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WB x /C composite materials were fabricated by adjusting the molar ratio of B 4 C and WC. Specifically, a molar ratio of 0.3–0.5 resulted in the formation of WB, while a ratio of 0.8–1.2 led to the production of W 2 B 5. The WB x phase was uniformly dispersed on carbon phase surface, and density of WB x /C composites increased with higher B 4 C molar ratios, rising from 89.5 % to 99.6 %. W15B15 composite exhibited a flexural strength of 223.5 MPa, fracture toughness of 3.86 MPa m1/2, and Vickers hardness of 2.31 GPa. The conductivity of W15B5 composite was lowest at 13.1 mΩ mm. Fracture analysis revealed a combination of transgranular and intergranular fracture modes, with a well-bonded interface. Additionally, localized areas showed the presence of irregularly shaped B 13 C 2 solid solution phase, which enhanced the properties. During graphitization process, an increase in B 4 C molar ratio intensified the promotion effect, leading to a graphitization degree rise from 53.8 % to 60.5 %. The study also explored the mechanisms responsible for oxidation behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for obtaining the MAX phase Ti 2 AlC from TiC, Al 4 C 3 , and Ti precursors has been demonstrated, involving activation of the mixture in a high-energy ball mill (HEBM) followed by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). The phase composition, mechanical characteristics, surface microstructure, and electrochemical behavior in neutral media (0.1 M Na 2 SO 4) of heterogeneous composite ceramic materials TiC/Ti 2 AlC were studied as a function of sintering temperature (1200–1400 °C). SPS at 1200 °C yields materials with a relative density of 94.42 % and Ti 2 AlC mass content up to 57 %. These composite materials exhibit capacitive behavior according to cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data, with a capacitance of 73 mF/g, suggesting their potential application as lead-free ceramic capacitors. Further increase in sintering temperature (1300–1400 °C) leads to increased electrical resistance and enhanced sample homogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-step hydrothermal deposition of zinc-oxide (ZnO) nanorods was used to functionalize carbon fiber textiles in order to produce increased hydrophilicity on fiber surface. On carbon fiber textiles, tightly packed ZnO nanorods developed after five seed cycles and 5 h of growth treatment in a 30 mM precursor salt based on the hydrothermal synthesis. Extensive characterizations have been performed on field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, High resolution transmission electron microscopy, Photoluminescence spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy to assess the different aspects such as structural, morphological, elemental, and wettability of the plain and ZnO-modified carbon fiber textiles. ZnO nanomaterial having hexagonal nanorods shape and wurtzite crystalline structure were uniformly deposited on the fabrics. Owing to the wettability study, ZnO prisms improved the hydrophilicity of virgin carbon fiber textiles to enable strong bonds with polymer matrix. The findings highlight the significant improvement in the static water contact angle as a result of the samples' ZnO coating's ability to reduce surface free energy. The improved hydrophilicity in carbon fiber may enhance the bonding between carbon fibers and matrix materials in composite materials. Hydrophilic carbon fibers are more easily wetted by the matrix materials, allowing for better penetration of the matrix into the fiber structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the characteristics of wettability, activation energy for sintering, evolution of phase structure, and behavior during the low-temperature sintering process of B 2 O 3 -La 2 O 3 -MgO-TiO 2 (BLMT) glass/Li 2 Zn 3 Ti 4 O 12 ceramic composites for low temperature co-fried ceramics technology (LTCC). As the BLMT glass content increases from 0 to 10 wt%, the average sintering activation energy (Ea) of the composite decreases from 450 ± 8 to 356 ± 37 kJ/mol. There are two phases the primary Li 2 Zn 3 Ti 4 O 12 phase and the secondary LaBO 3 phase, the latter precipitates from the BLMT glass after sintering at 700 °C. This indicates that BLMT glass promotes the sintering of Li 2 Zn 3 Ti 4 O 12 ceramic below 900 °C. In composites containing 20 wt% or more glass, sintering is governed by both liquid-phase sintering and reactive viscous sintering. As the BLMT glass content increases, the impact of viscous flow on the densification process becomes more pronounced. Simultaneously, when the glass content is greater than 20 wt%, the glass precipitates LaBO 3 , TiO 2 , and MgLaB 5 O 10 phases between 700 and 750 °C. After 850 °C, the glass melts and reacts with Li 2 Zn 3 Ti 4 O 12 phase to produce a new TiO 2 phase. Accordingly, the activation energy (Ea) of sintering the composite material increases from 393 ± 17 to 667 ± 1 kJ/mol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenide-based functional composites materials demonstrated tunable dielectric properties and heterogeneous interface design, which has been widely studied in electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption field. Herein, Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived carbon coating copper selenide (Cu 2-X Se@C) composites were successfully fabricated by using the Cu-MOFs as precursor. After reacting with the gaseous Se in the selenization annealing process, the metal host was converted into the Cu 2-X Se nanoparticles, where embodied in the carbon matrix transformed from the organic linker. Based on the tunning dielectric property and building heterogeneous interface, MOFs-derived Cu 2-X Se@C composites displayed outstanding EM wave absorption performance. Though the conduction loss, interfacial and dipole polarization behaviors, the minimum reflection loss (RL min) value of Cu 2-X Se@C-600 composites reached to −74.3 dB at 11.7 GHz when the thickness is 2.0 mm. The efficient absorption bandwidth (EAB) can be regulated via controlling the applied thickness. When the thickness is 2.3 mm, above-mentioned Cu 2-X Se@C-600 got the broadest absorption performance with the EAB of 5.5 GHz from the 7.7–13.2 GHz, covering the whole X-band. Therefore, MOFs-derived selenide-based composites shed a new design strategy for constructing broadband EM wave absorption, especially in radar stealth applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave absorbing properties of polymer composites based on core-shell fillers with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene core and GNP-carbonyl iron, GNP-cobalt oxide Co 3 O 4 , GNP-micro-sized MoS 2 , and GNP-barium hexaferrite BaFe 12 O 19 hybrid shells were investigated in the frequency range of 40–60 GHz. Scanning electron microscopy sizing of the constituent particles in the composites showed the characteristic dimension of micron for Fe particles while Co 3 O 4 and BaFe 12 O 19 particles are found to be much smaller (nanometer-sized); MoS 2 particles mostly form agglomerates and have diverse shapes and varying from 70 nm to 3–4 μm sizes. The shielding properties of composite materials (CMs) with 30 wt % Fe (Co 3 O 4 ,MoS 2 , BaFe 12 O 19) + C wt. % GNP/PEwith the GNP concentration c in the range of 1–5 wt% of nanocarbon are weakly frequency dependent. But the analyzed composites interaction with the electromagnetic radiation reveals significant influence of both the nanocarbon content and the additional dielectric or magnetic component type in the shell materials on the shielding parameters. The calculated values of the effective absorption coefficients A eff for the investigated composites with different hybrid shells have shown that at 3 wt % GNP in the composite with 30 % Co 3 O 4 A eff increases greatly and reaches 0.75, exceeding the correspondent values for the 30%BaFe 12 O 19 +GNP system. The primary contribution of absorption to the shielding characteristics of the investigated polymer CMs based on core-shell fillers with hybrid shells constitutes good prospects of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient photocatalytic materials for environmental remediation is of paramount importance. