Conventional Tape Research Articles

Effectiveness of 2 Lip Taping Techniques in Infants With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This trial was designed to test the efficacy of 2 lip taping methods in modifying the maxillary arch dimensions (MADs) of infants with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) before lip repair surgery. Parallel-group randomized clinical trial. The trial was conducted at 3 centers in Baghdad city. Thirty-six nonsyndromic infants with BCLP. The eligible infants were randomly assigned to either the first experimental group that received a conventional horizontal tape (3 M Steri strip-1/4 inch) or the second experimental group that received a custom-made tape made of Steri strips and orthodontic extra oral elastics. All of the included infants in both groups had rubber base impressions taken for them at the start of treatment (T1) and right before surgical lip repair (T2). A desktop scanner was used to scan each of the generated models, creating digital models that could be used for outcome evaluation. Virtual MAD measurements were performed by a blinded assessor on the generated digital models both before (T1) and after (T2) treatment. At T2, both groups showed statistically significant changes in all measured MADs, with a mean difference ranging from 1.36 to 2.95 mm for the conventional taping group and from 1.46 to 7.96 mm for the custom-made one. The comparison of the 2 groups revealed both statistically and clinically significant differences with a P value <.05. The custom-made taping demonstrated more constriction in maxillary arch in terms of changes, which could provide easier surgical manipulation for the cleft parts. Lip taping appears to be an efficient technique for modifying the MADs in infants with BCLP.

Fabrication framework for metal supported solid oxide cells via tape casting

Among the different solid oxide cells (SOCs) designs, metal supported SOCs (MSOCs) offer important advantages such as enhanced mechanical robustness, improved thermal resilience and lower material costs. The conventional tape casting method, which is used for the commercial multilayer ceramic technology, is also attractive for the fabrication of MSOCs due to its inherent scalability and cost-efficient fabrication methodology while offering a reliable product without compromising critical microstructural aspects and electrochemical performance during operation.This study is aimed at addressing the main challenges in the fabrication of MSOCs using tape casting, to provide a robust framework for the fabrication parameters, allowing the technology to advance to a more mature stage. It was shown that the dispersion of the powder particles and the physical and chemical characteristics of the binder are found to play a crucial role in obtaining defect free MSOCs and are discussed in detail. Different architectural designs of the cells (asymmetric and symmetric) and electrode configurations (ceramic and metal-ceramic composites) are studied, highlighting their strengths and challenges. The framework established within this work allowed to fabricate, reproduce and test MSOC that exhibited electrochemical performance comparable to state-of-the-art solid oxide cells (electrolysis current density of 0.6 A/cm2 at 1.3 V at 700oC, 50 % steam in H2 at fuel side and air at the oxygen side).

A cost-effective and facile technique for realizing fabric based microfluidic channels using beeswax and PVC stencils.

Microfluidic channels fabricated over fabrics or papers have the potential to find substantial application in the next generation of wearable healthcare monitoring systems. The present work focuses on the fabrication procedures that can be used to obtain practically realizable fabric-based microfluidic channels (μFADs) utilizing patterning masks and wax, unlike conventional printing techniques. In this study, comparative analysis was used to differentiate channels obtained using different masking tools for channel patterning as well as different wax materials as hydrophobic barriers. Drawbacks of the conventional tape and candle wax technique were noted and a novel approach was used to create microfluidic channels through a facile and simple masking technique using PVC clear sheets as channel stencils and beeswax as the channel barriers. The resulting fabric based microfluidic channels with varying widths as well as complex microchannel, microwell, and micromixer designs were investigated and a minimum channel width resolution of 500 μm was successfully obtained over cotton based fabrics. Thereafter, the PVC clear sheet-beeswax based microwells were successfully tested to confine various organic and inorganic samples indicating vivid applicability of the technique. Finally, the microwells were used to make a simple and facile colorimetric assay for glucose detection and demonstrated effective detection of glucose levels from 10 mM to 50 mM with significant color variation using potassium iodide as the coloring agent. The above findings clearly suggest the potential of this alternative technique for making low-cost and practically realizable fabric based diagnostic devices (μFADs) in contrast to the other approaches that are currently in use.

Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells for Nitrogen and Oxygen Production

Nitrogen and oxygen are both very important commodities with a wide variety of applications in industries, such as chemical, food and metallurgical plants as well as in the medical sector. Nowadays most of the nitrogen and oxygen are produced via air separation technologies such as cryogenic distillation (ASU) or pressure swing adsorption (PSA). Both ASU and PSA offer economical and mature ways for nitrogen and oxygen production at large (>100 ton/day) or medium scales (20-100 tons/day). If one can develop a technology for providing these gases in an energy efficient and cost effective way also at small scale, preferably driven by electricity only, this would enable new applications of the gases. Such a technology would match characteristics of the future green electricity system relying on small scale (few MWs) power generation and fluctuating production..In this work we present an efficient electrochemical process for N2 and O2 production based on a solid oxide electrochemical cell technology by oxygen extraction from air. Cells with a 53 × 53 mm2 size were produced by a conventional tape casting method. They consist of a ca.10 μm CGO (Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ) electrolyte sandwiched between composite electrodes made from either LSCF (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ) - CGO, or LSF (La0.6Sr0.4FeO3-δ) - CGO. To boost performance at low temperature, the electrodes were infiltrated with Pr-oxide. The electrochemical performance with the different supports were characterized by obtaining current-voltage (iV) characteristics at different temperatures as well as through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) with or without infiltration. For characterization, air was used as feed stock to the cathode compartment and air, or oxygen was used as sweep gas to the anode compartment. A voltage below 200 mV is needed to drive a current of 1 A/cm2 through the cell, which can provide a purity of 90% of N2 out at an operation temperature of 650 °C (see Figure 1a). The cells were demonstrated to operate for producing a 98% pure N2 stream without degradation over a 1500 h period (see Figure 1b).Further analysis show that the specific power consumption calculated based on the power input and outlet gas flow rate for 90% N2 production is ca. 0.1 kWh/m3 and the specific power consumption for 96% and 98% N2 production is 0.21 and 0.31 kWh/m3, respectively. A 3-fold increase in required power is observed when going from a N2 purity from 90% to 98%.Detailed electrochemical analysis and the electrochemical performance comparison between LSCF and LSF based mixed ionic electronic conductor (MIEC) electrodes will be presented. Factors limiting cell performance will as well as analysis of optimal point of operation in terms of energy consumption and reliability will also be discussed. Acknowledgment This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 862482. Figure 1

Traditional suture tape versus multiple high-strength sutures for augmentation of anterior cruciate ligament primary repair: A time-zero biomechanical study

Background/objectiveDuring the initial stages of rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, a pivotal role is played in ensuring effective recuperation and averting complications. An often-employed strategy to tackle ACL laxity during this period involves the incorporation of synthetic materials for reinforcement. The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of conventional suture tape and multiple high-strength sutures as augmentation techniques for ACL repair. MethodsTen preserved cadaveric knees embalmed using the Thiel method were segregated into two groups, each containing five knees. In one group, traditional suture tape was employed for augmentation, while the other group utilized multiple high-strength sutures. Each knee underwent a cyclic load of 1000 sine wave cycles, succeeded by an axial distraction load until failure ensued. The resultant displacement and ultimate load at failure were assessed to contrast the efficacy of the two augmentation techniques. ResultsThe group utilizing multiple high-strength sutures exhibited a significantly higher load to failure at time-zero (1690.7 N) compared to the suture tape group (987.6 N) (P = .003). Furthermore, the multiple high-strength sutures group demonstrated significantly reduced displacement after 1000 cyclic loads (6.6 mm) in comparison to the suture tape group (16.3 mm) (P < .001). ConclusionsMultiple high-strength sutures show better biomechanical properties for the augmentation of ACL repair at time-zero. Both suture tape and multiple high-strength sutures had ultimate load-to-failure values higher than the natural ACL loads. Therefore, these substances might serve as augmentation options to prevent the ACL's gradual elongation, a critical concern particularly in the initial stages of rehabilitation.

Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells for Nitrogen and Oxygen Production

This work presents an efficient electrochemical process for N2 and O2 production based on a solid oxide electrochemical cell technology by oxygen extraction from air. Cells with a 53×53 mm2 size consist of ca.10 μm CGO electrolyte sandwiched between composite electrodes made from either LSCF-CGO, or LSF-CGO were produced by a conventional tape casting method. To boost performance at low temperature, the electrodes were infiltrated with Pr-oxide. The electrochemical performance of the cells were characterized by iV and EIS at different temperatures with air used as feed stock to the cathode compartment and air, or oxygen used as sweep gas to the anode compartment. A voltage below 200mV is achieved to drive a current of 1A/cm2 through the cell, which can provide a purity of 90% of N2 at 650 °C. The cells were demonstrated to operate for producing a >98% pure N2 stream without degradation over a 1500h period at cell voltages below 255mV.

Electromechanical and biological evaluations of 0.94Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 as a lead-free piezoceramic for implantable bioelectronics

Smart implantable electronic medical devices are being developed to deliver healthcare that is more connected, personalised, and precise. Many of these implantables rely on piezoceramics for sensing, communication, energy autonomy, and biological stimulation, but the piezoceramics with the strongest piezoelectric coefficients are almost exclusively lead-based. In this article, we evaluate the electromechanical and biological characteristics of a lead-free alternative, 0.94Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 (BNT-6BT), manufactured via two synthesis routes: the conventional solid-state method (PIC700) and tape casting (TC-BNT-6BT). The BNT-6BT materials exhibited soft piezoelectric properties, with d33 piezoelectric coefficients that were inferior to commonly used PZT (PIC700: 116 pC/N; TC-BNT-6BT: 121 pC/N; PZT-5A: 400 pC/N). The material may be viable as a lead-free substitute for soft PZT where moderate performance losses up to 10 dB are tolerable, such as pressure sensing and pulse-echo measurement. No short-term harmful biological effects of BNT-6BT were detected and the material was conducive to the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 murine preosteoblasts. BNT-6BT could therefore be a viable material for electroactive implants and implantable electronics without the need for hermetic sealing.

Comparison of electrode position marking procedures on the cranial surface.

The study aimed to compare the conventional method of electrode marking with a new system, EPlacement, to improve accuracy and reduce the time burden on health care professionals. Ten health care professionals marked mannequin heads and adult volunteers using both methods. Time, accuracy, and usability of each method were analyzed. Three neurophysiological diagnostic tests were performed on mannequin heads: reversal pattern visual evoked potential (three electrodes required); somatosensory evoked potentials from the upper and lower extremities (five electrodes required); and standard intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for spine surgery (nine electrodes required). Precision scanning of the mannequins with structured light and a printed hull were used to determine the actual locations of the electrodes of the 10/20 system. The new method based on the EPlacement device represents an improvement on conventional tape measure (TM) marking and may be considered within the group of advanced methods such as navigation systems since it leads to improvements of 34% (1.7mm) for electrode positions in the Nasion-Inion and Left tragus-Right tragus lines and 77% (12.5mm) for electrode positions using the approximate method. It reduces the time spent per test by an average of 1min compared to the TM method. Health care staff survey results show a positive feedback regarding usability of the new method. The study showed that the EPlacement device improves accuracy, reduces time, and is easy to use compared to the conventional method of electrode marking. The EPlacement method can facilitate the complex task of electrode marking and ultimately contribute to improved patient outcomes. It has the potential to be widely accepted and implemented in clinical practice.

