Synthesis Of Composite Materials Research Articles

Synergetic effect of Hexaferrite and reduced Graphene oxide (rGO) in Photothermal therapy and Hyperthermia applications

This research article describes the synthesis of composite materials by combining T-type hexagonal ferrite and reduced Graphene Oxide using the standard ceramic process. The Calcium-based T-type hexagonal ferrite was synthesized by using the sol-gel auto-combustion method whiles the reduced graphene oxide by adopting the Hummer method. The crystallite size varied in the range of 34.11 to 42.07nm as calculated from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. Consequently, the lattice parameters 'a' and 'c' decreased from 5.9 to 5.1Å and from 29.92 to 28.32Å, respectively. The use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed a range of particle sizes at the surface, varying from 1.70nm to 3.85nm. Moreover, the saturation and remanence magnetization values demonstrated an increasing trend with T-type hexaferrites concentration whereas the coercivity decreased. The UV-vis near-infrared spectra exhibited substantial light absorption, characterized by a wide absorption range in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) region (700 to 1100nm) which indicates its use in Photothermal therapy (PTT). The Calcium T- type hexaferrite exhibited clear peaks in the blue, green, violet, and yellow spectra in its photoluminescence (PL) properties. These peaks are believed to be caused by oxygen vacancies and defects. The synthesized samples displayed a lossy behavior in the polarization-electric field (P-E) loop, with saturation polarization levels exceeding remnant polarization, which is an amenable condition for lossy behavior. Most importantly, the synthesized materials had significant thermal responses when exposed to an alternation (AC) magnetic field, indicating their potential use in magnetic hyperthermia applications.

3DP for sustainable built environment – Synthesis and thermomechanical characterization of composite materials based on local soil and date palm fiber waste

There is an increasing demand for sustainable construction materials to address the challenges posed by the environmental impact of the built environment (BE), which is driven by climate change, population growth, and urbanization. Conventional construction materials like cement contribute significantly to carbon emissions during production, transport, use, and disposal phases, and their poor thermal conductivity hinders efforts to maintain comfortable indoor environments. To address these challenges, there is an urgent need for innovative, locally sourced thermal insulation materials specifically designed for regions with extreme climates and high energy demands to maintain building comfort. This research explores synthesizing novel, environmentally friendly building materials using locally sourced date palm fiber waste and clay. The study also investigates the developed material's 3D printing (3DP) capabilities and optimizes its printing parameters with lab-scale prototypes. Additionally, thermo-mechanical characterization is conducted to assess its suitability for built environment applications. Different concentrations, from 1 to 5 wt% of date palm fiber to clay ratio (Dpf/C), were studied regarding microstructural, thermal, and mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, and feasibility for 3DP of BE structures. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in thermal conductivity by 73%, achieving 0.244 W/mK, and an increase in compressive strength by 106%, reaching 10.9 MPa at 5 wt% Dpf/C. The promising thermomechanical properties of these composites and their suitability for 3DP support their use in real-world applications in the future's sustainable built environment. This scalable methodology can be adapted to regions with similar sustainable local and waste resources, advancing the circular economy.

Grafting of Lactic Acid and ε-Caprolactone onto Alpha-Cellulose and Sugarcane Bagasse Cellulose: Evaluation of Mechanical Properties in Polylactic Acid Composites.

In this paper, we present the synthesis of composite materials comprised of α-cellulose and sugarcane bagasse cellulose fibers grafted with lactic acid and ε-caprolactone. These fibers were incorporated as reinforcements into a PLA matrix by extrusion, producing composite materials with improved mechanical properties. The grafting of lactic acid and ε-caprolactone onto the fibers was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, demonstrating the chemical modification of the fibers. The morphology of the fibers and composites was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showing that the fibers are encapsulated within the polymeric matrix. This suggests good PLA-fiber interaction for the 90 PLA/10 α-Cel, 90 PLA/10 LAC-g-α-Cel, and 90 PLA/10 ε-CL-g-α-Cel composite materials. The obtained composite materials were tested under tensile loading. Incorporating 10 wt% of LAC-g-FBA-Cel and α-Cel-g-FBA-Cel grafted fibers into the PLA matrix improved the tensile modulus by 28% and 12%, respectively, compared with PLA. The maximum tensile strength values obtained were for composite materials with 10 wt% PLA/α-Cel, LAC-g-α-Cel, and FBA-Cel with 23, 27, and 37% concerning PLA. DSC thermal studies showed a reduction in the glass transition temperature in the composites with grafted fibers. The results suggest better interfacial adhesion between the PLA matrix and both grafted and non-grafted α-cellulose fibers, which contributes to the observed improvements in the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite materials. The results demonstrate that the composites can be produced through extrusion. Once the optimal concentration has been determined, α-cellulose or sugarcane bagasse grafted with lactic acid and ε-caprolactone can be incorporated into the PLA matrix, exhibiting adjustable properties.

