Materials Science and Engineering Commons^™

Enhancing Aqueous Solubility Of A Psoralen Derivative Via Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexation : In Silico And In Vitro Study, Gulzaib Basharat, Saba Ali, Pattharamon Chaikhun, Choosak Jaroenrit, Kuakarun Krusong, Thanthapatra Bunchuay, Tanatorn Khotavivattana, Thanyada Rungrotmongkol

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

N-(4-Bromobenzoyl)-8-methoxypsoralen-4-amine (BNB) is a psoralen derivative with potent cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells but with limited pharmaceutical application and therapeutic potential due to its extremely low aqueous solubility. To overcome this limitation, β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and its derivatives dimethyl-βCD (DMβCD), hydroxypropyl-βCD (HPβCD), and sulfobutylether-βCD (SBEβCD) were investigated as carriers to enhance BNB's aqueous solubility via cyclodextrin inclusion complexation. A combined computational–experimental strategy was employed, integrating molecular docking, 500-ns all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in quintuplicate runs (2.5 µs in total), and experimental validation by phase solubility analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Docking and simulations revealed …

The Performance Of The Heat Affected Zone Of 9% Ni Steel Narrow Gap Joint Performed By The Gmaw Process With Rotating Electrode, Jorge Carlos Ferreira Jorge, Jeferson Frederico Monteiro Costa, Matheus Campolina Mendes, Luís Felipe Guimarães De Souza, Hiron Akira Yamada Magalhães, Leonardo Sales Araújo

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This work investigates the mechanical properties and microstructural evolution of the heat-affected zone of 9% Ni steel narrow-gap welded joints produced by the GMAW process with a rotating electrode, since no literature on this subject is available. This process is an innovation of the GMAW process, which permits narrow gap welding because the circular motion of the electrode overcomes the main issue of the sidewall's lack of fusion observed in the conventional process. However, the rotation movement of the electric arc imposes a higher peak temperature at the heat affected zone, which can negatively affect the mechanical properties. The joints …

Synthesis And Characterization Of New Graft Copolymers Based On Ozonized Polyethylene: Comparative Approach Between Mass And Solution Grafting, Mostapha Karaoui, Samira Kharchouf, Houda El Yakoubi, Kaouthar Boumane, Mohammed Assouag

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

New graft copolymers were developed from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) following an initial ozonation step to introduce reactive functional groups onto the polymer backbone. Among the two polymers, LDPE demonstrated superior susceptibility to ozonation, making it the preferred substrate for subsequent grafting. Grafting was then performed primarily on ozonized LDPE using various functional monomers, including acrylic acid (AA), 4-vinylpyridine (4VP), acrylonitrile (AN), chloromethylstyrene (CMS), as well as copolymers such as AA–vinylphosphonic acid (AA-co-VPA) and AN–vinylphosphonic acid (AN-co-VPA). Grafting was carried out using both solution and melt techniques. The resulting materials were characterized by elemental analysis and Fourier …

Enhanced Red Emission Of Gd2moo6:Eu Phosphor-In-Glass Embedded In Sio2-Teo2-Na2o-Bao Matrix For Solid-State Lighting, Patarawagee Yasaka, Winut Wongwan, Seubsakun Khondara, Jakrapong Kaewkhao

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Gd2MoO6:Eu3+ phosphor-in-glass (PIG) composites were synthesized by a microwave-assisted melting technique using a 50SiO2:20TeO2:15Na2O:15BaO glass matrix containing 0.00 wt% to 10.00 wt% phosphor. Their structural, optical, and luminescent properties were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of crystalline Gd2MoO6 phases, which became prominent at 5.00 wt% and 10.00 wt%, indicating partial crystallization within the glass network. The density and refractive index increased from 3.621 g∙cm‒3 to 3.774 g∙cm‒3 and 1.535 to 1.692 with higher phosphor loading, suggesting a more compact structure. Absorption spectra showed four characteristic Eu3+ bands at 464 nm, 534 nm, 2088 nm, and 2203 nm, while …

Hybrid Interface Effect Of G-C3n4/Zno Nanocomposites On The Photoelectrochemical Cathodic Protection Of 304 Stainless Steel In Chloride Solution, Htet Yadanar Soe, Thanate Na Wichean, Jularpar Sunttiprapar, Parichart Chaum, Gasidit Panomsuwan, Oratai Jongprateep, Ratchatee Techapiesancharoenkij

