Surface Morphology Research Articles

Design of cellulose nanocrystal‐integrated poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyethylene glycol electrospun nanofiber scaffolds for biomedical applications

AbstractThe present study aims to fabricate cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) doped poly(vinyl alcohol) polyethylene glycol (PVA/PEG) nanocomposite films for biomedical applications. The nanocomposite films were prepared by using electrospinning techniques with varying percentages of CNCs (10% and 20%) mixed with PVA and PEG (50:50). The properties of the produced nanocomposites were evaluated using a battery of tests. The results of surface morphology and structural miscibility obtained from field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), atomic force microscopy, and Fourier transformer infra‐red studies revealed appreciable compatibility among the three components (CNCs, PVA, and PEG). FE‐SEM micrographs revealed that the nanomaterials underwent a dramatic transition from discontinuous to continuous fibers, with interconnected or network‐like fibers. The constructed scaffold material's stability went up from three to four phases, according to thermal and degradation experiments. In addition, research on biodegradation and water absorption found that CNCs outperformed pure PVA and PVA/PEG in terms of swelling percentage time and enzyme degradation rate. The hemolysis assay of the PVA/PEG/CNC scaffold showed good compatibility (below 5%) and according to the MTT assay, both NIH 3T3 and L929 cells survived well, indicating that the CNCs could serve as a useful scaffold for tissue engineering applications such skin tissue regeneration. In sum, the findings proved that biological domains including tissue engineering and wound healing can benefit from produced nanofiber scaffolds.

Microwave-induced enhancements in the structural, optical, dielectric, and magnetic properties of Er2O3/MgO nanocomposites

Erbium-trioxide (Er2O3) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanocomposite were effectively synthesized in the form of crystalline powder using a microwave irradiation approach. Various techniques were employed for identifying crystalline structure, FTIR fingerprint region, fluorescence emission behaviors, and surface morphology, dielectric, and magnetic properties using PXRD, FTIR spectroscopy technique, fluorescence spectroscopic technique, SEM analysis, frequency vs. dielectric constant, and MH curve analysis, respectively. Confirmation of the metal-oxygen bond such as Er2O3, and MgO was established through the analysis of stretching frequencies in the FTIR spectrum. The PXRD results using Rietveld refinement confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized nanoparticles, consisting of Er2O3, and MgO with unit cell compositions ~ 94.12 and ~ 5.88%, respectively. SEM imaging provided insights into the morphology of the particles, revealing a spherical shape with noticeable agglomeration. The elemental compositions such as Erbium (Er) and Oxygen (O), were validated by the EDS spectrum, confirming the successful achievement of Er2O3, and MgO nanoparticle in the synthesized composite. In addition, the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) graph illustrated the paramagnetic behavior of the doped Er2O3/MgO composite at room temperature. The thorough examination of the synthesized Er-MgO NPs, covering structural, morphological, and magnetic characteristics, contributes to a comprehensive understanding of their properties.

DEVELOPMENT OF GABAPENTIN-LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLE FOR ALLEVIATING SEIZURE ACTIVITY IN PICROTOXIN AND BICUCULLINE-INDUCED RATS

Objective: The current research aimed to prepare gabapentin-loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) for alleviating seizure activity in picrotoxin and bicuculline-induced Wistar rats. Methods: Gabapentin-loaded SLNs were formulated using a Box-Behnken experimental design with three-level three-factor consisting of 17 experimental runs by micro-emulsification. Three independent parameters were considered in this study, namely sodium glyceryl tripalmitate (A), RPM (B), and Poloxamer-188 (C). Particle size, drug release, and Encapsulation Efficiency (EE) as dependent variables. The formulation was evaluated for drug release, EE, Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface morphology, particle size, zeta potential, in vivo anti-convulsion study. Results: The data collected during the experiment includes the measurements of EE (Encapsulation Efficiency), drug release at the 12th h, and particle size. It was reported that formulations containing a high concentration of Glyceryl tripalmitate (50%) had a high Encapsulation Efficiency (EE). The in vitro release results indicate that F17 demonstrated a maximum drug concentration of 99.99% within a 12 h. The optimization process was conducted using mathematical and graphical methods. From ATR spectra, it was found that there are no such major interactions between gabapentin and excipients. A significant endothermal peak was seen in the DSC investigation at 208.81 °C. X-ray diffraction revealed that gabapentin was present in the crystalline form. Drug crystals and SLN were seen to be dispersed and scattered from Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The optimized formulation's particle size was found to be 203.4 nm, the Polydispersity Index (PI) of 0.426, and the zeta value of 16.5 mV; indicating stability. Following a lethal and chronic dosage of picrotoxin, the gabapentin-SLN exhibited a higher anticonvulsant efficacy, according to in vivo research on rats (p<0.05). Conclusion: Compared to the Bicuculline model, the optimized SLN demonstrated superior outcomes regarding seizure initiation in the Picrotoxin-induced convulsion.

