Materials

Our medical research library holds 16 studies published in Materials (2014–2026). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 16 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it.

About the journal

• Publisher: MDPI
• Published: 2008 to the present, Switzerland
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1996-1944 (electronic)
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Microstructure and Properties of Surface Metal-Matrix Composite Reinforced with the Product of Vitrification of Asbestos-Cement Waste and CRT Glass Cullet. J. Iwaszko, K. Kudła, M. Lubas. 2026;19(10). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The main aim of the work was to analyse the microstructure and selected properties of a metal-matrix surface composite reinforced with a product of vitrification of asbestos-cement waste (ACW) and glass cullet from cathode-ray tubes (CRTs). The composite matrix was an AA7075 (Al-5.5Zn-2.4Mg-1.6Cu-0.2Cr) aluminium alloy. The FSP (friction stir processing) method was used to produce the composite. The composites were tested in the context of the possibility of using vitrified material as a substitute for other reinforcing materials. As a result of treatment, a composite surface layer was obtained, characterised by uniform distribution of the reinforcing phase with a good bond with the matrix. This process was accompanied by strong grain refinement in the stirring zone and partial dissolution of intermetallic phases. These microstructural changes, combined with the introduction of hard particles into the metal-matrix, resulted in a significant increase in the composite's hardness and wear resistance. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that using the product of vitrification of ACW and CRT cullet in the composites manufacturing process is beneficial, as it is not only a competitive solution to other reinforcing phases, but also an effective way to manage waste hazardous to the environment and humans, thus adding new functionalities to products processed in this way.

• Synthesis of "Yellow Cobblestones" of Sofia Using Asbestos Waste. A. Karamanov, V. Kostov-Kytin, E. Karamanova. 2026;19(20). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The "yellow cobblestones" of Sofia are considered one of the city's symbols. This high-quality clinker was developed in Budapest in the late 19th century by using a local marl. Since this paving was declared part of Sofia's cultural heritage, studies to synthesize similar materials were carried out. Unfortunately, the Bulgarian clays used are characterized by a lower MgO amount, which results in a very narrow sintering range. However, an increase in MgO in the parent batch, bringing the composition closer to that of the original, has a positive effect on sintering, phase composition and structure. This work discusses the possibility of obtaining similar clinker by adding asbestos waste containing a high percentage of MgO to a selected Bulgarian marl. The process involves pre-calcination of part of the marl together with the asbestos waste, followed by mixing the resulting grog with the remaining clay, homogenization, pressing and final firing. Studies with Hot Stage Microscopy and optical dilatometry demonstrate that the asbestos addition has a positive effect on the widening of the sintering interval, while XRD, SEM and pycnometric results elucidate that the samples obtained in this way are characterized by a phase composition and structure comparable to those of the original material.

• Comparative Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Computational Methods in the Detection of Asbestos Cement in Hyperspectral Images. G.E. Chanchí-Golondrino, M. Saba, M.A. Ospina-Alarcón. 2025;18(15). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Among the existing challenges in the field of hyperspectral imaging, the need to optimize memory usage and computational capacity in material detection methods stands out, given the vast amount of data associated with the hundreds of reflectance bands. In line with this, this article proposes a comparative study on the effectiveness and efficiency of five computational methods for detecting composite material asbestos cement (AC) in hyperspectral images: correlation, spectral differential similarity (SDS), Fourier phase similarity (FPS), area under the curve (AUC), and decision trees (DT). The novelty lies in the comparison between the first four methods, which represent the spectral proximity method and a machine learning method, such as DT. Furthermore, SDS and FPS are novel methods proposed in the present document. Given the accuracy that detection methods based on supervised learning have demonstrated in material identification, the results obtained from the DT model were compared with the percentage of AC detected in a hyperspectral image of the Manga neighborhood in the city of Cartagena by the other four methods. Similarly, in terms of computational efficiency, a 20 × 20 pixel region with 380 bands was selected for the execution of multiple repetitions of each of the five computational methods considered, in order to obtain the average processing time of each method and the relative efficiency of the methods with respect to the method with the best effectiveness. The decision tree (DT) model achieved the highest classification accuracy at 99.4%, identifying 11.44% of asbestos cement (AC) pixels in the reference image. However, the correlation method, while detecting a lower percentage of AC pixels (9.72%), showed the most accurate visual performance and had no spectral overlap, with a 1.4% separation between AC and non-AC pixels. The SDS method was the most computationally efficient, running 23.85 times faster than the DT model. The proposed methods and results can be applied to other hyperspectral imaging tasks involving material identification in urban environments, especially when balancing accuracy and computational efficiency is essential.

