IF 4.1 3区材料科学

Silicon Pub Date : 2026-06-09 DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03712-5

Ziyad Awadh Alrowaili, Taha Abdel Mohaymen Taha

{"title":"Enhanced Optical Properties and Gamma Radiation Shielding of CeO2-Doped Borosilicate Glasses for Nuclear Applications","authors":"Ziyad Awadh Alrowaili, Taha Abdel Mohaymen Taha","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03712-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03712-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, a new borosilicate glasses system with chemical composition (55 − x)B<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> − xCeO<sub>2</sub> − 15SiO<sub>2</sub> − 30Na<sub>2</sub>O, (x = 0.0, 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 mol%) was synthesized via a standard melt quenching technique. Structural and optical characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed the amorphous nature of all samples. Density increased linearly (2.438—2.579 g/cm<sup>3</sup>), while molar volume expanded disproportionately (27.03—29.30 cm<sup>3</sup>/mol). Optical absorption measurements indicated a decrease in the bandgap energy (E<sub>g</sub>) from 3.714 eV to 2.771 eV with higher CeO<sub>2</sub> doping levels. Refractive index (n) increased with CeO<sub>2</sub>, peaking at 3 mol%. Radiation shielding performance was evaluated using Phy-X/PSD software. CeO<sub>2</sub> enhanced gamma attenuation, particularly at low energies (< 0.5 MeV), reducing the half-value layer (HVL) by 89% (0.05 MeV) and increasing the effective atomic number (Z<sub>eff</sub> = 27.31 at 0.02 MeV). The exposure buildup factor (EBF) and energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) decreased significantly (e.g., EABF at 1 MeV: 193.9—95.2) with 3—6 wt% CeO<sub>2</sub>. Fast neutron removal cross sections (Σ<sub>R</sub>) showed minimal variation (0.101—0.097 cm<sup>−1</sup>). These findings demonstrate the significant role of CeO<sub>2</sub> in modulating the structural and optical properties of the synthesized borosilicate glasses for medical X-ray shielding and nuclear reactor environments.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 9","pages":"3249 - 3262"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148496761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Effect of Alkali–Silane Treated Paddy Straw Biosilica and Cellular PET Core on Pineapple Fibre–Vinyl Ester Composites; Under Service and Hydrothermal Temperature Conditions 碱硅烷处理稻秆生物二氧化硅和细胞PET芯对菠萝纤维-乙烯基酯复合材料的影响在使用和水热温度条件下

IF 4.1 3区材料科学

Silicon Pub Date : 2026-06-09 DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03708-1

N. Rajiv Kumar, R. Soundararajan, R. Srinivasan, N. S. Sivakumar

{"title":"Effect of Alkali–Silane Treated Paddy Straw Biosilica and Cellular PET Core on Pineapple Fibre–Vinyl Ester Composites; Under Service and Hydrothermal Temperature Conditions","authors":"N. Rajiv Kumar, R. Soundararajan, R. Srinivasan, N. S. Sivakumar","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03708-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03708-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This research investigates the mechanical, thermal, machining, and durability performance of vinyl ester–based hybrid composites incorporating recycled PET, pineapple fiber, and biosilica filler (0–5 vol.%). The composites were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique and classified as untreated, thermally conditioned, and hydrothermally conditioned, with conditioning performed at elevated temperatures for 30 days. The results demonstrate that increasing biosilica content significantly enhances composite performance across all conditioning states. Improved interfacial bonding and filler-induced surface roughness contributed to higher shear strength, reduced creep deformation, and improved dimensional stability during drilling operations. Thermal conductivity increased with biosilica loading due to the formation of rigid siliceous heat-transfer pathways. Impact resistance was highest in unaged composites, while thermally and hydrothermally conditioned specimens exhibited moderate reductions attributed to matrix embrittlement. Among all formulations, the hydrothermally conditioned composite containing 5 vol. % biosilica exhibited the most balanced performance, combining superior mechanical strength, thermal efficiency, creep resistance, and machining precision. These findings establish the potential of biosilica-reinforced hybrid composites for high-performance and durability-critical structural applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 9","pages":"3263 - 3276"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148496648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Effect of Warm Water Aging on Alkali-silane Treated Sunn Hemp Fiber and Pistachio Shell Lignin Reinforced Epoxy Composite: Mechanical, Lap Shear, Wear and drilling Performance 温水老化对碱硅烷处理的太阳麻纤维和开心果壳木质素增强环氧复合材料力学性能、搭接剪切性能、磨损性能和钻削性能的影响

