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[Display omitted] • Thermodynamics and kinetics of photocatalytic free radical in water were summarized. • Inert diffusion barrier layer to inhibit oxidation dominant immobilization of photocatalysts. • Quantitative load stability evaluation using indentation modulus (EIT) was developed. • Cutting-edge applications directions of various types of photocatalytic reactors was proposed. Photocatalytic technology, which utilizes light energy instead of the consuming of chemical reagents, is becoming a promising purification method in various wastewater treatment occasions. Compared to conventional biological methods and advanced oxidation methods, photocatalytic technology represents great inclusion and diversity. However, the practical engineering application of photocatalytic technology is still limited, mainly because of the unsatisfied separation and recovery of catalysts and their compatibility with photocatalytic reactors. The key to conquer this problem lies in the appropriate and in-depth understanding of the interface properties of scale-up photocatalytic films and devices, specifically figuring out the reliable immobilization of photocatalysts and the development of suitable application scenarios. This review focus on the immobilized photocatalysts of photocatalytic reactors for rational engineering applications Simultaneously, different types of photocatalytic reactors are evaluated and analyzed to understand their advantages and applicability. Additionally, the state-of-art and key issues of photocatalytic technology in various water treatment engineering applications are reviewed. Furthermore, the rational operation modes of photocatalytic reactors coupling with specific engineering applications are also clarified to promote the industrial application of photocatalytic technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper proposes a damage-resistant Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites (HFRP) design method based on the interface properties. • The microscopic interface properties of composites are introduced into the investigation of interlayer interface properties. • The influence of different hybrid interlayer interfaces on the delamination damage behavior of composites is clarified. • The 3D printing technology was used to prepare specimens of the hybrid fiber-reinforced composites. In this work, the poor impact damage resistance of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites was improved by mixing carbon fibers with ductile fibers (glass fibers/Kevlar fibers). The damage behavior of five interfaces of the prepared hybrid fiber-reinforced plastic (HFRP) composites was investigated through mode-I and mode-II interlaminar fracture toughness tests and micro-droplet debonding tests. On this basis, a numerical model for predicting the impact damage of HFRP composites was established. Through a comprehensive evaluation of the impact damage resistance indexes obtained from the numerical simulations, the hybrid fiber type, hybrid ratio between different fibers, and hybrid lay-up sequence could be optimized. The specimens with optimized lay-ups were prepared by 3D printing, and the effectiveness of the numerical model was verified through low-velocity impact and compression after impact (CAI) tests. The results show that the introduction of glass fiber layers in CFRP composites can significantly improve the damage resistance of the composites. Compared with CFRP composites, when the volume fraction of the glass fibers is 25%, HFRP composites have a smaller delamination damage area (reduced by 74.08%), furthermore, the pit depth is reduced by 43.01%, the CAI is increased by 17.29%, and the strength retention rate is increased by 31.94%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• OADE-TAE ionic liquid with double hydrophilic and hydrophobic chains was synthesized. • OADE-TAE can obtain the efficiency as high as 100 % within a short time in W/O emulsions. • The synthesis method is safe and simple compared with commonly used commercial demulsifiers. A new type of ionic liquid demulsifier with double hydrophilic and hydrophobic chains (HDEA-TFA) was synthesized through the quaternization and replacement reaction. The chemical structure of HDEA-TFA was identified by 1H NMR and FT-IR. It could be applied as an excellent demulsifier for two water-in-crude oil (W/O) emulsions (m water :m oil = 70:30 and m water :m oil = 30:70). The effect of demulsification conditions such as concentration of HDEA-TFA, settling time, demulsification temperature, pH value and salinity on the demulsifying efficiency (DE) of the W/O emulsions were discussed in detail. The results showed that the demulsifying efficiency (DE) of HDEA-TFA in the two W/O emulsions could reach 100 % with the concentration of 500 mg/L at 60 °C within 120 min. Also, HDEA-TFA had excellent acidic, alkaline and salt resistance. Moreover, several commercial demulsifiers were compared to evaluate the demulsifying performance of HDEA-TFA. The dynamic interfacial tension (IFT), surface tension (ST), three-phase contact angle (CA), elasticity modulus (EM) and zeta potential were used to investigate the demulsifying mechanism. The current study developed a new type of ionic liquid demulsifier with excellent performance and provided a reference for the research of demulsification mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ge metal–oxide–semiconductor capacitor with HfTiON/TaYON stacked gate dielectric treated by fluorine plasma is fabricated, and its interfacial and electrical properties are compared with its counterparts without the TaYON interfacial passivation layer or the fluorine-plasma treatment. Experimental results show that the sample exhibits excellent performances: low interface-state density ( 2.5\times 10^11 cm ^-2 eV ^-1) , small flatband voltage (0.34 V), good capacitance–voltage behavior, small frequency dispersion, and low gate leakage current ( 2.47 \times 10^-5 A/cm2 at \textV\text {g} = \,\, \textV\text {fb} + 1 V). These should be attributed to the suppressed growth of unstable Ge oxides on the Ge