Transobturator Tension-Free Vaginal Flap Operation versus Synthetic Transobturator Tape for Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Prospective Randomized Study

Introduction: Synthetic mid-urethral slings (MUSs) are the gold standard treatment for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Recently, there have been reports of serious adverse events with synthetic tapes such as urethral erosion, vaginal erosion, and mesh infection. Tension-free vaginal flap (TVF) operation has been proven to be successful as a natural alternative to synthetic slings. We propose our novel technique, the transobturator tension-free vaginal flap (TO-TVF), utilizing native vaginal tissue and being suspended via transobturator route. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 72 female patients with SUI, presenting at Alexandria University Hospital. Patients were randomized into 2 groups, group 1: 37 patients subjected to TO-TVF and group 2: 35 patients to conventional transobturator tape (TOT). In TO-TVF, a rectangular vaginal wall flap is created. A polypropylene monofilament mesh is sutured to each edge of the vaginal flap. This is inserted like conventional outside-in TOT. Patients were subjected to PGI and UDI-6 questionnaires and urodynamic study before and 6 months postoperatively. Results: Both groups showed comparable and significant improvements in questionnaires. Mean operative time for TO-TVF and conventional TOT was 26.31 ± 5.2 min and 21.8 ± 3.1 min, respectively. Cure rate was 89% in group 1 and 91.4% in group 2, which was not statistically significant. No significant intraoperative complications were encountered. We had no cases of vaginal or urethral erosion in both groups. Conclusions: TO-TVF is a cost-effective, feasible, safe, and effective surgical alternative to synthetic MUS. Synthetic mesh tissue anchoring properties are maintained for better adjustment of tension. However, long-term follow-up on a large cohort of patients is still needed.

Temperature-stable Characteristics of Textured (Bi,Sm)ScO3-PbTiO3 Ceramics for High-temperature Piezoelectric Device Applications

In this study, textured 0.38(Bi&lt;sub&gt;0.97&lt;/sub&gt;Sm&lt;sub&gt;0.03&lt;/sub&gt;)ScO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;-0.62PbTiO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; (0.38BSS-0.62PT) ceramics with high Curie temperature were evaluated to assess temperature stable characteristics for high-temperature piezoelectric device applications. The 4 vol% BaTiO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; incorporated 0.38BSS-0.62PT ceramic was fabricated by conventional tape casting. Textured 0.38BSS-0.62PT ceramic was successfully produced at sintering temperature of 1150°C by textured grain growth (TGG). Textured 0.38BSS-0.62PT ceramic exhibited a high degree of crystal orientation of 94% in the [001]-direction. It also showed excellent dielectric and piezoelectric properties, (&lt;i&gt;ε&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sup&gt;T&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sub&gt;33&lt;/sub&gt;/&lt;i&gt;ε&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;0&lt;/sub&gt; of 1746, &lt;i&gt;d&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;33&lt;/sub&gt; of 719 pC/N, &lt;i&gt;k&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;p&lt;/sub&gt; of 61.8% and &lt;i&gt;g&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;33&lt;/sub&gt; of 45×10&lt;sup&gt;-3&lt;/sup&gt;Vm/N, respectively). In addition, it also exhibited relaxor-like ferroelectric characteristics with a large relaxation coefficient (γ) of 1.77 along with high Curie temperature of approximately 373℃. Its temperature stability was satisfactory, resulting from in-situ &lt;i&gt;d&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;33&lt;/sub&gt; and &lt;i&gt;k&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sub&gt;p&lt;/sub&gt;, which were lower than 10% below Curie temperature. The electro-strain also showed thermally stable characteristics. Therefore, it is considered that the textured 0.38BSS-0.62PT ceramic has potential for high-temperature piezoelectric device applications.

Development of all new structure of Dicing Die Attach Film (DDAF) for Stealth Dicing and Cool Expansion processes

Mobile devices, including smart phones and tablets, are increasing in complexity and require ever greater amounts of memory storage. In the past the challenge of higher memory densities and increase functionality has been met through miniaturization of device features, but as we reach the physical limits of feature size, packaging is being relied on more and more to achieve the necessary higher densities in memory and additional device functionality. Thin dies reduce overall package height, however, to achieve high memory densities in low profile packages the die attach material must have an even, thin bond line thickness. DAF (Die Attach Film) is an excellent solution. LINTEC developed an all new DDAF (Dicing Die Attach Film) with thinner DAF for CE (Cool Expansion) process. Conventional tape has a large area of exposed DAF surface which creates the risk of wafer and / or equipment contamination if DAF flies off during the CE process. We developed an all-new tape structure which is compatible with the SD (Stealth Dicing) and CE processes. The structure consists of DAF, IB (Intermediate Basefilm), and dicing tape. The diameter of the DAF and IB is close to the wafer diameter size to significantly reduce the risk of DAF separation and ejection during CE. We considered IB to improve DAF separation and it was found that a thinner IB layer is a good approach to separate DAF effectively. We can adjust adhesion between the DAF and the IB by changing the material properties of the IB, as an effective means to control die-fly and pick-up.