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The development of efficient and environmentally friendly corrosion protection systems for metals in aggressive environments has become a critical area of research, particularly for stainless steel used in marine and industrial applications. In this study, a series of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and zinc oxide (ZnO) composites with varying g-C3N4 weight ratios (10 wt% and 30 wt%), are integrated to form heterojunction structures with enhanced charge separation and interfacial activity. The g-C3N4/ ZnO (ZCN) composite thin films were prepared using a facile thermal mixing method and were characterized using XRD, SEM, BET, FTIR, UV-Vis, and PL to confirm their structural, …

Mechanical And Microstructural Characterization Of Tib2/Zro2 Reinforced Al5052 Nanocomposites For Structural Applications, Saumy Agarwal, Satnam Singh

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study investigates the fabrication and mechanical characterization of Al5052 composites reinforced with nanosized TiB2 and ZrO2 particles via stir casting. Al5052 was chosen for its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for marine and automotive applications. The addition of hard ceramic reinforcements aimed to enhance mechanical properties without severely affecting ductility. Composite samples were tested as per ASTM standards. SEM analysis confirmed sound metallurgical bonding and generally uniform particle distribution. Density tests showed slight differences between theoretical and experimental values, with porosity generally increasing with reinforcement addition, attributed to particle agglomeration at higher loadings. Mechanical testing …

Green Synthesis And Optimized Annealing Temperature Effects On Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Mango Peel Extract, Supamas Wirunchit, Natchayaporn Sakulpeeb, Woradech Meedech, Sutee Chutipaijit, Wantana Koetniyom

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study presents the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using mango peel extract (MgE) as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. Phytochemical extraction was performed with deionized water, ethanol, and methanol for 1 h to 5 h, with deionized water at 4 h yielding the highest flavonoid content. Using zinc nitrate as a precursor, 25 mL of MgE successfully facilitated the synthesis of ZnO-NPs (ZnO-25MgE). It was found that annealing temperature at 400℃ for 6 h produced pure ZnO. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy …

The Effect Of Granule Composition On The Densification And Strength Of Two Different Compacted 92% Aluminas, Ryan Mccuiston, Kritkaew Somton

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

High-alumina (Al2O3) ceramics are an important, but sometimes overlooked industrial material. Two 92% alumina spray-dried granules, which contained different sintering aid compositions, were studied. The two alumina granules, called MT and JP, were die compacted to form bend bars and heated at temperatures from 200℃ to 1600℃. The effect of the sintering aid composition on the shrinkage, density, and fracture strength of samples were investigated. It was found that MT samples had a lower density than the JP samples up to 1100℃, due to a greater weight loss following binder removal.  However, between 1200℃ to 1600℃, the MT samples had …

Eco-Friendly Pva-Walnut Shell-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator For Biomechanical Energy Harvesting And Self-Powered Touch Sensing, Sabita Tripathy, Gayatri Mohapatra, Arjun Kumar, Manoj Kumar Debnath

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The growing demand for sustainable power in wearable electronics necessitates eco-friendly energy harvesting alternatives. Herein, a polyvinyl alcohol-walnut shell (PVA-WS) composite was developed as a biodegradable triboelectric active layer for a single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). Walnut shell powder, a lignocellulosic agricultural byproduct, was incorporated into PVA at an optimised 3 wt%, enhancing surface micro-roughness and charge trapping capability as confirmed by SEM and XRD analyses. The fabricated device yielded a peak output voltage of 130 V, short-circuit current of 390 nA, and maximum power of 20 μW at 500 MΩ under 1 Hz excitation, while also successfully harvesting biomechanical energy …

Surface Characteristics Of Montmorillonite Reinforced Cellulose Membranes Derived From Pineapple Waste, Naufal Rizky Amasda, Heru Suryanto, Aminnudin Aminuddin, Uun Yanuhar, Nanda Lidya Cinta Aulia Sari, Agus Suyetno, Komarudin Komarudin, Fajar Nusantara, Gaguk Jatisukamto, Aulia Surya Ramadhan

