Microstructure Of Nanocomposites Research Articles

Effect of WC nanoparticles content on the microstructure, hardness and tribological properties of Al-WC nanocomposites produced by flake powder metallurgy

Al-WC nanocomposites containing 0.1, 0.25, 0.4 and 0.6 v% of WC nanoparticles prepared by flake powder metallurgy route utilizing either cold pressing and sintering (CP–S) or hot-pressing (HP) to achieve optimum densification and hardness. The fabricated nanocomposites characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and optical microscopy (OM). The wear rate and friction coefficient of the HP samples quantified via a pin on disk wear testing machine. The results revealed that HP samples exhibited lower porosity and higher hardness values as compared with their CP-S counterparts. Adding WC nanoparticles up to 0.4 vol% resulted in the minimum porosity and maximum hardness. Nano-WC particles addition improved wear resistance and frictional behavior of the nanocomposite and the sample containing 0.1 vol% WC exhibited superior tribological properties. SEM micrographs revealed that the wear mechanism changed from adhesive to mainly abrasive with increased content of hard nano-particles.

Investigation on mechanical properties of AZ31B magnesium alloy manufactured by stir casting process

- Nanocomposites of AZ31B with varying compositions of nano-hydroxyapatite and nano alumina were cast by the stir casting process. The primary goal of this research is to investigate and assess if it is feasible to fabricate magnesium metal matrix nano-composites (MMNCs) utilizing the stir casting process for biomedical applications. In this study AZ31B used as matrix and nano alumina (Al2O3) and nano hydroxyapatite (nHA) as a reinforcement. Due to its low weight as a structural metal and excellent strength-to-weight ratio, magnesium is commonly employed in engineering designs in addition to the development of composite materials. Mg alloys are widely used in biomedical due to their lower density. The Brinell hardness test was conducted to examine materials made by casting and forging processes that have a structure which is too coarse or rough for another test. It was observed that AZ31B-5nHa among the others has the highest hardness number. Compression tests were conducted to check the behavior of the MMNC under an applied load. AZ31B-0.5(Al2O3)-0.3nHa among the others has the highest compressive strength. It was observed that adding nHA reinforcement in AZ31B affects the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of a nanocomposite made of magnesium metal matrix, including compressive strength, hardness, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. This study aims to investigate the effects of reinforcement on a magnesium metal matrix nanocomposite's microstructure and mechanical properties.

HEMATITE NANOPARTICLES-EMBEDDED ACTIVATED CARBON FOR ENHANCING REMOVAL OF POLLUTANTS FROM WASTEWATER

All kinds of heavy metal ions and synthetic dyes in water will produce serious environmental problems and damage to the human body. Activated carbon (AC)/hematite (H; [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3) nanocomposites (ACH nanocomposites) have been prepared using a hydrothermal method in ferric citric alkaline solution. The microstructure, chemical composition and properties of as-prepared ACH nanocomposites were investigated, respectively. It has been proved that [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 nanoparticles embedded on the surface of AC greatly improved the hydrophilicity of AC. Results further showed that ACH nanocomposites could be used as adsorbents to effectively remove [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] from wastewater. The sorption process for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] ions met the pseudo-second-order equation. The maximum adsorption capacities of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by ACH were about 20 mg/g and 21 mg/g, respectively. In addition, some organic dyes such as methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) could also be degraded completely by ACH composites. Therefore, it is expected that ACH nanocomposites can be regarded as promising adsorbents and low-cost Fenton-like nanocomposites for the removal of pollutants from aqueous solution.

Tensile performance and viscoelastic properties of rubber nanocomposites filled with silica nanoparticles: A molecular dynamics simulation study

Understanding the relationship between the macro-properties and microstructure of rubber and rubber nanocomposites (RNCs) is crucial for the design and optimization of relevant rubber composite products. Herein, we explore the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of rubber and RNCs filled with silica nanoparticles by using atomistic molecular dynamics simulation. It is found that increasing cross-linking density can greatly enhance the tensile performance of pure rubber, and reduce the permanent deformation and hysteresis loss. The addition of silica nanoparticles causes significant changes in the static distribution, movement, and bond orientation, and the Tg of RNCs increases by more than 6% when the volume fraction of NPs reaches 10%. At fixed volume fraction of NPs, decreasing the NP size can further enhance the mechanical properties of RNCs, and the maximum tensile stress can increase by 50%. In addition, cross-linking in the RNCs can improve the viscoelastic properties, and more highly crosslinked RNCs present larger storage modulus and loss modulus, and smaller loss angle. This work gives an in-depth understanding of the effect of microstructure on the mechanical properties of RNCs.

