Incorporation Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

Application of Metal Oxides Nanoparticles to Enhance Ultraviolet Light Resistance of Polyvinyl Chloride Films

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films were chemically modified by including organic groups, amino group of ethylenediamine (en), and furtherly treated with aromatic aldehyde. The modification process included synthesizing the films by casting utilizing tetrahydrofuran (THF) as the solvent. The films were enriched with five metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), specifically: TiO2, Co2O3, Cr2O3, NiO and CuO, in order to enhance their resistance to photodegradation. The films were subjected to UV light. The resulting damage was assessed both analytically and morphologically. The methods used for examination of the chemical structure comprised FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopies. SEM and AFM were utilized to test the morphology of polymeric films. The efficiency of the modified PVC films to resist UV light was assessed by measuring the roughness factor (Rq) of the irradiated PVC films. The incorporation of NPs into the modified PVC resulted in films with high resistance to UV light, as confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and weight loss measurement. The film made from modified PVC/Schiff base CuO NPs showed superior resistance to photo-degradation, as evidenced by the findings obtained from FT-IR spectra, surface morphological analysis, and weight loss.

Augmenting Microstructure and Tribological Performance of Wire Arc Additive Manufactured PH13-8Mo Stainless Steel via TiC/TiB2 Nano-particles Incorporation

This study aimed to investigate the effect of TiC and TiB2 nano-inoculants addition on the microstructure and tribological behavior of PH13-8Mo stainless steel processed through wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). The incorporation of TiC/TiB2 inoculants demonstrated notable efficiency in mitigating the anisotropic wear and scratch response and enhancing wear resistance observed in the as-printed state. This improvement was ascribed to the refinement of the grain structure, disruption of the columnar structure, and increased content of the retained austenite. Notably, TiB2 inoculation exhibited superior grain refinement and achieved the highest hardness. However, the TiC-inoculated condition demonstrated the best wear resistance, attributed to its excellent combination of hardness and fracture resistance, and a higher contribution of strain-induced martensite transformation during wear testing. Additionally, the implementation of post-printing solutionizing and aging treatment was found to improve the scratch and wear resistance of the alloy, attributed to the formation of nano-sized β-NiAl precipitates. The main wear mechanism observed involved oxidation wear, adhesive wear, and three-body abrasive wear. The findings of this study highlight the significant potential of incorporating ceramic-based nano-particles for improving the wear resistance of WAAM PH13-8Mo components, particularly in demanding applications like injection molding dies where superior abrasion resistance is paramount.

Improvement of the mechanical properties of the cement mortar by the incorporation of silica particles with low and high surface area

In recent years, nanoaprticules with different sizes have been incorporated in the cement mortar in order to improve their mechanical characteristics. The present work focuses onto the influence of the silica nanoparticles (SiO2) with low and high surface area over the stability and mechanical properties of the cement mortar. The quantities of nanosilica added into the cement mortar to ameliorate their mechanical characteristics vary from 0.5 % to 1.5 %wt. The obtained material after the incorporation of the SiO2 nanoparticles have been characterized by several techniques such as TG, DTG, DSC and their morphologies were determined by using SEM analysis. The workability, water absorption, compressive and flexural strengths of these materials have also been evaluated. The results obtained show that the introduction of the SiO2 nanoparticles into the cement mortar has been greatly improved their compressive and flexural strengths, and the specimens incorporated by nanosilica with high surface area are found more effective than those containing the silica nanoparticles with low surface area, suggesting that the specific surface play a crucial role in the improvement of their mechanical properties. The results show also that the appropriate dosage of silica nanoparticles in the cement mortar to have a maximum enhancement of their mechanical properties was found around 1.5 wt% by weight of cement for the nanosilica with high surface area.

Gold Nanoparticles for Retinal Molecular Optical Imaging

The incorporation of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) into retinal imaging signifies a notable advancement in ophthalmology, offering improved accuracy in diagnosis and patient outcomes. This review explores the synthesis and unique properties of GNPs, highlighting their adjustable surface plasmon resonance, biocompatibility, and excellent optical absorption and scattering abilities. These features make GNPs advantageous contrast agents, enhancing the precision and quality of various imaging modalities, including photoacoustic imaging, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescence imaging. This paper analyzes the unique properties and corresponding mechanisms based on the morphological features of GNPs, highlighting the potential of GNPs in retinal disease diagnosis and management. Given the limitations currently encountered in clinical applications of GNPs, the approaches and strategies to overcome these limitations are also discussed. These findings suggest that the properties and efficacy of GNPs have innovative applications in retinal disease imaging.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles embedded into melamine polyaminal networks as antibacterial and anticancer active agents.