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of novel bentonite-titanium dioxide quantum dot (BEN-TiQD) nanocomposites for the photodegradation of Brilliant Green S, a prominent industrial pollutant. The nanocomposites were prepared via a co-precipitation method, ensuring uniform dispersion of TiO 2 nanoparticles on the bentonite (BEN) surface, followed by heat treatment to achieve optimal crystallinity and surface properties. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including FTIR, XRD, SEM, BET surface area analysis, and optical spectroscopy, were employed to elucidate the structural, morphological, and photophysical characteristics of the composites. The BEN-TiQD nanocomposites exhibited an augmented surface area of 277.75 m2/g, surpassing BEN alone by more than threefold, and an intermediate bandgap of 3.17 eV, rendering them suitable for visible light absorption and photocatalytic applications. The photocatalytic efficacy of BEN-TiQD was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of Brilliant Green S under various operational parameters. The nanocomposites demonstrated superior photocatalytic performance, with a rate constant of 22.24 × 10−3 s−1, significantly only lower than TiQD (28.32 × 10−3 s−1) by nearly about 21.5 %. The enhanced activity was attributed to the quantum size effect of the incorporated TiO 2 quantum dots, optimizing light absorption and charge separation. Mechanistic studies revealed the generation of reactive oxygen species, particularly hydroxyl radicals, as the primary drivers of dye degradation. The reusability of BEN-TiQD was evaluated through multiple photocatalytic cycles, exhibiting remarkable stability for up to six consecutive cycles. However, a gradual decline in photodegradation efficiency was observed after prolonged sunlight exposure, likely due to particle agglomeration and reduced surface area. This research contributes to the field of environmental remediation by developing a novel composite material that synergistically combines the adsorptive properties of BEN with the photocatalytic capabilities of titanium dioxide quantum dots. The findings pave the way for further exploration and optimization of these composites for sustainable and efficient treatment of industrial dyes and effluents, addressing critical environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces an innovative Broadband Ultrasonic Transducer employing a Nested Composite Structure with Gradient Acoustic Impedance, significantly enhancing the performance in medical diagnostics and non-destructive testing. The developed transducer, based on a unique nested PZT/epoxy composite design, achieves an optimized acoustic impedance gradient from 36.56 MRayls to 4.53 MRayls. This strategic design effectively addresses the impedance mismatch, a long-standing challenge in ultrasonic imaging. Rigorous Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using PZFlex software indicates that the transducer offers a −6 dB bandwidth of 69.31%, a substantial improvement over the existing models. Experimental results corroborate with theoretical predictions, demonstrating enhanced bandwidth (∼71.24%) and transmission efficiency. This advancement highlights the potential of gradient impedance in fabricating high-performance ultrasonic transducers, setting a new benchmark for ultrasonic imaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of science and technology, the application of electronic products is extensive, and it is developing in the direction of miniaturization, integration, and high performance. However, the development of electronic products is limited due to capacitors low energy storage density. This study selects inorganic nanoparticles with high dielectric constant as fillers and polyvinylidene fluoride as the matrix of composite materials. It adopts a layer-by-layer casting method to prepare multilayer Ba 0.6 Sr 0.4 TiO 3 /PVDF composites. It is found that the dielectric and energy storage performances of the multilayer composites doped with Ba 0.6 Sr 0.4 TiO 3 are improved compared with the pure PVDF polymer films after the electrical properties test. A multi-layer composite material with a gradient distribution of fillers was designed and prepared to improve the energy storage density. The energy storage density of multilayer composites with a favorable gradient structure can reach up to 9.3 J/cm3 at 300 kV/mm. By analyzing the improved storage density mechanism, the results show that the design of the multilayer gradient structure can significantly reduce the electric field's local concentration, inhibit the formation of conductive paths, and significantly improve the composites' energy storage density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing the effective and lightweight materials for microwave absorption, graphene holds a bright promise because of its excellent electrical properties and low density, but it suffers from poor impedance matching; while the hollow glass microspheres on the other hand have extremely low density and are dielectric. Their synergistic combination could achieve a perfect impedance matching and thus create a novel lightweight absorption composite. The metamaterial structure absorber can efficiently absorb electromagnetic waves over a wide frequency range. This study employs a hydrothermal method to deposit graphene onto the surfaces of hollow glass microspheres, followed by the design of a metamaterial absorber. Upon coating with graphene flakes, the composite material effectively dissipates electromagnetic wave energy through mechanisms such as interfacial polarization, dielectric loss, and the multiple scattering effects of hollow glass microspheres and graphene flakes. The composite exhibits an effective absorption bandwidth up to 4.02 GHz under a graphene flakes mass fraction of 30 %. More importantly, the incorporation of the metamaterial absorber design further significantly enhances the absorption bandwidth to 7.7 GHz. This material demonstrates significant advantages in terms of lightweight and broadband absorption performance, providing new insights for the research of high-performance lightweight and wideband absorbing materials in the future. However, further investigation is required to examine its long-term stability and performance in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a thermally stable spherical NiMOF was introduced into MgH 2 to enhance its hydrogen storage performance. The NiMOF was synthesized via a solvothermal method, and MgH 2 -x wt.% NiMOF (x = 3, 5, 10, 15) composites were prepared by ball milling. The MgH 2 -10 wt% NiMOF composite showed the best performance, with a maximum hydrogen storage capacity of 6.4 wt% under 4.2 MPa at 548 K. It absorbed 4.0 wt% H 2 in 5 min and 5.2 wt% in 30 min at 548 K and 3.1 MPa. The composite demonstrated excellent cyclic stability, retaining 5.0 wt% capacity after 10 cycles. Activation energies were 64.74 kJ/mol for hydrogenation and 119.596 kJ/mol for dehydrogenation. Major highlights of this study. (1) The thermally stable NiMOF material can withstand temperatures up to 709 K. (2) NiMOF enhances the hydrogen absorption and desorption kinetics of MgH 2. (3) The stable structure of NiMOF imparts excellent cycling stability to the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphite-based composite materials have emerged as a crucial alternative to traditional flake graphite for optimizing the performance of Al 2 O 3 -SiC-C (ASC) castables after decarburization. In this paper, high wetting SiC@C composites powder was prepared via a sol-gel method combined with a carbothermal reduction reaction, and its effect on the oxidation behavior of ASC castables is explored. The results showed that SiC@C composites was synthesized under microwave conditions at 1000 °C, forming a structure where SiC whiskers are coated. And its contact angle with water decreases from 107° to 