Duration Of Thermal Treatment Research Articles

Controllable growth of Ce3+-doped fluoride nanocrystals (LaF3/KLaF4) in fluorosilicate glass

Controllable growth of nanocrystals (NCs) in optical glasses is essential to impart photonic functions for demanded applications. Here, Ce3+-doped KLaF4 and LaF3 fluoride NCs are controllably precipitated in a fluorosilicate glass via adjusting the duration and temperature of thermal treatment. The presence of phase separation in the precursor glass (PG) is derived from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and serves as the driving factor for the crystallization of fluoride NCs. The phase separation of PG, NCs distribution, microscopic morphology and particle size of NCs precipitated in the nano-glass composites (nano-GCs) are investigated by analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Structural and spectroscopic characterizations confirm the influence of the thermal treatment on the crystalline species in the nano-GCs. The developed nano-GCs exhibit intense X-ray excited luminescence with an excellent linearity with the X-ray dosage and a good thermal stability, making them suitable for radiation detection and medical imaging applications.

DETERMINATION OF THE FEATURES OF THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF SUNFLOWER HUSK IN A FLUIDIZED BED

Sunflower husk (SH) is a plant waste fuel. The carbon content in different samples of SH ranges from 40.5% to 54.5% in an operating state, with ash content ranging from 1.5% to 8.5%, moisture content ranging from 6.9% to 9.5%, chlorine content ranging from 0.05% to 0.3%, and lower heating value ranging from 14.5 MJ/kg to 20.5 MJ/kg. These characteristics make it a suitable substitute for fossil fuels in power boilers. Waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies are rapidly developing worldwide, offering the potential for generating renewable energy from waste, including agricultural and food industry waste such as SH. According to our estimates, Ukraine has an annual energy potential of approximately 3.4 million tons of SH or about two million tons of fuel equivalent. Approximately half of this volume is currently being burned in oil extraction plants' boilers; however, up to one million tons of SH end up in landfills annually, resulting in significant energy losses. To develop new and improve existing WTE technologies that utilize SH as a fuel source, it's essential to understand the thermal processing characteristics of SH under conditions similar to those found in different zones within real power boilers - specifically the heating of fuel particles at rates up to 500 °C/s over a temperature range of 500–1000 °C. In this study, we aimed to investigate the thermal processing characteristics by subjecting SH particles within a laboratory fluidized bed reactor to high-speed heating within the aforementioned temperature range. During rapid heating between 500–1000 °C temperatures range, SH particles undergo conversion into volatile compounds and solid carbon residue. Two distinct stages can be observed on the dynamic yield curves for volatiles. The release and burnout of volatiles occurs during the first stage while the second stage involves coke ash residue burnout. We obtained empirical temperature-dependents for total heat treatment time and carbon residue burnout time under fast heating conditions in the investigated temperature range. The stage of carbon residue combustion is the most enduring and determines the overall duration of thermal treatment. This stage determines the degree of fuel transformation, especially in cases where low-reactivity carbon residue enters the low-temperature combustion chamber area of the boiler. The obtained regularities have practical significance in designing combustion chambers for thermal processing of sunflower husk.

Reduction of mechanical losses in ion-beam sputtered tantalum oxide thin films via partial crystallization

This study explores the impact of crystalline fraction on the mechanical losses of amorphous tantalum oxide (tantala, Ta2O5) thin films intended for gravitational wave detectors. We use ion beam sputtering technique to prepare a series of samples, which are then subjected to controlled thermal annealing to achieve varying degrees of crystallized fraction. The microscopic structure of the annealed samples is characterized by combining different analytical techniques. Our investigation reveals that the amorphous films comprise randomly distributed crystalline grains, whose density and average size depends on the duration of thermal treatment. To assess mechanical losses of the coatings, a gentle nodal suspension system is applied. Remarkably, a substantial reduction of approximately 20% in the coating’s mechanical loss angle with respect to annealed amorphous coatings is observed for samples exhibiting a crystalline fraction of around 5%. This improvement may lead to the definition of alternative thermal treatments to improve the mechanical performances of coatings for gravitational wave detectors or other highly sensitive optical experiments. However the reduction in mechanical losses comes at the expense of an increase in optical scattering. The possibility of reducing the optical losses to the level required by gravitational interferometers by modifying the grain size distribution via appropriate annealing treatments is discussed.