surface during gate dielectric annealing by the TaYON interlayer and fluorine incorporation, thus greatly reducing the defective states at/near the TaYON/Ge interface and improving the electrical properties of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To reveal the potential and limits of multi-material three-dimensional (3D) printed parts in droplet-based additive manufacturing, a study combining tensile experiments and 3D imaging technique is proposed. A polymeric composite structure made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and thermoplastic polyurethane is manufactured using a two extrusion head printer. The quality of the interface between the two thermoplastics is quantified by adjusting the number of intertwining droplets at the interface. Tensile experiments assisted with digital image correlation are performed with two-interface orientation to discriminate shearing and traction at the interface. The 3D imaging results, which are based on X-ray micro-tomography, show the distinct features of droplet-based additive manufacturing in terms of porosity content and connectivity. Interface properties are found to control, in an incomparable way, the mechanical response. It is found that the interface quality is determinant for enhancing the ultimate performance whereas the interface orientation is found to be the perfect leverage for varying the slope of the linear part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste tires have excellent mechanical performance and have been used as reinforcing material in geotechnical engineering; however, their interface properties are poorly understood. To further our knowledge, this paper examines the pull-out characteristics of waste tire strips in a compacted sand, together with uniaxial and biaxial geogrids also tested under the same conditions. The analysis of the results shows that the interlocking effect and pull-out resistance between the tire strip and the sand is very strong and significantly higher than that of the geogrids. In the early stages of the pull-out test, the resistance is mainly provided by the front portion of the embedded tire strips, as the pull-out test continues, more and more of the areas towards the end of the tire strips are mobilized, showing a progressive failure mechanism. The deformations are proportional to the frictional resistance between the tire-sand interface, and increase as the normal stresses increase. Tire strips of different wear intensities were tested and presented different pull-out resistances; however, the pull-out resistance mobilization patterns were generally similar. The pull-out resistance values obtained show that rubber reinforcement can provide much higher pull-out forces than the geogrid reinforcements tested here, showing that waste tires are an excellent alternative as a reinforcing system, regardless of the environmental advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross wedge rolling (CWR) method was used to produce laminated shafts of chromium-molybdenum steel (42CrMo). The effect of the rolling temperature on interface properties of composite 42CrMo/Q235 laminated shaft were explored, for example, the interface micro-structure, chromium diffusion, micro-hardness, bonding strength, and tensile fracture morphology. Results indicate that after rolling, the core material (Q235) and the clad material (42CrMo) combined effectively and formed a notable interface. Under high tem-perature rolling and composite binding, the chromium dif-fused near the interface. By rising the rolling temperature, the diffusion depth of chromium from the clad material to the core material increased. Near the interface of 42CrMo/Q235, the micro-hardness changes gradient. By rising the rolling temperature, the micro-hardness of same location decreased. The maximum interface bonding strength is 1100 °C, the maximum tensile strength is 532.0 MPa, and the maxi-mum shear strength is 422.3 MPa. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images display the tensile fracture with a typical ductile dimple fracture pattern. Raising the rolling tempera-ture, the size of the dimple increased and the oxide at the bottom of the dimple decreased. At a rolling temperature of 1100 °C, the interface bonding strength should be the highest, which correlated with the interface bonding strength test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Engineering Geology / Gongcheng Dizhi Xuebao is the property of Journal of Engineering Geology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This experimental investigation aims to study the bond strength between old and new self-compacting concrete (SCC). The first part presents the factors affecting slant shear bond strength between old concrete and new self-compacting concrete. The studied parameters are compatibility between old concrete and new SCC through variation of concrete compressive strength and concrete stiffness, type of bonding agent, roughness of old concrete, and the effect of adding latex and polypropylene fiber to self-compacting concrete. In the second part, the proper specimen of slant shear test is studied. From the test results, cylindrical specimens with 150 mm diameter and 300 mm height have a minimum coefficient of variation compared with other studied shapes. The concrete compressive strength overlay self-compacting concrete, roughness of old concrete configuration, adding latex and using polypropylene fiber have a significant effect on slant shear bond strength. In addition, the prism specimen represents more reliable value of slant shear strength than cylinder specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hogskin is a kind of natural and safe high-quality organic material, which can be used to prepare Pickering emulsion. However, its poor storage stability is a key technical problem that restricts its wide application. In this study, preparation and characterization of hogskin particles and stable hogskin Pickering emulsion were conducted, and the functional characteristics of curcumin embedding were also discussed. The results suggested that the Pickering emulsion had good storage