Incorporation Of Particles Research Articles

Improving the Photocatalytic Performance of TiO2 Coating via the Dual Incorporation of MoO2 and V2O5 by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation

In this study, the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ coatings on pure titanium was significantly enhanced through the dual incorporation of MoO₂ and V₂O₅ particles. This enhancement was achieved by performing a series of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) treatments in an alkaline-phosphate electrolyte, where Na₂MoO₄ and V₂O₅ nanoparticles were added either individually or in combination. The PEO process was carried out at a current density of 100 mA/cm² for 5 minutes. The results revealed notable changes in the surface morphology of the TiO₂ coatings, with increased porosity and pore size observed upon the addition of MoO₄ ions, while the incorporation of V₂O₅ nanoparticles led to a slight reduction in pore size. Interestingly, the simultaneous addition of both MoO₂ and V₂O₅ resulted in a porous structure with medium pore size and porosity, which proved optimal for photocatalytic applications. The compositional analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of MoO₂ and V₂O₅ into the TiO₂ matrix via electrochemical decomposition and electrophoresis mechanisms. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated through the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light. The results demonstrated that the combined incorporation of MoO₂ and V₂O₅ significantly improved the degradation efficiency compared to TiO₂ coatings prepared without these additives. Notably, the TiO₂ coating with both additives achieved 99.9 % degradation of MB within 80 minutes, indicating enhanced charge separation and photocatalytic efficiency. This study highlights the potential of dual additive incorporation to improve the functional properties of TiO₂ coatings, making them suitable for advanced environmental and industrial applications.

Demonstrating the potential of bioactive glass-infused electrospun PVB fibrous patches in atopic dermatitis moisturizing therapy

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritic and eczematous lesions. Current treatment modalities often focus on symptomatic relief through topical moisturizers to restore impaired skin barrier function. Bioactive glasses, such as 45S5 and 59S compositions, have gained attention for their potential therapeutic applications in dermatological conditions due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity, and ability to promote wound healing. In this study, we explore the feasibility and efficacy of utilizing electrospun polyvinyl butyral (PVB) fibrous patches infused with bioactive glass particles as a novel approach for moisturizing therapy in AD. The electrospun PVB fibrous patches were fabricated through a simple and scalable electrospinning technique, incorporating bioactive glass particles. Physicochemical properties, including morphology, mechanical strength, and bioactive properties, were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile testing, and in- vitro bioactivity. Additionally, the protein absorption kinetics of the fibrous patches were evaluated. Furthermore, in-vitro hemocompatibility, cell viability studies and live/dead assay were conducted to assess the biocompatibility of the bioactive glass-infused PVB fibrous patches. Our findings demonstrate that the incorporation of bioactive glass particles into electrospun PVB fibrous patches confers enhanced mechanical properties and sustained release of bioactive ions, providing a promising platform for prolonged moisturizing therapy.

Nacre-like aluminum/PVDF energetic composites with enhanced combustion and mechanical properties

This study introduces a nacre-inspired aluminum (Al) flake/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) energetic composite, designed to enhance its combustion and mechanical performance for propulsion applications. In comparison to Al/PVDF composites utilizing spherical micron-sized Al particles, the nacre-like Al/PVDF composite with aligned Al flakes showed a 115% enhancement in tensile strength, a 10% increase in toughness, but a 75% reduction in elongation. A hybrid composite, combining aligned Al flakes and spherical particles, demonstrated a balanced improvement in mechanical properties: a 122% increase in tensile strength, a 96% rise in toughness, and a more modest 29% reduction in elongation. Furthermore, the aligned Al flakes enhanced the thermal conductivity of the composites, resulting in a 53% faster burn rate of Al/PVDF, suggesting that microstructural tuning through flake alignment and particle incorporation influences both mechanical and combustion properties. These findings highlight that nacre-like microstructure can effectively augment the performance of Al/PVDF energetic composites, indicating potential applications in propulsion.

