Showing 487 results for in
Sandesh Jirage, Kishor Gaikwad, Prakash Chavan, Sadashiv Kamble,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
The Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film is newly emerging semiconductor material in thin film solar cell industry. The CZTS composed of economical, common earth abundant elements. It has advantageous properties like high absorption coefficient and best band gap. Here we have applied low cost chemical bath deposition technique for synthesis of CZTS at low temperature, acidic medium and it’s characterization. The films were characterized by different techaniques like X-Ray diffraction, Raman, SEM, Optical absorbance, electrical conductivity and PEC study. The X-Ray diffraction, Raman scattering techniques utilized for structural study. The XRD revels kasterite phase and nanocrystalline nature of CZTS thin films. These results and its purity confirmed further by advanced Raman spectroscopy with 335 cm-1 major peak. The crystallite size which was found to be 50.19 nm. The optical absorbance study carried by use of UV-Visible spectroscopy analyses its band gap near about 1.5 eV and its direct type of absorption. The electrical conductivity technique gives p-type of conductivity. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study finds it’s rock like unique morphology. The EDS technique confirms its elemental composition and it’s fair stoichiometry. The analysis of PEC data revealed power conversion efficiency-PCE to 0.90%.
The Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film is newly emerging semiconductor material in thin film solar cell industry. The CZTS composed of economical, common earth abundant elements. It has advantageous properties like high absorption coefficient and best band gap. Here we have applied low cost chemical bath deposition technique for synthesis of CZTS at low temperature, acidic medium and it’s characterization. The films were characterized by different techaniques like X-Ray diffraction, Raman, SEM, Optical absorbance, electrical conductivity and PEC study. The X-Ray diffraction, Raman scattering techniques utilized for structural study. The XRD revels kasterite phase and nanocrystalline nature of CZTS thin films. These results and its purity confirmed further by advanced Raman spectroscopy with 335 cm-1 major peak. The crystallite size which was found to be 50.19 nm. The optical absorbance study carried by use of UV-Visible spectroscopy analyses its band gap near about 1.5 eV and its direct type of absorption. The electrical conductivity technique gives p-type of conductivity. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study finds it’s rock like unique morphology. The EDS technique confirms its elemental composition and it’s fair stoichiometry. The analysis of PEC data revealed power conversion efficiency-PCE to 0.90%.
Mohammad Derakhshani, Saeed Rastegari, Ali Ghaffarinejad,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
In this research, a nickel-tungsten coating as a catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with different current densities was synthesized and the resulting electrocatalytic properties and morphology were assessed. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry in 1 M NaOH were used to evaluate the electrocatalytic activity for HER. By increasing the current density of electrodeposition up to 500 mA/cm2, a columnar morphology was observed. The cyclic voltammetry test (CV) revealed that when the plating current density increases, Cdl has increased from 248 to 1310 µF/cm2 and the active surface area increases 5 times. The results showed that by modifying the coating morphology, the current density of the hydrogen evolution increased up to two times.
Seyed Farzad Dehghaniyan, Shahriar Sharafi,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
Mechanical alloying was employed to synthesize a nanostructured alloy with the chemical formula of (Fe80Ni20)1-xCrx (x= 0, 4). The microstructural and magnetic properties of the samples were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Additionally, theoretical calculations were performed using density functional theory (DFT) under the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Simulations have demonstrated that an appropriate quantity of chromium (Cr) can dissolve within the BCC-Fe (Ni) structure, resulting in a favorable enhancement of the magnetic moment of the lattice. The XRD results indicated that after 96 hours of milling, Fe (Ni) and Fe (Ni, Cr) with a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure were formed. With increasing milling time, the grain size decreased while the microstrain increased. The saturation magnetization (Ms) of Fe80Ni20 composition increased up to 32 hours of milling, but further milling (up to 96 h) resulted in a decrease in the saturation magnetization However, for the (Fe80Ni20)96Cr4 powders, milling up to 64 h caused a reduction in Ms. The coercivity (Hc) trend was different and increased with longer milling times (up to 96 h) for both compositions.
