Hybrid superamphiphobic anti-corrosion coating with integrated functionalities of liquid repellency,self-cleaning,and anti-icing

Superhydrophobic materials have shown tremendous potential in various fields.However,the adhesion,wetting,and pinning of low-surface-tension liquids greatly limit their multifunctional applications.Therefore,the creation of superamphiphobic coatings that combine superhydrophobic and superoleophobic properties through a simple preparation strategy is desirable.In this study,we successfully developed an organic-inorganic hybrid superamphiphobic coating on Q235 carbon steel using aluminum oxide nanopar-ticles,organosilanes,and waterborne epoxy resin via a versatile spray-coating technique.The coating ex-hibited high contact angles(>151°)and low sliding angles(<7°)for water and oil liquids,demonstrating excellent superamphiphobic characteristics.Electrochemical tests demonstrated significant improvements in charge transfer resistance and low-frequency modulus for the superamphiphobic coating.The corro-sion potential shifted positively by 590 mV,and the corrosion current density decreased by four orders of magnitude.Additionally,the coating endured 480 h of salt spray and 2400 h of outdoor atmospheric exposure,showcasing superior anti-corrosion capacity.Freezing tests of water droplets at-10°C and-15°C confirmed that the coating significantly prolonged the freezing time with reduced ice adhesion strength.We believe that the designed superamphiphobic coating with integrated functionalities of selfcleaning,anti-corrosion,anti-icing,and anti-liquid-adhesion can provide important solutions for extending the lifespan of materials in marine and industrial environments.

Robustα-Fe_(2)O_(3)/Epoxy Resin Superhydrophobic Coatings for Anti-icing Property

α-Fe_(2)O_(3)/epoxy resin composite superhydrophobic coating was prepared withα-Fe_(2)O_(3) nanoparticles and epoxy resin by spin coating method.The coating without epoxy resin has higher contact angle(CA)and lower ice adhesion strength(IAS),but the mechanical properties are poor.Theα-Fe_(2)O_(3)/epoxy resin composite superhydrophobic coating exhibits good mechanical durability.In addition,compared with the bare aluminum substrate,the Ecorr of the composite coating is positive and the Jcorr is lower.The inhibition efficiency of the composite coating is as high as 99.98%in 3.5 wt%NaCl solution.The difference in the microstructure caused by the two preparation methods leads to the changes in mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of composite superhydrophobic coating.

Study of Flow and Heat Transfer in an Ejector-Driven Swirl Anti-Icing Chamber

The formation of ice on the leading edge of aircraft engines is a serious issue,as it can have catastrophic consequences.The Swirl Anti-Icing(SAI)system,driven by ejection,circulates hot fluid within a 360°annular chamber to heat the engine inlet lip surface and prevent icing.This study employs a validated Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD)approach to study the impact of key geometric parameters of this system on flow and heat transfer characteristics within the anti-icing chamber.Additionally,the entropy generation rate and exergy efficiency are analyzed to assess the energy utilization in the system.The research findings indicate that,within the considered flow range,reducing the nozzle specific areaφfrom 0.03061 to 0.01083 can enhance the ejection coefficient by over 60.7%.This enhancement increases the air circulating rate,thereby intensifying convective heat transfer within the SAI chamber.However,the reduction inφalso leads to a significant increase in the required bleed air pressure and a higher entropy generation rate,indicating lower exergy efficiency.The nozzle angleθnotably affects the distribution of hot and cold spots on the lip surface of the SAI chamber.Increasingθfrom 0°to 20°reduces the maximum temperature difference on the anti-icing chamber surface by 60 K.

State of the art and practice of pavement anti-icing and de-icing techniques

Pavement snow and icing are worldwide problems, but effective countermeasures are just beginning to be developed in China. The two most common snow and ice removal methods are mechanical clearance and chemical melting, and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed here, including environmental and structural damage caused by corrosive snow melting agents. New developments in chemical melting agents and mechanical equipment are discussed, and an overview of alternative thermal melting systems is presented, including the use of geothermy and non-geothermal heating systems utilizing solar energy, electricity, conductive pavement materials, and infrared/microwave applications. Strategic recommendations are made for continued enhancement of public safety in snow and ice conditions.

