Alumina Nanocomposites Research Articles

Synthesis of alginate capped aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanocomposite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract In the presence scenario, dye pollution has become a serious issue in present environment protection which need extensive attention of the scientific community. Methylene blue (MB) has been known for its toxic nature and widely used in various industries. In the present work, we reported the green synthesis of alginate capped alumina (Al2O3) nanocomposite (NC). The synthesized Alg@Al2O3 NC have been verified by various sophisticated characterization techniques (XRD, SEM, EDX, UV–vis TEM, FTIR, and XPS). The synthesized Alg@Al2O3 NC have been used as photocatalyst for the degradation of MB dye. Furthermore, photocatalytic activity of the Alg@Al2O3 NC has been studied under ultraviolet (UV) light. The obtained results exhibited excellent photocatalytic properties of the Alg@Al2O3 NC. The effect of photocatalyst doses (0.1–5 g l−1), pH−1 (1–10), MB dye concentration (50–120 ppm), and irradiation time (5–135 min) of UV light were also optimized. The highest efficiency of 99.2% has been observed for MB degradation via Alg@Al2O3 NC. The investigations of kinetics demonstrated that the photocatalytic degradation proceeded along a pseudo-first-order pathway in accordance with the Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model. The Alg@Al2O3 NC also exhibited excellent reusability for 4 cycles and suggested that Alg@Al2O3 NC can be used for various cycles. In this study, we proposed the cost-effective green synthetic method for the preparation of Alg@Al2O3 NC and its application as photocatalyst for the removal of MB dye under UV light.

Mechanical Performance and Corrosion Behaviour of Aluminum7075 Reinforced by Nano-Titanium dioxide

في هذه الدراسة ، تم تطبيق تقنية الصب بالتحريك (SCT) لتكوين مركب الألمنيوم (Al) النانوي مع نسب وزنية مختلفة من مسحوق ثاني أكسيد التيتانيوم النانوي (TiO2). تم فحص الخصائص البنائية ,الميكانيكية والتآكل لمتراكبات النانو. دراسة البنية المجهرية تمت عن طريق المجهر الإلكتروني الماسح (SEM) ، بينما تم الحصول على التركيب البلوري للعينات باستخدام حيود الأشعة السينية (XRD). بالإضافة إلى ذلك ، تم غمر المركبات النانوية في محلول 0.5 مولاري من حمض الهيدروكلوريك لقياسات معدل التآكل والديناميكية الفعالة. أظهرت النتائج أن أفضل عينة كانت 0.03٪ ، حيث زادت الصلابة بنسبة 23٪ ، لكن قوة الشد زادت إلى 52٪. حيث أظهرت صور SEM للعينات المعززة بالجسيمات النانوية تجانسًا وانتشارًا واضحًا للجسيمات النانوية في المصفوفة. لذلك ، فإن إضافة جزيئات TiO2 النانوية إلى معدن الألمنيوم أدى إلى تحسين صلابة وقوة الشد للمركبات النانوية بشكل ملحوظ. بالمقابل أظهرت نتائج التآكل أن المواد المركبة النانوية لديها مقاومة تآكل أعلى من المواد المركبة القائمة على Al7075.

Synthesis, mechanical characterization, and biocompatibility evaluation of Graphene-TiO2 reinforced alumina for biomedical applications

The study addresses the limited fracture toughness of Al2O3 ceramics by developing graphene-TiO2 reinforced alumina nanocomposites through pressing. Mechanical properties, including hardness, fracture toughness, and elasticity, were examined, alongside the structural characterization via XRD analysis and microstructure evaluation using SEM. Cytotoxicity and cell adhesion tests were conducted for in vitro biological evaluation. The inclusion of a graphene additive led to a nearly threefold increase in fracture toughness, reaching up to 8.161 MPa m1/2. Graphene doping induced a discernible shift to lower angles in the XRD pattern, revealing the presence of Al2O3, Al2TiO5, and TiO2 phases. Samples immersed in artificial body fluid for 14 days exhibited minimal ion release, with Titanium ion below 0.001 mg/L and aluminum ion below 0.05 mg/L, indicating a lack of significant ion release. The cytotoxic activity of the samples against NIH/3T3 cells was assessed through Alamar Blue analysis, revealing no significant change in cell viability after 48 h of exposure.

