Temperature Properties Research Articles

Structures, dielectric properties and AC impedance characteristics of BiFeO3–BaTiO3 high-temperature lead-free piezoceramics synthesized by the hydrothermal method

Among the lead-free piezoceramics, ([Formula: see text])BiFeO[Formula: see text]BaTiO3 (BF-BT) is considered a promising candidate for high-temperature piezoelectric materials owing to its high Curie temperature ([Formula: see text]C) and good electromechanical properties. In this work, the hydrothermal synthesis method was used to prepare the precursor powders of BiFeO3 and BaTiO3, and then the mixed powder compacts with the chemical composition of 0.7BF–0.3BT were sintered under pressureless conditions. The influence of the hydrothermal reaction times (12–24[Formula: see text]h) of BiFeO3 on the structures and electric properties of the sintered ceramics was instigated. First, all the samples synthesized with the tetragonal BaTiO3 and BiFeO3 powders were identified with relatively stable dielectric properties. As the hydrothermal reaction time to synthesize BiFeO3 increased, the dielectric properties as well as the temperature stability of the 0.7BiFeO3–0.3BaTiO3 ceramics also improved. At the condition of a hydrothermal reaction time of 24[Formula: see text]h, the sample obtained possesses both the lowest temperature coefficient of dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]C between RT and [Formula: see text]C) and the highest Curie temperature ([Formula: see text]C at 100[Formula: see text]kHz). Moreover, at high temperatures, it exhibits a higher AC impedance than others. The calculating result based on the resistive constant-phase-element model (R-CPE) circuit model showed that the grain boundary of the 0.7BF–0.3BT ceramics contributes more resistance to the conductivity at high temperatures. In summary, the hydrothermal reaction proved to be a useful way that achieves the preparation of single-phase 0.7BF–0.3BT ceramics with improved electrical properties.

Thermo‐Mechanically Stable, Liquid Metal Embedded Soft Materials for High‐Temperature Applications

AbstractLiquid‐metal embedded elastomers (LMEEs) have been demonstrated to show a variety of excellent properties, including high toughness, dielectric constant, and thermal conductivity, with applications across soft electronics and robotics. However, within this scope of use cases, operation in extreme environments – such as high‐temperature conditions – may lead to material degradation. While prior works highlight the functionality of LMEEs, there is limited insight on the thermal stability of these soft materials and how the effects of liquid metal (LM) inclusions depend on temperature. Here, the effects on thermal stability, including mechanical and electrical properties, of LMEEs are introduced. Effects are characterized for both fluoroelastomer and other elastomer‐based composites at temperature exposures up to 325 °C, where it is shown that embedding LM can offer improvements in thermo‐mechanical stability. Compared to elastomer like silicone rubber that has been previously used for LMEEs, a fluoroelastomer matrix offers a higher dielectric constant and significant improvement in thermo‐mechanical stability without sacrificing room temperature properties, such as thermal conductivity and modulus. Fluoroelastomer‐LM composites offer a promising soft, multi‐functional material for high‐temperature applications, which is demonstrated here with a printed, soft heat sink and an endoscopic sensor capable of wireless sensing of high temperatures.

Materials and Device Designs for Wireless Monitoring of Temperature and Thermal Transport Properties of Wound Beds during Healing.

Chronic wounds represent a major health risk for diabetic patients. Regeneration of such wounds requires regular medical treatments over periods that can extend for several months or more. Schemes for monitoring the healing process can provide important feedback to the patient and caregiver. Although qualitative indicators such as malodor or fever can provide some indirect information, quantitative measurements of the wound bed have the potential to yield important insights. The work presented here introduces materials and engineering designs for a wireless system that captures spatio-temporal temperature and thermal transport information across the wound continuously throughout the healing process. Systematic experimental and computational studies establish the materials aspects and basic capabilities of this technology. In vivo studies reveal that both the temperature and the changes in this quantity offer information on wound status, with indications of initial exothermic reactions and mechanisms of scar tissue formation. Bioresorbable materials serve as the foundations for versions of this device that create possibilities for monitoring on and within the wound site, in a way that bypasses the risks of physical removal.

