Changes In Material Properties Research Articles

Intercalation in 2D materials and in situ studies.

Intercalation of atoms, ions and molecules is a powerful tool for altering or tuning the properties - interlayer interactions, in-plane bonding configurations, Fermi-level energies, electronic band structures and spin-orbit coupling - of 2D materials. Intercalation can induce property changes in materials related to photonics, electronics, optoelectronics, thermoelectricity, magnetism, catalysis and energy storage, unlocking or improving the potential of 2D materials in present and future applications. In situ imaging and spectroscopy technologies are used to visualize and trace intercalation processes. These techniques provide the opportunity for deciphering important and often elusive intercalation dynamics, chemomechanics and mechanisms, such as the intercalation pathways, reversibility, uniformity and speed. In this Review, we discuss intercalation in 2D materials, beginning with a brief introduction of the intercalation strategies, then we look into the atomic and intrinsic effects of intercalation, followed by an overview of their in situ studies, and finally provide our outlook.

Thermal modal analysis of hypersonic composite wing on transient aerodynamic heating

Considering the influence of thermal stress and material property variations, this study employs the Navier–Stokes equations and Fourier heat conduction law to establish a semi-implicit time-domain numerical analysis method for hypersonic aerothermal-structural coupling. Study the temporal variation pattern of different regions of the composite material wing under aerodynamic heating. Using the obtained transient temperature field of the wing, the thermal modal of the wing at different time points is calculated using the finite element method. Additionally, it conducts an analysis and discussion on the factors influencing the thermal modal. Composites can be effectively utilized as thermal protection materials for aircraft. During the aerodynamic heating process, the leading edge temperature reaches thermal equilibrium first, followed by the trailing edge, and the belly plate experiences a slower thermal response. Temperature rise significantly affects higher-order modes, with the change in material properties during the early stages of heating being the dominant factor. This leads to a faster decrease in natural frequency. As heat conduction progresses, the influencing factors of thermal stresses gradually increase, and the natural frequency decreases slowly or even rises.

Nested non-covalent interactions expand the functions of supramolecular polymer networks

Supramolecular polymer networks contain non-covalent cross-links that enable access to broadly tunable mechanical properties and stimuli-responsive behaviors; the incorporation of multiple unique non-covalent cross-links within such materials further expands their mechanical responses and functionality. To date, however, the design of such materials has been accomplished through discrete combinations of distinct interaction types in series, limiting materials design logic. Here we introduce the concept of leveraging “nested” supramolecular crosslinks, wherein two distinct types of non-covalent interactions exist in parallel, to control bulk material functions. To demonstrate this concept, we use polymer-linked Pd2L4 metal–organic cage (polyMOC) gels that form hollow metal–organic cage junctions through metal–ligand coordination and can exhibit well-defined host-guest binding within their cavity. In these “nested” supramolecular network junctions, the thermodynamics of host-guest interactions within the junctions affect the metal–ligand interactions that form those junctions, ultimately translating to substantial guest-dependent changes in bulk material properties that could not be achieved in traditional supramolecular networks with multiple interactions in series.

The influence of the hydrogenation process on the microstructure and properties of metallic materials

Hydrogen, which belongs to the group of the smallest elements, can freely penetrate the structure of metallic materials and cause enormous damage. This phenomenon may occur due to various conditions and may have different effects on the properties of materials. Understanding these mechanisms is important in the era of changing to alternative energy sources. This situation may occur in combustion engines powered by hydrogen-enriched fuel. The work analyzed the impact of various hydrogenation processes on the properties of aesthetic steel, which is allergic to the formation of carbides at the grain boundaries, such a microstructure is intended to simulate the least favorable working conditions. The work was aimed at evaluating the effects of different hydrogenation methods on changes in the properties of the AISI 310s steel membrane. In the work, electrolytic hydrogenation and heat treatment procedures in a hydrogen atmosphere were used. Investigations of changes in material properties included microhardness and in-situ strength tests in a scanning electron microscope chamber. Research has shown that both processes increase the hardness of materials and change the characteristics of stretching curves.

