Precise infrared (IR) optics are core elements of infrared cameras for thermal imaging and night vision applications and can be manufactured directly or using a replicative process. For instance, precision glass molding (PGM) is a replicative manufacturing method that meets the demand of producing precise and accurate glass optics in a cost-efficient manner. However, several iterations in the PGM process are applied to compensate the induced form deviation and the index drop after molding. The finite element method (FEM) is utilized to simulate the thermomechanical process, predicting the optical properties of molded chalcogenide lenses and thus preventing costly iterations. Prior to FEM modelling, self-developed glass characterization methods for the stress and structure relaxation of chalcogenide glass IRG 26 are implemented. Additionally, a ray-tracing method is developed in this work to calculate the optical path difference (OPD) based on the mesh structure results from the FEM simulation. The developed method is validated and conducted during the production of molded lenses. Full article

The channel conduction in 4H-SiC metal–oxide–semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) are highly impacted by charge trapping and scattering at the interface. Even though nitridation reduces the interface trap density, scattering still plays a crucial role in increasing the channel resistance in these transistors. In this work, the dominant scattering mechanisms are distinguished for inversion layer electrons and holes using temperature and body-bias-dependent Hall measurements on nitrided lateral 4H-SiC MOSFETs. The effect of the transverse electric field ($E_{eff}$) on carrier mobility is analyzed under strong inversion condition where surface roughness scattering becomes prevalent. Power law dependencies of the electron and hole Hall mobility for surface roughness scattering are determined to be $E_{eff}^{-1.8}$ and $E_{eff}^{-2.4}$, respectively, analogous to those of silicon MOSFETs. Moreover, for n-channel MOSFETs, the effect of phonon scattering is observed at zero body bias, whereas in p-channel MOSFETs, it is observed only under negative body biases. Along with the identification of regimes governed by different scattering mechanisms, these results highlight the importance of the selection of substrate doping and of $E_{eff}$ in controlling the value of channel mobility in 4H-SiC MOSFETs. Full article

This study aims to assess the color stability, water sorption, and solubility of 11 resin composites as commercially available dental products. Twenty samples (10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) of each material were fabricated using a customized silicone mold, followed by immersion in each of curry, coffee, wine, and distilled water for 28 days (n = 5). Baseline shade and color changes (ΔE) were measured using a reflection spectrophotometer. The CIE L*, a*, b* system was used to evaluate the color changes. Five samples of each resin composite were applied to test water sorption and solubility according to ISO 4049:2009. As a result, the ∆E values were significantly influenced by each of the three factors (composition of material, solution, time) and the interactions between them (p < 0.001). Highest resistance to discoloration was achieved by Ceram.X One Universal (CXU), followed by Magnafill Putty (MP). Generally, microhybrid composites showed fewer color changes than nanohybrid composites and giomers. DX. Universal and Filtek Z350 XT showed the highest ΔE values in all colorants. All materials tested in this study fulfilled the criteria of ISO 4049:2009; CXU and MP had the lowest water sorption and solubility. The Pearson test showed statistically significant positive correlations between water sorption and ΔE and between solubility and ΔE. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the radiopacity and surface morphology of AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer (AHPB), Bio-C Sealer (BIOC), Biodentine (BD), BioRoot RCS (BR), Grey-MTAFlow (GMF), White-MTAFlow (WMF), TotalFill BC Sealer (TF), and TotalFill BC Sealer HiFlow (TFHF) at different time moments—30 min, 24 h, and 28 days. Ten specimens of each material were prepared according to the ISO-6876:2012 standard and radiographed next to an aluminum step wedge using a digital sensor. The specimens were stored in a gelatinized Hank’s balanced salt solution at 37 °C between assessments. The mean grayscale values of each specimen were converted into equivalent aluminum thickness by a linear regression model. Characterization of the surface morphology was performed by using a scanning electron microscope at ×4.0k and ×10.0k magnifications. The radiographic analysis revealed that all the tested materials exceeded the ISO-specified limit of 3 mm Al, with the highest radiopacity presented by AHPB and the lowest by BD. None of the tested materials demonstrated considerable variances between the 30 min and the 24 h radiopacity level (p < 0.05), and statistically significant long-term radiopacity changes were exhibited by BR, TFHF, and TF (p > 0.05). All the specimens demonstrated a common feature of limited precipitate formation, with numerous unreacted particles still presented on the surface after 24 h, whereas the particle rearrangement and the deposition of precipitates were clearly observed after 28 days. Full article