Preparation of ester-modified nano-SiO2/silicate coatings and its application in the impermeability of concrete

Surface treatment protective technology is a cost-effective approach to prevent harmful ions from infiltrating concrete, avoiding the deterioration of performance and increasing longevity. Here, a novel coupling agent with ester group (MA-KH-550) is synthesized from γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH-550) and methyl acrylate (MA) to modify nano-SiO2 particles. Subsequently, the ester-modified nano-SiO2 can be successfully dispersed in alkaline composite silicate solutions to fabricate nano-SiO2/silicate coatings, improving the impermeability of concrete. The incorporation of nano-SiO2 particles can fill microscopic pores in cementitious materials, which improves the compactness of the concrete. Furthermore, nano-SiO2 particles can also accelerate secondary hydration of cement and synergistically generate more calcium silicate hydrate gel with silicates to further boost the compactness of the concrete. High-compactness coatings reduce the penetration of the medium, thereby enhancing the impermeability performance of the concrete. When the nano-SiO2 particle content is 1.0 wt%, the optimal performance of concrete is achieved. Compared with the original C30 concrete, the C30 concrete treated with the nano-SiO2/composite silicate (nano-SiO2/CSC) shows a 31.1 % decrease in chloride ion resistance, a 35.5 % reduction in carbonization resistance, a loss rate of 1.08 % for anti-freezing quality. This work charts a new course for designing and developing high-performance composite silicate coatings for concrete.

Effect of the Incorporation of SiC Fine Particle on the Tribological Behaviors of Chromium Coating Deposited from Trivalent Chromium Bath (Investigation on Dry Sliding Characteristics against Alumina)

Effect of the Incorporation of SiC Fine Particle on the Tribological Behaviors of Chromium Coating Deposited from Trivalent Chromium Bath (Investigation on Dry Sliding Characteristics against Alumina)

Smart piezoelectric composite: impact of piezoelectric ceramic microparticles embedded in heat-treated 7075-T651 aluminium alloy

AbstractSignificant advances have been made in material synthesis in the last two decades, with a focus on polymers, ceramics, metals, and smart materials. Piezoelectric-based smart materials generate an electric voltage in response to loads, enabling distributed monitoring in critical structural parts. Friction stir processing (FSP) is a versatile approach that can enhance material performance in various engineering fields. The primary objective of the current research is to examine the sensorial properties of heat-treated AA7075-T651 aluminium plates that have been included with Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) and Barium Titanate (BT) particles via FSP. This study includes a comparative analysis of sensitivities with AA5083-H111 self-sensing material, metallographic and physicochemical characterization, and an assessment of the mechanical properties impacted by the incorporation of piezoelectric particles. The sensitivity of AA7075-PZT was found to be significantly higher than that of AA7075-BT. AA7075-PZT achieved a maximum sensitivity of 15.27 × 10−4 μV/MPa while AA7075-BT had a sensitivity of only 7.28 × 10−4 μV/MPa, which is 52% lower. Microhardness and uniaxial tensile tests demonstrated that the presence of particles has an influence on both mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of aluminium components, as opposed to those that do not have particles. The complete investigation intends to give significant insights into the performance and prospective uses of these innovative smart materials, therefore advancing materials science and engineering. Graphical abstract

Magnetic PDMS@SiO2/Fe3O4 Composite Friction Layer Material for Enhanced Friction Nanogenerator Output Performance