Methodology to Remove or Scale Back the Solution Treatment in the Thermal Processing of the 319-Type Alloy Without Changing Material Properties

Methodology to Remove or Scale Back the Solution Treatment in the Thermal Processing of the 319-Type Alloy Without Changing Material Properties

Response analysis of asymmetric monostable energy harvester with an uncertain parameter

The nonlinear piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting system offers a solution to the power supply challenge for low-power sensors. However, In practical engineering, structural parameter uncertainties arise from manufacturing errors, environmental temperature fluctuations, and changes in material properties. Besides, due to inherent flaws in the structure and materials, asymmetry may occur in the potential well, which leads to the complexity of the dynamic behavior exhibited in energy harvesting system. In this paper, in order to investigate the dynamics of the asymmetric monostable piezoelectric energy harvesting system under an uncertain parameter, the orthogonal polynomial approximation method is applied to transform the stochastic system into an equivalent deterministic system. Then, the responses of the equivalent deterministic system are used to reveal the stochastic behavior of the uncertainty system. The results indicate that, when the uncertainty intensity of the cubic nonlinear coefficient is 0, an increase in the asymmetry level of the potential well leads to an increase in the output voltage. Increasing the other parameters, the output voltage is reduced. In addition, as the uncertainty intensity increases, the parameter intervals of chaotic response become wider and the energy harvesting efficiency decreases. Moreover, as the potential well asymmetry increases, the sensitivity of energy harvesting system to uncertain parameter increases.

Improved UV stability of perovskite devices based on the synergistic effect of electron layer passivation engineering and component engineering

The electron transport layer is one of the key factors in constructing high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Pb2+ reduction induced by ultraviolet light can cause the generation of vacancies and defects, leading to the degradation of perovskite films and the reduction of PSCs performances. Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA) is a chelating agent that can bind to Sn2+ divalent metal ions and hence change material properties. Herein, EDTA-SnO2/CeO2 composite electron transport layers were constructed to improve the ultraviolet light stability of PSCs. The oxygen defect in electron layers of tin dioxide could be passivated by the surface of EDTA; whilst rod-like CeO2 was used as a mesoporous electron transport layer and UV shielding agent, which can reflect UV light and prevent the absorption layer from being damaged. CeO2 has also a suitable band gap; this accelerates the charge extraction and transfer, suppresses the recombination of interfacial carriers. The experimental results showed that the ultraviolet light stability of PSCs was significantly improved. After continuous irradiation of ultraviolet light with energy of 80mW/cm2 for 12h, the unencapsulated device with CeO2 maintained nearly 90% the initial efficiency.

Spatial sensitivity distribution assessment and Monte Carlo simulations for needle-based bioimpedance imaging during venipuncture using the finite element method.

Despite being among the most common medical procedures, needle insertions suffer from a high error rate. Impedance measurements using electrode-equipped needles offer promise for improved tissue targeting and reduced errors. Impedance visualization usually requires an extensive pre-measured impedance dataset for tissue differentiation and knowledge of the electric fields contributing to the resulting impedances. This work presents two finite element simulation approaches for both problems. The first approach describes the generation of a multitude of impedances with Monte Carlo simulations for both, homogeneous and inhomogeneous tissue to circumvent the need to rely on previously measured data. These datasets could be used for tissue discrimination. The second method describes the simulation of the spatial sensitivity distribution of an electrode layout. Two singularity analysis methods were employed to determine the bulk of the sensitivity within a finite volume, which in turn enables consistent 3D visualization. The modeled electrode layout consists of 12 electrodes radially placed around a hypodermic needle. Electrical excitation was simulated using two neighboring electrodes for current carriage and voltage pickup, which resulted in 12 distinct bipolar excitation states. Both, the impedance simulations and the respective singularity analysis methods were compared with each other. The results show that the statistical spread of impedances is highly dependent on the tissue type and its inhomogeneities. The bounded bulk of sensitivities of both methods are of similar extent and symmetry. Future models should incorporate more detailed tissue properties such as anisotropy or changing material properties due to tissue deformation to gain more accurate predictions.

