Materials Science and Engineering Commons^™

Inclusion Engineering Through Deoxidation Practice Optimization For Enhanced Mechanical Properties Of Cast Cr-Ni-Mo Steel, Kingsley T. Amatanweze, Viraj A. Athavale, Simon Lekakh, Ronald J. O'Malley, Laura N. Bartlett

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Deoxidation is an integral part of steelmaking, as it determines steel castability, cleanliness, and porosity levels of the final product. Steel quality is critical to its performance and can be sabotaged by impurities such as non-metallic inclusions and porosity. This study investigates the effects of four distinct deoxidation practices, using Al, Al-Ca, Zr-Ca, and Mn-Si respectively, on tensile strength, tensile ductility and impact toughness of a Cr-Ni-Mo steel. These deoxidation reactions were modeled on a commercially available thermodynamic software and possible inclusion product phases were predicted. The casting samples were studied on a scanning electron microscope (SEM) utilizing energy dispersive …

Post-Calcium Treatment Evolution Of Alumina (Al2o3) Inclusions Morphology, Naziru I. Fuseini, Ronald J. O'Malley, Todd P. Sander, Jeffrey D. Smith, Haiming Wen, Laura N. Bartlett

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The post-calcium morphological evolution of Al₂O₃ inclusions formed under high-oxygen supersaturation (~1000 ppm) was investigated through time-resolved sampling and quenching of aluminum-killed, calcium-treated steel. SEM-EDS analysis revealed the formation of angular two-phase CaO·Al₂O₃–CaS inclusions within 1 minute, gradually transforming into spherical liquid 12CaO·7Al₂O₃ and CaO·Al₂O₃ with a thin CaS layer around it. The 3D morphology of the CaS phase of the complex CaO·Al₂O₃–CaS inclusions observed at 1 minute appeared as a cone-cap attached to the partially modified CaO·Al₂O₃. This …

Thermodynamic Analysis Of Metal Segregation In Two Metal Boride-Carbide Ceramics Containing V With Cr, Hf, Ti, Or Zr, Ana C. Feltrin, Simon Divilov, Gregory E. Hilmas, Stefano Curtarolo, William G. Fahrenholtz

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Dual-phase carbide-boride ceramics in different vanadium-Me (Me = Cr, Hf, Ti, and Zr) binary systems were synthesized by boro/carbothermal reduction under stoichiometric and carbon-deficient conditions and densified by spark plasma sintering. Thermodynamic analysis was used to evaluate the influence of composition on the phase stability and metal segregation between phases, along with the resulting effects on microstructure and hardness. Pairing vanadium with Group IV elements (Hf, Ti, and Zr) consistently formed one boride and one carbide phase, while the Cr-V system formed a monoboride phase and a carbon-deficient carbide. Metal segregation trends depended on composition. Vanadium preferentially segregated to the …

Hybrid Data-Driven Cement-Stabilized Soil Design: An Integration Of Machine Learning, Multi-Objective Optimization, And Life Cycle Assessment, Chikezie Chimere Onyekwena, Yunli Li, Ikenna J. Okeke, Ubani Obinna Uzodimma, Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo, Wenping Wu

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Soil stabilization is crucial in geotechnical engineering, yet conventional methods are often time-consuming, resource-intensive, and environmentally unsustainable. Despite growing interest in Machine Learning (ML) and optimization tools for mix design, few studies integrate these methods with decision-making techniques and environmental assessment to support practical implementation. This study proposes a hybrid data-driven framework for predicting strength, optimizing mix compositions, and evaluating environmental impacts via life cycle assessment of cement-stabilized soft soils. Six ML models were evaluated, and the top-performing eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) model was further improved using the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO). The optimized XGB-GWO model, integrated with a polynomial …