Development of engineered Zn-MOF/g-C3N4 based photoelectrochemical system for real-time sensors and removal of naproxen in wastewater

Naproxen-contaminated water may lead to the accumulation of the drug in aquatic organisms and can pose high risks to an aquatic environment and human beings. Therefore, this work aimed to develop photoelectrochemical sensing and degradation of naproxen (NPX) using zinc-metal organic framework /graphitic carbon nitride thin film-based fluorine-doped tin oxide (Zn-MOF/g-C3N4/FTO) as anode material for the sensing and degradation of naproxen (NPX). The surface morphology, structure, surface property, surface area, optical property, photocurrent, and charge transfer kinetics abilities were studied using different techniques. The nanocomposites showed a superior photocurrent response (0.815 mA cm-2) compared to the original g-C3N4 (0.328 mA cm-2). The photo-anode made of Zn-MOF@g-C3N4/FTO displayed the highest photocurrent value, indicating that the alignment of the two semiconductor bands prevented the quick recombination of electron-hole pairs. Owing to these attractive features, the Zn-MOF/g-C3N4/FTO electrode was applied for photoelectrochemical detection of NPX using chronoamperometry. Interestingly, the nanocomposites-based FTO ascribed a lower detection limit (2.3 ng l-1) with a wide linear range concentration of NPX (0.5 to 200 µg l-1). Additionally, the analytical assessment of repeatability and reproducibility demonstrated robust performance, with commendable relative standard deviations (RSD%) of 2.54 % and 2.40 %, respectively. On the other hand, a remarkable degradation efficiency of 97.52 % was attained when employing a bias potential of 0.1 V during a 2 h photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of NPX. The degradation process was primarily driven by the active participation of holes and hydroxyl radicals in ring opening and subsequent cleavage of by-products. The notable effectiveness of this degradation can be attributed to the combined and synergistic effects of both electrochemical and photocatalytic degradation techniques. The current state demonstrates its effectiveness in the photoelectrochemical sensing and removal of NPX using MOF/g-C3N4 nanocomposites-based electrode materials in wastewater.

Harnessing the Potential of Morphologically Tailored ZnSn(OH)6 Nanograss Photoanode for Solar‐Driven Water Splitting

AbstractHydrothermal growth of ZnSn(OH)6 nanograss on ZnO‐coated FTO substrates is demonstrated. Effect of surfactants addition (polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene glycol), precursor concentration, and reaction temperature on surface morphology of ZnSn(OH)6 nanograss are investigated. Addition of surfactant in precursor solution results in growth of approximately 20–30 nm thick nanograss morphology with varying orientation. The nanograss grow longer by increasing the concentration of precursors solution. The grown ZnSn(OH)6, exhibits XRD peaks corresponding to cubic phase ZnSn(OH)6. Optical bandgap of the grown nanograss are calculated in the range from ∼3.0 to 3.5 eV. The nanograss photoanode grown with PEG surfactant (at 200 °C) has shown the highest photocurrent of 2.2 mA/cm2 at RHE 1.23VRHE and photoconversion efficiency of 1.4% at 0.46 VRHE. The longer nanograss has shown lower charge transfer resistance and higher charge carrier concentration, which is favorable for enhancing the PEC performance.

Microstructural and tribological analysis of friction stir processed AA6061 reinforced with SiC

The reinforced friction stir processing (FSP) improves tribological qualities like wear resistance and mechanical qualities like tensile strength, hardness, and fatigue. This study used FSP to introduce silicon carbide granules onto AA 6061 Al alloy, often used in automotive components, to alter the surface morphology. The fabricated surface metal composites showed superior wear resistance to the base metal. The tribological analysis was done on the 1000 m sliding distance, 40 mm wear track diameter and applied load 5 N to 15 N. The wear of the sample FSP at 1000 rpm and 80 mm/min feed found maximum wear at 5 N, 10 N and 15 N, and the minimum wear yielded 1000 rpm, 80 mm/min at indirect cooled FSP condition. Similar results were obtained for friction force and coefficient of friction. The wear was increased at a very high rotational speed value in FSP. Developing a brittle intermetallic compound (IMC) reduced the microstructural properties of dry FSP. It was revealed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The indirect cooling mechanism controlled the development of IMC. The maximum tensile strength of 122.21 MPa was obtained at 1200 rpm and indirect cooled FSP. The indirect cooling in the process of FSP improves the microhardness value.

