M. A. Shadab Siddiqui

Wound dressings must balance antimicrobial efficacy with the printability limits imposed by nanoparticle‐mediated ultraviolet attenuation during digital light processing 3D printing. Here, we develop process–structure–property relationships for poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)‐based hydrogel wound patches containing Ag/ZnO‐derived antimicrobial phases and polysaccharide/cellulose modifiers (cellulose nanofibrils, chitosan, or alginate). Beer–Lambert analysis shows that nanoparticle loading reduces optical penetration depth at 405 nm to 1.04‐1.28 mm, narrowing the usable curing margin so that radiant exposure exceeds the critical energy by only 4%–5%. Flory–Rehner analysis of swelling reveals formulation‐dependent crosslink density: alginate lowers effective crosslink density by 45% vs. neat PEGDA and increases mesh size from 0.42 to 0.60 nm. This network loosening drives 1.5× variation in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR; 346–518 g·m ^{− 2} ·day ^{− 1} ) and a 7× range in wettability (11.5°–81.1°). Two‐way factorial analysis identifies polysaccharide type as the dominant driver of swelling (87.5% of variance) and antimicrobial efficacy (>50%), while nanoparticle type controls contact angle (60.1%) and WVTR (76.9%). The Ag + chitosan formulation (S5) achieves 23–24 mm inhibition zones against Escherichia coli and Bacillus sp. via chitosan‐facilitated Ag ⁺ diffusion plus intrinsic contact‐killing. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy confirms cumulative Ag ⁺ release (32.7 mg·L ^{− 1} over 14 days), while Zn ^{2 +} remains immobilized below detection.

This article explores the diverse applications of fly ash (FA), a by-product generated during the combustion of coal. The introductory segment thoroughly comprehends the origins, composition, and widespread occurrence of FA. FA, which comprises an estimated 38% of worldwide power generation, frequently encounters disposal and storage obstacles on account of its classification as non-hazardous waste in the majority of countries. The environmental issues linked to the dispersal of FA are underscored in the problem statement, which further emphasizes the urgency for sustainable alternatives. Due to the fugitive emissions and potential health hazards associated with metal melting in FA, it is critical to investigate novel applications and disposal techniques immediately. Environmental sustainability is a primary focus of research, with the development of synthetic FA composites being one such alternative. The analysis presents significant findings that underscore the wide-ranging applications of FA. These applications include its utilization as a filler in composites, as well as its incorporation into cement and geo-polymerization processes. Notably, (10-20) wt. % Nano-FA enhances epoxy-based composites, showcasing remarkable improvements in tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance. In thermoplastic composites, substantial enhancements occur within the (5–10) wt. % FA range, but exceeding optimal ranges weakens matrix-fiber interaction, leading to diminishing returns. The article emphasizes the criticality of FA in improving the mechanical and thermodynamic characteristics of substances, specifically within the domain of composites. The investigation into FA nanoparticles, including their processing techniques and surface treatments, unveils encouraging prospects for enhancing material characteristics.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effective chemical treatment of fly Ash (FA) that affects the mechanical, thermal, and water absorption capabilities of polystyrene/styrene‐butadiene‐copolymer (PS/SBC) nanocomposites. NaOH, H ₂ SO ₄ and distilled water have been employed to conduct the chemical treatment. Specimens have been prepared using injection molding technique. In order to evaluate the mechanical properties of the material, tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests were carried out. thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were employed to gain an understanding of the thermal behavior of the material. Furthermore, to determine the moisture resistance, water absorption experiments were conducted. Experimental results show that, alkali‐treated FA (AL‐FA) demonstrated the maximum values with an ultimate tensile strength of 26.68 MPa, acid‐treated FA (AC‐FA) composite exhibiting the highest flexural strength at 5 MPa whereas water‐treated FA (WA‐FA) composite led to better impact strength of 17.6 kJ/m ² . TGA revealed that WA‐FA and AL‐FA composites experienced an 80% reduction in weight at 500°C, while AC‐FA composites exhibited weight reductions of 90%. The significance of treatment methods in interfacial interactions between the polymer and FA has been studied through morphological analysis. These findings provide valuable insights that can be applied to future research and industrial applications in the field of sustainable materials engineering. Highlights: Polystyrene/Styrene‐Butadiene‐Copolymer composites were prepared with Fly ash (FA) filler. FA pre‐treated by NaOH (AL‐FA), H ₂ SO ₄ (AC‐FA) and distilled water (WA‐FA). Injection molding technique was employed to prepare the ASTM standard samples. WA‐FA composite exhibited the highest ductility but lower tensile strength. TGA revealed that AC‐FA composites exhibited weight reductions of 90%.

The rapid evolution of the mechanical industry necessitates reliable and innovative materials. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have emerged as a leading contender for performing vital roles in this field. Carbon nanostructures, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), are particularly well-suited as reinforcement materials in MMCs. Recent experimental studies have found that incorporating CNTs and graphene as reinforcements into metal matrix composites such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium, nickel, and copper matrices can significantly enhance the mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties of these materials. This is achieved through various mechanisms, including the restriction of grain growth, hindrance of dislocations, load transfer at interfaces, and mitigation of thermal expansion mismatch. The precise reinforcement and optimization of fabrication techniques have opened up new avenues for achieving uniform nanostructure dispersion and strong interfacial bonding, leading to substantial improvements in quantitative properties. Such advancements in material science hold great promise for the development of high-performance materials with enhanced properties that are vital for various applications, including aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and beyond. The addition of low-carbon nanostructures to polymer matrix, ceramic, and biocomposite systems has also been observed to elicit noteworthy multifunctional improvements. Reinforcing collagen with CNT fibers leads to better mechanical and electrical performance compared to using collagen alone. This critical review provides an insightful and data-driven analysis of the current state of carbon nanostructure (CNTs/graphene)-reinforced metal matrix and biocomposites based on an extensive literature evaluation. The review includes an in-depth examination of the optimized synthesis and processing techniques for CNTs and graphene MMCs, highlighting the impact of reinforcement on their mechanical, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and functional properties. Continued work refining fabrication methods fully leverages their potent multi-functional enhancement capabilities.

Nanoparticles are widely used in biocomposite materials due to their ability to improve the mechanical properties of composites. This comprehensive review analyzes the use of nanoparticles to enhance the experimental low and high-velocity impact resistance of natural fiber composites. Various nanoparticles like carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, boron nitride, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide were investigated as reinforcements at different loading levels. The addition of nano-ZrO ₂ alone or with graphene oxide yielded the highest impact resistance and interlaminar shear strength of basalt fiber/epoxy composites. Cloisite 20A clay improved the mechanical properties of an epoxy matrix. Carbon/epoxy laminates showed improved maximum impact force, energy absorption, and displacement with 2wt% carbon nanofibers loading. Nanoparticles were found to enhance moisture and temperature resistance by strengthening the fiber–matrix interface. The literature demonstrated that small amounts of well-dispersed nanoparticles can meaningfully improve natural fiber composites’ impact resistance, strength, stiffness, toughness, and energy absorption through mechanisms like crack arresting and bridging. Hybrid carbon-basalt fibers and calcium carbonate nanoparticles also enhanced composite performance. Balancing the nanoparticle loading is crucial to prevent agglomeration effects. Future studies on their toxicity and environmental impacts would be needed for widespread commercial applications of Biocomposites.