Elastic Values Research Articles

Theoretical prediction of perovskite ARH3 (A = K, Li, Rb; R[dbnd]Ca, Sr) hydride materials for hydrogen storage applications: A DFT investigation

Hydrogen (H2) storage has attracted the greatest attention in the contemporary day because of the shortage of fuel. The water splitting is considered less cost-effective and lead-free energy production by the photocatalytic process to produce hydrogen as a fuel for vehicles, petroleum refining, Pharmaceuticals, and glass purification. Perovskite materials play a vital role in H2 storage and production applications. The density functional theory (DFT) using the CASTEP code is used to study the various structural, electrical, optical, mechanical, and hydrogen (H2) capacity properties of ARH3 (A = K, Li, Rb; RSr, Ca) compounds. The compounds under investigations are optimized in the cubic structure; for ARH3 (A = K, Li, Rb; RSr, Ca), the optimized lattice constants are 3.924, 4.302, 4.559, 4.817, 4.647, and 4.884 Å, respectively. Since these hydrides are thermally stable, their formation energy is exhibited negative values. ARH3 may find usage in H2 storage applications due to its high gravimetric H2 storage densities (6.042 and 3.678 wt% for LiCaH3 and KCaH3, respectively). Furthermore, band gaps of 2.71, 2.38, 3.27, 2.73, 1.85, and 2.83 eV for ARH3 (A = K, Li, Rb; RCa, Sr) respectively, confirm the semiconductor behavior. These substances satisfy born stability criteria due to its mechanical parameters which derived from elastic constant values such as Pugh's ratio and modulus. Additionally, Pugh's ratio and Cauchy pressure demonstrate that, in contrast to other compounds, the KCaH3 compound has a ductile character (0.29). According to our analyses, studied compounds are observed a potential candidate for hydrogen storage devices.

Nonlinear vibration characteristics of thermo-viscoelastic coupling of moving PET films with temperature-dependent elastic modulus

In order to improve the transport stability of roll-to-roll produced polyethylene terephthalate films (PET films) in high temperature environments, this paper investigates the nonlinear vibrational properties of moving PET films under a uniform temperature field by considering the temperature dependence of the elastic modulus. Firstly, constant tensile tests were conducted to test the elastic modulus values of PET films at different hot air temperatures, and the Wachtman model was improved to establish a temperature-dependent elastic modulus model for PET films. Secondly, based on the Kelvin-Voigt model, the nonlinear vibrational equilibrium differential equations of the system were established by applying the Bubnov-Galerkin method of discretization according to D’Alembert’s principle. Finally, numerical simulations based on the 4th-order Runge-Kutta method were carried out to analyze the effects of films width, external excitation frequency, external excitation amplitude, transfer velocity, ambient temperature, damping coefficient and viscoelasticity coefficient on the nonlinear vibration of the system. This provides a theoretical basis for the commissioning of stabilized transfer parameters for roll-to-roll production of PET films.

Development of a Novel Soft Tissue Measurement Device for Individualized Finite Element Modeling in Custom-Fit CPAP Mask Evaluation.

Individual facial soft tissue properties are necessary for creating individualized finite element (FE) models to evaluate medical devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks. There are no standard tools available to measure facial soft tissue elastic moduli, and techniques in literature require advanced equipment or custom parts to replicate. We propose a simple and inexpensive soft tissue measurement (STM) indenter device to estimate facial soft tissue elasticity at five sites: chin, cheek near lip, below cheekbone, cheekbone, and cheek. The STM device consists of a probe with a linear actuator and force sensor, an adjustment system for probe orientation, a head support frame, and a controller. The device was validated on six ballistics gel samples and then tested on 28 subjects. Soft tissue thickness was also collected for each subject using ultrasound. Thickness and elastic modulus measurements were successfully collected for all subjects. The mean elastic modulus for each site is Ec = 53.04 ± 20.97kPa for the chin, El = 16.33 ± 8.37kPa for the cheek near lip, Ebc = 27.09 ± 11.38kPa for below cheekbone, Ecb = 64.79 ± 17.12kPa for the cheekbone, and Ech = 16.20 ± 5.09kPa for the cheek. The thickness and elastic modulus values are in the range of previously reported values. One subject's measured soft tissue elastic moduli and thickness were used to evaluate custom-fit CPAP mask fit in comparison to a model of that subject with arbitrary elastic moduli and thickness. The model with measured values more closely resembles in vivo leakage results. Overall, the STM provides a first estimate of facial soft tissue elasticity and is affordable and easy to build with mostly off-the-shelf parts. These values can be used to create personalized FE models to evaluate custom-fit CPAP masks.

