Materials and Technology

MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF ERECTILE FUNCTION DURING ROBOT-ASSISTED RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

Janez Rozman, Jure Bizjak, Matjaž Godec, Samo Ribarič, Simon Hawlina — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:19:33 +0100

To optimize the removal of cancerous prostate tissue, nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is commonly used. This technique aims to preserve the neurovascular bundles (NVBs), damage to which is a major cause of postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED). The primary goal of this study was to develop and assess a novel intraoperative NVB stimulation (NVBS) system designed to elicit penile erectile responses during RARP and assist in predicting postoperative erectile function (EF). The stimulation paradigm involved applying trains of rectangular and quasi-trapezoidal stimulating pulses (stimuli) to the apical, mid, and basal portions of the NVBs for approximately 60 s, both before and after the nerve-sparing dissection. The stimulation probe was developed with a consideration of nerve-stimulation models, NVB anatomy, and surgical constraints. Electrodes made of platinum were embedded in denture-grade material and mounted in a titanium housing. To evaluate the erectile responses, a multi-sensor probe was designed to monitor axial penile rigidity (ARIG), galvanic skin response (GSR), and glans temperature T_gp. Additionally, corpus cavernosum electromyography (CC-EMG) was recorded using surface and needle electrodes. Among five male patients enrolled, two showed noticeable CC-EMG activity, but none demonstrated a measurable increase in axial penile rigidity. The CC-EMG data were limited to short-term monitoring and could not be reliably analyzed in the time or frequency domains. In conclusion, although the stimulation protocol did not trigger measurable erectile responses, CC-EMG signals offered intraoperative insights into NVB integrity. This information may support more accurate predictions of erectile function recovery following RARP.

STUDY OF GRAPHENE COATING EFFECTIVENESS FOR MITIGATING LOW-TEMPERATURE HOT CORROSION IN SS630 STAINLESS STEEL

K. Amuthalakshmi, K. Sundaramurthy, M. Makesh, B. K. Gnanavel — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:23:51 +0100

In this work, the hot corrosion behavior of stainless steel 630 (17-4 PH) with and without a graphene nanoplatelet covering is examined during cyclic thermal exposure in both salt-free and salt-laden conditions. Prior to testing, SS 630 specimens were selected due to their exceptional strength and resistance to corrosion and were ultrasonically cleaned, mirror polished and precisely machined. To improve adhesion, a controlled dip coating method was used to apply a stable graphene dispersion made in ethanol, which was then thermally cured. A 1:1 combination of sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) and vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) was utilized to mimic harsh combustion conditions for salt exposure. Three temperatures, 300, 350 and 400 °C, were used for hot corrosion testing with 50 heat cycles per condition. Surface analysis and weight increase measures were used to gauge the extent of deterioration. The findings showed that corrosion rose with temperature, particularly when exposed to salt. The largest weight gain for uncoated specimens in a salt environment was 0.32 g/cm² at 400 °C. This was considerably lessened by graphene coverings, which decreased the weight growth by up to 52 % in salt-free and 45.6 % in salt-rich environments. Graphene-coated specimens consistently showed 40–55 % less weight increase than uncoated ones across all test conditions, according to comparative analysis. SEM examination confirmed that coated samples had better surface integrity, less oxide spallation, and less scale formation. These results demonstrate graphene’s promise as a strong corrosion barrier for applications involving low temperatures. According to the study, components in heat exchangers, boilers, low-pressure stream turbines and other industrial systems subjected to corrosive and thermal stressors might have their service lives greatly increased by graphene coatings.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF SOLAR LEAD-ACID BATTERY CHARGING EFFICIENCY UNDER VARYING CONDITIONS

Mohammed Bouzidi, Mohammed Ben Atallah, Abdelfatah Nasri, Omar Ouledali — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:34:42 +0100

