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Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Ferrite Oxide (LaSrCoFeO 3) has been widely used as cathode material for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells at the temperature of 500–800 °C. At this temperature range, understanding the electrochemical behavior which is commonly analyzed by complex nonlinear least-squares (CNLS) analysis is very crucial in improving the cathode's performance. However, this analysis shows some limitations in interpreting the electrochemical processes in detail, particularly at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Hence, this study is conducted to compare the electrochemical impedance data analyses by CNLS and the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) of a fabricated LaSrCoFe|BCZY|LaSrCoFe (LaSrCoFe La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3 and BCZY=BaCe 0.54 Zr 0.36 Y 0.1 O 2.95) symmetrical cell. Impedance data of the cell is collected at T = 800 °C at two different stabilization times and to further enhance the analysis process, the impedance data of the cell at measurement temperatures of 700 °C and 750 °C are also included. In a Nyquist plot, the cell exhibits depressed semi-circles that represent a few processes occurring at the interface. The DRT analysis is more precise and easily reveals the semi-circles consisting of four different sub-processes (represented by four peaks) than CNLS (represented by four impedance arcs). The extracted responses from both analyses correspond to the oxygen reduction reactions that follow the Adler-Lane-Steele model. The stabilized symmetrical cells for respective 34 h and 17 h show an area-specific resistance (ASR) of (i) 0.22 Ωcm2 and 0.30 Ωcm2 (by CNLS) and (ii) 0.20 Ωcm2 and 0.26 Ωcm2 (by DRT). In addition, the ASR of the cell at T = 700 °C and T = 750 °C after being stabilized for 34 h is (iii) 0.71 Ωcm2 and 0.40 Ωcm2 (by CNLS) and (iv) 0.70 Ωcm2 and 0.44 Ωcm2 (by DRT), accordingly. Conversely, the cell's microstructure is not affected by the applied stabilization periods as observed by a scanning electron microscope. [Display omitted] • DRT analysis predominantly expresses P 1 , P 2 , P 3 and P 4 cathode sub-processes. • The 34 h stabilization period is sufficient to stabilize a 25-mm PCFC button cell. • ASR value of the S34 is lower than S17 according to DRT and CNLS analysis. • Shorter relaxation time means a faster kinetic reaction of electrochemical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steel slag-based glass ceramic for thermal energy storage was first fabricated by quenching method, and then their high temperature corrosion behavior in the eutectic carbonates and related mechanism have been investigated using X-ray diffraction，Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope techniques. The results show that holding time has a significant influence on the corrosion layer thickness at 800oC. As the holding time was extended, the thickness of the corrosion layer with obvious cracks tended to increase. Further EDS analyses disclosed that the divided corrosive layers along the extended directions of the cracks should be similar in both the compositions and microstructure. Based on these observations, the possible corrosion mechanism was discussed after defining phase structure of nonstoichiometric (Fe 0.35 Al 0.20 Mg 0.44) Ca 0.96 (Fe 0.08 Si 0.70 Al 0.20) 2 O 6.12 as a combined system of CaMgSi 2 O 6 (Di)-CaFe3+AlSiO 6 (Es)-CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 (An). Oxygen offered by the molten carbonates salt is regarded to play a critical role in the corrosion process. In an atmosphere rich in oxygen, both Na+ and K+ ions diffused into the diopside can replace Ca2+ and Mg2+, etc. resulting in polyhedral structural reorganization for electrical neutrality. On the other hand, the bonding stability of the cation-oxygen bonds in diopside was proved to be weaker than that in single oxides. These two aspects contribute to the continuous dissolution of Ca2+ and Mg2+, etc. in the molten carbonates salt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart windows can benefit from the use of photochromic wooden materials. In the current study, we report the preparation of fluorescent wood that can switch color under visible and ultraviolet lighting conditions. In order to develop a transparent wood that is both fluorescent and photochromic, a mixture of europium and dysprosium activated strontium aluminum oxide (EDSA) nanoparticles (NPs; 8–13 nm) and room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber (Polysiloxane) was integrated into a delignified wood. EDSA is known for its excellent photostability and thermal stability. The EDSA phosphor has to be efficiently dispersed in RTV to avoid the formation of aggregates, allowing for a better fabrication of colorless wood. The coloration findings from the CIE Lab parameters displayed that when illuminated with ultraviolet rays, this colorless wooden substrate turned green. Using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), the morphological properties of the synthesized EDSA NPs were examined. Various analysis techniques, including elemental mapping, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic analyzer (WDXRF), scanning electron microscope (SEM), hardness testing, and photoluminescence spectra, were employed to study the photochromic woods. An absorption band (365 nm) and two emission bands (436 nm and 518 nm) were determined for the prepared photoluminescent woods. When increasing the EDSA content, the results showed that the produced EDSA-infiltrated wood was more water-resistant and highly protective against UV radiation. Reversible photochromic responsiveness to UV light was observed for the prepared transparent luminous wood without fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LiVO 3 ultra-low temperature cofired ceramic (ULTCC) was synthesized by the solid-state chemical method and its crystal structure, sintering behavior, and microwave dielectric performances were systematically studied by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). XRD showed that LiVO 3 were pure monoclinic single phase with a space group of C2/c. Furthermore, the best microwave dielectric properties Q × f = 16,900 ± 720 GHz, ε r = 8.78 ± 0.06, and τ f = − 117 ± 2.3 ppm/°C could be obtained when LiVO 3 sintered at optimal sintering condition 520 °C/8 h affirmed by SEM. The microwave dielectric properties were also deeply investigated utilizing the P–V–L chemical bond theory. The microwave dielectric performances of LiVO 3 had a great closer relationship with the V(1)–O bonds explained by analysis data. The low permittivity LiVO 3 with attractive features highlighted it to be a good candidate for ULTCC applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical diamond materials are essential for infrared optical windows, microwave windows, and laser windows due to their exceptional properties. However, dark features inside the diamond are significant factors limiting optical properties, particularly at high deposition rates. This work focuses on adjusting crystallographic parameters to prepare (110) oriented optical-grade polycrystalline diamond films, aiming to mitigate dark features. Diamond films deposited via microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) exhibit discernible quality stratification. Characterization analysis of diamond film samples with varying levels of black defects reveals a correlation: films with higher dark feature content tend to exhibit a preference for the (111) orientation, accompanied by a significant presence of penetration twins and interstitial voids. Conversely, transparent diamond films demonstrate a prominent (110) orientation, featuring numerous contact twins that alleviate competition from penetration twins and original grains during growth. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) results reveal that transparent diamond films cultivated with a pronounced preference for the (110) orientation manifest consistent and seamless contact twins, leading to fewer dark features and improved optical transmittance. In contrast, (111) oriented diamond film exhibits numerous penetration twins, and holes form between them. Based on the analysis, 5-inch optical polycrystalline diamond films with (110) orientation were achieved successfully by suppressing dark features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the magnetic response of Ho3+ doped Ni 0.4 Cu 0.6 Ho y Fe 2-y O 4 (y = 0.0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08) spinel ferrites (SFs) and their correlation with crystallite size. The synthesis was achieved using a sol-gel auto-combustion (SGAC) route and performed different characterizations, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. The cubic spinel phase was verified via XRD in pure NCF and Ho3+ doped NCF samples. The lattice constant (a) was improved from 8.344 Å to 8.378 Å. The substitution of Ho3+ ions led to a decrease in porosity from 42.22 % to 39.54 %. The introduction of Ho3+ ions also reduced the crystallite size (D) from 37.05 nm to 27.72 nm. The specific surface area (S) was increased from 27.44 g/cm2 to 36.14 g/cm2 with the doping of Ho3+. The average particle size (D S) was decreased from 54 nm to 35 nm. The EDX and ICP-AES analyses confirmed the good agreement with the theoretical composition. The VSM measurements provided insights into their magnetic properties. Furthermore, the doping of Ho3+ ions enhanced coercivity (H C), while reducing saturation magnetization (M S) from 64.35 emu/g to 16.22 emu/g. The decrease in crystalline anisotropy (K) observed at higher concentrations of Ho3+ may result from the increase in coercivity, potentially attributable to the smaller crystallite size of the single-domain SFs particles. The single-phase matrix and their magnetic behaviour showed that the Ho3+ doped Ni–Cu SFs samples are suitable for high-frequency applications. [Display omitted] • Ni 0.4 Cu 0.6 Ho y Fe 2-y O 4 was prepared via the sol-gel auto-combustion technique. • The crystallite size was the minimum (27.72 nm) for the y = 0.08 (NCHF4) sample. • The sample has y = 0.08 (NCHF4) and contains maximum coercivity (1031.44 Oe). • The sample has y = 0.08 (NCHF4) and is best-suitable for high-frequency applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the microstructural, mechanical, and tribological characteristics of Al-nano TiC composites. The microwave-sintered nanocomposites were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopes, providing valuable insights into the spatial distribution and interaction of TiC within the matrix material. Microstructure characterization confirmed the uniform dispersion of nano TiC particles throughout the Al. Furthermore, the microwave-sintered nanocomposite samples displayed greater hardness than pure aluminum, indicating the strengthening impact of nano-TiC. Al-6 wt.