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The purpose of this paper is to study the electronic transport performance of Ag-ZnO film under dark and UV light conditions.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the electronic transport performance of Ag-ZnO film under dark and UV light conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
Ag-doped ZnO thin films were prepared on fluorine thin oxide (FTO) substrates by sol-gel method. The crystal structure of ZnO and Ag-ZnO powders was tested by X-ray diffraction with Cu Kα radiation. The absorption spectra of ZnO and Ag-ZnO films were recorded by a UV–visible spectrophotometer. The micro electrical transport performance of Ag-ZnO thin films in dark and light state was investigated by photoassisted conductive atomic force microscope (PC-AFM).
Findings
The results show that the dark reverse current of Ag-ZnO films does not increase, but the reverse current increases significantly under illumination, indicating that the response of Ag-ZnO films to light is greatly improved, owing to the formation of Ohmic contact.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, the micro electrical transport performance of Ag-ZnO thin films in dark and light state was firstly investigated by PC-AFM.
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Jian Sun, Zhanshuai Fan, Yi Yang, Chengzhi Li, Nan Tu, Jian Chen and Hailin Lu
Aluminum alloy is considered an ideal material in aerospace, automobile and other fields because of its lightweight, high specific strength and easy processing. However, low…
Abstract
Purpose
Aluminum alloy is considered an ideal material in aerospace, automobile and other fields because of its lightweight, high specific strength and easy processing. However, low hardness and strength of the surface of aluminum alloys are the main factors that limit their applications. The purpose of this study is to obtain a composite coating with high hardness and lubricating properties by applying GO–PVA over MAO coating.
Design/methodology/approach
A pulsed bipolar power supply was used as power supply to prepare the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating on 6061 aluminum sample. Then a graphene oxide-polyvinyl alcohol (GO–PVA) composite coating was prepared on MAO coating for subsequent experiments. Samples were characterized by Fourier infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The friction test is carried out by the relative movement of the copper ball and the aluminum disk on the friction tester.
Findings
Results showed that the friction coefficient of MAO samples was reduced by 80% after treated with GO–PVA composite film.
Originality/value
This research has made a certain contribution to the surface hardness and tribological issues involved in the lightweight design of aluminum alloys.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2023-0427/
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Salwa Moustafa Amer Mahmoud, Tarek Hamdy, Mohamed Fares, Wissam Ayman, Shrouk Muhamed, Aya Abdel Khaliq and Lilian Salah
This paper aims to investigate the ability of traditional biopolymers, such as funori or the nanoscale form of cellulose nanocrystals, to consolidate fragile paper and preserve it…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the ability of traditional biopolymers, such as funori or the nanoscale form of cellulose nanocrystals, to consolidate fragile paper and preserve it for as long as possible.
Design/methodology/approach
Degraded papers dating back two centuries were separated into paper samples for consolidation processes. Funori – a marine spleen – was used as a traditional consolidation material and a mixture with ZnO NPs compared with modern materials, such as cellulose nanocrystals. The samples were aged for 25 years, examinations and analyses were performed using scanning electron microscopy and color change was assessed using the CIELAB system, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.
Findings
According to the results, using traditional materials to consolidate damage, such as funori, after aging resulted in glossiness on the surface, a color change and increased water content and oxidation. Furthermore, samples treated with a mixture of ZnO NPs and funori revealed that the mixture improved the sample properties and increased the degree of crystallization. Cellulose nanocrystals improved the surface, filled gaps, formed bridges between the fibers and acted as a protector from aging effects.
Originality/value
This paper highlights the ability of nanomaterials to enhance the properties of materials as additives and treat the paper manuscripts from weaknesses.
Haichao Wang, Xiaoqiang Liu, Zhanjiang Li, Li Chen, Pinqiang Dai and Qunhua Tang
The purpose of this paper is to study the high temperature oxidation behavior of Ti and C-added FeCoCrNiMn high entropy alloys (HEAs).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the high temperature oxidation behavior of Ti and C-added FeCoCrNiMn high entropy alloys (HEAs).
Design/methodology/approach
Cyclic oxidation method was used to obtain the oxidation kinetic profile and oxidation rate. The microstructures of the surface and cross section of the samples after oxidation were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Findings
The results show that the microstructure of the alloy mainly consisted of FCC (Face-centered Cubic Structure) main phase and carbides (M7C3, M23C6 and TiC). With the increase of Ti and C content, the microhardness, strength and oxidation resistance of the alloy were effectively improved. After oxidation at a constant temperature of 800 °C for 100 h, the preferential oxidation of chromium in the chromium carbide determined the early formation of dense chromium oxide layers compared to the HEAs substrate, resulting in the optimal oxidation resistance of the TC30 alloy.
