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1 – 10 of 11Guangkai Hu, Xiaorui Zhang, Lizhu Liu, Weng Ling and Weiwei Cui
The dispersity of graphene oxide (GO) has an important effect on the properties of epoxy resin (EP) composites. Many modification and dispersion methods require the use of inert…
Abstract
Purpose
The dispersity of graphene oxide (GO) has an important effect on the properties of epoxy resin (EP) composites. Many modification and dispersion methods require the use of inert solvents which do not participate in the modification reaction, although GO can be uniformly dispersed in water and alcohol solvents. Based on this requirement, several inert solvents were selected as dispersion solvents to find out the suitable inert solvent for GO dispersion into EP matrix.
Design/methodology/approach
Several inert solvents with different solubility parameters were selected as dispersion solvents to prepare GO/EP composite. The microstructure, mechanical properties, insulation properties, dielectric properties and thermal property of the composite were characterized, which was due to find suitable inert solvent for GO dispersion into EP matrix.
Findings
The dispersity of N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was the best stable suspension state when it was used as solvent instead of occurring sedimentation and agglomeration. Moreover, DMF was further confirmed as a suitable inert solvent for the dispersion of GO into EP according to the mechanical properties, insulation properties and thermal conductivity characterization.
Research limitations/implications
The dispersion of GO in solvents has already been researched, but the traditional solvents, such as alcohols and water, has shown their limitations with the increase of modification methods, which were not suitable for the modification environment such as cyanate graft modification. Therefore, it was very important to choose a kind of inert solvent for dissolving EP matrix and dispersing GO better.
Originality/value
Several inert solvents were used to disperse GO into EP, and the influence of different dispersing solvents on the adhesive was discussed through the analysis of the mechanical properties, insulation properties and thermal conductivity, which was due to explore the inert solvent suitable for GO dispersion.
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Lizhu Liu, Weiliang Li, Weiwei Cui, Xiaorui Zhang and Weng Ling
In this paper, boric acid was loaded on the surface of expandable graphite (EG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and silane coupling agent (KH550) served as a bridge. The purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, boric acid was loaded on the surface of expandable graphite (EG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and silane coupling agent (KH550) served as a bridge. The purpose of this study was to improve the flame retardant properties of semi-rigid polyurethane, meanwhile, the mechanical properties of the foam got ameliorated.
Design/methodology/approach
PVA was dissolved in hot water. EG was added to this solution. After stirring for 0.5 h at 85°C in ultrasonic agitation, the system was put at room temperature to cool. The silane coupling agent KH550 was added dropwise into the solution system, stirring to fully hydrolyze. Boric acid was added into the system, placing it in an oven at 90°C to dry after filtration. Changing of flame retardant properties and mechanical properties of semi-rigid polyurethane adding modified EG were characterized.
Findings
The flame retardant performance of the foam with EG has been improved, whereas the tensile strength decreased with an increase in the content of EG. After adding modified EG, compared to semi-rigid polyurethane with EG, flame retardant performance and tensile strength of the foam improved.
Research limitations/implications
In the study reported here, the surface of EG was modified by boric acid. The modified EG was added into semi-rigid polyurethane foam. The flame retardant performance and tensile strength of the foam after adding modified EG were discussed. Results of this research could benefit in-depth study of the influence of adding modified EG to semi-rigid polyurethane. The study could promote the application of flame-retardant polyurethane foam.
Originality/value
The flame retardant performance and tensile strength of the semi-rigid polyurethane were improved by adding modified EG. The effects of modified EG on the flame retardant performance and tensile strength of semi-rigid polyurethane were discussed in detail.
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Lin Xue, Qiang Miao, Wenping Liang, Hui Zhao, Weiwei Shi, Shiwei Zuo and Hanchun Ma
The purpose of this paper is to prepare Ti(C,N) coatings on TA15 treated and not treated by shot peening using double glow plasma alloying technique. The effect of shot peening on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to prepare Ti(C,N) coatings on TA15 treated and not treated by shot peening using double glow plasma alloying technique. The effect of shot peening on the wear behavior of Ti(C,N) coatings is discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
The Ti(C,N) coatings were prepared by double glow plasma alloying technique on two different TA15 substrate; one is shot peened and the other is not.
Findings
Ti(C,N) coating on SP-treated TA15 was thicker and denser, and the grain size was smaller compared with that on original TA15. Compared with the Ti(C,N) coating on original TA15, the wear resistance of that on SP-treated TA15 is improved. Ti(C,N) coating on SP-treated TA15 showed higher nanohardness and bearing capacity than that on original TA15.
