International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering最新文献

{"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}

{"title":"Innovation in optical sensing: chitosan-coated FBG sensor for rapid detection of hazardous Rhodamine B","authors":"K. Chethana,&nbsp;Karthik R. Hegde,&nbsp;S. K. Tarun,&nbsp;A. Harshini,&nbsp;Somesh Nandi,&nbsp;A. S. Guruprasad,&nbsp;Kathyayini Nagaraju","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00501-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00501-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>FBG are used in various different applications like aerospace industry, railways, civil structures, biomedical and in environmental monitoring. Herein, a novel research work highlights the performance of Chitosan—natural polycationic linear polysaccharide based Fiber Bragg Grating (c-FBG) sensors for detection of carcinogenic, harmful organic dye Rhodamine B. Chitosan was employed in FBG sensor as it is plentifully available polysaccharide, easily forms hydrogel and also binds with Rhodamine B. The interaction of chitosan hydrogel with Rhodamine B produces a deformation of the gel- consecutively detected as wavelength shift. FBG sensors are tiny and highly sensitive, capable of detecting changes in the picometer range, and even small variations can be observed as measurable wavelength shifts. FBG’s are the optical sensors mainly used for observing and monitoring parameters such as temperature and strain. The FBG sensor was chemically coated with 5wt% Chitosan in 4% glacial acid gel (c-FBG) and achieved a very low dye concentration of Rhodamine B with a Limit of Detection (LOD) of 1 ppm. Interestingly, the c- FBG sensor was successfully used in the detection of Rhodamine B from 0 to 50 ppm, with small intervals of 5 ppm up to 50 ppm level implying the efficiency/sensitivity (5.17 × 10^–5 nm/ppm) of the c-FBG sensor. In order to validate experimental results of c-FBG sensor, simulation studies using R-Soft tool and traditional UV spectral analysis was conducted and the results were inline.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00501-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149132727","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":"Advances in PCM-gypsum composites for building thermal energy storage: bibliometric insights and systematic review","authors":"Najoua Mekaddem,&nbsp;Hanen Nouri,&nbsp;Samia Ben-Ali,&nbsp;Ahmed Hannachi","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00524-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00524-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The building sector is a major contributor to global energy consumption, driving urgent needs for energy storage materials that can regulate indoor temperature and reduce reliance on conventional sources. Phase change materials (PCMs) have great potential for thermal energy storage (TES), yet their integration into construction materials remains challenging. Gypsum, a common building material, can host PCM or PCM composite giving rise to PCM gypsum composites with potential for large-scale implementation in wall structures. This review systematically assesses the current state of knowledge on PCM gypsum composites through a dual approach: a bibliometric analysis that maps research evolution from 2000 to 2024, and a systematic evaluation of experimental and modeling studies. It examines trends in publication volume, journal evolution, geographical contributions, authorship, citation metrics, keyword analysis and thematic mapping. Key aspects explored encompass innovative incorporation methods, thermal and mechanical performance, energy saving in practical applications. The analysis reveals a rapidly expanding research landscape, yet significant gaps persist in long-term durability, standardization, and feasibility of large-scale production. By bridging bibliometric insights with critical material analysis, this review outlines both the progress achieved and the future research trajectories required to unlock the full potential of PCM gypsum composites for sustainable and resilient building.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00524-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149132728","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":"Optimized preparation and aerospace applications of wear-resistant POM composites: a mini-review","authors":"Zheng Liu,&nbsp;Ruihan Zhang,&nbsp;Xingbei Liu,&nbsp;Zhenbo Yin,&nbsp;Zhiwei Li,&nbsp;Haoran Guo","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00514-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00514-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Polyoxymethylene (POM) composites are promising self-lubricating materials for aerospace bearings due to their excellent friction properties, mechanical rigidity and dimensional stability. However, inherent drawbacks including high volatile organic compound emissions and poor high-temperature thermal stability severely restrict their large-scale aerospace applications. This review systematically summarizes the state-of-the-art optimization strategies of aviation-oriented POM composites, covering low-VOC and heat-resistant resin modification, particle/fiber reinforcement, and intelligent porous self-lubricating structural design. The service mechanisms and key performance evaluation criteria of POM composites under complex aerospace working conditions are analyzed, and the advantages and limitations of mainstream molding processes are clarified. Current technical bottlenecks limiting the aerospace engineering application of POM composites are discussed. Finally, future development directions focusing on multi-scale synergistic modification, intelligent lubrication design and closed-loop performance optimization are proposed, aiming to promote the high-reliability application of POM-based composites in advanced aviation bearing systems.