35°. Upon incorporation into ASC castables, the SiC whiskers within the sample continued to grow and develop with increasing addition of graphite-based composite materials. At a 2 wt% addition, the SiC whiskers began to form a cylindrical structure. Simultaneously, both the cold crushing strength and cold modulus of rupture exhibited a gradual increase. At the optimal 2 wt% addition, these values reached their maximum, 79.5 MPa and 11.4 MPa, respectively. The substitution of graphite-based composite materials also conferred good oxidation resistance to the ASC samples. Under oxidizing atmosphere conditions, the SiC whiskers on the composite material's surface facilitated the formation of a SiO 2 coating layer, which impeded the contact between oxygen and graphite, thereby enhancing the oxidation resistance of the material. Consequently, the oxidation index was reduced from 75.58 % to 42.71 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the overuse of antibiotics has escalated bacterial infections into an increasingly severe global health threat. Developing non-antibiotic treatments has emerged as a promising strategy for treating bacterial infections. Notably, nanozyme-based composite materials have garnered growing interest. Therefore, the efficient preparation of nanozyme is important. Herein, we have presented an efficient method to prepare Fe-based nanozyme through polymerization-induced self-assembly assay to kill bacteria efficiently, which could significantly enhance the healing of infected wounds. Through polymerization-induced self-assembly assay, a large number of uniformly sized micelles, bearing imidazole groups, could be efficiently prepared. These nanoparticles subsequently chelate with Fe ions, followed by pyrolysis and etching processes, resulting in the production of uniformly small-sized nanozymes with high adsorption activity in the near-infrared region. The composite materials could effectively eradicate bacteria via a synergistic strategy of photothermal and catalytic therapies under infected microenvironments. In vivo animal models with full-thickness wounds showed that combination therapy not only eradicates 98 % of the bacteria but also significantly accelerates wound healing. This work underscores the utility of polymerization-induced self-assembly in the preparation of nanozymes and reveals promising applications of nanozymes in wound healing. This research introduces a functional nanozyme with photothermal activity, synthesized through polymerization-induced self-assembly, offering a promising non-antibiotic strategy to combat bacterial infections. This strategy enhances wound healing by combining photothermal and catalytic therapies, effectively eradicating drug-resistant bacteria while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Our findings hold significant implications for the development of advanced antibacterial treatments and offer a robust assay to prepare nanozyme with small sizes. The prepared functional nanoparticles have a potential in wound healing, addressing a critical need in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass sealing materials applied in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) are prone to excessive softening and outflow at high temperatures, while cracks tend to form upon cooling. To address these challenges, this study develops mullite fiber reinforced glass sealing materials based on K 2 O–Na 2 O–CaO–BaO–SiO 2 silicate glass, incorporating varying amounts of mullite fibers. The mechanical properties, phase structural transformations, and microstructural changes of these composite sealing materials are thoroughly investigated. The fibers form a network skeletal structure within the sealing material, enhancing the material's strength and high-temperature thermal stability. By incorporating 10% mullite fibers, the G10 sealing material, as compared to pure glass, exhibits a 44% increase in flexural strength and an 85% improvement in maximum strain value. Additionally, G10 boasts a thermal expansion coefficient of 10.25 × 10−6 K−1, demonstrating excellent chemical compatibility with interconnect and achieving tight adhesion at the interface. Most importantly, G10 possesses superior sealing capabilities, maintaining its gastightness even after undergoing 1000 h and 7 thermal cycles without any degradation. • The mullite fiber improves the strength and toughness of the sealing materials. • Mullite fiber form a support structure in the glass and prevent the glass flowing out. • The additional mullite fiber significantly hindered the chromium diffusion at the sealant/interconnect interface. • The leakage rate of the mullite fiber-glass composited sealing material is less than 0.002 sccm cm−1. • The sealant remain gas tightness after 1000 h at 750 °C and 7 thermal cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a composite material comprised of inner ternary TiO 2 /CaTi 4 O 9 /CaTiO 3 nanoparticles and outer reduced graphene oxide (RGO) layer was fabricated and further applied as the photocatalyst for hydrogen production and Cr(VI) reduction. The PL result shows that the intimate interface between RGO and TiO 2 /CaTi 4 O 9 /CaTiO 3 composite can effectively promote the transfer of electrons (e - ), thus reducing its recombination on TiO 2 /CaTi 4 O 9 /CaTiO 3 , which provides much more electrons for H 2 production and the Cr (VI) reduction reactions. A remarkable improvement in H 2 production and Cr (VI) reduction were achieved over TiO 2 /CaTi 4 O 9 /CaTiO 3 modified with RGO. Notably, with optimum RGO content, the 1.0 wt%RGO-TiO 2 /CaTi 4 O 9 /CaTiO 3 showed the best H 2 production performance of 34.78 mmol h−1 g−1, which is 15.09 and 6.86 times higher than TiO 2 and CaTiO 3 , respectively. Moreover, an excellent Cr (VI) reduction rate of 53.79% was also achieved over 1.0 wt%RGO-TiO 2 /CaTi 4 O 9 /CaTiO 3 , which is 4.82 and 5.55 times higher than that of TiO 2 and CaTiO 3 , respectively. • Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) surface-modified TiO 2 /CaTi 4 O 9 /CaTiO 3 composite was synthesized. • The electron transfer to the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and reduced charge recombination has been investigated. • RGO-TiO 2 /CaTi 4 O 9 /CaTiO 3 composite showed excellent photocatalytic performance in both H 2 production and Cr(VI) reduction. • A dual-Z-scheme was established in the ternary composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, ZrB 2 -SiC-ZrC (ZSZ) composite powders with molar ratios C/(B + Zr + Si) = 1.5, 1.9 and 2.4 were obtained by sol-gel method and boro/carbothermal reduction reaction. Meanwhile, the impact of heat treatment temperature (1100 °C–1600 °C) and holding time (1 h–2.5 h) on the resulting powders were studied. The results showed that the ZSZ powder precursors were first completely converted to ZrO 2 , SiO 2 , B 2 O 3 and pyrolytic carbon after heat treatment at 1200 °C under the optimized molar ratio (2.4) and holding time (2.5 h). Then, the transformed oxidation products and pyrolytic carbon were completely transformed into ZSZ composite powders after optimized heat treatment at 1500 °C. The synthesized ZSZ composite powders are characterized by the core-shell structure, in which ZSZ particles act as the inner core are encapsulated by the low-crystalline ZrB 2 phase as the outer shell to form a core shell structure. The ZSZ composite ceramic materials prepared using the core-shell structural powders have excellent ablative properties in the range of 2000 °C, with the mass and line ablation rate of −3.5 × 10−4 g/cm3 and 2.39 × 10−3 mm/s, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiative cooling is promising in meeting the current global demand for green sustainable development. However, the effective cooling of the existing radiant cooler will be limited due to the serious solar energy absorption and poor thermal insulation performance on the cold side. To addresss these issues, we propose herein a novel composite material of silicon dioxide (SiO 2) aerogel microspheres combined with polyvinylidene