Originality/value
For double glow plasma alloying technique, surface quality, surface activity and other factors will have influence on the thickness and density of the coating. The wear mechanisms of Ti(C,N) coating on original TA15 are serious abrasive wear and oxidation wear. However, the wear mechanism of Ti(C,N) coating on SP-treated TA15 is slightly oxidation wear.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2020-0283/
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Weiwei Liu, Yuqi Guo and Kexin Bi
Energy conservation and environmental protection industry (ECEPI) is a strategic choice to promote energy conservation and emission reduction, develop green economy and circular…
Abstract
Purpose
Energy conservation and environmental protection industry (ECEPI) is a strategic choice to promote energy conservation and emission reduction, develop green economy and circular economy. However, China’s ECEPI is still in the stage of rapid development and the overall scale is relatively small, what development periods have the ECEPI experienced? This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of collaborative innovation evolution based on social network analysis from the perspective of multi-dimensional proximity.
Design/methodology/approach
Methodologically, this study uses social network analysis method to explore the co-evolution of multidimensional collaboration networks. It divides China’s ECEPI into four periods based on national policies from 2001 to 2020. This contribution constructs collaborative innovation networks from geographical, technological and organizational proximity.
Findings
The results show that the collaborative innovation network was initially formed in the central region of China, gradually expanded to neighboring cities and the core positions of Beijing, Jiangsu and Guangdong have been continuously consolidated. C02F has been the core of the collaboration networks, and the research focus has gradually shifted from the treatment of wastewater, sewage or sludge to the separation field. Enterprises always occupy a dominant position in the collaboration networks.
Originality/value
This research investigates the dynamic evolution process of collaborative innovation network in China’s ECEPI from the perspective of multidimensional proximity, explores the community structure, important nodes and multidimensional proximity features in the network, expands the research perspective on evolution characteristics of innovative network and the research field of social network analysis. Theoretically, this study enriches collaborative innovation theory, social network theory and multi-dimensional proximity theory.
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Victoria Rodner and Chloe Preece
In the contemporary visual art market, for art to be valuable, it must be deemed authentic. In this chapter, we deconstruct the space within which the authentication of art takes…
Abstract
In the contemporary visual art market, for art to be valuable, it must be deemed authentic. In this chapter, we deconstruct the space within which the authentication of art takes place to understand the structural underpinnings of value and its ideological foundations. Through a three-part model, we demonstrate how authenticity in the art market, as a socially constructed concept, relies on the interpretation of cultural brokers who demonstrate recognition of the artist's vision in the work by placing it within an art context and thus legitimising it as culturally valuable. In our spatial analysis, we illustrate the complexity of visual art products and their valuation, demonstrating how authenticity operates through multiple dimensions. Ultimately, we demonstrate that authenticity is an autopoietic market practice which serves to further monopolise power.
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Mohamed Raessa, Weiwei Wan and Kensuke Harada
This paper aims to present a hierarchical motion planner for planning the manipulation motion to repose long and heavy objects considering external support surfaces.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a hierarchical motion planner for planning the manipulation motion to repose long and heavy objects considering external support surfaces.
Design/methodology/approach
The planner includes a task-level layer and a motion-level layer. This paper formulates the manipulation planning problem at the task level by considering grasp poses as nodes and object poses for edges. This paper considers regrasping and constrained in-hand slip (drooping) during building graphs and find mixed regrasping and drooping sequences by searching the graph. The generated sequences autonomously divide the object weight between the arm and the support surface and avoid configuration obstacles. Cartesian planning is used at the robot motion level to generate motions between adjacent critical grasp poses of the sequence found by the task-level layer.
Findings
Various experiments are carried out to examine the performance of the proposed planner. The results show improved capability of robot arms to manipulate long and heavy objects using the proposed planner.
Originality/value
The authors’ contribution is that they initially develop a graph-based planning system that reasons both in-hand and regrasp manipulation motion considering external supports. On one hand, the planner integrates regrasping and drooping to realize in-hand manipulation with external support. On the other hand, it switches states by releasing and regrasping objects when the object is in stably placed. The search graphs' nodes could be retrieved from remote cloud servers that provide a large amount of pre-annotated data to implement cyber intelligence.
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Zhenzhong Ma, Yufang Huang, Jie Wu, Weiwei Dong and Liyun Qi
The purpose of this study is to identify key factors that facilitate knowledge sharing in collectivistic cultures and further help better understand knowledge management in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify key factors that facilitate knowledge sharing in collectivistic cultures and further help better understand knowledge management in the international context.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a survey method, this study collected data from over 200 managerial employees in knowledge management-based project teams from China. Regression analysis was then conducted to analyze the impact of individual differences and environmental factors on the willingness to share knowledge among team members to identify key factors for successful knowledge retention in the constantly changing organizational environment in a collectivistic context.
