Physical Properties Of Materials Research Articles

Experimental Investigation on the Impact of Graphite Electrodes Grain Size on Technological Parameters and Surface Texture of Hastelloy C-22 after Electrical Discharge Machining with Negative Polarity

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a rapidly evolving method in modern industry that manufactures highly complex components. The physical properties of a tool electrode material are significant factors in determining the effectiveness of the process, as well as the characteristics of the machined surfaces. The current trend of implementing graphite tool electrodes in manufacturing processes is observed. Innovative material engineering solutions enable graphite production with miniaturized grain size. However, the correlation between the graphite electrode grain size and the mechanism of the process removal in the EDM is a challenge for its widespread implementation in the industry. This research introduces a new method to evaluate the impact of the graphite electrode grain size and machining parameters on the material removal effectiveness, relative tool wear rate, and surface roughness (Ra) of Hastelloy C-22 following EDM with negative polarity. The study utilized new graphite materials with a grain size of 1 µm (POCO AF-5) and 10 µm (POCO EDM-180). An assessment of the impact of the EDM process parameters on the technological parameters and the development of the surface roughness was carried out. Electrical discharge machining with fine-grained graphite electrodes increases process efficiency and reduces tool wear. Graphite grains detached from the tool electrode affect the stability of electrical discharges and the efficiency of the process. Based on the experimental results, mathematical models were developed, enabling the prediction of machining effects to advance state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. The obtained mathematical models can be implemented in modern industrial EDM machines as guidelines for selecting adequate machining parameters depending on the desired process efficiency, tool wear rate, and surface roughness for advanced materials.

On elastic deformations of cylindrical bodies under the influence of the gravitational field

Background Large elastic deformations of gravitating cylindrical bodies play a significant role in everyday life. On the other hand, tiny such deformations are relevant for state-of-the art experiments, as they affect the physical properties of materials under consideration, impacting wave propagation. This is of key importance for a recently planned experiment to explore the influence of the gravitational field on entangled photons propagating in waveguides. The purpose of this work is to determine this influence. Methods We use the methods of linear elasticity, including thermoelasticity, to determine the stresses and strains of the medium. For this, the symmetry of the cylinder allows us to solve the problem by using Mitchell’s solutions of the equations satisfied by the Airy functions. The boundary conditions are implemented by an approximation of the Hertz contact method. Results We calculate the displacements, the stresses and strains for several classes of boundary conditions, and give explicit solutions for a number of physically motivated configurations. The influence of the resulting deformations on the planned GRAVITES experiment is determined. Conclusions The results are relevant for fiber interferometry experiments sensitive to the effects of the gravitational field on photon propagation. Our calculations give stringent bounds on the environmental variables, which need to be controlled in such experiments.

Wenzhou TE: A First-Principle-Calculated Thermoelectric Materials Database

Since the implementation of the Materials Genome Project by the Obama administration in the United States, the development of various computational materials’ databases has fundamentally expanded the choice of industries such as materials and energy. In the field of thermoelectric materials, the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) quantifies the performance of the material. From the viewpoint of calculations for vast materials, the ZT values are not easily obtained due to their computational complexity. Here, we show how to build a database of thermoelectric materials based on first-principle calculations for the electronic and heat transport of materials. Firstly, the initial structures are classified according to the values of bandgap and other basic properties using the clustering algorithm K-means in machine learning, and high-throughput first principle calculations are carried out for narrow-bandgap semiconductors which exhibit a potential thermoelectric application. The present framework of calculations mainly includes a deformation potential module, an electrical transport performance module, a mechanical and a thermodynamic properties module. We have also set up a search webpage for the calculated database of thermoelectric materials, providing search facilities and the ability to view the related physical properties of materials. Our work may inspire the construction of more computational databases of first-principle thermoelectric materials and accelerate research progress in the field of thermoelectrics.

