In the present day the usage of electronic devices is predominantly increasing worldwide. Electronic devices rely on both high-speed digital circuits as well as sensitive analog systems in a single mixed-signal printed circuit board (PCB). Electronic devices can be disturbed by unwanted electromagnetic signals, which affect their normal operation. Therefore, the study of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for consumer and industrial products is preferred based on the intended applications. In this work, pure Polylactic Acid (PLA), PLA/copper (Cu), PLA/Carbon Nanotubes (CNT), PLA/Carbon Black (CB), Polyamide 6 (PA6)/Carbon Fiber (CF), and Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified (PETG)/CF were fabricated using the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technique. All these samples were tested for EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) and complex dielectric properties. The test was conducted using a coaxial transverse electromagnetic (TEM) waveguide setup for the frequency range of 1 GHz to 8 GHz. The results showed that PA6/CF samples exhibited the best SE ( 15 dB) among the tested materials, while PETG/CF provided an SE value slightly lower than ( 9 dB) that of PA6 composites. Furthermore, the PLA/CNT and PLA/CB exhibited better improvements in SE than pure PLA samples. This was ascribed to dielectric loss and polarization effects. However, the PLA/Cu samples did not show any improvements in SE values since the Cu particles did not form a conductive network. The dielectric property study reported that the permittivity and dielectric loss were improved due to the addition of conductive filers. These improvements helped in enhancing the EMI attenuation. From the simulation results (i.e., CST and HFSS) they showed a good match with the experimental results; thus, the dielectric characterization could be used to aid EMI SE computations. Based on these results, the PA6/CF samples can be used for EMI shielding applications, especially in electronic, medical and automotive fields.

Ti–Ta-based high-temperature shape memory alloys (HTSMAs) are of interest due to their high transformation temperatures, good mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. This work predicted the transformation behaviour of Ti–Ta alloys using fundamental parameters including the number of valence electrons per atom (ev/a), valence electron concentration (VER), and atomic size factor. For binary Ti–Ta alloys with 20–35 at

Petroleum based plastics currently leads the food packaging industry due to its low cost, easy processibility, and lightweight. However, they are non-biodegradable, obtained from non-renewable resources and generates high amount of greenhouse gases during their production. If not properly recycled, these plastics will end up in landfill or oceans and caused the formation of microplastics, a potential toxic material for animals and human beings. Therefore, there is a need for biodegradable plastics from renewable sources as an alternative to oil-based conventional plastic. It is emphasized that fully green polylactic acid (PLA) is a feasible substitute for traditional plastics used in food packaging. However, the limiting aspects of PLA in food packaging industry include its brittleness, poor heat resistance, poor oxygen and water vapor barrier properties, and limited availability of suitable recyclable plant facilities. Incorporating nanofillers, nucleating agents, blending with thermally stable polymers, annealing, and chemical crosslinking will enhance thermo-mechanical, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and barrier properties, making this biopolymer competitive with traditional plastics. This manuscript will give a clear understanding of the processing of PLA, its properties, drawbacks, and solutions to overcome the problems for any real-world applications in food packaging.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is widely used for producing lightweight, complex structures due to its design flexibility, rapid manufacturing time, and reduced material waste. Among AM techniques, fused filament fabrication (FFF) is often used due to its efficiency in combining two or more materials in manufacturing single part. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) provides good strength and toughness, while high impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a light-weight polymer with ease of processing. In this study ABS/HIPS were blended at different weight

