Nano Silicon Research Articles

Nano silicon carbide-treated wheat straw fiber reinforced high-density polyethylene composites

In the present work, we innovatively used nano-silicon carbide (nano-SiC) with high specific surface area and high rigidity to modify wood-plastic composites, and investigated the effect of nano-silicon carbide content on wheat straw fiber (WSF) and on WSF-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites was investigated. Vinyltrimethoxysilane (A171) was employed as a coupling agent to improve the compatibility between WSF, nano-SiC and HDPE matrix. The results showed that the crystallinity of the treated WSFs were improved. Compared with the untreated fiber-reinforced composites, nano-SiC improved the mechanical properties of the composites, especially with nano-SiC content of 0.4 wt%, the tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus increased by 15.5%, 11.5%, and 12.4%, respectively. And the water absorption properties were also significantly improved, but the thermal stability decreased slightly. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the addition of nano-SiC reduced the cracks and pores on the surface of the composites as well as the tensile fracture cross section, which indicated that the dimensional stability and interfacial properties of the composites were improved.

The potential of foliar application of nano-chitosan-encapsulated nano-silicon donor in amelioration the adverse effect of salinity in the wheat plant

BackgroundNano-materials ameliorate the adverse effect of salinity stress on the physiological and biochemical processes in plants. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the physiological mechanisms through which a nano-chitosan-encapsulated nano-silicon fertilizer (NC-NS) can ameliorate the adverse effect of salinity stress on the wheat plants, and compare it with nano-chitosan (NC) and nano-silicon (NS) application. Nano-silicon was encapsulated with a chitosan-tripolyphosphate (TPP) nano-matrix by ionic gelation method for its slow release. The wheat plants were exposed to foliar application of distilled water, NC, NS, and NC-NS with two NaCl irrigation levels at 0 (distilled water) and 100 mM.ResultsThe foliar application of NC, NS, and NC-NS induced a significant increase in the function of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems of the wheat plants to equilibrate cellular redox homeostasis by balancing H2O2 content in the leaves and roots, as compared with salt-stressed plants without treatment. The plant's foliar-sprayed with NC, NS, and NC-NS solution exhibited a significant increase in the molecules with osmotic adjustment potentials such as proline, free amino acids, glycine betaine, and sugars to protect cells against osmotic stress-induced by salinity. The observed increase in the antioxidant power and osmoregulatory at NC, NS, and NC-NS application was accompanied by the protection of lipid membrane, proteins and photosynthetic apparatus against salinity stress.ConclusionIn the present study, the beneficial role of NC, NS, and NC-NS application, particularly NC-NS, in alleviating the adverse effect of salinity stress on antioxidant systems and osmotic adjustment in wheat is well documented. An overview of the result of present study assists researchers in providing a potential solution for this increasing salinization threat in crops.Graphical abstract

Utilizing Nanotechnology to Solve Drilling Problems in Iraqi Oil Fields

Nanotechnology is a recent technology which is used in all industry sectors. In the oil and gas industry, this technology is commonly used due to its importance in solving the problems encountered while drilling operations and production stages. Nanotechnology can be used to improve the drilling process by adding nano-materials to drilling fluids in order to reduce drilling problems. This research is extended to previous research that published in journal of petroleum research and studies to compared the effect of nano-materials [Commercial nano-materials Multi Walled Carbone Nano Tube (MWCNT) and nano silicon oxide (SiO2) with nano-silica (rice husks, that prepared in PRDC labs) on water base drilling mud properties].
 All characterization tests were achieved by the Nanotechnology and advanced materials researches center it is belongs to the University of Technology. The investigated properties of drilling mud included rheological properties and filtration. All tests are conducted according to API specifications (American Petroleum Institute).
 The results show an improvement in the rheological properties (plastic viscosity, yield point, apparent viscosity and gel strength) and filtration after adding the commercial MWCNT, nano silicon dioxide(Sio2) and the prepared nano-silica (rice husks) to the water based mud. The results of plastic viscosity of MWCNT,Sio2 and nano silica(rice husks) are 12,20,8 cp after adding 0.7 gm to the water base mud while the amount of filter is 11.8 ml after adding nano particle size of MWCNT , nanoSio2 and 11.6 after adding nano silica(rice husks). The prepared nano silica (rice husks) gave results similar to the results of the commercial nano silicon dioxide (SiO2). Therefore, using of nano silica (rice husks) can be cost effective due to producing these materials locally instead of using the commercial nano SiO2.

