Nano Level Research Articles

An overview on nanomaterials with magnetic properties used in the textile sector

Nowadays, the world of materials around us has reached a new step in evolution. New materials with amazing properties and functions are innovated in our attempt to make our lives easier and turn the world into a better place for the future. The current generation of textile materials is based on innovative technologies and modern fibres, making them smarter and more technical than ever, giving to people the possibility to adapt to the conditions and evolution of this century. Nanotechnology is a big contributor to the wide expansion of textile applications through the offered benefits and functionalities. It is used for the development of fabrics that are stronger, lighter, more durable or among others, capable of self-cleaning, self-repairing or resisting wrinkling. The addition of magnetic nanomaterials, such as iron oxide or nanoparticles to textiles, either as coatings or as composite materials or as unique elements in industrial processes (e.g., in the dyeing process, in the wastewater treatment process), opens new possibilities for the improvement and future development of the textile sector. This paper presents a summary of some of the latest developments regarding the types of magnetic nanomaterials, their functions, and applications in the textile industry and also the technologies used in different studies to manufacture textile materials with magnetic properties. Finally, the utility of the electrospinning technology to produce materials with full magnetic properties at the nano level and their usefulness in a series of applications proposed by researchers is demonstrated.

Total Dissolved Solids and Their Removal Techniques

Total dissolved solids (TDS) due to both geogenic and anthropogenic contaminations, is one of the preliminary as well as essential parameters among others to describe water quality. It includes organic and inorganic components, heavy metals, salts, other dissolved substances, and others due to indiscriminate disposal of untreated domestic and industrial effluents, urban and/or agricultural runoff which exists in the form of micro or nano level in nature. Higher TDS levels in water severely impact health and the environment. For instance, it causes gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, genotoxic, respiratory, skin, and hepatic effects in humans. High TDS level (> 500 ppm) results in excessive scaling in household appliances (e.g., pipes, heaters, and boilers) thereby reducing their efficiency. Therefore, the removal of TDS from various water matrices is taking paramount importance to minimize its impact on health and the environment. Various TDS removal technologies based on the membrane, ion, and temperature gradient are employed to treat water. In this review paper, several TDS removal technologies for instance reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, distillation, ultrafiltration, forward osmosis, precipitation, desalination, ion exchange, electrochemical techniques, electrodialysis, electrolysis, electrocoagulation, and adsorption are discussed in detail.

Dynamic Effects of Endo-Exogenous Stimulations on Enzyme-Activatable Polymeric Nanosystems with Photo-Sono-Chemo Synergy.

Activatable polymeric nanosystems have attracted great interest, and their interactions with endo-exogenous stimulations are highly vital for therapeutic efficacy, which urgently needs systematic study. Herein we focus on systematically investigating these interactions on an enzyme-nanosystem model, the tumor-overexpressed hyaluronidase (HAase) and the doxorubicin-loaded hyaluronic-acid-porphyrin nanoassemblies (DOX@HPNAs), to augment photo-sono-chemo therapies. The HAase degrades the HPNAs in acidic solution at a higher rate than that in neutral solution, which leads to structure disassembly at the nano level, chain cleavage at the molecular level, and strong radiative recovery at the energy level. Upon excitation with light and ultrasound, the enzymatically degraded sample produces ∼2.5 times more singlet oxygen than the HPNAs because of the absence of aggregation-induced quenching and 1O2 migration limitation. The nanosystem can be activated by trimodal stimulations (acidity, ultrasound, and HAase), exerting the controllable release behavior and high release content. Moreover, the nanosystem exhibits synergistic effects among efficient photodynamic therapy, high tissue-penetrating sonodynamic therapy, and lasting chemotherapy, which induces significant necrosis and apoptosis of cancer cells. With high compatibility, tumor-targeting ability, and fluorescent-imaging-guided capability, the nanosystem achieves the highest inhibition rate of malignant tumors than the single or dual-modal therapies. Thus, the enzyme-activatable nanosystem enables the therapeutic synergy and also provides insights to develop other polymeric nanosystems.

