Material Transfer Research Articles

Redesign The Layout of Production Facilities at a Garment Company Using the BLOCPLAN Method to Optimize Material Handling

Facility layout design is crucial in production layout setups. The composition of facilities that corresponds to the flow of materials between departments will help to ensure the production system's continuity. PT. KMC is a garment company in West Jakarta that manufactures shirts, dresses, and t-shirt bloats. The company's current layout facilities have not run optimally. This is because inefficient movement distances result in wasted material handling costs, and crossing production flows between departments cause production processes to be disturbed. The objective of this project is to rethink facility layouts using the BLOCPLAN approach in order to optimize material handling. The BLOCPLAN approach may examine layout performance and generate new layout ideas for efficient material handling. The discussion is limited because this research was only conducted on one company. Based on the results of the layout redesign using the BLOCPLAN approach, various improvements were obtained, including a 37.12% increase in material handling cost efficiency. The proposed layout with the BLOCPLAN method is able to provide a reduction in material transfer distance of 22.6 meters and a material handling cost of Rp 155,346 when compared to the initial layout, which had a total overall displacement distance of 35.8 meters and an initial layout material handling cost of Rp 247,059, making it much cheaper.

Automated and parallel transfer of arrays of oriented graphene ribbons

The transfer of two-dimensional materials from their growth substrate onto application wafers is a critical bottleneck in scaling-up devices based on such nanomaterials. Here, we present an innovative approach to achieve the automated and simultaneous transfer of arrays of graphene ribbons, with precise control over their orientation and alignment onto patterned wafers. The transfer is performed in a simple, yet efficient apparatus consisting of an array of glass columns, strategically shaped to control ribbon orientation and arranged to match the destination wafer, coupled to a dual inflow/outflow pumping system. This apparatus enables the transfer of a custom array of parallel graphene ribbons in a fraction of the time required with traditional methods. The quality of the transferred graphene was evaluated using optical imaging, scanning electron microscopy, hyperspectral Raman imaging, and electrical transport: all consistently indicating that the transferred graphene exhibits excellent quality, comparable to a manual transfer by an expert user. The proposed apparatus offers several competitive advantages, including ease of use, high transfer throughput, and reduced nanomaterial consumption. Moreover, it can be used repeatedly on the same wafer to assemble arrays of overlayed materials with controlled relative orientations. This approach thus opens promising opportunities for the large-scale fabrication of various heterostructures and devices based on vertical assemblies of 2D nanomaterials.

Simultaneous heat, moisture, and salt transfer in porous building materials considering osmosis flow: Part 1: Theoretical modeling based on nonequilibrium thermodynamics

Salt weathering is a common deterioration phenomenon that affects outdoor cultural properties, and it is important to precisely predict the heat, moisture, and salt transfer in porous materials to suppress salt weathering. Osmosis and osmotic pressure were considered in the field of soil research, especially in clay research, but not in the field of outdoor cultural properties and building materials, which are the main target of salt weathering. Osmosis in clay is supposed to be caused by its surface charge. However, it has been suggested that sandstones and bricks that constitute cultural properties and buildings also have surface charge as clay. Thus, osmosis and osmotic pressure can occur in building materials, which may lead to materials degradation. In this study, we derive basic equations, based on nonequilibrium thermodynamics, for the simultaneous heat, dry air, water vapor, liquid water, cation, and anion transfer in building materials by considering osmosis. This equation was compared with existing model for heat and moisture transfer equations as well as models that considered the salt transfer. Based on the previous research for osmosis in clay, we summarized conditions under which osmosis occurs in building materials and presented an outlook for modeling the physical properties of materials related to osmosis.