• Application of Product of Vitrification of Asbestos-Cement Waste and CRT Glass Cullet as Reinforcing Phase in Surface Composites Produced by FSP Method. J. Iwaszko, K. Kudła, M. Lubas. 2024;17(22). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  In this study, the vitrification of asbestos-cement waste (ACW) and glass cullet from cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) was performed. The resulting product of vitrification from the abovementioned waste was used as the reinforcing phase in a composite with the AA7075 alloy matrix. The composite was made by means of the FSP (friction stir processing) method. The main aim of this work was to determine whether the product of the vitrification can be utilized as the reinforcing phase in the composite. The tests show that introducing the vitrification product into the composite matrix increases both the hardness of the material and its wear resistance. The composite was characterized by a 39% higher hardness and 30.4% higher wear resistance compared to the initial AA7075 alloy. The changes in the properties were caused by strong refinement of the grains, but primarily by the presence of the hard particles of the reinforcing phase in the composite matrix. This research demonstrates that vitrified material, thanks to its properties, can constitute a full-value reinforcing material that can ultimately replace more expensive engineering materials in composites.

• Efficient Management of Asbestos Waste Through Utilization as Mineral Additives in Portland Cement Production. K. Durczak, M. Pyzalski, A. Sujak, et al. 2024;17(23). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  This article presents research on the effectiveness of utilizing asbestos waste, particularly chrysotile asbestos, in the production of Portland cement. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of transforming asbestos cement (Eternit) through thermal treatment and its enrichment with mineral additives, enabling its integration into the clinker synthesis process. Differences in the physicochemical properties of types of cement produced from conventional raw materials and those manufactured using asbestos waste were analyzed. The research findings indicate that the presence of asbestos in cementitious materials leads to a significant mass loss of 29.4% due to thermal decomposition. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) at levels of 4.10% and 3.54%, respectively, suggesting the formation of brownmillerite, a phase typical of cement clinker. Furthermore, compressive strength tests on asbestos-modified cements demonstrated comparable mechanical properties to reference cement (CEM I), indicating their potential applicability in construction. This study provides essential insights into the mineralogical composition of asbestos cement, which is crucial for developing effective methods for its safe disposal. It represents a significant step toward sustainable asbestos waste management and the promotion of innovative solutions in the construction industry.

• Influence of Chemical, Morphological, Spectroscopic and Calorimetric Properties of Agroindustrial Cellulose Wastes on Drainage Behavior in Stone Mastic Asphalt Mixtures. L.Y. Cabello-Suárez, J. Anzaldo Hernández, J.R. Galaviz-González, et al. 2024;17(21). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  New asphalt mixtures have been improved by using fibers (polypropylene, polyester, asbestos, carbon, glass, nylon, lignin, coconut, sisal, recycled rubber, PET, wood, bamboo, and cellulose), reducing the temperature and compaction energy for their collocation, minimizing the impact on the environment, increasing the tenacity and resistance to cracking of hot mix asphalt (HMA), preventing asphalt drainage in a Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA). Hence, this paper aims to evaluate the influence of the chemical (lignin content, ash, viscosity, degree of polymerization, and elemental analysis), morphological (SEM), spectroscopic (FTIR-ATR and XRD), and calorimetric (ATG and DSC) properties of celluloses from bagasse Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul (ABP), corrugated paperboard (CPB) and commercial cellulose fiber (CC) as Schellenberg drainage (D) inhibitors of the SMA. The ABP was obtained through a chemical process by alkaline cooking, while CPB by a mechanical refining process. The chemical, morphological, spectroscopic, and calorimetric properties were similar among the analyzed celluloses, but CPB and ABP cellulose are excellent alternatives to CC cellulose for inhibiting drainage. However, CPB is the most effective at low concentrations. This is attributed to its morphology, which includes roughness, waviness, filament length, orientation, and diameter, as well as its lignin content and crystallinity.