FeSbO₄ powder was prepared using the solid-state reaction method in this work. Afterward, the dense and porous ceramics were obtained by sintering the pressed powder calcined at temperatures of 900 and 1000 °C for 4 h. Rietveld profile analysis of the X-ray powder diffraction data showed that FeSbO₄ adopts the trirutile-type structure (space group P4₂/mnm, with a ≅ 4.63 Å and c ≅ 9.23 Å). SEM images showed that the powder calcined at 900 °C after being sintered at 1200 °C resulted in ceramics of higher crystallinity, larger grains, and consequently, low porosity. The dielectric properties were measured in the frequency range of 10⁻¹ Hz–1 MHz as a function of temperature (25–250 °C). The real (σ′) and imaginary (σ″) parts of the complex conductivity increase with rising annealing temperature for both samples. The real conductivity in the AC region for 𝑓 = 100 kHz was $1.59\times {10}^{-6} \mathrm{S}·{\mathrm{cm}}^{-1}$ and $7.04\times {10}^{-7} \mathrm{S}·{\mathrm{cm}}^{-1}$ for the ceramic samples obtained from the powder calcined at 900 (C-900) and 1000 °C (C-1000), respectively. Furthermore, the dielectric constants (k′) measured at room temperature and $f=100 \mathrm{kHz}$were $13.77$ (C-900) and $6.27$ (C-1000), while the activation energies of the grain region were E_a = 0.53 eV and E_a = 0.49 eV, respectively. Similar activation energy (E_a = 0.52 eV and 0.49 eV) was also obtained by the brick-layer model and confirmed by the adjustment of activation energy by DC measurements which indicated an absence of the porosity influence on the parameter. Additionally, loss factor values were obtained to be equal to 3.8 (C-900) and 5.99 (C-1000) for measurements performed at 100 Hz, suggesting a contribution of the conductivity originated from the combination or accommodation of the pores in the grain boundary region. Our results prove that the microstructural factors that play a critical role in the electrical and dielectric properties are the average grain size and the porosity interspersed with the grain boundary region. Full article

Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ doped/co-doped NaGdF₄ upconversion phosphor nanoparticles were synthesized via the thermal decomposition route of synthesis. The α-phase crystal structure and nanostructure of these particles were confirmed using XRD and FE-SEM analysis. In the power-dependent upconversion analysis, different emission bands at 520 nm, 540 nm, and 655 nm were obtained. The sample was also examined for cathodoluminescence (CL) analysis at different filament currents of an electron beam. Through CL analysis, different emission bands of 526 nm, 550 nm, 664 nm, and 848 nm were obtained. The suitability of the present sample for temperature-sensing applications at a wide range of temperatures, from room temperature to 1173 K, was successfully demonstrated. Full article

The confinement of concrete enhances its strength and ductility by restraining lateral dilation. The accuracy of a confinement model depends on how well it captures the dilation of concrete. In the current paper, a mesoscale model is established to study the dilation properties of concrete in active confinement, where the heterogeneity of concrete is considered. The stress–strain and lateral–axial strain curves of concrete in active confinement were used to demonstrate the validity of the mesoscale model. Subsequently, the distribution of lateral strain and the influences of the strength grade and confinement ratio on the dilation of concrete were investigated in a simulation. The results show that the distribution of the lateral strain along the radial or longitudinal directions is not uniform on the specimen when compressive failure occurs. The confinement ratio has a more significant influence on the concrete’s transverse dilation than the strength grade. Finally, an expression of the lateral–axial strain relationship of concrete in active confinement is proposed. The proposed formula can reflect the simulation results of the mesoscale model and is in good agreement with the prediction of existing formulas. Full article

As a new type of biodegradable implant material, zinc matrix composites have excellent potential in the application of biodegradable implants because of their better corrosion resistance than magnesium matrix materials. Our previous studies have shown that graphene nanosheet reinforced zinc matrix composites (Zn-GNS) prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) have good mechanical properties and suitable degradation rate. However, the biocompatibility of zinc matrix composites is still a problem of concern. The cytocompatibility and blood compatibility of pure zinc and Zn-GNS composites in vitro were studied. The results showed that Zn-GNS composites had acceptable toxicity to MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells. In addition, the hemolysis rate of pure zinc and its composites were less than 3%, which has no adverse effect on adhered platelets, and has good antithrombotic and antiadhesion platelets properties. In conclusion, the addition of GNS did not adversely affect the biocompatibility of Zn-GNS composites, which indicated that Zn-GNS composites are a promising candidate for bone implantation. Full article

Control of food spoilage is a critical concern in the current world scenario, not only to ensure the quality and safety of food but also to avoid the generation of food waste. This paper evaluates a dual-sensor strategy using six different pH indicators stamped on cardboard for the detection of spoilage in three different foods: beef, salmon, and strawberries. After function validation and formulation optimizations in the laboratory, the halochromic sensors methyl orange and bromocresol purple 2% (w/v) were stamped on cardboard and, in contact with the previously mentioned foods, were able to produce an easily perceptible signal for spoilage by changing color. Additionally, when it comes to mechanical characterization the inks showed high abrasion (>100 cycles) and adhesion resistance (>91%). Full article