stability within 2 months. Besides, diverse pH values and ionic strengths had little influence on the change in emulsion particle size, but zeta potential showed an opposite change trend. Observation under the microscopy showed that the hogskin particles were irreversibly adsorbed onto oil-water interface, and the emulsion exhibited shear thinning and elastic behaviors. After ultraviolet treatment for 7 h and storage for 8 days, curcumin exhibited a good retention rate in Pickering emulsion, and the final retention rate reached 87.54%. [Display omitted] • Pickering emulsion was prepared directly from hogskin particles for the first time. • It provides a new way for the reuse of hogskin waste. • Hogskin particle Pickering emulsion has a wide range of adaptability to pH and ion concentration changes. • Hogskin particle Pickering emulsion had protective effect on embedded curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Constituent properties of different 3D NP C/SiC composites were obtained through hysteresis loops. • Relationships between composite constituent properties and macro mechanical properties were established. • Using estimated constituent properties and developed micromechanical constitutive models, the experimental monotonic and cyclic loading curves were predicted. To improve the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs), it is necessary to establish the relationship between the composite's constituent properties and macro mechanical properties. In this paper, a hysteresis-based micromechanical method was adopted to obtain the constituent properties of four different types of 3D needle-punched C/SiC composites. Hysteresis-based damage parameters (i.e., inverse tangent modulus (ITM), hysteresis width, residual strain, hysteresis modulus, and damage factor) were derived from the hysteresis theory. Through analysis of the experimental monotonic tensile and cyclic hysteresis curves, the composite's constituent properties (i.e., interface properties and thermal residual stress, etc.) and mechanical properties (i.e., first matrix cracking stress, interface debonding stress, and ultimate tensile strength, etc.) were obtained. Relationship between the composite's constituent properties and mechanical properties was established. Using the estimated composite's constituent properties and developed micromechanical constitutive models, the experimental monotonic and cyclic tensile loading/unloading curves were predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The orientation relation of the Ti 2 AlC/TiAl interface was obtained by high resolution transmission electron microscope. • The surface energies of TiAl(1 1 1) surface and Ti 2 AlC surfaces with different terminations were calculated. • The work of adhesion, interface energy and electronic structure were studied for 24 Ti 2 AlC(0001)/TiAl(1 1 1) interface models. • Ti(Al)-hcp-hollow-BAC is considered to be the most ideal interface combining the interface bonding strength and stability. • The interface bonding of Ti(Al)-hcp-hollow-BAC is a mixture of covalent and metallic bonds. In order to systematically study the interface properties of Ti 2 AlC/TiAl composite from an atomic perspective, based on the interface orientation relations obtained by the high resolution transmission electron microscope technique, the work of adhesion, interface energy and electronic structure of 24 Ti 2 AlC/TiAl interface models with different terminations, different stacking sites, and different stacking sequences were calculated using the first principles calculation. The results show that the orientation relationship can be simplified to Ti 2 AlC(0001)/TiAl(1 1 1); the surface energy of 7-layer TiAl(1 1 1) is 1.71 J/m2, the surface energy at the Ti 2 AlC(0001)-Al is the lowest (most stable) in the Al-rich and Ti-rich environments; among the 24 interface models, C-hcp-hollow-BCA has the largest work of adhesion (9.7180 J/m2) implying the strongest interface bonding strength, and Al-fcc-hollow-ACB has the smallest interface energy (0.3644 J/m2) meaning the strongest interface stability; while Ti(Al)-hcp-hollow-BAC is considered to be the most ideal interface structure, combining strong interface bonding strength and stability due to its high work of adhesion (3.9679 J/m2) and low interface energy (0.8630 J/m2), and the interface bonding at Ti(Al)-hcp-hollow-BAC is mainly from Ti-Ti metallic bonds and Ti-Al covalent bonds through the analysis of electronic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Industrial waste oil was recycled for eco-friendly utilization. • The optimal additive and composition of waste-oil-coal-water slurry were determined. • Viscosity reduction effect of Tween 80 in the waste oil-coal-water slurry was best. • The interface properties of coal particles, oil, and water were studied. • Dispersion and stabilization mechanism for waste oil-coal-water slurry was proposed. Industrial waste oil is a type of hazardous waste with a high calorific value. Mixing it with coal for combustion or gasification is an environmentally friendly and efficient way of recycling. Here, the suitability of additives for waste oil-coal slurry and waste oil-coal-water slurry was investigated experimentally, and their dispersion and stabilization mechanisms were also explored. The results show that water-soluble additives such as Tween 80, MF and xanthan gum form reverse micelles in the oil phase of the waste oil-coal slurry, which results in agglomeration and failure to function as intended. Of the different additives, the viscosity reduction effect of Tween 80 in the waste oil-coal-water slurry was best. Further, the comprehensive performance of the waste oil-coal-water slurry, including slurry ability, stability and fluidity, was found to be best at a water content of 10% and a Tween 80 content of 5%. Under these conditions, a solid concentration of 45.75% results in a continuously flowing slurry with good dispersion and stability. The interface properties of coal particles, oil, and water were studied by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and contact angle measurements, and a dispersion