Mohamed Abdel-Mongy¹, Mudassir Iqbal², M. Farag³, Ahmed. M. Yosri^1,*, Fahad Alsharari¹, Saif Eldeen A. S. Yousef⁴

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.141, No.1, pp. 525-543, 2024, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2024.052505

Abstract Alkali-activated materials/geopolymer (AAMs), due to their low carbon emission content, have been the focus of recent studies on ecological concrete. In terms of performance, fly ash and slag are preferred materials for precursors for developing a one-part geopolymer. However, determining the optimum content of the input parameters to obtain adequate performance is quite challenging and scarcely reported. Therefore, in this study, machine learning methods such as artificial neural networks (ANN) and gene expression programming (GEP) models were developed using MATLAB and GeneXprotools, respectively, for the prediction of compressive strength under variable input materials and content… More >

Zeinab Osman^1,2,3,*, Antonio Pizzi^2,*, Bertrand Charrier³

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.7, pp. 1291-1310, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.051619

Abstract Tannin was extracted from different subspecies of Acacia nilotica, Acacia nilotica nilotica (Ann), Acacia nilotica tomentosa (Ant) and Acacia nilotica adansonii (Ana). The aim was to elucidate their structure and evaluate their reactivity as bioadhesives in the wood industry. The extracts were prepared by hot water extraction (90°C temperature). Their gel time with paraformaldehyde was used at first to compare their reactivity. The tannin contents and the percentage of total polyphenolic materials in different solutions of the extracts spray dried powder were determined by the hide powder method. Concentrated solutions (47%) were tested by both MALDI ToF, CNMR.… More > Graphic Abstract

Elham A. Badr¹, Gehan Sh. Bakhoum¹, Mervat Sh. Sadak², Ibrahim Al-Ashkar³, Mohammad Sohidul Islam⁴, Ayman El Sabagh^5,6,*, Magdi T. Abdelhamid^2,7,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.93, No.7, pp. 1623-1645, 2024, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2024.054453

Abstract While Egypt’s canola production per unit area has recently grown, productivity remains low, necessitating increased productivity. Hydrogels are water-absorbent polymer compounds that can optimize irrigation schedules by increasing the soil’s ability to retain water. Accordingly, two field experiments were conducted to examine hydrogel application to sandy soil on canola growth, biochemical aspects, yield, yield traits, and nutritional quality of yielded seeds grown under water deficit stress conditions. The experiments were conducted by arranging a split-plot layout in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three times replications of each treatment. While water stress at 75%… More >

Mingxu Zhang¹, Mingliang Wang², Wei Zhang^3,*

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring, Vol.18, No.5, pp. 599-622, 2024, DOI:10.32604/sdhm.2024.051949

Abstract This paper examines the mechanical behavior of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)-confined concrete under cyclic compression using the 3D cohesive zone model (CZM). A numerical modeling method was developed, employing zero-thickness cohesive elements to represent the stress-displacement relationship of concrete potential fracture surfaces and FRP-concrete interfaces. Additionally, mixed-mode damage plastic constitutive models were proposed for the concrete potential fracture surfaces and FRP-concrete interface, considering interfacial friction. Furthermore, an anisotropic plastic constitutive model was developed for the FRP composite jacket. The CZM model proposed in this study was validated using experimental data from plain concrete and large More >

Ao Lu¹, Ming Xiong¹, Chen Chen¹, Liangjiang Li¹, Haibei Tan¹, Xiong Xu^2,3,*

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.20, No.7, pp. 1633-1646, 2024, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2024.051010

Abstract Traditional asphalt rejuvenators, like aromatic oil (AO), are known to be effective in improving the low-temperature properties and fatigue performances of aged SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) modified asphalt (SBSMA) binders and mixtures. However, these rejuvenators inevitably compromise their high-temperature properties and deformation resistances because they dilute asphalt binder but do not fix the damaged structures of aged SBS. In this study, a highly-active chemical called polymerized 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (PMDI) was used to assist the traditional AO asphalt rejuvenator. The physical and rheological characteristics of rejuvenated SBSMA binders and the moisture-induced damage and rut deformation performances of corresponding… More > Graphic Abstract

