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A novel silicone rubber (SR)-packaged distributed optical fiber sensor (DOFS) tape based on optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) technique was developed to effectively monitor substrate cracking. The analytical strain distribution of this sensor tape is derived based on the current strain transfer model and then used to determine the parameter sensitivity to provide a scientific basis for the selection of packing parameters and bond length. A calibration test of the sensor tape on steel plates was performed, and the feasibility of the sensing tape for accurately measuring the substrate strain and crack width was demonstrated. A test is conducted to monitor adjacent double cracks, and the test results show that the sensor tape has the ability to identify crack positions with crack spacings greater than 40 mm. The sensor tape is applied to the monitoring of concrete cracking induced by corrosion, and the test results demonstrate that the DOFS sensing tape has advantages for monitoring large cracks. Both the analytical and experimental results show that the novel SR-packaged DOFS tape is effective and feasible. [Display omitted] • A novel silicone rubber (SR)-packaged DOFS tape is developed for substrate strain-cracking monitoring. • The SR-packaged sensing tape enables the accuracy for monitoring substrate strain and crack width. • The sensor tape can detect each crack location as the crack spacing is greater than 40 mm. • Experiment demonstrates the effective and feasible of the novel sensing tape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive cotton fabrics (CCFs) created by facile dip-coating exhibit great potential in smart materials but are limited by the poor stability and durability due to the weak adhesion between the cotton fabric (CF) substrate and the surface conductive coating. In this study, a mussel-inspired adhesive poly(vinyl alcohol)-g-3, 4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (PVA-DBA) was synthesized to fabricate CCF for strain sensing and temperature sensing purposes. CCF was prepared by soaking CF in PVA-DBA aqueous solution, followed by dip-coating in cellulose nanofiber dispersed carbon nanotube (CNF&CNT) aqueous dispersion. The catechol structure of the PVA-DBA provided strong adhesion between CF and CNF&CNT, facilitating the coating of CNF&CNT onto the surface of CF firmly to generate stable and durable CCF. The CCF exhibited excellent strain sensing performance with gauge factors (GF) of 1.09 and 9.89 for strain ranges of 0–1.5% and 1.5–15%, respectively and response time of 80 ms. The CCF also demonstrated good temperature sensing behavior with a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of −0.317%/°C. Furthermore, the CCF showed stability, repeatability, and durability against various mechanical destructions, such as ultrasonic treatment, tape peeling, and sandpaper abrasion. [Display omitted] • A novel mussel-inspired adhesive enhances stability and durability of conductive cotton fabric (CCF). • The fabricated CCF exhibits impressive strain and temperature sensing performance. • CCF demonstrates exceptional resilience against mechanical destruction, proving its practicality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Folding stability mechanics of a bistable composite tape-spring towards its full tape-length range is revealed. • Novel features in terms of critical transitional length and stable folded angle are observed and identified. • Theoretical criteria for folding stability are determined from the established strain energy model. A bistable composite tape-spring (CTS) structure is stable in both extended and coiled configurations, which can be fully coiled or folded. Its bistable coiling feature has been employed in a Roll-Out Solar Array and successfully deployed in space; its foldable characteristics is analogous to a flexible mechanical hinge, showing great potential to be applied in an aircraft landing gear. Both the structural coiling and folding mechanics are dependent on tape geometry; whilst the correlated scale effect has not been investigated, which significantly constrains its foldable mechanical hinge designs and smart driving analysis in order to further reduce weight and complexity for conventional mechanical hinges. Here, we studied the folding stability mechanics of the CTS structure towards its full tape-length range, where novel stress and shape transitional mechanisms are revealed. This is achieved by investigating the quasi-static folding process of the CTS, where new stable shape features in terms of critical transitional length and stable folded angle are observed and identified through experimental observations, finite element model, as well as theoretical analysis. Theoretical criteria were then determined from the strain energy analysis in comparison to the predefined folded tape shape features. The folding stability mechanisms towards its full tape-length range were proposed in order to facilitate customized flexible hinge design and in-situ smart driving analysis in order to replace conventional mechanical hinges. