Smooth Metal Research Articles

An up-conversion Ba3In(PO4)3:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphor that enables multi-mode temperature measurements and wide-gamut 'temperature mapping'.

At present, most fluorescent materials that can be used for optical temperature measurement exhibit poor thermochromic performance, which limits their applications. In this study, the phosphor Ba3In(PO4)3:Er/Yb was synthesized with a high doping concentration of Yb3+, and it emitted composition- and temperature-induced wide color gamut up-conversion luminescence from red to green. Four modes of fluorescence thermometry can be realized in the temperature range of 303-603 K, which is based on the ratio of fluorescence intensity between thermally coupled energy levels and non-thermally coupled energy levels, color coordinate shift, and fluorescence decay lifetime, respectively. The highest Sr value obtained was 0.977% K-1. Taking advantage of the fact that temperature can significantly change the luminous color of the phosphor Ba3In(PO4)3:0.02Er3+/0.05Yb3+, we demonstrated 'temperature mapping' on a smooth metal surface with multiple optical encryptions. These results indicate that the Ba3In(PO4)3:Er/Yb phosphor is an excellent fluorescent material for thermal imaging and has great application potential in temperature visualization measurement and optical encryption.

Investigation of primary nanocracks of atomically smooth metals

A new analytical model for calculating the characteristics of primary cracks that appear in atomically smooth metals is proposed. A technique has been developed for calculating the length of nanocracks in atomically smooth metals based on the study of the physical properties of crystals. For the first time, the parameters of primary cracks were calculated using the example of atomically smooth metals. The results obtained on the basis of the developed method are compared with the results of applying known models of nanocrack formation. It is shown that our results are consistent with previously known results. Keywords: surface, surface energy, surface layer, nanostructure, melting point, atomic volume, atomically smooth crystal.

Исследование первичных нанотрещин атомарно-гладких металлов

A new analytical model for calculating the characteristics of primary cracks that appear in atomically smooth metals is proposed. A technique has been developed for calculating the length of nanocracks in atomically smooth metals based on the study of the physical properties of crystals. For the first time, the parameters of primary cracks were calculated using the example of atomically smooth metals. The results obtained on the basis of the developed method are compared with the results of applying known models of nanocrack formation. It is shown that our results are consistent with previously known results.

The role of AccCDK20 and AccCDKN1 from Apis cerana cerana in development and response to pesticide and heavy metal toxicity

Apis cerana cerana is a native bee species in China and plays a key role in agricultural production and ecological balance. However, the growth and development of Apis cerana cerana has not been smooth, and pesticide and heavy metal stress are key factors that have forced a dramatic decline in population size. This study was performed with the objective of investigating the role of AccCDK20 and AccCDKN1 in honey bee resistance to pesticide and heavy metal stress. RT–qPCR analysis revealed that AccCDK20 transcript levels were highest in brown-eyed pupae and AccCDKN1 transcript levels were highest in 1-day-old worker bees. In different tissues and body parts of adult bees, AccCDK20 transcript levels were highest in the head, and AccCDKN1 transcript levels were highest in the thorax. It was further observed that environmental stress can affect the transcript levels of the AccCDK20 and AccCDKN1 genes. Silencing of the AccCDK20 and AccCDKN1 genes resulted in altered activities of antioxidant-related genes and antioxidant-related enzymes. AccCDK20 and AccCDKN1 transcript levels were upregulated under glyphosate stress, and silencing of the genes resulted in reduced resistance to glyphosate and greatly increased mortality in Apis cerana cerana. In addition, gene function was verified by in vitro repression assays. Overexpression of the AccCDK20 and AccCDKN1 proteins in E. coli cells increased the resistance to ROS damage induced by CHP. In conclusion, AccCDK20 and AccCDKN1 play an indispensable role in honey bee resistance to pesticide and heavy metal stress.

