Dendrite-like Structures Research Articles

Surface Transformation Of Ultrahigh-Temperature Ceramics HfB2-SiC-C(graphene) Under The Influence Of High-Speed Disossociated Nitrogen Jets

In order to study the promising potential of HfB2–30 vol % SiC ultrahigh-temperature ceramic materials modified with low amounts of reduced graphene oxide for the creation of aerospace equipment intended for use in N2-based atmospheres, the effect of high-speed dissociated nitrogen flow on it has been investigated. It has been established that under the chosen conditions of exposure during the stepwise increase of the anode power supply of plasma torch and, accordingly, the influencing heat flux, at certain parameters there is a sharp increase in the surface temperature from ~1750 to 2000-2100°C. At the same time, further increase of the heat flux has no obvious and proportional effect on the temperature of the sample surface, which may indicate its high catalyticity with respect to the reactions of surface recombination of atomic nitrogen. It is shown that the surface layers of the material undergo chemical transformation (removal of silicon-containing substances, formation of a new phase based on HfN), which is accompanied by a significant change in the microstructure (formation of dendrite-like structures), which affects the optical and catalytic characteristics of the surface.

Influence of (Co+Al) co−doping on structural, micro-structural, optical and electrical properties of nanostructured zinc oxide

This study investigates the effect of (Co + Al) co−doping on the physical properties of the ZnO nanoparticles, synthesized via the simple co−precipitation method. X−ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a hexagonal structure for all samples, with a formation of Al2O3 phase in both Zn0.98Co0.01Al0.01O and Zn0.94Co0.01Al0.05O nanoparticles. The crystallite size increased from 26.5 nm for ZnO to 16.6 nm for Zn0.94Co0.01Al0.05O nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique showed a notable alteration in the morphology of ZnO upon the incorporation of Al. A transition from spherical nanoparticles in ZnO and Co doped ZnO to irregular, dendritic-like structures in (Co + Al) co−doped nanoparticles is observed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) substantiated the presence of the Al2O3 phase in the co−doped samples. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the incorporation of Co and Al into the ZnO lattice through the presence of Co–O–Co and Al–O bonds. Optical characterization indicated a decrease in the band gap energy from 3.18 eV in ZnO to 2.84 eV in Zn0.94Co0.01Al0.05O nanoparticles. Electrical conductivity measurements revealed an increase from 1.2 × 10−4 Ω−1 cm−1 to 1.8 × 10−3 Ω−1 cm−1 as the Al content increased from 0 % to 5 % at the frequency of 103 Hz and the temperature of 423K. Likewise, dielectric constant raised from 775 in ZnO to 5455 in Zn0.94Co0.01Al0.05O nanoparticles at the temperature 423K. These results highlight the potential of (Co + Al) co−doped ZnO nanoparticles for advanced optoelectronic applications.

Effect of a Self-Assembled Nucleating Agent on the Crystallization Behavior and Spherulitic Morphology of Poly(lactic acid).

Herein, decanedioic acid dibenzoylhydrazide (DDBH) was used as a nucleating agent to improve the crystallization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The formation of DDBH assemblies in PLA melts at different concentrations was systematically investigated. The DDBH (0.5-0.9 wt %) recrystallized as dendrite-like structures during the isothermal crystallization process, and the crystal morphology of PLA underwent a morphological change from spherical form to a similar dendritic crystal form. Differential scanning calorimetry and in situ wide-angle X-ray diffraction analysis results showed that crystallizability and overall crystallization rate of PLA were enhanced by the addition of DDBH. The half-crystallization time at 120 °C reduced to 0.28 min compared to pure PLA (6.12 min), after adding 0.9 wt % DDBH. Moreover, the crystallinity and lamellar thickness of crystalline PLA increased, while the size of the microcrystal of PLA decreased with an increase in DDBH content. The heat deflection temperatures of PLA/DDBH blends increased and hence heat resistance improved.