fluoride-cohexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) nanofiber membrane, in which SiO 2 aerogel microspheres are firstly synthesized by sol-gel method and then incorporated into PVDF-HFP nanofiber membrane to give radiative cooling performance. As we expected, the molecular vibration characteristics of PVDF-HFP nanofiber membrane and the phonon polarization resonance of Si-O-Si bond in the transparent window can enhance the infrared emissivity of the membrane surface. In addition, the high porosity and the mesoporous structure formed by the interconnection of nano-network skeletons of SiO 2 aerogel microspheres determine its excellent thermal insulation performance. The as-prepared material displays that the average solar reflectance of the composite membrane is 96.07 % and the average infrared emissivity of the atmospheric window is 94.95 %. Notably, when the average solar radiation intensity is 885.56 W•m−2, the passive radiative cooling temperature during the day can reach 11.2 °C. Furthermore, this material has excellent self-cleaning and thermal insulation performance, making it a potential radiant cooling candidate in many fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global focus on electromagnetic interference and pollution is undeniable. To counter these challenges, high-performance microwave-absorbing materials (MAMs), typically composed of dielectric and magnetic components, offer effective solutions by ensuring favorable impedance matching. Leveraging these MAMs has proven beneficial across various sectors, including 5G technology, information security, energy harvesting, diminished radar cross-section, and advancements in military applications. We successfully synthesized composites of La 1.5 Sr 0.5 NiO 4 (LSNO) and SrFe 12 O 19 (SrM) composites through ball milling and heat treatment. With the escalation of SrM weight percentage in the composites, noticeable alteration in structural, morphological, and static magnetic characteristics was ensured. Moreover, the amalgamation of these components bolstered the EM properties, consequently yielding exceptional microwave absorption capabilities in the composites. The composites with 40, 60, and 80 wt% of SrM (named S4, S6, and S8) exhibited excellent microwave absorption performance with an absorption rate of over 99.9 % for a thin thickness. The S4 and S8 composites attained reflection loss (RL) values of −34.75 dB and −36.93 dB, with 2.0 and 1.6 mm thicknesses, respectively. Meanwhile, the S6 composite achieved an RL value of −44.24 dB with a thickness of 1.9 mm. These composites' outstanding microwave absorption performance can be attributed to their significant magnetic loss, remarkable dielectric loss, and synergistic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile-based SrAl 2 O 4 (SAO): Eu2+, Dy3+ composite material offers functional, aesthetic, and safety benefits, making it a valuable innovation with diverse applications in various industries. The susceptibility of textile-based SAO: Eu2+, Dy3+ composite material is degraded with repeated washing, which can diminish its luminescent properties over time. Our major goal was to create a cloth with durable photoluminescent qualities by incorporating waterborne polyurethane (WPU) as a protective coating that could generate light constantly without a light source. Through a systematic approach involving the synthesis of photoluminescent SAO: Eu2+, Dy3+ particles and their integration into a cloth substrate with waterborne polyurethane, a durable cloth with enhanced durability, protection, and adhesion properties are achieved. Cotton fabric and a rotary screen-printing machine were used to apply a thin, translucent layer of glow-in-the-dark pigment to produce the photoluminescence characteristics of the developed cloth revealing efficient light absorption and emission behavior, with emission spectra centered around absorption wavelength between 560 nm and 880 nm, with a 500 nm emission peak, exhibiting of the presence of Eu2+ and Dy3+ activator ions. In addition, to assess the comfort of the treated cotton fabric, a fabroOmeter test was conducted, that provided insights into its overall comfort level. Furthermore, the cloth demonstrates excellent stability and longevity of photoluminescence under various environmental conditions, making it suitable for applications requiring high visibility, safety signage, decorative elements, and apparel wear. This research underscores the potential of polyurethane-enhanced photoluminescent textiles as versatile and sustainable solutions for diverse practical applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, x ZrB 2 -AlCoCrFeNi (x = 0,5,10,15) (wt%) based high entropy alloy (HEA) composites were prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). The influence of ceramic particle ZrB 2 content on the densification behavior, microstructural evolution, and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and mechanical performance testing. The results indicate that the HEA composites undergo a phase transformation, from (FCC + BCC + B2) structure to (FCC + BCC + B2+Laves) structure with the addition of ZrB 2. The incorporation of ZrB 2 facilitates the emergence of the Cr precipitate phase, and the grain size of this phase enlarges as the ZrB 2 content rises. Additionally, when the ZrB 2 content is 10 %, the maximum compressive strength reached 2071 MPa. Furthermore, at the ZrB 2 content of 15 %, the composite material achieves a maximum densification of 99.13 % and a maximum hardness of 1222.2 HV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiCp/Al composites are widely used in the aerospace field due to their excellent properties. However, the huge difference in the properties of silicon carbide and aluminum matrix materials can easily lead to machining defects. Ultrasonic vibration-assisted machining is an effective method to deal with difficult-to-machine materials. In this study, ultrasonic elliptical vibration is applied to the helical milling of SiCp/Al composites. Firstly, the ultrasonic elliptical vibration-assisted helical milling (UEVHM) cutting-edge trajectory is modeled, and the equation of the UEVHM tool-chip separation condition is established, which lays a foundation for the analysis of the cutting mechanism. Then, the influence of ultrasonic elliptical vibration on the removal mechanism of SiCp/Al composites was investigated by finite element simulation. It was found that UEVHM can reduce the tearing of aluminum matrix and reduce the hole damage by changing the direction of the cutting velocity and the relative position of the cutting edge and particles. Finally, the single-factor experiment was carried out, and the surface morphology and roughness of HM and UEVHM were compared. The influence of process parameters on the surface roughness of UEVHM was analyzed. The experimental results show that compared with HM, UEVHM can reduce surface defects and exit damage, to obtain better surface roughness and exit edge quality. The increase in cutting speed can reduce the roughness, and the increase in pitch and revolution speed will increase the surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donor-doped SrNb 2 O 6 -based materials are regarded as highly promising candidates for high-temperature thermoelectric applications. The Sr 0.6 La 0.4 Nb 2 O 6-δ /x wt% Ti (x = 1, 5, 10, 15) composite ceramics thermoelectric materials were prepared and the mechanism for enhancing their thermoelectric properties was investigated. The experimental results demonstrate that during sintering, nano-additive titanium powder undergoes oxidation to form TiO 2. The inclusion of a secondary phase ultimately leads to successful reduction in electrical resistivity within the composite oxides. Due to crystal defects, complex structure and phonon scattering at grain boundaries, the samples consistently exhibit low thermal conductivity values below 3.0 W m−1K−1. Among them, the sample doped with 10 wt% Ti shows the highest PF value (470.0 μW/mK2 at 1073 K), demonstrating a significant increase in power factor of 280 % compared to Sr 0.6 La 0.4 Nb 2 O 6 without the Ti composite. Consequently, the Sr 0.6 La 0.4 Nb 2 O 6-δ /10 wt% Ti composite material achieved a maximum ZT value of 0.20, representing a fifty-three percent enhancement compared to the undoped sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents a novel hybrid model that integrates a physical-based empirical model with an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to accurately predict the longitudinal modulus of elasticity for composites under compression. The study focuses on a composite material with a pore inclusion within an ABS plastic matrix, exploring various pore volumes, orientations, and shapes. As part of the proposed hybrid model, a regression-type neural network was trained in MATLAB® to predict and correct discrepancies between the Generalized Stiffness Formulation (GSF) homogenization-based modeling method and the collected compression experimental test results. Using MATLAB® neural network, random error datasets were used to train the feed-forward neural network, and the remaining error datasets were used for validating the performance of the proposed hybrid modeling scheme. The hybrid model demonstrated superior performance, achieving the lowest Mean Error (ME) of 0.1684864, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 1.051846, Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 3.500952, and highest R-squared of 0.998797. The proposed hybrid model outperformed both the Generalized Stiffness Formulation (GSF) and standalone ANN models. The significant improvement in prediction accuracy underscores the novelty and robustness of the hybrid approach in composite material modeling. Furthermore, this method can be used to refine any existing physical model by focusing on improving these established models to match experimental results and reducing the discrepancies, which offers a more efficient and attractive strategy for accurate predictions.   • Developed framework to improve accuracy in composites homogenization modeling. • Revealed new insights using AI, analytical, and numerical modeling techniques. • Validated findings with AI, analytical methods, and experimental testing of composites. • Advanced knowledge in modeling through artificial intelligence. • Provided solutions to reduce modeling inaccuracies across various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Ge4+ was incorporated into the ceramic matrix of nickel-based anode materials, synthesizing anode materials NiO-Gd 0.1 Ce 0.9-x Ge x O 1.95 (x = 0.01, 0.04, 0.07) and NiO-Ce 0.9 Gd 0.1 O 2–δ. Corresponding anode support samples were also prepared, designated as A-C GDC , A-C 1Ge , A-C 4Ge , and A-C 7Ge. Additionally, single cell samples using the newly co-doped anode materials were prepared, identified as C-C GDC , C-C 1Ge , C-C 4Ge , and C-C 7Ge. The research indicates that after doping the ceramic phase framework with Ge4+, these composite anode materials exhibit the potential to withstand more redox cycles than C-CGDC without catastrophic mechanical structural damage or degradation in electrochemical performance. Particularly, after incorporating 7mol% Ge4+ into the ceramic backbone, the issue of 86 % strain accumulation in the anode support was mitigated. Additionally, the ion doping ratio is closely linked to the stability of the single cell samples, with the A-C 7Ge sample able to withstand up to 11 extreme recycling sessions at 700 °C without complete structural failure, improving structural stability by approximately 57 % compared to A-C 1Ge. In terms of electrochemical output performance, the impedance of C-C 1Ge prior to complete failure was nearly double that before oxidation-reduction, with a maximum power density reduction of about 26.47 %. As the co-doping concentration in the ceramic phase reached 7mol%, the impedance increase during single cell cycle testing was about four times smaller, with C-C 7Ge 's impedance before mechanical failure only 37 % higher than before cycling, and a reduction in maximum power density of just 11.11 %. Moreover, during consecutive cycling tests, the average damage to the open-circuit voltage was only 0.02V, showing almost no negative impact from the cycling operations, and it maintained efficient output performance after multiple cycles. Therefore, the newly synthesized nickel-based anode materials, modified via co-doping methods within the ceramic phase, can be considered as potential composite anode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiO 2 aerogel and its composite materials are considered as promising high-temperature thermal insulation materials due to their high porosity, low density and low thermal conductivity. However, a major obstacle for their application in nuclear power systems is the currently insufficient mechanism of the radiation effect. This study therefore aimed to investigated the changes in the microstructure, hydrophobic properties and thermal insulation properties of aerogel and ultrafine glass fiber reinforced aerogel composite (uGF/SiO 2 aerogel) before and after γ-radiation, and explore the mechanism of the γ-radiation effect of aerogel materials. With an increase in cumulative radiation dose, the microstructure of aerogel suffered significant radiation damage, causing a gradual increase in crystallinity and thermal conductivity. When the cumulative dose reached 1700 kGy, the nanoparticles in the aerogel agglomerated and crystallized significantly, leading to an approximately 30 % increase in thermal conductivity. Notably, at the radiation of 1700 kGy, the uGF/SiO 2 aerogel exhibited excellent structure stability, with a thermal conductivity of 31.60 mW/m·K, which was 3.27 % higher than that of unirradiated sample. This indicated the uGF/SiO 2 aerogel exhibited excellent thermal performance and thermal stability even after γ-radiation. The study on the radiation effect of aerogel materials offers valuable insights for the composition optimization of aerogel used in nuclear power applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic matrix composites (CMC) possess numerous distributed pore structures created during manufacturing, which can function as microchannels for fluid flow. This study examines the internal pores evolution process of C/SiC composites through in-situ X-ray computed tomography at varying temperatures. Visualize and analyze the three-dimensional geometric morphology and evolution behavior of composite materials at various temperatures through CT image reconstruction. Simultaneously, the pore network model was employed to model the microchannel structure of composite materials at different temperatures, extracting material pore characteristic parameters. The results suggest a close relationship between the mechanical properties of samples at different temperatures and their internal evolution behavior. The pore network model can identify the material's pore characteristic parameters and forecast the evolution trend of its permeability characteristics at varying temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present article, facile and novel synthesis of Cu 2 MnSnS 4 /reduced-graphene (CMTS/rGO) nanocomposites is achieved. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were explored to test the supposed formation. CMTS semiconductors grow within a tetragonal symmetry and rGO crystallize into hexagonal phase. CMTS particle size is very small having dimensions around 10–12 nm and corroborates with the average particle size calculated from the SEM. The TEM micrograph of rGO consists ∼10 nm thick nanosheets. The composite materials exhibit 2D morphology with 17 nm thick rGO nanosheets holding CMTS quantum dots (9 nm). Electronic structure modulations with rGO specify the replication of energy band gaps with experimental agreements. Photocatalytic activity against malachite green (MG) enhances from 74 % (CMTS) to 95 % (CMTS/rGO). In addition, the electrochemical measurements demonstrate the specific capacitance for 10 % CMTS/rGO (870 F/g) is about four times larger than that of pure CMTS (268 F/g). Our results prompt the evidence of possible applications and further research in photocatalysis via graphene reduction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sagger, primarily composed of aluminum-silicon, serves as an essential vessel in the sintering process of ternary lithium battery anode materials (LiNi x Co y Mn 1-x-y O 2 , LNCM). However, the acidic oxide SiO 2 in the sagger material readily reacts with Li 2 O in the cathode material, forming substances such as LiAlO 2 or LiAlSiO 4 , resulting in volume expansion, which makes the sagger spalled and damaged. In this study, β-Al 2 O 3 –MgAl 2 O 4 multiphase materials with excellent alkali resistance were prepared using the high-temperature solid-state method. The effects of anhydrous sodium carbonate content and heat treatment temperature on the properties of the composites were investigated, and the thermal shock resistance of the specimens was evaluated by the water-rapid-cooling method, as well as the LNCM corrosion resistance of the specimens was evaluated by the static crucible method. The results showed that the overall performance of the specimens was the best at a anhydrous sodium carbonate content of 6 wt%, with a compressive strength of 57.50 MPa and a flexural strength of 42.49 MPa after firing at 1600 °C for 4 h. The strength retention of the specimens was 33.21 % after one thermal shock at a thermal shock temperature of 900 °C. The specimens showed excellent resistance to erosion as there were no obvious erosion traces on the surface of the specimens after undergoing five cycles of erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites consisting of two nano-or molecular-scale components tend to exhibit newer properties or characterizations compared to the matrix material. However, they are extremely limited in thermoelectricity due to the difficulty of achieving an extremely homogeneous distribution of the material on such a small scale. In this paper, we successfully prepared a series of composite thermoelectric materials of Sr 0.9 La 0.1 Ti 0.85 Nb 0.15 O 3 /carbon nanotubes (CNTs, with contents of 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 5.0 wt%). Highly homogeneous dispersion of CNTs was observed in the strontium titanate oxide (SrTiO 3) matrix prepared via high-temperature and high-pressure (HPHT) synthesis due to the interaction between SrTiO 3 and multi-walled CNTs. The experimental results showed that CNTs were uniformly dispersed in the composite powders synthesized using the HPHT method. Meanwhile, the electrical conductivity increased linearly with the increase in the CNTs content. The power factor reached 684 μWm−1K−2 at 973K with 2.5 wt% CNTs composite concentration. This considerable enhancement is attributed to the increase in the charge carrier concentration as well as the higher electron mobility. In addition, the lattice thermal conductivity was suppressed due to enhanced Umklapp scattering. This ultimately leads to a thermoelectric figure of merit, zT , of 0.33 at 973 K. This work opens a new window on the thermoelectric properties of nanocomposite SrTiO 3 -based thermoelectric materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental resin composites' performance is intricately linked to their polymerisation shrinkage characteristics. This study compares polymerisation shrinkage using advanced 3D micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and traditional 2D linear assessments. It delves into the crucial role of filler content on shrinkage and the degree of conversion in dental resin composites, providing valuable insights for the field. Five experimental dental composite materials were prepared with increasing filler contents (55–75 wt%) and analysed using either 3D micro-CT for volumetric shrinkage or a custom-designed linometer for 2D linear shrinkage. The degree of conversion was assessed using Optical Photothermal Infrared (O-PTIR) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Light transmittance through a 2-mm layer was evaluated using a NIST-calibrated spectrometer. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) examined surface morphology and elemental distribution. Correlation between the investigated parameters was determined using Spearman correlation analyses. The study found significant differences in polymerisation-related properties among different filler content categories, with volumetric shrinkage consistently demonstrating higher mean values than linear shrinkage across most groups. Volumetric shrinkage decreased with increasing curing depth, showing no direct correlation between filler content and shrinkage levels at different curing depths. The results highlighted a strong negative correlation between filler content and degree of conversion, volumetric and linear shrinkage, as well as maximum shrinkage rate. Light transmittance showed a moderate correlation with the filler content and a weak correlation with other tested parameters. This study underscores the importance of considering both volumetric and linear shrinkage in the design and analysis of dental composite materials. The findings advocate optimising filler content to minimise shrinkage and enhance material performance. Integrating micro-CT and O-PTIR techniques offers novel insights into dental composites' polymerisation behaviour, providing a foundation for future research to develop materials with improved clinical outcomes. • 3D micro-CT and O-PTIR spectroscopy provide novel insights into dental composite polymerisation. • Filler content significantly influences polymerisation shrinkage and degree of conversion. • Volumetric shrinkage was consistently higher than linear shrinkage in most experimental groups. • Increasing filler content reduced shrinkage and improved material performance. • Integration of micro-CT and O-PTIR techniques advances understanding of dental composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the fabrication of graphene/Al laminate composites was achieved for the first time using the pulse current diffusion bonding method. A complete bonding interface without obvious defects was obtained under the conditions of 530 °C for 10min. The electron backscatter diffraction results revealed that the Al alloy recrystallized under the action of Joule heat, and fine grains were formed at the graphene/Al bonding interface. The transmission electron microscopy results showed that the bonding interface of graphene/Al was composed of graphene/amorphous layer + nanocrystalline MgO and Al 2 O 3 /MgO/Al. This research offers novel insights into the preparation of graphene/metal layer-stack composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report on the tailored synthesis of nitrogen-(N)-doped carbon and iron-(Fe)-loaded N-doped carbon composites and their use for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), overall electrochemical water splitting, and supercapacitors. FE-SEM and HR-TEM analyses reveal that the developed composite material exhibits a core-shell structure with enhanced porosity upon Fe incorporation. By adjusting the ratio of Fe to N-doped carbon in the composites, it was identified that the catalyst 5Fe@NC demonstrates outstanding electrochemical activity alongside commendable stability. Specifically, the 5Fe@NC electrocatalyst achieves current densities of +10 mAcm−2 and -10 mAcm−2 in alkaline electrolyte with minimal overpotentials of 376 mV and 520 mV, respectively. Notably, impressive Tafel slopes of 84 mV/dec and 212 mV/dec for the OER and HER were obtained, indicating superior kinetic activity of the developed composite materials. As a supercapacitor, 5Fe@NC electrode material exhibits a measurable specific capacitance of 294 F/g at 0.5 A/g current density with excellent durability (78 % retention after 1000 charge-discharge cycles). Furthermore, we conducted assessments on stability, charge transfer resistance, and ECSA, yielding excellent outcomes. This work successfully demonstrates a highly effective dual-purpose electrocatalyst prepared from indole and furfural (heterocycles abundant in biomass), exhibiting excellent