The 2nd International Symposium on Functional Materials

Natural biopolymer materials have enormous potential in important, rapidly growing applications ranging from green electronics, dye and heavy metal removal, oil/water separation, therapeutic agent delivery, tissue engineering scaffolds, biological devices, optics, and sensing. However, the application of advanced functional biopolymer materials suffers from their poor processability and weak mechanical properties. Regarding this, there are enormous challenges to break the strong intermolecular interactions (hydrogen bonding) in their native forms, while re-establishing predominant hydrogen bonding in the processed materials in a cost-effective way. Here, we report our breakthrough to prepare biopolymer alloy materials based on chitosan and silk peptide (SP) with outstanding mechanical properties via a facile, “dry”, melt processing method. The 1:1 (wt./wt.) chitosan–SP film had a toughness of 19.9 J cm–3, Young’s modulus of 1855 MPa, and tensile strength of 95.9 MPa, which are similar to, or even better than, most engineering polymers. We propose that our method could maximize the molecular interactions between chitosan and SP via a simple and effective thermomechanical mixing, which resulted in considerably enhanced mechanical properties. Moreover, dehydration/rehydration can reversibly adjust the mechanical properties of the new biopolymer alloys, which demonstrates the dominant effect of hydrogen bonding in enabling the mechanical properties of these interesting alloys. Our simple approach to engineering high-performance biopolymer materials without resorting to complex chemistries and 3D-structural construction can be envisioned to bring about a new direction in the design of advanced functional materials where cost effectiveness is the priority.

A review of bio-based dialdehyde polysaccharides as multifunctional building blocks for biomedical and food science applications.

We are witnessing a tremendous transition towards a society powered by net-zero carbon emission energy, with a corresponding escalating reliance on functional materials (FM). In recent years, the application of FM in multiphysics environments has brought new challenges to the mechanics and materials research communities. The underlying mechanism in FM, which governs several fundamental characteristics, is known as martensitic phase transformation (MPT). When it comes to the application of FM in the multiphysics context, a thorough understanding of the interplay between MPT and fracture plays a crucial role in FM design and application. In the present work, a coupled problem of crack nucleation and propagation and multivariant stress-induced MPT in elastic materials is presented using a finite element method based on Khachaturyan’s microelasticity theory. The problem is established based on a phase-field (PF) approach, which includes the Ginzburg–Landau equations with advanced thermodynamic potential and the variational formulation of Griffith’s theory. Therefore, the model consists of a coupled system of the Ginzburg–Landau equations and the static elasticity equation, and it characterizes evolution of distributions of austenite and two martensitic variants as well as crack growth in terms of corresponding order parameters. The numerical results show that crack growth does not begin until MPT has grown almost completely through the microstructure. Subsequent to the initial formation of the martensite variants, the initial crack propagates in such a way that its path mainly depends on the feature of martensite variant formations, the orientation and direction upon which the martensite plates are aligned, and the stress concentration between martensite plates. In addition, crack propagation behavior and martensite variant evaluations for different lattice orientation angles are presented and discussed in-detail.

Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization-based surface modification has emerged as a powerful tool for preparation of well-defined polymers grafted solid substrates. Combination of the RAFT process with highly efficient ligation reactions involving click chemistry can further extend its application in controlled synthesis of functional hybrid and composite materials. This review highlights some basic features of this method and describes synthesis of polymer-grafted solid surfaces such as silica particles, metal oxide, gold nanoparticles, cellulose, and graphene oxide. Applications of such functional materials, including their use in functional additives, bioactive surfaces and biomaterials, stationary phases for chromatographic applications, and preparation of hollow capsules and molecularly imprinted polymer films, are also summarized.

Ferritin nanocages possess remarkable structural properties and biological functions, making them highly attractive for applications in functional materials and biomedicine. This comprehensive review presents an overview of the molecular characteristics, extraction and identification of ferritin, ferritin receptors, as well as the advancements in the directional design of high-order assemblies of ferritin and the applications based on its unique structural properties. Specifically, this Review focuses on the regulation of ferritin assembly from one to three dimensions, leveraging the symmetry of ferritin and modifications on key interfaces. Furthermore, it discusses targeted delivery of nutrition and drugs through facile loading and functional modification of ferritin. The aim of this Review is to inspire the design of micro/nano functional materials using ferritin and the development of nanodelivery vehicles for nutritional fortification and disease treatment.