Recent developments in the synthesis of composite materials for aerospace: case study

Recent developments in the synthesis of composite materials for aerospace: case study

Problems and solutions to protection of carbon-graphite electrodes

This paper presents literature review of the existing problems and solutions in protecting carbongraphite electrodes from the destructive environment of arc steel-making furnaces, magnesium and aluminum cells. The most significant publications on the corrosion resistance of cathodes and anodes in relation to physical, chemical, and electrochemical wear, to oxidizing environments, to active components of the introduction and destruction of the carbon structure are discussed. An analysis of various proposals and engineering solutions for reducing or eliminating the impact of aggressive environments on electrodes under specific operating conditions of metallurgical units is carried out. It was established that losses from lateral oxidation of the electrode surface of arc steel-making furnaces, when passing the temperature zone of 600–800°C, may reach 40–60% of the total consumption. Carbon-graphite products are subject to a significant destructive effect of the specific interaction of carbon with elements and compounds of the working environment, which can be introduced (intercalate) into the interlayer structure of carbon. The existing engineering and technological solutions mainly apply to the protection of the product surface; moreover, they perform their functions for a short time, rather than during the entire service life of the metallurgical unit. In this connection, it is proposed to focus on ensuring volumetric protection of electrodes from the effects of an aggressive environment. Intermediate results obtained in the field of synthesis of carbonbased composite materials adapted to the conditions of electrode production at existing enterprises are presented, along with the results of studies into the oxidizability of these composites. The existing and proposed engineering solutions for protecting the surface of carbon products have not received wide recognition or are not used in the metallurgical industry. Among the most probable reasons are the limited period of electrode surface protection, the complexity of reproduction, or the lack of profitability due to the high cost of protective components. In this regard, synthesis of C – TiC/TiB2 composite electrodes based on petroleum coke and graphite seems to be a promising research direction.

Synthesis of novel composite material with spent coffee ground biochar and steel slag zeolite for enhanced dye and phosphate removal.

Rising concerns over water scarcity, driven by industrialization and urbanization, necessitate the need for innovative solutions for wastewater treatment. This study focuses on developing an eco-friendly and cost-effective biochar-zeolite composite (BZC) adsorbent using waste materials-spent coffee ground biochar (CGB) and steel slag zeolite (SSZ). Initially, the biochar was prepared from spent coffee ground, and zeolite was prepared from steel slag; their co-pyrolysis resulted in novel adsorbent material. Later, the physicochemical characteristics of the BZC were examined, which showed irregular structure and well-defined pores. Dye removal studies were conducted, which indicate that BZC adsorption reach equilibrium in 2h, exhibiting 95% removal efficiency compared to biochar (43.33%) and zeolite (74.58%). Moreover, the removal efficiencies of the novel BZC composite toward dyes methyl orange (MO) and crystal violet (CV) were found to be 97% and 99.53%, respectively. The kinetic studies performed with the dyes and phosphate with an adsorbent dosage of 0.5g L-1 suggest a pseudo-second-order model. Additionally, the reusability study of BZC proves to be effective through multiple adsorption and regeneration cycles. Initially, the phosphate removal remains high but eventually decreases from 92% to 70% in the third regeneration cycle, highlighting the robustness of the BZC. In conclusion, this study introduces a promising, cost-effective novel BZC adsorbent derived from waste materials as a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment. Emphasizing efficiency, reusability, and potential contributions to environmentally conscious water treatment, the findings highlight the composite's significance in addressing key challenges for the removal of toxic pollutants from the aqueous solutions. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A novel biochar-zeolite composite (BZC) material has been synthesized. Excellent removal of dyes by BZC (~95%) was achieved as compared to their counterparts The kinetic studies performed suggest a pseudo-second-order model. BZC proves to be highly effective for multiple adsorption studies. Excellent reusability showed potential as a robust adsorbent.

Synthesis and electrochemical potentials of composite materials based on CrxV2−xO/S–g–C3N4 for supercapacitor electrodes

Synthesis and electrochemical potentials of composite materials based on CrxV2−xO/S–g–C3N4 for supercapacitor electrodes

Synthesis of In-Modified TiO2 Composite Materials from Waste Tobacco Stem Silk and Study of Their Catalytic Performance under Visible Light

Synthesis of In-Modified TiO2 Composite Materials from Waste Tobacco Stem Silk and Study of Their Catalytic Performance under Visible Light

Creation of spin switching in graphene oxide-based hybrid film materials with an anionic Fe(III) 5Cl-salicyaldehyde-thiosemicarbazone complex.