Effects of Al doping on structural, optical, morphological, and low-concentration CO2 gas sensing properties of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method

Abstract This work examines the morphological, structural, optical, and gas-sensing characteristics of ZnO thin films doped with Al that were created by the sol-gel spin coating technique. The thin films, doped with varying aluminum concentrations (0%, 2%, and 5%), were characterized using XRD, UV-visible spectroscopy, and FE-SEM to assess their crystallinity, band gap, and surface morphology. XRD analysis confirmed the incorporation of Al into the ZnO lattice without forming secondary phases, while UV-visible spectroscopy revealed an increase in transmittance and band gap with higher Al doping. FE-SEM images showed a transition from agglomerated grains to smoother surfaces with increased Al content. Gas sensing performance was evaluated using low-concentration CO2 as the target gas. The results demonstrated that Al doping significantly enhances the CO2 sensing response, with the 5% Al-doped ZnO exhibiting the optimal sensitivity due to increased carrier concentration and improved surface interaction. These findings suggest that Al-doped ZnO thin films are promising candidates for efficient CO2 gas sensors, combining enhanced structural and optical properties with superior gas sensing capabilities.

Low thickness effect on the properties of Mn-doped ZnO thin films synthesized by sol-gel spin coating technique

In this study, 7% manganese-doped zinc oxide (MZO) thin films with varying low thicknesses were synthesized using the spin coating method. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of MZO films with different film thickness, were systematically investigated. The crystallite structure, superficial morphology, and optical characteristics were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Structural analysis confirmed that all films exhibit a hexagonal wurtzite phase with a pronounced peak along the c-axis, and slight variation in low thickness significantly affected the structural parameters. The surface morphology demonstrated good uniformity, characterized by rounded grain shapes in the plane, while surface roughness was found to be increased with increasing film thickness. Optical analysis revealed that as the number of coatings increased, both transmittance and band gap energy decreased, accompanied by a redshift in the absorption edge across all samples. This behavior is attributed to light scattering, as well as an increase in the refractive index and dielectric function with visible light energy, influenced by the number of layers and corresponding crystallite size.

Reinforcing polyvinyl alcohol films with layered double hydroxide and tannic acid to enhance tensile strength, tribological performance, and corrosion resistance in biomedical coating applications

Abstract This study investigates the synergistic effects of incorporating layered double hydroxide (LDH) and tannic acid (TA) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films to enhance their mechanical, tribological, and corrosion resistance properties for biomedical applications. Composite coating films were prepared by blending PVA with LDH and TA in various concentrations. The addition of LDH and TA significantly increased the crystallinity index of the composite films, with the highest crystallinity observed at 66.3% for the sample containing 1 wt% TA and 2 wt% LDH (PVA/TA1/LDH2). This enhancement in crystallinity contributed to improved mechanical performance, as demonstrated by tensile tests, where the PVA/TA1/LDH2 composite exhibited the highest tensile strength among all samples. Tribological testing revealed that the PVA/TA1/LDH2 composite also achieved the lowest coefficient of friction (COF), along with a minimal wear rate, indicating superior wear resistance. SEM analysis of the wear scars confirmed a narrow wear track and smoother surface morphology for this composite, which suggests effective load distribution and reduced surface degradation. The addition of TA was further shown to improve the corrosion resistance of the PVA composite films, with the PVA/TA1/LDH1 sample exhibiting the lowest corrosion current density (Icorr) of 0.36 µA cm⁻², representing a significant improvement over neat PVA. These findings highlight the potential of PVA/LDH/TA films for coating applications in biomedical devices, where enhanced mechanical strength, wear resistance, and corrosion protection are critical. The synergistic effects of LDH and TA provide a pathway for developing durable and functional coatings, expanding the practical utility of PVA films in demanding biomedical environments.

