Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-08DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115632
Peng Su , Shangqin Yang , Hongzhi Yang , Bingbing Yin , Qian Shi , Xiaoya Li , Fucheng Yin
NiAlHf coatings were deposited on a nickel-based single-crystal René N5 substrate using arc ion plating technology. Isothermal oxidation was performed in laboratory air at 1150 °C for up to 200 h. The microstructural evolution and oxidation behavior were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, etc. The results indicate that Ru addition promotes the transformation from θ-Al2O3 to α-Al2O3 during oxide-scale formation, and the dense and continuous α-Al2O3 scale effectively suppresses Al interdiffusion. Besides, the formation of Cr2Hf and (Cr,Co)2Hf precipitates within the coating, as well as a Cr(W,Ta)-rich precipitation band at the coating/substrate interface can act as effective diffusion barriers, which contributes to delayed microstructural degradation of the coating. After 200 h of oxidation, the average oxidation rates of the coating decrease from 0.1100 g/(m2·h) to 0.0536 g/(m2·h) with Ru content increases, accompanied by enhanced resistance to oxide-scale spallation. The mechanisms of Ru addition on phase transformation of θ-Al2O3 to α-Al2O3 and microstructural evolution of NiAlHf coating are also discussed.
{"title":"Effect of Ru doping content on microstructural evolution and oxidation resistance of NiAlHf coatings at 1150 °C","authors":"Peng Su , Shangqin Yang , Hongzhi Yang , Bingbing Yin , Qian Shi , Xiaoya Li , Fucheng Yin","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115632","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115632","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>NiAlHf coatings were deposited on a nickel-based single-crystal René N5 substrate using arc ion plating technology. Isothermal oxidation was performed in laboratory air at 1150 °C for up to 200 h. The microstructural evolution and oxidation behavior were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, etc. The results indicate that Ru addition promotes the transformation from θ-Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> to α-Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> during oxide-scale formation, and the dense and continuous α-Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> scale effectively suppresses Al interdiffusion. Besides, the formation of Cr<sub>2</sub>Hf and (Cr,Co)<sub>2</sub>Hf precipitates within the coating, as well as a Cr(W,Ta)-rich precipitation band at the coating/substrate interface can act as effective diffusion barriers, which contributes to delayed microstructural degradation of the coating. After 200 h of oxidation, the average oxidation rates of the coating decrease from 0.1100 g/(m<sup>2</sup>·h) to 0.0536 g/(m<sup>2</sup>·h) with Ru content increases, accompanied by enhanced resistance to oxide-scale spallation. The mechanisms of Ru addition on phase transformation of θ-Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> to α-Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and microstructural evolution of NiAlHf coating are also discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115632"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115521
J.N. Emerson , E.H. Marrero-Jackson , G.A. Nemets , M. Topsakal , S. Gill , J.P. Wharry , M.A. Okuniewski
Advanced manufacturing routes such as electron beam welding and powder metallurgy with hot isostatic pressing are increasingly used across energy and aerospace industries, where the reliable prediction of weld behavior and heat affected zone (HAZ) evolution is critical. This study examines how fabrication routes and post-weld heat treatments influence phase distribution, crystallite size, microstrain, and dislocation density in nuclear reactor pressure vessel steels using synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD). Retained austenite occurs only in samples that did not undergo austenitization, whereas an austenitizing heat treatment fully eliminates retained austenite and produces a more uniform microstructure across the weldment in terms of phase fraction, dislocation density, and microstrain. The Rosenthal solution underestimates the HAZ width for powder metallurgy samples. A newly proposed modified Rosenthal solution, reducing density by accounting for porosity, matches the SXRD-measured HAZ width with a 0.65% error. Structure–property correlations reveal that dislocation density correlates strongly with nanohardness in homogenous microstructures, while in heterogenous weldments nanohardness is further influenced by the presence of dissimilar phase boundaries. These findings provide new insight into the thermal and microstructural response of powder metallurgy fabricated steels and offer a framework for optimizing welding procedures and heat treatments in advanced manufacturing applications.
