Wet Ball Research Articles

Exploring the Link between HY Wet Ball Mill Work Index and Grinding Energy Consumption

Exploring the Link between HY Wet Ball Mill Work Index and Grinding Energy Consumption

Fabrication of Surface-carbonated Boron Nitride Nanosheets and Their Application as Water-based Lubrication Additives

As a typical two-dimensional layered material, hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) have high mechanical strength, good conductivity, and excellent lubrication performance, which have great potential as solid nano lubricant additives in tribology. When BNNS is used as a water-based or oil-based lubricant additive, its inherent chemical inertness and poor dispersion stability make it difficult to achieve optimal anti-friction and anti-wear performance. In this paper, a simple and efficient preparation method for obtaining hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (C-HPC-BNNSs) with surface carbonization modification and excellent dispersion stability in water-based lubricants was proposed. Using hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) as a modifier, a wet ball milling process combined with high-temperature carbonization treatment effectively reduced the thickness of BNNSs while uniformly modifying N-doped carbon layers on the surface of the nanosheets. Benefit from the smaller layer thickness of C-HPC-BNNSs, they exhibit excellent dispersion stability in the water-glycol solution and can maintain no significant agglomeration behavior for up to 30 days, which is the basis for the excellent lubrication performance of lubricant systems. In addition, the N-doped carbon layer modified on the surface is beneficial for enhancing the hydrophilicity of BNNSs and synergistically enhances the tribological properties of the material with BNNSs. The test results of the four-ball friction tester show that compared with the pure water-glycol solution and the water-glycol system with added C-HPC-BNNSs, the friction coefficient (COF) and wear volume of the system with added C-HPC-BNNSs could be as low as 0.095 and 1.99 × 10-4 mm3, respectively. This work has positive significance for the preparation, surface modification, and tribological application expansion of two-dimensional layered material BNNSs, which is conducive to further understanding the relationship between.

Mechanical (ball milling) activation to regulate microstructure of κ-carrageenan and improve freeze-thaw stability of κ-carrageenan gels and κ-carrageenan-based emulsion gels

To expand the wide range of applications of κ-carrageenan in the food and biomedical fields, we have physically modified the carrageenan and focused on its freeze-thaw stability. In this study, κ-carrageenan (KC) was modified by mechanically activated to prepare wet ball milling κ-carrageenan (WMKC), and its properties were determined. The research results indicate that mechanical activation helps improve the freeze-thaw stability of KC gels and enables KC to better maintain its gel network structure during the freeze-thaw process. These phenomena are related to the effects of mechanical activation on the particle morphology, molecular structure, molecular interactions, and moisture migration of κ-carrageenan. The particle morphology images demonstrated that the WMKC particles exhibited a more irregular surface, which facilitated greater penetration of water molecules into the interior of the κ-carrageenan particles. Furthermore, the results of molecular structure and molecular interaction analyses showed that mechanical activation resulted in the removal of sulfate groups from the κ-carrageenan molecular chain. This resulted in more free -OH being exposed on the molecular chain, which in turn provided more binding sites for KC molecules with water molecules. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) results also proved that WMKC could better maintain the binding with water molecules during the freeze-thaw process. A better combination of WMKC molecules and water molecules can significantly diminish the irreversible damage to the gel network structure of WMKC during the freeze-thaw process, thereby effectively enhancing the freeze-thaw stability of WMKC. In addition, we further used WMKC as the gel matrix and investigated that the freeze-thaw stability of the WMKC-based emulsion gel was optimal when the mechanical activation duration was 3h, which well meets the demand of κ-carrageenan emulsion gels in the frozen food industry.