The present article describes the synthesis of hybrid composite film materials formed during the self-assembly process through non-covalent interactions of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets with salt 1, represented by an anionic spin-crossover complex [FeIII(5Cl-thsa)2]- (5Cl-thsa - 5-chlorosalicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone) and the organic tetraethylammonium cation [Et4N]+. The insertion of the salt 1 molecules into the interlayer space of GO nanosheets with the subsequent formation of a hybrid material GO-1 was observed. The film of the hybrid material GO-1 was characterized by scanning electron and confocal laser microscopy, EDX and XPS analysis, IR, Raman and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, dc magnetic measurements, and powder X-ray diffraction. Comparison of the magnetic properties of salt 1 and a film of the hybrid material GO-1 demonstrated a significant influence of the GO nanosheets matrix on the completeness of spin transition and showed a slight shift of the hysteresis loop by 1 K in the temperature range of 200-230 K. DFT calculations showed an important role of the organic cation [Et4N]+ in the process of adsorption of the spin-crossover anion [FeIII(5Cl-thsa)2]- on the GO nanosheet surface.

Transformation of Cu2O into Metallic Copper within Matrix of Carboxylic Cation Exchangers: Synthesis and Thermogravimetric Studies of Novel Composite Materials.

In order to systematize and expand knowledge about copper-containing composite materials as hybrid ion exchangers, in this study, fine metallic copper particles were dispersed within the matrix of a carboxyl cation exchanger (CCE) with a macroporous and gel-type structure thanks to the reduction of Cu2O particles precipitated within the matrix earlier. It was possible to introduce as much as 22.0 wt% Cu0 into a gel-type polymeric carrier (G/H#Cu) when an ascorbic acid solution was used to act as a reducer of Cu2O and a reagent transforming the functional groups from Na+ into the H+ form. The extremely high shrinkage of the porous skeleton containing -COOH groups (in a wet and also dry state) and its limited affinity for water protected the copper from oxidation without the use of special conditions. When macroporous CCE was used as a host material, the composite material (M/H#Cu) contained 18.5 wt% Cu, and copper particles were identified inside the resin beads, but not on their surface where Cu2+ ions appeared during drying. Thermal analysis in an air atmosphere and under N2 showed that dispersing metallic copper within the resin matrix accelerated its decomposition in both media, whereby M/H#Cu decomposed faster than G/H#Cu. It was found that G/H#Cu contained 6.0% bounded water, less than M/H#Cu (7.5%), and that the solid residue after combustion of G/H#Cu and M/H#Cu was CuO (26.28% and 22.80%), while after pyrolysis the solid residue (39.35% and 26.23%) was a mixture of carbon (50%) and metallic copper (50%). The presented composite materials thanks to the antimicrobial, catalytic, reducing, deoxygenating and hydrophobic properties of metallic copper can be used for point-of-use and column water/wastewater treatment systems.

Synergistic enhancement of metal–organic framework-derived hierarchical porous materials towards photothermal conversion and storage properties of phase change materials

The design and synthesis of composite phase change materials that integrate photothermal conversion and latent heat storage have guiding significance for the efficient development and utilisation of solar energy. In this study, taking into consideration the advantages of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with adjustable structure and properties, HKUST-1-derived CuO/hierarchical porous carbon materials were employed and integrated with palmitic acid (PA) to synthesise composite phase change materials that exhibit exceptional comprehensive properties. The effects of different carbonation temperatures on HKUST-1-derived CuO/hierarchical porous carbon were analysed through a series of characterisations. The hierarchical porous structure in the blended system offers abundant pore structure and high specific surface area to prevent leakage of phase change materials. Composite phase change materials can maintain good shape stability and excellent thermal energy storage capacity. The thermal storage efficiency and photothermal conversion efficiency are 98.28% and 81.83%, respectively. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity of the composite phase change material is 3.65 times that of pure PA. In conclusion, the MOFs derivative-based composite phase change materials designed in this study exhibited potential for thermal energy storage and can be applied to the field of solar energy conversion and storage systems.

The synthesis of multi-level porous MOF composite materials with different MOF contents

To address the inherent limitations of current MOF synthesis, where pore size is restricted to micropores or small mesopores, we successfully synthesized MOF composite materials with well-developed porous structures using a self-template approach. These pores encompass not only the intrinsic micropores or small mesopores of MOFs but also the template-induced large pores. During the experimental process, we achieved the synthesis of composite materials with varying MOF contents by modifying experimental conditions. Through this design, we not only achieved selective adsorption of guest molecules but also significantly increased the porosity, thereby enhancing the mass transfer efficiency of guest molecules and the utilization rate of materials. This research breakthrough offers new insights and solutions for addressing critical issues in fields such as gas separation, energy storage, and catalysis.

