Key Engineering Materials

Preface

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053

Analysis of Photovoltaic Solar Thermal Collector Performance Using Compound Parabolic Concentrator and Water Jet

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Tayser Sumer Gaaz, Ahed Hameed Jaaz, Ali H. Mohsin, Kamaruzzaman Sopian
The importance of the solar energy arose from the low cost and clean source. Collection and utilization of solar energy are two of the most important steps in dealing with this valuable energy source. It is promoted extensively and this need for energy also prevents the environment from further destruction. The work is divided into two parts; preparing a suitable cooling system for the substrate of PVT and designing the CPC. The reason for designing a new CPC is that the current CPCs in use are still not performing to a satisfactory level. The work towards a better design has progressed satisfactorily and is being tested. Besides that, it was found that the method of cooling the photovoltaic (PV) cell could be seen as an important role in the design of a better collector. The work performed in this article has outlined several factors to test the superiority and the success of the objectives of this work. These factors are the electrical and thermal efficiency of the PV cell when it is cooled with and without CPC. Regarding the cooling process, a new method of cooling PVT-CPC was employed by using water impingement through designing a nozzle system which was tested at a different spacing of 10 mm from the PV-plate. The experimental results have pointed out an improvement in the thermal efficiency from 41.51% to the highest value of 67.53% showing very promising improvement by 38.53%. The experimental setting and the subsequent parameters for the highest thermal efficiency value occurred with a PVT-CPC-40-mm spacing at an irradiance of 400 W/m2 and water mass flow of 0.334 kg/s. The highest value was obtained at 16.40% showing an improvement of 38.48%. This is in comparison to 32.64% obtained by energy balanced-thermodynamics approach.

Mechanical Properties Improving the Surfaces of the Solar Collectors Using PLD with Nona Materials

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Sarah Saad Faraj, Abduljabbar Edrees Jabri, Salwan Obaid Waheed, Ahmed Y. Qasim, Ahmed A. Mutlaq, Ahmed Dawood Salman, Saad Mohammed Awad
For solar collectors to be more durable and effective in renewable energy applications, surface enhancement is essential. The limited hardness and wear resistance of conventional aluminum alloys, including Al-6063, impair their long-term performance. By employing the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technology to produce AlO₃ nano-coatings, this study seeks to overcome these constraints. The goal of this research is to use nanostructuring to improve the mechanical characteristics, resistance to corrosion, and optical performance of solar collectors. The surface of the solar collector alloy was coated with a nano- material (Al2O3) that had a particle size of 30 ± 5 nm. An Al2O3 nano material coating's micro-structure, phase composition, and effects were examined. PLD was applied to reduce erosion and corrosion and improve the mechanical performance of the aluminum alloy (AL-6063) used on the solar collector's surface. Using PLD, a 10 μm layer of aluminum dioxide was applied to the aluminum alloy's surface to ensure high hardness and a long fatigue life. Hardness testing on the samples showed an improvement in the alloy mechanical characteristics. Before and after deposition, an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy test was carried out. The mechanical characteristics improved after an Al2O3 Nano layer was deposited. The samples' hardness increased from 626 HLD to 672 HLD, and erosion and corrosion decreased. Because of the Nano layer applied via PLD, the atomic percentage of oxygen deposited on the surface of the solar collectors changed between 8.3% and 9.4%, the roughness (x) decreased from 738 µm to 309 µm and the reflection ratio decreases. These outcomes confirm that PLD-deposited Al₂O₃ coatings improve the durability and efficiency of solar collectors, offering a promising solution for future renewable energy systems.

