Superior Mechanical Behavior and Flame Retardancy FRP via a Distribution Controllable 1D/2D Hybrid Nanoclay Synergistic Toughening Strategy

The incorporation of commercial flame retardants into fiber-reinforced polymer(FRP)composites has been proposed as a potential solution to improve the latter’s poor flame resistance.However,this approach often poses a challenge,as it can adversely affect the mechanical properties of the FRP.Thus,balancing the need for improved flame resistance with the preservation of mechanical integrity remains a complex issue in FRP research.Addressing this critical concern,this study introduces a novel additive system featuring a combination of one-dimensional(1D)hollow tubular structured halloysite nanotubes(HNTs)and two-dimensional(2D)polygonal flake-shaped nano kaolinite(NKN).By employing a 1D/2D hybrid kaolinite nanoclay system,this research aims to simultaneously improve the flame retardancy and mechanical properties.This innovative approach offers several advantages.During combustion and pyrolysis processes,the 1D/2D hybrid kaolinite nanoclay system proves effective in reducing heat release and volatile leaching.Furthermore,the system facilitates the formation of reinforcing skeletons through a crosslinking mechanism during pyrolysis,resulting in the development of a compact char layer.This char layer acts as a protective barrier,enhancing the material’s resistance to heat and flames.In terms of mechanical properties,the multilayered polygonal flake-shaped 2D NKN plays a crucial role by impeding the formation of cracks that typically arise from vulnerable areas,such as adhesive phase particles.Simultaneously,the 1D HNT bridges these cracks within the matrix,ensuring the structural integrity of the composite material.In an optimal scenario,the homogeneously distributed 1D/2D hybrid kaolinite nanoclays exhibit remarkable results,with a 51.0%improvement in mode II fracture toughness(GIIC),indicating increased resistance to crack propagation.In addition,there is a 34.5%reduction in total heat release,signifying improved flame retardancy.This study represents a significant step forward in the field of composite materials.The innovative use of hybrid low-dimensional nanomaterials offers a promising avenue for the development of multifunctional composites.By carefully designing and incorporating these nanoclays,researchers can potentially create a new generation of FRP composites that excel in both flame resistance and mechanical strength.

Effects of surface chlorine atoms on charge distribution and reaction barriers for photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction

Photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction to produce high value-added carbon-based fuel has been proposed as a promising approach to mitigate global warming issues.However,the conversion efficiency and product selectivity are still low due to the sluggish dynamics of transfer processes involved in proton-assisted multi-electron reactions.Lowering the formation energy barriers of intermediate products is an effective method to enhance the selectivity and productivity of final products.In this study,we aim to regulate the surface electronic structure of Bi_(2)WO_(6)by doping surface chlorine atoms to achieve effective photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction.Surface Cl atoms can enhance the absorption ability of light,affect its energy band structure and promote charge separation.Combined with DFT calculations,it is revealed that surface Cl atoms can not only change the surface charge distribution which affects the competitive adsorption of H_(2)O and CO_(2),but also lower the formation energy barrier of intermediate products to generate more intermediate*COOH,thus facilitating CO production.Overall,this study demonstrates a promising surface halogenation strategy to enhance the photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction activity of a layered structure Bi-based catalyst.

Designing ultrastable P2/O3-type layered oxides for sodium ion batteries by regulating Na distribution and oxygen redox chemistry

