Flake Type Research Articles

Design of green emitting CaZrO3:Tb3+ nanophosphor: Luminescence based platform for real-time ultrasensitive detection of latent fingerprints and anti-counterfeiting applications

Rare earth doped phosphors are widely applied to the numerous fields, such as luminescent paints, white-light emitting devices, photovoltaics, security inks, etc., owing to their inherent properties, such as sharp emission profiles, substantial stoke shifts, and long luminescence life time. Here, green emitting CaZrO3:Tb3+ (x = 1–11 mol %) nanophosphors have been successfully prepared by solution combustion route using Cordia myxa (lasura) leaves extract as fuel. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns shows orthorhombic crystal structure. Surface morphology of the samples showed porous and flakes type with large void spaces. Photoluminescence spectra exhibits a series of sharp peaks in the wavelength range of 475–650 nm, which ascribed to 5D4→7F6-3 transitions of the Tb3+ ions. The Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates are evaluated from the photoluminescence emission spectra and exhibited co-ordinates (0.32, 0.40) located within the plane green region of the diagram. Highest color purity was achieved for 5 mol % of Tb3+ ions doped CaZrO3 nanophosphors with an average correlated color temperature value ~6025 K. Thermoluminescence properties of the prepared nanophosphors exposed with ultraviolet light exhibit two glow peaks at ~166 and 328 °C. A linear and sub-linear responses of the thermoluminescence intensity after ultraviolet light exposure on samples confirms that the samples are more suitable for dosimetry applications. Latent fingerprints are developed using optimized CaZrO3:Tb3+(5 mol %) nanophosphor exhibit high sensitivity and selectivity, high contrast and low background interference on different surfaces. More importantly, the single information encryption strategy was designed and used for high-level anti-counterfeiting. The results clearly indicate that the optimized nanophosphor has great potential for real time applications in white light emitting diodes, dosimetry and advanced forensic applications.

Angular dependence of nanofriction of mono- and few-layer MoSe2

The frictional properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials are strongly dependent on the crystallographic orientation and number of layers. Although friction anisotropy caused by crystallographic orientations has been reported for various 2D materials, the flexural deformations and different defects complicate the insight into the mechanism of the in-plane friction anisotropy of these materials. Here, the anisotropic friction behavior between an atomic force microscopy tip and monolayer (ML) and few-layer (FL) MoSe2 flakes grown by CVD was performed by nanofriction measurements at different crystallographic directions, applied loads (FA), and tip scanning velocities. Our results reveal that the angular dependence of the friction forces is highly anisotropic for both types of MoSe2 flakes, and the anisotropy decreases with FA. Importantly, the anisotropies demonstrate opposite angular dependence for ML and FL MoSe2 flakes. As confirmed by the friction scanning velocity dependences, this difference seems to originate from different friction mechanisms for ML and FL MoSe2 flakes. The friction of FL flakes was predominantly influenced by atomic stick–slip motion. In contrast, ML MoSe2 is characterized by a coexistence of deformation-induced and atomic stick–slip motion. The experimental results presented here extend the understanding of the tribological properties of dry lubricants operating at the nanoscale.

Highly efficient and recyclable polyolefin-based magnetic sorbent for oils and organic solvents spill cleanup

The oil dispersants have been applied in a broad oil pollution area, but the dispersed oil caused environmental problems during sedimentation. Unlike oil dispersants, flake type polyolefin-based oil absorbent (PA) is not emulsified and shows excellent swelling characteristic for oil removal. However, the sprayed PA flakes cannot be fully collected due to its tiny architectures, the uncollected flakes can cause unintentional secondary pollution. In this study, we develop a kind of flake type polyolefin-based magnetic absorbent (PMA) hybridized with magnetic nanoparticle, to facilitate the collection process. The magnetic nanoparticle is uniformly dispersed in PMA due to the hydrophobic functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticle. This enables the convenient collection of isolated sorbent flakes even when they were placed in the marine system and show a desirable oil recovery performance up to about 37 times for organic solvent. Moreover, oil-soaked PMA flakes can be fully converted into refined oil via a pyrolysis process. After pyrolysis, the thermally undecomposed compounds, which comprise of carbon residue and magnetic nanoparticle, can be also separated by a magnet. The as-prepared flake type PMA possesses good oil recovery performance, fast magnetic response, and efficient oil recycling, thus representing an environmentally promising method for oil spill cleanup.

