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1 – 10 of 19
Article
Publication date: 5 August 2024

Christopher Igwe Idumah, Raphael Stone Odera and Emmanuel Obumneme Ezeani

Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in personal protective textiles (PPT) or personal protective equipment (PPE) have alleviated spread and transmission of this highly contagious…

Abstract

Purpose

Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in personal protective textiles (PPT) or personal protective equipment (PPE) have alleviated spread and transmission of this highly contagious viral disease, and enabled enhancement of PPE, thereby fortifying antiviral behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of a series of state of the art research papers on the subject matter.

Findings

This paper expounds on novel nanotechnological advancements in polymeric textile composites, emerging applications and fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

As a panacea to “public droplet prevention,” textiles have proven to be potentially effective as environmental droplet barriers (EDBs).

Practical implications

PPT in form of healthcare materials including surgical face masks (SFMs), gloves, goggles, respirators, gowns, uniforms, scrub-suits and other apparels play critical role in hindering the spreading of COVID-19 and other “oral-respiratory droplet contamination” both within and outside hospitals.

Social implications

When used as double-layers, textiles display effectiveness as SFMs or surgical-fabrics, which reduces droplet transmission to <10 cm, within circumference of ∼0.3%.

Originality/value

NT advancements in textiles through nanoparticles, and sensor integration within textile materials have enhanced versatile sensory capabilities, robotics, flame retardancy, self-cleaning, electrical conductivity, flexibility and comfort, thereby availing it for health, medical, sporting, advanced engineering, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, military, automobile, food and agricultural applications, and more. Therefore, this paper expounds on recently emerging trends in nanotechnological influence in textiles for engineering and fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 January 2024

Sundeep Singh Sondhi, Prashant Salwan, Abhishek Behl, Suman Niranjan and Tim Hawkins

This paper aims to derive a model that explores how the interplay between knowledge integration capability and innovation impacts strategic orientation, leading to the attainment…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to derive a model that explores how the interplay between knowledge integration capability and innovation impacts strategic orientation, leading to the attainment of sustainable competitive advantage. The study considers the constituents of strategic orientation, namely, customer orientation, competitor orientation and technology orientation, as the basis for achieving sustainable competitive advantage. The study suggests that the firm’s capacity for integrating external and internal knowledge shapes how strategic orientation influences sustainable competitive advantage through service innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical research relies on qualitative and quantitative data gathered from telecom professionals to assess how knowledge integration and service innovation influence sustained competitive advantage. Structured equation modeling is used to examine the model and its interrelationships.

Findings

The research establishes significant relationships between strategic orientations, knowledge integration capability, service innovation and sustainable competitive advantage. Knowledge integration capability and service innovation are found to mediate the relationship between strategic orientations and the achievement of sustainable competitive advantage.

Practical implications

The study highlights the significant contribution of a firm’s knowledge integration capability in driving service innovation, especially in technology-intensive service industries facing hypercompetition. It also advocates prioritizing technology orientation and integrating knowledge from internal and external sources for competitive advantage.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to model the effect of knowledge integration capability and service innovation on strategic orientation-led sustainable competitive advantage.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 28 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2022

Liliya Frolova and Olga Sergeyeva

This paper aims to develop a simple and efficient plasma technology for the production of copper (I) oxide with the ability to control the morphology and size of Cu2O particles…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a simple and efficient plasma technology for the production of copper (I) oxide with the ability to control the morphology and size of Cu2O particles. To achieve this goal, the phase composition of the precipitate formed was estimated, the composition and size of the obtained particles were determined and Pourbaix diagrams were constructed.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated approach combining thermodynamic calculations and experimental research methods is used. The constructed Pourbaix diagram makes it possible to suggest the phase composition of the sediment. The use of cyclic voltammetry made it possible to establish the mechanism of deposit formation on the cathode during the treatment of the solution with contact nonequilibrium low-temperature plasma. The resulting product was examined using X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The article presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies on the synthesis of copper (II) oxide. The influence of the parameters of plasma-chemical synthesis on the shape and phase composition of the deposits formed has been studied.

