bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of Empirical Models to Predict Metal Additively Manufactured Part Density and Surface Roughness from Powder Characteristics
Authors: Quinn Paul , Uí Mhurchadha Sinéad M. , Lawlor Jim , Raghavendra Ramesh
Published: July 2022

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes, viz laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), are becoming an increasingly popular manufacturing tool for a range of industries. The powder material used in L-PBF is costly, and it is rare for a single batch of powder to be used in a single L-PBF build. The un-melted powder material can be sieved and recycled for further builds, significantly increasing its utilisation. Previous studies conducted by the authors have tracked the effect of both powder recycling and powder rejuvenation processes on the powder characteristics and L-PBF part properties. This paper investigates the use of multiple linear regression to build empirical models to predict the part density and surface roughness of 316L stainless steel parts manufactured using recycled and rejuvenated powder based on the powder characteristics. The developed models built on the understanding of the effect of powder characteristics on the part properties. The developed models were found to be capable of predicting the part density and surface roughness to within ±0.02% and ±0.5 Ra, respectively. The models developed enable L-PBF operators to input powder characteristics and predict the expected part density and surface roughness.
Effects of Three-Dimensional Circular Truncated Cone Microstructures on the Performance of Flexible Pressure Sensors
Authors: Jin Weikan , Yu Zhiheng , Hu Guohong , Zhang Hui , Huang Fengli , Gu Jinmei
Published: July 2022

Three-dimensional microstructures play a key role in the fabrication of flexible electronic products. However, the development of flexible electronics is limited in further applications due to low positioning accuracy, the complex process, and low production efficiency. In this study, a novel method for fabricating three-dimensional circular truncated cone microstructures via low-frequency ultrasonic resonance printing is proposed. Simultaneously, to simplify the manufacturing process of flexible sensors, the microstructure and printed interdigital electrodes were fabricated into an integrated structure, and a flexible pressure sensor with microstructures was fabricated. Additionally, the effects of flexible pressure sensors with and without microstructures on performance were studied. The results show that the overall performance of the designed sensor with microstructures could be effectively improved by 69%. Moreover, the sensitivity of the flexible pressure sensor with microstructures was 0.042 kPa−1 in the working range of pressure from 2.5 to 10 kPa, and the sensitivity was as low as 0.013 kPa−1 within the pressure range of 10 to 30 kPa. Meanwhile, the sensor showed a fast response time, which was 112 ms. The stability remained good after the 100 cycles of testing. The performance was better than that of the flexible sensor fabricated by the traditional inverted mold method. This lays a foundation for the development of flexible electronic technology in the future.
Composites Additive Manufacturing for Space Applications: A Review
Authors: Paek Sung Wook , Balasubramanian Sivagaminathan , Stupples David
Published: July 2022

The assembly of 3D printed composites has a wide range of applications for ground preparation of space systems, in-orbit manufacturing, or even in-situ resource utilisation on planetary surfaces. The recent developments in composites additive manufacturing (AM) technologies include indoor experimentation on the International Space Station, and technological demonstrations will follow using satellite platforms on the Low Earth Orbits (LEOs) in the next few years. This review paper surveys AM technologies for varied off-Earth purposes where components or tools made of composite materials become necessary: mechanical, electrical, electrochemical and medical applications. Recommendations are also made on how to utilize AM technologies developed for ground applications, both commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and laboratory-based, to reduce development costs and promote sustainability.
Stability, Energetic, and Reactivity Properties of NiPd Alloy Clusters Deposited on Graphene with Defects: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Martínez-Vargas Adrián , Vásquez-López Alfonso , Antonio-Ruiz Carlos D. , Cruz-Martínez Heriberto , Medina Dora I. , Montejo-Alvaro Fernando
Published: July 2022

Graphene with defects is a vital support material since it improves the catalytic activity and stability of nanoparticles. Here, a density functional theory study was conducted to investigate the stability, energy, and reactivity properties of NinPdn (n = 1–3) clusters supported on graphene with different defects (i.e., graphene with monovacancy and pyridinic N-doped graphene with one, two, and three N atoms). On the interaction between the clusters and graphene with defects, the charge was transferred from the clusters to the modified graphene, and it was observed that the binding energy between them was substantially higher than that previously reported for Pd-based clusters supported on pristine graphene. The vertical ionization potential calculated for the clusters supported on modified graphene decreased compared with that calculated for free clusters. In contrast, vertical electron affinity values for the clusters supported on graphene with defects increased compared with those calculated for free clusters. In addition, the chemical hardness calculated for the clusters supported on modified graphene was decreased compared with free clusters, suggesting that the former may exhibit higher reactivity than the latter. Therefore, it could be inferred that graphene with defects is a good support material because it enhances the stability and reactivity of the Pd-based alloy clusters supported on PNG.
Residual Mechanical Properties and Durability of High-Strength Concrete with Polypropylene Fibers in High Temperatures
Authors: Resende Heron Freitas , Reis Elvys Dias , Arroyo Felipe Nascimento , de Moraes Matheus Henrique Morato , dos Santos Herisson Ferreira , da Silva Enio Gomes , Lahr Francisco Antonio Rocco , Chahud Eduardo , Panzera Tulio Hallak , Christoforo André Luis , Branco Luiz Antônio Melgaço Nunes
Published: July 2022

