Entire Composition Range Research Articles

Wurtzite CuIn(SxSe1-x)2 Nanocrystals: Colloidal Synthesis and Band-Gap Engineering.

CuIn(SxSe1-x)2 nanocrystals as an emerging class of functional materials present huge potential for industrial applications; however, the synthesis of CuIn(SxSe1-x)2 nanocrystals remains a formidable challenge in achieving both tunable band gap and phase. Here, we reported a facile hot-injection method for synthesizing a family of wurtzite CuIn(SxSe1-x)2 nanocrystals, enabling manipulation of the S and Se contents across the entire compositional range (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). The obtained nanocrystals exhibit band gaps ranging from 1.21 to 1.58 eV, which vary depending on the S/Se ratios in the products. This approach can be readily extended to other scenarios involving chalcogenide nanomaterials, thereby facilitating the advancement of next-generation functional materials and applications.

Phase stability of solid solution La1-xRxRh3B (R = Gd, Lu and Sc) compounds with cubic anti-perovskite type structure

We have investigated the solid solution range of single phase La1-xRxRh3B (R = Gd, Lu and Sc) compounds with a cubic anti-perovskite type structure. The behaviors of lattice parameters, hardness, and thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) were also investigated. The cubic anti-perovskite phase exists over the entire composition range x from 0.0 to 1.0 for all La-Gd, La-Lu and La-Sc systems. Both the lattice parameters and the hardness in all La-Gd, La-Lu and La-Sc systems show a linear dependence on the degree of the substitution x of La atom. The results of TG-DTA measurements indicate that oxidation of the compounds in air begins at about 500–600 K. The mixed phases of RBO3, R2O3 and Rh are identified as oxidized products around x = 0.4 to 0.6 composition. The oxidation onset temperature, and weight gains due to the oxidation depend on the degree of substitution x. The behavior of crystallographic and physical/chemical properties in the present compounds La1-xRxRh3B strongly depend on the atomic size of the rare-earth atoms that form the cubic framework.

Bandgap Characteristics of Boron-Containing Nitrides—Ab Initio Study for Optoelectronic Applications

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is recognized as a 2D wide bandgap material with unique properties, such as effective photoluminescence and diverse lattice parameters. Nitride alloys containing h-BN have the potential to revolutionize the electronics and optoelectronics industries. The energy band structures of three boron-containing nitride alloys—BxAl1−xN, BxGa1−xN, and BxIn1−xN—were calculated using standard density functional theory (DFT) with the hybrid Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof (HSE) function to correct lattice parameters and energy gaps. The results for both wurtzite and hexagonal structures reveal several notable characteristics, including a wide range of bandgap values, the presence of both direct and indirect bandgaps, and phase mixing between wurtzite and hexagonal structures. The hexagonal phase in these alloys is observed at very low and very high boron concentrations (x), as well as in specific atomic configurations across the entire composition range. However, cohesive energy calculations show that the hexagonal phase is more stable than the wurtzite phase only when x > 0.5, regardless of atomic arrangement. These findings provide practical guidance for optimizing the epitaxial growth of boron-containing nitride thin films, which could drive future advancements in electronics and optoelectronics applications.

Physical, Structural and Elastic Properties of New Oxyfluoride Borate Glasses

New mixed alkali/alkaline oxyfluoride borate glasses with composition xCaF2–(50-x)LiF–50B2O3 (x = 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mol%) were prepared by the conventional melt-quenching technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the amorphous nature of the prepared samples, while energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of the constituent elements B, O, F, and Ca. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed the formation of BO3, BO2F, BO4 and BOF3 structural groups, as well as non-bridging oxygen/fluorine atoms in the glass network. The concentrations of these structural groups were found to vary with CaF2 concentration. The measured density and the calculated molar volume were found to increase over the entire range of composition. The increase in ultrasonic velocity, elastic moduli, micro-hardness and Debye temperature with the addition of CaF2 was discussed in terms of competition between the above-mentioned borate groups. Fraction of four-coordinated boron atoms, average boron–boron separation, fluorine molar volume, total packing density, dissociation energy per unit volume and average cross-link density were estimated. A close correlation is achieved between these quantities and elastic properties. Excellent agreement is found between the experimentally determined values and the theoretically calculated values of elastic properties from Makishima–Mackenzie's theory.

