As the demand for energy continues to increase, extensive research into various energy storage devices is actively being conducted. Particularly, lithium-ion battery (LIB) is widely used in diverse fields, from small electronics to automobiles, due to their high voltage and energy density. Significant efforts are being made to enhance battery performance by incorporating materials with superior properties. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered highly suitable materials due tox their excellent electrical and mechanical properties, as well as their physicochemical stability. Additionally, CNTs can be transformed into various forms such as fibers and films, enabling their application in various battery components, including conductive additives, current collectors, and active materials. This study summarizes the utilization of CNTs in LIB systems. We review the roles and performance enhancement effects of CNTs in various components of LIB. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to establish guidelines for the future application of CNTs in energy storage and conversion systems, thereby accelerating the progress of high-performance LIB. The insights gained from this study are expected to elucidate the potential for the commercialization and practical application of CNT-incorporated LIB, contributing to progress in the fields of portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid energy storage solutions.

Three temporarily solubilized disperse dyes containing a β-sulfatoethylsulfonyl group were applied to polyester/acetate (P/A), polyester/nylon (P/N), and acetate/nylon (A/N) composite fabrics without using a dispersing agent. Except for the blue dye on A/N fabric, all dyes exhibited good build-up properties, with generally higher color yields (K/S values) compared to commercial dyes. During pilot-scale dyeing processes, the dyed fabrics demonstrated good leveling properties. Wash and light fastness were moderate to good overall, except for the light fastness of the blue dye on P/N or A/N, which ranged from poor to fair. The levels of COD and BOD in the dyeing effluent from the temporarily solubilized disperse dyes were considerably lower than those from commercial dyes.

3D printing needs a support structure for an overhang structure, which increases printing time and filament usage. Our team has developed a calculation technique, "modified support structure tomography," to predict the optimal orientation, which can minimize support structures in previous works. However, the more triangular elements the mesh had, the more calculation time was needed. This paper adopted two mesh resolution modification methods to reduce the prediction time: mesh reduction and alpha shape approximation. Both methods were implemented with user-friendly Python 3 language for various shapes, including human manikin. Calculation times and optimal orientation search results were compared.

Nonwoven fabric, created by bonding fibers through mechanical, thermal, or chemical methods, is extensively used in filtration, medical products, hygiene products, packaging materials, and construction materials. Among manufacturing methods, the melt-blown process produces fine fibers with high filtration efficiency but struggles with precise fiber control. To address this, we introduced the melt electrospinning/blown method using high voltage, enabling precise fiber diameter control and eliminating the need for solvents. Polyethylene (PE), with its chemical stability and physical strength, is ideal for nonwoven fabrics. In this study, we successfully produced high-quality PE webs using the melt electrospinning/blown process, demonstrating new potential for PE nonwoven fabric manufacturing and various industrial applications.

We developed a green method to extract sericin from silk waste without the use of chemical solvents. This technique not only ensures non-toxicity but also aligns with sustainable practices, minimizing environmental impact. The extracted sericin was mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to create a stable polymeric spinning dope. By optimizing the sericin-to-solvent ratio to 1:30, we achieved the ideal viscosity and electrospinnability. Initial trials were conducted at a laboratory scale, followed by scaling up to a pilot plant. We systematically optimized the electrospinning parameters to ensure the consistent production of nanofibers. In pilot-scale experiments, the electrospinning of PVA loaded with 20 wt% sericin successfully replicated laboratory results. The produced nanofibers had an average diameter of approximately 700 nm. These silk sericin/PVA nanofibers are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, demonstrating potential for applications in skincare and medical textiles. Our research establishes a foundation for the scalable production of eco-friendly sericin composite nanofibers, contributing to the development of functional textiles.

Foot correction pads should distribute pressure on the foot to relieve pain, requiring suitable materials or structures. This study involved creating 3D models of eight types of foot correction pads based on wool felt products and manufacturing them using TPU through FFF 3D printing. The process included analyzing wool felt pads and manufacturing 3D-printed TPU pads, evaluating their size, printing time, and various design features. The study compared the weight and compressive properties of TPU metatarsal pads with wool pads. The weight analysis revealed that TPU pads were approximately 1.2 times heavier than wool pads due to their higher density and durability. Despite the added weight, TPU pads offered improved durability and better support characteristics. Compressive tests showed that TPU pads had a higher initial compressive modulus compared to wool pads, indicating better support when attached to the foot. Additionally, TPU pads exhibited superior compressive strength and resilience. Thus, 3D-printed TPU foot correction pads demonstrated better performance than wool pads, with higher initial compressive modulus and resilience, offering superior shock absorption and support. They are expected to have a longer lifespan than wool pads, making them a promising material for foot support applications.

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to elucidate the creep behavior of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a material critical for medical implants and high performance applications. Using the LAMMPS software and the General Amber Force Field (GAFF), UHMWPE chains with 500 repeat units were modeled. The simulation protocol included energy minimization, NVT and NPT ensemble equilibration, followed by application of creep conditions. Results showed that creep strain increased with simulation time and temperature, which was attributed to increased molecular mobility. The applied load magnitude correlated positively with creep strain, emphasizing the critical nature of load management. Investigation of polymer chain length effects revealed that shorter chains exhibited higher creep strain, likely due to increased molecular mobility and rearrangement capacity. In addition to providing fundamental insights into the mechanical behavior of UHMWPE, this study demonstrates the power of MD simulations in predicting material performance under various conditions. These findings have significant implications for the design and optimization of UHMWPE-based products, potentially revolutionizing their durability and performance in critical applications.

Flexible electrodes are an essential component for wearable electronic devices and heaters, which can lead to applications such as heating textile, on-body integrated thermotherapy, and heat-driven soft actuators. The electrodes should be mechanically flexible and highly conductive for efficient heat generation, and avoid toxic materials for human-compatibility. Herein, we developed highly conductive composite films with nontoxic components of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix and liquid metal eutectic galliumindium (EGaIn) fillers. The PVA:EGaIn composite film was processed by simple solution mixing and casting. It is revealed that optimal drying condition is necessitated to develop electrically conductive percolation paths through spontaneous sedimentation of EGaIn micro-particles, which is critical for electrode performance. The resultant PVA:EGaIn film exhibited high electrical conductivity of 563 S/cm, Joule-heating temperature up to 82.4 ℃, and excellent flexibility and toughness that can maintain electrical conductivity over 1,000 bending cycles. Our study suggests a simple route for developing mechanically durable electrodes that can be extensively applied for flexible and wearable electronic devices.