Investigations into the fire resistance of high-strength concrete (HSC) is extremely important to optimize structural design in construction engineering. This work describes the influence of polypropylene fibers on the mechanical properties and durability of HSC at high temperatures (25, 100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 °C). HSC specimens with 2 kg/m3 composed of polypropylene fibers are tested in a temperature range of 25 to 800 °C, followed by microstructural analysis. In addition, a statistical analysis is designed to identify the effect of factors, namely temperature and polypropylene fibers, and their interactions on mechanical properties and water absorption, electrical resistivity, mass loss and ultrasonic velocity. Most of the properties are improved by the incorporation of fibers, obtaining highly predictable regression models. However, the polypropylene fibers reduce compressive strength but improve the residual mechanical properties up to 400 °C.
Simultaneously Improving Ductility and Stretch Formability of Mg-3Y Sheet via High Temperature Cross-Rolling and Subsequent Short-Term Annealing
Authors: Wang Yinyang , Liu Chen , Fu Yu , Xu Yongdong , Shao Zhiwen , Chen Xiaohu , Zhu Xiurong
Published: July 2022

In this work, Mg-3Y sheet was prepared by high temperature cross-rolling and subsequent short-term annealing. The effect of annealing on microstructure, texture, mechanical properties, and stretch formability of Mg-3Y sheet was primarily investigated. Micro-nano size coexistence of β-Mg24Y5 phases can be well deformed with matrix. The as-rolled Mg-3Y sheet exhibited a homogeneous deformation microstructure consisting of deformed grains with extensive kink bands and dispersed β-Mg24Y5 phases. A double peak texture character appeared in as-rolled Mg-3Y sheet with a split of the texture peaks of about ±20° tilted to rolling direction. After annealing, the as-annealed Mg-3Y sheet presented complete static recrystallized (SRXed) microstructure consisting of uniform equiaxed grains. The texture orientation distribution was more dispersed and a weakened multiple-peak texture orientation distribution appeared. In addition, the maximum intensity of basal plane decreased from 5.2 to 3.1. The change of texture character was attributed to static recrystallization (SRX) induced by kink bands and grain boundaries. The as-annealed Mg-3Y sheet with high Schmid factor (SF) for basal  slip, prismatic  slip, pyramidal  slip, and pyramidal  slip exhibited high ductility (~25.6%). Simultaneously, enhanced activity of basal  slip and randomized grain orientation played a significant role in decreasing anisotropy for the as-annealed Mg-3Y sheet, which contributed to the formation of high stretch formability (~6.2 mm) at room temperature.
Effect and Mechanism of Pitch Coating on the Rate Performance Improvement of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Bo-Ra , Kim Ji-Hong , Im Ji-Sun
Published: July 2022

This study evaluated the effect of pitch coating on graphite anode materials used in lithium-ion batteries and investigated the mechanism whereby pitch coating improves the electrochemical properties. The FG (flake graphite) and pitch were mixed in weight ratios of 95:5–80:20. The mixture was pressed and prepared into a block form. Additionally, heat treatment was performed at 900 °C for 1 h and pulverized in the size range of 10–25 μm. The results showed that the particles of uniform pitch-coated graphite became more spherical. However, when the pitch is added excessively, pitch aggregation occurs rather than a thicker coating, indicating a nonuniform particle shape. Pitch has a randomly oriented structure and a small crystal size. Therefore, pitch serves as a lithium-ion diffusion pathway, resulting in an improved rate of performance. Notably, the uniform pitch-coated graphite exhibited an outstanding rate of performance owing to the relieving of particle orientation in the electrode rolling process. During the rolling process, the particles are oriented perpendicular to the lithium-ion diffusion pathway, making it difficult for the lithium ions to diffuse. Adding an excessive amount of pitch was found to deteriorate the rate of performance. Pitch aggregation increased the interfacial resistance by forming a heterogeneous surface.
Characterization of the Elastic, Piezoelectric, and Dielectric Properties of Lithium Niobate from 25 °C to 900 °C Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Resonance Method
Authors: Bouchy Sevan , Zednik Ricardo J. , Bélanger Pierre
Published: July 2022

Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) is known for its high Curie temperature, making it an attractive candidate for high-temperature piezoelectric applications (>200 °C); however, the literature suffers from a paucity of reliable material properties data at high temperatures. This paper therefore provides a complete set of elastic and piezoelectric coefficients, as well as complex dielectric constants and the electrical conductivity, for congruent monocrystalline LiNbO3 from 25 °C to 900 °C at atmospheric pressure. An inverse approach using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) resonance method was used to determine the materials’ coefficients and constants. Single crystal Y-cut and Z-cut samples were used to estimate the twelve coefficients defining the electromechanical coupling of LiNbO3. We employed an analytical model inversion to calculate the coefficients based on a linear superposition of nine different bulk acoustic waves (three longitudinal waves and six shear waves), in addition to considering the thermal expansion of the crystal. The results are reported and compared with those of other studies for which the literature has available values. The dominant piezoelectric stress constant was found to be e15, which remained virtually constant between 25 °C and 600 °C; thereafter, it decreased by approximately 10% between 600 °C and 900 °C. The elastic stiffness coefficients c11E, c12E, and c33E all decreased as the temperature increased. The two dielectric constants ϵ11S and ϵ33S increased exponentially as a function of temperature.
Temperature-Responsive Polysaccharide Microparticles Containing Nanoparticles: Release of Multiple Cationic/Anionic Compounds
Authors: Sato Takumi , Murakami Yoshihiko
Published: July 2022

Most drug carriers used in pulmonary administration are microparticles with diameters over 1 µm. Only a few examples involving nanoparticles have been reported because such small particles are readily exhaled. Consequently, the development of microparticles capable of encapsulating nanoparticles and a wide range of compounds for pulmonary drug-delivery applications is an important objective. In this study, we investigated the development of polysaccharide microparticles containing nanoparticles for the temperature-responsive and two-step release of inclusions. The prepared microparticles containing nanoparticles can release two differently charged compounds in a stepwise manner. The particles have two different drug release pathways: one is the release of nanoparticle inclusions from the nanoparticles and the other is the release of microparticle inclusions during microparticle collapse. The nanoparticles can be efficiently delivered deep into the lungs and a wide range of compounds are released in a charge-independent manner, owing to the suitable roughness of the microparticle surface. These polysaccharide microparticles containing nanoparticles are expected to be used as temperature-responsive drug carriers, not only for pulmonary administration but also for various administration routes, including transpulmonary, intramuscular, and transdermal routes, that can release multiple drugs in a controlled manner.
Improving the Mechanical Resistance of Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Composite Materials Made of Nanofibers with Crystalline Preferential Orientation
Authors: Alanis-Gómez Ricardo Pascual , Rivera-Muñoz Eric Mauricio , Luna-Barcenas Gabriel , Alanis-Gómez José Rafael , Velázquez-Castillo Rodrigo
Published: July 2022

The stability and mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite (HAp)/Chitosan composite materials depend on the dispersion of HAp aggregates in the chitosan matrix and on the chemical interaction between them. Therefore, hexagonal cross-sectioned HAp nanofibers were produced using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Glutamic acid was used to control the HAp crystal growth; thereby, nanofibers were obtained with a preferential crystalline orientation, and they were grown along the “c” axis of HAp crystal structures. This morphology exposed the (300) and (100) crystal planes on the surface, and several phosphate groups and calcium ions were also exposed; they were able to form numerous chemical interactions with the amine, hydroxyl, and carbonyl groups of chitosan. Consequently, the final mechanical resistance of the composite materials was synergistically increased. Nanofibers were mixed with commercial chitosan using a sonotrode to improve their dispersion within the biopolymer matrix and prevent migration. The HAp nanofiber/Chitosan composite materials showed higher mechanical resistance than that observed in similar materials with the same chemical composition that were made of commercial HAp powders, which were used as reference materials. The mechanical resistance under tension of the composite materials made of nanofibers was similar to that reported for cortical bone.
Improving Numerical Modeling Accuracy for Fiber Orientation and Mechanical Properties of Injection Molded Glass Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics
Authors: Ivan Riccardo , Sorgato Marco , Zanini Filippo , Lucchetta Giovanni
Published: July 2022

Local fiber alignment in fiber-reinforced thermoplastics is governed by complex flows during the molding process. As fiber-induced material anisotropy leads to non-homogeneous effective mechanical properties, accurate prediction of the final orientation state is critical for integrated structural simulations of these composites. In this work, a data-driven inverse modeling approach is proposed to improve the physics-based structural simulation of short glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics. The approach is divided into two steps: (1) optimization of the fiber orientation distribution (FOD) predicted by the Reduce Strain Closure (RSC) model, and (2) identification of the composite’s mechanical properties used in the Ramberg–Osgood (RO) multiscale structural model. In both steps, the identification of the model’s parameters was carried out using a Genetic Algorithm. Artificial Neural Networks were used as a machine learning-based surrogate model to approximate the simulation results locally and reduce the computational time. X-ray micro-computed tomography and tensile tests were used to acquire the FOD and mechanical data, respectively. The optimized parameters were then used to simulate a tensile test for a specimen injection molded in a dumbbell-shaped cavity selected as a case study for validation. The FOD prediction error was reduced by 51% using the RSC optimized coefficients if compared with the default coefficients of the RSC model. The proposed data-driven approach, which calculates both the RSC coefficients and the RO parameters by inverse modeling from experimental data, allowed improvement in the prediction accuracy by 43% for the elastic modulus and 59% for the tensile strength, compared with the non-optimized analysis.
Research on Hyperparameter Optimization of Concrete Slump Prediction Model Based on Response Surface Method
Authors: Chen Yuan , Wu Jiaye , Zhang Yingqian , Fu Lei , Luo Yunrong , Liu Yong , Li Lindan
Published: July 2022