Formulation and optimization of transferrin-modified genistein nanocrystals: In vitro anti-cancer assessment and pharmacokinetic evaluation

In this research work, nanocrystals (NC) of poorly water-soluble drug genistein (Gen) were formulated to improve its aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Genistein nanocrystals (Gen–NC) were prepared by wet ball milling. The formulation was optimized using Box Behnken Design Expert to evaluate the impact of stabilizer concentration, drug concentration and quantity of zirconium beads (milling media) on NC size, polydispersity and zeta potential. The NCs were surface-decorated with transferrin (Tf) to form Tf modified Gen-NCs (Tf-Gen-NC) for improving cancer cell selectivity and cytotoxicity. The NC formulations were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray power diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The particle size distribution of the optimized formulation varied from 200 to 300 nm with poly dispersibility index (PDI) between 0.1 and 0.3. Tf-Gen-NC and Gen-NC released 96 % and 80 % of the drug content in 20 min at 37 °C, respectively, whereas only 18 % were released with the unprocessed drug. In vitro cytotoxicity was tested in pulmonary adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (A549) and fibroblast cell line (L929). The Tf-Gen-NC presented an enhanced anticancer effect. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in mice after intraperitoneal administration showed that the Cmax of NC formulations were 2.5-fold higher compared to free Gen. The area under the curve from time of administration to 24 h was 2.5 to 3-fold higher when compared with unprocessed drug. This study shows the interest of Gen-NC in the development of new formulations for Gen as an anticancer drug.

Effects of synergistic application of Viscozyme L–wet ball milling on structural, physicochemical and functional properties of insoluble dietary fiber from ginseng residue

Synergistic effect of Viscozyme L with wet ball milling treatment on structural, physicochemical and functional aspects of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from ginseng residue were examined. SEM examination showed that IDF extracted by Viscozyme L in conjunction with wet ball milling (WBE-IDF) exhibited loose microstructural arrangement, and particle size of WBE-IDF was much smaller than that of IDF extracted by Viscozyme L (E-IDF) and along IDF (untreated). The FTIR spectra demonstrated the variations in the peak intensities in three modified ginseng IDFs. Besides, the highest thermal stability and viscosity was displayed by WBE-IDF among examined samples. In addition, WBE-IDF has higher water and oil holding, water swelling, nitrite ion absorption, bile acid absorption, and glucose absorption capacities as compared to that of E-IDF and IDF. Overall results revealed that the Viscozyme L combined with wet ball milling extraction may change ginseng IDF structure, and improve its physicochemical and functional qualities, thereby providing a theoretical basis for food industry to produce good ginseng IDF.

Wet ball milling activated oyster shells for multifunctional slow-release compound fertilizer production

Slow-release fertilizers have been known to boost crop yields, but their high cost and slow degradation make them less practical for use. In this study, oyster shell (OS) was modified by mechanical ball milling with monosodium glutamate (MSG) wastewater as an activator to prepare activated oyster shell (AOS) with an average particle size of 32.7 nm. Compared to natural oyster shell (NOS), the AOS increased water-soluble Ca by 22 times, expanded the average desorption pore size by 155 %, enhanced the specific surface area by 9 times, and improved the total pore volume by 1587 %. AOS was mixed with traditional fertilizers and extruded to develop a new type of activated oyster-based slow-release compound fertilizer (AOF). Physical effects mainly controlled the slow-release ability of AOF. AOS formed vaterite with a large peak shape, high strength, and well-defined crystal structure, providing more binding sites for NH4+, HPO42−, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+. In addition, AOS was rich in Ca-OH and Mg-OH, which increased the potential for ligand exchange with fertilizer ions, which further improved the chemical slow-release properties of AOF. The AOF continuously releases N, P, K, Ca, and Mg nutrients over a period exceeding 70 days. The nutrient release behavior in AOF was accurately described by the logistic equation, the Elovich equation, and the parabolic diffusion equation. AOF increased the dry weight of green plum by 190 % and the yield by 61 %. The AOF prepared in this study proved to be an innovative and environmentally sustainable slow-release fertilizer.