Abstract P5-08-15: Reducing Rates of Chronic Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema with Screening &amp; Early Intervention: An Update of Recent Data

Abstract Background: Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) represents a dreaded complication of breast cancer treatment that can lead to morbidity, diminished quality of life, and psychosocial harm and is associated with increased costs. Increasingly, data has supported the concept of prospective BCRL surveillance coupled with early intervention to mitigate these effects. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature searching for published randomized and prospective data evaluating prospective BCRL surveillance with early intervention. Results: We identified 12 studies (2,907 patients) including 4 randomized trials (1,203 patients) and 8 prospective studies (1,704 patients). Randomized data consistently demonstrate that early intervention reduces rates of progression to chronic BCRL with multiple paradigms and diagnostic modalities utilized; the strongest data in the review comes from the randomized PREVENT trial which demonstrated early detection with bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), coupled with a compression garment applied for 12 hours a day over 4 weeks, significantly reduced the rate of chronic BCRL compared to tape measurement. Conclusions: Current data support the role of prospective BCRL surveillance with early detection and intervention to reduce rates of chronic BCRL. Breast cancer patients at risk for BCRL should undergo prospective surveillance as part of survivorship. Given the level 1 data demonstrating that BIS is superior to conventional tape measure, it should be included as the standard BCRL diagnostic modality unless an equally effective modality is employed. Citation Format: Pat Whitworth, Frank Vicini, Stephanie Valente, Kirstyn Brownson, Beth Dupree, Manpreet Kohli, Laura Lawson, Chirag Shah. Reducing Rates of Chronic Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema with Screening &amp; Early Intervention: An Update of Recent Data [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-08-15.

Towards Tough Thermoplastic Adhesive Tape by Microstructuring the Tape Using Tailored Defects

This paper presents a strategy towards achieving thermoplastic adhesive tapes with high toughness by microstructuring conventional tapes using tailored defects. Toughened tape was manufactured using two layers of a conventional tape where the bondline between the two adhesive layers was microstructured by embedding tailored defects with specific size and gap between them using PTFE film. Mode I toughness of the toughened tape was characterized experimentally. A high-fidelity finite element model was implemented to describe the toughening mechanisms using double cantilever beam simulations and end notch flexural tests. The model considers for the plasticity of the adhesive layer, the decohesion at the adherend-adhesive and adhesive-adhesive interfaces and progressive damage inside the adhesive layer. The adhesive-adhesive interface with the tailored defects inside the adhesive layer enables crack migration between adherend-adhesive interfaces, crack propagation at adhesive-adhesive interface, backward crack propagation under the defect, and plastic deformation of the adhesive ligament. The maximum toughness improvement of the tape with tailored defects of equal width and gap between two successive defects of 2 mm reached 278% and 147% for mode I and II, respectively, compared to conventional tape.

Facile Electrodeposition and Aging to Generate 3-Dimensional α-MnO2 Battery Cathodes

