High Resistivity Values Research Articles

Development of a current measurement system for 4πγ ionization chamber.

A current measurement system named ICMS-TIA (Ionization Current Measurement System based on Transimpedance Amplifier) for rapid and accurate measurement of the ionization current of 4πγ ionization chamber is developed based on an improved high-value resistance I-V conversion method with range switching function. The effective measurement range of the ICMS-TIA is from 50fA to 50μA and the response time of the system is less than 2.8s. The test shows that the deviation of the current measurement above 1pA is less than 0.41%, and the uncertainty over a range of current levels is given. In the linearity tests, the maximum deviation is 1.15 %. These tests indicate that this system can be used for current measurement of 4πγ ionization chamber.

DLTS characterisation of 107 MeV krypton ion-irradiated nitrogen-doped 4H-silicon carbide

Swift heavy ions, such as krypton ions, play a significant role in developing and enhancing the performance of various devices. In this study, the influence of Kr2+ on nitrogen-doped 4H-silicon carbide has been investigated using deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). Krypton ions, with an energy of 107 MeV, were used to irradiate the Au/Ni/4H-SiC Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) at a fluence of 1 × 1010 cm–2 at room temperature (300 K). Before the irradiation of the samples, the electrical measurements revealed good rectifying behaviour. However, rectification properties of the Au/Ni/4H-SiC SBDs were completely lost after irradiation at a fluence of 1 × 1010 cm–2. Annealing was performed at 300 °C in flowing argon, and the current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) revealed partial rectification. DLTS of the as-grown devices analyses revealed the presence of four deep level defects. After annealing the irradiated device, the DLTS spectra showed a reduction in the intensity of the E0.10 and the disappearance of the E0.12 as well as the E0.16 defects compared to that as-grown. Two defects with energies of 280 and 410 meV showed inverted peaks, as would have been expected from minority carriers trap instead of majority carriers, which led to confusion as the peaks were inverted. It was concluded that the peculiar characteristics of DLTS measurements on SBDs may be due to the extremely high value of the series resistance as well as the low capacitance. The results of this study provide insight into the behaviour of SBDs under extreme irradiation and can be used to improve the radiation tolerance of electronic devices made from SiC.

Transimpedance amplifier for LGAD noise measurements: design and characterization

A wideband low-noise transimpedance amplifier (TIA) is designed for the measurement of the noise power spectral density (NPSD) of the current of low-gain avalanche diodes (LGADs). The design focuses on minimization of system background noise and maximization of operating bandwidth. The diffusive line effect of the high value resistor used in the feedback network has been analyzed, and a compensation of its effect has been implemented. With a transimpedance of 200 MΩ, a background white noise of 9.5 fA/√(Hz) and an input current dynamic range up to 20 nA are achieved. The useful bandwidth ranges from 1 kHz up to 3 MHz depending on the noise level to be measured. An effective method for calibrating the system and measuring its transfer function with high accuracy over the full bandwidth is described. The designed TIA enables an accurate characterization of LGADs noise, which is a crucial step for the technology qualification and for the prediction of the performance of these devices as radiation and particle detectors.

Caves and Fractured Zones Investigation Using 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging in an Engineering Site, Haqlaniyah, Western Iraq

Engineering risks in karstic areas are represented by cavities and voids near the surface, which are considered potential geotechnical hazards (land subsidence and building cracks). These hazards are caused by dissolution processes that occur when carbonate rocks interact with water, forming weak zones. This study used 2D electrical resistivity imaging with a dipole-dipole array. The spacing of 5 m and an n-factor of 6 were applied to investigate four parallel traverses covering an area of 95x45 m. Electrical resistivity imaging data was inverted using RES2DINV software by robust method inversion. The results show relatively high resistivity values interpreted as massive limestone with cavities and relatively low resistivity values interpreted as fractured limestone with clay or moisture content. Because of the consequence of these caves' haphazard existence in the area, the region was characterized by significant heterogeneity levels of resistivity rise until a depth of 15 m. At that point, they begin to decline.