Strategic Design of Conductive Biopolymer Surface Coatings for Sensing and Remediation Applications

Advancement in the utility of conductive polysaccharide-based (i.e., agar, alginate, pectin, cellulose) composite materials for charge transfer applications requires effective surface functionalization and dopant matching to overcome limitations in electron transfer in these dielectric materials. A promising approach is the design of a biomimetic nanocomposite material, coupled with Fe-carboxyl coordination chemistry to photoinitiate the radical polymerization of polyaniline (PANI) in a uniform manner throughout a templated polymer matrix. Results have shown the feasibility of establishing a responsive carbon-based sensor, capable of modulating charge transfer performance in the presence of differing dopants (i.e., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, polyelectrolyte). The aim of this work is to expand upon previous findings by unraveling the dopant-specific charge transport mechanisms as they relate to the polarizability and mobility of the dopant. Additionally, a network-level understanding of how changing the identity of the polymer backbone and the conductive polymer (i.e., aniline, pyrrole, thiophene) alters the charge transfer efficiency and overall stability of the conductive matrix. Current-voltage (I-V) sweeps reveal that these n-doped conductive polymer nanocomposites show enhanced current flow and reduced internal resistance compared to non-functionalized controls. Lastly, once the network reached an equilibrated state, the addition of a model contaminant (mucin) showed a decrease in the potential; however, upon an applied voltage, the contaminant was removed, and the system recovered to its original state. Alternatively, the network was also evaluated for the remediation of model pollutants. Results show that upon an applied voltage in simulated textile wastewater, there was a 10% degradation of methylene blue within 1 hour. Thus, the backbone/dopant/conducting polymer relationship is critical to achieving optimal performance with various applications.

From BN-Doped Molecular Carbon Scaffolds to BNC Sheets

In carbon nanoscience, the on-surface synthesis strategy emerged as a promising route to achieve structural control at the atomic scale. This approach might be applied to fabricate well-defined two-dimensional BN-substituted carbon nanomaterials with tunable electronic properties [1]. In this talk, I will review our activities on the self-assembly of BN-doped molecular precursors, including borazine [2] and BN-doped carbon scaffold [3], on noble metal supports. Temperature-induced dehalogenation and dehydrogenation reactions are applied to introduce intramolecular ring-closing and intermolecular coupling, e.g., yielding random BNC sheets, probed by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The potential transfer and characterization of such two-dimensional BNC materials in devices will be discussed.[1] Sánchez-Sánchez et al., ACS Nano 9, 9228 (2015)[2] Weiss et al., Adv. Mat. Interfaces, accepted, doi: 10.1002/admi.202300774[3] Schwarz et al., Chem. Eur. J. 24, 9565 (2018)

Graphene in Medicine: Revolutionizing Healthcare through Advanced Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials, particularly carbon-based structures like graphene nanostructures, have revolutionized science and technology, offering groundbreaking advancements in bioengineering and medicine. These developments have enhanced our ability to detect, diagnose, and treat diseases, leading to significant innovations in therapy methods. The evolving field of graphene synthesis, with its less complex and more effective strategies, has captured the scientific community's interest. This review seeks to delve into the latest progress in the creation and application of graphene-based nanomaterials, especially their role in biomedical applications, with a primary focus on drug delivery systems. Graphene has emerged as a versatile material in the medical field. Its application as a sensor in monitoring vital parameters such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as nitric oxide levels in oxygen, has been noteworthy. In dentistry, graphene, combined with specific peptides, can identify individual bacterial strains, aiding in accurate disease diagnosis. Its role as an immunosensor is also significant, enabling the detection of trace amounts of substances like growth hormones. In the battle against cancer, graphene has shown promising results. It is actively being researched for broader medical applications including cancer therapy, diagnostic tools for diseases, tissue engineering, implants, DNA sequencing, biomarker identification, genetic material transfer, and in the combined fields of biomedical imaging and neuroscience. This review underscores the potential of graphene in medical science. As research continues, it is anticipated that graphene-based technologies will significantly contribute to personalized therapies, enhancing healthcare quality. The conclusion of this review emphasizes the need for ongoing research to explore and refine graphene-derived smart therapeutics. Such advancements will not only improve patient care but also drive us towards the zenith of human welfare, showcasing the transformative impact of nanotechnology in healthcare.Keywords: Graphene, Biomedical Applications, Drug Delivery Systems, Diagnostic Innovations and Personalized Therapeutics

Fretting-corrosion mechanisms of Ti6Al4V against CoCrMo in simulated body fluid under various fretting states