This work reports the functionalization of sodium titanate nanotubes with amine groups obtained from the reaction of titanate nanotubes with [3-(2-Aminoethylamino)propyl]trimethoxysilane, NaTiNT−2NH, and 3-[2-(2-Aminoethylamino)ethylamino]propyltrimethoxysilane, NaTiNT−3NH. It was verified that the crystalline and morphological structures of NaTiNT were preserved after the functionalization, spectroscopies showed that aminosilane interacted covalently with the surface of NaTiNT, and the incorporation of the aminosilane groups on the surface of NaTiNT can be confirmed. The adsorbent matrices NaTiNT−2NH and NaTiNT−3NH were used to remove the anionic dye from remazol blue R (RB) in aqueous medium, and the highest adsorption capacity was around 365.84 mg g${}^{-1}$ (NaTiNT−2NH) and 440.70 mg g${}^{-1}$ (NaTiNT−3NH) in the range of pH 5.0 to 10.0 and the equilibrium time was reached in 210 min (NaTiNT−2NH) and 270 min (NaTiNT−3NH). Furthermore, the Elovich model, which reports the adsorption in heterogeneous sites and with different activation energies in the chemisorption process, was the most appropriate to describe the adsorption kinetics. Thus, these adsorbent matrices can be used as an alternative potential for dye removal RB in aqueous solution. Full article

A major concern in the modern cement industry is considering how to minimize the CO₂ footprint. Thus, cements based on belite, an impure clinker mineral (CaO)₂SiO₂ (C₂S in cement chemistry notation), which forms at lower temperatures, is a promising solution to develop eco-efficient and sustainable cement-based materials, used in enormous quantities. The slow reactivity of belite plays a critical role, but the dissolution mechanisms and kinetic rates at the atomistic scale are not known completely yet. This work aims to understand the dissolution behavior of different facets of β-C₂S providing missing input data and an upscaling modeling approach to connect the atomistic scale to the sub-micro scale. First, a combined ReaxFF and metadynamics-based molecular dynamic approach are applied to compute the atomistic forward reaction rates (R_D) of calcium (Ca) and silicate species of (100) facet of β-C₂S considering the influence of crystal facets and crystal defects. To minimize the huge number of atomistic events possibilities, a generalized approach is proposed, based on the systematic removal of nearest neighbors’ crystal sites. This enables us to tabulate data on the forward reaction rates of most important atomistic scenarios, which are needed as input parameters to implement the Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) computational upscaling approach. The reason for the higher reactivity of the (100) facet compared to the (010) is explained. Full article

Electric-field control of spin dynamics is significant for spintronic device applications. Thus far, effectively electric-field control of magnetic order, magnetic damping factor and spin–orbit torque (SOT) has been studied in magnetic materials, but the electric field control of spin relaxation still remains unexplored. Here, we use ionic liquid gating to control spin-related property in the ultra-thin (4 nm) heavy metal (HM) platinum (Pt) and ferromagnetic insulator (FMI) yttrium iron garnet (Y₃Fe₅O₁₂, YIG) heterostructure. It is found that the anomalous Hall effect (AHE), spin relaxation time and spin diffusion length can be effectively controlled by the electric field. The anomalous Hall resistance is almost twice as large as at 0 voltage after applying a small voltage of 5.5 V. The spin relaxation time can vary by more than 50 percent with the electric field, from 41.6 to 64.5 fs. In addition, spin relaxation time at different gate voltage follows the reciprocal law of the electron momentum scattering time, which indicates that the D’yakonov–Perel’ mechanism is dominant in the Pt/YIG system. Furthermore, the spin diffusion length can be effectively controlled by an ionic gate, which can be well explained by voltage-modulated interfacial spin scattering. These results help us to improve the interface spin transport properties in magnetic materials, with great contributions to the exploration of new physical mechanisms and spintronics device. Full article

In the present work, an ultrasonic, an induction, and a through transmission laser welding were compared to join carbon fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) composites. The advantages and drawbacks of each process are discussed, as well as the material properties required to fit each process. CF/PEEK plates were consolidated at 395 °C with an unidirectional sequence and cross-stacking ply orientation. In some configurations, a polyetherimide (PEI) layer or substrate was used. The thermal, mechanical, and optical properties of the materials were measured to highlight the specific properties required for each process. The drying conditions were defined as 150 °C during at least 8 h for PEI and 24 h for CF/PEEK to avoid defects due to water. The optical transmission factor of PEI is above 40% which makes it suitable for through transmission laser welding. The thermal conductivity of CF/PEEK is at most 55 W·(m·K)⁻¹, which allows it to weld by induction without a metallic susceptor. Ultrasonic welding is the most versatile process as it does not necessitate any specific properties. Then, the mechanical resistance of the welds was measured by single lap shear. For CF/PEEK on CF/PEEK, the maximum lap shear strength (LSS) of 28.6 MPa was reached for a joint obtained by ultrasonic welding, while an induction one brought 17.6 MPa. The maximum LSS of 15.2 MPa was obtained for PEI on CF/PEEK assemblies by laser welding. Finally, interfacial resistances were correlated to the fracture modes through observations of the fractured surfaces. CF/PEEK on CF/PEEK joints resulted in mixed cohesive/adhesive failure at the interface and within the inner layers of both substrates. This study presents a guideline to select the suitable welding process when assembling composites for the aerospace industry. Full article