P2/O3-type Ni/Mn-based layered oxides are promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)owing to their high energy density.However,exploring effective ways to enhance the synergy between the P2 and 03 phases remains a necessity.Herein,we design a P2/O3-type Na_(0.76)Ni_(0.31)Zn_(0.07)Mn_(0.50)Ti_(0.12)0_(2)(NNZMT)with high chemical/electrochemical stability by enhancing the coupling between the two phases.For the first time,a unique Na*extraction is observed from a Na-rich O3 phase by a Na-poor P2 phase and systematically investigated.This process is facilitated by Zn^(2+)/Ti^(4+)dual doping and calcination condition regulation,allowing a higher Na*content in the P2 phase with larger Na^(+)transport channels and enhancing Na transport kinetics.Because of reduced Na^(+)in the O3 phase,which increases the difficulty of H^(+)/Na^(+) exchange,the hydrostability of the O3 phase in NNZMT is considerably improved.Furthermore,Zn^(2+)/Ti^(4+)presence in NNZMT synergistically regulates oxygen redox chemistry,which effectively suppresses O_(2)/CO_(2) gas release and electrolyte decomposition,and completely inhibits phase transitions above 4.0 V.As a result,NNZMT achieves a high discharge capacity of 144.8 mA h g^(-1) with a median voltage of 3.42 V at 20 mA g^(-1) and exhibits excellent cycling performance with a capacity retention of 77.3% for 1000 cycles at 2000 mA g^(-1).This study provides an effective strategy and new insights into the design of high-performance layered-oxide cathode materials with enhanced structure/interface stability forSIBs.

Effects of Low Energy Argon Ion Implantation on Maize Pollen Germination and the Cytosolic Ca^(2+) Distribution during Pollen Germination Process

To investigate the effect of low energy ion implantation on maize pollen germination and cytosolic Ca2+ distribution during pollen germination process, the argon ion (Ar+) with energy of 30 keV, dose of 0.78 ×1015-13×1015 ion/cm2 was implanted into maize pollen by irradiation, and the germination of pollen and cytosolic Ca2+ distribution during pollen germination process of the Ar+ implanted pollen were studied. The results showed that when been irradiated with Ar+ with dose of 5.2×1015 ion/cm2, the germination rate of maize pollen increased remarkably, while implantation of ions with dose exceeding 5.2×1015 ion/cm2 sharply decreased the germination rate of maize pollen. Meanwhile, tracing of esterified Ca2+ fluorescence probe fluo-3 AM for intact pollen showed that variation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration was consistent with the change of pollen fertility. The dynamics of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration caused by low energy ion implantation may be concluded as the initial effects of pollen germination.

Numerical simulation of rock pore-throat structure effects on NMR T_2 distribution

We built a three-dimensional irregular network model which can adequately describe reservoir rock pore-throat structures. We carried out numerical simulations to study the NMR T2 distribution of water-saturated rocks. The results indicate that there is a good correlation between T2 distribution and the pore radius frequency histogram. The total T2 distribution can be partitioned into pore body and pore throat parts. The effect of parameters including throat radius, pore-throat ratio, and coordination number of the micro- pore structure on the T2 distribution can be evaluated individually. The result indicates that： 1 ） with the increase of the pore throat radius, the T2 distribution moves toward longer relaxation times and its peak intensity increases; 2） with the increase of the pore-throat ratio, the T2 distribution moves towards longer T2 with the peak intensity increasing and the overlap between pore body T2 and pore throat T2 decreasing; 3） With the increase of connectivity, the short T2 component increases and peak signal intensity decreases slightly.

Quasi-χ~2 Distribution and the Independence of Wishart Distribution

In this paper, the authors generalize the definition of χ 2 distribution and introduce a quasi χ 2 distribution, and then prove several properties of it, find the necessary and sufficient conditions of independence about multivariate normal distributions, matrix normal distributions and two parts of the Wishart distribution.

Distribution and engulfment behavior of TiB_2 particles or clusters in wedge-shaped copper casting ingot

Wedge-shaped copper casting experiment was conducted to study the engulfment behavior of TiB2 particle and the interaction between particle or cluster and the solid/liquid front in commercial pure aluminum matrix. The experimental results show that the particle size distribution obeys two separate systems in the whole wedge-cast sample. Furthermore, it is found that the big clusters are pushed to the center of the wedge shaped sample and the single particle or small clusters consisting of few particles are engulfed into the α-Al in the area of the sample edge. The cluster degree of particles varies in different areas, and its value is 0.2 and 0.6 for the cluster fraction in the edge and in the center of the wedge sample, respectively. The cluster diameter does not obey the normal distribution but approximately obeys lognormal distribution in the present work. More importantly, in the whole sample, the particle size obeys two separate log-normal distributions.

