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The present review is related to the novel approach for improvement of the optical properties of wide bandgap metal oxides, in particular TiO2, based on the formation of the inorganic–organic hybrids that display absorption in the visible spectral range due to the formation of interfacial charge transfer (ICT) complexes. We outlined the property requirements of TiO2-based ICT complexes for efficient photo-induced catalytic reactions, emphasizing the simplicity of the synthetic procedure, the possibility of the fine-tuning of the optical properties supported by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and the formation of a covalent linkage between the inorganic and organic components of hybrids, i.e., the nature of the interface. In addition, this study provides a comprehensive insight into the potential applications of TiO2-based ICT complexes in photo-driven catalytic reactions (water splitting and degradation of organic molecules), including the identification of the reactive species that participate in photocatalytic reactions by the spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique. Considering the practically limitless number of combinations between the inorganic and organic components capable of forming oxide-based ICT complexes and with the knowledge that this research area is unexplored, we are confident it is worth studying, and we emphasized some further perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the issue of heat dissipation caused by the high output power density of gallium nitride (GaN) devices, using diamond‐integrated devices is an effective solution. Recent studies have suggested that incorporating a dielectric layer, such as silicon nitride (SiNx), between diamond and GaN can improve adhesion while also reducing thermal boundary resistance (TBR). In this study, plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD), low‐pressure CVD, and metal‐organic CVD (MOCVD) techniques are utilized to grow the SiNx layer. The interface behavior of diamond/SiNx/GaN is analyzed through scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning TEM, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, while time‐domain thermoreflectance measurement is used to characterize thermal properties. After analyzing the impact of the growth dielectric layer on the interface thermal resistance of the three growth modes, it is concluded that the dielectric layer produced by the MOCVD technique exhibits a smoother surface and lower TBR compared to the other two methods. Therefore, the use of the MOCVD technique is recommended to achieve optimal thermal performance in diamond/SiNx/GaN systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the influence of interphase type (i.e. single-phase (PyC) and co-deposited (PyC+SiC)) and thickness (i.e. 300, 600, 1000, and 2000 nm) on the interface properties and damage evolution of mini-C/SiC composites under cyclic loading/unloading tension was investigated. The micromechanical constitutive model was adopted to derive the damage parameter of inverse tangent modulus (ITM) and perform the hysteresis analysis to estimate the interface properties of the mini-C/SiC composites with large debonding energy. Experimental damage evolution of the ITMs with unloading or reloading stress was analyzed for different interphase types and thickness. The interface properties (e.g. the interface debonding stress and interface debonding energy) were obtained through the hysteresis analysis. Relationships between the loading/unloading ITMs, interface properties, and interphase type and thickness were established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The reduction of interfacial interaction and the deterioration of processing properties of aluminum hydrides (AlH3) is the main challenges preventing its practical application. Here, a simple and effective core–shell structure aluminum hydrides@polydopamine (AlH3@PDA) complex was constructed through in-situ polymerization. The evolution of element states on the surface of AlH3 conducted by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated the successful introduction of PDA to form the core@shell structure, the thickness of the PDA coated layer increased with the increasing PDA dosage from 0.1 to 1.6% in mass fraction, and the maximum of thickness is 50 nm in TEM testing. Py GC/MS results proved that the increase of dopamine concentration leads to higher proportions of self-assemble units, whereas lower dopamine concentrations favor higher levels of chemical bonded components. Regarding whether PDA is a covalent polymer or a noncovalent aggregate of some species, the formation of intermediates, such as dopaminechrome and 5,6-dihydroxyindole played an important role to coordination interaction with AlH3 in FTIR, Raman, and UV–Vis spectra testing. Compared with pure AlH3, the formation of organic PDA coating improved AlH3 heat resistance. The adhesion work with GAP adhesive was also improved from 107.02 J/m2 of pure AlH3 to 111.13 mJ/m2 of AlH3@PDA-5 complex. This paper provides well support for further practical application of AlH3 in solid propellants.

