Isfahan University of Technology Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering 2251-600X 45 3 2026 09 23 Silk Fibroin-Lignin Nanofiber Dressing for the Treatment of Diabetic Wounds Silk Fibroin-Lignin Nanofiber Dressing for the Treatment of Diabetic Wounds 1 19 3665 10.47176/jame.45.3.1122 FA Amirhosein Mohammadifard Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran 0009-0008-6521-5594 Mahshid Kharaziha Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran 0000-0002-5782-8007 Masoud Atapour Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran 0000-0001-6333-0179 Journal Article 2025 04 09 Introduction and Objectives: As the largest organ exposed to the external environment, the skin is highly susceptible to disruption due to trauma, burns, wounds, surgical interventions, chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes), or inflammatory dermatological reactions. The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize silk fibroin-lignin nanofiber dressings for the treatment of diabetic wounds. Materials and Methods: Initially, silk fibroin was extracted from silkworm cocoons and nanofibers were fabricated at a voltage of 20 kV using lignin at ratios ranging from 1:5 and 1:6 and 1:7. Subsequently, the nanofibers were immersed in 96% ethanol for 30 minutes to carry out the crosslinking process. In the first step, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to investigate the morphological features. Then, mechanical, physical, antioxidant, cellular, and antibacterial evaluations were performed to assess the properties of an ideal wound dressing. Results: The results revealed that the composite fibers were uniform in structure across different ratios and possessed nanometer-scale diameters. The swelling rate of the composite samples increased from 359.99 ± 37.53% in pure silk fibroin samples to 468.37 ± 63.47%, indicating favorable stability. Antioxidant and antibacterial assays demonstrated that the addition of lignin enhanced both antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Furthermore, cell viability assessments showed that the presence of lignin did not exert any detrimental effects on the cells, and cell proliferation and growth were observed on the surface of the samples. Conclusion: Since achieving an ideal wound dressing requires critical biological properties, these nanofibers due to their hydroxyl and methoxy phenolic groups in lignin exhibit unique advantages in physical properties, antioxidant activity, antibacterial effects, and cell adhesion. These characteristics make them a promising candidate for biomedical applications, particularly wound healing, and tissue regeneration. Introduction and Objectives: As the largest organ exposed to the external environment, the skin is highly susceptible to disruption due to trauma, burns, wounds, surgical interventions, chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes), or inflammatory dermatological reactions. The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize silk fibroin-lignin nanofiber dressings for the treatment of diabetic wounds. Materials and Methods: Initially, silk fibroin was extracted from silkworm cocoons and nanofibers were fabricated at a voltage of 20 kV using lignin at ratios ranging from 1:5 and 1:6 and 1:7. Subsequently, the nanofibers were immersed in 96% ethanol for 30 minutes to carry out the crosslinking process. In the first step, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to investigate the morphological features. Then, mechanical, physical, antioxidant, cellular, and antibacterial evaluations were performed to assess the properties of an ideal wound dressing. Results: The results revealed that the composite fibers were uniform in structure across different ratios and possessed nanometer-scale diameters. The swelling rate of the composite samples increased from 359.99 ± 37.53% in pure silk fibroin samples to 468.37 ± 63.47%, indicating favorable stability. Antioxidant and antibacterial assays demonstrated that the addition of lignin enhanced both antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Furthermore, cell viability assessments showed that the presence of lignin did not exert any detrimental effects on the cells, and cell proliferation and growth were observed on the surface of the samples. Conclusion: Since achieving an ideal wound dressing requires critical biological properties, these nanofibers due to their hydroxyl and methoxy phenolic groups in lignin exhibit unique advantages in physical properties, antioxidant activity, antibacterial effects, and cell adhesion. These characteristics make them a promising candidate for biomedical applications, particularly wound healing, and tissue regeneration.