electrochemical activity and stability in facilitating HER and OER within alkaline electrolytes. Fabrication of N-doped carbon and Fe loaded N-doped carbon composite materials and their characterization. The developed electrocatalysts were used as working electrode for OER, HER, overall water splitting and supercapacitor to evaluate their activity as efficient electrode materials. [Display omitted] • Fabrication of Fe-encapsulated N-doped graphitic carbon composites. • 5Fe@NC electrocatalyst reveals excellent activities towards OER and HER in alkaline medium. • 5Fe@NC works as a bi-functional electrocatalyst for the overall water-splitting reaction. • 5Fe@NC shows excellent performance towards specific capacitance (294 F/g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using mechanical activation of an oxide mixture containing 0.2 wt% hexagonal boron nitride, followed by high-temperature firing (1400–1500 °C), we prepared single-phase (La 0.2 Nd 0.2 Ho 0.2 Lu 0.2 Y 0.2) 2 ZrO 5 ceramic, a high-entropy oxide (HEO) analog of Gd 2 ZrO 5 , whereas we failed to obtain single-phase Gd 2 ZrO 5 under similar conditions: the material consisted of two phases, with the fluorite and bixbyite structures, like in the case of conventional synthesis or coprecipitation in previous work. Thus, the use of the HEOs allowed us to obtain a phase-pure compound with the fluorite structure at a markedly lower synthesis temperature. An important role was played by 0.2 wt% hyperstoichiometric hexagonal BN additions, which ensured considerable amorphization of the starting oxides. The start powders and resulting ceramics were studied by X-ray diffraction, SEM analyses and conductivity was measured by impedance spectroscopy method in dry and wet air. The highest proton conductivity, ∼2.5 × 10−5 S/cm at 630 °C, was offered by the (La 0.2 Nd 0.2 Ho 0.2 Lu 0.2 Y 0.2) 2 ZrO 5 HEO ceramic. The use of HEO analogs of various compounds can be helpful for not only assessing thermodynamic properties of ceramics (reduction in synthesis and polymorphic transformation temperatures), but also preparing proton conductors when it is necessary to enhance hydrating properties of the cation sublattice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a mixture of TiH 2 , Al, B 4 C, and graphite powders with a molar ratio of 3+2 m/1.2/m/2-m (where m ranges from 0 to 0.25, with increments of 0.05), porous Ti 3 AlC 2 -TiB 2 composite ceramics were successfully synthesized through activated reaction sintering. The effect of B 4 C content on the phase composition, volumetric expansion, microstructure, and pore structure parameters (including pore size, porosity, and permeability) was systematically studied. When the molar ratio of B 4 C was less than 0.1, the volumetric expansion rate, average pore size, and permeability increased with the addition of B 4 C, reaching maximum values of −5.46 %, 2.23 μm, and 92.4 m3 m−2·10 kPa−1 h−1, respectively. Conversely, when the B 4 C molar ratio exceeded 0.1, the parameters related to the pore structure of the porous Ti 3 AlC 2 -TiB 2 composite ceramics decreased, with minimum values of −10.40 %, 1.46 μm, and 68 m3 m−2·10 kPa−1 h−1, respectively. In addition, the pore formation mechanism of the porous Ti 3 AlC 2 -TiB 2 composite ceramics was systematically explored. The revolution tendency of pores is related to the decomposition of TiH 2 , Kirkendall partial diffusion, diffusion between B and C, and the transition process of the final phase Ti 3 AlC 2 -TiB 2. This research work could provide a reference for the preparation of the MAX phase composite porous materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we studied the hydrogen permeability for a series of composite films based on the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate and nanoparticles of metal oxides, as well as graphene oxide. For comparative tests of physical, mechanical and gas transport characteristics, 5 samples of polymer films with various nano-sized fillers were obtained: graphene oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide, a mixture of graphene oxide and zinc oxide, a mixture of graphene oxide and tin oxide. For these film samples, scanning electron microscope photographs were taken of both the film itself and a transverse fracture of the film taken at liquid nitrogen temperature. Mechanical tensile tests were carried out to establish the strength and stiffness properties. Gas transport properties of composite membrane materials were determined using a barometric device and integral registration method. It has been shown that the highest values of ultimate strains were obtained for film samples with tin oxide nanoparticles and a mixture of zinc oxide and graphene oxide nanoparticles (over 500%). The highest value of the ultimate load was found for film samples with nanoparticles of zinc oxide and graphene oxide. Apparently, the presence of graphene oxide has some effect on the strengthening of dispersion-reinforced composites. The values of the hydrogen permeability coefficient for samples reinforced with ceramic nanoparticles of zinc oxide and tin oxide (17 and 15) are almost comparable to the value obtained when using graphene oxide (20). The use of the combined demonstrates the increase of the permeability coefficient: in the case of a tin oxide + graphene oxide filler, the permeability coefficient is 25 Barrer, and for a zinc oxide + graphene oxide filler, the permeability coefficient is 23 Barrer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite materials featuring metal oxides incorporated in 2D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have received significant attention as visible-light-driven photocatalysts to address wastewater treatment. In this study, pure (Ce 2 (MoO 4) 3) and indium-doped (In–Ce 2 (MoO 4) 3) cerium molybdate microstructures were fabricated by the facile coprecipitation route, and the nanocomposite of doped material with the 2D rGO (In–Ce 2 (MoO 4) 3 /rGO) by ultrasonication. The effect of indium-doping and composite formation on the microstructural, morphological, optical, electrical, surficial, and thermal properties of the cerium molybdate was investigated by various physical, spectroscopic, and electrochemical techniques. XRD results confirm the successful indium-doping in the host lattice. The photocatalytic potential of the fabricated photocatalysts was estimated by degrading methylene blue (MB) dye as a sample pollutant under visible light irradiation. The composite material exhibited enhanced photocatalytic degradation (k = 0.0355 min−1) of the MB dye in comparison to pure (k = 0.0096 min−1) and doped (0.0131 min−1) materials. This superior catalytic activity of the composite material is credited to the synergism arising from indium doping and composite formation, which extends the visible light absorption, suppresses the fast recombination of charges, and enhances the electrical conductivity of the photocatalyst. The present investigation reveals the promising photocatalytic potential of the as-fabricated composite material (In–Ce 2 (MoO 4) 3 /rGO) for degrading MB in aqueous media, offering an economical and sustainable strategy to address wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study, a BN f /SiBN composite was fabricated through precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) method. The oxidation resistance of the composite was investigated at different oxidation temperatures, focusing on the micro-structure evolution, the phase composition and oxidation kinetics of bare fibers versus fibers protected by the matrix under various oxidation states. The result indicates that the BN f /SiBN composite remains stable at 1100 °C in air atmosphere, while the fibers protected by matrix maintain their complete structure even at 1500 °C. Furthermore, we elucidated the oxidation mechanism of SiBN matrix: SiBN matrix undergoes a prior oxidation stage and transforms into amorphous SiO 2 and B 2 O 3 at high temperatures to impede the oxygen attachment to fibers while preserving the integrity of internal structure. The emergence