This study evaluated the crack-bridging capacity of textured coating systems across 60 test specimens using an adapted UEAtc test method, comparing analog dial gauges with two-dimensional Digital Image Correlation (2D-DIC) on acrylic and mortar substrates. Acrylic substrates achieved higher mean bridged crack widths (0.97 to 1.20 mm via dial gauges and 0.39 to 0.51 mm via DIC) than mortar prisms (0.30 to 0.42 mm via dial gauges and 0.21 to 0.36 mm via DIC). The elastomeric topcoat increased nominal crack-bridging by up to 46.2% in DIC measurements, although substrate type was the mechanically dominant factor in the ANOVA (p<0.001). Bland–Altman analysis indicated a systematic mean bias of −0.38mm and significant proportional bias (y=−1.18x+0.28; R2=0.61), demonstrating close agreement for narrow cracks (<0.40 mm) and progressive divergence at larger openings due to mechanical contact seating effects (ICC(2,1)=0.21). The main limitations stem from the spatial disparity between discrete substrate fixtures and continuous surface tracking. In conclusion, DIC is a reliable, non-contact technique for mapping continuous strain fields and identifying initial microcracking, but it cannot directly replace mechanical contact gauges across large deformation ranges without bias compensation.

The development of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) for Al–Si–Cu alloys is limited by a fundamental thermomechanical conflict that combines the high coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate with the narrow processing window imposed by the low melting point of aluminum. There is a lack of potentially lower-cost, low-temperature routes compatible with these alloys. In this exploratory study, aluminoborophosphate (ABP) glazes were formulated and applied to the AlSi9Cu3 alloy as a potentially lower-cost and less processing-intensive alternative to conventional TBCs. Four formulations (FR02, FR03, FR04, FR06) were processed under identical conditions (475–525 °C/60 min) and analyzed systematically. Correlations were established between glass composition (P2O5/B2O3/Al2O3 ratio, TiO2 content, and alkali balance), rheological/electrokinetic behavior (viscosity and ζ), sintering temperature range (optical dilatometry), microstructure assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantitative fracture-surface image analysis, and effective thermal conductivity of the coated system determined by laser flash analysis (LFA, 19–300 °C). At 500 °C/60 min and 300 °C, the coatings reduced the effective thermal conductivity of the AlSi9Cu3 + coating assembly by 93–96%, maintaining the hierarchy FR02 < FR04 < FR06 ≪ uncoated alloy. This reduction in effective thermal conductivity is primarily associated with the formation of a low-conductivity glass layer, while glass-network characteristics, residual pore morphology, internal interfaces, coating continuity, and the contribution of the metallic substrate also influence the effective thermal response. In addition, compositional adjustment of the aluminoborophosphate system enabled low-temperature vitrification (≤ 525 °C) and thermomechanical compatibility with the aluminum substrate. The results demonstrate that compositional control of rheology and densification enables successful low-temperature consolidation at 500 °C/60 min within the investigated 475–500 °C processing range and supports the development of low-temperature ABP glass coatings for moderate-temperature aluminum alloy applications.

Autonomous self-healing via Bacillus subtilis offers a sustainable approach to concrete durability, yet the coupled effects of biological agents and micro-carriers on early-age cement hydration remain poorly understood. This study evaluates the thermodynamic, microstructural, and mechanical impacts of encapsulating bacterial spores in two physically contrasting micro-carriers—iron (III) oxide and pine biochar—within a cementitious paste. Isothermal calorimetry, alongside compressive strength testing at 7 and 28 days, revealed that the bio-additives introduce competing kinetic mechanisms. While the physical presence of the micro-carriers slightly delayed the initial cement dissolution, the calcium lactate precursor significantly enhanced the silicate hydration peak and the total accumulated heat. Despite this kinetic alteration, the micro-carriers acted as effective micro-fillers, allowing all bio-modified specimens to maintain high structural viability with 28-day compressive strengths exceeding 45 MPa. Following crack induction, the bacteria successfully sealed cracks up to 0.35 mm wide within 28 days. Microstructural characterization (TGA, XRD, and SEM) identified the precipitation of calcium carbonate in the calcite polymorph. The TGA results also confirmed the secondary, indirect reaction in which portlandite reserves are consumed to produce more calcium carbonate. Notably, while both carriers protected the spores, the porous biochar provided an optimized microenvironment, yielding 31.6% more calcium carbonate than the iron oxide system.