Regular relations of the composition, structure and properties of crystals of hydrogen-containing compounds

Research subject. Crystals of hydrogen-containing compounds belonging to the superprotonic family. Aim. To obtain knowledge about regular relations between composition, atomic structure, real structure and physical properties of materials, with the purpose of elucidating processes occurring in condensed state and forming the basis for modification of known or obtaining new compounds. Materials and methods. Experimental data were obtained using a set of complementary physical methods, including structural analysis using X-rays, synchrotron radiation and neutrons, optical microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Results. Experimental data on the atomic structure, real structure, and physical properties of superprotonic crystals, including systems of hydrogen bonds and their changes, were obtained. Conclusions. The physical properties of superprotonic crystals are significantly affected by hydrogen bonding systems and their changes, primarily by the formation of dynamically disordered hydrogen bonds with energetically equivalent positions of hydrogen atoms. When carrying out diagnostics of crystalline samples, account should be taken of their real structure, including the structure of surface layers and the presence of crystallization water. These factors may affect the measured physical parameters, the boundaries of existence of phases, the formation of a multiphase state under variations in temperature.

Influence of Lifshitz Transition on the Intrinsic Resistivity of Cu2N Monolayer.

The Lifshitz transition (LT), a topological structure transition of Fermi surfaces, can induce various intricate physical properties in metallic materials. In this study, through first-principles calculations, we explore the nontrivial effect of the LT on the intrinsic resistivity of the Cu2N monolayer arising from electron-phonon (el-ph) scattering. We find that when the LT is induced by electron doping, the multibranch Fermi surface simplifies into a single-band profile. Such an LT leads to a decoupling of low-frequency flexural phonons from el-ph scattering due to mirror symmetry. Consequently, the resistivity of the Cu2N monolayer at room temperature significantly decreases, approaching that of slightly doped graphene, and highlighting the Cu2N monolayer as a highly conductive two-dimensional metal. Moreover, this LT can bring about a nonlinear temperature dependence of the intrinsic resistivity at a high temperature.

Synergistic effects in CuO/SnO2/Ti3C2Tx nanohybrids: Unveiling their potential as supercapacitor cathode material

In the field of materials science, a synergistic effect occurs when the combined physical and chemical properties of a composite material show significant improvement compared to the properties of its individual components. In this study, we synthesized a novel nanosheet-like structure composed of copper oxide (CuO) and tin oxide (SnO2) dispersed on MXene (Ti3C2Tx) sheets using an ultrasonicated coprecipitation method, and then we explored its synergistic effects. The CuO/SnO2/MXene nanohybrids were characterized through SEM, HRTEM, XRD, XPS, and BET analysis, confirming successful synthesis and evident synergy between MXene and CuO/SnO2. The electrochemical behaviour of the nanohybrid structure was investigated using different electrochemical techniques. CuO/SnO2/MXene revealed a high capacitance of 683.5 Fg-1 at 1 Ag-1 in a 2 M H2SO4 electrolyte, with 85 % cycling performance after 10,000 cycles. Notably, this performance surpassed that of MXene-Ti3C2Tx and CuO/SnO2 separately, which achieved only 102.8 and 378.2 Fg-1 capacitance with 60 % and 76 % cycling stability, respectively. These incredible results are attributed to CuO/SnO2/MXene nanohybrids' synergistic effects, whereby enhance the surface area, electrical conductivity, and availability of active sites and enhanced electrochemical performance. This research offers a promising solution for advancing supercapacitor electrode materials through the creation of a novel nanosheet structure that leverages synergistic effects.

A new ferromagnetic semiconductor system of Eu[formula omitted]Sr[formula omitted]AgP [formula omitted] compounds: Crystallographic, magnetic, and magneto-resistive properties

