Transmittance Values Research Articles

Dissolution and antioxidant potential of apigenin self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for oral delivery

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) have been used to improve the oral bioavailability of various drugs. In the current study, apigenin was developed as SNEDDS to solve its dissolution problem and enhance oral bioavailability and antioxidant potential. SNEDDS were prepared by mixing Gelucire 44/14, Tween 80, and PEG 400 under controlled conditions. The droplet of diluted SNEDDS demonstrated a spherical shape with a size of less than 100 nm and a neutral charge. The very fast self-emulsification was obtained within 32 s, and the transmittance values exceeded 99%. The highest drug loading was 90.10 ± 0.24% of the initial load with the highest %encapsulation efficiency of 84.20 ± 0.03%. FT-IR and DSC spectra showed no interaction between components. The dissolution in buffer pH 1.2, 4.5, and 6.8 showed significantly higher dissolved apigenin than the apigenin coarse powder. The dissolution profiles were fitted to the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics. The cellular antioxidant activities in Caco-2 cells were approximately 52.25–54.64% compared to no treatment and were higher than the apigenin coarse powder (12.70%). Our work highlights the potential of SNEDDS to enhance the dissolution and permeability of apigenin and promote antioxidant efficacy, which has a strong chance of being developed as a bioactive compound for nutraceuticals.

The Impact of Temperature and Power Variation on the Optical, Wettability, and Anti-Icing Characteristics of AZO Coatings

The structural, wettability, and optical characteristics of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films were studied with the objective of understanding the impact of deposition power and deposition temperature. Thin films were deposited using a radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique. The power output of the RF was augmented from 200 to 260 W, and the temperature was increased from 50 to 200 °C, which led to the development of a (002) peak for zinc oxide. The study of film thickness was carried out using the Swanepoel envelope method from data obtained through the UV-Vis spectrum. An increase in surface roughness value was shown to be connected with fluctuations in temperature as well as increases in deposition power. The findings revealed that as deposition power and temperature increased, the value of optical transmittance decreased, ranging from 70% to 90% based on the deposition parameters within the range of wavelengths that extend from 300 to 800 nm. The wettability properties of the samples were studied, and the maximum contact angle achieved was 110°. A Peltier apparatus was utilised in order to investigate the anti-icing capabilities, which revealed that the icing process was slowed down 3.38-fold. This work extends the understanding of the hydrophobicity and anti-icing capabilities of AZO thin films, specifically increasing both attributes which provide feasible options for purposes requiring resistance to ice.

Flexible VO2 films grown on ZnO-nanorod buffered polyimide sheets with large insulator metal transition: Evaluation of flexible performance

We fabricated stand-alone flexible vanadium dioxide (VO2) films on 10 μm-thick polyimide (PI) sheets with large insulator metal transition (IMT). Zinc oxide (ZnO)-nanorods grown by the chemical synthesis method as a buffer layer between VO2 and PI realized IMT with resistance change nearly three orders of magnitude. Highly bm axis oriented VO2 films on ZnO_NR buffered PI realized switching of 1450 nm infrared-light more than 40%. The transmittance values at a metallic phase below 2% at temperatures higher than 70 °C were quite low, suggesting high potential for various applications in the infrared and terahertz wavelength region. Number densities of cracks in the VO2 films were estimated from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Quantitative relation between crack density and the bias voltage suggested the strain-induced formation of cracks in the VO2 films prepared by biased-sputtering. As for flexible performance, the stand-alone VO2 films on PI were directed to bending examinations up to 2000 times. The ZnO-nanorods buffered VO2 films on PI showed high durability for maintaining the superior IMT characteristics. The results obtained in this study show a way to realize practical flexibility of VO2 stand-alone sheets which are able to apply for a variety of fields utilizing switching of VO2.

High transmission of circularly polarized light and circular dichroism with all-dielectric metamaterial

The optical chirality of metamaterials gives birth to distinct responses of left circularly polarized (LCP) and right circularly polarized (RCP) light, leading to asymmetric transmission and circular dichroism (CD) of circularly polarized light. In this work, meta-atom structure composed of square and semicircular combinations were designed, which exhibits extreme high ratio of transmission, reflection and CD values in blue light range. In compare to other reported structures, the structure composed of semicircular and square combinations can achieve better asymmetric transmission. At the wavelength of 460 nm, the incident LCP light can be mostly converted to RCP light, and the incident RCP light can be almost completely reflected. Furthermore, the geometric phase can be controlled by designing the orientation angle of the meta-atom, and the metamaterial can function under any linear or circular polarization and achieving the regulation of the light field. The designed metamaterial provides promising insights into the high CD and possible applications in optical integrated devices, such as anomalously refracted, focusing, and holograms, etc.