Thermophysical properties: Viscosity, density, and excess properties of 2-propanol and n-Decane mixtures from 283.15 K to 343.15 K under atmospheric conditions

To study the effects of temperature as well as molecular interaction of a fluid system on the thermophysical properties of 2-propanol and n-Decane binary mixture, the density (ρ), dynamic viscosity (η), speed of sound (u), and refractive index (nD) of pure 2-propanol and n-Decane, along with their binary mixtures, were experimentally measured across the entire compositional range at temperatures from 283.15 to 343.15 K and atmospheric pressure. These experimental measurements helped in the evaluation of various thermophysical properties, such as excess molar volume (vE), coefficient of thermal expansion (αE), and isentropic compressibility (κsE). The experimental dynamic viscosity (η) and density (ρ) data were used to evaluate kinematic viscosity (v) and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) of flow with an equation based on Eyring's absolute state theory, and their corresponding excess properties. The excess properties of the binary mixtures were correlated using a Redlich-Kister type polynomial equation via the least-squares regression method, with fitting parameters determined for the binary system. Moreover, the Prigogine–Flory–Patterson theory (PFP) was utilized to identify the primary molecular interactions contributing to the excess molar volume at 293.15, 308.15, and 323.15 K for the binary mixtures. Additionally, the capability of the Eyring-NRTL model was tested to predict the viscosity as well as vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) of the binary system, and the correlated model results agreed with literature data.

Composition-dependent diffusion and viscosity behavior in liquid Ti–Al–Ni ternary alloys

We conducted ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the dynamic properties of the liquid Ti–Al–Ni ternary alloy system at 2033 K. Through simulations across the entire composition range, we revealed the complex compositional dependence of self-diffusion coefficients and viscosity. The self-diffusion coefficients of Ti, Al, and Ni exhibit nonlinear distribution characteristics, while viscosity shows non-monotonic compositional dependence, with lower viscosity in Al-rich regions and higher viscosity in Ni-rich regions. To understand the structural origins of these behaviors, we analyzed chemical short-range order and local fivefold symmetry structures using Warren-Cowley parameters and fivefold symmetry parameters, uncovering a close correlation between atomic-scale structural features and dynamic properties. Evaluation of the Stokes-Einstein relation revealed varying degrees of deviation from its predicted viscosity values across composition regions. We observed a negative correlation between free volume fraction and viscosity, with varying strengths in different regions. These findings provide new perspectives for understanding the complex dynamic properties of Ti–Al–Ni liquid alloys.

Influence of Composition on Mechanical Properties and Sound Speed of AlAs1−xPx for Various Pressures

The mechanical properties of AlAs1−xPx alloy under the influence of composition have been determined. The sound speed of AlAs1−xPx has been determined at various compositions. The studied properties were obtained with the effect of composition at various pressures. The predicted values were consistent with the available experimental results. The investigation used empirical method calculations based on empirical pseudo potential theory (EPM) with the virtual crystal approximation (VCA) to broaden the applications of ternary alloys and better investigate their potential as novel materials. AlAs1−xPx is a material that shows promise for usage in multi-junction solar cell designs because its properties can potentially be adjusted. The mechanical stability of AlAs1−xPx alloys was obtained according to these conditions C11 + 2C12 > 0, C44 > 0, and C11-C12 > 0. The obtained anisotropy factor was not equal to 1, indicating the presence of elastic anisotropy in the studied alloy in the applied composition range. The AlAs1−xPx alloy is a ductile material throughout the entire composition range at various pressures due to the Bu/Cs values exceeding 1.75.

