The magnetic properties of materials are fundamentally determined by their atomic structure and electronic configuration. In thin films and nanostructures, surface and interfacial effects can profoundly alter the magnetic behavior compared to the bulk material, leading to unique phenomena relevant for spintronics and magnetic recording. This article conceptually investigates the disparities between surface and bulk magnetization, with a particular emphasis on how magneto-optical techniques can effectively differentiate and characterize these distinct magnetic responses. We explore the principles of magneto-optical effects, such as the Kerr effect, which are inherently sensitive to the surface and near-surface magnetic moments. The proposed methodology involves utilizing these techniques to probe the magnetic hysteresis loops and reversal mechanisms at the surface, in comparison with bulk magnetic measurements (e.g., SQUID magnetometry). By examining the conceptual outcomes related to phenomena like exchange bias and training effects, we aim to elucidate how interfacial coupling can create asymmetry and shifts in the surface hysteresis, distinct from the underlying bulk. This comparative analysis provides critical insights into the microscopic origins of magnetism at interfaces, offering a powerful framework for designing advanced magnetic materials with tailored surface functionalities.

The incorporation of particulate fillers such as quartz and marble into rigid polyurethane (PU) foams can significantly alter their mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties. This study investigates the influence of quartz and marble as fillers on the performance of rigid PU foams. The effects of varying filler concentrations on the foams’ compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and structural integrity are evaluated. The findings suggest that both quartz and marble fillers enhance the mechanical strength of the foams, with marble providing superior results in terms of thermal conductivity. However, the presence of fillers also leads to a decrease in foam flexibility and an increase in density. These results offer valuable insights into optimizing the properties of rigid PU foams for applications in construction, insulation, and automotive industries.

Background: Microplastic pollution in freshwater systems is a rapidly intensifying environmental challenge that intersects materials science, ecology, public policy, and remediation technology. This paper synthesizes multidisciplinary evidence on sources, transport, transformation, ecological effects, detection challenges, and remediation strategies for microplastics in freshwater environments. Methods: A conceptual synthesis method was applied, integrating empirical findings and theoretical frameworks from materials conservation, marine and freshwater microplastic literature, transport modeling studies, ecotoxicology, and management reviews to produce an integrative evaluation. Results: Primary and secondary microplastics originate from diverse sources including industrial pellets, consumer products, tire wear, and in-situ fragmentation of larger plastics; these particles are transported vertically and horizontally across water columns and sediments through biological vectors, aggregation, and hydrodynamic processes (Andrady, 2015; Boucher & Friot, 2017; Choy et al., 2019). Microplastics act as vectors for chemical transfer and promote contaminant transport, causing physiological stress across trophic levels and altering ecosystem functioning (Rochman et al., 2013; Alimi et al., 2017; Castro-Castellon et al., 2021). Detection is confounded by methodological variability and material complexity, while remediation strategies span source control, engineered filtration, bioremediation, and policy interventions (Eerkes-Medrano et al., 2015; Madala et al., 2025). Conclusions: Effective mitigation requires an integrated approach linking material design and conservation principles, robust monitoring and standardized methods, targeted remediation technologies, and governance frameworks that coordinate lifecycle responsibility. Research priorities include harmonized detection protocols, mechanistic ecotoxicology across realistic exposure scenarios, scalable remediation pilots, and socio-political analyses of policy instruments.