The influences of additives in M−type (Ba and Sr) hexaferrites’ microstructure, sintering and magnetic properties: A review

Interest in the utilization of M−type hexaferrites in magnetic applications as a substitution for rare earth minerals is rapidly growing due to the low cost and compatible magnetic properties of such materials. However, low magnetic properties and high sintering temperatures are the primary drawbacks that limit the use of SrM and BaM in various applications. Therefore, it is essential to carry out processes aimed at reducing the sintering temperature and enhancing magnetic properties beyond the threshold of 0.125 kOe coercivity, 0.5 mr/ms, and achieving higher remanence values to make them suitable for hard magnetic applications. These improvements can be achieved through synthesis techniques involving substitution and/or additives. Notably, numerous studies have been conducted on different synthesis methods and substitution techniques, and they have reached their limits. Therefore, there is a current need for comprehensive reviews and studies on the effects of additives and sintering aids. In this paper, we review investigations and studies that focus on the impact of additives, namely silica, CaO, CaCO3, Bi2O3, B2O3, CuO, and Al2O3, on the microstructure, sintering temperature, and magnetic properties of SrM and BaM hexaferrites.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Proton Conductivity of Muconic Acid-Based Polyamides Bearing Sulfonated Moieties.

Most commercially available polymers are synthesized from compounds derived from petroleum, a finite resource. Because of this, there is a growing interest in the synthesis of new polymeric materials using renewable monomers. Following this concept, this work reports on the use of muconic acid as a renewable source for the development of new polyamides that can be used as proton-exchange membranes. Muconic acid was used as a comonomer in polycondensation reactions with 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(p-phenyleneoxy)dianiline, 2,5-diaminobencensulfonic acid, and 4,4'-diamino-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid as comonomers in the synthesis of two new series of partially renewable aromatic-aliphatic polyamides, in which the degree of sulfonation was varied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C, and 19F-NMR) techniques were used to confirm the chemical structures of the new polyamides. It was also observed that the degree of sulfonation was proportional to the molar ratio of the diamines in the feed. Subsequently, membranes were prepared by casting, and a complete characterization was conducted to determine their decomposition temperature (Td), glass transition temperature (Tg), density (ρ), and other physical properties. In addition, water uptake (Wu), ion-exchange capacity (IEC), and proton conductivity (σp) were determined for these membranes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to determine the conductivity of the membranes. MUFASA34 exhibited a σp value equal to 9.89 mS·cm-1, being the highest conductivity of all the membranes synthesized in this study.

Experimental study and general correlation for condensation heat transfer coefficient inside microfin tubes

This study investigated the condensation heat transfer characteristics of the pure refrigerants R1234yf and R32 in a microfin tube with a small diameter of 3.5 mm outside diameter and 3.18 mm inner mean diameter. Experiments were carried out at mass velocities between 50 and 200 kg m-2 s-1, saturation temperatures of 20 and 30 °C, and vapor quality between 0 and 1. The effects of vapor quality, mass velocity, saturation temperature, and refrigerant properties on condensation heat transfer characteristics were investigated. A new correlation is also developed to predict condensation heat transfer coefficients that can be applied to horizontal microfin tubes with inner diameters between 2.5 and 8.9 mm. The new correlation is validated with the database containing 1240 experimental data points from 10 independent research groups. The comparison results show that the three existing correlations overestimate the heat transfer coefficient data with mean deviation greater than 30.0 %. Meanwhile, the new correlation predicted the present experimental data and other researchers' data with mean deviation of 19.8 %.

Nanothermometer Based on Polychlorinated Trityl Radicals Showing Two-Photon Excitation and Emission in the Biological Transparency Window: Temperature Monitoring of Biological Tissues.