Characterization and Mechanism Elucidation of Nano-TiO2 Composites Prepared by Gaseous Detonation Method.

In this study, a series of nano-TiO2 composite materials, including nano-TiO2, nano-SnO2/TiO2, nano-SiO2/TiO2, and nano-Fe2O3/TiO2, were successfully synthesized via the gaseous detonation method. Comprehensive characterization of the synthesized samples was carried out through X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy/high-resolution TEM (TEM/HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, which unveiled the significant influence of precursor types on the microstructure of the composite materials. Specifically, the incorporation of Sn4+ promoted the transformation of TiO2 to the rutile phase, reducing particle sizes from 25 to 19 nm and increasing the specific surface area from 44 to 86 m2/g. In contrast, the introduction of SiO2 impeded the rutile phase formation, leading to a marked reduction in particle size to 14 nm and an enhancement of the specific surface area to 104 m2/g. Furthermore, the presence of Fe3+ promoted the formation of the rutile phase and enabled particle growth to 44 nm. These findings not only deepen the understanding of structural control in the synthesis of nano-TiO2 composite materials via the gaseous detonation method but also highlight the critical role of precursor selection in determining the properties of the resulting materials.

Self-Propagating High Temperature Synthesis of Composite Material Based on Zirconium and Chromum Oxide

Ceramic composite materials based on stabilized zirconium oxide were obtained by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis. Yttrium oxide was used as a stabilizing additive. The work studied the effect of the content of yttrium oxide additive on the temperature and combustion rate of the materials studied. Also, based on the results of X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy, the effect of yttrium oxide on the phase composition and microstructure of the synthesized materials was studied.

Efficient hydrogen absorption and dehydrogenation of synergistically catalyzed Mg10Fe by MoS2 and Y2O3 via one-step synthesis and multistage regulation

To effectively deal with the long preparation period and low hydrogen absorption capacity issue of Mg-based hydrogen storage materials. One-step multistage control strategy and high-pressure hydrogenation have been employed to prepare Mg10Fe-M (M = MoS2 or Y2O3 or both) composites. The phase composition, microstructure, morphology, non-isothermal dehydrogenation thermodynamics and isothermal dehydrogenation kinetics at different milling time (2, 4, 8 h) were explored, and the catalytic hydrogen absorption and discharge mechanism of Mg10Fe–MoS2–Y2O3 was proposed. The addition of MoS2 nanoflowers and Y2O3 powder can synergistically regulate and improve the hydrogenation capacity and dehydrogenation temperature of Mg10Fe. The hydrogen absorption and dehydrogenation of Mg10Fe–MoS2–Y2O3 in short time milling for 2 h are 3.64 wt% and 3.27 wt% respectively. After extending the milling time to 8 h, the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of Mg10Fe-M (M = MoS2 or Y2O3 or both) is greatly improved. Kinetically, the hydrogenation or dehydrogenation capacity increases significantly, Mg10Fe–MoS2 doesn't need activation, and the hydrogenation capacity reaches 5.42 wt% at 623 K, with a yield of about 85.9 % in 60 min. Thermodynamically, the initial dehydrogenation peak temperature drops to about 310 °C, and the apparent activation energy also decreases significantly, among which Mg10Fe–MoS2–Y2O3 was 91.87 kJ/mol. These are attributed to the fact that MoS2 nanoflowers provide many active sites for H2 adsorption and H atom dissociation. Synchro-efficient synthesis and regulation of Mg-rich composite hydrogen storage materials are expected to shorten the synthesis cycle, improve the hydrogen storage performance, and lay a material foundation for the design and development of solid hydrogen storage devices.

The Three-Dimensional Hierarchical Structure of Bi x -Sn1-x O2 Used for Ultrasensitive Detection of Butanone under UV Irradiation.

