Particle Concentration Research Articles

Validation of a Eulerian–Lagrangian numerical algorithm for simulating ultra-coarse particles transported in horizontal and vertical hydraulic pipes

Investigation on the characteristics of coarse and ultra-coarse particles transported in hydraulic conveying pipe is essential to design hydraulic conveying system with high efficiency and reliability. However, the modeling of the particles with a finite size larger than the mesh for fluid discretization is intractable, because the unresolved point-particle methods are difficult to converge in the calculation and the particle-resolved methods cannot afford the computational cost for engineering problem. A numerical algorithm based on the Eulerian–Lagrangian framework is developed to simulate such two-phase flows. The solvers of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the discrete element method (DEM) are coupled through an in-house developed interface code. In the code, a diffusion-based averaging method is employed to smooth the contributions of large particle in the particle volume fraction, the interphase forces and the interactions between turbulence and particles. The interpolation of fluid velocity is also improved so that the calculations of the interphase forces are more accurate. The authenticity of the numerical algorithm is validated against available experimental results. The validating scenarios are the millimeter- and centimeter-sized particles conveyed in both horizontal and vertical pipes under various conveying speeds and particle concentrations. The results show the numerical algorithm can simulate large particles in the fine CFD meshes. More importantly, some distinct features in the particle distribution and the characteristics of turbulence in the experiments are well reproduced by the simulations.

Solidified water at room temperature hosting tailored fluidic channels by using highly anisotropic cellulose nanofibrils

Highly anisotropic cellulose nanofibrils can solidify liquid water, creating self-supporting structures by incorporating a tiny number of fibrils. These fibrillar hydrogels can contain as much as 99.99 wt% water. The structure and mechanical properties of fibrillar networks have so far not been completely understood, nor how they solidify the bulk water at such low particle concentrations. In this work, the mechanical properties of cellulose fibrillar hydrogels in the dilute regime from a wt% perspective have been studied, and an elastoplastic model describing the network structure and its mechanics is presented. A significant insight from this work is that the ability of the fibrils to solidify water is very dependent on particle stiffness and the number of contact points it can form in the network structure. The comparison between the experimental results and the theoretical model shows that the fibrillar networks in the dilute regime form via a non-stochastic process since the fibrils have the time and freedom to find contact points during network formation by translational and rotational diffusion. The formed, dilute fibrillar network deforms by sliding fibril contacts upon straining the network beyond its elastic limit. Our results also show that before macroscopic failure, the fibril contacts are restored once the load is released. The exceptional properties of this solidified water are exploited to host fluidic channels, allowing directed fluid transportation in water. Finally, the microfluidic channels formed in the hydrogels are tailored by the layer-by-layer technique to be interactive against external stimuli, a characteristic envisioned to be useful in biomedical applications.

Particle emissions from heated tobacco products.

This study determines the particle emissions from five heated tobacco products (HTPs). An aethalometer is used for the determination of black carbon (BC) and an aerosol monitor for total particulate matter (PM) concentration and also PM fractions (1, 2.5, 4, and 10 μm) in the mainstream emissions of 5 HTPs: IQOS, LIL, PULZE, ILUMA, and GLO. Fifteen different flavors were used, five sticks per flavor, which were smoked using a peristaltic pump under both ISO and Canadian smoking regimes. The method repeatability was determined using 15 sticks of one flavor for each brand for each smoking regime. All HTPs emit particles, and more than 99.7% of the particles emitted are smaller than 1 μm. Both BC and PM emissions show quite low repeatability. Particle emissions increase in relation to the heating temperature and the intensity smoking regime, and are depending on the flavor used. BC corresponds to a small percentage of total PM. Although HTPs are promoted as products of reduced risk compared to conventional cigarettes, high particle concentrations are detected in their emissions, depending on the smoking regime, the flavor used, and the operation parameters. PM emissions vary significantly between different brands under the ISO smoking regime, probably due to the heating temperature. In contrast, PM emissions under the Canadian smoking regime do not vary significantly between different brands. This could probably be attributed to the fact that increased puff frequency does not allow the device to cool down between puffs, resulting in an increase in PM emissions for all the brands, but not dependent on the maximum heating temperature of the device. BC emissions only consist of a very small fraction of PM and do not vary significantly between different brands under both smoking regimes.

Anthropogenic particle concentrations and fluxes in an urban river are temporally variable and impacted by storm events.