Ti6Al4V alloy–CoCrMo alloy pair is commonly applied for modular head–neck interfaces for artificial hip joint. Unfortunately, the fretting corrosion damage at this interface seriously restricts its lifespan. This work studied the fretting corrosion of Ti6Al4V–CoCrMo pair in calf serum solution. We established this material pair’s running condition fretting map (RCFM) regarding load and displacement, and revealed the damage mechanism of this material pair in various fretting regimes, namely partial slip regime (PSR), mixed fretting regime (MFR), and gross slip regime (GSR). The damage mechanism of Ti6Al4V alloy was mainly abrasive wear induced by CoCrMo alloy and tribocorrosion. Adhesive wear (material transfer) also existed in MFR. The damage mechanism of CoCrMo alloy was mainly abrasive wear induced by metal oxides and tribocorrosion in GSR and MFR, while no apparent damage in PSR. Furthermore, a dense composite material layer with high hardness was formed in the middle contacting area in GSR, which reduced the corrosion and wear of Ti alloys and exacerbated damage to Co alloys. Finally, the ion concentration maps for Ti and Co ions were constructed, which displayed the transition in the amount of released Ti and Co ions under different displacements and loads.

Strategies for Targeting Peptide-Modified Exosomes and Their Applications in the Lungs.

Exosomes belong to a subgroup of extracellular vesicles secreted by various cells and are involved in intercellular communication and material transfer. In recent years, exosomes have been used as drug delivery carriers because of their natural origin, high stability, low immunogenicity and high engineering ability. However, achieving targeted drug delivery with exosomes remains challenging. In this paper, a phage display technology was used to screen targeted peptides, and different surface modification strategies of targeted peptide exosomes were reviewed. In addition, the application of peptide-targeted exosomes in pulmonary diseases was also summarised.

A somatic view of the genomic impact of mitochondrial endosymbiosis.

The endosymbiosis of mitochondrial ancestors resulted in the transfer of genetic material on an evolutionary scale for eukaryotic species. A new study in PLOS Biology expands this to the genome of somatic cells within individuals and highlights its correlation with aging and disease.

Numerical simulation and experimental validation of ICVI-C/C reaction process by methane/propane gas mixture source

This study aimed to optimize the preparation of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites by developing and validating a computational model for three-dimensional (3D) transient densification through an isothermal chemical vapor-phase infiltration (ICVI) process using a methane/propane mixture. Simplified multistep parallel reaction kinetics were employed to simulate the pore evolution using a two-dimensional representative volume element model and a 3D stochastic fiber model. The permeability, flow modeling, and material transfer behaviors were calculated using the Ergun, Brinkman, and mixing diffusion equations. The density was calculated to be 1.294 g/cm3 after 50 h of deposition with specific flow rates and temperatures. The experimental densities were lower than those predicted with an increased propane flow, highlighting the complex reaction kinetics. The numerical simulation results exhibited strong agreement with the experimental results at 1328 K, achieving a correlation of up to 5.918. This study provides a robust theoretical and experimental basis for optimizing the structure and process control of C/C composites.

Strengthening Global Security: Critique on the NPT and NSG Mechanisms of Nuclear Export Control Regime

An export control regime plays a vital tool in the effort to counter the proliferation of traditional weapons and weapons of mass destruction. However, there are new and fundamental challenges with this system. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding and implementing nuclear export control mechanisms to advance international security and prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. The research will apply descriptive analysis of the mechanisms of nuclear export controls. Critical analysis of the nuclear export control apparatuses will be applied as a technique to review the loopholes in the enforcement mechanisms of these initiatives. The debate covers key aspects of nuclear export control, including legislative frameworks, industry compliance, licensing and authorization procedures, verification and monitoring systems and control scope. Understanding these elements will enable stakeholders to support responsible and peaceful transfers of nuclear technology while ensuring compliance with international commitments and nonproliferation standards. The paper further delves into the context of these regimes, which are constructed in a way that provides cushion to the international community led by the Western states. The article emphasizes the critical role of the mechanisms of nuclear export control in preserving international security by preventing the unauthorized transfer of sensitive nuclear materials and technology. It also emphasizes the need for industry and national collaboration in this regard.