and stabilization mechanism for the waste oil-coal-water slurry was proposed. In this mechanism, some of the coal particles enter the reverse micelle, causing the water core to become a hydration film on the surface of the particles, which blocks hydrophobic particle aggregation. In addition, the surfaces of some coal particles are rapidly coated with an oily film, which also inhibits particle aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction and Demolition Wastes (C&DW) are increasingly being reused in civil engineering applications, mainly in concrete production and base layers of roadway infrastructures. However, frequently the fine grain portion of these recycled aggregates is not considered suitable for those applications being landfilled instead of recycled. Moreover, the value-added utilisation of recycled C&DW in the construction of geosynthetic reinforced structures (steep slopes and retaining walls) is almost an unexplored field. This research assesses the feasibility of using fine-grain recycled C&DW as filling material of geosynthetic reinforced structures (GRS), appraising the physical, mechanical and environmental characterization of the construction and demolition material (C&DM), as well as, the direct shear and pullout behaviour of the interfaces between this material and three distinct geosynthetics (two geogrids and one geocomposite reinforcement or high strength geotextile). Direct shear tests results have shown that fine-grain recycled C&DW, properly compacted, exhibit similar shear strength to natural soils used commonly in the construction of GRS. The potential contamination of groundwater by these recycled C&DW was evaluated through laboratory leaching tests and, excepting the values of sulphate and total dissolved solids (TDS), this recycled C&DW complies with the provisions of European Council Decision 2003/33/EC for inert materials. High values of coefficients of interaction for C&DW/geosynthetic interfaces, a parameter of utmost importance in the design and performance of GRS, were achieved. The results herein presented support the viability of using these recycled C&DW as filling material for GRS construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the interface properties between soil and reinforcement, via experimental and numerical modelling of reinforced slopes. In particular, several scale models were built and tested under enhanced gravity in the geotechnical drum centrifuge at ETH Zurich and corresponding prototype numerical models were analyzed via a finite element stress analysis code. Optical fibre sensors were attached on the reinforcement layers of the experimental scaled models in order to measure linear strain during the increase of the g-level, and the results were compared to linear strain that was derived by the numerical analysis of the correspondent prototype reinforced slopes. The interface between soil and reinforcement was expressed in terms of normal and shear stiffness on the soil-reinforcement boundary and different values were tested in order to achieve validation of the experimental and numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene based nano-composites are relatively new materials with excellent mechanical, electrical, electronic and chemical properties for applications in the fields of electrical and electronic devices, mechanical appliances and chemical gadgets. For all these applications, the structural features associated with chemical bonding that involve other components at the interface need in-depth investigation. Metals, polymers, inorganic fibers and other components improve the properties of graphene when they form a kind of composite structure in the nano-dimensions. Intensive investigations have been carried out globally in this area of research and development. In this article, some salient features of graphene–noble metal interactions and composite formation which improve hydrogen gas sensing properties—like higher and fast response, quick recovery, cross sensitivity, repeatability and long term stability of the sensor devices—are presented. Mostly noble metals are effective for enhancing the sensing performance of the graphene–metal hybrid sensors, due to their superior catalytic activities. The experimental evidence for atomic bonding between metal nano-structures and graphene has been reported in the literature and it is theoretically verified by density functional theory (DFT). Multilayer graphene influences gas sensing performance via intercalation of metal and non-metal atoms through atomic bonding.

• Directly applicable Co, polydopamine co-modified carbon felt catalytic cathode for H 2 O 2 production. • Co, polydopamine synergistic effect of the catalytic cathode exhibits excellent H 2 O 2 production activity. • Correlation of different factors influences on catalyst remaining lifetime prediction. • Correlation of different modified carbon felt catalysts H 2 O 2 production activity and lifetime prediction method. Cathode oxygen reduction to produce hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) has been widely studied due to its mild reaction conditions and environmentally friendly properties. The development of electrocatalytic H 2 O 2 production industry not only depends on the high-performance catalysts research, but also the catalysts' lifetime prediction, which plays an important role in production stability and sustainability. Here, a series of polydopamine (PDA) and metal ions (M = Fe2+, Zn2+, Ni2+ and Co2+) co-modified carbon felt catalysts are successfully synthesized by hydration method. Among them, Co2+ and PDA co-modified carbon felt (Co-PDA-CF) catalyst exhibits excellent H 2 O 2 production performance, which is 14 times higher than that of the raw carbon felt (R-CF). The characterization result indicates that the excellent H 2 O 2 production performance is attributed to synergistic effect of Co, PDA and the improved interfacial properties. In addition, a catalyst lifetime prediction model for H 2 O 2 production by cathode oxygen reduction (2e− ORR) is established for the first time. By investigating different factors influence on the catalyst activity change, a two-parameter 2e− ORR catalyst lifetime prediction model is established. Besides, through studying the activity change law of different catalysts in H 2 O 2 production process, correlation model based on different catalysts for lifetime prediction is established, by which the unknown carbon felt supported catalyst lifetime can be predicted. We believe that our research will provide insights into advanced 2e− ORR catalyst fabrication. And the proposed lifetime prediction model will provide guidance on lifetime management of 2e− ORR catalysts and even other gas-liquid-solid three-phase interface reaction process. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report Raman mapping of graphene on AlGaN/GaN heterostructure on GaN/Si substrates. Graphene samples are prepared using exfoliation technique and transferred to AlGaN/GaN heterostructures with GaN and SiN cap layers. AlGaN induced charge accumulation is observed in graphene. Significant intensity reduction is observed in the Raman spectra in the AlGaN/GaN heterostructure peaks with graphene. We anticipate that this work provides further insights of graphene, AlGaN/GaN interfaces and can be used to further develop sensors and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article an additional annealing step was used to increase the quality of gate dielectric layers on silicon carbide obtained by thermal oxidation. The mixture of POCl 3 , N 2 and O 2 gases was used within temperature range of 950 °C–1100 °C. Abnormal oxide growth rate was observed during the annealing process. Significant improvement of trap density was achieved however the best results were obtained for lower range of annealing temperatures (950 °C–1000 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuprous oxide (Cu 2 O) films were potentiostatically electrodeposited onto platinum (Pt) film coated onto silicon (Si) wafer from lactic solution at pH 9. The influence of applied potential on Cu 2 O crystal structure was carefully examined. At higher electrochemical applied potential, a polycrystalline structure was observed, and then as the applied potential decreased, a single crystalline structure oriented along (1 1 1) was obtained. Further decrease in the applied potential leads to the formation of a polycrystalline structure and finally at much lower applied potential, a single crystalline structure growing along (2 0 0) orientation (equivalent to (1 0 0) orientation) was revealed. Cu 2 O/ZnO heterojunction photodiodes based on these three crystal structures were fabricated and studied under dark and illuminated conditions. The best performance of the solar cell efficiency was achieved by the heterojunction based on (1 1 1) oriented Cu 2 O film (≈1.45%) compared to other structures (0.34% and 0.25%), which may be attributed to the formation of high quality heterojunction interface due to the heteroepitaxial-like growth of (0 0 2) oriented ZnO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between proteins largely govern cellular processes and this has led to numerous efforts culminating in enormous information related to the proteins, their interactions and the function which is determined by their interactions. The main concern of the present study is to present interface analysis of cardiovascular-disorder (CVD) related proteins to shed lights on details of interactions and to emphasize the importance of using structures in network studies. This study combines the network-centred approach with three dimensional studies to comprehend the fundamentals of biology. Interface properties were used as descriptors to classify the CVD associated proteins and non-CVD associated proteins. Machine learning algorithm was used to generate a classifier based on the training set which was then used to predict potential CVD related proteins from a set of polymorphic proteins which are not known to be involved in any disease. Among several classifying algorithms applied to generate models, best performance was achieved using Random Forest with an accuracy of 69.5 %. The tool named CARDIO-PRED, based on the prediction model is present at . The predicted CVD related proteins may not be the causing factor of particular disease but can be involved in pathways and reactions yet unknown to us thus permitting a more rational analysis of disease mechanism. Study of their interactions with other proteins can significantly improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the tensile fatigue hysteresis behavior of unidirectional C/SiC composite at room and elevated temperatures in air atmosphere has been investigated. The fatigue hysteresis modulus and fatigue hysteresis loss energy corresponding to different number of applied cycles have been analyzed. Based on the damage mechanism of fiber slipping relative to matrix in the interface debonded region, the fatigue hysteresis loops models based upon the Coulomb friction law instead of a constant fiber/matrix interface shear stress usually assumed in the hysteresis analysis, have been developed. The relationships between the fatigue hysteresis loss energy, fatigue hysteresis loops, interface frictional slip and interface frictional coefficient have been established. When the fiber/matrix interface frictional coefficient degrades, the fatigue hysteresis loss energy first increases to the maximum value, and then decreases to zero; the fatigue hysteresis loops correspond to different interface frictional slip cases. By comparing the experimental fatigue hysteresis loss energy with theoretical computational values, the fiber/matrix interface frictional coefficient corresponding to different number of applied cycles, has been obtained. The variations of fatigue hysteresis modulus, fatigue hysteresis loss energy and interface frictional coefficient as a function of cycle number, have been analyzed for different fatigue peak stresses and test conditions. The fatigue hysteresis loops predicted using the hysteresis loops models and estimated fiber/matrix interface frictional coefficient agreed with experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical properties of thermoplastic