Relative Density Research Articles

Determination of processing quality of local potato germplasms for industrial use

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) of the family Solanaceae is ranked globally as the fourth most important crop after rice, maize, and wheat. More than 7,500 different varieties of potato are found around the globe. In Pakistan the total area under potatoes cultivation is 134300 ha with production of about 2.5 million tons/annum. The availability of fresh and nutritive potatoes for human utilization is very essential. The present study was conducted to screen thirty-six potato genotypes for processing quality characteristics including specific gravity, dry matter and ash contents to determine their suitability for industrial use in compliance with food safety standards. The purpose of this study was to identify the new and best processing varieties considered suitable for industrial use and to recommend such varieties to the farmers for further growth. Among the thirty-six potato genotypes, 393594-72 (1.080 g/cm3), Kuroda (1.083 g/cm3), Potato-III (1.085 g/cm3) and Romeo (1.095 g/cm3) has the highest specific gravity, whereas Sarpomira (20.13%), 393574-72 (20.21%), Kuroda (21.1%), Potato-III (21.25%), and Romeo (23.38%) was found superior for their dry matter. The maximum ash contents were recorded in Sturna (6.65%) followed by Zia-III (5.55%). Most of the potatoes cultivars at any location produced tubers with a dry matter content greater than 18.0% and a specific gravity of 1.070 g/cm3, which are within the acceptable range for processing. The study was helpful in evaluation of best potato genotypes for industrial purposes and their cultivation by the farmers.

Effects of pore water and pore air pressure on the slope failure mechanisms due to rainfall in centrifuge investigation

BackgroundThe slope failures triggered by heavy rainfall are challenging to predict. However, their severe impact and potential for extensive damage emphasize the urgent need for effective strategies to mitigate these risks. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pore water pressures (PWPs) and pore air pressures (PAPs) on slope failure during heavy rainfall under centrifuge condition. Three centrifuge rainfall model tests were conducted with varying rainfall intensities (I) and relative densities (Dr). In this experiment, the slope model was subjected to a centrifugal acceleration of 30 G.ResultsIn all cases, slope failures started at the slope toes when the PWPs became positive and phreatic surfaces appeared on the slope surface. In the Toyoura sand case, the PAPs increased slightly at the slope crest, hardly changed at the slope toe, and oscillated at the slope shoulder due to rainwater infiltration. The entire slope failure was observed in this case. In the Silica sand cases, only localized slope toe failures were observed. The PAPs slightly oscillated with small changes in the silica sand case with a relative density of Dr = 50%. However, in the case with a Dr = 25%, the PAPs at the slope toe significantly increased compared to the other parts, and the oscillations were comparatively large. After the first failure occurred at the slope toe in the silica sand case with a Dr = 25%, cracks and slip lines appeared at the slope crest.ConclusionsThe three cases illustrated the complex relationship between soil properties, rainfall intensity, and the dynamics of pore water and pore air pressure on slope stability during heavy rainfall. From the behaviour of PAPs and PWPs in all cases, it was found that the transition from air to water occurred smoothly, and the isolation of air was not observed even during heavy rainfall. Changes in PAPs were far smaller than those in PWPs, indicating a smaller impact on slope stability than PWPs.

Effect of Chemical Structure and Apparent Density of Rigid Polyurethane Foams on the Properties of Their Chemical Recycling Products

The aim of this work was to synthesize polyurethane foams based on petrochemical polyols and biopolyols with specific apparent densities (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 kg/m3), test their properties, glycolyze them, and finally analyze each glycolyzed product. The petroleum-based foams, used as reference foams, and the bio-based foams underwent a series of standard tests to define their properties (the content of closed cells 20–95%, compressive strength 73–1323 kPa, thermal conductivity 24–42 mW/m∙K, brittleness 4.6–82.9%, changes in linear dimensions < 1%, and water absorption < 1%). Taking into account the need for recycling, the foams were shredded and then glycolyzed by diethylene glycol, with the addition of a catalyst in the form of potassium hydroxide. The chemolysis products were analyzed through determination, i.e., the amine and the hydroxyl values, viscosity, and molecular weight. The obtained rebiopolyols had hydroxyl numbers ranging from 476 to 511 mg KOH/g. The type of biopolyol used in the PUR foam systems had a significant impact on the amine number and the viscosity of the obtained rebiopolyol.