{"title":"Influence of fabrication on microstructure and heat affected zone width in weldments of nuclear reactor pressure vessel steel","authors":"J.N. Emerson , E.H. Marrero-Jackson , G.A. Nemets , M. Topsakal , S. Gill , J.P. Wharry , M.A. Okuniewski","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115521","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115521","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Advanced manufacturing routes such as electron beam welding and powder metallurgy with hot isostatic pressing are increasingly used across energy and aerospace industries, where the reliable prediction of weld behavior and heat affected zone (HAZ) evolution is critical. This study examines how fabrication routes and post-weld heat treatments influence phase distribution, crystallite size, microstrain, and dislocation density in nuclear reactor pressure vessel steels using synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD). Retained austenite occurs only in samples that did not undergo austenitization, whereas an austenitizing heat treatment fully eliminates retained austenite and produces a more uniform microstructure across the weldment in terms of phase fraction, dislocation density, and microstrain. The Rosenthal solution underestimates the HAZ width for powder metallurgy samples. A newly proposed modified Rosenthal solution, reducing density by accounting for porosity, matches the SXRD-measured HAZ width with a 0.65% error. Structure–property correlations reveal that dislocation density correlates strongly with nanohardness in homogenous microstructures, while in heterogenous weldments nanohardness is further influenced by the presence of dissimilar phase boundaries. These findings provide new insight into the thermal and microstructural response of powder metallurgy fabricated steels and offer a framework for optimizing welding procedures and heat treatments in advanced manufacturing applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115521"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115583
Małgorzata Zaborniak , Janusz Kluczyński , Janusz Torzewski , Maciej Pytel , Ireneusz Szachogłuchowicz , Katarzyna Bulanda , Marcin Małek
Steam sterilization is a mandatory post-processing step for polymer-based medical implants; however, its influence on fatigue damage evolution in additively manufactured high-performance polymers remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigate how high-temperature steam sterilization (134 °C) alters the mechanical response and low-cycle fatigue behavior of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) components produced by material extrusion (MEX). A combined experimental framework involving quasi-static tensile testing supported by digital image correlation (DIC), strain-controlled low-cycle fatigue experiments, Manson–Coffin–Basquin (MCB) modeling, and post-mortem scanning electron microscopy was employed to compare as-built (BOC) and steam-sterilized (OC) specimens. While steam sterilization induces a reduction in tensile ductility and suppresses macroscopic necking, fatigue experiments reveal a counterintuitive response: sterilized specimens exhibit extended fatigue crack propagation zones and altered damage evolution despite their more brittle-like monotonic behavior. The results demonstrate a non-trivial decoupling between monotonic tensile embrittlement and fatigue crack propagation mechanisms in MEX-processed PEEK. Fractographic and hysteresis analyses indicate that sterilization modifies inter-filament cohesion and volumetric damage mechanisms, promoting stable fatigue crack growth at lower effective stress intensities rather than premature catastrophic failure. These findings provide mechanistic insight into sterilization-induced fatigue degradation pathways in additively manufactured PEEK and highlight the necessity of considering post-processing effects beyond static properties when qualifying polymer implants for fatigue-sensitive biomedical applications.
{"title":"Influence of steam sterilization on the mechanical and low-cycle fatigue properties of polyetheretherketone parts obtained by material extrusion additive manufacturing technology","authors":"Małgorzata Zaborniak , Janusz Kluczyński , Janusz Torzewski , Maciej Pytel , Ireneusz Szachogłuchowicz , Katarzyna Bulanda , Marcin Małek","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115583","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115583","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Steam sterilization is a mandatory post-processing step for polymer-based medical implants; however, its influence on fatigue damage evolution in additively manufactured high-performance polymers remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigate how high-temperature steam sterilization (134 °C) alters the mechanical response and low-cycle fatigue behavior of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) components produced by material extrusion (MEX). A combined experimental framework involving quasi-static tensile testing supported by digital image correlation (DIC), strain-controlled low-cycle fatigue experiments, Manson–Coffin–Basquin (MCB) modeling, and post-mortem scanning electron microscopy was employed to compare as-built (BOC) and steam-sterilized (OC) specimens. While steam sterilization induces a reduction in tensile ductility and suppresses macroscopic necking, fatigue experiments reveal a counterintuitive response: sterilized specimens exhibit extended fatigue crack propagation zones and altered damage evolution despite their more brittle-like monotonic behavior. The results demonstrate a non-trivial decoupling between monotonic tensile embrittlement and fatigue crack propagation mechanisms in MEX-processed PEEK. Fractographic and hysteresis analyses indicate that sterilization modifies inter-filament cohesion and volumetric damage mechanisms, promoting stable fatigue crack growth at lower effective stress intensities rather than premature catastrophic failure. These findings provide mechanistic insight into sterilization-induced fatigue degradation pathways in additively manufactured PEEK and highlight the necessity of considering post-processing effects beyond static properties when qualifying polymer implants for fatigue-sensitive biomedical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115583"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115572