Optimization of Surgical Drill Margin Dimension to Reduce Bone Temperature

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Mohd Faizal Ali Akhbar, Shahrizan Jamaludin, Rodianah Alias
Excessive heat generation during bone drilling is a leading cause of thermal osteonecrosis—a serious risk in medical departments. Despite extensive drill design research, the influence of margin geometry remains underexplored. This study presents finite element modeling and statistical optimization to evaluate and optimize drill margin geometry—specifically margin width (Mw) and height (Mh)—to reduce bone temperature rise during surgery. A thermo-mechanical finite element model was developed in DEFORM-3D to simulate cortical bone drilling using drill bits with varied margin dimensions. The models were validated experimentally using bovine cortical bone, with an average temperature prediction errors of 2.4–8.0%. The maximum bone temperature (Tmax) was selected as the objective function. A central composite design (CCD) was applied to generate experimental runs, followed by response surface methodology (RSM) and desirability-based optimization. The second-order effect of Mw contributed 47.2% to Tmax. The optimal Mh (0.05 mm) and Mw (0.22 mm)—with a desirability value of 0.985—could reduce Tmax below the osteonecrosis level with only a 44.8 °C temperature rise. This study demonstrates a novel computational approach for optimizing surgical drill margins—a previously underutilized parameter. The findings may support future developments in drill bit customization and robotic surgery systems to minimize thermal injury to bone cells.

Vibration-Based Non-Destructive Inspection Method for Detecting Manufacturing Defects in Drill Bits

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Siti Munirah Mohamad Yusof, Leong Wen Chek, Mohammad Yazdi Harmin, Tuan A.Z. Rahman, Baarath Kunjunni
Manufacturing defects in drill bits, especially those with helical oil holes, pose significant challenges in quality control because traditional inspection methods, like optical microscopy and fluid-based testing, often fail to detect internal defects as they are typically focused on surface characteristics. To improve defect detection in drill bit manufacturing, a vibration-based non-destructive testing (NDT) method is proposed. This approach combines finite element analysis (FEA) for simulations with experimental vibration analysis to identify frequency changes that indicate the presence of defects. The methodology now systematically includes the fundamental Bending-1 mode and employs statistical analysis (t-tests) to validate the statistical significance of detected frequency shifts and numerically express uncertainty. The results unequivocally confirm that vibration analysis can effectively distinguish defective drill bits by identifying characteristic frequency changes.

Optimization of Micro-Drilling Parameters for Acoustic Panel Materials Using Taguchi Method

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Jong Yee Fang, Lu Ean Ooi, Choe Yung Teoh, Keng Wai Chan
This study investigates the micro-drilling parameters to minimize perforation error in biodegradable and composite materials: Oil Palm Fiberboard (OPF), Polylactic Acid (PLA), and Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Two biodegradable materials (OPF and PLA) were compared to a standard industrial PCB for benchmarking. Micro perforated hole is important in sound absorber to provide better absorption performance. A Taguchi L27 design of experiments was used to assess the effects of support presence, post-penetration spin time, and spindle speed on dimensional accuracy. For OPF, the lowest average error (0.031 mm) was achieved using no support, a 1 second spin time, and a spindle speed of 6,000 RPM, minimizing tool deflection in the fibrous structure. PLA showed the best result (0.344 mm error) with no support, no spin time, and a moderate spindle speed of 8000 RPM, reducing thermal distortion. For PCB, a layered and brittle material, a sandwiched support setup, no spin time, and a high spindle speed of 10,000 RPM achieved the lowest error (0.040 mm), reducing delamination and chipping. Although the exact optimal settings were not found in the experimental runs, very similar combinations yielded the best accuracy in each material. These findings validate the inferred trends and emphasize the importance of spin time and spindle speed over support. The results provide actionable guidelines for high-precision fabrication of eco-friendly acoustic absorbers, contributing to environmentally sustainable material processing and enhanced indoor acoustic control.

Susceptibility of 5% Nickel Steel to Stress Corrosion Cracking in Liquid Ammonia

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Yoichi Kayamori, Takahiro Kamo, Haruki Igari, Fuminori Yanagimoto, Shin Nakayama
This study aimed to demonstrate the susceptibility of 5% Ni steel to stress corrosion cracking, SCC, in anhydrous liquid ammonia. SCC tests using four-point bend specimens cut from welds in SPV315, HT780 and 5% Ni steel were carried out in anhydrous liquid ammonia with 5wt% NH4CO2NH2 and 0.1MPa O2 at +2.0V, which is an accelerated SCC test condition. No SCC was observed in SPV315, whose strength is within the allowable strength of IGC code 17.12, but SCC was observed in the HAZ of HT780, whose strength is higher than the upper limit of IGC code 17.12. Furthermore, SCC was recognized in the HAZ and base metal of 5% Ni steel, whose nickel content is higher than the upper limit of IGC code 17.12, and this suggests that 5% Ni steel is susceptible to SCC in anhydrous liquid ammonia.