Nanothermometers are emerging probes as biomedical diagnostic tools. Especially appealing are nanoprobes using NIR light in the range of biological transparency window (BTW) since they have the advantages of a deeper penetration into biological tissues, better contrast, reduced phototoxicity and photobleaching. This article reports the preparation and characterization of organic nanoparticles (ONPs) doped with two polychlorinated trityl radicals (TTM and PTM), as well as studies of their electronic and optical properties. Such ONPs having inside isolated radical molecules and dimeric excimers, can be two-photon excited showing optimal properties for temperature sensing. Remarkably, in TTM-based ONPs the emission intensity of the isolated radical species is unaltered increasing temperature, while the excimer emission intensity decreases strongly being thereby able to monitor temperature changes with an excellent thermal absolute sensitivity of 0.6-3.7%K-1 in the temperature range of 278-328K. The temperature dependence of the excimeric bands of ONPs are theoretically simulated by using electronic structure calculations and a vibronic Hamiltonian model. Finally, TTM-doped ONPs as ratiometric NIR-nanothermometers are tested with two-photon excitationwith enucleated pig eye sclera, as a real tissue model, obtaining a similar temperature sensitivity as in aqueous suspensions, demonstrating their potential as NIR nanothermometers for bio applications.

Rheological and nano-mechanical characteristics of bituminous mastics containing waste and ordinary filler at different temperatures

This study has focused on the effect of cement kiln dust (CKD) as a waste filler on the rheological and nano-mechanical properties of bituminous mastic in comparison with limestone powder (LSP) as an ordinary filler. Mastics were prepared using three filler to bitumen (F/B) ratios including, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2. The strategic highway research program (SHRP) standard and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test methods were used to evaluate the behavior at high performance temperatures. Also, SHRP standard and time sweep methods were performed to evaluate the fatigue behavior at medium performance temperatures. Low temperature properties were examined by bending beam rheometer. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to evaluate the quality of filler distribution in the mastic. Furthermore, the nano-mechanical properties of mastics were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) including topography roughness, elastic modulus and adhesion force. Fundamental evaluations with AFM indicated that, at a constant F/B ratio, CKD filler with a higher fineness and specific surface area showed higher elastic modulus and lower adhesion than LSP. Also, the FESEM analysis for filler distribution showed the highest homogeneity coefficient at F/B ratio of 0.8. A significant relationship was observed between SHRP rutting parameter and creep variables in MSCR method. Both methods indicated a superior rutting resistance for CKD than LSP. Although, there was no clear relationship between SHRP fatigue parameter and the time sweep outcomes.

Trait–micro‐environment relationships of forest herb communities across Europe

AbstractAimThe microclimate and light conditions on the forest floor are strongly modified by tree canopies. Therefore, we need to better consider the micro‐environment when quantifying trait–environment relationships for forest understorey plants. Here, we quantify relationships between micro‐environmental conditions and plant functional traits at the community level, including intraspecific trait variation, and their relationship with microclimate air temperature, light and soil properties.LocationDeciduous temperate forests across Europe.Time period2018.Major taxa studiedHerbaceous vegetation.MethodsWe sampled 225 plots across 15 regions along four complementary gradients capturing both macro‐ and microclimatic conditions including latitude, elevation, forest management and distance to forest edges. We related the community‐weighted mean of five plant functional traits (plant height, specific leaf area [SLA], plant carbon [C], plant nitrogen [N] and plant C:N ratio) across 150 vascular plant species to variation in local microclimate air temperature, light and soil properties. We tested the effect of accounting for intraspecific variation in trait–environment relationships and performed variation partitioning to identify major drivers of trait variation.ResultsMicroclimate temperature, light availability and soil properties were all important predictors of community‐weighted mean functional traits. When light availability and variation in temperature were higher, the herb community often consisted of taller plants with a higher C:N ratio. In more productive environments (e.g. with high soil nitrogen availability), the community was dominated by individuals with resource‐acquisitive traits: high SLA and N but low C:N. Including intraspecific trait variation increased the strength of the trait–micro‐environment relationship, and increased the importance of light availability.Main conclusionsThe trait–environment relationships were much stronger when the micro‐environment and intraspecific trait variation were considered. By locally steering light availability and temperature, forest managers can potentially impact the functional signature of the forest herb‐layer community.

