Materials Science and Engineering Commons^™

First Principles Materials Discovery And Design For Photovoltaic And Solar Thermal Alloys Using High Throughput Methods, Andrew Pike

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Materials selection has been a challenge since the dawn of time. With the advent of computational methods and high throughput databases, materials can be discovered and assessed before they are even synthesized. In this thesis I will discuss my work towards designing new materials for clean energy uses, especially alloys which have been underexplored from computational methods. To begin, I present a case study explaining the synthesis of the Yb₁₄ZnSb₁₁ thermoelectric material. Next, I explore the class of AM₂Pn₂ Zintl materials. From the previously identified BaCd₂P₂, it is suspected that …

Design And Optimization Of Anode Catalysts For Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells: Advances And Challenges In C-C Bond Activation And Selective Modulation Of The C1 Pathway, Kai-Chi Qin, Meng-Tian Huo, Yu Liang, Si-Yuan Zhu, Zi-Hao Xing, Jin-Fa Chang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) are a promising alternative to conventional energy sources, offering high energy density, environmental sustainability, and operational safety. Compared to methanol fuel cells, DEFCs exhibit lower toxicity and a more mature preparation process. Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, DEFCs provide superior storage and transport feasibility, as well as cost-effectiveness, significantly enhancing their commercial viability. However, the stable C–C bond in ethanol creates a high activation energy barrier, often resulting in incomplete electrooxidation. Current commercial platinum (Pt)- and palladium (Pd)-based catalysts demonstrate low C–C bond cleavage efficiency (

3d-Printable Hydrogel With Rapid Ambient Self-Healing, Anna M. Petre

Research from the Berry Summer Thesis Institute, 2025

Inspired by nature, soft robots composed of compliant (“soft”) materials are well-suited for uncertain, dynamic tasks requiring safe interaction between a robot and its environment. Soft robots with the ability mend minor damage (e.g. perforations, tears) have been enabled by the rapid development of self-healing soft materials. Recently, one of these hydrogel materials (internally dubbed “BeckOHflex”) – made entirely from commercially available precursors – was developed with several appealing characteristics including rapid ambient self-healing, 3D printability on commercial machines, and competitive mechanical properties. However, the self-healing performance of BeckOHflex falls short of competitors that leverage custom-synthesized precursors. This project aims …

Recent Progress And Scientific Challenges In Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing Of Metallic Multi-Material Structures, Sainand M. Jadhav, Sambhaji Kusekar, Akash Belure, Satyavan Digole, Abhijeet Mali, Muralimohan Cheepu, Manoj Mugale, Suhas Alkunte, Duckbong Kim

Faculty Articles

Metallic multi-material structures are heterogeneous structures characterized by changing composition, microstructures, and site-specific characteristics, advantageous for numerous applications where multifunctionality is desired. Metallic multi-material structures are known as bimetallic structures (BSs), which are functionally graded materials (FGMs). In recent years, wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) advanced as a promising additive manufacturing process to realize the fabrication of these structures due to its high deposition rate, cost-effectiveness, and material utilization efficiency. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the recent progress, processing strategies, and scientific challenges in WAAM of multi-material structures. The paper begins with an introduction to multi-material structures, followed by …

Recent Progress And Scientific Challenges In Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing Of Metallic Multi-Material Structures, Sainand Jadhav, Sambhaji Kusekar, Akash Belure, Satyavan Digole, Abhijeet Mali, Muralimohan Cheepu, Manoj Mugale, Suhas Alkunte, Duckbong Kim

EKU Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Metallic multi-material structures are heterogeneous structures characterized by changing composition, microstructures, and site-specific characteristics, advantageous for numerous applications where multifunctionality is desired. Metallic multi-material structures are known as bimetallic structures (BSs), which are functionally graded materials (FGMs). In recent years, wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) advanced as a promising additive manufacturing process to realize the fabrication of these structures due to its high deposition rate, cost-effectiveness, and material utilization efficiency. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the recent progress, processing strategies, and scientific challenges in WAAM of multi-material structures. The paper begins with an introduction to multi-material structures, followed by …