https://jame.iut.ac.ir/article_3665_6915849303a3fe93657587cb9c469f00.pdf

Isfahan University of Technology Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering 2251-600X 45 3 2026 09 23 Studying the Effect of Reduced Graphene Oxide on the Microstructure and Biomechanical Properties of Akermanite Ceramics Studying the Effect of Reduced Graphene Oxide on the Microstructure and Biomechanical Properties of Akermanite Ceramics 21 37 3688 10.47176/jame.45.3.1131 FA Farzad Malamir Faculty of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Yazd University, Iran Mahdi Kalantar Faculty of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Yazd University, Iran 0000-0002-3713-215X Mojdeh Azizi Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Art University, Yazd, Iran Masoud Moshrafifar Faculty of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Yazd University, Iran Journal Article 2025 05 18 Introduction and Objectives: Ceramics based calcium silicate such as Akermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) are suitable bioactive materials for bone tissue engineering applications. However, they suffer from poor mechanical properties. So, additives like graphene or its derivatives are used. In this regard, in this study, reduced graphene oxide (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by weight) has been employed as a reinforcement. Materials and Methods: The mixture of raw materials (akermanite and reduced graphene oxide to the desired ratio) went through various preparation stages followed by sintering process and finally, the sintered samples were characterized. Results: By increasing the weight percentage of reduced graphene oxide from zero (control sample) to 1.5 wt. %, a decrease in relative density from 94.9% to 89.3% and a reduction in compressive strength from 13 to 8 Mpa was observed. Toughness increased from 1.9 for the control sample to 4.2 for the 1 wt.% sample, it decreased to 2.7 MPa.m1/2 for a 1.5 wt.% sample, though. Similarly, the hardness increased from 435 for the control sample to 588 Vickers for the 1 wt.% sample, and decreased to 308 Vickers for the 1.5 wt.% sample. Conclusion: Among the composite specimens, the most homogeneous microstructure was related to the 1 wt.% sample with the highest mechanical properties (toughness and hardness). Graphene oxide not only does not prevent the formation of the apatite layer, but also encourages the formation of dense and fine apatite deposits on the surface of the composite sample. Introduction and Objectives: Ceramics based calcium silicate such as Akermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) are suitable bioactive materials for bone tissue engineering applications. However, they suffer from poor mechanical properties. So, additives like graphene or its derivatives are used. In this regard, in this study, reduced graphene oxide (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by weight) has been employed as a reinforcement. Materials and Methods: The mixture of raw materials (akermanite and reduced graphene oxide to the desired ratio) went through various preparation stages followed by sintering process and finally, the sintered samples were characterized. Results: By increasing the weight percentage of reduced graphene oxide from zero (control sample) to 1.5 wt. %, a decrease in relative density from 94.9% to 89.3% and a reduction in compressive strength from 13 to 8 Mpa was observed. Toughness increased from 1.9 for the control sample to 4.2 for the 1 wt.% sample, it decreased to 2.7 MPa.m1/2 for a 1.5 wt.% sample, though. Similarly, the hardness increased from 435 for the control sample to 588 Vickers for the 1 wt.% sample, and decreased to 308 Vickers for the 1.5 wt.% sample. Conclusion: Among the composite specimens, the most homogeneous microstructure was related to the 1 wt.% sample with the highest mechanical properties (toughness and hardness). Graphene oxide not only does not prevent the formation of the apatite layer, but also encourages the formation of dense and fine apatite deposits on the surface of the composite sample.