In this paper, eight variables of cement, blast furnace slag, fly ash, water, superplasticizer, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate and flow are used as network input and slump is used as network output to construct a back-propagation (BP) neural network. On this basis, the learning rate, momentum factor, number of hidden nodes and number of iterations are used as hyperparameters to construct 2-layer and 3-layer neural networks respectively. Finally, the response surface method (RSM) is used to optimize the parameters of the network model obtained previously. The results show that the network model with parameters obtained by the response surface method (RSM) has a better coefficient of determination for the test set than the model before optimization, and the optimized model has higher prediction accuracy. At the same time, the model is used to evaluate the influencing factors of each variable on slump. The results show that flow, water, coarse aggregate and fine aggregate are the four main influencing factors, and the maximum influencing factor of flow is 0.875. This also provides a new idea for quickly and effectively adjusting the parameters of the neural network model to improve the prediction accuracy of concrete slump.
Experimental Techniques to Obtain the Cross-Sectional Images of Textile Yarns
Authors: Abdelkader Mohamed , Mazari Adnan , Zafar Sumayya
Published: July 2022

In the fabric industry, textile yarns are the fundamental building blocks. Hence, visualizing and studying yarn structure is essential to understand the structure and behavior of the fibers. Obtaining the yarn’s cross-section images is crucial in the calculations of yarn’s porosity; furthermore, a more precise expansion for the fiber’s migration can be concluded from the cross-sectional images. In this paper, three different methods (microtome, micro-computed tomography, and epoxy grinding–polishing methods) to image and visualize the yarn’s cross-section are presented. The experimental techniques are compared in terms of result useability, time of preparation, and overall outcome of the cross-sectional image. The images can be used for fiber distribution, air gap calculation, and twist analysis as well. The fiber diameter distribution of polyester yarn was measured based on the images obtained by the three different methods; the average fiber diameter measured based on the combined data from the three different methods was found to be 10.90 ± 0.30 µm.
Effect of the Looseness of the Beam End Connection Used for the Pallet Racking Storage Systems, on the Mechanical Behavior of the Bearing Beams
Authors: Dumbrava Florin , Cerbu Camelia
Published: July 2022

The worldwide use of pallet racking storage systems leads to the necessity for research regarding the effects of the clearance between the metallic tabs of the connector and upright slots (looseness effect) on the performance of load-bearing beams. Firstly, the looseness angle and the rotational stiffness were experimentally obtained for three types of beam-to-upright connections. A theoretical approach is used to investigate the magnitude of the looseness effects that occurred on the performances of the bearing beam of the pallet storage systems in terms of the bending moment developed at the midpoint of the beam and maximum deflection. Calculation corrections were evaluated for the connections involved in the experimental part, for the case which considers the looseness effects with respect to the case which does not consider the looseness effect. In order to evaluate the effects of the parameters of the connections on calculus corrections, the theoretical model was used for other types of beam-to-upright connections. It is shown that the maximum corrections are 2.99% and 5.16% for the bending moment developed at the midpoint of the beam and for the maximum deflection, respectively. It is proved that the connector type affects the size of the correction.
Monitoring of Ion Mobility in the Cement Matrix to Establish Sensitivity to the ASR Caused by External Sources
Authors: Marko Michal , Hrubý Petr , Janča Martin , Kříkala Jakub , Hajzler Jan , Šoukal František , Vojtíšek Jan , Doležal Martin
Published: July 2022

The possibility of the formation of an alkali–silicate reaction (ASR) is a crucial issue for the service life of concrete. The coexistence of key parameters such as the presence of alkalis, reactive SiO2, humidity, and temperature predetermine the possibility of its formation and application. When an ASR gel forms, it results in the concreting cracking and spalling as well as in the deterioration of its overall properties. The risk of ASR depends on the concentration of alkalis and their mobility, which influence their ability to penetrate the concrete. The objective of this study was to determine the ionic mobility of not only Na+ and K+, but Ca2+ as well, from external sources (0.5 and 1.0 mol/L solutions of Na/K carbonate, nitrate, and hydroxide) to a cementitious matrix as the precursor for ASR. The concentrations of ions in both the immersion solutions (ICP) and the cementitious matrix itself (SEM-EDX) were studied as a function of time, from 0 to 120 days, for leaching, and according to temperature (25 and 40 °C). The reaction products were characterized using SEM-EDX. Different diffusion rates and behavior were observed depending on the anion type of the external alkali source. Both sodium and potassium ions in all the three environments studied, namely carbonate, hydroxide, and nitrate, penetrated into the composite and further into its structure by different mechanisms. The action of hydroxides, in particular, transformed the original hydration products into calcium-silicate-hydrate (CASH) or ASR gel, while nitrates crystallized in pores and did not cause any changes in the hydration product. The driving force was the increased temperature of the experiment as well as the increased concentration of the solution to which the test specimen was exposed.
Low-Cost Cranioplasty—A Systematic Review of 3D Printing in Medicine
Authors: Czyżewski Wojciech , Jachimczyk Jakub , Hoffman Zofia , Szymoniuk Michał , Litak Jakub , Maciejewski Marcin , Kura Krzysztof , Rola Radosław , Torres Kamil
Published: July 2022