Small-angle scattering of complex fluids in flow

Complex fluids encompass a significant proportion of the materials that we use today from feedstocks such as cellulose fibre dispersions, materials undergoing processing or formulation, through to consumer end products such as shampoo. Such systems exhibit intricate behaviour due to their composition and microstructure, particularly when analysing their texture and response to flow (rheology). In particular, these fluids when flowing may undergo transitions in their nano- to microstructure, potentially aligning with flow fields, breaking and reassembling or reforming, or entirely changing phase. This manifests as macroscopic changes in material properties, such as core–annular flow of concentrated emulsions in pipelines or the favourable texture of liquid soaps. Small-angle scattering provides a unique method for probing underlying changes in fluid nano- to microstructure, from a few angströms to several microns, of complex fluids under flow. In particular, the alignment of rigid components or shape changes of soft components can be explored, along with local inter-particle ordering and global alignment with macroscopic flow fields. This review highlights recent important developments in the study of such complex fluid systems that couple flow or shear conditions with small-angle scattering measurements, and highlights the physical insight obtained by these experiments. Recent results from neutron scattering measurements made using a simple flow cell are presented, offering a facile method to explore alignment of complex fluids in an easily accessible geometry, and contextualised within existing and potential future research questions.

Microwave humidity sensor based on shorted split ring resonator with interdigital capacitance and α-Al2O3 nanoflakes/chitosan sensitive film for respiration monitoring

A microwave relative humidity (RH) sensor based on shorted split ring resonator with interdigital capacitance (SSRR-IDC) as a test platform and α-Al2O3 nanoflakes/chitosan (CS) composite as sensitive film is proposed for the detection of human respiration. The SSRR-IDC was designed by optimizing the finger spacing and width of the IDC. Electromagnetic simulation of the designed SSRR-IDC confirms a strong electric field distribution and high dielectric sensitivity in the IDC region. The porous α-Al2O3 nanoflakes/CS composite was coated onto the IDC region of the SSRR to obtain a microwave humidity sensor. Abundant hydrophilic groups and large specific surface area of the α-Al2O3 nanoflakes/CS contribute to the adsorption of water molecules. The proposed microwave humidity sensor shows excellent sensitivity in wide RH range, especially at high humidity condition. The working principle and the sensitivity enhancement mechanism of the proposed microwave sensor were explained by combining a circuit model analysis and the dielectric property and surface microstructure changes of the sensitive materials. Furthermore, the microwave sensor also demonstrates short response/recover time and outstanding repeatability, long-term stability, temperature stability, and selectivity. Additionally, the prepared microwave humidity sensor successfully records respiratory data from different volunteers. Changes in respiratory depth before and after drinking water of the volunteers can also be distinguished by this sensor.

Coupled Processes at Micro- and Macroscopic Levels for Long-Term Performance Assessment Studies of Nuclear Waste Repositories

Performance assessment of nuclear waste repositories requires state-of-the-art knowledge of radionuclide transport properties. Additionally, the short-term development under thermal pulses and the long-term development of the near field—due to influences such as gas generation—must be evaluated. Key thermal-hydro-mechanical-chemical processes are strongly coupled on different spatial and temporal scales. To understand these coupling mechanisms, numerous material models and numerical codes have been developed. However, the existing constitutive approaches—which have been adapted to describe small-scale laboratory experiments and validated against real-scale field observations—are often unable to capture long-term material behavior with sufficient precision. To build the confidence, a more comprehensive understanding of the system at micro- and macroscopic scales is required. Most observed macroscopic processes result from microscopic changes in the crystal structure and/or crystalline aggregates, as well as changes in material properties under the influence of various factors. To characterize these physical fields in crystals, microscopic investigations, such as visualization, or geophysical methods are introduced to verify the understanding at the microscale. Two cases are demonstrated for the presented concept using microscale information: one deals with the mechanically and thermally driven migration of fluid inclusions in rock salt, the other with dilatancy-controlled gas transport in water-saturated clay material.