This study presents an in-depth experimental investigation into the charging performance of 12-volt photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with lead-acid batteries under diverse atmospheric conditions. The research aims to evaluate how variations in solar irradiance, temperature, and cloud cover influence the charging efficiency and long-term stability of both functional and non-functional 12 V 130 Ah lead-acid batteries. A solar charging system was assembled using four 100 W panels connected in parallel and monitored under real outdoor conditions. Voltage data were recorded at thirty-minute intervals for both types of batteries, enabling a comparative assessment of their performance in clear and cloudy weather. The results demonstrated that the functional battery exhibited steady voltage growth and reached its target charge within two hours under clear skies, while cloudy conditions extended the charging duration to four hours. Conversely, the non-functional battery showed irregular voltage fluctuations and a pronounced decline in charging capacity, confirming its inability to store energy effectively. Mathematical models were formulated to describe the voltage–time relationships for each scenario, revealing charging rates of 0.644 V/h and 0.405 V/h under clear and cloudy skies, respectively. Additionally, post-charging relaxation analysis showed that the functional battery maintained voltage stability, whereas the non-functional battery experienced a continuous drop of 0.342 V/h, indicating internal degradation. The findings underscore the strong dependency of solar charging performance on meteorological conditions and battery health, highlighting the importance of effective charge control strategies and battery maintenance in optimizing solar energy storage and extending battery lifespan.

AMORPHOUS SILICA-SUPPORTED ZrO2-WO3 MESOPOROUS NANOCOMPOSITE FROM AGRO-INDUSTRIAL WASTE (COCONUT COIR): SUSTAINABLE HETEROGENEOUS CATALYST FOR 4H-CHROMENE SYNTHESIS

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:41:43 +0100

This study presents a green and cost-effective preparation of amorphous silica-supported ZrO₂-WO₃ mesoporous nanocomposite from agro-industrial waste, specifically coconut coir. Amorphous silica (AS) was obtained through a sustainable extraction process from coconut coir, and the amorphous silica-supported-ZrO₂-WO₃ (ASS-ZWOM) nanocomposite was prepared using the wet impregnation technique. The structural features and compositional details of the prepared ASS-ZWOM nanocomposite were evaluated using several advanced analytical techniques. FT-IR analysis confirmed the Si-O-Si vibrations, and the composite exhibited additional Zr-O and W-O bands, indicating the successful metal oxide incorporation. FE-SEM images revealed that the nanocomposites are below 100 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used for element composition, and Raman spectroscopy for studying molecular vibrations. BET measurement demonstrated mesoporosity with a surface area of 2.68 m²/g and a pore diameter of 2.36 nm. This study highlights the potential of agro-industrial waste-derived materials for producing high-performance catalysts, demonstrating a sustainable catalytic route for synthesizing 4H-chromene.

GAMMA IRRADIATION-INDUCED MODIFICATIONS IN THE STRUCTURAL AND DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF GO/PVA/AgNW NANOCOMPOSITES

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:48:42 +0100

Solution casting was used to create GO/PVA/AgNW nanocomposites, which were then exposed to gamma irradiation at dosages of (8, 25 and 50) kGy. XRD, SEM, XPS, and dielectric spectroscopy were used to examine the nanocomposites’ structural, morphological, and dielectric characteristics. XRD analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of the nanocomposites and indicated that no significant oxidation occurred due to -irradiation. Interestingly, the sample exposed to 25 kGy radiation showed the lowest degree of crystallinity. With no discernible morphological changes across all irradiation doses, SEM images revealed a homogeneous dispersion of GO inside the polymer matrix and a random distribution of AgNWs throughout the composite. XPS results demonstrated that silver retained its metallic state, while gamma irradiation enhanced its surface contribution. Dielectric measurements revealed that the sample irradiated at 8 kGy exhibited the highest dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity. This response is fundamentally linked to the increased freedom of charge carriers, a consequence of polymer chain scission processes and the simultaneous introduction of oxygenated functional moieties. These structural modifications facilitate easier charge transport pathways within the composite matrix.