On the Issue of Management Teams’ Balance at the Business Entities

Although the term “balance” as like as provided terms “balance of interests”, “balance of accounts”, “balanced model” are used in lexicon of professional economists for more than one hundred years they still have no exact and well-known definitions. The most popular definitions of “balance” provided with the term “equilibrium” cannot be criticized, because each system after reaching equilibrium stops its development and may die. However, the sphere of practical using of balanced methods becomes wider. In last 10–15 years the term “balance” became widely used in system economic theory for solid base of natural and organic development of the economic systems on all the length of life cycle. In this connection there is great necessity to identify this term from the one side and establish its quantitative measurements, on the other side. In the present article we’d like to bring our personal deposit to decision these problems. According to natural disequilibrium of the economic systems, we approach logically held scientific definition of «balance» as well as original approach to accounting the index of system balance. For this aim we create the system model of an individual person as a straight participant of the economic relations. We also provide its organic including to general model of economic activities winch belong to the explored economical subject. On the base of symbiosis integrating system economic theory and changes management theory of Ishak Adizes we synthesize the algorithmic scheme of accounting system balanced index of management team for the explored system. Differently from the present schemes may be used on the nano level of modern economy which is provided with straight participants of the economic relations.

Quantum-dot cellular automata as a potential technology for designing nano-scale computers: Exploring the state-of-the-art techniques and suggesting the opportunities for the future

Leakage-power usage, physical-scalability constraints, and short-channel impacts are major issues with traditional Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Furthermore, as device dimensions reduce, traditional transistor-based CMOS technology faces significant challenges because of physical limitations like ultra-thin gate oxides, leakage currents, and high power consumption at nano-scale regimes. Numerous experiments on nano-scale architectures have resulted from these flaws. As a challenger to conventional CMOS-based technology, Quantum Dot Cellular Automata (QCA) presents a fundamentally novel computational foundation for designing digital logic circuits employing quantum dots contained in the potential well to process and transmit information at the nano level efficiently. Despite the importance of reviewing and studying QCA as a viable technology for creating nano-scale computers, there is no comprehensive and organized literature evaluation of the status of the mechanics in this sector. As a consequence, we examine current quantum computing techniques in five areas and make recommendations for future research. The findings reveal that quantum computers are infamously prone to faults and have high latency. Unfortunately, quantum error correction systems are still unavailable for current and near-future quantum computers. This research shows that quantum computation will require significant algorithmic advancements before solving quantum challenges.

Improved crystallinity, optical and electrical properties of ZnSe–Se2O5 films through O+ implantation

Modification of optical and electrical properties of the material at the nano level is advantageous for applications like photodetectors, window layers, and sensors. This work put forth the modification of ZnSe–Se2O5 film properties through O+ ions implantation at 60 keV energy with different fluences. After treatment, comprehensive characterizations of implanted films are executed to investigate their structural, optical, and electrical properties. The obtained experimental results are reinforced by SRIM-TRIM simulations to interpret the nature and course of events that occur during implantation. Meticulous investigations of implanted films affirm that O+ ion implantation at a fluence of 7 × 1015 ions/cm2 yields the best results exhibiting crystalline nature, narrow optical bandgap, high refractive index, and excellent electrical conductivity due to implantation induced ionization and damages produced in the films. Thus, our study stipulates that implantation of O+ ions into films enhances electrical conductivity which is crucial for advanced applications, such as sensing toxic gases and optoelectronics.

A new design for testability of the circuits based on quantum-dot cellular automata to reduce total consumption area

By inevitably reducing the transistor size of the semiconductors to the nano level, the current transistor-based technology has faced many challenges such as high chip temperature, reduced operating circuit accuracy, high current leakage, high power, etc. Therefore, several studies have been conducted to find an appropriate substitution for these circuits. One of the most important results of these studies is Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata (QCA), proposed as a possible replacement for conventional circuits. With the increasing volume of circuits, the complexity of designing and manufacturing circuits and the complexity of producing suitable test vectors for them increases, so producing and performing complete test operations on large circuits is very time-consuming and costly. Therefore, it is very important to find ways to produce circuits that can perform the test operation inside the circuit. This article gives a new design for testing circuits based on QCA to minimize overall consumption space. In this design, a linear transmission register circuit is provided to produce test patterns, and a serial signature register is presented to check the circuit's response to the test patterns. In designing these circuits, the minimum consumption of cells has been employed. Therefore, applying this design in QCA circuits increases the testability of circuits and self-test circuits. Besides, due to the minimum cell number used in the design of these circuits, the occupied area is reduced. The simulation outcomes illustrated that the suggested technique, compared to similar designs, gained significant improvement in terms of consumed area and cell.