Highly Conductive PEDOT:PSS: Ag Nanowire-Based Nanofibers for Transparent Flexible Electronics.

Highly conductive, transparent, and easily available materials are needed in a wide range of devices, such as sensors, solar cells, and touch screens, as alternatives to expensive and unsustainable materials such as indium tin oxide. Herein, electrospinning was employed to develop fibers of PEDOT:PSS/silver nanowire (AgNW) composites on various substrates, including poly(caprolactone) (PCL), cotton fabric, and Kapton. The influence of AgNWs, as well as the applied voltage of electrospinning on the conductivity of fibers, was thoroughly investigated. The developed fibers showed a sheet resistance of 7 Ω/sq, a conductivity of 354 S/cm, and a transmittance value of 77%, providing excellent optoelectrical properties. Further, the effect of bending on the fibers' electrical properties was analyzed. The sheet resistance of fibers on the PCL substrate increased slightly from 7 to 8 Ω/sq, after 1000 bending cycles. Subsequently, as a proof of concept, the nanofibers were evaluated as electrode material in a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-based energy harvester, and they were observed to enhance the performance of the TENG device (78.83 V and 7 μA output voltage and current, respectively), as compared to the same device using copper electrodes. These experiments highlight the untapped potential of conductive electrospun fibers for flexible and transparent electronics.

Effects of gamma radiation on the optical properties of ultrafine iron particle/polystyrene composites

The present research studied the influence of gamma radiation doses on the optical properties and parameters of the tested composite samples consisting of polystyrene polymer as a matrix filled with different concentrations of ultrafine iron particles (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%) with an average thickness of 2 µm. Using a UV-1800 Shimadzu spectrophotometer, the optical absorbance and transmittance values of the tested composite samples were measured at room temperature in the wavelength range of 200–800 nm. Optical parameters such as the excitation energy for electronic transitions, optical energy gap, dispersion energy, static dielectric constant, static refractive index, moments of the optical spectrum, optical oscillator strengths, linear optical susceptibility, third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility, carrier concentration to the effective mass ratio, high-frequency dielectric constant, nonlinear refractive index, plasma frequency and long wavelength refractive index were calculated and discussed at different doses of gamma radiation (1, 2, and 6 kGy). The results demonstrate that the optical properties and parameters of the gamma-irradiated composites vary with increasing gamma doses. This variation in values was observed after increased irradiation due to enhanced metal–polymer bonding and due to an increase in the density of the free charges within the metal polymer composites.

Characterization of Nanocrystalline SnS Thin Film Fabricated used PLD Method for Photodetection Applications

Pulsed laser deposition was used to create tin sulfide (SnS) nanoparticles with a Nd:YAG laser (700 mJ) with laser pulses of (200, 250, 300, and 350 pulses). Nanoparticles were created and investigated using XRD, AFM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy to understand their optical, topographical, and electrical properties. After that, a SnS photodetector was built for the first time, and its performance, photoresponse, and sensitivity were evaluated. The development of monocrystalline SnS films was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination. Clear crystallization with increased crystalline size and the optimum orientation was observed in the sample synthesized SnS thin film treated with 300 pulses. The crystallite size increased from 44 at 200 to 77 nm for 350 pulses. These films were characterized by better surface morphology with (111) preferred crystals. In addition, atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies showed that the average diameter of generated SnS nanoparticles rose from (39.4 nm to 64.7) nm when the laser pulses increased in pulsed laser deposition. Transmission measurements were used to determine the films' absorption coefficient energy gap (Eg), and they showed that the optical transition was direct and that the transmittance value dropped with increasing laser pulses. Band gap energy is reduced from 2.139 to 1.773 eV. Moreover, Hall Effect measurements on all samples demonstrate that all thin films were n-type, with charge carrier concentration increasing with increased pulses and carrier mobility decreasing with increased pulses. The photodetectors ' photosensitivity was evaluated in the dark after depositing Al contacts on SnS thin films through a metal mask. The Pulses of enhancement cause a red shift in the values of particular detectivity and quantum efficiency. The highest responsivity was obtained at 350 pulses, 6.72×10−1 AW−1. The high (QE) of 150% at 200 p and detectivity of 2.9×1011 cm, Hz1/2.W-1 at 300p.