Computational insights of double perovskite X2CaCdH6 (X = Rb and Cs) hydride materials for hydrogen storage applications: A DFT analysis

Perovskite materials play a backbone role in materials science to investigate various applications including photocatalytic, photovoltaic, and hydrogen storage. Hydrogen storage is a modern technique to fulfill energy consumption and demands. We inspect the structural, hydrogen, electronic, optical, and thermodynamic properties of X2CaCdH6 (X = Rb and Cs) perovskite substances for hydrogen (H2) storage applications. The research shows substances have 225 Fm3m cubic natures and 40 atoms. The formation and cohesive energies of the examined structures show that X2CaCdH6 (X = Rb and Cs) substances may be produced and are thermodynamically stable. Electronic characteristics indicate that substances are semi-metallic, with correspondingly indirect bandgap Eg energies of 2.13 eV and 2.30 eV. The mechanical stability (Born stability), brittle (B/G = 1.22, 1.15 and α = 0.17, 0.18), hard (6.255, 5.481), and anisotropic (0.278, 0.171) of the X2CaCdH6 (X = Rb and Cs) perovskite substances are demonstrated by the examined elastic values. The Debye temperature ΘD (289.395, 320.837)K, melting temperature Tm (646.961, 650.714)K, acoustic velocities (vm, vl, vt) m/s, minimum thermal conductivity Kmin (0.63, 0.75) (W/mK), and Grüneisen parameter (18.121, 19.521) of substances are also computed by investigating their thermodynamic characteristics. Cs2CaCdH6 and Rb2CaCdH6 have gravimetric ratios of 1.39 wt% and 1.69 wt%, correspondingly. Our findings shed light on using double perovskites X2CaCdH6 (X = Rb and Cs) as a hydrogen (H2) storage substance.

Shear-wave elastography in renal stiffness in children with hematuria and/or proteinuria.

We sought to evaluate renal stiffness in children with hematuria and/or proteinuria using shear wave elastography (SWE) and to investigate the clinical value of renal stiffness in children with hematuria and/or proteinuria. According to the results of urinary occult blood and urinary protein tests, 349 pediatric patients were categorized into one of four groups: pure hematuria (HU), pure proteinuria (PU), concomitant hematuria and proteinuria (HUPU), or control (non-HUPU). Patient demographic data, laboratory test results, and renal ultrasound data were collected. There were significant differences in cortical/medullary elasticity among the four groups (the most sensitive cutoff value between HU and PU was 1.72) (P < 0.05). We found that hematuria and proteinuria interacted with renal cortical elasticity (P < 0.05) but that hematuria and proteinuria did not interact with renal medullary elasticity or cortical/medullary elasticity (P > 0.05). Renal elasticity values correlated with sex, age, body surface area, body mass index, qualitative urinary protein, urine N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, 24-hour urinary protein quantity, renal volume, and renal cortical thickness (P < 0.05). SWE can be used to detect changes in renal stiffness in children with hematuria and/or proteinuria. SWE is beneficial for the early detection of glomerular disease in children with abnormal urine test results. This study evaluated the utility of shear wave elastography for the assessment of renal elasticity in pediatric patients presenting with hematuria and/or proteinuria. Children with pure proteinuria had significantly higher renal cortical/medullary elasticity values than those with pure hematuria. An interaction effect between hematuria and proteinuria on renal cortical stiffness was observed. Shear wave elastography can be used as a tool to assess early renal injury in children with urinalysis abnormalities.

Melatonin's protective role against Bisphenol F and S-induced skeletal damage: A morphometric and histological study in rat

This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of Bisphenol F and S exposure on the skeletal structures of Sprague-Dawley rats. Given the increasing concern about the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of Bisphenol analogs on bone health, this research sought to elucidate their impact in conjunction with Melatonin. Using 80 male Sprague Dawley rats, bones were subjected to a 3-point bending test to assess mechanical properties, and histopathological evaluation was conducted after fixation and decalcification. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. The results of the mechanical tests revealed significant differences in deformation and elastic modulus values between groups treated with Bisphenol F+Melatonin and Bisphenol S+Melatonin compared to the control groups. However, the histological images showed no significant differences between the groups. In the discussion, it was noted that the injection of Bisphenol F and Melatonin together increased bone hardness, suggesting that Bisphenol F and Bisphenol S may mitigate the negative effects of melatonin on bone. We attributed the absence of histological differences to the male gender of the studied rats and previous exposure considerations. This study shows that Melatonin can reduce Bisphenol F and Bisphenol S′ rapid adjustment effects and increase bone elasticity. The side effects of Bisphenol F and S, as well as the prophylactic effects of Melatonin, can be observed and improved by carefully adjusting the duration, dose, and gender selection.