Effect of Gadolinium Doping on the Structure of Ce1-xGdxO2-x/2 Solid Solutions Prepared by Ionic Gelation Approach

The current research aims to present the structural characterization of Gd-doped ceria powders and ceramics, investigating the structural evolution resulting from cerium substitution with Gd across the entire composition range from 0 to 100 mol.% Gd2O3. Ce1-xGdxO2-x/2 powders with varying Gd contents (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) were synthesized using the ionic gelation method followed by thermal annealing. The resulting powders were subjected to high-temperature treatment to obtain ceramics. Characterization methods included X-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify phase composition and confirm the formation of Ce1-xGdxO2-x/2 solid solutions, infrared spectroscopy (IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural and morphological studies, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to evaluate the electronic structure. Comparative analysis of Gd-doped calcined powders and sintered pellets revealed the impact of thermal treatment on the structural features of the resulting solid solutions, elucidating the influence of gadolinium substitution. The novelty of this research lies in demonstrating the successful preparation of Ce1-xGdxO2-x/2solid solutions via an alginate-mediated ion-exchange process and providing a detailed structural investigation over the entire range of dopant concentrations. This assessment highlights the feasibility for further research of these materials as suitable candidates for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) or catalyst applications. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-05-01 Full Text: PDF

Experimental investigation and thermodynamic description of the Ni-Mo-Y ternary system

Nickel-based superalloys are extensively utilized in aerospace engines, marine gas turbines, and other environments with severe operating conditions. The phase relations of the Ni-Mo-Y ternary system were experimentally studied across the entire composition range at 800 °C and 1000 °C using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thirteen three-phase regions were confirmed at 800 °C, and eleven three-phase regions were observed at 1000 °C. No ternary compound was observed at these temperatures. In addition, the experimental results indicate that molybdenum (Mo) has almost no solubility in the binary compounds found in the Ni-Y binary system. Furthermore, the primary solidification phases and the solidification process of typical alloys were investigated, and three different primary solidification phases were found. Based on the experimental results, thermodynamic calculations for the Ni-Mo-Y system were performed through the CALPHAD technique. The experimental results agree well with the calculated, a set of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters for the Ni-Mo-Y ternary system was obtained in the present work.

Thermo physical, spectroscopic and computational investigation of binary liquid mixtures at various temperatures and correlation with the Jouyban–Acree model (allyl alcohol, ethanoic acid, propanoic acid, and butanoic acid)

ABSTRACT The intermolecular interactions between allyl alcohol + short carboxylic acids (ethanoic acid, propanoic acid, and butanoic acid) binary liquid systems were studied both at the macro- and microscopic levels using a combined experimental and computational methodology. Thermo-physical properties of allyl alcohol and short carboxylic acids binary mixtures are studied at ambient atmospheric pressure over the entire composition range and at T= (303.15 K − 313.15 K). In the present study, the calculated excess/deviation properties are discussed in terms of molecular interactions of binary mixtures. The existence of the hydrogen bonding in the binary mixtures of allyl alcohol + short carboxylic acids were further confirmed by high level theoretical calculation, namely, the density functional theory (DFT-B3LYP) of 6–311++G (d,p) basis set was used to study the geometries, bond characteristics, interaction energies and of the hydrogen bonded complexes in gas phase were investigated via quantum chemical calculations

Mechanism Behind the Enhanced Ferromagnetic Contributions Upon Ru Substitution in Ca3Mn2O7 from X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopies.

We have studied the local structure and electronic and magnetic properties of hybrid improper ferroelectric Ca3Mn2O7 upon Ru substitution at the Mn site by a combination of atomic-selective X-ray absorption spectroscopies in the soft and hard X-ray energy regimes. Ru substitution enhances the macroscopic ferromagnetic contributions, whose origin is here elucidated. In particular, soft X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) data indicate that the spin moments of Mn and Ru are aligned in opposite directions, with the effective magnetic moments of Ru being about 1 order of magnitude smaller than for Mn. The XMCD results also demonstrate the presence of an intrinsic ferromagnetic component in the Mn sublattice for Ru contents x ≥ 0.3, although the values of the net Mn magnetic moment are much smaller than expected for a fully saturated Mn4+ magnetic sublattice. Soft and hard X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements show that Mn keeps a +4 valence state independently of the Ru content, whereas Ru is in an intermediate valence state, ranging between +4.7 (x ≤ 0.1) and +4.4 (x ≥ 0.7). Analysis of the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) signals at the Mn and Ru K-edges suggests the lack of a complete solid solution in the local structure across the entire range of compositions. These findings disclose the existence of charge transfer between Mn and Ru atoms, so the weak ferromagnetic component is attributed to a canting of the antiferromagnetically ordered Mn4+ spins caused by the oxygen-mediated hybridization between localized Mn4+ 3d and itinerant intermediate valence Ru 4d bands, in analogy to the mechanism proposed for ferromagnetism in ordered doubled perovskites with 3d and 4d/5d transition-metal ions. In the present case, disorder prevents the formation of long-range ferromagnetism.