Adjusting chemical pressure through doping is a highly effective method for customizing the chemical and physical properties of materials, along with their respective phase diagrams, thereby uncovering novel quantum phenomena. Here, we successfully synthesized Sr-doped Eu1−xSrxAgP (x=0.0−0.6) and conducted a comprehensive investigation involving crystallography, magnetization, heat capacity, and magnetoresistance. Utilizing X-ray diffraction and PPMS DynaCool measurements, we studied Eu1−xSrxAgP in detail. The hexagonal structure of parent EuAgP at room temperature, with the P63/mmc space group, remains unaltered, while the lattice constants expand. The magnetic phase transition from paramagnetism to ferromagnetism, as temperature decreases, is suppressed through the gradual introduction of strontium doping. Heat capacity measurements reveal a shift from magnon-dominated to predominantly phonon and electron contributions near the ferromagnetic phase with increasing doping levels. The resistivity-temperature relationship displays distinct characteristics, emphasizing the impact of Sr doping on modifying charge transport. Magnetoresistance measurements uncover novel phenomena, illustrating the adjustability of magnetoresistance through Sr doping. Notably, Sr doping results in both positive magnetoresistance (up to 20%) and negative magnetoresistance (approximately -60%). The resistivity and magnetic phase diagram were established for the first time, revealing the pronounced feasibility of Sr doping in modulating EuAgP’s resistivity. This study has provided valuable insights into the intricate interplay between structural modifications and diverse physical properties. The potential for technological advancements and the exploration of novel quantum states make Sr-doped Eu1−xSrxAgP a compelling subject for continued research in the field of applied physics.

Thickness-dependent mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of λ-Cu2Se and ζ-Cu2Se: First-principles calculations

The physical properties of two-dimensional materials are usually influenced by the number of layers. Recently, experimentally fabricated semiconducting Cu2Se monolayers have emerged as intriguing materials with outstanding photoelectric characteristics. In this work, the thickness-dependent mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of λ-Cu2Se and ζ-Cu2Se are systematically investigated based on first-principles calculations. The Young's moduli of both λ-Cu2Se and ζ-Cu2Se increase gradually as the number of layers increases, while Poisson's ratios barely change. Both λ-Cu2Se and ζ-Cu2Se maintain semiconducting properties which band gaps decrease with increasing thickness. Various bandgaps (0.38∼1.33 eV) and CBM/VBM energy levels (-4.70∼-3.91/-5.26∼-5.08 eV) are very promising for designing Cu2Se-based electronic and optoelectronic devices. Meanwhile, the absorption coefficients increase gradually for both λ-Cu2Se and ζ-Cu2Se from ML to bulk, with the highest values in bulk. Both λ-Cu2Se and ζ-Cu2Se have sizable optical absorptions within the visible and ultra-violet ranges. Our finds can provide references for their further device applications.

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE DURABILITY PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE PRODUCED WITH METAKAOLIN AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT

The research investigates the durability properties of concrete produced with metakaolin (MTK) as partial replacement of cement. Cement was partially replaced by metakaolin at 5% to 30% at an interval of 5%. Physical properties of materials were tested. A 100 x 100 x 100mm cube was used for density, compressive strength, water absorption and abrasion resistant test, while, 100mm x 200mm cylinder was used for split tensile strength, at a mix ratio of 1:2:4 with 0.5 w/c ratio, and cured at 7, 14, 28, 56 and 90 days under different curing conditions. Result shows that the density of concrete increase as the curing ages of concrete increases. The highest compressive strength of concrete at 28days was at 0% control which achieved 28.2 N/mm2 and 27.6 N/mm2, while, 10% has the highest strength of 32.1 N/mm2 and 31.1 N/mm2 at 90 days for concrete cured in H2SO4 and MgSO4 respectively. 10% MTK concrete has reduce absorption capacity of 11.34, 11.17% and 6.57% in H2O, H2SO4 and MgSO4 respectively, as compared to that of control concrete, and has improve resistance to abrasion in aggressive environment. Chemicals significantly affect the strength of concrete. MgSO4 is more deleterious to concrete than H2SO4. In conclusion, metakaolin is a suitable pozzolana for use in the production of concrete, at lower volume of replacement will enhance the reduction of cement usage in concretes, thereby reducing the production cost and environmental pollution from exploration and production of cement. 10% MTK is the optimum percentage in concrete, therefore,...

Distinguishing Elements at the Sub-Nanometer Scale on the Surface of a High Entropy Alloy.