Originality/value

A plasma-chemical technology for obtaining copper oxide in the form of single crystals of a regular faceted shape is proposed. The mechanism of formation of copper oxide has been established by cyclic voltammetry. The constructed Pourbaix diagrams show the area of existence of the product.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 53 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 July 2024

Deepak Byotra and Sanjay Sharma

This study aims to find the dynamic performance parameters of the journal bearing with micro geometries patterning the arc (crescent) shape textures provided in three specific…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to find the dynamic performance parameters of the journal bearing with micro geometries patterning the arc (crescent) shape textures provided in three specific regions of the journal bearing: the full, the second half and the increasing pressure region. The dynamic behavior of textured journal bearings has been analyzed by computing dynamic parameters and linear and non-linear trajectories.

Design/methodology/approach

The lubricant flows between the bearing and journal surface are governed by Reynold’s equation, which has been solved by finite the element method. The dynamic performance parameters such as stiffness, damping, threshold speed, critical mass and whirl frequency ratio are examined under various operating conditions by considering various ranges of eccentricity ratios and texture depths. Linear and non-linear equations of motion have been solved with Ranga–Kutta method to get journal motion trajectories. Also, the impact of adding aluminum oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles to the base lubricant in combination with arc-shaped textures is analyzed to further see any enhancement in the performance parameters.

Findings

The findings demonstrated that direct stiffness and damping parameters increased to their maximum level with six textures in the pressure-increasing region when compared with the untextured surface. Also, nanoparticle additives showed improvements above the highest value attained with no inclusion of additives in the same region or quantity of textures.

Originality/value

Engineers may design bearings with improved stability and overall performance if they understand how texture form impacts dynamic properties.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 76 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2024

Kuo Yang, Yanqiu Xia, Wenhao Chen and Yi Zhang

The purpose of this study was to synthesize composite nanoparticles (TiO2@SiO2) via the chemical deposition method and investigate their efficacy as additives in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to synthesize composite nanoparticles (TiO2@SiO2) via the chemical deposition method and investigate their efficacy as additives in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lubricating grease. The focus was on examining the frictional and conductive properties of the TiO2@SiO2 grease using a friction tester.

Design/methodology/approach

Composite nanoparticles (TiO2@SiO2) were synthesized using the chemical deposition method and incorporated into PTFE grease. Frictional and conductive properties were evaluated using a friction tester. Surface morphology and chemical composition of wear tracks were analyzed using scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively.

Findings

Incorporating TiO2@SiO2 at a mass fraction of 1 Wt.% led to a significant reduction in friction coefficient and wear width. The wear depth exhibited a remarkable decrease of 260%, while the contact resistance reached its peak value. This improvement in tribological properties could be attributed to the presence of TiO2@SiO2, where TiO2 served as the core and SiO2 as the shell during the friction process. The high hardness of the SiO2 shell contributed to enhanced load-bearing capacity. In addition, the exceptional insulation properties of SiO2 demonstrated excellent electron-capturing capabilities, resulting in improved friction and insulation performance of the TiO2@SiO2 lubricating grease.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the potential of TiO2@SiO2 composite nanoparticles as additives in lubricating greases, offering improved friction and insulation performance. The findings provide insights into the design of advanced lubricating materials with enhanced tribological properties and insulation capacity, contributing to the development of more efficient and durable lubrication systems.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 76 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2024

Osuani Fyneface Idema, Malik Abdulwahab, Innocent Okechi Arukalam, Ifeyinwa Ekeke, Chigoziri N. Njoku, Chioma Anyiam, Benedict Onyeachu and Emeka Emmanuel Oguzie

Hexavalent chromium has been a benchmark corrosion inhibitor before it was phased out because of its carcinogenic properties. However, because it was phased out, many alternative…