The reduction of interfacial interaction and the deterioration of processing properties of aluminum hydrides (AlH3) is the main challenges preventing its practical application. Here, a simple and effective core–shell structure aluminum hydrides@polydopamine (AlH3@PDA) complex was constructed through in-situ polymerization. The evolution of element states on the surface of AlH3 conducted by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated the successful introduction of PDA to form the core@shell structure, the thickness of the PDA coated layer increased with the increasing PDA dosage from 0.1 to 1.6% in mass fraction, and the maximum of thickness is 50 nm in TEM testing. Py GC/MS results proved that the increase of dopamine concentration leads to higher proportions of self-assemble units, whereas lower dopamine concentrations favor higher levels of chemical bonded components. Regarding whether PDA is a covalent polymer or a noncovalent aggregate of some species, the formation of intermediates, such as dopaminechrome and 5,6-dihydroxyindole played an important role to coordination interaction with AlH3 in FTIR, Raman, and UV–Vis spectra testing. Compared with pure AlH3, the formation of organic PDA coating improved AlH3 heat resistance. The adhesion work with GAP adhesive was also improved from 107.02 J/m2 of pure AlH3 to 111.13 mJ/m2 of AlH3@PDA-5 complex. This paper provides well support for further practical application of AlH3 in solid propellants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sputter‐deposited GaOx (i.e., oxygen‐deficient gallium oxide) films are evaluated as a potential replacement for the standard CdS buffer layers in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) based thin‐film photovoltaics. The energy level alignment at the GaOx/CIGSe and CdS/CIGSe interfaces are compared by means of direct and inverse photoemission. For the GaOx/CIGSe a (0.04 ± 0.07) eV (i.e., a small spike‐like) conduction band offset (CBO) and a (−3.21 ± 0.19) eV (i.e., a large cliff‐like) valence band offset (VBO) are found, which suggests a nearly ideal charge‐selective contact. The derived GaOx band gap of (4.80 ± 0.25) eV confirms its utility as a highly transparent buffer layer. However, the GaOx (with x derived to be 1.1 ± 0.1) exhibits considerable (presumably) defect‐related occupied states above the valence band maximum. It is proposed that these states may increase charge carrier recombination and decrease open circuit voltage in respective devices; also explaining why solar cells with standard CdS buffer outperform devices with GaOx buffer, despite less ideal electronic interface properties (CBO: (−0.18 ± 0.07) eV, VBO: (−0.98 ± 0.15) eV) and the smaller CdS band gap of (2.35 ± 0.22) eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyester (PET) fibers are widely used in tire skeleton materials, conveyor belt and other fields for theirs high strength, good elasticity and other advantages. In this work, PET fibers were firstly modified to introduce phenolic hydroxyl and epoxy ligand groups by polydopamine deposition and ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) grafting. Then the modified PET fibers were filled into acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR)/Fe2(SO4)3 coordination composites to further reinforce the performance of the composites. The focus was to construct the interface between fibers and NBR by forming the –CN–Fe3+-phenolic hydroxyl/epoxy coordination bond and improve the properties of the composites significantly. FTIR, TG and SEM were used to confirm the successful modification of PET fibers by polydopamine deposition and EGDE grafting. The results of DMA, SEM and EDS showed that the modified fibers had good interfacial combination with the rubber matrix through the interfacial coordination chemical bond. The tensile test results showed that the modified fiber reinforced rubber coordination composites have good modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break. Compared with NBR/Fe2(SO4)3 composites, the tensile strength, 100% and 300% fixed elongation modulus of NBR/Fe2(SO4)3 composites reinforced with PET fibers modified by poly(dopamine) deposition were increased by 32.8%, 85.5% and 71.4%, and the tensile strength and elongation at break of NBR/Fe2(SO4)3 composites reinforced with PET fibers modified by EGDE grafting were significantly increased by 35.8% and 31.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalently bonded particles may exhibit extremely high strength, but their performance in the reinforcement of metal alloys crucially depends on the properties of their interfaces with the embedding matrix. Here, density functional theory is used for investigating a range of interface configurations between magnesium and silicon carbide in view of their mechanical properties. Interfaces are analyzed not only in terms of interface energy/work of separation but also in terms of the interfacial shear stresses required to induce interface-parallel displacements. These properties are studied for bilayer systems with different orientations of the Mg and SiC layers and for different terminations of the SiC layer (Si or C atoms located at the interface). The results are discussed in terms of their implication for mechanical behavior of SiC reinforced Mg alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relatively poor mechanical properties of extruded modified double base (EMDB) propellants limit their range of applications. To overcome these drawbacks, a novel method was proposed to introduce glycidyl azide polymer-based energetic thermoplastic elastomers (GAP-ETPE) with bonding groups into the propellant adhesive. The influence of the molecular structure of three kinds of elastomers on the mechanical properties of the resultant propellant was analyzed. It was found that the mechanical properties of the propellant with 3% CBA-ETPE (a type of GAP-ETPE that features chain extensions using N-(2-Cyanoethyl) diethanolamine and 1,4-butanediol) were improved at both 50 °C and −40 °C compared to a control propellant without GAP-ETPE. The elongation and impact strength of