Performance Evaluation of Magnesia – Chromite Refractory in the Flash Smelting Furnace of a Copper Smelting Industrial Area

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Dedy Permana Gunari Sebayang, Mas Irfan Purbawanto Hidayat, Hariyati Purwaningsih
The demand for refractory materials continues to increase, particularly in the copper smelting industry. Flash Smelting Funaces (FSF) require refractories that can withstand high temperatures and aggressive chemical interactions. This study evaluates the performance of Magnesia – Chromite as refractory materials in FSF through tests such as Thermal Expansion, Porosity, Cold Crushing Strength, Bulk Density and Thermal Conductivity. Initial test results show that the brick has high resistance to thermal shock, with a thermal expansion value of -0.3% cold crushing strength of 63.4 Mpa, bulk density of 3.22 g/cm3, porosity of 12.76% and thermal conductivity ranging from 2.8 to 2.9 W/m.K.

Study on Dominant Roles of Damage Mechanisms of Iron Target during Single-Particle Impingement under Varying Low Impact Angles

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Zi Qiang Fang, Le Li, Yu Hang Liu, Zhou Li Jin
For the single-particle erosion of an iron target under low impact angles, normal impact mechanism and tangential cutting mechanism operate through a synergistic interaction yet also compete with each other, each demonstrating distinct emphases. Their relative roles under varying low-incidence angles are worth studying. In this paper, physical experiments of single-particle erosion are conducted on an iron target by impingement of an Al2O3 particle at an impact velocity of 120 m/s and impact angles of 30, 20 and 10 degrees. Results show that tangential cutting dominates the penetration stage for three degree cases. However, normal impact also plays a relatively important role during the penetration stage at 30º. Normal impact dominates the critical stage between penetration and rebound for all three low incident angles, but its influence is weaker at 20º and 10º compared to 30º. Normal impact dominates the rebound stage at 30º, while tangential cutting dominates the rebound stage at both 20º and 10º. Additionally, the influence of normal impact is more pronounced at 20º than at 10º during the rebound stage.

A Novel Graphene-Enhanced Phase Change Material Based Composite Aggregate for Energy Storage Concrete Applications

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Mahsa Salimi, Luigi de Nardo, Valter Carvelli
Phase change materials (PCMs) are increasingly regarded as promising candidates for thermal energy storage (TES) in buildings. However, their low intrinsic thermal conductivity significantly limits their effectiveness. In this study, a novel thermal energy storage aggregate (TSA) was developed by integrating butyl stearate (BS) as a cost-effective organic PCM with high-conductivity graphene nanoplatelets (GN) embedded into expanded clay (EC) aggregates. The composite demonstrated improved thermal conductivity, with 2% GN by weight of PCM yielding the best results in terms of heat transfer and phase change performance. The TSA coated in a dual-layer system exhibited long-term stability and no leakage during thermal cycling. When incorporated into a concrete matrix, the thermal energy storage concrete (TSC) containing EC aggregates with 3.5 wt% 2GN-PCM effectively reduced peak ambient temperature fluctuations by up to 5.2 °C compared to concrete with EC at ≤5% and 50 % humidity. Thermal conductivity increased by 244% compared to normal concrete. Moreover, ultrasonic wave speed rose by ~20%, confirming improved homogeneity. These findings demonstrated that the proposed TSA is a robust and efficient solution for energy storage concrete that improves indoor comfort and energy savings in next-generation buildings.

