Microstructures,corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-6Zn-2X(Fe/Cu/Ni)alloys for plugging tool applications

Mg-6Zn-2X(Fe/Cu/Ni)alloys were prepared through semi-continuous casting,with the aim of identifying a degradable magnesium(Mg)alloy suitable for use in fracturing balls.A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the impacts of adding Cu and Ni,which result in finer grains and the formation of galvanic corrosion sites.Scanner electronic microscopy examination revealed that precipitated phases concentrated at grain boundaries,forming a semi-continuous network structure that facilitated corrosion penetration in Mg-6Zn-2Cu and Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloys.Pitting corrosion was observed in Mg-6Zn-2Fe,while galvanic corrosion was identified as the primary mechanism in Mg-6Zn-2Cu and Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloys.Among the tests,the Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloy exhibited the highest corrosion rate(approximately 932.9 mm/a)due to its significant potential difference.Mechanical testing showed that Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloy possessed suitable ultimate compressive strength,making it a potential candidate material for degradable fracturing balls,effectively addressing the challenges of balancing strength and degradation rate in fracturing applications.

MXene-Based Elastomer Mimetic StretchableSensors: Design, Properties, and Applications

Flexible sensors based on MXene-polymer composites are highly prospective for next-generation wearable electronics used in human-machine interfaces.One of the motivating factors behind the progress of flexible sensors is the steady arrival of new conductive materials.MXenes,a new family of 2D nanomaterials,have been draw-ing attention since the last decade due to their high electronic conduc-tivity,processability,mechanical robustness and chemical tunability.In this review,we encompass the fabrication of MXene-based polymeric nanocomposites,their structure-property relationship,and applications in the flexible sensor domain.Moreover,our discussion is not only lim-ited to sensor design,their mechanism,and various modes of sensing platform,but also their future perspective and market throughout the world.With our article,we intend to fortify the bond between flexible matrices and MXenes thus promoting the swift advancement of flexible MXene-sensors for wearable technologies.

Atomically Substitutional Engineering of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Layers for Enhancing Tailored Properties and Superior Applications

Transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs)are a promising class of layered materials in the post-graphene era,with extensive research attention due to their diverse alternative elements and fascinating semiconductor behavior.Binary MX2 layers with different metal and/or chalcogen elements have similar structural parameters but varied optoelectronic properties,providing opportunities for atomically substitutional engineering via partial alteration of metal or/and chalcogenide atoms to produce ternary or quaternary TMDs.The resulting multinary TMD layers still maintain structural integrity and homogeneity while achieving tunable(opto)electronic properties across a full range of composition with arbitrary ratios of introduced metal or chalcogen to original counterparts(0–100%).Atomic substitution in TMD layers offers new adjustable degrees of freedom for tailoring crystal phase,band alignment/structure,carrier density,and surface reactive activity,enabling novel and promising applications.This review comprehensively elaborates on atomically substitutional engineering in TMD layers,including theoretical foundations,synthetic strategies,tailored properties,and superior applications.The emerging type of ternary TMDs,Janus TMDs,is presented specifically to highlight their typical compounds,fabrication methods,and potential applications.Finally,opportunities and challenges for further development of multinary TMDs are envisioned to expedite the evolution of this pivotal field.

Application of Pomegranate Rind Extract for Improvement of Functional Properties of Various Materials—A Critical Review

Pomegranate rind is abundantly available as a waste material. Pomegranate Rind Extract (PRE) can be applied to cotton fabrics for its natural colours, as a mordanting agent and also for imparting certain functional properties such as fire retardancy and antimicrobial properties. This paper reviews the feasibility of Pomegranate Rind Extract to improve the functional properties of cellulosic fabrics. Studies show that varying concentrations and higher temperatures that were used to apply the extract on the fabric, resulted in enhanced functional properties. At a particular concentration, the treated fabric showed a 15 times lower burning rate in comparison with the control fabric. Also, antimicrobial efficacy has been observed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Due to the natural colouring material, it can be used as a natural dye on cotton material. The fire retardancy of pomegranate rind extract was tested on jute material under varying alkalinity. Research has indicated that pomegranate rind extract could be used to dye polyamide as well. The rubbing and wash fastness of the finished fabrics is good. The light fastness was fair, and its antibacterial efficiency against tested bacteria was good.