• Optimizing the Mechanical Properties of Cement Composite Boards Reinforced with Cellulose Pulp and Bamboo Fibers for Building Applications in Low-Cost Housing Estates. A.S. Taiwo, D.S. Ayre, M. Khorami, et al. 2024;17(3). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Africa is the third-richest continent in the world in terms of bamboo species. Despite these laudable natural resources, most African countries still use asbestos cement board as one of their major building materials. This is chiefly due to the high cost of equipment and technologies associated with non-asbestos-fiber cement board production. The current research seeks to underscore the possibility of utilizing these massive continent resources for non-asbestos-fiber cement board production by employing the existing production process in the asbestos cement industries via an innovatively developed laboratory-simulated Hatschek process. Non-asbestos-fiber cement boards incorporating kraft and bamboo fibers were successfully produced in the laboratory using this innovative method based on Hatschek technology, with natural fibre addition in the range of 2-6 wt.%. Experimental results revealed that the Flexural strength and deflection of the board improved significantly, producing optimum values of 10.41 MPa and 2.0 mm, respectively for composite board reinforced with 10 wt.% and 6 wt.% of kraft pulp and bamboo fibers, respectively. The SEM morphology of the fractured surfaces revealed the mode of composite fracture as well as good interaction at the fiber-matrix interface. Overall, the mechanical properties of the developed composite boards satisfy the minimum requirements of relevant standards based on fiber cement flat sheets and can be employed for internal building applications in low-cost housing estates in developing countries. The outcome of this research indicates that the current industrial production process based on Hatschek technology can be employed for non-asbestos-fiber cement board production using the studied natural fiber.

• Plants, Microorganisms and Their Metabolites in Supporting Asbestos Detoxification-A Biological Perspective in Asbestos Treatment. S. Łuniewski, W. Rogowska, B. Łozowicka, et al. 2024;17(7). Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Many countries banned asbestos due to its toxicity, but considering its colossal use, especially in the 1960s and 1970s, disposing of waste containing asbestos is the current problem. Today, many asbestos disposal technologies are known, but they usually involve colossal investment and operating expenses, and the end- and by-products of these methods negatively impact the environment. This paper identifies a unique modern direction in detoxifying asbestos minerals, which involves using microorganisms and plants and their metabolites. The work comprehensively focuses on the interactions between asbestos and plants, bacteria and fungi, including lichens and, for the first time, yeast. Biological treatment is a prospect for in situ land reclamation and under industrial conditions, which can be a viable alternative to landfilling and an environmentally friendly substitute or supplement to thermal, mechanical, and chemical methods, often characterized by high cost intensity. Plant and microbial metabolism products are part of the green chemistry trend, a central strategic pillar of global industrial and environmental development.