Is cross-species horizontal gene transfer responsible for gallbladder carcinogenesis

BackgroundCross-species horizontal gene transfer (HGT) involves the transfer of genetic material between different species of organisms. In recent years, mounting evidence has emerged that cross-species HGT does take place and may play a role in the development and progression of diseases.MethodsTranscriptomic data obtained from patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC) was assessed for the differential expression of antisense RNAs (asRNAs). The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) was used for cross-species analysis with viral, bacterial, fungal, and ancient human genomes to elucidate the evolutionary cross species origins of these differential asRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis and text mining were conducted and a network of asRNAs targeting mRNAs was constructed to understand the function of differential asRNAs better.ResultsA total of 17 differentially expressed antisense RNAs (asRNAs) were identified in gallbladder cancer tissue compared to that of normal gallbladder. BLAST analysis of 15 of these asRNAs (AFAP1-AS1, HMGA2-AS1, MNX1-AS1, SLC2A1-AS1, BBOX1-AS1, ELFN1-AS1, TRPM2-AS, DNAH17-AS1, DCST1-AS1, VPS9D1-AS1, MIR1-1HG-AS1, HAND2-AS1, PGM5P4-AS1, PGM5P3-AS1, and MAGI2-AS) showed varying degree of similarities with bacterial and viral genomes, except for UNC5B-AS1 and SOX21-AS1, which were conserved during evolution. Two of these 15 asRNAs, (VPS9D1-AS1 and SLC2A1-AS1) exhibited a high degree of similarity with viral genomes (Chikungunya virus, Human immunodeficiency virus 1, Stealth virus 1, and Zika virus) and bacterial genomes including (Staphylococcus sp., Bradyrhizobium sp., Pasteurella multocida sp., and, Klebsiella pneumoniae sp.), indicating potential HGT during evolution.ConclusionThe results provide novel evidence supporting the hypothesis that differentially expressed asRNAs in GBC exhibit varying sequence similarity with bacterial, viral, and ancient human genomes, indicating a potential shared evolutionary origin. These non-coding genes are enriched with methylation and were found to be associated with cancer-related pathways, including the P53 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, suggesting their possible involvement in tumor development.

Exploring the structural, physical and hydrogen storage properties of Cr-based perovskites YCrH3 (Y = Ca, Sr, Ba) for hydrogen storage applications

Using first principles calculations, the hydrogen storage, mechanical, dynamic, thermodynamic, electronic and optical properties of YCrH3 (Y = Ca, Sr, Ba) materials are studied for the first time. The lattice constants of CaCrH3, SrCrH3 and BaCrH3 are 3.70, 3.88 and 4.07 Å, respectively. Exploration of the mechanical properties shows that both CaCrH3 and BaCrH3 are brittle, whereas SrCrH3 is ductile. In addition, all compounds are metallic, thus facilitating efficient charge transfer during hydrogen storage and release. According to the Bader partial net charges, the charge transfer in the YCrH3 materials is analyzed. The electron density distributions show that the CaCrH3 hydride contains ionic and covalent bonds, whereas SrCrH3 and BaCrH3 are ionic hydrides. Studies of optical properties reveal that CaCrH3 has the largest static refractive index and dielectric constant. Notably, all the studied hydrides exhibit dynamic, thermodynamic and mechanical stability. The gravimetric hydrogen storage capacities are 3.08, 2.08 and 1.55 wt% for CaCrH3, SrCrH3 and BaCrH3, respectively. These investigations provide an important theoretical basis for further exploring the application of hydride materials in the field of hydrogen storage.