IF 4.1 3区材料科学

Silicon Pub Date : 2026-06-09 DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03707-2

R. Srinivasan, Sakthi Prasad, G. Ramesh, M. Arul Murugan

{"title":"Effect of Warm Water Aging on Alkali-silane Treated Sunn Hemp Fiber and Pistachio Shell Lignin Reinforced Epoxy Composite: Mechanical, Lap Shear, Wear and drilling Performance","authors":"R. Srinivasan, Sakthi Prasad, G. Ramesh, M. Arul Murugan","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03707-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03707-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Bio-based composites have recently gained significant attention due to their eco-friendly nature, excellent mechanical properties, and lightweight characteristics. This study presents a novel hybrid epoxy composite system developed using alkali–silane treated sunn hemp fiber combined with pistachio-shell-derived lignin, an agro-waste filler that has not been previously explored in warm-water–aged composite structures. The primary objective was to investigate how prolonged moisture exposure at a constant temperature influences the mechanical, wear, and drilling performance of these newly developed hybrid composites. The reinforcements were chemically treated, manually fabricated into composites, and aged in warm water at 40 °C for 14 days. Post-aging, specimens prepared according to ASTM standards were evaluated for mechanical, wear, and drilling behaviour. Results showed that RSL1 with 1.5 vol.% lignin exhibited superior tensile (147.9 MPa), flexural (184 MPa), impact (4.0 J), and lap shear strength (38.3 MPa), while RSL2 with 3.5 vol.% lignin demonstrated enhanced hardness (98 Shore-D), reduced wear rate (0.054 mm<sup>3</sup>/Nm), and a COF of 0.35, but inferior drilling quality. SEM analysis further provided insights into microstructural integrity and failure mechanisms after aging. Overall, the study highlights a unique hybrid natural fiber–lignin composite system and establishes its potential for sustainable applications in automotive, packaging, consumer goods, and energy sectors.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 9","pages":"3303 - 3315"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148496763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Exploration of the Functional Properties Novel Ferromagnetic Quaternary Heusler Alloys FeHfTiX (X = Si, Ge) for Spintronic and Thermoelectric Applications 新型铁磁四元Heusler合金FeHfTiX （X = Si, Ge）自旋电子和热电应用功能特性的探索

IF 4.1 3区材料科学

Silicon Pub Date : 2026-06-09 DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03709-0

Preeti Kumari, Ali B. M. Ali, Ankit Srivastava, Jisha Annie Abraham, Mumtaz Manzoor, Abdulla Hayitov, Ramesh Sharma, Amina Salhi

{"title":"Exploration of the Functional Properties Novel Ferromagnetic Quaternary Heusler Alloys FeHfTiX (X = Si, Ge) for Spintronic and Thermoelectric Applications","authors":"Preeti Kumari, Ali B. M. Ali, Ankit Srivastava, Jisha Annie Abraham, Mumtaz Manzoor, Abdulla Hayitov, Ramesh Sharma, Amina Salhi","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03709-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03709-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, the structural, electronic, magnetic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of FeHfTiX (X = Si, Ge, Sn) Heusler alloys were investigated using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results reveal that both compounds possess ferromagnetic ground states and are thermodynamically stable in their cubic phase. With a band gap of approximately 1.06 eV and 1.07 eV in the spin methods, we found that both behave in a half-metallic manner utilizing the Generalized Gradient Approximate (GGA) method. The half-metallic nature of these alloys encourages high spin polarization. According to the Slater-Pauling criterion, such alloys have an overall magnetic moment of 2.0 μ<sub>B</sub> as well as a magnetic moment at half metallic properties. Optical properties were analysed to understand light–matter interaction and electronic transitions. Furthermore, the Seebeck coefficient and thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) were evaluated using semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory, showing promising thermoelectric performance. The calculated Seebeck coefficients reach 121.8 μV/K, 100.6 μV/K, and 110.5 μV/K at 600 K, 750 K, and 900 K for FeHfTiX (X = Si, Ge). The corresponding ZT values of 0.9, 0.59, and 0.85 underscore their suitability for spintronic and thermoelectric applications. We calculate the Curie temperature of the FeHfTiX (X = Si, Ge) alloys, considering the exchange interactions. The Curie temperatures of both Heusler alloys are above 900 K, which is significantly higher than room temperature. FeHfTiX (X = Si, Ge) alloys show promise for spintronics applications, as indicated by theoretical simulation calculations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 9","pages":"3287 - 3302"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148496762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Investigation of Nanosheet FETs with Embedded Gates for Enhanced DC Performance 用于增强直流性能的嵌入式栅极纳米片场效应管的研究