Evaluation of the adsorption performance and thermal treatment-associated regeneration of adsorbents for formaldehyde removal

ABSTRACT Indoor air pollution remains a major concern, with formaldehyde (HCHO) a primary contributor due to its long emission period and associated health risks, including skin allergies, coughing, and bronchitis. This study evaluated the adsorption performance and economic efficiency of various adsorbents (biochar, activated carbon, zeolites A, X, and Y) selected for HCHO removal. The impact of thermal treatment on adsorbent regeneration was also assessed. The experimental apparatus featured an adsorption column and HCHO concentration meter with an electrochemical sensor designed for adsorption analysis. Zeolite X exhibited the highest adsorption performance, followed by zeolite A, zeolite Y, activated carbon, and biochar. All adsorbents displayed increased HCHO removal rates with an extended length/diameter (L/D) ratio of the adsorption column. Zeolite A demonstrated the highest economic efficiency, followed by zeolite X, activated carbon, zeolite Y, and biochar. Higher L/D ratios improved economic efficiency and prolonged the replacement cycle (the optimal timing for adsorbent replacement to maintain high adsorption performance). Sensitivity analysis of adsorbent regeneration under varying thermal treatment conditions (150, 120, and 80°C) and durations (60, 45, and 30 min) revealed minimal changes in adsorption efficiency (±3%). The results indicated the potential of adsorbent regeneration under energy-efficient thermal treatment conditions (80°C, 30 min). In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of a comprehensive assessment, considering factors such as adsorption performance, replacement cycle, economic efficiency, and regeneration performance for the selection of optimal adsorbents for HCHO adsorption and removal. Implications: This study underscores the importance of adsorption technology for the removal of formaldehyde and similar volatile organic compounds (VOCs), highlighting the potential of alternative adsorbents, such as environmentally friendly biochar, in addition to traditional strategies, such as activated carbon and zeolites. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of adsorbent regeneration under energy-efficient thermal treatment conditions. These results hold promise for improving indoor air quality, reducing environmental pollutants, and enhancing responses to air contaminants like fine dust and VOCs.

High resistivity under colossal permittivity SrTiO3 based ceramic via controlling ion diffusion

High-performance Sr0.99La0.01TiO3 ceramics were synthesized using a conventional solid-phase method, and Sr0.99La0.01TiO3 percolated (SLT10-P) samples with excellent resistivity were obtained by coating with an oxidant and heat treatment. In this work, simultaneous excellent dielectric properties (16667 of dielectric permittivity, 0.016 of loss tangent at 1 kHz) and high resistivity (1.44 × 1011 Ω·cm at DC100V) was achieved in SLT10-P ceramics at room temperature by modulating the duration of thermal treatment. X-ray Diffraction and scanning electron microscope analyses proved the diffusion of the oxidant in the grains and grain boundaries during the heat treatment. The increase in grain boundary resistance is mainly due to the fact that the insulating layer formed by the oxide ions entering the grain boundary hinders the long-range movement of electrons. In addition, the diffusion of oxygen from the air into the ceramic during the heat treatment process also contributes to the insulation of grain boundaries.