Effect of dosing with different levels of nano- zinc oxide particles with by-products of the molasses industry on the productive performance of Awassi lambs

This experiment conducted to study the effect of a doscing three levels (0,15 and 30)mg /h/day of Nano zinc oxid particles (NP-Zn)] and two kind of by-products date (nucle or peels) in feed intake, digestibility and live weight of Awassi lambs . Twenty four Awassi lambs averaged 23.31±0.74 kg live body weight and aged 3- 4 months. Animal allotted randomly in to six similar groups (4 animals each) to receive one of the experimental diets. The control ration (CR) consisted 68% concentrate + 30 % nucle date or peels date feed mixture (CFM) and alfalfa hay. Experimental treatments were T1, T2 and T3 (nucle date + 0 , 15 and 30 mg Nzo) and T4, T5and T6 (peels date + 0, 15and 30 mg Nzo) respectively. Results indicated that there were no significant differences in the total intake when dosing different levels of nano-zinc oxide with the exception of the intake of ether extract was significantly increased for the diets of date nucel compared to date peels . Also significantly increased (p≤0.05) in digestibility of crude protein reached to 63.68%with the dose of 15mg/d/day.

Investigations on the Influence of Surface Textures on Optical Reflectance of Multi-crystalline Silicone (MC-Si) Crystal Surfaces-Simulations and Experiments

MC-Si is the most widely used material for making solar PV cells. In spite of the considerable research on improving the conversion efficiency of MC-Si solar PV cells still it remains well within the range of 15-20%. Optical reflectance being the major loss of incident solar energy, efforts are being made to reduce the optical reflectance of solar cell surfaces. Among the several methods proposed, creation of well-defined surface topography on the cell surface remains a promising option. Micro/nano level features with various dimensions and distributions have been created on MC-Si crystal surfaces using a femto-second pulsed laser and the influence of surface topography on optical reflectance in the incident light wave length of 350 – 1000 nm have been studied and compared with the simulation results obtained using OPAL2 software. Experimental results indicate that surface textures on the wafer surface lead to the reduction of optical reflectance in the range of 20-35% in comparison with plain surface. Width of micro grooves have less significant effect on the optical reflectance in comparison with pitch between the micro grooves. Best reduction in reflectance is exhibited by the texture having a groove width of 30 mm and a pitch of 100 mm. A post texturing etching operation is found to have detrimental effect on the ability of micro/nano level features in decreasing the optical reflectance in the preferred wavelength of solar spectrum due to the flattening of nano level features created within the micro grooves due to laser texturing.

Recent Updates on Nanocosmeceutical Skin Care and Anti-Aging Products.

Nanotechnology is an innovative area of science that deals with things smaller than 100 nanometers. The influence of nanotechnology in the cosmetic industry is overwhelming since it can enhance the properties attained by the particles at the nano level, including color, solubility, etc, and can also promote the bioavailability of API. A plethora of nanomaterials can be employed in cosmetics, including organic and inorganic nanoparticles. Unlike orthodox carriers, they facilitate easy penetration of the product into the skin, thereby increasing the stability and allowing a controlled drug release so that they can permeate deeper into the skin and start revitalizing it. Nanomaterials rejuvenate the skin by forming an occlusive barrier to inhibit the loss of water from the skin's surface and thereby moisturize the skin. Nano-cosmeceuticals are used to provide better protection against UV radiation, facilitate deeper skin penetration, and give long-lasting effects. Although they still have some safety concerns, hence detailed characterization or risk assessments are required to fulfill the standard safety requirements. In this review, an attempt is made to make a brief overview of various nanocosmeceuticals skincare and anti-aging products.