Two/Quasi-two-dimensional perovskite-based heterostructures:construction,properties and applications

Two-dimensional(2D)/quasi-2D organic-inorganic halide perovskites are regarded as naturally formed multiple quantum wells with inorganic layers isolated by long organic chains,which exhibit layered structure,large exciton binding energy,strong nonlinear optical effect,tunable bandgap via changing the layer number or chemical composition,improved environmental stability,and excellent optoelectronic properties.The extensive choice of long organic chains endows 2D/quasi-2D perovskites with tunable electron-phonon coupling strength,chirality,or ferroelectricity properties.In particular,the layered nature of 2D/quasi-2D perovskites allows us to exfoliate them to thin plates to integrate with other materials to form heterostructures,the fundamental structural units for optoelectronic devices,which would greatly extend the functionalities in view of the diversity of 2D/quasi-2D perovskites.In this paper,the recent achievements of 2D/quasi-2D perovskite-based heterostructures are reviewed.First,the structure and physical properties of 2D/quasi-2D perovskites are introduced.We then discuss the construction and characterizations of 2D/quasi-2D perovskite-based heterostructures and highlight the prominent optical properties of the constructed heterostructures.Further,the potential applications of 2D/quasi-2D perovskite-based heterostructures in photovoltaic devices,light emitting devices,photodetectors/phototransistors,and valleytronic devices are demonstrated.Finally,we summarize the current challenges and propose further research directions in the field of 2D/quasi-2D perovskite-based heterostructures.

Photoelectrocatalytic principles for meaningfully studying photocatalyst properties and photocatalysis processes:From fundamental theory to environmental applications

Photocatalysis is critically important for environmental remediation and renewable energy technologies.The ability to objectively characterize photocatalyst properties and photocatalysis processes is paramount for meaningful performance evaluation and fundamental studies to guide the design and development of high-performance photocatalysts and photocatalysis systems.Photocatalysis is essentially an electron transfer process,and photoelectrocatalysis(PEC)principles can be used to directly quantify transferred electrons to determine the intrinsic properties of photocatalysts and photocatalysis processes in isolation,without interference from counter reactions due to physically separated oxidation and reduction half-reactions.In this review,we discuss emphatically the PEC-based principles for characterizing intrinsic properties of photocatalysts and important processes of photocatalysis,with a particular focus on their environmental applications in the degradation of pollutants,disinfection,and detection of chemical oxygen demand(COD).An outlook towards the potential applications of PEC technique is given.

Tuning magneto-dielectric properties of Co_(2)Z ferrites via Gd doping for high-frequency applications

Magneto-dielectric properties of Co_(2)Z ferrite materials are tuned via Gd doping for applications in high-frequency antennas and filters in the present work.Ba_(3)Co_(2)Fe_(24-x)Gd_(x)O_(41)(x=0.00,0.05,0.10,0.15,and 0.20)materials are successfully prepared by using solid-state method at 925℃for 4 h with 2.5-wt%Bi_(2)O_(3)sintering aids.The content of Gd^(3+)ion can affect micromorphology,grain size,bulk density,and magneto-dielectric properties of the ferrite.With Gd^(3+)ion content increasing,saturation magnetization(Ms)first increases and then decreases.The maximum value of Ms is 44.86 emu/g at x=0.15.Additionally,sites occupied by Gd^(3+)ions can change magnetic anisotropy constant of the ferrite.Magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant(K_1)is derived from initial magnetization curve,and found to be related to spin-orbit coupling and intersublattice interactions between metal ions.The real part of magnetic permeability(μ′)and real part of dielectric permittivity(ε′)are measured in a frequency range of 10 MHz-1 GHz.When x=0.15,material has excellent magneto-dielectric properties(μ′≈12.2 andε′≈17.61),low magnetic loss(tanδμ≈0.03 at 500 MHz),and dielectric loss(tanδε≈0.04 at 500 MHz).The results show that Gd-doped Co_(2)Z ferrite has broad application prospects in multilayer filters and high-frequency antennas.

