Characterization Of Materials Research Articles

Material Characterization and Electrochemical Properties of Titanium Alloy 5553 Prepared by Selective Laser Melting as Processed and after Abrading and Polishing.

The microstructure, Vickers microhardness, and electrochemical properties of an additive manufactured titanium alloy, Ti-5553 (Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr wt %), are reported on. The alloy specimens were fabricated by selective laser melt processing. The surface morphology and electrochemical properties of the as-processed and surface-pretreated (abraded and polished) Ti-5553 specimens were investigated. The as-processed specimens had a nominal density of 4.62 ± 0.04 g/cm3. Based on comparison with the reported density for the die-cast alloy, the specimens were 99-100% dense with ca. 1% porosity. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed some micropores, balling features, and fusion pore defects across the surface of the alloy (XZ plane-orthogonal to the build direction). The nominal Vickers microhardness was 292 ± 2 HV. Detailed electrochemical characterization of the as-processed and surface-pretreated alloys revealed reproducible open-circuit potentials (OCPs), linear polarization resistances (R p), and potentiodynamic polarization curves for both specimen types in naturally aerated 3.5 wt % NaCl at room temperature. For the surface-pretreated alloys, the OCP was 225 mV more noble, the anodic current in the potentiodynamic polarization curves was 72× lower, the cathodic current was 8× lower, and R p was larger by 426× than the values for the as-processed specimens. The collective electrochemical data revealed that the surface-pretreated alloys exhibit greater corrosion resistance than the as-processed alloys due to a reduction of the real area and the formation of a more passivating oxide layer.

Enhanced Performance of Laser-Induced Graphene Supercapacitors via Integration with Candle-Soot Nanoparticles.

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has been emerging as a promising electrode material for supercapacitors due to its cost-effective and straightforward fabrication approach. However, LIG-based supercapacitors still face challenges with limited capacitance and stability. To overcome these limitations, in this work, we present a novel, cost-effective, and facile fabrication approach by integrating LIG materials with candle-soot nanoparticles. The composite electrode is fabricated by laser irradiation on a Kapton sheet to generate LIG material, followed by spray-coating with candle-soot nanoparticles and annealing. Materials characterization reveals that the annealing process enables a robust connection between the nanoparticles and the LIG materials and enhances nanoparticle graphitization. The prepared supercapacitor yields a maximum specific capacitance of 15.1 mF/cm2 at 0.1 mA/cm2, with a maximum energy density of 2.1 μWh/cm2 and a power density of 50 μW/cm2. Notably, the synergistic activity of candle soot and LIG surpasses the performances of previously reported LIG-based supercapacitors. Furthermore, the cyclic stability of the device demonstrates excellent capacitance retention of 80% and Coulombic efficiency of 100% over 10000 cycles.

CuO vs. AgO: A comparative study of cathode catalysts for boosting oxygen reduction in microbial desalination cells

Microbial Desalination Cell (MDC) is an innovative approach for water desalination that concurrently produces energy through the process of substrate oxidation. The primary issue of the technique is its limited power on capabilities during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). While the depletion of oxygen is a significant process in electrochemical energy conversion, its slow kinetics hinder its utilization in MDCs. One potential resolution to this problem is the utilization of a cathode catalyst with a high level of activity, which effectively enhances the rate of ORR. Different concentrations of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) were used to investigate the behavior of ORR and its impact on the performance of the MDC. The optimal concentration of silver oxide (AgO) NPs was utilized to conduct a comparative analysis of both types of NPs. The size of CuO NPs and AgO NPs was found to be 65 nm and 55 nm respectively by material characterization studies. The power density achieved in the absence of the catalyst was 1.1 W/m3, and this value increased to 4.9 W/m3 with the incorporation of 3 mg/cm2 AgO. The use of a catalyst loading of 3 mg/cm2 has been determined to be efficacious in enhancing the desalination rate in MDC. The electrochemical investigations conducted also showed an improvement in the electrocatalytic behavior of cathodic kinetics while operating under these specific afterward. Therefore, the utilization of AgO catalyst exhibits potential as a viable option for the expansion of MDC processes, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development objectives.