Effect of combined micro and nano silicon carbide particles addition on mechanical, wear and moisture absorption features of basalt bidirectional mat/vinyl ester composites

AbstractBasalt fiber reinforcement in polymer composites has recently become very competitive to the routinely used synthetic fiber reinforcements. In the present work, composite specimens were prepared with basalt fiber mat reinforcement in vinyl ester matrix along with varying quantity of the micro and nano silicon carbide (SiC) filler particle ranging from 1 to 5 wt% in combination. Tribological and water absorption properties of the developed hybrid composites were tested to ascertain its potential for commercial applications. The specimen made of SiC particle addictive combination of 3 wt% nano and 3 wt% micro particle exhibited better mechanical characteristics and this mechanical advantage declines beyond 3 wt% SiC filler addition due to agglomeration and poor dispersion of filler particles in the hybrid composite. The microstructural investigation done via scanning electron microscopy reveals the modes of failure, where better pull‐out resistance was displayed by the fiber bonding characteristics with the filler and vinyl ester matrix up to 3 wt% nano and 3 wt% micro SiC filler content. Similarly, the tribological characteristics of the composite specimen for the optimum filler content specimen were superior in comparison with other combinations. Moreover, the water absorption features of the developed hybrid composites were within the acceptable limits for marine and structural applications.

Impact of Silica Ions and Nano Silica on Growth and Productivity of Pea Plants under Salinity Stress.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of silicon (Si) and nano-silicon (NSi) on growth, yield, ions content, and antioxidant defense systems, including transcript levels of enzyme-encoding genes in Pisum sativum plants grown under salinity stress. Both Si and NSi were applied at the 3 mM level and NaCl was applied at 4 concentrations (100, 150, 200 and 250 mM). Vegetative growth, including plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weights, and yield attributes were determined. Gene expression of antioxidant enzymes was analyzed, and their activities were determined. The results showed that salinity had deleterious effects on plant growth and yield. Salt-stressed plant leaves exhibited a greater activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), but a lower activity of catalase (CAT) when compared to the control. Na+ ions accumulated in roots and shoots of salinized plants. The application of Si and NSi significantly enhanced vegetative growth and relative water content (RWC), and caused significant increases in plant height, fresh and dry weight, total yield, and antioxidant defense systems. Si and NSi enhanced K+ content in roots and shoots under salinity treatment and decreased Na+ content in the studied tissues. It was concluded that the application of NSi was beneficial in improving the salt tolerance of Pisum sativum plants more than Si alone.

Production and Assessment of AZ91 Reinforced with Nano SiC through Stir Casting Process

Magnesium, a light weight alloy used in multiple engineering industrial applications because of its good Physical, Chemical and Thermal characteristics. Magnesium composites play an important role in partial or entire replacement of numerous alloys.This current work deals with Nano silicon carbide of about 100nm was incorporated with AZ91magnesium alloy through liquid state composite processing. Two samples are made using 0% Nano SiC and 3% Nano SiC and are characterized through tensile test in Universal Testing Machine, Micro hardness test in Vickers hardness tester and Microstructure in Optical Microscopy. From the study it was clear that there is a peak increase in hardness of about 36% when compared to as casted AZ91.

Design and research of long-infrared dual-wavelength confocal metalens

Multi-wavelength confocal lens is an indispensable part of optical system, the traditional optical confocal system is often added by a certain number of optical lenses, or uses a different combination of optical lenses of different materials to implement multi-wavelength co-focusing,making the system possess a larger volume and weight, which, however, is difficult to meet the requirements for high integration and miniaturization of the system. As an optical element composed of two-dimensional planar subwavelength micro-element structure, the metalens has the advantages of flatness, ultra-thinness and regulating light waves, and has great potential applications in highly integrated and miniaturized optical confocal systems. According to relevant research reports, it is known that the existing research schemes of multi-wavelength confocal metalens have some shortcomings, such as relatively complex structure and relatively low focusing efficiency. In this work, a kind of metalens composed of simple micro-element structure is proposed and designed, which can simultaneously realize the long infrared dual wavelength confocal function. Based on the generalized Snell's law and the transmission phase modulation mechanism, a scientific evaluation function is established to select the optimal array of micro-elements structure to form a metalens. With the elliptical nano silicon column in a simple micro-element structure, the wavefront phase of the long infrared dual wavelength in the orthogonal linear polarization state can be adjusted independently and efficiently , while reducing the wavelength crosstalk and improving the focusing efficiency. The design results show that the proposed metalens achieves dual wavelength co-focused with a wavelength of 10.6 and 9.3 μm, and has a high focusing efficiency, The focusing spot is close to the diffraction limit. The quantitative analysis of the redundancy of the structural parameters of the metalens micro-element structure is made, and the trend of its influence on the focusing efficiency and the allowable deviation range of the micro-element structure parameters are obtained, which provides a theoretical basis for further precisely controlling the device fabrication. The matalens designed in this work is expected to meet the requirements for integration and miniaturization of long infrared optical confocal system, and has important applications in laser surgery, industrial cutting and welding and other fields.