https://jame.iut.ac.ir/article_3688_d880067f879409df09ac50ba315707aa.pdf

Isfahan University of Technology Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering 2251-600X 45 3 2026 09 23 The Effect of Crystallization Process on Structural and Mechanical Properties of Zr65Cu15Ti13Ni7 Bulk Metallic Glass The Effect of Crystallization Process on Structural and Mechanical Properties of Zr65Cu15Ti13Ni7 Bulk Metallic Glass 39 51 3737 10.47176/jame.45.3.1178 FA Hossain Ali Tabibian Material and Advanced Material Department, Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, Iran Ali Reza Nasr Esfahani Material and Advanced Material Department, Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, Iran 0009-0001-9968-8356 Majid Tavoosi Material and Advanced Material Department, Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, Iran 0000-0003-1758-9192 Journal Article 2025 12 16 Introduction and Objectives: In the present study, a detailed study of the structural and phase changes of the Zirconium-based bulk metallic glasses during annealing process and its effect on the mechanical properties has been conducted. Materials and Methods: In this regard, Zr65Cu15Ti13Ni7 bulk metallic samples with dimensions of 2×30×30 mm3 were prepared using arc melting followed by injection casting in water-cooled copper mold. The heat treatment process has been done for prepared samples at 250-550 oC for 2 h. The resulting structures were examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis, and X-ray diffractometry, and the mechanical behavior was investigated by performing a tensile test using an Instron testing machine. Results: The results showed heat treatment process at a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature can be effective in improving mechanical properties by increasing the number of shear bands. However, heat treatment at higher temperatures leads to the precipitation of CuZr and Cu10Zr7 intermetallic compounds, which greatly affect the mechanical properties and lead to a sharp decrease in tensile strength and elongation. Conclusion: The optimal heat treatment temperature was determined to be 250 °C, which leads to an increase in fracture strength to 1710 MPa and plastic ductility up to 1.65%. Introduction and Objectives: In the present study, a detailed study of the structural and phase changes of the Zirconium-based bulk metallic glasses during annealing process and its effect on the mechanical properties has been conducted. Materials and Methods: In this regard, Zr65Cu15Ti13Ni7 bulk metallic samples with dimensions of 2×30×30 mm3 were prepared using arc melting followed by injection casting in water-cooled copper mold. The heat treatment process has been done for prepared samples at 250-550 oC for 2 h. The resulting structures were examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis, and X-ray diffractometry, and the mechanical behavior was investigated by performing a tensile test using an Instron testing machine. Results: The results showed heat treatment process at a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature can be effective in improving mechanical properties by increasing the number of shear bands. However, heat treatment at higher temperatures leads to the precipitation of CuZr and Cu10Zr7 intermetallic compounds, which greatly affect the mechanical properties and lead to a sharp decrease in tensile strength and elongation. Conclusion: The optimal heat treatment temperature was determined to be 250 °C, which leads to an increase in fracture strength to 1710 MPa and plastic ductility up to 1.65%.

https://jame.iut.ac.ir/article_3737_3db11d259a9db7fb8965bdf25ec850b9.pdf

Isfahan University of Technology Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering 2251-600X 45 3 2026 09 23 Synthesis, Microstructural Characterization, and Mechanical Properties of a Layered Hybrid Aluminum-Matrix Composite Containing SiC Reinforcements and Iron-Based Amorphous Particles Synthesis, Microstructural Characterization, and Mechanical Properties of a Layered Hybrid Aluminum-Matrix Composite Containing SiC Reinforcements and Iron-Based Amorphous Particles 53 68 3738 10.47176/jame.45.3.1168 FA Mohammad Reza Rezaei School of Engineering, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran 0000-0001-6961-4463 Reza Nazemnezhad School of Engineering, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran Alireza Saravani School of Engineering, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran Journal Article 2025 10 29 Introduction and Objectives: One effective approach for enhancing the mechanical properties of metal matrix composites is the design of architected layered heterogeneous structures. Hence, the present study aimed to develop aluminum matrix hybrid composites reinforced with SiC ceramic particles and iron-based amorphous particles, featuring a heterogeneous layered architecture and to investigate their mechanical properties. Materials and Methods: The heterogeneous structure comprised alternating layers of pure aluminum and composite material with varying thicknesses, fabricated via powder metallurgy using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The microstructural and phase characteristics of the composites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy (OM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties was subsequently analyzed. Results: Microstructural analyses, including porosity evaluation and density measurements, demonstrated enhanced densification during sintering with increasing pure aluminum layer thickness. In addition, the distribution of reinforcement particles was improved by increasing the volume fraction of the pure aluminum layers relative to the composite layers. Phase analysis of all sintered samples confirmed the preservation of the amorphous nature of the iron-based reinforcement particles and revealed no evidence of interfacial reaction products at the reinforcement–matrix interfaces. Mechanical experiments showed a favorable combination of high strength and ductility, with a compressive strength of up to 191 MPa and a fracture strain of 20% in samples with a higher volume fraction of composite layers. Furthermore, increased ductility was observed with a higher volume fraction of pure aluminum layers. Conclusion: The introduction of a layered heterogeneous architecture in the hybrid composite, through modification of consolidation behavior and reinforcement particle distribution, resulted in superior mechanical properties compared to those of the homogeneous composite. Introduction and Objectives: One effective approach for enhancing the mechanical properties of metal matrix composites is the design of architected layered heterogeneous structures. Hence, the present study aimed to develop aluminum matrix hybrid composites reinforced with SiC ceramic particles and iron-based amorphous particles, featuring a heterogeneous layered architecture and to investigate their mechanical properties. Materials and Methods: The heterogeneous structure comprised alternating layers of pure aluminum and composite material with varying thicknesses, fabricated via powder metallurgy using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The microstructural and phase characteristics of the composites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy (OM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties was subsequently analyzed. Results: Microstructural analyses, including porosity evaluation and density measurements, demonstrated enhanced densification during sintering with increasing pure aluminum layer thickness. In addition, the distribution of reinforcement particles was improved by increasing the volume fraction of the pure aluminum layers relative to the composite layers. Phase analysis of all sintered samples confirmed the preservation of the amorphous nature of the iron-based reinforcement particles and revealed no evidence of interfacial reaction products at the reinforcement–matrix interfaces. Mechanical experiments showed a favorable combination of high strength and ductility, with a compressive strength of up to 191 MPa and a fracture strain of 20% in samples with a higher volume fraction of composite layers. Furthermore, increased ductility was observed with a higher volume fraction of pure aluminum layers. Conclusion: The introduction of a layered heterogeneous architecture in the hybrid composite, through modification of consolidation behavior and reinforcement particle distribution, resulted in superior mechanical properties compared to those of the homogeneous composite.

