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The purpose of this study is to prepare a state-of-the-art review on advanced ceramic materials including their fabrication techniques, characteristics, applications and wettability.

This review paper presents the various types of advanced ceramic materials according to their compounding elements, fabrication techniques of advanced ceramic powders as well as their consolidation, their characteristics, applications and wetting properties. Hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of advanced ceramic materials are described in the paper with their state-of-the-art application areas. Optical properties of fine ceramics with their intrinsic characteristics are also presented within. Special focus is given to the brief description of application-based manipulation of wetting properties of advanced ceramics in the paper.

The study of wetting/hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of ceramic materials is important by which it can be further modified to achieve the required applications. It also makes some sense that the material should be tested for its wetting properties when it is going to be used in some important applications like biomedical and dental. Also, these advanced ceramics are now often used in the fabrication of filters and membranes to purify liquid/water so the study of wetting characteristics of these materials becomes essential. The optical properties of advanced ceramics are equally making them suitable for many state-of-the-art applications. Dental, medical, imaging and electronics are the few sectors that use advanced ceramics for their optical properties.

This review paper includes various advanced ceramic materials according to their compounding elements, different fabrication techniques of powders and their consolidation, their characteristics, various application area and hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties.

This study aims to understand the current production scenario emphasizing the significance of green manufacturing in achieving economic and environmental sustainability goals to fulfil future needs; to determine the viability of particular strategies and actions performed to increase the process efficiency of electrical discharge machining; and to uphold the values of sustainability in the nonconventional manufacturing sector and to identify future works in this regard.

A thorough analysis of numerous experimental studies and findings is conducted. This prominent nontraditional machining process’s potential machinability and sustainability challenges are discussed, along with the current research to alleviate them. The focus is placed on modifications to the dielectric fluid, choosing affordable substitutes and treating consumable tool electrodes.

Trans-esterified vegetable oils, which are biodegradable and can be used as a substitute for conventional dielectric fluids, provide pollution-free machining with enhanced surface finish and material removal rates. Modifying the dielectric fluid with specific nanomaterials could increase the machining rate and demonstrate a decrease in machining flaws such as micropores, globules and microcracks. Tool electrodes subjected to cryogenic treatment have shown reduced tool metal consumption and downtime for the setup.

The findings suggested eco-friendly machining techniques and optimized control settings that reduce energy consumption, lowering operating expenses and carbon footprints. Using eco-friendly dielectrics, including vegetable oils or biodegradable dielectric fluids, might lessen the adverse effects of the electrical discharge machine operations on the environment. Adopting sustainable practices might enhance a business’s reputation with the public, shareholders and clients because sustainability is becoming increasingly significant across various industries.

A detailed general review of green nontraditional electrical discharge machining process is provided, from high-quality indexed journals. The findings and results contemplated in this review paper can lead the research community to collectively apply it in sustainable techniques to enhance machinability and reduce environmental effects.

Gas insulated systems, such as gas insulated lines (GIL), use insulating gas, mostly sulfur hexalfluoride (SF₆), to enable a higher dielectric strength compared to e.g. air. However, under high voltage direct current conditions, charge accumulation and electric field stress may occur, which may lead to partial discharge or system failure. Therefore, numerical simulations are used to design the system and determine the electric field and charge distribution. Although the gas conduction shows a more complex current–voltage characteristic compared to solid insulation, the electric conductivity of the SF₆ gas is set as constant in most works. The purpose of this study is to investigate different approaches to address the conduction in the gas properly for numerical simulations.

In this work, two approaches are investigated to address the conduction in the insulating gas and are compared to each other. One method is an ion-drift-diffusion model, where the conduction in the gas is described by the ion motion in the SF₆ gas. However, this method is computationally expensive. Alternatively, a less complex approach is an electro-thermal model with the application of an electric conductivity model for the SF₆ gas. Measurements show that the electric conductivity in the SF₆ gas has a nonlinear dependency on temperature, electric field and gas pressure. From these measurements, an electric conductivity model was developed. Both methods are compared by simulation results, where different parameters and conditions are considered, to investigate the potential of the electric conductivity model as a computationally less expensive alternative.

The simulation results of both simulation approaches show similar results, proving the electric conductivity for the SF₆ gas as a valid alternative. Using the electro-thermal model approach with the application of the electric conductivity model enables a solution time up to six times faster compared to the ion-drift-diffusion model. The application of the model allows to examine the influence of different parameters such as temperature and gas pressure on the electric field distribution in the GIL, whereas the ion-drift-diffusion model enables to investigate the distribution of homo- and heteropolar charges in the insulation gas.

This work presents numerical simulation models for high voltage direct current GIL, where the conduction in the SF₆ gas is described more precisely compared to a definition of a constant electric conductivity value for the insulation gas. The electric conductivity model for the SF₆ gas allows for consideration of the current–voltage characteristics of the gas, is computationally less expensive compared to an ion-drift diffusion model and needs considerably less solution time.