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primers are an appealing approach for enhancing adhesion to low-energy surfaces owing to their cost-effectiveness in manufacturing and operation, high efficiency, and scalability. Commercial adhesion coatings typically contain 3–20 % chlorinated polyolefins, which are environmentally unstable and contribute to the overall cost. This study proposes primers based on polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH) as a novel alternative. The research investigates the strength of adhesive joints formed using a PP-g-MAH-based primer. Polypropylene substrates coated with the primer were bonded to polyethylene foam coated with acrylic adhesive. The study examines various factors, including concentration of P P-g-MAH in the primer solution, the degree of grafting of polypropylene with maleic anhydride, the solvent type, the temperature of primer application, and pressure duration and magnitude. Peel strength analysis demonstrates that PP-g-MAH primers significantly enhance the adhesion of polypropylene substrates to the acrylic adhesive on the adhesive tape, requiring only a 1 % solution to achieve maximum joint strength (averaging 35.53 N and 37.29 N at 0.5 % and 1 % concentrations, respectively). Moreover, peel strength decreases with increasing polypropylene modification with maleic anhydride (41.1 N for 0.66 % grafting, 31.1 N for 1.0 %, and 29.7 N for 1.43 %). High-temperature application is necessary, with peak strength observed at 100 °C (54.4 % increase compared to 25 °C) and 120 °C (57.9 %). However, solvent selection can influence primer application temperature, with decalin and toluene yielding the highest strength (averaging 45.2 N and 42.8 N) compared to tetrachloroethane and xylene (37.3 N and 35.5 N). Pressure application is crucial for bonding polymers with foam adhesive tape, significantly enhancing strength (e.g., 71 % increase at 20 bar) with short-duration pressure (42.9 N for 10 s, 33.5 N for 60 s). [Display omitted] • Polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride can be used as polyolefins primer comparable effectiveness to chlorinated primers. • Primers based on PP-g-MAH work effectively at a low concentration of 0.5-1% compared to 3-20% of chlorinated polyolefins. • The most important parameters are the temperature of primer application and the concentration of the active substance. • PP-g-MAH primers work according to the diffusion theory of adhesion depends on solvent used and applied temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermoluminescent material CaF 2 (Tm), known as TLD-300 (Harshaw/Bicron), shows a remarkable dependence of its glow curve shape on the quality of the radiation field. The quotient of high-temperature (maximum at about 265 °C) and low-temperature peaks (maximum at about 175 °C) depends strongly on LET (ions) and photon energy. The shape of the glow curve is parameterized by the high-to-low-temperature ratio, HLTR, a decreasing function of photon energy. Our goal has been to investigate the TLD-300 glow curve shape for six photon energies between 6 and 28 keV, and to apply this extended HLTR calibration to determine the effective energy of triboluminescence-generated X-rays (TGXs) produced when peeling adhesive tape in vacuum. For calibration, TLD-300 chips were exposed to X-rays from a W-anode tube (9.7–27.7 keV effective energies), X-rays from a Cu-anode tube (8.0 keV) and a 55Fe radioactive source (5.9 keV). The chips were subjected to an annealing protocol designed to improve the stability of the low-temperature peaks. Doses were low and deconvolution into 7 peaks was performed with custom-made software. For the TGXs investigation, TLD-300 chips and TLD-100 microcubes were exposed inside a vacuum chamber to radiation generated by the peeling of adhesive tape from its own backing. The dosimeters, located at different angular positions with respect to the tape, were covered with a 21-μm thick layer of Mylar (Dupont Tejjin Films) to eliminate stray radiation and block any UV light that may be emitted along with the TGXs. TLD-300 were thermally handled as in calibration, and the HLTR indicated the effective energy. Microcubes were used as monitors of a controlled exposure. The new calibration data confirmed the previous trend and showed consistency with existing HLTR measurements above 30 keV (after correcting by the different annealing procedures). The TGXs TLD-300 glow curves showed the presence of a low-temperature peak below those included in the usual deconvolution. The measured HLTR indicated effective energies close to 7 keV and constant over a wide range of observation angles. The extended calibration validates the use of this technique to evaluate photon