Jiayi Feng , Yu Sun , Tianqi Li , Yanlong Wang , Pengfei Li , Yunzhang Cheng , Jiang Yuan , Meng Yin
This study developed a small-diameter vascular graft featuring a dual-gas (NO and H2S) release system combined with a zwitterionic coating, aiming to address three major challenges: thrombosis, delayed endothelialization, and intimal hyperplasia. By blending a keratin-conjugated H2S donor (KBT) with poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) for electrospinning, and further modifying the graft with a dopamine–copper–amine‑terminated sulfobetaine (SB) composite coating, a PLCL/KBT-SB vascular graft capable of sustained catalytic release of NO and H2S was fabricated. In vitro experiments confirmed the ability to selectively promote endothelial cell proliferation and migration while inhibiting smooth muscle cell activity. The zwitterionic coating and the synergistic dual-gas release system effectively reduced protein adsorption and polarized macrophages toward M2 phenotype. The PLCL/KBT-SB graft was further evaluated in vivo using a rat abdominal aorta replacement model (n = 8 per group). Histological assessment revealed that the graft reduced the inflammatory state of endothelial cells, promoted endothelial functional maturation, and facilitated the transition of smooth muscle cells toward a contractile phenotype. Furthermore, the grafts demonstrated uniform neotissue distribution at both 1 and 3 months post-implantation, with moderate neointimal thickness and no calcification. Overall, this study provides a promising small-diameter vascular grafts by innovatively integrating gas therapy and surface modification strategies.
{"title":"A dual-gas release system combined with a zwitterionic coating promotes ideal vascular regeneration in small-diameter vascular grafts","authors":"Jiayi Feng , Yu Sun , Tianqi Li , Yanlong Wang , Pengfei Li , Yunzhang Cheng , Jiang Yuan , Meng Yin","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115572","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115572","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study developed a small-diameter vascular graft featuring a dual-gas (NO and H<sub>2</sub>S) release system combined with a zwitterionic coating, aiming to address three major challenges: thrombosis, delayed endothelialization, and intimal hyperplasia. By blending a keratin-conjugated H<sub>2</sub>S donor (KBT) with poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) for electrospinning, and further modifying the graft with a dopamine–copper–amine‑terminated sulfobetaine (SB) composite coating, a PLCL/KBT-SB vascular graft capable of sustained catalytic release of NO and H<sub>2</sub>S was fabricated. <em>In vitro</em> experiments confirmed the ability to selectively promote endothelial cell proliferation and migration while inhibiting smooth muscle cell activity. The zwitterionic coating and the synergistic dual-gas release system effectively reduced protein adsorption and polarized macrophages toward M2 phenotype. The PLCL/KBT-SB graft was further evaluated <em>in vivo</em> using a rat abdominal aorta replacement model (n = 8 per group). Histological assessment revealed that the graft reduced the inflammatory state of endothelial cells, promoted endothelial functional maturation, and facilitated the transition of smooth muscle cells toward a contractile phenotype. Furthermore, the grafts demonstrated uniform neotissue distribution at both 1 and 3 months post-implantation, with moderate neointimal thickness and no calcification. Overall, this study provides a promising small-diameter vascular grafts by innovatively integrating gas therapy and surface modification strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115572"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146186062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115599
Shaohua Shi , Seyed Mohsen Sadeghzadeh
Pervious concrete is widely used in low traffic pavements due to its high permeability and environmental benefits; however, limited mechanical strength and durability restrict its broader application. This study investigates the effectiveness of Mn2Mo3O8 nanofibers as a surface treatment to enhance the performance of pervious concrete paving flags. Mn2Mo3O8 with a well defined fibrous and mesoporous structure were synthesized via a hydrothermal assisted sol gel method and applied using four surface treatment techniques: spraying, submerging, double submerging, and brushing. The performance of treated paving flags was evaluated in accordance with EN 1339, including bending strength, breaking load, water absorption, porosity, permeability, abrasion resistance, and slip resistance. Microstructural characterization was conducted using SEM, TEM, XRD, and VSM analyses. Results indicate that Mn2Mo3O8 NF surface treatment improves mechanical performance, with immersion based methods showing the most pronounced effects. Quantitatively, immersion treatment increased the minimum bending strength and breaking load by up to approximately 25%, while water absorption, porosity, and permeability were reduced by about 20–40% compared with untreated specimens. Mn2Mo3O8 NF surface treatment represents a promising and practical approach for improving the durability and performance of pervious concrete paving systems for low traffic urban infrastructure.