Shock Hugoniot of an equiatomic high-entropy alloy NbMoTaW up to 143 GPa

The equations of state and phase stabilities of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions are of paramount importance for engineering applications. However, few reports exist on the high-pressure–temperature properties of the HfNbMoTaWV HEA system. Herein, we synthesized a NbMoTaW HEA using the vacuum arc melting method and measured its Hugoniot up to 143 GPa and ∼6200 K. A linear relationship [US = 2.61 (7) + 1.59 (5) UP] between the shock (US) and particle (UP) velocities was observed for UP > 0.7 km/s, suggesting that the NbMoTaW HEA is likely stable within the pressure–temperature range of the current study. Using the Debye–Mie–Grüneisen model and Birch–Murnaghan equation of state (EOS), we discussed the EOS of the NbMoTaW HEA. The bulk modulus (K0) and its pressure derivative (K0′) were determined to be 238 GPa and 3.3, respectively. We also found that the Hugoniot compression curve of the NbMoTaW HEA could be evaluated using the mixture rules with the Hugoniot data of the compositional elements.

Fabrication of a cinnamaldehyde-based bi-DOPO flame retardant with excellent glass transition temperature, fire safety and mechanical properties for epoxy resins

Manufacturing fire-resistant, tough, and durable epoxy resin (EP) is a challenging task. Traditional flame retardants derived from 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) tend to aggregate and plasticize, causing a decline in glass transition temperature (Tg) and mechanical properties of EP. To overcome this issue, a bulky aromatic DOPO-based derivative called PPCANT was synthesized successfully using biomass-derived cinnamaldehyde (CA). The steric hindrance and intermolecular interactions (π-π stacking) of PPCANT's mitigated Tg deterioration and significantly improved mechanical properties. Incorporating 5 wt% PPCANT into the EP (EP/PPCANT-5) achieved a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 32.6% and UL-94 V-0 rating, reducing both total heat release and smoke production. Moreover, PPCANT endowed the EP with exceptional char-forming ability. Analysis of the flame retardant mechanism indicated that the PPCANT structure imparted an ideal flame quenching mechanism, characterized by the instantaneous extinction of flames caused by the blowout of PO·/PO2 radicals, and a dilution effect of free radicals from non-flammable gases. In addition, the incorporation of nitro and amino groups in PPCANT facilitates the formation of hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl groups generated in the ring-opened EP, leading to a significant decrease in the hydrophilicity of EP. These findings highlight PPCANT as a promising flame retardant that simultaneously enhances flame retardancy, mechanical strength, and hydrophobicity in EP materials.

Comprehensive influence of silane layer and interfacial thermo-mechanical effect on joining mechanism of silane pretreated Al/CFRP FSLW joint: FEA and experiment

Al/CFRP composite structure has the advantage of lightweight and high specific strength, making it a promising material for aviation, railway, and automotive applications. Silane coupling pretreatment is a chemical surface pretreatment method that can improve the mechanical properties of the Al/CFRP friction stir lap welding (FSLW) joint. To further investigate the strengthening mechanism of silane-treated Al/CFRP FSLW joint, a 6061-T6 Al/CF-PA66 FSLW experiment was carried out and the finite element analysis (FEA) was used. The thermophysical properties of semi-crystalline resin during the welding process were also considered. The joining mechanism of silane surface pretreated Al/CFRP FSLW joints was further revealed by comparing the changes in interface morphology, temperature, stress, and mechanical properties. The results indicated that the silane coupling agent forms a silane film by an Al-O-Si chemical bond at the interface. The silane film can enhance the Al/CFRP interface's tightness and reduce interfacial defects. The FSLW process affected the joint morphology and mechanical properties through interfacial temperature and stress, which were decided by welding parameters and thermophysical properties of the resin. By adjusting the thermal-mechanical effect of the Al/CFRP interface, defects can be reduced and the joining force can be improved. According to the analysis of interfacial chemical bonds and mechanical properties, the introduction of silane film enhances the hydrogen bond between Al and resin and thus enhances the mechanical properties of the interface. This study provides a new method for revealing the strengthening mechanism of silane-pretreated FSLW Al/CFRP joint.