PROSPECTS FOR IMPROVING THE RECIPE COMPOSITION OF GRAIN BARS AND MARKET ANALYSIS

The market for gluten-free cereal bars as food concentrates and promising food products was studied from the focus of their dietary properties and a functional purpose. The range of grain bars made up 12% of the total food concentrates market in Ukraine and only about 1% of which was devoted to gluten-free grain bars. The main component of both domestic and foreign grain bars included the various products of grain processing. The range of grain bars of domestic and foreign production was analyzed in terms of their component composition and positioning on the market, and then classified into four groups: bars enriched with vitamins; bars with added flavorings and preservatives; bars with sugar substitutes popular among domestic producers; bars with the addition of palm oil, typical for export products. The grain bars of Ukrainian producers were characterized by addition of flax, chia, amaranth, pumpkin, hemp processed products into the composition of gluten bars, but in small quantities. The addition of dried fruits and berries, such as cherries, cranberries, apricots, and grapes, was also popular among domestic manufacturers. Overwhelming majority of the domestic producers used a mixture of four types of cereal flakes as the grain base, namely: oat, wheat, barley and, corn flakes. Taking into account a need in alternative plant resources for the wholesome bars, sorghum, amaranth, flax grain processed products are excellent for the development of gluten-free products. Effect of these non-traditional raw materials (pop sorghum, pop amaranth, flax meal, walnut cake, etc.) on the quality of the grain bars was studied. The use of these ingredients contributed to the enrichment of the grain bars with essential macro-and microelements, lysine, polyphenols, lignin, and vitamins. The developed gluten-free grain bars showed the high consumer qualities; therefore, they are capable to meet the growing demand for gluten-free food products among consumers, providing to widen the range of the grain bars on the Ukrainian market.

Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of graphite-bearing rocks at Chenjere Area, south-eastern Tanzania: Implications for the nature and quality of graphite mineralization

This study focused on the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of graphite-bearing rocks at Chenjere area by conducting surface geological mapping, geochemical and petrographical analyses with the intention of characterizing the nature of graphite occurrence in these lithological units. This paper presents results of the flake size, grade and mineralization extension of graphite in the graphitic gneiss. Field observations, petrographic investigation and comparison with other studies indicate that graphite occurrence at the Chenjere area is of sedimentary origin which fall under syngenetic type. The petrographic study revealed that nature of metamorphism of rocks in the Chenjere area is of high grade (amphibolite facies). Both field observations and petrographic studies indicate that minerals in the rock associated with graphite include quartz, feldspar (mostly K-feldspar) and biotite. Further, the mineralized zones are concordant to the rest of the lithologies of the area and biotite gneiss is forming the hangingwall and footwall. The rocks’ foliation is generally NE striking and dipping SE with the dip amount ranging from 30 to 60 degrees. The graphite mineralization at the study area occurs as medium to coarse grained crystalline, flake type graphite with long axis of up to 1000 micrometres in size. Graphite flakes are disseminated and oriented in the host rock that represents a normal metamorphic fabric. Geochemical results indicate that graphite contents in the host graphitic gneiss range from 3.03 wt.% to 16.00 wt.%. Mineralogy and texture of the graphite at Chenjere area meet the standards required for industrial applications in various advanced technologies.
 Keywords: Graphite Mineralization, Flake Graphite, Chenjere Area

Nanomechanical properties of potato flakes using atomic force microscopy

Characterizing the nanomechanical properties of plants at the sub-cellular level is important in understanding the dynamic processes underpinning both potato plant growth and downstream effects of industrial food processing. Here, we measured nanomechanical properties and mapped the elastic properties of two types of industrial potato flakes that provide both optimal and sub-optimal results during food manufacturing by employing both amplitude-modulation and force-modulation atomic force microscopy (AFM) in air. The amplitude-modulation AFM revealed that sub-optimal potato flakes were more compliant when compared to the optimal samples. Furthermore, the elastic modulus maps demonstrated optimal potato samples to be significantly stiffer than the sub-optimal samples. Therefore, our results provide evidence that probing the elastic properties of potato flakes can be a first step in providing food industries with a quantitative differential assessment between optimal and sub-optimal samples.