energies below the limits investigated previously. For the investigation of TGXs, TLDs have been used as passive dosimeters, offering new possibilities in cases where pileup would be a limiting factor for active solid-state active detectors. The difference in glow curve shapes between the TGXs and the calibration photons offers a tool for further investigation of processes induced by surface electrification. • The glow curve shape of CaF 2 (Tm) depends on the incident energy. • The high-to-low-temperature ratio (HLTR) parameter quantifies glow curve shape. • Calibration of HLTR for x-ray energies extended to 5.9 keV–1250 keV. • Triboluminescence X-ray effective energy from peeling-off tape was (7.0 ± 0.9) keV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laser-assisted automated fiber placement (L-AFP) process of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites suffers from insufficient heating efficiency and in-situ consolidation quality caused by significant reflection on the tape surface. Here, we propose a novel strategy to increase the heating efficiency by refocusing the reflected light, initially scattered to the environment and wasted, onto the tapes for multiple and full absorptions. The method for laser concentration is first validated through light-tracing simulation. Then, three kinds of tapes with different micro textures on the surface are prepared by the hot-embossing process. The transverse V-grooved texture tapes and flat surface tapes absorb 25% more laser energy than the longitudinal V-grooved and commercial tapes due to the reduction in transverse scattering angle from 180° to 2.72°. This leads to a temperature increase of 130 °C at the nip point during the L-AFP process at the lay-down rate of 500 mm/s with 1 kW laser power. Improved in-situ consolidation quality leads to a significant increase in the flexural and shear strength of L-AFP-prepared carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) laminates, with a reduction in porosity to around 2%. [Display omitted] • The laser absorbance and heating efficiency are enhanced by reduced laser scattering of tapes. • The simulation model shows laser flux distribution on tapes varies with different micro surface textures. • Placements of tapes with micro textures proved the strategy for increasing heating efficiency to be effective. • Mathematical models reveal the refocusing mechanism of scattering laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Instead of complex, costly and environmentally-hazardous methods, the as-prepared durable superhydrophobic composite coating (PDMS-EP@SiO 2 -fGO) has the potential for large-scale applications. • The well-dispersed amino-functionalized graphene oxide strengthens mechanical/chemical stability of PDMS-EP@SiO 2 -fGO. • The synergistic action of air cushion and high-efficiency physical barrier endows PDMS-EP@SiO 2 -fGO with good corrosion resistance. • Compared to conventional superhydrophobic coatings, PDMS-EP@SiO 2 -fGO shows significant lubricating film and self-healing effects under friction. Superhydrophobic coatings are attractive as physical barrier layer in various fields. However, the poor durability and unsatisfactory anti-corrosion/wear properties limit their down-to-earth practicality. Here, a durable superhydrophobic coating (PDMS-EP@SiO 2 -fGO) with good corrosion/wear resistance was prepared by a fluorine-free, facile and low-cost approach. The results of temperature resistance (20 ∼ 100 °C), acid/alkali resistance (pH value of 1 ∼ 14), sandpaper abrasion (total abrasion distance of 40 m) and tape-peeling (30 cycles) proved the excellent mechanical/chemical stability of PDMS-EP@SiO 2 -fGO, as shown by a contact angle of more than 156° and a sliding angle of less than 6.3° after experiments. Moreover, PDMS-EP@SiO 2 -fGO showed amazing protective properties. In 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, the corrosion current density was decreased by four orders of magnitude. After 7 days of immersion, the lowest-frequency impedance value was 1 ∼ 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of control groups. Under the reciprocating friction process, the wear rate was reduced by 70.76 %. These delightful results were mainly attributable to the synergistic effect of robust air cushion constructed by surface micro/nano structure and the reinforcement/physical barrier effect of well-dispersed amino-functionalized graphene oxide. This work provides a feasible thinking to optimize the superhydrophobic coating and helps its large-scale application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix deposition plays a critical role in image quality of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). To improve the ionization efficiency and overcome the limitation of traditional matrix deposition methods in the face of difficult-to-sublimate or difficult-to-dissolve matrix, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) named