Materials in crystalline form possess translational symmetry (TS) when the unit cell is repeated in real space with long- and short-range orders. The periodic potential in the crystal regulates the electron wave function and results in unique band structures, which further define the physical properties of the materials. Amorphous materials lack TS due to the randomization of distances and arrangements between atoms, causing the electron wave function to lack a well-defined momentum. High entropy materials provide another way to break the TS by randomizing the potential strength at periodic atomic sites. The local elemental distribution has a great impact on physical properties in high entropy materials. It is critical to distinguish elements at the sub-nanometer scale to uncover the correlations between the elemental distribution and the material properties. Here, the use of synchrotron X-ray scanning tunneling microscopy (SX-STM) with sub-nm scale resolution in identifying elements on a high entropy alloy (HEA) surface is demonstrated. By examining the elementally sensitive X-ray absorption spectra with an STM tip to enhance the spatial resolution, the elemental distribution on an HEA's surface at a sub-nm scale is extracted. These results open a pathway towardsquantitativelyunderstanding high entropy materials and their material properties.

Influence of Metal Surface Structures on Composite Formation during Polymer–Metal Joining Based on Reactive Al/Ni Multilayer Foil

Progressive developments in the field of lightweight construction and engineering demand continuous substitution of metals with suitable polymers. However, the combination of dissimilar materials results in a multitude of challenges based on different chemical and physical material properties. Reactive multilayer systems offer a promising joining method for flexible and low‐distortion joining of dissimilar joining partners with an energy source introduced directly into the joining zone. Within this publication, hybrid lap joints between semicrystalline polyamide 6 and surface‐structured austenitic steel X5CrNi18–10 (EN 1.4301) are joined using reactive Al/Ni multilayer foils of the type Indium–NanoFoil. The main objective is to examine possibilities of influencing crack initiation in the foil plane by variation of joining pressure and different metal surface structures with regard to geometry, density, and orientation. Thus, the position of foil cracks is superimposed onto the metal structure and associated filling with molten plastic is improved. Consequently, characterization of occurring crack positions as a function of joining pressure and metal structure, analysis of the composite in terms of structural filling and joint strength, as well as possible causes of crack initiation are evaluated.

THIN LIGNOCELLULOSIC LINERS BASED OF SPRUCE SHAVINGS

The article is devoted to determining the basic physical and mechanical properties of sheet materials up to 1.5 mm thick based on wood shavings and PVAc glue with a high proportion of water, pressed under high pressure up to 25 MPa and a temperature of around 190°C, so that the softening of lignin caused by the generated steam, allow to create a compact and non-crumbling surface. In order to characterize the physical-mechanical properties of the new wood-based sheet material with minimum thickness and characteristic elasticity, tests according to the CEPI (Confederation of European Paper Industries) standards were adopted. Procedures for tensile strength according to ISO 1924-2 (2008), Burst strength according to ISO 2758 (2014), puncture according to ASTM D781-68 (1973), water absorption according to ISO 5637 (1989) and porosity according to TAPPI Test method T460 were applied.

On the Rigidly Precessing, Eccentric Gas Disk Orbiting the White Dwarf SDSS J1228+1040

Metal pollution onto white dwarfs is a widespread phenomenon that remains puzzling. Some of these white dwarfs also harbor gaseous debris disks. Emission lines from these disks open a unique window to the physical properties of the polluting material, lending insights into their origin. We model the emission line kinematics for the gas disk around SDSS J1228+1040, a system that has been monitored for over two decades. We show that the disk mass is strongly peaked at 1 R ⊙ (modulo the unknown inclination), and the disk eccentricity decreases from a value of 0.44 at the inner edge, to nearly zero at the outer edge. This eccentricity profile is exactly what one expects if the disk is in a global eccentric mode, precessing rigidly under general relativity and gas pressure. The precession period is about two decades. We infer that the mass of the gas disk is roughly equivalent to that of a 50 km rocky body, while the mass of the accompanying dust disk is likely insignificant. The disk eccentricity confirms an origin in tidal disruption, while the short disk diffusion time suggests that the disruption event happened a few centuries ago. Moreover, we argue that the initial orbit for the disrupted body, and that of its putative planetary perturber, fall within an astronomical unit around the white dwarf. The total mass of the source population is likely orders of magnitude more massive than our own Asteroid belt and does not seem to exist around main-sequence stars.