of ultra-high temperature resistant BN f /SiBN composite and along with the exploration of oxidation behavior has opened up new approach for advancing radome material development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass-based sealing materials exhibit significant potential for utilization in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). We conducted a study on the impact of mullite fibers with varying particle sizes on glass composite sealing materials. We evaluated and discussed properties such as coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), softening temperature (Ts), gastightness, interfacial compatibility, and flexural strength of the sealing materials with different ranges of fiber particle sizes. Our findings indicate that the three different particle sizes of mullite fiber-glass composite sealing materials met the required coefficients of thermal expansion, displayed good interfacial compatibility, and exhibited gastightness lower than 0.0016 sccm cm−1. Notably, the mullite fiber-reinforced sealing material that underwent ball-milling for 1 h outperformed the other two variants. It demonstrated fewer defects, a 57.1 % increase in flexural strength, and a 117.4 % higher maximum strain value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor heterostructure composite materials, exemplified by p-n junctions, have garnered substantial interest for their elevated ionic conductivity, crucial in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The inherent built-in electric field (BIEF) within these materials enhances ion transport while hindering electron flow, thereby mitigating the risk of short circuits. This research focuses on the electronic conduction properties of p-n junctions, specifically through the development of high-performance LiCo 0.5 Al 0.5 O 2 (LCAO)-Ce 0.8 Sm 0.2 O 2-δ (SDC) semiconductor heterojunction composite electrolytes for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs). Experimental results demonstrate a correlation between the electrolyte's performance and the LCAO to SDC weight ratio. The SOFC equipped with a 3LCAO-7SDC electrolyte achieved an open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.1 V and a maximum power density (MPD) of 1013 mW/cm2 at 550 °C, significantly outperforming other composite ratios and single-phase SDC electrolytes, which only reached 453 mW/cm2 under identical conditions. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed the presence of non-uniform interfaces within these composites. Energy band structure analyses confirm superior ionic conductivity and effective charge separation capabilities. This study introduces a novel p-n junction design for LT-SOFC electrolyte materials using LCAO-SDC, further advancing the exploration of p-n junctions in this application. • Design of LiCo 0.5 Al 0.5 O 2 -Ce 0.8 Sm 0.2 O 2-δ electrolyte based on p-n heterojunction. • Fuel cells were manufactured and tested based on this composite. • The SOFC exhibited considerable performances of 367–1013 mW/cm2 at low temperatures. • Provided new insights and references for innovative energy technologies in fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, two electrocatalysts (Ni–Co–Cu/NG-1 and Ni–Co–Cu/NG-2) were synthesized by combined use of nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) and cobalt, copper and nickel with different metallic content. The synthesis procedure was optimized such that nickel and cobalt are composed in hydroxide form and the copper is formed as copper oxide. The electrocatalytic performance of the electrocatalysts studied by cyclic voltammetry for glucose oxidation and the eletrocatalyst with higher metal content displayed a larger current density (30.22 mA/cm2) in comparison to the other electrocatalyst (22.72 mA/cm2). This enhancement stems from the synergistic effects of the composite materials in the electrocatalysts. Moreover, graphene oxide plays a key role in improving the movement of electrons on the electrocatalysts surface, which leads to improving the catalytic performance of the catalyst. The durability of the catalysts was evaluated and the results showed that the current decline of the Ni–Co–Cu/NG-1 catalyst was larger than the Ni–Co–Cu/NG-2 electrocatalyst. [Display omitted] • Preparation electrocatalysts by use of N-doped graphene oxide and Ni, Co and Cu. • The electrocatalyst with higher metal content displays superior catalytic activity. • The synergistic effect of Co, Cu, and Ni improved electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the interfacial fracture toughness (IFT) with or without aging, of four different classes of CAD-CAM ceramic and composite materials bonded with self-adhesive resin cement to titanium alloy characteristic of implant abutments. High translucent zirconia (Katana; KAT), lithium disilicate-based glass-ceramic (IPS. emax.CAD; EMX), polymer-infiltrated ceramic network material (PICN) (Vita Enamic; ENA), and dispersed filler composite (Cerasmart 270; CER) were cut into equilateral triangular prisms and bonded to titanium prisms with identical dimensions using Panavia SA Cement Universal. The surfaces were pretreated following the manufacturers' recommendations and developed interfacial area ratio (Sdr) of the pretreated surfaces was measured. IFT was determined using the Notchless Triangular Prism test in a water bath at 36 °C before and after thermocycling (10,000 cycles) (n = 40 samples/material). IFT of the materials ranged from 0.80 ± 0.25 to 1.10 ± 0.21 MPa.m1/2 before thermocycling and from 0.71 ± 0.24 to 1.02 ± 0.25 MPa.m1/2 after thermocycling. There was a statistical difference between IFT of CER and the two top performers in each scenario: KAT and EMX before aging, and KAT and ENA after aging. Thermocycling significantly decreased IFT of EMX. The Weibull modulus of IFT was similar for all materials and remained so after thermocycling. Sdr measurements revealed that ENA (7.60)>Ti (4.97)>CER (2.85)>KAT (1.09)=EMX (0.96). Dispersed filler CAD-CAM composite showed lower performance than the other materials. Aging only affected IFT of Li-Si glass-ceramic, whereas zirconia and PICN performed equally well, probably due to their chemical bonding potential and surface roughness respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave-absorbing materials (MAMs) represent a class of functional materials endowed with the capability to dissipate electromagnetic waves by converting them into thermal energy. Silicon carbide (SiC) is one of the most extensively used dielectric materials for achieving efficient microwave absorption. However, the single polarization behavior and poor electrical conductivity of SiC significantly constrain its application in microwave absorption. To address this limitation, various modification techniques, including the incorporation of ceramics, carbonaceous, magnetic, and polymeric materials, are employed in conjunction with SiC to enhance its microwave absorption properties. Geometrical variations, such as employing SiC with variable crystal structures, sizes, and shapes, along with structural alterations in the composite morphology, such as core-shell composites, have proven instrumental in achieving enhanced microwave absorption behavior. Additionally, mixing SiC with other materials contributes to improved performance. The preparation of SiC composites involving various filler particles, combined with structural modifications, facilitates the activation of various absorption mechanisms. These mechanisms encompass parallel plate capacitance, multiple scatterings, multiple reflections, interfacial polarization, defect-induced dipole polarization, and magnetic loss. This review article delves into various recently developed SiC-based composites, discussing their absorption mechanisms that yield significant microwave absorption behavior. Furthermore, this article also introduces the application of ranking techniques such as TOPSIS and VIKOR, based on microwave absorption properties, to evaluate and compare these composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]