Performance Properties Of Treated Jute Fabric Laminated By Electrospun Recycled Pet Nanofibers, Md Abdus Shahid, Md Golam Mortuza Limon, Imam Hossain, Md Tanvir Hossain, Tarikul Islam, Md Moslem Uddin

Michigan Tech Publications

Transforming from plastic to environmentally friendly materials is essential for both human health and the protection of the environment. In this work, a modified jute fabric (MJF) laminated with electrospun recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) nanofibers with silver nitrate (AgNO3) is presented. The purpose to apply the silver nitrate and rPET nanofiber mat is to enhance the performance properties of packaging materials like mechanical strength, thermal insulation, moisture resistance, and antibacterial properties. The jute fabric was pretreated with alkali to make it compatible with rPET electrospun nanofibers, which improved breathability with a diameter of 24.70 ± 7.79 nm and an average …

Polymeric Nanocarriers Functionalized With Peptides For Improved Glioblastoma Targeting And Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability, Cristian Antonio Wieczorek Villas Boas, Aaron Priester, Buck E. Rogers, Anthony J. Convertine

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We report the synthesis of polymeric conjugates designed to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and selectively bind glioblastoma (GBM) cells through reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The resulting materials were engineered to contain peptide macromonomers for cell-specific targeting and integrated DOTA units to facilitate radiolabeling with copper-64 (⁶⁴Cu), yielding radiolabeled conjugates with greater than 95% radiochemical purity. In biodistribution assessments conducted in mice, C1C2 peptide-conjugated polymers showed significantly improved accumulation in brain tissue, supported by brain perfusion analyses confirming efficient BBB penetration. Additionally, flow cytometry evaluations demonstrated specific affinity of GBM-targeted polymer formulations toward U87 glioblastoma cells. …

Ceramic Waste As Sustainable Material In Self-Compacting Concrete: Experimental Study And Ann Predictive Modeling, Abderrezak Bouziane, Houssam Slimanou, Mohamed Amin Bouzidi, Nedjima Bouzidi

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Recycling of ceramic waste in the construction sector is a promising option for reducing the environmental impacts of the concrete industry. The main objective of this study is the elaboration of a solid predictive model for ceramic waste based self-compacting (SCC) concrete properties, using artificial neural networks (ANN). This further, reduces its environmental impact without compromising satisfactory performance. An experimental approach was adopted with different substitution ratios: 0 to 30 wt% and particle sizes ranging from 3-8 mm and 8-15 mm. Tested properties of modified SCC as compressive strength at 7 and 28 days (fc7, fc28), spread (L), sieve stability …

Comparative Study On The Performance Of Ggbs, Uggbs, And Rha-Incorporated Cement Mortar Mixes, Devansh Goel, Sudarshan D. Kore

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The environmental footprint of cement production has accelerated the pursuit of sustainable alternatives in the construction industry. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), particularly those derived from industrial and agricultural waste, offer a promising approach to reducing cement consumption while maintaining performance. This study evaluates the fresh and mechanical behavior of binary, ternary, and quaternary cementitious mortar blends incorporating ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), ultrafine GGBS (UGGBS), and rice husk ash (RHA) as partial replacements for cement. A total of 32 mortar mixes were designed with water-to-binder (w/b) ratios ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 and varied replacement levels of RHA (0-20%), GGBS …

Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymers For Quercetin Adsorption: Fabrication, Characterization, And Application, Vinitha Ug

Theses and Dissertations

A highly selective Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MMIP) was developed for the detection and purification of Quercetin. The Density Functional Theory was utilized for the selection of suitable monomers based on binding energy interaction between quercetin and monomers (Acrylamide, Acrylonitrile, Methacrylic Acid). From computational studies, Acrylamide was selected as a suitable monomer for the synthesis of MMIP. Under ultrasound irradiation both quercetin and naringin imprinted materials MMIP-Q and MMIP-N were fabricated.