Investigation on Preparation and Anti-icing Performance of Superhydrophobic Surface on Aluminum Conductor

Aluminum is widely used in transmission lines, and the accumulation of ice on aluminum conductor may inflict serious damage such as tower collapse and power failure. In this study, super-hydrophobic surface （SHS） on alurninurn conductor with rnicro-nanostructure was fabricated using the preferential etching principle of crystal defects. The surface rnicrostructure and wettability were investigated by scanning electron microscope and contact angle measurement, respectively. The icing progress was observed with a self-made icing experiment platform at different environment temperature. The results showed that, due to jumping and rolling down of coalesced droplets from SHS of aluminum conductor at low temperature, the formation of icing on SHS could be delayed. Dynamic icing experiment indicated that SHS on aluminum conductor could restrain the formation of icing in certain temperature range, but could not exert influence on the accumulation of icing. This study offers new insight into understanding the anti-icing performance of actual aluminum conductor.

Anti-Icing Method Based on Reducing Voltage of Transmission Lines

The icing of transmission lines threatens the security of power system. This paper proposes a novel anti-icing method based on reducing voltage of the transmission lines. The line voltage can be reduced by regulating the ratio of the transformers which install the both ends of the transmission lines. The line current can be increased and the power loss of the transmission lines can also be increased, which means the heat generated by power loss increases and the icing process of the transmission lines can be restrained. When the icing may occur in the atrocious weather, the anti-icing transformers installed the both ends of transmission line are put into operation. The ratios of transformers are regulated to the appropriate value. The current of transmission line can be increased to the value that is a little greater than the critical current, which can realize the purpose of anti-icing. At the same time, the conditions of normal running in the load side are kept invariably, which can ensure the security of power system. This method can be applicable to a wide range. It's an effective measure to prevent the icing of the transmission lines.

Super-hydrophobic film deposition by an atmospheric-pressure plasma process and its anti-icing characteristics

In this work,the super-hydrophobic(SH)surface was prepared through chemical vapor deposition process by an argon atmospheric pressure plasma jet source with HMDSN(hexamethyldisilazane)as the polymerization precursor.Plasma synthesized organosilicon(SiOxCyHz)thin films with water contact angle over 160°and sliding angle below 5°,were able to be achieved.FTIR and XPS analysis indicates a large number of hydrocarbon compositions were polymerized in the thin films enduing the latter very-low surface free energy.SEM shows the SH films display micro-nanostructure and with high degree of averaged surface roughness 190 nm evaluated by AFM analysis.From experiments under controlled low-temperature and moisture conditions,the prepared SH surface exhibits good anti-icing effects.Significantly prolonging freezing time was achievable on the SH thin films for both static and sliding water droplets.This investigation demonstrates the anti-icing potentials of SH surface prepared through low-cost simple atmospheric-pressure plasma polymerization process.

Fast Algorithm for Prediction of Airfoil Anti-icing Heat Load

Many flight and icing conditions should be considered in order to design an efficient ice protection system to prevent ice accretion on the aircraft surface. The anti-icing heat load is the basic knowledge for the design of a thermal anti-icing system. In order to help the design of the thermal anti-icing system and save the design time, a fast and efficiency method for prediction the anti-icing heat load is investigated. The computation fluid dynamics (CFD) solver and the Messinger model are applied to obtain the snapshots. Examples for the calculation of the anti-icing heat load using the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method are presented and compared with the CFD simulation results. It is shown that the heat loads predicted by POD method are in agreement with the CFD computation results. Moreover, it is obviously to see that the POD method is time-saving and can meet the requirement of real-time prediction.