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) have exhibited remarkable potential in harnessing stochastic low-frequency mechanical energy from oceanic surfaces, attributed to their versatile architectures and capability for extensive deployment. Nonetheless, the relatively modest power output per unit area remains a critical limitation impeding the advancement of TENG technology. Consequently, the innovation of novel material systems and devices to augment the output performance and efficiency of TENG is paramount in achieving effective ocean energy exploitation. In our study, a vertical contact PC-TENG was utilized as an energy harvester, with the incorporation of magnetic nano-oxide particles to bolster the output efficiency of TENG. This investigation represents the inaugural application of SiO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles within PDMS negative friction layers. This strategy augments the specific surface area, thereby improving the contact between the friction materials and enhancing charge transfer efficiency. Moreover, the magnetic properties of Fe3O4 facilitate charge separation on the material's surface, culminating in an elevated voltage output. Comprehensive characterizations were conducted using SEM, FTIR, electrometer, and contact angle meter, while simulations were corroborated with COMSOL Multiphysics field simulation software. The output performance witnessed optimization through the incorporation of Fe3O4, culminating in a peak open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 85.1212 V, a maximum short-circuits current (ISC) of 8.4037 μA, and a maximum transferred charge (QSC) of 0.5638 nC, reflecting enhancements of 28%, 32%, and 27%, respectively, compared to conventional PDMS materials. The peak output power, achieved with an impedance match of 55 MΩ, was recorded at 19.03 mW, marking a 70.8% improvement in output performance. The findings revealed that the contact angle of PDMS@SiO2/Fe3O4 composites reached 100.092°, enhancing hydrophobicity by 8% relative to traditional PDMS materials, thereby rendering it more suitable for humid environments. COMSOL Multiphysics field simulation results further substantiated the viability of the PDMS@SiO2/Fe3O4 composite friction layer material for applications in oceanic wave environments. Ultimately, a rectifier bridge was introduced to convert the alternating current generated by the PC-TENG into direct current. This research offers a novel paradigm for the utilization of TENG in the realm of marine energy.

TiO2 and down-conversion phosphors to enhance UV protection of solar cells

In recent years, demand for solar generators for LEO (Low Earth Orbit) applications has been growing, and much research has focused on the use of less expensive and thinner (<90 μm). silicon-based solar cells that can be integrated on flexible Photovoltaic Assemblies (PVAs). These solar cells must be protected from space UV radiations and also withstand more than 50,000 thermal cycles in LEO. The solution advocated here involves the incorporation of UV-absorbing particles into a spatial polymer, combined with lanthanide ions based inorganic phosphors (Y2O3:Eu3+ and Y2O2S:Eu3+) to achieve the down-conversion process. Embedded into a silicone-based polymer matrix with a thickness close to 100 μm, these particles are then deposited on 180 μm thick Ga-doped heterojunction silicon cells (30x30 mm2). UV tests are carried out on ONERA's SEMIRAMIS platform at two doses: 425 esh and 1005 esh. A series of 1000 thermal cycles is carried out at the CEA. The first spatial UV analysis revealed a maximum loss of almost 5 % in short-circuit current (Isc) for PV devices after 1005 esh. Comparing results in open circuit voltage (Voc), the bare cell degrades as the dose increases (−2 % at 425 esh and −5 % at 1005 esh). One positive point is that the addition of TiO2 particles protects the solar cell. These initial results point out that it is possible to produce a protective coating to limit the effects of degradation of Silicon cells under space UV flux, with a focus on producing flexible PVAs.

Enhancing high-temperature wear resistance of plasma-sprayed NiCrBSi coatings with nanodiamond reinforcement

High-temperature wear causes industrial components to degrade quickly, leading to reduced efficiency, frequent breakdowns, and costly repairs. Thermal spraying is a surface modification technique employed to address these wear issues by shielding the component using protective coatings. In this study, the high-temperature wear behavior of plasma-sprayed NiCrBSi coatings reinforced with Nanodiamond (ND) particles was systematically evaluated. The coatings were reinforced with 1 wt% and 2 wt% ND, and their tribological performance was assessed under varying thermal conditions. Tribological tests were conducted using a ball-on-disk setup at elevated temperatures of 473 K, 673 K, and 873 K for 60 min. The experimental results demonstrated a significant improvement in the wear response and frictional characteristics of the NiCrBSi coatings with the incorporation of ND particles. Specifically, the NiCrBSi coating reinforced with 2 wt% ND exhibited a significantly lower wear volume loss and a reduced coefficient of friction when compared to the pure NiCrBSi coating. At 873 K, the NiCrBSi-2ND coating demonstrated a 64 % reduction in wear volume loss and 85 % decrease in the coefficient of friction, compared to the pure NiCrBSi coating. The incorporation of NDs greatly enhanced the lubrication and hardness of the NiCrBSi-2ND coating as well as improved the adhesion of wear debris to the newly exposed wear track. The high thermal conductivity of NDs enhanced heat transfer to the coatings, facilitating the formation of a protective tribo layer at elevated temperatures, which improved the wear resistance of the NiCrBSi-2ND coating. These findings underscore the potential of ND as a reinforcing agent to significantly enhance the durability and efficiency of NiCrBSi coatings in extreme thermal environments.