Investigation of KOH‐doped PVA‐based membrane electrolytes cross‐linked with tartaric acid for DMAFCs

AbstractThis research focused on the development of anion exchange membrane electrolytes suitable for direct methanol alkaline fuel cells (DMAFC) by employing a straightforward blending and solution casting process complemented by subsequent heat treatment. Tartaric acid (TA) was employed as a cross‐linking agent to enhance the heat resistance and structural integrity of the PVA matrix. The distinctive attributes of the PT (PVA and tartaric acid blend) samples, including water absorption and swelling capacity, were comprehensively investigated with respect to variations in both TA content (expressed as wt. % relative to the PVA matrix) and alterations in the duration of thermal treatment. Cross‐link formation between the polymer chains and TA was determined using FTIR analysis. The samples were subjected to comprehensive analysis, encompassing the determination of crystallinity via X‐ray diffraction (XRD), assessment of thermal stability using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), investigation of morphology through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and measurement of ionic conductivity using AC Impedance spectroscopy. The methanol permeability was measured to determine the selectivity values of the membranes. Subsequently, within the DMAFC system, the performances of the PT30‐3, PT40‐2, and PT40‐3 membranes, which exhibited the highest selectivities, were assessed. The contribution of the crosslinking process to the resistance of the membranes to oxidative conditions, as represented by the Fenton solution, was evaluated to assess the chemical stability of the membranes. The maximum power densities for PT30‐3 and PT40‐3 membranes reached 15.29 and 12.53 mW/cm2 at 30°C, respectively. These figures exhibited a notable increase, reaching 32.73 mW/cm2 for PT30‐3 and 31.72 mW/cm2 for PT40‐3 when the temperature was elevated to 60°C. This study confirmed that the crosslinking strategy using TA assisted by thermal treatment is very simple and competitive compared with other techniques reported in the literature. PT membranes are promising candidates for commercialization and utilization in DMAFC owing to their environment‐friendly nature, cost‐effectiveness, and high efficiency.Highlights TA cross‐linking improved the thermal and dimensional stability of PVA. The PT membrane properties varied with TA content and thermal treatment time. Some electrolytes in this study outperformed those previously reported for DMAFC. PT membranes offer efficiency, cost‐effectiveness, and eco‐friendliness for DMAFCs.

Facile transformation of heavy oil residues into carbon composites used for high-performance supercapacitors

Asphaltene, an otherwise undesirable waste from the oil industry, was refined from heavy oil fractions and processed under different conditions to obtain carbonaceous materials with large surface area to be used in supercapacitors. Carbon electrode materials were successfully fabricated by a facile thermal process using melamine foam as template and KOH activation. The effect of different synthesis parameters on morphological and electrochemical performance is reported, namely, the weight ratio KOH:asphaltene, homogenization time, temperature and duration of thermal treatment. The materials were characterized by Raman, BET, SEM/EDS, and XPS; and their performance, in terms of specific capacitance and stability, was assessed by different electrochemical methodologies. Results show that an optimized material, using specific capacitance and active material recovery as optimization targets, was obtained by using a KOH: asphaltene weight ratio of (3:1), homogenization time of 1 h and thermal treatment at 700°C for 0.5 h. This material had a specific energy of 8.6 W h kg−1, specific power of 645 W kg−1 and a specific capacitance of 112 F g−1 at 0.4 A g−1 current density.

Electrospun Nanotubular Titania and Polymeric Interfaces for High Energy Density Li-Ion Electrodes.

In the current study, for the first time, electrospinning of nanotubular structures was developed for Li-ion battery high energy density applications. For this purpose, titania-based nanotubular materials were synthesized and characterized. Before electrospinning with PVDF to obtain a self-standing electrode, the nanotubes were modified to obtain the best charge-transferring structure. In the current study, for the first time, the effects of various thermal treatment temperatures and durations under an Ar-controlled atmosphere were investigated for Li+ diffusion. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammograms, and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique showed that the fastest charge transfer kinetics belongs to the sample treated for 10 h. After optimization of electrospinning parameters, a fully nanotube-embedded fibrous structure was achieved and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The obtained flexible electrode was pressed at ambient and 80 °C to improve the fiber volume fraction. Finally, the galvanostatic charge/discharge tests for the electrospun electrode after 100 cycles illustrated that the hot-pressed sample showed the highest capacity. The polymeric network enabled the omission of metallic current collectors, thus increasing the energy density by 14%. The results of electrospun electrodes offer a promising structure for future high-energy applications.