Estimating transmissivity and storativity in a karst aquifer by direct and indirect methods

AbstractThe karst aquifer located in the Environmental Protection Area of Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, exhibits the characteristic morphological features of an evolved karst environment, including large caves, sinkholes, and copious springs. Understanding the hydrogeological characteristics of karst aquifers is crucial for effective management of public resources and prevention of contamination, as these aquifers are highly vulnerable, making it essential to identify and mitigate potential risks. Given the ongoing economic and population growth in this region, the assessment of the hydrogeological parameters that control the dynamics of local flow becomes relevant for the proper evaluation of hydrogeological models and the management of water resources. Four classical pumping test analysis methods were compared to quantify the flow and storativity of the aquifer: Theis (1935), Neuman (1972), Moench (1984), and Agarwal (1980). In addition, indirect estimation methods based on the identification of capture zones and the analysis of recession curves of water courses were employed, since these approaches are cheaper and easier to apply in areas with low information. The statistical analysis of the results suggests that classical solutions can be applied to the karst aquifer to estimate hydrogeological parameters, apart from the Storage Coefficient obtained using the Neuman method. In general, the indirect estimation methods tend to produce values that are consistent with those obtained through direct methods, albeit with some reservations. The transmissivity values obtained from the pumping tests were approximately 3.0 × 10−4 m2/s, while the storage coefficient is estimated to be around 3.7 × 10−3. The indirect estimation methods yield transmissivity values of about 1.8 × 10−4 m2/s using the capture zone method, and storage coefficient values of 4.0 × 10−3 and 3.9 × 10−2 using recession curve analysis.

Propagation characteristics of obliquely incident THz waves in inhomogeneous fully ionized dusty plasma using the scattering matrix method

The scattering matrix method is applied to investigate the propagation characteristics of obliquely incident terahertz (THz) waves in inhomogeneous fully ionized dusty plasma. The propagation coefficients of THz waves are analyzed with different physical parameters in the case of parabolic electron density distribution. The results show that the transmissivity of lower frequency THz waves have a noticeable variation with the change of physical parameters. However, the transmissivity values can rapidly approach 1 in higher frequency band. We notice that there is a critical value fc≈0.045 THz. When f>fc, the transmissivity increases as the dust particles density and radius increase. However, it is somewhat opposite when f<fc. Significantly, the THz waves exhibit a greater propensity for penetrating fully ionized dusty plasma compared with the weakly ionized dusty plasma. To a certain degree, the investigation results provide new ideas for addressing the issue of “blackout”.

Molybdenum doped indium oxide thin films grown on mica substrates with high near-infrared transparency and electron mobility for flexible optoelectronic and spintronic applications

In the era of the artificial intelligence, flexible multifunctional films that combine optical transparency, electrical conductivity, and ferromagnetism are highly beneficial for many advanced applications. Herein, we fabricated a flexible magnetic transparent conductor molybdenum doped indium oxide (IMoO) thin film on a mica substrate using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The valence states of Mo dopants were determined to be Mo4+ and Mo6+ by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. From the measured optical transmittance spectrum, average visible (Vis) and near-infrared (NIR) transmittance (Tave_Vis and Tave_NIR) values in IMoO film are calculated to be 85.9 % and 85.4 %, respectively. The IMoO film shows an electron mobility (μe) of around 113 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a sheet resistance (Rs) of 69 Ω. We illustrate the benefits of Mo doping, which leads to increased NIR transparency and μe compared to commercially available tin-doped indium oxide (ITO). On the other hand, the IMoO film shows clear magnetic hysteretic behaviors at room temperature, indicating the presence of ferromagnetism. The main origin of the ferromagnetism is presumably attributed to the Mo4+ ions with an electronic configuration of 4 d2. Bending cyclic tests reveal favourable mechanical durability and bending stability in the IMoO/mica films. Our systematic investigation demonstrates that IMoO film possesses a superior optoelectronic performance beyond ITO, Mn-doped indium oxide (IMnO), and Sn-Mn-codoped indium oxide (ITMnO), substantiating the potential of the IMoO/mica film as a high-performance transparent conductive magnetic material for flexible optoelectronic and spintronic applications.