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study aims to investigate the effect of montmorillonite on the surface characteristics and porosity of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) membranes derived from pineapple peel waste. The bacterial cellulose was synthesized using Acetobacter xylinum using pineapple peel extract as medium component. Bacterial nanocellulose membrane (BNC) was obtained by crushing and homogenizing bacterial cellulose in a high-pressure homogenizer. BNC membrane was reinforced with montmorillonite content of 2 wt% to 8 wt%. The membrane was characterized for its properties using SEM, FTIR, surface roughness tester, tensile tester, water holding capacity test, and BET analysis. The results showed that montmorillonite was well-dispersed within BNC …

The Design And Analysis Of Robust Mems Devices For Extreme Space Environments, Joshua Taggart

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this study is to analyze aluminum nitride (AlN) micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) resonators designed for extreme-environment applications. The devices of study are Lamb wave, piezoelectric resonators designed and fabricated using conventional semiconductor manufacturing processes and operating around various frequencies in the megahertz range. The purpose of this study is to advance understanding of MEMS devices in extreme-temperature and radiated environments for outer-space applications.

Devices were tested under vacuum at temperatures ranging from room temperature (~21°C) to 800°C. Under these conditions, the device was measured both as a resonator and in an oscillator circuit. Results show that the resonant …

Strain-Induced Nonvolatile Domain Switching And Tunable Elastic Modulus In Ba1-Xsrxtio3 Membrane By Phase-Field Simulation., Laveeza Ahmad

Material Science and Engineering Dissertations

Ferroelectrics underpin a broad spectrum of technological applications due to its switchable ferroelectric polarization and the associated electro-mechanical responses under electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical stimuli. Recent advancement in membrane technology offers new opportunities to tune ferroelectric polarizations via mechanical strains at relatively large magnitude and scale. However, its influence on the tunability of mechanical responses of the membrane remains underexplored. Herein, we developed a phase-field model for free-standing Ba_1-xSr_xTiO₃ ferroelectric membranes with stress-free boundary conditions on top/bottom surfaces and achieved strain-induced nonvolatile ferroelectric domain switching in the membrane. It is discovered that a …

Contours Of Duration: Movement Authored Through Form—A Behavior Archive, Jood Senussi Elbeshti

Theses and Dissertations

Insect anatomy offers an elegant example of motion derived from structure. Inspired by insect movement, Contours of Duration employs a cam-and-follower system consisting of moving, leg-like parts, designed to engage a series of rotating cams, such that the shape of each cam’s surface activates the legs in unique ways, generating repetitive movement, and demonstrating how geometry produces distinct motion behaviors over time. Through iterative experimentation and controlled variation, trace emerges as a central methodology, whereby movement, over time, creates a distinct pattern of marks, making motion legible and reflecting how subtle changes to surface and form generate different behavioral outcomes. …

Fused Filament Fabrication Additive Manufacturing Of 17-4 Ph Stainless Steel: Process–Structure–Property Relationships In Magnetic Materials, Maanav Patel

Theses and Dissertations

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the fabrication of complex metallic components through layer-by-layer processing directly from digital models. Among AM techniques, material extrusion–based processes such as fused filament fabrication (FFF) provide an accessible method for producing metal parts using filament feedstocks composed of metal powders and polymer binders. When applied to precipitation-hardening stainless steels such as 17-4 PH, the processing route and heat treatments can influence the resulting microstructure and functional properties. This work investigates the magnetic behavior of 17-4 PH stainless steel fabricated using FFF and evaluates how heat treatment conditions influence measured magnetic properties. Samples were produced and analyzed …

Investigation Of Fine-Grain Cu And Cu Alloys For Low-Temperature Hybrid Bonding Applications, Sarabjot Singh

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Hybrid bonding has emerged as a key enabler for next-generation three-dimensional (3D) integration, offering fine-pitch interconnects and improved electrical performance. However, conventional Cu–Cu hybrid bonding typically requires elevated temperatures to achieve sufficient diffusion and interface quality, posing challenges for temperature-sensitive device integration and process compatibility. This work investigates materials engineering approaches to enable low-temperature Cu–Cu bonding through both microstructure design and alloying strategies.