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) requires electron-transparent samples with thickness below 100 nm, and conventional preparation methods involving mechanical polishing followed by electropolishing or ion milling are time-consuming and prone to preparation-induced defects. In this study, an electrothinning process was proposed as an alternative intermediate TEM sample preparation technique. Electrothinning was carried out on 1 mm thick equiatomic NiTi alloy using H2SO4 (20%) and methanol (80%) electrolyte at an operating voltage of 10–15 V for 20 min. The sample thickness was reduced from 1 mm to 55 μm through controlled anodic dissolution without mechanical deformation. Uniform thinning behaviour was observed under optimized conditions, while lower voltages resulted in insufficient dissolution and higher voltages caused localized pitting. TEM analysis confirmed the absence of noticeable mechanically induced defects or deformation features in the electrothinned samples. The proposed method is a cost-effective and efficient alternative for TEM sample preparation in research and industry.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is widely used in fused filament fabrication (FFF), but its engineering applications are constrained by brittleness and limited thermal resistance. Here, micronized banyan tree aerial-root (BTAR) powder was incorporated into PLA at 5-25 wt.% and processed into composite filaments by single-screw extrusion for FFF printing. The composites showed a composition-dependent response. At 15 wt.% BTAR, tensile and flexural strengths increased by approximately 47% and 43%, respectively, compared with neat PLA. The highest impact energy absorption was obtained at 25 wt.% BTAR, reaching 2.93 J versus 1.07 J for neat PLA. XRD and FTIR results indicated a predominantly amorphous PLA matrix with superimposed cellulose-I features and spectral changes suggesting possible interfacial interactions. SEM revealed relatively uniform filler dispersion at intermediate loading, whereas higher BTAR contents promoted agglomeration. Thermal analysis showed a slight reduction in degradation onset temperature but increased char residue from 0.1% for neat PLA to 5.4% at 25 wt.% BTAR. These results indicate that untreated BTAR is a promising regional particulate filler for FFF-grade PLA, with 15 wt.% favoring strength and 25 wt.% enhancing impact resistance and char formation.

In this study, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/0.25 wt

In this article, drop weight impact at energy levels of 20 J and 40 J as well as compression after impact (CAI) response of the composite laminates made from the basalt fabric (B), glass fabric (G) and their hybrid combinations with various stacking sequences was studied. BGB represents the hybrid composite with basalt fabric as the top and bottom layers with the glass fabric sandwiched between them forming the core and vice-versa for the GBG. The main inference from the drop weight impact was that the load bearing ability and damage area was more dependent on the stacking sequence while a marginal variation in the absorbed energy was observed for the hybrid composites. Among the hybrid composites, the residual compressive strength for the intercalated arrangement and BGB with basalt fabric in the exterior had better retention in the compression strength. CAI results also revealed that the intercalated arrangement (alternating layers of glass fabric and basalt fabric) and GBG configuration with glass fabric in the outermost layer had higher residual strength than the BGB. Increasing the impact energy affected the damage tolerance which was marked by lower value of normalized compression strength for the composites at 40 J over 20 J. The experimental results show that the GBG hybrid laminate achieved a higher energy absorption (32.15 J at 40 J impact) and lower damage area (491.77 mm²) compared to pure glass/epoxy (23.00 J, 738.55 mm²), while also exhibiting a 15.7

The present research focuses on PVA: Gum Arabic: Ammonium Nitrate biopolymer blend electrolyte prepared using ultrasound-assisted solvent casting method and its applicability in Electric Double-Layer capacitor. AC impedance spectroscopic technique reveals the highest ionic conductivity of 10-5 Scm-1 at 303 K for 20 mol% ammonium nitrate doped sample which is higher than pure PVA. The transference number obtained for the prepared samples (0.94-0.96) confirms the dominant proton contribution to the conductivity. The constructed EDLC with the highest ionic conductivity electrolyte and carbon electrodes show a highest specific capacitance of 2909 mF/g. Intriguingly, the specific capacitance Cs values remain stable over 500 cycles which confirms its cycling stability.

A significant challenge in the development of natural fiber-reinforced composites is optimizing the fiber length and loading to achieve desirable mechanical properties for practical applications. Although many experimental studies have been reported on individual fiber reinforcements, limited research has explored the synergistic interplay between curau & aacute; (C) and basalt fibers (B) in polyester matrix composites. This study addresses this research gap by examining the optimal combination of these two fibers at specific fiber lengths and fiber loadings to enhance the composite performance. The novelty of this work lies in examining the interplay effects by varying the fiber lengths (4 mm, 8 mm, and 12 mm) and fiber loadings (25%, 50%, and 75%) and analyzing their effects on mechanical properties. ANOVA was also used to understand the interplay effects. The pure curau & aacute;, pure basalt, and their hybrid combinations were fabricated using a compression molding machine. The total fiber loading of basalt and curau & aacute; fibers varied in ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100. The results showed that the hybrid composites with 8 mm fiber lengths, consisting of 75:25 (B:C) exhibited higher tensile strength of 34.34 MPa and flexural strength of 119.6 MPa. Regarding impact strength, 8 mm fiber lengths with 25:75 (B:C) exhibited an improved value of 60.12 kJ/m2.Highlights An 8 mm fiber length is optimal for hybridizing basalt and curau & aacute; fibers. 25% basalt and 75% curau & aacute; achieved an impact strength of 60.12 kJ/m2. ANOVA was applied to examine the interplay effect of fiber length and loading. SEM analysis revealed the morphological characteristics of hybrid composites. Curau & aacute;/basalt hybrid composites are suitable for automotive applications.