Xiao Huang^1,2, Jin Yang^3,*

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.20, No.6, pp. 1393-1406, 2024, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2024.046360

Abstract Cement-based materials are fundamental in the construction industry, and enhancing their properties is an ongoing challenge. The use of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) has gained significant attention as a possible way to improve the performance of cement-based materials due to their unique water-absorption and retention properties. This study investigates the multifaceted impact of kaolin intercalation-modified superabsorbent polymers (K-SAP) on the properties of cement mortar. The results show that K-SAP significantly affects the cement mortar’s rheological behavior, with distinct phases of water absorption and release, leading to changes in workability over time. Furthermore, K-SAP alters the hydration More >

Aneel Manan¹, Pu Zhang^1,*, Shoaib Ahmad², Jawad Ahmad²

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.1, pp. 15-44, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.053859

Abstract Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars are gaining popularity as an alternative to steel reinforcement due to their advantages such as corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio. However, FRP has a lower modulus of elasticity compared to steel. Therefore, special attention is required in structural design to address deflection related issues and ensure ductile failure. This research explores the use of machine learning algorithms such as gene expression programming (GEP) to develop a simple and effective equation for predicting the elastic modulus of hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer (HFPR) bars. A comprehensive database of 125 experimental results of HFPR… More >

Rauany Cristina Lopes¹, Tamires Nossa², Wilton Rogério Lustri¹, Gabriel Lombardo^3,4,5, Maria Inés Errea^3,4, Eliane Trovatti^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.4, pp. 643-666, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.048957

Abstract Polymers from renewable resources have been used for a long time in biomedical applications and found an irreplaceable role in some of them. Their uses have been increasing because of their attractive properties, contributing to the improvement of life quality, mainly in drug release systems and in regenerative medicine. Formulations using natural polymer, nano and microscale particles preparation, composites, blends and chemical modification strategies have been used to improve their properties for clinical application. Although many studies have been carried out with these natural polymers, the way to reach the market is long and only More >

Tezara Cionita^1,*, Mohammad Hazim Mohamad Hamdan², Januar Parlaungan Siregar^3,4,*, Deni Fajar Fitriyana⁵, Ramli Junid⁶, Wong Ling Shing⁷, Jamiluddin Jaafar⁸, Agustinus Purna Irawan⁹, Teuku Rihayat¹⁰, Rifky Ismail¹¹, Athanasius Priharyoto Bayuseno¹¹, Emilianus Jehadus¹²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.3, pp. 457-483, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.045814

Abstract Recent decades have seen a substantial increase in interest in research on natural fibres that is aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs). Due to their renewable resources and biodegradability, natural fiber-reinforced composites have been investigated as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials to reduce the usage of hazardous waste and environmental pollution. Among the natural fibre, jute fibre obtained from a bast plant has an increasing trend in the application, especially as a reinforcement material. Numerous research works have been performed on jute fibre with regard to reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic composites. Nevertheless, current demands More >

Nobuhito Nagasato¹, Zhengyuan Pei¹, Yasushi Koito^2,*

Frontiers in Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol.22, No.1, pp. 49-63, 2024, DOI:10.32604/fhmt.2024.047502

Abstract Visualization experiments were conducted to clarify the operational characteristics of a polymer pulsating heat pipe (PHP). Hydrofluoroether (HFE)-7100 was used as a working fluid, and its filling ratio was 50% of the entire PHP channel. A semi-transparent PHP was fabricated using a transparent polycarbonate sheet and a plastic 3D printer, and the movements of liquid slugs and vapor plugs of the working fluid were captured with a high-speed camera. The video images were then analyzed to obtain the flow patterns in the PHP. The heat transfer characteristics of the PHP were discussed based on the… More >