Geotechnical and geophysical investigations for infrastructure safety zones: a case study of the supporting ring road, Cairo, Egypt

This study aims to evaluate the suitability of subsurface layers for infrastructure development using geophysical and geotechnical studies. Six seismic refraction and six 2D geoelectic profiles were conducted in the study area to analyze the geotechnical characteristics of the subsoil in order to assess its suitability for construction projects. According to the geophysical investigation, there are two main geoelectric strata, each with a different lithology and thickness. The first layer has high resistivity values of more than 200 (Ωm) and its thickness is between 3.5 and 6.3 m. The second layer's resistivity ranges from 0.3 to 200 (Ωm). The findings indicate that the near-surface area of the study site is composed of two layers in addition to the surface layer, which consists of semi-consolidated wadi fill deposits of gravel, sand, and silt with rock fragments. The first layer comprises fractured limestone with clay intercalation, followed by a second layer of marly limestone, which transitions into marl and clay. Both compressional (P) and shear (S) waves were detected and analyzed. The shallow seismic refraction technique indicates that the velocity waves (Vp) in the first and second layers range from 133 to 770 and 790 to 3100 m/s respectively. Various engineering parameters for the second layer were determined, including elastic moduli (bulk modulus, Poisson’s ratio, rigidity modulus, and Young’s modulus), competence scales (stress ratio, concentration index, material index and density gradient), and bearing capacity (ultimate and allowable). The average Poisson ratio for the first and second layers is 0.235. The ultimate bearing capacity (Qu) of the first layer ranges from 379.1 to 1031.2 gm/cm2 and between 1040.8 and 1548.5 gm/cm2 of the second layer. Allowable bearing capacity (Qall) for the first layer is between 126.4 and 343.7 gm/cm2, and for the second layer, it is between 346.9 and 516.2 gm/cm2. According to the geotechnical investigation's findings, the range of liquid limit (LL) values is between 41.20 and 86.30%, the range of plastic limit (PL) values is between 18 and 35.25%, the range of plasticity index (PI) values is between 14.17 and 51.45%, and the range of free swelling values is between 60 and 170%. However, the study identified high-risk areas in the study area. These zones are located in the first and second layers represented by strongly swelling clay layers and strongly fractured limestone, which will have a major impact on the road and buildings. Therefore, this study recommends addressing these problems before any development to protect these areas from subsidence and collapse.

Geophysical downhole logging analysis within the shallow-depth ICDP STAR drilling project (central Italy)

Abstract. The International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) STAR (A Strainmeter Array Along the Alto Tiberina Fault System) drilling project aims to study the seismic and aseismic fault slip behavior of the active low-angle Alto Tiberina normal fault (ATF) in the northern Apennines, central Italy, by drilling and instrumenting six shallow boreholes (maximum depth 160 m) with seismometers and strainmeters. During the STAR fieldwork, a geophysical downhole logging campaign was carried out to define the optimal target depth for instrument deployment and formation rock characterization. In particular, the main objectives of this study were to define in situ physical properties of the rocks and the tectonic discontinuity geometry along the boreholes. The downhole logging data provide new findings and knowledge, especially with regards to physical properties such as resistivity and gamma-ray and wave velocity. The collected parameters were compared to the results of literature data collected in similar lithologies, as well as with the results of logging performed in deeper wells drilled for commercial purposes. The physical properties of the Mesozoic–early Tertiary calcareous formations show low gamma-ray values and high compressional (Vp) and shear wave (Vs) velocities (up to 5.3 and 2.9 km s−1, respectively), whereas the overlying clay-rich Late Tertiary formations exhibit high gamma-ray and low resistivity values as well as relatively low Vp and Vs values (up to 3.5 and 2.0 km s−1, respectively). The results obtained from the analysis of the orientations of the tectonic structures, measured along the six boreholes, show good agreement with the orientations of the present-day extensional stress field, which is NE–SW-oriented. Our study allowed us to bridge the gap between the physical properties obtained from literature data and those obtained from the deep well measurements, representing a possible case history for future projects. These new outcomes represent an almost unexplored window of data and will contribute to the advancement of knowledge of the physical properties of the rocks at shallow depths, which are typically overlooked.