This study evaluates the influence of gas nitriding on the surface, tribological, and biocompatibility performance of Ti6Al4 V alloy, a material widely used in biomedical and tribomechanical applications. Gas nitriding was carried out at 823 K for 12-24 h in an ammonia (NH3) atmosphere. The nitriding process led to significant improvements in surface and microstructure, with the microhardness increasing from 293 HV to 624 HV and significant grain refinement. The creation of hard nitride phases like TiN and Ti2N, which enhance crystallinity and surface stability, was verified by X-ray diffraction analysis. Tribological performance was assessed using a pin-on-disc tribometer under varying loads (2-6 N) and sliding velocities against a TiN-coated 316L stainless steel disc. The wear resistance improved significantly, with the wear rate decreasing from 12.22 x 10-(6) g/Nm for the untreated sample to 3.12 x 10-(6) g/Nm after nitriding. SEM and EDS analyses of the worn surfaces revealed the formation of protective tribo-layers and reduced wear debris, demonstrating enhanced wear resistance. Additionally, surface roughness was decreased, significantly improved sliding characteristics. Biocompatibility testing showed a 10.1% increase in cell viability, supporting the suitability of the treated alloy for biomedical applications. Cette & eacute;tude & eacute;value l'influence de la nitruration gazeuse sur les performances de surface, tribologiques et de biocompatibilit & eacute; de l'alliage Ti6Al4V, un mat & eacute;riau largement utilis & eacute; dans les applications biom & eacute;dicales et tribom & eacute;caniques. On a effectu & eacute; la nitruration gazeuse & agrave; 823 K pendant 12 & agrave; 24 heures dans une atmosph & egrave;re d'ammoniac (NH3). Le proc & eacute;d & eacute; de nitruration a produit des am & eacute;liorations importantes de la surface et de la microstructure, la microduret & eacute; passant de 293 HV & agrave; 624 HV, avec un affinement de grain significatif. On a v & eacute;rifi & eacute; par analyse de diffraction des rayons X la cr & eacute;ation de phases de nitrure dures telles que TiN et Ti2N, qui am & eacute;liorent la cristallinit & eacute; et la stabilit & eacute; de surface. On a & eacute;valu & eacute; les performances tribologiques avec un tribom & egrave;tre & agrave; pointe-sur-disque sous diff & eacute;rentes charges (2 & agrave; 6 N) et vitesses de glissement contre un disque en acier inoxydable 316L rev & ecirc;tu de TiN. La r & eacute;sistance & agrave; l'usure s'est am & eacute;lior & eacute;e significativement, le taux d'usure passant de 12.22 x 10-6 g/Nm pour l'& eacute;chantillon non trait & eacute; & agrave; 3.12 x 10-6 g/Nm apr & egrave;s nitruration. Les analyses de MEB et d'EDS des surfaces us & eacute;es ont r & eacute;v & eacute;l & eacute; la formation de tribo-couches protectrices et une r & eacute;duction des d & eacute;bris d'usure, d & eacute;montrant ainsi l'am & eacute;lioration de la r & eacute;sistance & agrave; l'usure. De plus, la rugosit & eacute; superficielle a diminu & eacute;, am & eacute;liorant significativement les caract & eacute;ristiques de glissement. L'& eacute;valuation de la biocompatibilit & eacute; a montr & eacute; une augmentation de 10.1% de la viabilit & eacute; cellulaire, confirmant l'ad & eacute;quation de l'alliage trait & eacute; pour les applications biom & eacute;dicales.

This article proposes two novel bio-fibrils from agricultural waste and agro-industrial waste as particulate reinforcement in polymer composites. Microfibrils were extracted from the peels of Phaseolus lunatus and Vigna radiata. The main aim of this work is to valorize the obtained fibrils as fillers in polymer composites. The fibrils were subjected to physio-chemical, thermal, and morphological characterization. The physio-chemical analysis revealed that the Phaseolus lunatus consisted of 65.2

