This review article discusses the integration of reverse engineering with additive manufacturing (AM) as a sustainable product development and manufacturing solution. Reverse engineering and AM are two critical technologies that have gained significant attention in recent years. Reverse engineering involves the process of deconstructing and analysing an existing product to understand its design and functionality. At the same time, AM allows for creation of complex geometries through layer-by-layer material deposition. By utilising reverse engineering to analyse and optimise existing products and designs and then using AM to produce these optimised designs with reduced material waste, energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions, sustainability can be achieved throughout the entire product life cycle. This review explores the benefits of this integrated approach, including reduced costs, decreased environmental impact, and enhanced supply chain efficiency. In addition, challenges and opportunities associated with this integration are discussed, along with potential future directions for research in this field. Ultimately, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits and challenges associated with integrating reverse engineering with AM, highlighting its potential to maintain sustainability in product development and manufacturing.
The present work reviews recent research on the mechanical properties of magnesium (Mg)-based materials using machine learning (ML) and deep learning methods. Magnesium-based materials are one of the important lightweight and biodegradable materials due to their favourable characteristics. However, preparation of magnesium-based materials is a challenging task owing to their inflammable nature and consumes time and energy as well. The mechanical and chemical properties are highly dependent upon material composition, purity, and process parameters. The purpose of this review is to enhance the process of understanding the material properties from traditional techniques to artificial intelligence with higher accuracy. Both supervised and unsupervised ML approaches are used to predict properties of the model. Support vector machine, regression, and decision tree are commonly used supervised learning algorithms with higher accuracy and minimum error (MAE, RMSE). Similarly, principal component analysis, and clustering are commonly used unsupervised learning algorithms. In addition, deep learning methods such as artificial neural network, convolutional neural network are paid significant contributions to material characterisation. Hence, this paper aims to review magnesium alloy-based works with respect to four categories, namely microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion and wear characterisation.
In this study, we are the first to use electrochemically exfoliated graphene () as a filler to enhance the properties of waste jute fiber/epoxy (E-J) composites. The molecular structure of nanoparticles was characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Subsequently, E-J and waste jute fiber/epoxy graphene E-J-G hybrid composites were developed, and their mechanical properties (MP) was evaluated and compared with that of neat epoxy. Results showed that incorporating graphene significantly improved the of the composites. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of E-J-G increased by 5% and 75%, respectively, compared with E-J. The hardness of E-J and E-J-G samples increased by 38% and 79%, respectively, compared with neat epoxy. Both E-J and E-J-G composites exhibited notable water absorption. Produced from epoxy, graphene, and waste jute fibers, the E-J-G composite combines strong mechanical properties with environmental friendliness, enabling low-cost production using recycled jute. Its lightweight nature and high strength allow it to be used in airplane and helicopter fuselages, wings, and car parts, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. In addition, because the graphene additive enhances the material's electrical conductivity, it has potential applications in surfaces that dissipate static electricity, electromagnetic shielding, and sensor devices.
One of low-carbon cementitious material is magnesium oxysulfate (MOS) cement with desirable engineering properties, including exceptional fire resistance, lightweight properties, and low thermal conductivity. To encourage the widespread adoption and utilization of MOS cement in various applications, along with the reuse of solid waste granite powders (GPs), GPs were added to MOS cement as a mineral admixture to improve its freezing-thawing (F-T) resistance. Scanning electron microscope, synchronous thermal analyzer, mercury porosimeter, and X-ray diffractometer were employed to detect the microstructure, hydration products, pore characteristics, and phase composition of MOS cement. The compressive strength loss rate and mass loss rate of MOS cement containing GPs were adopted to evaluate its F-T resistance. The results revealed that MOS cement containing 40 wt.% GPs survived 50% more F-T cycles than the MOS cement without GPs. During the F-T cycles, the 5 center dot 1 center dot 7 phase grew from needle-like crystals to clusters in MOS cement. The matrix deterioration of MOS cement was facilitated by various factors such as the presence of residual MgO in the matrix results in the creation of Mg(OH)(2), the crystallization of pore water, and the decomposing of the 5 center dot 1 center dot 7 phase. The addition of GPs can improve the packing density and stability of MOS cement matrix, leading to a reduction in the content of air hole of the resulting cement. During the procedure of F-T cycles, a reformation of 5 center dot 1 center dot 7 phase occurred due to the variation in the pore solution's pH value in MOS cement, leading to an improvement in the engineering properties.