Development and optimization of flaked breakfast cereal processing parameters and formulation, incorporated with banana pulp and peel, using response surface methodology

Breakfast cereal plays an important role in a balanced diet. In Malaysia, tons of highly nutritious banana peels, overripe, oversupplied and rejected bananas end up in food waste, as a result of high production and consumption of banana. Thus, this study aimed to produce flaked breakfast cereal with banana pulp, banana peel and cornmeal through oven -baking. Baking temperature, baking time and volume of banana pulp and peel mixture were optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM) to achieve desired fracturability and yellowness. Through this study, fracturability (R2 = 0.98, P≤0.05) and yellowness (R2 = 0.99, P≤0.05) were found to be significantly related to the processing parameters and formulation of the flakes. The optimum processing parameters and formula obtained from this study were the baking temperature of 129.5°C, baking time of 15 mins and volume of banana pulp and peel mixture of 140 g. Besides, a sensory evaluation was conducted and compared among the optimized flakes and commercial corn flakes. Based on the results, there was a significant difference (P≤0.05) in aroma, appearance and taste but no significant difference (P>0.05) in mouthfeel and overall acceptability between both types of flakes. It was recommended that the shelf-life study of the optimized flakes could be done for future study.

Study of the effect of urea concentration on optical properties of Boron Carbon Oxynitride (BCNO) nanophosphor

Effect of urea concentration on optical properties of BCNO phosphor materials has been systematically investigated. Greenish-yellow luminescent BCNO phosphor materials were successfully synthesized by low-temperature, eco-friendly and non-toxic, green synthesis method. In this process, Boric acid (H3BO3 - 2 mol), Urea (NH2CONH2 - 0.25 mol–2 mol) and Lemon Aqueous extract (LAE - 20v/v%) were used as precursors. PXRD ascertains the crystallinity of prepared BCNO phosphor materials which reduces with increasing concentration of urea. The SEM and AFM images show the flakes type structure of prepared BCNO phosphor materials. Quantum yield increased up to 61 % for 0.5 mol% of urea and further decreased for higher concentration of urea. The Photoluminescence emission peak undergoes redshift on increasing the urea concentration up to 1.5 mol% and then saturates at higher concentration. PL emission in Greenish-Yellow region of as-prepared BCNO nanophosphor offers its potential application in WLED.

An exploration on microstructural observation and mechanical behavior of nanocrystallite Al 7017 alloy via mechanical alloying and uniaxial hot pressing

The present research work investigates the detailed microstructural observation and mechanical behavior of nanocrystallite Al 7017 alloy prepared by Mechanical Alloying (MA) for a different milling times (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 h)followed by uniaxial hot-pressing. The milled powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (HR-SEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM), and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA). The characterization of milled powder samples confirms the formation of nanocrystallite Al 7017 alloy through MA. X-ray peak broadening analysis was used to establish the various structural parameters such as crystal size, lattice strain, dislocation density, lattice parameter, and precise lattice parameter of milled powder and hot–pressed sample through Scherrer Equation and different models of Williamson–Hall methods [Uniform Deformation Model (UDM), Uniform Stress Deformation Model (USDM), and Uniform Energy Density Deformation Model (UDEDM)]. Additionally, a particle size analyzer was carried out to find the powder particle size and its distribution for different milling times. Powder morphology was characterized to determine the morphological change from flake type to an equiaxed spherical particle with a uniform dispersion of powder particle. Furthermore, it is used to analyze the development of nanograin MgZn2 precipitate during mechanical alloying. This work deliberates the influence of milling time on the mechanical properties (hardness, density, and compressive strength) of hot-pressed Al 7017 alloys. Finally, the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was performed on hot-pressed samples to analyze the effective stress distribution and the results of the compression test are compared with the experimental analysis.

Effect of Fe-In co-doping on microstructural, optical, electrical and LPG response properties of spray pyrolytic ZnO thin films

Abstract This work investigates the microstructure, optical absorption, electrical resistivity and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) response of ZnO thin film with the change in relative doping concentrations of In and Fe in the host lattice. All the films retain polycrystalline nature with hexagonal wurtzite unit cell structure. Scanning electron microscopic study reveals that regular spherical shaped nanoparticles are formed in undoped ZnO, but a compact surface morphology has obtained in case of 3 at.% In doped ZnO (IZO) thin films owing to the reduction in particle size. In the case of 1 at.% Fe co-doping in IZO, nano-flakes are formed. However, at higher Fe doping concentration, this typical particle morphology gradually changes to spherical shapes again. By comparing the energy dispersive X-ray analysis data, the formation of flakes type nanostructures is attributed to the presence of excess oxygen in the sample and it dominates the thermally activated conductivity phenomenon in the low temperature range. Fe-In co-doping results low optical transmittance and reduction in the band gap of ZnO. It also lowers the conductivity in IZO thin film. IZO thin film samples exhibit better LPG response than ZnO and Fe-In co-doped ZnO samples owing to its smaller particle size.