Composition optimization and hydrogen storage properties of Ti–V–Mn–Fe alloys

Ti–V-based hydrogen storage alloys have garnered interest owing to their salient advantages of reversible hydrogen absorption/desorption at room temperature and excellent kinetic properties. However, the complicated smelting technology of high-purity V metal renders expensive prices, hampering their large-scale production and application. Herein, to overcome this hurdle, abundant and inexpensive Mn and Fe are added to obtain Ti–V–Mn–Fe hydrogen storage alloys. The novel alloy compositions were obtained using a uniform design method. The hydrogen absorption/desorption behaviors of alloys prepared using arc melting technology were analyzed in detail. Systematic investigations show that the activation, kinetics, and thermodynamic properties of alloys are closely correlated with the Ti/(Mn + Fe) ratios. The designed alloy compositions have a multiphase structure with a body-centered cubic (BCC) main phase. The lattice parameters of the BCC phase increase with increasing Ti/(Mn + Fe) ratio, and the large lattice parameters of alloys are beneficial to facilitate the diffusion of hydrogen atoms, resulting in fast kinetics. A reasonable Ti/(Mn + Fe) ratio positively affects the hydrogen storage properties. Among them, the Ti40V40Mn2Fe18 alloy with Ti/(Mn + Fe) = 2 achieved a hydrogen absorption capacity of 3.472 wt% at 298 K and an effective reversible hydrogen storage capacity of 1.485 wt% above 0.1 MPa at 363 K. This study provides a novel insight for designing Ti–V-based alloy compositions via the uniform design method.

Triple-shape memory polybenzoxazine resins and their composites

Shape memory polymer (SMP) as a new type of smart material can be programmed into a temporary shape by external excitation. Benzoxazine is a novel thermosetting resin with excellent heat resistance, high glass transition temperature (Tg) and mechanical properties. Here, triple-shape memory polybenzoxazines with high Tg were obtained by copolymerization of phenol/polyetheramine with phenol/furanamine benzoxazines. Electrically driven composites were prepared using multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and the SMP electrically driven function was achieved by forming a complete and continuous conductive permeable network inside the composites, shape recovery can be completed in 15 s at 60v. Furthermore, at high temperatures the carbon residue rate is increased to 45 % at 800 °C, demonstrating the high performance of electrically driven shape memory polymer composites. The realization of the triple and electrically induced shape memory properties of shape memory polybenzoxazines broadens the way for their application in extreme high-temperature environments in aerospace and aviation.

Mechanism of physical hardening on the fracture characteristics of polymer-modified asphalt binder

This article aims to reveal the physical hardening mechanism of polymer-modified asphalt binder (PMA) and accurately assess its impact on the low-temperature fracture properties of asphalt binders. Base asphalt binder (BA), styrene–butadiene–styrene modified asphalt binder (SBSMA), and crumb rubber modified asphalt binder (CRMA) were used as the research objects. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test were used to investigate the physical hardening mechanism of PMA at the microscopic level. The fracture characteristics of PMA under physical hardening were analyzed based on the single-edge notched beam (SENB) test. The results show that under prolonged cold service conditions, the asphalt molecular mobility is weakened, the non-bond energy and the free volume are reduced, and the molecules undergo aggregation state transformation, leading to the physical hardening of asphalt materials. In the process of physical hardening of asphalt molecules in the micro-Brownian motion of the main active force from the aromatic and saturate fractions. Considering the effect of physical hardening, it is recommended that the method used to test the low temperature properties of asphalt binders should ensure a constant temperature for at least 24 h. The crack tolerance (Ct) is recommended as the evaluation index of low-temperature cracking resistance of PMA in cold regions. The Ct of BA, SBSMA, and CRMA are reduced by 52.88 %, 12.04 %, and 35.24 %, respectively, after 24 h of constant low temperature. This indicating that the polymer modifiers can improve the fluidity of asphalt molecules, inhibit molecular aggregation, and reduce the effect of physical hardening on asphalt binders. Thermo-oxidative aging can aggravate the physical hardening phenomenon of asphalt binder, and the higher the degree of thermo-oxidative aging, the more severe the physical hardening of asphalt binder. The related research results provide the theoretical basis and technical support for the accurate design and development of the low-temperature performance of asphalt binders for roads in cold regions.

