Low Field Research Articles

Geometrically frustrated Gd2Ti2O7 oxide: A comprehensive exploration of structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties for cryogenic magnetic cooling applications

The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) has been extensively studied in various magnetic solids, aiming to both facilitate practical applications in magnetic cooling and deepen our understanding these materials’ intrinsic properties. This study presents a systematic investigation of Gd2Ti2O7 oxide, characterized by a geometrically frustrated magnetic structure, focusing on its structural and magnetic characteristics through experimental analysis and theoretical calculations. Emphasis is placed on its magnetic phase transition (MPT) and magnetocaloric properties, scrutinizing temperatures as low as 0.4 K and magnetic fields up to 16 T. The results reveal that Gd2Ti2O7 oxide possesses a crystalline cubic pyrochlore-type structure with an antiferromagnetic (AFM) semiconductor ground state. The material undergoes a first-order MPT in low field and low-temperature regimes, transitioning to a second-order MPT above 2 K up to 16 T. Evaluation of magnetocaloric parameters, including maximum magnetic entropy change, temperature-averaged entropy change, relative cooling power, and refrigerant capacity, indicates moderate values under low magnetic field changes, while significantly large values are achievable under high magnetic field changes. This finding suggests that potential cryogenic magnetocaloric materials (MCMs) with optimal performance should exhibit low MPT temperatures induced by magnetic frustration and possess a ground state with a sufficiently large magnetic moment induced by low magnetic fields, thus avoiding excessively strong AFM coupling. This study lays the groundwork for future cryogenic MCM design and provides valuable insights into the intrinsic properties of geometrically frustrated magnetic materials.

Filter-assisted direct detection-based field recovery scheme for complex-valued double-sideband signals

Double-sideband self-coherent detection (DSB-SCD) can achieve optical field recovery of complex-valued double-sideband (CV-DSB) signals without a local oscillator laser. To date, various proposed DSB-SCD schemes require a high carrier-to-signal power ratio (CSPR) to mitigate the inherent signal-signal beat interference (SSBI) induced by direct detection. Aiming at relaxing the high CSPR requirement for the DSB-SCD, filter-assisted direct detection (FADD) is proposed to retrieve the CV-DSB signals. In this paper, we clarify the concept of the FADD, which uses optical filters in the receiver to achieve optical field recovery of CV-DSB signals via direct detection. The CV-DSB signals can be retrieved at low CSPR with the aid of optical filters. We also propose a novel FADD receiver that uses an optical bandstop filter (OBSF) to obtain CV-DSB signals from self-coherent signals, called OBSF-DD with 90° hybrid. Considering the high complexity of the OBSF-DD with 90° hybrid, a simplified OBSF-DD receiver with 2 × 2 coupler is put forward as well, which uses a 2 × 2 coupler instead of optical hybrid, and three single-ended photodiodes are required to achieve signal reception. By using cost-effective FADD receiver, the proposed FADD scheme provides an effective approach for low CSPR field recovery.

Short large-amplitude magnetic structures (SLAMS) at Mercury observed by MESSENGER

Abstract. We present the first observations of short large-amplitude magnetic structures (denoted SLAMS) at Mercury. We have investigated approximately 4 years of MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) data to identify SLAMS in the Mercury foreshock. Defining SLAMS as magnetic field compressional structures, with an increase in magnetic field strength of at least twice the background magnetic field strength, when MESSENGER is located in the solar wind, we find 435 SLAMS. The SLAMS are found either in regions of a general ultra-low frequency (ULF) wave field, at the boundary of such a ULF wave field, or in a few cases isolated from the wave field. We present statistics on several properties of the SLAMS, such as temporal scale size, amplitude, and the presence of whistler-like wave emissions. We find that SLAMS are mostly found during periods of low interplanetary magnetic field strength, indicating that they are more common for higher solar wind Alfvénic Mach number (MA). We use the Tao solar wind model to estimate solar wind parameters to verify that MA is indeed larger during SLAMS observations than otherwise. Finally, we also investigate how SLAMS observations are related to foreshock geometry.