Corrosion Properties of Ni-P-B Dispersion Coating for Industrial Knives and Blades

Industrial blades, particularly the one used in food processing, requires not only a high hardness and a good wear protection but also an adequate corrosion protection. Currently, there is a wide variety of materials being used for this purpose that satisfy the above requirements. However, they come at a cost. Typically, steel with a high number of alloyed elements is chosen because the alloyed elements improved the steel quality. For example, incorporation of nickel, chromium, phosphorus and molybdenum in the steel improves amongst others the corrosion protection. However, the thermal processing of such steel, that is quenching, repeated tempering and followed by nitriding or boriding, is lengthy and complicated which drive the cost to produce knives using such steel up.Besides steel cutting tools, there is also cutting tools made from ceramic and carbide. Compared to steel knives, carbide knives have a longer lifespan and provide a higher temperature tolerance, which results in the application of the carbide cutting tools at higher speed and for longer periods without experiencing tool failure. Admittedly, due to carbides high hardness and thus the increase in difficulty to machine carbide, the production cost of carbide cutting tools is much higher compared to their steel counterparts. For ceramics, while the material is corrosion free and can maintain hardness and wear properties at a very high temperature, it is also more brittle than steel and carbide cutting tools. This results in premature chipping of the cutting edge and a shorter lifespan of the blade.To further reducing the production cost of industrial knives, the alternative of using a low alloyed steel which is coated with a hard coating and adjacently thermally treated for 1 h is investigated. This method is chosen because the tempering process of the low alloyed steel is not as lengthy as for high alloyed steel. The homogenously incorporated boron particles in the nickel phosphorus coating reduce the subsequent thermal treatment duration due to a shorter diffusion path compared to the conventional boriding. Previous study by the author [1] shows this approach to produce a high hardness at approx. 900 HV. Electroless nickel phosphorus coating is applied due to its good anti-corrosive properties. The presence of boron as particles in the coating or as boride after thermal treatment could change the corrosion behaviour of the coating. To date, no studies have yet been done to determine its corrosion properties and benchmarking this Ni-P-B dispersion coating with the other coating systems.In this study, the corrosion behaviour of the dispersion layer as coated and after thermal treatments at different temperatures is investigated. The corrosion resistance in NaCl 3.5 % is characterized though potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectrometry. The results will be evaluated and compared to the other established coating systems.[1] The previous study will be presented at 241st ECS Meeting in Vancouver, Canada and has not yet been published at the time this abstract is submitted for the 242nd ECS Meeting in Atlanta.

Thermally induced structural changes of resorcinol formaldehyde latex adhesive used in cord-rubber composites

In this study, the accelerated thermal exposure of resorcinol formaldehyde latex (RFL) adhesive used in cord rubber composites was investigated. In particular, the structural changes of the RFL with and without curatives (sulfur, zinc oxide, accelerator and stearic acid) during thermal treatment at 100 °C were identified by a multiscale approach using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR). The RFL samples with curatives show an approximately four-fold increase in the overall elastic modulus at room temperature during thermal treatment of up to 10 days. At the same time, DMA results indicated an increase of Tg of the latex phase from −39 °C to −3 °C. However, for the RFL samples without curatives, there was no change in the Tg of the latex phase. At the nanoscale, AFM mappings on samples with curatives have also confirmed an increase in the nanoscale modulus in the latex phase (50 ± 10 MPa to 140 ± 20 MPa) and in the RF resin phase (330 ± 100 MPa to 620 ± 200 MPa) for the same thermal treatment duration. Finally, solid-state NMR analysis showed a decrease in the intensity of the vinyl groups (noted at 115 ppm and 145 ppm) in the latex phase indicating the possibility of further sulfur cross-linking during the 10 days of thermal treatment for samples containing curatives. Our studies have highlighted the prominent role of the curatives in the RFL adhesive, as well as its initial structure and evolution during thermal treatment. Accordingly, the RFL structure was drastically modified by the accelerated thermal exposure.