Study on micro-grinding mechanism and surface quality of hardened 20 vol% SiCp/Al composites

Particle-reinforced aluminum-based silicon carbide composites (SiCp/Al) are widely used in aerospace, rail transit, and other fields due to their excellent comprehensive properties. However, the incorporation of high-brittle SiC particles poses challenges in the high-performance processing of SiCp/Al composites. This study focuses on hardened 20 vol% SiCp/Al composites, establishing two-dimensional finite element cutting models for single SiC particles. Micro-grinding experiments are conducted under various processing parameters. The influence law of surface defects on individual SiC particles relative to tool position and single factor machining parameters was analyzed, revealing the micro-grinding mechanisms affecting surface and subsurface quality. The results show that the interaction among particle damage mechanisms, crack propagation directions, and the restraining effects of the Al matrix leads to diverse types of defects at different cutting positions. Both simulation and experimental observations reveal surface defects such as pits, gullies, and burrs, while subsurface damage primarily results from crack invasion, cavity interstices, and pits due to particle breakage. The experiment achieved a minimum roughness of 0.057 μm. Taking into account the thermal softening of the material and the micro-behavior of the tool-chip interface, optimal conditions for improved surface quality involve a grinding depth of 0.03 mm, a spindle speed of 12,000 rpm, and a relatively low feed rate.

New insights into the remediation of chromium-contaminated industrial electroplating wastewater by an innovative nano-modified biochar derived from spent mushroom substrate: Mechanisms, batch study, stability and application

To enhance the adsorption and detoxification capabilities of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) using agricultural spent mushroom substrate (SMS), this study pioneered the preparation of biochar (NBC) from Lentinus edodes spent substrate. Subsequently, nano iron sulfide (FeS) particles were integrated onto NBC with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a stabilizer, resulting in a novel composite biosorption material, nFeS-BC. The adsorption and reduction potential of both NBC and nFeS-BC against Cr(VI) were evaluated through batch experiments, which identified pH as a critical factor influencing adsorption efficiency. Remarkably, nFeS-BC exhibited a superior maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 99.57 mg g−1 and a reduction efficiency of 68.65%, outperforming NBC by 277.73% and 211.76% under optimized conditions, respectively. Characterization techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) elucidated the removal mechanisms, predominantly attributed to ion exchange, electrostatic attraction, functional group interaction, and redox reaction. The carbon-oxygen functional groups and nano particles were crucial in the adsorption and reduction processes. Compared with NBC, the incorporation of FeS particles increased the specific surface area and pore volume of nFeS-BC by 130.86% and 183.77%, respectively. nFeS-BC owned a shelf-life of up to ∼3 months of use and exhibited excellent performance in the processing of actual electroplating wastewater with q of 16.71 mg g−1 under 0.1 g L−1 dosage. These findings underscore the potential of nFeS-BC as an efficient material for Cr(VI) removal, presenting a novel adsorbent for the sustainable detoxification of contaminated water resources and the potential for using agricultural waste materials in environmental remediation.