Insight into molecular interactions prevailing in N,N-dimethylformamide + alkyl acrylates mixtures at different temperatures: An experimental and theoretical investigation

The excess isentropic compressibility, excess speed of sound, excess molar isentropic compressibility and deviation in viscosity were evaluated from the experimental values of speeds of sound and viscosities of N,N-dimethylformamide + methyl acrylate/ethyl acrylate/n-butyl acrylate binary mixtures over the entire composition range at temperatures (288.15–318.15) K and pressure (101 kPa). Further, the partial molar isentropic compressibility; excess partial molar isentropic compressibility of the components over the entire composition range and also at infinite dilution have been calculated. These evaluated parameters have been interpreted in relations to prevailing interactions in these mixtures. These interactions were found dependent on the size of alkyl group in acrylate molecules and the amide-acrylate interactions decline with increase in size of the alkyl group. Moreover, the speeds of sound for the mixtures were calculated by scaled particle theory and the results compared well with the experimental results. Also, the viscosities of these mixtures were correlated by means of various empirical relations and the results were found in good agreement with the experimental results.

Copper‐Cobalt Bimetallic Nanoparticles for the Acceptorless Dehydrogenation of Alcohols: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

AbstractBimetallic Cu and Co nanoparticles were prepared using the polyol process. The nature of the polyol was found to be decisive to control the distribution of the two metals within the particles, resulting in either core‐shell or quasi‐alloyed structures, as shown by chemical analysis at the single particle level. The particles can be prepared over the entire composition range with a very good control of the Cu/Co molar ratio. The introduction of Cu in the synthetic system allows decreasing significantly the mean size of the resulting particles. The two sets of particles were used as unsupported catalysts for the solvent‐free acceptorless dehydrogenation of octan‐2‐ol. Very good ketone yields were measured when using the quasi‐alloyed particles while lower activities were obtained with core‐shell structures. The Cu25Co75 quasi‐alloyed catalyst could be recycled at least ten times without a significant loss in catalytic activity and particle‐scale chemical analyses confirmed that the recovered particles are still alloyed with no observed demixing. The catalytic results are discussed in the light of different exposed metal surface areas and possible synergetic effects using theoretical predictions.

Thermodynamic and transport properties of binary mixtures containing 1,2-propanediol with 2-methoxyethanol and 2-ethoxyethanol at different temperatures

In the present investigation density, speed of sound, and viscosity have been reported for binary liquid mixtures of 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD) with 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME) and 2-ethoxyethanol (2-EE) over the entire composition range at T= (298.15–323.15) K. From the experimental data, excess molar volume, (VmE), excess isentropic compressibility, (κsE), excess molar isentropic compressibility, (κs,mE), excess speed of sound, (uE), excess isobaric thermal expansion,αpE, and deviation in viscosity (Δη) of liquid mixtures have been calculated. The excess partial molar volume,V¯m,1E, V¯m,2E , excess partial molar isentropic compressibility, K¯s,m,1EK¯s,m,2E over the whole composition range together with partial molar volume,V¯m,10, V¯m,20, partial molar isentropic compressibility K¯s,m,10,K¯s,m,20, excess partial molar volume,V¯m,10E, V¯m,20E and excess partial molar isentropic compressibility, K¯s,m,10E,K¯s,m,20E at infinite dilution have also been calculated. All excess properties have been correlated using the Redlich-Kister smoothing polynomial equation. The VmE results are analysed in the light of Prigogine-Flory-Patterson theory. Analysis of each of the three contributions viz. interactional, free volume, and P* to VmE has shown that interactional contribution and free volume effect are negative for all the mixtures, and P* contribution is positive for the mixtures of 2-ME. The variations of these parameters with changes in composition and temperature have been discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions prevailing in these mixtures. Further, the viscosities of these binary mixtures were correlated theoretically by using various empirical and semi-empirical models and the results were compared with the experimental findings.