Investigating the effects of partitioning temperature fluctuations on the mechanical properties of ASTM A36 carbon steel using Q-P-T heat treatment: an experimental study

In the continuum of time and technological advancement, the use of metals, specifically carbon steel, has significantly increased as primary materials in various operational and industrial domains, including tool fabrication and automotive components. To meet the evolving demands of industries, precise heat treatment processes have been developed to enhance the metallic properties. This study specifically focused on the application of the Quenching-Partitioning-Tempering (Q-P-T) method to ASTM A36 steel. The study investigated different partitioning temperatures, namely 300℃, 350℃, and 400℃, with 15-minute intervals. A comprehensive set of mechanical tests, including hardness, tensile, and microstructural analyses, were conducted to assess the response of the material to the treatment. The results reveal significant findings: a partitioning temperature of 300℃ yields the highest hardness value of 164 Vickers Hardness Number (VHN). Furthermore, the tensile tests demonstrate that a partitioning temperature of 300℃ is optimal, achieving a maximum stress value of 515.73 MPa. Conversely, a partitioning temperature of 400℃ exhibits the highest strain value at 21.08% and the highest elastic modulus value at 11.47 GPa. Microstructural evaluations highlighted the presence of pearlite and ferrite phases, with the partitioning temperature of 300°C displaying the highest proportion of pearlite phase at 38.5%. This meticulous investigation expands our understanding of metallurgy and underscores the intricate relationship between partitioning temperatures and the mechanical properties of ASTM A36 steel. It provides valuable insights for material design and application methodologies and facilitates advancements in industrial practices

(Ge2S8)100-xTex chalcogenide glasses: Physico-mechanical study for NIR optical devices

To better understand the variations in physical, mechanical, and electrical properties, (Ge2S8)100-xTex chalcogenide glasses have been synthesized. These glasses encompass a composition range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 12. The mechanical properties have been studied by determining the longitudinal (νL) and transverse (νT) ultrasonic velocities. A network structure evaluation with composition has been performed via parameters like coordination number (<Nr>), crosslinking density (DCL), glass transition temperature (Tg), etc. Also, the elastic parameters trend values have been associated with the decrease in the cohesive energy value of the system. An overall physical analysis of the Ge-S-Te systems reveals that the system's rigidity and the cross-linking density are decreasing. Within the temperature range of 300–420 K, the temperature dependency of the dark conductivity and photoconductivity has been investigated. The intensity-dependent photoconductivity is governed by a power law, with intensity (Iph = Gδ) with δ lying between 0.5 and 1. The photosensitivity values reveal that the glassy system may be suitable for applications in optoelectronic devices. A correlation among the parameters has been established by calculating elastic parameters and conductivity measurements and evaluating the network structure theoretically. The present efforts clarify the composition-structure dependence and relationship in the Ge-S-Te glass series.

VARIATION OF TANGKILING AGGREGATE SIZE AND ITS IMPACT ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND ELASTICITY MODULUS OF CONCRETE

The use of coarse aggregate significantly influences the mechanical properties and overall quality of concrete. This study investigates the impact of different coarse aggregate sizes (10 mm, 20 mm, and 40 mm) on the compressive strength and elastic modulus of concrete at 28 days. The research was conducted as part of a thesis in the Building Engineering Education Program, Department of Vocational Technology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Palangka Raya. The primary objective was to determine the compressive strength and elastic modulus values for concrete mixes using varying coarse aggregate sizes. The concrete mixtures incorporated different coarse aggregate sizes along with fine aggregate, water, and Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) type I from Gresik. The mix design followed the guidelines outlined in SNI 03-2843-2000 for normal concrete mixtures. Testing was performed on cylindrical specimens measuring 15 cm x 30 cm. Each aggregate size variation (10 mm, 20 mm, and 40 mm) was tested using 10 samples, and the tests were conducted at 28 days in the Laboratory of Building Engineering Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Palangka Raya. The average compressive strength at 28 days for the coarse aggregate variations of 10 mm, 20 mm, and 40 mm were 29.15 MPa, 28.60 MPa, and 28.50 MPa, respectively. The average elastic modulus at 28 days for the same variations were 3033 MPa, 3856 MPa, and 3950 MPa.