Low-Temperature Firing of Clay Tiles Incorporating Waste Glass, Sediment Soil, Volcanic Soil and Local Illite Clay

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Chonlathit Pitipoomsuksan, Witsanu Loetchantharangkun, Wilaiwan Leenakul, Ubolrat Wangrakdiskul
This paper aimed to develop low temperature firing of clay tiles. Waste glass had been reutilized for lowering the firing temperature of clay bodies. Alternative materials were also used in this study. They consisted of sediment soil, local volcanic soil, and local illite clay. In addition, boric oxide was also used as a sintering aid in this study. A total of 36 formulations were prepared, categorized into three main groups (A, B, and C). The samples were prepared by uniaxial pressing at 100 bars and then fired at 800 °C and 850 °C to evaluate their physical and mechanical properties. The results indicated that formulation B12 (consisting of 75% CGC, 25% SVS, and 2% boric oxide) exhibited the highest flexural strength (26.05 MPa) and the lowest water absorption (0.26%) at 850 °C. Additionally, both B12 and C12 formulations fired at 800 °C also achieved the requirements of the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS 2508-2555) for types BIIb and BIII, respectively. Microstructural analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and phase identification through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) revealed that the crystalline phases cristobalite, wollastonite, and albite as well as amorphous glassy phases play key roles in improving the density and mechanical properties of ceramic bodies. It can be concluded that the combination of industrial waste and locally sourced natural clays in Thailand enables the development of eco-friendly clay tiles with suitable properties at low firing temperatures, in compliance with national ceramic product standards.

Eco-Friendly Non-Fired Tiles by Utilizing Waste Glass and Limestone Dust

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Witsanu Loetchantharangkun, Chonlathit Pitipoomsuksan, Purinut Maingam, Ubolrat Wangrakdiskul
Increasingly accumulated as waste each year and depletion of fossil fuel, this leads to challenge work for alleviating this problem. Therefore, this research aimed to utilize clear glass cullet, for developing non-fired wall tiles. It need not to consume energy for firing. The base formulation of the experiment was composed of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), lateritic soil (LS), crushed limestone dust (CLD), and river sand (RS). The experimental design was divided into four groups: Group A was the control formulation, while Groups B, C, and D incorporated glass cullet as a partial replacement for OPC, LS, and CLD, respectively, at different levels. After mixing, the specimens were formed under a uniaxial pressure of 100 bar and subsequently cured at room temperature for 7 and 21 days. The properties evaluated included flexural strength, water absorption, linear shrinkage, and bulk density, with reference to the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) 2508–2555, type BIII. The results indicated that the replacement of clear glass cullet in OPC, LS, and CLD yielded an experimental formulation that satisfied the standard requirements. Specifically, formulation C3, consisting of 15% CGC, 22.5% OPC, 40% LS, 15% CLD, and 7.5% RS, achieved a flexural strength of 12.27 MPa and a water absorption of 13.92%. This formulation was identified as the optimum mix for the 21-day curing age because it satisfies the requirements of the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS). In addition, a microstructure analysis of selected specimens was conducted. It was found that formulation C3 revealed the highest formation of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel, which corresponded to its high bending strength.

Preliminary Study on CO2 Sequestration in High-Calcium Fly Ash Geopolymer Cement via Direct Air CO2 Capture

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Kasidin Patcharapat, Teewara Suwan, Chotiros Boonpeng, Tawatchai Tanchaisawat, Peerapong Jitsangiam, Mizi Fan
This study investigates CO₂ sequestration in high-calcium fly ash (HCFA) geopolymer cement through combined heat and CO₂ curing. Class C fly ash from the lignite-fired power plant was activated with 10 M NaOH (L/B = 0.40). Two curing regimes were applied: heat curing at 60 °C for 24 h (Typical GP) and heat curing followed by CO₂ curing at 15 % v/v for 24 h (CO₂ Curing GP). CO₂ curing increased the average compressive strength by 7.16 %, from 15.75 to 16.87 MPa. Phenolphthalein testing revealed a ~4.3-fold increase in carbonation area and a greater average penetration depth, from 1.9 to 7.9 mm, compared with the control. XRD confirmed calcite as the main carbonation product, along with hematite, magnetite, sodium sulfate, and ye’elimite. This work represents an initial step toward applying industrial CO₂-rich gas for geopolymer curing in Thailand, offering dual benefits of improved mechanical performance and significant CO₂ capture potential for sustainable construction.