Effect of Presodiation Additive on Structural and Interfacial Stability of Hard Carbon | P2‐Na0.66Mn0.75Ni0.2Mg0.05O2 Full Cell

AbstractThe compatibility between a corncob‐derived hard carbon anode and a layered oxide cathode (Na0.66Mn0.75Ni0.2Mg0.05O2), as well as the effect of presodiation via cathode additive (Na2C4O4), are investigated in a sodium‐ion full cell. Extensive physicochemical and electrochemical characterizations are performed to deeply investigate the structural and interfacial evolution of the materials in the presodiated cell, either within the single cycle or upon long‐term cycling. The use of sacrificial cathode additives is generally regarded as a method to improve full cell performance, especially when using sodium‐deficient materials. However, undesired effects upon decomposition of the sacrificial salt may arise due to the complexity of the system. In this study, it is evidenced that the presodiation changes the properties of the electrodes causing a worsening of the electrochemical performance of the cell during long‐term cycling. The surface morphology of the cathode is negatively affected by the formation of holes/cracks, while redox processes associated with structural transformations are suppressed in the voltage window of interest, with partial structural deformations occurring during activation cycles. The SEI and CEI are also affected by the formation of insulating organic species, which lead to an increased thickness and interphase resistance hampering the charge transfer kinetics of the cell.

Effect of anisotropy field on the resonance frequency and reflection loss shift characteristics of barium hexaferrite ceramics

Abstract For this study, a modified barium hexaferrite based microwave and radar absorbing material was used. Synthesis and characterization of BaFe(12-2x)(MnTi)xO19 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) have been prepared by solid state reaction method. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that all samples only crystallized into M-type barium hexaferrite after calcination at 1200 °C. Surface morphology images show that the hexagonal flake-like particle is formed at the initial stages of the Mn-Ti substitution level. The magnetic properties measurement reveals that the variation of magnetization values may vary based on preferable site occupation of Mn4+-Ti2+ cations to replace Fe3+ cations. The significant decrease in field coercivity (Hc) from 3.18 kOe to 0.51 kOe with the increase of Mn-Ti substitution affected the lowering values of field anisotropy (Ha). The maximum reflection loss (RL) positions of BaFe(12-2x)(MnTi)xO19 compositional series are shifted to lower frequency range following the Ha trendlines. The maximum RL value equals to 98.42% microwave absorption at 10.5 GHz has been obtained in x = 1.0 (BaFe10Mn0.5Ti0.5O19) composition.

An Innovative Biphasic Reaction System for Highly Selective Benzene Hydroxylation based on Photocatalytic Polymer Composites

AbstractThe hydroxylation of benzene to phenol in presence of hydrogen peroxide was performed using a new biphasic system consisting of a solid phase, a photocatalytically active monolithic polymer composite, immersed in an aqueous phase in which H2O2 is dissolved. In detail, ZnO photocatalytic particles were embedded into the hydrophobic syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) polymer. Zinc oxide nanostructures (ZnO NSs) were synthesized by an electrochemical procedure. The surface morphology and structure of ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO‐sPS monolithic aerogel composite (ZnO/sPS) were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Photocatalytic results evidenced that, under UV irradiation, both ZnO NSs and biphasic system water‐photocatalytic composites had a high benzene oxidative property but with very low phenol yield (<2 %) at pH=7. To enhance the phenol selective formation, the pH of the aqueous solution surrounding the photocatalytic polymer composite was modified. A phenol yield of about 94 % and benzene conversion higher than 99 % was obtained in alkaline conditions (pH=11).

Atmospheric pressure plasma jet deposition of TiO2 layer on alumina/epoxy to improve electrical properties

Abstract In gas-insulated lines, basin-insulators can accumulate charge under non-uniform electric fields, distorting the field distribution and potentially causing surface flashover, which threatens the stability of power systems. In this study, Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet (APPJ) technology was used to deposit TiO2 on the surface of alumina/epoxy (Al2O3/EP) composites. The impact of deposition of TiO2 layer on the surface morphology and chemical composition of Al2O3/EP was studied using testing methods such as Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer. It was found that APPJ creates a dense, rough Ti-O layer on the Al2O3/EP surface, which bonds tightly with the substrate. The efficacy of APPJ was found to depend on processing time, with optimal results observed at 3 min, DC and AC flashover voltages increased by 29.6% and 15.7%, respectively. TiO2 layer enhances the conductivity of the resin and shallows trap levels. Through the synergistic effects of various factors, surface charges are efficiently dissipated and evenly distributed. This study not only reveals the physicochemical process of TiO2 deposition via APPJ but also integrates surface characteristics with electrical performance. The findings offer a new strategy to enhance surface flashover voltage and ensure equipment safety.

