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Nacre has excellent balanced strength and toughness. In this paper, the mechanical performance of the typical "brick-and-mortar" structure, including the stress–strain and strain at the interface as well as the stress in the bricks, was calculated by a simplified analytical model of the nacre. This paper proposes a new method to control the crack deflection based on the toughening mechanism of the nacre. The crack extension of the "brick-and-mortar" structure was simulated using cohesive elements based on the traction–separation law with elastic and softening stiffness as variables, and it was found that both stiffness could effectively control the crack extension. The strength and toughness of the models with different stiffness combinations were calculated and plotted as a function of elastic stiffness and softening stiffness, showing that elastic stiffness significantly affects strength and softening stiffness is a determinant of toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In everyday life, people often stand up and sit down. Unlike young, able-bodied individuals, older adults and those with disabilities usually stand up or sit down slowly, often pausing during the transition. It is crucial to design interfaces that accommodate these movements. Additionally, in public settings, protecting personal information is essential. Addressing these considerations, this paper presents a distance-based representation scheme for the motions of standing up and sitting down. This proposed scheme identifies both standing and sitting positions, as well as the transition process between these two states. Our scheme is based solely on the variations in distance between a sensor and the surfaces of the human body during these movements. Specifically, the proposed solution relies on distance as input, allowing for the use of a proximity sensor without the need for cameras or additional wearable sensor attachments. A single microcontroller is adequate for this purpose. Our contribution highlights that using a proximity sensor broadens the applicability of the approach while ensuring that personal information remains secure. Additionally, the scheme alleviates users' mental burden, particularly regarding privacy concerns. Extensive experiments were performed on 58 subjects, including 19 people over the age of 70, to verify the effectiveness of the proposed solution, and the results are described in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study fabricated (Al63Cu25Fe12)99Ce1 quasicrystal-enhanced aluminum matrix composites using the hot-pressing method to investigate their interfacial reaction traits. Microstructure analysis revealed that at 490 °C for 30 min of hot-pressing, the interface between the matrix and reinforcement was clear and intact. Chemical diffusion between the I-phase and aluminum matrix during sintering led to the formation of Al7Cu2Fe, AlFe, and AlCu phases, which, with their uniform and fine distribution, significantly enhanced the alloy's overall properties. Regarding compactness, it first increased and then decreased with different holding times, reaching a maximum of about 98.89% at 490 °C for 30 min. Mechanical property analysis showed that compressive strength initially rose and then fell with increasing sintering temperature. After 30 min at 490 °C, the reinforcement particles and matrix were tightly combined and evenly distributed, with a maximum compressive strength of around 790 MPa. Additionally, the diffusion dynamics of the transition layer were simulated. The reaction rate of the reaction layer increased with hot-pressing temperature and decreased with holding time. Selecting a lower temperature and appropriate holding time can control the reaction layer thickness to obtain composites with excellent properties. This research innovatively contributes to the preparation and property study of such composites, providing a basis for their further application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the quest to improve overall semiconductor system performance as scaling down continues, reducing resistance in interconnects and bonding interfaces has become a critical focus. This study explores the use of graphene, a highly conductive 2D material, as an interfacial layer between metal and dielectric layers to enhance adhesion and stability while reducing contact resistance. Graphene's excellent adhesion properties make it a promising candidate for improving bonding strength at metal–dielectric interfaces. We investigated the following two approaches: direct growth of graphene via chemical vapor deposition and the transfer of pre-grown graphene onto the metal surface. The contact resistance characteristics of both methods were analyzed, with results indicating that graphene effectively enhances the bonding interface while significantly lowering contact resistance. These findings suggest that incorporating graphene as an interfacial material could lead to improved performance in advanced semiconductor devices, particularly in applications like hybrid bonding and interconnect technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CsPbIBr2, with its suitable bandgap, shows great potential as the top cell in tandem solar cells. Nonetheless, its further development is hindered by a high defect density, severe carrier recombination, and poor stability. In this study, CsPbI1.5Br1.5 quantum dots were utilized as an additive in the ethyl acetate anti-solvent, while a layer of CsPbBr3 QDs was introduced between the ETL and the CsPbIBr2 light-harvester film. The combined effect of these two QDs enhanced the nucleation, crystallization, and growth of CsPbIBr2 perovskite, yielding high-quality films characterized by an enlarged crystal size, reduced grain boundaries, and smooth surfaces. And a wider absorption range and better energy band alignment were achieved owing to the nano-size effect of QDs. These improvements led to a decreased defect density and the suppression of non-radiative recombination. Additionally, the presence of long-chain organic molecules in the QD solution promoted the formation of a hydrophobic surface, significantly enhancing the long-term stability of CsPbIBr2 PSCs. Consequently, the devices achieved a PCE of 9.20% and maintained an initial efficiency of 85% after 60 days of storage in air. Thus, this strategy proves to be an effective approach for the preparation of efficient and stable CsPbIBr2 PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-simulation can bring improvements to the development of cyber–physical perceptive systems (CPPS) in critical fields, allowing uninterrupted system operation and flexibility to use both real-time sensor data and non-real-time data. This paper proposes a co-simulation approach that integrates physical systems and communication systems, including both hardware and software components. This study demonstrates how systems of different natures with discrete or continuous events can be simulated using three methods: time stepped, global event driven, and variable stepped. Through two case studies from the medical and energy fields, CPPS and co-simulation reveal their importance for the future by improving precision and efficiency, which leads to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments in the medical field and increases the stability of energy networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) have been widely studied as next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) for many electronic devices due to their high energy density, stability, nonflammability, and chemical stability compared to LiBs which consist of liquid electrolytes. However, solid electrolytes exhibit poor electrochemical characteristics due to their interfacial properties, and the sintering process, which necessitates high temperatures, is an obstacle to the commercialization of SSBs. Hence, the aim of this study was to improve the interfacial properties of the lithium tantalum phosphate (LTPO) solid electrolyte by adding succinonitrile (SN) on the interface of the LTPO particle to enhance ionic conductivity without the sintering process. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the Li symmetric cell test, and the galvanostatic cycle test were performed to verify the performance of the SN-containing LTPO composite electrolyte. The LTPO composite solid electrolyte exhibited a high ionic conductivity of 1.93 × 10−4 S/cm at room temperature (RT) compared to the conventional LTPO. Also, it showed good cycle stability, and low interfacial resistance with Li metal, ensuring electrochemical stability. On the basis of our experimental results, the performance of solid electrolytes could be improved by adding SN and lithium salt. In addition, the SN can be used to fabricate the solid electrolytes without the sintering process at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) alloys generally exhibit extraordinary service performance under severe conditions through the formation of ultrafine nano oxides. Y2Ti2O7 has been characterized as the major strengthening oxide in Fe-based ODS alloys. First-principles energetic analyses were performed to investigate the structural, elastic and interface properties of Y2Ti2O7 in either Fe-based or Ni-based ODS alloys. Y2Ti2O7 has comparable elastic constants to bcc-Fe and fcc-Ni and similar elastic deformation compatibility in Y2Ti2O7-strengthened Fe-based and Ni-based ODS alloys is therefore expected. The Ni/oxide interface has generally better thermostability than Fe/oxide across the whole range of the concerned oxygen chemical potential. Further interface bonding and adhesion calculations revealed that Y2Ti2O7 can enhance the bonding strength of Ni/Y2Ti2O7 through d-d orbital interaction between the interfacial YTi layer and Ni layer, while the interface bonding between the Fe layer and YTi layer is weakened compared to the metal matrix. First-principles calculations suggest that Y2Ti2O7 can be a candidate for strengthening nano-oxides in either Fe-based or Ni-based ODS alloys with well-behaved mechanical properties for fourth-generation fission reactors and further experimental validations are encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of wet treatment using an (NH4)2S-alcohol solution on the interface state of the p-GaN/Ni/Au/Pt contact system and laser diode processing was investigated. Sulfur wet cleaning resulted in reduced surface roughness and contact resistivity. The lowest specific contact resistance (ρc < 1 × 10−4 Ω·cm2) was achieved with samples treated with an (NH4)2S-isopropanol solution, whereas the highest resistivity (ρc = 3.3 × 10−4 Ω·cm2) and surface roughness (Ra = 16 nm) were observed in samples prepared by standard methods. Annealing the contact system in an N2 + O2 + H2O atmosphere caused degradation through species inter-diffusion and metal-metal solid solution formation, irrespective of the preparation method. Standard prepared substrates developed a thin GaN-Au intermediate layer at the interface after heat treatment. Enhanced adhesion and the absence of GaN decomposition were observed in samples additionally cleaned with the (NH4)2S-solvent solution. Complete oxidation of nickel to NiO was observed in samples that underwent additional sulfur solution treatment. The intensity of metal species mixing and nickel oxidation was influenced by the metal diffusion rate and was affected by the initial state of the GaN substrate obtained through different wet treatment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iron (Fe) specimens selected as the substrate metal for this study were surface-treated using fluorine gas, and their wettability with liquid sodium (Na) was evaluated using the sliding angle. Additionally, the surface morphology and binding state were analyzed, and the applicability of wettability control with liquid sodium by fluorination was discussed using the analysis results. Fluorination formed a fluoride layer comprising FeF2 and FeF3 bonds on the iron surface. The composition of the fluoride layer varied, depending on the treatment conditions. The surface of the specimen that contains a lot of FeF3 bonds had a small sliding angle for the liquid sodium droplet and was harder to wet than the untreated specimen. In contrast, the surface of the specimen that contains a lot of FeF2 bonds had a large sliding angle for the liquid sodium droplet and was easier to wet than the untreated specimen. These results indicate that fluorination is an effective surface modification technique that can be applied to control the wettability of iron with liquid sodium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interface of fresh-aged concrete represents a critical vulnerability within monolithic assembled monolithic concrete structures. In this paper, the shear performance of the interface between post-cast epoxy resin concrete and standard concrete is studied using experimental methods and finite element analysis. The objective is to furnish empirical data that support the broader adoption of epoxy resin concrete in assembled structures. A direct shear experiment of 19 Z-shaped samples and a computation of 20 finite element models were completed. The results from both experimental and computational analyses provided insights into several factors influencing the shear performance at the interface. These factors include the pre-cast part of concrete strength, the friction coefficient of the interface, the longitudinal reinforcement ratio at the interface, the compressive strength of concrete in the post-cast part, and confining stress. The findings indicate that utilizing epoxy resin concrete for post-cast material, roughing the interface, and setting keyways can enhance the shear performance of the interface so that it equals or even exceeds the cast-in situ sample. Optimal shear results are obtained when the compressive strength of the post-cast epoxy resin concrete closely matches that of the pre-cast conventional cement. Moreover, increasing the depth of the keyways rather than their width is more effective in improving the shear capacity of the sample. It is recommended that the depth of the keyway should be at least 30 mm, and its width should be no less than three times the depth. As the longitudinal reinforcement ratio at the interface increases, there is an enhancement in shear capacity coupled with a reduction in deformative performance. It is advisable to maintain this ratio below 1.0% to balance the strength and ductility effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The debonding and sliding of the bolt–slurry interface is the main failure form of the full-length bonding anchor system (FLBAS) of earthen sites, so it is urgent to carry out a quantitative study of the force transfer process of the anchorage interface. Based on field test results and existing research results, it was found that the bilinear bond–slip model is in line with the description of the constitutive relationship of the bolt–slurry interface. The whole process of debonding slip is discussed accordingly; the expressions for the slip, the axial strain of the bolt, and the load displacement at the bolt–slurry interface corresponding to the different loading stages are deduced; and the calculations of the ultimate load-carrying capacity and the effective anchorage length are given at the same time. On this basis, the bond–slip model parameters were calibrated by identifying the characteristic points of the bond–slip curve; a multi-parameter cross-comparison validation of the reasonableness of the theoretical analytical model was carried out on the basis of in situ pull-out tests; and the law of the influence of anchor bond length and axial stiffness on the anchorage performance was analyzed. The analytical model proposed in this study is widely applicable to the analysis of force transfer processes at the bolt–slurry interface in the presence of complete debonding phenomena and provides a useful reference for optimizing the design of anchors while minimizing interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron-based cermet has the advantages of high-temperature resistance, low price, good performance, and so on. At present, most of the studies on cermets are focused on the measurement of macroscopic properties and optical microscopic characterization, while there are few microscopic studies on the interface structure. In this paper, based on density functional theory (DFT), the stability of the Fe/Al2O3 interface is studied, and the stability difference and interface formation mechanism of different end combinations are investigated. By calculating the surface energy, adhesion work, interface energy, density of states, charge density, differential charge density, and so on, it was concluded that the stability of the O-terminal interface was greater than that of the Al interface. It has a certain guiding role in the preparation of Fe/Al2O3 cermet materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are mainly fabricated by a classic dry transfer procedure, but the