composite components in the thickness direction are insufficient to meet the requirements of aerospace and other fields as an alternative to conventional metal structural materials, restricting their use in related structural devices. The methods for improving the interlaminar mechanical properties of thermoplastic composites are reviewed in this work from two perspectives: enhancing the interface properties between fiber and resin and the properties of the interlaminar resin-rich zone. Fiber surface modification means, such as oxidation, plasma, ray irradiation, sizing agent, and carbon nanotubes are detailed introduced. Meanwhile, the effect of different forming technologies and using carbon nanotubes or buckypaper as reinforcement on interlaminar resin-rich zone mechanical properties are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are then summarized and analyzed. Future research on further improving the interlaminar mechanical properties of thermoplastic composites is prospected. [Display omitted] • The effects of fiber surface modification on the interfacial bonding properties of thermoplastic composites are summarized. • The influence of thermoplastic composite forming technology on the interlaminar resin-rich zone is summarized. • Carbon nanotubes can in situ enhance the properties of the interlaminar resin-rich zone of thermoplastic composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zein hydrolysis is difficult to achieve due to a high content of hydrophobic amino acids and poor solubility, which limits its application in the food industry. Potassium oleate, an anionic surfactant, can interact with globular proteins to improve properties. In this paper, potassium oleate was used to construct a new reaction system to improve the solubility of zein and to improve the interfacial properties of zein by enzymatic hydrolysis. Results showed that zein solubility increased by 65.48% at potassium oleate concentration of 10 g/L. The surface hydrophobicity of zein decreases with the increase of enzymolysis time. Compared to zein without enzyme treatment, the emulsification activity and emulsification stability of zein increased by 3.57 and 4.63 times, and the foaming capacity and foaming stability increased by 73.45% and 44.65% when the enzymatic hydrolysis time is 10 min. The static and dynamic rheological results show that the rheological properties of enzymatically hydrolyzed zein solution as a fat substitute when replacing 10% of oil are most similar to those of full-fat salad dressing. This study may offer a facile approach to develop novel food-grade material, which are beneficial for the better application of zein in the food industry. [Display omitted] • The enzymatic hydrolysis of zein was carried out using potassium oleate aqueous solution as a medium. • Alcalase improves the interface properties of zein dissolved in potassium oleate aqueous solution. • Hydrolyzed zein can be used as a fat substitute to replace 10% of oil in salad dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interfacial and electrical properties of Ge-based metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) capacitor with high- \(k\) gate dielectric of HfTiO and passivation interlayer of LaTaON are investigated. Experimental results show the Ge MOS with HfTiO/LaTaON gate-stacked dielectric exhibits low interface-state density ( \(7.8\times 10^{11}\) cm \(^{-2}\) eV \(^{\mathrm {-1}}\) ), small gate-leakage current ( \(7.88\times 10^{\mathrm {-4}}\) A cm \(^{\mathrm {-2}}\) at \(V_{\rm g} - V_{\rm fb}= 1\) V), small capacitance equivalent thickness (1.1 nm), and large equivalent dielectric constant (27.7). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy reveal that the improvements should be due to the fact that La/Ta-based oxide/oxynitride has excellent interface properties with Ge, and the LaTaON interlayer can effectively block the in-diffusion of oxygen and the out-diffusion of germanium, thus suppressing the growth of low- \(k\) GeOx and intermixing between Ge and Hf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In the structural models determined by X-ray crystallography, contacts between molecules can be divided into two categories: biologically relevant contacts and crystal packing contacts. With the growth in the number and quality of available large crystal packing contacts structures, distinguishing crystal packing contacts from biologically relevant contacts remains a difficult task, which can lead to wrong interpretation of structural models. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis on the biologically relevant contacts and crystal packing contacts. The analysis results reveal that biologically contacts are more tightly packed than crystal packing contacts. This property of biologically contacts may contribute to the formation of their interfacial core region. Meanwhile, the differences between the core and surface region of biologically contacts in amino acid composition and evolutionary measure are more dramatic than crystal packing contacts and these differences appear to be useful in distinguishing these two categories of contacts. On the basis of the features derived from our analysis, we developed a random forest model to classify biological relevant contacts and crystal packing contacts. Our method can achieve a high receiver operating curve of 0.923 in the 5-fold cross-validation and accuracies of 91.4% and 91.7% for two different test sets. Moreover, in a comparison study, our model outperforms other existing methods, such as DiMoVo, Pita, Pisa, and Eppic. We believe that this study will provide useful help in the validation of oligomeric proteins and protein complexes. The model and all data used in this paper are freely available at . Proteins 2014; 82:3090-3100. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fiber/matrix interface shear stress is a key parameter in the fatigue behavior of fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs). In this paper, the interface shear stress of three CMCs with different carbon fiber preforms, i.e., unidirectional C/SiC, cross-ply C/SiC and 2.5D woven C/SiC, has been estimated from fatigue hysteresis loss energy at room and elevated temperatures. Under fatigue loading, the fatigue hysteresis loss energy and fatigue hysteresis modulus versus the applied cycles have been analyzed. The theoretical relationships between the fatigue hysteresis loops, the fatigue hysteresis loss energy, the interface slip and the interface shear stress have been established. When the interface shear stress degrades, the fatigue hysteresis loss energy first increases to the maximum value, then decreases to zero; the fatigue hysteresis loops correspond to different interface slip cases. By comparing the experimental fatigue hysteresis loss energy with theoretical computational values, the evolution of the interface shear stress versus the applied cycles of C/SiC composites has been analyzed. The effects of fiber preforms and test conditions on the interface shear stress degradation have been investigated. The fatigue hysteresis loops of unidirectional, cross-ply and 2.5D woven C/SiC composites have been predicted for different applied cycles at room and elevated temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomistic simulations and experimental investigations are combined to study heterojunction interfaces of hybrid polymer solar cells, with the aim to better understand and precisely predict their photovoltaic properties. The focus is on a hybrid ternary model system based on a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc)/ZnO interface, in which a ZnPc interlayer is applied to improve the performance of the hybrid interface. Theoretical predictions of the ternary system are validated against the properties of a concrete P3HT/ZnPc/ZnO planar heterojunction device. The theoretical predictions closely agree with the photovoltaic properties obtained in P3HT/ZnPc/ZnO solar cells, indicating the strength of the method for modeling hybrid heterojunction interfaces. The theoretical and experimental results reveal that: i) ZnPc molecules in direct contact with a ZnO surface insert new energy levels due to a strong ZnPc/ZnO coupling, ii) electron injection from these new energy levels of ZnPc into ZnO is highly efficient, iii) the ZnPc/ZnO coupling strongly influences the energy levels of the ZnO and P3HT leading to a reduction of the open circuit voltage, and iv) charge carrier recombination at the P3HT/ZnO interface is reduced by the ZnPc interlayer. The intercalation of ZnPc leads to an increase in photocurrent as well as to an overall increase in power conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The successful use of additives in modified asphalt mixtures, such as warm mix asphalt, depends largely on the effect such modification has on the mastic. Previous research indicated that such modifiers do not simply change the bitumen properties, but can also change the interaction between the filler and the bitumen matrix. Understanding the effect of the properties of the fillers, the bitumen and their interaction is thus important for future asphalt mix design. In order to investigate this and to define the dominant relationships, this paper combines a numerical and experimental approach. In the experiments, the viscosities of modified and unmodified mastics with different filler concentrations and types were systematically investigated utilizing a novel testing protocol. In the numerical analyses, the Finite Element Method was utilized for a micro-mechanical analysis, in which the shape and size of the filler particles were varied in the bitumen matrix. Combining the experimental and numerical results allowed for a detailed investigation of the effect of the interface properties, with and without modifiers. The research further indicated that the effect of the shape and size of the fillers varied, depending on the interface properties. From the research relationships were established between the overall mastic viscosity and the influence of the filler-bitumen interface, considering shape and size. The conclusion of this paper can thus be useful for the effective development of modified asphalt mixtures and gives strong indications towards future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphosyntactic property set associated with the syntactic node occupied by a word form is not invariably identical to the property set determining that word form's inflection, as evidence from Bhojpuri, Turkish, Sanskrit and Hua shows. The difference between syntactic property sets and their corresponding morphological property sets may be represented as a property mapping relating two different kinds of paradigm: a lexeme L's content paradigm specifies the range of property sets with which L may be associated in syntax ; its form paradigm specifies the (sometimes distinct) property sets that determine L's inflectional realization. Thus, a language's inflectional morphology doesn't merely specify the realization of paradigm cells: it also specifies the sometimes nontrivial linkage of content with form at the interface of syntax and semantics with morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play crucial roles in diverse cellular processes. There are different types of PPIs based on the composition, affinity and whether the association is permanent or transient. Analyzing the diversity of PPIs at the atomic level is crucial for uncovering the key features governing the interactions involved in PPI. A systematic physico-chemical and conformational studies were implemented on interfaces involved in different PPIs, including crystal packing, weak transient heterodimers, weak transient homodimers, strong transient heterodimers and homodimers. The comparative analysis shows that the interfaces tend to be larger, less planar, and more tightly packed with the increase of the interaction strength. Meanwhile the strong interactions undergo greater conformational changes than the weak ones involving main chains as well as side chains. Finally, using 18 features derived from our analysis, we developed a support vector regression model to predict the binding affinity with a promising result, which further demonstrate the reliability of our studies. We