Vortex-glass transition and vortex pinning behavior in three-dimensional NbTiN epitaxial films

In the present paper, the vortex dynamics in two NbTiN epitaxial films have been explored via analyzing the current–voltage (I–V) curves measured at different temperatures and fields. The thicknesses of the two films are ∼50 and ∼100 nm, respectively, and they are three-dimensional (3D) with respect to superconductivity. The films transform from normal state to superconducting state with decreasing temperature at zero field, and the values of superconducting transition temperature Tc are 8.73 and 12.03 K for the ∼50- and ∼100-nm-thick films, respectively. When a magnetic field with magnitude 0.5T≲μ0H≲7 T and perpendicular to the film plane is applied, the isothermal I–V data show a 3D vortex-glass (VG) scaling collapse at each field, suggesting that a 3D vortex-liquid phase to VG phase transition occurs in the NbTiN films. By analyzing the critical current density, we found that core pinning is the main pinning mechanism in the films. In addition, it is found that the normal point-like pinning dominates the pinning behavior at low field regime. While in the high field regime, besides the normal point-like pinning, other pinning mechanisms, such as Δκ pinning, also exist in the films. Our results not only provide strong experimental support for the occurrence of VG phase transition in conventional superconductors, but also provide fundamental information for the application of NbTiN films.

A General Concept for the Electronic and Steric Modification of 1-Metallacyclobuta-2,3-dienes: A Case Study of Group 4 Metallocene Complexes.

The synthesis of group 4 metal 1-metallacyclobuta-2,3-dienes as organometallic analogues of elusive 1,2-cyclobutadiene has so far been limited to SiMe3 substituted examples. We present the synthesis of two Ph substituted dilithiated ligand precursors for the preparation of four new 1-metallacyclobuta-2,3-dienes [rac-(ebthi)M] (M=Ti, Zr; ebthi=1,2-ethylene-1,10-bis(η5-tetrahydroindenyl)). The organolithium compounds [Li2(RC3Ph)] (1 b: R=Ph, 1 c: R=SiMe3) as well as the metallacycles of the general formula [rac-(ebthi)M(R1C3R2)] (2 b: M=Ti, R1=R2=Ph, 2 c: M=Ti, R1=Ph, R2=SiMe3; 3 b: M=Zr, R1=R2=Ph; 3 c: M=Zr, R1=Ph, R2=SiMe3) were fully characterised. Single crystal X-ray diffraction and quantum chemical bond analysis of the Ti and Zr complexes reveal ligand influence on the biradicaloid character of the titanocene complexes. X-band EPR spectroscopy of structurally similar Ti complexes [rac-(ebthi)Ti(Me3SiC3SiMe3)] (2 a), 2 b, and 2 c was carried out to evaluate the accessibility of an EPR active triplet state. Cyclic voltammetry shows that introduction of Ph groups renders the complexes easier to reduce. 13C CPMAS NMR analysis provides insights into the cause of the low field shift of the resonances of metal-bonded carbon atoms and provides evidence of the absence of the β-C-Ti interaction.

Second Wilson number from third-order perturbation theory for the symmetric single-impurity Kondo model at low temperatures

We determine the impurity-induced free energy and the impurity-induced zero-field susceptibility of the symmetric single-impurity Kondo model from weak-coupling perturbation theory up to third order in the Kondo coupling at low temperatures and small magnetic fields. We reproduce the analytical structure of the zero-field magnetic susceptibility as obtained from Wilson’s renormalization group method. This permits us to obtain analytically the first two Wilson numbers.

Enhancement of Cobalt Bismuth Nano-Ferrite via Heat Treatment to be Applied in High-Frequency and Antimicrobial Applications

AbstractCobalt bismuth nano-ferrite (Co/Bi) with the chemical formula CoBi0.02Fe1.98O4 was produced using a simple flash auto-combustion method at three different temperatures: as-prepared, 600°C, and 800°C. A single-phase spinel structure was confirmed using X-ray diffraction, and the nano-scale morphology was examined using AFM (atomic force microscopy). Magnetic measurements demonstrated that increasing the annealing temperature increased the saturation magnetization Ms by 1.3 times. However, the coercivity Hc changed from semi-hard ferrite (as-prepared sample) to soft ferrite (Co/Bi nano-ferrite at 800°C) and reduced 10.7 times that of as-prepared nanoparticles. Therefore, the 800°C Co/Bi nano-ferrite with a low coercive field is recommended for transformers, recording heads, inductor cores, magnetic shielding, and microwave devices. The as-prepared sample and that at 600°C displayed super-high microwave frequency (SHF) in the X band in high-frequency applications calculated from magnetic measurement. The 800°C sample also has an extremely high microwave frequency in the Ku band, which is utilized in radar and satellite communications. Antimicrobial characterization showed that raising the annealing temperature increased the effectiveness of the samples against tested microorganisms. Thus, the samples under investigation are highly suggested for ultra-high microwave frequency applications and biological antibacterial nanomaterials.