Rakhesh V, Sreedev P, Ananthakrishnan A,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
Organic and Perovskite solar cells have attracted a lot of attention recently since they can be used with flexible substrates and have lower manufacturing costs. The configuration and materials employed in their construction, including the Electron Transport Layer (ETL), active layer, electrode contact, and hole transport layer greatly influence the stability and performance of these solar cells. This research focuses on the simulation of solar cells, specifically utilizing zinc oxide (ZnO) as the electron transport layer. A 0.1 molar ZnO thin film was prepared from Zinc acetate salt and was deposited on a glass substrate using the cost effective Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method. In-depth investigations were carried out on several factors, including structural, surface, optical and numerical analysis. The obtained parameters were utilized in the General-Purpose Photovoltaic Device Model (GPVDM) software to perform numerical simulations of the organic solar cell and Perovskite solar cell. Both Organic solar cells and Perovskite solar cells were designed numerically and through careful observations, electrical parameters like Open circuit Voltage (Voc), Short circuit current (Jsc), Fill Factor (FF), and Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) were identified. The studies indicate the promising performance of simulated solar cells with SILAR-synthesized ZnO thin film as the ETL.
Padmanaban Ramasamy,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
The present investigation delves into the friction stir welding of AA5052 and AZ31B alloys, examining the effects of three distinct parameter configurations. A face-centered central composite design, structured to incorporate full replications for comprehensive and reliable analysis, was employed. A pivotal element of this study is implementing an advanced deep neural network (DNN) model. Characterized by its varied activation functions, structural parameters, and training algorithms, this DNN model was adeptly configured to precisely predict the tensile strength and microhardness of the welded joints. This comprehensive examination also included a quantitative assessment of the parameter effects on joint microstructure and mechanical properties. Flawless welds with exemplary surface characteristics were attained through a meticulously optimized set of parameters: a tool rotation speed set at 825 rpm, a tool traverse speed of 15 mm/min, and a shoulder diameter of 18 mm. During the welding process, the formation of intermetallic compounds, specifically Al12Mg17 and Al3Mg2, was observed. An exceptionally refined grain size of 2.23 µm was observed in the stir zone, contributing to the joint's enhanced tensile strength, measured at 180 MPa. The hardness of the specimen fabricated at the high rotational speed is more elevated due to the brittle intermetallic compounds. The better mechanical properties are related to the reduction and distribution of intermetallic compounds formed in the interface zone.
Alireza Zibanejad-Rad, Ali Alizadeh, Seyyed Mehdi Abbasi,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
Pressureless sintering was employed at 1400 °C to synthesize Ti matrix composites (TMCs) reinforced with in-situ TiB and TiC reinforcements using TiB2 and B4C initial reinforcements. The microstructure and wear behavior of the synthesized composites were evaluated and compared and the results showed that B4C caused the formation of TiB-TiC in-situ hybrid reinforcements in the Ti matrix. Also, TiB was in the form of blades/needles and whiskers, and TiC was almost equiaxed. Moreover, the volume fraction of the in-situ formed reinforcement using B4C was much higher than that formed using TiB2. In addition, although the hardness of the B4C-synthesized composites was higher, the composite synthesized using 3 wt.% TiB2 exhibited the highest hardness (425 HV). The wear test results showed that the sample synthesized using 3 wt.% TiB2 showed the lowest wear rate at 50 N, mainly because of its higher hardness. The dominant wear mechanism in the samples synthesized using 3 wt.% B4C was abrasive and delamination at 50 N and 100 N, respectively while in the samples synthesized 3 wt.% TiB2, a combination of delamination and adhesive wear and adhesive wear was ruling, respectively.