A detailed study on the enhanced anti-corrosion properties of nano silicon dioxide additive influencing calcium modified zinc phosphate coating on mild steel

A detailed study on the enhanced anti-corrosion properties of nano silicon dioxide additive influencing calcium modified zinc phosphate coating on mild steel

Multicoated composites of nano silicon and graphene nanoplatelets as anodes in Li-ion batteries

Unique multicoated composites are fabricated through aerosol-assisted chemical deposition (AACD) and applied as anodes in Li-ion batteries.

A detailed study on the enhanced anti-corrosion properties of nano silicon dioxide additive influencing calcium modified zinc phosphate coating on mild steel

A detailed study on the enhanced anti-corrosion properties of nano silicon dioxide additive influencing calcium modified zinc phosphate coating on mild steel

Investigation on wear characteristics of Al 2219/Si3N4/Coal bottom ash MMC

High-energy ball milling is used to create nanostructured materials from coal bottom ash (CBA) and silicon nitride (Si3N4). 36 h of ball milling coal bottom ash reduced it to 51.3 nm, while silicon nitride was reduced from 61.2 nm to 29 nm. Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) is fabricated through liquid stir method. The composites wear rate went up with nano coal bottom ash and nano silicon nitride reinforcementsdue to clustering, as well as a lack of interfacial connection between the base material and hybrid reinforcements employed. Increased frictional drive causes magnified debonding and easy exclusion of composite particles, accelerating the amount of wear. The friction coefficient reduces in all composite configurations as the average load increases.

The optimization of porosity and particle size for micron-size porous silicon in high energy pre-lithiated silicon-graphite composite for Li-ion batteries

To improve the capacity and energy density for Li-ion batteries, the composite of silicon and graphite has been regarded as the most promising alternative for next-generation anodes. However, the utilization of silicon has been limited by its large volume change and high manufacturing cost of nano silicon. Herein, the micron-size porous silicon is coated on the graphite and then encapsulated in carbon to form p-Si/G@C composite, in which the porosity and particle size of porous silicon are regulated by the element ratio and particle size of AlSi alloy. We find that the porous silicon with higher porosity and the smaller particle size shows better cycle stability and rate performance for p-Si/G@C electrode. Especially, by optimizing the porosity and particle size for porous silicon in the composite, the obtained p-0.8 μm Si 20 /G@C exhibits an initial reversible capacity of 649.4 mA h/g, the initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 81.85% and the outstanding cycle stability with the capacity retention of 83.1% after 500 cycles. With simple pre-lithiation, the ICE could be significantly increased to 97.16% and the cycle capacity becomes more stable. This rationally designed p-Si/G@C possesses the advantages of low production cost, simple synthesis process, which shows significant potential for practical use. The particle size and porosity of porous silicon are simultaneously optimized to obtain silicon-graphite composite with superior electrochemical properties. • The particle size and porosity of porous Si in Si-graphite composite are optimized. • More pores and smaller particle sizes of porous Si result in better performance. • Pre-lithiation improves the ICE and cycle stability of Si-graphite composite.

Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Performance of Basalt/Epoxy/MWCNT/SiC Reinforced Hybrid Fiber Metal Laminates

The primary goal of this study is to see how multi-walled carbon nano tubes (MWCNTs) and nano silicon carbide particles (SiC) affect basalt reinforced epoxy composites made using pressure mould. The aluminium 8090 metal plate was used to strengthen the laminate's core. Tensile, bending, and low velocity impact tests, as well as aesthetics, were investigated and presented for the debate. The physical and low velocity impact characteristics of the produced laminates are considerably improved by including MWCNT/SiC into the epoxy matrix and basalt mixture. The 9 wt. % and 12 wt. % of SiC filled combinations show higher tensile and flexural performances up to 40% than neat composites among the investigated combinations. Drop weight impact tests show a progressive improved energy absorbing response of up to 60% as SiC reinforcement increases. SEM morphology of pure, SiC/MWCNT filled specimens, as well as fragmented surface analyses, were also presented. It was observed from morphological studies that there is a reasonable wettability between matrix/filler/reinforcements. This research work will lay a path for using Basalt/Epoxy/MWCNT/SiC Reinforced Hybrid Fiber Metal Laminates for aerospace and structural applications.