Improving the Perception of Objects Under Daylight Foggy Conditions in the Surrounding Environment

Autonomous driving (AD) technology has seen significant advancements in recent years; however, challenges remain, particularly in achieving reliable performance under adverse weather conditions such as heavy fog. In response, we propose a multi-class fog density classification approach to enhance the AD system performance. By categorizing fog density into multiple levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and generating separate datasets for each class using the CARLA simulator, we improve the perception accuracy for each specific fog density level and analyze the effects of varying fog intensities. This targeted approach offers benefits such as improved object detection, specialized training for each fog class, and increased generalizability. Our results demonstrate enhanced perception of various objects, including cars, buses, trucks, vans, pedestrians, and traffic lights, across all fog densities. This multi-class fog density method is a promising advancement toward achieving reliable AD performance in challenging weather, improving both the precision and recall of object detection algorithms under diverse fog conditions.

Structural and Conductivity Study of Sr-doped LaGaO3

Nowadays, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are extensively investigated by the research community because it converts chemical energy into electrical energy with high efficiency and without the need for burning fuel. Therefore, this work investigates the influence of phase, microstructure and conductivity on the Sr-doped LaGaO3 system for SOFC applications. The Sr-doped LaGaO3 system is synthesized using a simple and effective solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are employed to investigate the crystal structure and morphology, respectively. The XRD results reveal single-phase formation in all the synthesized samples. Additionally, these samples have a relative density greater than 95%. The conductivities of LSG-0 (LaGaO3), LSG-5 (La0.95Sr0.05GaO2.975) and LSG-10 (La0.9Sr0.1GaO2.95) at 800°C are 0.015, 1.21 and 1.45 mS/cm, respectively. It is observed that the 10 mol% Sr-doped LaGaO3 exhibits the highest electrical conductivity among these samples.

Experimental Investigation of Embedment Depth Effects on the Rocking Behavior of Foundations

Shallow foundations supporting high-rise structures are often subjected to extreme lateral loading from wind and seismic activities. Nonlinear soil–foundation system behaviors, such as foundation uplift or bearing capacity mobilization (i.e., rocking behavior), can act as energy dissipation mechanisms, potentially reducing structural demands. However, such merits may be achieved at the expense of large residual deformations and settlements, which are influenced by various factors. One key factor which is highly influential on soil deformation mechanisms during rocking is the foundation embedment depth. This aspect of rocking foundations is investigated in this study under varying subgrade densities and initial vertical factors of safety (FSv), using the PIV technique and appropriate instrumentation. A series of reduced-scale slow cyclic tests were performed using a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structure model. This study first examines the deformation mechanisms of strip foundations with depth-to-width (D/B) ratios of 0, 0.25, and 1, and then explores the effects of embedment depth on the performance of square foundations, evaluating moment capacity, settlement, recentering capability, rotational stiffness, and damping characteristics. The results demonstrate that the predominant deformation mechanism of the soil mass transitions from a wedge mechanism in surface foundations to a scoop mechanism in embedded foundations. Increasing the embedment depth enhances recentering capabilities, reduces damping, decreases settlement, increases rotational stiffness, and improves the moment capacity of the foundations. This comprehensive exploration of foundation performance and soil deformation mechanisms, considering varying embedment depths, FSv values, and soil relative densities, offers insights for optimizing the performance of rocking foundations under lateral loading conditions.

Influence of varying volume energy densities on the magnetic properties of additively manufactured Ni50Fe50

AbstractThe state of the art of nickel iron alloys specifies that low porosity and large grain sizes are essential to reach sufficient soft magnetic properties, e.g. like low coercivity. Both porosity and grain size are influenced by the volume energy density (VED) used during additive manufacturing (AM) and are relatively independent of the part geometry. Additional factors like residual stresses, also affecting the magnetic properties, are not only influenced by the VED but also the part geometry and are distributed irregularly. Based on this, the geometry independent adjustment of residual stresses is only possible to a limited extent. Due to this, it is of high interest whether the sole consideration and adaption of grain size and porosity is sufficient to reach and assure soft magnetic properties for Ni50Fe50 in as-built condition. In this study, it is investigated whether soft magnetic properties can be achieved during AM of a Ni50Fe50 alloy using a standard laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) process by varying the used VED. The influence of increasing VEDs of up to 667 J/mm3 in the manufacturing process on grain size, porosity, saturation flux density and coercivity is analyzed. It could be shown that in a defined parameter field, the magnetic properties can be improved with increasing energy density, as larger grains are formed, while the relative density is not decisively reduced (minimal coercivity 184 A/m). However, it could also be shown that a standard PBF-LB process and the sole consideration of grain size and porosity is not applicable to reach soft magnetic properties (coercivity of < 100 A/m) in as-built condition and additional characteristics like residual stresses need to be taken into consideration in future works.