Compared to ultrasound-assisted synthesis, Microwave Synthesis provides uniform heat transfer throughout the reaction solution, which enables uniformity in the size of synthesised material, increases the yield of material and …

Fabrication Of Transparent Conducting Electrodes By Chemical Approaches & Their Application Towards Sensing And Energy Storage, Namuni Sneha

Theses and Dissertations

In the intelligent era, there is a growing demand for developing highly efficient and robust wearable electrodes through simple chemical approaches. We developed highperforming transparent electrodes using interconnected Au nanoparticle networks via a simple liquid-liquid interface approach that offers high conductivity, transparency (>85%), and mechanical durability. Additionally, the prepared electrodes exhibit tunable transmittance and sheet resistance, and the method was also adaptable to various substrates without harsh chemical or thermal treatments.

Furthermore, using Au 1L (1-layer) nanonetwork, a highly transparent breath sensor is fabricated with short response and recovery times (1.1 s and 1.3 s). The Au-1L sensor is …

Effects Of Eogo In Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer, Chaewon Lee, Hoyoung Lee, Jinwoo An, Boo Hyun Nam

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Geopolymer concrete uses a geopolymer binder instead of traditional Portland cement; thus, it reduces carbon emissions by a significant amount. In this study, Edge-Oxidized Graphene Oxide (EOGO), a carbon-based nanomaterial, was added into a metakaolin-based geopolymer, and its effect on the mechanical and rheological properties of the mixture was investigated. EOGO was added into the mixture at 0% (control), 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% of the metakaolin mass. Several experiments were conducted to characterize the properties of the metakaolin–EOGO (MKGO) geopolymer, including its compressive strength, free–free resonance column (FFRC), void content, water absorption, setting time, flow, and rheology. It was found …

Development Of Powder Activator From Agro-Industrial Waste And Its Application In The Preparation Of One-Part Alkali Activated Concrete, Anoop Kn

Theses and Dissertations

The environmental concerns associated with the traditional ordinary Portland cement (OPC) such as CO2 emission and high energy demand along with resource depletion as binder has led to the development of alkali activated binders (AABs). Even with the reduction in environmental issues, the implementation of AAB in practice is hindered by the handling issues of liquid activators. Hence, it is required to develop AAB with powdered activators to address the handling issues and to further reduce the environmental issues related to the production of activators. This research investigates the development of one-part alkali-activated concrete (OAAC) system utilising wastederived materials as …

A Review On Connection Forms Between Bridge Guardrails And Bridge Decks, Li Wei, Li Rutao, Jia Ning, Lu Jian

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In recent years,with the continuous expansion of highway bridge construction in China,there has been a growing public demand to enhance road safety and the protective capabilities of highway bridges.To meet the engineering application requirements of various bridge forms and bridge guardrails,diverse connection structures between bridge guardrails and bridge decks have been studied both domestically and internationally.However,in current engineering practice,the selection of these connection forms remains challenging,lacking clear reference criteria.Using the analytic hierarchy process and supported by experimental data,this paper comprehensively analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of these connection forms by considering factors such as guardrail protection effectiveness,load-bearing reliability,construction convenience,and ease …

Design Of A 10-Ton Capacity Solar-Powered Cold Storage At The Cituis Fish Auction Site, Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, Wardi Wardi, Muhammad Arif Budiyanto

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

This study presents the design of a 10-ton capacity solar-powered cold storage system for the Cituis Fish Auction Site (TPI) in Tangerang, Indonesia, as a sustainable solution to support the coastal fisheries sector. The system comprises two temperature zones: an anteroom at 5°C and a freezer room at -30°C, both integrated with a hybrid system utilizing solar panels and batteries. The total power consumption of the cooling system reaches 27.51 kW. The simulation results, obtained using HOMER Pro software, indicate that the hybrid PV system can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 16,754 kg per year. From an economic …