The high cost of biofabricated titanium mesh plates can make them out of reach for hospitals in low-income countries. To increase the availability of cranioplasty, the authors of this work investigated the production of polymer-based endoprostheses. Recently, cheap, popular desktop 3D printers have generated sufficient opportunities to provide patients with on-demand and on-site help. This study also examines the technologies of 3D printing, including SLM, SLS, FFF, DLP, and SLA. The authors focused their interest on the materials in fabrication, which include PLA, ABS, PET-G, PEEK, and PMMA. Three-dimensional printed prostheses are modeled using widely available CAD software with the help of patient-specific DICOM files. Even though the topic is insufficiently researched, it can be perceived as a relatively safe procedure with a minimal complication rate. There have also been some initial studies on the costs and legal regulations. Early case studies provide information on dozens of patients living with self-made prostheses and who are experiencing significant improvements in their quality of life. Budget 3D-printed endoprostheses are reliable and are reported to be significantly cheaper than the popular counterparts manufactured from polypropylene polyester.
Fe/Mg/Fe Multilayer Composite Sheet Fabricated by Roll Cladding
Authors: Ren Daxin , Ma Yanhua , Zheng Rencheng
Published: July 2022

A new multilayer composite sheet consisting of Fe/Mg/Fe was fabricated from galvanized steels and Mg alloy sheets via roll cladding. The clad steel improved the Mg surface hardness from HV 65 to HV 132. Bonding occurred as the reduction ratios increased up to over 10%. Investigation of the microstructure of the Mg/steel interface revealed a 5 μm- to 10 μm-thick transition layer between Mg and each steel sheet, consisting of Zn and an intermetallic compound (0.97Mg–0.03Zn). Zinc coating from the galvanized steel sheet improved the metallurgical bonding between Mg and Fe by forming new intermetallic phases.
A Stochastic Filling and Modeling Algorithm of Non-Equal Diameter Particles with Specified Probability Density for Porous Permeable Materials
Authors: Zhang Wei , He Lile , Wang Fazhan , Zhang Guangyong
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a model generation algorithm for non-equal diameter particles with a specified probability density distribution is proposed. Based on considering the randomness of the size and distribution of the particles, the compact stacking of the particles is realized by the compactness algorithm, and then the spatial distribution of the tightly compacted particles is made to meet the random distribution of the specified probability density and the specified volume fraction by the filtering algorithm. The computational efficiency and effectiveness of the algorithm are verified, and the effects of the particle size and volume fraction on the distribution are analyzed. Finally, the proposed model has been used to study the permeability of a titanium porous filter cartridge. The results show that the size and location of the particle samples that are generated by the proposed algorithm follow specified probability distributions according to the requirements, and the volume fraction can be adjusted. Compared with the traditional algorithm, the computational effort and complexity are reduced. The resultant model can be used to study the permeability of porous materials and provide modeling support for structural optimization and further simulation of porous materials.
Investigating Machine Learning Techniques for Predicting the Process Characteristics of Stencil Printing
Authors: Martinek Péter , Illés Balázs , Codreanu Norocel , Krammer Oliver
Published: July 2022

Stencil printing is the most crucial process in reflow soldering for the mass assembly of electronic circuits. This paper investigates different machine learning-based methods to predict the essential process characteristics of stencil printing: the area, thickness, and volume of deposited solder paste. The training dataset was obtained experimentally by varying the printing speed (from 20 to 120 mm/s), the size (area ratio from 0.35 to 1.7) of stencil apertures, and the particle size (characterized by a log-normal distribution) in the solder paste. Various machine learning-based methods were assessed; ANFIS–adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems; ANN artificial neural networks (with different learning methods); boosted trees, regression trees, SVM–support vector machines. Each method was optimized and fine-tuned with hyperparameter optimization, and the overfitting phenomenon was also prevented with cross-validation. The regression tree was the best performing approach for modelling the stencil printing, while ANN with the Bayesian regularization learning method was only slightly worse. The presented methodology for fine-tuning, parameter optimization, and the comparison of different machine learning-based methods can easily be adapted to any application field in electronics manufacturing.
Some Aspects of the Burning Process of Antimony and Potassium Manganate(VII) Compositions
Authors: Gerlich Marcin , Trzciński Waldemar , Hara Marcin
Published: July 2022

Antimony and potassium manganate(VII) compositions are widely used in time delay elements of detonators. Despite the existing literature on such systems, there is no complete information on the burning process of Sb/KMnO4 compositions in closed systems. There are also no data on the heat of their combustion in conditions of increased pressure without the access of oxygen from the air and on the composition of solid combustion products. These issues are the subject of the presented work.
Robust Determination of Fatigue Crack Propagation Thresholds from Crack Growth Data
Authors: Schönherr Josef Arthur , Duarte Larissa , Madia Mauro , Zerbst Uwe , Geilen Max Benedikt , Klein Marcus , Oechsner Matthias
Published: July 2022