Phase field modelling of hopper crystal growth in alloys

Here we use phase field to model and simulate “hopper” crystals, so named because of their underlying cubic structure but with a hopper-like depression on each of the six faces. Over the past three decades simulations of single phase solidification have successfully explored dendritic structures, in two and three dimensions, formed under high undercooling from a slight perturbation in anisotropy. More recently we see the modelling of faceted structures at near equilibrium, and also, under high undercooling, the formation of dendritic-like structures in two dimensions which retain some faceting in the dendrite arms. A cubic hopper crystal appears to be a hybrid structure, somewhere between a perfect cube and a dendrite, and, to date, has not appeared in the modelling literature. In this paper we describe a model for faceted cubic growth and explore results, necessarily in three dimensions, that include perfect cube, hopper and dendritic. We also touch briefly on one other morphology—octahedral.

Coating of aluminum substrates with nanostructured Pd–Ni alloys by electrodeposition

Pd–Ni alloys are electrodeposited onto low-purity aluminum substrates varying both the composition of the feeding solution and the applied electrodeposition potential. It is found that the initial nucleation-and-growth mechanism in every case is well described by a 3D-type nucleation process. The resulting deposits consist of Pd–Ni alloys of different compositions, all electrocrystallized in a disordered fcc phase; depending on the electrodeposition parameters, different morphologies and compositions are obtained. It is found that when the electrodeposition potential is high and the Pd content in the feeding solution is low, the substrate coating is more efficient and the deposit morphology tends to refine into dendritic-like structures, making this kind of deposit quite interesting for using as electrodes in electrochemical devices. Room temperature magnetic measurements indicate that the samples are soft ferromagnetic with negligible demagnetizing effects. Dendritic and spheroidal-like Pd-rich deposits exhibit larger remanence values and are more coercive than those with higher Ni content due to the dependence of the anisotropy constant on the alloy composition.

Fluorescence microscopy and photodielectric characterization studies of the composite films of polyvinyl alcohol and tryptophan functionalized silver nanoparticles

Fluorescent nanocomposite films were prepared by solution mixing of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and tryptophan functionalized silver (AgTrp) nanoparticles. Synchrotron excitation deep-ultraviolet (DUV) fluorescence imaging was used to follow the distribution of AgTrp nanoparticles within the polymer matrix. Pronounced growth of dendrite-like structures in the presence of AgTrp nanoparticles was confirmed by bright field and fluorescence imaging as well as with atomic force microscopies. Both tryptophan and AgTrp nanoparticles influence thermal properties of the matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed that they reduce crystallinity and significantly increase the glass transition temperature of PVA (in the case of PVA-AgTrp film the Tg increases by ~20 °C). Dielectric properties of the films were studied under two different conditions (dark and illumination). The illumination with 250 nm light induces a significant increase in conductance of the PVA-AgTrp nanocomposite. The relative changes, with respect to the conductance measured in the dark, were almost ~200%.

Pattern Formation upon Evaporation of Sessile Droplets of Polyelectrolyte/Surfactant Mixtures on Silicon Wafers.

The formation of coffee-ring deposits upon evaporation of sessile droplets containing mixtures of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and two different anionic surfactants were studied. This process is driven by the Marangoni stresses resulting from the formation of surface-active polyelectrolyte–surfactant complexes in solution and the salt arising from the release of counterions. The morphologies of the deposits appear to be dependent on the surfactant concentration, independent of their chemical nature, and consist of a peripheral coffee ring composed of PDADMAC and PDADMAC–surfactant complexes, and a secondary region of dendrite-like structures of pure NaCl at the interior of the residue formed at the end of the evaporation. This is compatible with a hydrodynamic flow associated with the Marangoni stress from the apex of the drop to the three-phase contact line for those cases in which the concentration of the complexes dominates the surface tension, whereas it is reversed when most of the PDADMAC and the complexes have been deposited at the rim and the bulk contains mainly salt.