https://jame.iut.ac.ir/article_3738_16738419b15b05e74e1ecb164430bfa8.pdf

Isfahan University of Technology Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering 2251-600X 45 3 2026 09 23 Heat-Induced Effects on Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties in Dissimilar Resistance Spot Welding of HSLA440 and DP590 Advanced Automotive Steels Heat-Induced Effects on Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties in Dissimilar Resistance Spot Welding of HSLA440 and DP590 Advanced Automotive Steels 69 85 3743 10.47176/jame.45.3.1162 FA Amir Siavash Mojaver School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran 0009-0002-7755-432X Saeed G. Shabestari School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-2791-6321 Rouholah Ashiri School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran 0000-0001-7461-1371 Journal Article 2025 11 15 Introduction and Objectives: In this study, the microstructural and mechanical properties of dissimilar resistance spot welds between DP590 and HSLA440 steels were investigated, with a focus on the effect of welding current. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, steel sheets were prepared in accordance with AWS D1.1 standard. Welding was performed using currents ranging from 7 to 11 kA (in 1 kA increments), followed by mechanical testing and characterization. Tensile shear tests were conducted at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, and hardness tests were carried out for the 8 and 10 kA welds. Furthermore, fracture surface and weld microstructure analyses were performed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Weld nugget was mainly consisted of lath martensite; its volume fraction increased with current and decreased toward base metal. In DP590, the supercritical and intercritical regions were martensitic and the subcritical region was tempered. In HSLA440, the supercritical regions showed martensite, the intercritical regions showed a combination of martensite and ferrite, and the subcritical region showed grain growth.Tensile strength enhanced from 10.84 kN (for 7 kA) to 24.34 kN (for 10 kA). Fracture mode shifted from interfacial to pull-out above 9 kA. Hardness increased with current, peaking at 430 HV (10 kA). Conclusion: An increase in welding current caused to increase in nugget size and peak load. Also, softening was more pronounced on the HSLA440 side. The sample welded at a current of 10 kA with a tensile failure mode and maximum strength, hardness, and elongation was the optimal sample. Introduction and Objectives: In this study, the microstructural and mechanical properties of dissimilar resistance spot welds between DP590 and HSLA440 steels were investigated, with a focus on the effect of welding current. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, steel sheets were prepared in accordance with AWS D1.1 standard. Welding was performed using currents ranging from 7 to 11 kA (in 1 kA increments), followed by mechanical testing and characterization. Tensile shear tests were conducted at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, and hardness tests were carried out for the 8 and 10 kA welds. Furthermore, fracture surface and weld microstructure analyses were performed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Weld nugget was mainly consisted of lath martensite; its volume fraction increased with current and decreased toward base metal. In DP590, the supercritical and intercritical regions were martensitic and the subcritical region was tempered. In HSLA440, the supercritical regions showed martensite, the intercritical regions showed a combination of martensite and ferrite, and the subcritical region showed grain growth.Tensile strength enhanced from 10.84 kN (for 7 kA) to 24.34 kN (for 10 kA). Fracture mode shifted from interfacial to pull-out above 9 kA. Hardness increased with current, peaking at 430 HV (10 kA). Conclusion: An increase in welding current caused to increase in nugget size and peak load. Also, softening was more pronounced on the HSLA440 side. The sample welded at a current of 10 kA with a tensile failure mode and maximum strength, hardness, and elongation was the optimal sample.