A neotype carbon-based Ni foam achieved by commercial strategy towards smooth and light Li metal anodes

Commercial Ni foam (NF) as substrate is widely used in lithium metal anode for uniform Li deposition and dendrite-free condition by reduced local current density. However, it's high mass density of 8.902 g cm−3 and bulky skeleton tend to the heavy weight, which remarkedly decreases the energy density of lithium metal batteries. Herein, three-dimensions carbon foam completely coated by Ni metal (Ni@CMF) is fabricated as an alternative to NF through commercial electroless Ni plating. The noneffective inner Ni metal, occupying most of mass and volume of NF, is masterly replaced by light carbon foam, which is carbonized from cost-effective melamine foam (MF), resulting in sharply reduced areal density from ∼24.8 mg cm−2 to ∼2.2 mg cm−2 and improved electrochemical performance compared with commercial NF. As a result, the superior Coulombic efficiency stability of 240 cycles for Ni@CMF substrate is achieved companying reduced Li nucleation overpotential of ∼11 mV compared with that of NF (∼53 mV). Moreover, the pouch Li metal full cell enlightens the light-emitting diode (LED) lights in both flat and deformation states. The neotype Ni foam, proposed in this work, with huge commercial value can be produced in large scale in lighter weight, lower cost and enhanced property.

A New Configuration Method for Glass Substrate Transfer Robot Modules Based on Kansei Engineering

How to effectively match the relationship between users’ perceptual demands and the characteristics of industrial robot modules becomes a pressing issue when perceptual demands become a significant determinant of whether users purchase and employ industrial robots. In this regard, we propose a Kansei Engineering-based method for industrial robot module configuration, using the module design of a glass substrate transfer robot as an example. First, the method analyzes the perceptual demand characteristics of the target user, utilizing the semantic difference method, and then establishes a mapping relationship between the user’s perceptual demand and the robot design elements, utilizing the hierarchical inference method. On the basis of this mapping relationship, the robot module for transfer glass substrates is then designed. Finally, orthogonal design and conjoint analysis were used to effectively and objectively analyze user preferences for various module configuration alternatives. The results indicate that the industrial robot’s shape, color, and material are the three appearance characteristics that influence the user’s perceptual demands. The slender, rigid design features of the industrial robot, such as the streamlined drive shaft, lengthwise expanded body structure, integrated body structure, and hidden plugs, as well as the simple color scheme and smooth metal surface, are key elements in the industrial robot’s perceptual design. The turn shaft module and lift shaft module have respective weights of 35.040% and 31.120%, determining whether the glass substrate transfer robot can create a simple style. In the context of the widespread use of industrial robot modules, the methods and findings of this study offer new ideas for the design of industrial robot modules and broaden the research and applications of Kansei Engineering in module design.

An ex situ and operando analysis of thiourea consumption and activity during a simulated copper electrorefining process

• Combination of chromatography and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. • Thiourea concentration reduces as a function of plating time. • Aged electrolyte influences copper reduction reaction. Electroreduction is an essential electrochemical technique, applied in many industries. The process can be used to produce coatings, circuit boards, to refine metals, etc. Electroreduction during plating or refining is assisted by organic or inorganic additives present in the electrolyte, with the aim to produce smooth metal deposits. A complex component of most additive mixtures in copper refining is thiourea. This work applies a coupled approach to study the time dependent characteristics of thiourea in a copper plating solution. Operando Odd Random Phase Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (ORP-EIS) is used to study the electrochemical behavior of the plating solution during the process of plating while the concentration of thiourea is determined using ion chromatography. The combination of these techniques allows an in-depth study of the plating process, describing the additive behavior in the bulk electrolyte and the additive impact on the cathode plating process.