Noise Reduction of Amperometric Electrochemical Sensor using Current Compensation on Transimpedance Amplifier for Dissolved Oxygen Measurement

In this paper, a study of noise reduction of an electrochemical sensor is presented. This study is initiated based on the fact that the signal from the electrochemical sensor has quite high noise. The current signal from the sensor is very weak and noisy due to high impedance and complex process on the sensor and measured media such as a solution of dissolved oxygen. The current is usually converted using a transimpedance amplifier with high voltage-to-current ratio by a feedback resistance, which usually also produces large noise due to high feedback resistance value. This will contribute to an additional noise to the natural noise of the sensor and measured media, causing more noisy result. A modified transimpedance amplifier is proposed to reduce the noise from the sensor and converter to increase signal-to-noise ratio. The modification employs a current compensation, so that the current noise is suppressed at the converter input. The noise and signal measurements at the output of the compensated transimpedance amplifier show noise reduction compared to the standard transimpedance amplifier and measurement error reduction of the measured dissolved oxygen down to 0.89%.

Composition and Conductivity Evaluation of Cathode Active Materials/Solid Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Solid-state batteries have attracted considerable attention as innovative secondary batteries for future electric energy societies due to their high safety and energy density. In particular, sulphide-based solid electrolytes are positioned as promising materials for solid-state batteries due to their excellent ion conductivity properties. However, a challenge exists with sulfide-based solid electrolytes, as high lithium-ion conductivity resistance occurs upon contact with the positive electrode active material due to the formation of a lithium-ion deficiency layer. Previous studies have shown that reducing interface resistance can be reduced by coating the active material with lithium-ion conductors such as LiNbO3. It is believed that by structuring the active material and solid electrolyte to conduct ions through a buffer layer, the lithium ion deficiency can be reduced, and the electrical potential barrier of lithium ions near the interface can be suppressed. However, the ion conduction mechanism at the interface between the active material and solid electrolyte formed by uniformly coating of the active material has not been sufficiently elucidated.This study aims to elucidate the ion conduction mechanism at the interface between the positive electrode active material crystal and the solid electrolyte by achieving uniform coating of a buffering layer. We aim to achieve uniform coating driven by the evaporation of a mixed solution of LiTaO3 dispersed in water and LiCoO2 crystals. Furthermore, by preparing electrodes using only binders without the use of conductive agents via a paste method, we aim to reduce factors related to resistance and elucidate the ion conduction mechanism at specific interfaces.For the coating of the buffer layer on the active material crystal, a LiTaO3 water solution obtained from an external source was prepared, and a LiCoO2 crystal dispersion solution was prepared, and the influence on coating under different conditions of LiTaO3 concentration and heat treatment temperature for LiCoO2 crystals was investigated.Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations showed no change in the coating morphology under temperature conditions of 300 to 500°C. Additionally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed no change in the dependence of the Ta bonding state on temperature conditions. However, it was confirmed that the weight ratio of Ta coated on the surface increased with the increasing concentration of LiTaO3. Subsequently, electrodes were prepared using slurry from synthesized active material/buffering layer composites, and ion conduction resistance was measured using impedance measurements. Ion conduction resistance dependent on the amount of coating was observed in composites synthesized at 400°C and 500°C. In composites synthesized at 300°C, a tendency for higher ion conduction resistance with less coating and an overall high resistance value were observed. Moreover, differential relaxation time (DRT) analysis revealed that the relaxation frequency of the main resistance component changed with increasing heat treatment temperature. However, no shift in relaxation frequency of resistance components was observed with coating amount.From these results, it was revealed that coating crystal morphology changes depending on the temperature conditions and coating amount changes depending on the concentration. Furthermore, synthesis of composites at high temperatures reduced Li-ion conduction resistance. This is believed to be due to atomic diffusion occurring at high temperatures during heat treatment, resulting in Ta bonding to the CoO2 structure on the surface of LiCoO2, continuously joining the interfaces. Additionally, it is believed that the reduction in grain boundary resistance occurred due to particle densification. In the future, solid-state batteries using sulfide-based solid electrolytes will be fabricated to investigate the suppression of lithium-ion conduction resistance and its conduction mechanism.AcknowledgementThis work was supported in part by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (22H01847), Aichi Priority Research Program, the Strategic Innovation Program (SIP) of the Cabinet Office and by joint researches with industries.