{"title":"Surface treatment of pervious concrete with Mn2Mo3O8 fibrous nanoparticles for enhanced paving performance","authors":"Shaohua Shi , Seyed Mohsen Sadeghzadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115599","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115599","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pervious concrete is widely used in low traffic pavements due to its high permeability and environmental benefits; however, limited mechanical strength and durability restrict its broader application. This study investigates the effectiveness of Mn<sub>2</sub>Mo<sub>3</sub>O<sub>8</sub> nanofibers as a surface treatment to enhance the performance of pervious concrete paving flags. Mn<sub>2</sub>Mo<sub>3</sub>O<sub>8</sub> with a well defined fibrous and mesoporous structure were synthesized via a hydrothermal assisted sol gel method and applied using four surface treatment techniques: spraying, submerging, double submerging, and brushing. The performance of treated paving flags was evaluated in accordance with EN 1339, including bending strength, breaking load, water absorption, porosity, permeability, abrasion resistance, and slip resistance. Microstructural characterization was conducted using SEM, TEM, XRD, and VSM analyses. Results indicate that Mn<sub>2</sub>Mo<sub>3</sub>O<sub>8</sub> NF surface treatment improves mechanical performance, with immersion based methods showing the most pronounced effects. Quantitatively, immersion treatment increased the minimum bending strength and breaking load by up to approximately 25%, while water absorption, porosity, and permeability were reduced by about 20–40% compared with untreated specimens. Mn<sub>2</sub>Mo<sub>3</sub>O<sub>8</sub> NF surface treatment represents a promising and practical approach for improving the durability and performance of pervious concrete paving systems for low traffic urban infrastructure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115599"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115600
Yipu Xu , Run-Zi Wang , Yutaka S. Sato , Kiyoaki T. Suzuki , Yue Zhao , Zongli Yi , Aiping Wu
Super martensitic stainless steel (SMSS) is extensively applied in hydroelectric, petrochemical, and nuclear power fields because it combines relatively low cost with excellent mechanical performance. This study innovatively employs in-situ alloying approach to tailor the retained austenite (RA) content in SMSS by adjusting the mixing ratio of austenitic stainless steel (ASS) and ferritic stainless steel (FSS) feedstocks during wire-arc directed energy deposition (DED). The microstructural distribution of the as-deposited component reveals pronounced spatial heterogeneity. With the gradual reduction of γ-stabilizer elements along the building direction (BD), the RA content steadily decreases, whereas δ-ferrite exhibits an opposite increasing trend. Notably, the volume fraction of α’-martensite first increases and then declines. The microstructural evolution correlates directly with mechanical properties, reflected in an initial enhancement followed by a degradation in strength, along with a continuous loss of ductility. Compared with conventional approach, this strategy enables location-specific control of phase fractions and enhances the efficiency and flexibility of designing compositionally graded SMSS components.
