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        <title>Frontiers in Materials | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/materials</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Frontiers in Materials | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-04-21T15:07:58.749+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1846730</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1846730</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Digital technology for materials science and processes modelling]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-21T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Nanfu Zong</author><author>Tao Jing</author><author>Kun Dou</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1755011</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1755011</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Mechanical, durability, and thermal performance of concrete incorporating coffee biochar and raw and calcined montmorillonite]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-21T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Amani Abdallah Hepautwa</author><author>Askwar Hilonga</author><author>Register Mrosso</author><author>Tusekile Alfredy</author><author>Fina Lesafi</author><author>Yusufu Abeid Chande Jande</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionMontmorillonite is a natural aluminosilicate clay with potential as a supplementary cementitious material, although its reactivity in the raw state is limited. This study investigates the effect of raw and calcined montmorillonite on the performance of concrete incorporating 15% pyrolyzed coffee grounds (PCG) at 350 °C.MethodsMontmorillonite calcined at 400, 600, and 800 °C replaced cement at levels of 5%–20%. Mechanical and durability properties were evaluated under acidic, saline, and thermal exposure conditions. Microstructural characterization was conducted using FTIR, XRD, and SEM, and statistical validation was performed using two-way ANOVA.ResultsCalcination enhanced montmorillonite reactivity through amorphization and pozzolanic reactions, resulting in improved pore refinement and matrix densification. Specimens with calcined montmorillonite at 600 °C–800 °C showed superior strength and durability performance.DiscussionThe combined use of calcined montmorillonite and 15% PCG biochar at 350 °C provides a sustainable approach for improving concrete performance.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1759803</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1759803</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Modeling adaptive programmable smart materials for enhancing athletic performance through biomechanical adaptation and energy optimization]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-21T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ang Jiang</author><author>Hanyu Zheng</author><author>Bo Zhu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThis study presents an adaptive modeling framework for programmable self-assembled smart materials designed to enhance athletic performance through biomechanical adaptation and energy optimization.MethodsThe proposed Adaptive Programmable Material Model (APMM) integrates three interconnected modules: the Material Dynamics Module (MDM), the Biomechanical Adaptation Module (BAM), and the Energy Optimization Module (EOM), enabling continuous interaction between material properties, biomechanical feedback, and energy constraints. The framework incorporates the Adaptive Biomechanical Feedback Strategy (ABFS) and the Energy-Constrained Optimization Strategy (ECOS) to support dynamic responsiveness and efficient energy use.Results and DiscussionExperimental results across four benchmark datasets show that the proposed method achieves up to 89.78% accuracy and improves energy efficiency by 8.6% compared to state-of-the-art baselines. These findings demonstrate the model’s effectiveness in enhancing biomechanical responsiveness and energy-aware performance, offering a practical foundation for next-generation sports equipment design.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1739900</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1739900</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Sticky stories: chemical investigation on multi-component adhesives in archaeology]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>I. Bertelli</author><author>M. Zborowska</author><author>M. Bartkowiak</author><author>E. Ribechini</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The present work investigates the composition and the thermochemical properties of multi-component organic adhesives, aiming to gain insights into the interactions among the adhesive components, the degradation and the technologies behind their use. To achieve that, both a series of model mixtures and archaeological samples were studied. Model mixtures were prepared using raw materials (pine resins, beeswax and vegetable oil) that simulated those available in antiquity and were then subjected to degradation processes for 2 months in environmental conditions. The samples were characterised using Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Evolved Gas Analysis-Mass Spectrometry (EGA-MS). ATR-FTIR highlighted compositional differences between samples and, thanks to its rapidity, was employed for monitoring the aging process in these materials over time. Due to the large amount of data generated from ATR-FTIR, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was subsequently applied to facilitate interpretation. Through thermo-analytical techniques, it was possible to elucidate how individual components influence the overall system under varying thermal conditions. In addition, a Design of Experiments (DoE) was employed to identify which variables most strongly affect the thermal stability of the systems.