It is extremely important to investigate the effect of the seismic performance of corrosion-damaged reinforced concrete (RC) members, in terms of strength and deformability, on the seismic performance of the entire building. This will allow a more accurate assessment of the seismic performance of RC structures with corroded members, including beams and columns. However, current methods of evaluating the seismic performance of RC structures fail to fully consider the influence of reinforcement corrosion and other performance deterioration of RC members. The main objective of this study is to propose a practical method of evaluating the seismic performance of RC structures with corrosion-damaged members, identifying factors contributing to structural performance deterioration based on strength and deformability for direct, quantitative evaluation of seismic performance. To achieve the aforementioned objective, the authors examined the effects of reinforcement corrosion on the structural behavior of RC beams and factors contributing to structural performance deterioration. Past experiments verified the strong correlation between the half-cell potential (HCP) before and after reinforcement corrosion and the reduction factor based on energy absorption capacity. However, current research evaluates the correlation between the extent of corrosion and structural performance deterioration of RC beam members, which are not members that resist lateral force. As such, the results cannot be directly applied to the evaluation of the seismic performance of RC structures containing corrosion-damaged members. To achieve this study’s main purpose of proposing a practical method of evaluating the seismic performance of RC structures comprised of corrosion-damaged members, analytical methods including structural experiments should be applied to corrosion-damaged lateral resisting members, namely, column members of the shear failure type with non-seismic details. This study performed cyclic loading tests on columns of the shear failure type having reinforcement corrosion to examine the correlation between HCP before and after corrosion and seismic performance deterioration. At the same time, finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out in consideration of the weakened bonding between steel and concrete, so as to analyze the correlation between structural performance deterioration before and after corrosion of shear columns. Through a comparison of the experimental findings and FEA results, this study proposed a seismic performance reduction factor in relation to the extent of corrosion of shear columns. Full article

The strengthening of concrete structures with laminates of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) is a widely adopted technique. retained The application is more effective if pre-stressed CFRP laminates are adopted. The measurement of the strain level during the pre-stress application usually involves laborious and time-consuming applications of instrumentation. Thus, the development of expedited approaches to accurately measure the pre-stressed application in the laminates represents an important contribution to the field. This paper proposes and benchmarks contact-free architecture for measuring the strain level of CFRP laminate based on computer vision. The main objective is to provide a solution that might be economically feasible, automated, easy to use, and accurate. The architecture is fed by digitally deformed synthetic images, generated based on a low-resolution camera. The adopted methods range from traditional machine learning to deep learning. Furthermore, dropout and cross-validation methods for quantifying traditional machine learning algorithms and neural networks are used to efficiently provide uncertainty estimates. ResNet34 deep learning architecture provided the most accurate results, reaching a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.057‰ for strain prediction. Finally, it is important to highlight that the architecture presented is contact-free, automatic, cost-effective, and measures directly on the laminate surfaces, which allows them to be widely used in the application of pre-stressed laminates. Full article

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are functional materials that are being applied in practically all industries, from aerospace to biomedical sectors, and at present the scientific and technologic communities are looking to gain the advantages offered by the new processing technologies of additive manufacturing (AM). However, the use of AM to produce functional materials, like SMAs, constitutes a real challenge due to the particularly well controlled microstructure required to exhibit the functional property of shape memory. In the present work, the design of the complete AM processing route, from powder atomization to laser powder bed fusion for AM and hot isostatic pressing (HIP), is approached for Cu–Al–Ni SMAs. The microstructure of the different processing states is characterized in relationship with the processing parameters. The thermal martensitic transformation, responsible for the functional properties, is analyzed in a comparative way for each one of the different processed samples. The present results demonstrate that a final post–processing thermal treatment to control the microstructure is crucial to obtain the expected functional properties. Finally, it is demonstrated that using the designed processing route of laser powder bed fusion followed by a post–processing HIP and a final specific thermal treatment, a satisfactory shape memory behavior can be obtained in Cu–Al–Ni SMAs, paving the road for further applications. Full article

Flash memories are the preferred choice for data storage in portable gadgets. The charge trapping nonvolatile flash memories are the main contender to replace standard floating gate technology. In this work, we investigate metal/blocking oxide/high-k charge trapping layer/tunnel oxide/Si (MOHOS) structures from the viewpoint of their application as memory cells in charge trapping flash memories. Two different stacks, HfO₂/Al₂O₃ nanolaminates and Al-doped HfO₂, are used as the charge trapping layer, and SiO₂ (of different thickness) or Al₂O₃ is used as the tunneling oxide. The charge trapping and memory windows, and retention and endurance characteristics are studied to assess the charge storage ability of memory cells. The influence of post-deposition oxygen annealing on the memory characteristics is also studied. The results reveal that these characteristics are most strongly affected by post-deposition oxygen annealing and the type and thickness of tunneling oxide. The stacks before annealing and the 3.5 nm SiO₂ tunneling oxide have favorable charge trapping and retention properties, but their endurance is compromised because of the high electric field vulnerability. Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) in O₂ significantly increases the electron trapping (hence, the memory window) in the stacks; however, it deteriorates their retention properties, most likely due to the interfacial reaction between the tunneling oxide and the charge trapping layer. The O₂ annealing also enhances the high electric field susceptibility of the stacks, which results in better endurance. The results strongly imply that the origin of electron and hole traps is different—the hole traps are most likely related to HfO₂, while electron traps are related to Al₂O₃. These findings could serve as a useful guide for further optimization of MOHOS structures as memory cells in NVM. Full article

