This article is a study aimed at predicting and enhancing the properties of the blend, as well as exploring the mechanism, of a polylactic acid (PLA)/amorphous cellulose composite system through molecular characterization. The static properties of the amorphous cellulose/PLA blend model and the mechanical response of the material under uniaxial tension were studied by molecular dynamics simulation to establish the structure–property relationship.

Article presents a motion-sensing device with the capability of harvesting energy from low-frequency motion activities. Based on the high surface area reverse electrowetting-on-dielectric (REWOD) energy harvesting technique, mechanical modulation of the liquid generates an AC signal, which is modeled analytically and implemented in Matlab and COMSOL.

Article reports a rational design of branched titanium (Ti) nanorods formed by glancing angle physical vapor deposition and their applications as substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The authors investigation provides a mechanism to fabricate sensitive SERS sensors of Ti nanorods that are known to be thermally and chemically stable and compatible with silicon-based electronics.

Article describes hybrid additive manufacturing processes involve the use of different manufacturing techniques to fabricate net shape or near-net shape parts, with enhanced capabilities of heat dissipation, such as those needed in conformal molding, or requiring internal cooling systems, such as, for example, those seen in turbine blades, and for developing other components demanding free form fabrication methods. The combination of these AM processes with material removal processes, such as machining, is the core of the hybrid additive manufacturing concept, together with the full coupling of these processes in an integrated fashion.