Estimating Tetrachloroethene Sorption Coefficients Based on Soil Properties in Organic-Poor Soils

In the context of contaminated site remediation, the fate of chlorinated solvents in the subsurface and subsequent groundwater contamination is influenced by soil properties governing sorption. The solid–water distribution coefficient (Kd) is a key parameter for modeling contaminant distribution and transport, essential for risk assessment and remediation planning. This study evaluated tetrachloroethene sorption isotherms in 34 low-organic-carbon soils from the Czech Republic, assessing the influence of soil properties on Kd. Soil samples exhibited variability in organic carbon content (˂0.05–0.81%), with clay ranging from 0% to 64.9%, silt 5.1% to 71.2%, and sand 5.2% to 88.9%, specific surface area (0.41–64.39 m2 g−1), particle density (2.05–4.09 g cm−3), and porosity (43.5–67.3%). Batch experiments were conducted using standard procedures, with Kd values ranging from 0.379 to 2.272 L kg−1. Statistical analysis grouped the soils into three textural classes: sandy, clayey fine, and silty loam. The findings reveal that organic carbon content and specific surface area are the primary predictors of Kd, while clay and sand also play a significant role in shaping sorption behavior. Multivariate regression models explained 63.6% to 98.5% of Kd variability with high accuracy, as indicated by low root means square error (0.070–0.329) and mean absolute percentage error (3.8–28.8%) values. These models offer reliable predictions of sorption behavior, providing valuable tools for risk assessment and remediation strategies.

Antifungal Activity of Newly Formed Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Modification by Zinc Oxide and Zinc Oxide–Silver Hybrid Nanoparticles

Incorporating nanoparticles into denture materials shows promise for the prevention of denture-associated fungal infections. This study investigates the antifungal properties of acrylic modified with microwave-sintered ZnO-Ag nanoparticles. ZnO-Ag nanoparticles (1% and 2.5% wt.) were synthesized via microwave solvothermal synthesis (MSS). Nanoparticles were characterized for phase purity, specific surface area (SSA), density, morphology, and elemental composition. ZnO and ZnO-Ag nanoparticles were added to acrylic material (PMMA) at concentrations of 1% and 2.5% and polymerized. Pure PMMA (control) and obtained PMMA-nanocomposites were cut into homogeneous 10 × 10 mm samples. Antifungal activity of nanoparticles and PMMA-nanocomposites against C. albicans was tested using minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, and biofilm formation was assessed using crystal violet staining followed by absorbance measurements. Laboratory tests confirmed phase purity and uniform, spherical particle distribution. MIC results show antifungal activity of 1% Ag nanoparticles and the PMMA-2.5% (ZnO-1% Ag) nanocomposite. PMMA-1% (ZnO-1% Ag) nanocomposite and 1% ZnO-Ag nanoparticles are efficient in preventing biofilm formation. However, ZnO nanoparticles showed antibiofilm activity, and the PMMA-ZnO nanocomposite does not protect against biofilm deposition. Incorporating hybrid ZnO-Ag nanoparticles into PMMA is a promising antibiofilm method, especially with ZnO-1% Ag nanoparticles.

Insights of Zinc Ion Storage in Chilli-Stem Derived Porous Carbon Enabling Ultrastability and High Energy Density of Zinc-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors.

Aqueous zinc ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZIHSCs) are promising as low-cost and safe energy storage devices for next-generation applications. Still, their energy-power performance and durability are far from satisfactory. Here, we present an energy-dense, and ultrastable ZIHSC realized using activated porous carbons derived from chilli-stems. KOH activation resulted in a high specific surface area of 1710 m2/g, abundant mesoporous structure, and oxygen functionalities, which helped the KOH-activated carbon (CSK) to yield an impressive specific capacity and energy density of 192 mA h/g and 172 W h/kg, respectively, and makes it the top-performing ZIHSC in recent times. ZIHSC's cycling performance is exceptional, retaining over 90% capacity even after 50,000 charge-discharge cycles. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal easy Zn ion diffusion through interconnected channels and subsequent pore fillings within the carbon electrodes, rendering impressive performance. Simulations further reveal important atomic interactions, demonstrating that higher currents drawn from the device cause partial filling of pores and blockages in the channels and result in a decrease in the device's specific capacity. Benefitted by CSK's impressive performance, the aqueous Zn@pCu//CSK full-cell device has demonstrated good energy-power densities (57.7 W h/kg and 4.5 k W/kg) and durability over tens of thousands of cycles, further substantiating ZIHSCs' application prospects in real life.