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1799017</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1799017</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Challenges for automotive HPDC components made from aluminium]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Anders E. W. Jarfors</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The rapid rise of electric vehicles and the adoption of Giga/Mega/Hyper-casting are transforming automotive manufacturing and dramatically increasing the demand for aluminium components. This shift exposes critical challenges in high-pressure die casting (HPDC), particularly the inability to perform fast, in-line quality assessment and the persistent deterioration of melt quality during handling and mould filling. The current state-of the art understanding is that “hydrogen is not the primary issue; air entrainment and oxide bifilm are”. Furthermore, “bifilm generation is dominated by melt handling and mould filling.” These defects fundamentally limit mechanical performance, fatigue life, and crashworthiness. Current mitigation strategies—such as gate segmentation and reduced gate speed—offer only partial improvement. The analysis shows that unstable fill-front behaviour in HPDC inherently promotes bifilm formation, whereas semisolid casting can stabilise the flow, suppress fill-front instabilities, and reduce oxide damage. This creates new opportunities for high-integrity structural castings but also introduces challenges related to slurry rheology and segregation. Overall, the work identifies melt handling, fill-front stability, and real-time quality control as the central barriers to producing defect-free aluminium components for next-generation automotive applications.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1772797</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1772797</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A systematic-informed review on analysis of the surface integrity of silicon carbide treated by electrical discharge machining: recast layer, microcracks, and amorphization]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Shuliang Gao</author><author>Ming Wang</author><author>Weichao Chen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Electrical discharge machining (EDM) has emerged as an enabling non-conventional technique for machining silicon carbide (SiC), a ceramic material widely used in high-performance and harsh-environment applications. However, the intense localized thermal loading inherent to EDM can significantly degrade surface integrity, thereby limiting the functional reliability of machined components. This systematic-informed review critically synthesizes published experimental and analytical studies on the surface and subsurface damage of silicon carbide processed by EDM, with particular emphasis on recast layer formation, microcrack development, and amorphization. Following PRISMA-based guidelines, 49 eligible studies were identified and qualitatively analyzed from an initial pool of 328 unique records. The review consolidates reported EDM process variants, key electrical and operational parameters, damage mechanisms, and characterization techniques. The review shows that discharge energy (primarily governed by pulse current, pulse-on time, and voltage) emerges as the dominant factor controlling damage severity. High-energy regimes consistently promote thick recast layers, extensive amorphization, and thermally induced microcracking, whereas low-energy, short-pulse, and assisted EDM configurations mitigate surface degradation. Advanced microstructural characterization, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)/Focused Ion Beam (FIB), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations, provides converging evidence that EDM-induced damage in SiC is governed by rapid melting, decomposition, and quenching-driven residual stresses. By integrating parameter-damage relationships with experimental observations, this review establishes a coherent framework for understanding EDM-induced surface integrity degradation in silicon carbide and highlights key research gaps and optimization pathways for improved machining quality.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1762152</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1762152</link>
        <title><![CDATA[In-situ bridge testing and analysis of the mechanical behavior of epoxy asphalt pavement on steel bridge decks]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Hongming Huang</author><author>Guodong Zeng</author><author>Miao Yuan</author><author>Boxiang Yan</author><author>Wei Xu</author><author>Xuetang Xiong</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The mechanical analysis of steel bridge deck pavements relies heavily on theoretical and numerical methods due to the scarcity of experimental data from actual bridges. To address this gap, in situ dynamic load tests were conducted on the Foshan Pingsheng Bridge, a long-span steel bridge with epoxy asphalt pavement, to investigate its mechanical response under vehicular loading. Dynamic strains were measured on both the pavement surface and the underside of the steel deck. Under a 100 kN axle load, maximum strains reached 262 µε on the deck underside and 227 µε on the pavement surface. Results revealed that increasing vehicle speed linearly reduced the strain pulse duration and elevated the elastic modulus of epoxy asphalt concrete, leading to decreased strain magnitudes. Overloading was found to significantly amplify the response; a 150 kN axle load increased dynamic strain by approximately 50% compared to the 100 kN condition. Finite element simulations showed good agreement with field measurements in terms of strain distribution trends. These findings provide critical experimental benchmarks for validating mechanical models and offer practical guidance for the design of durable steel bridge deck pavement systems. By supplying real-bridge data under controlled dynamic loading, a fundamental gap in bridge pavement research is addressed, supporting the development of more resilient and sustainable bridge infrastructure.