Performance And Mechanistic Insights Into Cement Systems Modified With Wastewater-Recovered Struvite, Ugochukwu Ewuzie, Rupack R. Halder, Abdulkareem O. Yusuf, Abiodun A. Saka, Godwin I. Ogbuehi, Titus C. Egbosiuba, Damilola A. Daramola, Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Struvite, the stable hydration product and primary strength phase in magnesium ammonium phosphate cement (MAPC), derived from wastewater treatment, has recently been utilized as a sustainable additive to Portland cement (PC). However, its impacts on cement hydration kinetics, pore refinement, rheology, and the mechanisms underlying these processes have not been comprehensively studied. This study developed Portland cement-struvite (PCS) systems by replacing PC with 3–20 % struvite (ST wt.%: PCS3–PCS20) and evaluated these processes using isothermal calorimetry, 3D micro-computed tomography (μXCT), time-dependent rheometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the Krstulović-Dabić (K-D) model. The FTIR/XRD confirmed the coexistence …

Fly Ash Proppant Developed For Hydraulic Fracturing, Raz Rzgar Haydar

Theses and Dissertations

Proppants are critical components in hydraulic fracturing, used to maintain fracture conductivity and enhance reservoir stimulation. In high-pressure and harsh reservoir environments, the use of high-strength proppants is essential to ensure well performance. Conventional proppants, being sand, ceramic, and sintered bauxite can be expensive, and their use often requires costly fracture fluids. This study investigates the possibility of utalizing fly ash geopolymers as a sustainable alternative that is also cost-effective for proppants manufacturing. Fly ash, a by-product from the combustion of coal and other materials, was explored as a base material for proppants, utilizing an alkaline solution as an activator …

Retrofitting Higher Education Buildings In Egypt: A Pathway Towards A Zero-Energy Campus, Maged G. Nassim Mikhael, Hagar Samy Saad

HBRC Journal

Egypt’s higher education sector expanded rapidly over the last decade, resulting in increased energy consumption, negative environmental impacts, and economic challenges. Existing academic buildings present promising opportunities for energy savings through retrofitting; however, a validated pathway for achieving Zero-Energy Buildings ZEBs in Egypt remains underdeveloped. This study aims to develop a practical scenario and a replicable retrofitting pathway based on a multi-tiered approach that includes passive envelope enhancements, active system optimization, and the integration of renewable energy RE systems. Using the Canadian International College CIC campus as a case study, the research adapted the building energy simulation BES methodology to …

Enhancing Sustainable Cooling Solutions: Investigating Spot Radiant Cooling Systems Performance And Influence On Indoor Comfort In Hot Climates, Norhane Eldeeb, Ahmed Ahmed Fikry, Abbas Mohamed Elzafarany, Ehab El Shazly, Hinar Abo El-Maged

HBRC Journal

In hot climates, demand for effective sustainable cooling strategies to maintain comfort is high. Nevertheless, conventional radiant cooling systems are often hindered by condensation risks and complex control requirements in partially occupied spaces. To address these challenges, at top inlet conditions of approximately 26°C and 50% Relative Humidity) RH (, three-dimensional CFD simulations validated against the 1.405 kW reference case of Shin et al. were performed to quantify the effect of installation height and panel geometry on spot radiant cooling performance. Lowering the flat CRCP from 2.6 m to 2.2 m reduced volume averaged air temperature (T_a) …

Recent Advances Toward Damage-Tolerant 3d-Printed Titanium Alloys: Alloy Design Perspective, Saeid Alipour, Arezoo Emdadi, Ju Li

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Twenty-year uninterrupted endeavor of titanium alloys printing has opened up a new paradigm in metal additive manufacturing (AM) to fabricate engineering components with required strength–density–corrosion combinations. Despite the remarkable advances in titanium AM, controlling the grain structure to print the parts with engineered microstructures, tailored mechanical properties, and minimum anomalies remains challenging. Numerous approaches have been implemented to address this challenge, such as printing parameter control, post-AM heat treatments, and thermomechanical processing. In addition to the aforementioned conventional approaches, novel techniques have been proposed that require employing hybrid manufacturing or developing the printer itself. One of the novel pathways in …