Annealing effect on physical characterisation and sensing properties of nanostructered AgO thin films

Thermal evaporation (TE)was employed to create thin coatings of AgO on glass substrates. The post-annealing temperatures for the deposited films were (100, 150, and 200), respectively. The XRD data demonstrate that when annealing temperature climbed from 100°C to 200°C, the intensity of (100) plane strengthened. Regardless of the temperatures used for post-annealing, the XRD spectra show that the films are polycrystalline and have a cubic structure. The average grain size was 15.39 nm, 16.30 nm, and 17.68 nm for the intended films. When the annealed temperature rises, the dislocation density and strain value decrease. The root mean square (RMS) roughness measured via AFM images decreased from 7.33 nm to 3.64 nm. Due to annealing at 200°C, the average particle size behaved similarly and reduced from 76.9 nm to 46.5 nm. The surface roughness exhibited the same behavior and dropped from 8.77 nm to 4.46 nm at 200 o C. The sample annealed at 200°C had the highest absorbance values, whereas the sample annealed at 100°C had the highest transmittance values. As the film annealing increased, the absorption coefficient rose somewhat. The bandgap of AgO thin films falls from 1.59 eV to 1.44 eV with the rise of annealing. In contrast, the transmittance, refractive index, and Extinction coefficient also lower as the temperature rises. Sensitivity measurements indicated a reduction in sensitivity as the annealing temperature and gas concentration increased.

Regression analysis on the stability of surfactant mixed-MoO3 nanoparticles dispersed Gossypium arboretum biodiesel

ABSTRACT The stability, physicochemical characteristics, molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanoparticles in Gossypium arboretum biodiesel (BD20), and deduction of the regression equation for parameters governing the stability of biodiesel are the main subjects of this study. With and without the surfactant Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB), MoO3 nano additions were combined with BD20 at 60, 80, and 100 ppm concentrations. A spectrophotometer that measures the samples’ absorbance and transmittance was used to examine the stability of nano fuels on days 1, 10, and 20. CTAB mixed nano samples demonstrated high stability and enhanced essential fuel qualities when compared to basic nano fuels. The fuel BD20MoO380CTAB80 (BD20+ MoO3 80 ppm+ CTAB 80 ppm) showed a decreased transmittance of 88.3% and a higher absorbance of 4.3 AU.BD20MoO380CTAB80 recorded a higher value of Cetane number of 64 and a heating value of 41,238 kJ/kg. Physicochemical properties such as Kinematic Viscosity and Relative Density recorded lower values of 4.23 cSt and 880 kg/m3. Linear regression is applied to the obtained absorbance and transmittance values.

Aktivitas Tabir Surya Secara In-Vitro Ekstrak dan Fraksi Daun Kedondong (Spondias dulcis Sol. Ex G.Forst)

Excessive sun exposure to the skin can cause redness (erythema) and darkening of the skin (pigmentation). This effect can be prevented by using sunscreen. Kedondong leaves (Spondias dulcis Sol. Ex G. Forst) can act as a natural sunscreen because they contain secondary metabolite compounds with a conjugated double bond structure (chromophore), including phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The presence of conjugated double bonds in phenolic and flavonoid compounds is known to be able to absorb UV radiation thereby reducing its intensity on the skin. This study aims to determine the sunscreen activity of kedondong leaves based on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), , the percentage of erythema transmission value (%Te), and the percentage of pigmentation transmission value (%Tp) and determine the secondary metabolite groups in kedondong leaf extracts and fractions. The research stages carried out were extraction of kedondong leaves by maceration, dechlorophyllation, followed by fractionation using n-hexane and dichloromethane, to obtain methanol extract, n-hexane fraction, dichloromethane fraction and methanol fraction. Then phytochemical tests were carried out on the extracts and fractions. Phytochemical tests showed that the secondary metabolite compounds in the methanol extract of kedondong leaves were alkaloids, phenolics, steroids and saponins. Furthermore, in the n-hexane fraction are steroids, the dichloromethane fraction is phenolic compounds, and the methanol fraction is alkaloid, phenolic and saponin compounds. Using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 200-400 nm, the sunscreen activity test showed that the dichloromethane fraction at a concentration of 120 mg/L was included in the extra protection category with an SPF value of 7,86±0,23; fast tanning with a %Te value of 15,99±0,83 and sunblock with a %Tp value of 32,72±1,09.