Silver nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into a melamine-based polymer, resulting in the synthesis of (Ag NPs@Bipy-PAN) through areverse double solvent approach. The synthesised Ag NPs@Bipy-PAN polymer underwent extensive characterisation through Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis. PXRD analysis confirmed the successful encapsulation of Ag nanoparticles and provided insights into the amorphous nature of the polymer following encapsulation. SEM and EDX analyses further corroborated the presence and distribution of Ag nanoparticles on the polymer surface. The biological efficacy of the Ag NPs@Bipy-PAN polymer was evaluated through antibacterial, anti-breast cancer, and biocompatibility assays. The results demonstrated notable antibacterial and anticancer activities, with significant efficacy against bacterial strains and breast cancer cells. Biocompatibility assessments indicated acceptable compatibility, particularly at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, compared to untreated control cells. These findings suggest that Ag NPs@Bipy-PAN has considerable potential as a candidate for cancer-targeted and antimicrobial drug delivery systems. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles into the melamine-based polymer enhances the safety profile of these systems in in vivo conditions, making them a viable option for advanced therapeutic applications.

Impact of nano-powders on conduction mechanism during solidification through cold storage tank

In this article, numerical modeling with the aim of decreasing the solidification time is presented. The solidification process is primarily influenced by conduction, leading to the application of two techniques aimed at enhancing this mechanism: the install of fins and the addition of nano-powders. Various shapes and fractions of alumina nanoparticles are introduced into the H2O to accelerate the solidification. To predict the properties of the nanoparticle-infused mixture, single-phase formulations are employed. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is then hired to model the system, with an adaptive grid implemented to enhance accuracy. Validation against previous works demonstrates the capability of the developed code for the present study. The incorporation of nanoparticles results in a significant 32.7 % increase in the freezing rate, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach. Additionally, altering the shape of the nanoparticles can further increase the process rate by approximately 10.73 %. The transition from a water-based system to one infused with nanomaterials leads to a notable decrement in freezing time, from 957.64 s to 6447.35 s. These outputs emphasize the potential of nanomaterial-enhanced cold energy storage systems to significantly improve efficiency and performance. In summary, the study showcases the effectiveness of numerical simulation in optimizing cold energy saving processes through the strategic utilization of nanoparticles.

Influence of SiO2 Nanoparticles Extracted from Biomass on the Properties of Electrodeposited Ni Matrix Composite Films on Si(100) Substrate.

Lab-made biosilica (SiO2) nanoparticles were obtained from waste biomass (rice husks) and used as eco-friendly fillers in the production of nickel matrix composite films via the co-electrodeposition technique. The produced biosilica nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, FTIR, and FE-SEM/EDS. Amorphous nano-sized biosilica particles with a high SiO2 content were obtained. Various current regimes of electrodeposition, such as direct current (DC), pulsating current (PC), and reversing current (RC) regimes, were applied for the fabrication of Ni and Ni/SiO2 films from a sulfamate electrolyte. Ni films electrodeposited with or without 1.0 wt.% biosilica nanoparticles in the electrolyte were characterized using FE-SEM/EDS (morphology/elemental analyses, roundness), AFM (roughness), Vickers microindentation (microhardness), and sheet resistance. Due to the incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles, the Ni/SiO2 films were coarser than those obtained from the pure sulfamate electrolyte. The addition of SiO2 to the sulfamate electrolyte also caused an increase in the roughness and electrical conductivity of the Ni films. The surface roughness values of the Ni/SiO2 films were approximately 44.0%, 48.8%, and 68.3% larger than those obtained for the pure Ni films produced using the DC, PC, and RC regimes, respectively. The microhardness of the Ni and Ni/SiO2 films was assessed using the Chen-Gao (C-G) composite hardness model, and it was shown that the obtained Ni/SiO2 films had a higher hardness than the pure Ni films. Depending on the applied electrodeposition regime, the hardness of the Ni films increased from 29.1% for the Ni/SiO2 films obtained using the PC regime to 95.5% for those obtained using the RC regime, reaching the maximal value of 6.880 GPa for the Ni/SiO2 films produced using the RC regime.