Among the various applications involving the use of microwave energy, its growing utility within the mining industry is particularly noteworthy. Conventional grinding processes are often overburdened by energy inefficiencies that are directly related to machine wear, pollution and rising project costs. In this work, we numerically investigate the effects of microwave pretreatment through a series of compression tests as a means to help mitigate these energy inefficiencies.

We investigate the effects of microwave pretreatment on various rock samples, as quantified by uniaxial compression tests. In particular, we assign sample heterogeneity based on a Gaussian statistical distribution and invoke a damage model for elemental tensile and compressive stresses based on the maximum tensile stress and the Mohr–Coulomb theories, respectively. We further couple the electromagnetic, thermal and solid displacement relations using finite element modeling.

(1) Increased power intensity during microwave pretreatment results in decreased axial compressive stress. (2) Leveraging statistics to induce variable compressive and tensile strength can greatly facilitate sample heterogeneity and prove necessary for damage modeling. (3) There exists a nonlinear trend to the reduction in smax with increasing power levels, implying an optimum energy output efficiency to create the maximum degradation-power cost relationship.

Previous research in this area has been largely limited to two-dimensional thermo-electric models. The onset of high-performance computing has allowed for the development of high-fidelity, three-dimensional models with coupled equations for electromagnetics, heat transfer and solid mechanics.

Electrical characteristics of transformer oil (TO) have been studied during normal and thermal aging conditions. In this paper, breakdown voltage (BDV), partial discharge (PD), heat transfer results and the physical mechanisms considering the impact of varying the diameter of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) have been investigated. Different quantities of the two sizes of Al₂O₃ were added to the oil using a two-step method to determine the positive effect of NPs on the electrical and thermal properties of TO. Finally, the physical mechanisms related to the obtained experimental results have been performed.

The implementation of nanoparticles in this paper was provided by US Research Nanomaterials, Inc., USA. The provided Al₂O₃ NPs have an average particle size of 20–80 nm and a specific surface area of 138 and 58 m²/g, respectively, which have a purity of over 99%. Thermal aging has been done. The IEC 60156 standard has been implemented to calculate the BDV, and a 500-mL volume test cell (Apar TO 1020) has been used. PD test is performed according to Standard IEC 60343, and a JDEVS-PDMA 300 device was used for this test.

BDV tests indicate that 20 nm Al₂O₃ is more effective at improving BDV than 80 nm Al₂O₃, with an improvement of 113% compared to 99% for the latter. The analysis of Weibull probability at BDV indicates that 20 nm Al₂O₃ performs better, with improvements of 141%, 125% and 112% at probabilities of 1, 10 and 50%, respectively. The results of the PD tests using the PDPR pattern also show that 20 nm Al₂O₃ is superior. For the heat transfer test, 0.05 g/L of both diameters were used to ensure fair conditions, and again, the advantage was with 20 nm Al₂O₃ (23% vs 18%).

The effect of Al₂O₃ NP diameter (20 and 80 nm) on various properties of virgin and aged TO has been investigated experimentally in this paper to examine the effect of proposed NP on electrical improvement of TO.

Compact and wideband antennas are the need of modern wireless systems that preferably work with compact, low-profile and easy-to-install devices that provide a wider coverage of operating frequencies. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel compact and ultrawideband (UWB) microstrip patch antenna intended for high frequency wireless applications.

A square microstrip patch antenna was initially modeled on finite element method-based electromagnetic simulation tool high frequency structure simulator. It was then loaded with a rectangular slit and Koch snowflake-shaped fractal notches for bandwidth enhancement. The fabricated prototype was tested by using vector network analyzer from Agilent Technologies, N5247A, Santa Clara, California, United States (US).

The designed Koch fractal patch antenna is highly compact with dimensions of 10 × 10 mm only and possesses UWB characteristics with multiple resonances in the operating band. The −10 dB measured impedance bandwidth was observed to be approximately 13.65 GHz in the frequency range (23.20–36.85 GHz).

Owing to its simple and compact structure, positive and substantial gain values, high radiation efficiency and stable radiation patterns throughout the frequency band of interest, the proposed antenna is a suitable candidate for high frequency wireless applications in the K (18–27 GHz) and Ka (26.5–40 GHz) microwave bands.

The purpose of this study is to utilize two types of gypsum mold wastes from two different factories as novel and economical reinforcing fillers for composites that may be useful for building materials and floors. Two types of gypsum mold wastes from two different factories as raw materials were incorporated into linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) aiming to get rid of that waste in one hand and obtaining useful economical composites suitable for building materials and floors.

Composites were prepared from two types of gypsum mold wastes substituted with different ratios from raw gypsum and LLDPE throughout the melt blending technique. The physico-mechanical and electrical investigations in addition to the morphology of the composites were included.