High-yield preparation of g-C3N4 nanosheet suspension by a two-step mechanochemical technique

Compared with the bulk g-C3N4, g-C3N4 nanosheets have the advantages such as larger specific surface area and more active sites, making them more promising in optoelectronic applications. However, the current methods for preparing g-C3N4 nanosheets have some disadvantages such as low yield, long exfoliation time and high energy consumption. Herein, a two-step mechanochemical method combining wet ball milling with ultrasonic-ball milling has been proposed, with a high yield of up to 31.8% for suspensible g-C3N4 nanosheets. Adding YSZ balls during the ultrasound process can effectively improve the cutting efficiency of the g-C3N4 sheets, thereby increasing the yield of the suspensible nanosheets. The stability of g-C3N4 suspensions were relatively high, and the concentration of the suspensions remained above 87% after standing 24 h. The spectra of the nanosheets obtained through the two-step process had a single emission peak of 435 nm, which was suitable for photoluminescence detection.

Kinetics of formation, microstructure, and properties of monolithic forsterite (Mg2SiO4) produced through solid-state reaction of nano-powders of MgO and SiO2

The synthesis of forsterite can be challenging because the initial oxides react slowly and undesirable compounds like enstatite (MgSiO3) can form instead of forsterite (Mg2SiO4). Although several methods have been developed to overcome these challenges, the synthesis of forsterite using the solid-state reaction of nanopowders has not been investigated. This study aims to explore the possibility of producing forsterite by reacting MgO and SiO2 nano-powder. The initial oxides were wet ball milled, dried, and reaction sintered. Spectroscopy and microscopy methods were used to analyze the formed phases and study the formation kinetics. The density, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and hardness of sintered samples were measured using a densimeter, a dilatometer, and a hardness tester, respectively. The results demonstrated that it is possible to synthesize forsterite by solid state reaction of pure MgO and SiO2 nano-powders. The reaction between the two compounds begins at a temperature as low as 860 °C and leads to the formation of forsterite by a two-step formation mechanism. The first reaction involves the reaction of MgO and SiO2 to form enstatite, and the second one produces forsterite as a result of enstatite reacting further with MgO. The activation energy values ranged from 1028.89 to 1105.655 kJ/mol for the formation of forsterite, and from 456.316 to 488.08 kJ/mol for the formation of enstatite. Monolithic forsterite was completely formed at a low temperature of 1200 °C for a relatively short duration of 2 h. The sample sintered at 1400 °C for 2 h, had a density of 2.96 g/cm3, a Vickers hardness of 7.64 GPa, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 10.24 × 10−6/K measured in the temperature range of 200–1300 °C.

Determination of in-use properties of paper towels

For a hygiene paper such as tissue and towel, strength, softness, and absorbency are known as attributes that a user is looking for. It is proposed here that purchasing decisions are likely to be influenced by in-use experiences, which may be quite different from the physical properties measured with current standardized tests. There have been continuous efforts on developing physical test methods to replace subjective in-use tests because the benefits of the former are too significant to be overlooked. This paper considered some in-use test methods for paper towel products that can be carried out by panel members quickly in the course of sensory panel testing. In addition, laboratory tests were developed in an attempt to quantify such input. The sensory panel testing showed that (wet) strength and absorbency were the key contributions to the performance of paper towels. Softness did not show any significant contribution to it. Wet strength showed a high correlation with absorbency. The (wet) ball burst strength had the highest correlation with the in-use strength. Although both the tensile strength and the ball burst strength had a high correlation with preference, the ball burst tester is preferred because more reproducible and simpler to operate.

