International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering最新文献

{"title":"Investigating the faesibility of thermoplastic starch blends for eco-friendly food packaging applications","authors":"Iyabo Priscilla Afitijagun,&nbsp;Great Iruoghene Edo,&nbsp;Joshua Othuke Orogu,&nbsp;Kugbere Emumejaye,&nbsp;Izuwa Iwanegbe,&nbsp;Ephraim Evi Alex Oghroro,&nbsp;Joseph Oghenewogaga Owheruo,&nbsp;Emad Yousif,&nbsp;Agatha Ngukuran Jikah,&nbsp;Ufuoma Augustina Igbuku,&nbsp;Arthur Efeoghene Athan Essaghah,&nbsp;Ibiyinka Agboola Fuwape,&nbsp;Ahmed A. Alamiery,&nbsp;Huzaifa Umar,&nbsp;Dina S. Ahmed","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00533-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00533-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Food packaging is crucial in preserving the quality of food products, extending their shelf life, and protecting against deterioration of physical, chemical, and biological nature. Yet, there has been increased research into eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based plastic packaging owing to concerns about the adverse environmental effects of the materials used traditionally. Being plentiful, sustainable, biodegradable, and inexpensive, starches have become one of the most exciting biopolymer candidates for research. Thermoplastic starch, prepared through plasticization of native starch with water and small molecules called plasticizers, is one of the candidates for food packaging. In this review, the potential applications of thermoplastic starch blends in food packaging are considered based on the analysis of the influence of plasticizers on thermoplastic starch and mixing of thermoplastic starch with common and biodegradable polymers. Particular consideration is given to the mechanical, physical, thermal, and barrier properties of thermoplastic starch blends and the applicability of these blends in food packaging. Based on the findings from the reviewed literature, it is evident that the addition of polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, and polylactic acid to thermoplastic starch significantly increases their mechanical, flexible, processing, and barrier properties. It has also been observed that despite being environmentally friendly due to their increased biodegradability and low dependency on synthetic plastics made from fossil sources, challenges remain in terms of moisture sensitivity, blend compatibility, thermal stability, and commercialization. Taking all factors into account, there is much potential for the utilization of thermoplastic starch blends in sustainable food packaging applications. Further advances in blend modification and manufacturing processes will serve to accelerate their commercial acceptance and contribute to the development of environmentally sustainable packaging systems.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00533-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148986966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergistic enhancement of thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of selective laser melting AlSi10Mg alloys via aging treatment","authors":"Xiao Liu,&nbsp;Dong Yu,&nbsp;Yi-Xuan Yuan,&nbsp;Jun-Jie Li,&nbsp;Zhi-Jun Wang,&nbsp;Jin-Cheng Wang","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00540-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00540-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Selective laser melting (SLM) offers considerable potential for fabricating thin-walled radiators because of its capability to produce lightweight components with complex structures. Among candidate materials, the AlSi10Mg alloy is particularly well suited for additive manufacturing (AM) due to its excellent processability. However, the rapid solidification inherent to the AM process leads to forming a supersaturated solid solution in the AlSi10Mg matrix, which markedly reduces its thermal conductivity. In this study, an aging heat treatment was employed to promote the precipitation of solute phases from the supersaturated solid solution, thereby enhancing the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the AlSi10Mg alloy. The results indicate that aging at 200 °C for 10 h effectively promotes the precipitation of Si particles within the α-Al matrix. This treatment yields a notable tensile strength of 350 MPa and a high thermal conductivity of 173.70 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, representing a 44.3% improvement over the as-built state. Thus, we achieved a synergistic enhancement of both thermal and mechanical properties. The improved thermal conductivity is attributed to reduction of solid-solution Si in the matrix and the refinement of precipitated Si particles. These findings provide both theoretical insights and technical guidance for fabricating high-performance aluminum alloy heat sinks via AM, with promising applications in aerospace and electronic cooling systems.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00540-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149189774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experimental investigation on the thermal performance of hybrid Cu-PANI nanofluid","authors":"Krishanu Saha,&nbsp;Uttam Kumar Mandal,&nbsp;Monisha Mridha Mandal","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00525-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00525-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this work, the development of nanoparticles in conducting polymers, such as polyaniline (PANI), was carried out to address stability issues and enhance their heat transfer properties. HCl-doped copper polyaniline (Cl-Cu PANI) nanoparticles and phytic acid-doped copper polyaniline (Ph-Cu PANI) were synthesized using the oxidative polymerization method. The stability of these nanoparticles was examined in water with concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 vol%. Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) was used as a surfactant. The nanofluid containing SDS was stable for over 60 days. The characterization of Cl-Cu PANI and Ph-Cu PANI was performed using EDX, TEM, FTIR, XPS, TGA, and DLS. The zeta potential of the 0.2 vol% phytic acid-doped PANI with 0.5 wt% SDS was measured and found to be very stable. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of Cu-PANI nanofluids with concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 vol% was investigated. The highest thermal conductivity enhancement for Cu PANI nanofluids was found at 0.2 vol% concentration of nanofluid at 20 °C. Thermal conductivity ratios for Ph-Cu PANI nanofluid at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 vol% without surfactant were 1.51, 1.54, and 1.5, respectively, as compared to distilled water. The thermal conductivity values of phytic acid-doped PANI nanofluid without SDS were found to be higher than those of Cl-Cu PANI nanofluid. Due to their improved stability of nanofluids and enhanced thermal conductivity, the currently developed nanoparticles may find usage in numerous heat transfer applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00525-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149189806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and antimicrobial and anticancer assessment of Cu (II), Co(II), Zn(II), and VO(IV) Schiff base complexes","authors":"K. Dhahagani,&nbsp;C. Balamurugan,&nbsp;Bandi Maheswara Rao,&nbsp;Ramya Maranan,&nbsp;Anand Rajendran,&nbsp;Vijayakumar Sivasundar,&nbsp;Hari Prasadarao Pydi,&nbsp;N. Dhasarathan","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00530-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00530-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, the Schiff base compound (HL) prepared from morpholine along with its metal complexes with Cu(II), Co(II), V(IV), and Zn(II) were successfully synthesized and characterized. Spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, UV-Visible, EPR, and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy were applied for ligand characterization as well as its metal complexes. The biological activity of the synthesized compounds was examined. The antibacterial tests revealed good efficiency against Gram-positive and negative bacteria with MIC values from 3 to 16 µg/mL. The metal complexes exhibited MIC values between 5 and 16 µg/mL against the examined bacterial strains. HL ligand showed the minimum MIC value of 3 µg/mL against Shigella flexneri and Staphylococcus aureus. The in vitro anticancer assay exhibited concentration-dependent reduction of cell viability. The viability of the cells was reduced to 38.24%, 47.40%, 55.92%, 61.48% and 62.09% by the Co(II) complex, V(IV) complex, Cu(II) complex, ligand, and Zn(II) complex, respectively, at the concentration of 50 µg, indicating the Co(II) complex is the most cytotoxic of the all the synthesized materials. The results indicate that metal coordination plays an important role in the biological behavior of the Schiff base system, making the Co(II) complex a potential candidate for further investigations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00530-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149189807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Critical insights into anti-icing mechanisms of superhydrophobic coatings & impact of surface features and material engineering: a comprehensive review","authors":"Amrinder Mehta,&nbsp;Hitesh Vasudev,&nbsp;Jashanpreet Singh,&nbsp;Lalit Ranakoti,&nbsp;Suresh Singh,&nbsp;Manoj Kumar,&nbsp;Anupma Agarwal","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00512-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00512-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Ice formation on bare surfaces poses a serious problem in aerospace, wind power, power transportation, and transportation. Superhydrophobic coatings (SHCs) are a new potential passive anti-icing application owing to their remarkable water repellency, which has a high contact angle and low hysteresis. This comprehensive review investigates the use of surface roughness, contact angle dynamics, and material selection in regulating the anti-icing efficiency of SHCs. The relationship between droplet behavior and surface morphology was investigated in terms of the Cassie-Baxter and Wenzel wetting conditions and their effects on ice nucleation and adhesion. The composition of materials such as fluorinated polymers, metal oxides, and hybrid nanocomposites is considered in terms of their contribution to the durability of the surface used and reduced surface energy. In addition, recent developments in fabrication processes, including electrodeposition, electrospinning, and sol–gel, are discussed within the context of scalability, mechanical strength, and environmental friendliness. Problems with mechanical wear, damage from sunlight, and staying stable in tough conditions are discussed. Recent advances in self-repairing and temperature-sensitive coatings are also discussed. The adoption of hybridization of superhydrophobicity with photothermal and electrothermal capabilities is emphasized as a way forward to develop durable and energy-efficient anti-icing capabilities. This review offers information about structure–property-performance relationships to help design next-generation coatings with the capability to perform anti-icing reliably in a multidisciplinary engineering performance.