Use of laser glazing to evaluate an Al-Cr-Co-Mn-Zr alloy containing icosahedral quasicrystalline dispersoids as a candidate material for additive manufacturing

Evaluating novel alloy systems for metal additive manufacturing (MAM) is challenging especially when metastable phases are involved. Here, laser glazing was used as a cost-effective method to evaluate the potential of a powder-processed Al-Cr-Mn-Co-Zr alloy for MAM. The alloy powder exhibited a nano-composite microstructure consisting of an FCC Al matrix plus icosahedral quasicrystal (I-phase) dispersoids, and this microstructure was retained in the as-consolidated alloy. Single laser tracks were produced on the surface of a polished coupon of the consolidated alloy at a range of laser powers and scan speeds in a commercial powder bed fusion (PBF) system. The resultant microstructures and mechanical properties of the laser tracks were investigated by electron microscopy studies and hardness measurements. The laser tracks showed no solidification cracking, and the only morphological defects were occasional pores. All of the phases in the substrate alloy were melted fully in the laser tracks, and four different types of microstructures (solid solution, equiaxed dispersoids, mixed and radial growths) were observed in the solidified tracks. The microstructures obtained depended upon the input energy densities due to the combinations of laser processing parameters. The laser tracks with the solid solution and equiaxed dispersoid microstructures gave the highest hardness values of 154–170 HV, which is comparable to that of the substrate alloy. These data indicate that there is considerable promise for the application of such I-phase alloys in MAM.

Investigation of microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear behavior of aluminum A380 nanocomposite reinforced with graphene nanosheets produced by spark plasma sintering technique

The study reports the development of graphene nanosheets reinforced aluminum A380 matrix nanocomposites using powder metallurgy. Nanocomposites are fabricated by a mechanical alloying process and the bulk nanocomposites are prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique in a vacuum at 540 °C. 0.25 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.75 wt%, and 1 wt% of graphene nanosheets are used as a refinement for nanocomposites. Microstructural, mechanical properties, and wear behavior of the Al A380–graphene nanocomposites were investigated. Testing and analysis of fabricated composites revealed an improvement in hardness (59.96%) and wear rate (108.57%). Grain refinement action caused by graphene, high hardness, and graphene's self-lubricating nature is reasoned for these improvements. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were used to investigate microstructures of the nanoparticle distribution in the nanocomposites of the SPS samples. The wear resistance of resultant composites is reported at a higher side, decreasing friction coefficient owing to graphene's self-lubricating nature. Moreover, the incorporation of lubricant graphene nanosheets significantly reduced the wear rate and the friction coefficient in comparison with the Al A380 matrix composites. Wear morphology is characterized using SEM. In the end, the Al A380–0.5% graphene nanocomposite sample represents the greatest hardness and wear behavior, and good microstructure to compare with the other experimented samples.

Functional Output Regression for Machine Learning in Materials Science.

In recent years, there has been a rapid growth in the use of machine learning in material science. Conventionally, a trained predictive model describes a scalar output variable, such as thermodynamic, electronic, or mechanical properties, as a function of input descriptors that vectorize the compositional or structural features of any given material, such as molecules, chemical compositions, or crystalline systems. In machine learning of material data, on the other hand, the output variable is often given as a function. For example, when predicting the optical absorption spectrum of a molecule, the output variable is a spectral function defined in the wavelength domain. Alternatively, in predicting the microstructure of a polymer nanocomposite, the output variable is given as an image from an electron microscope, which can be represented as a two- or three-dimensional function in the image coordinate system. In this study, we consider two unified frameworks to handle such multidimensional or functional output regressions, which are applicable to a wide range of predictive analyses in material science. The first approach employs generative adversarial networks, which are known to exhibit outstanding performance in various computer vision tasks such as image generation, style transfer, and video generation. We also present another type of statistical modeling inspired by a statistical methodology referred to as functional data analysis. This is an extension of kernel regression to deal with functional outputs, and its simple mathematical structure makes it effective in modeling even with small amounts of data. We demonstrate the proposed methods through several case studies in materials science.

