Limited quantitative available information exists regarding the robustness of membranes used in immersed membrane bioreactor (iMBR) applications, and no information on the relative contribution of the two main membrane failure modes of permeability and integrity loss. Such information is crucial given the significance of membrane replacement costs to the viability and sustainability of iMBRs.

The directed assembly of conjugated polymers into macroscopic organization with controlled orientation and placement is pivotal in improving device performance. Here, the supramolecular assembly of oriented spherulitic crystals of poly(3‐butylthiophene) surrounding a single carbon nanotube fiber under controlled solvent evaporation of solution‐cast films is reported. Oriented lamellar structures nucleate on the surface of the nanotube fiber in the form of a transcrystalline interphase. The factors influencing the formation of transcrystals are investigated in terms of chemical structure, crystallization temperature, and time. Dynamic process measurements exhibit the linear growth of transcrystals with time. Microstructural analysis of transcrystals reveals individual lamellar organization and crystal polymorphism. The form II modification occurs at low temperatures, while both form I and form II modifications coexist at high temperatures. A possible model is presented to interpret transcrystallization and polymorphism.

The current concern for the environment and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have led to new technologies related to microwave energy. One of these technologies is the self-healing of asphalt mixtures, which consists of repairing pavements through microwave application on the surface, avoiding premature road failure. Asphalt mixtures for roads are made up of more than 90% by weight of aggregates of different compositions and origins, in addition to a bituminous binder and sometimes additives. From other studies, it is known that the physical behaviour of aggregates is a function of their composition, that is, of their minerals and their proportions. Microwave heating of aggregates has proven to be an effective technique, but there are gaps in understanding how microwaves interact with aggregates and the reasons for their differential heating. This research has studied 18 minerals that are commonly part of the rocks used as road aggregates. The objective is to identify the minerals that present the best heating rates to relate them to the differential heating of aggregates for roads. The results obtained are promising, facilitating the understanding of microwave heating of minerals. Regarding chemical composition, elements such as MgO, MnO, TiO, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and CaO (in silicate minerals) favour the heating of minerals and other elements such as SiO2 and K2O Na2O, and CaO (in carbonate minerals) retard the heating. Regarding the physical properties, density and habit of the minerals do not influence the heating, but other properties, such as the diaphaneity and the size of the crystals, influence the heating with microwaves.