Carbon Supported Octahedral Ptni Nanoparticles (Oct-Ptni/C) As A Cathode Catalyst For Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (Pemfcs) With Improved Activity And Durability, Zi-Wei Feng, Hai-Zhong Chen, Xiao Duan, Ling Tang, Yun-Kun Zhao, Long Huang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered as a promising renewable power source. However, the massive commercial application of PEMFCs has been greatly hindered by their high expense and less-satisfied performance mainly due to the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics even on state-of-the-art Pt catalyst. Octahedral PtNi nanoparticles (oct-PtNi NPs) with excellent ORR activity in a half-cell have been widely studied, while their performance in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) has much less reported. Herein, we investigated the MEA performance using the carbon supported oct-PtNi NPs (oct-PtNi/C) as the cathode catalyst. Under the mild acid washing condition, the surface …

Development Status And Existing Problems Of Ion-Solvation Membranes For Electrolysis Of Water, Zheng-Yuan Zhou, Yu-Tao Sun, Zheng-Bang Liu, Chuan-Zheng Wang, Yong-Nan Zhou, Xi Luo, Tian-Chi Zhou, Jin-Li Qiao

Journal of Electrochemistry

Ion-solvaing membranes (ISMs) have received extensive attention in recent years as a key component in electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices. This article provides an overview of structural composition, performance advantages, research progress, ion conduction mechanism and existing issues of ISMs, primarily classifying them according to the matrix structure. A detailed analysis of performance enhancement methods, key performance indicators of ISMs and performance influencing factors is also presented. The article contributes to further optimizing the design and application of ion-solvation membranes, providing theoretical support for the development of fields such as hydrogen production through electrolysis of water and electrochemical energy …

The Ntp Anode For Aqueous Sodium Ion Batteries: Recent Advances And Future Perspectives, Ming-Li Wang, Xue-Ying Su, Zheng-Xiang Shan, Shu-Zhe Yang, Heng-Rui Guo, Hao Luo, Dong-Liang Chao

Journal of Electrochemistry

Aqueous sodium-ion batteries (ASIBs) have attracted great attention in aqueous batteries due to their merit of high safety. However, the constrained work potential and insufficient chemical stability of anode materials in aqueous electrolytes hinder the large-scale application of ASIBs. Sodium titanium phosphate, NaTi₂(PO₄)₃ (NTP), is considered one of the most promising anode materials for ASIBs due to its excellent electrochemical performance and tunable structure. Recently, great achievements have been made in the development of NTP, however, a comprehensive review of existing studies is still lacking. This article firstly introduces the basic properties of NTP and …

Iron-Involved Orr Electrocatalysts Under The Lens Of In-Situ/Operando Mössbauer Spectroscopy, Sumbal Farid, Jun-Hu Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Exploring cost-effective and efficient catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) poses a significant challenge, especially in the pursuit of alternatives to precious metals like platinum. Significant advancements have driven electrochemists to develop efficient ORR catalysts using abundant materials, particularly iron (Fe)-based, known for their exceptional performance in ORR. While the crucial function of Fe in boosting ORR catalytic activity is recognized, the connection between material attributes and catalytic performance remains enigmatic. Understanding the dynamic processes involved in oxygen electrocatalysis is paramount for designing precious-metals-free ORR electrocatalysts. Mössbauer spectroscopy stands out as a powerful technique for deciphering the structural characteristics of …

Biomineralization Of Low Temperature Plasma(Ltp) Modified Polymeric Biomaterials And Scaffolds, John Patrick Bradford

ETDs from 2020-2029

Bio-integration, specifically osseo-integration of bone implants and scaffolds, are vital for the success of implants and bone tissue engineering (BTE). Calcification can be defined as the deposition of calcium compounds as either calcium phosphate(CaP) minerals consisting of hydroxyapatite(HAP) or CaP salts. The significance of the variety of phases of CaP is that mature bone matrix is composed of 65% CaP mineral. Many investigators have attempted to model the natural matrix by producing materials containing calcium phosphate in both amorphous CaP or in the more crystalline HAP form, with biomaterials (both synthetic and biological). Biomimetic CaP formation is a sign of …

Assessing The Student Awareness To Age Friendly Design: The Case Of Ain Shams University- Architecture Students, Shorouk Saleh Ali Kabel, Samah Mohamed Elsayed Atteia Elkhateb, Rowaida M. O. Mohamed Rashed, Wesam M. El-Bardisy

HBRC Journal

With Egypt’s rapid urbanization and projected demographic shift, where individuals aged 60 and above are expected to constitute more than 15% of the population by 2050, addressing the needs of older adults in urban design has become increasingly urgent. Despite global recognition of the importance of age-friendly design, its integration into Egyptian architectural education remains limited, particularly concerning accessibility, safety, and inclusivity.