Ahad Saeidi, Sara Banijamali, Mojgan Heydari,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
This study explores the fabrication, structural analysis, and cytocompatibility of cobalt-doped bioactive glass scaffolds for potential applications in bone tissue engineering. A specific glass composition modified from Hench's original formulation was melted, quenched, and ground to an average particle size of 10 μm. The resulting amorphous powder underwent controlled sintering to form green bodies and was extensively characterized using simultaneous differential thermal analysis (DTA), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared analysis (FTIR). After mixing with a resin and a dispersant, the composite was used in digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing to construct scaffolds with interconnected macropores. Thermal post-treatment of 3D printed scaffolds, including debinding (Removing the binder that used for shaping) and sintering, was optimized based on thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and the microstructure was examined using FE-SEM and XRD. In vitro bioactivity was assessed by immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), while cytocompatibility with MC3T3 cells was evaluated through SEM following a series of ethanol dehydrations. The study validates the fabrication of bioactive glass scaffolds with recognized structural and morphological properties, establishing the effects of cobalt doping on glass behavior and its implications for tissue engineering scaffolds. Results show, Low cobalt levels modify the glass network and reduce its Tg to 529 oC, while higher concentrations enhance the structure in point of its connectivity. XRD results shows all prepared glasses are amorphous nature, and DTA suggests a concentration-dependent Tg relationship. Spectroscopy indicates potential Si-O-Co bonding and effects on SiO2 polymerization. Cobalt's nucleating role promotes crystalline phases, enhancing bioactivity seen in rapid CHA layer formation in SBF, advancing the prospects for bone tissue engineering materials.
Satish Ahire, Ashwini Bachhav, Bapu Jagdale, Thansing Pawar, Prashant Koli, Dnyaneshwar Sanap, Arun Patil,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
Hybrid photocatalysts, comprising both inorganic and organic polymeric components, are the most promising photocatalysts for the degradation of organic contaminants. The nanocomposite, Titania-Polyaniline (TiO2-PANI) was synthesized using the chemical oxidative polymerization method. Various characterization techniques were employed to assess the properties of the catalysts. The ultraviolet diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) analysis revealed that the TiO2 absorbs only UV light while the TiO2-PANI nanocomposite absorbs light from both UV and visible regions. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the presence of TiO2 (anatase) in both TiO2 nanoparticles and TiO2-PANI (Titania-Polyaniline) nanocomposite. The phases of the catalysts were verified through Raman, TEM, and SAED techniques where all results are in good agreement with each other. The average crystallite size of TiO2 nanoparticle and TiO2-PANI nanocomposite were 13.87 and 10.76 nm. The thermal stability of the catalysts was assessed by the Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) technique. The order of the thermal stability is TiO2 > TiO2-PANI > PANI. The crystal lattice characteristics were confirmed using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The surface area measurements were confirmed from the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) study and were employed for the evaluation of the photocatalytic efficiency of both, TiO2 nanoparticles and TiO2-PANI nanocomposite catalysts. The energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) study was employed for elemental detection of the fabricated materials. While Raman spectroscopy was employed for the chemical structure and the phase characteristics of the materials. The standard conditions for the degradation of the CF dye were 8 g/L of catalyst dosage, 20 mg/L of dye concentration, and a pH of 7. The TiO2-PANI nanocomposite exhibited superior efficiency as compared to pure TiO2 nanoparticles, achieving almost 100 % degradation in just 40 minutes.
Ramin Dehghani, Seyed Mojtaba Zebarjad,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
Acrylic resins are one of the most important thermoplastic resins used in various industries due to their significant properties. However, they are inherently brittle and addition plasticizers to them is very common. In this study, role of both Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and Triacetin on the mechanical properties of acrylic resin have been investigated. To do so tensile test, bending and wear tests have been performed. To achieve the optimal mixture of plasticizers, a tensile test has been carried out, and the best percentage of the mixture has been determined. Subsequently, bending and wear tests were conducted, which showed a significant increase in the bending strength of the acrylic resin after the addition of plasticizers. Furthermore, it was found that the abrasion mechanism of the resin was significantly altered compared to its pure state.