% nanocomposites fabricated using microwave-sintered powder metallurgy showcased an impressive hardness rating of 51 VHN. The assessment of tribological properties revealed that a higher TiC concentration reduced wear rate, showcasing improved surface protection. However, it was observed that the friction coefficient rise with the addition of nano-TiC particles, implying changes in the bonding between the composite and the interacting surface. The thorough examination of worn surfaces yielded insights into the wear mechanisms present in the nanocomposite materials. Detailed examination of worn surfaces highlighted the formation of protective oxide layers, contributing to the improved wear resistance. This research contributes to our understanding of the complex interactions occurring during tribological processes by clarifying the morphological features of worn surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the mechanical properties of zirconia restorations produced via additive manufacturing (AM) and the crown accuracy of zirconia crowns. Zirconia disks, bars, and crowns were manufactured via subtractive (CNC group) and additive manufacturing (AM group) techniques. Disk-shaped specimens in each group were autoclaved at 134 °C and 216 kPa for 5, 10, and 24 h. The phases of the specimens were analyzed using an X-ray diffractometer. The flexural strengths were measured via biaxial flexural tests. The morphologies were examined using a scanning electron microscope. The correlation between the m-phase fraction and biaxial flexural strength by autoclave time in each group was analyzed via linear mixed model and Pearson's correlation analysis. For each group, crown specimens were used to assess the marginal and internal gaps using the replica technique. Buccolingual and mesiodistal cross-sections were measured, and a repeated measures one-way ANOVA was performed. Linear mixed model analysis indicated that for both groups, with an increase in the autoclave time, the flexural strength decreased, whereas the m-phase fraction increased. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed no correlation between the m-phase fraction and flexural strength for either group. A repeated measures one-way ANOVA was conducted on instrumented sections (buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal), revealing that the marginal and internal gaps of AM-produced zirconia crowns were less accurate than those of CNC-produced zirconia crowns. These findings suggest that additively produced zirconia restorations have mechanical properties comparable to those of conventionally produced ceramics and may be suitable for clinical applications. [Display omitted] • Mechanical properties of additively manufactured zirconia restorations were evaluated. • Crown accuracy of zirconia dental crowns was assessed. • Additively produced zirconia restorations may be suitable for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale application of MFCs is limited by the high cost of electrode and low power density. In this study, the electrochemical structure and power output performance of three novel straw-derived biochar are discussed and characterized by scanning electron microscope, specific surface area, cyclic voltammetry, Raman spectrum, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy etc. Compared with the common carbon felt electrode, the optimal electricity generation ability and electrochemical affinity are obtained in corn straw biochar electrode: the rough surface with macroporous structure and high degree of graphitization facilitates the attachment of electroactive bacteria; the maximum output voltage, open circuit voltage, power density and coulombic efficiency reach 662.64±4.03 mV, 798.24±3.65 mV, 1.54±0.18 W m−2 and 50.39±1.68 %, respectively; the maximum COD removal efficiency of 77.45±1.69 % is achieved; exchange current density (4.6142×10−4 A cm−2) in corn straw electrode presents the better electrochemical activity than that of carbon felt electrode. These implies that corn straw-derived biochar is a competitive raw material for MFC anode. [Display omitted] • Biochar is equipped with natural macroporous structure and excellent conductivity. • Straw biochar electrode is economical and environmentally friendly. • Corn straw biochar electrode is superior in electrochemical performance and pollutant removal effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) performance is the key to improving the surface quality and processing cost of silicon carbide (SiC). However, traditional SiO 2 abrasive fails to meet the material removal rate (MRR) requirement for SiC processing. In order to solve this problem, we use chemical deposition method to coat MnO 2 on the surface of SiO 2 to enhance CMP performance. A series of SiO 2 @MnO 2 composite abrasives (the coating mass fraction of MnO 2 on the surface of SiO 2 is 0, 0.03 wt%, 0.05 wt%, 0.07 wt%, 0.10 wt%, respectively) are synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the size distribution analyses confirm that the composite abrasive possesses a core-shell structure, wherein the core is composed of SiO 2 while the shell consists of MnO 2. The results of CMP experiments demonstrate that the MRR of SiO 2 @MnO 2 (0.05 wt%) can reach 403 nm/h, which is 220% higher than that traditional SiO 2 abrasive, effectively resolving the limitation of MRR in previous literature. Additionally, the surface roughness (Sa) is reduced to 0.62 nm (measuring area: 500 μm × 500 μm). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, contact angle test and dynamic friction test are used to further explore the removal mechanism of composite abrasives in SiC CMP. As a result, Mn–O–Si bond is formed by chemical interaction between the slurry including SiO 2 @MnO 2 composite abrasive and SiC substrate, which weakens Si–C bond of SiC surface. The dynamic friction coefficient of the composite abrasive on SiC substrate is enhanced, implying that the coating of MnO 2 also increases the contact sites and mechanical effect between the abrasive and SiC. Under the synergistic action of chemical and mechanical effects, the MRR of SiC is improved, and a better flatness is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compatible nanoparticle properties in photocatalytic applications are crucial. Within the scope of this investigation, we constructed a nanocomposite of ZnO and CuCo 2 O 4 (ZnO/CuCo 2 O 4) to boost the photocatalytic properties of ZnO by constructing ZnO/CuCo 2 O 4 nanocomposite using Artocarpus altili s leaves extracts (AALE). Essential secondary metabolites contribute to the origin of weak bases and capping agents to form the spherical shape of ZnO/CuCo 2 O 4. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), scanning electron microscope - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) are some of the techniques that are utilized for the validation of nanocomposite properties, such as vibrational, crystallinity, band gap, morphology, particle size, and elemental composition. The formation of ZnO/CuCo 2 O 4 decreased the bandgap energy and enhanced the photocatalytic performance by 93.01 % under visible light irradiation for 2 h. ZnO/CuCo 2 O 4 followed pseudo-second-order kinetic in the photodegradation of malachite green (MG). It is noted that the increase in photocatalytic characteristics can be brought about by the narrower band gap of ZnO and increased kinetic rate toward dye degradation. Radical species analysis was of utmost importance in acknowledging that holes (h+) were the most crucial species that were indispensable to MG degradation. The photodegradation efficiency of the recycled catalyst only declines by approximately 12 % after five cycles of consumption. This study demonstrates a compelling method using plant extracts to prepare visible-light response ZnO-based nanocomposites for better photocatalytic activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthorhombic stable phase of MoO 3 and Ni-doped MoO 3 with different weight percentages (2 %,5 % and 10 %) were successfully synthesized by following a surfactant free acid-assisted chemical co-precipitation method under optimized experimental conditions. Structural and compositional investigation using tools like X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy verified the orthorhombic phase and structure quality of the prepared samples with findings from Raman consistent with those from XRD. The optical characteristics analysed using UV–Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed that Ni2+ may act as a shallow acceptor at lower doping concentrations. It was observed that the structure and characteristics of MoO 3 dramatically altered as a function of Ni doping concentration, suggesting that Ni ions migrated from lattice substitution to grain boundaries. Images from field emission scanning electron microscope revealed the formation of layer-by-layer growth of micro-plate like morphology of the prepared samples with increasing agglomeration influenced by grain boundaries. EDAX spectrum confirmed the presence of Mo, O and Ni and their compositional proportion. Based on the properties analysed, the photocatalytic properties of the synthesized samples were analysed for degradation of Alizarin Red dye and kinetic studies were conducted. The optical characterization revealed defect induced emissions and the feasibility of MoO 3 acting as a photodetector was studied along with Ni-doping proving the versatility of material for multifunctional applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mullite ceramic membrane is considered as microfiltration membrane suitable for oil-water (O/W) emulsion wastewater treatment. This study presented a facile sintering approach to prepare mullite ceramic membrane from coal fly ash. Various characterization techniques, such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), shrinkage and apparent porosity, bending strength etc. were used to reveal the effect of MoO 3 addition and sintering temperature on ceramic membrane. At sintering temperature 1300 °C, adding 5 wt% MoO 3 , the apparent porosity of membrane is 46.04%, the bending strength is 32.11 MPa, and the average pore size is 0.190 μm. Finally, whisker mullite ceramic membranes were applied for deep treatment of oily wastewater. As-synthesized ceramic membrane exhibits excellent permeate flux (391.10 L·m−2·h−1) and oil rejection (97%) for separation of O/W emulsion. The membrane fouling is mainly controlled by cake filtration mechanism. Meanwhile, the ceramic membranes show good regeneration performance and acid and alkali resistance. This study provides theoretical and technical support for preparation of whisker mullite ceramic membranes from fly ash and deep treatment of oily wastewater. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present the fabrication of large single-domain ternary (Sm,Eu,Gd)Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7-y bulk superconductor with enhanced superconducting properties using various REBa 2 Cu 3 O y (RE-123) as a liquid source via the top-seeded infiltration growth process (TSIG) in air. We employed a 1:1 ratio of REBa 2 Cu 3 O y (RE = Sm, Gd, Y and Er) and Ba 3 Cu 5 O 8 as a liquid source for fabrication. Impressively, all the obtained bulk samples exhibited a superconducting transition temperature T (c, onset) above 94 K. However, the bulk sample fabricated using Y-123 + Ba 3 Cu 5 O 8 as a liquid source demonstrated a T (c, onset) of 94.53 K, with a 40.14 % improvement in transition width (Δ T c) and at 77 K the bulk recorded a self-field critical current density (J c) value of 44.73 kA/cm2 & 10.62 kA/cm2 at 1T resulting in a remarkable 93.08 % improvement in self-field J c compared to the bulk sample fabricated using Er-123 + Ba 3 Cu 5 O 8. Microstructural analysis using a scanning electron microscope revealed a significant reduction in the mean size of secondary (211) phase particles, a significant reduction of 38.41 % is observed for the Y-123 + Ba 3 Cu 5 O 8 employed sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solubility/degradability of bioactive glasses play crucial role in bone tissue engineering applications owing to the release of ions from their structure, which exert therapeutic effects on tissues. The present study evaluates the findings of a detailed investigation on the main features and solubility behaviors of newly formulated Nb incorporated glasses (Nb-BGs). New glass formulation in SiO 2 –CaO–Na 2 O–P 2 O 5 –CaF 2 –SrO–xNb 2 O 5 (x: 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mol. %) system was successfully synthesized by melt-quenching technique. Glass composition was verified with Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence spectrometer analysis and its amorphous nature, functional groups of the matrix and morphological features were identified via X-Ray diffraction analyses, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope analysis, respectively. Network connectivity (NC) of the Nb-BGs was assessed with respect to the role of Nb 2 O 5 in the glass matrix as network former, modifier, or both. In order to evaluate the in vitro solubility of Nb-BGs, released concentrations of particular ions from the glass compositions were determined at certain time points and comprehensively discussed with several mathematical models such as zero-order, first-order, second-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas for the first time. Results showed that the incorporation of Nb 2 O 5 (up to 1.5 mol. %) increased the density, oxygen density as well as NC values of newly formulated glasses. Si, Na and Ca ions which play a main role in well-defined Hench's mechanism followed mostly second-order release kinetics for all glasses in the mathematical models studied. When the Nb content increase (to 1.5 mol. %) in glass composition, the release mechanism of Si ion according to Korsmeyer-Peppas model shifts from the diffusion mechanism to an erosion-dominant release mechanism. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure of La 0.7 Sr 0.3 Mn 1−x Al x O 3 (LSMAO) with x = 0,0.025,0.05,0.075 and 0.10 ceramics prepared by the Sol-gel method were investigated by employing the XRD technique. The XRD patterns analysis by employing the Rietveld analysis confirms the nonexistence of secondary crystal phase/s and, materials are crystallized to the R-3c(167) space group. The microstructural properties were studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The dielectric property, AC conductivity, complex impedance spectroscopy and complex electrical modulus have been studied over a wide range of frequencies (103 Hz–107 Hz) at different temperatures from 313K to 393K. The Non-Debye type relaxation process has been observed in synthesized samples confirmed from the Nyquist plot. The Cole-Cole plots were employed to estimate the individual grain and grain boundary contributions. The Maxwell-Wagner (MW) polarization model provides an explanation for the greater values of dielectric constant at the lower frequencies. The present study explores the technological usefulness of LSMAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the microstructure of carbon fiber paper is modified through H 3 PO 4 etching to enhance the electrolyzer performance. The effects of different H 3 PO 4 concentrations and different soaking times on the hydrogen evolution reaction are firstly investigated. The electrochemical test results show that the best performance of etched electrodes is achieved at a H 3 PO 4 concentration of 1 M and a soaking time of 12 h, with a significant reduction in charge transfer resistance and overpotential. Subsequently, to explore the change mechanism in electrochemical properties, the microstructure of the carbon paper is investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) tests, which show uniformly distributed micropores appear on the surface of the carbon fibers after etching, and the porosity increases from 0.74 to 0.8. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) tests show that the specific surface area of the carbon paper increases from 0.72 m2/g to 4.06 m2/g, which effectively increases the interfacial contact area between the catalyst layer and the liquid gas diffusion layer. Furthermore, a 3D multi-physics model is established to further elucidate the impact mechanism of changes in porosity, conductivity, and active specific surface area on the performance of anion exchange membrane electrolyzer, with changes in active specific surface area having the greatest effect. • Microporous structure of the carbon paper LGDL is modified by etching. • The etching method effectively improves the performance of AEMEL. • The increase in specific surface area and porosity greatly reduces the resistance. • Numerical modeling to analyze the impact of microscopic parameters on AEMEL. • LGDL with high specific surface area has a positive effect on AEMEL's development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigating Bipolaris maydis interaction with maize genotypes revealed varying levels of resistance and susceptibility. • Scanning electron microscopy showed stomatal pattern variations, correlating with mycelium invasion and symptom severity. • ABA quantification during infection showed lower ABA levels in resistant varieties, linked to a balanced defense response. • Resistant variety S-2022-11356 showed multiple mechanisms: physical barriers, reduced mycelium, unique stomata, and lower ABA levels. • Findings are significant for breeding programs and managing foliar diseases, emphasizing strategies for enhanced maize resistance. Bipolaris maydis is a prominent pathogen causing maydis leaf blight disease (MLB) in warm, humid regions worldwide. Structural components of plants, particularly stomata, play a crucial role in defending against pathogen invasion. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of stomatal interactions at the histopathological and molecular levels in various cultivated maize genotypes from Punjab state of India. Bipolaris maydis was isolated, purified, and inoculated onto six maize genotypes. Leaf samples were collected 48 h post-inoculation, representing the disease phase. Stomatal aperture bioassays and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed on infected and non-infected samples. SEM analysis revealed distinct morphological variations, including stomatal aperture patterns and MLB pathogen invasion routes through stomata. Stomatal diameter varied among genotypes, and mycelium presence on the leaf surface was observed, with varying degrees of invasion through stomata. Genotypes exhibiting greater field symptom visibility displayed higher mycelium abundance and invasion. Additionally, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to quantify abscisic acid (ABA) content in maize leaves during the Bipolaris maydis -maize interaction. This analysis aimed to elucidate the relationship between ABA and biotic stress, shedding light on its role in defense responses against the pathogen. Overall, our study enhances the understanding of stomatal interactions, surface morphology, and ABA dynamics in maize- Bipolaris maydis interactions. These findings have implications for breeding programs seeking to develop resistant maize varieties and contribute to the overall management of MLB disease. These findings provide valuable insights for future breeding programs targeting resistance against maize pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study centers on the synthesis and characterization of a novel double perovskite, termed Sr 2 TiZrO 6 (STZO), which was synthesized using the conventional solid-state reaction method and subsequently calcined at 1000 °C for 12 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern refinement confirmed the formation of the tetragonal phase Sr 2 TiZrO 6 (space group P 4 mm), while both XRD and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses revealed that the resulting STZO displaying spherical-like grains with nanometric diameters. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a minor weight loss attributed to the emergence of the ZrO 2 phase and the formation of the STZO double perovskite. The diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) results demonstrated strong UV-light absorption, with an optical absorption onset below 400 nm. The obtained band gap for direct transitions of the STZO sample is equal to 3.26 eV. The conductance and impedance study of the STZO sample are investigated. The present properties provide crucial insights to enhance comprehension of the STZO double perovskite material, which holds promise as a viable candidate for a range of applications, such as solar cells and photodiodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, a strategy for doping MIEC perovskites ABO 3-δ with highly charged cations B5+ (Nb, Ta) and B6+ (Mo, W) was developed. The doping strategy is based on the idea that strontium ferrite/cobaltite-based perovskites are ferroelastic, whereas highly charged cations are ferroactive species. An increase in the concentration of the dopant leads to a reduction in the size of the domains of the ferroelastic phase down to the nanoscale. This resulted in the smearing of phase transitions with the formation of the highly conductive glassy state. Tantalum-doped lanthanum-strontium-ferrite perovskite (La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Fe 1-x Ta x O 3-δ , LSFTx) was prepared via solid-state reaction using chemically pure oxide powders of La 2 O 3 , SrCO 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , and Ta 2 O 5 , followed by calcination and sintering up to 1350 °C. The structural and surface properties were examined using X-ray diffraction and a scanning electron microscope. The original oxygen partial pressure relaxation (OPPR) method was used to study the kinetic properties of LSFTx. Continuous equilibrium phase diagram "T – pO 2 – δ" first obtained by oxygen release technique for composition LSFT3.5. Power law dependencies of the kinetic properties on the oxygen partial pressure are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biofabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaves extract of date palm as capping and reduction agents and silver nitrate as substrate. • Characterization of biogenic AgNPs using several techniques. • Evaluate the impact of biofabricated AgNPs on the growth and development of strawberry under closed cultivation conditions; morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters were investigated. • The achieved results demonstrated that the biofabricated silver nanoparticles have tangible effect on growth and development of strawberry under closed cultivation conditions. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have extensively been used in industrial and medical fields due to their chemical and physical features such as quantum scale effects, size, surface, and interface effects. In addition, AgNPs are being used in the agricultural sector to enhance plant growth and development. However, most previous reports have focused on AgNPs phytotoxicity rather than positive impact on plant growth and development. Therefore, this research is aimed to investigate the effect of biofabricated AgNPs on biomass, physiological and biochemical indices of strawberry under closed cultivation conditions. Thus, AgNPs were fabricated biologically using plant extract, while the synthesis AgNPs was confirmed using several appropriate techniques such as UV–visible spectrophotometer (UV), Zeta potential analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). Thereafter, different concentrations (0, 20, 40 mg/L) of biofabricated AgNPs were supplemented to the nutrient medium of strawberry explants and incubated for 90 days. Next, biomass, physiological and biochemical indices were estimated. The obtained results revealed that AgNPs with an average size 100 nm, spherical shape and negative charge have an effective and tangible impact on the conditions. The addition of AgNPs to strawberry medium led to an increase in biomass, photosynthetic pigments, as well as total protein content and superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activity were upregulated. Total sugar content (TSC) and total phenolic content (TPC) were decreased under biofabricated AgNPs treatment compared to untreated explants. Moreover, the influence of biofabricated AgNPs on plant phytohormones such Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and Abscisic acid (ABA) were chromatographically investigated. The obtained results demonstrated that IAA content was increased behave to AgNPs, while ABA hormone decreased in treated plants comparing to the control. This study concluded that biofabricated AgNPs have played a vital role in the growth and development of strawberry as well as in combating the stress originating in closed cultivation rooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) are materials used to design smart structures with intrinsic functional properties and improved efficiency. This is a key aspect of aerospace industry and makes SMA good candidates in this field. One of the most widespread SMA is the equiatomic NiTi alloy which, however, has the strong limitation of poor machinability, so only simple shapes can be obtained. Additive Manufacturing processes allow to overcome this limit and to design complex shapes. Compared to other metallic materials, the optimization of the process for NiTi alloy is complicated because, beside mechanical properties and presence of defects, considerable attention needs to be dedicated to the material functionality. The high temperatures involved in the additive process significantly affect the material properties due to possible evaporation of Ni and formation of precipitates that enable a shift of the phase transformation temperatures. This paper is focused on the optimization of the process parameters of the NiTi alloy printed through the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) to ensure optimal pseudo-elastic behaviour, which is essential for the design of structural dampers. This was accomplished starting from simple structures and then designing a damper that couples the pseudoelasticity of NiTi with load support capacity. The L-PBF is a powder-bed technique that selectively melts layers of micrometric metal powder. A pseudoelastic NiTi powder with 50.8 at. % of Ni content was selected and characterized through scanning electron microscope (SEM) and observations connected to an Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) probe. After that, some cubic samples were manufactured, with the dimension of 3 × 3 × 15 mm3. A set of different laser powers and scanning speeds were used to find the set of process parameters that optimize the functional properties of the printed parts. Near fully dense specimens with density higher than 99.5 % were selected for further investigations. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical tests were performed on as-built and heat-treated samples. Quasi-static mechanical tests were accomplished in compression mode, at different strains, up to 8 %. It was observed that the residual strain for cyclic loading at 4 % is lower than 1 %, so good recovery of the deformation was shown. Moreover, numerical analyses that mimic the pseudoelastic behaviour in compression tests were implemented. Finally, the best set of parameters was selected on the basis of the material's ability to recover deformations and its loss factor. • Optimization of process parameters for functional behaviour of SMA. • Design of damping structure using pseudoelastic effect of Nitinol. • Internal defects observation of manufactured specimens. • Compression tests on as built and thermal treated specimens with strain up to 8 %. • Numerical simulation of compression tests with experimental correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing of components with enhanced characteristics to combine the geometrical flexibility of layer-by-layer manufacturing and the remarkable thermomechanical and optical properties of advanced materials has become a focus for research in the last decades. In this investigation, in-house developed Al 2 O 3 slurries mixed with either MgO or MgAl 2 O 4 were digitally light processed and the resulting green parts underwent slow thermal debinding at low heating rates to produce dense and stable brown samples, which were subsequently subjected to different sintering regimes to obtain translucent samples. Air sintering trials were conducted at 1700 °C and the effect of different heating rates and holding times at the sintering temperature were investigated. In addition, vacuum sintering at 1600 °C was conducted for the best conditions to assess the effect of an oxygen-reduced atmosphere. Geometrical dimensions and density data were collected at the brown and fired stages to observe their evolution through the process with the help of high-magnification optical microscopy. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the sintered samples were collected to observe and characterise the obtained microstructure. In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify the crystal structure and assess the insurgence of secondary phases. Finally, total transmittance and in-line transmittance were measured to evaluate the translucency level achieved by the produced sintered samples. Translucent alumina samples exhibiting a maximum total transmittance of 90.4% and a maximum real in-line transmittance (RIT) of 16.9% in the visible and near-infrared regions were fabricated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiSi–NiCr thin film thermocouples (TFTCs) have significant application value as contact temperature sensors in cutting temperature measurements owing to their fast response and negligible volume. However, due to the relatively high chemical activity of Ni-based alloys, high-temperature oxidation strongly affects the operational reliability of NiSi–NiCr TFTCs. In this respect, depositing an anti-oxidation coating onto the surface of NiSi–NiCr TFTCs is considered an effective way to protect them in high-temperature environments. In this study, NiSi and NiCr films were deposited on cemented carbides and annealed at 200 °C–600 °C in air. Scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and four-probe resistivity tests were used to characterize the microstructure and resistivity of NiSi and NiCr film. Then SiN x O y films were deposited onto the NiSi and NiCr films and compared with uncoated samples after annealing at 600 °C. The effect of SiN x O y films on the thermal stability and thermoelectric output of NiSi–NiCr TFTCs was investigated. The results show that the NiSi film was partially oxidized at 200 °C and entirely oxidized when the temperature exceeded 400 °C. The completely oxidized NiSi films had evident defects and cracks, and the resistivity increased by a factor of over 1000. The NiCr film could not be completely oxidized at 600 °C, which is attributed to the formation of Cr 2 O 3 as an external oxide barrier layer. Below 600 °C, SiN x O y films could effectively protect NiSi and NiCr films from oxidation. Thus, the addition of SiN x O y film increases the maximum temperature at which NiSi–NiCr TFTCs can be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work's main