• Magnesium Silicate Binding Materials Formed from Heat-Treated Serpentine-Group Minerals and Aqueous Solutions: Structural Features, Acid-Neutralizing Capacity, and Strength Properties. T.K. Ivanova, I.P. Kremenetskaya, V.V. Marchevskaya, et al. 2022;15(24). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The influence of structural features of three serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, chrysotile, and lizardite) on the hydration of heat-treated materials and the formation of magnesium silicate binder has been studied. Initial serpentine samples have been fired in the interval 550-800 °C with a step of 50 °C; acid neutralization capacity (ANC) values have been determined for all samples. Antigorite samples (SAP) have exhibited a maximum reactivity at a temperature of 700 °C (ANC 7.7 meq/g). We have established that the acid-neutralizing capacity of chrysotile and lizardite samples in the temperature range of 650-700 °C differ slightly; the capacity varied in the interval of 19.6-19.7 meq/g and 19.6-19.7 meq/g, respectively. The samples obtained at optimal temperatures (antigorite-700 °C, lizardite, and chrysotile-650 °C) have been studied. Heat-treated serpentines have interacted with water vapor for a year; serpentine hydration has been investigated. The strength characteristics of the resulting binder agents were studied after 7, 28, 180, and 360 days. Upon hardening within 7 days, the strengths of the SAP and SCH samples have been almost the same (2.2 MPa), whereas this indicator for the SLH and SLK samples has been significantly lower (0.5 MPa). After hardening for over a year, the chrysotile sample SCH had the highest strength (about 8 MPa), whereas the strength of antigorite SAP was 3 MPa. The samples of initial, heat-treated, and hydrated heat-treated serpentines have been studied using XRD, differential scanning calorimetry, and surface texture analysis. The serpentine structure is crucial in destroying the mineral crystal lattice during heat treatment. In contrast to heat-treated chrysotile and lizardite, antigorite did not adsorb water. Structural features of chrysotile provided the highest compressive strength of the binding agent compared with antigorite and lizardite. The acid-neutralizing ability of lizardite was noticeably higher than antigorite, whereas its compressive strength was lower due to the layered mineral structure and impurities. We have established that the minerals' structural features are crucial for the hydration of heat-treated serpentines; the structure determines material utilization in various environmental technologies.

• Mineralogical and Technological Characterization of Zeolites from Basin and Range as Pozzolanic Addition of Cement. G. Montesano, P. Cappelletti, D. Caputo, et al. 2022;15(7). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The present paper assesses petrographic, mineralogical, chemical, and technological features of different zeolitic tuff samples from various western USA districts of the Basin and Range Province containing mainly erionite, mordenite, clinoptilolite/heulandite and phillipsite. The aim of this characterization is to evaluate the pozzolanic activity of these samples according to European normative UNI-EN 196/5 (Fratini test) to program a possible use as addition for blended cements. Petrographic and mineralogical results show that the two phillipsite-bearing tuffs have a higher theoretical Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) than the other samples; technological characterization shows a pozzolanic behavior for all the samples but higher for the tuff samples containing phillipsite, which shows a higher reactivity with CaO. All the samples could be thus advantageously employed for the preparation of blended cements, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by 70-90%.

• Plutonic Rocks as Protection Layers to Concrete Exposed to Ultra-High Temperature. F.F. de Mendonça Filho, C. Romero Rodriguez, E. Schlangen, et al. 2022;15(10). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Concrete structures perform poorly when withstanding thermal shock events, usually requiring repair or replacement after one single instance. In certain industries (such as petrol, metallurgic and ceramics), these events are not only likely but frequent, which represents a considerable financial burden. One option to solve this issue would be to decrease the heating rate imposed onto the concrete material through the use of a protective surface layer. In this work, the suitability of dunite and microgabbro as protective materials is explored through X-ray diffraction, thermal dilation, optical microscopy, X-ray microtomography, thermo-gravimetric analysis and a compressive test. Further, the thermal dilation was used as an input to simulate a composite concrete-rock wall and the respective stresses caused by a thermal shock event. The dehydration of chrysotile in dunite and the decomposition of analcime, chamosite and pumpellyite in microgabbro were both favourable for the performance of the stones in the desired application. The thermal stability and deformation were found in the range of what can be applied directly on concrete; however, it was clear that pre-heating treatment results in a far more durable system in a cyclic thermal load situation.