https://jame.iut.ac.ir/article_3743_0937fb5864ed06ffb59ae5f9b5ed67a9.pdf

Isfahan University of Technology Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering 2251-600X 45 3 2026 09 23 Investigating the Role of Substituted Cations (Mn4+ and Ni2+ Replacing Al3+) in the Microwave Dielectric Behavior of Cordierite Electroceramics Investigating the Role of Substituted Cations (Mn4+ and Ni2+ Replacing Al3+) in the Microwave Dielectric Behavior of Cordierite Electroceramics 87 107 3744 10.47176/jame.45.3.1174 FA Mohammadmehdi Rashidi Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, Meybod University, Yazd, Iran Mahdi Feizpour Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, Meybod University, Yazd, Iran 0000-0002-2594-8151 Hadi Barzegar Bafrooei Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, Meybod University, Yazd, Iran 0000-0002-1155-9956 Journal Article 2025 12 02 Introduction and Objectives: Cordierite ceramics (Mg2Al4Si5O18) are recognized as advanced dielectric materials due to their low dielectric constant, very low dielectric loss, high thermal stability, and optimal performance in microwave and millimeter-wave frequency ranges. These materials are utilized in fifth- and sixth-generation (5G and 6G) communication systems. This study investigates the simultaneous substitution effects of Mn⁴⁺ and Ni²⁺ cations for Al³⁺ on the densification, crystalline structure, microstructure, mixing entropy (ΔSmixing), and dielectric properties of cordierite ceramics. Materials and Methods: Samples with different substitution levels (0, 0.25, and 0.50) were prepared by the solid-state synthesis method and subsequently sintered at various temperatures. Phase and microstructural analyses were carried out using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. A network analyzer was employed to measure the dielectric properties at microwave frequencies. In addition, the mixing entropy and lattice distortion were measured, analyzed, and discussed. Results: It was observed that substituting Mn4+ and Ni2+ for Al3+ results in achieving the maximum density at a temperature about 100 °C lower than that of pure cordierite. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analyses indicated that a complete solid solution is formed at x=0.25, whereas increasing x to 0.50 results in the appearance of a secondary phase, Mg1.16Mn0.84Si2O6, in addition to the cordierite phase. Microstructural observations also revealed that the average grain size increases with higher substitution levels. The optimal microwave dielectric properties were obtained for Mg2Al3.75(Mn4+Ni4+)0.25Si5O18, with εᵣ= 4.58, Q×f =107333 GHz, and τf = –14.7 ppm/°C, while the value of ΔSmixing was measured to be 2.30 J/mol · K. Conclusion: Controlled substitution of Mn4+ and Ni2+ at an appropriate sintering temperature enables simultaneous optimization of dielectric properties and thermal stability. Introduction and Objectives: Cordierite ceramics (Mg2Al4Si5O18) are recognized as advanced dielectric materials due to their low dielectric constant, very low dielectric loss, high thermal stability, and optimal performance in microwave and millimeter-wave frequency ranges. These materials are utilized in fifth- and sixth-generation (5G and 6G) communication systems. This study investigates the simultaneous substitution effects of Mn⁴⁺ and Ni²⁺ cations for Al³⁺ on the densification, crystalline structure, microstructure, mixing entropy (ΔSmixing), and dielectric properties of cordierite ceramics. Materials and Methods: Samples with different substitution levels (0, 0.25, and 0.50) were prepared by the solid-state synthesis method and subsequently sintered at various temperatures. Phase and microstructural analyses were carried out using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. A network analyzer was employed to measure the dielectric properties at microwave frequencies. In addition, the mixing entropy and lattice distortion were measured, analyzed, and discussed. Results: It was observed that substituting Mn4+ and Ni2+ for Al3+ results in achieving the maximum density at a temperature about 100 °C lower than that of pure cordierite. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analyses indicated that a complete solid solution is formed at x=0.25, whereas increasing x to 0.50 results in the appearance of a secondary phase, Mg1.16Mn0.84Si2O6, in addition to the cordierite phase. Microstructural observations also revealed that the average grain size increases with higher substitution levels. The optimal microwave dielectric properties were obtained for Mg2Al3.75(Mn4+Ni4+)0.25Si5O18, with εᵣ= 4.58, Q×f =107333 GHz, and τf = –14.7 ppm/°C, while the value of ΔSmixing was measured to be 2.30 J/mol · K. Conclusion: Controlled substitution of Mn4+ and Ni2+ at an appropriate sintering temperature enables simultaneous optimization of dielectric properties and thermal stability.

