carlo methods, rely on intra- and intermolecular forces determined at quantum, classical, or coarse-grained levels. These approaches provide essential insights into the structure and dynamics of energy materials and help interpret experimental data. The integration of particle-based and continuum methods within multiscale frameworks further enhances our ability to capture the hierarchical nature of processes in energy and environmental materials. Collectively, these computational methodologies form a vital foundation for understanding, predicting, and optimizing the behavior of energy materials.
Sustainable Cementitious Materials for Civil and Transportation Engineering
Since its invention, concrete has become the most widely used construction material. Growing concerns over the greenhouse emissions profile of the Portland cement and concrete industry have led to a very high level of recent interest in the development of low-carbon construction materials. The requirements of raw materials for cement and concrete, such as natural minerals, stones, and river sand, have been increasing, especially in developing countries where massive amounts of infrastructure are being built. This trend promotes the requirements of sustainable cementitious materials with low carbon emissions for civil and transportation engineering. The development of low-carbon construction materials has been recognized as a means of reducing the carbon footprint of the Portland cement and concrete industry in response to growing global concerns over natural-material shortages and CO2 emissions from the construction sector. The concrete and cement industry has been under pressure to shift towards sustainability by developing alternative low-carbon cement and concrete materials. However, many fundamental mechanisms in this field require further elucidation. In addition, industrial applications are still scarce due to the gap existing between the fundamental research and industrial use in this area.
Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials
Nanomaterials have rapidly developed, and attention surrounding their use has increased in recent years. The emergence of various nanomaterials, i.e., nanoparticles, nano-grained alloys, and gradient nanostructures, is expected to make it possible for materials with super or very special properties to be applied in unusual practical contexts. There is a wide range of applications for nanomaterials in biochemistry or molecular medicine, fuel cells or metal-ion batteries, and flexible electronics, as well as in various components related to energy. The physical and chemical properties of nanostructures are determined by their chemical composition and structure and are also affected by the formation process, which is critical for their reliability and their use in practical applications.
Thermal Behaviour, Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Sustainable Construction
This reprint of the fourth edition Special Issue about Thermal Behaviour, "Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Sustainable Construction", published in the journal Energies (MDPI), includes 10 research papers, from across the world, with very interesting and actual research topics, such as the following: Thermophysical Properties of Compressed Earth Blocks; Envelope Deficiencies and Thermo-Hygrometric Challenges in Warehouse-Type Buildings; Natural Ventilation Analyses in Buildings at Urban Scale; Mitigating Soil Frost Heave Around Gas Pipelines; Assessment of Sustainable Building Design with Green Star Rating Using BIM; Influence of Solar Radiation on the Thermal Load of an External Wall Taking into Account Its Material Properties; Integrated Energy and Social Retrofit Strategies; Long-Term Performance of Thermal Insulating Composite Systems; Influence of Web-Perforated Cold-Formed Steel Studs on the Heat Transfer Properties of LSF External Walls; and Insulation Improvements in Dutch Houses.
Advances in Novel Precast Concrete Structures
With the growing global demand for construction, precast concrete structures have gained prominence due to their advantages in building quality, time and labor savings, cost efficiency, and environmental friendliness. A variety of precast systems have been developed, including emulative, pretensioning, rocking, and modular systems, while integration with emerging civil engineering technologies-such as novel energy-dissipators and advanced materials (e.g., FRP, UHPC, ECC)-and alignment with modern construction concepts (e.g., building industrialization, smart/intelligent construction) further underscore their significance as an active and prosperous research area in civil engineering. It presents high-quality research on the development and study of novel precast concrete structures, focusing on state-of-the-art progress, advancements, and emerging trends. The published articles cover (but are not limited to) topics such as high-efficiency emulative precast systems; the application of high-performance concrete in precast structures; novel precast structures with energy-dissipators; precast steel-concrete composite structures; precast underground concrete structures; modular concrete structures; the static and seismic performance of prefabricated element connections; analytical and design methods for precast structures; reliability and probabilistic safety assessment of precast structures; and the long-term performance and life-cycle cost analysis of precast structures.
Carbon Fiber Composites, Volume III
Many efforts have been made to create light-weight materials that maintain excellent physical and chemical properties, aiming at energy savings and property enhancement for aerospace, automotive, marine, and industrial applications over the past few decades. Among them, carbon fibers and their composites have attracted significant attention because of their unique properties, including high strength and modulus, novel dimensional stability, high surface area/volume ratios, low coefficient of thermal expansion, etc. Therefore, they have been widely applied in fields of energy storage, filtration, aircraft, etc., via advanced manufacturing technologies (i.e., wet/melt spinning, solution casting, 3D printing, etc.).The main aim of this Special Issue is to tackle the points mentioned above for the preparation, characterization, and properties of advanced carbon fibers and their composites to offer an insight into them, facilitating their practical applications in various fields.