COF-DhaTab was successfully synthesized and firstly used as matrix film. It was fabricated by imprinting of sieved COF-DhaTab powder on the surface of a double-sided adhesive tape. Outstanding reproducibility and uniformity of COF-DhaTab film were demonstrated by relative standard deviation (RSD) within 8.37% and 7.71% from dot-to-dot and plate-to-plate, respectively. With the introduction of double-sided adhesive tape, water contact angle (WCA) of COF-DhaTab film increased from 55° to 141°, resulting in significant suppression of analyte diffusion. Moreover, the intensity of potassium perfluorooctanic sulfonate (PFOS, C 8 F 17 SO 3 −, m/z 498.93) was 9.3 × 105, more than six hundred times higher than that using DHB matrix. This enhancement was attributed to the rough surface and multiple branches of the synthesized COF-DhaTab. To verify the ability of COF-DhaTab film as substrate, the spatial distribution of PFOS in zebrafish, rat liver and kidney tissues was explored. Superior imaging capability was displayed with high-spatial resolution and reliable location distribution. These results not only demonstrate the outstanding ability of COF-DhaTab as matrix for MALDI-MS and MALDI-MSI, but also provide a facile approach for fabrication of novel matrix films for MALDI-MSI. [Display omitted] • A novel strategy was developed to fabricate matrix film for difficult-to-sublimate or difficult-to-dissolve matrix. • MALDI-MS signal of PFOS with COF-DhaTab matrix was increased by 600 times than DHB matrix. • Matrix film of sieved COF-DhaTab was used to study spatial distribution of PFOS by MALDI-MSI. • Excellent MALDI image quality was demonstrated by COF-DhaTab matrix film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Design and development of microneedle-based colorimetric pH sensing patch. • Microneedle array-based autonomous fluid extraction and transportation via surface tension. • Development of machine learning model and web application for colorimetric pH detection. • Fabrication of user-friendly device for meat spoilage detection and wound health monitoring. Since pH can alter the biological functions, level of nutrients, wound healing process, and the behavior of chemicals, various healthcare and food industries are showing increased interest in manufacturing low-cost optical pH sensors for meat spoilage detection and wound health monitoring. To meet this demand, we have developed a simple and low-cost machine learning-enabled microneedle-based colorimetric pH sensing patch that can be used for food quality and wound health monitoring applications. The 3D–printed ultrasharp open side channel microneedle array facilitated the autonomous fluid extraction and transportation via surface tension for colorimetric pH sensing. Further, to predict the exact pH value against the obtained color on the pH-test strip, a machine learning model was prepared using experimentally collected different color images obtained from a known pH solution. Furthermore, to make the device user-friendly for older individuals and color-blind individuals, a simple and smartphone-enabled web application was prepared using the developed machine learning model. The proof-of-concept study of the developed patch was demonstrated by determining the pH of real meat samples before and after spoilage and detecting pH in two different skin-mimicking in vitro models (phantom gel and parafilm tape) using a smartphone. The analytical results demonstrated that the developed machine learning-enabled microneedle-based colorimetric pH sensing patch has excellent potential for wound health and food safety applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel multistable composite hinge structure is designed and manufactured with positive Gaussian curvature. • The structural multistability is highly tailorable, and dependent on regional tape geometries and combination. • An analytical model is established to predict the structural stability and regional constraints. • The stable criteria are determined and show good agreement with experimental observations and FE analysis. A composite tape-spring (CTS) structure is a thin-walled open slit tube with fibres oriented at ±45°, which is stable in both extended and coiled configurations. The governing factors of its bistability include composite constitutive behaviour, initial geometrical proportions, and geometrically non-linear structural behaviour. Its bistable principle can be employed to produce a flexible multistable hinge structure with tailorable stability. This is achieved by introducing variable stiffness design within a cylindrical shell structure, where folding stability is dependent on central functional patch region, and then connected to linking ploy regions. Thus, a novel multistable composite hinge structure can be designed with positive Gaussian curvature deformation, and its multistability is highly tailorable: a lengthy one-dimensional mechanical arm can be