NiTi SMAs, also known as Nitinol, are well-known and widely used due to their unique properties. This study predicts the transformation behaviour of a binary near-equiatomic shape memory alloy (SMA) during thermal cycling using empirical and ANN-based models. The input data was generated through thermal cycling tests using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) under a nitrogen atmosphere, wherein the maximum and minimum temperatures were varied based on the transformation temperatures of the alloy. Three different models, i.e. symmetrical, asymmetrical and artificial neural network (ANN), were developed to understand the transformation behaviour of the alloy using the same set of test data for validation. For qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the model, priority was given to the simplicity of the model (minimum variables) and the accuracy of the prediction. The results show that the ANN-based model can predict the transformation behaviour more accurately (99.81

Delamination factor in drilling represents the maximum spread of imperfections around the drilled hole in a polymer composite. Df can directly affect the performance of the drilled component. This study focuses on investigating the influence of nanofillers, titanium dioxide and graphene, with epoxy in varying quantities ranging from 1 to 4 wt%, on the delamination behavior of the glass fiber-reinforced composites. The parameters, such as spindle speeds (600, 1200, and 1800 rpm), feed rates (30, 40, and 50 mm/min), and drill bit diameter (4, 6, and 8 mm), were considered. A high-resolution camera was used to capture the images of the drilled hole, which were processed using MATLAB to compute the delamination factor at top and rear faces of the composite. Additionally, thrust force obtained from the dynamometer at various nanofiller quantities was analyzed. The thrust force decreased with an increase in the spindle speed and the feed rate. Spindle speed and feed rate contributed the least to delamination, while filler percentage contributed the least to thrust. The mean GRG showed that GT1, a drill bit diameter of 4 mm, a spindle speed of 1800 rpm and a feed rate of 50 mm/min were the optimum parameters.

Nanocellulose (NC) is considered as promising biomaterial owing to its stiffness, renewability, high strength, and biodegradability. NC is classified into three types such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), and they differ with each other in terms of size, mechanical behaviour, morphology, and crystallinity. The development of biocomposites with nanocellulose as reinforcing agent has gained much attention among researchers owing to their promising applications in various sectors. The thermal, mechanical, and biodegradable properties of both synthetic and natural polymers can be enhanced by reinforcing them with nanocellulose. The fabrication of NC-based biocomposites can be achieved by employing different techniques such as solution casting, resin impregnation and melt compounding methods. The porosity, tensile modulus, tensile strength, MVTR (moisture-vapour transmission rate), biocompatibility, hydrophilic, water retention ability, bio-adhesiveness and hemocompatibility are the essential properties of tissue engineering scaffolds and wound dressing materials, and these properties can be optimized by reinforcing them with NC. This review intends to focus on the reinforcing effect of NC on the physicochemical and thermo-mechanical characteristics of NC-based biocomposites. This review also aims to summarize the utilization of NC-based biocomposites in tissue engineering scaffolds and wound dressing applications.

In this experimental work, 3D printed honeycomb structures were fabricated using carbon fiber (CF) with three different matrices: Polylactic acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). All the fabricated composite samples were subjected to compressive strength testing, and their values were analysed by varying cell size and wall thickness of each composite sample. The face plates were fabricated using vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding technique. For the honeycomb designs, equivalent surface areas were chosen with variations in cell width (6–12 mm) and wall thickness (0.8–1.6 mm). However, the cell height of the samples remained constant at 42 mm. Results revealed that the composites made with CF/PLA using a 12 mm cell width, 1.6 mm wall thickness, and 42 mm cell height exhibited improved compressive strength (2122 MPa). Furthermore, these experimental responses were quantitatively investigated through LSDYNA software. The finite element analysis reported an accuracy ranging from 70 to 90

Butterfly pea flower (BPF) powder, which is rich in bioactive compounds, was evaluated for the impact of various drying methods on its solubility, physical properties, and chemical composition. Four drying methods were used: thermal drying at 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, and natural sun drying. The powders were assessed for solubility time, hygroscopicity, density, flowability, and chemical stability using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Solubility times ranged from 148 to 162 s, with no significant differences. The 70 °C dried sample (Sample C) had the fastest dissolution rate and highest hygroscopicity. Total phenolic and anthocyanin contents increased with temperature, peaking in sun-dried samples (Sample D). Density measurements showed Sample C had the highest bulk density and optimal flowability, while Sample D had superior water holding capacity. The SEM analysis revealed morphological differences, with Sample A showing a smooth surface and Sample C exhibiting significant particle disintegration. The XRD analysis showed that Sample C had the highest crystallinity. The FTIR analysis confirmed the stability of key functional groups, with sun-dried samples retaining phenolic compounds. These findings suggest drying methods can optimize BPF powder’s properties, enhancing its bioactivity for health applications.