Thermochemical Conversion of Waste Glass and Mollusk Shells into an Absorbent Material for Separation of Direct Blue 15 Azo Dye from Industrial Wastewater.

The objective of the presented work was to convert waste glass and mollusk shells into a porous material for separation of the direct blue 15 azo dye from industrial wastewater. The porous glass material of specific pore size and surface area was prepared through a thermochemical reaction by reacting waste glass with mollusk shells, soda, and rock salt. The optimal reaction conditions were determined by adjusting the reaction time, reaction temperature, and relative amount of the reactants. The surface morphology, elemental composition, and functional groups of the material were studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray florescence spectroscopy (XRF), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) methods were used to determine the pore size distribution and surface area of the porous material. The material consisted of different types of flakes, oval-shaped particles, and granules. In addition to the functionalized char, the porous material contained Si–O–Si, Si–O–Al, and Si–OH groups. Relatively better yield and pore size distribution were obtained at a reaction temperature of 800 °C and reaction time of 90 min. The fully characterized material was used to separate the blue dye from industrial wastewater. This porous material absorbed about 2.66 mg/g blue dye from wastewater after 20 min of treatment time. The adsorption data fit the Freundlich isotherm better than the Langmuir isotherm. The correlation coefficient of Freundlich isotherm varied from 0.93 to 0.98, which was slightly higher than the correlation coefficient of Langmuir isotherm.

Thermal dry reforming of methane over La2O3 co-supported Ni/MgAl2O4 catalyst for hydrogen-rich syngas production

The excess emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO2 and CH4 is posing an acute threat to the environment, and efficient ways are being sought to utilize GHGs to produce syngas (H2, CO) and lighter hydrocarbons (HCs). In this study, the dry reforming of methane (DRM) has been carried out at 700 °C using La2O3 co-supported Ni/MgAl2O4 nano-catalyst in a fixed bed thermal reactor. The catalyst is characterized using various techniques such as XRD, FESEM, EDX-mapping, CO2-TPD, H2-TPR and TGA. The modified MgAl2O4 shows the flake type structure after the addition of La2O3. The TPR and TPD analysis shows the highly dispersed metal and strong basic nature of the catalyst consequently enhances the conversion of CO2 and CH4. The highest conversion for CH4 is 87.3% while CO2 conversion is nearly 89.5% in 20 h of operation time. The selectivity of H2 and CO approached 50% making the H2/CO ratio above unity. In the longer time-on-stream (TOS) test, the catalyst shows elevated potential for longer runs showcasing better catalytic activity. The stability of the catalyst is indicated via a proposed reaction mechanism for DRM in operating conditions. Moreover, TGA indicates the lower weight loss of spent catalyst which ascribed the lower formation of carbon during TOS 20 h.

Effect of physical and chemical structures of graphene oxide on water permeation in graphene oxide membranes

Water permeation through stacked graphene oxide (GO) membranes is a key for its promising potential for filtration and purification applications. The permeation in GO membranes prepared with different physical and chemical structures (GO flakes) varies significantly, which requires to be elucidated. Here, we fabricated four types of GO flakes with different physical and chemical structure by modified Hummers method with controlling of temperature. The results showed a sensitive temperature dependence of the size and oxygen content of the GO flakes. The flake size is negatively correlated with water flux and has a far higher effect on permeation compared with that of the oxygen content. The GO membrane made of the smallest flakes exhibits ultrahigh water flux of up to ~53.7 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, which is more than three times that of conventional large GO membranes, while still maintaining a high rejection rate of ~95.7% for pararosaniline. Importantly, of all pristine GO membranes without any chemical modifications, this is the most permeable membrane for dyes. Our study reveals a sensitive effect of the physical and chemical structures of GO on water permeation and represents a facile step regarding ultrahigh flux GO membranes for water purification.