Characterization of sodium alginate film containing zein-Arabic gum nanoparticles encapsulated with oregano essential oil for chilled pork packaging

Chilled pork retains most of its nutrients but is prone to deterioration during the production-to-consumption process. To address this issue this study aimed to develop zein-Arabic gum composite nanoparticles loaded with oregano essential oil (ZAG-OEO) and incorporate them into sodium alginate films to enhance the freshness and shelf life of chilled pork. Sodium alginate, known for its excellent film-forming properties, was selected as the matrix to prepare ZAG-OEO-containing sodium alginate films (SA-ZAG-OEO). The results revealed that the tensile strength and elongation at break of the prepared films were 47.73 ± 2.15 MPa and 6.27 ± 0.21 %, respectively, at a 2.5 % nanoparticle concentration. The water contact angle of the films incorporating nanoparticles reached 81.5 ± 1.95°. The incorporation of nanoparticles enhanced the thermal stability and antibacterial activity of the films. The prepared films were utilized for the storage of chilled pork, and the quality changes were analyzed. The results demonstrate that SA-ZAG-OEO films inhibit microbial growth and lipid oxidation, thereby delaying pork spoilage. This study offers new insights into extending the shelf life of chilled pork and developing advanced meat preservation methods for the future development of the meat industry.

An ultrasensitive electrochemical sensor based on NiFe-LDH-MXene and ruthenium nanoparticles composite for detection of nitrofurantoin in food samples

The excessive use of nitrofurantoin (NFT) represents a threat to ecosystems and food safety, making it necessary to develop efficient and accurate detection methods. Herein, the Ru/NiFe-LDH-MXene/SPCE electrode was successfully synthesized by one-step electrodeposition and employed to the NFT electrochemical sensing. Combining 2D MXenes with multifunctional 2D layered double hydroxides (LDHs) creates synergistic interactions within the MXene-LDH heterostructures, modifying the electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the incorporation of noble metal nanoparticles and nanoclusters can significantly enhance electrochemical performance by promoting favorable interactions at the metal-carrier interface and optimizing the rearrangement of electronic structure. Based on this, the developed Ru/NiFe-LDH-MXene/SPCE sensor demonstrates remarkable sensitivity (152.44 μA μM−1 cm−2) and an ultralow detection limit (2.2 nM). Notably, the sensor was employed for NFT detection in food samples with satisfactory recoveries, making it a promising electrochemical sensor for the detection of NFT.

Effect of gold nanoparticle dispersion on the structural, optical and radiation shielding parameters of sodium borate glass

Borate-derived radiation shielding glasses have been thoroughly explored, yet the effects of gold nanoparticle (GNP) dispersion on sodium borate glasses remain unstudied. This study investigates the impact of GNP dispersion and varying GNP concentrations on the radiation shielding properties and other parameters of sodium borate glass. All the glasses were prepared using the melt-quench technique with a composition of 30Na2O-70B2O3, containing 0, 2 × 10−10, and 2 × 10−9 mol% of nanoparticles. The x-ray diffractogram (XRD) confirmed the amorphous nature of the prepared glass samples, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed structural modifications, indicated by the formation of non-bridging oxygens due to the incorporation of GNPs. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) confirmed the presence of GNPs with an average size of 1.317 nm, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) revealed further coagulation of GNPs into tiny grains to alleviate surface stresses. Density measurements showed a clear decrease from 2.3051 to 2.1363 g cm−3 with the incorporation of gold nanoparticles. Additionally, a localized surface plasmon resonance peak centered at 612 nm was observed in the UV–Vis spectrogram of the glass with the highest GNP concentration. Radiation shielding parameters, including the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Zeff), were analyzed using Phy-X/PSD software. The LAC value initially decreases from 76.073 to 70.502 cm−1 with the incorporation of GNPs but increases to 75.878 cm−1 with a higher GNP concentration. This glass system exhibited superior radiation shielding parameters compared to various reported glass systems, indicating its potential for shielding applications.

