Materials Science Forum Vol. 1189

Abstract: In hot and humid climates, premature pavement failures, such as rutting and surface deformation, continue to be significant problems. High temperatures shorten the stiffness and durability of asphalt mixtures by encouraging the softening and aging of the binder. Using the right additives to increase asphalt's mechanical strength and resistance is essential for prolonging pavement life. Hence,this study investigates the optimization of binder content and mechanical performance of asphalt mixtures incorporating garnet waste at various proportions. The optimum bitumen content was prepared utilizing Marshalll mix design method then evaluated the mechanical performance using Marshall stability and resilient modulus. 75 samples of AC14 mixture were produced with addition of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% garnet. As a result, 15% of garnet mixture demonstrates the highest stability of 24,300 N and stiffness of 8,450 N/mm. Meanwhile, resilient modulus analysis observed that 5% of garnet exhibit the optimal propotions, with increased modulus of 5709 MPa at 25 °C and maintained at 40 °C with modulus of 1,343 MPa. The binder aggregate bond was weakened when increasing the proportions of garnet in the mixture as well as reducing the structural of samples. Thus, incorporating garnet waste shows a sustainable additive to improve asphalt mixture properties while promoting environmental sustainability through industrial waste reuse.

Abstract: To investigate creep rupture properties and microstructural changes due to creep of the Mod.9Cr-1Mo steel with high initial hardness, creep rupture tests were carried out at 600°C and 650°C. The hardness of the gauge and grip portions of the ruptured specimens were also measured. This steel exhibited higher creep rupture strength than the conventional material at the two temperatures, but its creep rupture strength showed a larger decreasing tendency at 650°C. For the specimens ruptured at 600°C, an increasing tendency in lath width and a decreasing one in hardness were confirmed in gauge portions, but they were not observed in grip portions. However, for the specimens ruptured at 650°C, the hardness of both gauge and grip portions tended to decrease with the time to rupture, and the recovery of the lath structure and the coarsening of M₂₃C₆ carbides were particularly noticeable in the gauge portions.

Abstract: This study evaluates the effect of temperature variations on the corrosion rates of A106 Grade B steel using dynamic polarization and weight-loss methods. Carbon steel samples were immersed in a 1-molecular-concentration hydrochloric acid electrolyte solution at different temperatures ranging from 25 to 55°C, with or without inhibitors at different concentrations, for a specified period. In this study, nano silica was synthesized in the laboratory using a Sol-gel process to serve as an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor derived from natural sand (Najaf, Iraq). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the inhibitor, producing favorable corrosion rates even at high temperatures in its presence, while corrosion rates decreased in the absence of added inhibitor concentrations (400–1000 ppm). The results and statistical data were analyzed using Tafel and CR plots, Arrhenius analysis (ln (CR) vs. 1/T), and percentage inhibition ratios. Corrosion rates, current densities, and Tafel constants (CR, icorr., βc, βa) were determined during polarization, while the weights of the inhibitor-treated and non-inhibited samples were evaluated during weight loss studies. Tests (XRD, FTIR, AFM, TGA/TDS, and SEM) demonstrated the achievement of the work goal of developing a protective silicate layer of silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles, which provided effective and durable protection of the target metal surface samples from corrosion, especially under temperature fluctuations.

Abstract: The growing energy crisis and environmental challenges have spurred the development of sustainable energy storage solutions. This study synthesizes 3D porous Orange Peel-Lignin activated carbon (OPLAC) from orange peel waste and lignin using a two-step pyrolysis process with KOH activation. The OPLAC was combined with styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) and SUPER P conductive carbon black to create stretchable electrode composites with varying compositions (70:20:10, 60:30:10, and 50:40:10). Mechanical testing revealed that increasing the SIS content improved stretchability, with the 50:40:10 composition achieving 300% strain and retaining 95% durability after 100 cycles. However, higher SIS content reduced electrical conductivity, with the 70:20:10 composition showing the highest conductivity (12 S/cm) and the 50:40:10 the lowest (7 S/cm). The 60:30:10 composition offered a balance between flexibility and conductivity. These results demonstrate the potential of biomass-derived activated carbon for sustainable, high-performance supercapacitor electrodes, particularly for flexible electronics and wearable devices, while highlighting the valorization of agricultural and industrial waste in energy storage applications. Keywords: Stretchable electrode, activated carbon, orange peel waste, Lignin, flexible electronics

Abstract: Solid polymer electrolytes are recently investigated as alternatives to enhance the efficiency of lithium-ion batteries because of their inherent advantages. However, ionic transport through solid polymer electrolytes and mechanical properties of the electrolyte tend to be poorer compared with the liquid organic salt electrolytes. Granted, nanobased materials have attracted increased interest due to their ability to improve the properties of the electrolytes of lithium-ion batteries. This review is intended to highlight recent advances in utilizing nanomaterials in improving the electrochemical and mechanical characteristics of the solid electrolyte to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The synthetic techniques employed, as well as limitations of nanomaterials, are summarized. Recommendations for further development of novel functional nanomaterials for lithium-ion batteries are presented. Insight from this research will guide researchers in lithium battery technologies to make informed decisions, specifically when using nanobased materials.

Abstract: Ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors have garnered considerable attention because of their critical roles in diverse technological applications. This study reports the fabrication and characterization of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposite films prepared via the spin-coating technique on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) substrates for ultraviolet (UV) photodetector applications. Two weight concentrations of SWCNTs (0.04 g and 0.06 g) were investigated to assess their influence on the optical and structural properties of the films. Structural consistency was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while UV–visible spectroscopy revealed optical band gaps of 1.60–2.08 eV. Electrical characterization demonstrated that an increased SWCNT content led to an enhanced current response. The device with 0.04 g SWCNT achieved a detectivity of 1.12 × 10¹⁶ Jones and a photoresponsivity of 11.361 μA/mW, with response and recovery times of 0.36 s and 0.34 s, respectively. The 0.06 g SWCNT device showed improved performance, reaching a photoresponsivity of 12.1414 μA/W and detectivity of 1.43 × 10¹⁶ Jones, with response and recovery times of 0.36 s and 0.38 s, respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential of SWCNT/PANI composites for high-performance UV photodetector applications.