Help Of SEM Research Articles

Exploring the Influence of Servant Leadership and Job Engagement on Affective Commitment and Organizational Citizenship Behavior in the Agricultural Sector

The agricultural sector is currently facing an era of disruption amidst the industrial revolution which ultimately forces human resources to adapt, including agricultural human resources. Researchers have highlighted the role of servant leadership and job engagement on affective commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. This research aims to analyze the improvement in the performance of government officials in agricultural development (food crops, horticulture, and fisheries) through the arrangement of human resources, namely, Civil Servants allocated to servant leadership roles and job engagement in affective commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. According to the gap theory they are placing job engagement as a mediator in conditioning servant leadership on affective commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. Causal design with a positivism (quantitative) paradigm to test the proposed hypothesis. Involving around 118 Civil Servants in regional organizations of the Agriculture Service, Food Crops and Horticulture Service, and South Konawe Regency Fisheries Service. The research was conducted for five months, between May and September 2023. Starting from distributing questionnaires to compiling research results. This number is determined randomly proportionally. Data was obtained by distributing questionnaires, using a Likert scale. Data were analyzed with the help of SEM using AMOS 7 software. Servant leadership is proven to play a significant role in job engagement, affective commitment, and organizational citizenship behavior. Then job engagement hurts affective commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. Job engagement acts as a mediator between servant leadership and organizational citizenship behavior. This finding is in line with the performance achievements of the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors which show an increase in their respective contributions to the regional economy in 2018 from IDR 2,103 billion to IDR 2,435 billion in 2022. Theoretically, government organizations in implementing job engagement are so weak that they are unable to create affective commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. Based on these findings, it is necessary to strengthen the implementation of job engagement, and to prove this model, it is necessary to carry out further analysis on a wider scale and with a diversity of sample characteristics. The practical implication is that increasing the achievements of this sector in the future can be done by maximizing job engagement, affective commitment, organizational citizenship behavior, and servant leadership. The resulting novelty is the mediating role of job engagement on the influence of servant leadership on affective commitment, and organizational citizenship behavior, achievements in the agricultural, forestry, and fisheries sectors.

Impact of Metallic Impurities on the Synthesis and Properties of NMC Cathode Material Obtained by Co-Precipitation

Among the different factors that influence lithium-ion batteries (LIB) performances, the properties of the cathode active material (CAM) play a crucial role. The composition, the crystallinity and also the particle size and morphology of these materials are part of the major parameters governing the CAM behaviour. These parameters are strongly dependent of the synthesis method, especially in the case of the hydroxide precursor of the layered LiNixMnyCozO2 [1].One of the most widely spread synthesis method of such precursors is the synthesis by co-precipitation, where metal salts of Ni, Mn and Co are precipitated together in a continually-stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in carefully controlled pH- and temperature conditions[2]. Any parameter of the co-precipitation must be precisely tuned to obtain the desired material, as highlighted in the figure here after.Considering the increasing presence of wanted (coating/doping)[3] and unwanted (impurities after recycling)[4] elements in the co-precipitation process, extensive knowledge of their impact on it is of great interest. Therefore, the synthesis of NixMnyCoz(OH)2 was conducted by co-precipitation with the controlled addition of increasing amounts of elements such as Cu and Al.The effects of these additions were investigated by thoroughly characterizing the morphology of the obtained hydroxides with the help of SEM, BET, particle size distribution and porosity measurements. The composition of the synthesized hydroxides was determined by the ICP-OES technique. The possible influence on the further step of CAM synthesis, i.e. calcination, was followed by in-situ X-Ray thermodiffraction and the electrochemical performances were assessed by galvanostatic cycling the obtained CAM in lithium half-cells. This helped to evidence the varying impact of the added elements, depending on their concentration in the synthesis process.This work is supported by the German Ministry for Economy and Climate Protection (BMWK).