(Alumina and graphene)/ PLA nanocomposites manufactured by digital light processing 3D printer

In this study, the variant effects of alumina and graphene reinforcing nanoparticle percentages on the tensile and wear properties of the nanocomposites, produced using digital light processing (DLP), were determined by employing SEM images of fracture and worn surfaces to introduce a hybrid (alumina + graphene)/PLA nanocomposite with desirable wear and mechanical properties. With the addition of alumina up to 2 wt%, the tensile strength was initially decreased exhibiting a rapid brittle fracture over the flat fracture surface. However, with a continued increase in the amount of reinforcing particles, the tensile strength eventually increased by 16% compared to the pure resin sample at 8 wt% of alumina while changing the fracture mode with plenty of cleavages accompanied by crack deflections. The specific wear rate in the 8 wt% alumina sample decreased by almost 62% compared to the pure resin sample. Graphene caused a significant drop in tensile strength due to the generation of cavities and porosities around the graphene agglomerates, but it greatly improved the wear properties, with the specific wear rate decreasing by almost 77% at just 1 wt%. Then hybrid nanocomposites of alumina and graphene reinforcements were produced with the aim of optimal tensile and wear properties. The 0.5% graphene +3.5% alumina improved the wear resistance and provided moderate tensile properties; however, the 1% graphene +3% alumina could not increase the wear resistance due to the weakening of graphene plates sticking to the polymer substrate.

Exploring the Influence of Stirring Temperature on the Fatigue and Mechanical Characteristics of AA5128/SiC Nanocomposites

Aluminum is anticipated to continue being the primary material for various essential uses like aviation and automobiles. This is because of the great resistance to various climatic conditions, required and controllable mechanical qualities, and high fatigue resistance. Aluminum nanocomposites like AA5128/SiC can be produced by several liquid metallurgical techniques. The main challenges for this method in producing nanocomposites involve ensuring a consistent distribution of strengthening components and controlling any chemical interactions between the strengthening compositions and the matrix. Intended for structural use, specifically in the aircraft industry, developing cost-effective nanocomposites with operational and geometric flexibility poses a significant ongoing challenge. Various methods of producing AA5128/SiC nanocomposites yield distinct mechanical characteristics. Nine nanocomposites were synthesized in the current research by varying the stirring temperatures (810, 860, and 910℃) with different levels of SiC added at 0, 6, 8, and 10 wt %. The composite consisting of 10 wt % SiC and agitated at 860℃ showed improved characteristics in tensile, hardness, and fatigue tests. The composite containing 10 wt % SiC with a stirring temperature (ST) of 860℃ led to a 22.3% rise in tensile strength, a 16.2% rise in Vickers hardness number, and a 40.2% reduction in ductility compared to the sample without nanoparticles. At 810℃ (ST), the fatigue life at a stress level of 100 MPa raised by 18.5% compared to the 10 wt% nanocomposite.

The role of aluminum nanoparticles in the visible light activated photocatalytic properties of laser ablation produced nano-alumina particles

In this experimental study, chemical agent contaminated water was treated by the photocatalytic activity of aluminum-alumina nanocomposite. Methyl red was used as the chemical agent pollutant. Nanocomposite was synthesized by laser ablation method. The presence of both Al and Al2O3 in the structure of synthesized nanocomposite and the structural and optical properties of Al/Al2O3 nanocomposite were evaluated by XRD, FESEM, TEM, and UV–Vis spectroscopy techniques. Photocatalytic activity of Al doped alumina nanocomposite was triggered by UV and visible light irradiation and results were compared. The highest efficiency of the photocatalytic treatment of water was due to degradation of methyl red under UV radiation. In spite of large bandgap energy of alumina nanoparticles, presence of Al atoms in the synthesized nanocomposite as the effective traps to prevent the recombination of electrons and holes was responsible for acceptable efficiency of Al/Al2O3 nanocomposite in degradation of methyl red dye under visible light irradiation. Effects of photocatalyst concentration and reaction temperature were also investigated.