The Associations Between Individual Anthropometric Measurements and Fracture Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

The primary objective of this study was to investigate and substantiate the possible causal connections between measurements of body dimensions and the likelihood of experiencing fractures. We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine the associations between anthropometric measurements and two specific traits-bone mineral density and fracture risk. To ensure the credibility of our causal conclusions, we used the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method along with various sensitivity analyses. Our findings suggest a notable link between increased height and the likelihood of fractures. Specifically, employing the IVW method revealed that for every 10-cm increase in height, there was a 6.0% rise in fracture risk (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.06-1.13; P=.0001). This outcome was further supported by both the weighted-median method and the MR-Egger method, with an OR of 1.10 (95% CI, 1.03-1.16; P=.0003) and an OR of 1.11 (95% CI, 1.08-1.17; P=.0020), respectively. No statistically significant associations were observed between other measurements, such as body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI, hip circumference adjusted for BMI, and waist circumference adjusted for BMI, and fracture risk. Sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger regression's intercept test and multivariate testing, indicated no substantial presence of directional pleiotropy in instrumental variables, ensuring the stability and reliability of our analysis results. Our study used MR to present genetic evidence supporting height as a distinct causal factor in fracture susceptibility. Our findings underscore the importance of incorporating anthropometric measurements into the development of strategies for preventing and treating osteoporosis. [Orthopedics. 202x;4x(x):xx-xx.].

RENAL FUNCTION PARAMETERS OF HEALTHY CAPTIVE AND SEMICAPTIVE AMAZONIAN MANATEES (TRICHECHUS INUNGUIS).

Evaluating renal function is essential for managing captive wild animals, particularly threatened species like the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) in rehabilitation and prerelease programs. A series of urine diagnostic tests, such as gross appearance, semiquantitative chemical analyses, microscopic review of sediments, and quantitative analyses of urea and creatinine, were performed in 57 free-catch urine samples. On the same occasion, 52 serum samples from the same individuals were analyzed for creatine kinase activity, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations; serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) was measured for the first time in the species. Females had higher urine creatinine concentration (21.7 ± 11.8 mg/dl) and specific gravity (1.003 ± 0.003 mg/dl) than males (11.9 ± 8.5 mg/dl and 1.001 ± 0.002 mg/dl) (P < 0.01 for both). Males presented higher urine creatinine:urea ratio than females (24.8 ± 29.2 and 20.5 ± 29.2, respectively) (P < 0.05). Urine pH was lower in manatees from the semicaptive area (7.8 ± 0.6) than in manatees under human care (8.5 ± 0.6) (P = 0.02) using the benchtop pH meter but showed no difference between areas in the dipstick reaction (P = 0.71), given its lower sensitivity and narrower range detection. Furthermore, 18 and 75% of urine samples were positive for the presence of blood and/or nitrite, respectively, in the dipstick reaction, possibly because of sample contamination. Significant correlation was observed between serum blood urea nitrogen and urine urea concentrations (P = 0.02), and between serum and urine creatinine concentrations (P = 0.01). Serum SDMA did not differ between sex or between captive and semicaptive individuals. However, it positively correlated with urine (P = 0.02) and serum creatinine (P = 0.01) demonstrating its potential as a bioindicator of kidney function. The renal function of Amazonian manatees can be effectively assessed by urinalysis, especially when combined with serum biochemistry.

Properties of Artificial Lightweight Aggregates from Various Pozzolan Materials – A Review

The use of lightweight aggregate can bring advantages to the construction field. Lightweight aggregate has been used due to its lower density and can reduce the dead load applied to the structural elements. Due to the number of natural resources, such as natural aggregate having decreased, producing lightweight aggregate from industrial waste materials can overcome the problem. Different methods produce lightweight aggregates, such as sintering, cold bonding, and autoclaving. From earlier studies, spherical sintered lightweight aggregate can manufacture structural concrete. Using artificial lightweight aggregate in concrete can achieve the minimum strength requirement of structural concrete and has been applied in the construction field. The properties of lightweight aggregate, such as specific gravity, water absorption, crushing strength, and impact value, are reviewed. Besides that, the mechanical and thermal properties review is also important for using lightweight aggregate in concrete. The review also indicates that aggregate produced using the cold bonding method and autoclaving method potential can be used in the concrete.