Fly ash-based zeolite/reduced graphene oxide/polymer anti-corrosion coatings for efficient heat dissipation

Industries are demanding more and more for the high corrosion protection and thermal conductivity of organic coatings. However, organic coatings always have low thermal conductivity, and the effective distribution of inorganic particles within these organic coatings remains imperative for further enhancing both anti-corrosion and thermal conductivity capabilities simultaneously. Herein, a novel method is introduced for the exfoliation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through wet ball milling, incorporating fly ash-based zeolites. The resulting particles (A-rGO) formed two structures: rGO sheets wrapped around or partially loaded on the surface of zeolite particles. Notably, the absolute zeta potential of A-rGO measures 47.8, marking a 4.26-fold increase compared to rGO, thereby facilitating enhanced dispersion within the coating matrix. Then, benzoxazine/A-rGO based coatings are made, which formed a thermally conductive pathway and constructed an anti-corrosion barrier. The results showed that the highest thermal conductivity of the prepared coating (A-r-2) was as high as 1.561 W·m−1 K−1, which was 676.1 % higher than that of benzoxazine based coating, and 159.7 % higher than that of the same content of benzoxazine/rGO coating. Furthermore, the low-frequency impedance value of the A-r-2 coating reached 2.433 × 109 Ω·cm2 with a water contact angle as high as 129.8 ± 0.2°. The particles designed in this study provides a new system additive for fabricating highly thermally conductive composite coatings with high corrosion resistance.

Investigation of the Chemical Changes from N-Doped Graphene and MOF to N-G/MOF Composites for the Enhancement of Electrocatalytic Properties

N-doped graphene (N-G) materials showed high potential as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in electrochemical energy systems and increasingly gaining ground as alternatives to the expensive and degradation-prone Platinum Group Metal (PGM)-based electrocatalysts. Numerous studies demonstrated that as N-G materials are integrated with Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), the N-G/MOF composites exhibited higher electrocatalytic activities than the individual precursors; on several occasions, even higher than the PGM-based ones. In this essence, it is crucial to analyze and understand the chemical changes that occur through the integration of N-G and MOF, as these changes play key roles in enhancing electrocatalytic properties of the materials by introducing different electrochemically active sites. To investigate such chemical changes, we have synthesized an N-G/MOF composite by integrating an N-G with ZIF-8 (which is the most studied member of the MOF family) following a facile mechanochemical wet ball milling process. In the electrochemical characterization, the N-G/MOF composite performed better than N-G and ZIF-8 for ORR catalysis by generating a higher cathodic current density.Multiple samples of N-G, ZIF-8, and N-G/MOF composite were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to detect the changes in elemental ratios, chemical bonds, and chemical functional groups from the precursors (N-G and ZIF-8) to the N-G/MOF composite. An increase in the elemental Nitrogen (N) ratio was observed in N-G/MOF compared to its precursors; which signifies an increased N-doping ratio in the material which is advantageous for ORR catalysis. The XPS C 1s spectra of N-G/MOF shifted to a higher binding energy (~1eV) compared to the precursors indicating an overall increase in the oxidation states of Carbon (C) atoms in the material which could facilitate oxygen molecules’ adsorption better on these sites at the beginning of ORR process. Comparing the analyzed XPS N 1s spectra revealed an increased relative ratio of the Pyridinic-N functional group in N-G/MOF, which also partly justifies the composite’s enhanced ORR electrocatalytic performance. FTIR analysis revealed interactions between methyl groups (-CH3) of ZIF-8 with oxygen functional groups (i.e. -OH) of N-G while forming the N-G/MOF composite. Besides, a transition from methyl groups (-CH3) to methylene group ( >CH2) was evident during the synthesis, increasing charge density near those C atoms of the N-G/MOF which can as well be advantageous for ORR electrocatalysis. The combined impact of these chemical alterations from N-G and ZIF-8 to N-G/MOF yielded a synergistic effect, elucidating its superior electrocatalytic properties. The findings of this experimental investigation provide insights into the chemical reasons for the enhancement of electrocatalytic properties of N-G/MOF composites; and hereby offer guidance to the design and optimization endeavors of novel catalysts with N-G and MOF materials for diverse electrochemical applications.