interface quality is often subject to the vdW gap, residual strains, and defect species. The realization of interface fusion and repair holds significant implications for the modulation of multiple photoelectric conversion processes. In this work, we propose a thermally mismatched strategy to trigger broad-band and high-speed photodetection performance based on a type-I heterostructure composed of black phosphorus (BP) and FePS3 (FPS) nanoflakes. The BP acts as photothermal source to promote interface fusion when large optical power is adopted. The regulation of optical power enables the device from pyroelectric (PE) and/or alternating current photovoltaic (AC–PV) mode to a mixed photovoltaic (PV)/photothermoelectric (PTE)/PE mode. The fused heterostructure device presents an extended detection range (405~980 nm) for the FPS. The maximum responsivity and detectivity are 329.86 mA/W and 6.95 × 1010 Jones, respectively, and the corresponding external quantum efficiency (EQE) approaches ~100%. Thanks to these thermally-related photoelectric conversion mechanism, the response and decay time constants of device are as fast as 290 μs and 265 μs, respectively, superior to current all FPS-based photodetectors. The robust environmental durability also renders itself as a high-speed and broad-band imaging sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the tribological characteristics of commercially available high-strength polyphthalamide-based composites with great contents (30–50 wt.%) of both carbon and glass fibers in point and linear contacts against metal and ceramic counterfaces under dry friction and oil-lubricated conditions at various loads and sliding speeds. The lengths of both types of fibers were varied simultaneously with their contents while samples were fabricated from granules by injection molding. When loading PPA with 30 wt.% SCFs at an aspect ratio (AR) of 200, the ultimate tensile strength and the elastic modulus increased up to 142.7 ± 12.5 MPa and 12.9 ± 0.6 GPa, respectively. In the composites with the higher contents of reinforcing fibers PPA/40CCF and AR~1000, the ultimate tensile strength and the elastic modulus were 240 ± 3 MPa and 33.7 ± 1.9 GPa, respectively. Under the applied test conditions, a composite reinforced with 40 wt.% carbon fibers up to 100 μm long at an aspect ratio of ~1000 possessed the best both mechanical properties and tribological characteristics. One of the reasons that should be considered for improving the tribological characteristics of the composite is the fatigue wear mechanism, which is facilitated by the high filling degree, the strong interfacial adhesion, and the great aspect ratio for fibers. Under the oil-lubricated conditions, both friction coefficients and wear rates decreased, so such friction units could be implemented whenever possible. The reported data can be used as practical recommendations for applying fibrous polyphthalamide-based composites as friction unit components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber-reinforced composites are commonly exposed to environments associated with moisture and solution, resulting in uptake, which causes changes in the bulk resin, the fiber–matrix interface, and even the fiber itself. Knowledge about uptake behavior and diffusion mechanisms and characteristics are critical to better understanding the response of these materials to environmental exposure faced through service to developing better materials through selection of constituents and to the prediction of long-term durability. This paper reviews aspects of uptake mechanisms and subsequent response, as well as models that describe the sorption process, with the aim of providing a comprehensive understanding of moisture-uptake-related phenomena and characteristics such as uptake rate, diffusion and relaxation/deterioration constants, transitions in regimes, and overall response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a method to enhance the airtightness of the joint between the ZrO2 and Crofer alloy using coating technology. With the aid of vacuum sputtering technology, a titanium–copper alloy layer with a thickness between 1.5 μm and 6 μm was first deposited on the surface of ZrO2 and Crofer, respectively. The chemical composition of the deposited reaction layer was 70.2 Cu and 29.8 Ti in at%. Then, using silver as the base material in the reactive air brazing (RAB) process, we explore the use of this material design to improve the microstructure and reaction mechanism of the joint surface between ceramics and metal, compare the effects of different pretreatment thicknesses on the microstructure, and evaluate its effectiveness through air tightness tests. The results show that a coating of Cu-Ti alloy on the ZrO2 substrate can significantly improve bonding between the Ag filler and ZrO2. The Cu-Ti metallization layer on the ZrO2 substrate is beneficial to the RAB. After the brazing process, the coated Cu-Ti layers form suitable reaction interfaces between the filler, the metal, the filler, and the ceramic. In terms of coating layer thickness, the optimized 3 μm coated Cu-Ti alloy layer is achieved from the experiment. Melting and dissolving the Cu-Ti coated layer into the ZrO2 substrate results in a defect-free interface between the Ag-rich braze and the ZrO2. The air tightness test result shows no leakage under 2 psig at room temperature for 28 h. The pressure condition can still be maintained even under high-temperature conditions of 600 °C for 24 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of hybrid materials as a combination of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) and metal is of great interest in order to meet the increasing demands for sustainability, efficiency, and emission reduction based on the principle of lightweight design. These two components can therefore be joined using the intrinsic joining technique, which is formed by curing the matrix of the FRP component. In this study, for the hybrid joint, unidirectionally pre-impregnated semi-finished products (prepregs) with duromer matrix resin and micro-alloyed HC340LA steel were used. In order to conduct a detailed investigation, the damage mechanisms of intrinsically produced fibre metal laminates (FMLs), a new clamping device, and a novel pressing tool were designed and put into operation. The prepregs were prestressed by applying a preloading force using a specially designed prestressing frame. Hybrid specimens were then produced and subjected to nanoindentation and a shear tensile test. In particular, the effect of the residual stress state by varying the defined prestressing force on the damage mechanisms was studied. The results showed that no fracture patterns occurred in the interface of the specimens without preloading as a result of curing at 120 °C, whereas specimens with preloading failed at the boundary layer in the tensile range. Nevertheless, all specimens cured at 160 °C failed at the boundary layer in the tensile range. Furthermore, it was proven that the force and displacement of the preloaded specimens were promisingly higher than those of the unpreloaded specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timber–concrete composite (TCC) structural systems are characterized by the combination of timber and concrete, which are connected to transmit shear forces between the two elements. In addition, to achieve an efficient connection, the slip between the two materials should be limited. Therefore, the load-carrying capacity, the stiffness, and the failure mode of TCC connections are important for the behavior of the composite element. This work aims to investigate the influence of test conditions on TCC connections using shear tests to determine the mechanical properties of connections. Therefore, it is essential to understand the influence of the configuration of the specimens (symmetric as push-out tests or asymmetric as inclined tests), the type of interface between the timber and concrete, and the test procedure (static or cyclic load protocol) on the resulting load-carrying capacity, stiffness, and failure modes. This paper reviews experimental tests conducted on TCC shear connection specimens, using various configurations to assess the influence of the test specimen configuration, material interface, and testing protocol on the determination of the mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of electronic devices has a tendency to become more complicated in structure, more integrated in function, and smaller in size. The heat flow density of components