Design of Multilayered 2D Nanomaterial Composite Structures for EMI Shielding Analysis.

It is still very challenging to effectively design nanocomposite microstructures with significantly improved electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE). Herein, we developed a facile method for fabrication of molybdenum disulfide/graphene nanoplatelets (MoS2/GNPs) nanocomposites, in which GNPs are utilized as highly effective electrical transport materials, while MoS2 resolves the agglomeration problem of GNPs. GNPs also serve as an efficient cluster of electrical transport systems and dampen the incoming electromagnetic wave. Two types of samples are synthesized and compared in context of EMI SE values: physically mixed composite and layered samples. The sandwiched MoS2 between GNP layers showed an EMI SE of ∼24 dB, which was an almost 14% improvement relative to MoS2/GNPs nanocomposites exhibiting an EMI SE value of ∼21 dB, both containing 0.5 wt % GNPs. This work provides a new strategy for the design of multifunctional nanocomposites using the simple low-cost vacuum filtration method for EMI shielding for future applications.

Preparation, Microstructural Characterization and Photocatalysis Tests of V5+-Doped TiO2/WO3 Nanocomposites Supported on Electrospun Membranes

Metal oxide nanocomposites (MON) have gained significant attention in the literature for the possibility of improving the optical and electronic properties of the hybrid material, compared to its pristine constituent oxides. These superior properties have been observed for TiO2 — based MON, which exhibit improved structural stability and photoactivity in environmental decontamination processes. In addition, the use of polymer membrane-supported MON is preferable to prevent further aggregation of particles, increase the surface area of the semiconductor in contact with the contaminant, and enable material reuse without considerable efficiency loss. In this work, V5+-doped TiO2/WO3 MON nanostructures were prepared by the sintering process at 500 °C and supported in electrospun fiber membranes for application as photocatalyst devices. Microstructural characterization of the samples was performed by XRD, SEM, EDS, Raman, and DSC techniques. The reflectance spectra showed that the bandgap of the MON was progressively decreased (3.20 to 2.11 eV) with the V5+ ions doping level increase. The fiber-supported MON showed photoactivity for rhodamine B dye degradation using visible light. In addition, the highest photodegradation efficiency was noted for the systems with 5 wt% vanadium oxide dispersed in the fibers (92% dye degradation in 120 min of exposure to the light source), with recyclability of the composite material for use in new photocatalysis cycles. The best results are directly related to the microstructure, lower bandgap and aggregation of metal oxide nanocomposite in the electrospun membrane, compared to the support-free MON.

Some mechanical properties and microstructure of cementitious nanocomposites containing nano-SiO2 and graphene oxide nanosheets

This study investigated the mechanical properties and microstructure of cementitious nanocomposites containing aqueous graphene oxide nanosheets (GONS) and nano-silica (NS) as a replacement for cement were investigated. Three groups of specimens, classified as control specimens (N), specimens containing 6 wt% NS (NS), and specimens containing 6 wt% NS plus various percentages of GONS (0.01 wt%, 0.03 wt%, and 0.06 wt%) (GONS-NS), were produced for macroscopic and microscopic tests. The results of the mechanical tests indicated that the GONPs-NS cementitious nanocomposite had a synergistic effect on the mechanical properties, increasing the compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths at 28 days by up to 113 %, 60 %, and 42 %, respectively, in comparison with the conventional mortar specimens. Additionally, X-ray powder diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy were employed to examine the specimens microstructure. The microscopic test results showed that the GONS exhibited exfoliated structures that were dispersed in the cementitious composites, which prevented the formation and expansion of microcracks. The results also indicated that 0.06 wt% GONS and 6 wt% NS had the optimum effect in improving the mechanical properties of the cementitious nanocomposite. This improvement could be attributed to the better bonding of the nanoparticles and higher density of the matrix owing to the generation of more calcium silicate hydrate gel during the pozzolanic reactions.