This study investigates the effect of substituting cobalt with manganese on the magnetic and optical properties of cobalt ferrite inorganic pigments synthesised by solution combustion. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirms the formation of a substitutional solid solution with manganese replacing cobalt, associated with a shift in diffraction peaks to lower angles due to the larger ionic radius of manganese. As the manganese concentration increases ( x = 0 to x = 0.6), lattice parameters and unit cell volumes increase, except at x = 0.5, which could be attributed to changes in cation distribution and lattice micro‐strain. Raman spectroscopy shows shifts in the vibrational modes of metal–oxygen bonds, influenced by differences in atomic masses and bond strength constants between manganese and cobalt. Magnetic measurements indicate a decrease in coercive field, saturation magnetisation and remanence with increasing manganese content, due to weaker super‐exchange interactions. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy reveals low reflectance in the visible range due to electronic transitions in the metal ions. The substitution of manganese increases the band gap from 2.1 to 2.6 eV between x = 0.0 and x = 0.5, then decreases to 2.4 eV at x = 0.6. Colorimetric analysis shows significant variations in CIELab colorimetric coordinates, with lightness, chroma and hue changing with manganese content. Paints derived from these pigments, applied to cement, plaster and wood substrates, exhibit varied optical properties, demonstrating the influence of manganese on the optical characteristics of the pigments.

The use of aluminum alloys in engines is common due to their lightness and strength. These components need coatings to resist high temperatures and reduce heat transfer. Enamels based on aluminoborophosphate frit are ideal, but their rheological properties and performance as a thermal barrier need to be investigated. This study optimizes the glaze and evaluates it as a thermal barrier. Suspensions with different fractions of solids, dispersants and binders were prepared and studied for rheological behavior. Samples were sintered at 475, 500 and 525 °C and evaluated for thermal shrinkage and density. The microstructure was analyzed by SEM and characterized by XRD and hardness. Thermal conductivity was measured using the laser flash method. Suspensions with 48

Nowadays, considerable fractions of emerging chemical contaminants are released into the environment by industries, hospitals, agriculture, and domestic sewage. Among these pollutants, Eriochrome black T (EbT) is a dye widely used in the textile, paper printing, leather, paint, cosmetics, and carpet manufacturing industries. The development of new materials for application in the environmental field aiming to remove EbT and other dyes from wastewater is essential in the characterization of a multi-walled carbon nanotubes with niobium(V) oxide (CNTs@Nb2O5) for the EbT removal by heterogeneous photocatalysis. CNT@Nb2O5 demonstrated crystalline peaks of multi-wall carbon nanotubes and orthorhombic Nb2O5 with a surface charge of + 16.7 ± 2.03 mV. The ideal condition for the EbT photodegradation was the [CNT@Nb2O5] of 0.35 g L−1, [EbT] of 40 mg L−1, pH ≈ 1.70, and T of 298.15 ± 2 K with 89.89

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles via solution combustion synthesis, utilizing an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera. A preliminary biocompatibility assessment on human sperm was also performed to explore potential cytotoxic effects. The inclusion of ammonium nitrate as an additional oxidizing agent significantly influenced the physicochemical properties of the resulting nanoparticles. The particles exhibited average sizes around 10 nm and an increased specific surface area favorable for applications in catalysis, sensors, and electronic devices. Microscopy techniques confirmed the formation of polycrystalline ZnO nanoparticles with irregular and agglomerated morphologies. Antibacterial assays demonstrated strong inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, indicating potential for biomedical and environmental applications. Additionally, ZnO showed strong activity against S. aureus, with enhanced crystallinity and surface area. Preliminary sperm tests showed low toxicity. These findings support eco-friendly ZnO synthesis for biomedical use.

In recent years, forsterite (Fo, Mg₂SiO₄) has emerged as a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering scaffolds, demonstrating efficacy in inhibiting the growth of clinical bacterial isolates. In addition, rare-earth (RE) doped Fo exhibits excitation properties that match the near-infrared (NIR) biological transparency window (700-1800 nm), facilitating deep penetration into biological tissues. Despite these advantageous properties, data on the toxicity of RE-doped forsterite is lacking, and effects on damaged or dysfunctional cells, such as cancer cells, are not known. The aim of this study was to examine the toxicity of RE-doped forsterite nanoparticles (NPs) in cultures of healthy and tumor skin cells. Specifically, forsterite doped with Er3+, Yb3+, and a combination of Er3+/Yb3+, produced via reverse strike coprecipitation (RSC), was employed in cytotoxicity assays. The influence of solution pH on the toxicity response was also investigated. Data demonstrated that all NPs exhibited biocompatibility with HaCaT keratinocytes, while melanoma B16-F10 cells showed increased cell death. Photoluminescence (PL) analyses found that Fo:Yb displayed enhanced blue emission under 980 nm excitation, whereas Fo:Er/Yb exhibited green and red emissions. Data suggest that combining alkalinization effect of forsterite with the up-conversion (UC) photoactivity of NPs might serve as a dual-attack system for in situ oncological treatment.