designed to coil and fold multiple times to enable large folding ratio. An analytical model was established based on the strain energy principle, in order to determine effects from functional tape length; the typical structural stability and stable configurations were then predicted with respect to regional length of the functional layer. It is found that the stability of a multistable composite hinge structure is dependent on geometry and combination of both the functional patch region, and connecting ploy region; the stable criteria are then proposed and show good agreement with experimental observations and FE analysis. These enrich the diversities of functional deployable structures to benefit novel requirements for various deployable mechanisms, and enable customised design, as well as smart driving for flexible and multifunctional mechanical composite hinge applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on evaluating the corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel substrates with Polyvinylcarbazole (PVK)/TiO 2 hybrid nanocomposite coatings (HNC). Using the chronoamperometry approach, the HNC were electrochemically synthesized on 316L stainless steel substrates, incorporating various weight (%) 1 %, 2 %, 3 % of TiO 2 nanoparticles into the PVK matrix. The findings of the surface morphology investigation verified that the 316L SS had a dense and smooth PVK/TiO 2 coating. A low surface roughness and high contact value of the PVK/TiO 2 coatings are also responsible for the decrease in corrosion rate of the 316L SS. The corrosion protection efficiency of the PVK/TiO 2 HNC were investigated through open circuit potential (OCP) measurement, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The corrosion rate obtained from the polarization studies of the HNC coatings as follows PVKT-2 < PVKT-3 < PVKT-1 < PVK < 316L SS. Results revealed that an optimal loading of 2 wt% TiO 2 nanoparticles significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the coating. The enhanced electrochemical impedance response for PVK/TiO 2 coatings was verified by EIS experiments. The study demonstrates that the incorporation of TiO 2 nanoparticles into the PVK matrix effectively creates a barrier layer at the coating-metal interface, inhibiting the entry of aggressive ions. Microhardness studies revealed the increase in hardness value of the PVK and PVK/TiO 2 coatings indicated the protective nature of the coating and provided high mechanical strength to 316L SS. The tape adhesion tests carried out on the coated specimens also indicated a good adhesion of the PVK/TiO 2 on the 316L SS surface. [Display omitted] • PVK-TiO 2 nanocomposite coating was successfully deposited on 316 L SS. • Corrosion resistance of the PVK–TiO 2 nanocomposite coated 316 L SS was improved. • Contact angle values of the PVK–TiO 2 nanocomposite coating was increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel roll-to-roll mechanical incision device was developed for the preparation of REBCO multi-filament tapes. • We compared the current-carrying performance of short samples of non-striated and 3-filaments tapes as well as after making CORC cables. • We investigated the influence of the hysteresis loss of the non-striated and 3-filaments tapes at different temperatures. REBCO high-temperature superconductor (HTS) has widely used in high magnetic field applications, because of the excellent critical current properties and high critical temperature. However, REBCO tape has an extremely large width-to-thickness ratio (typically in the range of 1000–10000) to cause too high power dissipation in the applications. In order to reduce the shielding current effect and AC loss generated during the application of REBCO HTS tapes, a roll-to-roll mechanical incision device was developed for the preparation of REBCO multi-filaments tapes. The microscopic morphology, critical current I C , and hysteresis loss of the tapes before and after incision were comparatively characterized using optical microscope, standard four-probe method, and physical property measurement system (PPMS) and other equipment and methods. The results show that the developed device prepares multi-filaments tapes with incision grooves depths of ∼ 30 μm and grooves widths of ∼ 20 μm on the superconducting layer, and the hysteresis loss of the 3-filaments is reduced by up to 48.6 % compared to that of the non-striated tapes under different temperature conditions. In addition, the I C of the short samples of the 3-filaments tapes was reduced by ∼ 18 % compared with that of the non-striated tapes under 77 K and self-field test conditions, whereas the samples of the 3-filaments tapes and the non-striated tapes were hand-wound respectively onto a metal core with a diameter of 5.25 mm to make a single-layer CORC cable, and there was no significant reduction in the I C of either of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a model to study the