Application of Magnetic Separation Technology in Resource Utilization and Environmental Treatment

Magnetic separation technology is a physical separation method that uses the differences in magnetism between matter to separate them from each other by different motion behaviors in a non-uniform magnetic field. It is highly efficient, green, and environmentally friendly, with little change in the physical and chemical properties of raw materials. Magnetic separation technology is commonly used in the field of mineral processing engineering for magnetite, hematite, titanite, and other magnetic ferrous metal oxide minerals. This paper summarizes the application of magnetic separation technology for resource utilization and environmental treatment in different fields, such as non-metal decomposition, valuable metal recovery, use of magnetic carrier chemical separation, biomedical targeted magnetic separation, and use of magnetic species separation in water and wastewater treatment. We seek to review the application and potential of magnetic separation technology in various fields, emphasize their key role, and explore possible directions for their future development.

Electronic structure and optical properties of nitrogen-doped antimonene under biaxial strain: first-principles study.

In this thesis, the role of N atom doping and biaxial strain in modulating the electronic structure and optical properties of antimonene has been deeply investigated using a first-principles approach based on density-functional theory. The results show that N doping significantly reduces the band gap of antimonene and introduces new electronic states, thus affecting its electronic structure. In terms of optical properties, N doping reduces the static permittivity of antimonene and alters its absorption, reflection, and energy loss properties. In addition, biaxial strain further enhanced the modulation effect of these properties. This study not only provides theoretical support for the application of antimonene in the field of high-performance two-dimensional electronic and optoelectronic devices, but also reveals strain and doping as an effective means to modulate the physical properties of two-dimensional materials. For the calculations, we used the DFT-based CASTEP software package for the simulation of the electronic structure. In order to more accurately characterize the weak interactions between two-dimensional materials, we specifically introduced the Van der Waals dispersion correction. We have chosen the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) exchange-correlation generalization under the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and combined it with the Van der Waals correction term in order to fully consider the electronic structure of antimonene. For the calculation parameter settings, we set the truncation energy to 400 eV to ensure the accuracy of the calculation. Meanwhile, we adopt a 6 × 6 × 1 k-point grid for Brillouin zone sampling to obtain more accurate energy band structure and density of states information. For the convergence settings, the convergence criteria for both the system energy and the interaction force between atoms were set to 1 × 10-5 eV and 0.01 eV/Å, respectively. We selected a 3 × 3 × 1 supercell model with 18 Sb atoms. A vacuum thickness of 18 Å was established in the Z direction, which is sufficient to avoid interactions between the two atomic layers above and below the periodic structure.

Particle topology-regulated relaxation dynamics in cluster-ordering.

The granular materials of soft particles (SPs) demonstrate unique viscoelasticity distinct from general colloidal and polymer systems. Exploiting dynamic light scattering measurements, together with molecular dynamics simulations, we study the diffusive dynamics of soft particle clusters (SPCs) with spherical and cylindrical brush topologies, respectively, in the melts of SPs. A topologically constrained relaxation theory is proposed by quantitatively correlating the relaxation time to the topologies of the SPCs, through the mean free space (Va) of tethered SPs in the cluster. The tethered SPs in SPCs are crowded by SPs of the melts to form the cage zones, and the cooperative diffusion of the tether SPs in the zones is required for the diffusive motion of SPCs. The cage zone serves as an entropic barrier for the diffusion of SP clusters, while its strength is determined by Va. Three characteristic modes can be confirmed: localized non-diffusive mode around critical Va, diffusive mode with Va deviating far from the critical value, and a sub-diffusive mode as an interlude between two limits. Our studies raise attention to the emergent physical properties of materials based on SPs via a topological design while opening new avenues for the design of soft structural materials.

Exploring Embodied Intelligence in Soft Robotics: A Review.