Correlation with the Microstructure and Synergistic Physiochemical Etching Resistance of Nanocomposites under Fluorine-Containing Plasma Conditions.

In the semiconductor fabrication industry, high-power plasma is indispensable to obtain a high aspect ratio of chips. For applications to ceramic components including the dielectric window and ring in the semiconductor etching chamber, the Y2O3 ceramics have attracted interest recently based on excellent erosion resistance. When a high bias voltage is applied in a plasma environment containing fluorine gas, both chemical etching and ion bombardment act simultaneously on the ceramic components. During this etching process, severe erosion and particles generated on the ceramic surface can have effects on overall equipment effectiveness. Herein, we report the outstanding plasma etching resistance of Y2O3-MgO nanocomposite ceramics under a CF4/Ar/O2 gas atmosphere; the erosion depth of this material is 40-79% of that of the reference materials, Y2O3 ceramics. In a robust approach involving effective control of the microstructure with different initial particles and sintering conditions, it is possible to understand the relationship between etching behavior and microstructure evolution of the nanocomposite ceramic. The results indicate that the nanocomposite with fine and homogeneous domain distribution can decrease particle generation and ameliorate its life cycle; accordingly, this is a promising alternative candidate material for ceramic components in plasma chambers.

Synthesis of vinyl-based silica nanoparticles by sol–gel method and their influences on network microstructure and dynamic mechanical properties of nitrile rubber nanocomposites

Non-agglomeration and dispersion of silica nanoparticles in polymers and their interfacial interactions to polymer matrix are the most important factors that influence nanocomposites performance. In this work, vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) as a low VOC emission coupling agent was used for surface modification of silica nanoparticles to prepare better dispersion in nitrile rubber (NBR) and improve its interfacial interactions to silica nanoparticles. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy demonstrated successful attachment of VTES molecules on the surface of silica nanoparticles. Dispersion of the modified silica nanoparticles in NBR matrix was studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy and rubber process analysis. Results demonstrated that VTES significantly improved dispersion of nanoparticles in rubbery matrix. The bound rubber content showed that VTES effectively built a bridge between the silica nanoparticles and the rubber matrix that led to promising mechanical performances and strong interfacial interactions. Effect of nanoparticle content on the mechanical performances (static/dynamic) of the NBR was evaluated. It was found that higher modulus and reinforcement indices was obtained at 3 and 5 wt% of nanoparticles. Moreover, these composites had extremely low rolling resistance, the best wet skid resistance and the lowest Heat-Build up.

Effect of exfoliated MoS2 on the Microstructure, Hardness, and Tribological Properties of Copper Matrix Nanocomposite Fabricated via the Hot Pressing Method

In this study, copper matrix composites were prepared using the cold and hot pressing technique and then investigated to select the suitable one for the self-lubricating applications. A hybrid of alumina and molybdenum disulfide with a 1:1 ratio by the mechanical milling for 40 h was proceeded to peel the molybdenum disulfide and cover the alumina particles with their layers. Three different samples like Cu, Cu/10 Al2O3, and Cu/hybrid 20(Al2O3–MoS2) were mixed for 15 h. The ball-to-powder ratio in the two mentioned steps was 10:1. The X-ray analysis, HRTEM, Raman spectra, and scanning electron miscopy were used to study the crystal structure, chemical composition, and morphology of the new hybrid and prepared samples. The density was evaluated by the Archimedes method. Mechanical properties, including hardness, wear rate, and coefficient of friction, were investigated. The mixing for 15 h improves the exfoliation of MoS2 flakes inside the copper matrix. A clear hardness improvement was achieved by adding alumina and the mixture of (Al2O3–MoS2). The copper sample reinforced with the hybrid of alumina/MoS2 gave the lowest mechanical wear rate and the lowest average friction coefficient of 0.17.