A STUDY OF THE INTELLIGENT RECOGNITION OF CONCRETE-STRUCTURE CRACKS BASED ON YOLOv7 AND C2E-Net

Linbin Li, Jianfeng Li, Yong Luo — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:26:19 +0100

Cracks, a common problem in concrete structures, severely compromise their safety and reliability. Accurate and efficient crack identification across diverse environmental conditions is pivotal for ensuring the safe operation and health monitoring of buildings. Accordingly, this paper innovatively proposes a novel intelligent crack-recognition model for concrete structures by integrating YOLOv7 and C2E-Net. First, crack features are extracted via the CA, ELG, and CCF modules of C2E-Net. These features are then inputted into an enhanced YOLOv7 model for fusion, which improves the recognition capability of tiny cracks. Additionally, the Inner-CIOU loss is introduced to optimize small-target detection, addressing the issue that traditional loss functions struggle to accurately identify small targets such as tiny cracks. Following the model’s refinement, we carry out ablation experiments. These experiments aim to assess the contribution of each functional module in the model’s structure and to uncover how the internal components work together. Finally, to validate the model’s performance, this paper selects SSD, Faster-RCNN, and Ghost-YOLO as contrast models and employs multiple evaluation metrics, including the Dice coefficient, IoU, detection accuracy, recall rate, and F1 score, for comprehensive analysis. The experimental results demonstrate that the C2E-Net-YOLOv7 model for concrete-structure-crack intelligent recognition performs exceptionally well during both the training and testing phases, with a Dice coefficient of 0.83, IoU of 0.81, detection accuracy of 91 %, recall rate of 89 %, and F1 score of 0.91. Compared to the traditional SSD model, the Dice coefficient increases by 50.91 %, IoU by 88.37 %, and detection accuracy by 59.65 %; relative to the Ghost-YOLO model, the Dice coefficient improves by 9.21 %, IoU by 22.73 %, and detection accuracy by 5.81 %. The experiments indicate that the YOLOv7 model with the C2E-Net module introduced achieves performance improvements in concrete-structure crack-detection tasks, breaking through the bottlenecks of traditional models and demonstrating remarkable superiority and effectiveness. This model offers an efficient and accurate method for intelligent crack recognition, helping to detect safety hazards promptly and ensuring the long-term stability and safety of buildings.

EVALUATING MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF CONSTRUCTION EPOXY/TIRE PYROLYTIC POWDER COMPOSITE

Ahmed H. Ali, Hamid Mahan, Huda S. Mahdi — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:57:14 +0100

In line with global sustainability objectives, the incorporation of manufacturing byproducts into various materials to develop composite materials not only aims to enhance performance and reduce the costs of raw materials, but also promotes environmental responsibility in manufacturing processes. This investigation used different weight fractions (0, 1, 2, 3 and 5) % of micro-sized tire pyrolytic powder (TPP) for reinforcing a particular epoxy resin designed for construction purposes. Using the hand lay-up technique, composite specimens were fabricated and examined to evaluate the influence of TPP as a reinforcing phase on the thermal and mechanical characteristics of the epoxy. Particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to characterize TPP. Furthermore, tests such as Shore D hardness, tensile strength, three-point bending strength, impact strength, and thermal conductivity were conducted to assess enhancements in the composite’s performance. The test results show that the mean particle size of TPP was 1.27 µm, with a narrow size variation of 0.005 µm. EDX and FTIR tests show that TPP consists of a wide variety of metal oxides added to carbon black. The findings also demonstrate significant improvements in tensile and flexural strength, by roughly 87.5 % and 72.2 %, respectively, compared with non-reinforced specimens, with the optimal performance at 3 w/% TPP. Beyond this TPP concentration, the strength began to decline. The hardness, impact strength and thermal conductivity were found to increase markedly at 5 w/% TPP, by approximately (14.8, 350 and 86.5) %, respectively.