Abstract

Purpose

Hexavalent chromium has been a benchmark corrosion inhibitor before it was phased out because of its carcinogenic properties. However, because it was phased out, many alternative corrosion inhibitors have been introduced but failed to meet the performance of this benchmark inhibitor. Consequently, benzotriazole (BTA) was reported to exhibit chromate-like inhibition performance. Subsequently, Intelli-ion was reported by researchers to exhibit chromate-like performance also with claims of being a unique alternative. This paper aims to review the inhibition performance of these two alternatives. Above all, promotes the unique inhibition performance of Intelli-ion that makes it suitable for application in many sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the corrosion inhibition performances of BTA and Intelli-ion were compared systematically by reviewing some related literatures based on the opinion of the authors.

Findings

Different methodologies for measuring the inhibition performance of BTA showed that it’s an inhibitor of choice. However, the cut edge corrosion performance of Intelli-ion and BTA corrosion inhibitors on galvanized steel of 55% Wt.% Al, 44% Wt.% Zn and 1% Wt.% Si in 5 Wt.% NaCl solution was compared when subjected to scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) for 24 h. The results showed faint blue-colored region depicting negative cathodic current density for the Intelli-ion while there was a high-intensity of red-colored region depicting a positive anodic current density for BTA. In other words, the Intelli-ion inhibitor had a better overall cut-edge corrosion inhibition performance than the BTA inhibitor.

Originality/value

This paper compares and further, summarizes the corrosion inhibition performance of Intelli-ion and BTA by evaluating SVET results from the literature. In addition, it serves as an overview and reference for the unique inhibition performance of Intelli-ion when applied in field applications.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2024

Maryam Fatima, Ayesha Sohail, Youming Lei, Sadiq M. Sait and R. Ellahi

Enzymes play a pivotal role in orchestrating essential biochemical processes and influencing various cellular activities in tissue. This paper aims to provide the process of…

Abstract

Purpose

Enzymes play a pivotal role in orchestrating essential biochemical processes and influencing various cellular activities in tissue. This paper aims to provide the process of enzyme diffusion within the tissue matrix and enhance the nano system performance by means of the effectiveness of enzymatic functions. The diffusion phenomena are also documented, providing chemical insights into the complex processes governing enzyme movement.

Design/methodology/approach

A computational analysis is used to develop and simulate an optimal control model using numerical algorithms, systematically regulating enzyme concentrations within the tissue scaffold.

Findings

The accompanying videographic footages offer detailed insights into the dynamic complexity of the system, enriching the reader’s understanding. This comprehensive exploration not only contributes valuable knowledge to the field but also advances computational analysis in tissue engineering and biomimetic systems. The work is linked to biomolecular structures and dynamics, offering a detailed understanding of how these elements influence enzymatic functions, ultimately bridging the gap between theoretical insights and practical implications.

Originality/value

A computational predictive model for nanozyme that describes the reaction diffusion dynamics process with enzyme catalysts is yet not available in existing literature.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Anindya Bose, Sarthak Sengupta and Sayori Biswas

This study aims to provide a microfluidic blood glucose sensing platform based on integrated interdigitated electrode arrays (IDEAs) on a flexible quartz glass substrate, adhering…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide a microfluidic blood glucose sensing platform based on integrated interdigitated electrode arrays (IDEAs) on a flexible quartz glass substrate, adhering closely to pertinent electrochemical characterizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Sensors are the key elements of the modern electronics era through which all the possible physical quantities can be detected and converted into their equivalent electrical form and processed further. But to make the sensing environment better, various types of innovative architectures are being developed nowadays and among them interdigitated electrodes are quite remarkable in terms of their sensing capability. They are a well-qualified candidate in the field of gas sensing and biosensing, but even their sensitivities are getting saturated due to their physical dimensions. Most of the thin film IDEAs fabricated by conventional optical lithographic techniques do not possess a high surface-to-volume ratio to detect the target specified and that reduces their sensitivity factor. In this context, a classic conductive carbon-based highly sensitive three dimensional (3D) IDEA-enabled biosensing system has been conceived on a transparent and flexible substrate to measure the amount of glucose concentration present in human blood. 3D IDEA possesses a way better capacitive sensing behavior compared to conventional thin film microcapacitive electrodes. To transmit the target biological analyte sample property for the detection purpose to the interdigitated array-based sensing platform, the design of a microfluidic channel is initiated on the same substrate. The complex 3D Inter Digital array structure improves the overall capacitance of the entire sensing platform and the reactive surface area as well. The manufactured integrated device displays a decent value of sensitivity in the order of 5.6 µA mM−1 cm−2.