Overview of recent experimental results on the EAST tokamak

Abstract Since the 2021 IAEA FEC, EAST experiments have been carried out in support of high-performance steady-state operation and physics understanding for ITER and CFETR. The first demonstration of reproducible 403 s long-pulse steady-state H-mode plasma with H98y2>1.3, βP~2.5, βN~1.6, ne/nGW~0.7 and a good control of impurity and heat exhaust have been achieved on EAST using the pure radio frequency (RF) power heating and current drive. In support of ITER and CFETR long pulse operation, a thousand-second time scale (~1056 s) fully non-inductive plasma has been achieved. The EAST operational regime of high βP has been significantly extended (H98y2>1.3, βP~4.0, βN~2.4 and ne/nGW~1.0) using RF and neutral beam (NB). The full edge localized mode suppression using the n = 4 resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP) has been achieved in ITER-like standard type-I ELMy H-mode plasmas with q95 ≈ 3.1 on EAST, extrapolating favorably to the ITER baseline scenario. The sustained large ELM control and stable partial detachment have been achieved with Ne seeding. The plasma-beta effect for error field penetration is investigated with n = 1 RMP. Breakdown and plasma initiation at low toroidal electric fields (<0.3 V/m) with EC pre-ionization is developed. The transport and control of high-Z impurity of tungsten is investigated.

Influence of sintering temperature on electrocaloric and energy storage properties of sol-gel derived lead-free BaHf0.20Ti0.80O3 ferroelectric ceramics for sustainable energy solutions

Ferroelectric materials have emerged as intriguing contenders for a variety of applications in the ongoing effort to look for sustainable energy solutions, including energy storage and solid-state cooling systems. In this work, a systematic investigation has been conducted on the microstructural, dielectric, electrocaloric, and energy storage characteristics of sol-gel elaborated BaHf0.20Ti0.80O3 (BHT) ferroelectric ceramics. The structural investigation by Raman and X-ray diffraction indicated that when the sintering temperature increases, the tetragonality of BHT ceramics reduces, and the evolution of the cubic phase increases. The evolution of the microstructure in BHT ceramics is found to be significantly reliant on the sintering temperature. With increasing temperature of sintering, the bulk density of BHT ceramics increases. The improved dielectric and ferroelectric properties were attained in BHT ceramics at higher sintering temperatures. The BHT ceramic sintered at 1350 °C exhibited a maximum electrocaloric temperature change of ΔT ∼0.6 °C with a corresponding efficiency ΔT/ΔE of 0.3 K mm/kV near ambient temperature under a low electric field of 20 kV/cm. The BHT ceramic sintered at 1450 °C exhibited excellent room temperature recoverable energy density of JRec ∼67.84 10−3J/cm3 and high energy storage efficiency of η ∼75.13 % under a low electric field of 20 kV/cm. The highest JRec ∼73.22 10−3J/cm3 with corresponding η of 64.60 % were obtained in BHT ceramic sintered at temperature 1350 °C. These findings broaden the possibility of exploring BHT-based systems as efficient lead-free ferroelectrics for both solid-state refrigeration and energy storage applications.

Giant cryogenic magnetocaloric effect in mineral of gaudefroyite: Direct and indirect measurements

The magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of gaudefroyite minerals were studied. The magnetocaloric effect was investigated by direct and indirect methods in the temperature range 4.2–40 K and magnetic field up to 10 T. The magnetization was measured in a low magnetic field (200 Oe) with zero-field cooled and field cooling protocol and previous observation of typical spin glass behavior was confirmed. The giant magnetic entropy changes with anisotropic behavior and maximums |ΔSm|= 17 J kg−1 K−1 (H||c) at 18 K and |ΔSm|= 20 J kg−1 K−1 (H||ab) at 12 K at an applied magnetic field 10 T were observed. The direct measurements of the magnetocaloric effect demonstrated the maximum of adiabatic temperature changes of ΔTad = 11 K at a magnetic field change of 10 T (H||ab) at 11.5 K. Obtained values of magnetocaloric parameters for the mineral of gaudefroyite are comparable to promising materials for magnetic crycooling technologies (for example, hydrogen (LH2) liquefaction) and have an advantage for the absence of rare-earth elements in the gaudefroyite.