Ultrasmooth graphene-coated metal thin films on sapphire grown by thermal laser epitaxy

• 15-nm-thick ruthenium films can be prepared by thermal laser epitaxy. • Ultrasmooth graphene-coated ruthenium films can be grown on sapphire. • This paves the way to fabricating smooth, transparent metallic films on sapphire. The fabrication of atomically smooth metal films on oxide substrates is a considerable challenge because most deposition methods used on metals do not work properly on supporting oxides. Here we report an alternative procedure based on thermal laser epitaxy of materials. We present results for 15-nm-thick ruthenium films grown on c-plane sapphire and for graphene-coated ruthenium films. Helium diffraction was used as a sensitive probe of the surface crystallinity of the grown films, in addition to atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface quality has been examined for samples prepared using different growth parameters. Our observation of high-helium reflectivity and narrow diffraction peaks from graphene demonstrates the presence of flat ruthenium film domains, with a very low density of defects over lateral scales of microns, which is consistent with the AFM results. The absolute helium reflectivity measured under optimal growth conditions is 5%. These results pave the way to fabricating ultrasmooth, transparent metallic films on top of sapphire by thermal laser epitaxy.

Non‐chromate conversion process for zinc coating with durable hydrophobicity and enhanced corrosion resistance

AbstractA Zn‐based coating with durable hydrophobicity and good corrosion resistance was formed on a mild steel substrate, which involves electroplating Zn from a non‐aqueous electrolyte, followed by passivation in an oleic acid (OA) solution. The electrodeposited Zn coatings were porous, which facilitated the formation of a chemical conversion layer of Zn oleate (ZO) during OA passivation. The Zn coating after passivation had a two‐layer structure, which included an outer layer of ZO with a thickness of ∼26 μm and an inner layer of Zn with a thickness of ∼6 μm. The outer layer ZO is a type of metal soap with a smooth surface and durable hydrophobicity, such that water droplets can easily slip off its surface. Corrosion testing and electrochemical measurements in 3.5 wt.% NaCl aqueous solution indicate that the Zn coating after OA passivation exhibits outstanding anti‐corrosion properties compared with those exhibited by pure Zn coating. The corrosion products and mechanism of the two‐layer coating were explored. This study shows that smooth metal oleate coatings can provide hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance simultaneously to mild steel substrates.

Macrophages and vimentin in tissues adjacent to megaprostheses and mesh in reconstructive surgeries

ABSTRACT In reconstructive surgery using artificial materials after wide resection, soft tissues are usually adjacent to metal surfaces or mesh. The purpose of this study was to provide histological evaluation of the soft tissues adjacent to the metal surfaces of megaprostheses and mesh. Tissues from revision surgery of megaprosthesis and from wide resection after recurrent thoracic wall sarcoma were used. Histological analysis was evaluated by hematoxylin/eosin (HE) and Masson’s trichrome staining, and by immunohistochemical staining for markers including cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), vimentin, collagen type and S100A4. Soft tissue adherence to the smooth metal surface of Ti alloy was not observed. On the surface of capsule, CD68- and vimentin-positive cells formed a thin layer. In contrast, soft tissue adherence to a rough-surface cobalt chrome alloy was observed. Capsule was not apparent for this tissue, in which CD68- and vimentin-positive cells were aggregated randomly. In the resected tissues of recurrent chest wall sarcoma, muscles showed connections to connective soft tissues but did not invade to the inside of the mesh. Around the polypropylene mesh, large numbers of CD68- and vimentin-positive cells were seen. On the ePTFE, small numbers of CD68-positive cells were observed, while a larger number of the cells were vimentin positive. High accumulation of S100A4-positive cells was observed at the metal surface and polypropylene surface. Cells were strongly positive for CD68 and vimentin in tissues adjacent to metal and mesh surfaces. Macrophages and vimentin may play important roles in the foreign body reaction to metal and mesh, and so may contribute to encapsulation and fibrosis.