Due to their enhanced dissolution, solubility and reaction speed, borate glasses offer potential advantages for the design and development of therapeutic ion-release systems. However, the field remains poorly understood relative to traditional phosphosilicate and silicate bioglasses. The increased structural complexity and relative lack of published data relating to borates, particularly borofluorates, also decreases the accuracy of artificial intelligence models, which are used to predict glass properties. To develop predictive models for borofluorate networks, this paper uses a design of mixtures approach for rapid screening of composition–property relationships, including the development of polynomial equations that comprehensively establish the predictive capabilities for glass transition, density, mass loss and fluoride release. A broad range of glass compositions, extending through the boron anomaly range, were investigated, with the inclusion of 45 to 95 mol% B₂O₃ along with 1–50 mol% MgO, CaO and Na₂O as well as 1–30% KF and NaF. This design space allows for the investigation of the impact of fluorine as well as mixed alkali–alkaline earth effects. Glass formation was found to extend past 30 mol% KF or NaF without a negative impact on glass degradation in contrast to the trends observed in phosphosilicates. The data demonstrates that fluoroborate materials offer an exceptional base for the development of fluoride-releasing materials. Full article

The layer-structured monoclinic Li₂MnO₃ is a key material, mainly due to its role in Li-ion batteries and as a precursor for adsorbent used in lithium recovery from aqueous solutions. In the present work, we used first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) to study the crystal structure, optical phonon frequencies, infra-red (IR), and Raman active modes and compared the results with experimental data. First, Li₂MnO₃ powder was synthesized by the hydrothermal method and successively characterized by XRD, TEM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. Secondly, by using Local Density Approximation (LDA), we carried out a DFT study of the crystal structure and electronic properties of Li₂MnO₃. Finally, we calculated the vibrational properties using Density Functional Perturbation Theory (DFPT). Our results show that simulated IR and Raman spectra agree well with the observed phonon structure. Additionally, the IR and Raman theoretical spectra show similar features compared to the experimental ones. This research is useful in investigations involving the physicochemical characterization of Li₂MnO₃ material. Full article

The poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biodegradable polymer, as well as natural, siliceous reinforcement in the form of diatomaceous earth, fit perfectly into the circular economy trend. In this study, various kinds of commercial PLA have been reinforced with diatomaceous earth (DE) to prepare biodegradable composites via the extrusion process. The structure of the manufactured composites as well as adhesion between the matrix and the filler were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses were carried out to determine crystallinity of PLA matrix as function of DE additions. Additionally, the effect of the ceramic-based reinforcement on the mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, elongation to failure, ultimate tensile strength) of PLA has been investigated. The results are discussed in terms of possible applications of PLA + DE composites. Full article

For the fundamental understanding and the technological development of the ammonothermal method for the synthesis and crystal growth of nitrides, an in situ monitoring technique for tracking mass transport of the nitride throughout the entire autoclave volume is desirable. The feasibility of using high-energy computed tomography for this purpose was therefore evaluated using ex situ measurements. Acceleration voltages of 600 kV were estimated to yield suitable transparency in a lab-scale ammonothermal setup for GaN crystal growth designed for up to 300 MPa operating pressure. The total scan duration was estimated to be in the order of 20 to 40 min, which was sufficient given the comparatively slow crystal growth speed in ammonothermal growth. Even shorter scan durations or, alternatively, lower acceleration voltages for improved contrast or reduced X-ray shielding requirements, were estimated to be feasible in the case of ammonoacidic growth, as the lower pressure requirements for this process variant allow for thinned autoclave walls in an adapted setup designed for improved X-ray transparency. Promising nickel-base and cobalt-base alloys for applications in ammonothermal reactors with reduced X-ray absorption in relation to the maximum operating pressure were identified. The applicability for the validation of numerical simulations of the growth process of GaN, in addition to the applicability of the technique to further nitride materials, as well as larger reactors and bulk crystals, were evaluated. Full article

High-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (HPFRC) is a composite material in which the advantages of fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) are combined with those of a high-performance concrete (HPC), which mitigates the weaknesses of conventional concrete and improves its overall performance. With the aim to reduce the long-term maintenance costs of structures, such as heavily loaded bridges, HPFRC is highly recommended due to its major durability performance. Specifically, its good antifreezing property makes it suitable for application in cold regions where cyclic freeze–thaw conditions cause the concrete to degrade. In this paper, a numerical simulation of the degradation processes induced by freeze–thaw cycles on bond-slip laws in HPFRC beam specimens has been developed so as to assess their effect on the flexural response of specimens as the fibres’ volume percentage changes. Their cracking strength, postcracking strength, and toughness were predicted, with the present model being able to predict the cracking strength, postcracking strength and toughness of the HPFRC beam element under bending load conditions. Its accuracy was confirmed by comparing the model predictions with experimental results. Full article