Thermal reflow of plasma-polymerized fluorocarbon for nanochannels and particle encapsulation

Thermal reflow is an important property for thermoplastic polymers, which has been studied extensively especially for photoresists and electron beam resists in semiconductor industries. While the surface smoothening effect is beneficial to reduce the roughness of micro- and nanostructures, the drastic morphology change has been tested to be efficient to fabricate optical devices like microlens arrays. Plasma-polymerized fluorocarbon (PPFC) is a feasible polymer material, which can be achieved conveniently with standard plasma etching systems, however, there have been limited studies regarding its properties and applications apart from its usage as a passivation layer during reactive ion etching. In this study, the thermal reflow behavior of PPFC on various substrates will be presented, including planar surfaces, gratings and trenches. Importantly, the formation of buried micro- and nanochannels has been demonstrated, when PPFC is heated above its glass transition temperature on trench structures. This encapsulation dynamics is analyzed with regard to various parameters like temperature and duration of thermal treatment, trench widths and initial thickness of PPFC film. As a proof of concept, silicon nanorods have been encapsulated in the microchannels by the reflowed PPFC. The results have demonstrated strong potentials of PPFC for applications like micro- and nanofluidics, microcontainers and drug delivery. Because of its good chemical stability and biocompatibility, PPFC can also be expected to be used for various biological devices like brain-machine interfaces, neural probes, epidermal devices and biological implants.

Influence of thermal treatment duration on structure and phase composition of additive Co-Cr-Mo alloy samples

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) requires application of powders with specific characteristics. These are near-spherical shape of particles, uniform elemental composition, typical particle size of 5 – 70 µm, etc. Such powders are produced by spheroidization methods. They have such disadvantages as high cost and sale only in large quantities. There are publications describing application in LPBF powders, produced by the methods, alternative to spheroidization. In the current study, powders of pure raw Co, Cr and Mo were used for the production of Co-Cr-Mo powder mixture. Samples of Co-28 wt.% Cr-6 wt.% Mo alloy were produced by LPBF from this powder mixture. Due to the difference between melting temperatures of Co, Cr and Mo, inclusions of Cr and Mo were formed within the bulk of samples. Studies of phase and elemental composition, structure and microhardness of the as-produced samples and after post-treatment with varied duration are represented. As-produced samples have non-uniform elemental composition and are represented by the main Co-based phase. Increasing the annealing duration leads to the sequential dissolution of un-melted Cr and Mo inclusions. Complete dissolution of Cr particles was observed at 10 hours of treatment and complete dissolution of Mo particles was not observed after 20 hours of annealing. Microhardness non-linearly changes with the increasing duration of annealing. This is due to the phase transformations and diffusion processes occurring at such type of post-treatment. Complete dissolution of Mo-particles could be achieved by further increasing the annealing time or by varying the mode of laser powder bed fusion.

Short thermal treatment of carbon felts for copper-based redox flow batteries

Carbon felts are often used as electrode materials for various redox flow batteries (RFBs), and for optimal performance it is often required for them to be subjected to extended thermal treatment processes (25–30 h). However, the Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox couple employed in the copper RFB, at the positive electrode is significantly different when compared to the vanadium alternative. For this reason, the effect and duration of thermal treatment of the carbon felt on the performance of the copper-based RFB has to be determined. Both polyacrylonitrile and rayon carbon felts were subjected to thermal treatment for 6 and 25 h at 400 °C. The treated carbon felts were subsequently analysed using thermogravimetric analysis, resistivity determination, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, the effect of the thermal treatment was also determined using electrochemical testing and in a redox flow cell.