Spray Coated Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF) Film as an Eco-Friendly Substrate for Flexible and Printed Electronics

Cellulose nanofiber is an eco-friendly nanomaterial used for fabricating various functional materials. It is an alternative for synthetic plastic and other petroleum derived materials. Due to demand of CNF film, fast and rapid method for fabrication of CNF film is required. A new method on spray coating to prepare smooth cellulose nanofiber (CNF) films was developed. In this method, spraying CNF suspension onto a smooth and polished metal surface was carried out and then allowed the spray coated wet film to dry in air under standard laboratory conditions. Spraying has notable advantages such as contour coating and contactless coating with the base substrate. The basis weight and thickness of the CNF film is tailorable by adjusting CNF suspension in spraying process. CNF film prepared via spray coating has unique two-sided surface roughness with the surface in contact with the base substrate or metal side much smoother than the air-contact side. The surface roughness is one of the controlling parameter in the application of the CNF film as a substrate for flexible and printed electronics. The RMS roughness of the two surfaces investigated by Optical Profilometry [OP] was found to be 2087 nm on the rough side and 389 nm on the spray coated side, respectively. The spray coated CNF film has ultra-high smoothness on the side exposed to the polished stainless steel surface. The factors including the size of cellulose fibrils and surface smoothness of base surface that control the roughness of the film are currently being investigated and will be discussed in this chapter. The surface smoothness requirements for substrate applications in flexible and printed electronics will be discussed.

Effects of Transcutaneous Occipital Nerve Stimulation and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Chronic Migraine

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of transcutaneous occipital nerve stimulation (TONS) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on pain, sleep, and quality of life in patients with chronic migraine. MethodsForty-five female patients with chronic migraine were randomly assigned to control (n = 15), IASTM (n = 15), and TONS (n = 15) groups. Neck exercises were given to all groups once per day for 5 weeks. IASTM, using a smooth metal scraping massage tool, was applied to the patients in the IASTM group twice per week for 5 weeks. Patients in the TONS group were treated with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation 3 times per week for 5 weeks. The outcome measures were a Numeric Pain Scale, the Headache Impact Test-6, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Short Form-36. ResultsThe IASTM and TONS groups had significantly lower mean Headache Impact Test-6 scores than the control group in the last measurement (F = 3.908, P = .028). The IASTM and TONS groups had lower mean Numeric Pain Scale scores than the control group (F = 13.861, P = .001). The IASTM group had a lower mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score in the last measurements than the other 2 groups (F = 6.792, P = .003). There was no difference between the groups in the general health perception scores obtained in the last measurements (F = 1.585, P = .217). In the last measurement, the IASTM and TONS groups had higher mean general health scores than the control group. ConclusionIASTM and TONS applications reduced head and neck pain and improved sleep and quality of life in patients with chronic migraine. Neither had superiority over the other.

Robust, Ultrasmooth Fluorinated Lithium Metal Interphase Feasible via Lithiophilic Graphene Quantum Dots for Dendrite-Less Batteries.

Dendrite growth and in-homogeneous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) buildup of Li metal anodes hinder the longtime discharge-charge cycling and safety in secondary metal batteries. Here, the authors report an in-situ restructured artificial lithium/electrolyte SEI exposing an ultrasmooth and thin layer mediated through graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The reformed artificial interphase comprises a mixture of organic/inorganic-rich compositions alike as mosaic interphase, albeit the synergistic effect mediated via hydroxylated GQDs involving redeposition-borne lithium, and its accumulated salts, facilitate a homogeneous and ultrasmooth near fluorine-rich interfacial environment ensuring a facile lithium-ion (Li-ion) diffusion and dendritic-free nature. As a result, symmetrical graphene dots-lithium cells enable a dendrite-less operation up to 2000 h with good cycling stability and capacity retention at current densities 1 and 5mA cm-2 compared to bare lithium. The well-established fluorinated interface engenders a high reversible capacity and stable performance during the initial and long-term cycles upon configuring in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) cells. Thus, the authors' work illuminates the direction toward achieving dendritic-free smooth and robust metal anodes through manipulating and restructuring the critical SEI chemical components.