Ghada Ben Salah,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
This study reported the biological changes occurring after γ-irradiation of in vivo rat model and the osteochondral protective effect of Gelatine-Chitosan-Ginger (GEL-CH-GING). The results showed that Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy of GEL-CH-GING showed two paramagnetic centres which correspond to g=2.19 and g= 2.002. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses revealed an increase in peak intensity at C–H chains, as well as, C=O carbonyl groups. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed no change of crystallinity. After gamma ray exposure, the rat groups have received an osteochondral defect and then were treated with GEL-CH-GING composite. Sixty days post-surgery, a significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid-reactive compounds (TBARs) was seen when compared to non-implanted rat group. Concerning oxidative stress status, GEL-CH-GIN significantly improved Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) 76 nmol/l, Catalase (CAT) 0.79 nmol/l, and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) 1.77 nmol/l activities in osteochondral tissue. Regarding the histomorphometric parameters of cartilaginous tissue (nCg.Th, µm), (cCg.Th, µm), (Cg.Th, µm), irradiated-GEL-CH-GIN group showed a significant increase as compared to irradiated group with 116, 74 and 188 µm, respectively (p<0.01). The microanalysis showed a high percentage of O and C in the regenertaed osteochondral tissue and indicated the deposition of novel collagen matrix. The biomechanical behaviour showed a significantly enhanced hardness measurement (1.73±0 .029 VH, p<0.05) when compared with that of irradiated group
Biochemical markers suggested an osteocartilage repair capacity. In fact, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF in the implanted rat with GEL-CH-GING composite exhibited 51±3.48, 30.05±5.18, 65.12±4.33 and 40.42±3.32 ng/l, respectively. Our findings suggested that GEL-CH-GING composite might have promising potential applications for cartilage healing.
Dewi Qurrota A'yuni, Hadiantono Hadiantono, Velny Velny, Agus Subagio, Moh. Djaeni, Nandang Mufti,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
Rice husk carbon by-product from the industrial combustion is a promising source to produce a vast amount of activated carbon adsorbent. This research prepared rice husk-activated carbon adsorbent by varying the concentration of potassium hydroxide solution (5, 10, 15, 20 % w/v) and activation time (2, 4, 6, 8 hours). Fourier-transform infrared spectral characterization (FTIR) indicated a significant effect before and after activation, especially the presence of hydroxyl groups. Based on the iodine adsorption, the specific surface area of the produced-activated carbon was approximately 615 m2/g. Experimental results showed that increasing potassium hydroxide concentration and activation time increases the water vapor adsorption capacity of the activated carbon. Compared with the rice husk carbon, the KOH-activated carbon enhanced the water vapor adsorption capacity to 931%. In the adsorption observation, changing the temperature from 15 to 27 ℃ caused a higher water vapor uptake onto the activated carbon. Two adsorption kinetics (pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order models) were used to evaluate the adsorption mechanism. This research found that rice husk-activated carbon performed a higher water vapor adsorption capacity than other adsorbents (silica gel, zeolite, and commercially activated carbon).