Effects of Fine Particle Size on the Characteristics of Coal Bottom Ash as an Environmentally Friendly Material in Concrete Production

In the current era, concern about the responsible disposal of industrial waste and its reuse has increased in all societies from the industry. Therefore, the researchers’ institution is focusing its efforts on developing more environmentally friendly products from recycled waste, particularly in the area of sustainable construction. For instance, one of recycled waste is Coal Bottom Ash (CBA), a by-product of coal combustion that is produced in large quantities from thermal power plants. The aims of this study to investigate the physical, chemical and element characteristics of CBA obtained from thermal power plant in Malaysia. Also, CBA compared with cement characteristics to be used as cement replacement in the concrete mixture. Therefore, numerous tests have been performed to investigate CBA’s physical and chemical characteristics. For physical properties such as specific gravity, particle size analysis, fineness modulus, bulk density and loss on ignition. For chemical properties such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in an effort to obtain sustainable materials from thermal power plant waste. Based on the findings in this study, it can be concluded that CBA can be utilized as cement substitute in the production of concrete mixtures.

Effects of (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-10Co cemented carbides

The WC-10Co cemented carbides containing (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C high-entropy carbide with satisfactory comprehensive mechanical properties were successfully manufactured by conventional vacuum sintering. The influences of (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C contents (0, 0.5, 1, 5, 10 wt.%) on the densification degree, microstructure, grain size and mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed that the addition of (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C deteriorated the wettability between Co and WC, leading to a decline in relative density. (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C inhibited the growth of WC grains, and the average grain size of WC continued to decrease with the increase of (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C content. After adding (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C, the hardness and toughness rose first and then descended. When the content of (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C was 1 wt.%, the hardness and toughness reached the maximum value of 16.77 GPa and 10.45 MPa·m1/2, respectively. Moreover, the structure was a dual-grain structure, with many high-aspect-ratio rectangular grains in the sintered samples added by 0.5 wt.% and 1 wt.% (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C. This special structure not only enhanced the hardness, but also compensated the loss of toughness. After doping 0.5 wt.% CeO2, the hardness decreased slightly, while the toughness increased to 12.42%.

Asymmetrical Damage of the Wrist Joint Induces Lateralized Cortical Bone Loss in the Metacarpal Diaphysis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background/Objectives: Osteoporosis is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), occurring either systemically or locally around inflamed joints. Decreased metacarpal bone density is a known marker of RA progression and hand function impairment. Although RA is generally characterized by symmetrical arthritis, some patients exhibit asymmetrical joint involvement. This study investigates the frequency of unilateral metacarpal bone density reduction in RA patients and aims to identify associated factors. Methods: This study included 143 RA patients (107 females, mean age 62.4 yrs., mean disease duration 11.1 yrs.). Bilateral hand X-rays were used to measure the cortical thickness rate (CTR) of the 2nd to 4th metacarpals. Unilateral bone density reduction was defined as a thin-to-thick-side CTR ratio (CTRR) &lt; 0.8. Associations between CTR reduction and unilateral wrist joint damage (WJD) were analyzed. Results: Unilateral CTR reduction (CTRR &lt; 0.8) was observed in 16.8% of patients, significantly associated with unilateral WJD. Among patients with unilateral WJD, 50.0% showed CTRR lateral (+) compared to 10.1% without unilateral WJD (p &lt; 0.01). ANCOVA revealed significant effects of WJD laterality on CTRR, with an interaction effect showing greater CTRR laterality when thin-side WJD was present without thick-side WJD. Post-biologic treatment, CTR values decreased in both hands, indicating no improvement in bone density reduction. Conclusions: Approximately 17% of RA patients exhibited unilateral relative metacarpal bone density reduction, closely associated with unilateral WJD. This first detailed report on bone density laterality in RA underscores the need for early intervention and rehabilitation strategies in RA patients with hand involvement.