The robust determination of the threshold against fatigue crack propagation ΔKth is of paramount importance in fracture mechanics based fatigue assessment procedures. The standards ASTM E647 and ISO 12108 introduce operational definitions of ΔKth based on the crack propagation rate da/dN and suggest linear fits of logarithmic ΔK– da/dN test data to calculate ΔKth. Since these fits typically suffer from a poor representation of the actual curvature of the crack propagation curve, a method for evaluating ΔKth using a nonlinear function is proposed. It is shown that the proposed method reduces the artificial conservativeness induced by the evaluation method as well as the susceptibility to scatter in test data and the influence of test data density.
One-Pot Synthesis of LiFePO4/N-Doped C Composite Cathodes for Li-ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Baoquan , Wang Shuzhong , Liu Lu , Li Yanhui , Yang Jianqiao
Published: July 2022

LiFePO4/N-doped C composites with core–shell structures were synthesized by a convenient solvothermal method. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and glucose were used as nitrogen and carbon sources, respectively. The growth of LiFePO4 nanocrystals was regulated by CTAB, resulting in an average particle size of 143 nm for the LiFePO4/N-doped C. The N atoms existed in the carbon of LiFePO4/N-doped C in the form of pyridinic N and graphitic N. The LiFePO4/N-doped C composites delivered discharge specific capacities of 160.7 mAh·g−1 (0.1 C), 128.4 mAh·g−1 (5 C), and 115.8 mAh·g−1 (10 C). Meanwhile, no capacity attenuation was found after 100 electrochemical cycles at 1 C. N-doping enhanced the capacity performance of the LiFePO4/C cathode, while the core–shell structure enhanced the cycle performance of the cathode. The electrochemical test data showed a synergistic effect between N-doping and core–shell structure on the enhancement of the electrochemical performance of the LiFePO4/C cathode.
Dry Addition of Recycled Waste Polyethylene in Asphalt Mixtures: A Laboratory Study
Authors: Pasetto Marco , Baliello Andrea , Pasquini Emiliano , Poulikakos Lily
Published: July 2022

The circular use of resources (i.e., reuse and recycling of materials) aiming for zero waste is also gaining increasing attention in pavement engineering. In this regard, the possible use of waste plastics in asphalt materials is of strategic importance since a considerable amount of plastic waste from construction and demolition waste and municipal solid waste is generated every year. Given this background, this experimental study aimed to investigate the feasibility of recycling waste polyethylene (PE) into asphalt mixtures. For this purpose, the dry addition of plastic shreds was evaluated to overcome the drawbacks observed in a previous interlaboratory research on PE-modified bituminous binder (i.e., instability/inhomogeneity of blend as well as the need for PE grinding). A comparative laboratory study was carried out on dense graded asphalt mixtures containing different amounts of waste plastics (i.e., 0%, 0.25%, and 1.5% by weight of the mixture). The selected asphalt mixes were investigated in terms of workability, linear visco-elastic characteristics, stiffness, strength, resistance to permanent deformation, and moisture sensitivity. Overall, the experimental findings show that the mixes prepared with the dry addition of plastic wastes were able to guarantee almost the same workability and moisture resistance as the reference material while leading to enhanced performance in terms of stiffness and permanent deformation resistance, with better responses for the higher investigated PE dosage.
Performance of Microchannel Heat Sink Made of Silicon Material with the Two-Sided Wedge
Authors: Vatsa Aditya , Alam Tabish , Siddiqui Md Irfanul Haque , Ali Masood Ashraf , Dobrotă Dan
Published: July 2022

New designs of the microchannel with a two-sided wedge shape at the base were studied numerically. Five different wedge angles ranging from 3° to 15° were incorporated into the microchannel design. Simulation of this novel microchannel was carried out using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Three-dimensional models of the microchannel heat sink were created, discretized, and based on Navier–Stokes and energy equations; laminar numerical solutions were obtained for heat transfer and pressure drop. Flow characteristics of water as coolant in a microchannel were studied. It was observed that numerical results are in good agreement with experimental results. It was found that the Nusselt number and friction factor are significantly varied with the increase in Reynolds number. The Nusselt number varies in the following ranges of 5.963–8.521, 5.986–8.550, 6.009–8.568, 6.040–8.609, and 6.078–8.644 at 3°, 6°, 9°, 12°, and 15°, respectively. The microchannel with a wedge angle of 15° was found to be better in terms of Nusselt number and thermo-hydraulic performance. The enhancement in the Nusselt number is found as 1.017–1.036 for a wedge angle of 15°; however, friction factors do not show the perceptible values at distinct values of wedge angle. Moreover, the thermo-hydraulic performance parameters (THPP) were evaluated and found to be maximum in the range of 1.027–1.045 for a wedge angle of 15°. However, minimum THPP was found in the range of 1.005–1.0185 for a wedge angle of 3°.
Silver Nanoparticles–Polyethyleneimine-Based Coatings with Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2: A New Method to Functionalize Filtration Media
Authors: Baselga Marta , Uranga-Murillo Iratxe , de Miguel Diego , Arias Maykel , Sebastián Victor , Pardo Julián , Arruebo Manuel
Published: July 2022