Findings
The results show that incentives are very important in individual’s decision to share knowledge in project teams even in a collectivistic culture like China and both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated individuals tend to share more knowledge with their team members. Individuals with high altruism are also found more likely to share knowledge with others. Moreover, a trusting environment and explicit knowledge will facilitate knowledge sharing for better retention.
Research limitations/implications
More studies should be conducted in other collectivistic cultures to explore cultural barriers in knowledge management in the international context and comparative studies using samples from different cultural backgrounds are also encouraged to help extend the theories on knowledge management.
Originality/value
While it is well-known that knowledge sharing is essential for organization to maintain competitive advantage, relatively few studies have examined knowledge sharing in collectivistic cultures, and even fewer have done so in China. This study adds values to the literature by identifying key factors for knowledge sharing in China, and thus helps refine the knowledge management theories and provides insights for multinationals on knowledge management in the Chinese market.
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This paper aims to present historical examples of collaborations between brand strategists and artists; provide an extensive, structured overview of existing published research on…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present historical examples of collaborations between brand strategists and artists; provide an extensive, structured overview of existing published research on such collaborations and their effects; present seven papers comprising this special issue; and discuss ideas for further research into brand–art collaboration.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an editorial based mainly on an extensive and broad literature review.
Findings
First, this editorial underpins the relevance of brand–art collaboration in the past and present by reference to real examples. Second, it structures the diverse literature into four key aspects of the topic: inspiration, insights, identity and image. Third, it provides a glimpse of the seven papers selected for this special issue. Fourth and finally, it identifies a total of 16 avenues for further research, on four levels (artist, brand owner, consumer and cooperation process).
Originality/value
This editorial and the entire special issue together represent the first anthology on the topic of the interface between brand management and arts. The collection and classification of the existing literature, the formulation of ideas for future research and the content of the seven papers are collectively excellent starting springboards for new and fresh brand research projects.
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Catherine Prentice and Lei Zhang
Celebrity endorsement advertising receives increased attention in the relevant literature. Approaching from the abnormal stock market return perspective, the purpose of this paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Celebrity endorsement advertising receives increased attention in the relevant literature. Approaching from the abnormal stock market return perspective, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential risks and expected profit associated with celebrity endorsement. The factors that are included in this investigation are the attributes relating to celebrities and the endorsed firms.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from over 300 firms that use celebrity endorsements and are listed in two of the biggest stock exchanges in China. The study uses the event study method to analyze the proposed relationships.
Findings
Some of the findings in the current study are consistent with or contrast to those in previous research. Specifically, this study finds that the celebrities’ demographics such as age and gender have little influence on financial return of the endorsed firm. However, investors respond rather negatively toward using actor celebrities to endorse a product or a brand, especially for high-tech products. The match-up endorsement has a positive effect on the firm’s abnormal return.
Research limitations/implications
The current study has implications for the relevant literature and practitioners. Very few studies have used stock market return to measure celebrity endorsement effectiveness. This study provides insights into the influence of various factors associating with celebrities and the endorsed firm, extending the celebrity endorsement research into a broader domain. In particular, this study has practical implications for firms that have used or intend to use actor celebrity endorsement.
Originality/value
This study is the first to use event study method to comprehensively analyze influence of attributes relating to both the celebrities and the endorsed firms in China on stock market return.
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Wei Li, Leilei Ji, Weidong Shi, Ling Zhou, Xiaoping Jiang and Yang Zhang
The purpose of this paper is to experimentally and numerically study the transient hydraulic impact and overall performance during startup accelerating process of mixed-flow pump.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to experimentally and numerically study the transient hydraulic impact and overall performance during startup accelerating process of mixed-flow pump.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the impeller rotor vibration characteristics during the starting period under the action of fluid–structure interaction was investigated, which is based on the bidirectional synchronization cooperative solving method for the flow field and impeller structural response of the mixed-flow pump. Experimental transient external characteristic and the transient dimensionless head results were compared with the numerical calculation results, to validate the accuracy of numerical calculation method. Besides, the deformation and dynamic stress distribution of the blade under the stable rotating speed and accelerating condition were studied based on the bidirectional fluid–structure interaction.
Findings
The results show that the combined action of complex hydrodynamic environment and impeller centrifugal force in the startup accelerating process makes the deformation and dynamic stress of blade have the rising trend of reciprocating oscillation. At the end of acceleration, the stress and strain appear as transient peak values and the transient effect is nonignorable. The starting acceleration has a great impact on the deformation and dynamic stress of blade, and the maximum deformation near the rim of impeller outlet edge increases 5 per cent above the stable condition. The maximum stress value increases by about 68.7 per cent more than the steady-state condition at the impeller outlet edge near the hub. The quick change of rotating speed makes the vibration problem around the blade tip area more serious, and then it takes the excessive stress concentration and destruction at the blade root.
Originality/value
This study provides basis and reference for the safety operation of pumps during starting period
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