Abstract This research examines the effects of different calcium sulfate combinations—natural gypsum (NG), untreated phosphogypsum (PG), and lime-treated phosphogypsum (NPG)—on the hydration and rheology of Portland cement with a lignosulfonate admixture. Three novel calcium sulfate compositions (SU I, II, III) were evaluated as setting regulators in Portland cement types CEM I, II, and III, focusing on setting times, compressive strength, heat release, hydration products, and rheological behavior. The compositions are: SU I (30% PG, 70% NG), SU II (50% NPG, 50% NG), and SU III (100% NPG). Results showed that CEM III had lower early strength and longer setting times than CEM I and II, effects amplified by the lignosulfonate admixture. Rheological differences among cements were attributed to PG’s delayed hydration, reducing yield stress and viscosity. The study highlights how cement composition, alternative calcium sulfates, and admixtures interact to affect fresh and hardened cement properties.

The doping technique is widely used to stabilise C3S polymorphs, combined with synthesis temperature and cooling techniques. This work studied the doping technique using ZnO as a dopant at contents of 1.5, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 10.0wt% and evaluated its effect on the polymorphism and reactivity of C3S. The characterisation of the phases in the anhydrous state was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the effect of doping on chemical bonds and displacements in the crystalline structure was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy (RAMAN). Hydration was assessed using isothermal calorimetry and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results show a delay in the hydration process in all the doped pastes, a reduction in the average crystallite size with increasing dopant content, and changes in the displacements and symmetry of the polymorphs.

Abstract Phosphogypsum (PG), a byproduct of phosphoric acid production, shows potential as a substitute for traditional gypsum in cement formulations. However, the fluorides and phosphates in its composition can delay setting time and reduce early strength in Portland cement. The use of hydration and strength accelerators can counteract these effects, but the literature lacks sufficient information on the subject. This research evaluates the influence of alternative accelerators on the hydration of cement with phosphogypsum. Sodium chloride (NaOH), calcium chloride (CaCl2), sodium hydroxide (NaCl), and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) were analyzed. Isothermal calorimetry and compressive strength tests were conducted on cement pastes. NaOH showed the highest 24-hour compressive strength and cumulative heat, suggesting its potential as a strength accelerator. Na2SiO3 exhibited the lowest performance compared to the reference sample (REF). The strengths and reaction rates of CaCl2 were similar to those of the REF. NaCl displayed higher strengths and cumulative heat than the REF, indicating its effectiveness as an accelerator.

In this work, pure and copper-doped bismuth titanate perovskites were synthesized using the modified amorphous citrate method to evaluate the influence of the dopant on the material's structure and its efficiency as a catalyst. X-ray diffraction method has been employed for the analysis of the crystal structure while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques were used to examine the material's morphology. Electron dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) was also employed to confirm the doping of the material. The doped material exhibited a bandgap within the visible region calculated using the Tauc plot from UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The dopant influenced the emergence of secondary bandgaps with considerably lower values than the pure materials, directly impacting the photocatalytic performance of hydrogen gas (H2) production. The highest H2 gas production occurred in the doped and more crystalline sample. Comparing these results with other studies, it can be concluded that copper is a metal with great potential as a dopant for the development of bismuth titanate-based catalysts.

BACKGROUND:Clays are widely used in cosmetic formulations for their rheological properties, adsorption capacity, and potential skin benefits. Sustainable sourcing of clays from industrial by-products, such as sand extraction residues, is gaining interest in the cosmetics industry. AIMS:This study aimed to assess the feasibility of incorporating four clays (I, II, III, IV) derived from sand extraction residues into cosmetic gels and emulsions, evaluating their physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and dermal safety. PATIENTS/METHODS:The clays were incorporated into two types of hydrophilic vehicles (a nonionic emulsion and a gel). Formulations were characterized for particle size, viscosity, and storage stability over 90 days. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro using HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to clay concentrations up to 1000 μg/mL. Dermal irritation potential was assessed in vivo on 53 healthy volunteers via patch testing. RESULTS:Clay incorporation affected particle size and viscosity, with gels showing superior physical stability. All clays preserved HaCaT cell viability above 75% at the highest concentration, and in vivo assessments revealed no signs of skin irritation or sensitization. Clay III showed the largest surface area, improving skin adhesion and spreadability, while consistency between in vitro and in vivo data confirms the biocompatibility and cutaneous safety of the formulations. CONCLUSIONS:Clays from sand extraction residues are safe, stable, and biocompatible ingredients for cosmetic formulations. Their incorporation into gels and emulsions provides favorable rheological and dermatological properties, supporting their potential as sustainable raw materials for cosmetic and dermatological applications.

