Film Samples Research Articles

Enhancement of Q-Switched Erbium-Doped Fibre Laser Performance using Graphene Oxide-Calcium Oxide Thin Film Saturable Absorbers

This paper presents an experiment utilizing calcium oxide (CaO) from the cuttlefish bone combined with graphene oxide (GO) to create a graphene oxide-calcium oxide (GO-CaO) based saturable absorber (SA) for Q-switched erbium-doped fibre lasers. The experiment aims to investigate the impact of calcium oxide when added to graphene oxide to form the SA thin film. The laser performance of both types of SA was compared, considering their input pump power, repetition rate, pulse width, and output power. The results indicated that the graphene oxide – calcium oxide SA thin film provided the best output power and the lowest threshold input pump power at 10.76 µW and 53.12 mW, respectively. In the characterization, UV-Vis spectroscopy was utilized to determine the number of discrete wavelengths in UV or visible light that the materials absorbed or transmitted. The UV-Vis results indicated that the graphene oxide thin film exhibited an absorbance value of 0.049 AU and a transmittance value of 89.25 % at a wavelength of 1565 nm. In comparison, the GO-CaO SA thin film displayed an absorbance value of 0.037 AU and a transmittance value of 91.89 % at the same wavelength. Raman spectroscopy was also conducted to provide details about the chemical structure and crystallinity of the thin film samples. The results showed high-intensity peaks for the GO thin film at wavenumbers of 1353.74 cm-1 and 1609.85 cm-1, and for GO – CaO thin film at wavenumbers of 1358.56 cm-1 and 1612.18 cm-1. Additionally, SEM was utilized to study the morphology of the thin film samples. Based on the characterization and laser performance results, it was concluded that the addition of calcium oxide to graphene oxide enhances the properties of the SA thin film, leading to improved laser performance due to its higher thermal conductivity.

Response characterization of radiochromic OC-1 films in photon, electron, and proton beams.

Radiochromic film (RCF) dosimeters with their high spatial resolution and tissue equivalent properties are conveniently used for two-dimensional and small-field dosimetry. OC-1 is a new model of RCF dosimeter that was commercially introduced recently. Due to its novelty there is a need to characterize its response in various radiation beam types. To study the response of OC-1 RCFs to megavoltage clinical x-ray, electron, and proton beams, as well as kilovoltage x-ray beams used in a small animal research irradiator. OC-1 RCFs were cut into ∼4×4 cm2 pieces. RCF samples were irradiated at various dose levels in the range 0.5-120Gy using different modalities; a small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) (220 kVp), a medical linear accelerator (6 MV, 10 MV, 15 MV, 6 MV FFF, 10 MV FFF photon beams, as well as 6 and 20 MeV electron beams), and a gantry-mounted proton therapy synchrocyclotron. In order to study any dependency on the fractionation scheme, same dose was delivered at several fractions to a set of films. Different dose rates in the range 200-600 MU/min were delivered to a set of films to investigate any dose rate dependency. The films were scanned pre-irradiation and at 48h post-irradiation using a flatbed scanner. The net optical density (OD) was measured for red, green, and blue color channel for each film. The orientation dependency was studied by scanning the films at eight different orientations. In order to study the temporal evolution of the response of the films, film samples were irradiated at 10 and 50Gy using 6 MV photon beams and were scanned upon irradiation at certain time intervals up to 3 months. The spectral response of the films were studied over the visible range using a spectrometer. For megavoltage photon, electron, and plateau region of the proton beams, we did not observe a significant dependency on the beam quality, dose rate, and fractionation scheme. At the kV beam, an unusual over-response was observed in the films' net OD. An orientation dependency in the response of the films with a sinusoidal trend was observed. The response of the films increased with time following a double or triple exponential trend. The spectral absorption peaks were blue-shifted with dose. OC-1 RCFs were found to be reliable dosimeters with no significant energy dependency in MV range for photon and electron beams including the FFF beams. They over-respond when irradiated bykV x-ray beams compared to MV x-ray beams. Caution must be exercised to maintain the orientation of the films when scanning. Due to the temporal growth in the net OD of the films, same post-irradiation time interval must be used for scanning the calibration and test films.