Benzimidazole fungicide residue in food products poses a risk to consumer health. Due to its localized electric-field enhancement and high-quality factor value, the metamaterial sensor is appropriate for applications regarding food safety detection. However, the previous detection method based on the metamaterial sensor only considered the resonance dip shift. It neglected other information contained in the spectrum. In this study, we proposed a method for highly sensitive detection of benzimidazole fungicide using a combination of a metamaterial sensor and mean shift machine learning method. The unit cell of the metamaterial sensor contained a cut wire and two split-ring resonances. Mean shift, an unsupervised machine learning method, was employed to analyze the THz spectrum. The experiment results show that our proposed method could detect carbendazim concentrations as low as 0.5 mg/L. The detection sensitivity was enhanced 200 times compared to that achieved using the metamaterial sensor only. Our present work demonstrates a potential application of combining a metamaterial sensor and mean shift in benzimidazole fungicide residue detection. Full article

The 3D printing of a multifunctional hydrogel biomaterial with bioactivity for tissue engineering, good mechanical properties and a biodegradability mediated by free and encapsulated cellulase was proposed. Bioinks of cellulase-laden and cellulose nanofiber filled chitosan viscous suspensions were used to 3D print enzymatic biodegradable and biocompatible cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforced chitosan (CHI) hydrogels. The study of the kinetics of CNF enzymatic degradation was studied in situ in fibroblast cell culture. To preserve enzyme stability as well as to guarantee its sustained release, the cellulase was preliminarily encapsulated in chitosan–caseinate nanoparticles, which were further incorporated in the CNF/CHI viscous suspension before the 3D printing of the ink. The incorporation of the enzyme within the CHI/CNF hydrogel contributed to control the decrease of the CNF mechanical reinforcement in the long term while keeping the cell growth-promoting property of chitosan. The hydrolysis kinetics of cellulose in the 3D printed scaffolds showed a slow but sustained degradation of the CNFs with enzyme, with approximately 65% and 55% relative activities still obtained after 14 days of incubation for the encapsulated and free enzyme, respectively. The 3D printed composite hydrogels showed excellent cytocompatibility supporting fibroblast cell attachment, proliferation and growth. Ultimately, the concomitant cell growth and biodegradation of CNFs within the 3D printed CHI/CNF scaffolds highlights the remarkable potential of CHI/CNF composites in the design of tissue models for the development of 3D constructs with tailored in vitro/in vivo degradability for biomedical applications. Full article

We consider Tamm plasmon polariton in a subwavelength grating patterned on top of a Bragg reflector. We demonstrate dynamic control of the phase and amplitude of a plane wave reflected from such metagrating due to resonant coupling with the Tamm plasmon polariton. The tunability of the phase and amplitude of the reflected wave arises from modulation of the refractive index of a transparent conductive oxide layer by applying the bias voltage. The electrical switching of diffracted beams of the ±1st order is shown. The possibility of doubling the angular resolution of beam steering by using asymmetric reflected phase distribution with integer and half-integer periods of the metagrating is demonstrated. Full article

Semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) are promising materials for solar energy conversion because of their bandgap tunability, high absorption coefficient, and improved hot-carrier generation. CuInSe₂ (CISe)-based QDs have attracted attention because of their low toxicity and wide light-absorption range, spanning visible to near-infrared light. In this work, we study the effects of the surface ligands of colloidal CISe QDs on the photoelectrochemical characteristics of QD-photoanodes. Colloidal CISe QDs with mono- and bifunctional surface ligands are prepared and used in the fabrication of type-II heterojunction photoanodes by adsorbing QDs on mesoporous TiO₂. QDs with monofunctional ligands are directly attached on TiO₂ through partial ligand detachment, which is beneficial for electron transfer between QDs and TiO₂. In contrast, bifunctional ligands bridge QDs and TiO₂, increasing the amount of QD adsorption. Finally, photoanodes fabricated with oleylamine-passivated QDs show a current density of ~8.2 mA/cm², while those fabricated with mercaptopropionic-acid-passivated QDs demonstrate a current density of ~6.7 mA/cm² (at 0.6 V_RHE under one sun illumination). Our study provides important information for the preparation of QD photoelectrodes for efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation. Full article