Outgassing of implanted He via short circuit transport along phase and grain boundaries in vapor co-deposited Cu-W nanocomposites

We investigate the response of physical vapor co-deposited copper (Cu)-tungsten (W) nanocomposites to helium (He) implantation. Nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) reveals that a substantial fraction of He implanted into these materials escapes during implantation. Analysis of nanocomposite microstructure shows that the He loss is likely due to its transport out of the material by diffusion along phase and grain boundaries. Our findings suggest that solid-state interfaces such as phase and grain boundaries are short circuit diffusion pathways for transport of He.

Investigation of Microstructure, Hardness and Wear Properties of Hybrid Nanocomposites with Al2024 Matrix and Low Contents of B4C and h-BN Nanoparticles Produced by Mechanical Milling Assisted Hot Pressing

Investigation of Microstructure, Hardness and Wear Properties of Hybrid Nanocomposites with Al2024 Matrix and Low Contents of B4C and h-BN Nanoparticles Produced by Mechanical Milling Assisted Hot Pressing

Synthesis, microstructure, and catalytic properties of porous SiFeCO nanocomposites derived from MIL‐101(Fe)‐modified PCS

AbstractSiFeCO ceramic nanocomposites with porous structure have been successfully prepared via pyrolysis of novel iron‐containing precursors, which were synthesized by modification of polycarbosilane with different contents of MIL‐101(Fe), a kind of metal‐organic framework made by our laboratory. Iron‐containing precursors were pyrolyzed at relatively low temperatures ranging from 500 to 900°C under nitrogen atmosphere, the polymer‐to‐ceramic conversion process were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements. SiFeCO ceramics with different iron contents were intensively studied with respect to their crystallization behavior, microstructure evolution, and porous morphology influenced by additive amount of MIL‐101(Fe). The results of XRD and Transmission electron microscopy revealed that MIL‐101(Fe)‐modified precursors converted into amorphous SiFeCO ceramics when pyrolyzed below 700°C under nitrogen, extremely small Fe3O4 and α‐Fe crystallites with grain size of only 2–5 nm were in situ generated and dispersed uniformly in the SiCO ceramic matrix. Simultaneously, interconnected porous structure was created in the matrix by the decomposition of MIL‐101(Fe). The as‐obtained SiFeCO ceramics could serve as heterogeneous Fenton‐like catalysts for the degradation of xylene orange and exhibit outstanding catalytic properties.

Evolution of microstructure within carbon fiber during pre-carbonization revealed by mean field theory

Microstructure dominating the conductivity in carbon fiber (CF) was investigated to construct an initial model for the interpretation of the sudden shift in conductivity of pre-oxidized polyacrylonitrile precursor fibers (POF) during pre-carbonization. The electrical conductivity of POF treated at different pre-carbonization temperatures was measured by four-point probe meter. According to the result of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, the microstructure of CF was approximately regarded as nanocomposite consisting of pseudo-graphite sheet (PGS) and an amorphous carbon matrix. Based on the analysing of this nanocomposite microstructure model with mean-field theory and applying effective-medium approximation, the evolution of electrical conductivity and microstructure of POF was investigated. The microstructure of CF during pre-carbonization process, including the volume fraction and geometric factors of PGS, was determined by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The existence of percolation effect was determined by applying a combination of simulation calculating and experiment. The results indicated that a carbon skeleton consisting of connected PGSs was formed within CF during the pre-carbonization process. In addition, the carbon skeleton provides efficient pathways for the lattice vibrations and phonon propagation required for heat conduction and has a significant impact on the subsequent crystallization of the final CF and its properties.

Laponite-Doped Poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) Hydrogels