Finite-Element Modeling of the Temperature Effect on Extended Avalanche Damage of Gas Main Pipelines.

The dynamic stress-strain state and fracture of a steel main gas pipe section between supports with a straight-through crack was analyzed with consideration of the temperature effect on changes in the mechanical properties of the pipe material. The numerical solution of the problem was implemented in the ANSYS-19.2/Explicit Dynamics software package. The process of fracture in a section of the gas pipeline "Beineu-Bozoy-Shymkent" with a linear crack in the temperature range of -40 °C to +50 °C at the operating pressure of 7.5 MPa and critical pressure equal to 9.8 MPa was considered. As a result, it was found that at the initial growth of the internal pressure from working pressure to critical pressure, the length of the crack doubled. At the same time, the process had a local characteristic. Further development of the crack had the nature of avalanche fracture and depended on the temperature of the steel pipeline. With increasing temperature, there was also an increase in the length of the crack at the avalanche fracture. Thus, at a temperature of 40 °C, the crack lengthened 67.75-fold; at a temperature of -10 °C, the crack lengthened 68-fold; at a temperature of +20 °C, the crack lengthened 68.25-fold; and at a temperature of +50 °C, the crack lengthened 68.5-fold. In this work, this difference was 75% of the initial crack length. This fact will be used for further development of the technique of strengthening damaged pipe sections using bandages.

Numerical analysis of a poroelastic cartilage model: Investigating the influence of changing material properties in osteoarthritis

Several changes occur in both the cartilage's material properties and anatomical structure as osteoarthritis progresses. Unlike most numerical studies that solely consider individual changes, our study aimed to understand the impact on cartilage mechanics by considering the combined effect of material properties and cartilage thickness varied with osteoarthritis progression. In total, 3 three-dimensional finite element models, representing the intact, early, and late osteoarthritis conditions, were developed to simulate a load-bearing area in the knee. The articular cartilage was modelled as fluid-saturated linear biphasic poroelastic to incorporate solid-fluid interaction. All models underwent prolonged creep (50 N) and relaxation (0.3 mm) analyses for 600 s. In the early stage of osteoarthritis, the tibial cartilage demonstrated an overall stiffer behaviour attributed to cartilage swelling despite decreased stiffness at the material level. On the other hand, in the late stage of osteoarthritis, the decrease in cartilage thickness led to increased knee deformation. Additionally, increased permeability resulted in accelerated fluid exudation across all osteoarthritis models, and the elevation in void ratio further intensified fluid pressure within the cartilage to a higher magnitude. Furthermore, these changes collectively influenced both the magnitude and distribution of the outcomes. A holistic understanding of the material properties altered in osteoarthritis may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanical performance of cartilage during disease progression.

Analisis Stabilitas Tempat Pembuangan Akhir (TPA) Sampah Akibat Pengaruh Perubahan Sifat Mekanis Material Sampah

The stability of landfill is a crucial aspect of waste management. Numerous factors influence the stability of landfill, one of which is the alteration of the mechanical properties of the waste material. This research aims to analyze landfill stability by considering the effects of changes in the mechanical properties of waste material. A construction stage analysis was conducted to model the process of altering the mechanical properties of waste material. The analysis was divided into 13 stages corresponding to the number of landfill steps. The initial five stages were modeled as waste with an age of < 5 years, stages 6-10 were modeled as waste with an age of 5-10 years, and the last three stages were modeled as waste with an age of > 10 years. Stability analysis using the finite element method was conducted using the concept of shear strength reduction. The analysis results indicated changes in the landfill's safety factor throughout its operational period. Stages 1-5 experienced changes in the safety factor, although these changes were not significant. Stages 6-10 witnessed a considerable decrease in the safety factor before experiencing an increase in stage 11, followed by a continuous decline until the end of stage 13. Despite changes in the safety factor during the operational process, the overall safety factor values obtained still met the minimum safety factor criteria required.