Dislocations in ceramic electrolytes for solid-state Li batteries

High power solid-state Li batteries (SSLB) are hindered by the formation of dendrite-like structures at high current rates. Hence, new design principles are needed to overcome this limitation. By introducing dislocations, we aim to tailor mechanical properties in order to withstand the mechanical stress leading to Li penetration and resulting in a short circuit by a crack-opening mechanism. Such defect engineering, furthermore, appears to enable whisker-like Li metal electrodes for high-rate Li plating. To reach these goals, the challenge of introducing dislocations into ceramic electrolytes needs to be addressed which requires to establish fundamental understanding of the mechanics of dislocations in the particular ceramics. Here we evaluate uniaxial deformation at elevated temperatures as one possible approach to introduce dislocations. By using hot-pressed pellets and single crystals grown by Czochralski method of Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 garnets as a model system the plastic deformation by more than 10% is demonstrated. While conclusions on the predominating deformation mechanism remain challenging, analysis of activation energy, activation volume, diffusion creep, and the defect structure potentially point to a deformation mechanism involving dislocations. These parameters allow identification of a process window and are a key step on the road of making dislocations available as a design element for SSLB.

Influence of Wax Inhibitor Molecular Weight on Solution Crystallization and Rheology of Monodisperse Waxes

Molecular weight fractionation via stepwise precipitation or chain scission is performed on four pour point depressant polymers to study the pour point reduction mechanism. An homologous series of model oils is prepared by dissolving 5 wt % of a single-component paraffin wax (n-C24, n-C28, n-C32, or n-C36) in n-C12. The polymers are dosed at 500 ppm in the model oils and moderately reduce crystallization temperatures by elevating the nucleation barrier. Polymers containing carboxylate or acrylate moieties also modestly enhance equilibrium wax solubility. Reduction in crystallization temperature is largely independent of polymer molecular weight, except for carboxylate polymers where low molecular weight fractions are largely ineffective. In general, model fluids containing shorter wax chains show a larger reduction in crystallization temperature than model fluids containing longer wax chains. However, yield stress reduction often shows a distinct dependence on polymer molar mass. Low molecular weight fractions of carboxylate and acrylate polymers provide smaller reductions in yield stress than the overall parent fraction. Cross-polarized microscopy reveals that polymers reduce the crystal size, alter the crystal morphology from platelet to needle-like, and induce branching. Crystal branching and formation of dendrite-like structures result from strong polymer binding at the wax crystal interfaces. Hence, single-component wax crystal branching occurs phenomenologically along with yield stress reduction.

Tailoring effect of Cr and graphene particles on the microstructure and properties of Ni matrix nanocomposite coatings

Ni matrix nanocomposite coatings with a microstructure tailored by Cr and graphene particles were assembled at various current densities by electroplating. The tailoring effect of particles on the surface morphology, composition, microstructure, and properties of the nanocomposite coating was comprehensively explored. The results revealed that the contents of Cr and graphene particles in the nanocomposite coating were elevated by decreasing the current density, resulting in an increased amount of small dendrite-like surface structures. The embedded particles blocked the formation of [200] fiber texture and concurrently brought about crystallite refinement of the Ni deposits. A COMSOL simulation and BSE images revealed that the embedded particles tailored the microstructure of Ni deposits by heterogeneous nucleation, rearrangement, and local current density concentration. The current density concentration on the particles contributed to the selective growth of Ni deposits on the particles. The synergistic effect of the tailored microstructure and embedded particles substantially enhanced the corrosion resistance of the Ni–Cr–graphene nanocomposite coating. In 3.5 wt% NaCl media, the Icorr of the nanocomposite coating electroplated at 1 A/dm2 (0.1 μA/cm2) was an order of magnitude lower than that at 20 A/dm2 (2.63 μA/cm2) owing to the strengthened synergistic effect.

Formation and anticorrosion properties of superhydrophobic zinc coatings on steel

The work is dedicated to studying the possibility of formation of superhydrophobic zinc coatings on a steel support and estimating their protective ability and chemical state of the surface. Dendrite-like zinc structures are first obtained by potentiostatic electrodeposition from a sulfate-acetate solution with a low concentration of zinc ions and then treated by stearic acid. The influence of the zinc deposition potential on the deposit morphology, value of the wetting angle, and corrosion resistance of superhydrophobic coatings in a salt spray chamber is analyzed. The optimal mode of electrodeposition with respect to preservation of superhydrophobic properties of the deposits under exposure to a neutral salt spray is deposition at Ec = -1500 mV (vs. a Ag/AgCl electrode) for 1000 s. The average value of the wetting angle for such surfaces remains ≥151° after 148 h of the salt spray chamber treatment, up to the appearance of the first signs of the zinc coating corrosion damage. A positive effect of ultrasonic treatment of zinc-coated samples coated with stearic acid on the superhydrophobic properties is discovered.