Design and Development of Anti-Icing Aluminum Surface

An anti-icing surface has been designed and prepared with an aluminum panel by creating an artificial lotus leaf which is highly hydrophobic. The hydrophobicity of a solid surface can be generated by decreasing its surface tension and increasing the roughness of the surface. On a highly hydrophobic surface, water has a high contact angle and it can easily rolls off, carrying surface dirt and debris with it. Super-cooled water or freezing rain can also run off this highly hydrophobic surface instead of forming ice on the surface, due to the reduction of the liquid-solid adhesion. This property can also help a surface to get rid of the ice after the water becomes frozen. In this study, a Cassie-Baxter rough surface was modeled, and an aluminum panel was physically and chemically modified based on the modeled structure. Good agreement was found between predicted values and experimental results for the contact and roll-off angles of water. Most importantly, by creating this highly hydrophobic aluminum rough surface, the anti-icing and de-icing properties of the modified surface were drastically improved compared to the control aluminum surface, and the cost will be reduced.

An Abrasion Resistant TPU/SH-SiO_(2) Superhydrophobic Coating for Anti-Icing and Anti-Corrosion Applications

As a passive anti-icing strategy,properly designed superhydrophobic coatings can demonstrate outstanding performances.However,common preparation strategies for superhydrophobic coatings often lead to environmental pollution,high energy-consumption,high-cost and other undesirable issues.Besides,the durability of superhydrophobic coating also plagues its commercial application.In this paper,we introduced a facile and environment-friendly technique for fabricating abrasion-resistant superhydrophobic surfaces using thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU)and modified SiO_(2)particles(SH-SiO_(2)).Both materials are non-toxicity,low-cost,and commercial available.Our methodology has the following advantages:use of minimal amounts of formulation,take the most streamlined technical route,and no waste material.These advantages make it attractive for industrial applications,and its usage sustainability can be promised.In this study,the mechanical stability of the superhydrophobic surface was evaluated by linear wear test.It is found that the excellent wear resistance of the superhydrophobic coating benefits from the characteristics of raw materials,the preparation strategy,and the special structure.In anti-icing properties test,the TPU/SH-SiO_(2)coating exhibits the repellency to the cold droplets and the ability to extend the freezing time.The electrochemical corrosion measurement shows that the asprepared superhydrophobic surface has excellent corrosion resistance that can provide effective protection for the bare Q235 substrates.These results indicate that the TPU/SH-SiO_(2)coating possesses good abrasion resistance and has great potential in anti-corrosion and anti-icing applications.

Quantitatively characterizing sandy soil structure altered by MICP using multi-level thresholding segmentation algorithm

The influences of biological,chemical,and flow processes on soil structure through microbially induced carbonate precipitation(MICP)are not yet fully understood.In this study,we use a multi-level thresholding segmentation algorithm,genetic algorithm(GA)enhanced Kapur entropy(KE)(GAE-KE),to accomplish quantitative characterization of sandy soil structure altered by MICP cementation.A sandy soil sample was treated using MICP method and scanned by the synchrotron radiation(SR)micro-CT with a resolution of 6.5 mm.After validation,tri-level thresholding segmentation using GAE-KE successfully separated the precipitated calcium carbonate crystals from sand particles and pores.The spatial distributions of porosity,pore structure parameters,and flow characteristics were calculated for quantitative characterization.The results offer pore-scale insights into the MICP treatment effect,and the quantitative understanding confirms the feasibility of the GAE-KE multi-level thresholding segmentation algorithm.

Ultrafast Response and Threshold Adjustable Intelligent Thermoelectric Systems for Next‑Generation Self‑Powered Remote IoT Fire Warning