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1783208</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1783208</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Research on thermal-mechanical-vibration fatigue test technology of aero-engine compressor blade]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Qinqin Mu</author><author>Qun Yan</author><author>Xiaolin Yang</author><author>Yonghui Chen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionCompressor blades in aero-engines are subjected to complex thermo-mechanical-vibration interactions under service conditions, with foreign object damage (FOD) further exacerbating fatigue failure risks. To accurately evaluate the high-cycle fatigue performance of blades under combined thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) and FOD in operational scenarios, this study developed a multi-physical coupled test system to simulate realistic service environments for rotating components.MethodsA multi-physical coupled test platform was constructed to synchronously simulate thermo-mechanical-vibration interactions. The system achieves centrifugal load and temperature control with an error margin within 1%, while providing high-frequency vibration loading at 1,600 Hz with large displacement, accurately replicating the dynamic stress states of blades during operation. Experiments were conducted on GH4169G compressor blades with prefabricated FOD, systematically investigating synergistic fatigue effects under combined thermal, centrifugal, and vibrational loads.ResultsExperimental results indicate that under combined thermo-mechanical-vibration fatigue loading, low-cycle centrifugal load exerts the most significant influence on fatigue performance, followed by thermal load, with high-cycle vibration load having a relatively lesser effect. Foreign object damage markedly reduces fatigue strength, while an increase in the low-cycle load ratio moderately enhances both fatigue limit and fatigue life. The data further reveal interactive mechanisms of crack initiation and propagation under coupled loading conditions.DiscussionHe proposed multi-physical coupled testing methodology provides direct technical support for experimental evaluation, strength assessment, damage-tolerant design, and condition-based maintenance of aero-engine compressor blades. The findings emphasize the critical need to consider the coupling effects of low-cycle mechanical loads and FOD in fatigue design, offering experimental foundations for future fatigue resistance optimization and life prediction models. This approach can also be extended to multi-axial fatigue reliability studies of other rotating components.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1796209</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1796209</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Fungal-derived functional carbons for secondary batteries: from biomass architectures to electrochemical performance]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Jongyoung Choi</author><author>Yurie Jang</author><author>Weon Ho Shin</author><author>Jong Ho Won</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The growing demand for sustainable energy storage has intensified research into biomass-derived carbon materials. Fungal biomaterials provide a versatile carbon source owing to their hierarchical architectures and chitin-rich compositions. This review evaluates fungal sources based on their structural dimensionality, specifically 1D mycelia, 3D sporocarps, and 0D spores. The influence of these specific morphologies on electrochemical performance across battery components is elucidated in this work. Specifically, 1D mycelial structures form interconnected frameworks ideal for conductive anodes and separators. In contrast, 3D sporocarps provide structural integrity and porosity for robust electrodes, while 0D spores serve as templates for ion flux regulation. This approach reframes fungal materials as dimension-governed templates for designing functional carbon materials, establishing a systematic pathway from intrinsic morphology to device-relevant electrochemical performance.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1764261</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1764261</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Tracking the chemical life histories of spruce resin-beeswax mixtures through degradation experiments using reflectance-mode FTIR]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Lauren Lien</author><author>Dries Cnuts</author><author>Veerle Rots</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Within residue analysis, experimental degradation studies provide a critical bridge between pristine, modern-day reference materials and the altered residues encountered archaeologically. Here we report on outcomes of a 3-year burial experiment involving spruce resin-beeswax adhesives recovered from cave, loess, sandy, forested, and surface contexts. Reflectance-mode Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to document chemical trajectories across nine specimens using pristine reference materials as baselines. Results show that signals from beeswax are generally resilient, while those from spruce resin are more unstable and frequently weakened or replaced by carboxylate bands. These observations are compatible with progressive hydrolysis and the formation of metal carboxylates, or soap salts. Carbonate and hydroxyl bands further reflect environment-associated inputs, though patterns are inconsistent within depositional categories, potentially reflecting micro-environmental heterogeneity. A pilot principal component analysis (PCA) provides exploratory visualization of environment-associated patterning under specific pre-processing strategies but is sensitive to data treatment, underscoring the risk of potential overfitting given the scope of available data. Collectively, these findings illustrate how FTIR can detect both preserved and transformed adhesive signatures, while also emphasizing the need for non-deterministic interpretive frameworks that account for taphonomic variability. The approach and caveats outlined here aim to strengthen the methodological foundation for residue analysis in archaeology by demonstrating how experimental degradation datasets can refine spectral interpretation of archaeological adhesives.