IF 4.1 3区材料科学

Silicon Pub Date : 2026-06-09 DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03706-3

Moon-Kwon Lee, Hyo-Jun Park, Eui-Cheol Yun, Tae-Hyun Kil, Ju-Won Yeon, Min-Woo Kim, Jun-Young Park

{"title":"Investigation of Nanosheet FETs with Embedded Gates for Enhanced DC Performance","authors":"Moon-Kwon Lee, Hyo-Jun Park, Eui-Cheol Yun, Tae-Hyun Kil, Ju-Won Yeon, Min-Woo Kim, Jun-Young Park","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03706-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03706-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Nanosheet field-effect transistors (NS FETs) are considered promising candidates for technology nodes beyond 3 nm. However, several challenges—including quantum confinement effects, surface roughness scattering, and the formation of a parasitic planar FET on the substrate—make it difficult to achieve a sufficient on-state current (<i>I</i><sub>ON</sub>) / off-state current (<i>I</i><sub>OFF</sub>) ratio. In this context, we propose a novel NS FET structure that incorporates multiple embedded gates (EGs) on the substrate for the first time. The substrate EGs enhance gate controllability and effectively increase the gate length of the bottom parasitic FET. As a result, the proposed structure achieves a higher <i>I</i><sub>ON</sub>/<i>I</i><sub>OFF</sub> ratio than the conventional counterpart without increasing the device footprint. Technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations are used to investigate the proposed structure and its electrical characteristics. The fabrication process of the proposed NS FETs is fully compatible with conventional NS FET processing and is expected to open new avenues for logic device development.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 9","pages":"3277 - 3286"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148496649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Integration of ZnO-BaTiO3 Nanocomposite Thin Films on Silicon: Structural, Morphological, and Electrical Property Studies ZnO-BaTiO3纳米复合薄膜在硅上的集成：结构、形态和电学性能研究

IF 4.1 3区材料科学

Silicon Pub Date : 2026-06-08 DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03689-1

Hetal Kundalia, Ashish Ravalia, D. G. Kuberkar

{"title":"Integration of ZnO-BaTiO3 Nanocomposite Thin Films on Silicon: Structural, Morphological, and Electrical Property Studies","authors":"Hetal Kundalia, Ashish Ravalia, D. G. Kuberkar","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03689-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03689-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this communication, we report the results of investigations on the synthesis, characterization, and functional properties of ZnO, BTO and (1-X) ZnO-(X)BaTiO<sub>3</sub> (ZnO-BTO) (X = 0.20–0.50) composite films grown using Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) on n-type silicon substrate. Structural analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of individual ZnO and BTO crystalline phase, indicating successful integration of the composite materials. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to examine the surface morphology and roughness, revealing a uniform and defect-free layer. Variations in film thickness and elemental compositions were studied using Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS). The non-linear I-V characteristics for all films indicate a semiconducting or insulating nature with possible trap-assisted conduction or space-charge-limited conduction mechanisms. The significant changes observed in the ferroelectric (P-E) loops were attributed to the modifications in surface morphology and the interface between the wurtzite-structured ZnO and the perovskite-structured BaTiO<sub>3</sub>, which influence the space charge region. Dielectric measurements performed over a range of frequencies (100 Hz to 1 MHz) and temperatures (room temperature to 150 °C) indicate that, both ZnO and BaTiO<sub>3</sub> exhibit significant variations in dielectric properties with frequency and temperature. The composite thin films exhibited enhanced dielectric properties and reduced leakage current compared to ZnO/Si and BTO/Si films, demonstrating the synergistic effects of the composite structure. The improved performance of composite thin films on silicon substrates suggests their potential for use in advanced electronic devices, such as high-k dielectrics in transistors, sensors, and photovoltaic cells. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the material properties and underscores the benefits of composite thin films in enhancing the functionality of silicon-based technologies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 9","pages":"3233 - 3247"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148496645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Simulation of TOPCoRE Solar Cells: Impact of Boron Doping Parameters of P+ Layer Localized Under Front Side Metal Contacts on Cell Performance TOPCoRE太阳能电池的模拟：硼掺杂参数对电池性能的影响