Enhancing strength and toughness of GNS/Al nanocomposites via a hybridization strategy

Good strength-ductility balance in graphene nanosheet (GNS)-reinforced aluminum nanocomposites can be achieved through tailorable and facile agglomeration control. Our previous study showed that pre-modulating the Al powder morphology by adding hard silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiCnp) during the two-step ball milling process effectively promotes the uniform dispersion of GNSs. However, excess SiCnp content causes SiCnp aggregate and premature cracking of composites. Here, GNS-reinforced aluminum nanocomposites with different SiCnp content (0.3–1.5 vol%) were prepared, and the optimal SiCnp-to-GNS ratio was determined after optimizing the SiCnp content in a pre-studied composite preparation process. The effect of SiCnp on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites was systematically investigated. The cold welding deformation of Al flakes increased with the SiCnp content. Nonetheless, inadequate or excessive SiC content caused insufficient lamination or excessive cold-weld stacking of Al flakes, respectively. Al-0.9vol.%SiCnp powders possessed the highest specific surface area which resulted in high homogeneous dispersion of 3.0 vol% GNS during the second ball-milling stage. Consequently, the resulting hybrid reinforced (GNS + SiCnp)/Al composites showed simultaneous improvement in strength and plasticity, unlike Al-3.0vol.%GNS composites. This showed that introducing hard nanoparticles (i.e., the hybridization strategy) is a promising method to simultaneously enhance strength and plasticity of aluminum nanocomposites.

Experimental investigations with machine learning techniques for understanding of erosion wear in advanced aluminum nanocomposites

This article addresses the significant challenge of erosion wear in aluminum composites, particularly in industries such as automotive, aerospace and energy, where sustained material performance is crucial. The study focuses on the experimental investigation of erosive wear characteristics exhibited by advanced aluminum nanocomposites, utilizing an air jet erosion wear test apparatus. The erosion wear tests were conducted using diverse parameters, such as angles (30°, 45°, 60° and 90°), air pressures (1–4 bar) and a fixed 600-s duration, maintaining a constant sand particle feed rate of 2.0 (g/min) and utilizing stand-off distances of 10, 15 and 20 mm. Surface assessments were conducted using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results revealed observable specimen wear, particularly at a 45° angle, with wear rates decreasing at higher impingement angles and reaching a minimum at 90°. Notably, the Al-4 wt.%TiC nanocomposites exhibited a 25% improvement in wear resistance compared to the base alloy. Further analysis of eroded surfaces through (FE-SEM) revealed a mechanism involving micro-cutting, plowing and grain pull-out, attributing wear primarily to plastic deformation and crack formation. Evaluating erosive wear results through six machine learning (ML) models demonstrated that gradient boosting regression emerged as the most accurate, achieving an R2 value of 0.97. This highlights the effectiveness of ML in predicting erosion wear rates and offers insights for improving aluminum composite materials in demanding industrial applications.

Investigation of electrochemical and photoluminescence properties of Dy[formula omitted] doped SrO/BaO/Al2O3 nanocomposite for supercapacitor and display applications

The current study investigates the synthesis and characterization of dysprosium-doped strontium barium aluminum nanocomposites (SBAD NCs), aiming to enhance their suitability for display and supercapacitor applications. SBAD NCs are synthesized by Solution combustion synthesis using aloevera extract as a reducing agent. Multi-phase formation of NCs due to SrO, BaO, and γ-Al2O3 phases was confirmed by PXRD analysis, and crystallite size is found to be in the range of 26 nm to 36 nm. SEM analysis confirmed the surface morphology and the elemental composition was affirmed by the EDAX spectrum which confirmed the purity of the synthesis. The blue shift in the UV–visible absorption peak with increasing dopant concentration suggests a rise in the direct energy band gap from 4.07 eV to 4.11 eV. FTIR analysis confirmed functional groups and fingerprint region affirmed the presence of SrO, BaO, and AlO bonds. Photoluminescence analysis performed under excitation wavelength 276 nm revealed a prominent emission peak at 565 nm, and the CIE values fall in the yellow-green region of visible spectra. The CCT value was found to be 4490 K–4542 K which might find an application as a nanophosphor in cool light-emitting diodes. The tailored nanocomposites exhibit exceptional electrochemical performance characterized by superior specific capacitance, and improved charge–discharge kinetics, as evaluated through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The specific capacitance is found to be in the range of 103.26 F/g to 173.24 F/g at a scan rate of 10 mV/s with increasing Dy3+ dopant concentration from 1 mol% to 9 mol% respectively. The dysprosium-doped SBAD NCs emerge as promising candidates for high-performance energy storage systems and vibrant display technologies, offering a synergistic integration of efficient energy storage and vivid display functionalities.