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00512-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149189782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gaussian-based computational Raman spectral reconstruction of GST467: Sb2Te3 core–shell phase change material with experimental validation and metal–insulator transition interpretation","authors":"Vikas Bhatnagar,&nbsp;Adesh Kumar","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00516-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00516-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Phase change materials of the Ge–Sb–Te (GST) system are extensively utilized in non-volatile memory and neuromorphic computing devices owing to their high switching speed, scalability, and phase transition stability. Raman spectroscopy is a significant technique in understanding vibrational modes, bonding structures, and metal–insulator phase transitions in GST materials, and most of them are based on experimental observations without any computational Raman reconstruction, especially in core–shell phase change memory (PCM) materials. A Gaussian-based computational Raman spectral reconstruction framework is proposed for Ge₄Sb₆Te₇ (GST467) Sb₂Te₃ core–shell phase change materials using MATLAB simulation and experimental validation from the literature. The Raman spectra of GST467 and Sb₂Te₃ materials are simulated using Gaussian peak fitting and combined to produce a composite spectrum for the core–shell material. A comparative analysis of Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ (GST225) and GST467 materials is carried out to assess the width of the peaks, stability of the structure, and transition behaviour; the results are validated using the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and peak deviation methods. The metal–insulator transition behavior of the materials has been analyzed by using the Raman peak broadening method, which shows that the transition in conductivity for the GST467 material is smooth. The novelty of this work is that it proposes a structured framework for computational Raman reconstruction of GST467, namely Sb₂Te₃ core–shell PCM materials, with experimental validation and metal–insulator transition analysis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00516-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149132964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hybrid nanocomposites of zeolite with MOFs, CNTs, graphene, and polymers for wastewater treatment: a comprehensive review","authors":"Abdulaziz Khalil,&nbsp;Muhammad S. Vohra,&nbsp;Sagheer A. Onaizi","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00519-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00519-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The increasing discharge of inorganic, organic, and emerging contaminants into aquatic environments continues to challenge conventional wastewater treatment systems and highlights the need for efficient, selective, and regenerable adsorbents. Zeolites have been widely investigated for water purification because of their porous aluminosilicate frameworks, ion-exchange capacity, structural stability, and low-cost availability. However, pristine zeolites may show limited affinity toward some organic pollutants, restricted accessibility of active sites, and reduced performance in complex wastewater matrices. To overcome these limitations, recent studies have developed zeolite-based hybrid nanocomposites by integrating zeolites with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene-based materials, polymers, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). This review critically examines the synthesis, adsorption performance, mechanisms, regeneration and reuse behavior, environmental risks, and practical challenges of these hybrid adsorbents for removing heavy metals, dyes, phenols, pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, nutrients, and other pollutants. A scientometric analysis was also conducted to evaluate publication trends, major contributing countries, influential journals, and dominant research themes. A total of 400 publications retrieved from the Scopus database were analyzed to identify emerging research directions, material-development trends, and existing knowledge gaps. Particular attention is given to adsorption mechanisms, including ion exchange, electrostatic attraction, surface complexation, hydrogen bonding, π–π interactions, pore filling, hydrophobic interactions, and coordination-based binding. The effects of operating parameters, adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics are also discussed. Although zeolite-based hybrid nanocomposites often provide improved adsorption performance and broader pollutant affinity, their practical application remains constrained by synthesis cost, regeneration efficiency, nanomaterial stability, environmental safety, and limited testing under realistic wastewater conditions. Future studies should prioritize scalable synthesis, regeneration assessment, toxicity evaluation, and continuous-flow performance.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00519-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149132883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nanoemulgels as next-generation hybrid platforms for delivering natural bioactive compounds: advances and biomedical applications","authors":"Barkat Ali Khan,&nbsp;Madiha Tabasam,&nbsp;Zukhra Abbasi","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00499-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00499-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Nanoemulgels have emerged as advanced drug delivery systems designed to enhance the solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of lipophilic compounds, particularly for the delivery of natural bioactive compounds, including secondary metabolites from plants and microorganisms. By integrating the advantages of both nanoemulsions and hydrogels, these hybrid systems facilitate improved drug delivery and enhanced therapeutic effectiveness. Nanoemulgel-based formulations have demonstrated considerable potential for poorly soluble natural bioactive compounds such as <i>thymoquinone</i>, <i>curcumin</i>, <i>Capsicum annuum oleoresin</i>, and <i>Piper betle</i> essential oil, utilizing surfactant systems including Tween 80 and Span 80, along with gel matrices such as Carbopol®940, Aloe vera gel, and methylcellulose. These formulations result in increased stability, skin permeation, and controlled drug release. The primary limitations of conventional dosage forms arise from the dual hydrophilic and lipophilic properties of the drug, as well as its thermolabile nature, which collectively hinder its therapeutic efficacy in systemic and topical applications. By integrating the stability and controlled-release features of hydrogels with the enhanced solubilization and penetration capabilities of nanoemulsions, nanoemulgels