Eco-friendly fabrication of superhydrophobic surface with anti-corrosion by transferring dendrite-like structures to aluminum substrate

The superhydrophobic surface was successful fabricated through spin-coating epoxy resin firstly and transferring the dendrite-like structures to aluminum substrate coated with epoxy resin. The combination of organic coating and superhydrophobic surface with dendritic micro-nano structures prevent the permeation of corrosive ions more effectively. The results indicated the fabricated superhydrophobic surfaces possessed a WCA and WSA of nearly 154° and 0°, exhibiting good superhydrophobicity. Besides, the superhydrophobic surface displayed an excellent repellency to acidic or alkaline droplets. The self-cleaning performance of the superhydrophobic surface against fine sand and chalk dust was also proved. Moreover, the anti-corrosion property of superhydrophobic surface has greatly improved due to the dual function of epoxy resin and the air pockets trapped in superhydrophobic surface. This eco-friendly and facile approach provides a novel strategy to prevent metal from corrosion, which will promote the application of superhydrophobic surface in metal protection field.

Microstructure of barium strontium titanate based glass-ceramics doped by Ce and La

The microstructure and surface morphology of (Ba0.8,Sr0.2)TiO3 based glass-ceramics with different amounts of La and Ce were studied. It was shown that the addition of the 1.5% La and >2%Ce led to formation of dendrite-like structures. The isolated clusters of ferroelectric phase were found in all investigated samples. Fraction of ferroelectric phase was about 0.75% for La addition and 0.25% for Ce addition.

Diazepam enhances melanogenesis, melanocyte dendricity and melanosome transport via the PBR/cAMP/PKA pathway

Diazepam is a medicament of the benzodiazepine family and it typically produces a sedative effect. Researchers have revealed that diazepam can induce melanogenesis and produce dendrite-like structures in B16 melanoma cells. However, the associated mechanisms of melanogenesis and phenotypic alterations have mostly remained unknown. In this study, we determined the effects of diazepam on melanogenesis, cellular phenotypic alterations, the location of melanosomes and the expression of relevant proteins in melanocytes using Masson–Fontana ammoniacal silver staining, scanning electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis. Our results collectively indicated that diazepam had a pivotal role in melanocytes by enhancing melanin synthesis, melanocyte dendricity, melanosome trafficking, and capture at the dendrite tips. These functions might be attributed to the fact that diazepam activated the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR). This increased intracellular levels of cAMP, which stimulated the phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding (CREB). As a result, this increased the tyrosinase, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), Rab27a, Myosin Va, Rab17 and Cdc42 expression. This caused melanogenesis and melanosome transport. Therefore, our findings may provide a potential strategy for treating anti-hypopigmentation disorders.

Studying Evolution of the Ensemble of Micropores in a SiC/Si Structure during Its Growth by the Method of Atom Substitution

The time evolution of the ensemble of micropores formed in the near-surface region of silicon during the growth of thin films of silicon carbide is studied by the method of atom substitution. SiC/Si samples are studied by scanning electron microscopy, ellipsometry, and confocal Raman microscopy. The formation of the porous layer involves several characteristic stages: the emergence of single pores, their growth with the formation of dendrite-like structures, and subsequent coalescence into a continuous layer. It is shown that the thickness of the porous layer at the initial stages of the growth is proportional to the cubic root of time. The possible mechanisms of pore formation are discussed and a theoretical model is proposed to describe the dependence of the average thickness of the porous layer on time. The model is in a good qualitative agreement with the experimental results.