Three-Dimensional Transient Electric Field Characteristics of High Pressure Electrode Boilers

An uneven electric field during the operation of an electrode boiler will lead to the emergence of a high field strength area and low field strength area in the furnace, which will endanger the safe and reliable operation and heating efficiency of the electrode boiler. A numerical study of three-dimensional transient electric field distribution characteristics in a 10 kV high-voltage electrode boiler was carried out. The distribution characteristics of the global electric field of the electrode boiler under the nominal voltage of 10 kV were studied, and the distribution law of the electric field of the electrode boiler under poor power quality, such as different bus voltage and three-phase voltage imbalance, was explored. The results show that the electric field distribution characteristics of the three-phase transient are more obvious in the section closer to the electrode disc, and the electric field distribution is the most uniform in the section that is 1.4 m away from the furnace water. In the case of poor power quality, such as different bus voltage and three-phase voltage imbalance, the points of the maximum electric field intensity of the four surfaces change periodically with time, and the greater the bus voltage fluctuation, the more severe the impact on the transient electric field. The three-phase voltage imbalance will shift the peak value of the electric field intensity. The decrease or offset of electric field intensity in the electrode boiler caused by poor power quality will directly affect its heating efficiency. The electric field simulation results have a specific reference value for improving the internal electric field distribution and on-site operation and maintenance of the electrode boiler.

Tau-borides (Mnx{Ru,Os,Ir}1-x)23B6: X-ray single crystal and TEM data, physical properties

Investigation (electron microprobe and X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction analyses) of the phase relations in the Mn-rich corner (> 45 at% Mn) of the systems Mn-{Ru,Os,Ir}-B, prompted in all three systems a ternary compound with formula (Mnx{Ru,Os,Ir}1-x)23B6. For the systems Mn-Ru-B, Mn-Ir-B phase equilibria have been determined at 950°C (Ru), 900°C (Ir) revealing in both cases a small homogeneity region at constant B-content (Mn1-xRux)23B6 (0.29 < x < 0.37); (Mn1-xOsx)23B6 (0.33 < x < 0.37), as well as (Mn1-xIrx)23B6 (0.29 < x < 0.34). The crystal structure of the three compounds was determined from single crystal and X-ray powder intensity data analyses to be isotypic with the Cr23B6-type (so-called tau-phase, space group Fm3¯m, No. 225). In all cases Mn atoms fully occupy the 4a site (0,0,0) at the origin of the unit cell. For the 8c site (¼,¼,¼) we observed a random distribution of Mn1-x(PM)x with decreasing PM content (PM stands for a platinum group metal atom) going from Ru to Os and Ir, where Mn atoms fully occupy 8c. Whereas the remaining sites (48h, 32f) show various ratios of the two metal species, boron atoms fully occupy the centers (24e site) of the Archimedean metal atom antiprisms. A transmission electron microscopic study confirms the absence of superstructures related to these metal atom disorder, thus Mn and PM atoms randomly share their sites. The latter is well reflected in the behavior of the electrical resistivity of these compounds, which is dominated by disorder scattering. For (Mn0.6{Ru,Os}0.4)23B6, temperature dependent dc magnetization studies reveal distinct antiferromagnetic-like anomalies at TN ≅ 72 K and 114 K, respectively. Low field dc and ac magnetic susceptibility data of (Mn0.7Ir0.3)23B6 display a distinct ferromagnetic-like transition at TC = 280 K, consistent with a pronounced specific heat anomaly and a rather continuous temperature dependent evolution of magnetic anisotropy effects. Mechanical properties (hardness) characterize the tau phases among rather hard and brittle intermetallics (about 5–6 GPa).

High energy storage density in AgNbO3-based lead-free antiferroelectrics using A/B-site co-doping strategy

Lead-free antiferroelectric AgNbO3 ceramics have garnered extensive attention due to their rapid charge/discharge capabilities and environmentally friendly nature, holding immense potential for energy storage applications. However, the practical utilization of AgNbO3 has been hindered by its low energy storage density. This study employed an A/B-site co-doping strategy, which yielded positive effects on the energy performance of AgNbO3 ceramics. By modifying the A/B-sites with equivalent amounts of Bi3+ and Y3+ ions, enhanced maximum polarization, improved breakdown field, and slimmer hysteresis loops were simultaneously achieved, as the combined effects of refined grain size, wider optical bandgap, and randomly distributed antiferroelectric nanodomains, which were verified through the scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and ultraviolet–visible spectrum. As a consequence, a high energy storage density of 5.40 J/cm3 accompanied by an energy storage efficiency of 56.5% was achieved in the Ag0.97Bi0.01Nb0.994Y0.01O3 ceramic under a relatively low electric field of 190 kV/cm. This study underscores the effectiveness of A/B-site aliovalent co-doping as a viable strategy for developing high-performance ceramic capacitors for energy storage applications.

