Synthesis and Sintering

Rational design of a hierarchical g-C3N4/copper-MOF/Fe3O4 ternary composite for potential photocatalytic applications

2026-10-03T04:01:04-03:00

Photocatalysis is an eco-friendly approach for water remediation. The sun is the primary source of visible-light-driven photocatalysts, making this technique feasible for real-world applications. Along with visible light absorption and a highly active surface, the primary requirements of photocatalysts, facile separation for reuse is a key feature for photocatalyst development. Herein, a hierarchically separable ternary composite of g-C₃N₄/Cu-BTC MOF/Fe₃O₄, denoted CNMF, was fabricated as a potential photocatalyst material. The g-C₃N₄ and Fe₃O₄ were obtained via thermal polymerization and co-precipitation, respectively. Finally, the Copper Metal-Organic Framework (Cu-MOF) was synthesized in situ using a solvothermal method in the presence of g-C₃N₄ and Fe₃O₄. The morphological, structural, optical, elemental, and magnetic properties of the synthesized materials were investigated. Morphological studies showed a hierarchical architecture in which faceted Cu-MOF crystallites and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were integrated with layered g-N₃N₄. The band gap energy of CNMF was calculated as 2.94 eV. Thus, it benefits from high visible absorption of g-C₃N₄, high redox capacity of Cu-MOF, and easy recyclability and reusability of Fe₃O₄. CNMF exhibited superparamagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of approximately 2.19 emu g^-1. The findings of the study confirm the potential of CNMF as a magnetically recoverable candidate for photocatalytic applications.

Synthesis and microstructural characterization of nanostructured Fe50Ni50 alloy prepared by mechanical alloying

2026-10-03T03:56:32-03:00

In this comprehensive study, the synthesis, phase evolution, and microstructural characteristics of nanostructured Fe₅₀Ni₅₀ alloy powders produced via high-energy mechanical alloying (MA) were systematically investigated. Elemental iron and nickel powders were processed in a high-energy planetary ball mill under a controlled argon protective atmosphere to prevent oxidation, utilizing a constant ball-to-powder weight ratio (BPR) of 20:1 and a rotational speed of 350 rpm across cumulative milling durations of 0, 4, 8, 32, 48, and 96 hours. The structural transformations, crystallite size refinement, internal lattice strain accumulation, and lattice parameter expansion were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) data interpreted through Scherrer and Williamson–Hall analytical approaches. Furthermore, morphological alterations, particle size distributions, and microstructural transitions were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with secondary electron detectors and Image Tool software. The XRD results indicate that continuous high-energy mechanical deformation up to 96 hours induces complete mechanical alloying, resulting in the formation of a random (Ni,Fe) solid solution with a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure, as evidenced by the disappearance of the individual bcc iron diffraction peaks and significant broadening of the nickel-related peaks. The crystallite size exhibited a sharp initial decline followed by a relatively stable trend, decreasing from an initial value of 65 nm to a minimum of 12 nm after 96 hours. Simultaneously, the internal lattice strain increased progressively, reaching a maximum value of 0.58%. Morphological analyses revealed that initial microforging, cold welding, and particle flattening predominated during the early milling stages, whereas extended milling induced severe work hardening and fracture, ultimately achieving a dynamic steady-state balance at 96 hours, with refined, relatively uniform, and spherical particles possessing an average size of 10 μm.

From self-healing surfaces to living interfaces: A materials–cell biology perspective on next-generation biomaterials

2026-10-03T03:58:47-03:00

Self-healing surfaces are undergoing a fundamental transition from passive materials that merely repair cracks toward active interfaces capable of sensing, responding, and restoring function within complex biological environments. This Perspective proposes a shift from conventional crack-repairing materials to bioadaptive self-healing interfaces, in which dynamic material chemistry is integrated with cellular and molecular processes. We examine how dynamic covalent and supramolecular networks, nanocomposites, hydrogels, and stimuli-responsive materials can be coupled with cell–material interactions, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, mechanotransduction, redox regulation, immune signaling, and tissue regeneration. Particular attention is given to the distinction between structural healing and biological or functional recovery, highlighting that closure of a crack or recovery of mechanical strength does not necessarily indicate restoration of the original biointerface. On this basis, we propose a multidimensional framework encompassing geometrical, mechanical, chemical, biological, and functional healing, together with a damage–repair–biology evaluation strategy that compares pristine, damaged, and healed interfaces. Emerging concepts including ECM-inspired networks, cell-interactive hydrogels, conductive and antibacterial self-healing surfaces, and stimuli-responsive biointerfaces are discussed as routes toward adaptive materials that can dynamically communicate with surrounding cells. Finally, a research roadmap is proposed for developing multifunctional surfaces capable of sensing environmental changes, reorganizing their molecular architecture, restoring interfacial properties, and regulating cellular responses. This perspective positions self-healing interfaces as dynamic communication layers between engineered materials and living systems, providing a framework for the next generation of regenerative and biofunctional surfaces.

Global research trends in spark plasma sintering: A bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed publications

2026-10-01T14:26:19-03:00

Spark plasma sintering (SPS) has become one of the most influential powder consolidation technologies for advanced materials. Its capability to rapidly densify ceramics, metals, composites, and functional materials while preserving fine microstructures has significantly expanded its applications across materials science and engineering. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 21,714 publications, updated as of June 27, 2026, indexed in the Scopus database using the keyword spark plasma sintering. Publication characteristics were analyzed with respect to annual production, subject areas, document types, languages, journals, authors, countries, affiliations, funding agencies, and open-access status. The results demonstrate remarkable growth in SPS research over the past two decades, particularly after 2010, reflecting increasing industrial and academic interest in rapid sintering technologies. Materials Science remains the dominant discipline, followed by Engineering, Physics, and Chemistry. China has emerged as the global leader in SPS research, accounting for more than one-third of all publications, supported by extensive governmental funding and strong institutional infrastructure. Japanese institutions continue to play a pioneering role, while European countries maintain substantial contributions through collaborative research networks. Ceramics International, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, and Journal of the European Ceramic Society constitute the principal publication venues. The bibliometric indicators provide valuable insights into the evolution, global distribution, and future directions of SPS research.