Hierarchically Structured Potassium-Vanadium-Phosphate/C Composites As Possible High-Voltage Cathodic Materials for Potassium-Ion-Batteries

Potassium-ion-batteries (PIBs) share technological similarities with Lithium- and Sodium-ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs) and are based on the inter- and deintercalation of K ions between two host materials.[1] The higher atomic weight and larger ionic radius of potassium ions results in lower gravimetric and volumetric capacities compared to LIBs.[2] But they offer similar advantages as SIBs (i.e. use of aluminium as current collector on both sides, evenly distributed potassium reserves) as well as graphite could be used as anode.[2,3] Also, they are expected to offer higher cell voltages due to the low standard potential of K/K+ vs. SHE of -2.93V.[3] To unlock the full potential of PIBs, cathode materials with high average potentials above 4 V need to be developed, which would significantly improve the energy density.[4] Polyanionic compounds, especially different Vanadium-Phosphates, are prepared and investigated for this purpose. Their thermal stability and diverse structural chemistry are advantageous for high energy PIBs. [2,5] One of the often-used synthesis methods for polyanionic compounds is the solid-state reaction. [4] In my work this well-known synthesis was coupled with a spray-drying process and a subsequently sintering process for K3V2(PO4)3/C composites. This created spherical secondary particles with a size in the micrometer range and an open micro-porosity. (see attached image)Through the addition of different amounts of organic sugars as a carbon source during the synthesis or sintering step an additional carbon coating of the primary and secondary particles was achieved, as well as the morphology of the secondary particles could be influenced. The influences of the different carbon contents during synthesis and sintering were investigated by thoroughly characterizing the morphology and crystal structure of the secondary particle with the help of SEM, BET, particle size distribution, XRD and porosity measurements. First electrochemical evaluation of the synthesized material was done by galvanostatic cycling the KVP/C composites against potassium.

Process and mechanism of paint stripping on CFRP by UV nanosecond laser

Laser cleaning shows exciting promise for removing paint from aircraft skins. This paper focuses on the application of a 355 nm (UV) nanosecond pulsed laser for paint removal from aircraft skin composites. First, the effects of process parameters on laser paint removal are analyzed, and mapping relationships between these parameters and the depth and roughness of paint removal are established. After that, the micromorphology and dynamic behavior of the samples are observed and characterized with the help of SEM, EDS and high-speed photography. Finally, the paint cleaning mechanism and damage mechanism of the 355 nm laser are discussed. The results show that the removal of paint is a combined result of photothermal and photochemical effects, while the damage of carbon fiber is caused by thermo-mechanical forces. When the laser repetition frequency is 50 kHz, the scanning speed is 1100 mm/s, and three cleanings are performed, the paint on the CFRP surface can be completely removed while maintaining the integrity of the carbon fiber.

Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of EDTA and Citric Acid in Endodontics

Introduction: Smear layer is formed by organic and inorganic components generated during endodontic instrumentation. Smear layer has many deleterious effects on the success of root canal treatment. So removal of smear layer is advocated. Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) and a chelating agent like Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) or Citric Acid is commonly used alternatively to remove smear layer. But the alternate use increase dentine erosion in root canal surface. This in vitro study attempts to compare the smear layer removal efficacy of 15% EDTA & 10% Citric Acid as a final rinsing solution. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted, single rooted and single canal human anterior tooth were used. Endodontic preparation of the root canal was done after grouping and access cavity preparation. Final irrigation was given with 15% EDTA & 10% Citric Acid to the test groups and distilled water control groups and kept for one minute. Photomicrograph of the root canal surface at 3000X magnification at coronal, middle and apical regions were taken with the help of SEM and scoring for smear layer removal was done. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 and were compared with the control samples and subjected to statistical analysis by one way ANOVA and Bonferroni multiple comparison tests at 5% level of significance. Result: The test solutions removed smear layer but none could be removed completely from all of the three root canal regions. 10% Citric Acid removed smear layer better from the coronal and middle region but in apical region 15% EDTA produced a better result. The difference of smear layer removal efficacy of 15% EDTA & 10% Citric Acid with the Control solution was found statistically significant (p<0.001) but in between 15% EDTA & 10% Citric Acid it was not significant in all three root canal regions. Conclusion: Regarding the smear layer removal efficacy of 10% Citric Acid was found better as a final rinse solution. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2023; 13(2):9-14

Adsorptive elimination of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution by chitosan‐nSiO2 nanocomposite: Adsorption and desorption study, scale‐up design, statistical, and genetic algorithm modeling