objective is to assess the effects of wollastonite/fluorapatite glass (G) and glass-ceramic (GC) on tricalcium silicate's (TCS) bioactivity and physico-mechanical properties. To achieve this goal, 10 and 20 wt percent of G or GC were used in place of TCS. The constructed specimens were kept submerged in SBF solution for 4 weeks at a temperature of approximately 37 ± 0.5 °C to create the hydroxyapatite layer (HA) on the cement paste surface and evaluate their biological behavior. Additionally measured were bulk density, apparent porosity, and compressive strength. The principal components had been studied using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. An energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)-equipped scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the materials' morphology. The antibacterial and cytotoxic properties were also evaluated. The findings demonstrated that during soaking in SBF, bulk density and porosity ranged from 1.38 to 1.5 g/cm3 and from 44.99 to 39.12 %, respectively, and the results for compression strength varied from 65 to 88 MPa. The outcomes demonstrated that all of the prepared samples' surfaces had the hydroxyapatite layer (HA) formed on them following their immersion in the biological fluid (SBF). Additionally, it was discovered that raising the percentage of GC (TCS/20GC) in synthetic samples improves TCS cement's physico-mechanical and bioactivity characteristics. Furthermore, these substances had minimal cytotoxic effects on the typical fibroplast cell line of humans (BJ1), indicating their potential utility in dental applications. Ultimately, the antimicrobial test demonstrated good inhibitory behavior against the pathogens Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to modify the surface characteristics of cerium oxide (ceria, CeO 2) nanoparticles using different surface modification strategies for improved CeO 2 nanoparticle dispersion and suspension stability. Analysis and discussion were conducted on the two surface modification processes used by a cationic surfactant like hexadecyl cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and a silane agent like tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Untreated CeO 2 was used as reference material. The dispersion effect of surface-modified CeO 2 nanoparticles at different pHs was determined by zeta potential measurements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Particle size analysis (PSA), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to confirm the efficacy of the surface modification of CeO 2 nanoparticles. First, the results obtained in this experimental work demonstrate that both advanced modifications greatly enhance the dispersion and suspension stability of surface-modified CeO 2 nanoparticles in comparison with untreated CeO 2 nanoparticles. Second, it is also shown that the surface-modified CeO 2 nanoparticles obtained through a silanization surface process with TEOS silane agent had a better dispersion effect and dispersion stability than the surface-modified CeO 2 nanoparticles obtained by surface modification with CTAB cationic surfactant. These results can help better understand how advanced surface modifications can assist the application of well-dispersed CeO 2 nanoparticles in technological applications. [Display omitted] • Surface modification significantly improved the aqueous dispersion and stability of CeO 2 nanoparticles. • The modification improved the CeO 2 dispersion by increasing the spacing and negative charge. • CeO2 dispersion was optimal at a specific pH, with a significant effect of pH. • The modification strategy is crucial for the performance of CeO 2 in technological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effects of frequency on the flash sintering behavior and microstructure of Li 6.4 Ga 0.2 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (0.2Ga-LLZO) were investigated. The results showed that an increase in frequency had little effect on the onset temperature, but this increase reduced the duration of the weak current stage the incubation stage. Moreover, this phenomenon led to a decrease in the power loss during the constant current stage. Scanning Electron Microscope images showed that the microstructure was symmetrically distributed, and the uniformity increased with increasing frequency. Finite element simulations and an IR thermocamera were used to analyze the temperatures of the specimens. The symmetric distribution of temperature during the flash sintering process was the root cause. The results of AC impedance spectroscopy showed that when the frequency of flash sintering was ≥ 400 Hz, the ionic conductivity of Ga-LLZO was greater than that of conventional sintering. The results of this work demonstrated the important role of frequency in controlling the microstructures of ceramic materials in flash sintering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni 1-x Ag x O nanoparticles (NPs) with x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08) were fabricated using the composite hydroxide mediated (CHM) method. The effects of Ag doping on the structural, magnetic, and antimicrobial characteristics of NiO NPs have been reported. The stretching mode of the Ni–O molecules was identified at 443 cm−1 in the Fourier transform infrared spectra. The aggregation of nanoparticles with different sizes and shapes is seen under transmission and scanning electron microscopes. The blocking temperature (T B) peak in zero-field cooled (ZFC) magnetization curves display the magnetization from the core of NPs. This peak is absent for the samples with x = 0.00 and 0.02 , which show instead a small net magnetization from the antiferromagnetic core of these NPs. However, a T B peak was found for the samples with x = 0.04 , 0.06 and 0.08 , at 22, 72, and 65 K, respectively, which indicates that the magnetization is induced from the AFM core of NiO NPs for higher Ag doping. With an increasing concentration of Ag in the NiO NPs, the net magnetization did increase and a maximum was found for x = 0.04 at 300 K. For a higher doping concentration of 8 % Ag, a sharp decrease in magnetization was observed. Furthermore, the efficacy and synergistic effect of Ag doping had been analyzed for the effective improvement of the antibacterial properties of NiO NPs. Pure and Ag-doped NiO NPs were exploited to assess their anti-microbial activity against Enterobacter sp., E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. pyrogens. The study revealed that anti-bacterial or anti-biofouling properties were introduced as an additional attribute to NiO NPs by incorporation of Ag ions due to its inherent nature as an antimicrobial agent and enhanced its capability to sterilize microbial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present investigation, novel hybrid magnesium composites were synthesized by the inclusion of self-lubricating (BN/MoS 2) and ceramic (ZrO 2) particulates with the help of the powder metallurgy technique. ZE41 magnesium (Mg–4Zn-1RE-0.7Zr) was applied for a broad range of components, including the gearbox casing, the framework of the door, and transmission in aircraft like the Sikorsky UH-60 and the Boeing 727. Apart from its structural application, its usage was limited because of its deficient wear and mechanical properties. This research focuses on enhancing the potential applications of the ZE41 magnesium alloy by improving its mechanical and tribological characteristics. The design of the experiment scheme was applied to explore the effect of individual reinforcements and their synergistic effects on various properties of prepared composites. Microstructural inspection was employed to inspect the morphological characteristics of prepared specimens through scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). By analysing SEM, EDS, and X-ray diffraction patterns, the microstructural evaluation reveals uniform phase dispersion and the existence of reinforcements with some minor defects. As a result of the inclusion of reinforcements in composites, the hardness of the reinforced specimen improved to 39.65%, while the wear rate of the reinforced specimen decreased to 40.90% compared with monolithic alloy. A multi-objective grey relational analysis (GRA) optimization method was used to perform a detailed tribological analysis on Specimen G (ZE41 mg + 3% ZrO 2 + 3% MoS 2). According to the results of GRA, the optimized rate of wear and frictional coefficient were achieved on sliding velocity (4 ms−1), sliding distance (2000 m), and load (10 N). The worn surface micrograph reveals that the reinforced composite underwent abrasion and delamination wear, while the unreinforced alloy experienced plastic deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon carbide fiber reinforced silicon carbide ceramic matrix composite (CMC SiC f /SiC) has the advantages of high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, high strength, low density, and oxidation resistance. It is a high-performance advanced material in aerospace, energy and other fields. However, due to its high hardness, brittleness and anisotropy of fiber structure, the research on application-oriented high-quality processing technology has become a hot issue. In this paper, a new process of rotational thirteen-beam coupling nanosecond laser processing of CMC-SiC f /SiC was studied. The rotational thirteen-beam coupling ablation experiments were carried out on CMC-SiC f /SiC workpiece. A laser beam is divided into thirteen beams and rotated around the beam center by using a beam splitter element. The morphology, structure and composition of ablation holes at different speeds were observed and analyzed by laser confocal microscope, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer. It is found that the characteristics of rotational beam coupling have a significant effect on the laser ablation morphologies. The results show that the ablation region of CMC-SiC f /SiC is elliptical due to the fast heat transfer of fibers. The energy density distribution of the waist section of the Gaussian like beam after beam coupling is similar to the "W" shape, and the central energy is lower than the surrounding energy, and the ablation holes also show a similar "W" shape. With the increase of rotational speed, the hole depth first decreased and then increased, the hole diameter and roundness first increased and then decreased, and the hole section was "W" shaped. The ablation area can be divided into five parts: the white granular SiO 2 solid coverage area, the recast layer, the