The sulfur dioxide removal in thermoelectric plants occurs through flue gas desulfurization (FGD), which produces waste that needs to be correctly disposed of. This exploratory research aims to characterize waste obtained from an FGD plant in Candiota, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and evaluate its potential as alternative mineral source in obtaining alkali-activated materials (AAM). The dried and processed waste was called FGD-D, and AAM was produced by mixing FGD-D with sodium-based alkaline activating solutions. The amounts of FGD at formulations ranged from 31.6 (F1) to 38.9 wt.% (F4), and the use of metakaolin was not necessary. The results show that the chemical composition of FGD-D is composed mainly of calcium oxides (38 wt.%), sulfur (22 wt.%), and silica (19 wt.%). Crystalline phases and a high amorphous fraction were identified in the residual samples. The use of FGD-D in AAM proved to be an alternative mineral source, showing an exothermic reaction with subsequent rapid hardening and increased compressive strength values ranged from 7.7 ± 1.3 Mpa for F1 to 14.4 ± 1.8 Mpa for F4 at seven days. The results demonstrate the potential of using FGD-D in AAM formulations, opening positive perspectives for a more sustainable destination for these residual materials.

The valorization of wood vinegar from biomass pyrolysis has been a significant research subject in recent years, but further studies to reduce its phytotoxicity and improve agricultural applications are still needed. This study investigates the application of ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes in treating the wood vinegar from grape pomace pyrolysis, aiming to valorize it. Wood vinegar treated with nanofiltration (NF270 membrane) and diluted 100 times acted as a root growth inducer in cucumber seeds, achieving a germination index of 145%. This interesting result suggests that nanofiltration is emerging as a promising technology for enhancing the value of wood vinegar, while also promoting sustainability and the circular economy in the agro-industrial sector.

The contamination of seas, rivers, lakes, and groundwater by industrial, hospital, and domestic effluents is a global health problem. Scientific approaches are needed to assess and mitigate the impacts of those pollutants, seeking more sustainable alternatives that meet established environmental standards. Among the various contaminants that are released into water sources, phenobarbital (PHEN), a long-acting barbiturate, applied as a hypnotic, sedative, and in the treatment of seizures is an aquatic pollutant, raises significant concerns for human health and the environment. Based on the high surface area of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the magnetic properties of nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles, this work presents, for the first time, the application of CNT@NiFe2O4 on the adsorption of PHEN. The employing of CNT as a barbiturate adsorber was investigated, using NiFe2O nanoparticles as a magnetic tool for recovering the nanocomposite from water. The PHEN adsorption study was performed in batch adsorption mode. Thermodynamic isotherms and kinect were performed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips, pseudo-first-order (PFO), pseudo-second-order (PSO), and Elovich diffusion models. CNT@NiFe2O4 showed an adsorption capacity of 76

In this work, the effect of niobium pentachloride concentration (NbCl5) and the influence of the pentavalent niobium ion on the structure and optical properties of cobalt ferrites was studied for the first time. The sol-gel method was applied to synthesize the xerogel with a subsequent heat treatment at 550 degrees C for 2.5h to obtain the nanoparticle. X-ray diffraction showed the expected spinel phase in all samples. Thus, it was possible to observe a shift in the main reflection (311) and a change in the lattice parameter as the niobium content increased. The crystallite size varied between approximately 18 and 34 nm. The Raman spectra showed typical vibrational modes of cobalt ferrite with no indication of secondary phase modes and variation in the A1g(2) and T2g(1) bands related to the octahedral and tetrahedral sites, respectively. Moreover, there is a correlation to an observed redshift, indicating an increase in the degree of inversion. Diffuse reflectance showed that the band gap of the samples varied from 1,97 eV for the pure sample (Co1.0Fe2.0O4) to 1.6 eV for the highest doping content (Co1.0Nb0.1Fe1.90O4). The coercivity was also affected, ranging from 1253 Oe in the pure sample (Co1.0Fe2.0O4) to 745 Oe in the doped sample (Co1.0Nb0.1Fe1.90O4). These results prove that the optimization of properties was successful since there was a marked decrease in the band gap and an increase in UV absorption. This result shows that it is possible to optimize the optical properties by introducing niobium, an effect that has not been possible in other studies with this type of dopant.