Effect of propolis extract-loaded films made of apple pomace pectin and grass pea protein on the shelf life extension of black mulberry

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of propolis extract (PE) (0, 3, 6, and 12% v/w) on edible films, containing 3% w/v apple pomace pectin and 5% w/v grass peas protein. The structural and morphological properties of the films were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, and SEM analysis, showing higher PE levels led to a more homogeneous and compact structure. Moreover, incorporating PE into the film samples developed their mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, antioxidant, and antimicrobial attributes, particularly against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Botrytis cinerea. In addition, the 12% PE film exhibited the highest water vapor and oxygen barrier abilities of 3.57 × 10−10 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1 and 1.43 meq/Kg, respectively. Furthermore, the film solutions with the same PE concentrations were applied as coatings to extend black mulberry shelf life. Results revealed that PE-enriched coatings decreased the weight loss and fungal contamination of the fruits during the storage. Specifically, the 12% PE-coated samples showed ABTS radical scavenging activity of 90.22%, total yeast and mold count of 3.11 log CFU g−1, and superior sensorial properties after 18 days of storage. Accordingly, the 12% PE coating was identified as the most effective, preserving postharvest attributes of fruits and prolonging their shelf life until 18 days at 4 °C. Overall, these results suggested that the apple pomace pectin, grass pea protein, and PE can be efficiently used as a promising natural substitute for food packaging to develop the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of films and coatings with various applications in food products.

Double layer packaging based on active black chickpea protein isolate electrospun nanofibers and intelligent salep film containing black chickpea peel anthocyanins for seafood products

In this study, a double-layer active and intelligent packaging system was developed based on two main natural macromolecules i.e. protein and carbohydrate with green perspective. Firstly, the salep-based films containing different concentrations (0–8 % w/w) of the inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin/black chickpea anthocyanins (βCD/BCPA) were produced. The salep film containing 8 % of βCD/BCPA complex was specified as the optimized film sample based on its performance as a color indicator. The electrospinning of black chickpea protein isolate nanofibers (BCPI NFs) containing citral nanoliposomes (NLPs) was done on the optimized salep film. The cross-sectional field emission scanning electron microscopy approved the creation of double-layer structure of the developed film. The study of chemical and crystalline structure, as well as the thermal properties of the film exhibited the physical attachment of BCPI electrospun NFs on salep film. The effectiveness of the developed system was studied in detection of spoilage and increasing the shelf life of seafood products, including shrimp and fish fillet. The performance of the intelligent layer in detection of freshness/spoilage was acceptable for both seafood products. In addition, the active layer of the film controlled the changes of pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, oxidation, and microbial load in samples during storage time.

SILAR deposition and characterization of ZnO films for numerical investigation as electron transport layer in solar cells

The SILAR method of thin film deposition has attracted the scientific community over the years due to its easiness, low cost, availability of room temperature deposition, and more over due to the variation in properties of thin films available by varying deposition parameters.This work is carried out in a way to comprehensively compare two ZnO thin film samples prepared from precursor media with Zinc Acetate (S1) and Zinc Chloride(S2) salts deposited by SILAR method in Perovskite Solar cell applications. The XRD, FTIR, Raman, FESEM, and UV-Visible analysis were carried out for identifying the structural, morphological, and optical quality of these samples. The role of these samples as Electron Transport Layer (ETL) in Perovskite Solar cell were identified using General purpose PhotoVoltaic Device model (GPVDM) simulation software which is well adapted for studying Solar cell architecture. It provided the output Solar cell parameters like Jsc, Voc, FF, PCE, etc and by varying the active layer and Hole Transport Layer (HTL) thicknesses, the optimized efficiency of devices with samples S1 and S2 were obtained as 21.88% and 21.96%.The results showed that SILAR-synthesized ZnO thin films could be potential candidates for ETL applications in Perovskite Solar cells.