The Ramsey steady-state conundrum in heterogeneous-agent economies

This paper makes two fundamental contributions: (i) We prove that the interior Ramsey steady state commonly assumed in the literature may not exist in a standard Aiyagari model—in particular, a steady state with the modified golden rule and a positive capital tax is shown to be feasible but not optimal under conventional parameter values for the intertemporal elasticity of substitution. (ii) We design a modified, analytically tractable version of the standard Aiyagari model to reveal the necessary and/or sufficient conditions for the existence of a Ramsey steady state. We characterize the basic properties of both interior and non-interior Ramsey steady states and show that researchers may draw fundamentally misleading conclusions about optimal fiscal policy (such as the optimal capital tax rate) from their analysis if an interior Ramsey steady state is incorrectly assumed.

Antimicrobial Hydrogels Based on Cationic Curdlan Derivatives for Biomedical Applications.

Hydrogels based on biocompatible polysaccharides with biological activity that can slowly release an active principle at the wound site represent promising alternatives to traditional wound dressing materials. In this respect, new hydrogels based on curdlan derivative with 2-hydroxypropyl dimethyl octyl ammonium groups (QCurd) and native curdlan (Curd) were obtained at room temperature by covalent cross-linking using a diepoxy cross-linking agent. The chemical structure of the QCurd/Curd hydrogels was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed well-defined regulated pores with an average diameter between 50 and 75 μm, and hydrophobic micro-domains of about 5 μm on the pore walls. The high swelling rate (21-24 gwater/ghydrogel) and low elastic modulus values (7-14 kPa) make them ideal for medical applications as wound dressings. To evaluate the possible use of the curdlan-based hydrogels as active dressings, the loading capacity and release kinetics of diclofenac, taken as a model drug, were studied under simulated physiological skin conditions. Several mathematical models have been applied to evaluate drug transport processes and to calculate the diffusion coefficients. The prepared QCurd/Curd hydrogels were found to have good antibacterial properties, showing a bacteriostatic effect after 48 h against S. aureus, MRSA, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. The retarded drug delivery and antimicrobial properties of the new hydrogels support our hypothesis that they are candidates for the manufacture of wound dressings.

Unraveling the optimal strategies for asphalt pavement longevity through preventive maintenance: A case study in South Korea

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of three pavement surface treatments—Re-Ascon, Micro-surfacing, and Fog-seal—aimed at enhancing the longevity of asphalt concrete pavement. Utilizing visual inspection, bearing capacity measurements, and linear regression modeling, this study rigorously assesses the effectiveness of these strategies in real-world road environments. Notably, Re-Ascon emerges as the least damaged method in visual inspection, offering crucial insights into initial pavement conditions. Visual inspections consistently underscore Re-Ascon's outstanding performance in mitigating pavement distress, particularly in addressing cracking. Quantitative analysis using the Surface Curvature Index (SCI) from Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) measurements highlights Re-Ascon's superior elastic modulus (E1) and resistance to deflection compared to alternatives. Re-Ascon's 20 % SCI reduction compared to Fog-seal highlights its superior deflection resistance, supported by logarithmic elastic modulus values. Correlation analysis confirms Re-Ascon's resilience, maintaining low SCI even under higher loads and adverse weather conditions. Geographical variations and method-specific influences are revealed through PCI analysis, emphasizing the vital impact of preventive maintenance. The identified PCI threshold of 60 % guides timely interventions for major maintenance, while service life analysis forecasts approximately 3.0, 2.5, and 1.5 years for Micro-surfacing, Re-Ascon, and Fog-seal methods, respectively. In conclusion, this research furnishes critical insights into preventive maintenance methods, advocating a holistic assessment through visual, structural, and predictive perspectives, and emphasizing the need for ongoing research to advance sustainable strategies.

Study on methods measuring mechanical properties of arterial wall by macroscopic indentation

Accurately evaluating the local biomechanics of arterial wall is crucial for diagnosing and treating arterial diseases. Indentation measurement can be used to evaluate the local mechanical properties of the artery. However, the effects of the indenter's geometric structure and the analysis theory on measurement results remain uncertain. In this paper, four kinds of indenters were used to measure the pulmonary aorta, the proximal thoracic aorta and the distal thoracic aorta in pigs, and the arterial elastic modulus was calculated by Sneddon and Sirghi theory to explore the influence of the indenter geometry and analysis theory on the measured elastic modulus. The results showed that the arterial elastic modulus measured by cylindrical indenter was lower than that measured by spherical indenter. In addition, compared with the calculated results of Sirghi theory, the Sneddon theory, which does not take adhesion forces in account, resulted in slightly larger elastic modulus values. In conclusion, this study provides parametric support for effective measurement of arterial local mechanical properties by millimeter indentation technique.