Development of a noble aluminum‐pigmented metallic polymer: Recommendations for visible flow and weld line mitigation

AbstractWe investigated the appearance of flow and weld lines when metallic pigments are used in polymer blends and how such lines can be eliminated by improving the pigment particle shape and optimizing pigment loading. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer and two types of aluminum flakes, lamellar and three‐dimensional (3D), were blended in a twin‐screw extruder with a screw diameter of 25 mm. The temperatures from the hopper to the nozzle were 140, 180, 220, 220, 220, 220, and 220°C. Weld and flow lines were observed using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy of specially manufactured injection specimens. In the flow line region, traditional lamellar flakes were randomly oriented, while 3D flakes exhibited a distinct and stable orientation. Based on these observations, flow and weld lines in a finished metal/polymer blend can be minimized by using 3D metal particles in place of lamellar flakes. We also investigated the effects of aluminum flake loading on weld and flow line visibility. At low loading, weld lines were clearly visible due to the lack of pigmentation in the front of the polymer flow. Conversely, high loading resulted in relatively high concentrations of pigment near the weld line area, reducing weld line visibility. These findings suggest that there is an optimum metal loading level where the visibility of flow and weld lines is minimized.

Effect of Cu-Ni and Cu-Ni-Mn on the Microstructural and Mechanical Behaviour of As-Cast Non-Inoculated Hypereutectic Grey Iron

The hypereutectic region of grey cast iron has received very little attention especially for designing cast products by researchers. Due to its high carbon equivalence, hypereutectic grey iron poses some challenges especially its tendency for grey to white transition (GWT) at this level of carbon content. However, hypereutectic grey iron possesses inherent properties that could be easily utilized for improved performance in automobile engines and brake pad system. Significantly, they could be modified for superior hardness, strength and toughness. This study presents the effect of microalloying on the mechanical behaviour of hypereutectic grey cast iron with carbon equivalence above 4.5. The first part of this work presented in this paper considers the addition of Cu-Ni and Cu-Ni-Mn to series of as-cast hypereutectic grey cast iron and their hardness and tensile strength were studied and compared. A total of 33 cast samples were obtained with the control sample. The examination of the micrographs revealed that graphite eutectics cells of Type A and A + D were obtained in the resulting microstructure. Results analyses showed that the ferrite forming tendency of silicon was suppressed due to the high carbon content of the as-cast hypereutectic grey iron coupled with the absence of inoculation which plays a great role in the graphite flake type, network, size and distribution. Cu-Ni microalloying was also confirmed to promote hardness with the hardening effect limit of nickel observed at 1.3% composition. For Cu-Mi-Mn addition, excess and free sulphur in the hyper- eutectic grey iron results in reverse effect of manganese on strength, hardness, reduced graphite flake size and shape.

A Comprehensive Study on Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Filled by Micro‐ and Nanoglass Flakes

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composites containing micro‐ and nanoglass flakes were prepared by melt blending. The percentage of nanoglass flakes was varied from 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 wt% and the concentration of microglass flakes was 1, 3, and 5 wt%. The effect of glass flake on morphology, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of PET was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDXA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and tensile test. The observations showed that both types of particles were dispersed in PET, homogeneously, though microglass flakes had better dispersion compared with their nanosized counterparts. According to DSC thermogram, the crystallization rate and temperature of PET increased with incorporation of both types of glass flakes. The crystallization rate of PET was increased from 31.41% to 34.25% with the addition of 1 wt% of nanoglass flakes. Moreover, the onset of thermal degradation increased more than 9°C with the addition of micro‐ and nanoglass flakes. Based on the mechanical viewpoint, the Young's modulus of PET was improved by the addition of both micro‐ and nanoglass flakes. On the other hand, the tensile strength of PET was decreased from 45.4 MPa to 31.3 MPa using 1 wt% of nanoglass flakes. According to X‐ray diffractometry, using of micro‐ and nanoglass flakes resulted in the decrement of PET crystallites. Whereas, the size of crystallites was lower than microglass flakes, in the case of using nanoglass flakes. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:380–389, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers

Techno-functional analysis of small recycled flakes from Late Acheulian Revadim (Israel) demonstrates a link between morphology and function

Revadim is a multi-layered Late Acheulian site in the Levant which has yielded rich lithic assemblages comprising dozens of handaxes, as well as many thousands of other items, mostly flakes. The techno-functional study presented here focuses on Layer C3, the densest layer at the site in terms of flint artefacts and animal bones. The lithic assemblage is characterized by an intense production of flakes, including a specific lithic recycling trajectory oriented towards the production of small flakes from existing flakes (Cores-On-Flakes). In this study, two categories of artefacts are sampled: the flakes used as cores for the production of new blanks (termed here COF-FFs) and the small flakes produced from them (termed BPFCs or products of recycling). Use-wear analysis conducted mainly at a low magnification, combined with residue analysis and a typo-technological characterization of the artefacts demonstrated that the small flakes produced from these COF-FFs were the desired end-products of this lithic trajectory, with a rather high percentage of used items while the COFs were rarely used, confirming their role as cores. The characterization of the used edges suggests a correlation between the activities performed and the different types of small flakes produced. Our results demonstrate the existence of a well-defined link between small flakes form and functionality, highlighting the capability of the Revadim Lower Paleolithic hominins to produce artifacts with pre-determined size, morphology, and specific utilizable edge features, suitable for the execution of anticipated targeted tasks.