• Thermal Treatment Impact on the Mechanical Properties of Mg3Si2O5(OH)4 Nanoscrolls. A. Krasilin, M. Khalisov, E. Khrapova, et al. 2022;15(24). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  A group of phyllosilicate nanoscrolls conjoins several hydrosilicate layered compounds with a size mismatch between octahedral and tetrahedral sheets. Among them, synthetic Mg3Si2O5(OH)4 chrysotile nanoscrolls (obtained via the hydrothermal method) possess high thermal stability and mechanical properties, making them prospective composite materials fillers. However, accurate determination of these nano-objects with Young's modulus remains challenging. Here, we report on a study of the mechanical properties evolution of individual synthetic phyllosilicate nanoscrolls after a series of heat treatments, observed with an atomic force microscopy and calculated using the density functional theory. It appears that the Young's modulus, as well as shear deformation's contribution to the nanoscrolls mechanical behavior, can be controlled by heat treatment. The main reason for this is the heat-induced formation of covalent bonding between the adjacent layers, which complicate the shear deformation.

• Important Synthesis Parameters Affecting Crystallization of Zeolite T: A Review. S.Z. Patuwan, S.E. Arshad. 2021;14(11). Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Synthesis of zeolite T with a variety of desired characteristics necessitates extensive work in formulation and practical experiments, either by conventional hydrothermal methods or aided with different approaches and synthesis techniques, such as secondary growth or microwave irradiation. The objectives of this review are to adduce the potential work in zeolite T (Offretite-Erionite) synthesis, evaluating determining factors affecting the synthesis and quality of zeolite T crystals. Attention is given to extensive studies that interconnect with other significant findings.

• Asbestos-Based Pottery from Corsica: The First Fiber-Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composite. P. Colomban, A. Kremenović. 2020;13(16). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Asbestos-containing pottery shards collected in the northeast of Corsica (Cap Corse) and dating from the 19th century, or earlier, have been analyzed by SEM-EDS, XRPD, FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy. Blue (crocidolite) and white (chrysotile) asbestos fiber bundles are observed in cross-sections. Most of the asbestos is partly or totally dehydroxylated, and some transformation to forsterite is observed to occur, indicative of a firing above 800 °C. Examination of freshly fractured pieces shows a nonbrittle fracture with fiber pull-out, consistent with a composite material behavior, which makes these ceramics the oldest fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite. Residues indicate the use of this pottery as a crucible for gold extraction using cyanide.

• Effect of Carbonaceous Components on Tribological Properties of Copper-Free NAO Friction Material. H.Y. Lin, H.Z. Cheng, K.J. Lee, et al. 2020;13(5). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Copper helps to accelerate heat transfer during the braking process, allowing the brake materials to produce a stable coefficient of friction (COF), which in turn reduces wear loss and braking noise. However, its properties are also quite harmful to aquatic organisms. Finding a suitable replacement that fits all functions of copper for brake materials is not an easy feat. In this paper, six different carbonaceous components (coke, carbon black, carbon fiber, artificial graphite, natural graphite and expanded graphite) were substituted for copper in non-asbestos organic (NAO) friction materials. The hardness, thermal conductivity and tribological behaviors of these copper-free NAO friction materials were examined. Experimental results indicate that carbonaceous components improve lubrication and assist the friction composites with generating friction layers on the worn surface. Specimens containing coke, carbon black or carbon fiber exhibit broken friction layers, whereas specimens containing artificial graphite, natural graphite or expanded graphite exhibit quite adherent and smooth friction layers. Among all the copper-free carbon containing specimens, the specimen containing expanded graphite appears to be the best choice. It has the highest thermal conductivity, a relatively low wear loss and a relatively high and stable COF.

2010s

• Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy for the Determination of Asbestos Species in Bulk Building Materials. G. Accardo, R. Cioffi, F. Colangelo, et al. 2014;7(1):457-470. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy is a well-known technique for thin film characterization. Since all asbestos species exhibit intense adsorptions peaks in the 4000-400 cm-1 region of the infrared spectrum, a quantitative analysis of asbestos in bulk samples by DRIFT is possible. In this work, different quantitative analytical procedures have been used to quantify chrysotile content in bulk materials produced by building requalification: partial least squares (PLS) chemometrics, the Linear Calibration Curve Method (LCM) and the Method of Additions (MoA). Each method has its own pros and cons, but all give affordable results for material characterization: the amount of asbestos (around 10%, weight by weight) can be determined with precision and accuracy (errors less than 0.1).

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