Host immune response has gradually been accepted as a critical factor in achieving successful implant osseointegration. The aim of this study is to create a favorable immune microenvironment by the dominant release of IL-4 during the initial few days after implant insertion to mitigate early inflammatory reactions and facilitate osseointegration. Herein, the B-TNT/PDA/IL-4 substrate was established by immobilizing an interleukin-4 (IL-4)/polydopamine (PDA) coating on a black TiO₂ nanotube (B-TNT) surface, achieving on-demand IL-4 release under near infrared (NIR) irradiation. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses based on high-throughput DNA microarray data revealed that IL-4 addition inhibited osteoclast differentiation and function. Animal experiment results suggested that the B-TNT/PDA/IL-4+Laser substrate induced the least inflammatory, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, inducible nitric oxide synthase and the most CD163 positive cells, compared to the Ti group at 7 days post-implantation. In addition, 28 days post-implantation, micro-computed tomography results showed the highest bone volume/total volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular number and the lowest trabecular separation, while Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson-trichrome staining revealed the largest amount of new bone formation for the B-TNT/PDA/IL-4+Laser group. This study revealed the osteoimmunoregulatory function of the novel B-TNT/PDA/IL-4 surface by photothermal release of IL-4 at an early period post-implantation, thus paving a new way for dental implant surface modification. Full article

Atomically thin metal adlayers are used as surfactants in semiconductor crystal growth. The role of the adlayer in the incorporation of dopants in GaN is completely unexplored, probably because n-type doping of GaN with Si is relatively straightforward and can be scaled up with available Si atomic flux in a wide range of dopant concentrations. However, a surprisingly different behavior of the Ge dopant is observed, and the presence of atomically thin gallium or an indium layer dramatically affects Ge incorporation, hindering the fabrication of GaN:Ge structures with abrupt doping profiles. Here, we show an experimental study presenting a striking improvement in sharpness of the Ge doping profile obtained for indium as compared to the gallium surfactant layer during GaN-plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. We show that the atomically thin indium surfactant layer promotes the incorporation of Ge in contrast to the gallium surfactant layer, which promotes segregation of Ge to the surface and Ge crystallite formation. Understanding the role of the surfactant is essential to control GaN doping and to obtain extremely high n-type doped III-nitride layers using Ge, because doping levels >10²⁰ cm⁻³ are not easily available with Si. Full article

Metamaterials, or metasurfaces, allow the flexible and efficient manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) wave. Although the passive coding metasurfaces have achieved a great deal of functionality, they also need a complex design process. In this paper, we propose Hilbert-coding metasurfaces for flexible and convenient EM regulation by arranging Hilbert-coding metamaterial units of different orders. To demonstrate this behavior, we designed 12 metasurfaces, then fabricated and measured 6 samples. Validation results on 6 Hilbert-coding metasurfaces show the deflection angles of the four single beam patterns obtained are about 21°, 13°, 12°, and 39°, with energy values of 7.75 dB, 7.3 dB, 7.2 dB, and 7.7 dB, respectively, and the deflection angles of the dual-beam patterns are 28.5° and 20° with energy values of 10.05 dB and 11.4 dB, respectively. The results are quite consistent with the simulation data, further confirming the feasibility of our idea. In addition, there are potential applications in Wireless Communications and Radar-imaging, like EM beam scanning and EM field energy distribution control in communication and imaging scenarios. Full article

This paper deals with the adsorption of heavy metal ions on the surface of carbonaceous materials obtained via the chemical activation of biomass. Waste plum stones, pine sawdust and horsetail herb were used as the precursors of carbonaceous adsorbents. The effect of the precursor type and preparation procedure on the physicochemical properties of activated biocarbons and their sorption abilities towards Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions have been checked. The obtained micro-mesoporous activated biocarbons were characterized by determination of elemental composition and ash content, the number of surface functional groups and pH of water extracts as well as textural study based on low temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the electrokinetic studies including solid surface charge density and zeta potential determination were performed. Moreover, the adsorption data modelling (equilibrium and kinetics), XPS results analysis and comparison of parameters characterizing electrical double layer formed at the solid-liquid interface enabled the specification of the mechanism of heavy metals binding with the activated biocarbons surface. The maximum adsorption capacity towards copper and lead ions (177.5 and 178.1 mg/g, respectively) was found for plum stone-based activated biocarbon. For all carbonaceous materials, better fit to the experimental data was achieved with a Langmuir isotherm than a Freundlich one. In turn, a better fit of the kinetics data was obtained using the pseudo-second order model. Full article

TiO₂ films with a three-dimensional web-like porous structure were prepared using the photo polymerization-induced phase separation method integrated with the pulling coating process. By adjusting the ratio of the substance in the precursor sol and the coating times, the relationships between the sol ratio, the coating times, the film structure, and the performance of the DSC were studied. The optimal film structure was found and a detailed description is given. The performance of the DSC was further improved by introducing the barrier layer and the surface-modified layer of the TiO₂ coating. This promoted the short-circuit current density and the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSC, the mechanism of which was also investigated. Ultimately, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSC based on the TiO₂ anode films with a three-dimensional web-like structure was stabilized at a higher level as a result of the structural improvement. Full article