Exploration of Bituminous Materials Using 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging, Kurdistan Region, NE Iraq

Solid bituminous materials are widely spread in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, they are filled so many locations, such as fracture zones, fault planes, and bedding planes. These materials can be used in several industries like pavement road, roofing, bituminous paint and waterproof, etc. The study aims to find an economical quantity of these materials by using 2D resistivity imaging in three locations that are different in geology and tectonic settings. These locations are Alla Syaw, Mera De, and Nasalih villages. The data are collected using Syscal R1 plus resistivity meter, for the sake of following up horizontal and vertical extension of these materials Wenner-Schlumberger array is used with 72 electrodes and a spacing interval of 5 m. Three profiles were conducted for each location, which have lengths equal to 360 m. The data processing was carried out by using the RES2DINV, and the smoothness was performed using finite difference forward modeling. The results show that all the bituminous materials are detected in shallow depths and only in the sandstone layers of the Tanjero, Gercus, and Injana formations filling the fracture zones and fault planes. This is also attributed to the more brittle behavior of the sandstone layer than other layers of these formations which deforms easily by applying external stresses. In the Tanjero Formation bituminous body is detected at a depth of about 10 m, which has an extension of more than 50 m from profile-1 to profile-2 (this is a lateral extension). The average width and height of the body are about 8m and 20 m, so it forms an approximate total volume equal to 8000 m3. The study concludes that the preliminary estimation of the total volume of the detected bituminous bodies is about 20000 m3, which has great importance as raw material for different industries. The bituminous material has a high resistivity value in most of the profiles reaching more than 200 ohm.m.

Geoelectrical resistivity mapping for sustainable groundwater management in Umuahia South: Insights from vertical electrical sounding

The study of geoelectrical resistivity provides critical insights into subsurface characteristics and aquifer dynamics, particularly in regions with varying geological formations. This research investigates the geoelectrical properties of the aquifer system in Umuahia South, highlighting its significance for sustainable groundwater management. The primary aim of this study is to characterize the geoelectrical layers, assess aquifer thickness and resistivity, and evaluate the implications for groundwater resource management. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was conducted across ten locations to measure the resistivity and thickness of subsurface layers. The data collected were analyzed to identify distinct geoelectrical layers, their respective resistivity values, and thicknesses. The study reveals significant variations in aquifer properties across the region, with VES 1 showcasing the largest thickness of 69.2 m and VES 9 the smallest at 5.2 m. Aquifer thickness decreases from the Benin Formation toward the Ameki and Ogwashi-Asaba Formations. Hydraulic conductivity ranges from 0.207 to 0.954 m/day, indicating varying groundwater flow potential, while transmissivity values vary from 4.965 to 30.441 m²/day, with 60% of aquifers classified as intermediate. Groundwater Potential Index (GWPI) highlights approximately 70% of the area as high potential, underscoring the need for targeted management strategies to optimize water resource extraction and sustainability. The variability in resistivity and thickness across the study area suggests significant subsurface heterogeneity. High resistivity values indicate favorable conditions for groundwater flow, particularly in areas like VES 6. Conversely, lower resistivity in locations such as VES 9 indicates potential challenges for groundwater storage. This study provides vital information on the aquifer system in Umuahia South, emphasizing the need for targeted groundwater management strategies based on the geoelectrical characteristics identified. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of the aquifer dynamics in the region and offers a framework for sustainable groundwater resource management, highlighting the importance of geoelectrical assessments.