Findings

Development of a low-cost array-based integrated and highly flexible microfluidic biochip to extract the quantity of glucose present in human blood.

Originality/value

Potential future research opportunities in the realm of integrated miniaturized, low-cost smart biosensing systems may arise from this study.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2024

Abdelhak Daiz, Rachid Hidki, Redouane Fares and Zouhair Charqui

The purpose of this study is to analyze the free convection phenomena arising from a temperature disparity between a cold circular cylinder and a heated corrugated cylinder.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the free convection phenomena arising from a temperature disparity between a cold circular cylinder and a heated corrugated cylinder.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical simulations were used to analyze the convection patterns. The inner cylinder, made of a thermally conductive solid material, was heated through its inner surface, while the space between the cylinders was filled with air. The governing equations for velocity, pressure and temperature were solved using a Galerkin finite element method-based solver for partial differential equations.

Findings

The study explored various parameters affecting the dynamic and thermal structure of the flow, including the Rayleigh number (103 ≤ Ra ≤ 106), the number of corrugations of the inner cylinder (3 ≤ N ≤ 18), the thermal conductivity of the hollow cylinder (1 ≤ K ≤ 200) and the angle of inclination of the inner cylinder (0° ≤ φ ≤ 90°). Results indicated a notable sensitivity of flow intensity to changes in the Rayleigh number and the inner cylinder’s inclination angle φ. Particularly, for Ra = 106, the average heat transfer rate increased by 203% with a K ratio increment from 1 to 100 but decreased by 16.3% as the number of corrugations increased from 3 to 18.

Originality/value

This research contributes to understanding the complex interplay between geometry, thermal properties and flow dynamics in natural convection systems involving cylindrical geometries. The findings offer useful insights for improving the transfer of heat procedures in real-world situations.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2024

Muhammad Faisal, Iftikhar Ahmad, Qazi Zan-Ul-Abadin, Irfan Anjum Badruddin and Mohamed Hussien

This study aims to explore entropy evaluation in the bi-directional flow of Casson hybrid nanofluids within a stagnated domain, a topic of significant importance for optimizing…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore entropy evaluation in the bi-directional flow of Casson hybrid nanofluids within a stagnated domain, a topic of significant importance for optimizing thermal systems. The aim is to investigate the behavior of unsteady, magnetized and laminar flow using a parametric model based on the thermo-physical properties of alumina and copper nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses boundary layer approximations and the Keller-box method to solve the derived ordinary differential equations, ensuring numerical accuracy through convergence and stability analysis. A comparison benchmark has been used to authenticate the accuracy of the numerical outcomes.

Findings

Results indicate that increasing the Casson fluid parameter (ranging from 0.1 to 1.0) reduces velocity, the Bejan number decreases with higher bidirectional flow parameter (ranging from 0.1 to 0.9) and the Nusselt number increases with higher nanoparticle concentrations (ranging from 1% to 4%).

Research limitations/implications

This study has limitations, including the assumption of laminar flow and the neglect of possible turbulent effects, which could be significant in practical applications.

Practical implications

The findings offer insights for optimizing thermal management systems, particularly in industries where precise control of heat transfer is crucial. The Keller-box simulation method proves to be effective in accurately predicting the behavior of such complex systems, and the entropy evaluation aids in assessing thermodynamic irreversibilities, which can enhance the efficiency of engineering designs.

Originality/value

These findings provide valuable insights into the thermal management of hybrid nanofluid systems, marking a novel contribution to the field.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

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