Comprehensive Review on Numerical Modelling on Crack and Fracture in Concrete

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Hadi Kusnanto, Waluyo Adi Siswanto, Supriyono Supriyono, Mohammad Sukri Mustapa
Concrete cracking behavior under distributed forces is influenced by several factors such as material properties, crack initiation, propagation, and the impact of external loads. This paper aims to explore the relationship between concrete surface conditions and concrete material shape and concrete crack patterns under compressive loads. The literature review method uses general search queries with the most important keywords from academic databases, from reputable source Scopus and Science Direct. Following is an example of a query applied in a database for extraction: “rough AND surface AND contact”; “fracture AND mechanics AND of AND concrete”; “pressure AND test AND system”; “concrete AND crack AND pattern AND modeling”; “concrete AND crack AND pattern AND concrete AND compression AND test”; “surface AND contact AND in AND compression AND test”; “surface AND contact AND in AND concrete AND compression AND test”. The literature is limited from 2000 to 2025, obtaining the following three general topic groups: “rough surface contact” with 7347 articles, “compression testing system” with 2108 articles and “concrete crack mechanics” with 4307 articles. The resultss is then further filtered out by applying four groups: “concrete crack pattern in compression test” with 35 articles, “concrete crack pattern modeling” with 60 articles, “surface contact in compression test” with 31 articles and “surface contact in concrete compression test” with 5 articles. A total of 137 identified articles were entered into the Mendeley database in .ris format and then evaluated them using Vosveiwer application to see the most frequently appearing and relevant keyword relationships for the proposed research. Mapping results acwuires keywords “numerical simulation”, “concrete”, “fracture” and “crack propagation” most frequently occurring and interconnected. A systematic sythesis are then implemented and compiled for a comprehensive review article relates in a meningful literature.

The Effect of the Member Thickness of the Platform Jacket on the Strength and Fatigue Life: Case Study of the Four-Legged Jacket Offshore Platform

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Anwar Anwar, Rudi Walujo Prastianto, Daniel M. Rosyid
Offshore platforms are marine buildings commonly used for oil and gas exploitation activities. In general, reported failures in the life of offshore structures are fatigue failures resulting from environmental factors, such as random and continuous wave loads. In addition to environmental factors, the determination of the dimensions and thickness of the structure also plays an important role in increasing its strength. This study used Finite Element software with in-place analysis to calculate the strength and deterministic fatigue method for fatigue life analysis. This study aims to analyze the effect of the thickness of the jacket structure members on the strength and fatigue life. The results of the analysis showed that there was an increase in maximum UC and a decrease in fatigue life due to a reduction in thickness in the jacket members, where the initial model had a maximum UC of 0.64 with a fatigue life of 1285.83 years, while the 10% thickness reduction had a UC of 0.71 with a fatigue life of 552.07 years, a thickness reduction of 20% had a UC of 0.79 with a fatigue life of 213.80 years, a thickness reduction of 30% had a UC of 0.90 with a fatigue life of 62.14 years and a thickness reduction of 40% had a UC of 1.04 with a fatigue life 14.71 years. This research is expected to be a reference in designing the jacket structure to determine the optimal dimensions according to the planned fatigue life.

Optimizing Seismic Performance in Steel Beam-Column Connections: The Contribution of Cover Plates in RBS Configurations

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Cintantya Budi Casita, Budi Suswanto, Data Iranata, Aniendhita Rizki Amalia, Masahide Matsumura, Shinya Watanabe, Tchabremane Jean De La Croix Kombate
This study presents a comparative evaluation of four steel beam-to-column connection configurations—Conventional (CONV), Cover Plate (CP), Reduced Beam Section (RBS), and a hybrid Reduced Beam Section with Cover Plate (RBSCP)—under cyclic loading conditions, with particular emphasis on hysteresis behavior and energy dissipation capacity. Finite element simulations were performed up to 6% story drift to evaluate each model’s performance against the seismic demand limits prescribed in ASCE/SEI 41-17. All configurations demonstrated adequate ductility for moderate to severe seismic events. The CONV model underperformed in both energy dissipation and stiffness retention, producing narrower hysteresis loops and exhibiting earlier stiffness degradation. In contrast, the CP connection achieved the highest energy dissipation and moment strength at all drift levels, attributed to the increased flange stiffness from the cover plates. The RBS model exhibited stable, well-balanced hysteresis loops with slightly lower strength but effective energy dissipation, benefiting from the intentional relocation of the plastic hinge away from the column face. The RBSCP connection combined the advantages of strength and ductility, sustaining broad and stable hysteresis loops with minor asymmetry between the positive and negative directions. Although it did not surpass CP in peak strength, RBSCP offered a well-balanced seismic performance. Envelope curve analysis revealed distinct differences in stiffness and degradation patterns. These findings highlight the potential of hybrid configurations such as RBSCP, with further geometric optimization recommended to enhance consistency and reliability.