DEEP LEARNING-BASED PREDICTION AND EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES IN BASALT-FIBER-SiC-REINFORCED HYBRID EPOXY COMPOSITES

SM Ravikumar, JM Prabhudass, A Adinaryanan, N Yuvaraj, S Dinesh, A Elakkiya — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:06:16 +0100

This study investigates the predictive capabilities of deep neural network (DNN) models in estimating the mechanical properties of basalt-fiber-reinforced hybrid composites (BFRHCs). A total of 27 composite samples were fabricated using the compression-molding technique, incorporating varying numbers of basalt-fiber layers, fiber orientation angles (0°, 45°, 90°), and silicon carbide (SiC) filler contents (0, 3 and 6 w/%). The fabricated specimens were subjected to mechanical characterization by ASTM standards to evaluate their tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, hardness, shear strength, and interdelamination resistance. A DNN model was developed and trained on the experimental dataset to capture the complex, nonlinear relationships between input fabrication parameters and output mechanical properties. Model performance was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R²), mean absolute error (MAE), and root-mean-square error (RMSE). The DNN achieved high predictive accuracy with R² values exceeding 0.95 for most properties, demonstrating its effectiveness in forecasting composite performance. The results confirm that deep-learning frameworks such as DNNs offer a powerful and reliable approach to predicting the behavior of hybrid composites, reducing the need for extensive experimental trials and supporting efficient material design and optimization in structural applications.

ENHANCED MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE AND REFINED INTERMETALLIC LAYER IN UNDERWATER FRICTION-STIR-WELDED AA5083–Cu DISSIMILAR JOINTS

PR Kannan, N. Premkumar, M. Arul, S. Dinesh — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:13:30 +0100

This research investigates the underwater friction stir welding (UWFSW) of dissimilar AA5083 aluminum and pure-copper plates, aiming to enhance the mechanical performance through precise control of the process parameters and the suppression of excessive intermetallic compound (IMC) formation. The UWFSW was performed using a CNC vertical milling machine under full immersion to regulate the heat input and improve the joint’s integrity. The optimized parameters yielded a maximum tensile strength of 7.5 MPa, impact strength of 7.5 J, and peak microhardness of 111 VH, outperforming conventional dry FSW joints. Optical microscopy and SEM analyses revealed a defect-free joint with a fine equiaxed grain structure in the stir zone, minimal deformation in the parent zones, and a uniform IMC layer of 2–5-µm thickness along the Al–Cu interface. The underwater cooling effect restricted grain coarsening and prevented void formation, resulting in enhanced metallurgical bonding. The study confirms that UWFSW offers a superior route to producing high-strength, corrosion-resistant Al–Cu dissimilar joints, making it highly suitable for marine, cryogenic, and high-performance electrical applications.

CHARACTERIZATION STUDY OF THE 19th-CENTURY INDO-SARACENIC-BULBOUS DOME AT THE MADRAS HIGH COURT, TAMILNADU

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:24:33 +0100

The mortars of the Indo-Saracenic-styled Madras High Court Domes, constructed in 1888–1892 in Madras, Tamil Nadu, were analyzed to investigate their composition, durability, and production technologies. Multiple analytical techniques were employed, including XRD, FT-IR, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TG-DTA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), supported by acid loss and color indexing tests. The binder-to-aggregate ratios of bed-raw mortar (1:2.99), bedding mortar (1:2.94), and external plaster (1:2.74) through acid-digestion analysis. XRD confirmed the dominant calcite peaks (d-spacing 0.303 nm) with secondary silicate and aluminate phases, while FT-IR spectra exhibited carbonate absorption bands at 1420 cm^–1 and 875 cm^–1, along with organic signatures corresponding to polysaccharides and amide groups. TG-DTA revealed a major weight loss of 40–45% between 600–780 °C, consistent with CaCO₃ decomposition. SEM images showed crystalline hydrated phases of C–S–H and portlandite, whereas EDX analysis indicated oxygen-rich matrices with Ca contents ranging from 18–25 w/% and Si contents of 10–12 w/%. Acid-loss tests recorded dissolution rates of 7–9%, highlighting the binder’s durability. Color indices quantified three distinct pigment layers: hematite-rich red, lead-based yellow, and carbonaceous black. Together, these results demonstrate the use of homogenous mixes and advanced lime-based technologies with organic additives, underscoring the material sophistication of 19th-Century construction practices. This comprehensive, quantitatively supported investigation provides critical insights into historic mortar technologies and serves as a scientific basis for conservation strategies of Indo-Saracenic heritage monuments.