continues to escalate, which urgently requires the development of heat sink materials with high thermal conductivity and a low coefficient of expansion. Diamond/aluminum composites have become the research hotspot of thermal management materials with excellent thermophysical and mechanical properties, taking into account the advantages of light weight. In this paper, diamond/Al composites are prepared by combining aluminum as matrix and diamond reinforcement through the discharge plasma sintering (SPS) method. The micro-interfacial bonding state of diamond and aluminum is changed by adjusting the particle size of diamond, and the macroscopic morphology performance of the composites is regulated. Through this, the flexible design of diamond/Al performance can be achieved. As a result, when 150 μm diamond powder and A1-12Si powder were used for the composite, the thermal conductivity of the obtained specimens was up to 660.1 W/mK, and the coefficient of thermal expansion was 5.63 × 10−6/K, which was a good match for the semiconductor material. At the same time, the bending strength is 304.6 MPa, which can satisfy the performance requirements of heat-sinking materials in the field of electronic packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon steel materials are widely used in mechanical transmission. Under different temperature and pressure service conditions, the microscopic changes of stress and strain that are difficult to detect and analyze by experimental means will lead to failure deformation, thus affecting their operational stability and life. In this study, the molecular dynamics method is used to simulate the heating–cooling phase transition process of common carbon steel materials. Austenite transformation temperatures of 980 K (0.2 wt.%) and 1095 K (0.5 wt.%) are acquired which is determined by the volume hysteresis before and after transformation, which is consistent with the results of JMatPro phase diagram analysis. The internal stress state of the material varies between compressive stress and tensile stress due to the change of phase structure, and the dislocation characteristics during the phase transition period are observed to change significantly. Then, an α / γ two-phase interface model is constructed to study the migration of the phase interface and the change of the phase structure by applying a continuously changing external load. At the same time, the transition pressure of α → ϵ is obtained with a value of 37 GPa under three different initial loads showing the independence of the initial load and the historical path. Based on the molecular dynamics simulation and the phase diagram calculation of the carbon steel, the analysis method for the microstructure transformation and the stress–strain behavior of the phase interface under the external load can provide a reference for the design of microstructure and mechanical properties of alloy steel in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic limitations often hinder the extensive use of fiber-reinforced concrete in full-scale structures. Addressing this, the present study explored localized reinforcement at critical interfaces, deploying a novel synchronized casting mold that deviates from segmented casting interface studies. The research prioritized the flexural, compressive, and shear characteristics at the interface between fiber-reinforced concrete and ordinary concrete with continuous casting. The results demonstrated that polyethylene (PE) fibers significantly enhance anti-cracking capabilities, surpassing steel fibers in all mechanical tests. PE fibers' high modulus of elasticity and tensile strength considerably augmented the interface's bending resistance, facilitating better load transfer and capitalizing on the fibers' tensile properties. Additionally, their low density and greater dispersion negated the sinking behavior typical of steel fibers, thereby strengthening the compressive capacity of the interface. Although a 0.75% PE fiber volume is ideal for ductility, volumes as low as 0.25% or 0.5% are economically viable if dispersion is optimal. Conversely, steel fibers, prone to sinking and clustering, offer inferior shear resistance at the interface than PE fibers, marking a significant finding for structural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the use of an atmospheric pressure, open-air plasma treatment to remove Li2CO3 species from the surface of garnet-type tantalum-doped lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12, LLZTO) solid-state electrolyte pellets. The Li2CO3 layer, which we show forms on the surface of garnets within 3 min of exposure to ambient moisture and CO2, increases the interface (surface) resistance of LLZTO. The plasma treatment is carried out entirely in ambient and is enabled by use of a custom-built metal shroud that is placed around the plasma nozzle to prevent moisture and CO2 from reacting with the sample. After the plasma treatment, N2 compressed gas is flowed through the shroud to cool the sample and prevent atmospheric species from reacting with the LLZTO. We demonstrate that this approach is effective for removing the Li2CO3 from the surface of LLZTO. The surface chemistry is characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to evaluate the effect of process parameters (plasma exposure time and shroud gas chemistry) on removal of the surface species. We also show that the open-air plasma treatment can significantly reduce the interface resistance. This platform demonstrates a path towards open-air processed solid-state batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interfacial properties between carbon fiber (CF) and thermoplastic resin are relatively weak, which can be problematic for composites in structural applications. Improving the surface roughness of CF is regarded as an effective way to enhance the interface of composites. However, most CF modifying methods are complex and time-consuming, which cannot meet the demand for industrial production. Therefore, it is of great significance to research a fast technique of CF surface modification to strengthen the interface of composites. Herein, a one-pot reaction based on the aryl diazonium salt modification was applied to enhance the interface between CF and poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) resin. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were linked to CF by p-phenylenediamine (PPD) via cyclic voltammetry (CV). The surface morphology, chemical characteristics and surface energy of modified CF illustrated the effectiveness of this method, and the interfacial properties of as-prepared modified CF/PEEK demonstrated the increased tendency. All the CF was treated within 5 min and the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of CF/PEEK was increased to the maximum of 99.62 MPa by aryl diazonium salt modification. This work may shed some light on the industrialized application of CF reinforced high-performance engineering thermoplastic composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to perform a preliminary analysis of the fitting of different fiber-reinforced composite (GFRC) posts to tooth root canals and determine the resin cement layer thickness. The following GFRC posts were assessed: bundle posts (Rebilda GTTM, VOCO, Germany), sleeve system (SAPTM, Angelus Ind, Brazil), and accessory posts (ReforpinTM, Angelus, Brazil). Twenty-four freshly extracted mandibular single-rooted pre-molars were endodontically treated and divided into six groups, according to the type of GFRC post and resin cement (self-adhesive or conventional dual-cured). Then, specimens were cross-sectioned and inspected by optical microscopy regarding the cement layer thickness and presence of defects such as pores, voids, or fissures were assessed. Bundle and accessory posts revealed a regular distribution of resin cement with a lower number of voids than found with sleeve systems. The sleeve system posts showed poor fitting at the apical portion of the root canals. The type of resin cement did not affect the thickness of the interface, although both bundle and accessory posts allow a better distribution of resin cement and fibers. The present preliminary study reveals interesting insights on the fitting of bundle and accessory posts to root dentin and resin cement layer thickness in oval-shape root canals. The sleeve system posts showed adequate fitting only at the coronal portion of the canals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of the geostress field in reservoirs holds significant