{"title":"Tailoring retained austenite and mechanical properties in super martensitic stainless steel in-situ alloyed via wire-arc directed energy deposition","authors":"Yipu Xu , Run-Zi Wang , Yutaka S. Sato , Kiyoaki T. Suzuki , Yue Zhao , Zongli Yi , Aiping Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115600","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115600","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Super martensitic stainless steel (SMSS) is extensively applied in hydroelectric, petrochemical, and nuclear power fields because it combines relatively low cost with excellent mechanical performance. This study innovatively employs in-situ alloying approach to tailor the retained austenite (RA) content in SMSS by adjusting the mixing ratio of austenitic stainless steel (ASS) and ferritic stainless steel (FSS) feedstocks during wire-arc directed energy deposition (DED). The microstructural distribution of the as-deposited component reveals pronounced spatial heterogeneity. With the gradual reduction of γ-stabilizer elements along the building direction (BD), the RA content steadily decreases, whereas δ-ferrite exhibits an opposite increasing trend. Notably, the volume fraction of α’-martensite first increases and then declines. The microstructural evolution correlates directly with mechanical properties, reflected in an initial enhancement followed by a degradation in strength, along with a continuous loss of ductility. Compared with conventional approach, this strategy enables location-specific control of phase fractions and enhances the efficiency and flexibility of designing compositionally graded SMSS components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115600"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146186078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Materials whose mechanical properties can be adjusted under the effect of magnetic fields offer new opportunities for adaptive systems. This study presents new, soft composite materials that integrate a magnetorheological (MR) fluid encapsulated in an elastomeric matrix, and whose spatial distribution of magnetizable particles is dynamically controlled, thereby modifying the flow properties of the MR fluid and hence the stiffness of the composites. Experimental results from both monotonic (simple) and cyclic compression tests performed under various magnetic field strengths (0–500 mT) reveal a significant enhancement in compressive stiffness, mechanical response, and energy dissipation compared with conventional MR elastomers (MREs). Notably, a composite with 13.3 vol% of magnetizable particles achieved up to +60% higher energy dissipation than conventional MREs, and +276% compared to similar MR fluid-filled cavity systems reported in the literature. Monotonic and cyclic compression tests confirmed a strong magnetorheological effect and revealed clear hyperelastic behavior with pronounced Mullins softening, accurately captured using the Mooney-Rivlin model combined with a softening function. These results make MR fluid-based composites highly promising materials for soft robotics, vibration control, and other applications requiring tunable mechanical response and efficient energy dissipation.
{"title":"Soft when needed, stiff when required: magnetic control of mechanical behavior via fluid-inclusion composites","authors":"Malika Saad Saoud , Jean Zaraket , Vanessa Fierro , Alain Celzard","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115614","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115614","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Materials whose mechanical properties can be adjusted under the effect of magnetic fields offer new opportunities for adaptive systems. This study presents new, soft composite materials that integrate a magnetorheological (MR) fluid encapsulated in an elastomeric matrix, and whose spatial distribution of magnetizable particles is dynamically controlled, thereby modifying the flow properties of the MR fluid and hence the stiffness of the composites. Experimental results from both monotonic (simple) and cyclic compression tests performed under various magnetic field strengths (0–500 mT) reveal a significant enhancement in compressive stiffness, mechanical response, and energy dissipation compared with conventional MR elastomers (MREs). Notably, a composite with 13.3 vol% of magnetizable particles achieved up to +60% higher energy dissipation than conventional MREs, and +276% compared to similar MR fluid-filled cavity systems reported in the literature. Monotonic and cyclic compression tests confirmed a strong magnetorheological effect and revealed clear hyperelastic behavior with pronounced Mullins softening, accurately captured using the Mooney-Rivlin model combined with a softening function. These results make MR fluid-based composites highly promising materials for soft robotics, vibration control, and other applications requiring tunable mechanical response and efficient energy dissipation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115614"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146186080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-06DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115627
Guibo Fan , Ao Zhang , Ayang Zhao , Yueyue Gao , Yuting Rong , Rui Xin , Liangcan He , Sihua Qi
Ischemic stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide, with therapeutic efficacy limited by narrow treatment windows and severe ischemia–reperfusion injury. Excessive oxidative stress and neuroinflammation drive progressive neuronal injury after ischemia–reperfusion, with ferroptosis emerging as a key downstream form of regulated cell death, thereby underscoring the need for lesion-specific and sustained neuroprotective interventions. Propofol exhibits intrinsic antioxidant, mitochondrial-protective, and anti-ferroptotic activities beyond its anesthetic effects. However, its therapeutic application in ischemic stroke is constrained by insufficient accumulation at ischemic lesion sites and rapid systemic clearance, resulting in unstable neuroprotective efficacy. In this study, we developed a macrophage membrane–coated lipid nanoparticle loaded with propofol (MCM@LNP@Propofol), integrating efficient liposomal encapsulation, membrane-biomimetic inflammation targeting, and environmentally responsive drug release within a single modular platform. The nanoparticles exhibit high encapsulation efficiency, uniform size distribution and colloidal stability. The macrophage membrane coating preserves key immune-evading and inflammation-homing features, markedly enhancing propofol accumulation in ischemic brain lesions compared with non-biomimetic liposomes. Furthermore, incorporation of an ROS-sensitive thioketal–PEG linker endows the system with dual pH/ROS responsiveness, enabling spatially controlled drug release within the ischemia–reperfusion microenvironment. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that MCM@LNP@Propofol effectively suppresses ferroptosis, restores mitochondrial homeostasis, and significantly improves neurological function. Mechanistic investigations further reveal that these protective effects are mediated predominantly through activation of the EGFR/NRF2 signaling axis. Overall, this work presents a multifunctional, inflammation-targeted nanotherapeutic platform that stabilizes and enhances the therapeutic performance of propofol, offering a safe and translatable materials-based strategy for ischemic stroke treatment.