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1798717</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1798717</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Macro-micro scale investigation of gradation area effects on particle breakage characteristics of coarse-grained soils]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Xinggang Shen</author><author>Zhiyang Hu</author><author>Yubo Liu</author><author>Zhiming Xiong</author><author>Chaodong Liang</author><author>Jun Du</author><author>Xiao Zhang</author><author>Linhai Lv</author><author>Mingjie Jiang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Particle breakage is a significant cause of deformation and strength degradation in coarse-grained soils. Under the influence of gradation, the characteristics of particle breakage become more complex, posing challenges to the safe design of coarse-grained soil engineering. Previous studies have shown that when the particle size range remains unchanged, the gradation area S can fully represent the gradation changes of the soil. To explore the macroscopic and microscopic effects of the gradation area S on particle breakage, this paper conducts triaxial tests on coarse-grained soils with different gradation areas S, and uses discrete element technology to construct a numerical model to systematically study the macroscopic laws and microscopic mechanisms of particle breakage caused by gradation. The results show that when the confining pressure remains constant, the particle breakage index Br decreases with the increase of the gradation area S, and the two show a linear relationship, with the coefficient of determination exceeding 0.9. Based on the test results, a Br calculation formula considering the influence of the gradation area S is proposed, and the reliability of the formula is verified by combining existing results. The gradation area S significantly changes the microscopic mechanical response by affecting the proportion of coarse particles, and thereby affects the degree of particle breakage. Specifically, as S decreases and the proportion of coarse particles increases, the irregularity of particle motion is significantly enhanced, the proportion of strong chains increases, and the number of tensile fractures increases. The synergistic effect of these microscopic mechanisms is the intrinsic reason for the higher degree of particle breakage in soils with a lower gradation area S. The research results provide theoretical support for the stability design and risk prevention of coarse-grained soil engineering.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1739197</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1739197</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Effect of annealing temperature on microstructure, texture and tensile properties of TC4 titanium alloy wire]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Zhang Mingyu</author><author>Tong Xiaole</author><author>Yue Xu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[In this paper, TC4 titanium alloy wire was taken as the research object, and four groups of different temperatures of 920 °C, 940 °C, 960 °C and 980 °C were set to annealing the alloy. The effects of different annealing temperatures on the microstructure, phase, texture and tensile properties of TC4 titanium alloy wire were studied. The results show that with the increase of annealing temperature, the volume fraction of primary α phase decreases and the morphology tends to be equiaxed, while the content of secondary α phase increases. After annealing at different temperatures, the microstructure is composed of α phase and β phase. The diffraction peak intensity of α phase as the main phase is higher, while the content of β phase is less and the diffraction peak is weaker. The texture analysis shows that the orientation concentration of the alloy changes from <10-10> and <11-20> directions to <11-20> single direction with the increase of annealing temperature, and the texture strength decreases from 7.48 to 5.27. In terms of tensile properties, the strength of the alloy remains stable when the annealing temperature is 920–940 °C. When the temperature rises to 960 °C, the strength increases significantly and the plasticity decreases. At 980 °C, the strength reaches the peak (tensile strength is 1,210 MPa, yield strength is 1,110 MPa), but the elongation is only 5%. The fracture analysis shows that the fracture presents uniformly distributed equiaxed dimples in the range of 920–940 °C, while the number and size of dimples decrease in the range of 960–980 °C, and tear ridges appear. It is found that secondary crack morphology appears in all tensile fractures.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1819297</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1819297</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Multifunctional nanomaterials: stand in the center of cancer therapy as well as tissue regeneration and repair]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-09T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Yige Shan</author><author>Jiayi Wang</author><author>Yangshuo Wang</author><author>Xinlu Zha</author><author>Yun Gong</author><author>Yu Ding</author><author>Zheng Wang</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1780091</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1780091</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Study of the uniformity of the microstructure and mechanical properties of high-strength low-alloy martensite steel]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-09T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Luxing Duan</author><author>Keke Tong</author><author>Feixiang Yuan</author><author>Jinhua Gu</author><author>Xiurong Zuo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[High-strength, low-alloy martensite steel is widely used to manufacture parts used in harsh working conditions. The uniformity of the mechanical properties of an NM500 steel plate is directly related to its service safety and service life. This article studies the uniformity of the microstructure of NM500 steel plate using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction. The results of tensile properties, hardness, and impact energy display excellent homogeneity with a low standard deviation. From the surface to the center in the thickness direction of the steel plate, the segregation bands progressively become more substantial with obvious coarsening and darkening. However, the segregation band in the thickness center does not display higher microhardness than the adjacent matrix, due to the slight element enrichment, so no obvious separation crack is found in the tensile fracture surface. The martensite has lath-like structures with thin lamellate retained austenite located between parallel martensitic laths, and nano-scale stripe and spherical precipitates containing Al, Si, and O exist in the interface of laths or inside the laths, which improves the mechanical properties of a steel plate. Micro-scale spherical oxide inclusions (Al2O3·MgO/Al2O3) and the strip-shaped MnS inclusions all feature small size and low number density, which improves the uniformity of the studied steel.