Muddukrishnaiah Kotakonda, Sajisha V.s, Aiswarya G, Safeela Nasrin Pakkiyan, Najamol A Alungal, Mayoora Kiliyankandi K, Divya Thekke Kareth, Naheeda Ashraf Verali Parambil, Saranya Sasi Mohan, Renjini Anil Sheeba, Sarika Puthiya Veettil, Dhanish Joseph, Nishad Kakkattummal, Afsal Bin Haleem Mp, Safeera Mayyeri, Thasneem Chemban Koyilott, Nasiya Nalakath, Samuel Thavamani B, Famila Rani J, Aruna Periyasamy, Chellappa V Rajesh, Rameswari Shanmugam, Marimuthu Poornima, Tina Raju, Roshni E R, Sirajudheen Mukriyan Kallungal, Lekshmi Ms Panicker, Saranya K G, Shilpa V P,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
Biogenic synthesis of papain-conjugated copper metallic Nanoparticles and their antibacterial and antifungal activities Papain metallic conjugated nanoparticles (Papain-CuNPs) were synthesised using Papain and CuSO4.5H2O. Papain-CuNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, HR-TEM, XRD, FE-SEM, zeta potential, and a zeta sizer. The antibacterial activity of papain-CuNPs against human infectious microorganisms (Citrobacter spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans) was investigated. The mechanism of action of papain-CuNPs was evaluated using FE-SEM and HRTM. UV spectroscopy confirmed the plasma resonance (SPR) at 679 nm, which indicated the formation of papain-CuNPs. The FT-IR spectrum absorbance peaks at 3927, 3865, 3842, 3363, 2978, and 2900 cm-1 indicate the presence of O-H and N-H of the secondary amine, and peaks at 1643 and 1572 cm-1 represent C=O functional groups in Papain-CuNPs. EDAX analysis confirmed the presence of copper in the papain-CuNPs. The zeta potential (-42.6 mV) and zeta size (99.66 d. nm) confirmed the stability and size of the nanoparticles. XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the papain-CuNPs. FE-SEM and HRTM showed an oval structure, and the nano particles' 16.71244–34.84793 nm. The synthesized papain-NPs showed significant antibacterial activity against clinical P. aeruginosa (15 mm). MIC 125 µg/ml) showed bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa and the mechanism of action of Papain-NPs was confirmed using an electron microscope by observing cell damage and cell shrinking. Papain-CuNPs have significant antibacterial activity and are thus used in the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections
Majid Tavoosi,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
The present study focuses on the phase and structural features of MnAl intermetallic compound during solid-state synthesis. In this regard, the milling process was done in differentMn50+xAl50-x (0<x<7.5)powder mixtures and the prepared samples were evaluated using X-ray diffractometer, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results showed that the τ-MnAl magnetic phase with L10 structure could not be formed during the milling and low temperature annealing. During milling process, Al atoms dissolve in Mn network and a single β-Mn supersaturated solid solution (SSSS) form. The β-Mn (SSSS) phase is unstable and transforms into the icosahedral quasi-crystal as well as γ2-Al8Mn5 and β-Mn stable phases during subsequent annealing.
Mahnaz Dashti, Saeid Baghshahi, Arman Sedghi, Hoda Nourmohammadi,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
Abstract
The power line insulators are permanently exposed to various environmental pollutants such as dust and fine particles. This may lead to flashovers and therefore widespread power blackouts and heavy economic damage. One way to overcome this problem is to make the insulator surface superhydrophobic. In this research, the superhydrophobic properties of the insulators were improved by applying room-temperature cured composite coatings consisting of epoxy and hydrophobic nano-silica particles. Either octadecyl trichlorosilane (ODTS) or hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) was used to coat the silica nanoparticles and make them hydrophobic. Then, the hydrophobic silica was added to a mixture of epoxy resin and hardener. The suspension was applied on the surfaces of a commercial porcelain insulator and cold cured at ambient temperature. The coating increased the water contact angle from 50° to 149°. Even after 244 h exposure to the UV light, the samples preserved their hydrophobic properties. The adhesion of the coating was rated as 4B according to the ASTM D3359 standard. The coating decreased the leakage current by 40% and increased the breakdown voltage by 86% compared to the uncoated sample and showed promise for making power line insulators self-cleaning.