The effect of silicon dioxide nanoparticle‐covered graphene oxide on mechanical properties, thermal stability and rheological performance of thermoplastic polyurethanes

AbstractA two‐step grafting procedure has been used to graft tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) and nano silicon dioxide (SiO2), onto graphene oxide (GO) surface. The resulting modified GO, that was TGOS, which was used as a reinforcement in thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). Mechanical properties, thermal stability and rheological properties of composites were investigated. Results showed that the addition of TGOS significantly improved the mechanical properties of TPU compared with the pure TPU sample. Tensile strength and elongation at break of TPU were increased by 50.8 and 18.6%, respectively, when the addition amount was only 0.5 wt%. TG results showed that the addition of TGOS improved the heat resistance of TPU. Complex viscosity, storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G") of TPU composites with different additions were analyzed by rheological tests, the results showed that the addition of TGOS improved the deformation resistance of TPU. Meanwhile, TPU composites present highG',G", and complex viscosity with the increase of TGOS filling amount in the low frequency region.

Correction to: Nano-Silicon Complexes Enhance Growth, Yield, Water Relations and Mineral Composition in Tanacetum parthenium under Water Deficit Stress

Developing methods and approaches for preserving water relations, plant growth and productivity are essential under water deficit conditions. New nano-silicon complexes were synthesized (glycine nano-silicon, glutamine nano-silicon and histidine nano-silicon) to evaluate their foliar application in different concentrations (0, 1.5 and 3.0 mM) on growth, essential oil yield, water relations, and mineral composition of field grown feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) under drought. Drought stress was imposed by different irrigation intervals (4, 8 and 12 days). By increasing irrigation interval, leaf relative water content and leaf water potential were declined which decreased biomass, leaf area, flower formation, essential oil production and health of the plant. Potassium and organic osmolytes accumulation under moderate drought stress alleviated the adverse effects water deficit condition. This was mainly due to proline and potassium accumulation in the plants’ leaves. Although accumulation of soluble carbohydrates also was observed in the drought stressed plants, it was found to be a passive response to plant growth inhibition under drought. Moreover, drought stress decreased plant phosphorous content, but had no significant effect on plant nitrogen content. Foliar application of nano-silicon by improving the plant’s water content and phosphorus absorption, recovered the plants’ health and growth under moderate and severe drought conditions. In this regard, no significant differences were observed between 1.5 and 3.0 mM nano-silicon treatments. However, glycine nano-silicon treated plants represented higher drought tolerance (higher dry mass, leaf area, number and greenness) than the other complexes. Accordingly, foliar application of 1.5 mM glycine nano silicon for mitigating adverse effects of drought stress on feverfew was recommended.

Nano Silicon Composite with Gelatin/Melamine Derived N-doped Carbon as an Efficient Anode Material for Li-ion Batteries

Silicon (Si) has a high theoretical capacity and low working potential vs. Li/Li<sup>+</sup>, and has been investigated as the most capable negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, Si undergoes significant volume changes during the Li<sup>+ </sup>alloying/ dealloying processes, leading to unstable cycle life and limiting its practical applicability in anodes. Introducing carbon into the Si anodes can effectively address the Si drawbacks, while providing advantages of improved conductivity and structural stability. In this study we choose gelatin/ melamine combination as an eco-friendly and cost-effective source for nitrogendoped carbon to make a Si composite. The prepared composite was studied as an anode material for LIBs, and it delivered excellent cyclability with 2175 mAh g<sup>-1</sup> capacity after 50 cycles with 86% capacity retention at 200 mA g<sup>-1</sup>. The composite exhibited superior rate capability and improved Li<sup>+</sup> diffusion properties compared with bare Si nanoparticles (Si NP). The significant enhancement could be attributed to the structural stability and conductivity provided by the nitrogen-doped carbon matrix. This work promotes emerging batteries with low-cost materials as a promising solution for increasing energy storage requirements.