Dynamics of magnetized viscous dissipative material of hybrid nanofluid with irregular thermal generation/absorption

The intriguing thermophysical properties of nanoparticles have considerable potential in thermal transportation for engineering applications. The inclusion of solid nanoparticles in the base fluid raises the fluid's thermal conductivity, which improves thermal transfer characteristics. Thus, an analysis is performed by assuming the Tiwari and Das model, for the flow and energy transportation aspects of hybrid nanoparticles in a shrinkable porous medium. The current study focuses on the thermal heat transfer performance on the dynamic of ethylene glycol-based titania and alumina nanoparticles. The flow-controlling system of PDEs is transformed into a system of non-linear ODEs by using similarity transformations, and the resulting equations are then solved numerically through the solver bvp4c in Matlab function with a limit of tolerance 10−6. The multiple branches of solutions are noted for distinct values of suction and shrinking parameters. The outcomes reveal that the inclusion of titania and alumina nanocomposites improves the thermophysical properties of the base fluid significantly. The findings indicate that hybrid nanofluids are more effective for increasing the thermal transport rate. Further, in the upper branch solution, the friction drags, and energy transportation rate raises for the higher influence of suction strength while it declines for the lower branch.

Evaluating the influence of various friction stir processing strategies on surface integrity of hybrid nanocomposite Al6061

To fundamentally investigate the influence of different friction stir processing (FSP) strategies, namely raster, spiral, and parallel in various passes on the surface integrity of hybrid aluminum nanocomposites reinforced by titanium oxide (TiO2), silicon carbide (SiC), and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles, various examinations were conducted. The surface integrity, comprising microstructural characterization, elemental composition, surface topography, roughness, waviness, and microhardness was studied by different analyses, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), optical microscopy (OM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Vickers microhardness machine in different zones. Results demonstrated that surface integrity and quality are dependent on the type of FSP strategy. SEM images revealed that a homogeneous distribution of the nanoparticles in the matrix is obtainable by the parallel and raster FSP strategies. Roughness and waviness measurements illustrated that the surface topography of the hybrid nanocomposite was symmetrical and improved by raster strategy and TiO2 + ZrO2 nanoparticle reinforcement. Furthermore, the two-pass FSP improved the arithmetic average surface value (Ra) such that the Ra of two passes decreased by 32.5% compared to a single one. The mean microhardness in the spiral, raster, and parallel pass strategies increased by ~ 45%, 37%, and 31%, respectively.

Influence of Novel Al-Ni Electrodes on Roughness and Machining Time in Inconel 625 EDM Machining: A Comprehensive RSM Performance Analysis

In the context of Inconel 625 machining, this study explores the effects of novel Al-Ni nano electrodes on surface roughness and machining time. Thorough performance study was undertaken to clarify the complex connections between the machining settings, electrode composition, and final surface quality. Important insights were obtained via methodical experimentation and data analysis, which helps optimize the machining procedures for improved productivity and surface quality when milling Inconel 625. This research presents an experimental investigation of the effects of the Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) input parameters, namely current, pulse-on time, and pulse-off time, on the surface roughness and machining time output parameters. Inconel 625 was the material of choice for the work piece. Electric discharge machining oil was used as the dielectric fluid and aluminium nanocomposite as the tool electrode. Response surface methodology (RSM) approach was employed in the experimentation. ANOVA was used to optimize the parameters and obtain the lowest possible surface roughness (SR) and machining time. The findings show that pulse-off time is the most significant motivating factor for SR. The current is the main determining factor for machining time. The Central Composite Design approach was used for optimization.