Cellulose binary coatings with spherical envelope structure via structure rearrangement in ball milling for integrated radiative cooling-electricity generation

Passive daytime radiative cooling is a zero-energy consumption cooling technology, which can dissipate heat to outer space via infrared radiation. Recently, coupling radiative cooling technology and thermoelectric devices to generate electricity has attracted much attention. However, existing radiative cooling integrated thermoelectric devices still suffer from low-temperature gradient and output voltage. Here, based on the Mie scattering and internal reflection enhancing principle, an impact-inducing geometry reconstruction approach was proposed to fabricate hierarchical nanostructured cellulosic coatings with good daytime cooling performance to achieve stable electricity generation function, which can be realized by using a scalable and facile wet ball milling technology. Guided by the theoretical simulations of the finite difference time domain method (FDTD), the cellulose and TiO2 nanoparticles can assemble into spherical envelope structured coatings drying by the shear, impact, and friction interaction in the ball milling process, dramatically enhancing the Mie scattering and internal reflection of coatings. The cellulosic coatings exhibit sunlight reflectivity of 0.962 and infrared emissivity of 0.94, resulting in a daytime radiative cooling efficiency of 5.9 °C under direct sunlight. Energy Plus stimulation demonstrated 35 % cooling energy and 468.9 kWh of cooling energy can be saved annually in China. Meanwhile, this cellulosic coating-based thermoelectric device can deliver a high voltage output of 150 mV under 1 Sun due to the strong bonding and high-temperature gradient formation (30 °C), which is higher than previous reports. This study will facilitate the development of sustainable power generation device for the goal of green future.

Influence of curing agent modified BN with different molecular structures on the heat conduction and electrical insulation property of epoxy composites

AbstractBoron nitride (hBN) serves as an outstanding high‐performance polymer organic filler. However, its hexagonal crystal structure renders it chemically inert, thus limiting its applications. This study proposes the modification of hBN using economical amine and anhydride curing agents to reduce aggregation and enhance the heat conduction of epoxy resin. Specifically, the DETA curing agent and methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) curing agent were grafted onto the hBN surface via ball milling and eco‐friendly water scrubbing processes. Subsequently, the modified functionalized BNNS were uniformly dispersed in epoxy resin via a wet process to form composite materials. Results indicate that both modified fillers maintain good dispersion at the epoxy interface. Compared to epoxy resin, the heat conduction of the EP/MTHPA‐BNNS composite material with 10 vol% loading increased by 212%. The EP/DETA‐BNNS composite exhibited a relative thermal conductivity enhancement of 191%. Moreover, both of materials demonstrated significantly improved thermal stability, with slightly reduced breakdown strength. Mechanical property testing revealed a maximum increase of 187.5% in fracture elongation.Highlights Comprehensive study on curing agent modified hBN High dispersion of BNNS after wet ball milling Modified BNNS improves composite interface properties The thermal conductivity increases twice under 10 wt% BNNS loading Composite materials with outstanding electrical insulation and high fracture elongation

Improving interfacial magnetoelastic effect and complex permeability of FeSiAl alloy powders for broadband decimeter-wave absorption via Cr doping

This study showcases the interfacial magnetoelastic effect observed in flaky FeSiAl alloy powder absorbents, aimed at enhancing permeability in the decimeter-wave band for better absorption performance through Cr doping via wet ball-milling and subsequent annealing processes. The wet ball milling process facilitates the formation of a lamellar structure by inducing slip along shear stress in DO3 and α-Fe nanocrystals. During annealing, the introduced Cr element partially impedes the transition from the α-Fe phase to the DO3 phase, thereby amplifying the difference in magnetostrictive coefficients between these phases. Consequently, the flaky FeSiAlCr powders exhibit notably increased initial permeability and resonance frequency, particularly around 3 GHz, owing to domain rotation in the DO3 phase. In comparison to previously reported counterparts, the composite derived from these powders demonstrates a significant enhancement in the real part of effective permeability by approximately 66 %, alongside a 17 % reduction in density. Consequently, this composite exhibits a lowered reflection loss of below −5 dB within the frequency range of 0.7–3 GHz, reaching a minimum of −11 dB at 1.57 GHz, specifically with a thickness of 1.6 mm. These findings present an effective strategy for enhancing the magnetic permeability of alloy powders. The resultant microwave absorbing materials hold promising applications in stealth technology and wireless communication electronics.