This work begins by examining grain refinement in Cu as a pathway to enhance diffusion through increased grain boundary density, providing efficient atomic transport without introducing additional elements. Three Cu-based systems Cu–Co, Cu–Ag, and Cu–Al were systematically …

Nanomagnet Based Reservoir Computing And Quantum Control, Fahim F. Chowdhury

Theses and Dissertations

Conventional CMOS scaling has driven remarkable advances in computing but faces increasing physical and energy constraints, motivating alternative computing paradigms that integrate memory and computation while improving energy efficiency. Nanoscale magnetic systems offer a promising platform for such approaches because their intrinsic nonlinear dynamics and localized magnetic fields can support both classical and quantum information processing. This thesis investigates nanomagnetic systems for physical reservoir computing and, with primary emphasis, for localized quantum control of spin qubits.

The first part explores dipole-coupled nanomagnet arrays as physical reservoirs. Micromagnetic simulations demonstrate nonlinear dynamical behavior with high short-term memory and parity-check capacity, enabling …

Modeling Of Laser-Produced Plasma Plumes: Expansion, Chemistry, And Thin-Film Deposition, Edmund Tsiri Semaha, Edmund Tsiri Semaha

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Laser-assisted material processing involves coupled plasma expansion, chemical reactions, and particle transport that govern the quality of thin-film deposition. This dissertation presents a comprehensive computational investigation of these processes using the OpenFOAM framework. First, the performance of the twoPhaseEulerFoam (tPEF), rhoCentralFoam (rCF), and sonicFoam (sF) solvers is evaluated for modeling laser-produced plasma plume expansion under atmospheric conditions, demonstrating that tPEF accurately captures shock-wave propagation, hydrodynamic behavior, and multispecies interactions. Building on this validation, the reactingFoam (rF) solver is employed to investigate the chemistry of aluminum plasma expanding into an air environment (Al–N₂–O₂). The model incorporates appropriate thermodynamic, transport, and …

Evaluation Of Chromium-Crosslinked Amps-Hpam Copolymer Gels: Effects Of Key Parameters On Gelation Time And Strength, Maryam Sharifi Paroushi, Baojun Bai, Thomas P. Schuman, Yin Zhang, Mingzhen Wei

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Controlling CO₂ channeling in heterogeneous reservoirs remains a major challenge for both enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and secure geological storage. AMPS-HPAM copolymers exhibit high-temperature resistance and brine tolerance compared with conventional HPAM gels, making them well suited for the harsh environments associated with CO₂ injection. Chromium-based crosslinkers (CrAc and CrCl₃) were investigated because sulfonic acid groups in AMPS can coordinate with trivalent chromium ions, enabling dual ionic crosslinking and the formation of a robust gel network. While organic crosslinked AMPS-HPAM gels have been widely studied, the behavior of chromium-crosslinked AMPS-containing systems, particularly their gelation kinetics under …

Effect Of Ionic Strength On Gelation Time And Strength Of Amps-Based Polymer Gels, Maryam Sharifi Paroushi, Xuyang Tian, Baojun Bai, Thomas P. Schuman, Yin Zhang, Mingzhen Wei

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Polymer gel treatment has been widely applied for improving sweep efficiency and controlling excessive water and gas production. Their performance depends on gelation time and final gel strength. In most studies, brine salinity is used to describe the effect of formation water on gel behavior. However, changing salinity also changes ionic strength and ion composition at the same time. Because of this coupling, it is difficult to identify the mechanisms controlling gelation, which has led to inconsistent trends in the literature. Increasing salinity has been reported to either slow or accelerate gelation and to weaken or strengthen gels depending on …

Eco-Friendly Solvent-Based Fabrication Of Single-Layer And Polydopamine-Modified Bilayer Pvdf-Hfp Membranes, Eesh M. Kulshrestha

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

The growing global demand for clean drinking water has intensified the need for advanced water treatment technologies capable of efficiently removing contaminants while maintaining environmental sustainability. Polymeric membrane systems have emerged as an effective approach for water separations due to their high separation efficiency, simplicity, and adaptability to a wide range of water treatment applications. However, traditional membrane fabrication processes often rely on toxic organic solvents, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and diemethylacetamide (DMAc), which pose environmental and health risks. These concerns have led to an increase in regulatory restrictions, primarily through the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) …