Effect of Pulse Electrodeposition Mode on Microstructures and Properties of Ni-TiN Composite Coatings

Mild steel is a kind of material commonly used in the chemical industry and to manufacture machinery, farm tools, and other parts in order to improve the surface performance of the parts and prolong their service life. The Ni-TiN composite coating was fabricated through ultrasonic electroplating using a Ni-based sulfamic acid bath with added nano-TiN particles. The effects of three distinct current modes, direct current (DC), positive pulse current (PC), and positive–negative pulse current (PNPC), on various aspects of the coating, including surface morphology, TiN content and distribution, interface bonding strength, microhardness, friction and wear properties, as well as corrosion resistance, were investigated. The findings demonstrated that, in comparison to DC electroplating, PC electrodeposited Ni-TiN composite coatings yielded finer grains, smoother surfaces, reduced surface cracks, increased interface bonding strength, and enhanced corrosion resistance. Furthermore, PNPC electrodeposited Ni-TiN composite coatings showed higher interface bonding strength than those of PC electrodeposited Ni-TiN coatings and had the densest structure, leading to the best corrosion resistance. Pulse current electroplating enhanced the incorporation of nano-TiN particles, with a higher deposition rate observed in positive–negative pulse current electroplating compared to positive pulse current electroplating. Furthermore, the PNPC electrodeposited coating displayed improved microhardness and demonstrated the best friction and wear properties, while the DC electroplated coating displayed the least favorable performance in these aspects.

Investigating the impact of nano copper on the electrical conductivity of aluminum: A comprehensive study utilizing ANN, genetic algorithm, and fuzzy logic methods

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field in material science, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance the electrical properties of conventional materials through the incorporation of nano-sized particles. In this extensive study, we explore the effects of varying weight percentages (1%, 2%, and 3%) and lengths (30 nm, 60 nm, 150 nm, and 250 nm) of nano copper on the electrical conductivity of aluminum (Al) across different temperatures (20°C, 50°C, and 100°C). Additionally, we compare the predictive capabilities of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Genetic Algorithms (GA), and Fuzzy Logic (FL) methods in forecasting the electrical conductivity variations of Al based on these parameters.

Investigating the impact of nano copper on the electrical conductivity of aluminum: A comprehensive study utilizing artificial neural networks

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field in material science, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance the electrical properties of conventional materials through the incorporation of nano-sized particles. In this extensive study, we explore the effects of varying weight percentages (1%, 2%, and 3%) and lengths (30 nm, 60 nm, 150 nm, and 250 nm) of nano copper on the electrical conductivity of aluminum (Al) across different temperatures (20°C, 50°C, and 100°C). Additionally, we investigate the predictive capabilities of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in forecasting the electrical conductivity variations of Al based on these parameters. Through a detailed analysis of experimental results and ANN modeling,

Investigating the impact of nano copper on the electrical conductivity of aluminum: a comprehensive study utilizing genetic algorithms methods

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field in material science, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance the electrical properties of conventional materials through the incorporation of nano-sized particles. In this extensive study, we explore the effects of varying weight percentages (1%, 2%, and 3%) and lengths (30 nm, 60 nm, 150 nm, and 250 nm) of nano copper on the electrical conductivity of aluminum (Al) across different temperatures (20°C, 50°C, 80°C, and 100°C). Additionally, GA method and Numerical correction factor and constitutive equation using Zener –Holloman parameter were employed for modeling the rheological behavior of Al based on these parameters.

Graphene nano particles to improve lightning dissipation on transmission lines

Lightning is the primary cause of outages for many high voltage transmission lines. One approach to reduce the frequency of these outages is the improvement of the grounding system using chemical ground enhancers to better disperse transient or fault currents into the soil. In this paper, the objective is to use graphene nano particles to improve the performance of commercial ground enhancers by exploration of 15 different commercial graphene nano particles used to reformulate 19 commercial ground enhancers and one natural ground enhancer. Incorporation of nano graphene particles is by high shear mixing method. The results show reduction in two of the commercial ground enhancers’ resistivity values by a factor of 60. Moreover, lightning impulse tests show that the use of graphene reduce deterioration of the ground enhancer, which can occur after high current events, thereby prolonging its efficacy. Due to the superior electrical conductivity and chemical stability of the graphene, the reformulated ground enhancers improve short-term performance in managing lightning current impulses, and provide a solution, which is likely to perform better over long periods. However, the compatibility of the constituent parts of the formulation is critical to long-term performance.