Microstructures, mechanical properties, corrosion, and biocompatibility of extruded Mg-Zr-Sr-Ho alloys for biodegradable implant applications

In this study,the microstructures,mechanical properties,corrosion behaviors,and biocompatibility of extruded magnesium-zirconiumstrontium-holmium(Mg-Zr-Sr-Ho)alloys were comprehensively investigated.The effect of different concentrations of Ho on the microstructural characteristics,tensile and compressive properties,corrosion resistance,and biocompatibility were investigated.The microstructures of the extruded Mg-1Zr-0.5Sr-xHo(x=0.5,1.5,and 4 wt.%)alloys consisted ofα-Mg matrix,fineα-Zr particles,and intermetallic phase particles of Mg_(17)Sr_(2) and Ho_(2)Mg mainly distributed at the grain boundaries.Extensive{1012}tensile twins were observed in the partially recrystallized samples of Mg-1Zr-0.5Sr-0.5Ho and Mg-1Zr-0.5Sr-1.5Ho.Further addition of Ho to 4 wt.%resulted in a complete recrystallization due to activation of the particle stimulated nucleation around the Mg_(17)Sr_(2) particles.The evolution of a rare earth(RE)texture was observed with the Ho addition,which resulted in the weakened basal and prismatic textures.Furthermore,a drastic increase of 200%in tensile elongation and 89%in compressive strain was observed with Ho addition increased from 0.5 to 4 wt%,respectively.The tension-compression yield asymmetry was significantly decreased from 0.62 for Mg-1Zr-0.5Sr-0.5Ho to 0.98 for Mg-1Zr-0.5Sr-4Ho due to the weakening of textures.Corrosion analysis of the extruded Mg-Zr-Sr-Ho alloys revealed the presence of pitting corrosion.A minimum corrosion rate of 4.98 mm y^(−1) was observed in Mg-1Zr-0.5Sr-0.5Ho alloy.The enhanced corrosion resistance is observed due to the presence of Ho_(2)O_(3) in the surface film which reduced galvanic effect.The formation of a stabilized surface film due to the Ho_(2)O_(3) was confirmed through the electrical impedance spectroscopy and XPS analysis.An in vitro cytotoxicity assessment revealed good biocompatibility and cell adhesion in relation to SaOS2 cells.

Structure, Formation, Properties, and Application of Calcium and Magnesium Silicate Hydrates System—A Review

In order to expand the advantages of strong durability and high compressive strength of calcium silicate hydrates(C-S-H),at the same time to make up for the poor early mechanical strength of magnesium silicate hydrates (M-S-H),we present the features and advantages of C-S-H and M-S-H and a comprehensive review of the progress on CaO-MgO-SiO_(2)-H_(2)O.Moreover,we systematically describe natural calcium and magnesium silicate minerals and thermodynamic properties of CaO-MgO-SiO_(2)-H_(2)O.The effect of magnesium on C-S-H and calcium on M-S-H is summarized deeply;the formation and structural feature of CaO-MgO-SiO_(2)-H_(2)O is also explained in detail.Finally,the development of calcium and magnesium silicate hydrates in the future is pointed out,and the further research is discussed and estimated.

Additive manufacturing of biodegradable magnesium-based materials:Design strategies,properties,and biomedical applications

Magnesium(Mg)-based materials are a new generation of alloys with the exclusive ability to be biodegradable within the human/animal body.In addition to biodegradability,their inherent biocompatibility and similar-to-bone density make Mg-based alloys good candidates for fabricating surgical bioimplants for use in orthopedic and traumatology treatments.To this end,nowadays additive manufacturing(AM)along with three-dimensional(3D)printing represents a promising manufacturing technique as it allows for the integration of bioimplant design and manufacturing processes specific to given applications.Meanwhile,this technique also faces many new challenges associated with the properties of Mg-based alloys,including high chemical reactivity,potential for combustion,and low vaporization temperature.In this review article,various AM processes to fabricate biomedical implants from Mg-based alloys,along with their metallic microstructure,mechanical properties,biodegradability,biocompatibility,and antibacterial properties,as well as various post-AM treatments were critically reviewed.Also,the challenges and issues involved in AM processes from the perspectives of bioimplant design,properties,and applications were identified;the possibilities and potential scope of the Mg-based scaffolds/implants are discussed and highlighted.