P-type nickel cobalt oxide synthetized by chemical bath deposition to applications on thin film transistors

This work studies nickel-cobalt oxide (NiCo2O4) thin films synthesized via chemical bath deposition for potential application as p-type active layers in electronic devices. X-ray photoemission electron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms the synthesis of a ternary compound with a stoichiometry of Ni1.04Co1.96O4. The thin film sample exhibiting the closest stoichiometry to the ternary compound has a thickness of approximately 50 nm. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs indicate an increase in surface porous size corresponding to higher nickel concentrations in the ternary compound. All synthesized NiCo2O4 thin films demonstrate p-type behavior. The lowest resistivity film had a majority carrier concentration of 1×1020 1/cm3, a mobility value of 0.1 cm2/V·s, and a resistivity of 0.1 Ω cm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies reveal that the thin films have a type of spinel cubic structure for the phase NiCo2O4. Characteristic spinel bands are observed in the UV–Vis transmittance spectra, and the energy bandgaps of the Ni1.04Co1.96O4 film are estimated to be approximately 3.41 and 2.19 eV using the Tauc method. The thin film with the lowest resistivity was used as an active layer to fabricate a thin-film transistor, displaying typical output curves of a p-channel transistor.

Symmetry change in LaNiO3 films caused by epitaxial strain from LaAlO3, SrTiO3, and DyScO3 pseudocubic (001) surfaces

To elucidate the epitaxial strain effect over a wide range of lattice mismatch, we investigated the structures of ∼25 nm thick LaNiO3 films grown on the pseudocubic (001) surfaces of three different substrates, namely, LaAlO3 (LAO), SrTiO3 (STO), and DyScO3 (DSO). Such structural information had been inferred from the intensities of a small number of Bragg reflections that relate to the NiO6 octahedral tilting in previous studies. Here, we measured more than 100 reciprocal lattice points to derive reliable structural information. The procedure of ordinary crystal structure analysis is hampered by the multidomain structure and limited volume of measurable reciprocal space, both caused by a huge, highly symmetric substrate. To overcome this difficulty, we employed the Bayesian inference to obtain the detailed atomic positions in film samples. Octahedral tilting about the c axis was dominant for the compressively strained film grown on LAO, whereas tilting about the a and b axes was dominant for the tensile strained films grown on STO and DSO. The film lattice parameters of the samples grown on STO and DSO were nearly identical, whereas additional twofold lattice modulation, including cation displacement, was only observed in the latter.

Is video streaming hurting box office revenues at U.S. theaters?

ABSTRACT Given the scarcity of data on video streaming consumption, few studies have attempted to measure its effects on other traditional film media. To overcome this literature gap, we evaluate the impact of streaming indirectly by exploring the early introduction of Netflix streaming services in the U.S. as an intervention. We use the Australian market as a comparison group, given that Netflix was not available in that country until 2015. Using a sample of films released in the U.S. and Australia between 2004 and 2014, we document that the launch of Netflix streaming services in 2007 is associated with a reduction of 14 to 17% in box office revenues.

Artifact-free sample preparation of metal thin films using Xe plasma-focused ion beam milling for atomic resolution and in situ biasing analyses

The focused ion beam (FIB) technique using Ga ion beams is generally employed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sampling owing to its location-specific beam controllability on materials. However, Ga ion beam bombardment-induced damage hinders reliable structural analysis. Furthermore, Ga ions implanted in the damaged surface layer substantially lower the chemical stability of the samples, such as metal thin films. Here, aiming for atomic-level interface structural analysis, we propose a useful approach for the TEM sample preparation of heteroepitaxial Ag/Cu metal films without physical damage or chemical instabilities using the Xe plasma FIB (PFIB) system. Xe plasma-assisted sampling ensured that the interface structure of the Ag/Cu metal film remained intact; in contrast, the sample prepared using the focused Ga ion beam was damaged by elemental mixing. Furthermore, the sample prepared by Xe plasma milling exhibited robust structural stability over time after exposure to air in contrast to the sample prepared by Ga-ion milling, which induced structural decomposition owing to oxidation. In addition to the static structural analysis, the Cu thin film sample prepared by Xe PFIB exclusively exhibited pristine structural properties under in situ electrical biasing experiments, thus confirming the feasibility of conducting a fundamental study of Cu electromigration without artifacts.