Effect of nickel catalyst thickness on growth of carbon nanotubes on glass nonwoven mat using thermal chemical vapor deposition method

This study aimed to explore how varying the thickness of nickel catalyst affects the synthesis of carbon nanotubes on glass mats using the thermal chemical vapor deposition (TCVD) method. Nickel served as the catalyst, with acetylene as the hydrocarbon source and argon as the carrier gas. Initially, different thicknesses of nickel catalyst were applied to the glass mat via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Subsequently, these samples underwent TCVD plasma treatment. Electrical resistance measurements were conducted, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to analyze the presence, surface morphology, and quality of the nanotubes. The research revealed that the thickness of the nickel catalyst significantly influences the nanotube synthesis process on glass mat substrates. An optimal thickness of nickel catalyst yielded a glass mat with an electrical resistance of 2 Ω per unit area post-TCVD treatment.

Effect of Molybdenum Concentration and Deposition Temperature on the Structure and Tribological Properties of the Diamond-like Carbon Films

Two series of non-hydrogenated diamond-like carbon (DLC) films and molybdenum doped diamond-like carbon (Mo-DLC) films were grown on the silicon substrate using direct current magnetron sputtering. The influence of molybdenum doping (between 6.3 and 11.9 at.% of Mo), as well as the deposited temperature (between 185 and 235 °C) on the surface morphology, elemental composition, bonding microstructure, friction force, and nanohardness of the films, were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Raman spectroscopy, and a nanoindenter. It was found that the increase in the metal dopant concentration led to a higher metallicity and graphitization of the DLC films. The surface roughness and sp3/sp2 ratio were obtained as a function of the Mo concentration and formation temperature. The nanohardness of DLC films was improved by up to 75% with the addition of Mo. Meanwhile, the reduction in the deposition temperature decreased the nanohardness of the DLC films. The friction coefficient of the DLC films was slightly reduced with addition of the molybdenum.

New Beauveria bassiana aerial conidia-based bioinsecticide obtained by spray-dried microencapsulation of the entomopathogenic fungi in biopolymers for crop protection

BackgroundDue to their environmentally friendly character, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are becoming increasingly used as microbial agents in biological pest control over chemical pesticides. However, EPF are sensitive to the influence of abiotic factors, such as temperature, radiation, and humidity. To improve their efficiency as bioinsecticides, in this work, the development of a new microparticles-based formulation loading EPF conidia (B. bassiana aerial conidia) into sodium alginate/maltodextrin microparticles obtained by spray-drying was proposed. Different concentrations of both polysaccharides were tested to reach the optimal ratio and ensure a high viability of encapsulated conidia.ResultsAll the produced formulations showed a moisture content < 10% and water activity (aw) < 0.4. Microparticles obtained with 2% sodium alginate and 8% maltodextrin were able to retain 89.5% of the viability of encapsulated conidia, thus being selected for further characterization. Scanning electron microscopy showed microparticles with a smooth surface, varied sizes, and irregular morphology. Microparticles retained 5.44 × 108 conidia/g, presented high hygroscopicity and high suspensibility rate, yet low wettability and water activity (aw) of 0.33. The pH value ranged from 6.46 to 6.62. Microparticles were able to complete release the loaded conidia after 30 min, under constant stirring. When exposed to thermal stress (45 °C), microparticles promoted thermal protection to conidia. Enhanced pathogenicity of B. bassiana conidia against P. xylostella was also confirmed achieving 83.1 ± 5.5%, whereas non-encapsulated conidia reached only 64.8 ± 9.9%.ConclusionsThis study confirms that the encapsulation of B. bassiana fungus conidia in sodium alginate/maltodextrin microparticles by spray-drying is a promising technological approach for the biological control of agricultural pests.

Magnesium Stearate Fatty Acid Composition, Lubrication Performance and Tablet Properties

Magnesium stearate (MgSt) is a common tablet lubricant. As variations in MgSt properties are known to influence tablet attributes, the impact of MgSt fatty acid composition, particularly the significance of the stearate and palmitate contents, and its effects on tablet properties warrant further investigation. This study investigated the effect of MgSt with different stearate and palmitate contents but comparable physical properties (e.g. particle size, crystallinity, specific surface area and morphology) on lubrication performance and resulting tablet quality attributes, including mechanical strength, disintegratability and drug release. The influence of MgSt concentration and blending duration on the resulting tablet properties was also examined. Tablets produced using the lower stearate content MgSt had slightly higher tensile strength. The effect of MgSt stearate content was more apparent in the disintegration time and drug release, whereby MgSt of lower stearate content resulted in tablets with longer disintegration time and slower drug release. The lower stearate content also resulted in a lower lubrication performance, leading to a lesser reduction in tablet ejection force. As expected, a longer blending time of the tablet formulation blend with MgSt yielded tablets with reduced tensile strength, shorter disintegration time and slower drug release. Tablets with higher MgSt concentration showed a greater reduction in tensile strength, longer disintegration time and faster drug release. The study findings reinforced observations by other researchers and provided a better understanding of the fatty acid composition effects of MgSt on lubrication performance and the resulting tablet properties.Graphical