Impact of Carbon Doping on Vertical Leakage Current in AlGaN‐Based Buffer Layer Grown on Silicon Substrate

The buffer leakage phenomena have a large effect on high‐power and fast‐switching GaN high electron mobility transistor devices. Herein, the buffer leakage mechanism in a GaN‐on‐Si substrate with AlGaN buffer layers is investigated by using samples with various carbon concentrations. Comparing the leakage current with crystallinity and impurity concentration, it is found that the vertical leakage current is dominated by both threading dislocations and bulk impurities. Increasing the carbon concentration of buffer layers suppresses leakage current in the bulk conducting regime in high electric fields but increases it in the dislocation conducting regime in low electric fields. These results indicate that the optimal carbon concentration of buffer layers depends on the target electric field.

Inactivation of polyphenol oxidase by low intensity DC field: Experiment and mechanism analysis via molecular dynamics simulation and molecular docking

In this study, inactivation of mushroom polyphenol oxidase (PPO) by low intensity direct current (DC) electric field and its molecular mechanism were investigated. In the experiments under 3 V/cm, 5 V/cm, 7 V/cm and 9 V/cm electric fields, PPOs were all completely inactivated after different exposure times. Under 1 V/cm, a residual activity of 11.88 % remained. The inactivation kinetics confirms to Weibull model. Under 1–7 V/cm, n value closes to a constant about 1.3. The structural analysis of PPO under 3 V/cm and 5 V/cm by fluorescence emission spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation showed that the tertiary structure was slightly changed with increased radius of gyration, higher potential energy and rate of C-alpha fluctuation. After exposure to the electric field, most of the hydrophobic tryptophan (TRP) residues turned to the hydrophilic surface, resulting the fluorescence red-shifted and quenched. Molecular docking indicated that the receptor binding domain of catechol in PPO was changed. PPO under electric field was MD simulated the first time, revealing the changing mechanism of the electric field itself on PPO, a binuclear copper enzyme, which has a metallic center. All these suggest that the low intensity DC electric field would be a promising option for enzymatic browning inhibition or even enzyme activity inactivation.

Comparison of the Magnetic and Structural Properties of MnFePSi Microwires and MnFePSi Bulk Alloy.

We provide comparative studies of the structural, morphological, microstructural, and magnetic properties of MnFePSi-glass-coated microwires (MnFePSi-GCMWs) and bulk MnFePSi at different temperatures and magnetic fields. The structure of MnFePSi GCMWs prepared by the Taylor-Ulitovsky method consists of the main Fe2P phase and secondary impurities phases of Mn5Si3 and Fe3Si, as confirmed by XRD analysis. Additionally, a notable reduction in the average grain size from 24 µm for the bulk sample to 36 nm for the glass-coated microwire sample is observed. The analysis of magnetic properties of MnFePSi-glass-coated microwires shows different magnetic behavior as compared to the bulk MnFePSi. High coercivity (450 Oe) and remanence (0.32) are observed for MnFePSi-GCMWs compared to low coercivity and remanent magnetization observed for bulk MnFePSi alloy. In addition, large irreversibility at low temperatures is observed in the thermal dependence of magnetization of microwires. Meanwhile, the bulk sample shows regular ferromagnetic behavior, where the field cooling and field heating magnetic curves show a monotonic increase by decreasing the temperature. The notable separation between field cooling and field heating curves of MnFePSi-GCMWs is seen for the applied field at 1 kOe. Also, the M/M5K vs. T for MNFePSi-GCMWs shows a notable sensitivity at a low magnetic field compared to a very noisy magnetic signal for bulk alloy. The common features for both MnFePSi samples are high Curie temperatures above 400 K. From the experimental results, we can deduce the substantial effect of drawing and quenching involved in the preparation of glass-coated MnFePSi microwires in modification of the microstructure and magnetic properties as compared to the same bulk alloy. The provided studies prove the suitability of the Taylor-Ulitovsky method for the preparation of MnFePSi-glass-coated microwires.