Synthesis and Characterization of Janus fenugreek Seed Gum-based Film for Food Packaging and Wound Dressing Applications

The use of plant-derived natural gum polysaccharides in food packaging and biomedicine is growing due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, film-forming ability, abundant functional groups, and potential for chemical or physical modification to develop novel materials. In this study, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed gum (FSG)-based Janus films with glycerol (GLY) as a plasticizer in varying concentrations (2%, 5%, 7%, and 10% w/w) were synthesized for potential food packaging and biomedical applications. The glycerol concentration significantly affected the stability, microstructure, moisture content, and solubility of the film, with 5% GLY yielding the most stable films. The water solubility was gradually increased with increasing the GLY content in the film sample. The film exhibited strong radical scavenging activity against DPPH assays, with an IC50 value of 158.73±0.013 µg/mL. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the film were found to be 88.21±0.012 mg/g in gallic acid equivalents (GAE) and 9.36±0.018 mg/g in quercetin equivalents (QE), respectively. The pristine FSG film exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and the fungal strain Candida albicans, which was significantly enhanced by incorporating the antibacterial drug penicillin. Additionally, we examined the impact of different films on chicken meat and cheese by monitoring changes in weight loss, color, pH, total aerobic mesophilic counts (TAMC), and psychrotrophic bacterial counts (PBC) during storage. Our results demonstrated that the samples packaged with pristine FSG film exhibited significantly lower TAMC and PBC values and slowed down the increase in pH values compared to the control samples, which further decreased by incorporating antimicrobial drug. These findings indicated that the Janus pristine FSG film is suitable for food packaging. Further, antimicrobial drugs incorporated into FSG film could be potential candidates for wound dressing applications.

Novel polybenzoxazine-based arylidene moiety modified cellulose acetate for enhanced antifouling properties

Marine fouling is a widespread problem in the maritime industry, causing significant damage to equipment and vessels. Polybenzoxazine (PBz) is a resin that is both remarkable and captivating, and it has a wide range of sophisticated uses. Due to their distinctive characteristics, benzoxazines have sparked the interest of scholars globally. However, most benzoxazine resin production and processing depend on petroleum resources, particularly those based on bisphenol A. This study aimed to create new benzoxazine monomers using bio-based raw materials, primarily motivated by the environmental ramifications. The main goal of this study is to synthesize a benzoxazine molecule, specifically (2E,6E)-2,6-bis(3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[e][1,3]oxazin-6-yl)methylene) cyclohexane-1-one, abbreviated as (CHPE), by employing an arylidene base. Later, the chemical was used as a modifier for the cellulose acetate (CA) matrix to create film samples. The primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of these film samples in preventing fouling. The CHPE molecule was produced using a bis(arylidene) cyclohexanone diol and analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques, respectively. The films were fabricated by blending various weight proportions. The composition of the (CHPE-CA) films was determined by FTIR analysis, while their morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal stability of the films was studied using Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). This study investigated the antifouling properties of polymer sheet compositions containing varying amounts of CA at two different processing temperatures, 180 °C and 200 °C and without curing. The results demonstrated the potential of incorporating CA into the polymer matrix to enhance antifouling performance. Among the polymer compositions tested, the 20% CA composition exhibited the highest percentage reduction in fouling at both processing temperatures, suggesting that a small amount of CA can contribute to effective antifouling properties.