the propellant at −40 °C were 7.49% and 6.58 MPa, respectively, while the impact strength and maximum tensile strength of the propellant at 50 °C reached 21.1 MPa and 1.19 MPa, respectively. In addition, all three types of GAP-ETPE improved the safety of EMDB propellants. The friction sensitivity of the propellant with 3% CBA-ETPE was found to be 0%, and its characteristic drop height H50 was found to be 39.0 cm; 126% higher than the traditional EMDB propellant. These results provide guidance for studies aiming to optimize the performance of EMDB propellants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and fast technique was proposed to graft carbon nanotube (CNT) on carbon fiber (CF) using hyperbranched poly(thioether‐yne) (HPTEY) as bridging agent through thiol‐alkyne click chemistry reaction. The successful synthesis of CNT/HPTEY grafted CF (CF‐HPTEY‐CNT) was verified with Fourier transform infrared, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer, and scanning electron microscopy. The simultaneous introduction of CNTs and HPTEY could significantly improve the wettability and surface energy of CF, leading to that the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of CF‐HPTEY‐CNT/epoxy composite evaluated using the microdroplet test was remarkably enhanced by 106.4% than pristine CF/epoxy composite. The bending strength for CF‐HPTEY‐CNT/epoxy composite was also significantly increased by 40.4% because of the effective stress transfer at interface. Furthermore, the monofilament tensile strength of CF‐HPTEY‐CNT showed an increase (by 3.3%) as compared with pristine CF, attributed to that the grafting CNTs and HPTEY remedied the CF surface defects. Therefore, this work is expected to offer a promising technique for developing advanced structural composite with outstanding interface and mechanical properties. Highlights: An efficient and fast technique to modify CF via click chemistry was proposed.The grafting of HPTEY‐CNT increased the surface roughness and wettability of CF.IFSS of CF‐HPTEY‐CNT/epoxy composite was significantly increased by 106.4%.The CF‐HPTEY‐CNT/epoxy composite had superior mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil–pile interface conditions during seismic events could cause a severe impact on the response of deep foundations which is not fully addressed in the previous contributions. To answer some practical questions, a series of small-scale shaking table model tests were first performed to study the seismic response of fixed-head single piles in dry sand subjected to sinusoidal waves with constant frequency under wide acceleration amplitudes. The physical modeling results then were followed by a nonlinear three-dimensional numerical simulation and adequately verified. The numerical study was subsequently extended to gain further insight into the effect of the soil–pile interface on the seismic response of single piles. For this purpose, the effects of slippage and/or separation on the acceleration response of the pile cap as well as the normalized seismic forces in the pile are discussed under different pile head and soil profile conditions. Extracted results showed that in some cases, piles experienced 100% larger forces due to soil–pile interface conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relation between iron/copper bimetallic composites has many challenges; one of the most important characteristics is their diffusion and its effect on the properties of the interface region. This paper studies the influence of casting parameters on the interface region of these bimetallic composites and compares it to observations on those of the Quranic metal matrix composites based on the Dhul-Qarnayn dam (Gog and Magog Wall). A different number of steel rods (one, two, and three) were placed in an alloy steel mold, then heated at different temperatures of 350, 450, 550, and 650 °C. After that, molten copper was poured over them into the mold, followed by different cooling rates (fast, medium, and slow). The properties of the interface region (microstructure, microhardness, and bonding strength) were investigated. The finite element model was carried out to obtain the temperature distribution through the specimen. The microhardness test results revealed that the high preheating temperature and high cooling rate give a high interface microhardness due to the formation of iron oxides and fine grains. The present experimental results show the highest bond strength between steel and copper, which was achieved when the temperature of the interface region reached the austenitic phase (γ-phase) and held it sufficiently to reach a successful substitutional diffusion mechanism. The bond strength between copper and steel in each casting parameter obtained experimentally was used to predict the tensile strength of the obtained bimetal composites numerically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sputter‐deposited GaOx (i.e., oxygen‐deficient gallium oxide) films are evaluated as a potential replacement for the standard CdS buffer layers in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) based thin‐film photovoltaics. The energy level alignment at the GaOx/CIGSe and CdS/CIGSe interfaces are compared by means of direct and inverse photoemission. For the GaOx/CIGSe a (0.04 ± 0.07) eV (i.e., a small spike‐like) conduction band offset (CBO) and a (−3.21 ± 0.19) eV (i.e., a large cliff‐like) valence band offset (VBO) are found, which suggests a nearly ideal charge‐selective contact. The derived GaOx band gap of (4.80 ± 0.25) eV confirms its utility as a highly transparent buffer layer. However, the GaOx (with x derived to be 1.1 ± 0.1) exhibits considerable (presumably) defect‐related occupied states above the valence band maximum. It is proposed that these states may increase charge carrier recombination and decrease open circuit voltage in respective devices; also explaining why solar cells with standard CdS buffer outperform devices with GaOx buffer, despite less ideal electronic interface properties (CBO: (−0.18 ± 0.07) eV, VBO: (−0.98 ± 0.15) eV) and the smaller CdS band gap of (2.35 ± 0.22) eV.