Preparation of phosphorylated rice husk for cadmium adsorption: Crucial role of phosphonyl group

Rice husk is a locally available biomass for preparation of adsorbents to deal with cadmium (Cd) contamination in paddy system. In this study, phosphorylation of rice husk using H3PO4 and NH4H2PO4 was carried out in the presence of urea at 165℃ to obtain APB-C and NPB-C, respectively. According to the material characterizations, phosphonyl groups were successfully grafted on the rice husk. Both APB-C and NPB-C had high performance for Cd(II) adsorption with the capacities of 146 and 129 mg/g, respectively. The main mechanism of Cd(II) adsorption was ion exchange with NH4+. The adsorption capacity was linearly corelated with phosphorus content (R2 = 0.9997), while the Langmuir constant had high correlation efficient (R2 = 0.996) with phosphonyl group percentage. Further quantum chemical calculation showed higher interaction energy between Cd(II) and phosphonyl group than other groups. These results indicated that phosphonyl group governed Cd(II) adsorption on phosphorylated biomass.

Accuracy and efficiency of finite element head models: The role of finite element formulation and material laws.

Traumatic brain injury is a significant problem worldwide. In the United States of America, around 1.7 million cases are documented annually, displaying the need for a deeper understanding of the effects on the human brain. The tests required for this assessment are very complex. Tests on cadavers may raise serious ethical questions, and in vivo crash tests are not viable. In this context, there is a great need to developing finite element head models (FEHM) to study the biomechanics of the tissues when submitted to a certain impact or acceleration/deceleration scenario. An excellent compromise between accuracy and CPU efficiency is always desirable for a FEHM, For this reason, this work focuses on the improvement of an existing head model, including the study of the behavior of the brain using distinct finite element types. The finite element type and formulation is of utmost importance for the general accuracy and efficiency of the models. Several validations were performed, comparing the simulation results against experimental data. The simulations with hexahedral elements, under specific conditions, obtained more accurate results with a lower computational cost. Using hexahedrals, a comparison was also performed using two material characterizations with more than 10 years apart, using the latest finite element head model validation experiment. Overall, the newer material model displays a less stiff response, although its implementation must always depend on the overall purpose of the model it is being applied to.

Micromechanical characterization of a wheat-based food material as a function of moisture content

Micromechanical characterization of a wheat-based food material as a function of moisture content

Multimodal and Operando Synchrotron X-ray Characterization for Advanced Energy Materials

Multimodal and Operando Synchrotron X-ray Characterization for Advanced Energy Materials

Exploring 4DSTEM-in-SEM: From Implementation to Material Characterization

Exploring 4DSTEM-in-SEM: From Implementation to Material Characterization

Decoding Chinese Murals: Material Characterization of ‘Ming Dynasty’ Paintings in Western Collections

Decoding Chinese Murals: Material Characterization of ‘Ming Dynasty’ Paintings in Western Collections

Prediction of Frequency-Dependent Optical Spectrum for Solid Materials: A Multioutput and Multifidelity Machine Learning Approach.

The frequency-dependent optical spectrum is pivotal for a broad range of applications from material characterization to optoelectronics and energy harvesting. Data-driven surrogate models, trained on density functional theory (DFT) data, have effectively alleviated the scalability limitations of DFT while preserving its chemical accuracy, expediting material discovery. However, prevailing machine learning (ML) efforts often focus on scalar properties such as the band gap, overlooking the complexities of optical spectra. In this work, we employ deep graph neural networks (GNNs) to predict the frequency-dependent complex-valued dielectric function across the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectra directly from the crystal structures. We explore multiple architectures for the spectral multioutput representation of the dielectric function and utilize various multifidelity learning strategies, such as transfer learning and fidelity embedding, to address the challenges associated with the scarcity of high-fidelity DFT data. Additionally, we model key solar cell absorption efficiency metrics, demonstrating that learning these parameters is enhanced when integrated through a learning bias within the learning of the frequency-dependent absorption coefficient. This study demonstrates that leveraging multioutput and multifidelity ML techniques enables accurate predictions of optical spectra from crystal structures, providing a versatile tool for rapidly screening materials for optoelectronics, optical sensing, and solar energy applications across an extensive frequency spectrum.

High Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence Enabled Materials Characterization and Experimental Automation

High Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence Enabled Materials Characterization and Experimental Automation

Designing, Operating and Managing a Multi-purpose-Multi-user Advanced Materials Characterisation Facility

Designing, Operating and Managing a Multi-purpose-Multi-user Advanced Materials Characterisation Facility

X-Ray Computed Tomography at Idaho National Laboratory’s Irradiated Materials Characterization Laboratory

X-Ray Computed Tomography at Idaho National Laboratory’s Irradiated Materials Characterization Laboratory

Improving biochar properties through liquid-phase exfoliation of onion peel biochar doped with chicken feathers

In recent decades, heightened environmental awareness has spurred a global push for innovative waste-to-wealth solutions. This study explores liquid-phase exfoliation as a strategy to enhance biochar properties. By doping onion peels and chicken feathers, hybrid biochar (HBC) was produced using a low-temperature co-carbonization system. Two exfoliation routes, the nitric acid and acetone routes, were compared with the un-exfoliated HBC through material characterization. Material characterization revealed distinct morphological features and a range of functional groups being introduced by exfoliation. It was also observed through the BET analysis that the HBC samples are mesoporous, with the exfoliated HBCs having an enhanced surface area and pore volume. Elemental analysis showcased HBC's fortification, highlighting potential applications such as adsorbents and soil amendments. This investigation shows the efficacy of liquid-phase exfoliation in enhancing biochar surface characteristics, opening avenues for diverse applications.

Low-cost and sustainable fabrication of waste rubber derived porous carbon for o-nitrophenol removal with high practical application potential: A waste salt-free and recyclable template strategy

The large-scale utilization of nitrophenols and the rapid replacement of rubber products have led to an explosive increase in emissions and waste. Herein, we report a low-cost, sustainable, recyclable nano ZnO-templating synthesis strategy to fabricate porous carbon materials derived from waste rubber. Zinc acetate, employed as the template precursor, can be readily removed and recycled through acetic acid leaching, thereby mitigating production expenses and circumventing the generation of saline wastewater throughout the synthetic procedure. The porous carbons fabricated possess tunable textural characteristics, as well as in-situ doping of oxygen-containing species. The sample of WRPC-1.25 owning high specific surface area of 1088.68 m2/g and volume of 2.58 cm3/g exhibits remarkable adsorption capacity of 393.42 mg/g for ONP in batch and of 300.2 mg/g in fixed bed continuous flow adsorption test. Additionally, the WRPC-1.25 demonstrates excellent practical application potential for ONP removal both in the continuous dynamic adsorption-regeneration cycles and environmental test. Based on material characterization, adsorption evaluation tests and theoretical calculations, the synergistic adsorption mechanism of ONP on carbon surfaces, governed by pore filling, dispersion effects, and strong electrostatic attraction originating from oxygen functional groups, was elucidated.

Influence of steel slag content on the mechanical and hydraulic properties of compacted silt-bentonite mixtures

ABSTRACT The reuse of by-products has become increasingly important as a means of minimising the consumption of natural resources and reducing waste disposal. This study examines the potential reuse of steel slag for soil stabilisation, with benefits such as conserving natural resources and mitigating the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of conventional stabilising agents. It focuses on evaluating the effect of pozzolanic reactions on the strength and stiffness of both loess silt and silt-bentonite mixtures. The experimental tests included the physical characterisation of granular materials, reactivity tests of the pozzolanicity of soil mixtures, compaction tests, unconfined compression tests, and hydraulic conductivity tests. The impact of the curing period was also analysed to quantify the effects of natural cementation and the development of hydrogels within soil pores on the compacted soil properties. The findings suggest that adding steel slag can significantly increase the strength and the stiffness of compacted loess silts by over 300% and 500%, respectively, after 56 days of curing, substantially reducing the hydraulic conductivity of granular materials, such as the tested silt, as hydrogels partially occupy the pores available for liquid flow. It should be noted that the chemical reactions during hydrogel formation may hinder the free expansion of clay mixtures and release Ca2+ ions, thereby counteracting the expected reduction in hydraulic conductivity when bentonite is added to compacted earthen barriers.

Continuous Remediation of Congo Red Dye Using Polyurethane-Polyaniline Nano-Composite Foam: Experiment and Optimization Study

This study employed an innovative approach, utilizing prepared dried polyurethane-polyaniline nano-composite, through in-situ polymerization, for continuous remediation of Congo red dye. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on the Box-Behnken design (BBD) model was utilized to optimize the processing parameters, including initial dye concentration, flow rate, and pH. The two-factor interaction (2FI) model emerged as the most significant, highlighting the influence of individual and interaction effects of the factors. Optimization of the dye remediation process yielded the optimal conditions of a flow rate of 10 mL/min, acidic pH of 5.00, and dye concentration of 20 mg/L, resulting in an impressive, predicted removal efficiency of 99.09% agreeing with the experimental value. Moreover, the maximum adsorption capacity was determined to be 329.68 mg/g. Characterization of the adsorbent material involved techniques such as Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectra (FTIR), X-ray spectroscopy (XRD), and Zeta potential analysis. This material offers a sustainable alternative in industries to treat Congo red dye before being disposed of into the environment.