Design, Characterization and Performance of the Modified Chitosan–Alumina Nanocomposites for the Adsorption of Hydroquinone and Arsenic (V) Ions

Design, Characterization and Performance of the Modified Chitosan–Alumina Nanocomposites for the Adsorption of Hydroquinone and Arsenic (V) Ions

Study on the Microstructure and Microhardness Behavior of Reduced Graphene Oxide Reinforced Alumina Nanocomposites

Study on the Microstructure and Microhardness Behavior of Reduced Graphene Oxide Reinforced Alumina Nanocomposites

Aluminum Nanocomposites Reinforced with Al2O3 Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Structure, and Properties

This work comprehensively investigates the production and characterization of an innovative nanocomposite material and an aluminum matrix reinforced with Al2O3 nanoparticles. The powder metallurgy route was used to produce the nanocomposite, and subsequent microstructural and mechanical characterizations were conducted to evaluate its performance. The nanoparticles and metal powders were dispersed and mixed using ultrasonication, followed by cold pressing and sintering. The results indicated that dispersion using isopropanol made it possible to obtain nanocomposites efficiently through powder metallurgy with a high density and an 88% increase in hardness compared to the Al matrix. The process led to the production of nanocomposites with high densification if the volume fraction of the reinforcement did not exceed 1.0 wt.% of Al2O3. The volume fraction of the reinforcement plays an essential role in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composite because as it increases to values above 1.0 wt.%, it becomes more difficult to disperse through ultrasonication, which results in less promising results. The addition of Al2O3 significantly affects the Al matrix’s microstructure, which influences the mechanical properties. However, this new approach is proving effective in producing Al matrix nanocomposites with high mechanical properties.

Preparation, characterization and evaluation of nano manganese dioxide coated on alumina as a new adsorbent for the effective removal of phenol from aqueous samples

An effective sorbent as title nano manganese dioxide coated on alumina (NMO/Al) nanocomposite was prepared as an economical adsorbent in the present study. To this end, morphological, chemical, and surface characteristics of NMO/Al were determined through various techniques. The NMO/Al nanocomposite could be thus separated effortlessly from water samples using a filter paper and then, the removal of phenol from the wastewater samples was evaluated. Accordingly, various empirical parameters affecting this removal including pH, ionic strength, time, temperature, and phenol concentration were examined. In order to investigate the adsorption equilibrium, Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin equations were utilized and since that the Langmuir adsorption model had a higher correlation coeffi cient (R2) indicating better fit to the adsorption characteristics. Various kinetic models were employed to evaluate the adsorption kinetics of phenol on the NMO/Al nanocomposite. Based on the results, the Elovich model exhibited the best fit with a sorption capacity of 21.34 mg/g. Additionally, the adsorbed phenol was desorbed from the NMO/Al surface by using ethanol and with high efficiency, and then the NMO/Al nanocomposite was used again to remove phenol. The results showed that the NMO/Al nanocomposite could be reused for more than five cycles. Based on the findings, the phenol adsorption process from wastewater using NMO/Al nanocomposite is considered an efficient adsorption approach in a large-scale adsorption system.

Nanomechanical analysis of friction welded similar PEEK/aluminum nanocomposites: Effect of metal particle reinforcement