Gamma radiation is a type of radiation that can change the structural properties of materials. Many physical and structural properties of metals and alloys change due to defects in their crystal structures in response to irradiation. Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are functional materials and are used in mechanical devices for monitoring nuclear facilities. In this study, copper-based SMAs were used. Copper-based SMAs are very sensitive to alloying elements and small changes in element percentages. Cu-11.6Al-0.42Be, Cu-11.8Al-0.47Be, Cu-13Al-4Ni, and Cu-13.5Al-4Ni (wt%) SMA samples were irradiated with a fixed radiation dose of 50 kGy. The effect of irradiation on the thermodynamic parameters and structural properties of copper-based SMAs was investigated. The effects of irradiation on thermodynamic parameters were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Structural examinations were made by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical microscope observations. Microhardness measurements were taken. The results obtained for Cu-based SMAs were evaluated both as homogeneous and irradiated samples and according to alloying elements.

physica status solidi (a)Volume 123, Issue 1 p. K47-K52 Short Note Metallic Element Substituting Effect in YBa2Cu3Oy Superconductors Studied by 1D-ACAR X. Y. Zhou, X. Y. Zhou International Center for Materials Physics, Academia Sinica, Shengyang Search for more papers by this authorJ. Sh. Zhu, J. Sh. Zhu International Center for Materials Physics, Academia Sinica, Shengyang Search for more papers by this authorH. Zhang, H. Zhang Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei Search for more papers by this authorQ. R. Zhang, Q. R. Zhang Department of Physics, Peking University Department of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou Search for more papers by this author X. Y. Zhou, X. Y. Zhou International Center for Materials Physics, Academia Sinica, Shengyang Search for more papers by this authorJ. Sh. Zhu, J. Sh. Zhu International Center for Materials Physics, Academia Sinica, Shengyang Search for more papers by this authorH. Zhang, H. Zhang Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei Search for more papers by this authorQ. R. Zhang, Q. R. Zhang Department of Physics, Peking University Department of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou Search for more papers by this author First published: 16 January 1991 https://doi.org/10.1002/pssa.2211230146Citations: 2 Shengyang 110015, People's Republic of China. Hefei 230026, People's Republic of China. Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China. Hangzhou 310027, People's Republic of China. AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume123, Issue116 January 1991Pages K47-K52 RelatedInformation

Optical neural networks are considered a promising alternative for mitigating the computational bottlenecks and energy constraints of electronic neural networks. However, their widespread adoption is limited by the absence of efficient optical nonlinear activation units. In this work, we leverage the mature optical component Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) used for constructing optical neural networks and integrate magneto-optical (MO) functional materials into its waveguide arms, achieving a magnetically tunable optical nonlinear activation function. Utilizing finite element simulation software COMSOL Multiphysics, we established a model of the MZI modulator with MO material and optimized the critical structural parameters, such as the radius of the S-bend waveguide, the coupling length of the directional coupler, and the length of the MO waveguide. By adjusting the magnetic field intensity applied to the MO waveguide, the phase difference between the two interfering arms of the MZI can be precisely controlled, thereby enabling the output light intensity to demonstrate the traits of an optical nonlinear activation function. The utilization of MO modulation for achieving optical nonlinear activation function represents a significant advancement over electro-optical and thermo-optical techniques. This method boasts a faster response speed and superior modulation efficiency, coupled with seamless integration and tunability. It holds significant application value in the optical neural networks capable of managing high-speed data processing tasks.

Shape memory alloys are typical temperature-sensitive metallic functional materials due to superelasticity and shape recovery characteristics. The conventional shape memory effect involves the formation and deformation of thermally induced martensite and its reverse transformation. The shape recovery process usually takes place over a temperature range, showing relatively low temperature-sensitivity. Here we report novel Cu-Al-Fe-Mn shape memory alloys. Their stress-strain and shape recovery behaviors are clearly different from the conventional shape memory alloys. In this study, although the Cu-12.2Al-4.3Fe-6.6Mn and Cu-12.9Al-3.8Fe-5.6Mn alloys possess predominantly L21 parent before deformation, the 2H martensite stress-induced from L21 parent could be retained after unloading. Furthermore, their shape recovery response is extremely temperature-sensitive, in which a giant residual strain of about 9% recovers instantly and completely during heating. At the same time, the phenomenon of the jumping of the sample occurs. It is originated from the instantaneous completion of the reverse transformation of the stabilized 2H martensite. This novel Cu-Al-Fe-Mn shape memory alloys have great potentials as new temperature-sensitive functional materials.