Influence of N2 flow rate on UV photodetection properties of sputtered p-ZnO/n–Si heterojuctions

Al–N codoped ZnO heterojunction diodes were grown on n–Si (100) substrates using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering with different flow rates of N2 reactive gas (5–18 sccm). X-ray diffraction results revealed that codoped ZnO thin films have wurtzite structure with crystallite size 25–31 nm. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that all thin film samples have agglomerated flakes type surface morphology. The optical band-gap determined using UV–Vis transmission spectra was found increased with increasing the flow rate of N2. The current-voltage (I–V) measurements were performed in dark and illumination condition using UV light (wavelength 365 nm) for photodetection application. The high stability and fast switching UV photoresponse behaviour was obtained for p-ZnO/n–Si. The maximum responsivity 0.16 A/W was obtained at 3.2 mW/cm2 illumination of the UV light (365 nm) at 5 V bias voltage.

Characterisation of Electrical and Stiffness Properties of Conductive Textile Coatings with Metal Flake-Shaped Fillers.

Two conductive formulations containing different types of micron-sized metal flakes (silver-coated copper (Cu) and pure silver (Ag)) were characterised and used to form highly electrically conductive coatings (conductors) on plain and base-coated woven fabrics, the latter in an encapsulated construction. With e-textiles as the intended application, the fabric stiffness, in terms of flexural stiffness and sheet resistance (Rsh), after durability testing (laundering and abrasion) was investigated and related to user friendliness and long-term performance. Bare and encapsulated conductors with increasing amounts of deposited solids were fabricated by adjusting the knife coating parameters, such as the coating gap height (5, 20, 50, and 200 μm), which reduced the Rsh, as determined by four-point probe (4PP) measurements; however, this improvement was at the expense of increased flexural stiffness of the coated fabrics. The addition of a melamine derivative (MF) as a cross-linker to the Cu formulation and the encapsulation of both conductor types gave the best trade-off between durability and Rsh, as confirmed by 4PP measurements. However, the infrared camera images revealed the formation of hotspots within the bare conductor matrix, although low resistances (determined by 4PP) and no microstructural defects (determined by SEM) were detected. These results stress the importance of thorough investigation to assure the design of reliable conductors applied on textiles requiring this type of maintenance.

Bimetal oxide decorated graphene oxide (Gd2O3/Bi2O3@GO) nanocomposite as an excellent adsorbent in the removal of methyl orange dye

Methyl orange (MO) dye, with frequent usage in several industries, is a threat to the environment owing to its toxic nature. Wastewater from several industries must be treated before release to the environment. Here, we have synthesized Gd2O3/Bi2O3@GO nanocomposite through the one-pot hydrothermal method as an adsorbent for removal of methyl orange dye and then the result was compared with Bi2O3@GO and Gd2O3@GO nanocomposites. From X-Ray diffraction (XRD) study hexagonal Bi2O3 nanoparticle and cubic Gd2O3 nanoparticles were found on the GO sheets and the functional groups in the nanocomposite were also confirmed from the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy technique. Morphologically, flakes type Bi2O3 nanoparticle and granular Gd2O3 nanoparticle were observed on GO sheets, which were further analyzed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique. At an optimized contact time (45 min), amount (5.0 mg), pH (6) and temperature (35 °C), the adsorption study was performed. The adsorption capacity of the Bi2O3@GO, Gd2O3@GO and Gd2O3/Bi2O3@GO nanocomposite were measured to be 308 mg g−1 and 392 mg g−1 and 544 mg g−1, respectively. The removal efficiency of Bi2O3@GO, Gd2O3@GO and Gd2O3/Bi2O3@GO nanocomposite were recorded to be 72%, 82.3%, and 95%, respectively. The adsorption experiment with Gd2O3/Bi2O3@GO nanocomposite follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherms and pseudo-second-order kinetic model.