lower recast layer, the molten layer, and the heat affected zone. The rotational characteristics will make the reaction intensity of the whole ablation area more uniform in the circumferential direction. The formation mechanism and element distribution of each part were explored. The research work in this paper will provide a new technical way for the high-performance application of CMC-SiC f /SiC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of silicon carbide (SiC) planarization mostly relies on the chemical and mechanical effects during chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). Nevertheless, the alumina (Al 2 O 3) abrasive only provides a mechanical effect and is incapable of achieving a high-efficiency polishing of SiC. To address this issue, a series of novel Al 2 O 3 @MnO 2 composite abrasives were prepared by encapsulating varying amounts of manganese dioxide (MnO 2) on Al 2 O 3 abrasive, and the polishing performance on SiC wafers was evaluated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, along with the size and zeta potential data, show that MnO 2 is successfully coated on the surface of Al 2 O 3 , and the dispersion of Al 2 O 3 @MnO 2 composite abrasive is significantly improved when compared with the pure Al 2 O 3. Furthermore, the CMP experiment and surface profile analysis demonstrate that the material removal rate (MRR) can reach a maximum value of 640.47 nm/h when using a 0.05 wt% MnO 2 -coated Al 2 O 3 composite abrasive, which is 76 % higher than that of traditional Al 2 O 3 abrasive. Furthermore, the average surface roughness (Sa, arithmetic mean height) of SiC is reduced to 0.73 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results reveal that the surface of SiC is oxidized and forms a chemical bond known as Mn–O–Si after CMP. The results of the friction coefficient test and contact angle test indicate that slurries containing composite abrasive have exceptional wettability and a higher friction coefficient. Under the synergistic chemical and mechanical effects, SiC is oxidized to soft oxide and then removed circularly to reach excellent flatness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cutting edge radius is a significant parameter of a micromachining tool. When it is not sufficiently sharp, ploughing, which affects the whole machining process and workpiece quality, will occur. It is then essential to be able to estimate the value of the cutting edge radius accurately. In this paper, a three-dimensional strategy that can be used to measure the microturning tool edge radii is presented. The strategy is based on robust cylinder fitting that is applied to a 3D point cloud of the tool. It is implemented in C++ with Open Computer Vision and Point Cloud Library. It was validated using a virtual point cloud, resulting in errors of 0.42% and 1.11% without noise and with noise, respectively. Additionally, uncertainties of 0. 045 μ m and 0. 082 μ m were obtained. It was successfully applied to six microturning inserts: three unused tools and three used tools. The point clouds were obtained with two different 3D surface reconstruction techniques, focus variation with a photon microscope and a multi-view stereo with a scanning electron microscope. The obtained results were more coherent, i.e., they were less dispersed; for example, in non-used tools, the range was [ 3. 11 μ m– 3. 90 μ m] and for the conventional circle fitting the range was [ 2. 62 μ m– 4. 38 μ m]. The traditional method is indirect: the 3D point cloud is sliced into 2D point clouds (profiles) fitted with circles. This 3D-2D process might result in errors. The proposed method is a direct 3D approach with no slicing step. • Importance of tool edge radii in the overall quality of micromachining. • Development of a method for accurate measurement of micro turning tool edge radii from 3D point cloud. • A method based on robust 3D fitting that avoids the 3D-2D process, which is a potential source of errors. • A semi-automatic and practical tool edge radii measurement method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cracks generated in sheet coating of water-based slurries are an increasingly important concern in the development of diverse material science, such as fine ceramics, Pt catalysts, and Li transition metal oxides, from an environmental safety perspective. However, a comprehensive understanding of crack formation remains elusive due to the intricately entangled interplay among various characteristics of slurries. Here, we systematically ascertain the causes at work in crack initiation by analyzing the physical parameters of a series of aqueous alumina slurries using machine learning. The analysis reveals a strong correlation between rheological hysteresis and sheet cracking. As a verification of the correlation, the crack suppression by controlling the rheological hysteresis is experimentally confirmed. Furthermore, we visualize the microstructure in the slurry that induces cracks with a liquid-phase scanning electron microscope, clarifying the rheological dynamics. These results disentangle that rheological hysteresis is a good indicator directly reflecting microstructural durability against drying stress. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A composite coating of Ni–W–Ti 2 AlC was fabricated through direct current electrodeposition. The characterization of the composite coatings included analysis using X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscope, energy spectrum analysis, Vickers microhardness testing, electrochemical testing, and tribological testing. The findings indicate that the inclusion of Ti 2 AlC alters both the grain size and microstructure of the coatings. The presence of Ti 2 AlC particles facilitates the nucleation process during Ni–W–Ti 2 AlC deposition. The Ti 2 AlC content influences the coating's performance in the bath. Specifically, the microhardness of the Ni–W-(5 g/L) Ti 2 AlC coating exhibits the highest value, experiencing a 41.89 % increase compared to that of the Ni–W coating. Ti 2 AlC contributes to the rectification of defects in the Ni–W–Ti 2 AlC coating. This composite coating exhibits the lowest corrosion current and superior corrosion resistance, particularly with a Ti 2 AlC concentration of 5 g/L. The wear mechanism of the coating encompasses abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and oxidation wear. Notably, the Ni–W–Ti 2 AlC composite coating demonstrates enhanced friction resistance compared to the Ni–W composite coating. Incorporating Ti 2 AlC introduces a novel approach and avenue for fabricating high-performance tungsten-based functional coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applications of Si 3 N 4 ceramics are hindered by their brittleness and susceptibility to fracture, despite their high strength and wear resistance. To address this challenge, layered ceramics were prepared using lamination and plasma sintering techniques, inspired by the structure of shell pearl layers. The bio-inspired layered ceramics were alternately arranged with Si 3 N 4 as the matrix layer (hard) and BN as the interfacial layer (soft). During the study, ceramic specimens with different microstructures were obtained by modulating the layer thickness ratio (ratio of Si 3 N 4 to BN) and sintering temperature. The microstructure of the specimens was characterized using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectrometer). The mechanical of various specimens were assessed by measuring the flexural strength and fracture toughness. The results of the investigation revealed that the mechanical characteristics of the samples reached their optimum state (with a toughness of 13.51 ± 1.56 MPa m1/2 and a strength of 429 ± 4.28 MPa) when the ratio of Si 3 N 4 to BN was 5:1, and the sintering temperature was maintained at 2000 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of environmental problems such as the depletion of hydrocarbon resources and global warming, the use of environment-friendly power production has become crucial nowadays. Hydrogen can serve as a globally friendly energy source because the byproduct of hydrogen combustion is only water. By a hydrothermal approach, we synthesized barium manganese oxide (BaMnO 3) embedded on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a competent electrocatalyst for OER. We utilized X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x-rays (EDX), Brunauer Emmette Teller (BET) and Raman to determine the crystal structure, morphology, elemental composition, surface area and lattice phenomena of the fabricated rGO/BaMnO 3 nanocomposite. The BaMnO 3 agglomerated nanoparticles were incorporated into the mesoporous hollow carbon nanosheets to form amorphous textured embedded rGO/BaMnO 3. This enhanced the intrinsic reactivity of rGO/BaMnO 3 nanocomposite for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in addition to increasing the effective surface area of the electrolyte. The electrochemical outcomes demonstrate that synthesized nanocomposite exhibited an impressive Tafel slope (36 mV dec−1), lowest overpotential (202 mV) and remarkable stability over 35 h. Therefore, the fabricated nanocomposite displayed exceptional efficiency in OER process as well as for numerous other future applications. [Display omitted] • RGO/BaMnO 3 nanocomposite was fabricated via facile hydrothermal technique. • Various analytical techniques were conducted to evaluate the material's properties. • The developed material exhibit OER process, which can be initiated by applied electrocatalyst at 0.50 V vs RHE using 1.0 ssM KOH solution. • The rGO/BaMnO 3 nanocomposite exhibits the minimal overpotential (202 mV) with low Tafel slope (36 mV dec−1). • RGO decorated BaMnO 3 (rGO/BaMnO 3) exhibiting remarkable stability of 35 h tested via chronoamperometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanostructure of lithium-zinc copper ferrite (LiZnCu-Ferrite) prepared experimentally by the auto-combustion method depends on different parameters. The auto-combustion method operates at a temperature (160 °C) suitable for preparing the required nanostructure ferrite phase. The dependent composition was [Li 0.5-x Zn x Cu x Fe 2.5-x O 4 at (x = 0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45)]. A pre-firing at temperature (650 °C) was applied during the calcination process that was suitable to remove unwanted products. The sintering at temperature (800 °C) was suitable for a pelletized shape of ferrite samples. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed a spinel structure of ferrite phase produced for all samples under study with the lattice constant in the range (8.345–8.368 Å) as a function of (x). The crystallite size was in the range (18.41–30.27 nm) calculated by the Scherrer method. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed a production of nanorods in the size range (10–45 nm) and nanoparticles in the size range (10–40 nm). There was a coincidence between the results of the XRD and TEM analyses. On the other hand, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed the surface morphology and the nature of grain size, which was a sign of the presence of nanostructure; it agreed with the XRD analysis. FTIR spectra showed evidence that the system Li0.5-xZnxCuxFe2.5-xO4 had spinal ferrite nanoparticles successfully prepared by sol-gel auto-combustion. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) showed a change in magnetic parameters as compensation factor (x) increased for all composites of LiZnCu-ferrite such as saturation magnetization (Ms), initial magnetic permeability (μi), remanence (Mr), and coercive force (Hc) that measured from M − H loops. A saturation magnetization increased as a function of (x) and recorded a maximum value at (x = 0.15). While the coercivity, initial magnetic permeability (μi), and remanence magnetization enhanced as a function of (x) and recorded a maximum value at (x = 0.45). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study is to fabricate composite materials having excellent thermal, mechanical and electrical properties for thermal and electronic applications. In this work, strontium feldspar-containing composites (Sr-feldspar/cordierite and Sr-feldspar/Sr-osumilite) were prepared by solid-state sintering of SrO-containing cordierite (MgSrAl 4 Si 5 O 18)/borosilicate glass powder mixtures. The phase composition, physical properties and microstructure of sintered composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction technique, water displacement method and scanning electron microscope, respectively. Moreover, the thermal expansion coefficient, hardness, and electrical properties were also measured. The results of X-ray patterns revealed the crystallization of Sr-feldspar and cordierite in the composites that contain up to 20% borosilicate glass. On the other hand, the composites that include more than 20% glass, displayed the crystallization of Sr-feldspar and Sr-osumilite with little amount of cristobalite. The bulk density values of sintered composites were decreased from 2.41 to 1.84 g/cm3 with increasing the amount of added glass. The microhardness values were increased from 519 to 710 kg/mm2 with increasing the glass content. Low thermal expansion coefficient (2.65 × 10−6, 2.22 × 10−6, 3.45 × 10−6 and 4.26 × 10−6 K-1 for C0, CG91, CG73, CG55, respectively) and low dialectic constant (7–8.5) were obtained for the prepared composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delved into the structural, morphological, and magnetic characteristics of rare earth doped strontium ferrites (SrRE x Fe 12-x O 19 (x = 0.05–0.2, RE = La, Sm, Eu, Dy, Er, Lu)) synthesized via the sol-gel method. The dopant ion radius is correlated with the performance of the material to a certain extent. Barium and calcium doping and related iron deficiency state experiments were designed to substantiate the reciprocal dependence between ion radius and coercivity. X-ray diffraction results revealed that doping ions had the capacity to modify lattice dimensions. The lattice size does not exhibit a clear linear relationship with the radius of the doping ion, nor does it inherently correlate with the grain size. The scanning electron microscope demonstrated that ion doping had the capacity to influence the size of grains. A general consequence of rare earth doping is the reduction in the saturation magnetization of strontium ferrites. The lanthanide contraction effect significantly influences the changes in coercivity. It is noteworthy that the variations in lattice internal space induced by doping constitute a primary driving factor for the observed coercivity dependence on the radius of the doping ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration can be effectively aided by porous scaffolds with multiscale cellular structures, making it easier to repair defects in bone tissue. Due to the scarcity of pore-forming agents, it is extremely challenging to fabricate interconnected hierarchically porous zirconia at multi-scale. This work described a novel and straightforward method for directly imprinting a slurry containing two pore-forming agents (microspherical and filamentary) to produce strong and highly porous zirconia (ZrO 2) ceramics with four levels of porosity ranging from nanometers to millimeters. The concentration of hemp fibers significantly affected printability when the rheological behavior of a zirconia slurry was examined. Utilizing a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to monitor the development of powder interstices under various sintering techniques. The permeability performance was assessed when simulated plasma had fully filled the scaffolds. The structure had a high compressive strength of 24.18 MPa, a porosity of 80.9 %, an apparent porosity of 55.7 %, and took just 1.11 s to fill a scaffold that was 15 mm high. It is anticipated that the proposed route will be expanded to include various engineering materials for structural and practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daqiuni clay is an aluminosilicate clay with unique properties that make it a promising ceramic precursor. Understanding its sintering behavior is crucial for quality control in manufacturing. This study aimed to investigate the phase evolution, densification process, and reaction kinetics during sintering of Daqiuni clay. A combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), simultaneous thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques were employed to comprehensively analyse the phase transformations. The densification behavior, apparent activation energies, and reaction mechanisms were elucidated through thermodilatometric analysis conducted at varying heating rates. Four stages were identified during sintering including dehydration, dehydroxylation, mullite formation, and partial melting. The maximum shrinkages at each stage were measured. Kissinger analysis yielded apparent activation energies of 122.90, 258.40, 361.98 and 348.69 kJ/mol for the dehydroxylation, mullite nucleation, mullite growth, and partial melting stages, respectively. The dehydroxylation and partial melting processes followed the mechanisms of 3rd order reaction and 3D diffusion. Mullite formation was a two-step nucleation and growth process following the JMA model. This study clarified the phase evolution of Daqiuni clay during sintering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The fragility of leathers is caused by different improper environmental conditions. • Molecular modeling showed good prediction for the application efficiency of PA6 in the consolidation of leathers. • The advantages of polyamide 6 make it suitable for the consolidation of fragile leather. • Some physical characteristics of leather were used for the evaluation of polyamide 6. • 2% and 3% polyamide 6 can be safely applied to historical leathers. This study aims to determine the efficiency of Polyamide 6 in consolidating fragile vegetable-tanned leather artifacts. Through two proposed interaction strategies, molecular modeling calculations demonstrated how the proposed polyamide 6 structure can protect vegetable-tanned leather from deteriorating environmental conditions. The total dipole moment was calculated as a potential descriptor of structure reactivity, and all of PA6 and the two proposed interaction models reveal poor reactive behavior when compared to pristine structures, confirming its capabilities as a protective layer. Furthermore, electrostatic potential maps were created to enhance PA6′s ability to safeguard leather artifacts and transform them into neutral, non-reactive substances. It was also created new vegetable-tanned leather prototypes. Polyamide 6 was produced in various concentrations and impregnated into the aged untreated samples. The evaluation process used some physical qualities (digital and scanning electron microscopes, color change, water absorption, and water vapor permeability). All examinations and investigations revealed that 2% and 3% concentrations produced the best results, while the concentration of 5% produced the worst. As a result, this study suggests employing 2% and 3% concentrations to treat historical and archaeologically fragile vegetable-tanned leather objects. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effects of an ammonia-based and a water-based silver-containing solutions on bonding performance and matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity of a universal adhesive to dentin after 1 year of artificial aging. Mid-coronal dentin surfaces of 60 sound human molars were exposed and the following groups were formed according to the surface pre-treatment and etching mode of the universal adhesive (Zipbond Universal, SDI) (n = 10): G1) Zipbond in the self-etch mode (ZSE); G2) Riva Star (SDI) applied before ZSE; G3) Riva Star Aqua (SDI) applied before ZSE; G4) Zipbond in the etch-and-rinse mode (ZER); G5) Riva Star applied before ZER; G6) Riva Star Aqua applied before ZER. The specimens were sectioned and subjected to microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test at baseline (T 0) and after 12 months (T 12) of artificial storage. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis (EDS) were also conducted. Three additional molars per group were processed for the in situ zymography analysis at T 0 and T 12. Data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). Dentin pre-treatments and aging decreased bonding values, regardless of the etching mode (p < 0.05). No differences in µTBS were observed between the two silver-containing solutions, both at T 0 and T 12. Riva Star Aqua and etching significantly increased the MMPs activity, independent of the storage period (p < 0.05). Dentin surface pre-treatment with silver-containing solutions negatively affects the bonding performances of resin composite restorations placed with a universal adhesive. However, the ammonia-based product Riva Star might show better stability in the long term, due to lower activation of MMPs. • Silver-containing solutions lower bond strength of resin composite to sound dentin; • Riva Star might show better hybrid layer stability in the long term; • Riva Star Aqua has never been investigated before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu-containing silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) ceramic composites have been prepared by thermal pyrolysis of polymeric precursors and subsequent spark plasma sintering at 1600 °C. The resulting composites consist of SiO 2 , SiC, free carbon, and Cu-Si alloys. The microstructure of the composites has been identified via optical microscope and SEM. The mechanical properties, including the Vickers hardness, nano-indentation hardness, and Young's modulus, of the SiOC composites have been assessed via indentation methods. The effects of Cu content on the tribological properties of the composites have additionally been investigated under different sliding frequencies against Al 2 O 3 spheres at room temperature. It is shown that the introduction of the Cu-Si alloys is effective in reducing the friction coefficient of the material system, which decreases linearly from 0.27 of monolithic SiOC to 0.15 of SiOC with 7 wt% Cu content at 1 Hz. Raman spectroscopy has highlighted the friction-driven evolution of the free carbon phase in the SiOC ceramics. Finally, a correlation between the sliding frequency, Cu-Si content, and tribological properties of SiOC is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi-layer foamed glass-ceramic has the advantages of both dense and foamed structure which lead to low bulk density and high mechanical strength. We propose a new one-step method to produce bi-layer foamed glass-ceramic using the asynchronous oxidization of B 4 C and SiC. The parent glass is prepared by melting-quenching method, followed by foaming through powder sintering route with addition of B 4 C and SiC. The bi-layer structure and formation of bi-layers are investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray computed tomography, 11B NMR, and high temperature melting observation system (HTMOS). The results show that during the sintering process, the oxidization of B 4 C in top layer at low temperature forms boron oxide and helps the formation of glass melt in the top layer. The oxidization of SiC at high temperature leads to foaming in the top layer. The prepared bi-layer foamed glass-ceramic has low bulk density of 1.06 g·cm−3 and high flexural strength of 26.15 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study successfully synthesized novel phosphors Ca 2 GaTaO 6 : x Dy3+ (CGTO: x Dy3+) and Ca 2 GaTaO 6 :0.06Dy3+, y Sm3+ (CGTO:0.06Dy3+, y Sm3+) using the high temperature solid-phase reaction preparation. The microstructure, optical properties, and energy transfer mechanism of the phosphors were studied through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and fluorescence lifetimes. XRD and corresponding refinement results indicate that Dy3+ and Sm3+ ions were effectively doped into the Ca 2 GaTaO 6 (CGTO) lattice. The SEM graphs show that the elements in CGTO:0.06Dy3+, 0.5Sm3+ phosphors are uniformly distributed. PL spectra analysis show the CGTO: x Dy3+ phosphors display two strong emission peaks located at 482 nm for blue emission and 575 nm for yellow emission when excited with 350 nm light. Under uniform conditions, when excited with 365 nm of light, the CGTO:0.06Dy3+, y Sm3+ phosphors emit light that can be tuned with adjustable color coordinates and correlated color temperature (CCT) by incorporating varying proportions of Sm3+ ions. This tunability is achieved through the effective energy migration from Dy3+ to Sm3+ ions within the phosphor material. Furthermore, the emission spectra and weaken lifetimes of the CGTO:0.06Dy3+, y Sm3+ confirm the energy transport between Dy3+ and Sm3+, and the energy transfer efficiency reached to 76 %. At 423 K, the luminescence intensity of CGTO:0.06Dy3+, 0.05Sm3+ phosphor retains 87 % of the intensity observed at 298 K, signifying its excellent thermal durability. Finally, the electroluminescent performance of the CGTO:0.06Dy3+ and CGTO:0.06Dy3+, 0.05Sm3+ phosphors packaged on 365 nm light-emitting diode (LED) chips respectively were studied to investigate the capability applications of the phosphors in white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) field. The CCT of the packaged LEDs decline from 3396 to 2825 K, indicating CGTO:0.06Dy3+, 0.05Sm3+ phosphor shifts to warmer white light. At a voltage input of 3.4 V and a current of 600 mA, the thermal sensing shows that the WLEDs maintain aptitude for 90 min, showing that the packaged WLEDs can function consistently under elevated temperatures. These studies indicated the phosphors have potential applications in indoor lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of reformers into high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cells presents a significant opportunity to improve fuel flexibility and cost-effectiveness. To understand their degradation, we applied two start–stop cycling procedures: one with pure H 2 and another with an 80 vol % H 2 and 20 vol % N 2 mix to simulate reformate gas. We also performed a load cycling test with H 2 as anode gas. The results indicated that degradation rate of pure H 2 start–stop cycling showed 306 μ V h−1, while load cycling demonstrated a degradation rate of 19.7 μ V h−1 for the current density of 0.2 A cm−2, and 88.2 μ V h−1 for the current density of 0.4 A cm−2. Start–stop cycling with diluted gas resulted in a constant voltage drop with a degradation rate of 3.129 mV h−1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicated an increased ohmic resistance during start–stop cycling and higher charge transfer (high-frequency) and mass transport (low-frequency) resistance with nitrogen introduction. Scanning electron microscope results confirmed MEA degradation. In conclusion, start–stop cycling and anode gas dilution are stressors that accelerate HT-PEM fuel cell degradation, reducing its lifetime. • Start–stop and anode gas dilution degrade HT-PEM cells. • Degradation jumps from 306 μ V/h to 3.129 mV/h with dilution. • Low degradation (88.2 μ V/h) at 0.4 A/cm² under load cycling. • Anode dilution with nitrogen amplifies resistive effects. • SEM analysis confirmed physical degradation of MEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance Sr 0.99 La 0.01 TiO 3 ceramics were synthesized using a conventional solid-phase method, and Sr 0.99 La 0.01 TiO 3 percolated (SLT10-P) samples with excellent resistivity were obtained by coating with an oxidant and heat treatment. In this work, simultaneous excellent dielectric properties (16667 of dielectric permittivity, 0.016 of loss tangent at 1 kHz) and high resistivity (1.44 × 1011 Ω·cm at DC100V) was achieved in SLT10-P ceramics at room temperature by modulating the duration of thermal treatment. X-ray Diffraction and scanning electron microscope analyses proved the diffusion of the oxidant in the grains and grain boundaries during the heat treatment. The increase in grain boundary resistance is mainly due to the fact that the insulating layer formed by the oxide ions entering the grain boundary hinders the long-range movement of electrons. In addition, the diffusion of oxygen from the air into the ceramic during the heat treatment process also contributes to the insulation of grain boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) exposure can have several adverse health impacts on people, especially the respiratory system. Low selectivity, a lack of long-term stability, and structural and morphological optimization are some challenges associated with using ZnO for NO 2 gas sensing. Therefore, we intended copper (Cu) doping in ZnO to alter its shape and gas-sensing characteristics. This study explores the synthesis, properties, and gas-sensing capabilities of bitter gourd-shaped Cu-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures for the detection of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2). A facile hydrothermal synthesis method was employed to synthesize bitter gourd-shaped Cu-doped ZnO nanostructures and comprehensively characterized by several techniques. Comprehensive characterizations of our produced Cu-doped ZnO nanomaterial demonstrated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and different energy spectrum. The material was annealed at 400 °C in a controlled dry air environment to improve its suitability for gas sensor applications. A series of temperature-ranging experiments were conducted to get gas-sensing readings from 25 °C to 300 °C. The resulting sensor, founded upon the distinctive morphology of Cu-doped ZnO structures reminiscent of the intricate shape of bitter gourd, unveiled good selectivity with a pronounced affinity for detecting NO 2 gas. Notably, the zenith of its performance was attained at an operating temperature of 200 °C, where its selectivity and sensitivity were most pronounced. Even at a low concentration of 1 ppm, the sensors displayed a maximum response of 3.7, highlighting their high sensitivity. The sensors demonstrated excellent reproducibility, selectivity, and a low detection limit. These findings position bitter gourd-shaped Cu-doped ZnO nanostructures as promising candidates for NO 2 sensing applications across diverse environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating nanoparticles on the energy absorption properties of nanocomposites using low-velocity impact (LVI) testing and molecular modeling. Various types of thermoset polymer-based nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and alumina were analyzed, and the effect of adding two types of nanofillers and microfiber as a filler material was investigated. The results show that the addition of nanoparticles significantly improved the elastic energy absorption properties of the nanocomposites at the atomic level. The LVI tests demonstrated that adding both types of nanoparticles, along with microfiber, significantly enhanced the energy absorption capacity of the four-phase composite under practical conditions. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses revealed the morphology behavior of the nanoparticles. Incorporating both types of nanoparticles simultaneously with the polymer and fibers increased the elastic modulus by up to 163 %. These findings have significant implications for designing structures with energy-absorbing materials to reduce sports-related injuries. The use of nanocomposites with enhanced energy absorption properties can help to improve the performance of energy-absorbing structures and reduce the risk of sports-related injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]