Anthropogenic particles (AP), which include microplastics and other synthetic, semisynthetic, and anthropogenically modified materials, are pollutants of concern in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Rivers are important conduits and retention sites for AP, and time series data on the movement of these particles in lotic ecosystems are needed to assess the role of rivers in the global AP cycle. Much research assessing AP pollution extrapolates stream loads based on single time point measurements, but lotic ecosystems are highly variable over time (e.g., seasonality and storm events). The accuracy of models describing AP dynamics in rivers is constrained by the limited studies that examine how frequent changes in discharge drive particle retention and transport. This study addressed this knowledge gap by using automated, high-resolution sampling to track AP concentrations and fluxes during multiple storm events in an urban river (Milwaukee River) and comparing these measurements to commonly monitored water quality metrics. AP concentrations and fluxes varied significantly across four storm events, highlighting the temporal variability of AP dynamics. When data from the sampling periods were pooled, there were increases in particle concentration and flux during the early phases of the storms, suggesting that floods may flush AP into the river and/or resuspend particles from the benthic zone. AP flux was closely linked to river discharge, suggesting large loads of AP are delivered downstream during storms. Unexpectedly, AP concentrations were not correlated with other simultaneously measured water quality metrics, including total suspended solids, fecal coliforms, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate, indicating that these metrics cannot be used to estimate AP. These data will contribute to more accurate models of particle dynamics in rivers and global plastic export to oceans. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Anthropogenic particle (AP) concentrations and fluxes in an urban river varied across four storm events. AP concentrations and fluxes were the highest during the early phases of the storms. Storms increased AP transport downstream compared with baseflow. AP concentrations did not correlate with other water quality metrics during storms.

Experimental Study on Supersonic Combustion Characteristics of Al/B-Kerosene Nanofuels

Aluminum and boron nanoparticles are added to kerosene in this paper to improve the combustion properties of kerosene. When the particle concentration is 30 g/L, the volumetric heat value of fuel increases by 3 and 5%, respectively, with the addition of aluminum and boron nanoparticles. Meanwhile, combustion experiments in a supersonic combustor are conducted to study the combustion characteristics of Al-kerosene nanofuels and B-kerosene nanofuels. The air flow rates of all experiments are about 1.77 kg/s, the total temperature is 1500 K, and the total pressure is 1.2 MPa. The combustion flow and flame structures of kerosene with different particles and different concentrations are studied, and the results indicate that the addition of nanoparticles to the fuel enhances combustion and heat release enhanced, and the flame stabilization mode is changed from the cavity stabilization to the jet-wake stabilization mode with a higher particle concentration. Meanwhile, the unsteady characteristics of flame are studied. The flame oscillation is intensified, and the fundamental frequency of the flame increases with the increase in particle concentration. Besides, the addition of nanoparticles significantly improves the combustion efficiency of kerosene. When the particle concentration is 30 g/L, the combustion efficiencies of nanofuels are increased by 15% and 17.5%, respectively, with the addition of aluminum and boron nanoparticles.

Measuring the concentrations of some gaseous air pollutants and dust particles in the western city of Hamzah in Iraq

This research concentrates on studying and analyzing the spatial and temporal variation of the concentrations of air pollutants in the Hamzah-western city during the four seasons of the year 2022 by studying the concentrations of gaseous pollutants in the air, such as NO2, SO2, CO, CO2, and O3, as well as measuring the concentrations of dust particles suspended in the air, such as PM2.5 and PM10. The number of sampling sites reached six, distributed into five different sectors (industrial, residential, transport, agricultural, and a mixed sector combining industry and transportation) in order to show the discrepancies in the concentrations of pollutants and explain their causes. The results of in situ measurements and laboratory analyses showed that there is a spatial and temporal variation in the concentrations of air pollutants. The highest concentrations of carbon monoxide CO, carbon dioxide CO2, and sulfur dioxide SO2 were recorded in sector 1 and during the summer season at concentrations of 38.5, 337, and 2.9 ppm, respectively. While the highest concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were recorded in sector (2) with a concentration of 0.65 ppm, and all those concentrations were outside the permissible limits, the lowest concentrations were recorded for gases in sector (6), which covered all the study semesters. As for the concentrations of suspended dust particles in their sizes (PM2.5 and PM10), the highest concentrations were recorded in Sector (2), during all seasons of the study, and at 383.81 and 389.38 ppm concentrations, respectively. While the lowest concentrations of suspended particles of both sizes were recorded in Sector 6, a value of 119.65 ppm was recorded for PM2.5 minutes and 115.65 ppm for PM10 minutes. Thus, all their values during the study period were greater than the permissible limits.