Fire warning is vital to human life,economy and ecology.However,the development of effective warning systems faces great challenges of fast response,adjustable threshold and remote detecting.Here,we propose an intelligent self-powered remote IoT fire warning system,by employing single-walled carbon nanotube/titanium carbide thermoelectric composite films.The flexible films,prepared by a convenient solution mixing,display p-type characteristic with excellent high-temperature stability,flame retardancy and TE(power factor of 239.7±15.8μW m^(-1) K^(-2))performances.The comprehensive morphology and structural analyses shed light on the underlying mechanisms.And the assembled TE devices(TEDs)exhibit fast fire warning with adjustable warning threshold voltages(1–10 mV).Excitingly,an ultrafast fire warning response time of~0.1 s at 1 mV threshold voltage is achieved,rivaling many state-of-the-art systems.Furthermore,TE fire warning systems reveal outstanding stability after 50 repeated cycles and desired durability even undergoing 180 days of air exposure.Finally,a TED-based wireless intelligent fire warning system has been developed by coupling an amplifier,analogto-digital converter and Bluetooth module.By combining TE characteristics,high-temperature stability and flame retardancy with wireless IoT signal transmission,TE-based hybrid system developed here is promising for next-generation self-powered remote IoT fire warning applications.

Vector Dominance with Threshold Searchable Encryption (VDTSE) for the Internet of Things

The Internet of Medical Things(IoMT)is an application of the Internet of Things(IoT)in the medical field.It is a cutting-edge technique that connects medical sensors and their applications to healthcare systems,which is essential in smart healthcare.However,Personal Health Records(PHRs)are normally kept in public cloud servers controlled by IoMT service providers,so privacy and security incidents may be frequent.Fortunately,Searchable Encryption(SE),which can be used to execute queries on encrypted data,can address the issue above.Nevertheless,most existing SE schemes cannot solve the vector dominance threshold problem.In response to this,we present a SE scheme called Vector Dominance with Threshold Searchable Encryption(VDTSE)in this study.We use a Lagrangian polynomial technique and convert the vector dominance threshold problem into a constraint that the number of two equal-length vectors’corresponding bits excluding wildcards is not less than a threshold t.Then,we solve the problem using the proposed technique modified in Hidden Vector Encryption(HVE).This technique makes the trapdoor size linear to the number of attributes and thus much smaller than that of other similar SE schemes.A rigorous experimental analysis of a specific application for privacy-preserving diabetes demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed VDTSE scheme.

Chalcogenide Ovonic Threshold Switching Selector

Today’s explosion of data urgently requires memory technologies capable of storing large volumes of data in shorter time frames,a feat unattain-able with Flash or DRAM.Intel Optane,commonly referred to as three-dimensional phase change memory,stands out as one of the most promising candidates.The Optane with cross-point architecture is constructed through layering a storage element and a selector known as the ovonic threshold switch(OTS).The OTS device,which employs chalcogenide film,has thereby gathered increased attention in recent years.In this paper,we begin by providing a brief introduction to the discovery process of the OTS phenomenon.Subsequently,we summarize the key elec-trical parameters of OTS devices and delve into recent explorations of OTS materials,which are categorized as Se-based,Te-based,and S-based material systems.Furthermore,we discuss various models for the OTS switching mechanism,including field-induced nucleation model,as well as several carrier injection models.Additionally,we review the progress and innovations in OTS mechanism research.Finally,we highlight the successful application of OTS devices in three-dimensional high-density memory and offer insights into their promising performance and extensive prospects in emerging applications,such as self-selecting memory and neuromorphic computing.

Fractal model of spontaneous imbibition in low-permeability reservoirs coupled with heterogeneity of pore seepage channels and threshold pressure

Spontaneous imbibition(SI)is an important mechanism for enhancing oil recovery in low-permeability reservoirs.Due to the strong heterogeneity,and the non-Darcy flow,the construction of SI model for lowpermeability reservoirs is extremely challenging.Commonly,traditional SI models based on single or averaged capillary tortuosity ignore the influence of heterogeneity of pore seepage channels and the threshold pressure(TP)on imbibition.Therefore,in this work,based on capillary model and fractal theory,a mathematical model of characterizing SI considering heterogeneity of pore seepage channels is established.On this basis,the threshold pressure was introduced to determine the pore radius at which the wetted phase can displace oil.The proposed new SI model was verified by imbibition experimental data.The study shows that for weakly heterogeneous cores with permeability of 0-1 m D,the traditional SI model can characterize the imbibition process relatively accurately,and the new imbibition model can increase the coefficient of determination by 1.05 times.However,traditional model has serious deviations in predicting the imbibition recovery for cores with permeability of 10-50 m D.The new SI model coupling with heterogeneity of pore seepage channels and threshold pressure effectively solves this problem,and the determination coefficient is increased from 0.344 to 0.922,which is increased by2.68 times.For low-permeability reservoirs,the production of the oil in transitional pores(0.01-0.1μm)and mesopores(0.1-1μm)significantly affects the imbibition recovery,as the research shows that when the heterogeneity of pore seepage channels is ignored,the oil recovery in transitional pores and mesopores decreases by 7.54%and 4.26%,respectively.Sensitivity analysis shows that increasing interfacial tension,decreasing contact angle,oil-water viscosity ratio and threshold pressure will increase imbibition recovery.In addition,there are critical values for the influence of these factors on the imbibition recovery,which provides theoretical support for surfactant optimization.