implications for the precise exploration and efficient development and utilization of oil and gas resources, especially in deep strata regions where faults are prevalent. Geological structural movements in these deep strata regions exacerbate the complexity of geostress field distributions. To elucidate the perturbation of the geostress field in deep reservoirs caused by faults, this study initially conducted a series of physical model tests on single fault dislocation, employing digital image correlation techniques to capture the displacement fields of various types of fault dislocations. Subsequently, a numerical model of the fault interface element was established, and fault element parameters were determined through sensitivity analysis and trial calculation. This study further analyzed the perturbation of the geostress field using this numerical model. Finally, a multi-fault numerical simulation model was constructed to clarify the perturbations in the regional geostress field under the influence of multiple faults. The results indicate that the geostress perturbation range under the action of multiple faults spans from 183.06 to 310.06 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In virtual reality (VR), a factor that can maximize user immersion is the development of an intuitive and sensory interaction method. Physical devices such as controllers or data gloves of existing VR devices are used to control the movement intentions of the user, but their shortfall is that grip strength and detailed muscle strength cannot be reflected. Therefore, this study intended to establish a more sensory VR environment compared to existing methods by reflecting the grip strength of the flexor digitorum profundus of the user of the VR content. In this experiment, the muscle activity of the flexor digitorum profundus was obtained from six subjects based on surface electromyography, and four objects with differing intensity were created within a VR program in which the objects were made to be destroyed depending on muscle activity. As a result, satisfaction was improved because the users could sensitively interact with the objects inside the VR environment, and the intended motion control of the user was reflected in the VR content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reinforced concrete interfaces, either cracks within monolithic elements or joints between concretes cast at different times may become critical under cyclic actions, due to stiffness and interface resistance degradation. Among the numerous parameters affecting the behavior of interfaces, this paper focuses on the effect of externally applied compressive stress. In conjunction with this parameter, the diameter of the reinforcing bars crossing the interface, their embedment length, and the anchorage of the interface reinforcement, by bond or using epoxy resin, are investigated. Roughened concrete interfaces crossed by reinforcing bars were subjected to cyclic shear slips, with or without compressive stress normal to the interface. The presented experimental results prove the beneficial effect of the external compressive stress on the ultimate shear resistance of interfaces, accompanied by the reduction of the effect of small embedment length of the interface reinforcement, due to its reduced contribution: the externally imposed compression leads to smaller crack openings at the interface, in most cases smaller than 0.40 mm, and to reduction of the reinforcement clamping effect. The shear resistance is activated at reduced shear slip values (0.20 mm–0.40 mm compared to 0.20–0.80 mm for interfaces under zero external compression), while the interface resistance degradation is also reduced (e.g., during the second load cycle, to 15% on average, compared to 30% for interfaces under zero external compression). Finally, an equation previously proposed by the authors is applied for the prediction of the shear resistance of interfaces under normal force, leading to satisfying accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic composites have a wide range of application prospects in various industries. Different bonding temperatures, as one of the influencing factors, directly affect the bonding effectiveness as well as the performance and application of the materials. Using metallurgical bonding techniques ensures a strong bond at the interface of bimetallic materials, resulting in high-quality composite pipe billets. This paper describes an Incoloy825/P110 steel bimetal composite material made by the solid–liquid composite method. By utilizing ProCAST 14.5 software for simulation and deriving theoretical formulas, an initial range of temperatures for bimetallic preparation has been tentatively determined. And this temperature range will be utilized for on-site experiments to prepare bimetallic samples. After the preparation process is completed, samples will be selected. The influence of the external mold temperature on the interface bonding of Incoloy825/P110 steel solid–liquid composite material is studied using an ultra-depth three-dimensional morphology microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Through research, the optimal preheating temperature range for the solid–liquid composite outer mold of Incoloy825/P110 bimetallic composite material has been determined. The casting temperature of the inner mold has a significant impact on the interface bonding of this bimetal composite material. As the casting temperature of the inner mold increases, the interface thickness gradually increases. At lower temperatures, the interface thickness is lower and the bonding is poorer. At higher temperatures, melting may occur, leading to coarse grains at the interface. When the temperatures of the inner and outer molds are within a certain range, a new phase appears at the interface. Indeed, it increases the strength of the interface bonding. Due to co-melting of the bimetal near the interface, element migration occurs, resulting in increased Ni and Cr content at the interface and enhanced corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control charts are tools of paramount importance in statistical process control. They are broadly applied in monitoring processes and improving quality, as they allow the detection of special causes of variation with a significant level of accuracy. Furthermore, there are several strategies able to be employed in different contexts, all of which offer their own advantages. Therefore, this study focuses on monitoring the variability in univariate processes through variance using the Binomial version of the ATTRIVAR Same Sample S2 (B-ATTRIVAR SS S2) control chart, given that it allows coupling attribute and variable inspections (ATTRIVAR means attribute + variable), i.e., taking advantage of the cost-effectiveness of the former and the wealth of information and greater performance of the latter. Its Binomial version was used for such a purpose, since inspections are made using two attributes, and the Same Sample was used due to being submitted to both the attribute and variable stages of inspection. A computational application was developed in the R language using the Shiny package so as to create an interface to facilitate its application and use in the quality control of the production processes. Its application enables users to input process parameters and generate the B-ATTRIVAR SS control chart for monitoring the process variability with variance. By comparing the data obtained from its application with a simpler code, its performance was validated, given that its results exhibited striking similarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time-dependent interfacial adhesion between rock and fresh mortar is key for printing concrete linings in mountain tunnels. However, a scientific deficit exists in the time-dependent evolution of the interfacial adhesion, which can cause adhesion failure when printing tunnel lining. Nanoclay has the potential to increase the interfacial adhesion and eliminate the adhesion failure. Before the actual printing of tunnel linings, the time-dependent interfacial adhesion between artificial rock and fresh mortar modified by nanoclay should be understood. This paper studied the time-dependent interfacial adhesion based on fast tack tests, fast shear tests, and isothermal calorimetry tests. With the addition of nanoclay, the maximum tensile stress and the maximum shear stress increased. Compared with a reference series, the maximum interfacial tensile stress in a 0.3% nanoclay series increased by 