Comprehensive study of photoluminescence and device properties in Cu2Zn(Sn1−xGex)S4 monograins and monograin layer solar cells

Ge-alloying of Cu2ZnSnS4 is a promising strategy for producing wide-bandgap absorber materials suitable for use in tandem structures or indoor solar cell applications. Incorporating Ge can suppress Sn-related defects while maintaining the kesterite structure and p-type conductivity throughout the entire range of composition. In this study, Cu2Zn(Sn1−xGex)S4 monograins were synthesized in molten salt by the synthesis-growth method, where value x was varied from 0 to 1, with a step of 0.2. The inclusion of Ge into the crystals was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The bandgaps of Cu2Zn(Sn1−xGex)S4 solid solutions were determined as Eg = 1.50–2.25 eV by external quantum efficiency measurement. A detailed study of temperature and laser power-dependent photoluminescence (PL) for powder crystals with x = 0, x = 0.2 and x = 0.4 revealed that the dominant recombination mechanisms originate from defect clusters involving a shallow acceptor and deep donor defect. Ge-alloying helped to suppress the harmful SnZn donor defects, but at the same time shifted the defects' energy levels deeper into the bandgap. The obtained activation energies indicate that the acceptor defect becomes shallower with the inclusion of Ge. At the mid-temperature range (T = 60–200 K), the presence of two different recombinations was revealed in the system, originating from very closely located PL emission bands.

First-principles data for solid solution niobium-tantalum-vanadium alloys with body-centered-cubic structures

We present four open-source datasets that provide results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations of ground-state properties of refractory solid solution binary alloys niobium-tantalum (NbTa), niobium-vanadium (NbV), tantalum-vanadium (TaV), and ternary alloys NbTaV ordered in body-centered-cubic (BCC) structures with 128 Bravais lattice sites. The first-principles code used to run the calculations is the Vienna Ab-Initio Simulation Package. The calculations have been collected by uniformly sampling chemical compositions across the entire compositional range. For each chemical composition, the calculations have been run for 100 randomized arrangements of the constituents on the BCC lattice sites. This sampling methodology resulted in running DFT simulations for a total of 3,100 randomized atomic configurations over 31 chemical compositions for each of the three binary alloys Nb-Ta, Nb-V, Ta-V, and a total of 10,500 randomized atomic structures over 105 chemical compositions for the ternary alloys Nb-Ta-V. For each atomic configuration, geometry optimization has been performed, and the data released contains information about each step of geometry optimization for each atomic configuration.

High Density Two-Component Glasses of Organic Semiconductors Prepared by Physical Vapor Deposition.

Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is widely utilized for the production of organic semiconductor devices due to its ability to form thin layers with exceptional properties. Although the layers in the device usually consist of two or more components, there is limited understanding about the fundamental characteristics of such multicomponent vapor-deposited glasses. Here, spectroscopic ellipsometry was employed to characterize the densities, thermal stabilities, and optical properties of covapor deposited NPD and TPD glasses across the entire range of composition. We find that codeposited NPD and TPD form high density glasses with enhanced thermal stability. The dependences of density and stability upon substrate temperature are correlated, and the birefringence of the codeposited glasses is determined by the reduced substrate temperature of mixtures. Additionally, we observe that the transformation of a highly stable and dense two-component glass into its supercooled liquid initiates from the free surface and propagates into the bulk at a constant velocity, like single component PVD glasses. All of these features are consistent with the surface equilibration mechanism.