Optimization of the building-integrated transparent photovoltaic configuration based on daylight and energy performance in school buildings in the tropics

Introduction: Numerous previous studies addressed the use of vertical facades for side lighting. They were found to be an effective daylighting aperture that helps to establish a pleasant environment, improve academic performance in schools, and promote better health. Recent studies also identified the potential for using vertical facades on high-rise buildings as building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems thanks to the large available area. In the tropics, this potential use is also supported by the availability of abundant solar energy. The technology of transparent PV (TPV) offers the opportunity to meet both needs. It serves as a side lighting aperture and building-integrated transparent photovoltaic (BITPV) depending on several factors, such as the visible transmittance (VT) value and the number of cells. For side lighting, a higher VT value is required to allow for optimal daylight penetration. However, more cell numbers and lower VT are preferable for BITPV. Previous studies found that BITPV is suggested for buildings with a window-to-wall ratio (WWR) of 45 % or more, which seems too high for tropical buildings where the suggested WWR is typically in the range of 30–40 %. Purpose of the study: This study aims to find the optimum configuration and present a systematic method for optimizing BITPV for tropical school building facades. Methods: An experimental approach using simulation as a tool was employed to achieve the objective. A site with a typical school layout in the tropics was selected as the research context. Treatment based on VT and cell numbers was applied to create several post-test models. Results and discussion: In the tropics, when using low-transparency TPV, BITPV with 31.25 % WWR and 30 % cell coverage ratio is found to provide the optimum visual health and comfort, as well as energy performance. Meanwhile, BITPV with 31.25 % WWR and 50 % cell coverage ratio is found to be the optimum configuration when using high-transparency TPV. Furthermore, this study presents a systematic method for designing BITPV for a multi-story school building in the tropics.

Bioplastic films from cassava peels: Enzymatic transformation and film properties

Annually, millions of tons of cassava peels are generated as agro-waste. This research repurposed entire cassava peels into biodegradable films as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. Enzymes (cellulase, xylanase, and glucanase) were employed to catalyze the process, and cassava peels were effectively converted into films, which exhibited comparable or even better mechanical properties and water resistance to commercial packaging materials. The films also presented high water solubility of 44–50% and good light barrier properties, with 15–23% transmittance values for visible light and less than 3% for UV light. Extended enzymatic treatment time resulted in films characterized by increased elasticity, solubility, water resistance, transparency, and smoother surfaces, which can be attributed to the enzymatic breakdown of cassava peel fibers into smaller saccharide units. The optimal enzymatic treatment time was found to be 4 h which produced films with favorable mechanical characteristics, barrier properties, and solubility. A sustainable and ecologically-friendly approach is provided to fully harness cassava peels in fabricating packaging films, particularly suited for food items necessitating dissolution in water.

Multifunctional AZO/Ag(O)‐Based Transparent Conductor for Flexible and Transparent Optoelectronics

Transparent photovoltaics (TPVs) generate electric power by selectively harvesting ultraviolet and/or near‐infrared light. If integrated with electronic products, TPV can sustainably power the products without affecting the user experience. Future electronics require flexibility and lightweight, hence the integrated TPV should also be flexible. To achieve this, a flexible, transparent conducting platform is desirable. A binary transparent conductor (TC) based on Ag(O) has been studied for flexible TPV. The oxygen‐induced Ag growth provides better Ag wettability, enabling a low sheet resistance of 12.5 Ω sq−1 at an Ag thickness of 6.5 nm. The AZO/Ag(O) binary structure, with an average visible transmittance value of 86%, has a figure of merit of 17.7 (10−3 Ω−1), which surpasses conventional TCs such as fluorine‐doped tin oxide and indium‐doped tin oxide . Furthermore, the multilayer design of Ag(O)‐based TC allows interfacial engineering to enhance the performance of TPV. The optimum photovoltaic performance of NiO/ZnO TPV is achieved with an AZO thickness of 12 nm, providing a performance enhancement of 700%. The NiO/ZnO/AZO/Ag(O) device exhibits a stable photovoltaic effect with a consistent open‐circuit voltage value of 0.4 V after numerous bending cycles with a bending radius of 0.7 cm.