non-steady V-shaped peeling of a viscoelastic thin tape adhering to a rigid flat substrate. Geometry evolution and viscoelastic creep in the tape are the main features involved in the process, which allows to derive specific governing equations in the framework of energy balance. Finally, these are numerically integrated following an iterative scheme to calculate the process evolution assuming different controlling conditions (peeling front velocity, peeling force, tape tip velocity). Results show that the peeling behavior is strongly affected by viscoelasticity. Specifically, for a given applied force, the peeling can either be prevented, start and stop after some while, or endlessly propagate, depending on the original undeformed tape geometry. Viscoelasticity also entails that the interface toughness strongly increases when the tape tip is fast pulled, which agrees to recent experimental observations on tougher adhesion of natural systems under impact loads, such as see waves and wind gusts. [Display omitted] • Viscoelastic V-peeling of thin tapes leads to non-stationary propagation. • Both the peeling force and angle may present non-monotonic time-history. • Peeling propagation may start and stop after some while due to load and geometry. • Impact loads induce enhanced toughness, as reported for mussels and spiders anchors. • Tape viscoelasticity leads to delayed peeling start after force application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi-2223 tapes, synthesized through the two-powder method, exhibit distinctive features such as high current density and a controllable secondary phase. Traditionally, the two-powder method involves the separate preparation of Bi-2212 and Ca Cu O powders followed by their mixing. However, during this process, it is necessary to dope the Bi-2212 powder with an appropriate Pb content to achieve a stable lattice structure in the Bi-2223 phase. The alteration of ion valences between Pb2+ and Pb4+ influences the oxygen content, thereby affecting the phase formation of (Bi, Pb)-2212 and, consequently, the final properties of Bi-2223 tapes. Surprisingly, limited research has explored the impact of the heat treatment process on (Bi, Pb)-2212. Consequently, this study investigates the phase composition and microstructure of (Bi, Pb)-2212 under various oxygen partial pressures to deepen our understanding of the effect of Pb on the composition of (Bi, Pb)-2212. Simultaneously, the behavior of Pb in the lattice of Bi-2212 is analyzed. Ultimately, the findings reveal that low oxygen conditions are advantageous for fabricating (Bi, Pb)-2212 powder with a high main phase content and a reduced secondary phase, thereby demonstrating excellent current-carrying performance in Bi-2223 tapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the development of REBCO coated conductor has proved its superiority of critical current in high-field background, mechanical issues caused by electromagnetic forces are still big challenges. Large-scale magnets call for robust and high-J e cables for simplicity of the system. To meet the requirements, here we report a round cable comprised of a stack of 2 mm wide high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes inserted into a copper tube and all soldered with Sn 63 Pb 37. The two prepared samples include five HTS tapes and four copper strips in untwisted manner. Self-field critical current at 77 K was analyzed both numerically and experimentally. The characteristics of in-plane (hard) and out-of-plane (easy) bending were analyzed by finite element method (FEM) and compared to experimental measurements. Good agreement was found between the analysis and experimental results on critical bending radius, which is about 200–215 mm. Our results indicate the robustness of the round strand and its potential for use in large-scale magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A FE model is developed to simulate helical winding of 2G tape in HTS power cable. • The layered sandwich composite structure of 2G HTS tape is considered for FE model. • The effect of strain on Ic of tape at different loading condition is analysed. • Different loading condition includes tension, torsion, helical winding and bending. • The axial strains are obtained at different winding pitches and bending radii. In High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) power cable, HTS tapes are wound helically around a circular former and are subjected to different types of mechanical loads during manufacturing, transportation and installation of cable. The strain developed within the HTS tape during these processes may affect the superconducting properties of the tape. In the present work, 3D structural finite element (FE) models using ANSYS® are developed to obtain the strain behaviour of the tape under different loading conditions, considering the layered sandwich composite structure of 2G HTS tapes. The analysis is carried out with axial