Physicochemical characterization of experimental resin-based materials containing calcium orthophosphates or calcium silicate

ObjectiveTo evaluate experimental dimethacrylate-based materials containing calcium orthophosphates or calcium silicate particles in terms of their optical, mechanical and Ca2+ release behaviour. MethodsDicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), hydroxyapatite (HAp), beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) or calcium silicate (CaSi) particles were added to a photocurable BisGMA/TEGDMA resin (1:1 in mols) at a 30 vol% fraction. Materials containing silanized or non-silanized barium glass particles were used as controls. Degree of conversion (DC) at the top and base of 2-mm thick specimens was determined by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy (n = 5). Translucency parameter (TP) and transmittance (%T) were determined using a spectrophotometer (n = 3). Biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and flexural modulus (FM) were determined by biaxial flexural testing after 24 h storage in water (n = 10). Ca2+ release in water was determined during 28 days by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (n = 3). Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA/Tukey test (DC: two-way; TP, %T; BFS and FM: one-way; Ca2+ release: repeated measures two-way, α = 5 %). Results: CaSi and β-TCP particles drastically reduced DC at 2 mm, TP and %T (p < 0.001). Compared to both controls, all Ca2+-releasing materials presented lower BFS (p < 0.001) and only the material with DCPD showed significantly lower FM (p < 0.05). The material containing CaSi presented the highest Ca2+ release, while among materials formulated with calcium orthophosphates the use of DCPD resulted in the highest release (p < 0.001). SignificanceCaSi particles allowed the highest Ca2+ release. Notwithstanding, the use of DCPD resulted in a material with the best compromise between optical behaviour, DC, strength and Ca2+ release.

CONTROLLED RELEASE OF ESSENTIAL OILS FROM MICROCAPSULES BASED ON GUM ARABIC AND CHITOSAN PREPARED BY COMPLEX COACERVATION AS MOSQUITO REPELLENT AND ANTIMICROBIAL MATERIAL

Microcapsules loaded with essential oils, namely Litsea cubeba, Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon citratus, in gum arabic and chitosan were prepared to explore their mosquito repelling effects and their antimicrobial function. The encapsulation ratio, along with the materials characterization and release behavior of the essential oils from the microcapsules were studied, together with temperature and time dependences. Mosquito repellency was assessed against Ae. aegypti using the “arm-in-cage” method, and the antibacterial activity was tested against E. coli and S. aureus. The results demonstrated that microcapsules loaded with essential oils were successfully prepared for all three essential oils. Also, the results showed that the highest encapsulation ratio was found for microcapsules loaded with Cymbopogon citratus oil. The microcapsules loaded with all essential oils were effective in prolonging protection time against Ae. aegypti, especially in the case of the Litsea cubeba oil, while the Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon citratus oils yielded the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.

Material characterization with the fuzzy theory of particleboards bonded by urea formaldehyde with nanofillers

This study investigated the material characterization with the fuzzy theory of particleboards bonded by urea formaldehyde with nanofillers including nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and titanium dioxide (TiO2). The density, water absorption, thickness swelling, and mechanical tests (which included flexure and internal bonding strength tests) were considered. The fuzzy sets theory addressed the ambiguity and subjectivity of language using triangular fuzzy numbers to assess the interests of decision maker’s (DMs). The addition of nanofillers slightly decreased water absorption values due to possible good interactions between nanofillers and urea formaldehyde. Thickness swelling ranged from 0.4 to 17.5%, and water absorption ranged from 0.4 to 10.7% compared to the control sample. The physical properties of the samples were generally improved by urea formaldehyde with NFC/TiO2, and the densities of the test panels were found to be similar. The modulus of rupture of the panels with urea formaldehyde with nanofillers were under the EN 312 standard’s requirements, and the highest flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity were 11.1 and 1.3 GPa, respectively. Internal bond values were between 0.55 and 0.89 MPa. According to EDAS method rankings, 2C2T-8 was the best material, followed by 2C1T-8 and 2C-8. The samples coded with Control-4 and Control-8 were the lowest-performing materials.