Synthesis and Applications of Biopolymer /FeO Nanocomposites: A Review

Magnetic oxide nanoparticles have engaged most consideration due to their rare character, such as easy separation, surface-to- volume ratio, paramagnetic and high surface area. Natural biopolymers, namely, (Chitosan, Guar-Gum, Tamarind, Alginate, Dextran, Pectin) have posed as an incredible host for the preparation of magnetic nanoparticles. Biopolymer based magnetic nanocomposites have been fabricated from long time using method like co-precipitations, green synthesis, in-situ, hydrothermal and wet chemical method. Properties of biopolymer magnetic nanocomposites draw attention to the researchers towards fabricating at the nano level for various applications like as adsorptions inorganic metal, organic impurity, targeted drug-delivery, bio-sensing, catalysis activity, antimicrobial activity, antifungal activity, antioxidant activity, anti-cancer activity, energy, environmental remediation, waste water treatment and textiles. This review is designed to report very firstly reported biopolymer magnetic nanoparticles (BMNPs) in last ten years and attractive approach in various applications.

A structural study of the self-association of different starches in presence of bacterial cellulose fibrils

A multi-analytical study was performed to analyse the effect of bacterial cellulose (BCF) on the self-association of starches with different amylose content (wheat, waxy-maize), assessing macrostructural properties (rheology, gel strength) and some nano and sub-nano level features (small and wide-angle X-ray scattering). Although pasting viscosities and G′ were significantly increased by BCF in both starches, cellulose did not seem to promote the self-association of amylose in short-range retrogradation. A less elastic structure was reflected by a 2–3-fold increase in loss factor (G″/G′) at the highest BCF concentration tested. This behavior agreed with the nano and sub-nano characterisation of the samples, which showed loss of starch lamellarity and incomplete full recovery of an ordered structure after storage at 4 °C for 24 h. The gel strength data could be explained by the contribution of BCF to the mechanical response of the sample. The information gained in this work is relevant for tuning the structure of tailored starch-cellulose composites.

Fabrication of Silver Nanostructures in the Form of Particles, Dendrites and Flowers on Silicon for Use in SERS Substrates

Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) is a technique that is increasingly being used to detect trace amounts of various types of molecules, especially organic and biological molecules. The SERS effect is available mainly due to the SERS substrate - a noble metal surface that is rough at the nano level or a set of noble metal nanoparticles in a certain arrangement. Such a SERS substrate acts as an analyte Raman signal amplifier and can provide amplification up to millions of times and even more. The amplification coefficient of the SERS substrate is determined mainly by the number of ‘hot spots’ it contains as well as the ‘hotness’ of these spots. In turn, a ‘hot spot’ is a certain space around the tips or a nanogap between particles, where the local electromagnetic field is intensely enhanced, while the ‘hotness’ is determined by the sharpness of the tips (the sharper the hotter) and tightness of the gaps (the narrower the hotter). This report presents an overview of the research results of fabricating a type of SERS substrate with a high enhancement factor, which is the SERS substrate made from silver nanostructures coated on the silicon surface. With the aim of increasing the number of ‘hot spots’ and their quality, as well as ensuring uniformity and reproducibility of the SERS substrate, silver nanostructures have been fabricated in various forms, such as nanoparticles, nanodendrites and nanoflowers. In addition, the report also mentions the use of the above silver nanostructures as SERS substrates to detect trace amounts of some pesticides and other toxic agents such as paraquat, pyridaben, thiram, cyanide...