Antibacterial evaluation of polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl pyrrolidone/chitosan nanocomposite embedded curcumin@zinc oxide

This study focuses on the fabrication and characterization of PVA/PVP/Cs (Polyvinyl alcohol/Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone/Chitosan) composite membranes embedded with ZnO (zinc oxide) nanoparticles and curcumin as a natural polyphenol with well-known antimicrobial properties. A series of nanocomposite membranes were successfully developed via a solution casting method with varying ZnO loading (2–20 wt%) and fixed 5 wt% curcumin content and physiochemically characterized. Structural and compositional analyses using XRD, FESEM, EDX, and TEM characterizations confirmed the successful incorporation and homogeneous distribution of crystalline ZnO nanoparticles within the amorphous PVA/PVP/Cs polymer matrix. The estimated size of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was measured to be around 18–22 nm. TGA thermograms revealed the nanoparticles catalyzed minor reductions in thermal stability while enhancing the residual char at elevated temperatures, a function of their increasing loading fractions. These compositionally tuned PVA/PVP/Cs-ZnO-curcumin nanocomposites exhibited potent antimicrobial efficacy against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The PVA/PVP/Cs-ZnO-curcumin nanocomposites demonstrated tunable antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains, which pave the foundation of eco-friendly, sustainable materials for addressing antimicrobial challenges in biomedical and environmental disinfection applications.

Novel Graphene-Based Reversible Physisorption Materials for High Hydrogen Uptake

Carbon-based nanomaterials (graphene, carbon nanotube, microporous carbon, graphitic carbon etc.) are excellent H2 storage materials due to high molecular H2 uptake at the micropores and large H2 adsorption at the graphene network via the formation of dipoles in H2 molecules through London dispersion forces. On the other hand, incorporation of transition metal nanoparticles within the nanocarbon network facilitates dissociation of H2 molecules into constituents H-atoms over the metal nanoparticles, followed by diffusion into the carbon nano-matrix via ‘spill-over’ effect for polarization/hybridization of metal-hydrogen to create high H2 binding energy for high hydrogen adsorption. Therefore, a nanocomposite of graphene-microporous carbon-metal nanoparticle network is expected to deliver excellent H2 uptake capacity and acts as a novel reversible physisorption material for hydrogen storage applications, which is very important for sustainable renewable energy integration.A simple, cost effective sputtering method is used to fabricate metal incorporated graphitic microporous carbon film and differential resistance measurement showed high H2 uptake. Average number of graphene layer formation is dependent on sputtering parameters, which manifest bi-to-multilayer graphene. With increase in graphene layers, H2 adsorption also increases due to a fourfold effect: higher molecular hydrogen uptake at the graphene layers, more active sites into the micropores, promotion of molecular dissociation into atomic hydrogen by the metal nanoparticles, and the formation of hydrogenated carbon via destruction of the π-bonds.

Magnetically controlled transdermal delivery of gemcitabine via xanthan gum-coated magnetic nanoparticles embedded in gellan gum cryogel

Chemotherapy is a commonly used treatment for breast cancer, but it often causes significant side effects due to the high drug dosage required for injection or infusion administration. Transdermal drug delivery offers a non-invasive and controlled release approach. In this work, a novel approach was developed for using gellan gum as a drug matrix and Gemcitabine loaded xanthan gum coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Gem: Xan (1%v/v)Fe3O4) as a drug carrier complex. The magnetization values were found to be 84.69 emu/g, 16.63 emu/g, and 9.91 emu/g for Fe3O4, Xan (1%v/v)Fe3O4, and Gem: Xan (1%v/v)Fe3O4, respectively. Notably, this work showcases the synthesis of Gemcitabine loaded xanthan gum coated magnetic nanoparticles as a new drug carrier complex, explores the drug release kinetics, and demonstrates the biocompatibility and non-toxicity of gellan gum on human skin, offering promising implications for transdermal drug delivery. The Gemcitabine release was 54 % without magnetic nanoparticles, and it increased to 82 % with the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles. The Gemcitabine release – permeation of Gem: Xan (1%v/v)Fe3O4 was higher than that of the pristine Gemcitabine permeation by 72 %. The experimental results revealed that the magnetic field played a crucial role in controlling the drug release rate, amount, and duration during the release and release-permeation study.