Thorium distribution on the Moon:new insights from Chang’E-2 gamma-ray spectrometer

We present the thorium distribution on the lunar surface derived from observations by the Chang’E-2 gamma-ray spectrometer(CE-2 GRS). This new map shows a similar thorium distribution to previous observations. In combination with this new thorium map and impact cratering model, we investigate the origination of thorium on the Moon’s highlands, which was previously thought to be contributed from Imbrium ejecta. We found that the Imbrium ejecta has a small contribution(~20%–30%) to the thorium on the lunar highlands but most thorium is likely to be indigenous before the deposition of the Imbrium ejecta. This new thorium map also confirms that the eastern highlands have a relatively higher thorium concentration than the western highlands. We propose that the thin crust and large basins on the eastern highlands are responsible for this difference in thorium.

Distribution and relative activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in human coronal dentin

The presence of matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2） in dentin has been reported, but its distribution and activity level in mature human coronal dentin are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the MMP-2 distribution and relative activity in demineralized dentin. Crowns of twenty eight human molars were sectioned into inner （ID）, middle （MD）, and outer dentin （OD） regions and demineralized. MMP-2 was extracted with 0.33 mol·L-1 EDTA/2 mol·L-1 guanidine-HCl, pH 7.4, and MMP-2 concentration was estimated with enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay （ELISA）. Further characterization was accomplished by Western blotting analysis and gelatin zymography. The mean concentrations of MMP-2 per mg dentin protein in the dentin regions were significantly different （P=0.043）： 0.9 ng （ID）, 0.4 ng （MD）, and 2.2 ng （OD）, respectively. The pattern of MMP-2 concentration was OD〉ID〉MD. Western blotting analysis detected -66 and -72 kDa immunopositive proteins corresponding to pro- and mature MMP-2, respectively, in the ID and MD, and a -66 kDa protein in the OD. Gelatinolytic activity consistent with MMP-2 was detected in all regions. Interestingly, the pattern of levels of Western blot immunodetection and gelatinolytic activity was MD〉ID〉OD. The eoneentration of MMP-2 in human coronal dentin was highest in the region of dentin that contains the dentinoenamel junction and least in the middle region of dentin. However, levels of Western blot immunodetection and gelatinolytic activity did not correlate with the estimated regional concentrations of MMP-2, potentially indicating region specific protein interactions.

Estimation of Pore Size Distribution by CO_2 Adsorption and Its Application in Physical Activation of Precursors

The CO2 adsorption data may show more than one section in the Dubinin-Radushkevich-Kaganer(DRK) plot if samples had been over-activated. Each section in the plot represents a range of pore size. The whole DRK plot provided information on the pore size distribution(PSD) of a sample, which may be used to monitor the effect of activation conditions in activation processes.

Quantum Chemistry Investigation into the Distribution Properties of 2-Formamido-phenylacrylates in n-Octanol/Water System

Molecular property parameters of 16 2-formamido-phenylacryiates were calculated with Hartree-Fock and DFT methods at six different levels. Using the molecular property parameters and dissolvability as theoretical descriptors, two quantitative correlation equations that could be used to predict lgKow were developed based on experimental lgKow data of 11 2-formamido-phenylacrylates. A three-parameter correlation equation posing the ability of predicting -lgSw value was computed at B3LYP/6-311G＊＊ level. The -lgSw values of five compounds that we have pre-designed were anticipated with the above equation, upon which lgKow were further calculated. The relativity （r^2≥0.94, q^2〉0.91, SD≤0.083） and prediction ability of obtained correlation equations in this work are more advantageous than those based on solvatochromism parameters.