AbstractAluminum (Al), poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) thermoplastics, and their individual composites have widely been used in many industries, including aerospace and biomedical fields. However, the joining process of those composites has not been explored much to date. In this context, the friction welding process (FWP) could be used as an alternative since it has the ability to join high‐strength components with minimal distortion. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop PEEK/Al nanocomposites with varying Al concentrations of 10, 20, 30, and 40 vol% using powder metallurgical technique and further joined the similar composition composites by FWP. Then, the effect of reinforced particle concentrations on the physical, morphological, structural, thermal, and micromechanical behaviors of the joined nanocomposites has been characterized by microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and nanoindentation tests. The concentrations of the reinforcement were found to have a significant effect on the crystallinity, melting temperature, glass transition temperature, and thereby micromechanical properties. The results were analyzed and correlated precisely for all the welded nanocomposites systematically. The interdiffusion mechanism was found to be involved in improving the mechanical properties of the present nanocomposites. The highest elastic modulus (13.91 GPa) or nanohardness (0.31 GPa) was obtained for the rotatory part of the PEEK/Al40 nanocomposites at 80 mN load. But, the applied load of 40 mN was the best loading condition due to the uniform change in modulus and nanohardness of all the nanocomposites. Therefore, the present alternative joining method of the PEEK/Al nanocomposites might be used for aerospace components.Highlights Development of PEEK/aluminum with 10, 20, 30 and 40 vol% Al nanocomposites. Friction welding of similar composite material, PEEK/Al‐PEEK/Al nanocomposites. Microstructural, thermal, and nanomechanical analyses. Effect of metal particle reinforcement on the friction welded nanocomposites. FW PEEK/Al40 nanocomposite is found to be the best.

Manufacturing of Aluminum Nano-Composites Reinforced with Nano-Copper and High Graphene Ratios Using Hot Pressing Technique.

In this study, the nano-aluminum powder was reinforced with a hybrid of copper and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The ratios of GNPs were 0 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 1.2 wt% and 1.8 wt%. To avoid the reaction between aluminum and graphene and, consequently, the formation of aluminum carbide, the GNP was first metalized with 5 wt% Ag and then coated with the predetermined 15 wt% Cu by the electroless coating process. In addition, the coating process was performed to improve the poor wettability between metal and ceramic. The Al/(GNPs-Ag)Cu nanocomposites with a high relative density of 99.9% were successfully prepared by the powder hot-pressing techniques. The effects of (GNPs/Ag) and Cu on the microstructure, density, hardness, and compressive strength of the Al-Cu nanocomposite were studied. As a result of agitating the GNPs during the cleaning and silver and Cu-plating, a homogeneous distribution was achieved. Some layers formed nano-tubes. The Al4C3 phase was not detected due to coating GNPs with Cu. The Cu9Al4 intermetallic was formed during the sintering process. The homogeneous dispersion of Cu and different ratios of GNs, good adhesion, and the formation of the new Cu9Al4 intermetallic improved in hardness. The pure aluminum sample recorded 216.2 HV, whereas Al/Cu reinforced with 1.8 GNs recorded 328.42 HV with a 51.9% increment. The compressive stress of graphene samples was improved upon increasing the GNPs contents. The Al-Cu/1.8 GNs sample recorded 266.99 MPa.

Investigations on AC and DC breakdown characteristics of epoxy- alumina nanocomposites

Investigations on AC and DC breakdown characteristics of epoxy- alumina nanocomposites

Experimental investigation and machine learning modeling using LSTM and special relativity search of friction stir processed AA2024/Al2O3 nanocomposites

In this study, the friction stir technique is proposed to process aluminum nanocomposites reinforced with alumina nanoparticles. The effects of different processing parameters, including spindle speed (900–1800 rpm), feed (10–20 mm/min), and number of passes (1–3) on the mechanical and dynamic properties of the processed samples were investigated. The investigated properties were ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, natural frequency, and damping ratio. An advanced machine learning approach composed of a long short-term memory model optimized by a special relativity search algorithm was developed to predict the properties of the processed samples and different processing conditions. The adequacy of the developed model was tested and compared with three other machine learning models; the predicted properties were in good agreement with the measured properties. The developed model outperformed other tested models and was found to be a powerful prediction tool for predicting processing conditions to obtain high-quality nanocomposite samples. The model succeeded in predicting the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, natural frequency, and damping ratio with good R2 of 0.912, 0.952, 0.951, and 0.987, respectively. The obtained results showed that the samples' damping ratio and loss factor increase with the number of passes, while the natural frequency, shear modulus, and complex modulus decrease with the number of passes. Thus, friction stir processing can be used to improve the damping properties of materials.