Preparation of Vegetable Waste-Derived Paper Incorporated with Activated Carbon for Delay Mango Ripening and Its Application

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Pongsert Sriprom, Phaewa Thongkham, Jurairat Taweesukyingjaroen, Apiruk Somphan, Kanjana Manamoongmongkol, Pornsawan Assawaseangrat
In this study, the vegetable waste-derived paper was developed from vegetable waste-derived fiber and Mahachanok mango seed-derived activated carbon to extend the shelf life of Golden Nam Dok Mai mangoes. Vegetable waste was subjected to alkaline processing using sodium hydroxide to extract plant-based fibers, which were then formed into paper sheets. Activated carbon, derived from Mahachanok mango seeds by carbonization at 450°C and activated by potassium permanganate (KMnO4), was incorporated into the vegetable waste-derived paper to enhance ethylene adsorption efficiency. Three formulations of ripening delay paper were prepared: paper without activated carbon, paper containing 10 g of activated carbon, and paper containing 20 g of activated carbon. The physical properties of the papers were evaluated in terms of tensile strength and water drop absorption. The vegetable waste-derived paper incorporated with 20 g activated carbon showed the highest performance among the developed papers (1.20 ± 0.24 MPa and 0.74 seconds, respectively). Application tests on Golden Nam Dok Mai mangoes showed that the 10 g activated carbon formulation was the most effective in preserving flesh color, maintaining firmness, and balancing total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA), indicating a delayed ripening process. Therefore, ripening delay paper synthesized from vegetable fiber and supplemented with 10 g of activated carbon per 1 kg of fruit was proven to effectively prolong mango shelf life by up to 3 days, demonstrating its potential as a biodegradable solution for postharvest quality preservation.

Biodegradable Properties of PVA/AKD Incorporated with ZnO Nanoparticles for Food Packaging Application

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Farah Hanani Zulkifli, Tong Hui Shan, Matsumura Kazuaki
The growing demand for sustainable packaging materials has driven research toward the development of biodegradable polymer-based films with enhanced functional properties. This study aims to characterize the biodegradation properties of PVA/AKD/ZnO using soil burial method. PVA/AKD/ZnO films were prepared by solvent casting method at concentrations of 10 w/v %, 3 wt%, and 1 wt%, respectively. The films were subjected to soil burial degradation for 15, 30, 45, and 60 days, and their degradation behavior was monitored over time. The surface morphology, chemcial interactions, and thermal properties was determined by comparing the initial and post-degradation sample behavior. The outcomes of this study are anticipated to support the development of biodegradable materials for active food packaging applications.

Development of Functional Fish Gelatin-Based Biomaterial Films Reinforced with Astaxanthin-Rich Oil Extracted from Penaeus Monodon Byproducts via Green NADES-Ultrasonication

Mon, 4 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Publication date: 4 May 2026
Source: Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1053
Author(s): Daniel Tua Purba, Pichayada Somboon
This study developed a functional bioactive film based on fish gelatin (FG) with astaxanthin-rich oil (Ax) extracted from black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) byproducts using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) and ultrasond-assited extraction. The extracted oil showed high antioxidant activity (80.24% DPPH scavenging) and good oxidative stability (PV = 3.12 mEq/kg) within the GOED limit. Fish gelatin films with different Ax concentrations (0.25–1%) were characterized for color, transparency, moisture content, solubility, thickness, and mechanical properties. Results showed that Ax increased film thickness and mechanical properties while decreasing solubility and moisture content. Higher Ax levels similarly increased opacity and redness due to astaxanthin’s carotenoid pigments. FTIR analysis confirmed the molecular interaction between gelatin and Ax, especially hydrogen bonding and ester linkages. These results demonstrate that incorporating astaxanthin-rich oil into fish gelatin film can enhance its functional properties for use in bioactive packaging applications.