Understanding the impact of combined hydrodynamic shear and interfacial dilatational stress, on interface-mediated particle formation for monoclonal antibody formulations

During biomanufacturing, several unit operations expose solutions of biologics to multiple stresses, such as hydrodynamic shear forces due to fluid flow and interfacial dilatational stresses due to mechanical agitation or bubble collapse. When these stresses individually act on proteins adsorbed to interfaces, it results in an increase in protein particles in the bulk solution, a phenomenon referred to as interface-induced protein particle formation. However, an understanding of the dominant cause, when multiple stresses are acting simultaneously or sequentially, on interface-induced protein particle formation is limited. In this work, we established a unique set-up using a peristaltic pump and a Langmuir-Pockels trough to study the impact of hydrodynamic shear stress due to pumping and interfacial dilatational stress, on protein particle formation. Our experimental results together demonstrate that for protein solutions subjected to various combinations of stress (i.e., interfacial and hydrodynamic stress in different sequences), surface pressure values during adsorption and when subjected to compression/dilatational stresses, showed no change, suggesting that the interfacial properties of the protein film are not impacted by pumping. The concentration of protein particles is an order of magnitude higher when interfacial dilatational stress is applied at the air-liquid interface, compared to solutions that are only subjected to pumping. Furthermore, the order in which these stresses are applied, have a significant impact on the concentration of protein particles measured in the bulk solution. Together, these studies conclude that for biologics exposed to multiple stresses throughout bioprocessing and manufacturing, exposure to air-liquid interfacial dilatational stress is the predominant mechanism impacting protein particle formation at the interface and in the bulk solution.

Estimating PM levels on an underground metro platform by exploring a new model-based factor research

Over recent decades, the adverse impacts of airborne particles on human health have received wide attention. Elevated PM concentrations on underground platforms might pose a significant public health issue within underground metro systems. This study explores the impact of introducing a new type of train on the concentration of airborne particles on an underground metro platform through statistical modelling, analyses interactions between various factors, and estimates air quality on underground platforms after introducing a new type of train. Based on the data from a long-term field measurement, a linear mixed model, the multi-factor interaction model, which is an expansion of a previous multi-factor model, explored the impacts of train operations, passenger flow, urban background PM levels, ventilation, nighttime maintenance work, and their interactions on hourly PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 values on the platform. The model results show a positive correlation between those factors and platform PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 values, with significant interactions among these factors. The new model has a higher estimate quality than the previous model. Based on the combination of the model and measurement results, the levels of underground PM decreased significantly after replacing the old type of trains with new ones.

Intelligent responsive self-assembled micro-nanocapsules: Used to delay gel gelation time

In the application of polymer gels to profile control and water shutoff, the gelation time will directly determine whether the gel can “go further” in the formation, but the most of the methods for delaying gel gelation time are complicated or have low responsiveness. There is an urgent need for an effective method for delaying gel gelation time with intelligent response. Inspired by the slow-release effect of drug capsules, this paper uses the self-assembly effect of gas-phase hydrophobic SiO2 in aqueous solution as a capsule to prepare an intelligent responsive self-assembled micro-nanocapsules. The capsule slowly releases the cross-linking agent under the stimulation of external conditions such as temperature and pH value, thus delaying gel gelation time. When the pH value is 2 and the concentration of gas-phase hydrophobic SiO2 particles is 10%, the gelation time of the capsule gel system at 30, 60, 90, and 120 °C is 12.5, 13.2, 15.2, and 21.1 times longer than that of the gel system without containing capsule, respectively. Compared with other methods, the yield stress of the gel without containing capsules was 78 Pa, and the yield stress after the addition of capsules was 322 Pa. The intelligent responsive self-assembled micro-nanocapsules prepared by gas-phase hydrophobic silica nanoparticles can not only delay the gel gelation time, but also increase the gel strength. The slow release of cross-linking agent from capsule provides an effective method for prolongating the gelation time of polymer gels.