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1800170</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1800170</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Performance study and application of the clay-cement composite grouting material in karst strata with dynamic water]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-08T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Yuanli Yang</author><author>Xiaolong Ma</author><author>Jingwei Liang</author><author>Xiang Wang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[To address the high carbon emissions and low resource utilization of traditional grouting materials used for the reinforcement of karst strata with dynamic water, this study developed a low-carbon and sustainable clay-cement grout. Aligned with the demand for high-performance, sustainable construction materials, the grout was formulated by partially replacing cement with natural clay and incorporating an admixture derived from industrial by-products, which is mainly composed of aluminum, silicon and calcium oxides. The optimal mixture ratio, involving the specific gravity of the clay slurry, cement content and admixture content, was determined through orthogonal tests. The optimized material maintained good fluidity and a low bleeding rate, while the 28 days compressive strength of its concretions reached 1.49 MPa. Simulation tests were conducted using a self-developed indoor dynamic water grouting device to compare the reinforcement performance of this material under pulsating and constant-pressure grouting modes. The results indicated that pulsating grouting could further enhance the compactness and compressive strength of the concretion. This material and process were successfully applied in an anti-seepage reinforcement project for a karst dam foundation, forming a continuous and effective impervious grout curtain. This material–process–application integrated approach was validated, demonstrating that the synergistic use of the developed low-carbon clay-cement composite with pulsating grouting technology provides an effective solution for grouting in karst strata with dynamic water. This study offers a valuable reference for the development of low-carbon, high-performance geotechnical reinforcement materials.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1769252</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1769252</link>
        <title><![CDATA[An in-depth study on tribological behaviour of polymers and polymer composites: state-of-the-art]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>C. Pradeep Raja</author><author>V. S. V. Satyanarayana</author><author>Putti Venkata Siva Teja</author><author>Bade Venkata Suresh</author><author>G. Sridevi</author><author>Suman Pandipati</author><author>Rhoda Afriyie Mensah</author><author>N. B. Karthik Babu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Polymer-based composites have gained prominence in tribological applications due to their lightweight nature, tunable properties, and multifunctional potential. However, existing reviews largely report performance improvements without systematically addressing contradictory trends, testing variability, and emerging manufacturing routes. This review analyses friction and wear mechanisms in fibre-reinforced and particle-reinforced polymers, surface coatings, and additively manufactured polymer composites. Key mechanisms, including load transfer, transfer film formation, thermal dissipation, and interfacial effects, are critically synthesised across thermoset and thermoplastic systems. Representative performance trends are discussed to highlight the influence of reinforcement type, processing route, and operating conditions, along with limitations in current tribological testing practices and the need for standardisation. By integrating mechanistic understanding with comparative performance and future research priorities, this review provides guidance for the design and evaluation of polymer composites in automotive, aerospace, marine, and biomedical tribological applications.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1791116</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1791116</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Study on dynamic constitutive relationship of 2D-C/SiC composite materials]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Longhai Ye</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThis study aims to investigate the tensile dynamic response of 2D-C/SiC composites over a broad strain rate range, elucidating their rate-dependent mechanical properties and damage evolution rules.MethodsTensile tests were conducted on 2D-C/SiC specimens at strain rates ranging from 1 × 10−3 to 3 × 102 s−1. A macroscopic damage-based constitutive model was developed via in-depth analysis of the obtained tensile experimental data to characterize the composite's mechanical response.ResultsTest results demonstrate that the tensile strength and elastic stiffness of 2D-C/SiC composites increase with strain rate, whereas failure strain decreases. A near-linear correlation is observed between the composite's elastic modulus and the logarithm of strain rate. Additionally, macroscopic damage evolution within the composite is jointly dominated by applied strain and strain rate.DiscussionThe distinct rate dependence of tensile mechanical properties and damage behavior confirms that loading rate is a pivotal factor governing the progressive failure mechanisms of 2D-C/SiC composites. The proposed constitutive model effectively captures the composite's failure evolution under diverse loading conditions, providing a theoretical foundation for its engineering application and safety assessment under dynamic loads.