Originality/value
More precipitated CrC can preferentially oxidize and rapidly form a dense Cr2O3 layer early in the oxidation, which will slow down the further oxidation of the alloy.
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Vahid Ahmadi, Seyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini, Effat Jamalizadeh and Razie Naghizade
This paper aims to investigate the corrosion resistance of two types of coatings – one is ceria sol coating and the other is ceria sol coating modified by ZnO nanoparticles on…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the corrosion resistance of two types of coatings – one is ceria sol coating and the other is ceria sol coating modified by ZnO nanoparticles on 7075 aluminum alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution.
Design/methodology/approach
Aluminum alloys were dipped into ceria sol and ceria sol modified by ZnO nanoparticles separately and removed after 10 min from the solutions and dried at 110°C for 30 min and heated at 500 °C for 30 min to form the coatings. The coatings have been characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The EIS tests were performed in a corrosive solution of 3.5% NaCl.
Findings
The results showed that the coating of ceria sol modified by ZnO nanoparticles has higher corrosion resistance than the ceria sol coating and the bare sample. Also, the best efficiency is related to aluminum sample immersion after 1 h in NaCl corrosive solution for coating modified by ZnO nanoparticles.
Originality/value
In this research, the modification of ceria sol coating by ZnO nanoparticles had an effect on improving the corrosion behavior of aluminum alloy. It is also understood that modification of coatings is an effective parameter on corrosion resistance.
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Fukang Yang, Wenjun Wang, Yongjie Yan and YuBing Dong
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a fiber molding polymer is widely used in aerospace, electrical and electronic, clothing and other fields. The purpose of this study is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a fiber molding polymer is widely used in aerospace, electrical and electronic, clothing and other fields. The purpose of this study is to improve the thermal insulation performance of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the SiO2 aerogel/PET composites slices and fibers were prepared, and the effects of the SiO2 aerogel on the morphology, structure, crystallization property and thermal conductivity of the SiO2 aerogel/PET composites slices and their fibers were systematically investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
The mass ratio of purified terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol was selected as 1:1.5, which was premixed with Sb2O3 and the corresponding mass of SiO2 aerogel, and SiO2 aerogel/PET composites were prepared by direct esterification and in-situ polymerization. The SiO2 aerogel/PET composite fibers were prepared by melt-spinning method.
Findings
The results showed that the SiO2 aerogel was uniformly dispersed in the PET matrix. The thermal insulation coefficient of PET was significantly reduced by the addition of SiO2 aerogel, and the thermal conductivity of the 1.0 Wt.% SiO2 aerogel/PET composites was reduced by 75.74 mW/(m · K) compared to the pure PET. The thermal conductivity of the 0.8 Wt.% SiO2 aerogel/PET composite fiber was reduced by 46.06% compared to the pure PET fiber. The crystallinity and flame-retardant coefficient of the SiO2 aerogel/PET composite fibers showed an increasing trend with the addition of SiO2 aerogel.
Research limitations/implications
The SiO2 aerogel/PET composite slices and their fibers have good thermal insulation properties and exhibit good potential for application in the field of thermal insulation, such as warm clothes. In today’s society where the energy crisis is becoming increasingly serious, improving the thermal insulation performance of PET to reduce energy loss will be of great significance to alleviate the energy crisis.
Originality/value
In this study, SiO2 aerogel/PET composite slices and their fibers were prepared by an in situ polymerization process, which solved the problem of difficult dispersion of nanoparticles in the matrix and the thermal conductivity of PET significantly reduced.
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Rizk Mostafa Shalaby and Mohamed Saad
The purpose of the present work is to study the impacts of rapid cooling and Tb rare-earth additions on the structural, thermal and mechanical behavior of Bi–0.5Ag lead-free…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present work is to study the impacts of rapid cooling and Tb rare-earth additions on the structural, thermal and mechanical behavior of Bi–0.5Ag lead-free solder for high-temperature applications.
Design/methodology/approach
Effect of rapid solidification processing on structural, thermal and mechanical properties of Bi-Ag lead-free solder reinforced Tb rare-earth element.