Effects of the phase transition on the photoelectrochemical properties of CuFe2O4 composite photoelectrode

In this study, CuFe2O4 was grown using various Cu:Fe source molar ratios. The morphological, structural, electrical, and photoelectrochemical properties of CuFe2O4 photoelectrodes with different structural phases based on molar ratios were analyzed. XRD and XPS were performed to systematically analyze the relationship between the structural and photoelectrochemical properties of the photoelectrode. XRD analysis revealed the phase transformation of CuFe2O4 from cubic to tetragonal phase and back to cubic phase as the Cu:Fe source molar ratio was varied. The crystallinity of Cu-rich cubic-CuFe2O4 was found to be superior to that of tetragonal-CuFe2O4. XPS analysis showed that the Cu-rich cubic-CuFe2O4 sample has higher Cu and Fe binding energies and more oxygen vacancies than the tetragonal-CuFe2O4 sample, which helps reduce carrier recombination. Additionally, cubic-CuFe2O4 samples prepared in Cu-rich conditions demonstrated high flat-band potential and low charge transfer resistance values. As a result, the cubic-CuFe2O4 photoelectrode sample under the Cu-rich condition exhibited a relatively high photocurrent density value. The highest photocurrent density value (-0.38 mA/cm2 at −0.55 VSCE) was obtained with cubic-CuFe2O4 samples prepared under the Cu:Fe 3:1 condition.

Utilizing Ceramic Factory Waste to Produce Low-Cost Refractory Ceramics

The use of solid waste such as ceramic sludge, ceramic rollers, and magnesite was studied to obtain cheap refractory ceramics at temperatures of 1300 °C based on XRF, XRD SEM, EDX, bending strength, and dielectric properties. The prepared samples were examined. The results showed that the significant crystalline phases formed were mullite, spinel, and corundum. They also showed that mullite hindered the formation of cordierite and enhanced spinel formation. With increased cordierite content, the microstructure varied from fine grained to coarse grained. Bending strength increased with increasing mullite content and bulk density, ranging from 10.80 to 13.50 MPa. Bulk density increased with the increase in mullite content and sintering temperature and ranged from 1.99 to 1.94 g/cm3, while the percentage of porosity and water absorption decreased and ranged from 29.40 to 38.83, respectively. To examine the effect of the produced phases on the dielectric characteristics, the permittivity (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″), and AC conductivity (σac) were measured in the frequency range of 10−1 Hz to 106 Hz. As the concentration of cordierite increased, there was a noticeable drop in ε′ from 35.6 to 8.2 and σac from 10−8 s/cm to around 10−11 s/cm and high values of resistivity from 108 cm/s to about 1010 cm/s, suggesting that this material might be an excellent insulator.

Construction of Cross-basin Ecological Security Patterns Based on Carbon Sinks and Landscape Connectivity

Artificial water system creation and land use changes have great effects on ecosystems. The construction of cross-basin ecological security patterns based on carbon sinks and landscape connectivity plays a key role in regional ecological environment protection. The linkage area between the Xiang River and the Li River was selected as the research object. Based on the land use data from 2000 to 2020, this study examined the ecological security network of the Xiang-Li connected region using the InVEST model combined with morphological spatial pattern analysis （MSPA） and evaluated the temporal and spatial evolution of carbon storage and ecological security patterns. The results showed that： ① From 2000 to 2020, the land cover types of the Xiang-Li linkage area were mainly forest land and arable land. The changes of land use types were characterized by decreases in arable land, forest land, and grassland and by increases in watersheds and construction land. ② The carbon storage in the Xiang-Li linkage area was characterized by a blocky distribution, and the high and medium areas were dominant. The carbon stock increased slowly from 2000 to 2010 and decreased dramatically from 2010 to 2020, with a cumulative decrease of 18.32×103 t due to the influence of land use changes. ③ The area of ecological sources （five in total） decreased firstly and then increased, whereas the length of ecological corridors （ten in total） increased firstly and then decreased in the Xiang-Li linkage area. Overall, in the process of urbanization, the distribution of the high ecological resistance value in the Xiang-Li linkage area gradually shifted to the northeast with an expansion, whereas the barycenter of the ecological safety pattern shifted to the southwest. Determining the dynamic distribution and stability of ecological sources by coupling carbon storage patches and landscape patterns can provide a new way to construct ecological security patterns in cross-basin ecosystems.