A study of the soil water potential threshold values to trigger irrigation of ‘Shimizu Hakuto’ peach at pivotal fruit developmental stages

Water management is an important practice that affects fruit size and quality.Effective implementation of irrigation scheduling requires knowledge of the appropriate indicators and thresholds,which are established manly based on the effects of water deficits on final fruit quality.Few studies have focused on the real-time effects of water status on fruit and shoot growth.To establish soil water potential (ψ_(soil)) thresholds to trigger irrigation of peach at pivotal fruit developmental stages,photogrammetry,^(13)C labelling,and other techniques were used in this study to investigate real-time changes in stem diameter,fruit projected area,net leaf photosynthetic rate (P_(n)),and allocation of photoassimilates to fruit under soil water potential conditions ranging from saturation to stress in 6-year-old Shimizu hakuto’peach.Stem growth,fruit growth,and P_n exhibited gradually decreasing sensitivity to water deficits during fruit developmental stages I,II,and III.Stem diameter growth was significantly inhibited whenψ_(soil)dropped to-8.5,-7.6,and-5.4 k Pa,respectively.Fruit growth rate was low,reaching zero when theψ_(soil)was-9.0 to-23.1,-14.9 to-21.4,and-16.5 to-23.3 k Pa,respectively,and P_ndecreased significantly when theψ_(soil)reached-24.2,-22.7,and-20.4 kPa,respectively.In addition,more photoassimilates were allocated to fruit under moderateψ_(soil)conditions (-10.1 to-17.0 k Pa) than under otherψ_(soil)values.Our results revealed threeψ_(soil)thresholds,-10.0,-15.0,and-15.0 kPa,suitable for triggering irrigation during stages I,II,and III,respectively.These thresholds can be helpful for controlling excessive tree vigor,maintaining rapid fruit growth and leaf photosynthesis,and promoting the allocation of more photoassimilates to fruit.

Epidemic threshold influenced by non-pharmaceutical interventions in residential university environments

The control of highly contagious disease spreading in campuses is a critical challenge.In residential universities,students attend classes according to a curriculum schedule,and mainly pack into classrooms,dining halls and dorms.They move from one place to another.To simulate such environments,we propose an agent-based susceptible–infected–recovered model with time-varying heterogeneous contact networks.In close environments,maintaining physical distancing is the most widely recommended and encouraged non-pharmaceutical intervention.It can be easily realized by using larger classrooms,adopting staggered dining hours,decreasing the number of students per dorm and so on.Their real-world influence remains uncertain.With numerical simulations,we obtain epidemic thresholds.The effect of such countermeasures on reducing the number of disease cases is also quantitatively evaluated.