The spatial distribution of commuting CO_2 emissions and the influential factors:A case study in Xi'an,China

As the transport sector is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, the effect of urbanization on transport CO2 emissions in developing cities has become a key issue under global climate change. Examining the case of Xi＇an, this paper aims to explore the spatial distribution of commuting CO2 emissions and influencing factors in the new, urban industry zones and city centers considering Xi＇an＇s transition from a monocentric to a polycentric city in the process of urbanization. Based on household survey data from 1501 respondents, there are obvious differences in commuting CO2 emissions between new industry zones and city centers： City centers feature lower household emissions of 2.86 kg CO2 per week, whereas new industry zones generally have higher household emissions of 3.20 kg CO2 per week. Contrary to previous research results, not all new industry zones have high levels of CO2 emissions; with the rapid development of various types of industries, even a minimum level of household emissions of 2.53 kg CO2 per week is possible. The uneven distribution of commuting CO2 emissions is not uniformly affected by spatial parameters such as job-housing balance, residential density, employment density, and land use diversity. Optimum combination of the spatial parameters and travel pattern along with corresponding transport infrastructure construction may be an appropriate path to reduction and control of emissions from commuting.

Microstructure and Temperature Distribution in ZnAl_2O_4 Sintered Body by Pulse Electric Current

Microstructure of reaction sintering of ZnAl2O4 at 1500℃ by hot-pressing(HP) and pulse electric current was investigated. The results indicated that the existed cracks in sintered body were caused by structure mismatch. It is the evidence that periodical temperature field existed during pulse electric current sintering of nonconductive materials. The distance between high temperature areas was related to die diameter.

Branching ratio and angular distribution of ejected electrons from Eu 4f^76p_(1/2)nd auto-ionizing states

The branching ratios of ions and the angular distributions of electrons ejected from the Eu 4f^76p_（1/2）nd auto-ionizing states are investigated with the velocity-map-imaging technique.To populate the above auto-ionizing states,the relevant bound Rydberg states have to be detected first.Two new bound Rydberg states are identified in the region between41150 cm^（-1）and 44580 cm^（-1）,from which auto-ionization spectra of the Eu 4f^76p_（1/2）nd states are observed with isolated core excitation method.With all preparations above,the branching ratios from the above auto-ionizing states to different final ionic states and the angular distributions of electrons ejected from these processes are measured systematically.Energy dependence of branching ratios and anisotropy parameters within the auto-ionization spectra are carefully analyzed,followed by a qualitative interpretation.

The effect of the fracture distribution on CO_2 injection into a coal seam

The effect of the fracture distribution on CO 2 injection into coal seams was studied with a heterogeneous model having dual porosity to represent both the primary medium (the coal matrix) and the secondary medium (the fractures) under variable stress conditions. A numerical generation method and a digital image processing method were used to model the heterogeneous fracture distribution in the coal. The model solutions demonstrate that: (1) the fractures are the main channel for gas flow and their distribution has an important impact on the gas injection rate; (2) the fractures only affect the injection rate of CO 2 into the coal but not the final storage amount; (3) when gas is injected into coal the fractures will first expand and then close due to the changing effective stresses and the adsorption induced swelling of coal grains. This fully coupled dual-porosity model with a heterogeneous fracture distribution provides a way to predict the CO 2 injection into a coal seam.

Genetic Types and Distribution of CO_2 Gases in the Huanghua Depression

CO2 gas is a nonhydrocarbon gas, with a high economic value and a broad prospect for application. In the Huanghua Depression, there exist many genetic types of CO2 gases, i.e. organic CO2, thermal metamorphic CO2 and crust-mantle mixed CO2. The distribution of different types of CO2 gases is controlled by different factors. Organic CO2 that occurs mainly around the oil-generating center is associated with hydrocarbon gases as a secondary product and commonly far away from large faults. Thermal metamorphic CO2 occurs mainly in areas where carbonate strata are developed and igneous activity is strong, and tends to accumulate near large faults. CO2 of such an origin is higher in concentration than organic CO2, but lower than crust-mantle mixed CO2. Crust-mantle mixed CO2 occurs mainly along large faults. Its distribution is limited, but its purity is the highest.