The mechanical results illustrate that substituting commercial gypsum with gypsum mold waste positively affects tensile strength, flexural strength and hardness shore D for the LLDPE composites. The tensile strength increased from 5 MPa for LLDPE filled with commercial gypsum as blank samples to 11.2 and 13.2 MPa for LLDPE filled with D and S waste. Also, electrical properties which include both permittivity ɛ′ and dielectric loss ɛ″ increased with increasing the waste content in the LLDPE matrix. In addition to the electrical conductivity values, σ lies in the order of insulation materials. Consequently, it is possible to produce materials with a gypsum matrix by adding industrial waste, improving the behavior of the traditional gypsum and enabling those composites to be applied in various construction applications as eco-friendly tiles.

This study aims to prepare eco-friendly composites based on LLDPE and waste gypsum mold to preserve resources for the coming generations, other than lowering the environmental footprint and saving the costs of getting rid of it.

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the new technical demands and reliability challenges to printed circuit board (PCB) designs, materials and processes when the transmission frequency increases from Sub-6 GHz in previous generations to millimeter (mm) wave in fifth-generation (5G) communication technology.

The approach involves theoretical analysis and actual case study by various characterization techniques, such as a stereo microscope, metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, focused ion beam, high-frequency structure simulator, stripline resonator and mechanical test.

To meet PCB signal integrity demands in mm-wave frequency bands, the improving proposals on copper profile, resin system, reinforcement fabric, filler, electromagnetic interference-reducing design, transmission line as well as via layout, surface treatment, drilling, desmear, laminating and electroplating were discussed. And the failure causes and effects of typical reliability issues, including complex permittivity fluctuation at different frequencies or environments, weakening of peel strength, conductive anodic filament, crack on microvias, the effect of solder joint void on signal transmission performance and soldering anomalies at ball grid array location on high-speed PCBs, were demonstrated.

The PCB reliability problem is the leading factor to cause failures of PCB assemblies concluded from statistical results on the failure cases sent to our laboratory. The PCB reliability level is very essential to guarantee the reliability of the entire equipment. In this paper, the summarized technical demands and reliability issues that are rarely reported in existing articles were discussed systematically with new perspectives, which will be very critical to identify potential reliability risks for PCB in 5G mm-wave applications and implement targeted improvements.

This study aims to get rid of non-degradable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste as well as sunflower seed cake (SSC) waste by preparing eco-friendly composites from both in different proportions to reach good mechanical and insulating properties for antimicrobial and antistatic applications.

Eco-friendly composite films based on waste polyvinylchloride (WPVC) and SSC of concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 Wt.%) were prepared using solution casting method. Further, the effect of sunflower seed oil (SSO) on the biophysical properties of the prepared composites is also investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope, mechanical, thermal, dielectric properties were assessed. Besides, the antimicrobial and biodegradation tests were also studied.

The crystallinity increases by rising SSC concentration as revealed by XRD results. Additionally, the permittivity (ε′) increases by increasing SSC filler and SSO as well. A remarkable increase in dc conductivity was attained after the addition of SSO. While raw WPVC has very low bacterial activity. The composite films are found to be very effective against staphylococcus epidermidis, staphylococcus aureus bacteria and against candida albicans as well. On the other hand, the weight loss of WPVC increases by adding of SSC and SSO, as disclosed by biodegradation studies.

The study aims to reach the optimum method for safe and beneficial disposal of PVC waste as well as SSC for antistatic and antimicrobial application.

The aim of this study is to determine the fracture behavior of wool felt and fabric based epoxy composites and their responses to electromagnetic waves.

Notched and unnotched tensile tests of composites made of wool only and hybridized with a glass fiber layer were carried out, and fracture behavior and toughness at macro scale were determined. They were exposed to electromagnetic waves between 8 and 18 GHz frequencies using two horn antennas.

The keratin and lignin layer on the surface of the wool felt caused lower values to be obtained compared to the mechanical values given by pure epoxy. However, the use of wool felt in the symmetry layer of the laminated composite material provided higher mechanical values than the composite with glass fiber in the symmetry layer due to the mechanical interlocking it created. The use of wool in fabric form resulted in an increase in the modulus of elasticity, but no change in fracture toughness was observed. As a result of the electromagnetic analysis, it was also seen in the electromagnetic analysis that the transmittance of the materials was high, and the reflectance was low throughout the applied frequency range. Hence, it was concluded that all of the manufactured materials could be used as radome material over a wide band.

Sheep wool is an easy-to-supply and low-cost material. In this paper, it is presented that sheep wool can be evaluated as a biocomposite material and used for radome applications.

The combined evaluation of felt and fabric forms of a natural and inexpensive reinforcing element such as sheep wool and the combined evaluation of fracture mechanics and electromagnetic absorption properties will contribute to the evaluation of biocomposites in aviation.