Hossein Momeni, Sasan Ranjbar Motlagh,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
The present work deals with the hot deformation behavior of commercial Nb alloy C-103 and its microstructure evolution during uniaxial compression tests in the temperature range of 700-1100 °C and the strain rate range of 0.001-0.4 s-1. Strain rate sensitivity, calculated from the compression tests data, was almost constant and showed a negative value in the temperature range of 700-900 °C but increased significantly beyond 900 °C. Dynamic strain aging was found to have a predominant effect up to 900 °C, beyond which dynamic recovery and oxidation influenced the compressive properties. The microstructure of the deformed samples showed indications of dynamic recrystallization within the high strain rate sensitivity domain and features of flow instability in the regime of low strain rate sensitivity. The 950–1000 °C temperature range and strain rate range of 0.001-0.1 s-1 were suggested as suitable hot deformation conditions. The constitutive equation was established to describe the alloy's flow behavior, and the average activation energy for plastic flow was calculated to be 267 kJ/mol.
Ahmad Ostovari Moghaddam, Olga Zaitseva, Sergey Uporov, Rahele Fereidonnejad, Dmitry Mikhailov, Nataliya Shaburova, Evgeny Trofimov,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
High entropy intermetallic compounds (HEICs) are an interesting class of materials combining the properties of multicomponent solid solutions and the ordered superlattices in a single material. In this work, microstructural and magnetic properties of (CoCuFeMnNi)Al, (CoCuFeMnNi)Zn3, (FeCoMnNiCr)3Sn2, (FeCoNiMn)3Sn2 and Cu3(InSnSbGaGe) HEICs fabricated by induction melting are studied. The magnetic properties of the HEICs was determined mainly by the nature of the magnetic momentum of the constituent elements. (CoCuFeMnNi)Al and (CoCuFeMnNi)Zn3 displayed ferromagnetic behavior at 5 K, while indicated linear dependency of magnetization vs. magnetic (i.e. paramagnetic or antiferromagnetic state) at 300 K. The magnetization of (FeCoMnNiCr)3Sn2, (FeCoNiMn)3Sn2 and Cu3(InSnSbGaGe) HEICs at 300 K exhibited a nearly linear dependency to magnetic field. Among all the investigated samples, (CoCuFeMnNi)Al exhibited the best magnetic properties with a saturation magnetization of about Ms = 6.5 emu/g and a coercivity of about Hc = 100 Oe.
Faraz Hussain, Muhammad Umar Manzoor, Muhammad Kamran, Tahir Ahmad, Fahad Riaz, Sehrish Mukhtar, Hafiz Muhammad Rehan Tariq, Muhammad Ishtiaq,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
Magnesium alloys are increasingly valued for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility. This study investigates Mg-AZ31B alloy samples treated with quartz and alumina grits (<200 μm) at varied pressures, followed by anodization in an eco-friendly alkaline electrolyte. The results show that increased blasting pressure produces a rougher surface. Anodization time significantly affects the thickness of the anodic film, leading to a transition in surface morphology from fine to coarse structures with complete film coverage. Characterization by XRD reveals that the anodic film mainly comprises magnesium oxide and hydroxide phases. Open Circuit Potential (OCP) measurements demonstrate enhanced corrosion resistance post-anodization, particularly notable at 40 minutes on alumina-blasted samples. ANOVA confirms that both blasting pressure and anodization time significantly influence coating thickness and OCP, indicating the formation of a dense anodized layer.