Kinetic investigation and numerical simulation of reactor with prepared diatomite/CaCO3 for high-temperature thermal energy storage application

Calcium looping (CaL) thermochemical energy storage (TCES) gradually appears in high temperature concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. However, the CSP-Cal integrated system has encountered challenges related to the high temperature stability of calcium-based materials and reactor design. Firstly, the wet ball milling-impregnation method was used to experimentally prepare the diatomite calcium-based thermal storage materials, and a natural diatomite skeleton matrix was obtained. A modified diatomite/CaCO3 composite thermochemical energy storage material was synthesized. The material can keep maintaining an effective conversion rate of up to 85 % by repeating charging and discharging heat storage processes for 20 times. At the same time, the 3-dimensional diffusion model was applied to investigate the reaction kinetics during the heat storage process. Secondly, numerical studies were carried out to simulate the decarbonization process of the packed bed reactor used in CSP, illustrating the complex coupling mechanism of the multiple physical processes. The results reveal that increasing the temperature and velocity of heat transfer fluid (HTF) can accelerate the heat storage process and changing porosity can modify the reaction pattern. Finally, in order to enhance the heat transfer and flow rate of HTF inside the reactor, spiral metal porous channels of large permeability with high thermal conductivity are embedded in the reactor, which promotes CO2 emission and reduces the completion time during a decarbonization reaction. This study not only proposes a novel approach to prepare the calcium-based heat storage materials but optimizes the energy storage performance of packed bed reactors.

High-loading cannabidiol powders for inhalation

Limited attempts have been made previously to develop high-loading CBD inhalable powders, which are essential for high dose delivery. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and characterise inhalable powders with ≥ 95 % w/w CBD by wet ball milling. The effects of magnesium stearate (2 % and 5 %) and inhaler resistance (low-resistance and high-resistance RS01 inhalers) on aerosol performance were also compared. Wet ball milling produced CBD powders with > 50 % production yield. The milled particles showed irregular shapes. The powders were crystalline with minimal amorphous content, low residual solvent level (<1%), and low moisture sorption (<4%). Magnesium stearate improved both the emitted and fine particle fractions. The aerodynamic particle size distribution of the formulations differed between the low-resistance and high-resistance RS01 inhalers. The latter decreased throat deposition but increased inhaler retention. The dissolution profiles showed that all three formulations released CBD steadily and plateaued at 30 min. The best scenario was CBD with 5 % magnesium stearate dispersed from the high resistance RS01 inhaler, showing the highest FPF with the lowest throat deposition. This combination may be tested in vivo in the future to investigate its pharmacokinetic profile.

In-situ coating strategy to synthesize ultra-soft sulfide solid-state electrolytes for dendrite-free lithium metal batteries

High energy density lithium metal batteries play a crucial role in future energy storage. High ionic conductivity argyrodite-type Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5 is a promising candidate for future lithium metal all-solid-state batteries. However, under cold pressing conditions, the combination of high electronic conductivity and high porosity significantly accelerates the growth of lithium dendrites, resulting in low capacity and a short lifespan. In this study, we combined a simple wet ball milling and in-situ polymerization process to fabricate a polyvinylene carbonate-coated sulfide composite solid electrolyte. The ultra-soft particle, when cold-pressed without binders, completed a tightly packed and void-free internal structure. This electrolyte, combined with a stable LiF-rich interface layer on lithium metal, held a higher critical current density of 2.0 mA cm−2 than 0.65 mA cm−2 of uncoated argyrodite and a 2000-hour stable cycle at 0.5 mA cm−2 in lithium symmetric cells. The unique coating structure also mitigated the chemomechanical failure between electrolyte and electrode, preventing the rapid increase of interface impedance and achieving a high initial capacity of 173.5 mAh g−1 without a short circuit for 300 cycles in LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2//Li cells.