Mechanical properties of polymer composite films with ZnO nanoparticles synthesized in low-temperature plasma under ultrasonic cavitation

Abstract In this study, polymer nanocomposite materials consisting of the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate as a matrix and nanoparticles of zinc oxide as a filler have been obtained and examined by physicochemical and mechanical methods. Zinc oxide nanoparticles used in this study were fabricated using the plasma discharge under the effect of intensive ultrasonic cavitation. To ensure that resulting nanocomposites will acquire homogeneous distribution of filler nanoparticles, solution technology was utilized followed by the melt compounding technique, and also nanoparticles treated and non-treated with ultrasound were applied. The fabricated samples of nanocomposite material films were examined by X-ray phase analysis, then X-ray fluorescence analysis as well as scanning electron microscopy. The differences between the samples were demonstrated: when the nanoparticles without ultrasonic treatment were used, the particles were found to be more strongly aggregated within the bulk of the composite material and the average size of particles was visually larger in comparison to the sample filled with nanoparticles subjected to ultrasonic action. Finally, studies of the tensile strength and relative deformation of the samples were carried out. From the results of mechanical tests, it can be seen that, according to both studied parameters, there is an optimal concentration of ZnO nanoparticles. For tensile strength, the highest result was obtained at a concentration of nanoparticles of 3%, and for the relative elongation to rupture of the sample, the highest value was achieved at a concentration of nanoparticles of 2%.

Synthesis and Characterization of Cobalt-doped Titanium Dioxide Thin Films as Solar Cell Components using UV-SEM Analysis

Research has been carried out in the form of the synthesis and characterization of thin films of titanium dioxide with the addition of cobalt doping. The purpose of this research was to synthesize and characterize thin films related to optical properties, morphological shapes, and components of thin film compounds that are good for use as basic materials for the development of nanoparticle technology in the form of solar cells. The research was carried out in two stages, namely synthesis such as preparation of glass substrates, preparation of sol-gel solutions, deposition of solutions onto glass substrates, and heating of TiO2:Co thin film samples. The next stage is the thin film characterization test, where the optical properties of the thin film, such as absorbance, transmittance, gap energy, and activation energy, are measured using a UV-vis spectrophotometer, while morphological data and components of the thin layer compounds are measured using a Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-rays (SEM-EDX). Based on data analysis and discussion, it was found that the optical properties, such as the transmittance value of the thin film, experienced the lowest point at a wavelength of 250–280 nm with a maximum percentage value of 62.14 to 78.85%. The greater the doping concentration, the lower the transmittance value. This condition is inversely proportional to the absorbance value of the maximum TiO2:Co thin film, which is in the region with a wavelength of 280–300 nm and a value of 5.70–6.31. The greater the doping concentration, the greater the absorbance value. The energy bandgap values of TiO2:Co thin films for doping concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20)% were 3.44; 3.39; 3.38; 3.32; 3.22 eV for the direct energy bandgap and 3.86; 3.85; 3.84; 3.85; 3.82 eV for the indirect energy gap. The activation energy of the TiO2:Co thin film decreased from 2.86 to 2.26 eV. As for the morphological data of the TiO2:Co thin film, it was found that the greater the concentration of doping, the layer was deposited evenly, finely, and homogeneously. Regarding the data on the components of the thin layer compounds, it was found that the percentage of TiO2 content was in the range of 64.48–95.94%, while for Co, it was in the range of 0.00–19.21%.

Recent improvements in quantification of energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectra and maps in electron microscopy of semiconductors

AbstractThis tutorial‐style article describes recent improvements in the quantitative application of energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and mapping in electron microscopes to semiconductors, with a focus on spatial resolution, sensitivity and accuracy obtainable in characterising the chemical composition of thin layers, quantum wells and quantum dots. Various approaches applicable in scanning electron microscopy of bulk and (scanning) transmission electron microscopy of thin film samples are outlined. Applications to semiconductor quantum well systems, mainly based on indium gallium arsenide and silicon germanium studied in the author's laboratory, are provided as examples.