Seyed Mohammad Mirghasemi, Ehsan Mohammad Sahrifi, Gholam Hossein Borhani, Mirtaher Seyed Beigi,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
In this study, the hot deformation and dynamic recrystallization behavior of low carbon steel containing 21 ppm boron was investigated. After homogenizing the samples at 1250 ℃ for 1-hour, hot compression tests were conducted at temperatures ranging from 850 ℃ to 1150 ℃ and strain rates from 0.01 to 10 s⁻¹, resulting in strain-stress flow curves. Following corrections, calculations and modeling were performed based on Arrhenius equations. Among them, the hyperbolic sine relationship provided the most accurate estimate and was selected as the valid model for the applied strain range. According to this model, the deformation activation energy (Q), was determined to be 293.37 KJ/mol. Additionally, critical and peak stress and strain values were obtained for each temperature and strain rate, and power relationships were established to describe their variation with respect to the Zener-Hollomon parameter (Z). Recrystallization fractions were derived by comparing the hypothetical recovery curves with the material flow curves, and the results were successfully modeled using the Kolmogorov-Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (KJMA) equation. The Avrami exponent was measured at approximately 2, indicating that nucleation predominantly occurred at grain boundaries. Microstructural analysis revealed that at higher Z values, recrystallization occurred along with a fraction of elongated grains, while lower Z values resulted in a greater fraction of equiaxed dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grains. The average grain sizes after compression tests at 950 ℃, 1050 ℃, and 1150 ℃ were measured as 21.9 µm, 30.4 µm, and 33.6 µm respectively at a strain rate of 0.1 s⁻¹, and 17.7 µm, 28.7 µm, and 31.3 µm at 1 s⁻¹. The overall microstructure displayed a more uniform grain size distribution with increasing deformation temperature.
Ferda Mindivan,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Natural-reinforced hybrid composites, called "eco-materials," are becoming increasingly important for protecting the environment and eliminating waste problems. In this study, hybrid biocomposites were produced by the colloidal mixing method using seashell (SS) as natural waste, two graphene derivatives (graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO)) as filler material, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the polymer matrix. The crystallization and mechanical properties of hybrid biocomposites were examined based on their thermal properties using TGA and DSC analysis. In comparison to PVC/GO and PVC/RGO composites with identical weight percentages of GO and RGO, the PVC/GO composite exhibited superior thermal stability and crystallinity, resulting in elevated hardness values for the same composite. These results were attributed to the better interaction of GO with PVC due to the higher number of oxygen-containing functional groups in GO than in RGO. However, the PVC/RGO/SS hybrid biocomposites exhibited superior properties than PVC/GO/SS hybrid biocomposites. The greatest crystallinity values were 39.40% for PVC/RGO/SS-20 compared to PVC/RGO at 20 wt% SS content and 29.21% for PVC/GO/SS-20 compared to PVC/GO. The PVC/RGO/SS-20 hybrid biocomposite showed the greatest gain in hardness value, up 18.47% compared to the PVC/RGO composite. No significant change was observed in the melting and weight loss temperatures as the SS content increased; however, the crystallinity and glass transition temperatures in hybrid biocomposites increased as the SS content increased. All analysis results demonstrated the achievement of SS-graphene-PVC interactions, suggesting that SS waste could enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of composite production.
Mehdi Mehranian, Hajar Ahmadimoghadam,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
In this research study, a composite coating of Ni-Co/SiC-CeO2 was prepared on a copper substrate using the pulse electrodeposition technique. The effects of electrodeposition parameters, including current density, duty cycle, and frequency, on the properties of the prepared coating were investigated. The selected current density values were 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 A/cm2, the duty cycle options were 10, 20, and 30%, and the frequency values were 10, 100, and 1000 Hz. Increasing the current density enhanced the microhardness of the coating but reduced its corrosion resistance. This behavior can be attributed to the grain refinement occurring within the coating as the current density increases. On the other hand, an increase in duty cycle resulted in a decrease in microhardness, which can be attributed to a decrease in the concentration of nanoparticles within the coating. The lower corrosion resistance observed at higher duty cycles could be attributed to the decrease in off-time, causing the pulse electrodeposition conditions to approach a DC (direct current) state. Furthermore, higher frequencies were found to be associated with increased microhardness and improved corrosion resistance of the coatings. The coatings with the highest corrosion resistance exhibited a corrosion current density of 0.29 µA/cm2 and a polarization resistance of 1063 Ω.cm2 in a 3.5% NaCl solution. These coatings were prepared using a current density of 0.2 A/cm2, a duty cycle of 10%, and a frequency of 1000 Hz.