Correlation Between Microstructure And Hardfacing Properties With Welding Current Intensity In Reconditioned Low-Alloy Steel Material Using Submerged Arc Welding (Saw) : A Comprehensive Review, Iman Nugraha Asmara, Winarto Winarto

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

This review studying the correlation between microstructural transformations and mechanical properties in reconditioned low-allow steel material, focusing on the impact of Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) parameters, especially current, on microstructure . The study highlights how variation on welding parameters, especially current intensity variation, affecting microstructural transformations, hardness, and wear resistance of hardfaced layers. Key aspects such as dilution effect, phases distribution, and carbide formation are reviewed to understanding their impact on mechanical properties. By reviewing insights from existing literature and experimental findings, this review underscores the role of Submerged Arc Welding in enhancing mechanical properties and microstructural of low-alloy steel …

Techno-Enviro-Economic Approach For Electrification Of Rural And Shrimp Farming Regional Development Of An Isolated Island In Indonesia By Utilizing Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems, Fiqih Akbar Wijaya, Mohammad Akita Indianto

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

One of the challenges in developing and archipelagic countries such as Indonesia is maintaining energy demand in rural and isolated areas due to difficulties in electrical distribution. For instance, in areas like Bawean Island, no additional electricity capacity has been introduced in the past year, leading to an unmet potential customer demand. One of the possible options is by utilizing Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) that are integrated with existing fossil fuel-based energy systems to support the growing energy demand in the remote island. A case study in Bawean Island is conducted with the projected energy demand covers the energy …

Remaining Life Assessment And Fitness For Service Evaluation Of Aging Chemical Reactors In Polyethylene Terephthalate Resin Industry, Aditya Pahlawan Munthe, Donanta Dhaneswara, Wahyuaji Narottama Putra, Gama Widyaputra

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Aging chemical reactors in the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin industry require comprehensive evaluation to ensure safe continued operation. This study conducts a remaining life assessment (RLA) and fitness-for-service (FFS) evaluation on five 30-year-old reactors, based on API 510, API 579/ASME FFS-1, and ASME BPVC Section VIII Div. 1 standards. The analysis involves corrosion rate measurement, future corrosion allowance (FCA) projection, and minimum thickness verification. Among the reactors, R-120 was found to have the shortest remaining life less than 15 years. FFS assessments using three criteria Average Measured Thickness, MAWP from Point Thickness Readings, and Minimum Measured Thickness confirm that R-120 …

Effect Of Granite Machine-Made Sand Properties On Concrete Performance, Wang Jiliang, Wei Xinyuan, Yu Bo

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

As an important stone resource in China,granite is widely used in the preparation of machine-made sand and other building materials due to its stable physical properties and favorable mechanical performance.In order to promote the better application of granite in machine-made sand for cement concrete,this paper analyzed the mineral composition,particle grading,and mica content of granite machine-made sand.It systematically summarized the influence of these characteristics on the mechanical properties,durability,and volumetric stability of concrete.The results show that the concrete performance declines with increasing mica and stone powder content in granite machine-made sand.Properly limiting their content can improve the mechanical properties and durability of …

Wind Tunnel Test Study On Vortex-Induced Vibration Performance Of Cable-Stayed Bridge With Double-Side Box Open Section Composite Main Girder, Zhou Guohua, Du Guoqiang, Pei Shan, Ding Wangxing, Zhu Zhiwen

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to evaluate the vortex-induced vibration (VIV ) performance of a single-tower ground-anchored cable-stayed bridge with a double-side box open section composite main girder,sectional model wind tunnel tests were conducted under different wind angles of attack and wind speeds.The results show that the torsional stiffness of the π-shaped open section main girder is significantly higher than its vertical bending stiffness.The dominant vibration mode of the main girder is the obvious vibration of the main span,while the ground-anchored abutment effectively stabilizes the cable tower through the back stays.At the damping ratio level specified in the code,within the range of prevailing …