Effect of Aluminum Addition with Nitrogen on K-Carbide Formation in Carbon-Mn Steel

An attempt has been made in the present research work to investigate the role and influence of chemical effect of aluminum addition in the experimental steel towards the formation of k-carbides. Two steel grades were made with and without aluminum addition by induction melting furnace and were cast to ingots. Steel A has no aluminum addition and steel B has some aluminum content. These ingots were then solution heat treated on a temperature of 1200°C for 2-hours’ time and were cooled in the air. After that, they were hot rolled to drawn in plate and sheet. The small samples were cut from bulk and were then heat-treated at 800°C for 1 hour and quenched. Microstructure by OM and SEM was captured. In steel A there was no k-carbide present in the matrix and surprisingly in steel B, small fine k-carbides were present this was then confirmed by XRD later. OM, SEM, and TEM analysis revealed that the presence of k-carbides in steel B makes less dense. It was concluded that aluminum in conjunction with nitrogen forms the small nitride particles having a high melting point does not dissolve during the melting and casting such particles are known as AlN or aluminum nitride particles was observed by TEM along with EDS was the main reason to support the formation of k-carbides, these fine nano level k-carbides are orderly distributed in the steel matrix as was shown by XRD peaks.

Three dimensional hydrogel evaporator made of nano level antireflection particles for high-efficiency solar steam generation

Solar-driven interface evaporation technology provides a sustainable green method for the acquisition of freshwater resources. In this article, a hydrogel of a three-dimensional porous structure has been synthesized for solar steam generation. Ag nanoparticles are used as a photothermal material. Given the long-term utilization of Ag nanoparticles, they have been coated with a SiO2 layer. Moreover, SiO2 can act as a “reduced reflection” layer that can minimize light reflection on a single Ag nanoparticle, and enhance the nanoparticles’ absorbing ability of optical waves. Furthermore, the performance of the evaporator is significantly improved by the addition of cuttlefish powder material in the hydrogel. Specifically, under 1 KW m−2, the surface temperature of the evaporator reached 41 ℃, the steam generation rate was 1.78 (kg m−2h−1), and the solar thermal conversion efficiency is 94 %. Moreover, when the evaporator is used in heavy metal sorption, the resulting evaporated water meets international drinking water criteria. After photothermal evaporation, the ion concentrations of Cu, Mn and Cd decreased from 1000, 100 and 20 mg L−1 to 0.021, 0.017 and 0.04 mg L−1 respectively. This study provides a feasible idea for the practical application of photothermal evaporator.

Comprehensive Study on Smart Materials Used In 4D Printing Technology Applications Review

The current world encounters a huge application in additive manufacturing. One of the recent technologies branched from additive engineering is 4D printing technologies. The notion of 4D printing technology became a huge success because of its ability to change and reform. This ability helps to manipulate materials at micro and nano levels. This itself finds a lot of opportunities in the forefront industries like engineering, space technology, biomedical etc. Innovation of these novel materials and the modification of the manufacturing entities still pose a great challenge in the form of a blind wall. In this paper we have reviewed the smart materials like ceramics, hydrogels, smart metal alloys. This paper also incorporates the survey of smart materials and multi-materials along with its applications. We have also learned about the limitations of these materials which lead to the conclusion of the paper that includes information about the scope for exploration in this pitch.

Continuous Fabrication of Slippery Liquid-Infused Coatings on Rolls of Flexible Materials

We report continuous, spray-based methods for the fabrication of antifouling “slippery” liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) on rolls or sheets of thin, flexible materials relevant in a broad range of consumer and industrial applications. Our approach is based on the simultaneous spraying of two reactive polymers and leads to uniform and conformal coatings with (i) useful levels of nano- and microscale porosity and (ii) levels of residual azlactone reactivity that enable the facile introduction of hydrophobic character needed to infuse and retain lubricating oils. This approach can be used to fabricate transparent and mechanically robust SLIPS-based materials that resist fouling by a broad range of fluids and gels, including food-based substances, on rolls of polymer films and foils commonly used to design consumer packaging. These spray-on methods are compatible with continuous (e.g., roll-to-roll) processing approaches used in many commercial and industrial settings. We demonstrate proof of concept of this continuous approach to SLIPS fabrication using a benchtop roll-to-roll setup to coat meter-scale lengths of flexible plastic film. SLIPS-coated film produced using this roll-to-roll approach was then used to design models of flexible food packaging (e.g., transparent bags or sachets), containers, and adhesive “SLIPS-strips” that can be affixed manually to secondary surfaces to impart temporary nonadhesive properties. The approaches reported here enable fabrication of antifouling materials on scales and in forms that would be difficult to achieve using many existing methods for the design of SLIPS and open the door to additional potential practical applications of liquid-infused materials.