Effect of Combined Application of Organic Farming Aid (OFA) and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Maize and Soil Microbial Properties in the Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different rates of organic farming aid (OFA) and inorganic fertilizer on the productivity of maize, chemical and microbial properties of soil for higher economic value. Field experiments were conducted during the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons at the research fields of CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute located at Nyankpala in the Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana. The study consisted of five treatment combinations: full rate of OFA, full rate of NPK, 1/2 OFA + 1/2 NPK, full OFA + 1/2 NPK and a control (no OFA and no NPK) which were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Analysis of variance indicated significant (P 0.05) treatment and year interaction effect for all the growth parameters except for plant height, leaf area and leaf area index. Apart from hundred seed weight, treatment and year interaction effect for all the yield and yield components was significant (P 0.05). Application of full rate of NPK (90:60:60) resulted in the highest grain yield of 4960 kg·ha-1, however it was statistically similar to those obtained by the combined application of full rate of OFA (250 ml·ha-1) + 1/2 NPK and 1/2 OFA + 1/2 NPK with grain yield of 4856 kg·ha-1 and 4639 kg·ha-1 respectively. There was also a yield advantage of 197. 5%, 191.3%, 178.3 and 79.1% over the control for full NPK rate, full OFA rate + 1/2 NPK rate, 1/2 OFA rate + 1/2 NPK and full OFA rate respectively. Application of full OFA rate + 1/2 NPK enhanced soil basal respiration (evolved CO2) and mineralizable C, implying that, combination of full OFA rate and NPK fertilizer would be necessary to boost soil microbial activity and soil labile nutrient pool (labile C pool). This suggests that combined use of full OFA rate + 1/2 NPK fertilizer can be a better strategic tool for improving soil quality. The highest benefit cost ratios (BCR) of 2.58 and 3.77 were obtained following the application of full OFA rate + 1/2 NPK and 1/2 OFA rate + 1/2 NPK respectively. Hence, it could be concluded that complementary use of OFA and NPK is more profitable than using single inputs (either OFA or NPK). Thus, in promoting technology packages to farmers, development practitioners must carefully consider the complementary of inputs that are cost-effective but economically rewarding.

Microstructure characterization and thermal properties of hypereutectic Si-Al alloy for electronic packaging applications

The rapid solidified process and hot press method were performed to produce three hypereutectic 55%Si-Al, 70%Si-Al and 90%Si-Al alloys for heat dissipation materials. The results show that the atomization is an effective rapid solidified method to produce the Si-Al alloy and the size of atomized Si-Al alloy powder is less than 50 μm. The rapid solidified Si-Al alloy powder were hot pressed at 550 ℃ with the pressure of 700 MPa to obtain the relative densities of 99.4%, 99.2% and 94.4% for 55%Si-Al, 70%Si-Al and 90%Si-Al alloys, respectively. The typical physical properties, such as the thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion （CTE） and electrical conductivity of rapid solidified Si-Al alloys are acceptable as a heat dissipation material for many semiconductor devices. The 55%Si-Al alloy changes greatly （CTE） with the increase of temperature but obtains a good thermal conductivity. The CTE of 90%Si-Al alloy matches with the silicon very well but its thermal conductivity value is less than 100 W/（m.K）. Therefore, the 70%Si-Al alloy possesses the best comprehensive properties of CTE and thermal conductivity for using as the heat sink materials.