Pilot-scale investigation of high-temperature thermochemical energy storage based on the material system CaO/Ca(OH)2 in a bubbling fluidized bed

Utilizing fluidized bed technology for thermochemical energy storage with CaO/Ca(OH)2 is promising for temperatures from 400 °C to 600 °C in industrial-scale applications. Much progress has been made on laboratory scale to develop this technology in recent years. Continuously changing material properties throughout storage cycles, mainly due to particle breakage, are identified to be challenging for scale-up. Transferability to large-scale systems needs to be examined.Investigations on a pilot scale (di = 257 mm, h = 600 mm, steam for fluidization, 700 °C, 6 barg) are done. A temperature-induced (456 °C discharging and 586 °C charging) and a pressure-induced (1.5 barg discharging and 3.5 barg charging) cyclization is performed. The applicability of standard scaling rules (scaling factor of 17) is possible. Fluidization regimes and breakage rates are transferrable. A detailed experimental characterization of the storage materials fluidization properties that are crucial for scale-up is done using a fluidization test rig (di = 140 mm, h = 658 mm, nitrogen for fluidization, ambient temperature and pressure).

High pressure salt water and low temperature effects on the material performance characteristics of additive manufacturing polymers

The effects of salt water exposure at deep ocean depth pressures when coupled with low temperatures on the material characteristics of three unique additively manufactured polymers has been investigated through a detailed experimental approach. The polymers in the study were manufactured utilizing both Vat Photopolymerization and Material Extrusion printing techniques. The Material Extrusion process was utilized to produce material specimens of Stratasys ULTEM 9085 and Markforged Onyx while the Vat Photopolymerization process was used to produce specimens of Accura ClearVue. The ULTEM 9085 and Markforged Onyx are filament based polymers and the ClearVue is a liquid based resin. The specimens were first submerged in a high pressure, salt water bath of 3.5% NaCl solution at 34.5 MPa (5000 lb/in2) for a total exposure time of 60 days to determine the water absorption characteristics. Subsequent to the salt water exposure at high pressure, the specimens were evaluated to determine changes in tension, compression, flexure, and in-plane fracture properties. To determine the effects of water saturation and low temperature coupling, the mechanical testing was performed at temperatures of 20 °C, 0 °C and −20 °C in both dry and saturated conditions. Additionally, non-destructive testing in the form of TeraHertz and FIRT imaging was conducted to analyze the physical material changes through the thickness of the material due to the saline water absorption. To quantify the change in material storage and loss moduli properties, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) characterization was performed on each of the AM polymers in dry and saturated states. The DMA testing also quantified changes in the Glass Transition Temperature because of salt water exposure. In summary, The current study investigates the effects of coupled long term/high pressure salt water exposure with low temperatures on the mechanical and material characteristics of three unique AM polymers by: (1) immersing the materials in a salt water solution at 34.5 MPa for 60 days, (2) Conducting post exposure mechanical testing on the materials at 0 °C and −20 °C with comparisons to 20 °C testing on dry specimens, and quantifies changes in material properties through DMA experiments. The results from all testing in the study show that high pressure salt water exposure when coupled with low temperatures has unique effects on each of the materials considered in the study and careful consideration to each parameter must be given based on the material type when components will be employed in marine operations.

Comparative Experimental Analysis of Local Buckling in Mild and High-Strength Steel (HSS) CHS Subjected to Various Galvanization Techniques

This article reports on an extensive experimental study on galvanized and ungalvanized cold-formed circular hollow sections (CFCHS). All samples were produced by cold-forming thermomechanically rolled steels (TM-steels) in S355, S550, S600, S700, and S960 with high-frequency induction welding (HFI). The test specimens were examined without galvanization, with a pre-galvanization and a post-galvanization. Hardness measurements and microstructural analysis were conducted on seven samples, while the mechanical behavior was examined through 82 tensile and 78 stub-column tests with corresponding imperfection measurements. Despite being classified as prone to local elastic buckling according to international standards, the S960 samples in this study did not exhibit such failure. This suggests that the classification by the codes was conservative. The effects of pre-galvanization on CHS have not been investigated so far, and current findings from literature regarding the impact of post-galvanization on load-bearing behavior suggest a severe capacity decrease for CFCHS in high steel grades. Contrary to previous findings, the current study reveals capacity-enhancing effects resulting from galvanization. Both galvanization types enhanced the stiffness and the cross-section capacity under compression. Galvanization induces changes in material properties, including yield and tensile strength, ductility, and the characteristics of the stress-strain curve. This study serves as a validation base for less conservative yet reliable approaches for the cross-section design of high-strength steel CHS and the utilization of beneficial effects due to galvanization.