AbstractHeavy metals and organic dyes in water in concentrations exceeding the tolerable limit are unsafe for aquatic life and humans. Chitosan nanocomposites show a potential adsorption capacity to organic dyes. The present study encompasses the preparation of chitosan‐nSiO2 nanocomposites (CSNC) with different weight ratios of chitosan to nSiO2 and its application in the methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption. The nanocomposites were characterized with the help of SEM, BET, FTIR, XRD, and TGA. The adsorption experimentation was executed in batch mode under varying experimental conditions. Several isotherm and kinetic models were analyzed with the experimental data, and thermodynamic conditions required for adsorption were also determined. Maximum Langmuir adsorption capacities (qL) of the adsorbents for MB varied in the range of 21.32–31.34 mg g−1. The pseudo‐second‐order model was the best‐fitted kinetic model concerning all three adsorbents. The statistical modeling using multiple polynomial regression (MPR) for CWS CSNC1‐1 and CSNC2‐1 yielded the equations with R‐square ranging from 0.984 to 0.996. For GA modeling, it is more than 0.999. So, the efficient employment of statistical modeling, and genetic algorithms has also been achieved.

Machinability analysis for drilling Ti6Al4V ELI under sustainable techniques: EMQL vs LCO2

As a result of the widespread use of Ti6Al4V ELI in the medical industry for implants that are subjected to high loads, these biomedical implants must be accurately machined to prevent unfavourable joint or muscular inflammatory conditions. This oftentimes involve drilling holes into the implants for joint assembly during surgery. It is well known that titanium is a very difficult to machine material and therefore, requires appropriate cooling and lubrication during machining. With the help of SEM and line-scan EDS analysis, the current study focuses on analysing various sustainable machining techniques, such as electrostatic minimum quantity lubrication (EMQL) and liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2 cryogenic coolant), while drilling Ti6Al4V ELI (Grade 23) holes in terms of hole surface quality, wear mechanisms, and chip morphology. Poor surface quality of the hole was produced under EMQL cutting, with around 42–71% larger surface roughness values (Rz) compared to cryogenic LCO2 conditions. The hole surface consisted of different defects such as adhesion, microfractures, smearing etc., as a residue of the drilling operation under both EMQL and cryogenic LCO2 conditions. Tool life was significantly improved under LCO2 cutting environment (approximately by 416%) in comparison with EMQL technique. Adhesion and abrasion were found to be the main tool wear modes. Likewise, the machined chips exhibited cracks and adhered particles further demonstrating that EMQL coolant did not provide sufficient lubrication and heat extraction capability. Cryogenic LCO2 coolant outperformed EMQL lubrication for all machinability indicators, according to the study, making it a superior cutting environment for machining Ti6Al4V. Moreover, cryogenic LCO2 coolant dissipates into air during the machining process rendering it a sustainable and environmentally friendly machining coolant fluid.

Electrochemical studies of CdS based nanocomposite: Synthesis, characterization and structural aspects insight

Nanocomposites of CdS/Ag2S, CdS/PbS, CdS/CuS, CdS/ZnS, and CdS/MnS were synthesized by a soft template method using emulsion containing water and oil. The synthesized metal sulfides were characterized with UV/vis and FTIR spectroscopy in term of spectral properties which suggested the formation of the desired compounds. Morphology and structural features were determined with the help of SEM and XRD, which depicted the irregular and cluster shapes of the compounds. The cyclic voltammetry described that synthesized compounds have electrochemical properties and have ability to be used as energy storage devices. It was concluded from the results that AAD-5 has depicted 929 mF/g specific capacitance while AAD-2 showed minimum result (6.92 mF/g). Tauc's plot were made to check the optical properties of the compounds and it showed good optical and electrochemical properties.

Interfacial coupling of 3D nanoflower-like Bi2O2CO3 with PANI for tetracycline photocatalytic degradation and intermediate toxicity analysis

The interface coupling between solid electronic medium and semiconductor with good electrical conductivity can promote the separation of photoinduced electron-hole pair and improve the activity of photocatalyst. Polyaniline/Bi2O2CO3 with different proportions was synthesized by simple hydrothermal method under the strong interfacial coupling between polyaniline and Bi2O2CO3. XRD, XPS and FT-IR techniques were used to confirm the successful synthesis of the composite materials. With the help of SEM and TEM techniques, the morphology and structure of the materials were understood, and the photocatalytic properties of the composite materials were determined by UV–Vis, PL and other techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized photocatalyst was evaluated by degradation of tetracycline, and the effects of sample dose, pH, anion and other factors on the photocatalytic process were explored. The intermediates during the reaction were determined by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and five degradation pathways were deduced. Toxicity Estimation Software Tool and Ecosar software were used to test the toxicity of intermediate products, which further illustrated the green safety of photocatalytic technology. We also propose a possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism based on the band structure of the material and the reactive radicals generated during the reaction.