This study evaluates the level of awareness of Age-Friendly Design (AFD) principles among architecture students at Ain Shams University using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through an online questionnaire assessing students’ familiarity with the concept, while …

Performance-Based Seismic Design And Retrofitting Via Drift And Strain Criteria, Tharwat A. Sakr, Hanaa E. Abd-El-Mottaleb, Shrouk S. Kamel

HBRC Journal

In recent decades, the demand for seismic code updates has significantly increased. Performance-based seismic design (PBSD) is a modern approach to earthquake-resistant building construction. By using this technique, the designers can establish performance targets that satisfy the owner. Most codes rely on strength design that utilizes a design response spectrum, highlighting serviceability without addressing performance levels. In this paper, an appraisal for the incorporation of PBSD into the Egyptian Code is proposed using nonlinear static and dynamic analysis. At first, response spectrum charts for 72, 475, and 2475 years return periods (RP) were developed based on the Egyptian seismicity information. …

Place Personality And User Behaviour: Insights From Cairo’S Streets, Sara Sabahy, Zeina Elzein, Doaa Abouelmagd

HBRC Journal

A place’s personality is beyond the sum of its characteristics. It’s how people perceive it on a human level, hoping for a better understanding and seeking connection. This study aims to understand how people connect with public spaces to enhance the quality of urban life.

A place’s personality extends beyond its physical attributes—it reflects how people emotionally perceive and connect with it. This study investigates the relationship between the perceived personality of urban streets and users’ behaviour to enhance the quality of urban life in Cairo. Focusing on Downtown Cairo and New Cairo, it addresses a gap in destination personality …

Spectroscopic Investigations On Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanofibers, Parinaz Amaniabdolmalaki, Jui Vitthal Kharade, Alexandro Trevino, Lydia Morales, Karen Lozano, Victoria Padilla, Karen S. Martirosyan, Horacio Vasquez, Mircea Chipara

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

The production of polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers by force-spinning from polymer solutions was confirmed by electron microscopy. The structural and phase characteristics of the resulting nanofiber mats were examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflectance mode, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction. Results from all these techniques consistently indicated that both the powder and the mats of polyvinylidene fluoride predominantly contain the α phase, with a small admixture of the β phase. Within experimental errors, no other phases were noticed both in the powder and in the as-obtained mats. The ratios of the areas of the Raman lines at …

Reproducible Semantic Data Management Workflow For Materials Data Science: Generating Knowledge Graphs With Robust Fairifcation Pipelines, Kyle R. Henrikson, Van D. Tran, Meredith Francis, Isabella Giammattei, Quynh D. Tran, Laura S. Bruckman, Erika I. Barcelos, Roger H. French

Student Scholarship

Combining data from multiple sources is crucial for efficient knowledge aggregation in materials data science. FAIR data from ontology and Linked Data principles enable this. Semantic data management streamlines data exchange and aggregation, ensuring information is available and extractable. FAIRLinked and GraphDB provide solutions for consolidating, hosting, and extracting meaningful insight from multimodal data.

Rheology-Guided Spinnability In Emulsion Forcespinning Of Water-In-Oil Nanofibers: Influence Of Surfactants And Internal Phase Concentration, Saptasree Bose, Alexandra Salinas, Evelyn Torres, Jose Ramirez, Elizabeth Gamez, Michelle A. Calabrese, Karen Lozano, Victoria Padilla

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

This study explores the emulsion Forcespinning (FS) approach for fabricating nanofibers with a hydrophilic phase encapsulated within a hydrophobic polymer matrix. Key factors influencing fiber production and morphology, including the concentration of the internal water phase and the presence of ionic and nonionic surfactants, were systematically investigated. Additionally, the centrifugal spinnability of the emulsions was assessed using environmentally controlled dripping-onto-substrate (DoS) rheometry, correlating the observed extensional flow behavior and emulsion extensibility with fiber spinnability. The nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. These findings offer critical …