Characterization, impact and wear properties of treated and as-received graphene nanosheets reinforcement in epoxy resin composites

PurposeThis study aims to explore the enhancement of mechanical properties in epoxy resin composites through the incorporation of graphene nanoparticles, focusing on their impact and wear resistance. It investigates the role of graphene, both treated and untreated, as a reinforcing agent in composites, highlighting the significance of nanoparticle dispersion and surfactant treatment in optimizing mechanical performance.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a novel dispersion technique using a drawing brush, this research contrasts with traditional methods by examining the effects of graphene nanoparticle concentrations treated with surfactants – Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Sulphonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde (SNF) – on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites. The methodology includes conducting a series of impact and wear tests to assess the influence of graphene reinforcement on the composites' performance.FindingsThe findings reveal a marked enhancement in the composites impact resistance and energy absorption capabilities, which escalate with an increase in graphene content. Additionally, the study demonstrates a significant improvement in wear resistance, attributed to the superior mechanical properties, robust interface adhesion and effective dispersion of graphene. The use of surfactants for graphene treatment is identified as a crucial factor in these advancements, offering profound insights into the development of advanced composite materials for diverse industrial uses.Originality/valueThis study introduces a unique dispersion technique for graphene in epoxy composites, setting it apart from conventional methods. By focusing on the critical role of surfactant treatment in enhancing the mechanical properties of graphene-reinforced composites, it provides a novel insight into the optimization of impact and wear resistance.

Enhancing Solar Absorption with Double-Layered Nickel Coatings and WS2 Nanoparticles on Copper Substrates

This study focused on the development and characterization of multi-layered nickel coatings doped with WS2 nanoparticles and electrodeposited on copper substrates. To enhance the solar collector’s performance by improving the solar radiation conversion into heat, two distinct undercoatings were evaluated, along with the incorporation of WS2 nanoparticles in the black nickel layer. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the bright and dull nickel undercoatings consisted of metallic nickel, whereas the black coatings comprised amorphous nickel oxide, inferred to be Ni2O3 based on energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the undercoatings and black nickel morphology showed a compact surface with a relatively homogenous microstructure composed of polyhedric grains, which was free of visible cracks or pinholes. The undercoating influenced the brightness, the reflectivity and the reflectance of the black nickel films, with the dull undercoated sample showing the most promising results, with a total absorbance of 0.94. The incorporation of WS2 nanoparticles induced the formation of cracks and increased the porosity of the black nickel film. With an appropriate content of WS2 nanoparticles and the use of a dull undercoat, these drawbacks can be avoided. Concerning the integration of WS2 nanoparticles, a minor decrease in the brightness of the black films and a subsequent increase in the total absorbance ultimately led to an enhancement of the conversion of solar energy into thermal energy.

Rheological behavior and solution pH response properties of nanoparticle-regulated low surface tension systems.

Regarding the rheological properties of fluids, certain nanoparticles can markedly modify the rheological behavior of low surface tension solutions by interacting with surfactant molecules. In this work, a low surface tension fluid with cetyltrimethylammonium chloride was prepared, and the silica nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed into it by ultrasonic dispersion. By adjusting the size, shape, and concentration of nanoparticles, the fluid behavior can be changed from Newtonian to non-Newtonian with finely tuned viscosity and characterized by a shear-thinning rheological behavior. In addition, this work explored how variations in environmental temperature and solution pH affect the rheological responses of the low surface tension suspension system. The experimental findings revealed that increasing the temperature substantially decreases the system's viscosity and induces a shear-thickening behavior. It is particularly significant that, under extreme pH conditions (either strongly acidic or alkaline), the viscosity of the nanoparticle suspensions was markedly enhanced at a particle concentration of 10 000 ppm. This interesting result coincided with a notable reduction in the zeta potential and an increase in the average particle size, suggesting an intensified aggregation of particles within the suspension system. A mechanism detailing the interaction between silica nanoparticles and surfactant micelles was proposed. This work indicates that the incorporation of nanoparticles into surfactant solutions offers a powerful approach to modulating fluid rheology across various conditions.

4D printing thermo-magneto-responsive PETG-Fe3O4 nanocomposites with enhanced shape memory effects

In this groundbreaking study, Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG)-Fe3O4 nanocomposites were developed for 4D printing, incorporating iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles into PETG matrix. The research contribution lies in its innovative approach to enhancing the shape memory effect (SME) through thermo-magnetic responsiveness, positioning PETG-Fe3O4 as a revolutionary material in smart additive manufacturing. The composites were synthesized using a melt mixing method, followed by 3D printing into specimens for comprehensive evaluation through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and uniaxial tensile tests. The findings revealed that the incorporation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles significantly boosts the composites’ storage modulus and glass transition temperature, indicative of improved stiffness and thermal properties. Notably, the 15 % Fe3O4 composite emerged as the optimal blend, exhibiting the highest tensile strength and a favourable balance between mechanical integrity and flexibility. A key result was the enhanced SME under both thermal and magnetic stimuli, with recovery efficiency and speed escalating with nanoparticle concentration. This advancement underscores the potential of PETG-Fe3O4 nanocomposites in fabricating smart structures capable of environmental adaptability, paving the way for impacts in biomedical, aerospace, and robotic devices. Through this work, a new paradigm in material functionality for 4D printing has been established, demonstrating the viability of magnetic nanoparticle integration for added smart capabilities.