The use of face masks and air purification systems has been key to curbing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, some masks or air conditioning filtration systems are designed to remove large airborne particles or bacteria from the air, being limited their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. Continuous research has been aimed at improving the performance of filter materials through nanotechnology. This article presents a new low-cost method based on electrostatic forces and coordination complex formation to generate antiviral coatings on filter materials using silver nanoparticles and polyethyleneimine. Initially, the AgNPs synthesis procedure was optimized until reaching a particle size of 6.2 ± 2.6 nm, promoting a fast ionic silver release due to its reduced size, obtaining a stable colloid over time and having reduced size polydispersity. The stability of the binding of the AgNPs to the fibers was corroborated using polypropylene, polyester-viscose, and polypropylene-glass spunbond mats as substrates, obtaining very low amounts of detached AgNPs in all cases. Under simulated operational conditions, a material loss less than 1% of nanostructured silver was measured. SEM micrographs demonstrated high silver distribution homogeneity on the polymer fibers. The antiviral coatings were tested against SARS-CoV-2, obtaining inactivation yields greater than 99.9%. We believe our results will be beneficial in the fight against the current COVID-19 pandemic and in controlling other infectious airborne pathogens.
Tribological Behavior of Friction Materials of a Disk-Brake Pad Braking System Affected by Structural Changes—A Review
Authors: Ilie Filip , Cristescu Andreea-Catalina
Published: July 2022

For road safety, braking system performance has become a very important requirement for car vehicle manufacturers and passengers. To this end, vehicle designers must understand the characteristics of tribological behavior and the causes of their variation in properties. This paper analyzes the tribological behavior (at friction and wear) of the most recent material couples of the braking disk-pad system affected by their structural change through the implications on the braking system stability, reliability and suitable characterizations. Obtaining information to design a very efficient braking system and assessing the influence of the material’s structural changes on its stability has become a necessity. This has been made possible by using several methods of testing a brake disk-pad couple on various devices intended for this purpose. The materials of the contact surface disk-brake pad with their tribological performance (friction, wear), especially the friction coefficient, present particular importance. Also, system components’ reliability, heat transfer and the noise and vibration of the brake disk-pad couple are vital to the correct operation of the braking system and should be given special attention. The test results obtained define the friction patterns and the influence of structural changes and other environmental factors that can be used in computer analysis.
The Effect of Eco-Friendly Inhibitors on the Corrosion Properties of Concrete Reinforcement in Harsh Environments
Authors: Guo Rui’E , Zhang Qian , Wang ZaiXing , Tayebi Morteza , Hamawandi Bejan
Published: July 2022

In the present research, the synergistic effect of Arabic and guar gum inhibitors on the corrosion efficiency of concrete reinforcement was investigated. Thus, eight types of Arabic and guar gum combinations with 100, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 ppm were added to the steel reinforcement for 1, 7, 28, 48, and 72 days. The corrosion behavior of the samples was investigated by the electrochemical impedance (EIS) test. Water transmissibility, electrical resistivity, and compressive strength of concrete were also studied. The results showed that adding inhibitors generally increased the compressive strength of concrete. It was also found that water transmissibility was reduced by the addition of inhibitors. The electrical resistivity of the samples increased slightly with increasing time up to 72 days. EIS and Tafel results have demonstrated that Arabic and guar gums are effective inhibitors for reinforced concrete structures. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) utilized to analyze the samples indicated that inhibitor grain size was enhanced by enhancing the concentration of the inhibitor combination, showing that the guar and Arabic inhibitor combinations were properly absorbed on the reinforcement surface. Results showed that a sample with 250 ppm Arabic gum and 250 ppm guar gum having a properly distributed inhibitor combination on the reinforcement surface creates a desirable cathode current.
The Clinical Impact of Platelets on Post-Injury Serum Creatinine Concentration in Multiple Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Greve Frederik , Aulbach Ina , Mair Olivia , Biberthaler Peter , Hanschen Marc
Published: July 2022

Background and objective: Platelets contribute to the immunological response after multiple trauma. To determine the clinical impact, this study analyzes the association between platelets and creatinine concentration as an indicator of kidney function in polytraumatized patients. Methods: We investigated all patients presenting an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16 for a 2-year period at our trauma center. Platelet counts and creatinine concentrations were analyzed, and correlation analysis was performed within 10 days after multiple trauma. Results: 83 patients with a median ISS of 22 were included. Platelet count was decreased on day 3 (p ≤ 0.001) and increased on day 10 (p ≤ 0.001). Platelet count was elevated on day 10 in younger patients and diminished in severely injured patients (ISS ≥35) on day 1 (p = 0.012) and day 3 (p = 0.011). Creatinine concentration was decreased on day 1 (p = 0.003) and day 10 (p ≤ 0.001) in female patients. Age (p = 0.01), male sex (p = 0.004), and injury severity (p = 0.014) were identified as factors for increased creatinine concentration on day 1, whereas platelets (p = 0.046) were associated with decreased creatinine concentrations on day 5 after multiple trauma. Conclusions: Kinetics of platelet count and creatinine concentration are influenced by age, gender, and trauma severity. There was no clear correlation between platelet counts and creatinine concentration. However, platelets seem to have a modulating effect on creatinine concentrations in the vulnerable phase after trauma.
Implementation of Flip-Chip Microbump Bonding between InP and SiC Substrates for Millimeter-Wave Applications
Authors: Lee Jongwon , Lee Jae Yong , Song Jonghyun , Sim Gapseop , Ko Hyoungho , Kong Seong Ho
Published: July 2022