Recovery of Pure Water, Salicylic Acid Crystals, and Paracetamol using PVDF-MWCNT Membranes by Membrane Distillation-crystallization

Membrane distillation-crystallization (MDC) is presented as a novel technique in the treatment of waste concentrated water which produces valuable crystals along with pure water. In the present study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) flat sheet membranes were prepared via the wet phase inversion method and applied in MDC for the treatment of pharmaceutical waste. The pure and modified membrane surface properties are characterized with the help of SEM, FTIR, and contact angle measurement. The present work reported the effect of MWCNT content and feed temperature on the MDCperformance and measured pure water flux and pharmaceutical compounds recovery. The observed maximum permeate flux and crystal recovery for Salicylic acid system was 5.5 kg/m2h and 50%, respectively for PVDF+0.5% CNT membrane and 5 kg/m2h and 48%, respectively for pure PVDF. Also, for paracetamol system it was 3.9 kg/m2h and 41% for PVDF +0.5% CNT membrane and 3.5 kg/ m2h and 38% for pure PVDF. Obtained results show that MDC has good potential in treating pharmaceutical waste.

Synergistic Interaction of Glycyrrhizin with Norfloxacin Displays ROS-Induced Bactericidal Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Acquired bacterial resistance against several antibiotics has severely impaired the drug treatment regime. Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA) causes several life-threatening human pathologies. The introduction of novel antibiotics is a tedious process. Therefore, we have introduced glycyrrhizin (Gly) as a bioenhancer of norfloxacin (Nor), which showed synergistic interactions and a robust drug response. The drug resistance reversal potential of Gly against MDRSA was monitored. Gly and GlyNor (glycyrrhizin + norfloxacin) were used for spectrofluorometer and flow cytometry analysis for the measurement of free radicals and its effect upon cell membranes and macromolecules. Morphological analysis was carried out with the help of SEM. qRT-PCR analysis was conducted for gene regulation. Gly was observed to lower the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of different groups of antibiotics up to 64-fold against MDRSA. GlyNor exerted oxidative stress, as evidenced by the measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their effect upon cell components. Gly and GlyNor showed membrane damage potential. The expression analysis of oxidative-related and MDR genes showed the up- and downregulation of these genes, respectively. GlyNor significantly lengthened post-antibiotic effects (PAE) and showed reduced mutation frequency rate (MFR). The synergistic bioenhancer properties of Gly with Nor and their enhanced ROS generation against MDRSA are reported for the first time in this study. Severe oxidative stress caused membrane damage, DNA fragmentation, transcriptional changes, and bacterial cell death. We strongly believe this could be a potential measure against rapidly evolving MDRSA.

INVESTIGATION OF CHIP MORPHOLOGY ON TURNING OF MONEL UNDER NANOGRAPHENE AND NANO CuO COOLANTS

This paper deals with experimental investigation on chip formation of machining of Monel K500 and its characteristics are studied. Two different nanocutting fluids namely nanoCuO and nanographenes are used for turning operation and the performance of the two cutting fluids is evaluated and the corresponding responses are recorded for the selection of better cutting fluid. This experiment is carried out with the help of SEM which picturizes the microstructure and surface distribution of the chips. The various output responses like chip thickness, chip compression ratio, and surface roughness are portrayed. The desirable effects on the properties of the machined material obtained by the variation of process parameters like cutting speed, cutting depth, and feed rate are analyzed. Results show that the thickness of chips (corresponding metal removal rate) is reduced considerably by 10–15% and the surface roughness is reduced by 20–30% when nanographene cutting fluids are used.

Husk-like Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis through ROS Generation in Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells: Effect of Incubation Period on Sol-Gel Synthesis and Anti-Cancerous Properties

This study effectively reports the influence of experimental incubation period on the sol-gel production of husk-like zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs) and their anti-cancerous abilities. The surface morphology of ZNPs was studied with the help of SEM. With the use of TEM, the diameter range of the ZNPs was estimated to be ~86 and ~231 nm for ZNPA and ZNPB, prepared by incubating zinc oxide for 2 and 10 weeks, respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation showed that ZNPs had a pure wurtzite crystal structure. On prolonging the experimental incubation, a relative drop in aspect ratio was observed, displaying a distinct blue-shift in the UV-visible spectrum. Furthermore, RBC lysis assay results concluded that ZNPA and ZNPB both demonstrated innoxious nature. As indicated by MTT assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, and chromatin condensation investigations against the human epidermoid carcinoma (HEC) A431 cells, ZNPB demonstrated viable relevance to chemotherapy. Compared to ZNPB, ZNPA had a slightly lower IC50 against A431 cells due to its small size. This study conclusively describes a simple, affordable method to produce ZNP nano-formulations that display significant cytotoxicity against the skin cancer cell line A431, suggesting that ZNPs may be useful in the treatment of cancer.