</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":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00514-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149132844","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":"Development of titanium dioxide based electrochemical sensor for detection of vitreous humor cystine level to estimate postmortem interval","authors":"Amna Anwar,&nbsp;Anam Munawar,&nbsp;Allah Rakha,&nbsp;Ahsan Riaz,&nbsp;Uzma Zaheen","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00518-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00518-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study presents the development of a novel titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-based electrochemical sensor for the detection of cystine levels in vitreous humor to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI). TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via a NaOH-mediated hydrothermal method and characterized using SEM, FTIR, XRD, and DLS. The synthesized NPs exhibited a narrow size distribution (50–150 nm) and high crystallinity. These NPs were drop-cast onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and electrochemical performance was assessed using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The sensor demonstrated a clear redox response with anodic and cathodic peaks centered around +0.46 V and -0.25 V, respectively. A strong linear correlation (R² = 0.993) was observed between peak current (13-39 µA) and cystine concentration (0.001-1 mM), with a limit of detection of 0.003 µM. The sensor retained approximately 56% of its initial signal after four weeks of ambient storage. Real sample testing confirmed the sensor's practical application in forensic PMI estimation. This work introduces a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable tool for forensic investigations.</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":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00518-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149132799","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":"Geant4 simulation-based evaluation of gamma and neutron shielding properties of BaTiO₃/CaWO₄-reinforced polymer composites","authors":"M. R. Alipoor,&nbsp;M. Eshghi","doi":"10.1186/s40712-026-00494-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40712-026-00494-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The demand for lightweight, efficient, and eco-friendly radiation shielding has driven the development of advanced polymer composites. This study evaluates the gamma-ray and neutron attenuation properties of BaTiO₃- and CaWO₄-filled ternary polymer composites (5–20 wt%) using validated Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations (relative discrepancy ≤ 2% vs. experimental benchmarks). Key shielding metrics—linear and mass attenuation coefficients, half- and tenth-value layers, effective atomic number, effective electron density and energy buildup factors—were analyzed over 15 keV–1.5 MeV, complemented by neutron cross-section data at 4.5 MeV. Gamma attenuation improves monotonically with filler content. BaTiO₃ (20%) excels near 60 keV, while CaWO₄ (20%) performs optimally at the W K-edge (69.5 keV). In the photoelectric-dominated range (&lt; 100 keV), CaWO₄ composites reduce HVL by 35–40% relative to BaTiO₃; differences shrink to &lt; 15% in the Compton range (0.2–1 MeV) and vanish above 1 MeV, where HVL exceeds 8 cm for all samples. EBF decreases with higher filler loading, with CaWO₄ showing lower secondary radiation buildup than BaTiO₃. For fast neutrons (4.5 MeV), elastic scattering dominates (28–31%) due to the hydrogen-rich matrix. CaWO₄ (20%) exhibits the lowest transport fraction (69.11%) and shortest mean free path. However, neutron capture probabilities in oxide-doped composites remain negligible (&lt; 0.0015%), highlighting the necessity of hybrid designs incorporating high-capture isotopes (e.g., Gd) for thermal neutron absorption. These results support an energy-specific material selection framework: CaWO₄ (20%) is preferred for low-energy gamma shielding (&lt; 100 keV) and minimal secondary radiation, whereas BaTiO₃ (20%) offers competitive broadband performance. With low density and mechanical flexibility, these composites are suitable for medical radiology, nuclear facility linings, and aerospace applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":592,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40712-026-00494-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149132800","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}