Unraveling the untwisting process and upward mass transfer of a twisted prominence driven by vortex motion

Solar filaments or prominences are common features in the Sun's atmosphere that contain cool chromospheric material suspended within the hot corona. However, the intricate topology of these structures and the mechanisms driving their instability and upward material transfer are not well understood. Investigating these issues is essential for gaining insight into the fundamental laws that govern solar activity. This study is to analyze a specific twisted prominence observed on February 10, 2021, and to explore its dynamics, including stability, motion, and material transfer. The study also aims to propose a mechanism, based on the K\'arm\'an Vortex Street instability, to explain the destabilization of the prominence. The study utilizes high-resolution H$_ alpha $ observations from the 1-m New Vacuum Solar Telescope and space-borne observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory. These observations capture the characteristics and behavior of the twisted prominence. We analyzed the data to investigate the equilibrium state, subsequent destabilization, vortex motion, oscillations, resonations, untwisting, and upward mass loading of the prominence. We also detected and measured the speeds of outflows surrounding the prominence. The study reveals that the observed twisted prominence exhibited a stretched and twisted structure at its apex, distinguishing it from familiar cloudy prominences. Following a period of more than 30 hours in equilibrium, the prominence underwent destabilization, leading to a series of dynamic phenomena, such as vortex motion, oscillations, resonations, untwisting, and the upward transfer of mass. Consequently, material from the top of the prominence was carried upward and deposited into the overlying magnetic arcades. Noteworthy, outflows surrounding the prominence were characterized by speeds exceeding 40 km s$^ Based on these findings, we propose, for the first time, a mechanism rooted in the K\'arm\'an Vortex Street instability to explain the destabilization of the prominence. The estimated typical Strouhal Number of 0.23pm 0.06, which is related to vortex shedding, falls within the expected range for the K\'arm\'an Vortex Street effect, as predicted by simulations. These discoveries provide new insights into the dynamics and fundamental topology of solar prominences and reveal a previously unknown mechanism for mass loading into the upper atmosphere.

Development and Investigation of Nitrate Phase Change Filler Material for Solar Process Heating Applications

Thermocline thermal energy storage system is an imperial system for solar process heating applications. The thermal energy storage system comprises filler material and heat transfer fluid. In the present study, the commercial phase change material (PCM) (filler material) solar salt (60%NaNO3+40%KNO3) is synthesized, and it is encapsulated with a 1mm thickness of stainless steel 316L encapsulation with the macro-size of 60mm; the encapsulated PCMs is considered as a single particle in the thermocline thermal energy storage system. The performance of the single encapsulated PCM is studied with a constant heat transfer fluid (Therminol-VP1) flow rate of 0.00015 kg/s during the charging process. The specific heat of the solar salt is measured in Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) in the solid phase is found as 1.381 J/gK, and liquid phase is identified as 1.551 J/g-K, the enthalpy during the phase change process is found as 116.72 J/g. As well, the thermal conductivity of the solar salt is measured in Transient Heat Conduction method, and the thermal conductivity follows the linear relationship of -0.0025(T)+0.4023 (45ºC<T<100ºC) in the sensible region. The temperature variations and the phase change phenomena for the solar salt is identified and the contours are provided. The charging time for the encapsulated solar salt is identified as ~138 minutes. The energy storage cost for the single filler material (Solar Salt + SS316L encapsulation) is identified as Rs.5.93/- (USD 0.071) for the period of charging duration.

Initial and grow-up stages of material transfer on Arc-DLC coating in aluminum forming processes at high temperatures

The mechanisms of material transfer in aluminum forming processes at high temperatures have remained a contentious tribological issue. This study aims to investigate the transfer mechanisms in the initial and grow-up stages of 6082-T6 aluminum alloy against commercial Arc-DLC coating under lubricant-free forming conditions. The warm and hot upsetting sliding test (WHUST) was used as the tribological test. It was conducted with two sliding configurations: the full sliding test to study the evolution of aluminum transfer and the short sliding test with a 2-mm sliding distance to observe the initiation of aluminum transfer. Furthermore, the effect of different sliding speeds, 0.5 and 5.0 mm/s, and initial temperatures of the specimen, 300 °C–500 °C, on the phenomenon of aluminum transfer was examined. Experimental results found that the aluminum transfer on the Arc-DLC coating in the initial stage of all cases was mainly caused by mechanical plowing. However, in the grow-up stage, the aluminum transfer could be dominated by mechanical plowing and/or adhesive bonding, depending on contact conditions. The different transfer mechanisms caused variations in the coefficient of friction and surface characteristics on the friction track. It led to the skewness Ssk could be an indicator to differentiate the transfer mechanisms.