Efficient adsorption of Congo red (CR) dye onto novel lignin-based magnetic core-shell adsorbent: Synthesis, characterization and experimental studies

BackgroundFurfural residue is a by-product in the furfural production from the biomass, and enriched in cellulose and lignin. Lignin is considered efficient candidates for the preparation of bio-based adsorbents because of a variety of functional groups and reactive sites involved. MethodsIn this study, we prepared the tunable covalent binding of the aldehyde-based furfural residue lignin onto amine-functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles using cyanuric chloride as a chemoselective cross-linker. The novel lignin-based magnetic adsorbent in core-shell structure was reported for the first time to remove Congo red from aqueous solution. Significant FindingsA distinct core-shell structure is formed, according to the SEM, TEM, FTIR, BET, XPS, and VSM techniques. Adsorption studies suggested that endothermic processes occured for CR adsorption onto AFRL@AMNP, and both pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models could provide a good description of the adsorption kinetics. The Langmuir model estimated the qmax of CR by AFRL@AMNP were 218.2 mg/g at 290 K. According to FTIR, XPS, and DFT calculations, electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds, and π-π interactions were identified as main mechanisms for CR onto AFRL@AMNP. More importantly, due to the incorporation of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle, AFRL@AMNP can be easier to separate from the aqueous solutions and be reused.

Improved mechanical, magnetic and radiation shielding performance of rubbery polymer magnetic nanocomposites through incorporation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles

The current research investigates the impact of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (3–12 wt%) on the properties of rubbery polymer nanocomposites fabricated via melt blending method. The tensile and impact properties were improved at an optimal 6 wt% Fe3O4, revealing a good interfacial interaction. Fe3O4 enhanced the thermal stability, as evidenced by the increased integral procedure decomposition temperature up to 26 %. Fe3O4 increased residual and saturated magnetization the most at 6 wt% loading. The gamma-ray shielding properties were explored with energy ranging from 0.2835 to 2.506 MeV, and effectively at low energies. Increased Fe3O4 content correlated positively with linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), enhancing radiation shielding but reducing neutron shielding. At 0.2835 MeV, the LAC values increased up to 0.12431 cm−1 for 12 wt% Fe3O4, while the fast neutron removal cross-section values decreased from 0.10427 cm−1 to 0.08548 cm−1. These findings highlight the multifunctional potential of Fe3O4-incorporated nanocomposites in radiation shielding applications.

Influence of Y2O3 content on the properties of Ni-Y2O3-MgO nanocomposite coatings prepared by pulse electrodeposition

This research examines the influence of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles as reinforcing particles on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of Ni-Y2O3-MgO composite coatings deposited by pulse electrodeposition. Varying Y2O3 contents are prepared on the Q235 steel substrate using the composite electrodeposition technology. The efficacy of the coatings was evaluated using a range of analytical methods, including SEM, EDS, XRD, wear investigation, and electrochemical testing. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of Y2O3 nanoparticles has a substantial effect on refining the grains of the composite coating, thereby improving its surface flatness and density. Particularly, the coating demonstrated the highest surface quality and the smallest particle size at 10 g/L Y2O3 content which may be associated with the fact that the high surface activity and large specific area of the Y2O3 nanoparticles promote the nucleation rate and inhibit the crystal growth during the deposition process of the composite coating. The presence of Y2O3 in the coating increased the self-corrosion potential and decreased the self-corrosion current density, thereby improving its corrosion resistance. Particularly, the composite coating containing Y2O3 at a concentration of 10 g/L exhibits the most effective resistance against corrosion. Furthermore, the inclusion of Y2O3 (10 g/L) effectively decreases the wear volume of the coating while simultaneously enhancing its hardness and wear resistance. This study provides a new way for the preparation and characterization of metal-based nanocomposite coatings.