https://jame.iut.ac.ir/article_3744_56517f19aa289885c43e8db9137fb1b0.pdf

Isfahan University of Technology Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering 2251-600X 45 3 2026 09 23 Comparison of the Properties of PVA/ZnO Hydrogels Prepared by Different Methods for Biological Applications Comparison of the Properties of PVA/ZnO Hydrogels Prepared by Different Methods for Biological Applications 109 126 3745 10.47176/jame.45.3.1167 FA Azin Paydayesh Department of Chemical Engineering, Mahs.C, Islamic Azad University, Mahshahr, Iran 0000-0002-0292-4237 Elnaz Farzin Far Department of Polymer Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Mahshahr, Iran 0009-0007-1931-7306 Fatemeh Arabgol Department of Chemical and Marerials, Materials and Polymer Engineering, Boein Zahra, Technical University, Boein Zahra, Qazvin, Iran 0000-0002-0192-557X Journal Article 2025 10 30 Introduction and Objectives: Considering the increasing need for biocompatible materials in medicine, designing hydrogels with optimal mechanical and biological properties has become important. Polymeric hydrogels, such as polyvinyl alcohol, are widely used in medical applications due to their biocompatibility, high swelling capacity, and mechanical properties similar to those of body tissues. Incorporating nanoparticles, such as zinc oxide, can further enhance their properties. In this study, for the first time, the effect of different physical crosslinking methods and the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the mechanical and biological properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels was investigated. Materials and Methods: Nanocomposite hydrogels containing different percentages of zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared by two different physical methods, with and without a cross-linking agent. A combination of these two methods was also used. The morphology and structure of the hydrogels were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The mechanical properties and biocompatibility were evaluated by tensile testing and cell viability measurement for biological applications. Results: The hydrogel containing 15% zinc oxide nanoparticles, prepared with the cross-linking agent and the freeze–thaw method, showed the highest tensile strength (37.5 MPa), elongation at break (55%), storage modulus (23 MPa), and cell viability (70%). The microscopic images and spectroscopy results indicated the formation of a strong hydrogel network and strong hydrogen bonds, which improved the mechanical and biological properties. In addition, increasing the percentage of zinc oxide nanoparticles enhanced the biocompatibility of the samples. Conclusion: A suitable combination of the preparation method and the amount of zinc oxide nanoparticles can improve the mechanical and biological properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels and make these materials suitable for medical and biological applications. Introduction and Objectives: Considering the increasing need for biocompatible materials in medicine, designing hydrogels with optimal mechanical and biological properties has become important. Polymeric hydrogels, such as polyvinyl alcohol, are widely used in medical applications due to their biocompatibility, high swelling capacity, and mechanical properties similar to those of body tissues. Incorporating nanoparticles, such as zinc oxide, can further enhance their properties. In this study, for the first time, the effect of different physical crosslinking methods and the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the mechanical and biological properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels was investigated. Materials and Methods: Nanocomposite hydrogels containing different percentages of zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared by two different physical methods, with and without a cross-linking agent. A combination of these two methods was also used. The morphology and structure of the hydrogels were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The mechanical properties and biocompatibility were evaluated by tensile testing and cell viability measurement for biological applications. Results: The hydrogel containing 15% zinc oxide nanoparticles, prepared with the cross-linking agent and the freeze–thaw method, showed the highest tensile strength (37.5 MPa), elongation at break (55%), storage modulus (23 MPa), and cell viability (70%). The microscopic images and spectroscopy results indicated the formation of a strong hydrogel network and strong hydrogen bonds, which improved the mechanical and biological properties. In addition, increasing the percentage of zinc oxide nanoparticles enhanced the biocompatibility of the samples. Conclusion: A suitable combination of the preparation method and the amount of zinc oxide nanoparticles can improve the mechanical and biological properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels and make these materials suitable for medical and biological applications.