The rising environmental impact of ordinary Portland cement production, together with the demand for durable and high-performance concrete, has accelerated the search for sustainable alternatives such as self-compacting geopolymer concrete (). This study investigates developed using industrial by-products - ground granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, and micro silica () - as binder materials. Mixes were formulated with varying binder proportions and solution-to-binder ratios using neutral-grade water glass as the sole activator under ambient curing conditions of 25 +/- 2 degrees C. Fresh and hardened properties were evaluated alongside microstructural characterization using scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that incorporating up to 15% significantly enhanced compressive strength (up to 74.9 MPa), tensile, and flexural performance while maintaining EFNARC-compliant flowability. Dense C-A-S-H and N-A-S-H gel formation reduced porosity and improved resistance to chloride ion penetration. The findings demonstrate that ambient-cured activated solely by neutral-grade water glass can achieve high strength and durability, offering a practical pathway towards sustainable, low-carbon construction materials.
The intensification of cattle husbandry generates nutrient-rich wastewater containing high levels of phosphorus and ammonium, which contribute to eutrophication and water pollution. Addressing this problem requires effective nutrient removal, recovery, and reuse. The objective of this study was to develop a sustainable strategy for nutrient valorisation through the synthesis of a controlled-release fertiliser based on magnesium-impregnated cow dung biochar encapsulated in a chitosan biopolymer matrix (CH@Mg/CD). The composite was prepared via pyrolysis and magnesium impregnation, and its structural and functional properties were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope analyses. Batch adsorption experiments, conducted in triplicate, were evaluated under varying pH, dosage, contact time co-existing ions, and initial concentrations, with kinetic and isotherm modelling applied. The CH@Mg/CD composite exhibited high adsorption capacities of 36.02 mg/g for phosphate and 23.88 mg/g for ammonium, fitting well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. These findings demonstrate the superior nutrient capture efficiency of the composite compared to conventional materials. In conclusion, CH@Mg/CD offers a cost-effective and environmentally viable solution for wastewater treatment while promoting circular bioeconomy through its application as a high-performance fertiliser.
The shift towards sustainable practices has increased the focus on natural materials due to their biodegradability and recyclability. This study explores the tensile, flexural, and water absorption properties of abaca/epoxy, sisal/epoxy, and abaca–sisal/epoxy hybrid composites, with fibres oriented at a 45° angle. These composites were fabricated and tested according to ASTM standards to evaluate mechanical properties and moisture resistance. The results indicated that abaca/epoxy composites exhibited the highest tensile and flexural strength, making them suitable for load-bearing applications. In contrast, sisal/epoxy composites demonstrated greater flexibility and better moisture resistance. The abaca–sisal hybrid composite, however, showed lower performance in both mechanical strength and water absorption, mainly due to poor fibre–matrix bonding and distribution. The hybrid’s increased moisture absorption further highlights the challenges of integrating different fibres within a single matrix. The study concludes that abaca/epoxy composites are best suited for strength-focused applications, while sisal/epoxy composites are more appropriate for moisture-sensitive environments. The hybrid composite requires further optimisation to improve structural integrity and water resistance.