Conventional tape casting forms 2-dimensional (2D) electrodes containing active material, conductive additive, and binder with restricted ion access as electrodes increase in thickness. To improve the transport properties, 3D architectures were developed using electrodeposition to ensure contact between the active material with the substrate, and provide enhanced electrolyte access. This paper investigates electrodeposition of cryptomelane (α-MnO2) as a model cathode material to efficiently accommodate (de)lithation and increase areal capacity vs conventional 2D coatings. Electodeposited samples on titantium (Ti) foil substrates were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and show a linear increase of the average oxidation of Mn (3.5–3.8) and active mass loading (1.27–9.9 mg) with deposition and aging times (0–120 min). The initial deposition is amorphous and forms the crystalline material during the elevated temperature aging step. The active material, α-MnO2, was also deposited on C-cloth and these cathodes at deposition times of 3, 6, and 9 min deliver 9, 36, and 69% higher areal capacities, respectively, at 0.2 mA cm−2 compared to conventional 2D electrodes with a mass loading equal to the 3 min sample. These results demonstrate the benefit of α-MnO2 within a porous architecture providing enhanced transport properties.

Electrical cycling of Cu-PMNZT multilayer co-fired ceramic actuators

The electric cycling characteristics of Cu/0.2(PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3)-0.8(PbZr0.475Ti0.525O3) (PMNZT) multilayer ceramic actuators were investigated. Cu/PMNZT co-fired multilayer actuators were fabricated by conventional tape casting, lamination, and sintering at 950 °C in air with subsequent annealing at 225 °C or 400 °C under a hydrogen atmosphere. In such processes, annealing of the multilayer samples under a reducing atmosphere is an important factor in controlling the piezoelectric performance. Unipolar and bipolar electric fields were applied to the actuators to investigate the fatigue behavior of the multilayer ceramic actuators. The sample annealed at 400 °C showed significant degradation in the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient (keff) and dynamic piezoelectric constant (d33*) after 1 × 108 electrical cycles, while the sample annealed at 225 °C showed less degradation. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses were performed to evaluate the difference in crystalline structures as a function of annealing temperature. The keff, d33*, polarization, and strain were measured and evaluated as a function of the number of cycles. The cyclic dependence of strain was fitted to a linear logarithmic stretched exponential law. The significant degradation of the sample annealed at 400 °C is attributed to the reorientation of oxygen vacancies formed upon annealing, which gives a rise to internal field in the ceramic layer. The degraded performance of cycled sample was refreshed by a heating at 500 °C in air.

Properties of phyllosilicate‐based porous ceramics shaped by conventional tape casting and freeze tape casting

AbstractSilicate ceramics were shaped using tape casting (TC) and freeze tape casting (FTC) processes from three clays labeled HCR, KORS, and KCR. These clays exhibited mass content of 77% halloysite–10 Å, 29% kaolinite, and 98% kaolinite minerals, respectively. After casting the slurries, the dried tapes were sintered at 1200°C. The microstructure changes were characterized before and after sintering using scanning electron microscopy. The apparent porosity of TC samples was lower (36–47 vol.%) compared to values obtained with FTC samples (67–79 vol.%). The latter samples exhibited a highly textured porosity, with micron‐sized pores aligned perpendicular to the tape surfaces. Upon sintering, the porosity of TC samples tended to decrease conversely to the case of FTC samples. Such behavior seemed related to the simultaneous effect of organic additives and ice templating. Consequently, the FTC samples showed a relatively low mechanical strength of 3–7 MPa and thermal conductivity of .14– .22 W m−1 K−1. After sintering, the mullite crystallization contributed to strengthen the bulk materials, helping to compensate for the detrimental effect of porosity on the stress to rupture and on thermal conductivity values.

Thermal release tape assisted mechanical exfoliation of pristine TMD and the performance of the exfoliated TMD saturable absorbers for Q-switched laser generation