Limitations of Drawdown Doline Development on Mountainous Glaciokarst

In this study, we look for a relationship between the lack of drawdown dolines and the karren formation taking place on the bare surfaces of glaciokarsts. Along the profiles, the specific width and density of the most common karren such as rinnenkarren, grikes, and pits were studied, while in three mapped areas, the depth and depth change in rinnenkarren were investigated in various environments. Mainly, carbonate dissolution of a low degree takes place at atmospheric CO2. Therefore, in the case of carbonate dissolution taking place on the bare surfaces of glaciokarsts, the chance of cavity formation in the epikarst is analysed at karren of percolation origin (grike, pit) and at karren of flow origin (rinnenkarren). Vertical infiltration and local cavity formation are only possible at pits (the CO2 quantity increases due to the soil effect in them). Therefore, below the bare surfaces of glaciokarsts, as a result of low dissolution capacity and infiltration of low degree, there is no cavity formation, or it is weakly developed. The piezometric surface is absent or it is local, its surface is not deflected. Drainage is not heterogeneous, but it is local, which does not favour drawdown doline development since drawdown dolines develop in the case of epikarst with well-developed, heterogeneous cavitation and deflected piezometric surface.

Study on the mechanical and low‐temperature degradation properties of 3Y‐TZP doped with nano‐MgO by microwave sintering

AbstractThe effects of nano‐MgO content on the microstructure, phase composition, mechanical properties of 3 mol% yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramics were studied by microwave sintering at 1300°C–1500°C for 15–120 min. The low‐temperature degradation resistance of the samples was evaluated by hydrothermal experiments. Samples direct microwave sintered at 1500°C for 1 h attained a relative density between 95.5% and 98.2%, with an average grain size of 0.32–0.48 µm, the phase composition was identified as tetragonal ZrO2, with a bending strength of up to 822.07 MPa and a microhardness of 1784.22 HV, with the average friction coefficient ranging from 0.132 to 0.432. Hybrid microwave sintering at 1500°C with 0.8 wt% MgO attained a relative density (94.1–95.4%) and grain size (0.25–0.29 µm) with holding time increases from 15 to 45 min. After hydrothermal treatment at 134°C/0.2 MPa for 60 h, the monoclinic phase content of the samples by direct microwave sintering held at 1500°C for 1 h decreased from 41.43 vol% to 17.85 vol% with the increase in the content of nano‐MgO, indicating that microwave sintering combined with nano‐MgO significantly inhibits the low‐temperature degradation of zirconia composite ceramics.

Fabrication of Black Silicon Antireflection Coatings to Enhance Light Harvesting in Photovoltaics

Black silicon has attracted significant interest for various engineering applications, including solar cells, due to its ability to create highly absorbent surfaces or interfaces for light. It enhances light absorption in crystalline solar cells, improving the efficiency of converting incident light into electricity for photovoltaic applications. This research focused on fabricating nanostructures that played a critical role in enhancing light absorption in the upper layers of solar cells. These nanostructures were created using the black silicon method, forming a layer known as “black silicon”. The coating not only improved the efficiency of crystalline solar cells but also enhanced their stability. The antireflection coating, composed of nanostructures with various shapes, including conical, pillar-like, and spike-like forms, achieved a reflectivity as low as 10% in the spectral range of 400–700 nm. This corresponded to a sample with α = 0.85 and a chuck bias of 4 W. An Inductively Coupled Plasma Reactive Ion Etching (ICP RIE) machine was employed to develop and control the specific shape, size, and density of the fabricated black silicon, which was then subjected to testing. The efficiency of the black silicon photovoltaic cell was 23.3%.

In-plane impact characteristics of missing rib type anti-tri-chiral honeycomb

Previous studies have demonstrated that antichiral honeycomb materials exhibit superior mechanical properties and energy-absorbing characteristics compared to conventional hexagonal honeycomb materials. To further explore the impact resistance of antichiral honeycomb and enhance its energy-absorbing capacity, this paper introduces a novel missing rib type anti-tri-chiral honeycomb (MATCH). Derived from the original anti-tri-chiral honeycomb (ATCH), the MATCH design replaces the V-element cell wall with a circular cell wall. This paper conducts quasi-static compression experiments on 3D-printed MATCH specimens, employing a method that integrates experimental data and numerical simulation. The validity of the MATCH model is confirmed using the ABAQUS simulation software. The deformation modes of MATCH and ATCH are analyzed. Subsequently, through parametric analysis, it is observed that when φ =110° and the ligament-to-truss ratio L/r = 2, MATCH increases the plateau stress and specific energy absorption (SEA) by 162.96% and 176.09%, respectively, compared to ATCH, with a mere 7.8% relative density error. This study serves as a reference for improving energy absorption and optimizing the design of structures using future antichiral honeycomb materials.