i-manager's Journal on Material Science (JMS)


Volume 13 Issue 3 October - December 2025

Research Paper

Novel Concepts of Photonic Crystals Based Hydrogels as Sensors in Medical Field and Research Applications

Kamal Nain Chopra* , Ritu Walia**
*-** Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology (MAIT), Delhi, India.
Chopra, K. N., and Walia, R. (2025). Novel Concepts of Photonic Crystals Based Hydrogels as Sensors in Medical Field and Research Applications. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(3), 1-20.

Abstract

Functionalization and designing of photonic crystal hydrogels have been explained explicitly by using the relevant mathematical equations based on the Flory–Rehner equation for hydrogel swelling and the Bragg–Snell equation for diffraction. The design considerations for the photonic crystal hydrogels have been outlined. Applications of photonic crystals in medicine and biosensors have been reviewed and technically analyzed in this paper. Hydrogels of different types for photonic crystal biosensors have been described and discussed. Topics of tear glucose monitoring, mechanical force naked eye sensing, and creatinine-imprinted photonic crystal hydrogel sensors have been discussed. Some of the important recent breakthroughs in this field have been technically presented. The paper should be really useful for the experimentalists in medical and research works.

Research Paper

Phytogenic Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles for Phosphate-Induced Eutrophication Control and Nutrient Recovery as an Eco-Friendly Fertilizer

Ginu Rose C.* , Amaliya N. K.**
*-** Department of Chemistry and Research Centre, Women's Christian College, Affiliated to Manonmanium Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India.
Rose, C. G., and Amaliya, N. K. (2025). Phytogenic Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles for Phosphate-Induced Eutrophication Control and Nutrient Recovery as an Eco-Friendly Fertilizer. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(3), 21-29.

Abstract

Excessive phosphate discharge into aquatic environments has become a primary driver of eutrophication, leading to harmful algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and widespread ecological degradation. Addressing this environmental challenge, the present study explores a green and sustainable approach to phosphate mitigation through the synthesis and application of phytogenic nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles. NiO NPs were fabricated using bioactive phytochemicals derived from plant extracts, serving as natural reducing and stabilizing agents—eliminating the need for toxic reagents and high-energy processes. The nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized by FTIR and XRD, confirming their crystalline structure, high surface area, and nanoscale morphology. Batch adsorption studies revealed remarkable phosphate removal efficiency across a wide pH range, with optimal adsorption. The NiO NPs also exhibited excellent recyclability over multiple adsorption-desorption cycles with minimal loss in efficiency. The recovered phosphate was converted into a phosphate-rich fertilizer suitable for agricultural application. This demonstrates the feasibility of recycling recovered phosphate as a sustainable agricultural nutrient source. This study not only validates the potential of phytogenic NiO nanoparticles as effective adsorbents for phosphate removal but also contributes a green nanotechnology solution for combating eutrophication and restoring aquatic ecosystem health.

Research Paper

Characterization of the Microstructural Features and Mechanical Behavior of Stainless Steel SS316L

Pragya Srivastava* , Rohit Srivastava**, Anurag Shrivastava***, Shubhangi Sundaria****
* Department of Production Engineering, S R Institute of Management & Technology, Lucknow, India.
**-*** Department of Mechanical Engineering, S R Institute of Management & Technology, Lucknow, India.
**** Avionics Department, Rockwell Collins, Hyderabad, India.
Srivastava, P., Srivastava, R., Shrivastava, A., and Sundaria, S. (2025). Characterization of the Microstructural Features and Mechanical Behavior of Stainless Steel SS316L. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(3), 30-40.

Abstract

The current investigation considers the microstructural and mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel SS316L through experimental investigation. The two metallic cylindrical specimens of SS316L were first fabricated using a conventional lathe machine. These parts were then machined to prepare tensile test specimens in accordance with IS 1608 Part-1:2022. After the specimens were prepared, their mechanical properties—yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation—were tested. All tests were carried out using a Universal Testing Machine under controlled conditions. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was also taken to assess the grain structure, porosity, and surface feature characteristics of SS316L. In the end, the SEM analysis confirmed that the two samples were different. It also revealed noticeable microstructural variations, which resulted from their earlier mechanical working and processing techniques. Sample 1 was a normal equiaxed structure, similarly as in annealed typical steel. Sample 2 highlighted both elongated grains and a particular deformation structure that indicates prior mechanical working. The mechanical performance of the samples also showed differences in both strength and ductility. This confirms that the initial preparation techniques can influence the final properties of SS316L. The scope of this study offers a direct comparison between the structure and properties of SS316L. It may also help improve understanding of how machining time and the type of mechanical treatment affect stainless steel components. Such insights are useful when designing performance characteristics for engineering applications.

Research Paper

Optimizing the Turning Parameters by Applying Taguchi Method and Analysis of Variance for Turning of Aluminium Alloy Al6463 with Varying Mg and Si % Composition

Amardeepak M.*
Cambridge Institute of Technology (North Campus), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Amardeepak, M. (2025). Optimizing the Turning Parameters by Applying Taguchi Method and Analysis of Variance for Turning of Aluminium Alloy Al6463 with Varying Mg and Si % Composition. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(3), 41-50.

Abstract

An attempt has been made in this paper to carry out an experimental investigation on aluminium alloys and mainly focuses on the optimization of turning parameters during the turning of the alloy Al6463. Coated carbide TNMG inserts having a 60° cutting angle and nose radii of 0.4 and 0.8 mm were used as cutting tool material for turning. Wet machining was used with coolant Chevron Soluble Oil B. Using the L16 orthogonal array, a total of 16 experiments were conducted according to the Taguchi method with different parameter settings such as feed, speed, depth of cut, material composition, and tool nose radius. ANOVA analysis was performed to find the optimal parameter settings for surface roughness, metal removal rate, machining time, machining force, and machining power. The results for the Al6463 alloy with varying percentage compositions of major alloying elements, viz., magnesium & silicon, indicate that depth of cut is the most influential parameter for surface roughness and material composition for metal removal rate, machining time, machining force & machining power.

Review Paper

A Review on Mechanical Behavior and Processing Techniques of AISI 304 Stainless Steel

Radhey Shyam* , Anurag Shrivastava**, Ripuranjan Singh***
* Department of Production Engineering, S R Institute of Management & Technology, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
**-*** Department of Mechanical Engineering, S R Institute of Management & Technology, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Shyam, R., Shrivastava, A., and Singh, R. (2025). A Review on Mechanical Behavior and Processing Techniques of AISI 304 Stainless Steel. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 13(3), 51-59.

Abstract

Stainless Steel 304 (SS304) is the most commonly used austenitic stainless steel due to its good mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication. It is composed of mostly iron, as well as chromium (18–20%) and nickel (8–10.5%). The unique combination of ductility, strength, and toughness of SS304 over a relatively wide range of temperatures is its primary advantage as a stainless steel. This paper aims to provide a broad overview of the behavior of SS304 mechanically with respect to several processing methods, including hot working, cold working, heat treatment, welding, and machining. It also discusses the effect of microstructure on the mechanical behavior of SS304. Ultimately, when appropriate, the influence of processing parameters on yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, impact toughness, and hardness is analyzed according to available literature, with emphasis on the interactions between processing conditions, grain size, phase formation, and mechanical performance. The practical application of SS304 in the automotive, chemical processing, construction, and medical equipment industries were discussed in this article. Concluding, the direction for future research is presented, particularly with regard to advanced coatings and surface modifications to further improve wear resistance and fatigue performance.