Advances in 2D Material Transfer Systems for van der Waals Heterostructure Assembly

The assembly of van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures using 2D material transfer systems has revolutionized the field of materials science, enabling the development of novel electronic and optoelectronic devices and the probing of emergent phenomena. The innovative vertical stacking methods enabled by these 2D material transfer systems are central to constructing complex devices, which are often challenging to achieve with traditional bottom-up nanofabrication techniques. Over the past decade, vdW heterostructures have unlocked numerous applications leading to the development of advanced devices, such as transistors, photodetectors, solar cells, and sensors. However, achieving consistent performance remains challenging due to variations in transfer processes, contamination, and the handling of air-sensitive materials, among other factors. Several of these challenges can be addressed through careful design considerations of transfer systems and through innovative modifications. This mini-review critically examines the current state of transfer systems, focusing on their design, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency. Special emphasis is placed on low-cost systems and glovebox integration essential for handling air-sensitive materials. We highlight recent advancements in transfer systems, including the integration of cleanroom environments within gloveboxes and the advent of robotic automation. Finally, we discuss ongoing challenges and the necessity for further innovations to achieve reliable, cleaner, and scalable vdW technologies for future applications.

T cell and airway smooth muscle interaction: a key driver of asthmatic airway inflammation and remodeling.

Cross talk between T cells and airway smooth muscle (ASM) may play a role in modulating asthmatic airway inflammation and remodeling. Infiltrating T cells have been observed within the ASM bundles of asthmatics, and a wide range of direct and indirect interactions between T cells and ASM has been demonstrated using various in vitro and in vivo model systems. Contact-dependent mechanisms such as ligation and activation of cellular adhesion and costimulatory molecules, as well as the formation of lymphocyte-derived membrane conduits, facilitate the adhesion, bidirectional communication, and transfer of materials between T and ASM cells. T cell-derived cytokines, particularly of the Th1, Th2, and Th17 subsets, modulate the secretome, proliferation, and contractility of ASM cells. This review summarizes the mechanisms governing T cell-ASM cross talk in the context of asthma. Understanding the underlying mechanistic basis is important for directing future research and developing therapeutic interventions targeted toward this complex interaction.

Atomic Depth Image Transfer of Large-Area Optical Quartz Materials Based on Pulsed Ion Beam.

The high-efficiency preparation of large-area microstructures of optical materials and precision graphic etching technology is one of the most important application directions in the atomic and near-atomic-scale manufacturing industry. Traditional focused ion beam (FIB) and reactive ion etching (RIE) methods have limitations in precision and efficiency, hindering their application in automated mass production. The pulsed ion beam (PIB) method addresses these issues by enhancing ion beam deflection to achieve high-resolution material removal on a macro scale, which can reach the equivalent removal resolution of 6.4 × 10-4 nm. Experiments were conducted on a quartz sample (10 × 10 × 1 mm) with a specific pattern mask using the custom PIB processing device. The surface morphology, etching depth, and roughness were measured post-process. The results demonstrated that precise control over cumulative sputtering time yielded well-defined patterns with expected average etching depths and surface roughness. This confirms the PIB technique's potential for precise atomic depth image transfer and its suitability for industrial automation, offering a significant advancement in microfabrication technology.

Enhancing the electrical performance of AgNi contact material by doping Ag2WO4

To improve the anti-welding ability of AgNi contact material, the Ag2WO4 was doped for the Ag-8 wt%Ni contact material. The electrical contact tests were performed at 36 V/25A for 5000 operations on an electrical testing system, and the welding and material transfer behaviors were studied. The results show that doped Ag2WO4 significantly decreases the welding frequency (115 times to 34 times) and welding force (max 0.49 N to 0.13 N) for the Ag-8 wt%Ni contact material, which is derived from the fine eroded morphology acted by Ag2WO4. Furthermore, doping Ag2WO4 increases the material transfer from anode to cathode, which can be attributed to the influence of Ag2WO4 on the plasma ion density, and the balance of metallic and gaseous arcs reflected from the arc power.