Geophysical Electrical Investigation of Groundwater Contamination Using Resistivity Method at a Dumpsite in Ibwa, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Ground water occurrence and distribution in a basement complex is localize and confined to weathered / fractured zone. Hence, exploration of groundwater in such terrain poses a great threat and challenge to the Ibwa community. This study was aimed at using vertical electrical sounding (VES) method to investigate the level of ground water contamination within the community of Ibwa village Gwagwalada area council. The result showed the presence of four geoelectric layers, top soil, Sandy clay, clayey sand and the basement. The resistivity values were obtained range from 20.1 Ωm to 149.0 Ωm at the first layers of most all the sounding points around the dumpsite. Other layers showed high resistivity values but not as that of high asthe control site, an indication that there are leachate plume from the dump through the process of percolation. The result is further back up with water analysis test which shows that all parameters measured falls within the World health organization standard for drinking water (WHO Threshold). The result showed that for the Well water sample is higher in acidity. It is clear therefore that there are more dissolved substances in the well water around the area as a result of leachate from the dumpsite.

Analysis of the Influence of Soil Resistance on the Substation Grid Grounding System

The grounding system is one of the security systems in substations to channel excess voltage caused by lightning strikes that occur at substations, as well as electrical equipment. To design a grounding system, several factors must be considered, including the type of soil, the configuration of the grounding system, the resistivity of the soil, and the condition of the surrounding environment. This research aims to determine the safe limit in the substation grounding system which is influenced by the type of soil in the emergence of touch voltage and step voltage which can be dangerous to humans. The method used is simulation with the Finite Element Method (FEM). The overall result is that with variations in area and soil type, the highest resistance values and touch and step stress values are found in rocky soil types. The touch and step voltage values are within safe limits and do not harm humans, namely in swampy soil where the actual touch voltage value is smaller than the permitted touch voltage value. For the actual touch voltage on rocky soil and wet soil, the actual touch voltage value is greater than the actual touch voltage value, this is within the unsafe limit and can be dangerous to humans. The actual step stress value also results in the actual step stress value being smaller than the permitted step stress value, this is included in safe conditions, and for rocky and wet soil types the actual step stress value is greater than the permitted step stress value, this is included in the condition unsafe and can harm humans.

Identification of the low resistivity-low contrast (LRLC) gas-bearing pay zones in Shaly sand reservoirs using acoustic data: a case study from the Messinian Abu Madi formation, onshore Nile Delta, Egypt