Electric-field-assisted fabrication of metal-class thermal-conductive and elastomer-class-flexible composites comprising plasma-surface-modified hexagonal boron nitride and polyrotaxane

There is a growing demand for materials with high thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, flexibility, and toughness for application in flexible electronic devices. To develop materials with the aforementioned properties, composites comprising the flexible and tough polyrotaxane (PR) and highly thermally conductive hexagonal boron nitride particles (hBN) were fabricated in this study. An electric field was applied during the polymerization of the composites to improve their thermal conductivity in the out-of-plane direction of the composites without reducing their flexibility. Electric-field application during polymerization controlled the orientation of hBN in the as-synthesized composites, forming pillar-like structures comprising oriented hBN. The particle diameter and concentration of hBN were optimized to synthesize an electrically insulating composite with elastomer-class flexibility in the in-plane direction (a low Young’s modulus of 77 MPa) and metallic-alloy-class thermal conductivity in the out-of-plane direction (>10 W/mK) with a wide range of potential applications including thermal interface materials in electronic devices.

Investigation on the effect of particle parameters on the erosion and erosion prediction model of the Pelton turbine

The Pelton turbine will play a massive role in China's water conservancy and power generation development process. In practical engineering applications, sediment will erode the components of the Pelton turbine when they come into contact, threatening the safe and stable operation of the unit. Therefore, based on the Eulerian–Lagrangian method, this study analyzes the effects of particle size, concentration, and position angle on the degree and distribution of erosion of each component without considering the cavitation effect of the flow. The results show that the larger the particle size, the more concentrated the distribution, and the more severe the abrasion caused on the spray needle and water bucket. However, the degree of nozzle erosion weakens, and the erosion area increases. It was also found that the higher the concentration, the more severe the abrasion caused to each component. When the jet completely hits the position on the bucket, due to the low impact speed, the impact angle remains almost unchanged, resulting in less erosion. Finally, the classic Finnie model was refined by adjusting the average erosion rate, particle size, concentration, and rotation angle. This modification yielded an enhanced model, mainly showcasing improved performance for moderate particle sizes.

The Nutri-Score nutrition label: Associations between the underlying nutritional profile of foods and lipoprotein particle subclass profiles in adults

Background and aimsLipoprotein particle concentrations and size are associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis and premature cardiovascular disease. Certain dietary behaviours may be cardioprotective and public health strategies are needed to guide consumers’ dietary choices and help prevent diet-related disease. The Food Standards Agency nutrient profiling system (FSAm-NPS) constitutes the basis of the five-colour front-of-pack Nutri-Score labelling system. No study has examined FSAm-NPS index associations with a wide range of lipoprotein particle subclasses. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 2006 middle-to older-aged men and women randomly selected from a large primary care centre. Individual participant FSAm-NPS dietary scores were derived from validated food frequency questionnaires. Lipoprotein particle subclass concentrations and size were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multivariate-adjusted linear regression analyses were performed to examine FSAm-NPS relationships with lipoprotein particle subclasses. ResultsIn fully adjusted models which accounted for multiple testing, higher FSAm-NPS scores, indicating poorer dietary quality, were positively associated with intermediate-density lipoprotein (β = 0.096, p = 0.005) and small high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (β = 0.492, p = 0.006) concentrations, a lipoprotein insulin resistance score (β = 0.063, p = 0.02), reflecting greater lipoprotein-related insulin resistance, and inversely associated with HDL size (β = −0.030, p = 0.045). ConclusionsA higher FSAm-NPS score is associated with a less favourable lipoprotein particle subclass profile in middle-to older-aged adults which may be a potential mechanism underlying reported health benefits of a healthy diet according to Nutri-Score rating.

Presence of microplastics in the groundwater of volcanic islands, El Hierro and La Palma (Canary Islands)

The increasing amount of plastic litter worldwide is a serious problem for the environment and its biodiversity, ecosystems, animal and human welfare and the economy. The degradation of these plastics leads to microplastics (MPs), which have been reported for the first time in groundwater in the Canary archipelago. This research investigates the presence of MPs at nine different points on La Palma and El Hierro, where samples were collected in galleries, wells and springs during the month of December 2022. Six different polymers were found with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) – polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), cellulose (CEL), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The particle concentrations found ranged from 1 to 23 n/L, with a maximum particle size of 1900 μm, the smallest being 35 μm. PP and PE were the most common polymers found in the analysis, associated with the use of packaging, disposable products, textiles and water pipes, related to poorly maintained sewerage networks where leaks occur, allowing these MPs to escape into the environment and end up in groundwater. The detection of microplastic pollution in groundwater emphasises environmental hazards, including biodiversity disruption and water source contamination. Additionally, it presents potential risks to human health by transferring contaminants into the food chain and through respiratory exposure.