Inferring optimal proportion for efficient heat transfer and depleted entropy using MgO-Ag/water hybrid nanofluid over convectively heated stretching sheet embedded in a porous medium

Through the entropy analysis, the present work tends to suggest the optimal range and proportion of trending hybrid nanofluid with MgO-Ag/water combination focused over the permeable slippery and convectionally heated penetrable stretching sheet under hydromagnetic and radiative inferences. Keeping heat transfer ability and minimal entropy loss as the two vital goals of this work, hybrid nanofluid (MgO-Ag/Water) gives the additional privilege to reconstruct the physical scenario. Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method (OHAM) and numerical quadrature with the Rung Kutta Felhberg (RKF) integration scheme were engaged to tackle the model two-point bvp. The computational outcome depicts the overall flow structure with enhanced heat transfer characteristics including entropy generation rate is pictorially displayed and discussed. In view of various physical aspects, three effective hybrid nanofluid combinations were studied for entropy losses. Among that 50:50 ratio of HNF3 hybrid combo nano level fluid gives the optimal and efficient thermal transference rate with minimal loss in the entropy. Further, hybrid nanofluid achieves a better heat transfer rate up to 28.70% while comparing base fluid and up to 13.34% more than that of traditional nanofluid.

Experimental and theoretical investigation into surface roughness and residual stress using ball end magnetorheological finishing

The generation of residual stresses by grinding process on the surface for a soft material results in poor performance and diminished life. In this paper, grinding-induced residual stresses is addressed and an attempt is made to relieve these residual stresses while achieving nano level surface finish using ball end magnetorheological finishing (BEMRF) process. BEMRF is a recently developed process that is effectively used to for fine figuring and polishing of a variety of magnetic and non-magnetic materials. In our present work we will demonstrate the relieving of residual stresses and reduction in surface roughness generated after surface grinding of Aluminium 7075 workpiece using BEMRF process. The impact of various BEMRF variables on reduction in surface roughness and residual stresses are discussed statistically and graphically. Residual stresses of workpiece surfaces have been measured by using portable X-ray residual stress analyzer. Significant process parameters affecting the residual stresses during polishing of workpiece are obtained using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and F-test. It has been observed that reduction in residual stress is achieved along with nano level surface finish on aluminium workpiece surface using BEMRF technique.

SYSTEMATIZATION OF THE HOSPITAL SPHERE INNOVATIVE POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT DESTABILIZERS

Objective. Based on the study of scientific literature, the goal of the research is to identify and systematize the macro-, meso-, micro-, nano-levels destabilizers of the development of innovative potential in the hospitality industry. Methods. In the process of the study the authors apply such methods as methods of theoretical generalization and comparison (to characterize the views of individual authors on the destabilizers of the innovative potential of the hospitality industry), analysis and synthesis (to systematize mesodestabilizers of innovative potential), graphic (to build a funnel of destabilizers at different levels on the development of innovation potential of hospitality industry). Results. Based on the study of the opinions of a number of authors who consider the destabilizers of the development of innovation potential in the hospitality sector at the macro, meso, micro, nano levels, it is determined that all destabilizers of innovation potential at the macro level are a reflection of domestic practice in innovation in all areas. Identification of mesodestabilizers of innovation potential allows distinguishing the following their types: integration, infrastructure, logistical, motivational, strategic, competitive, market, institutional, economic, financial, informational, legal, personnel, and evaluation. As for the considered microdestabilizers, they repeat mesodestabilizers. The nanodestabilizers of innovation potential, which affect the personnel innovation potential of the enterprise include: low professional status of the innovator, lack of material incentives and conditions for creative work, outflow of scientific personnel. Systematization of destabilizers of these levels, as an obstacle to the development of innovative potential in the hospitality industry, allows stating that destabilizers act as different groups of factors (economic, technological, structural, institutional, etc.), which overlap, and destabilizers on a larger scale affect all others levels.