Application of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width in diabetes mellitus complicated with heart failure

BACKGROUND Accumulating clinical evidence has shown that diabetes mellitus(DM)is a serious risk factor for cardiovascular disorders and an important factor for adverse cardiovascular events.AIM To explore the value of the combined determination of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and red blood cell distribution width(RDW)in the early diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of DM complicated with heart failure(HF).METHODS We retrospectively analyzed clinical data on 65 patients with type 2 DM(T2DM)complicated with HF(research group,Res)and 60 concurrent patients with uncomplicated T2DM(control group,Con)diagnosed at Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2021.The NLR and RDW values were determined and comparatively analyzed,and their levels in T2DM+HF patients with different cardiac function grades were recorded.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to determine the NLR and RDW values(alone and in combination)for the early diagnosis of HF.The correlation between NLR and RDW with the presence or absence of cardiac events was also investigated.RESULTS Higher NLR and RDW levels were identified in the Res vs the Con groups(P<0.05).The NLR and RDW increased gradually and synchronously with the deterioration of cardiac function in the Res group,with marked differences in their levels among patients with grade II,III,and IV HF(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis revealed that NLR combined with RDW detection had an area under the curve of 0.915,a sensitivity of 76.9%,and a specificity of 100%for the early diagnosis of HF.Furthermore,HF patients with cardiac events showed higher NLR and RDW values compared with HF patients without cardiac events.CONCLUSION NLR and RDW were useful laboratory indicators for the early diagnosis of DM complicated with HF,and their joint detection was beneficial for improving diagnostic efficiency.Additionally,NLR and RDW values were directly proportional to patient outcomes.

Distribution and release of 2,4,5-trichlorobiphenyl in ice

The distribution of persistent organic pollutants（POPs） in ice and the release of POPs from ice during ice melting have an important influence on the eco-environment and water quality of a river. Through laboratory simulation experiments, the distribution and release of 2,4,5-trichlorobiphenyl（PCB29） in ice and the partition coefficients of PCB29 in ice water at different temperatures, concentrations, and p H levels were studied. The results showed that, at different temperatures and concentrations, the concentration of PCB29 in ice increased progressively with depth. The modes of release of different concentrations of PCB29 from ice were obtained. A large amount of PCB29 was released rapidly in the first melting period, and then the remaining PCB29 was released uniformly. The p H value dominated both the distribution and late release of PCB29 in ice. In ice water, at different temperatures, concentrations, and p H levels, the majority of PCB29 entered the water, and a lesser amount remained in the ice. Finally, laboratory experiment results were verified with field investigations. A theoretical framework is provided by this research of the behavior of POPs in ice under different environmental conditions, but a more quantitative understanding of the behavior of POPs in ice will need to be developed through further laboratory studies combined with field investigations.

Electron density distribution of LiMn_(2)O_(4)cathode investigated by synchrotron powder x-ray diffraction

Electron density plays an important role in determining the properties of functional materials.Revealing the electron density distribution experimentally in real space can help to tune the properties of materials.Spinel Li Mn2 O4 is one of the most promising cathode candidates because of its high voltage,low cost,and non-toxicity,but suffers severe capacity fading during electrochemical cycling due to the Mn dissolution.Real-space measurement of electron distribution of Li Mn2 O4 experimentally can provide direct evaluation on the strength of Mn–O bond and give an explanation of the structure stability.Here,through high energy synchrotron powder x-ray diffraction(SPXRD),accurate electron density distribution in spinel Li Mn2 O4 has been investigated based on the multipole model.The electron accumulation between Mn and O atoms in deformation density map indicates the shared interaction of Mn–O bond.The quantitative topological analysis at bond critical points shows that the Mn–O bond is relatively weak covalent interaction due to the oxygen loss.These findings suggest that oxygen stoichiometry is the key factor for preventing the Mn dissolution and capacity fading.

Latitudinal distribution of CO_2 and CH_4 on the route of the Chinese Arctic R esearch Expedition 2003

During the 2nd Chinese Arctic Research Expedition, 20 pair of atmospheric samples were collected on the cruising route from Shanghai to Arctic Ocean using NOAA/ESRL flask sampling unit. Mean concentration of CO2 and CH4 were analyzed in different latitude zone from 30°N to 80°N and the distribution characteristics were studied. Mean concentration of CO2 decrease toward high latitude which indicates the uptake effect of CO2 by ocean. Coinciding with the CH4 global distribution character, mean CH4 concentration increase from 45°N to the North Pole region. Regional or local air mass may influence the greenhouse gas concentrations near seashore in the middle latitude （30°N-45°N）.