Determination of the Properties of Some Selected Timber Species for Structural Application

One of the alternative sustainable and green construction materials to concrete is timber. Timber is of numerous varieties, and this acts as a barrier to the extent of its usage, especially in structural application. Despite many researches on wood’s mechanical and physical properties, only a few are geared toward the structural application of wood. The present work investigated the mechanical properties of five timber species;Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis (Teak), Terminalia superba (Afara), Ayin (Anogeissus leiocarpus), and Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), to determine their suitability for constructing long-span roof trusses. These are available in the South Western part of Nigeria. Their mechanical properties;bending strength, compressive strength, shear strength, tensile strength, Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Modulus of Rupture (MOR), and density, were determined in the laboratory. The results obtained showed that all the timber types, except Terminalia superba (Afara), have higher values of mechanical properties than the values that are obtainable for classes of strength D30 to class D70 in the British Code of Practice. It means these species are of higher quality than the stipulated strength classes in the British code. The results also show that the order of relevance of the species for structural design (or work) is Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), Ayin (Anogeissus leiocarpus), Gmelina Arborea, and Tectona grandis (Teak). Terminalia superba (Afara) is not recommended for structural works.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Effects of Morphology on the Magnetic Application Base Properties of Pure Nickel Oxide (NiO) and Cobalt-Doped Nickel Oxide/Nickel Hydroxide (CoxNi1-xO/Ni(OH)2) Nanocomposites

Nano particle (NP) morphology is one of the material properties at the origin of potential application base properties exploited in several engineering and technology domains, such as fuel cell, electrodes, catalysis, sensing, electric, thermal, magnetic, and photovoltaic applications. The general properties and particle morphology of nickel oxide/Nickel hydroxide NPs can be modified by the introduction of impurity atoms or ions. Nano sized nickel oxide/nickel hydroxide nanocomposites were obtained from the thermal decomposition of single molecular precursors synthesized by a modified oxalate route using Carambola fruit juice as a precipitating agent. The compositional and morphological variations were studied by introducing cobalt as an impurity ion at different w/w% fractions (0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5.0%, 40.0% and 50.0%) into the microstructure of the nickel oxide/hydroxide. The precursors were characterized by FT-IR, while TGA/DTG analysis was carried out to decompose the precursors. The precursors decomposed at 400°C and were characterized by PXRD and SEM/TEM. The results revealed that Pure Nickel Oxide (NiO) and, Cobalt-doped Nickel Oxide/nickel hydroxide (CoxNi1-xO/Ni(OH)2) Nano composites have been synthesized and the synthesized samples have exhibited three distinct morphologies (porous face-centered cubic nano rods, rough and discontinuous CoxNi1-xO/Ni(OH)2) composite and, smooth and continuous mix spherical/cuboidal mixed morphological phase of (NiO/CoO). The morphology of the NPs varied with the introduction of the dopant atoms and with increase in the concentration of dopant atoms in the composite. Magnetic studies using vibrating sample magnetometry revealed superparamagnetic properties which correlated strongly with particle size, shape and morphology. Observed values of retention (4.50 × 10-3 emu/g) and coercivity (65.321 Oe) were found for 0.5 w/w% corresponding to impregnated porous nanorods of Co-doped NiO, and retention (9.03 × 10-3 emu/g) and coercivity (64.341 Oe), for X = 50.0%, corresponding to an aggregate network of a Nano spherical/cubic CoO/NiO mixed phase. Magnetic properties within this range are known to improve the magnetic memory and hardness of the magnetic materials. Therefore, the synthesized Cobalt-doped Nickel Oxide/nickel hydroxide (CoxNi1-xO/Ni(OH)2) Nano composites have potential applications in Magnetic memories and hardness of magnetic materials.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Effects of Morphology on the Magnetic Application Base Properties of Pure Nickel Oxide (NiO) and Cobalt-Doped Nickel Oxide/Nickel Hydroxide (CoxNi1-xO/Ni(OH)2) Nanocomposites