{"title":"Biomimetic propofol liposomes alleviate ischemic stroke by targeting ferroptosis via EGFR/Nrf2 pathway activation","authors":"Guibo Fan , Ao Zhang , Ayang Zhao , Yueyue Gao , Yuting Rong , Rui Xin , Liangcan He , Sihua Qi","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115627","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115627","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ischemic stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide, with therapeutic efficacy limited by narrow treatment windows and severe ischemia–reperfusion injury. Excessive oxidative stress and neuroinflammation drive progressive neuronal injury after ischemia–reperfusion, with ferroptosis emerging as a key downstream form of regulated cell death, thereby underscoring the need for lesion-specific and sustained neuroprotective interventions. Propofol exhibits intrinsic antioxidant, mitochondrial-protective, and anti-ferroptotic activities beyond its anesthetic effects. However, its therapeutic application in ischemic stroke is constrained by insufficient accumulation at ischemic lesion sites and rapid systemic clearance, resulting in unstable neuroprotective efficacy. In this study, we developed a macrophage membrane–coated lipid nanoparticle loaded with propofol (MCM@LNP@Propofol), integrating efficient liposomal encapsulation, membrane-biomimetic inflammation targeting, and environmentally responsive drug release within a single modular platform. The nanoparticles exhibit high encapsulation efficiency, uniform size distribution and colloidal stability. The macrophage membrane coating preserves key immune-evading and inflammation-homing features, markedly enhancing propofol accumulation in ischemic brain lesions compared with non-biomimetic liposomes. Furthermore, incorporation of an ROS-sensitive thioketal–PEG linker endows the system with dual pH/ROS responsiveness, enabling spatially controlled drug release within the ischemia–reperfusion microenvironment. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that MCM@LNP@Propofol effectively suppresses ferroptosis, restores mitochondrial homeostasis, and significantly improves neurological function. Mechanistic investigations further reveal that these protective effects are mediated predominantly through activation of the EGFR/NRF2 signaling axis. Overall, this work presents a multifunctional, inflammation-targeted nanotherapeutic platform that stabilizes and enhances the therapeutic performance of propofol, offering a safe and translatable materials-based strategy for ischemic stroke treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115627"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115520
Mohd Aqib, Kopparthi Ravikiran, Leijun Li, Vinay Prasad
Machine learning (ML) driven methodologies are more efficient than traditional trial-and-error-based materials design; however, extensive training datasets are required for their development. To overcome this challenge, we developed a multifidelity active learning (MFAL) framework that significantly improves optimization efficiency compared to typical evolutionary methods. This framework strategically balances the computational effort between high- and low-fidelity evaluations, thereby reducing experimental burden while effectively guiding the search towards optimal compositions. MFAL was applied to high-entropy alloy (HEA) design, enabling the discovery of compositions that approach the theoretical minimum coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The optimized composition was efficiently identified, validating the developed framework as robust and scalable. The quantitative study shows that the MFAL framework achieved near-optimal convergence in around 75 iterations, using only 55–65% costly high-fidelity evaluations, in contrast to single-fidelity methods that needed 100% high-fidelity assessments. Compared to trial-and-error approaches, MFAL delivers five-fold improvement in optimization speed while requiring 40% fewer high-fidelity evaluations than conventional methods. It demonstrates optimization of experimental/computational resources by strategically focusing expensive evaluations on the most promising compositional areas. MFAL has the potential for rapid development of next-generation alloys with customized properties and insights into composition-property relationships.