Investigating the impact of nano copper on the electrical conductivity of aluminum: A comprehensive study utilizing fuzzy logic methods

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field in material science, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance the electrical properties of conventional materials through the incorporation of nano-sized particles. In this extensive study, we explore the effects of varying weight percentages (1%, 2%, and 3%) and lengths (30 nm, 60 nm, 150 nm, and 250 nm) of nano copper on the electrical conductivity of aluminum (Al) across different temperatures (20°C, 50°C, and 100°C). Additionally, we investigate the predictive capabilities of fuzzy logic methods in forecasting the electrical conductivity variations of Al based on these parameters.

Fabrication and Characterization of Advanced Selective Plated Copper Coatings Incorporating Nanosized Particles of ZnO and TiO2

This study reports preliminary results on the fabrication and characterization of selective plated copper-based coatings with enhanced surface properties and durability through the incorporation of zinc oxide and titanium oxide particles. The coatings were produced using an electrolyte containing 3% wt. zinc oxide and 1% wt. titanium oxide particles, and their microstructures, phase compositions, and mechanical properties were investigated. The results show that the incorporation of ceramic particles leads to the formation of metal-matrix composite materials with finer grain structures, improved microhardness, and enhanced wear resistance. The coating incorporating ZnO particles exhibits superior wear resistance, maintaining stable roughness values and minimal material loss, while the coating with TiO2 particles also shows improved wear resistance with moderate roughness increases.

The effect of positive and reverse current cycles on the wettability, morphology, and corrosion behaviour of electrodeposited nickel matrix layer

ABSTRACT In this study, Ni-TiO2 coatings were formed using a multi-step pulse method with positive and, in some cases, reverse current steps. All coatings were produced at a current density of 4 A dm−2 and a frequency and duty cycle of 10 Hz and 10%, respectively with a thickness of 30 µm. The results showed that by applying the reverse current cycle, the codeposition of TiO2 particles in the coating decreased and the morphology of the coating became irregular. It was found that the effect of the wetting angle of the coating is greater than the incorporation of TiO2 particles on the corrosion behaviour of the coating. Thus, a coating was created with a positive 4-step pulse current with the lowest amount of TiO2 particles (7.7 vol.%) having the highest resistance against corrosion. The sample had compact morphology and high wetting angle (82.61o֯).

Effect of dual NEPCM and tapered fins on thermal runaway control in lithium-ion batteries

This research investigates the thermal performance of dual phase change materials (PCMs) RT82 (PCM1) and RT27 (PCM2) using tapered fins and nanoparticles to improve their thermal management capabilities, specifically for controlling excessive heating in lithium-ion battery cells. The primary objective is to enhance heat transfer efficiency and melting characteristics of dual PCMs by incorporating alumina (Al2O3), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) nanoparticles at varying volume fractions and configuring tapered fins in different arrangements. A series of parametric studies were conducted to analyze the impact of these modifications on the thermal transport and solid-liquid transition characteristics of the PCMs. The key findings indicate that the incorporation of nano-sized particles significantly enhances the thermal conductivity of PCMs, with SWCNTs showing the highest improvement. The PCM system with 6 % SWCNTs nanoparticles exhibited a 41.85 % increase in melting characteristics compared to the baseline PCM. The study also reveals that increasing the number of fins from two to eight results in a 94.28 % increase in the melting rate for RT82 and a 50 % increase for RT27. Furthermore, the combination of increased nanoparticle concentration and fin number leads to a 12.17 % rise in melt pool temperature distribution for 2 % SWCNTs and 14.08 % for 6 % SWCNTs. The enhanced thermal conductivity and efficient heat transfer due to the synergistic effect of fins and nanoparticles result in faster phase transitions and improved temperature regulation within the system. These findings underscore the potential of optimized PCM configurations with advanced materials for superior thermal management solutions in high-heat applications, effectively extending the operational efficiency and lifespan of thermal systems like lithium-ion batteries.