Nano particle (NP) morphology is one of the material properties at the origin of potential application base properties exploited in several engineering and technology domains, such as fuel cell, electrodes, catalysis, sensing, electric, thermal, magnetic, and photovoltaic applications. The general properties and particle morphology of nickel oxide/Nickel hydroxide NPs can be modified by the introduction of impurity atoms or ions. Nano sized nickel oxide/nickel hydroxide nanocomposites were obtained from the thermal decomposition of single molecular precursors synthesized by a modified oxalate route using Carambola fruit juice as a precipitating agent. The compositional and morphological variations were studied by introducing cobalt as an impurity ion at different w/w% fractions (0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5.0%, 40.0% and 50.0%) into the microstructure of the nickel oxide/hydroxide. The precursors were characterized by FT-IR, while TGA/DTG analysis was carried out to decompose the precursors. The precursors decomposed at 400°C and were characterized by PXRD and SEM/TEM. The results revealed that Pure Nickel Oxide (NiO) and, Cobalt-doped Nickel Oxide/nickel hydroxide (CoxNi1-xO/Ni(OH)2) Nano composites have been synthesized and the synthesized samples have exhibited three distinct morphologies (porous face-centered cubic nano rods, rough and discontinuous CoxNi1-xO/Ni(OH)2) composite and, smooth and continuous mix spherical/cuboidal mixed morphological phase of (NiO/CoO). The morphology of the NPs varied with the introduction of the dopant atoms and with increase in the concentration of dopant atoms in the composite. Magnetic studies using vibrating sample magnetometry revealed superparamagnetic properties which correlated strongly with particle size, shape and morphology. Observed values of retention (4.50 × 10-3 emu/g) and coercivity (65.321 Oe) were found for 0.5 w/w% corresponding to impregnated porous nanorods of Co-doped NiO, and retention (9.03 × 10-3 emu/g) and coercivity (64.341 Oe), for X = 50.0%, corresponding to an aggregate network of a Nano spherical/cubic CoO/NiO mixed phase. Magnetic properties within this range are known to improve the magnetic memory and hardness of the magnetic materials. Therefore, the synthesized Cobalt-doped Nickel Oxide/nickel hydroxide (CoxNi1-xO/Ni(OH)2) Nano composites have potential applications in Magnetic memories and hardness of magnetic materials.

Long-term Properties of Aeolian Sand-magnesium Oxychloride Cement Composites and Its Engineering Application

In order to prepare a new material with long-term stable performance,low cost,easy construction,and ecological environmental protection,the influence of aeolian sand on the compressive and flexural strength as well as micro morphology and phase composition of magnesium oxychloride cement(MOC)was studied.The experimental results indicate that,with the increase of content of doping sand,the compressive strength and flexural strength of MOC decrease significantly.However,when the quality ratio of aeolian sand and light burned magnesia powder is 1:8,the performance meets the actual engineering needs.Namely,the compressive strength of MOC is not less than 18 MPa,and flexural strength is not less than 4 MPa.Meanwhile,within 12 months of age,the compressive strength and flexural strength are stable.There is no obvious change in phase composition,and its main phase is still 5·1·8 phase.Microscopic appearance changes from needle-like to gel-like shape.Based on engineering applications,it is found that when the novel sand-fixing material is used in the field for one year,its macroscopic feature is not damaged,compressive strength and flexural strength are also more stable,phase composition negligibly changes,and micro morphology has also been turned into be gellike shape.These further confirm the long-term stability and weather resistance of MOC doping aeolian sand,providing theoretical and technical support for the widely application of MOC in the field of sand fixation in the future.

Improvements in mechanical, corrosion, and biocompatibility properties of Mg–Zr–Sr–Dy alloys via extrusion for biodegradable implant applications