Interpretative 3D MHD modelling of deuterium SPI into a JET H-mode plasma

The pre-thermal quench (pre-TQ) dynamics of a pure deuterium ( D2 ) shattered pellet injection (SPI) into a 3MA / 7MJ JET H-mode plasma is studied via 3D non-linear MHD modelling with the JOREK code. The interpretative modelling captures the overall evolution of the measured density and radiated power. The simulations also identify the importance of the drifts of ablation plasmoids towards the tokamak low field side (LFS) and the impurities in the background plasma in fragment penetration, assimilation, radiative cooling and MHD activity in D2 SPI experiments. It is found that plasmoid drifts lead to an about 70% reduction of the central line-integrated density (compared to a simulation without drifts) in the JET D2 SPI discharge considered. Impurities that pre-exist before the SPI as well as those from possible impurity influxes related to the SPI are shown to dominate the radiation in the considered discharge. With inputs from JOREK simulations, modelling with the Lagrangian particle-based pellet code PELOTON reproduces the deviation of the SPI fragments in the direction of the major radius as observed by the fast camera. This confirms the role of rocket effects and plasmoid drifts in the considered discharge and reinforces the validity of the JOREK modelling. The limited core density rise due to plasmoid drifts and the strong radiative cooling and MHD activity with impurities (depending on their species and concentration) could limit the effectiveness of LFS D2 SPI in runaway electron avoidance and are worth considering in the design of the ITER disruption mitigation system.

Investigation of electrical ageing effects on the structural and electrical properties of polystyrene by charging and discharging current method

This study focuses on isothermal charging and discharging currents in polystyrene (PS). It is a well known fact that the discharging current is almost the mirror symmetry of the charging current at low electric fields. However, the experimental results presented and discussed in this study have revealed the possibility of an abnormal discharging current (ADC) flowing in the same direction as the charging current. Furthermore, electrical measurements implied that the electrical ageing of PS resulted in a significant increase in the charging current, even for extended ageing periods. Moreover, the intensity and duration of the reverse discharging current have evolved with electrical ageing. This characteristic can be attributed to the presence of ionic impurities both trapped at the polymer surface and in the bulk structure. To highlight the structural changes induced by electrical ageing, detailed structural analyses were conducted using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis.

Processing and characterisation of hot rolling pressed PVDF films with enhanced field-induced polarisation

Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based polymers are good candidates for high-power energy storage in dielectric capacitors. So far, most studies reporting PVDF with high energy density are based on solution casting, a method ill-suited for large-scale production. In this work, we develop PVDF films with high crystallinity (47%) and ultrahigh β-phase (∼97%) using Hot Rolling Press (HRP). During HRP, the crystallinity, fraction of β-phase, internal stress, and the piezoelectric coefficient d33 increased with rolling temperature. The anisotropic stress imposed by two rollers led to a highly preferred orientation of the HRP film along the rolling direction. Notably, the HRP film exhibits an enhanced field-induced polarisation Pin-max value (0.16 C m−2) compared to conventional PVDF films (0.10 C m−2), with an energy density of 32.6 J cm−3 at 871 kV mm-1. The good low field dielectric (εr ∼19 @ 1 kHz) and piezoelectric (d33 ∼30 pC N-1) properties with high-temperature stability (up to 100 °C), and its suitability for in-line continuous production, make HRP PVDF films promising for low field dielectric and piezoelectric applications.

Fractal evolution model of proton spatial distribution in low water/binder cement-based composites (LW/B-CC) during early-age hydration process

This study establishes the fractal evolution model of proton spatial distribution in low water/binder cement-based composites (LW/B-CC) based on fractal theory and low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) technology. The results show that the fractal evolution process of gel water, capillary water and surface water distributions in LW/B-CC presents three stages: the first 4–6 h after the beginning of hydration, 4–6 h to 12 h, and 12 h to long-term stage. In the first and second stages, the fractal dimensions of gel and capillary water increase linearly with hydration time, while the fractal dimension of surface water decreases linearly. The boundary is a sudden change of fractal dimensions after about 4–6 h of hydration. The third stage starts after about 12 h of hydration, at which time the fractal dimensions begin to converge to fixed values. Besides, this study reveals the mathematical relationship between fractal dimension (Df) and particle size distribution modulus (q), which is conducive to achieve the full-cycle regulation of LW/B-CC.