Study on low temperature crack resistance of warm-mixed recycled SBS modified asphalt mixtures

In view of the cold winter in northern China and the large temperature difference between day and night, the asphalt pavement has been in low temperature service for a long time, in addition to experiencing the aging effect of water and salt erosion, jointly leading to a particularly serious pavement cracking phenomenon. Therefore, a quantity of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is produced for the repair and renovation of old roads. Faced with the problems of inadequate reuse rate of RAP and high energy consumption of thermal regeneration, it is of great practical significance to explore the technology of warm mix regeneration. In order to study the adaptability of recycled SBS modified asphalt mixtures to low temperature after complex environmental erosion (long-term aging, water freeze-thaw cycle, and salt freeze-thaw cycle), two mixing methods, including hot mixing and warm mixing, were selected, and a Semi-Circular Bending Test was performed. SCB and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) techniques were used to evaluate the low temperature properties of recycled asphalt mixtures by fracture toughness, fracture energy and horizontal strain density damage. Combined with an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) test, the microscopic analysis of recycled asphalt was carried out to verify the mechanism of low temperature cracking. The results showed that the low temperature cracking resistance of the reclaimed asphalt mixtures with warm mix was slightly worse than that with hot mix. The overall low temperature cracking resistance of the reclaimed SBS modified asphalt mixtures decreased with the increase in RAP content. The low temperature performance of the warm-mixed reclaimed asphalt mixtures deteriorated greatly when the RAP content was 80 %. The influencing factors of environmental conditions on the low temperature cracking resistance of the warm-mixed recycled SBS modified asphalt mixtures were listed as below: long-term aging > salt freeze-thaw cycle > water freeze-thaw cycle. The influence of salt on the stress field of crack tip and the microstructure of recycled asphalt after freeze-thaw was greater than that of water erosion. The changes of the microscopic adhesion were in good agreement with the macroscopic test results, which could be employed as the index evaluating the low temperature crack resistance of the warm-mixed SBS modified asphalt mixtures. The addition of warm mixing agent would play a positive role in the low temperature crack resistance of recycled asphalt mixtures with a RAP content of less than 60 % to a certain extent, so warm-mixed recycled asphalt mixtures were more suitable for the application in northern areas.

Lead zirconate titanate-based ceramics with high piezoelectricity and broad usage temperature range

Piezoceramics have long faced the challenge of achieving both a high Curie temperature (TC) and outstanding electrical properties due to thermal depolarization. To address this, we introduced a novel two-step synergistic strategy in synthesizing lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based x[(1–y)BiYO3-yFe2O3)]-(1–x)Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 [abbreviated as xBYF(y)-PZT] ceramics, where co-doping of Fe2O3 and BiYO3 significantly influences dielectric and piezoelectric properties. Our breakthrough composition, 0.01BYF(0.6)-PZT, showcases a unique coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases. It boasts impressive figures, including a piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 467 pC N−1, a TC of 381 °C, an electromechanical coupling coefficient (kp) of 68%, and a coercive field (Ec) of 12 kV cm−1, displaying both “softening” and “hardening” characteristics. In-depth analysis with in-situ X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy unveils the critical role of multiphase coexistence and local heterostructures in enhancing piezoelectric responses through synergistic effects. Notably, this innovative composition with x = 0.01 showcases exceptional thermal stability across a broad operating temperature range (30–350 °C) and delivers an in-situ d33 value of 790 pC N−1. These compelling findings underscore the potential of BYF-modified PZT ceramics as promising candidates for high-temperature piezoelectric applications.