Miscible blends of chemically‐modified poly(phenylene oxides) with styrene copolymers containing polar groups

AbstractPoly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO) is well‐known to be miscible with polystyrene, but immiscible with styrene copolymers containing polar groups. Certain nitrated‐PPOs (NPPOs) were found to be miscible with copolymers of styrene/acrylonitrile (SANs), copolymers of styrene/maleic anhydride (SMAs), a terpolymer of α‐methylstyrene/styrene/acrylonitrile (α‐MS/S/AN), and a copolymer of o‐ and p‐chlorostyrene (PCS). Also, certain simultaneously nitrated‐ and chlorinated‐PPOs (NCPPOs) were found to be miscible with SANs, SMAs and PCS whereas immiscible with the α‐MS/S/AN. The miscibility was indicated by the presence of a single composition‐dependent glass‐transition temperature for a given blend across the entire range of blend compositions tested. The miscibility of the aforementioned NPPOs and NCPPOs blends with SAN1 and SMA1 is attributed to hydrogen bonding of hydroxy groups of NPPOs and NCPPOs with nitrile groups and carbonyl groups, respectively, based on the literature information. The hydroxy groups were generated during nitration and simultaneous nitration/chlorination of PPO as a result of nucleophilic chain scission. Miscible blends of ‐NPPO/SAN and ‐NPPO/SMA with ABS1 showed a substantially better balance of the following properties than a comparable immiscible‐NPPO/SAN blend and a ‐PPO/SAN blend with ABS1: notched Izod impact strength, tensile properties, heat distortion temperature and gasoline stress‐crack resistance.Highlights Nitration and simultaneous nitration/chlorination of PPO generated hydroxyl end groups. Certain NPPOs and NCPPOs were miscible with SANs, SMAs and PCS. Miscibility indicated by a single composition dependent Tg for a given blend. Miscibility attributed to hydrogen bonding of respective functional groups. Impact‐modified miscible‐NPPO/SAN blends and ‐NPPO/SMA blends with ABS1 as impact modifier had good key properties.

Liquid and crystallized phases stability in the sub-system H3PO4[sbnd]H4P2O7: Experimental determination and modeling

The study of the system formed by ortho- and pyrophosphoric acid was resumed in order to understand the crystallization conditions of these two compounds and to highlight the existence of their possible polymorphism. To this end, the solid-liquid equilibria (SLE) of pyrophosphoric acid was studied in depth. Contradictions in literature data were resolved through systematic experimentation: solubility measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Calorimetric measurements confirmed the existence of two crystalline forms of pyrophosphoric acid, and their stability domains were determined. Furthermore, thermodynamic modeling of the SLE has led to a consistent and refined representation of the observed phenomena. In particular, the transition temperature from low-temperature (form I) to high-temperature form (form II) of pyrophosphoric acid was determined at 298.4 K and the coordinates of the eutectic point common between H3PO4 and H4P2O7 (I) were precisely determined. Modeling also confirms the non-negligible quantity of triphosphoric acid in the liquid state throughout virtually the entire compositional range. Finally, X-ray powder diffraction data were used to determine the cell parameters and space group of pyrophosphoric acid using EXPO 2014 software.

Excess acoustic and volumetric properties of polyethylene glycol 200 + methyl/ethyl methacrylate binary mixtures at different temperatures: An experimental and theoretical study

The excess and partial molar properties of binary liquid mixtures can be used to unveil the prevailing intermolecular interactions. The densities, ρ and speeds of sound, u for pure polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200), methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate and their binaries (PEG 200 + methyl/ethyl methacrylate) have been measured over the entire composition range in the temperature range (293.15 to 323.15) K at 5 K intervals and at pressure, p = 100 kPa. The excess molar volume, excess isentropic compressibility, excess speed of sound, excess intermolecular free length, excess molar isentropic compressibility and excess acoustic impedance were evaluated using the experimental data. The partial and excess partial molar volumes/compressibilities of the components at each mole fraction and at infinite dilution have also been calculated. The results have been interpreted on the basis of prevailing intermolecular interactions as well as structural effects between like and unlike molecules. The results indicate the effect of the size of alkyl group on excess functions and interactions in these systems and the PEG-methacrylate interactions follow the order: methyl methacrylate > ethyl methacrylate. Scaled particle theory has also been used for the theoretical estimation of the speeds of sound and compared with experimental values. FT-IR spectra of pure PEG 200, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate and equimolar PEG 200 + methyl methacrylate/ethyl methacrylate mixtures were also recorded and analysed for better understanding of prevailing intermolecular interaction.