Flip-chip microbump (μ-bump) bonding technology between indium phosphide (InP) and silicon carbide (SiC) substrates for a millimeter-wave (mmW) wireless communication application is demonstrated. The proposed process of flip-chip μ-bump bonding to achieve high-yield performance utilizes a SiO2-based dielectric passivation process, a sputtering-based pad metallization process, an electroplating (EP) bump process enabling a flat-top μ-bump shape, a dicing process without the peeling of the dielectric layer, and a SnAg-to-Au solder bonding process. By using the bonding process, 10 mm long InP-to-SiC coplanar waveguide (CPW) lines with 10 daisy chains interconnected with a hundred μ-bumps are fabricated. All twelve InP-to-SiC CPW lines placed on two samples, one of which has an area of approximately 11 × 10 mm2, show uniform performance with insertion loss deviation within ±10% along with an average insertion loss of 0.25 dB/mm, while achieving return losses of more than 15 dB at a frequency of 30 GHz, which are comparable to insertion loss values of previously reported conventional CPW lines. In addition, an InP-to-SiC resonant tunneling diode device is fabricated for the first time and its DC and RF characteristics are investigated.
NaCl-Templated Ultrathin 2D-Yttria Nanosheets Supported Pt Nanoparticles for Enhancing CO Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Jiang Luozhen , Tian Chen , Li Yunan , Si Rui , Du Meng , Li Xiuhong , Guo Lingling , Li Lina
Published: July 2022

Morphology of support is of fundamental significance to the fabrication of highly efficient catalysts for CO oxidation reaction. Many methods for the construction of supports with specific morphology and structures greatly rely on controlling general physical and chemical synthesis conditions such as temperature or pH. In this paper, we report a facile route to prepare yttria nanosheet using NaCl as template to support platinum nanoparticles exhibiting higher CO oxidation activity than that of the normally prepared Pt/Y2O3. With the help of TEM and SEM, we found that Pt NPs evenly distributed on the surface of NaCl modified 2D-nanosheets with smaller size. The combination of XAFS and TEM characterizations demonstrated that the nano-size Pt species with PtxOy structure played an essential role in the conversion of CO and kept steady during the CO oxidation process. Moreover, the Pt nanoparticles supported on the NaCl templated Y2O3 nanosheets could be more easily reduced and thus exposed more Pt sites to adsorb CO molecules for CO oxidation according to XPS and DRIFTS results. This work offers a unique and general method for the preparation of potential non-cerium oxide rare earth element oxide supported nanocatalysts.
Construction and Application of Hepatocyte Model Based on Microfluidic Chip Technique in Evaluating Emodin
Authors: Chen Di , Yin Jiyong , Yang Zhuo , Qin Wen , Huo Junsheng , Huang Jian , Sun Jing , Piao Wei
Published: July 2022

The current cytological evaluation technique of health food raw materials does not entirely meet the needs of evaluating health food. Our study adopted the microfluidic chip technique for the first time to construct a hepatocyte model of evaluating emodin, which was composed of a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HepG2) and microfluidic chip. The mixed glue of a model with rat tail collagen type I (1.3 mg/mL) + gelatin (7.5%) was used to simulate the microenvironment of a cell. The validity of this model was evaluated by cell proliferation activity and cell staining, and the toxicity of emodin was evaluated by a series of metabolic indicators on this model. The results indicated that the repeatability of the constructed hepatocyte model was favorable, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 2.8%. After emodin continuously was exposed for 48 h, the cell inhibition was obvious at 100 and 200 μM, and the number of dead cells gradually increased with the increasing of emodin concentration, and the difference of BUN was significant between the emodin group and blank group (p < 0.05). The constructed model has a favorable applicability in evaluating emodin. This study provides an important platform and a potential in vitro alternative model for assessing and predicting the health effects of health food.
Reply to Green-Gomez et al. Comment on “Richer et al. Night Vision and Carotenoids (NVC): A Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial on Effects of Carotenoid Supplementation on Night Vision in Older Adults. Nutrients 2021, 13, 3191”
Authors: Richer Stuart , Novil Steven , Gullett Taylor , Dervishi Avni , Nassiri Sherwin , Duong Co , Davis Robert , Davey Pinakin Gunvant
Published: July 2022

We welcome the additional reviews and insights of Green-Gomez, Roche and Nolan [...]