Multiscale roughness analysis by microprofilometry based on conoscopic holography: a new tool for treatment monitoring in highly reflective metal artworks

The analysis of surface roughness in highly reflective metal artworks is challenging and requires contactless devices capable to measure regions with high micrometer accuracy in both depth and lateral directions. We demonstrate optical profilometry based on scanning conoscopic holography for micrometer measurement of silver samples treated with different hand-made cleaning processes. The technique is shown effective in acquiring shiny and smooth metal samples providing high-resolution and high-accurate dataset (0.1,upmu hbox {m} depth and 5,upmu hbox {m} lateral resolution) that is a reliable representation of the microsurface structure. From a statistical point of view, the cleaning treatments have the same nature of the low-abrasion, but the underlying mechanical processes are different. This fact suggested a more in-depth study of both the amplitude and the hybrid areal roughness parameters. It is proposed a workflow for a dual integrated multiscale roughness analysis for surface characterization: a scale inspection to detect possible texture non-homogeneity, and a signals separation to outline the most significant texture components. The scale-limited components allowed to discriminate the different surface processes. The results on silver samples demonstrate the potential of multiscale roughness analysis by conoscopic holography as a new tool for treatment monitoring in metal artworks.

Effect of plastic pyrolytic oil and waste cooking biodiesel on tribological properties of palm biodiesel–diesel fuel blends

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to investigate the lubricity of palm biodiesel (PB)–diesel fuel with plastic pyrolysis oil (PPO) and waste cooking biodiesel (WCB).Design/methodology/approachThree quaternary fuels were prepared by mechanical stirring. B10 (10% PB in diesel) fuel was blended with 5%, 10% and 15% of both PPO and WCB. The results were compared to B30 (30% PB in diesel) and B10. The lubricity of fuel samples was determined using high-frequency reciprocating rig in accordance with ASTM D6079. The tribological behavior of all fuels was assessed by using scanning electron microscopy on worn steel plates to determine wear scar diameter (WSD) and surface morphology. The reported WSD is the average of the major and minor axis of the wear scar.FindingsThe addition of PPO and WCB to B10 had improved its lubricity while lowering wear and friction coefficients. Among the quaternary fuels, B40 showed the greatest reduction in coefficient of friction and WSD, with 7.63% and 44.5%, respectively, when compared to B10. When compared to B30a, the quaternary fuel mixes (B40, B30b and B20) exhibited significant reduction in WSD by 49.66%, 42.84% and 40.24%, respectively. Among the quaternary fuels, B40 exhibited the best overall lubricating performance, which was supported by surface morphology analysis. The evaluation of B40 indicated a reduced adhesive wear and tribo-oxidation, as well as a smoother metal surface, as compared to B20 and B30b.Originality/valueIncorporation of PPO and WCB in PB–diesel blend as a quaternary fuel blend in diesel engines has not been reported. Only a few researchers looked into the impact of PPO and WCB on the lubricity of the fuel.

Flexible Plasmonics Using Aluminum and Copper Epitaxial Films on Mica.

We demonstrate here the growth of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), gold (Au), and silver (Ag) epitaxial films on two-dimensional, layered muscovite mica (Mica) substrates via van der Waals (vdW) heteroepitaxy with controllable film thicknesses from a few to hundreds of nanometers. In this approach, the mica thin sheet acts as a flexible and transparent substrate for vdW heteroepitaxy, which allows for large-area formation of atomically smooth, single-crystalline, and ultrathin plasmonic metals without the issue of film dewetting. The high-quality plasmonic metal films grown on mica enable us to design and fabricate well-controlled Al and Cu plasmonic nanostructures with tunable surface plasmon resonances ranging from visible to the near-infrared spectral region. Using these films, two kinds of plasmonic device applications are reported, including (1) plasmonic sensors with high effective index sensitivities based on surface plasmon interferometers fabricated on the Al/Mica film and (2) Cu/Mica nanoslit arrays for plasmonic color filters in the visible and near-infrared regions. Furthermore, we show that the responses of plasmonic nanostructures fabricated on the Mica substrates remain unaltered under large substrate bending conditions. Therefore, the metal-on-mica vdW heteroepitaxy platform is suitable for flexible plasmonics based on their bendable properties.