In this study,extrusion was performed on Mg-Zr-Sr-Dy alloys for improving their mechanical,corrosion,and biocompatibility properties.Effects of extrusion and alloying elements on the microstructural characteristics,tensile and compressive strengths,corrosion behavior,and biocompatibility were investigated.The Mg-Zr-Sr-Dy alloys were composed of an α-Mg matrix containing {10■2} extension twins and secondary phases of intermetallic compounds Mg_(17)Sr_(2) and Mg_(2)Dy.Evolution of basal and rare earth(RE) textures was observed in the extruded alloys and an increase in Dy content to 2 wt.% resulted in texture randomization and strengthening of the RE component,mainly due to particle-stimulated nucleation and a change from discontinuous dynamic recrystallization to continuous dynamic recrystallization,which also led to an improved tension-compression yield asymmetry of 0.87.Extrusion of the alloys significantly enhanced their tensile and compressive properties due to improved distribution of alloying elements and formation of textures.Corrosion rates tested by hydrogen evolution testing,potentiodynamic polarization,and electrical impedance spectroscopy showed similar trends for each composition,and the lowest corrosion rate of 3.37 mmy^(-1) was observed for the Mg-1Zr-0.5Sr-1Dy in the potentiodynamic polarization testing.Dy_(2)O_(3) was observed in the inner layers of the Mg(OH)_(2) protective films,whose protective efficacy was confirmed by charge-transfer and film resistances.A comparison among the minimum CRs observed in this study and previously studied as-cast Mg-Zr-Sr-Dy and extruded Mg-Zr-Sr alloys,demonstrates that both the extrusion process and addition of Dy in Mg-Zr-Sr improved the CR.Similarly,extruded Mg-Zr-Sr-Dy alloys showed improved cell viability and adhesion of human osteoblast-like SaOS2 cells due to increased corrosion resistance and enhanced Sr distribution within the Mg matrix.

Application of Principal Component Analysis as Properties and Sensory Assessment Tool for Legume Milk Chocolates

Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to examine the effect of nutritional and bioactive compounds of legume milk chocolate as well as the sensory to document the extend of variations and their significance with plant sources. PCA identified eight significant principle components, that reduce the size of the variables into one principal component in physiochemical analysis interpreting 73.5% of the total variability with/and 78.6% of total variability explained in sensory evaluation. Score plot indicates that Double Bean milk chocolate in-corporated with MOL and CML in nutritional profile have high positive correlations. In nutritional evaluation, carbohydrates and fat content shows negative/minimal correlations whereas no negative correlations were found in sensory evaluation which implies every sensorial variable had high correlation with each other.

Effects of Conductive Carbon Black on Thermal and Electrical Properties of Barium Titanate/Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composites for Road Application

In the field of roads,due to the effect of vehicle loads,piezoelectric materials under the road surface can convert mechanical vibration into electrical energy,which can be further used in road facilities such as traffic signals and street lamps.The barium titanate/polyvinylidene fluoride(BaTiO_(3)/PVDF)composite,the most common hybrid ceramic-polymer system,was widely used in various fields because the composite combines the good dielectric property of ceramic materials with the good flexibility of PVDF material.Previous studies have found that conductive particles can further improve the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of other composites.However,few studies have investigated the effect of conductive carbon black on the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of BaTiO_(3)/PVDF composites.In this study,BaTiO_(3)/PVDF/conductive carbon black composites were prepared with various conductive carbon black contents based on the optimum ratio of BaTiO_(3)to PVDF.The effects of conductive carbon black content on the morphologies,thermal performance,conductivities,dielectric properties,and piezoelectric properties of the BaTiO_(3)/PVDF/conductive carbon black composites were then investigated.The addition of conductive carbon black greatly enhances the conductivities,dielectric properties,and piezoelectric properties of the BaTiO_(3)/PVDF/conductive carbon black composites,especially when the carbon black content is 0.8%by weight of PVDF.Additionally,the conductive carbon black does not have an obvious effect on the morphologies and thermal stabilities of BaTiO_(3)/PVDF/conductive carbon black composites.

Synthesis, properties, and applications of graphene oxide/reduced graphene oxide and their nanocomposites

Thanks to their remarkable mechanical, electrical, thermal, and barrier properties, graphene-based nanocomposites have been a hot area of research in the past decade. Because of their simple top-down synthesis, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have opened new possibilities for gas barrier, membrane separation, and stimuli-response characteristics in nanocomposites. Herein, we review the synthesis techniques most commonly used to produce these graphene derivatives, discuss how synthesis affects their key material properties, and highlight some examples of nanocomposites with unique and impressive properties. We specifically highlight their performances in separation applications, stimuli-responsive materials, anti-corrosion coatings, and energy storage. Finally, we discuss the outlook and remaining challenges in the field of practical industrial-scale production and use of graphene-derivative-based polymer nanocomposites.