Research On Crack Identification Technology Based On Sobel + Matched Filter Joint Algorithm, Wen Yan, Guo Xiaoqian, Tang Youzhi, Yang Enhui, Qiu Yanjun

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To address the problems of hollow recognition results,high noise,and poor crack continuity in pavement crack identification using the Sobel algorithm,this paper proposed a joint algorithm combining the Sobel algorithm and matched filter for three-dimensional crack recognition of asphalt pavement.A matched filter in the form of a sine function was designed,and the matched filter was used to extract crack features from the results of the Sobel algorithm.The matched filter results were subjected to threshold filtering and connected domain analysis to effectively solve the hollow recognition problem,while also reducing noise and improving crack continuity.The test results show that the Sobel + matched …

Research On Prefabrication Scheme Of Concrete Barrier Based On Anchorage In Cast-In-Situ Layer, Liang Xiaochong, Kang Hanjing, Luo Yongchuan, Wen Zhiquan, Deng Bao

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to improve the on-site construction efficiency of bridge concrete barriers,a prefabrication scheme for bridge concrete barrier installation was proposed.A structure scheme was developed by anchoring transverse steel bars at the bottom of prefabricated wall panels into the integrated cast-in-situ layer,adopting tongue-and-groove connections between adjacent wall panels,and optimizing the structural configuration and reinforcement of the panels.According to the requirements of the Level VI protection standard,full-scale impact tests using a large bus and a large truck were organized in turn.The results show that the prefabricated concrete bridge barrier can effectively withstand continuous impacts from both large buses and trucks.Its structural …

Application Of Grouted Steel Pipe Micropile Composite Structure In Highway Landslide Treatment, Wu Bing, Liang Yao, Li Jie, Zhao Honghu

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To optimize the calculation methods and application schemes for reinforcing landslides using grouted steel pipe micropile composite structures,the composition of single-pile composite structures and the combination forms of pile group structures were described.By taking the Bishop method as an example,a stability analysis method and the anti-sliding principle of side (sliding ) slopes reinforced with grouted steel pipe micropile composite structures were proposed,and a calculation formula for the allowable shear resistance of the composite pile was derived.By taking a landslide case from a section of Lijiang‒Panzhihua Expressway as an example,landslide stability analysis and landslide thrust calculation were carried out.The grouted steel …

Settlement Calculation Method For Composite Foundations Reinforced With Geo-Encased Stone Columns, Long Jun, Tan Jingpeng

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Geo-encased stone columns (GESCs ),known for their cost-effectiveness and simple construction,are widely employed in the reinforcement of soft soil foundations in practical engineering,and the analysis of their settlement serves as a crucial foundation for the design process.However,existing research mainly focuses on experimental and numerical methods,with relatively limited progress in theoretical calculations.Based on the load transfer mechanism of GESC-reinforced composite foundations and the bulging deformation of the pile body within a certain depth of the pile top under vertical loading,the reinforced zone was divided into a bulging section and a non-bulging section,and the total settlement of the pile was regarded as …

Study On Deformation Characteristics Induced By Deep Foundation Pit Excavation Sharing Diaphragm Wall With Existing Subway Station, Ling Tonghua, Zou Nanwei, Zhou Kun, Feng Wei, Wu Xing, Zhang Liang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To investigate the deformation induced by deep foundation pit excavation sharing a diaphragm wall with an existing subway station,this study took the foundation pit project of Gongming Square Station of Shenzhen Metro as an example.A three-dimensional numerical model was established by FLAC3D software to analyze the deformation characteristics of the surrounding ground surface,retaining structures,and the subway station during the excavation process.In addition,field monitoring was conducted to measure the vertical and horizontal displacements of the pit sidewall and the subway station sharing the diaphragm wall.The results show that after excavation,the ground surface settlement behind the retaining wall exhibits an approximately elliptical …