Recent studies have identified butanone as a promising biomarker in the breath of lung cancer patients, yet the understanding of its gas-sensing properties remains limited. A key challenge has been to enhance the gas-sensing performance of materials toward butanone, particularly under ultraviolet light exposure. Herein, we report the synthesis of a novel three-dimensional composite material composed of SnO2 incorporated with Bi2O3 using facile hydrothermal and impregnation precipitation methods. Detailed physical and chemical characterizations were performed to assess the properties of the developed material. Upon activation with ultraviolet light, our composite exhibited exceptionally high sensitivity to butanone. Remarkably, the butanone response was nearly 3 times greater for the Bi2O3-loaded SnO2 composite than for pristine SnO2, achieving a response value of 70. This substantial improvement is due to the synergistic effect of the material's distinctive three-dimensional architecture and the presence of Bi2O3, which significantly augmented the gas-sensing capability of butanone. To elucidate the underlying gas-sensing mechanism, we conducted first-principles calculations using density functional theory (DFT). The computational analysis revealed that the Bi2O3-containing system possesses superior adsorption energy for butanone. Ultimately, our findings suggest that the Bi-SnO2 composite holds great promise as an optimal sensing material for the detection of butanone under ultraviolet illumination.

Synthesis of MnO-LiF composite cathode material using NH4F as a fluorine source

Synthesis of MnO-LiF composite cathode material using NH4F as a fluorine source

Synergistic advancements in nanocomposite design: Harnessing the potential of mixed metal oxide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for multifunctional applications

Reduced graphene oxide-based nanocomposites find applications in designing and fabrication of smart materials due to their unique optical, electrical, mechanical, sensing, photochemical, and energy-storing capacities. This comprehensive review article explores different synthetic pathways employed in fabricating reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/metal oxides based nanocomposites (NCs) with improved properties for multifaceted applications. The different applications of the mixed metal oxide/rGO NCs were explored in gas sensing, photocatalysis, energy storage, and biomedical applications. Through comparative assessments, this review focuses on the change in optical, physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, photocatalytic, sensing, charge storing, and antibacterial properties as we move from mixed metal nanoparticles and pure rGO to NCs. This review article opens the door for the design and synthesis of rGO-based multifunctional composite materials by providing insightful information about the development and design of mixed metal oxide/rGO NCs. The findings presented herein hold the potential to revolutionize future endeavors in energy storage, sensing, photocatalysis, adsorption, catalytic processes, purification, separation, protective coatings, and beyond.

Solvent-free synthesis of composite magnetic CoO@ZIF-67 for efficient and practical use

The facile synthesis of composite material, combining magnetic CoO with ZIF-67 (CoO@ZIF-67), has been successfully developed. This innovative approach involves the growth of a crystalline (ZIF-67) derived from stable and abundant CoO, resulting in the formation of the composite magnetic CoO@ZIF-67. The synthesis method, based on a solid-state thermal approach (SST), is straightforward and efficient, conducted in a single step and under solvent-free conditions, leading to the homogeneously composite formation of CoO@ZIF-67. Importantly, the composite magnetic CoO@ZIF-67 material has demonstrated remarkable catalytic performance as a heterogeneous catalyst in various reactions while requiring a lower catalyst loading under comparable conditions to those needed for pure ZIF-67. A significant advantage of this newly developed composite catalyst, CoO@ZIF-67, is its ease of separation and recyclability. The recovery catalyst can be achieved through the use of an external magnet, making it a standout feature of the green and environmentally friendly synthetic procedure used in its production.

ON THE QUESTION OF THE COEXISTENCE OF NICKEL AND COBALT SPINEL

For the development of composite materials based on alumina and high-alumina cements using resource-saving technology when replacing the original raw materials with substandard raw materials and chemical wastes, there is a need for a physical and chemical substantiation of the coexistence of newly formed phases in the composition of the binder, which necessitated the study of the subsolidus structure of the system. The paper presents the results of calculations characterising the elements of the subsolidus structure of the CoO - NiO - Al2O3 system. The results of the study revealed the predominance of solid-phase exchange reactions and determined the structure of the CoO - NiO - Al2O3 system in the subsolidus region. It was found that the sub-solidus structure of the system is simple and consists of three elementary triangles. The analysis of the area of the elementary triangles and the low degree of asymmetry indicate that there are no significant risks of deviation from the specified phase composition of the synthesised materials due to the preparatory technological stages, and no special measures are required during the synthesis of materials to ensure the accuracy of the dosage of the starting ingredients. Based on the results of the calculations, the most thermodynamically stable compound in the studied system (aluminocobalt spinel) was identified, and the maximum probability of its existence was determined. Aluminium-nickel spinel has a lower probability of existence because it does not coexist with CoO and is not represented in the elementary triangle with the maximum area. Aluminium-nickel spinel has a lower probability of existence, and the least likely is the identification of Al2O3 in the composition of heterophase combinations. Based on the results of the study, the geometric-topological and statistical characteristics of the subsolidus structure of the system were analysed, which are important for the accuracy of predicting phase combinations in the synthesis of new heterogeneous composite materials.