Electroacoustic characterization of soft nanocomposites has provided unique insights into the microstructure of soft nanocomposites, including nanoparticle (NP)-doped hydrogels and polyelectrolyte hydrogels without NPs. An outstanding problem is how to interpret the electrokinetic sonic amplitude (ESA) of charged hydrogels bearing charged NPs because both components generate an acoustic response to the electrical forcing. To this end, we study a series of Laponite XLG-doped, neutralized poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) hydrogels, drawing principally on the ESA, electrical conductivity, and linear viscoelastic rheology. The hydrogel charge density was varied by the fraction of acrylic acid monomer fAAc = 0–1 while maintaining the total monomer concentration ≈8 wt % with Laponite concentration ≈0.85 wt %. Upon comparison of data from this study to those in a recent benchmark study of charged hydrogels without NPs, Laponite doping increased the electroacoustic signal and ionic conductivity but decreased the hydrogel storage modulus. Mechanistic theoretical models predicting how the real part of the ESA (at low frequency) and ionic conductivity of polyelectrolyte hydrogels depend on fAAc were extended to Laponite-doped hydrogels, together furnishing an estimate of the partial molar volume of acrylamide (in polymer form) that is close to the value for pure acrylamide (based on its density and molecular weight). The generally lower storage modulus with Laponite doping contrasts with previous studies of Laponite-doped polyacrylamide and poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels and solutions. This seems to reflect the high degree of neutralization, which transforms an attraction between protonated carboxyl moieties and Laponite to an electrostatic repulsion. The hindering effects of polymerization and cross-linking on acrylic acid-co-acrylamide networks were also investigated by comparing the ESA and conductivity of hydrogels with their monomer solution counterparts. Systematically varying the ratio of charged to uncharged monomers, with and without chemical cross-linking, provides insights to benefit a broad range of technological applications for hydrogel nanocomposites.

An investigation on microstructure and mechanical behaviour of aluminium hybrid metal matrix nanocomposite fabricated through electromagnetic stir casting process

This study focuses on the microstructure characteristics and mechanical properties of unreinforced and reinforced ceramic materials titanium diboride (TiB2) and graphite (Gr). Aluminium hybrid metal matrix nanocomposites reinforced with varying weight percentage of nano TiB2 (0-12.5 wt. %) and nano Gr (4wt %) via electromagnetic stir casting process to produce hybrid nanocomposites samples. Identification of phases and microstructure analysis are performed through X-ray diffraction, Optical Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersion X-ray Spectrum. Mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile, compression and flexural strength were investigated on the prepared hybrid nanocomposites samples. Microstructure images of the samples reveals uniform dissemination of reinforced TiB2 and Gr nanoparticles in Aluminium base matrix and X-ray diffraction confirms the presence of reinforced particles TiB2 and Gr in Aluminium base matrix. Concluded from the consolidated samples, mechanical properties of the reinforced samples improved as compared to the matrix material.

Microstructure of gamma-ray developed polymeric nanocomposite respecting cesium and cobalt removal from aqueous solutions

The nanoparticles of fly ash (FA) were obtained by high energy ball milling of their parent Class C kind for subsequent synthesis of poly(acrylamide-acrylic acid)/fly ash (poly(AM-AA)/FA) nanocomposite. The gamma-radiation induced polymerization was applied to achieve this concern. Different techniques were utilized to characterize such nanocomposite. The sorption abilities of the synthesized nanocomposite toward 60Co2+ and 134Cs + radionuclides were evaluated using batch and fixed-bed column approaches. Batches were designed at constants of solution pH (6.5–7.0 ± 0.02), nanocomposite particle size and dosage (106–250 μm and 0.1 L/g, respectively). The microstructure of such nanocomposite (<100 nm) was mainly amorphous with porous rough surfaces containing homogenous distribution of the incorporated nano-FA. About 56.46 and 47.9 mg/g of Co2+ and Cs+ were sorbed at equilibrium with an ion exchange reaction mechanism. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich D–R isotherm model parameters were calculated indicating the favorability of all sorption processes. The spontaneous and endothermic natures of sorption were observed by the calculated ΔG° and ΔH° thermodynamic parameters, respectively. Thomas, Yoon–Nelson and Adams Bohart models were fitted to the fixed-bed column data at varied conditions. The predicted sorption capacities of Thomas were very close to those obtained experimentally. Modeling of the fixed-bed column data dominates that the external mass transfer kinetics was predominant in the initial parts of the fixed-beds. Values required for retaining 50% of the initial sorbate concentration were extended from 89.05 to 68.55 to 177.2 and 149.3 min for 60Co2+ and 134Cs + radionuclides, respectively, by increasing bed depth from 1.5 to 3.0 cm. Modification of FA to its nano-scale form with the subsequent synthesis of a nanocomposite material having sorption capabilities made a duplicate beneficial environmental concern.