A low-cost and non-corrosive electropolishing strategy for long-life zinc metal anode in rechargeable aqueous battery

Rechargeable aqueous zinc (Zn) batteries have attracted great interests because of its inherent safety and cost-effectiveness. However, the uncontrollable Zn dendrite formation in aqueous electrolyte restricts its reversibility for long-life application. The bulge or passivation layer in pristine Zn surface serves as nuclei for large amount of Zn crystal aggregation and inhomogeneous Zn electrodeposition. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate a simple, effective, and non-corrosive electropolishing strategy to develop a smooth and clean Zn metal as compared with burdensome and unreliable mechanical polishing method in lab-scale research. After removing the primitive passivation layer, the fresh Zn anode can survive at a high current density of 40 mA cm−2 over 6000 times. Moreover, the electropolished Zn gains more consistent and reliable electrochemical behaviors which contributes to study the mechanism of Zn electrodeposition and clarify the effectiveness of protective strategies in the follow research.

Effect of the supergravity on the formation and cycle life of non-aqueous lithium metal batteries

Extra-terrestrial explorations require electrochemical energy storage devices able to operate in gravity conditions different from those of planet earth. In this context, lithium (Li)-based batteries have not been fully investigated, especially cell formation and cycling performances under supergravity (i.e., gravity > 9.8 m s−2) conditions. To shed some light on these aspects, here, we investigate the behavior of non-aqueous Li metal cells under supergravity conditions. The physicochemical and electrochemical characterizations reveal that, distinctly from earth gravity conditions, smooth and dense Li metal depositions are obtained under supergravity during Li metal deposition on a Cu substrate. Moreover, supergravity allows the formation of an inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) due to the strong interactions between Li+ and salt anions, which promote significant decomposition of the anions on the negative electrode surface. Tests in full Li metal pouch cell configuration (using LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2-based positive electrode and LiFSI-based electrolyte solution) also demonstrate the favorable effect of the supergravity in terms of deposition morphology and SEI composition and ability to carry out 200 cycles at 2 C (400 mA g−1) rate with a capacity retention of 96%.

Fast Charging Limits of Ideally Stable Metal Anodes in Liquid Electrolytes

AbstractNext‐generation high‐energy‐density batteries require ideally stable metal anodes, for which smooth metal deposits during battery recharging are considered a sign of interfacial stability that can ensure high efficiency and long cycle life. With the recent successes, whether the absolute morphological stability guarantees absolute electrochemical stability and safety has emerged as a critical question to be investigated in systematic experiments under practical conditions. Here, the ideally stable ingot‐type sodium metal anode is used as a model system to identify the fast‐charging limits, that is, highest safe current density, of metal anodes. The results show that metal penetration can still occur at relatively low current densities, but the overpotentials at the penetration depend on the pore sizes of the separators and surprisingly follow a simple mathematical model developed as the Young–Laplace overpotential. This study suggests that the success of stable metal batteries with even the ideally smooth metal anode requires the holistic design of the electrolyte, separator, and metal anodes to ensure penetration‐free operation.

Wear-Model-Based Analysis of the State of Blast Furnace Hearth

The condition and state of the hearth of the blast furnace is of considerable importance since the life length of the refractories governs the campaign length of the furnace, but it is also of significance as it affects the drainage of iron and slag and the hot metal temperature and composition. The paper analyses the hearth of a blast furnace using a model of the lining wear based on the solution of an inverse heat conduction problem, studying the changes in the lining state throughout the campaign. Different operation states are detected, characterized by smooth and efficient hot metal production and by erratic behavior with large disturbances in the hearth state. During the periods of poor performance, the hearth exhibits a cycling state with stages of excessive skull growth on the unworn refractory, followed by periods of dissolution of the skull and lining erosion. An explanation of the transitions is sought by a stating and solving a force balance for the deadman with the aim to clarify whether it is floating or sitting. A connection between the thermal cycles in the hearth and the hot metal sulfur content is finally demonstrated.