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1788743</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1788743</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Induction heating and performance evaluation of steel wool/brucite fiber modified asphalt mixture]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-02T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Deming Han</author><author>Yagang Tong</author><author>Zeyang Li</author><author>Kehong Li</author><author>Yue Liu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The application of brucite fiber in asphalt mixtures utilizes solid waste, protects the environment, and improves the road performance of asphalt mixtures. This paper introduces the addition of brucite fiber to prepare a steel wool fiber/brucite fiber composite granule (CG), aiming to enhance the pavement performance of the steel wool fiber asphalt mixture. Moreover, it provides benefits in terms of new functions, such as self-healing and deicing. Based on the evaluation of the properties of the four types of fibers (brucite fiber, basalt fiber, polyester fiber, and steel wool fiber), the high-temperature stability, low-temperature crack resistance, moisture susceptibility, and the deicing property of fiber-reinforced asphalt mixture (FRAM) and the steel wool fiber/brucite fiber composite granule-reinforced asphalt mixture (CGAM) were examined. A variance analysis (ANOVA) was conducted to determine the significance of the primary factors related to FRAM. It was found that incorporating brucite fiber and steel wool fiber has a favorable effect on the pavement performance of the asphalt mixture. When the content of CG is 0.6% by weight of the asphalt mixture and the volume ratio between brucite fiber and steel wool fiber is 4:6, the CGAM shows the best performance. Specifically, the Dynamic stability (DS), Maximum flexural strain (MFS), and Tensile strength ratios (TSR) of CGAM were increased by 17%, 49%, and 15.3%, respectively, compared with the conventional asphalt mixture. The volume ratio between brucite fiber and steel wool fiber has a significant impact on the pavement performance of the asphalt mixture. Additionally, slope angle significantly impacts the efficiency of induction heating for de-icing. The de-icing time on a 25° slope was reduced by 43.9% compared to a 0° slope, demonstrating how environmental geometric conditions influence the performance of functional asphalt materials. In summary, adding CG benefits the road performance of the asphalt mixture and provides a new way of sustainable development.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1799125</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1799125</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Investigation of rutting deformation mechanisms and high-temperature deformation resistance of asphalt mixtures]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Qilu Luo</author><author>Jiabao Wang</author><author>Hongliu Rong</author><author>Richeng Huang</author><author>Zhengmao Wei</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Rutting is a major form of high-temperature distress in asphalt pavements, significantly affecting service performance and driving safety. To investigate the evolution mechanism of rutting under coupled temperature and loading conditions, a laboratory rutting test incorporating embedded strain sensors was developed to continuously monitor internal strain responses. A transverse–longitudinal analysis method was proposed to characterize flow deformation, revealing that transverse unrecoverable deformation dominates the rutting process. The rutting evolution behavior was quantified using deformation rate, inflection point, and strain accumulation characteristics. Results show that the deformation rate exhibits an exponential decay trend with loading time, and rutting development can be divided into compaction and stable flow stages. Higher temperature, load, and hydrothermal coupling conditions significantly accelerate deformation, while larger aggregate sizes improve rutting resistance. Based on these findings, an evaluation framework integrating compaction resistance and flow resistance was established. The proposed method provides new insights into the internal deformation mechanism of asphalt mixtures and offers theoretical support for the design of rutting-resistant pavements.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1782319</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2026.1782319</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Artificial intelligence-driven and eco-friendly innovations in orthodontics: a review of smart appliances and sustainable technologies]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Eman I. Al Shayea</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The modern orthodontic practice is slowly being influenced by artificial intelligence and innovations in sustainable materials. This narrative review synthesizes recent literature published between 2015 and 2025 retrieved from major electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using predefined inclusion criteria focused on AI applications and environmentally sustainable orthodontic technologies. The review explores recent advances in AI-based diagnostic systems, treatment planning tools, and smart monitoring technologies, alongside eco-friendly orthodontic biomaterials and digital manufacturing, which can improve efficiency and outcomes, and means that treatments can be more precise and personalized. Predictive modelling and simulation enhance clear aligner precision, which will be made more effective through integration with patient-specific data, and make it more feasible to develop personalized treatment strategies at a level that could significantly improve patient satisfaction. One of the most promising aspects is the use of biodegradable polymers, recyclable alloys, and sustainable three-dimensional printing processes, which may dramatically reduce material waste and environmental burden. This is particularly significant for sustainable clinical practice. The implementation of AI and sustainable orthodontic technologies is a promising direction for delivering more precise, efficient, and environmentally friendly orthodontic care. However, most systems remain in experimental or early validation stages, and further clinical validation, standardized regulatory approval pathways, and long-term outcome studies are required before widespread routine adoption.]]></description>
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