IF 4.1 3区材料科学

Silicon Pub Date : 2026-06-08 DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03717-0

Eni Muka, Raşit Turan, Hisham Nasser

{"title":"Simulation of TOPCoRE Solar Cells: Impact of Boron Doping Parameters of P+ Layer Localized Under Front Side Metal Contacts on Cell Performance","authors":"Eni Muka, Raşit Turan, Hisham Nasser","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03717-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03717-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This work elaborates on the modeling properties of a Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact with Rear Emitter (TOPCoRE) solar cells on p-type silicon focusing on the influence of boron-doped hole-selective layers localized under the front side metal contact. Using the numerical simulation tool Quokka3, the boron peak doping concentration (N<sub>peak</sub>) and the diffusion profile depth were systematically varied within ranges of 10<sup>19</sup>–10<sup>20</sup> cm<sup>−3</sup> and 0.1–0.8 µm, respectively, to quantify their impact on device performance. The simulations identified an optimal N<sub>peak</sub> of 1·10<sup>20</sup> cm<sup>−3</sup> and a profile depth of 0.3 µm, yielding an open-circuit voltage (<i>V</i><sub>oc</sub>) of 735.8 mV, a short-circuit current density (<i>J</i><sub>sc</sub>) of 42.19 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>, a fill factor (<i>FF</i>) of 83.97%, and a resulting power-conversion efficiency (<i>η</i>) of 26.07%. Additional analysis across a wide range of surface recombination velocities (SRV) reveals how doping-induced selectivity and recombination trade-offs govern the achievable performance. A data mining approach further confirms the dominant correlation between doping parameters, SRV, and key performance indicators. These results establish quantitative design rules for optimizing localized hole-selective layers in front-contacted TOPCoRE architectures.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 9","pages":"3223 - 3232"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12633-026-03717-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148496644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Enrichment of Tribological and Mechanical Behavior of AA6061-TiO₂/CeO₂ Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites with Process Parameter Optimization 工艺参数优化对aa6061 - tio_2 / ceo_2杂化金属基复合材料摩擦学和力学性能的影响

IF 4.1 3区材料科学

Silicon Pub Date : 2026-06-06 DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03711-6

M. Dhanenthiran, C. Balamurugan, A. Bovas Herbert Bejaxhin

{"title":"Enrichment of Tribological and Mechanical Behavior of AA6061-TiO₂/CeO₂ Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites with Process Parameter Optimization","authors":"M. Dhanenthiran, C. Balamurugan, A. Bovas Herbert Bejaxhin","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03711-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03711-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Composite materials have become essential in the automotive, military industries and aerospace due to their superior mechanical properties and weldability. AA6061, a heat-treatable aluminum alloy, offers excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability, making it highly suitable for aerospace, automotive, marine, and structural applications. This study examines the mechanical characteristics of AA6061 in conjunction with titanium dioxide, cerium oxide, and a combination of both. Prepare samples with the following compositions: (95% AA6061 + 5% TiO₂), (95% AA6061 + 5% CeO₂), and (95% AA6061 + 2.5% TiO₂ + 2.5% CeO₂) utilising manual stir casting techniques. Tensile and compression tests assess mechanical qualities, which may fluctuate based on the incorporation of reinforcing elements like titanium dioxide and cerium oxide. The findings demonstrate that the reinforcing material can enhance the mechanical characteristics. The wear resistance of the samples was tested through a pin-on-disc tribometer in accordance with ASTM G99 standards. The following parameters were implemented: load (20 N–40 N), speed (150 rpm–450 rpm), and sliding distance (5 m – 15 m). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed in the statistical analysis to identify the optimal wear process parameters for enhancing wear resistance. The findings demonstrated that the alloy wear rate and composites increased with in applied stress and velocity. The study performed a variance analysis with the optimisation approach that incorporated Taguchi analysis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 9","pages":"3205 - 3222"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148496647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Mitigation of Efflorescence in Red Mud-Fly Ash Geopolymer via C-A-S–H Gel Transformation: A Macro–Micro Investigation C-A-S-H凝胶转化对红泥-粉煤灰地聚合物缓发效应的宏观-微观研究

