2026-03-29
Ghalia BENSEBA, Abderrahmane MOUSSI, Samir MEZIANI, Dalila HOCINE, Dalila SALEM, Djedjiga HATEM
Quasi-mono silicon (Mono-like) (ML-Si) offers improved crystal quality over multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) while maintaining lower production costs. Manufactured via directional solidification with seeded growth, ML-Si achieves a crystallographic structure comparable to Czochralski-grown monocrystalline silicon (Cz-Si). This study compares the physical and chemical properties of ML-Si, Cz-Si, and mc-Si using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and EDX analysis performed with SEM analysis. Results show that ML-Si closely matches Cz-Si in surface morphology and crystal orientation. The EDX spectra indicate that Silicon is the dominant element. After alkaline texturing, the reflectivity of ML-Si is approximately 5% higher (absolute) than that of Cz-Si across the 300–1200 nm range, but significantly lower than that of mc-Si. This reduced reflectivity compared to mc-Si, combined with its lower dislocation density and fewer grain boundaries lead to improved structural uniformity and superior optical performance. Consequently, ML-Si combines the economic benefits of high performance of Cz-Si and the cost advantages of mc-Si production, making it as promising material for high-efficiency, low-cost photovoltaic applications.
2026-03-29
Souheyla BENAMAR, Sidi Mohammed AISSA MAMOUNE, Rachid CHERIF, Wafa Nor El-Houda CHERIFI
This paper investigates the effect of incorporating calcined sediments (CS), obtained by heat treating of Sekkak dam sediments in Algeria, as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM), on the durability properties of mortars. Mortars with various proportions of Portland cement substituted with CS were tested. The experimental program covered compressive strength, water porosimetry and accelerated carbonation. The results show that cement substitution by CS improves the compressive strength of mortars, with an optimum content of 15% for achieving the best compressive strength. The incorporation of CS in mortars reduces their total porosity and resistance to carbonation due to the consumption of portlandite by pozzolanic reactions. Additionally, mathematical equations were developed to establish a correlation between the mechanical and physical properties of mortars based on different CS content.
2026-03-29
Hocine HAMMOUM, Farid ASMA
This issue (N° 2, Volume 13, June 2026) of Journal of Materials and Engineering Structures (JMES) is dedicated to a special issue whose approach is intended to be "Visionary & Strategic". It revolves around the following topic: « The Industry of Tomorrow: Merging Materials Science and Engineering for a Resilient Environment » This Special Issue of JMES was planned to provide an international forum for the presentation and discussion of original and latest findings and developments in design, analysis and challenges in the field of material sciences, engineering and Sustainable Environment and resilience. It includes manuscripts of some selected papers presented at three international prestigious events that are: 7th International conference on Manufacturing, Material science and Engineering (ICMMSE 2025), held during 22-23rd August 2025 in Hyderabad Telangana in India. 1st International Seminar in Civil Engineering: from sustainability to resilience (SIGC’25), held during 28-29th October 2025 at Ain Témouchent in Algeria. International Conference on Engineering Sciences for a Sustainable Environment (ICESSE’25), 29-30th October 2025 at Tizi Ouzou in Algeria. JMES is proud to serve as a hub for interdisciplinary ideas and exchanges. This special issue aims to promote innovative approaches to addressing global environmental challenges, offering a platform for reflection and discussion toward sustainable, environmentally respect full development. This special issue is the result of a rigorous selection made by the scientific committees of these meetings as well as the editorial team of the JMES journal, on the presented papers.
2026-03-29
Malha SALMI, Fatma BOUZEBOUDJA
Textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) is gaining recognition as an advanced construction material due to its excellent load-bearing capacity, resistance to corrosion, and long-term durability. However, the influence of different textile types and design parameters on TRC’s mechanical behavior remains not fully understood. This study aims to deepen the knowledge of TRC’s mechanical performance and to identify potential avenues for future research. The compressive, tensile, and flexural behaviors of TRC are analyzed through a review of existing literature. Results show that TRC performance strongly depends on textile characteristics such as shape, geometry, weaving pattern, and yarn properties. Under tensile and flexural loading, TRC generally exhibits three stages: an initial elastic phase, a strain-hardening phase with multiple cracking, and a softening phase leading to failure. The bond between textile and cementitious matrix is also examined using pull-out test results. Textile geometry and surface properties significantly influence the interfacial bond strength. This review summarizes current knowledge on TRC behavior and highlights its potential applications in civil engineering.