tensile and twisting loads on the tape, during helical winding of tape around the former and a combined effect of helical winding with external tensile and bending loads. The result obtained from FE simulation due to applied tensile load is compared with the established experimental result, which shows a good agreement. Further, the strain developed within the tape affects the critical current. Therefore, the strain is coupled with an empirical relation to obtain the critical current degradation of the tape. The FE analysis is carried out for five different winding pitches and four different bending radii with YBCO layer in the downward position and the corresponding critical currents are estimated. Further, a minimum winding pitch is obtained, below which the rapid degradation of critical current is initiated. The results show that the HTS tape with YBCO in downward position can withstand more amount of external load without affecting the critical axial strain of the tape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike existing literature that primarily concentrates on either the plasma treatment of adherends alone or solely on adhesive surfaces, this work leverages plasma modification of both adhesive in tape form and adherend surfaces to largely enhance the interfacial bonding between a thermoset-based adhesive tape and carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer (CFRTP) for structural bonding applications. By conducting single lap shear tests on adhesively-bonded AA6061-CFRPPA (carbon-fiber-reinforced polyphthalamide) dissimilar joints, it is shown that the plasma treatment of adherends alone can increase the lap shear strength (LSS) of the joints by 200% compared to non-treated counterparts. An additional plasma treatment of adhesive tape surfaces leads to even higher LSS improvement, reaching up to 315%, due to the formation of a denser cross-linked network of covalent bonds and a reduced area fraction of interfacial voids at the CFRPPA–adhesive interface. The highest plasma-enhanced LSS of the metal-CFRTP joints rivals that of metal–metal joints, which is typically stronger than the joints associated with fiber-reinforced polymers. This study is important for achieving strong CFRTP-related structural components bonded using adhesive tape, providing better compatibility with plasma treatment and other joining methods like riveting compared to adhesive paste or liquid. [Display omitted] • Plasma surface modification of both adhesive and adherends increased the LSS of metal-CFRTP joints to 17 MPa. • Highest LSS surpassed untreated joints at 4.1 MPa, and the joints with plasma-treated adherends alone at 12.1 MPa. • Improvement was due to a denser bonding network and reduced voids at CFRTP–adhesive interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an environmentally friendly superhydrophobic surface for concrete (S-concrete) with excellent mechanical robustness and anti-corrosion performances was put forward. By introducing geopolymer material, a novel inorganic gelling material act as binders to enhance the stability of the S-concrete, the suspension based on stearic acid (STA) modified by micro diatomaceous earth (DE) and nano alumina (Al 2 O 3) were intensely attached to the substrate. The structure morphologies, chemical compositions, surface wetting behavior of this S-concrete were systematically investigated by SEM, XRD, FT-IR and wettability measurements. The results showed that the S-concrete coating was successfully constructed by achieving a desirable static contact angle of 159.1° and a small slide angle 4.5°. The S-concrete features Cassie-Baxter phase contacts, liquids repellency, anti-fouling and self-cleaning properties. The S-concrete exhibited excellent resistance to chloride corrosion, which was reduced by about 2 orders of magnitude compared to ordinary concrete. What is more, this S-concrete coating showed remarkable robustness against sandpaper abrasion and tape-peeling, while retaining its superhydrophobicity even suffering 200 abrasion cycles and 60 tape-peeling. The improved durable mechanical robustness and interfacial bonding force can be attributed to the cross-linked three-dimensional hierarchical structures formed by the combination of geopolymer material and embedded DE/Al 2 O 3 @STA micro-nanoparticles. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives containing modified montmorillonite were obtained, and subsequently, one-sided tapes were prepared. The novel adhesives were characterized by a higher tack, peel adhesion, and cohesion at room and elevated temperature when compared to the system without the filler. Adding modified fillers allowed to improve the thermal resistance of adhesive - the maximum operating temperature was in a range of 220–230 °C. The highest level of thermal resistance was obtained for acid-modified montmorillonite with a concentration of 0.1 M. It was found that the physical modification of silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives shifts the adhesive-cohesive balance towards cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo-thermal anti/de-icing and electro-thermal anti/de-icing have been widely used in the field of anti/de-icing in recent years. The combination of electro@photo-thermal can achieve all-weather anti/de-icing. However, there is no need for anti/de-icing in hot environments, but the photo-thermal conversion does not automatically stop. And the photo-thermal conversion will cause the surface to overheat, seriously affecting the safety and normal operation of the machine, which is a great challenge in practical applications. Based on this, an electro@photo-thermal material with adaptive temperature control performance was proposed in this work. Specifically, the carbon cloth was used as an electro-thermal substrate, and the thermochromic powder mixed with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used as a photo-thermal component. The photo-thermal conversion experiment shows that when the temperature reaches the threshold temperature, the color of the material can be changed from black to white to reduce the absorption of sunlight, thus avoiding the overheating phenomenon. The anti/de-icing experiment also shows that the material meets the all-weather anti/de-icing requirements. In addition, continuous tape stripping experiments and acid-base soaking experiments also verified the excellent hydrophobicity of the material. The research provides new ideas for all-weather anti/de-icing systems with adaptive temperature control performance. • Preparation of an all-weather anti/de-icing material with temperature control • Due to the temperature control properties, surface overheating can be avoided. • The prepared material has excellent electro-thermal and photo-thermal properties. • The material has excellent anti/de-icing properties and mechanical durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increasing contamination of freshwater supplies, it is essential to effectively treat industrial wastewater. However, treating industrial wastewater using a single method is challenging due to the presence of complex contaminants like petroleum, organic dyes, bacteria, and other complex contaminants. In this study, we present a straightforward and scalable approach to prepare multifunctional nanocellulose-based membranes (NM) that exhibit superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning, oil/water separation, photocatalysis, and anti-bioadhesion properties. To begin with, we created NM by extruding fiber slurry onto a stencil and drying it. Next, we built a polyurethane (PU)/ZIF‐8/1H, 1H, 2H, 2H‐perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (POTS)-based superhydrophobic layer by spraying it over the NM's surface. By employing the aforementioned processes, we successfully integrated multiple functions into a single superhydrophobic NM. Our results demonstrate that the NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membrane exhibits superior hydrophobicity performance, with a high-water contact angle (166.8 ± 0.8°) and a low rolling angle (5 ± 0.3°). Moreover, these samples retain high-water contact angles and low rolling angles even in harsh environments such as acid and alkali solutions, high temperatures, abrasion resistance, UV aging resistance, bending and folding, tape peeling, and self-cleaning. The NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membrane also exhibits high and stable oil-water separation performance, with a separation efficiency of 94.6% and a relatively high separation flux (133.2 L·m−2·h−1). At the same time, the NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membrane exhibits water-in-oil emulsion separation ability. The membrane's stability, effectiveness, and reusability were demonstrated through ten repetitions of degradation experiments using aqueous methylene blue solution, with the NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membrane exhibiting an excellent degradation rate (>94%). Finally, the bioadhesion resistance test indicated a reduction of 69.1% in the adhesion rate of the NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membrane. Overall, the creation of the NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membrane serves as a useful inspiration for the practical application of superhydrophobic NM in multifunctional integration, while also broadening the scope of membrane applications. [Display omitted] • A simple strategy to manufacturing multifunctional superhydrophobic NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membranes. • This membrane has high separation efficiency and flux for a variety of oils. • This membrane had outstanding anti-biofouling performance against Chlorella. • The degradation and anti-fouling tests proved its photocatalytic and self-cleaning performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]