{"title":"A multi-fidelity active learning framework for accelerated alloy design","authors":"Mohd Aqib, Kopparthi Ravikiran, Leijun Li, Vinay Prasad","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115520","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Machine learning (ML) driven methodologies are more efficient than traditional trial-and-error-based materials design; however, extensive training datasets are required for their development. To overcome this challenge, we developed a multifidelity active learning (MFAL) framework that significantly improves optimization efficiency compared to typical evolutionary methods. This framework strategically balances the computational effort between high- and low-fidelity evaluations, thereby reducing experimental burden while effectively guiding the search towards optimal compositions. MFAL was applied to high-entropy alloy (HEA) design, enabling the discovery of compositions that approach the theoretical minimum coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The optimized composition was efficiently identified, validating the developed framework as robust and scalable. The quantitative study shows that the MFAL framework achieved near-optimal convergence in around 75 iterations, using only 55–65% costly high-fidelity evaluations, in contrast to single-fidelity methods that needed 100% high-fidelity assessments. Compared to trial-and-error approaches, MFAL delivers five-fold improvement in optimization speed while requiring 40% fewer high-fidelity evaluations than conventional methods. It demonstrates optimization of experimental/computational resources by strategically focusing expensive evaluations on the most promising compositional areas. MFAL has the potential for rapid development of next-generation alloys with customized properties and insights into composition-property relationships.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115520"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115532
Thang Q. Tran, Xinying Deng, Carla Canturri, Chu Long Tham, Muthu Vignesh Vellayappan, Xiaoying Qi, Hitheshvar Ramasamy Rajkumar, Jiazhao Huang, Jingyi Yang, Mui Ling Sharon Nai
Here we investigate the correlations between the quality and properties of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) feedstock filaments and their material extrusion 3D printed counterparts. Three ABS filaments with different dimensional accuracy, density, residue content, and defects were employed to fabricate ABS parts at the same printing conditions and evaluated for mechanical strength, dimensional precision, mesostructures, and heat-induced shrinkage. It was found that poor-quality ABS filaments could lower the mechanical performance and dimensional accuracy of the printed parts while feedstocks with higher density and lower residue content yielded higher heat-induced shrinkage rate (up to 21.4%). Exploiting this differential shrinkage, a novel direct four-dimensional (4D) printing method was developed to fabricate self-bending bilayer structures triggered by heat stimulus without programming process. The findings offer valuable insight into the critical role of the quality and properties of ABS feedstock filaments in defining the printed parts’ behaviors and suggest great potentials of the proposed 4D printing method for fabricating smart polymer structures made of a wide range of thermoplastic materials even without shape-memory properties.
{"title":"Additive manufacturing of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene: Feedstock quality correlations, heat-induced shrinkage, and 4D printing applications","authors":"Thang Q. Tran, Xinying Deng, Carla Canturri, Chu Long Tham, Muthu Vignesh Vellayappan, Xiaoying Qi, Hitheshvar Ramasamy Rajkumar, Jiazhao Huang, Jingyi Yang, Mui Ling Sharon Nai","doi":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115532","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115532","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Here we investigate the correlations between the quality and properties of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) feedstock filaments and their material extrusion 3D printed counterparts. Three ABS filaments with different dimensional accuracy, density, residue content, and defects were employed to fabricate ABS parts at the same printing conditions and evaluated for mechanical strength, dimensional precision, mesostructures, and heat-induced shrinkage. It was found that poor-quality ABS filaments could lower the mechanical performance and dimensional accuracy of the printed parts while feedstocks with higher density and lower residue content yielded higher heat-induced shrinkage rate (up to 21.4%). Exploiting this differential shrinkage, a novel direct four-dimensional (4D) printing method was developed to fabricate self-bending bilayer structures triggered by heat stimulus without programming process. The findings offer valuable insight into the critical role of the quality and properties of ABS feedstock filaments in defining the printed parts’ behaviors and suggest great potentials of the proposed 4D printing method for fabricating smart polymer structures made of a wide range of thermoplastic materials even without shape-memory properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":383,"journal":{"name":"Materials & Design","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 115532"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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