Synthesis, thermal treatment, and characterization of sintered hard magnetic Fe–30Cr–16Co alloy

A powder metallurgy process for manufacturing hard magnetic alloy Fe–30Cr–16Co (wt%) was optimized. An acceptable level of magnetic properties of the alloy was reached upon sintering within the temperature range 1100–1400 °C (with a maximum at 1350 °C; Br = 1.21 T, Нс = 54.6 kA/m, and (BH)max = 37.6 кJ/m3) and at an overall duration of thermal treatment of 15 h. Lowest magnetic properties (Br = 1.12 T, Нс = 48.6 kA/m, and (BH)max = 31.1 KJ/m3) were observed at 1100 °C most likely due to higher porosity of about 7%. After full thermal treatment with temperature of thermomagnetic stage, 670 °C, we observe the presence of non-magnetic σ-phase, which leads to a sharp drop in magnetic properties. Based on the magnetic measurements at intermediate stages it can be deduced that the σ-phase is formed during the 2nd stage of thermal treatment during cooling down from 670° to 580°C Significant ductility is observed upon material failure during compression tests; fracture strain (εf ∙100%), around 40%. Yield strength, compressive strength, and linear thermal expansion for obtained alloys are presented. The yield strength decreases with increasing sintering temperature within the range 1100–1400 °C due to grain growth.

Thermal degradation behavior of thin films of fatty acid methyl ester

Thermal degradation of FAME was performed on the low carbon steel coupon by a thin film method. Impact of the film thickness on FAME physical and chemical properties was evaluated. It showed that FAME film degradation ratio depends on its thickness and the thermal treatment duration. It was determined that the 200 µm film degraded faster than the 500 µm film. The soaking test, which performed using three solvents (xylene, heptane, fresh FAME) showed that better solubility of degraded FAME was achieved in xylene, followed by fresh FAME and then heptane. The swelling effect was observed than soaking test of FAME films were performed in fresh FAME. The acid values into the degraded FAME films were achieved and lower values were obtained in the 500 µm than in 200 µm films, respectively. The iron content into 200 µm film was 3 times higher, compared with 500 µm film thickness.

The Influence of Duration of High-Temperature Exposure on the Properties of Carbon Nitride Obtained in Molten Salts

In the present work the influence of duration of thermal treatment on the properties and photocatalytic performance of carbon nitride materials is investigated. Preparation of photocatalytic material proceeded in the eutectic molten salts KCl/LiCl mixture. This way of thermal treatment results in crystalline material with ordered structure, improved in comparison to convenient preparation methods. Duration was altered in range from 2 to 10 hours. Materials were studied by the methods of X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy. It was found that most ordered materials with the maximal degree of crystallinity are formed after 2–6 hours of high-temperature treatment. Elongation of thermal treatment up to 8 and 10 hours leads to less ordered material with the enhanced share o amorphous phase. Carbon nitride materials were used as photocatalysts for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and demonstrate high selectivities to target product. 2 hours of thermal treatment leads to formation of photocatalyst with the highest conversion (79.2 %) and selectivity (92.4 %) values. Less effective material is formed after 10 hours of treatment, where selecivity level retained, while conversion drops to 48.6 %. Morphology of materials has maximal effect on the photocatalytic properties – high crystallinity is the main feature of catalytically effective materials.

Complex optimization of arc melting synthesis for bulk Cr2AlC MAX-phase

A complex optimization of the arc melting synthetic approach was performed to enhance the phase purity of Cr2AlC MAX-phase in the bulk form. Optimization steps included the initial ratio of 2Cr: xAl: 1C, variation through a change in Al content (i.e. x ranging from 1 to 1.5), tuning duration of the post-annealing thermal treatment and adjustment of the melting chamber pressure. The use of Cr3C2 as a precursor in place of Cr and C mixture has also been tried. It was found that Cr2AlC MAX-phase forms as the predominant phase when a stoichiometric ratio 2Cr: 1.3Al: 1C is used. By keeping this stoichiometry constant, the melting chamber pressure was then adjusted to further improve the phase purity of the samples. It has been established that the use of Cr3C2 is not an appropriate way to improve sample purity and promote homogeneity in the carbon distribution. The establishment of an optimized arc fusion protocol for parental Cr2AlC is a necessity for further successful mass synthesis of the substituted (Cr1-xMnx)2AlC MAX-phase.