IF 4.1 3区材料科学

Silicon Pub Date : 2026-06-06 DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03716-1

Jing Chen, Bing Bai, Jingjing Liu

{"title":"Mitigation of Efflorescence in Red Mud-Fly Ash Geopolymer via C-A-S–H Gel Transformation: A Macro–Micro Investigation","authors":"Jing Chen, Bing Bai, Jingjing Liu","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03716-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03716-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Efflorescence is a critical issue compromising the durability and silicate network stability of red mud-fly ash geopolymer (RFG). In this study, the degradation mechanism of RFG efflorescence was revealed, and two mitigation strategies were evaluated: high-temperature secondary curing and cement incorporation. Results indicated that while secondary curing promoted the dissolution of unreacted particles and densified the aluminosilicate skeleton, it failed to fully inhibit ion migration due to residual capillary porosity. In contrast, the incorporation of cement fundamentally suppressed efflorescence. The hydration heat of cement accelerated the initial geopolymerization kinetics, facilitating the in-situ transformation from N-A-S–H to a denser and more stable C-A-S–H gel. This C-A-S–H matrix functioned through a dual mechanism: physically filling the micropores to block ion diffusion channels and chemically immobilizing free alkali metal ions within its structure. Consequently, the formation of mobile carbonate precursors was prevented, ensuring the long-term structural integrity of the geopolymer.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 9","pages":"3191 - 3204"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148496759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Sustainable Cement Concrete Using Fly Ash, Nanosilica, and Glass Fibers for Strength and Durability Enhancement 可持续水泥混凝土使用粉煤灰，纳米二氧化硅和玻璃纤维的强度和耐久性增强

IF 4.1 3区材料科学

Silicon Pub Date : 2026-06-06 DOI: 10.1007/s12633-026-03713-4

Roselin R, Shalin Prince, Edwin Sahayaraj M, J. Maniraj, A. Felix Sahayaraj, Lalu Gladson Robin, Darwins A.K, H. Joy Prabu

{"title":"Sustainable Cement Concrete Using Fly Ash, Nanosilica, and Glass Fibers for Strength and Durability Enhancement","authors":"Roselin R, Shalin Prince, Edwin Sahayaraj M, J. Maniraj, A. Felix Sahayaraj, Lalu Gladson Robin, Darwins A.K, H. Joy Prabu","doi":"10.1007/s12633-026-03713-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12633-026-03713-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The growing demand for sustainable construction materials necessitates reducing cement consumption without compromising concrete performance. This study aims to develop an eco-efficient concrete incorporating fly ash, nanosilica (NS), and glass fibers (GF) to enhance strength and durability while partially replacing cement. Furthermore, it explores the synergistic effect of nanosilica and glass fibers in a fly-ash-based cement matrix to strengthen the concreate. Concrete mixes containing 20% fly ash, 1.5 wt% NS, and 0.15 wt% GF were prepared and evaluated for mechanical properties. Results revealed significant improvements compared to the control mix: compressive strength increased by 39%, split tensile strength by 41%, and flexural strength by 37%. The synergistic action of NS and GF refined the microstructure and enhanced load transfer efficiency. The optimized mix demonstrated superior performance due to improved matrix densification and crack-bridging effects. This approach promotes sustainability by reducing cement content and CO₂ emissions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":776,"journal":{"name":"Silicon","volume":"18 9","pages":"3179 - 3189"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148496643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

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