Electrochromic characteristics of composites on the base of polymers and Mo4O11-W18O49 nanostructures

The electrochromic effect of composites based on polymers and Mo4O11-W18O49 structures has been studied. Double oxide structures were obtained by treating oxide-containing sols to an underwater diaphragm discharge. It has been shown that colored composites have absorption bands due to the presence of Me5+→Me6+ transitions. Differences in optical transmittance values can be up to 63 %. It has been demonstrated that the efficiency of coloring depends on the nature of the polymer matrix.

Influence of Selected Soil Properties on Groundwater Flow around Ariaria Dumpsite, Aba, Southeast, Nigeria

A study on the analysis of soil and groundwater characteristics due to municipal waste is indispensable to the sustenance of the environment and human health. This study is to evaluate the “Influence of selected Soil properties on groundwater flow around Ariaria dumpsite, Aba Southeast, Nigeria using Particle Size Analysis and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) configurationˮ. The sieve analysis shows that the soil samples collected consist of 11.95% of Silt, 83.62% of Sand and 4.42% of little Gravel. The mean permeability of the study area ranges from 0.19 (cm/sec) to 0.49 (cm/sec), the mean infiltration rate ranges from 6840mm/hr to 31320mm/hr. The Longitudinal conductance and Transmissivity values range from 0.0060 to 0.0284Ω-1 and 3.8165 to 16.85892/day. The values of longitudinal conductance and transmissivity indicates that the aquifer has poor protection capacity rating and its classification of well is from very low potential to low potential. The soil samples of the study area are well sorted and the movement of leachate from the dumpsite into the subsurface is very fast because the Permeability (K) is good, Coefficient of uniformity (Cu) and Coefficient of curvature classified the soil samples collected from the area as well graded soil. From the geophysical survey (VES) results, the groundwater depths (upper and lower aquifers) within the study area ranges from 30m (98ft) to 60m (197ft) at average depth of 45m(147ft). The curve types are AHA, HKA and AKA. The SWL of the study area ranges from 12m to 19m deep. The recommend drill depth to groundwater of is 50m (164) for domestic and consumption purpose.

Application of the Ultrasonic Method to Produce Starch Nanoparticles from Cassava Starch

Starch nanoparticles have the potential to be developed as a cassava starch derivative. The research aims to obtain the optimal process conditions (ultrasonic process time and starch concentration) to produce starch nanoparticles with the best characteristics. The treatment variables used in this study were the duration of the ultrasonication process (30, 60, and 90 minutes) and the starch concentration (1%, 2%, and 3%). The results showed that the ultrasonication process time and starch concentration affected the yield, particle size and distribution, polydispersity index, optical characteristics (transmittance), and clarity score of starch nanoparticles. Ultrasonic process time of 90 minutes and starch concentration of 3% will produce starch nanoparticle products with a yield of 13.68%, particle size ≤ 100 nm of 23.6%, average particle size of 230.8 nm with polydispersity index of 0.581, transmittance value of 61.27%, and a solution clarity score of 3.80 (not clear). Tapioca-based SNPs can be developed solely with ultrasonic method to simplify the process.

Attaining translucency in binder/additive-free, nanograined, tetragonal 1.5 mol.% yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramics

In the quest of minimum yttria content to stabilize tetragonal zirconia system, we report the synthesis of ultrafine (∼9 nm), near-spherical, phase-pure tetragonal 1.5 mol.% yttria-stabilized zirconia (1.5YSZ) nanoparticles. The pressureless sintering process (at 1100 °C) involved of 1.5YSZ nanopowders (without any slurry processing) and did not need any binders, additives, or sintering aid to attain high-density (>98.5%) and refined grain size (∼50 nm) for the consolidated fully tetragonal 1.5YSZ nanoceramics. A promising transmittance value of 46% (at 630 nm) was obtained, making it comparable/higher in optical properties with respect to the transmittance values of existing 3 mol.% yttria-doped ZrO2 compositions. This result is credited to our synthesized phase-pure (validated via X-ray Diffraction and Raman analysis) near-spherical nanoparticles with improved tetragonality (c/a ratio = 1.439, obtained via Rietveld analysis) that paved the way for low-temperature conventional sintering for possible large-scale industrial applications.