Influence of subphase temperature on Langmuir layers and thin films of A3B-type porphyrine derivative

The influence of aqueous subphase temperature on the formation and stability of floating layers of 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris(4-hexadecyloxyphenyl)porphyrin (P-OH) was investigated using the Langmuir technology. It was found that the increase in the subphase temperature from 1 to 40 °C leads to a loosening of floating layers (an increase in the area per molecule in the floating layer by ∼15% and a decrease in the surface compression modulus by more than two times). The stability of floating layers (i.e., the ability of a floating layer to maintain its area under the action of a constant compressive force) decreases with increasing subphase temperature. It has been shown that the most stable floating layers are formed at subphase temperatures lower than 30 °C. Monolayer films on solid substrates were obtained using the Langmuir-Schafer technique at subphase temperatures of 1, 10, 20, 30, and 40 °C. The surface relief of these films was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AFM analysis revealed that the films transferred from the aqueous subphase at a temperature of 20 °C had the highest continuity and the lowest roughness. The absorption spectra of the floating layers were obtained, in which a bathochromic shift of the Soret band and Q-bands were registered (by 19 nm at 20 °C) in comparison with chloroform solution spectrum. This shift is a consequence of the strong intermolecular π–π* interaction, resulting in the formation of J-type aggregates. The Soret band in the spectra of the floating layers shifted from 436 to 441 nm with an increase in subphase temperature from 1 to 40 °C. In the absorption spectra of thin films (8 transfers), the indicated shifts of absorption bands as well as a broadening of the Soret band are preserved. The results of this work can be used in the targeted creation of film samples with specific structure and properties.

Effect of ultrasonic assisted-ECAP processing on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and fluoride-induced corrosion performance of pure titanium

The influence of the ultrasonic assisted equal channel angular pressing (UA-ECAP) process on the microstructural characteristics, mechanical properties, and fluoride-induced corrosion behavior of grade 2 commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) is investigated. The UA-ECAP process, particularly in the first pass, induces the formation of twins and slip bands. Continued slip band activity leads to non-equilibrium structures and ultrafine grains in subsequent passes. Mechanical properties analyses show hardness progression from 147 HV (annealed state) to 233 HV (3-pass UA-ECAPed) and yield strength increase from 465 MPa to 765 MPa with elongation reduction from 24.6 % to 16.6 %. Fluoride-induced corrosion of various samples in 1 wt% HF solution is investigated through electrochemical and immersion tests. After 28 days of immersion, the 3-pass UA-ECAPed sample exhibits a corrosion rate around half that of the annealed one and lower than other UA-ECAPed samples. Microscopic observations of corroded samples reveal the 3-pass UA-ECAPed sample's film is denser and more uniform, as compared with the other samples. Glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) confirms the corrosion films on all samples consist of an outer region rich in oxygen/fluorine and an inner region rich in oxygen; however, the film exists on the 3-pass UA-ECAPed sample exhibits over twice thicker than other samples and with higher contribution of oxygen in it as well. A proposed physical model is provided to explain the 3-pass ECAP sample's enhanced corrosion resistance.

Evaluation of X-ray radiation shielding performance of Bi2O3 and BaTiO3 embedded in PVP and PEG polymer nanocomposite

This study addressed the limitations of lead-based radiation shields by developing lead-free, non-toxic, lightweight, and flexible shielding materials with high attenuation efficiency. To achieve this, single and triple layers of Bi2O3-BaTiO3/PVP-PEG nanocomposite films were synthesized. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers (2:1 ratio) were used as the polymeric matrix in which fillers of Bi2O3 and BaTiO3 nanoparticles (NPs) with particle sizes ranging from 90 to 210 nm and <100 nm, respectively, were embedded. Four single-layer samples with 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% NP concentrations were prepared; the samples were 1.05, 1.09, 1.27, and 1.42 mm thick, respectively. Two samples of triple-layered films were prepared with 30% and 50% NPs, measuring 3.78 and 4.23 mm in thickness, respectively. The attenuation efficiency of these films was investigated using X-ray tube voltages from 10 to 120 kVp. Further, the flexibility of the synthesized films was tested by manual handling. All single- and triple-layer nanocomposites exhibited effective radiation attenuation and desirable flexibility. Specifically, at the lowest tube voltage, all samples exhibited 100% attenuation, while at the highest tube voltage, the attenuation ranged from 27% to 84%, depending on the NP concentration and number of layers of the sample. The highest attenuation ratio, observed in the 50% triple-layer sample, reached 100% up to approximately 60 kVp and 84% at 120 kVp. Consequently, the most optimal film synthesized in this study had a triple-layer configuration with 50% Bi2O3-BaTiO3 NPs embedded in a PVP-PEG polymer with an average attenuation of 95.5% for all tube voltages (10–120 kVp). Therefore, this shielding is suitable for various diagnostic applications, such as mammography, dental X-rays, computerized tomography, and fluoroscopy. Highlights Single- and triple-layered nanocomposite Bi2O3-BaTiO3/PVP-PEG films were synthesized The attenuation efficiency of the films against X-rays was investigated A triple-layer configuration with 50% Bi2O3-BaTiO3/PVP-PEG was suitable for various diagnostic applications