https://jame.iut.ac.ir/article_3745_6d3a2d24eb109dddf78374fe5d0ee067.pdf

Isfahan University of Technology Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering 2251-600X 45 3 2026 09 23 Production of UV-Absorbing Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by Green Synthesis Using Green Tea Extract Production of UV-Absorbing Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by Green Synthesis Using Green Tea Extract 127 143 3762 10.47176/jame.45.3.1182 FA Zahra Zarei Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Kazem Tahmasebi Ceramics Department, Materials and Energy Research Center, Karaj, Iran 0000-0001-6612-6798 Journal Article 2026 01 18 Introduction and Objectives: Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized as ultraviolet absorbers using green tea extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Materials and Methods: Green tea extract, which was obtained by brewing 10 g of green tea in 100 ml of distilled water at a temperature of 60 to 80 °C, was added dropwise to a zinc acetate solution, and then a diluted oxalic acid solution was added dropwise to it. The mixture was stirred at 75 °C for 2 hours to precipitate at pH 7. The resulting powder was dried in an oven for 12 hours and heat-treated in an electrical furnace at 450 °C. Results: X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analyses showed that the synthesized nanoparticles have a porous structure with an average crystallite size of about 24 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of O–H, C–H, C=O and C–O surface active groups. Calcination of the resulting powder at 450°C resulted in an increase in the intensity of the Zn–O bond, improved crystallinity and enhanced ultraviolet absorption. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy of this sample revealed an absorption peak at 370 nm, and Energy Dispersive spectroscopy analysis confirmed the high purity of the final product. Conclusion: This study declares that green tea extract can be used as a natural and biocompatible agent in the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles with desirable morphological and optical properties. The produced nanoparticles absorb ultraviolet radiation efficiently. Introduction and Objectives: Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized as ultraviolet absorbers using green tea extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Materials and Methods: Green tea extract, which was obtained by brewing 10 g of green tea in 100 ml of distilled water at a temperature of 60 to 80 °C, was added dropwise to a zinc acetate solution, and then a diluted oxalic acid solution was added dropwise to it. The mixture was stirred at 75 °C for 2 hours to precipitate at pH 7. The resulting powder was dried in an oven for 12 hours and heat-treated in an electrical furnace at 450 °C. Results: X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analyses showed that the synthesized nanoparticles have a porous structure with an average crystallite size of about 24 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of O–H, C–H, C=O and C–O surface active groups. Calcination of the resulting powder at 450°C resulted in an increase in the intensity of the Zn–O bond, improved crystallinity and enhanced ultraviolet absorption. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy of this sample revealed an absorption peak at 370 nm, and Energy Dispersive spectroscopy analysis confirmed the high purity of the final product. Conclusion: This study declares that green tea extract can be used as a natural and biocompatible agent in the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles with desirable morphological and optical properties. The produced nanoparticles absorb ultraviolet radiation efficiently.

https://jame.iut.ac.ir/article_3762_9332c513ef44b682e9347822c2e457ac.pdf