Effect of steel fiber in SIFCON using GGBS as binder replacement

The materials used in the high-performance concrete leads to extreme brittleness, to overcome these different fibres are introduced in the concrete to improve its tensile strength and ductility. Slurry Infiltrated Fibrous Concrete (SIFCON) is one type of special concrete in which steel fibres are placed in an effective way for its interlocking system for concrete toughness. In this study SIFCON with two different steel fibres hooked end and crimped end were used in different volume ratios of 5%, 6%, 7%, 8% and 9% separately to investigate its mechanical properties. The further investigation was carried out by replacing Ground Granulated Blast Slag (GGBS) as binder replacement with optimum fibre ratio. From the results it is concluded that hooked end fibre shows an increasing performance when compared to crimped end fibre. Similarly, the strength increment is observed when GGBS is used as binder replacement at 40%. Microstructural analysis with the help of SEM and XRD are performed, and the results indicated that a similar hydration phase with increased rate is observed in SIFCON when compared to conventional concrete.

Organisational effectiveness and career support: an integrated model for Indian millennials

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of organisational support for career development (OSCD) on organisational effectiveness (OE). It is a cross-sectional study based on responses collected from 252 millennial employees. The research perspective of this article is that when employees perceive the organisation's support in their career development, they reciprocate it with positive behaviour thus contributing to the overall effectiveness of the organisation. The hypotheses on collected data were tested with the help of SEM. The results indicated a significant impact of organisational support for career development on organisational citizenship behaviour and organisational effectiveness. The research is limited to the IT companies in Bangalore City, India. The article is a major contribution to the literature in bridging the gap on the impact of organisational support for career development and organisational outcomes.

Experimental Investigation of Electro-Mechanical Behavior of Silver-Coated Teflon Fabric-Reinforced Nafion Ionic Polymer Metal Composite with Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nanoparticles.

Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMCs) are in high demand owing to the ongoing advancements in technology for various applications. New fabrication techniques and a quick retort towards the applied load are the significant reasons for considering IPMCs in smart devices. Here, a Teflon fabric-reinforced Nafion (TFRN) membrane is used to create an IPMC. The materials employed as electrodes are silver and nanofillers. The basement membrane, Nafion 438 (N-438), is sandwiched between the electrodes using a chemical decomposition technique. Subsequently, the electromechanical properties (actuation) of the membrane are tested. The micro and molecular structure of the IPMC membrane coated with Silver (Ag), Ag-Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and Ag-Graphene nanoparticles samples are examined with the help of SEM and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The membrane scratch test is carried out to evaluate the abrasion and wear resistance of the membrane. The lowest coefficient of friction is shown by N438 + Ag + Graphene (0.05), which increased by 300% when compared to a pure N438 membrane. The hydration and tip deflection test were also performed to understand the water uptake percentage. At 90 °C, the highest water uptake was observed for N438 + Ag + Graphene (0.05), which decreased by 60, 42, 23, 14 and 26% when compared to N438, N438 + Ag, N438 + Ag + CNT (0.01), N438 + Ag + CNT (0.05) and N438 + Ag + Graphene (0.01), respectively. A proportional relationship between hydration level and tip deflection is observed and the highest bending performance is observed for the N438 + Ag + Graphene (0.05) membrane.