enable precise and sustained delivery of bioactive compounds, concurrently reducing degradation and adverse effects. This sophisticated and uniquely integrated carrier system offers promising solutions for targeted therapies, including wound healing, antimicrobial treatment, inflammatory disorders, and exhibits significant potential in oncological applications. Despite their therapeutic promise, nanoemulgels face notable challenges, including limited scalability, rigorous regulatory approval processes, variability in formulation consistency, and concerns about cytotoxicity at higher doses. Furthermore, the complex relationship between formulation parameters-such as particle size, surface charge, and rheological properties-and biological interactions necessitates further optimization to maximize therapeutic efficacy and safety. Emphasizing their roles in stability, drug loading, and performance, this review analyzes formulation strategies including oil phase selection, surfactant-co-surfactant optimization based on HLB values, and polymer selection for gel matrices. Additionally, mechanistic pathways of skin permeation are discussed. Moreover, recent advances in nanoemulgel-based delivery systems for natural bioactive compounds and their diverse biomedical applications in dermatological disorders, anti-inflammatory therapies, and anticancer drug delivery are highlighted, along with registered patents.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00499-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149132879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization and potential use of epoxy-based sawdust/fly ash hybrid composites for sustainable building applications","authors":"Huda M. Khdier,&nbsp;Wafaa M. Salih","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00515-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00515-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In recent years, the need for sustainable alternatives to hazardous synthetic fibers has driven significant research in the field of polymer composites. This study presents the development and characterization of epoxy-based hybrid composites reinforced with sawdust and fly ash, aimed at enhancing structural insulating applications. The sawdust was alkali-treated to improve interfacial bonding, and various particle sizes of fly ash were incorporated. Composites were fabricated using the hand lay-up method with a fixed epoxy content of 95%, combined with 5% reinforcement of sawdust and varying fly ash contents (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 wt.%). Mechanical tests revealed improvements in tensile strength, impact resistance, hardness, and compressive strength compared to neat epoxy. FTIR research revealed physical interactions between the components of the composite without the creation of new chemical bonds. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the addition of sawdust and fly ash improved the composites' thermal resilience by delaying the onset of thermal degradation and raising the amount of residual char at higher temperatures. This behavior implies that the fillers function as thermal barriers, decreasing heat transfer and delaying the epoxy matrix's breakdown. Additional evidence for changes in thermal behavior brought on by filler addition came from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Thermal conductivity test revealed a reduction by 50% W/m·K as filler content increased, confirming the composites’ potential as effective thermal insulators. These findings demonstrate the potential of utilizing agricultural and industrial waste to produce lightweight, cost-effective, and mechanically robust insulating panels.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00515-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149133082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structure–thermal–morphological correlation in starch–PVA reinforced cactus mucilage bio-based composite films","authors":"K. Ramesha,&nbsp;Jangam Sasidhar,&nbsp;H. Naresh,&nbsp;N. Santhosh,&nbsp;M S Srinath,&nbsp;K. Venkateshwaralu,&nbsp;Aseel Smerat,&nbsp;Ahmed Shakir Al-Hiti,&nbsp;Elyor Berdimurodov,&nbsp;Yohanis Dabesa Jelila","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00526-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00526-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study presents a systematic investigation of the structural, thermal, and morphological characteristics of starch–PVA reinforced cactus bio-based composite films using FTIR, DSC, XRD, TGA, DMA, and SEM analyses. FTIR results suggested enhanced intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions among starch, PVA, and cactus-derived polysaccharides, with possible minor ester-link formation in the presence of citric acid. DSC analysis showed a glass transition temperature (Tg) in the range of 38–40 °C and a minor endothermic transition near 83 °C associated with bound moisture relaxation. The thermal transitions observed using the PerkinElmer DSC 9 were reproducible across replicate measurements, indicating good thermal consistency of the developed composite system. XRD analysis indicated a predominantly amorphous morphology with limited semi-crystalline domains and a crystallinity index of approximately 23.32%. TGA results suggested improved thermal stability relative to plasticized starch systems, while DMA results indicated moderate storage-modulus retention and viscoelastic stability over the investigated temperature range. SEM observations of tortuous crack propagation pathways and localized deformation mechanisms. The combined results indicate that the developed composite exhibits balanced thermal and structural performance and potential for sustainable flexible bio-based material applications. However, additional mechanical, durability, water-resistance, and comparative performance studies are necessary to evaluate its suitability as a leather substitute.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00526-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149133080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}