Practical Organic Chemistry
"Practical Organic Chemistry - A Primer" is the ultimate guide for BSc and B. Pharm students embarking on their practical journey in organic chemistry. Unlike other books on the market aimed at advanced levels this book is designed specifically for students at the primary level providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their practical work.Covering a wide range of experimental methods including synthesis chromatographic separation techniques qualitative organic analysis and the fundamentals of spectroscopy this comprehensive guide offers step-by-step instructions and detailed explanations to ensure a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Packed with practical examples students will not only learn the theories but also gain invaluable hands-on experience.To further enhance the learning experience the book includes eight annexures that cover topics such as preparation of solutions laboratory reagents risk assessment data and essential information on the periodic table. Additionally the book concludes with a selection of problems and solutions to test and reinforce the students' understanding. Practical Organic Chemistry - A Primer is the indispensable companion for students as they navigate the complex world of organic chemistry experiments. Whether you're pursuing a degree in chemistry or pharmacy this book will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in your practical work.
Food Gels
This Reprint focuses on the recent advancements in food gel technology and their applications across multiple domains, encompassing surimi-based seafood analogs that demand mechanically robust networks and dairy products requiring high emulsification stability and efficient nutrient integration. The innovation of composite gels, which incorporate bioactive components, has further expanded their functional capabilities and health-promoting potential. The research landscape encompasses critical advancements, including low-salt surimi gelation strategies utilizing amino acid supplements and high-pressure processing, emulsion restructuring in milk via homogenization and ultrasonic treatment, and the design of double emulsions for enhanced nutrient encapsulation. Moreover, it addresses emerging sustainable resource utilization approaches, such as gelatin extraction from underutilized raw materials, biotherapeutic delivery through protein-polysaccharide complexes, and advanced processing technologies like microfluidization and membrane emulsification to improve texture and stability.
Feature Papers in Biobased and Biodegradable Metals
Biodegradable metals, such as magnesium, zinc, and iron, show significant promise for biomedical implants and specialized industrial applications due to their unique biodegradable characteristics. This reprint focuses on novel alloy design, thermomechanical processing, as well as microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion characterization, alongside in vitro degradation/cytocompatibility assessment. This reprint illustrates the remarkable progress in biobased and degradable Mg, Zn, and Fe alloys, providing critical insights to overcome current limitations and guide future development of these revolutionary materials.
Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health
The global rise in life expectancy has brought increased attention to age-related health challenges, particularly those associated with oxidative stress. As a result, bioactive compounds have emerged as key components in the promotion of health and the prevention of chronic diseases. Numerous epidemiological studies suggest that a diet rich in antioxidant bioactive compounds can have beneficial effects on human health, potentially reducing the risk of diseases linked to oxidative stress, metabolic imbalance, and age-related functional decline. The current Reprint Edition of the Special Issue focuses on several key areas: the extraction, purification, and structural elucidation of novel bioactive compounds from natural sources; the characterization of these compounds for potential use in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical applications; and the investigation of their metabolic pathways and biological activities using advanced analytical techniques, including metabolomics. These studies contribute to a deeper understanding of how bioactive compounds support health and help mitigate the effects of aging and disease.
Recent Advances in Functional Polymer Materials for Water Treatment
This SI presents a platform for researchers to disseminate recent advances in the fundamentals, science, and technology of functional polymeric materials for use in water treatment. High-quality original articles, review articles, case studies, and short communications in this Special Issue cover topics such as: Polymeric coagulants and adsorbents for water purification;Polymeric separation membranes and ion-exchange resins for water treatment and reuse;Polymeric materials for enhancing biological water treatment (filler, bioaugmentation agents, etc.);Polymeric materials for use in water treatment, anti-scaling, scale removal, corrosion inhibition, and the suppression of bacteria and algae;Fabrication, modification, and characterization of polymeric materials for water treatment;Other polymeric material-related applications for pollutant detection in and removal from water (filtration, catalytic oxidation, electrode, sensors, etc.).
Electrochemical Material Science and Electrode Processes
In the field of materials science, electrochemical interfaces and reactions are crucial for the preparation, analysis, and application of materials. They play a significant role in the development of new materials and encompass a range of applications including environmental sustainability, energy conversion and storage, and sensing technologies. As we move further into the twenty-first century, the importance of electrochemistry in diverse applications is becoming increasingly evident, highlighting its solid presence and promising future. Various key electrochemical processes are finding their way into the industry. For instance, the electrodeposition of metals, alloys, and composite materials can deliver multifunctional surfaces that can be easily adapted by electrochemical conditions and solution composition. Additionally, technological applications include the fabrication of electrodes targeting specific metals/ions, the electrowinning and recovery of metals, water electrolysis and splitting, and supercapacitive materials/devices.This Special Issue includes contributions-both articles or reviews-focused on the electrochemistry of materials and related electrochemical processes.