In this study, magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) based on room temperature vulcanization (RTV) 141 silicone rubber were developed and characterized to evaluate their magnetomechanical behavior under various conditions. The samples were prepared by incorporating 40 vol.% of spherical carbonyl iron particles with diameters of 2-10 & micro;m. Dynamic mechanical analysis in shear mode was performed to investigate the influence of strain, frequency, temperature, and magnetic field on the viscoelastic properties of the composites. The results showed a maximum magnetorheological (MR) effect under a magnetic field of 300 mT at low strain and frequency. The storage modulus (G ') decreased significantly with increasing strain and frequency, indicating a pronounced loss of MR stiffness characteristic of the Payne effect due to the progressive breakdown of the particle network under dynamic loading. These findings confirm that the RTV 141 silicone-based MRE exhibits high and reversible sensitivity to magnetic fields, enabling tunable control of mechanical stiffness. This behavior demonstrates its strong potential for adaptive engineering applications, including dampers, vibration isolators, sensors, and smart actuators.
The durability of concrete is largely controlled by its permeability, which depends on the densification of the microstructure. This study examines the impact of mineral admixtures (silica fume and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)) and chemical admixtures (bipolar corrosion inhibitors and waterproofing compounds) on mortar porosity at 28, 56, and 92 days, as well as on fresh properties and durability performance. X-ray diffraction and SEM analyses show that mineral admixtures reduce permeability. The results demonstrate that mineral admixtures significantly refine the pore structure and enhance resistance against chloride ingress. Both 50% GGBFS and 10% silica fume achieved similar improvements in chloride resistance. While the crystalline waterproofing agent increases water absorption and slows setting, the corrosion inhibitors significantly enhance the durability of the mortar matrix. Overall, the study highlights the superior contribution of mineral admixtures to long-term durability, while chemical admixtures provide additional advantages in specific applications.
Two new refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) of WMoVCrTa and W23Mo23V17Cr8Ta7Fe22 were fabricated, and their wear test was carried out in severe sliding conditions such as wear against the hard SiC abrasive with heavy normal loads of 30 and 40 N. Wear resistance properties of the RHEAs were investigated and compared with that of high-speed steel (HSS) alloy. WMoVCrTa and W23Mo23V17Cr8Ta7Fe22 were found to have wear coefficients that were 1.9 and 2.5 times lower than those of HSS, respectively. Coefficients of friction (COF) of WMoVCrTa and W23Mo23V17Cr8Ta7Fe22 were 0.483 & times; 10-4 and 0.359 & times; 10-4 mm3/N & centerdot;m, respectively, which were nearly half of the COF of HSS (0.917 & times; 10-4 mm3/N & centerdot;m). Hence, the two RHEAs outperform the HSS in wear resistance properties. The W23Mo23V17Cr8Ta7Fe22RHEA exhibited tremendous wear resistance as its wear coefficient increased minimally by increasing the load significantly. Of the three alloys, W23Mo23V17Cr8Ta7Fe22 has the least wear volume and the lowest wear coefficient value that shows its superior wear resistance than the WMoVCrTa and HSS alloys. The major wear type identified in the two RHEAs was the abrasive wear. Emergence of substantial amount of self-lubricating wear debris aided in reducing the frictional force in the RHEAs during wear test.
The demand for nonconventional and energy-efficient construction materials is increasing, particularly for applications in arid regions where conventional materials are limited by high temperatures. This study focuses on the development and characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate)-based polymer composites reinforced with red brick waste (RBW) and palm date leaf fibers (PDLFs). Six composite formulations were prepared using a controlled cold-mixing process to prevent thermal degradation of natural fibers and mineral particles. The composites were molded and naturally cured. Their microstructural features were examined using scanning electron microscopy to assess fiber-matrix interaction and filler dispersion, while X-ray diffraction was used to identify RBW crystalline phases. Mechanical properties, including tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths, were evaluated according to ASTM standards. Thermal conductivity and key physical properties, such as density, water absorption, specific heat capacity, and glass transition temperature, were also measured. The results indicate that the hybrid formulation containing 18.18 wt% RBW and 6.06 wt% PDLF exhibits a balanced combination of mechanical strength and thermal insulation performance, with low thermal conductivity and good thermal stability, demonstrating strong potential for sustainable construction applications in arid regions.