Electrical Demand Analysis on Households and Industry in Indonesia

This research aims to determine the response of the household sector and industrial sector to electricity demand when there are changes in prices and income. The influence of price and income on electricity demand from both sectors can be seen through their elasticity. The approach used in this study is panel data from 33 provinces in Indonesia for the 2010-2020 time period. Panel data regression estimation techniques are used in this study to estimate the elasticity value. The results show that price elasticity in the household and industrial sectors is negative inelastic, but price does not significantly influence household electricity demand. Unlike price, income elasticity has a much higher value and positively and significantly influences electricity demand in both sectors. The number of customers, which reflects the increasing electrification ratio and population growth, significantly impacts electricity demand in the household and industrial sectors. Based on the results, it was found that the number of customers most influences electricity demand in the household sector. At the same time, income has the most significant influence on electricity demand in the industrial sector.

Determination of the properties of medium-density fiberboards produced using urea-formaldehyde resins modified with boron compounds

Effects of adding different boron compounds to the urea-formaldehyde resin were evaluated relative to the physical, mechanical, and other properties of medium-density fiberboard (MDF). While the chemical addition of boric acid to the urea-formaldehyde resin increased the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity values of MDF boards, the physical and chemical additions of other boron compounds decreased those values. While there were no significant decreases in internal bond values, the chemical addition of boric acid and borax decahydrate to urea-formaldehyde resin increased the internal bond values of MDF boards. It was observed that in both types of addition, borax pentahydrate reduced the formaldehyde emission values of MDF boards the most and also reduced the burnt area by up to 30%. When the type of addition of boron compounds to urea-formaldehyde was compared, the addition of boron compounds at the resin formation stage showed better results in the properties of MDF boards than physical addition.

Morphological and structural analysis of Penaeus vannamei mandibles and an attempt at real-time cannibalism monitoring based on passive acoustics

Cannibalism is a significant factor contributing to individual disability, mortality, and reduced shrimp production in commercial culture. The primary challenge of controlling cannibalism is the real-time and efficient monitoring of its occurrence. Here, we simultaneously captured high-speed video and feeding acoustics to match sound signals to feeding behaviors in Penaeus vannamei. Building upon a feeding acoustics signal acquisition system, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) was utilized to detect differences in the acoustic signals produced when shrimps fed on broken feed, pellet feed, and meat fragments of P. vannamei (cannibalism). The morphological and structural characteristics of P. vannamei mandibles were analyzed using micro-CT, nano-indentation, and Raman testing. The main findings were: (1) Feeding on meat fragments resulted in a distinct high-frequency impulse train signal that may serve as an effective indicator for monitoring cannibalistic behavior during culture. (2) Shrimps produced similar and stable acoustic signals while consuming pellet feed, broken feed, or meat fragments; however, there were significant differences in the numbers of generated pulses (P < 0.05), with broken feed < pellet feed < meat fragments. (3) The mandibles consisted of thin anterior incisors and flat thick posterior molar processes, both with stratified structures; the mandibles exhibited greater elastic modulus and hardness values in their outer layers than inner layers, and calcium phosphate deposits were present in both incisors and molar processes. The collisions between incisors showed patterns that were highly synchronized with the acoustic feeding signals. This study has expanded research on passive acoustics monitoring in crustaceans and provided crucial data for the development of precious feeding technology in crustaceans.

Goose liver protein emulsion with enhanced interfacial stabilization by facile core-shell curcumin complexation

The role of facile curcumin dispersion and its hydrophobic complexation onto GLP, in the form of shell (GLPC-E), core (GLPE-C) and with synergy (GLP-ECE), on the protein interfacial and emulsion stabilization was investigated. Turbiscan instability index, microrheological elasticity, viscosity and solid-liquid balance values showed that the O/W emulsion stability was in the order of GLP-E < GLPC-E < GLPE-C < GLP-ECE. GLP-ECE also gave the most reduced D [4, 3] (8.11 ± 0.14 μm) with lowest indexes of flocculation (2.80 ± 0.05 %) and coalescence (2.83 ± 0.10 %) at day 5. Interfacial shear rheology suggested the GLP-curcumin complexation fortified the GLP interfacial gelling and then the efficiency as steric stabilizer, especially of core-shell complexation (14.2 mN/m) that showed the most sufficient in-plane protein interaction against strain. Dilatational elasticity and desorption observation revealed the synergistic curcumin complexation facilitated GLP unfolding and macromolecular association at O/W interface, as was also verified from SEM image and surface hydrophobicity (from 36.23 to 76.04). Overall, this study firstly reported the facile curcumin bi-physic dispersion and GLP complexation in improving the emulsion stabilizing efficiency of the protein by advancing its interfacial stabilization.