The Influence of Solar Ageing on the Compositions of Epoxy Resin with Natural Polyphenol Quercetin.

Epoxy resin compositions are used in modern railways, replacing other materials. However, epoxy composites in public transport are subject to many requirements, including that they should be flame retardant and resistant to weather conditions. The aim of the research was to analyse the resistance to solar ageing of epoxy resin composites containing flame retardants and the addition of the natural stabilising substance-quercetin. The homogeneity of the samples (optical microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy) and their thermal stability (TGA thermogravimetry) were analysed. The T5 temperature, which is the initial temperature of thermal decomposition of the samples, was 7 °C higher for the epoxy resin containing quercetin, so the material with polyphenol was characterised by better thermal resistance. Changes in material properties (hardness, surface energy, carbonyl index, colour) after 800 h solar ageing were investigated. The tensile tests on materials were executed for three different directions before and after ageing effect. The samples showed good resistance to degradation factors, i.e., they retained the functional properties (hardness and mechanical properties). However, analysis of carbonyl indices and surface energies showed that changes appeared in the composites after solar ageing, suggesting the beginning of material degradation. An approximately 3-fold increase in the polar component in epoxy resin compositions (from approximately 3 mN/m to approximately 11 mN/m) is associated with an increase in their hydrophilicity and the progress of ageing of the materials' surface. The obtained results are an introduction to further research on the long-term degradation processes of epoxy resins with plant stabilisers.

Investigation of Dielectric Properties and Structural Changes in XLPE Composite Insulation of Covered Conductor due to Thermal Aging

Investigating the dielectric characteristics and structural alterations in XLPE composites, commonly employed in the insulation of covered conductors, stands as a pivotal research focus. In this study, we examined the variation in dielectric loss (tanδ) concerning frequency and voltage, influenced by thermal aging in XLPE insulation. To achieve this, the samples underwent aging at 120°C for six periods, a total of 450 hours. Furthermore, we conducted PD tests, FTIR, and SEM assessments on the insulation both before and after the aging process. A comprehensive analysis of the material's property changes during thermal aging was performed by comparing the PD test results with the tanδ measurements. In order to delve deeper into the interpretation of these findings because of thermal aging, we explored both internal and surface structural modifications, which directly impact tanδ and PD values, utilizing FTIR and SEM techniques.

Characterization of the invivo transient responses of the femoral cartilage by means of quantitative ultrasound imaging techniques.

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) techniques are new diagnostic tools able to identify changes in structural and material properties of the investigated tissue. For the first time, we evaluated the capability of QUS techniques in determining the invivo transient changes in knee joint cartilage after a stressful task. An ultrasound scanner collecting B-mode and radiofrequency data simultaneously was used to collect data from the femoral cartilage of the right knee in 15 participants. Cartilage thickness (CTK), ultrasound roughness index (URI), average magnitude ratio (AMR), and Nakagami parameters (NA) were evaluated before, immediately after and every 5 min up to 45 min a stressful task (30 min of running on a treadmill with a negative slope of 5%). CTK was affected by time (main effect: p < 0.001). Post hoc test showed significant differences with CTK at rest, which were observed up to 30 min after the run. AMR and NA were affected by time (p < 0.01 for both variables), while URI was unaffected by it. For AMR, post hoc test showed significant differences with rest values in the first 35 min of recovery, while NA was increased compared to rest values in all time points. Data suggest that a single running trial is not able to modify the integrity of the femoral cartilage, as reported by URI data. Invivo evaluation of QUS parameters of the femoral cartilage (NA, AMR, and URI) are able to characterize changes in cartilage properties over time.