Findings
The obtained results indicated that the microstructure consists of rhombohedral Bi-rich phase and Ag99.5Bi0.5 intermetallic compound (IMC). The addition of Tb could effectively reduce the onset and melting point. The elastic modulus of Tb-containing solders was enhanced to about 90% at 0.5 Tb. The higher elastic modulus may be attributed to solid solution strengthening effect, solubility extension, microstructure refinement and precipitation hardening of uniform distribution Ag99.5Bi0.5 IMC particles which can reasonably modify the microstructure, as well as inhibit the segregation and hinder the motion of dislocations.
Originality/value
It is recommended that the lead-free Bi-0.5Ag-0.5Tb solder be a candidate instead of common solder alloy (Sn-37Pb) for high temperature and high performance applications.
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Liang Ma, Qiang Wang, Haini Yang, Da Quan Zhang and Wei Wu
The aim of this paper is to solve the toxic and harmful problems caused by traditional volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) and to analyze the effect of the layered structure on the…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to solve the toxic and harmful problems caused by traditional volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) and to analyze the effect of the layered structure on the enhancement of the volatile corrosion inhibition prevention performance of amino acids.
Design/methodology/approach
The carbon dots-montmorillonite (DMT) hybrid material is prepared via hydrothermal process. The effect of the DMT-modified alanine as VCI for mild steel is investigated by volatile inhibition sieve test, volatile corrosion inhibition ability test, electrochemical measurement and surface analysis technology. It demonstrates that the DMT hybrid materials can improve the ability of alanine to protect mild steel against atmospheric corrosion effectively. The presence of carbon dots enlarges the interlamellar spacing of montmorillonite and allows better dispersion of alanine. The DMT-modified alanine has higher volatilization ability and an excellent corrosion inhibition of 85.3% for mild steel.
Findings
The DMT hybrid material provides a good template for the distribution of VCI, which can effectively improve the vapor-phase antirust property of VCI.
Research limitations/implications
The increased volatilization rate also means increased VCI consumption and higher costs.
Practical implications
Provides a new way of thinking to replace the traditional toxic and harmful VCI.
Originality/value
For the first time, amino acids are combined with nano laminar structures, which are used to solve the problem of difficult volatilization of amino acids.
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Keywords
Wiah Wardiningsih, Sandra Efendi, Rr. Wiwiek Mulyani, Totong Totong, Ryan Rudy and Samuel Pradana
This study aims to characterize the properties of natural cellulose fiber from the pseudo-stems of the curcuma zedoaria plant.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to characterize the properties of natural cellulose fiber from the pseudo-stems of the curcuma zedoaria plant.
Design/methodology/approach
The fiber was extracted using the biological retting process (cold-water retting). The intrinsic fiber properties obtained were used to evaluate the possibility of using fiber for textile applications.
Findings
The average length of a curcuma zedoaria fiber was 34.77 cm with a fineness value of 6.72 Tex. A bundle of curcuma zedoaria fibers was comprised of many elementary fibers. Curcuma zedoaria had an irregular cross-section, with the lumen having a varied oval shape. Curcuma zedoaria fibers had tenacity and elongation value of 3.32 gf/denier and 6.95%, respectively. Curcuma zedoaria fibers had a coefficient of friction value of 0.46. Curcuma zedoaria fibers belong to a hygroscopic fiber type with a moisture regain value of 10.29%.
Originality/value
Extraction and Characterization of Curcuma zedoaria Pseudo-stems Fibers for Textile Application.
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Dongyang Li, Guanghu Yao, Yuyuan Guan, Yaolei Han, Linya Zhao, Lining Xu and Lijie Qiao
In this paper, the authors aim to study the effect of hydrogen on the pitting corrosion behavior of Incoloy 825, a commonly used material for heat exchanger tubes in hydrogenated…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, the authors aim to study the effect of hydrogen on the pitting corrosion behavior of Incoloy 825, a commonly used material for heat exchanger tubes in hydrogenated heat exchangers.
Design/methodology/approach
The pitting initiation and propagation behaviors were investigated by electrochemical and chemical immersion experiments and observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer methods.
Findings
The results show that hydrogen significantly affects the electrochemical behavior of Incoloy 825; the self-corrosion potential decreased from −197 mV before hydrogen charging to −263 mV, −270 mV and −657 mV after hydrogen charging, and the corrosion current density increased from 0.049 µA/cm2 before hydrogen charging to 2.490 µA/cm2, 2.560 µA/cm2 and 2.780 µA/cm2 after hydrogen charging. The pitting susceptibility of the material increases.
Originality/value
Hydrogen is enriched on the precipitate, and the pitting corrosion also initiates at that location. The synergistic effect of hydrogen and precipitate destroys the passive film on the metal surface and promotes pitting initiation.
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