Novel damage constitutive models and new quantitative identification method for stress thresholds of rocks under uniaxial compression

Four key stress thresholds exist in the compression process of rocks,i.e.,crack closure stress(σ_(cc)),crack initiation stress(σ_(ci)),crack damage stress(σ_(cd))and compressive strength(σ_(c)).The quantitative identifications of the first three stress thresholds are of great significance for characterizing the microcrack growth and damage evolution of rocks under compression.In this paper,a new method based on damage constitutive model is proposed to quantitatively measure the stress thresholds of rocks.Firstly,two different damage constitutive models were constructed based on acoustic emission(AE)counts and Weibull distribution function considering the compaction stages of the rock and the bearing capacity of the damage element.Then,the accumulative AE counts method(ACLM),AE count rate method(CRM)and constitutive model method(CMM)were introduced to determine the stress thresholds of rocks.Finally,the stress thresholds of 9 different rocks were identified by ACLM,CRM,and CMM.The results show that the theoretical stress−strain curves obtained from the two damage constitutive models are in good agreement with that of the experimental data,and the differences between the two damage constitutive models mainly come from the evolutionary differences of the damage variables.The results of the stress thresholds identified by the CMM are in good agreement with those identified by the AE methods,i.e.,ACLM and CRM.Therefore,the proposed CMM can be used to determine the stress thresholds of rocks.

CT Thresholds for Spinal Bone Mineral Attenuation to Prioritize Eligible Older Women for Osteoporosis Screening

Introduction: Computed tomography (CT) measurements of bone mineral attenuation may be a useful means to identify older women who should be prioritized for bone mineral density screening. Methods: We compared bone mineral attenuation as measured in the L1 vertebra of CT studies to the results of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) studies to determine what CT attenuation thresholds might yield a reasonable combination of sensitivity and specificity for the detection of osteoporosis. The study was limited to women between the ages of 65 and 75 years who had a DEXA study and a CT that included the L1 or adjacent vertebra performed within 3 years of the DEXA study. Results: There were 1226 women in this study, of whom 452 (38%) had osteoporosis based on a T-score ≤ −2.5 by DEXA. There were 830 CT studies performed with contrast and 396 studies which were performed without contrast. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean HU of those studies performed without contrast compared to those with contrast (unenhanced mean 103 HU versus 125 HU, p < 0.001). Different CT attenuation thresholds provided the most appropriate combination of sensitivity and specificity for the detection of osteoporosis when comparing CT studies performed without or with IV contrast and when all the CT data were used in aggregate. Conclusion: Different thresholds appear necessary when using the mean CT vertebral attenuation to identify older women for preferential referral for DEXA studies.

Evaluation of rainfall threshold models for debris flow initiation in the Jiangjia Gully,Yunnan Province,China

Systematically determining the discriminatory power of various rainfall properties and their combinations in identifying debris flow occurrence is crucial for early warning systems.In this study,we evaluated the discriminatory power of different univariate and multivariate rainfall threshold models in identifying triggering conditions of debris flow in the Jiangjia Gully,Yunnan Province,China.The univariate models used single rainfall properties as indicators,including total rainfall(R_(tot)),rainfall duration(D),mean intensity(I_(mean)),absolute energy(Eabs),storm kinetic energy(E_(s)),antecedent rainfall(R_(a)),and maximum rainfall intensity over various durations(I_(max_dur)).The evaluation reveals that the I_(max_dur)and Eabs models have the best performance,followed by the E_(s),R_(tot),and I_(mean)models,while the D and R_(a)models have poor performances.Specifically,the I_(max_dur)model has the highest performance metrics at a 40-min duration.We used logistic regression to combine at least two rainfall properties to establish multivariate threshold models.The results show that adding D or R_(a)to the models dominated by Eabs,E_(s),R_(tot),or I_(mean)generally improve their performances,specifically when D is combined with I_(mean)or when R_(a)is combined with Eabs or E_(s).Including R_(a)in the I_(max_dur)model,it performs better than the univariate I_(max_dur)model.A power-law relationship between I_(max_dur)and R_(a)or between Eabs and R_(a)has better performance than the traditional I_(mean)–D model,while the performance of the E_(s)–R_(a)model is moderate.Our evaluation reemphasizes the important role of the maximum intensity over short durations in debris flow occurrence.It also highlights the importance of systematically investigating the role of R_(a)in establishing rainfall thresholds for triggering debris flow.Given the regional variations in rainfall patterns worldwide,it is necessary to evaluate the findings of this study across diverse watersheds.