Development of bio-composite mulch film from cotton gin wastes: Study of pesticide residue and outdoor stability and degradation

Non-degradable plastic mulch films used in agriculture are polluting the environment by leaving residues and microplastics in the soil. They are also difficult to recycle due to contamination during their use. Biodegradable mulch films are needed as alternatives so that they can be used effectively during the growing season and later be ploughed to be degraded in soil. However, market-available so-called biodegradable mulch films are very slow to degrade in the natural environment and thus do not fit with crop rotation demands or annual cultivation. In this study, we have developed mulch films from cotton gin trash (CGT) and/or gin motes (GM) in combination with biodegradable polycaprolactone and demonstrated their effectiveness over 3 months in outdoor conditions. Both the stability and degradation behaviours of mulch film samples were observed when they were placed on top of the soil and buried in the soil, respectively. Pesticide residue analysis also was carried out on CGT powder to identify and quantify individual pesticides against a matrix of known pesticides. The mulch films prepared in this study showed comparable and stable mechanical properties compared to commercial biodegradable mulch film, though were much quicker to degrade when buried in the soil. No pesticides were detected in the CGT samples. The films produced were vapour-permeable and may be useful in practical agricultural settings by being able to maintain consistent soil moisture and allowing precipitation to penetrate gradually. The lab-scale production cost for the film was 98.8 AUD/kg, which could be lowered by integrating a continuous film line in large-scale production.

Fabrication and Tribological Properties of Diamond-like Carbon Film with Cr Doping by High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering

The present study aims to investigate the advantages of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films in reducing friction and lubrication to address issues such as the low surface hardness, high friction coefficients, and poor wear resistance of titanium alloys. Cr-doped DLC films were deposited by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) in an atmosphere of a gas mixture of Ar and C2H2. The energy of the deposited particles was controlled by adjusting the target powers, and four sets of film samples with different powers (4 kW, 8 kW, 12 kW, and 16 kW) were fabricated. The results showed that with an increase in target power, the Cr content increased from 3.73 at. % to 22.65 at. %; meanwhile, the microstructure of the film evolved from an amorphous feature to a nanocomposite structure, with carbide embedded in an amorphous carbon matrix. The sp2-C bond content was also increased in films, suggesting an intensification of the film’s graphitization. The hardness of films exhibited a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing, reaching the maximum value at 12 kW. The friction coefficient and wear rate of films showed a reverse trend compared to hardness variation, namely initially decreasing and then increasing. The friction coefficient reached a minimum value of 0.14, and the wear rate was 2.50 × 10−7 (mm3)/(N·m), at 8 kW. The abrasive wear was the primary wear mechanism for films deposited at a higher target power. Therefore, by adjusting the target power parameter, it is possible to control the content of the metal and sp2/sp3 bonds in metal-doped DLC films, thereby regulating the mechanical and tribological properties of the films and providing an effective approach for addressing surface issues in titanium alloys.

Use of talc and pyrogenic silicon dioxides as dispersants in production of rigid polyvinyl chloride films filled with calcium carbonate

The influence of dispersing agents (talc and hydrophilic silicon dioxides) on the physical and mechanical properties of rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films filled with calcium carbonate is considered. Test results for tensile strength, elongation at break and impact strength were analyzed for film samples containing different ratios of dispersant and filler.