Study On Chloride Ion Diffusion Behavior In Cracked Cement Mortar With High Fly Ash Content, Liu Yang, Mao Shengzhe, Lu Naiwei

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to explore the diffusion behavior of chloride ions in cracked cement mortar with high fly ash (FA) content,this study fabricated cement mortar specimens with different FA contents and crack widths by artificially prefabricating cracks.The chloride ion content in cracks was measured after natural soaking for 30 days and 60 days.The results show that the cracks accelerate the diffusion of chloride ions in cement mortar.The increase in the diffusion coefficient caused by 0.05 mm and 0.1 mm cracks is similar,while that caused by a 0.2 mm crack is significantly higher.After 30 days of soaking,the chloride ion content of the …

Relationship Between Fractal Characteristics And Shear Strength Of Highway Spoil Site Materials, Luo Shixin, Luo Hongming, Zou Fei, Cai Lei

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Highway spoil features a wide range of particle sizes and poor gradation,and their strength characteristics serve as key factors affecting the stability of spoil slopes.To explore the relationship between fractal characteristics of particle size and strength,this study examined 21 spoil sites along the Guizhou section of the Duyun ‒ Shangri-La Expressway.Based on the field investigation,particle size analysis tests,and laboratory shear tests,the particle composition and shear strength parameters of spoil were obtained.Based on fractal theory,the fractal characteristics of particle size under different gradation scaling methods were analyzed,and the relationship between shear strength parameters and the fractal dimensions of particle size was …

Research On Improvement Of Adhesive Properties Of Asphalt And Granite Gravel, Li Yu, Zhang Yingxue, Qiu Chao, Wang Mo, Liu Li

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In view of the poor adhesion of acidic granite gravel and asphalt and the shortage of alkaline stone in asphalt pavement in China ’s expressway construction,this study evaluated the improvement effects of schemes,including single use of amine anti-stripping agent DRD-K 1,single use of non-amine anti-stripping agent AMR- 3,single use of cement,and combined use of anti-stripping agent and cement,on the asphalt-aggregate adhesion properties.Through the tests of three major indexes before and after asphalt aging,aggregate adhesion test,and improved water immersion method,the adhesion of asphalt was evaluated,and the optimal amount for use was proposed.The results show that the non-amine anti-stripping agent AMR- 3 …

Factors Influencing Fatigue Damage In Manufactured Sand-Based Ecological Self-Compacting Concrete Pavement, Fu Suanzi, Li Hongyan

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Ecological-self-compacting concrete (Eco-SCC ) pavements offer advantages such as reduced cement consumption,lower carbon emissions,and improved economic performance.However,their durability has not been sufficiently studied.Based on the literature review and fatigue test data,the fatigue parameters of Eco-SCC were determined using the Chaboche damage evolution model.A finite element model of fatigue damage in Eco-SCC pavement structures was established to compare the fatigue damage distribution under different loading positions,identify the unfavorable loading positions,and analyze the influence of slab thickness and modulus on the durability of Eco-SCC pavements.SCC plate thickness and modulus on the durability of Eco-SCC pavement.The results show that fatigue damage under different …

Adhesion Mechanism Of Geopolymer-Modified Emulsified Asphalt Slurry At Interface With Aggregate, Zhong Chao, Yang Hao, Lin Juntao, Xiao Yue

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to investigate the adhesion mechanism at the interface between geopolymer-modified emulsified asphalt slurry and aggregate,the interfacial adhesion performance was studied by the molecular dynamics method and compared with that of cement-modified emulsified asphalt slurry.In addition,macro-scale splitting strength tests were performed for verification.The results indicate that van der Waals forces play a major role in the adhesion at the slurry-aggregate interface.Under equivalent mix ratios,the interfacial binding energy between the geopolymer-modified emulsified asphalt slurry and aggregate is 6.84% ‒19.99% higher than that of the cement system.The adhesion performance is closely related to the diffusion properties and atomic distribution of the …