Experimental assessment of biobutanol degradation exposed to automotive components: A material compatibility approach

This study investigates the corrosive nature of gasoline engine parts such as piston, ring and valve exposed to various biobutanol ratios by static immersion method at different immersion durations. After immersion, variations in the surface morphology and elemental compositions of the metal samples were studied with the help of SEM and XRD results. The degradation in fuel characteristics such as density, viscosity and TAN were investigated as per the ASTM standards. According to the experimental findings, the piston sample is identified as least resistive than other components and resulted in more corrosive oxides. Among the various fuel blends, the degradation of fuel samples and corrosion rate of metals are comparatively higher for pure butanol and lower for gasoline (Bu0 <Bu20 <Bu50 <Bu100). The oxygen content that exists in the biobutanol chemical composition promotes the corrosiveness of the blends. To balance that, the OH functional group of biobutanol acts as a corrosion inhibition factor to restrict aggressive corrosion. Even though Bu100 ended with a higher corrosion rate, it can be used as a standalone fuel in gasoline because the results achieved were within the acceptable limit and has no severe influence on the failure of engine components due to corrosion.

Microstructure of a chrome-boriding of induction hardened DIN Ck 45 steel

Abstract In this study, boriding of DIN Ck 45 steel, which is hard chrome plated after induction hardening, is used as a linear shaft in 3D printers. The boriding treatment, which was carried out by the pack-boriding method, was carried out in an atmosphere-controlled furnace at 1273 K for 2 h. The thickness, morphology, hardness, and chemical composition of the boride layer formed on the sample surface as a result of the boriding process using Ekabor 2 boriding agent were examined and compared with the un-borided sample. The microstructure images were obtained with a digital camera integrated into an optical microscope, and these images were analyzed in detail with the help of an image analysis program. After the optical microscope examinations were completed, point EDX analyzes were performed on the image obtained with the help of SEM. As a result of EDX analysis, it was determined that the layer formed on the material surface was only chromium boride formed by the interaction of chromium and boron element. Finally, the hardness measurements of the borided sample were carried out with the help of Vickers indenter and then differences were compared with the un-borided sample.

CO2 metallothermic conversion to valuable nanocarbons by mixed Mg/Ca reductant

The present study concerns conversion of greenhouse CO2 gas to nanocarbons by employing a simple metallothermic method and a mixture of Mg and Ca reducing agents. The conversion reaction was carried out in a tube furnace under constant CO2/Ar gas flow at three different temperatures of 675 °C, 775 °C and 875 °C. Increase in material crystallinity with the increase of reduction temperature was observed by using XRD analysis and Raman spectroscopy. The changes in the material morphology were investigated with the help of SEM and TEM techniques. The tubular and spherical nanostructures covered with smaller particulates characteristic for synthesis at 675 °C gradually disappeared being replaced by nanostructures with irregular shape and surface at higher temperatures, while the sponge-like structures were a common morphological feature of all materials. A set of electrochemical tests were applied to estimate specific capacitance of the prepared nanocarbons. The calculated capacitance for the material prepared at 675 °C was ∼ 430 F/g at scan rate 0.1 V/s compared to the value of ∼ 130 F/g for the material synthesized at 875 °C. The higher value can possibly be explained by the specific morphology which combined a branched network of nanotubes, nanospheres and sponge-like nanostructures.

Raman imaging for the identification of Teflon microplastics and nanoplastics released from non-stick cookware

The characterisation of microplastics is still difficult, and the challenge is even greater for nanoplastics. A possible source of these particles is the scratched surface of a non-stick cooking pot that is mainly coated with Teflon. Herein we employ Raman imaging to scan the surfaces of different non-stick pots and collect spectra as spectrum matrices, akin to a hyperspectral imaging process. We adjust and optimise different algorithms and create a new hybrid algorithm to extract the extremely weak signal of Teflon microplastics and particularly nanoplastics. We use multiple characteristic peaks of Teflon to create several images, and merge them to one, using a logic-based algorithm (i), in order to cross-check them and to increase the signal-noise ratio. To differentiate the varied peak heights towards image merging, an algebra-based algorithm (ii) is developed to process different images with weighting factors. To map the images via the whole set of the spectrum (not just from the individual characteristic peaks), a principal component analysis (PCA)-based algorithm (iii) is employed to orthogonally decode the spectrum matrix to the PCA spectrum and PCA intensity image. To effectively extract the Teflon spectrum information, a new hybrid algorithm is developed to justify the PCA spectra and merge the PCA intensity images with the algebra-based algorithm (PCA/algebra-based algorithm) (iv). Based on these developments and with the help of SEM, we estimate that thousands to millions of Teflon microplastics and nanoplastics might be released during a mimic cooking process. Overall, it is recommended that Raman imaging, along with the signal recognition algorithms, be combined with SEM to characterise and quantify microplastics and nanoplastics.