Covalently bonded particles may exhibit extremely high strength, but their performance in the reinforcement of metal alloys crucially depends on the properties of their interfaces with the embedding matrix. Here, density functional theory is used for investigating a range of interface configurations between magnesium and silicon carbide in view of their mechanical properties. Interfaces are analyzed not only in terms of interface energy/work of separation but also in terms of the interfacial shear stresses required to induce interface-parallel displacements. These properties are studied for bilayer systems with different orientations of the Mg and SiC layers and for different terminations of the SiC layer (Si or C atoms located at the interface). The results are discussed in terms of their implication for mechanical behavior of SiC reinforced Mg alloys.

[Display omitted] • Phytic acid and MXene are used to construct "soft and hard" structure on the CF surface. • Phytic acid increases the chemical reaction activity on the CF surface. • MXene promotes the formation of a strong mechanical interlocking between the fiber and resin. • The "soft-hard" structure facilitates stress transfer between the fiber and resin. • The "soft-hard" structure enhances the interfacial properties of CF composites. Inspired by organic–inorganic soft and hard components found in mollusk shells, this study utilized phytic acid (PA) and MXene (Ti 3 C 2) to create "soft-hard" structure on the surface of carbon fiber (CF) through the bio-interfacial cross-linking reinforcement (BICR) strategy. This strategy not only increased the chemical reaction activity on the fibre surface, but also enlarged the interphase area of the fibres, which facilitated the formation of a strong physical riveting interaction among the fibres and substrate. Compared with the untreated CF composites, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), tensile strength and interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the CF/PEI/PA/MXene composites were increased by 51.4%, 62.5%, 63.0%, 74.9%, and 45.8%, respectively. These positive results were attributed to the large number of reactive functional groups on the PA myo-inositol ring, which increased the chemical reactivity of the fiber surface. Additionally, the MXene assembled on the fibre surface enhanced the adhesion and mechanical interlocking between the fibre and resin. This work provides an advanced route to fabricate CF composites with excellent mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive study has been done on the influence of post-deposition annealing temperature on high-k cerium oxide (CeO 2) layer grown on n-type silicon (Si) substrate and its resultant interface states have been studied for Al/CeO 2 /Si metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices. The high-k CeO 2 thin films were deposited by spin-coating and sintered at different annealing temperatures (T a) in the range of 400–900 °C. The parameters such as fixed charge density (Q eff), dielectric constant (k) of the layers, flat-band voltage (V FB), interface defect density (D it), etc., of the MOS device were evaluated from C V and I-V measurements. A minimum value of flat band shift (∼0.05 V) with lower Q eff (−4.81 × 1011 C/cm2) have been achieved for the T a of 600 °C. The k and D it were evaluated to be 22 and 1.29 × 1012 cm−2, respectively at the T a of 600 °C. In addition, the C V measurements showed a very small hysteresis and very low frequency dispersion for the T a of 600 °C sample. Energy distribution of defect states was evaluated and it was maximum towards the bottom of the conduction band. This shows that the 600 °C is the optimum annealing temperature, which results in high quality interface, and the electron affinity of the corresponding CeO 2 layers was found to be 3.29 eV as evaluated from ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). Further, a maximum value of minority carrier lifetime (147 μs) has been achieved for the samples annealed at T a of 400 °C, indicating that the post-annealing temperature plays a significant role on the properties of CeO 2 films deposited by sol-gel process. Thus, the present study demonstrates the possibility of sol-gel grown high k-CeO 2 layers suitable for MOS like devices. [Display omitted] • High-k CeO 2 layers were successfully deposited on Si by spin coating method. • Energy distribution of defect states was maximum towards the bottom of the CB. • The electron affinity of the corresponding CeO 2 layers was found to be 3.29 eV. • Maximum minority carrier lifetime (147 μs) has been achieved for 400 °C annealed sample. • The MOS device with 600 °C annealed CeO 2 layer showed a small flat-band shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grafting polyphenols and glycosylation are effective means to enhance the wettability and emulsifying properties of natural protein particles. A stable pickering emulsion (PE) with antioxidant properties was prepared using β-Lactoglobulin-Rosmarinic acid-Pectin (β-LG-RA-PC) conjugates as stabilizers in this study. When PC and β-LG-RA with the same mass were covalently combined, the solid protein-based particles exhibited ideal wettability (84.2 ± 0.3°), emulsification performance, and molecular flexibility. PEs with an oil content of 66.7% were successfully prepared using a 10 mg/mL concentration of the complex. The intrinsic reasons for the stabilization of the PE were explored through interfacial tension (from 