Scaffold-based tissue engineering has been widely used in recent years, in particular, the incorporation of a variety of synthetic and natural polymers has been used in scaffold creation. The field of tissue engineering benefits through expanding the library of biocompatible scaffolds. Optimising the fabrication of electrospinning multiple polymers contributes to that library. In particular, we are interested in optimising scaffolds with the incorporation of polyaniline (PANI) for potential corneal tissue engineering uses. We determined the optimal electrospinning parameters for PANI by including a synthetic polymer (polycaprolactone, PCL) and gelatin to create a scaffold with the ideal physical and mechanical properties of the end use. We found that the PANI-containing scaffolds observed higher cell counts and viability after 7 days. ZO-1 was found in increased expression with the corneal endothelial cells maintained on the surface of the PANI-containing scaffolds. Through our various cell-scaffold assays, we established that our PANI–PCL scaffolds are biocompatible and support the function of corneal endothelial cells.
This study introduces a sustainable approach for extracting essential oils from citrus peel residues using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) technology, addressing the resource wastage and environmental pollution associated with traditional disposal methods and the ecotoxicity of chemical textile auxiliaries. The experimental procedure was refined utilising response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken design. Under optimal conditions (solid-liquid ratio of 1:12 g/mL, extraction pressure of 20 MPa, and extraction time of 90.3 min), the yield of essential oil extraction reached 30.11 mg/g. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that limonene was the predominant component, accounting for approximate to 51%. In addition, by harnessing the synergistic effect of citrus essential oil and turmeric dye, a mosquito-repellent emulsion derived from the extracted essential oil was applied to cotton fabrics via mordant dyeing. The cotton fabrics' antibacterial and mosquito-repellent efficacy, ultraviolet protection, mechanical properties, breathability, and water washing resistance were evaluated pre- and post-finishing. The findings indicated that the antimicrobial efficacy of the cotton fabrics by post-treatment was 91.46%, the mosquito-repellent efficacy was 90.17%, and the tensile strength was increased by 33.3%.
The demand for environmentally sustainable, high-efficiency photovoltaic technologies has accelerated the search for lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, we numerically design and optimise a fully inorganic double-layer PSC using Cs2SnI6-nBrn as the light absorber, modelled through the one-dimensional solar cell capacitance simulator. A comprehensive parametric analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of absorber thickness, electron and hole transport layer thicknesses, interfacial defect densities, and back contact work functions on device performance. The optimised structure, FTO/graphene oxide (GO)/Cs2SnI4Br2/copper(I) oxide (Cu2O)/gold (Au), achieves a power conversion efficiency of 20.37%, with an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.81 V, short-circuit current density (JSC) of 31.26 mA & centerdot;cm-2, and fill factor of 78.72%. Moderate bromide incorporation (n approximate to 2) not only stabilises the Cs2SnI6 lattice but also tunes the bandgap to approximate to 1.30 eV, enhancing both light absorption and voltage output. The results highlight that high-work-function back contacts (>= 5.1 eV) are essential for efficient hole extraction, while careful control of interfacial defect densities (<= 1018 cm-& sup3;) is critical to suppress recombination losses. These findings establish clear design guidelines for the development of stable, high-efficiency, lead-free PSCs, and underline the potential of Cs2SnI6-nBrn absorbers for next-generation sustainable photovoltaics.
The stockpile of waste glass is enormous, while its recycling rate remains low. This study investigates the degradation laws of pervious concrete (PC) incorporating waste glass powder (WGP) and waste glass sand (WGS) under severe degradation factors such as freeze–thaw cycles and sulfate dry–wet cycles in western China. The results show that: with increasing freeze–thaw cycles, the mass loss rate of all three specimen groups first decreases then increases, while the compressive strength loss rate continuously rises. The incorporation of WGP and WGS reduces both mass loss rate and compressive strength loss rate at equivalent cycles, demonstrating enhanced frost resistance. During sulfate dry–wet cycles, the value of mass loss rate changes from negative to positive, while the corrosion resistance coefficient of compressive strength first increases then decreases. WGP/WGS addition reduces both mass loss rate and compressive strength corrosion resistance coefficient at identical cycles, improving sulfate resistance. The degradation model established using Copula distribution functions aligns with experimental degradation laws, effectively describing the degradation process of WGP/WGS-added PC under freeze–thaw and sulfate attacks.