Effect of doped SiO2 microspheres on the high temperature properties of PDLC films

ABSTRACT Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films are electrically controlled dimming films. By applying an electric field to the PDLC film, it becomes transparent, whereas in the absence of an electric field, the PDLC film is opaque. In recent years, with the development of new-energy vehicles, the utilisation of glass curtains instead of the conventional skylight or sunshade has become a trend, because the combination of PDLC films and glass can realise random switching between shading and transparency; thus, it has great application prospects in the automotive industry. However, the low operating temperature of PDLC films limits their application. In this study, a characterisation method for PDLC film performance at high temperatures is discussed, and the effect of SiO2 microspheres on the high-temperature properties of PDLC films is investigated. When the proportion of doped SiO2 was 1.5%, the maximum operating temperature reached 95°C, and the light transmittance and hazeon (power on) did not change compared with the PDLC film without doped SiO2. The utilisation of the power-off haze at high temperature as a performance index of PDLC films has universal significance for the evaluation of the high-temperature resistance of these materials.

The Study of the Performance of the Diamond Wheel’s Steel and CFRP Hubs in Tungsten Carbide (WC) Grinding

Tungsten carbide (WC) has been widely utilized in recent years in the hardware, mechanical, and chemical industries and in national defense because of its high hardness, anti-wear, low temperature, and anti-corrosion properties. However, using it for grinding is also challenging because the WC material has high hardness and brittle characteristics. The typical hub of a diamond wheel is made of steel. In high-speed grinding, the steel hub of the diamond wheel is subjected to gravity and centrifugal forces, which cause grinding wheel vibration, poor workpiece processing quality, and a short machine life. Therefore, this study used a carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRP) hub to replace the steel hub when grinding the WC workpiece. It aimed to investigate methods to reduce oscillation, improve chip efficiency, and increase accuracy in the WC workpiece. The research results demonstrated that using a CFRP hub in the grinding wheel can reduce the oscillation when the peripheral speed of the grinding wheel is at 20–100 m/s. Additionally, the surface roughness average (Ra) of the workpiece can be reduced to 3.2–25.4% and the ten-point height of irregularities (Rz) can be reduced to 18.9–44% compared to using a steel hub in the grinding wheel.

Thermal properties and mechanical behavior of functionalized carbon nanotube-filled polypropylene composites using molecular dynamics simulation

Polypropylene (PP) is widely recognized as an environmentally friendly material for cable insulation due to its good insulation performance and environmental friendliness. One common method for enhancing the overall performance of PP is the addition of nanoparticles. To analyze the influence of different functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) fillers on the properties of PP/MWCNT composite materials from a microscale perspective, molecular dynamics is used to construct pure PP models and models filled with untreated carbon nanotubes (UFCNT), amino-functionalized carbon nanotubes (AFCNT), carboxyl-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CFCNT), and hydroxyl-functionalized carbon nanotubes (HFCNT) (functionalized MWCNT with 4 or 8 functional groups grafted onto them). The simulation results indicate that the doping of nanotubes can effectively enhance the thermodynamic properties of PP. Among them, PP/CFCNT-8 exhibits the most significant improvement in melting temperature and mechanical properties, with an increase in melting temperature of 88.85 K and a 184.52 % increase in Young's modulus. The melting temperature of PP/HFCNT-8 is second only to PP/CFCNT-8, with an increase of 82.59 K. The results indicate that the thermodynamic properties of PP nanocomposites filled with functionalized MWCNT are improved with the grafting rate. The filling of functionalized MWCNT alters the microscale properties of PP composites, with a significant decrease in root mean square displacement (RMSD), and improvement in free volume fraction (FFV) as well as interfacial binding energy, which can better maintain the electrical properties of PP insulation materials. Applying functionalized carbon nanotubes to filled PP can significantly increase the electrical insulation properties of PP cable materials, which provides meaningful guidance for adopting polypropylene cable insulation materials.