16.02 mN/m to 12.18 mN/m), adsorption kinetics, interfacial expansion viscoelastic modulus (the tangent of the phase angle was 0.22), microstructure, and rheological properties, revealing that the dense, ideally viscoelastic interface layer formed was the main factor. The electrostatic repulsion between droplets, and the formation of a robust spatial network structure, facilitated PEs' stability. These studies confirmed the possibility of implementing protein-based particles to yield food-grade PE. [Display omitted] • The grafting rate for the same mass of β-Lactoglobulin-Rosmarinic acid (β-LG-RA) conjugate and pectin (PC) reached 39.07%. • Pickering emulsions (PEs) prepared with β-LG-RA-PC (8–12 mg/mL) exhibited a solid-like structure. • The viscoelastic interface and accumulated network structure increased the stability of PEs. • The addition of RA and PC could make the three-phase contact angle of β-LG-RA-PC nanoparticles close to 90°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Improvement of surface properties through laser irradiation. • Identify the origin of Si surface defect formation due to laser irradiation. • Effective protection from laser damage by forming a high-density protective layer. • Improved surface properties reduce the proportion of suboxide generated by ALD. This research investigates surface damage in electronic devices from laser irradiation, particularly focusing on voids, cracks, and vacancies. We discovered that applying a high-density ultrathin SiO 2 layer effectively prevents such defects. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analysis showed a significant reduction in surface roughness, with the R q factor value dropping to 0.158 nm in samples coated with this SiO 2 layer. Additionally, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was used to study suboxide formation in the Al 2 O 3 /Si structure, revealing insights into defect origins. Electrical tests indicated a substantial decrease in laser-induced damage, evidenced by a leakage current density reduction to 2.4 × 10−6 A/cm2, markedly lower than uncoated samples. Post-metallization annealing (PMA) further improved results, with the interface state density decreasing to 0.63 × 1012 atoms eV−1 cm−2. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of the high-density ultrathin SiO 2 layer in mitigating surface defects caused by continuous wave (CW) laser irradiation, promising significant advancements in electronic device manufacturing through potential application in CW laser annealing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The serious damage caused to 3D braided carbon fiber (CF)/epoxy (EP) composites in high-energy irradiation environments is a pressing research topic that has not yet been reported. This study analyzed the γ-irradiation multi-scale damage of the matrix, interfaces, and near-interface regions in 3D braided CF/EP composites with three different braiding angles (18°, 28°, 38°) at atomic, microscopic, and macroscopic scales. The molecular structure and atomic charge information alterations of epoxy matrix were characterized using soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (sXAS). When the irradiation dose reached 1000 KGy, the compressive strength of composites decreased by 20.88 %, 18.07 %, and 16.60 %, respectively, with an increase in the braiding angle. Micro-CT observation, along with statistical computing, confirmed that irradiation causes interface damage and increases the defect volume of 3D braided composites. Nanoindentation was used to compare the modulus of carbon fiber, interface, near-interface regions and matrix in irradiated composites and the function of CF/resin interface as an irradiation defect capture site in the irradiation resistance of resin-matrix composites has been newly established. In addition, the mechanism behind the effect of braiding angle on macroscopic properties was also analyzed. [Display omitted] • The braided structures exhibited varying responses to irradiation, with 3D-38° showing the highest performance retention. • Soft X-ray absorption spectrometry was developed to characterize the valence changes of oxygen and carbon in irradiated resin. • Interface as an irradiation defect capture site consumes most of the energy and reduces the damage of resin near the interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CFRP sandwich plates are prepared by thermal expansion molding process. • The mechanical properties and failure mechanism of CFRP sandwish plates interfaces were analyzed. • The bending properties and failure modes of sandwich plates with different expansion rates were analyzed. • The optimum expansion rate of CFRP sandwich plate prepared is determined to be 4 times. Based on its ability to integrate foam expansion into rapid prototyping products, the Thermal Expansion Molding Process (TEMP) of foam sandwich composites has shown great application prospects. The influence of the Expansion Rate (ER) on the interfacial mechanical features and failure mechanism of foam sandwich composites has always been a crucial concern in product development during thermal expansion foam forming. Herein, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) foam sandwich panels were fabricated via TEMP, using expansion ratios of 2x, 4x, 6x, and 8x. The relationship between the expansion ratio and mechanical performance of two key interfaces was investigated: The CFRP/foam interface (Interface I) and the fiber/foam interface within the foam (Interface II). The average peel strength of Interface I gradually decreased with increasing expansion ratio: 21.48 N·mm/mm (2×), 19.41 N·mm/mm (4×), 18.92 N·mm/mm (6×), and 17.30 N·mm/mm (8×). Furthermore, the Double cantilever beam-uneven bending moment (DCB-UBM) test revealed that the initial strain energy release rate of Interface II gradually decreased with increasing ER. Finally, a three-point bending test was performed to explore the failure mode of four kinds of ER foam sandwich panels. The findings revealed that the 4x ER was the most suitable for making foam sandwich composites via TEMP. This paper offers a vital reference for developing foam sandwich composite products using TEMP technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 2 F 3 (NVPF) is emerging as a promising cathode material for high-voltage sodium-ion batteries. Whereas, the inferior intrinsic electrical conductivity leading to poor rate performance and cycling stability. To address this issue, a strategy of synthesizing unique yolk-shell structured NVPF with copper substitution via spray drying method is proposed. Besides, the synergistic modulation of both crystalline structure and interfacial properties results in significantly enhanced intrinsic and interfacial conductivity of NVPF. The optimized yolk-shell structured cathode materials can possess a high capacity of 117.4 mAh g -1 at 0.1 C, and remains a high-capacity retention of 91.3% after 5000 cycles. A detailed investigation of kinetic properties combined with in situ XRD technology and DFT calculations, has been implemented, particularly with regard to electron conduction and sodium ion diffusion. Consequently, the yolk-shell structured composition of Na 3 V 1.94 Cu 0.06 (PO 4 ) 2 F 3 with nitrogen-modified carbon coating layer shows the lowest polarization potential because of the effectively enhanced electronic conductivity and Na + diffusion process in the bulk phase. The robust electrochemical performance suggests that developing the unique yolk-shell structure with the collaboration of interface and bulk crystal properties is a favorable strategy to design cathode material with a high performance for sodium-ion batteries., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

In the present work, mortar beams reinforced with polymeric reinforcing elements are manufactured using Polylactic acid (PLA), inspired by crack propagation deflecting architectures found in nature such as Sinusoidal and Bouligand architectures. Mechanical flexural properties of mortar beams are studied and compared with that of reinforcing elements with an architecture parallel to the direction of tensile stress as well as non-reinforced mortar beams. Furthermore, the reinforcement configuration and ratio are designed using principles from mechanics of materials. A Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique is used to obtain the load-deflection curves during flexural evaluation. Results show that changing the microarchitecture of the reinforcement can enhance the flexural performance of the beam. Additionally, interface properties between the mortar and the reinforcing element are studied using pull-out tests. Interface properties were enhanced by introducing architectural patterns on the surface of the reinforcement. Finally, using material properties of the mortar, reinforcement and the interface obtained from experiments, a numerical model is developed and calibrated. The outcome of this study helps explore the opportunities of using novel nature-inspired reinforcement to enhance the mechanical properties of cementitious composites. • Changing the micro-architecture of the reinforcement from parallel to a nature-inspired twisting pattern improved ductility. • Various reinforcement ratios were studied to find sufficient reinforcement based on material properties of each component. • The bond between 3D-printed elements and mortar was enhanced by introducing surface features to the polymeric element. • A critical embedment length was established for polymeric reinforcement based on its cross-sectional area and surface texture. • Numerical studies were able to simulate the overall experimental flexural behavior of the reinforced cementitious beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compressive performance of organic fiber has always been a key problem, limiting its development. In this paper, silicon oxide, alumina, and titanium oxide particles were separately deposited on the surface of high-strength and high-modulus polyimide (PI) fibers to form a structural supporting shell by using a magnetron sputtering method. The theoretical thickness was calculated by thermogravimetric analysis in good agreement with the actual thickness determined from scanning electron microscopy. The mechanics, surface, and interface properties of the measured fibers were analyzed mainly from the aspects of surface energy, interfacial shear strength (IFSS), and compression strength. The results showed that after magnetron sputtering, the inorganic shells were uniformly deposited on the surface of PI fiber, resulting in an increase in the content of inorganic elements as well as the roughness. As a result, the surface energy and IFSS of silica-coated fiber was increased by 174 and 85.6%, respectively, and compression strength was increased by 45.7%. This study provides a new approach for improving the interface property and compression strength of high-strength and high-modulus PI-fiber-reinforced composites.