Soft robotics is closely related to embodied intelligence in the joint exploration of the means to achieve more natural and effective robotic behaviors via physical forms and intelligent interactions. Embodied intelligence emphasizes that intelligence is affected by the synergy of the brain, body, and environment, focusing on the interaction between agents and the environment. Under this framework, the design and control strategies of soft robotics depend on their physical forms and material properties, as well as algorithms and data processing, which enable them to interact with the environment in a natural and adaptable manner. At present, embodied intelligence has comprehensively integrated related research results on the evolution, learning, perception, decision making in the field of intelligent algorithms, as well as on the behaviors and controls in the field of robotics. From this perspective, the relevant branches of the embodied intelligence in the context of soft robotics were studied, covering the computation of embodied morphology; the evolution of embodied AI; and the perception, control, and decision making of soft robotics. Moreover, on this basis, important research progress was summarized, and related scientific problems were discussed. This study can provide a reference for the research of embodied intelligence in the context of soft robotics.

Optimizing Alkyl Side Chains in Difluorobenzene-Rhodanine Small-Molecule Acceptors for Organic Solar Cells.

A series of small molecules, T-2FB-T-ORH, T-2FB-T-BORH, and T-2FB-T-HDRH, were synthesized to have a thiophene-flanked difluorobenzene (T-2FB-T) core and alkyl-substituted rhodanine (RH) end groups for their use as nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) in organic solar cells (OSCs). Octyl, 2-butyloctyl (BO), and 2-hexyldecyl (HD) alkyl side chains were introduced into RHs to control the material's physical properties based on the length and size of the alkyl chains. The optical properties of the three NFAs were found to be almost the same, irrespective of the alkyl chain length, whereas the molecular crystallinity and material solubility significantly differed depending on the alkyl side chains. Owing to the sufficient solubility of T-2FB-T-HDRH, OSCs based on PTB7-Th and T-2FB-T-HDRH were fabricated. A power conversion efficiency of up to 4.49% was obtained by solvent vapor annealing (SVA). The AFM study revealed that improved charge mobility and a smooth and homogeneous film morphology without excessive aggregation could be obtained in the SVA-treated film.

Computational Framework to Model the Selective Laser Sintering Process.

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one of the most well-regarded additive manufacturing (AM) sub-processes, whose popularity has been increasing among numerous critical and demanding industries due to its capabilities, mainly manufacturing parts with highly complex geometries and desirable mechanical properties, with potential to replace other, more expensive, conventional processes. However, due to its various underlying multi-physics phenomena, the intrinsic complexity of the SLS process often hampers its industrial implementation. Such limitation has motivated academic interest in obtaining better insights into the process to optimize it and attain the required standards. In that regard, the usual experimental optimization methods are time-consuming and expensive and can fail to provide the optimal configurations, leading researchers to resort to computational modeling to better understand the process. The main objective of the present work is to develop a computational model capable of simulating the SLS process for polymeric applications, within an open-source framework, at a particle-length scale to assess the main process parameters' impact. Following previous developments, virgin and used polymer granules with different viscosities are implemented to better represent the actual process feedstock. The results obtained agree with the available experimental data, leading to a powerful tool to study, in greater detail, the SLS process and its physical parameters and material properties, contributing to its optimization.

Moiré superlattice effects on interfacial mechanical behavior: A concise review

AbstractThe moiré superlattice, arising from the interface of mismatched single crystals, intricately regulates the physical and mechanical properties of materials, giving rise to phenomena such as superconductivity and superlubricity. This study delves into the profound impact of moiré superlattices on the interfacial mechanical behavior of van der Waals (vdW) layered materials, with a particular focus on tribological properties. A comprehensive review of continuum modeling approaches for vdW layered materials is presented, accentuating the incorporation of moiré superlattice effects in theoretical models to unravel their distinctive interfacial frictional behavior and thermodynamic properties. The exploration of moiré superlattices has significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of interface phenomena in vdW layered materials. This progress provides crucial theoretical insights that can inform the design of multifunctional devices based on the unique properties of twisted layered materials.