Synthesis and characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotube-reinforced Ti–Mg alloy prepared by mechanical alloying and microwave sintering

Titanium-magnesium (Ti–Mg) alloy is a widely accepted bimetallic material suitable for biomedical applications. However, reduced wear and corrosion resistance, low strength and hardness, and stress shielding effect limit their widespread applications. Reinforcing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) possessing low density, high modulus, and improved mechanical properties overcome the shortcomings of Ti–Mg alloy. In the present work, nanostructured Ti–Mg alloy was synthesized at room temperature and simultaneously reinforced with MWCNTs. The high energetic ball milling process (HEBM) has been successfully utilized to mechanically alloy Ti with Mg at room temperature by decreasing the grain size to the nanoscale and reinforcing the alloy with MWCNTs. The synthesized nanostructured powder size was 25 nm. Characterization results have shown the emergence of new phases like Ti4C4 and Mg2C3 as a result of mechanical alloying (MA). The reinforced alloy powder was consolidated by cold compaction and followed by microwave sintering. The consolidated sample crystallite size attained was 72 nm and then characterized by Nanoindentation, XRD, and SEM. XRD results show intermetallic compounds Mg2C3 and TiC in bulk samples. SADP TEM confirmed the retention of Nano and partial amorphous structures in the consolidated samples. The nanoindentation test revealed the hardness and elastic modulus values 0.93 GPa and 28.12 GPa, respectively, equivalent to CpTi and its associated alloys. The results are prevalent in those alloys used in biomedical applications produced by conventional melting and casting techniques and can be a potential biomaterial.

Elastic modulus of β-Ga2O3 nanowires measured by resonance and three-point bending techniques.

Due to the recent interest in ultrawide bandgap β-Ga2O3 thin films and nanostructures for various electronics and UV device applications, it is important to understand the mechanical properties of Ga2O3 nanowires (NWs). In this work, we investigated the elastic modulus of individual β-Ga2O3 NWs using two distinct techniques - in-situ scanning electron microscopy resonance and three-point bending in atomic force microscopy. The structural and morphological properties of the synthesised NWs were investigated using X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopies. The resonance tests yielded the mean elastic modulus of 34.5 GPa, while 75.8 GPa mean value was obtained via three-point bending. The measured elastic moduli values indicate the need for finely controllable β-Ga2O3 NW synthesis methods and detailed post-examination of their mechanical properties before considering their application in future nanoscale devices.

Binary Pea Protein-Psyllium Hydrogel: Insights into the Influence of pH and Ionic Strength on the Physical Stability and Mechanical Characteristics.

Food hydrogels, used as delivery systems for bioactive compounds, can be formulated with various food-grade biopolymers. Their industrial utility is largely determined by their physicochemical properties. However, comprehensive data on the properties of pea protein-psyllium binary hydrogels under different pH and ionic strength conditions are limited. The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of pH (adjusted to 7, 4.5, and 3) and ionic strength (modified by NaCl addition to 0.15 and 0.3 M) on the physical stability, color, texture, microrheological, and viscoelastic properties of these hydrogels. Color differences were most noticeable at lower pH levels. Inducing hydrogels at pH 7 (with or without NaCl) and pH 4.5 and 3 (without NaCl) resulted in complete gel structures with low stability, low elastic and storage moduli, and low complex viscosity, making them easily spreadable. Lower pH inductions (4.5 and 3) in the absence of NaCl resulted in hydrogels with shorter linear viscoelastic regions. Hydrogels induced at pH 4.5 and 3 with NaCl had high structural stability, high G' and G" moduli, complex viscosity, and high spreadability. Among the tested induction conditions, pH 3 with 0.3 M NaCl allowed for obtaining a hydrogel with the highest elastic and storage moduli values. Adjusting pH and ionic strength during hydrogel induction allows for modifying and tailoring their properties for specific industrial applications.