Structure, magnetic properties and hyperthermia of Fe3-xCoxO4 nanoparticles obtained by wet high-energy ball milling

In this work, the methods of X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), magnetic properties measurements and specific loss measurements (hyperthermia) were used for the investigation of the structure and properties of Fe3-xCoxO4 nanoparticles. The Fe3-xCoxO4 nanoparticles were synthesized by using high-energy ball milling of Fe and Co mixed with water and surfactant additives. Co substitution increased the coercivity of the samples and changed the kinetics of oxidation process. The presence of cobalt ferrite was verified by MS. TEM images of synthesized samples demonstrated 5–50 nm particle size. Specific loss related heating effect depended mostly on the ratio between the samples coercivity and the amplitude of the high-frequency field. Specific loss power (SLP) and intrinsic loss power (ILP) values reached 164 W/g and 1.57 nH·m2/kg, respectively.

Enhancing thermoelectric properties of higher manganese silicide through facilitated non-equilibrium reactions via the introduction of additional Carbon nano-dots

Higher manganese silicide (HMS) has gained significant attention as a compelling choice for thermoelectric (TE) applications at medium temperatures due to its abundance, environmental friendliness, and impact resistance properties. Recent achievement in HMS involves leveraging the synergistic effect of energy filtering, modulation doping, and boundary scattering to enhance the TE performance. However, excellent TE properties on HMS usually demands extreme preparation processes such as shock compression, melt spinning technique, or chemical vapor transport approach, as well as the use of rare and expensive elements or nano-dots (NDs), such as Re, Ge, Ag/Pt alloy, or CsPbBr3 quantum dots. In this study, a facile wet ball milling combing with spark plasma sintering is used to streamline the synthesis processes. Relatively green, cost-effective, and accessible C NDs are used to facilitated non-equilibrium reactions and enhance TE properties of HMS. Due to the C-doped effect, the PF increased from 1.42 to 1.62 mW m−1 K−2 at 723 K, representing an approximately 14 % improvement compared to the pristine HMS. The introduction of C, derived SiC and Mn NDs result in the enhancing phonon scattering, and leading to a reduction in lattice thermal conductivity from 2.21 to 1.81 W m−1 K−1. Consequently, the figure of merit (zT) increases from 0.42 to 0.55 at 823 K, representing an enhancement of approximately ∼ 31 %. Predictably, the incorporation of C NDs into semiconductors stands as one of the effective strategies for enhancing the TE properties.

Impact of water combined wet ball milling extraction and functional evaluation of dietary fiber from papaya (Carica papaya L)

This study evaluates the structural, physicochemical, functional and rheological properties of papaya dietary fibers (DFs) extracted by alkaline, water and combination of water/wet ball milling. The particle size of DF subjected to water/wet ball milling (WB-DF) was considerably reduced compared to DF extracted by water (W-DF) or alkaline (AL-DF) methods. WB-DF in comparison AL-DF increased the water holding capacity (WHC) by 4.1 folds, oil holding capacity (OHC) by 1.7 folds and water swelling capacity (WSC) by 2.6 folds. WB-DF also improved the cholesterol adsorption capacity (CAC), glucose adsorption (GAC), nitrite-ion adsorption capacity (NIAC) and antioxidant activity. The FT-IR spectra displayed changes in peak intensities observed in the three modified DFs. In addition, WB-DF showed highest viscosity among all smaples. The distributions of monosaccharides in the DFs were affected by the different extractions. Consequently, DFs extracted through the water/wet ball milling exhibit significant potential for applications in the functional food industry.