From prebiotic chemistry to supramolecular oligomers: urea-glyoxal reactions.

A fundamental question in origin-of-life studies and astrochemistry concerns the actual processes that initiate the formation of reactive monomers and their oligomerization. Answers lie partly in the accurate description of reaction mechanisms compatible with environments plausible on early Earth as well as cosmological scenarios in planetary factories. Here we show in detail that reactions of urea-as archetypal prebiotic substance-and reactive carbonyls-exemplified by glyoxal-lead to a vast repertoire of oligomers, in which different five- and six-membered non-aromatic heterocycles self-assemble and insert into chains or dendritic-like structures with masses up to 1000 Da. Such regular patterns have been interpreted by experimental and computational methods. A salient conclusion is that such processes most likely occur through SN-type mechanisms on hydrated or protonated species. Remarkably, such supramolecular oligomeric mixtures can be easily isolated from organic solvents, thus opening the door to the generation of novel urea-containing polymers with potential applications in materials chemistry and beyond.

Эволюция ансамбля микропор в структуре SiC/Si в процессе роста методом замещения атомов

AbstractThe time evolution of the ensemble of micropores formed in the near-surface region of silicon during the growth of thin films of silicon carbide is studied by the method of atom substitution. SiC/Si samples are studied by scanning electron microscopy, ellipsometry, and confocal Raman microscopy. The formation of the porous layer involves several characteristic stages: the emergence of single pores, their growth with the formation of dendrite-like structures, and subsequent coalescence into a continuous layer. It is shown that the thickness of the porous layer at the initial stages of the growth is proportional to the cubic root of time. The possible mechanisms of pore formation are discussed and a theoretical model is proposed to describe the dependence of the average thickness of the porous layer on time. The model is in a good qualitative agreement with the experimental results.

Synthesis of amphiphilic, Janus diblock hyperbranched copolyamides and their self-assembly in water

An amphiphilic, Janus diblock hyperbranched copolyamide was synthesized by the condensation reaction, and the morphologies of aggregates in water were changed from spherical to dendritic-like structures via cylindrical-like structures in response to increasing temperature.

Two-level hierarchical stripe domains and enhanced piezoelectricity of rapid hot-press sintered BiFeO3 ceramics

BiFeO3 represents the most extensively investigated multiferroic due to its fascinating ferroelectric domain structures, large polarization, and multiferroic coupling, among many other emergent phenomena. Nevertheless, much less concern with the piezoelectricity has been raised while all these well addressed properties are identified in thin film BiFeO3, and bulk ceramic BiFeO3 has never been given priority of attention. In this paper, we report our experiments on the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties as well as domain structures of BiFeO3 bulk ceramics synthesized by rapid hot-press sintering. It is revealed that these properties are strongly dependent on the microstructural quality, and the largest piezoelectric coefficient d33 = 55 pC/N with electric polarization as large as 45 μC/cm2 is obtained for the sample sintered at 800 °C, while they are only 30 pC/N and 14 μC/cm2 for the samples sintered in normal conditions at 800 °C. The two-level hierarchical stripe-like and irregular dendrite-like domain structures are observed in these hot-press sintered samples. It is suggested that the enhanced piezoelectric property is ascribed to the two-level hierarchical stripe-like domain structure which may respond more easily to electrical and strain stimuli than those irregular dendrite-like domains. The enhanced remnant polarization should be owing to the improved sample quality and large grains in the properly hot-press sintered samples.

Nanostructuring of Titanium-Doped Diamond-Like Nanocomposite Films via Electric Probe Lithography

The influence of titanium doping of diamond-like nanocomposite films a-C:H,Si:O on the process of their structuring by the technique of bias-induced probe nanolithography of the scanning probe microscope (SPM) was studied. It has been found that titanium doping suppresses formation of dendritic-like structures that grow in undoped a-C:H,Si:O films at relative humidity above 50%. Instead of dendritic-like nanostructures, hill-like protrusions arise. At the same time, a decrease in the electrical conductivity and an increase in the friction forces in the modified region are close to those on films without metal. The mechanisms of the observed effects are discussed.