This research applied an enhanced material exfoliation and transfer mechanism to process various pristine transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) materials into a few-layer structure. The mechanical exfoliation of the TMD materials was done using a thermal release tape (TRT) with a different adhesion property compared to the scotch tape (ST) commonly used in the conventional scotch tape assisted mechanical exfoliation (ST-ME) technique. The thermal release tape assisted mechanical exfoliation (TRT-ME) performs better than the ST-ME. Four pristine TMD saturable absorbers, including molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), tungsten disulfide (WS2), molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2), and tungsten diselenide (WSe2), have been fabricated using the TRT-ME technique. Subsequently, the performances of these materials were investigated using the same experimental systems and settings. These TMD materials were tested as saturable absorbers (SAs) to induce pulsed lasing in an Erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) cavity. The TRT-exfoliated TMD saturable absorbers were incorporated into the laser cavity by sandwiching in between two fiber ferrules using a fiber connector. Incorporating these saturable absorbers into the laser cavity has successfully induced promising Q-switching operations at the C-band region. Besides the pump power-dependent output performance, the stability and wavelength tunability of the Q-switched lasers were also studied at the maximum pump power. The findings from the studies show that the Q-switched lasers induced by the TRT-exfoliated pristine TMD saturable absorbers were stable and wavelength-tunable. In the context of Q-switched laser, the TRT-exfoliated WS2 has the best performance among other pristine saturable absorbers due to its ability to generate the highest pulse energy.

Five‐layer reverse tape casting of IT‐SOFC

AbstractTape casting is a well‐established method for manufacturing thin ceramic layers with controllable thickness and porosity. This study investigates the potential of 10Sc1CeSZ material for the electrolyte and anode layers for intermediate‐temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFC) in an anode‐supported cell (ASC) geometry. In order to use La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8 Oxide (LSCF) cathode material, a Gd0.2Ce0.8 Oxide (GDC) barrier layer is needed; however, thermal expansion coefficient mismatch results in delamination of the GDC from the electrolyte during high temperature sintering when fabricated by conventional tape casting procedures. For the first time, ASCs have been manufactured by a five‐layer tape casting technique; barrier layer, novel composite layer, electrolyte, anode functional layer, and anode substrate. Ni‐ScCeSZ composite cells were tested between 650 and 800°C in H2:N2 fuel (85% H2) on the anode and air on the cathode to yield a maximum power density of .46 W/cm2. These results demonstrate the feasibility of this new five‐layer tape casting technique to produce IT‐SOFC.

High-performance flexible transparent conductive tape based on copper nanowires

Copper nanowires (CuNWs) have low cost and high conductivity and are prominent components to replace the cost rising indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrodes. However, the standard coating method of CuNWs resulting in transparent electrodes' adhesion, flexibility and thermal stability is inferior. In this paper, a highly transparent, conductive, and flexible tape is reported, the tape is obtained by transferring CuNWs to conventional transparent tape. We use the viscidity of the tape to protect the CuNWs from corrosion and mechanical damage and use the electroplating welding to reduce the junction resistance between CuNWs. The sheet resistance of the transparent conductive tapes obtained is ~20 Ω/sq with the transmittance of ~80%, at 550 nm wavelength. In addition, the thermochromic paint printed on the transparent conductive tape film is a remarkable heater application. • High-performance CuNWs based flexible transparent conductive tape are obtained. • The tapes show low sheet resistance ~20 Ω/sq with the transmittance of ~80%. • Anticorrosion and mechanical performances of CuNWs are enhanced significantly. • Flexible heater based on transparent conductive tape is prepared and demonstrated.

Evaluation of some physical performance properties of ultrasonic seaming, conventional seaming and sealing adhesive tape on waterproof polyester knitted fabrics with polyurethane

Ultrasonic seaming has become an important issue in recent years due to its various features. In this study, waterproof polyester knitted fabrics with polyurethane coating were used and the bursting strength, bending property and water permeability property of ultrasonic seaming were examined by changing various parameters. Besides, the ultrasonic seaming method was compared to conventional seaming and adhesive tape application. It is observed that there were high water permeability values generally in ultrasonic seaming and also fabrics with no water penetration were seen in this method, although, in some ultrasonic seaming parameters, values are lower than adhesive tape sealed ones. On the other hand, the bursting strength values of the ultrasonically sewn fabrics are found to be comparable to conventional seam and sealing adhesive tape when the optimum seaming parameters are determined. Also, it can be said that for the bending property according to increasing bending length values in this method compared with the others, ultrasonic seaming may find more usage areas where fabric stiffness is more advantageous. It has been observed that it is important to determine the fabric and ultrasonic sewing parameters according to the required performance property.