106% (resting time 1 min) and increased by 209% (resting time 32 min). A two-stage evolution of the interfacial adhesion was found with the addition of nanoclay. In the first stage, the time-dependent interfacial adhesion increased rapidly. A 0.3% NC series showed an increase rate six times higher than that of the reference series. As the matrices aged, the increase rate slowed down and followed a linear pattern of increase, still higher than that of the reference series. The stiffening of fresh matrices resulted in the interface failure mode transition from a ductile failure to a brittle failure. The effect of nanoclay on flocculation and on accelerating the hydration contributed to the time-dependent interfacial adhesion between artificial rock and fresh mortar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the influence of W, Cr, and Mo on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the arc-welded interface of TiC cermet and low-carbon steel was investigated. MIG arc welding was employed to deposit muti-alloyed low-carbon steel flux-cored wire onto the surface of the TiC cermet to create the arc-welded interface. Analysis of the microstructure, phase composition, and shear fracture of the interface were conducted by OM (optical microscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscope), EMPA (Electron Probe X-ray Micro-Analyzer), and XRD (X-ray diffraction) methods. The results indicate that the order of influence on the performance of the welded interface is perceived as Cr > W > Mo. The preferred ratio of element content is W at 1.0 wt.%, Cr at 0.5 wt.%, and Mo at 2.0 wt.%. During the arc-welding process, W and Mo formed a rim structure of TiC particles to inhibit the dissolution of TiC particles, while Cr formed dispersed carbides in the bonding phase. The synergistic impact of these components resulted in the simultaneous enhancement of both the TiC particles and the bonding phase. This led to a significant increase in the shear strength of the TiC cermet welded interface to 787 MPa, marking an 83% improvement compared to the welded interface without reinforcement, which exhibited a shear strength of 430 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The titanium alloy components utilized in the aviation field are typically large in size and possess complex structures. By utilizing multiple additive manufacturing processes, the precision and efficiency requirements of production can be met. We investigated the hybrid additive manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V using a combination of cold metal transfer additive manufacturing (CMTAM) and laser metal deposition (LMD), as well as the feasibility of using the CMT-LMD hybrid additive manufacturing process for fabricating Ti-6Al-4V components. Microstructural examinations, tensile testing coupled with digital image correlation and dynamic compressive experiments (by the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system) were employed to assess the parts. The results indicate that the interface of the LMD and CMTAM zone formed a compact metallurgical bonding. In the CMTAM and LMD zone, the prior-β grains exhibit epitaxial growth, forming columnar prior-β grains. Due to laser remelting, the CMT-LMD hybrid additive zone experiences grain refinement, resulting in equiaxed prior-β grains at the interface with an average grain size smaller than that of the CMTAM and LMD regions. The microstructures reveal significant differences in grain orientation and morphology among the zones, with distinct textures forming in each zone. In the CMT-LMD hybrid zone, due to interfacial strengthening, strain concentration occurs in the arc additive zone during tensile testing, leading to fracture on the CMTAM zone. Under high-strain-rate dynamic impact conditions, the LMD region exhibits ductile fracture, while the CMTAM zone demonstrates brittle fracture. The hybrid zone combines ductile and brittle fracture modes, and the CMT-LMD hybrid material exhibits superior dynamic impact performance compared to the single deposition zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To estimate the possibility of using both low-melting TecaPEI and neat PEI films as energy directors (EDs) for ultrasonic welding (USW) of carbon fiber (CF) fabric–polyetherimide (PEI) laminates, some patterns of structure formation and mechanical properties of their lap joints were investigated by varying the process parameters. The experiment was planned by the Taguchi method with the L9 orthogonal matrix. Based on the obtained results, USW parameters were optimized accounting for maintaining the structural integrity of the joined components and improving their functional characteristics. The use of the low-melting EDTecaPEI film enabled US-welding the laminates with minimal damage to the fusion zone, and the achieved lap shear strength (LSS) values of ~7.6 MPa were low. The use of EDSolverPEI excluded thermal degradation of the components as well as damage to the fusion zone, and improved LSS values to 21 MPa. With the use of digital image correlation (DIC) and computed tomography (CT) techniques, the structural factors affecting the deformation behavior of the USW lap joints were justified. A scheme was proposed that established the relationship between structural factors and the deformation response of the USW lap joints under static tension. The TecaPEI film can be used in USW procedures when very high interlayer adhesion properties are not on demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate that a gradual interface between gold and silver supports the propagation of a novel kind of surface electromagnetic wave, which is different from the more well-known surface plasmon polaritons. The existence of such surface waves leads to a paradoxical situation in which a continuous metal barrier which does not have any pinholes may exhibit considerably increased light transmission if the barrier is made of two different metals. A spectroscopic study of this effect is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power cycling tests (PCTs) assess the reliability of power devices by closely simulating their operating conditions. A PCT was performed on commercially available 1.2 kV 4H-SiC power metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors to observe its impact on the 4H-SiC/SiO2 interface. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy measurements showed variations in the length of the 4H-SiC/SiO2 transition layer, depending on whether the device was power cycled. Moreover, the total resistance at Vg ≫ Vt in Rtot − (Vg-Vt)−1 graph increased to 16.5%, while it changed more radically to 47.3% at Vg ≈ Vt. The threshold voltage shifted negatively. These variations cannot be expected solely through the wearout of the package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiCp/steel composites are conventionally produced via powder metallurgy. In this paper, a liquid pressure infiltration method was developed to prepare a kind of spherical hierarchical architectured composite, in which spherical TiCp-rich hard phase regions were uniformly dispersed in TiCp-free soft phase region. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the architectured composites were carefully studied and compared with the common composite, as well as the effect of TiCp fraction on the properties. The results show that architecturual design can effectively improve both the toughness and strength of the composites. With TiCp content increasing from 30% to 50%, both the bending strength and the impact toughness of the architectured composites first increase, then decrease, and reach the highest at 40% TiCp. The highest impact toughness reaches 21.2 J/cm2, being 6.2 times that of the common composite and the highest strength being 67% higher. The pressure infiltration method possesses adaptability to varying shapes and sizes of the products, allowing for large-scale preparation. Therefore, for the first time, the combination of pressure infiltration preparation and architectural design was applied to TiCp/steel composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the interface efficiency of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) adhesively bonded on concrete, a commonly used retrofitting measure applied for enhancing the deformability and strength of decaying structures or existing ones with low capacity. The efficiency quantification is expressed with the Interface Capacity Index (IC). The index correlates the thickness and strength of each layer of the strengthening