Nanocellulose has prompted extensive exploration of its applications in advanced functional materials, especially humidity-responsive materials. However, the sunflower pith (SP), a unique agricultural by-product with high cellulose and pectin content, is always ignored and wasted. This work applied sulfuric acid hydrolysis and sonication to sunflower pith to obtain nanocellulose and construct film materials with humidity-responsive properties. The SP nanoparticle (SP-NP) suspension could form a transparent film with stacked layers of laminated structure. Due to the tightly layered structure and expansion confinement effect, when humidity increases, the SP-NP film responds rapidly in just 0.5 s and completes a full flipping cycle in 4 s, demonstrating its excellent humidity-responsive capability. After removing hemicellulose and lignin, the SP cellulose nanocrystals (SPC-NC) could self-assemble into a chiral nematic structure in the film, displaying various structural colors based on different sonication times. The color of the SPC-NC film dynamically adjusted with changes in ambient humidity, exhibiting both functionality and aesthetics. This research provides a new perspective on the high-value utilization of sunflower pith while establishing a practical foundation for developing novel responsive cellulose-based materials.

The molecular ordering and defects in self‐assembled soft matter systems are pivotal to their functionality and the advancement of innovative applications. However, achieving precise guidance in the assembly and dynamical modulation of defect structures in an artificial manner remains a formidable challenge in soft matter and interdisciplinary science. Herein, a digitally controlled pixelated holographic lithography system is established to fabricate nanoscale surface reliefs, enabling precise manipulation of smectic liquid crystal lamellar defect structures. These surface reliefs, with customizable topographic features, facilitate versatile smectic soft defect engineering, allowing selective assembly of square focal conic domains and oily streak defects, along with precise control over their periodicity, orientations, and patterned coexistence within micro‐regions. The defect structures demonstrate exceptional stability and durability under UV irradiation, providing a robust framework for versatile defect engineering. This work opens a new pathway for manipulating lamellar superstructures in soft matter, offering potential applications in advanced functional materials and devices.

Preparation of chemically modified lignin and its application in advanced functional materials

In this paper the modelling of special biomechanical mechanism and application of shape memory materials are presented. The model of the human middle ear is made as multibody system. The basic 3dof ear model of the healthy middle ear is modified to represent the damaged ear. A damaged of the ossicular chainis taken into account by adding gap in visco-elastic joints. In addition, an attempt of the ossicles chain reconstruction through prosthesis made of shape memory alloy is presented. Moreover, a new description of the hysteresis sub-loop which characterise prosthesis material is proposed. Finally, dynamic responses of healthy, damaged and reconstructed models of the middle ear are compared by quality index.

Stimuli-responsive diradicaloid systems often display fascinating and tunable electrochemical, optical, and magnetic properties. Herein, we present the design and synthesis of a series of nitrogen-containing Thiele’s hydrocarbon derivatives (2Ph, 2Py, and 2Pz), based on phenyl, pyridinyl, and pyrazinyl spacers, with tunable electrochemical, electronic, and optical properties. By systematically increasing the number of nitrogen atoms in the molecular backbone, we observed consistent trends in both their absorption and their redox properties. A detailed investigation on the different oxidation states of 2Ph, which displays potential inversion, was also performed, including the intermediate radical cationic state (2PhRC). This intermediate represents an intriguing example of a mixed-valent species whose thermodynamic stability, as calculated by the comproportionation constant (Kc), is diminishingly small, whereas the electronic coupling is strong, making it a borderline class II–III mixed-valence compound. External modulation through coordination with Brønsted and Lewis acids reversibly altered the optical responses of 2Py and 2Pz. This work highlights both structural and stimuli-responsive strategies for tuning organic diradicaloid systems, thereby opening new avenues for their applications in functional materials and coordination chemistry.

The controlled preparation and stability mechanism of partially stabilized zirconia by microwave intensification