Sediment load with metallurgical slag admixture under diverse morphological conditions along submerging karst stream

This study investigates the clastic fluvial sediments of the Jedovnický submerging stream in the section between the Jedovnice village and Křtinský stream (Moravian Karst, Czechia). A total of 28 samples were collected to analyze clast composition, slag content, grain size, and roundness. The sediment primarily consists of allochthonous Lower Carboniferous material (greywackes, clayey shales) with varying amounts of metallurgical slag, occasionally mixed with autochthonous deposits such as rockfall accumulations and tailings from the excavation of connecting adits. The slag content fluctuates, peaking downstream of the erosive section of the Rudické propadání cave, near the Stará řeka passage connection. Grain size distribution is influenced by both surface and cave morphology, as well as hydraulic conditions. The alternation between erosive and depositional zones, along with the unique karstic and speleorelief features, plays a crucial role in clast mobilization. These features include ponors, erosive and paragenetic corridors, sumps, and rockfalls. Fine particle accumulations are particularly noticeable in front of sumps or dams. Throughout the studied section, the proportion of coarse particles (&gt;10 mm and 5–10 mm) gradually decreases, while finer particle content increases toward the resurgence. The roundness of Carboniferous sediments remains relatively constant, although it is significantly influenced by the presence of well-rounded, weak and ductile slag clasts. Overall, both the slag content and the proportion of well-rounded and rounded clasts in the coarser fractions (&gt;10 mm and 5–10 mm) show a decreasing trend toward the resurgence.

Self-assembled ILs-PVA micelle nanostructure impart the pervaporation membrane with high ethanol dehydration performance

Achieving strong interaction with the targeted composition and constructing abundant transport channels is crucial to obtain the pervaporation (PV) membrane with high selectivity and flux. Here, three ionic liquids (ILs) were screened out based on their relative selectivity and capacity targeting for bioethanol dehydration by COSMO-RS. The interaction energies analysis between ILs, EtOH, and H2O suggests that the ILs can form strong hydrogen bonds with water and disrupt the hydrogen bond in the EtOH–H2O azeotropic mixture, which is beneficial for improving the selectivity. Furthermore, driven by the multiple hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, and van der Waals forces, ILs could self-assemble with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to fabricate the PV membrane with well-ordered micelle nanostructure, as its structure was revealed by MD simulations. The formation of the ILs-PVA micelle dramatically influenced membrane surface morphology, roughness, and water contact angle, providing an extra transport channel for the membrane. The optimal membrane (at the cmc point) exhibited a superior ethanol dehydration separation factor of 1627, along with a flux of 684 g/m2h at 50 °C. It can be expected that this novel self-assembled ILs-PVA micelle nanostructure strategy will find promising applications in other azeotropic mixture separation processes, like ethanol-ethyl acetate, water-butanol, etc.

Laser speckle interferometry approach for measuring the first wall surface micro-morphology in fusion devices with only single interferogram based on Hilbert transform

During the operation of the EAST device, the surface morphology of the first wall in will change due to the erosion and redeposition from plasma-wall interaction (PWI). In this paper, a novel phase extraction approach using only single interferogram based on twice Hilbert transform (THT) has been proposed and implemented. The current approach has a significant advance for eliminating the phase-shifting errors in principle, but the problems of phase flipping and loss due to ignoring non-physical negative frequency spectrum must to be overcome. To address these problems a judgement method is proposed in current investigation to distinguish the regions of the negative spatial frequency. Then a binary matrix was developed to modify the wrapped phase of the measured interferogram. The validation of the proposed THT approach has been demonstrated by the micro-morphology reconstruction of laser ablation craters on molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W) tiles, which are commonly used as the first wall in EAST device. Results indicate that the THT approach has a reasonable measurement accuracy with relative errors around 10%. Also, the current THT approach presents an enhanced robust under the EAST-like vibrational environments.