Obesity, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease: A joint expert review from the Obesity Medicine Association and the National Lipid Association 2024.

This joint expert review by the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) and National Lipid Association (NLA) provides clinicians an overview of the pathophysiologic and clinical considerations regarding obesity, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This joint expert review is based upon scientific evidence, clinical perspectives of the authors, and peer review by the OMA and NLA leadership. Among individuals with obesity, adipose tissue may store over 50% of the total body free cholesterol. Triglycerides may represent up to 99% of lipid species in adipose tissue. The potential for adipose tissue expansion accounts for the greatest weight variance among most individuals, with percent body fat ranging from less than 5% to over 60%. While population studies suggest a modest increase in blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with excess adiposity, the adiposopathic dyslipidemia pattern most often described with an increase in adiposity includes elevated triglycerides, reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), increased non-HDL-C, elevated apolipoprotein B, increased LDL particle concentration, and increased small, dense LDL particles. Obesity increases CVD risk, at least partially due to promotion of an adiposopathic, atherogenic lipid profile. Obesity also worsens other cardiometabolic risk factors. Among patients with obesity, interventions that reduce body weight and improve CVD outcomes are generally associated with improved lipid levels. Given the modest improvement in blood LDL-C with weight reduction in patients with overweight or obesity, early interventions to treat both excess adiposity and elevated atherogenic cholesterol (LDL-C and/or non-HDL-C) levels represent priorities in reducing the risk of CVD.

Investigation of heterogeneous condensation flow characteristics in the steam turbine based on homogeneous-heterogeneous condensation coupling model using OpenFOAM

Non-equilibrium condensation can result in thermodynamic losses within turbine stages and potentially cause blade erosion. During turbine operation, steam frequently carries foreign particles, which can influence non-equilibrium condensation. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the specific effects of these particles on the condensation processes. This paper firstly utilizes OpenFOAM to establish a homogeneous-heterogeneous condensation coupling model, which is validated for accuracy through experimental data. Secondly, it investigates the effects of NaCl particle concentration and radius on the heterogeneous condensation process in Laval nozzles and Dykas cascades. Finally, it examines the relationship between the kinetic energy ratio, condensation loss ratio, wetness fraction ratio, and particle concentration and radius in turbine cascades to explore the optimal method for reducing the impact of condensation phase change in steam turbines. The results indicate that nucleation rate decreases as particle radius decreases and concentration increases in Laval nozzle. However, the effect of concentration on wetness is non-linear; as concentration increases, wetness initially decreases before increasing. In comparison to homogeneous condensation within Dykas cascades, when the introduced particle radius is 1 × 10−9 m and the concentration is 1014kg−1, the kinetic energy increases by 2.93%, condensation loss decreases by 22.91%, and wetness fraction decreases by 23.64%.

Stability and 3D-printing performance of high-internal-phase emulsions based on ultrafine soybean meal particles

There are numerous studies on the application of soybean whey protein in three-dimensional (3D) printing. In this study, the effects of soybean meal particles (5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, and 10%) and oil-phase concentrations (70%, 72%, 74%, 76%, and 78%) on the stability and 3D-printing performance of a soybean-meal-based high-internal-phase emulsion were investigated. The results showed that the particle size of the emulsion decreased with increasing soybean meal particle concentration, and that increasing the concentration of the oil phase improved the viscoelasticity of the emulsion. Rheological tests further showed that the higher storage modulus of the emulsion indicated better support and stability. The emulsion with 8% soybean meal-particles and 76% oil-phase concentration exhibited the best printing effect. This study provides an effective solution for the preparation of stabilized high-internal-phase emulsions of soybean meal particles suitable for 3D printing.

Versatile and Remotely Controllable Light-Induced Coagulation of Particles Under Flow in a 2D Channel.