Mechanistic insights into the lattice reconfiguration of the anode graphite recycled from spent high-power lithium-ion batteries

The mechanism underlying the anode graphite's regeneration from the spent lithium-ion batteries is investigated by a semi-in situ X-ray diffraction study combined with electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The impacts of thermal treatment temperatures, durations, and atmospheres (including N2, Ar, and He) on the crystal lattice restoration are thoroughly examined to obtain the optimized conditions that impart significant crystal lattice restoration. The N2 atmosphere can activate the carbon through the reaction of oxygen-containing functionalities with the lithium nitride generated by the reaction between N2 and the metallic Li precipitated on the anode surface, resulting in the best graphitization effect under the N2 atmosphere in comparison with the Ar and He. Among all of the investigated calcination temperatures and durations, 3000 °C combined with 6 h is evidenced to be the optimal one for removing the internal stress and achieving the highest degree of graphitization. The regenerated graphite exhibits superior electrochemical properties, with an initial charging capacity of 352.5 mAh·g−1 and capacity retention of 97.3% after 1000 cycles. A pilot-scale test also verifies the effectiveness of the recycling and regeneration method, and the obtained product releases a capacity of 351.9 mAh·g−1 and capacity retention of 87.88% after 1600 cycles.

Effects of thermo-hydro-mechanical treatments on various physical and mechanical properties of poplar (Populus) wood

Poplar (Populus) wood was subjected in this work to thermo-hydro-mechanical treatment. The influence of the treatment parameters on the physical and mechanical properties were investigated. The wood samples were densified under three compression ratios (0%, 30%, and 50%), and thermally treated at three temperatures (180 °C, 200 °C, and 220 °C), at three thermal treatment durations (3 h, 4 h, and 5 h). The density, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, radial hardness, and thickness swelling were measured. The results showed that the densities of the samples increased by 36.6% to 49.7%. As the compression rate increased, the temperature, duration, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and hardness increased. However, the dimensions of the densified samples were less stable. Compared to the densified samples, the maximum thickness swelling could be reduced by 74% (from 29.7% to 7.8%) when subjected to a thermal treatment at 220 °C for 3 h.

Optimization of Waste Vegetable Oil–Diesel Blends for Engine Performance: A Response Surface Approach

The present study valorizes waste vegetable oil (WVO) as a renewable alternative blend fraction of diesel to fuel a compression ignition engine. Response surface (RS) approach is employed to predict engine performance—fuel consumption (FC) and thermal efficiency (TE)—using three factors–three levels of experimental design array. The factors selected for the study are thermal treatment time of WVO (h), WVO fraction in the blend, and engine torque due to load (Nm). The model predictions are well correlated with the experimental data. Based on the D-optimality criterion, the blend containing 0.50 fraction as 47 h thermally treated WVO at an engine torque of 14.72 Nm is the RS model-optimized blend. The experimental outcomes of the optimized blend are FC = 0.5094 kg/h and TE = 23.70%. The suitability of the optimized factor settings established in the study was verified using waste frying oil (WFO) as a diesel blend. The FC and TE of the optimized WVO–diesel and WFO–diesel blends are compared with the literature values. The model-optimized WVO–diesel blend recorded 14.3% and 17.6% lesser CO and NOx emissions, respectively, and is 45% more economical than neat diesel. The direct blending of WVO with diesel and optimization of the blend fraction and the thermal treatment duration of WVO for better engine performance are a novel approach. The work accounted in this report presents a holistic study toward sustainable utilization of WVO in diesel-driven vehicles and can be helpful to various stakeholders.