STUDY OF THE FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS BASED ON NATURAL BYPRODUCTS AND CO2 ZERO-EMISSION BINDERS

Vitezslav Novak, Jiri Zach, Azra Korjenic, Jitka Peterkova — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:29:05 +0100

This is a study of some key properties of sustainable materials based on natural by-products (straw or hemp shives) and binders with zero CO₂ emissions (natural clay or CO₂-activated binders based on by-products), which can be used in the interiors of building structures in the form tiles and suspended ceilings to stabilize their thermal and moisture properties and to adjust the acoustic properties. It is specifically a study of the acoustic properties of these natural based ecological composites and a study of their reaction to fire. These properties are key, together with hygroaccumulation properties, for the use of these materials in the field of building structures. The aim of the work was to determine the dependence of the type and dosage of the binder on the resulting behavior of the composites from the point of view of fire, and then further reactions of the action of fire on organic particles during short-term exposure to a small flame. Furthermore, it is about the results of the study of acoustic properties, from the point of view of sound absorption, as well as on the adjustment/stabilization of the relative humidity or fluctuations in the production of water vapor in the room (e.g., different short-term occupancy of the spaces by people). The results of this study provide important insights for optimizing the use of ecological composites in construction applications.

CORROSION AND ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF Sn/Mg-MODIFIED ALUMINUM ALLOYS AFTER HEAT TREATMENT FOR METAL-AIR BATTERIES

Na Xu; Di Wang, Zhiqiang Xu — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:27:57 +0100

This study systematically investigates the effects of Sn, Mg and heat treatment on the electrochemical performance and corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys in metal-air batteries. A series of alloy samples were prepared by melting, including pure aluminum, alloys with varying Sn content (0.5, 1.5, 2.5) w/ %, and corresponding alloys with 5 w/ % Mg addition. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization curves were tested in 0.1 mol/L NaOH solution. The results indicate that Sn reduces the corrosion resistance of alloys under non-deformed and low-deformation conditions, while it helps to increase the impedance under high-deformation conditions. The addition of Mg significantly enhances the stability of the passive film, exhibiting higher impedance under all conditions. The synergistic effect of Sn and Mg effectively improves the electrochemical performance of the alloys. This research reveals the significant influence of Sn-Mg dual-element synergy on the electrochemical behavior of aluminum alloys, clarifies the crucial role of Mg in enhancing corrosion resistance, and provides a theoretical foundation and practical reference for the design of high-performance anodes for aluminum-air batteries.

A BIFUNCTIONAL Fe3O4@ZEOLITE MAGNETIC COMPOSITE DESIGNED VIA A SYNERGISTIC DUAL-SITE MECHANISM FOR THE EFFIACIENT AND SIMULTANEOUS REMOVAL OF AMMONIA NITROGEN AND PHOSPHATE FROM RURAL DOMESTIC SEWAGE

Xiankun Zhu — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:35:56 +0100

Developing efficient materials for the simultaneous removal of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from rural domestic sewage is critical for eutrophication control. This study constructed a bifunctional Fe₃O₄@Zeolite magnetic composite via a hydrothermal method to achieve this goal. Characterization results confirmed the uniform loading of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles onto the zeolite framework. The composite demonstrated excellent simultaneous removal performance at neutral pH (6.0–7.0), achieving 83.6 % ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) and 81.2 % phosphate (PO₄^3–-P) removal. The adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics with rapid equilibrium (60 min). The Langmuir isotherm model indicated maximum adsorption capacities of 23.5 mg/g for NH₄⁺-N and 21.6 mg/g for PO₄^3–-P. Mechanistic analysis via XPS revealed a distinct “site-specific” synergy: NH₄⁺-N was captured via ion exchange with the zeolite lattice, while PO₄^3–-P formed stable inner-sphere complexes (Fe-O-P) with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The adsorption process was spontaneous (ΔG° < 0) and endothermic (ΔH° < 0). Furthermore, the composite exhibited excellent magnetic separability and reusability, retaining over 88 % of its initial efficiency after five regeneration cycles. It also effectively treated real rural sewage, validating its engineering potential as a robust, multifunctional environmental material.