Detection of the low resistivity-low contrast (LRLC) reservoirs is among the main challenges in the oil industry. In this concern, the LRLC pay zones of the Upper Messinian Abu Madi clastic reservoirs in the onshore Nile Delta Gas fields became a main challenge for significant exploration. This type of reservoirs, including low resistivity-low contrast zones and thin-bedded intervals, are often overlooked using the conventional petrophysical evaluation techniques, especially in the wildcat exploratory wells or highly agitated shoreline depositional environments like the Nile Delta of Egypt. These hidden low contrast reservoirs are generally challenging due to the presence of many shale intercalations/laminations and/or due to increasing the shale volume represented in the form of dispersed distribution, and the dominance of conductive clay minerals. Therefore, in this study, the expected high resistivity values of the gas-bearing reservoir intervals of the Abu Madi Formation in the onshore Begonia gas Field, as a typical case study of the LRLC reservoirs, are masked due to the relatively high shale conductivity, particularly when the thickness of these intervals is less than the vertical resolution of the utilized conventional resistivity log. To verify the LRLC phenomena of the Begonia gas Field, the obtained data was compared to the South Abu El Naga gas Field as a normal case study with a relatively high resistivity gas-bearing pay zone. To overcome the impact of the conductive clay mineral content and identify these hidden low resistivity reservoir intervals, it is necessary to integrate the conventional logging data (gamma-ray, shallow and deep resistivity, density, and neutron) with the acoustic log data including shear and compressional sonic data. In this way, a useful relationship can be established enabling the detection of these hidden LRLC reservoir intervals. This integration is based on the principle that shear waves are not influenced by the fluids types, whereas the compressional sonic waves are influenced by the reservoir fluids. However, to effectively investigate these concealed LRLC reservoir intervals, which can boost production and increase the potential reserves, it is essential to have a low water cut value. The present study represents introduces an efficient workflow, which can be extended to other similar LRLC pay zones in the Nile Delta and northeast Africa. It is also extendible to the LRLC reservoirs in similar deltaic systems having conductive minerals-bearing reservoirs or thin beds.

Preparation, structural, electrical, and ferroelectric properties of solid and lead zirconium titanate ink

The novelty of the work lies in the design and development of a significantly low-cost lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ink similar in its electrical properties to its original solid materials, which can be used for 3-D printing to print electronic circuits, shape memory, and devices quickly. The Zr/Ti=52/48 ratio was achieved during the solid-state reaction to create the PZT powder. XRD, FT-IR, and SEM characterized the synthesized material. The PZT powder was found to form in a tetragonal phase. The PZT powder was used to prepare PZT ink with a 13 % Wt/Wt solid content composition. The ink's rheological characteristics and physical properties, such as particle size distribution, surface tension, viscosity, and electrical properties, were studied. Dielectric properties like dielectric constant (ε/) and dielectric loss (ε") indicate the poly-dispersive nature of the material. The temperature-dependent dielectric constant (ε/) curve indicates relaxor behavior with a maximum at high temperatures. The poly-dispersive nature of the material was analyzed using Cole-Cole plots. The frequency dependence of AC conductivity follows the universal power law. The temperature dependence of dc-conductivity follows the Arrhenius law, with an activation energy of 0.14 eV at lower temperatures and 0.85 eV at higher temperatures. The electrical conductance study showed that PZT ceramic can be used in electronic circuits because of its high resistivity value and small temperature coefficient of resistance. The piezoelectric measurement displays d33 as 129 pC/N at room temperature.

HYDROPHOBISATION OF WATER-DISPERSION PAINT AND VARNISH MATERIAL WITH POLYSILOXANE EMULSION

The modern market of paint and varnish materials is represented by a wide range of construction products, including those designed to protect facades of buildings and structures from atmospheric impact. Among the variety of varnishes and paints for processing and rendering decorative and protective properties to building materials, as well as from the viewpoint of environmental friendliness, the most popular products are water-dispersion paints based on acrylic dispersions. However, along with the high values of colour fastness, UV resistance and gas permeability, acrylic-based paints are insufficiently elastic and lack resistance to water. In this regard, the paper considers a method for increasing the mechanical and hydrophobic properties of acrylic paint and varnish material by introducing a hydrophobic polyethylhydrosiloxane-based emulsion containing polyethylhydrosiloxane (PEHS) - 35.20, glutaric aldehyde - 0.19, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) - 7.75, water - 56.86 wt%, as well as by increasing the surface development (relief), achieved by increasing the volumetric concentration of pigments (VCP). The optimal range of the amounts of a hydrophobic emulsion and a coalescent into the composition of water-dispersion paints based on acrylic dispersion has been determined. To assess the stability of the coating after drying an aqueous dispersion paint modified with the aqueous polyethylhydrosiloxane emulsion, the wetting angle and free energy of the surface were evaluated using two liquids of different polarities, namely distilled water and diiodomethane. The possibility of modifying the aqueous dispersion paint, characterised by VCP of 70-80 %, by the polyethylhydrosiloxane hydrophobic aqueous emulsion in the amount of 5-5.5 %, combined with ethylene glycol (4.5-5.5 %) has been established, which makes it possible to obtain a hydrophobic coating with a wetting angle of up to 100°. By comparing the wetting angle values of the coatings, it has been shown that in the absence of the hydrophobic additive, this parameter is lower by 12.5 % than the parameter of the modified sample.

