Plant Secondary Metabolites as Household Insecticides: A Critical Review of Efficacy, Toxicology, and Regulatory Pathways
Abstract
Cold storage facilities are indispensable for modern food supply chains, pharmaceutical logistics, and agricultural preservation. Their design and construction require a confluence of structural engineering, building physics, materials science, and sustainability principles. This article provides a comprehensive, state‑of‑the‑art review of cold storage structures from a civil engineering perspective. It covers: (1) structural design fundamentals – including load combinations, foundation systems engineered to prevent frost heave, floor flatness specifications for high‑rack warehouses, and seismic resilience; (2) thermal insulation materials – with in‑depth analysis of conventional options (polyurethane, polystyrene, mineral wool) and advanced polymer composites, especially poly(ethylene disulfide) (PEDS)/carbon fiber composites, which exhibit superior mechanical strength, low thermal conductivity, and durability in sub‑zero environments; (3) integration of nano‑enhanced materials and phase‑change materials (PCMs) to boost energy efficiency; (4) building envelope performance – calculation of U‑values, vapor barrier placement, and mitigation of thermal bridging; (5) durability challenges – freeze‑thaw cycles, corrosion protection for steel reinforcements, and long‑term performance monitoring using thermography; (6) sustainability assessment through life‑cycle analysis (LCA) and green building certifications (LEED, BREEAM), including the use of recycled and bio‑based polymers; and (7) future trends – smart cold storage with IoT‑embedded panels, self‑healing polymers via disulfide exchange, and 3D‑printed insulation components. The review integrates the authors’ previous work on polymer composites (Sheydaei et al., 2021; 2022), nanoparticle applications (Hajipour et al., 2023), and environmental safety (Alinia‑Ahandani et al., 2021, 2022) to provide an evidence‑based resource for civil engineers, contractors, and researchers.