system and accounts for the transferred loads (ICL) and the strain distribution that causes the failure propagation on the concrete substrate (ICfp). The investigation focuses on different CFRP strengthening schemes (laminated fabrics, prefabricated plates, Near Surface Mounted bars-NSM) applied to concrete substrates using different adhesive layers. Two cases were studied for different levels of concrete's integrity: (a) healthy and (b) containing corrosion products. The experimental results were used to calibrate the numerical models and to evaluate the effects of different strengthening strategies. The results show the tendency of the strengthening systems to shift the interface performance from fully elastic to non-linear. Further, the quantification of the efficiency of retrofitting can be addressed by accounting for the mechanical and geometrical properties at the interface level, representing different failure modes and integration levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption and diffusion of oxygen at the B2(110)[ 1 ¯ 11]||O(001)[1 1 ¯ 0] interface in Ti2AlNb alloys were investigated via first-principles calculations. Only a 2.6% interfacial mismatch indicates that B2(110)–O(001) is basically a stable coherent interface. The calculated adsorption energies and diffusion energy barriers show that oxygen prefers to occupy the Ti-rich interstitial sites, and once trapped, it hardly diffuses to other interstitial sites, thus promoting the preferential formation of Ti oxides. Under the premise of a Ti-rich environment, a Nb-rich environment is more favorable for oxygen adsorption than an Al-rich environment. The electronic structures suggest that O 2p orbitals mainly occupy the energy region below −5 eV, bonding with its coordinated atoms of Ti, Al, and Nb. However, Al 3p and Nb 4d orbitals near the Fermi level couple with sparsely distributed O 2p orbitals, forming anti-bonding, which is not conducive to oxygen adsorption. Because Nb 4d electrons are more localized than Al 3p electrons are, Nb–O anti-bonding is weaker. O–Ti has almost no contribution to anti-bonding, suggesting good bonding between them. This is consistent with the experimental observations that TiO2 is the main oxidation product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(La0.2Yb0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2Gd0.2)2Zr2O7 (HEZ) has shown considerable promise as a novel thermal barrier coating material for temperatures exceeding 1300 °C. This study systematically investigates the interfacial stability of (La0.2Yb0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2Gd0.2)2Zr2O7 with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), which is of paramount importance for its application in double-layer thermal barrier coatings. Our findings highlight that rare earth elements with a smaller radius diffuse more easily into the YSZ lattice, resulting in a broader diffusion zone. Simultaneously, the incorporation of rare earth elements into the YSZ lattice inhibits tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation. Compared to La2Zr2O7/YSZ, HEZ/YSZ demonstrates superior high-temperature stability, which could be attributed to the higher fracture toughness and lower thermal expansion coefficient of HEZ, the absence of t-m transformation and the formation of a continuous gradient diffusion layer that minimizes interface stress. This study offers a practical strategy for designing materials for durable double-layer thermal barrier coating systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to optimize the ultrasonic consolidation (USC) parameters for 'PEI adherend/Prepreg (CF-PEI fabric)/PEI adherend' lap joints. For this purpose, artificial neural network (ANN) simulation was carried out. Two ANNs were trained using an ultra-small data sample, which did not provide acceptable predictive accuracy for the applied simulation methods. To solve this issue, it was proposed to artificially increase the learning sample by including additional data synthesized according to the knowledge and experience of experts. As a result, a relationship between the USC parameters and the functional characteristics of the lap joints was determined. The results of ANN simulation were successfully verified; the developed USC procedures were able to form a laminate with an even regular structure characterized by a minimum number of discontinuities and minimal damage to the consolidated components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent works have experimentally proven that metal matrix composites (MMCs) with network architecture present improved strength–ductility match. It is envisaged that the performance of architecturally designed composites is particularly sensitive to reinforcement strength. Here, reinforcing particles with various fracture strengths were introduced in numerical models of composites with network particle distribution. The results revealed that a low particle strength (1 GPa) led to early-stage failure and brittle fracture. Nevertheless, a high particle strength (5 GPa) delayed the failure behavior and led to ductile fracture at the SiC/Al–Al macro-interface areas. Therefore, the ultimate tensile strengths (UTS) of the network SiC/Al composites increased from 290 to 385 MPa, with rising particle strength from 1 to 5 GPa. Based on the composite property, different particle fracture threshold strengths existed for homogeneous (~2.7 GPa) and network (~3.7 GPa) composites. The higher threshold strength in network composites was related to the increased stress concentration induced by network architecture. Unfortunately, the real fracture strength of the commercial SiC particle is 1–2 GPa, implying that it is possible to select a high-strength particle necessary for efficient network architecture design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to assess effects of two different simulation methods (i.e., interfaces with a single spring-slider system and interfaces with double spring-slider systems) for interactions between reinforcement and the surrounding medium on the performances of geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) structures when conducting numerical analyses. The fundamental difference between these two methods is the number of the spring-slider systems used to connect the nodes of structural elements simulating the geosynthetic reinforcement and the points of solid grids simulating the surrounding medium. Numerical simulation results of pull-out tests show that both methods reasonably predicted the pullout failure mode of the reinforcement embedded in the surrounding medium. However, the method using the interfaces with a single spring-slider system could not correctly predict the interface shear failure mode between the geosynthetics and surrounding medium. Further research shows that these two methods resulted in different predictions of the performance of GRS piers as compared with results of a laboratory load test. Numerical analyses show that a combination of interfaces with double spring-slider systems for reinforcement between facing blocks and interfaces with a single spring-slider system for reinforcement in soil resulted in the best performance prediction of the GRS structures as compared with the test results. This study also proposes and verifies an equivalent method for determining/converting the interface stiffness and strength parameters for these two methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exceptional strength of nanolaminates is attributed to the influence of their fine stratification on the movement of dislocations. Through atomistic simulations, the impact of interfacial structure on the dynamics of an edge dislocation, which is compelled to move within a nanoscale layer of a nanolaminate, is examined for three different nanolaminates. In this study, we model confined layer slip in three structures: nanolaminated Ag and two types of Ag/Cu nanolaminates. We find that the glide motion is jerky in the presence of incoherent interfaces characterized by distinct arrays of misfit dislocations. In addition, the glide planes exhibit varying levels of resistance to dislocation motion, where planes with intersection lines that coincide with misfit dislocation lines experience greater resistance than planes without such intersection lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of the unique physical properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with those of gallium nitride (GaN) and related group-III nitride semiconductors have recently