believe this study will provide great help in more thorough understanding the mechanism of diverse PPIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissimilar welding of austenitic stainless steel (ASS) to low-alloy structural steel is widely used in the power generation industry. The formation of brittle martensite and hot cracking susceptibility in the single-phase austenite microstructure are the main concerns related to the metallurgy of this kind of weld. This study investigates the effect of different welding wires and the weaving technique on the quality, microstructure and microhardness of fillet weld joints between AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel and S355MC low-alloy structural steel. Using robotised synergic gas metal arc welding (GMAW), three different filler wires were used to weld specimens with and without weaving. The macro-sections of the fillet welds were inspected and the dilution rates and ferrite numbers (FN) measured. The microstructure was also inspected and microhardness values recorded. Porosity was discerned in two weld samples made with the use of weave beads. The measured FNs for all the weldments were very close to estimations from the Schaeffler diagram. The formation of a narrow martensitic band on the ferritic side of the weld metal was detected for most of the specimens. It is concluded that weaving decreased the dilution rate and increased the FN. However, no obvious effect on the microstructure and hardness as a result of using the weaving technique was noticed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • RM can improve thermal stability of PVC composites. • mRM/PVC composites present better mechanical properties and thermal stability. • CPE helps to enhance impact strength of mRM/PVC composites. • Performance is optimized via surface modification and toughening modulation. Red mud, known as bauxite residue, is a tough solid waste posing a hazardous threat to the environment. It is urgent to develop efficient methods for the utilization of red mud worldwide. In this work, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites were filled with red mud (RM). Titanate coupling agent was employed to make surface modification of RM. The influence of RM loading fractions on the performance of PVC composites was evaluated by mechanical test, rheological behavior, as well as thermal stability. The results indicate that RM can improve the thermal stability of PVC composites. However, the rheology curves present an enhancement of plasticizing time and equilibrium torque with the increment of RM loading fraction, indicating the worse processing performance. It appears a decrease of tensile and flexural strength as well as an initial increase and then decrease of impact strength, with the increase of RM loading fraction. In comparison to RM/PVC composites, PVC composites filled with modified RM (mRM) present better mechanical properties and thermal stability. Moreover, the investigation of toughening modulation suggests that chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) accelerates the plastic deformation of PVC matrix under rapid impact, yielding an increment of impact strength in mRM/PVC composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The most stable contact configuration of UN/ZrC interface is identified for dispersion nuclear fuel. • Size effect of UN particles on the binding strength between UN and ZrC is explored. • Interfacial defects generally reduce the binding strength, suggesting that defects should be avoided during fuel fabrication. Based on first-principles density functional theory calculations, we investigate the structure, stability and electronic properties of UN/ZrC interface in the context of UN fuel particles dispersed in ZrC matrix, aiming to understand the effects of particle size and interfacial defects on the stability of the dispersion nuclear fuel elements. We first compare different contact configurations of UN/ZrC with (100), (110) and (111) orientations, and identify the most stable structures with the lowest total energy. The calculated binding energies between UN and ZrC in these interfaces are 3.2∼8.5 J/m2, indicative of high stability. By using UN/ZrC(100) interface as a prototype probe, we explore UN films of one to nine atomic layers, which reveal that the binding strength oscillates only below three layers and converges quickly with higher thickness. This can be explained by orbital hybridization and charge redistribution that leads to reduced quantum size effect of thin films. We further demonstrate that interfacial defects, including various vacancies and exchanged atoms, generally reduce the binding strength. These results not only shed light on the understanding of UN/ZrC interface at an atomic scale, but also provide valuable guidance for future fabrication and implementation of novel nuclear fuels for practical applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solidification cellular substructure can improve the strength and ductility of austenitic stainless steel (SS) manufactured by laser powder-bed-fusion (L-PBF), but it is highly sensitive to elevated temperature. However, the underlying mechanisms affecting the thermal stability of cellular substructures remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the high annealing temperature can induce the unidirectional transformation from L-PBF 304L SS matrix to MnSiO 3 inclusion to MnCrO 4 inclusion, thus changing the interface properties of inclusions. The experimental results indicate that the thermal stability of cellular substructures is highly dependent on the interfacial properties between inclusions and the L-PBF 304L SS matrix. We uncover that the semi-coherent interface between MnSiO 3 inclusions and L-PBF 304L SS matrix plays a crucial role in the formation of useful cellular substructures and the achievement of high strength and high ductility of L-PBF 304L SS. This new understanding of the inclusion interface properties can provide unprecedented possibilities for future development of high-performance L-PBF austenitic SS. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]