On-demand switch on/off blood clogging is of paramount importance for the survival of mammals, for example as a quick response to seal damage wounds to minimize their bleeding rate. This mechanism is a complex chain process from initiated red blood cell aggregation at the target location (open wound) that quickly seals on a macroscopic scale the damaged flash. Inspired by nature an on-demand switchable particle clogging mechanism is developed with high spatial resolution down to micrometer size using light as an external non-invasive stimulation. Particle clogging can be adjusted on demand strong enough to even withstand pressure-driven fluid flow, additionally building up walls of aggregated particles, which stop the momentum of big particles under shear. The principle relies on a photosensitive surfactant, which induces under light illumination a long-ranged lateral attractive phoretic-osmotic activity of silica microparticles forcing them to aggregate. The strength of aggregation and therefore motion reduction or even stop of the particles against the fluid flow depends on the ratio between the aggregation strength and the velocity of the particles. The aggregation strength can be precisely controlled by the applied light intensity and adjusted particle concentration. Increasing both parameters results in a stronger aggregation tendency.

Prediction model for vertical distribution of oil particles under thermal plume and displacement ventilation in a machining workshop

Oil particle concentrations exhibit an inhomogeneous distribution in large-space machining workshops with a displacement ventilation system. The inhomogeneous distribution can lead to variations in the required supply air volume used to control the indoor particle concentration at different heights. To rapidly calculate the particle concentration distribution in the vertical direction, this study established a zonal particle concentration prediction model based on the mass and energy balance by considering the interaction between the heat source thermal plume, wall thermal plume, and supply airflow. An experiment was conducted in a scaled chamber to validate the proposed prediction model. The result showed that the relative error between the prediction model and experiment ranged from −17% to 10%. A case study was performed to demonstrate the applicability of the prediction model to the control of a displacement ventilation system. Using the prediction model, the control system can maintain the particle concentration in the work area below 0.5 mg/m³with variable particle source emission rates and reduce the supply air volume by at least 24% and 55% compared with the variable and constant air volume systems, respectively, neither of which can address the inhomogeneous distribution of oil particle concentration. The prediction model can also be used for the design of displacement ventilation systems when the inhomogeneous particle concentration distribution is considerable.

Effect of Particle Concentration on the Microstructure and Properties of Electrodeposited Nickel–Diamond Composite Coatings

For the purpose of improving the wear properties of Ni composite coatings, diamond particles were co-electrodeposited into Ni–diamond composite coatings. The effect of diamond particle concentration in the electrolyte on the surface morphology, microstructure, and wear properties of Ni–diamond composite coatings was investigated. The electrodeposition behaviors of the composite coatings were simulated by COMSOL5.6. The results showed that the content of diamond particles in the coating was elevated by increasing the particle concentration in the electrolyte. The formation of [200] fiber texture was blocked and concurrently brought about crystallite refinement of the Ni deposits by the embedded particles. The COMSOL simulation findings indicated that embedded particles influenced the microstructure of the Ni deposits through processes such as heterogeneous nucleation, rearrangement, and concentration of local current density. The synergistic effect of the tailored microstructure and embedded particles substantially enhanced the wear resistance of the coating. By increasing the particle concentration in the electrolyte, the wear resistance of the coating was gradually enhanced, and the coating electrodeposited at 16 g/L possessed the lowest friction coefficient and the smallest profile of wear scratch owning to the strengthened synergistic effect.

Investigation of Copper Codeposits with SiC Nano from Ionic Liquid (Ethaline) as Function of Concentration and Micro Particles Sizes where the Working Electrode in ‘Vertical’ Position Using Acoustic Impedance Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance (EQCM)

The gravimetric inspection of co-electrodeposited copper, with hard inert second phase ceramics SiC and 0.02 M [CuCl2.2H2O] in 1 ChCl: 2 EG, based liquid for different solution-phase loadings of 1-3 \(\mu\)m silicon carbide unpolished gold AT cut working electrode placed in’Vertical’ position, revealed that the EQCM method admits the first in-situ quantification or particulate inclusion. It was found that the composition of incorporated substance was fairly dependant on the concentration of second phase particles in solution, where in this study the 5% SiC has the amount in the copper which is in a good agreement with alumina particles with the same size. Another observation was that most of the material was drawn onto the surface rather than settling on to it, however the distribution of the hard phase was found to be reasonably even throughout the coating. This technology is important because it assists deposition of bright copper coatings without adding hazard materials, such as cyanide. On the other hand the comparison between concentrations of 0.02 M and 0.2 M [CuCl2.2H2O] in 1 ChCl: 2 EG based liquid for 10% solution-phase loadings of 45-55 nm size silicon carbide was also investigated, where the working electrode is placed in’Horizontal’ postion. It is very interisting that the experimental result showed that the mass loaded by 0.2 M solution is about 10 times greater than for the mass loaded by 0.02 M solution.