In the present study, polylactic acid (PLA)-curcumin (Cur)-graphene oxide (GO) wound dressings were fabricated by the electrospinning method. According to the results, the average diameters of PLA, PLA/Cur, PLA/Cur-0.6GO, and PLA/Cur-1GO and PLA/Cur-1.6GO composite nanofibers were about 266.5 +/- 55.1, 375.3 +/- 62.6, 393.6 +/- 47.8, 449.7 +/- 45.3, and 482.8 +/- 61.9 nm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that all the mentioned compounds were present in the nanofiber scaffolds. Evaluation of the water absorption of wound dressings within 24 h was estimated at 71%, 162%, 140%, 123%, and 105% for PLA, PLA/Cur, PLA/Cur-0.6GO, and PLA/Cur-1GO and PLA/Cur-1.6GO, respectively. The addition of GO has increased the drug release rate so that the PLA/Cur-1.6GO nanofiber scaffold has the highest release rate. Electrospun composite nanofibers have no toxicity and have a high percentage of cell viability. The adhesion of the grown cells to the nanofibers has increased with the addition of GO. As expected, GO had a significant effect on increasing the mechanical properties of the nanofiber scaffolds. Considering that GO enhanced several desirable properties of the PLA/Cur-GO composite nanofibers, further in vivo investigation is recommended.
The surface integrity of machined components is significantly influenced by the grain size and microstructural evolution of the material. This study investigates the microstructural refinement and texture evolution of Hastelloy C-276 under cryogenic machining. The machining experiments were conducted under dry and cryogenic (cryo) conditions with varying cutting speed, depth of cut, and feed rate. The machined specimens were subsequently sectioned along the machining direction using wire electrical discharge machining at similar to 6 mm thickness intervals for further analysis. Severe plastic deformation played a pivotal role in grain refinement, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was employed to evaluate texture evolution and intensity variations. The cryo-machining process imposed lower temperatures in the machining zone, facilitating the formation of a strong texture orientation with an intensity enhancement. The results further confirmed a 41% reduction in grain size and a texture intensity increase up to 11.875. The cryogenic condition also caused a 47% reduction in XRD peak intensity, confirming grain refinement through severe plastic deformation. These findings highlight the potential of cryogenic machining to improve surface integrity and microstructural stability of Hastelloy C-276 for demanding industrial applications.
With the global rise in heart-related deaths, there is a pressing need for advanced artificial skin-like materials and wearable electronic devices capable of real-time monitoring of motion, respiration, and heart rate. Over the past two decades, wearable sensor technology has evolved remarkably, offering flexible, stretchable, and skin-adherent electronics for continuous health monitoring. However, these materials often face reduced lifespans due to bending, moisture, friction, and scratches, leading to performance degradation or device failure. Enhancing their durability or developing self-healing alternatives is thus essential. Although several self-healing materials can recover a single property, such as mechanical strength, achieving simultaneous restoration of multiple functionalities, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, and self-healing, remains a challenge. This review is the first to present a comprehensive, quantitative comparison of four major classes of self-healing materials: graphene-based systems, MXene-integrated nanocomposites, bio-inspired supramolecular elastomers, and dielectric-assisted self-healing materials, assessing their healing efficiency, stretchability, tensile strength, electrical performance, and environmental stability across numerous reported studies. It also discusses integration challenges, environmental compatibility, and strategies for improving long-term device stability. Finally, recommendations are proposed for scalable fabrication and enhanced reliability, aiming to accelerate the practical adoption of self-healing materials in next-generation wearable electronics.