attracted increasing scientific interest for the realization of innovative electronic and optoelectronic devices. A deep understanding of MoS2/GaN interface properties represents the key to properly tailor the electronic and optical behavior of devices based on this heterostructure. In this study, monolayer (1L) MoS2 was grown on GaN-on-sapphire substrates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at 700 °C. The structural, chemical, vibrational, and light emission properties of the MoS2/GaN heterostructure were investigated in detail by the combination of microscopic/spectroscopic techniques and ab initio calculations. XPS analyses on as-grown samples showed the formation of stoichiometric MoS2. According to micro-Raman spectroscopy, monolayer MoS2 domains on GaN exhibit an average n-type doping of (0.11 ± 0.12) × 1013 cm−2 and a small tensile strain (ε ≈ 0.25%), whereas an intense light emission at 1.87 eV was revealed by PL analyses. Furthermore, a gap at the interface was shown by cross-sectional TEM analysis, confirming the van der Waals (vdW) bond between MoS2 and GaN. Finally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the heterostructure were carried out, considering three different configurations of the interface, i.e., (i) an ideal Ga-terminated GaN surface, (ii) the passivation of Ga surface by a monolayer of oxygen (O), and (iii) the presence of an ultrathin Ga2O3 layer. This latter model predicts the formation of a vdW interface and a strong n-type doping of MoS2, in closer agreement with the experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for the ubiquitous detection of gases in complex environments is driving the design of highly specific gas sensors for the development of the Internet of Things, such as indoor air quality testing, human exhaled disease detection, monitoring gas emissions, etc. The interaction between analytes and bioreceptors can described as a "lock-and-key", in which the specific catalysis between enzymes and gas molecules provides a new paradigm for the construction of high-sensitivity and -specificity gas sensors. The electrochemical method has been widely used in gas detection and in the design and construction of enzyme-based electrochemical gas sensors, in which the specificity of an enzyme to a substrate is determined by a specific functional domain or recognition interface, which is the active site of the enzyme that can specifically catalyze the gas reaction, and the electrode–solution interface, where the chemical reaction occurs, respectively. As a result, the engineering design of the enzyme electrode interface is crucial in the process of designing and constructing enzyme-based electrochemical gas sensors. In this review, we summarize the design of enzyme-based electrochemical gas sensors. We particularly focus on the main concepts of enzyme electrodes and the selection and design of materials, as well as the immobilization of enzymes and construction methods. Furthermore, we discuss the fundamental factors that affect electron transfer at the enzyme electrode interface for electrochemical gas sensors and the challenges and opportunities related to the design and construction of these sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Mg/Al composite plates were prepared by direct hot pressing under atmospheric conditions. The impacts of the strain rate (from 3.3 × 10−4 s−1 to 1.0 × 10−2 s−1) on the interface and bonding strength were investigated. Results showed that Mg/Al composite plates can be successfully fabricated by hot pressing with a 40% strain at 350 °C. The strain rate will largely affect the interfacial bonding quality and the structure of the interface. As the strain rate decreases, the thickness of the diffusion layer at the interface becomes thicker, and the composition of the interface gradually changes from a mixed zone of Mg17Al12 and Mg2Al3 to two single-phase zones. In all samples, the Mg2Al3 phase layer at the interface tends to exhibit brittle fracture during shear. When the strain rate of the hot pressing reduces to 3.3 × 10−4 s−1, the single-phase zone of Mg2Al3 at the interface breaks up. In the present work, the Mg/Al plate hot pressed at a strain rate of 1.0 × 10−3 s−1 demonstrates the highest shear strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review focuses on the promising technology of solid-state batteries (SSBs) that utilize lithium metal and solid electrolytes. SSBs offer significant advantages in terms of high energy density and enhanced safety. This review categorizes solid electrolytes into four classes: polymer, oxide, hybrid, and sulfide solid electrolytes. Each class has its own unique characteristics and benefits. By exploring these different classes, this review aims to shed light on the diversity of materials and their contributions to the advancement of SSB technology. In order to gain insights into the latest technological developments and identify potential avenues for accelerating the progress of SSBs, this review examines the intellectual property landscape related to solid electrolytes. Thus, this review focuses on the recent SSB technology patent filed by the main companies in this area, chosen based on their contribution and influence in the field of batteries. The analysis of the patent application was performed through the Espacenet database. The number of patents related to SSBs from Toyota, Samsung, and LG is very important; they represent more than 3400 patents, the equivalent of 2/3 of the world's patent production in the field of SSBs. In addition to focusing on these three famous companies, we also focused on 15 other companies by analyzing a hundred patents. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the strategies employed by various companies in the field of solid-state battery technologies, bridging the gap between applied and academic research. Some of the technologies presented in this review have already been commercialized and, certainly, an acceleration in SSB industrialization will be seen in the years to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In silico approaches were employed to examine the characteristics of interactions between human mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 (HsTrx2) and its 38 previously identified mitochondrial protein ligands. All interactions appeared driven mainly by electrostatic forces. The statistically significant residues of HsTrx2 for interactions were characterized as "contact hot spots". Since these were identical/adjacent to putative thermodynamic hot spots, an energy network approach identified their neighbors to highlight possible contact interfaces. Three distinct areas for binding emerged: (i) one around the active site for covalent interactions, (ii) another antipodal to the active site for strong non-covalent interactions, and (iii) a third area involved in both kinds of interactions. The contact interfaces of HsTrx2 were projected as respective interfaces for Escherichia coli Trx1 (EcoTrx1), 2, and HsTrx1. Comparison of the interfaces and contact hot spots of HsTrx2 to the contact residues of EcoTx1 and HsTrx1 from existing crystal complexes with protein ligands supported the hypothesis, except for a part of the cleft/groove adjacent to Trp30 preceding the active site. The outcomes of this study raise the possibility for the rational design of selective inhibitors for the interactions of HsTrx2 with specific protein ligands without affecting the entirety of the functions of the Trx system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium matrix composites have been extensively investigated due to their light weight and machinability. The interfaces are the most important part of these composites, and their properties determine the properties of composites to a large extent. However, there are still many problems with interface bonding. The reinforcements are faced with the dilemma of poor dispersion, bad interfacial reaction, and poor wettability, which limits further improvements in the mechanical properties. Surface coating treatment of reinforcements is considered to be one of the effective methods to protect reinforcements and modify the interface. This review presents an overview of different coating materials on various reinforcements. The major roles of coatings in the composites and the properties of the composites are discussed. Future directions and potential research areas in the field of magnesium matrix composites reinforced with coated reinforcements are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]