For the AgCuOIn 2 O 3 SnO 2 electrical contact composites, the interfacial bonding state and microstructure of each oxide with the silver matrix are still unknown, and in order to elucidate the interfacial state between Ag and CuO, first-principles calculations based on density-functional theory are used to establish the low-exponential surfaces of Ag and CuO, respectively, and to perform convergence tests. The computational results show that the Ag (111) surface and the CuO(100)-CuO surface are the most stable surfaces among the respective low-exponential surfaces, and thus the Ag (111) surface and the CuO(100)-CuO surface are selected to constitute the interfacial model, and the atomic structure, the adhesion work, and the interfacial energies of the interfaces are systematically analyzed. The calculation results show that the Ag (111)/CuO(100)-CuO interface has metallic properties and still has strong electrical conductivity, when the interface spacing d 0 = 3.0 Å, the interfacial adsorption work is the largest, and the value of the interfacial energy is the lowest and positive, which indicates that the Ag (111)/CuO(100)-CuO interface exists stably thermodynamically, and the interfacial stability is relatively good. Moreover, the Ag/CuO interface is bonded by ionic bonding and partial covalent bonding, the interface is well bonded, and the O atoms play a more critical role in the interfacial bonding, and the accuracy of the calculated results is verified by experiments. [Display omitted] • The Ag (111) surface and the CuO(100)-CuO surface are the most stable of the respective low-index surfaces. • The interfacial energy, electronic properties, microstructure of the Ag (111)/CuO(100)-CuO interface were investigated. • The Ag/CuO interface is bonded by ionic and partially covalent bonds, with O atoms playing a more critical role. • The veracity of the model predictions was confirmed by the orientation analysis of Ag and CuO. • Declaration of competing interest [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser cladding of a Fe-based high-entropy alloy (HEA), specifically Fe50Mn30Co10Cr10, onto aluminum alloy substrates presents a technologically innovative approach to boost surface properties for lightweight applications. This investigation delves into the cladding processes, examining the interfacial compositions and the mechanical traits of the HEA after deposition. Tailoring the cladding layer's chemical makeup is achievable by precision control of the processing parameters, resulting in the capability to minimize the occurrence of brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at the interface and hence fortify the interface's overall integrity. The study further illuminates the pivotal role of Al content adjustment in transitioning the cladding layer's phase structure from face-centered cubic (FCC) to body-centered cubic (BCC), critically influencing its mechanical characteristics. Through a methodical examination of Al content, phase distribution, and interface composition, the research exposes the effects these factors exert on the cladding layer's hardness, Young's modulus, and shear resistance at the interface. Notably, an (Fe50Mn30Co10Cr10) 90 Al 10 cladding composition substantially escalates shear resistance. The insights gleaned from this work enrich the understanding of interfacial behaviors between aluminum and disparate metals, thereby contributing valuable perspectives to the progression of heterogeneous metal bonding technology. • High-entropy alloy layers with controllable Al content can be prepared. • Intermetallic compounds layer at interface can be controlled. • The relationship between Al content and phase structure of layers is clarified. • Mechanical properties are also related to the phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]