One-Dimensional Electrical Resistivity Prospecting for Small Dam Projects: A case Study Smaquli Dam, East Erbil City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract: This study employs the One-Dimensional Vertical Electrical Resistivity technique to elucidate the subsurface stratigraphy and structures beneath the axis and abutments of the suggested Smaquli dam, situated to the east of Erbil City in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Three traverses were conducted using a Schlumberger array. Data interpretation was performed using the Russian commercial software, IPI2WIN. Each measurement point featured a maximum total electrode spread ranging from 400-600m, reaching an investigation depth of 130m to 150m. The inter-distance between successive measurement points varied from 16m to 17.5m. Geo-electrical sections were generated by interpreting the data, revealing three distinct lithological groups: alluvial deposits (upper first group) with a thickness ranging from 3 to 10 meters, marl and marly limestone of the Shiranish Formation (second group) with thickness ranging from 18 up to 110 meters, and dolomitic limestone of the Bekhme Formation (third group) which its thickness is not defined. These lithological groups exhibited significant resistivity contrasts, rendering the resistivity method effective for delineating their interfaces. The resistivity of the upper horizon ranged from 18 to 136 Ω·m, the second horizon exhibited values between 19 and 304 Ω·m, while the lower third horizon showed high resistivity values ranging from 97 to over 50000 Ω.m.. The relatively low resistivity values of the lower horizon (Bekhme Formation) are interpreted as fractured and water-saturated limestones, whereas the high values are indicative of bituminous material. A correlation was established between the geo-electrical sections and borehole geologic columns, demonstrating consistency in indicating the presence of two rock units within the uppermost 20m, which corresponds to the borehole depth.

Electrical insulation properties in a cold plasma of alumina coating for the in-vessel stabilizing shell of the RFX-mod2 fusion device

This paper presents the results of experimental tests on samples made of copper coated with alumina layer, performed to assess the reliability of its dielectric properties for applications in the low temperature plasma at the edge of a fusion device. The cue of the study was related to the plasma facing components of the RFX-mod2 fusion device (Marrelli et al., 2019, Peruzzo et al., 2023, Peruzzo et al., 2019), devoted to the experimental study of the magnetic confinement of fusion plasmas in a variety of configurations, including the reversed-field pinch and the tokamak. In RFX-mod2 an in-vacuum copper shell for the passive stabilization of MHD modes will surround the plasma. To avoid potentially harmful electrical discharges, which could be induced by rapid transients of the plasma current, this structure must be covered with an electrically insulating layer. For RFX-mod2 an alumina coating was chosen, whose dielectric properties have been tested both in air and in the presence of weakly ionized plasma. Electrical tests, conducted on copper samples with alumina deposits of about 100μm thickness, revealed that the ceramic layer has a high electrical resistance value in air (>1GΩ), but electrical discharges can occur in presence of a weakly ionized plasma, depending on compactness and porosity of the alumina layer, causing local melting of the alumina and expulsion of copper droplets from the substrate. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses revealed that in the failed samples the ceramic layer was irregular and rough, with interconnected cavities and cracks, which could reduce its effective thickness and explain the dielectric breakdown at relatively low voltages (<400V). The analyses also showed that samples with a more compact layer present a higher dielectric strength in the presence of the plasma, highlighting that compactness and porosity play crucial roles in ensuring good insulation for materials in a plasma. This study led the definition of the requirements for the insulating coating of the plasma facing components of the RFX-mod2 fusion machine, however the results can be useful for other fusion and non-fusion plasma applications requiring electrical insulation, which can span from industrial devices to spacecrafts.