The effects of strontium ferrite micro-and nanoparticles on the microstructure, phase, magnetic properties, and electromagnetic waves absorption of graphene oxide-SrFe12O19-SiC aerogel nanocomposite

In this work, ultralight electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbent based on the graphene oxide (GrO) nanocomposite was investigated. This research aims to fabricate an aerogels nanocomposite made of GrO as an aerogel matrix and the absorbent of the electrical part of EM waves, strontium ferrite nanoparticles as an absorbent of the magnetic portion of EM waves, silicon carbide as a dielectric nanoparticle for further EM waves absorption. To prepare the graphene oxide aerogel - strontium ferrite - nano silicon carbide nanocomposite, the hydrothermal - freeze-drying method was used. The effects of strontium ferrite micro-and nanoparticles on the microstructure, phase, magnetic properties, and electromagnetic waves absorption were investigated. Results show that aerogel with nano-sized particles possesses a better EM absorbing performance than the micro-sized particles due to better impedance matching and nanosize effect.

Evaluation of the Effect of Inactivated Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus Vaccine with Nano Silicon on the Phenotype and Function of Porcine Dendritic Cells.

A transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is a porcine enteropathogenic coronavirus, causing acute swine enteric disease especially in suckling piglets. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are safe vaccine adjuvant, which could enhance immune responses. Our previous research confirmed that nano silicon had immune-enhancing effects with inactivated TGEV vaccine. In this study, we further clarified the immune-enhancing mechanism of the inactivated TGEV vaccine with MSNs on porcine dendritic cells (DCs). Our results indicated that the inactivated TGEV vaccine with MSNs strongly enhanced the activation of the DCs. Expressions of TLR3, TLR5, TLR7, TLR9, and TLR10, cytokines IFN-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α, cytokine receptor CCR-7 of immature DCs were characterized and showed themselves to be significantly higher in the inactivated TGEV vaccine with the MSN group. In summary, the inactivated TGEV vaccine with MSNs has effects on the phenotype and function of porcine DCs, which helps to better understand the immune-enhancing mechanism.

Selective Thermal Transformation of Automotive Shredder Residues into High-Value Nano Silicon Carbide.

Automotive waste represents both a global waste challenge and the loss of valuable embedded resources. This study provides a sustainable solution to utilise the mixed plastics of automotive waste residue (ASR) as a resource that will curtail the landfilling of hazardous waste and its adverse consequences to the environment. In this research, the selective thermal transformation has been utilised to produce nano silicon carbide (SiC) using mixed plastics and glass from automotive waste as raw materials. The composition and formation mechanisms of SiC nanoparticles have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray-Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The as synthesised SiC nanoparticles at 1500 °C has uniform spherical shapes with the diameters of the fixed edges of about 50–100 nm with a porous structure. This facile way of synthesising SiC nanomaterials would lay the foundations for transforming complex wastes into value-added, high-performing materials, delivering significant economic and environmental benefits.

Evaluation the Effect of Adding Silanized Silicon Dioxide Nano Filler and Carbon Nanotube Composite on Some Properties of Heat Cured Acrylic Denture Base Material

The mechanical properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are still far from ideal to fulfill the perfect mechanical requirements for dental applications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of silanized silicon dioxide Nano filler (SiO2) and carbon nanotube on some properties of heat cured acrylic resin denture base material.Materials and methods: One hundred sixty (160) prepared specimens were divided into 4 groups according to the tests, each group consisted of 40 specimens and these were subdivided into 4 groups (unreinforced heat cured acrylic resin as control group),reinforced acrylic resin with (1%wt carbon nanotube and 3%wt silanized silicon dioxide) group and reinforced acrylic with(1.5%wt carbon nanotube and 5%wt silanized silicon dioxide)and reinforced acrylic with (1.5%wt carbon nanotube and 7%wt silanized silicon dioxide) .The tensile strength, transverse strength, indentation hardness(shore D), water sorption and solubility were investigated . The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA test with LSD multiple comparisons.Results: The result of this study shows a highly significant increase in tensile strength, surface hardness, transverse strength and significant decrease water sorption and water solubility with studied groups (the addition of carbon nanotube and silanized silicon dioxide) to PMMA than control group, also the best results were obtained with acrylic resin reinforced with(1.5%wt carbon nanotube and 5%wt silanized silicon dioxide).Conclusion: The addition of a mixture of carbon nanotube (1.5%wt) and silanized nano silicon dioxide (5%wt) to PMMA acrylic resins improves its mechanical and physical properties.