In this study, nanofibers of poly (acrylic acid) (PAAc), polyacrylamide (PAAm) and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) were prepared using the electrospinning technique. Based on the Taguchi DOE (design of experiment) method, the effects of electrospinning parameters, i.e., needle tip to collector distance, polymer solution concentration, applied voltage, polymer solution feed rate and polymer type, on the diameter and morphology of polymer nanofibers were evaluated. Analyses of the experiments for the diameters of the polymer nanofibers showed that the type of polymer was the most significant factor. The optimal combination to obtain the smallest diameters with minimum deviations for electrospun polymer nanofibers was also determined. For this purpose, the appropriate factor levels were determined as follows: polymer PAAm, applied voltage 10 kV, delivery rate 0.1 mL/h, needle tip to collector distance 10 cm, and polymer solution concentration 8%, to obtain the thinnest nanofibers. This combination was further validated by conducting a confirmation experiment, and the average diameter of the polymer nanofibers was found to be close to the optimal conditions estimated by the Taguchi DOE method. Full article

Two-dimensional van der Waals crystals (2D vdW) are recognized as one of the potential materials to solve the physical limits caused by size scaling. Here, vdW metal oxide MoO₃ is applied with the gate dielectric in a 2D field-effect transistor (FET). Due to its high dielectric constant and the good response of MoS₂ to visible light, we obtained a field effect transistor for photodetection. In general, the device exhibits a threshold voltage near 0 V, Ion/Ioff ratio of 10⁵, electron mobility about 85 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and a good response to visible light, the responsivity is near 5 A/W at low laser power, which shows that MoO₃ is a potential material as gate dielectric. Full article

This study presents results on the development of strontium oxide (SrO) containing glass sealants used to join Crofer22APU to yttria-stabilized zirconia (3YSZ), in which the main glass components, that is, silicon oxide (SiO₂), strontium oxide (SrO), calcium oxide (CaO) and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), have been varied appropriately. Certain properties, such as the crystallization behavior, the coefficient of thermal expansion, adhesion, and reactivity of the sealants in contact with Crofer22APU, have been reviewed and discussed. The optimized glass composition (with CTE in the 9.8–10.3 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ range) results in a good joining behavior by hindering the formation of undesirable strontium chromate (SrCrO₄) on contact with the Crofer22APU steel after 1000 h. at 850 °C. High specific resistivity values of about 10⁶ Ohm.cm have been obtained, thus demonstrating good insulating properties at 850 °C under an applied voltage of 1.6 V. A negligible degradation in the electrical resistivity trend was measured during the test up to 1000 h, thus excluding the presence of detrimental reactions of the glass-ceramic sealant in contact with Crofer22APU under a dual atmosphere, as confirmed using SEM-EDS post-mortem analyses. Full article

In terms of its chemical composition, biomass is a very complex type of fuel. Its combustion leads to the formation of materials such as alkaline ash and gases, and there is evidence of the corrosive effect this process has on refractory linings, thus shortening the service life of the combustion unit. This frequently encountered process is known as “alkaline oxidative bursting”. Corrosion is very complex, and it has not been completely described yet. Alkaline corrosion is the most common cause of furnace-lining degradation in aggregates that burn biomass. This article deals with an experiment investigating the corrosion resistance of 2 types of refractory materials in the Al₂O₃-SiO₂ binary system, for the following compositions: I. (53 wt.% SiO₂/42 wt.% Al₂O₃) and II. (28 wt.% SiO₂/46 wt.% Al₂O₃/12 wt.% SiC). These were exposed to seven types of ash obtained from one biomass combustion company in the Czech Republic. The chemical composition of the ash is a good indicator of the problematic nature of a type of biomass. The ashes were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. Analysis confirmed that ash composition varies. The experiment also included the calculation of the so-called “slagging/fouling index” (I/C, TA, Sr, B/A, Fu, etc.), which can be used to estimate the probability of slag formation in combustion units. The corrosive effect on refractory materials was evaluated according to the norm ČSN P CEN/TS 15418, and a static corrosion test was used to investigate sample corrosion. Full article

The combination of cellulosic materials and metal oxide semiconductors can provide composites with superior functional properties compared to cellulose. By using nanocellulose derived from agricultural waste, we propose a one-pot and environmentally friendly approach to the synthesis of nanocellulose–TiO₂ (NC–TiO₂) nanocomposites with peculiar photocatalytic activity and antibacterial effects. The as-prepared NC–TiO₂ composites were fully characterized by different techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), μ-Raman, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results showed that well crystalline anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles of about 5–6 nm were obtained. The photocatalytic activity in particular was evaluated by using methyl orange (MO) solution as a target pollutant at different pH values. It was found that all the tested NC–TiO₂ nanocomposites showed stable photocatalytic activity, even after consecutive photocatalytic runs. In addition, NCT nanocomposites with higher TiO₂ content showed degradation efficiency of almost 99% towards MO after 180 min of UV illumination. Finally, NC–TiO₂ nanocomposites also showed intriguing antimicrobial properties, demonstrating to be effective against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) with 20–25 mm of inhibition zone and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa) with 21–24 mm of inhibition zone, and fungi (Candida albicans) with 9–10 mm of inhibition zone. Full article

An analysis of our data on ¹H and ¹³C spin–lattice and spin–spin relaxation times and rates in aqueous suspensions of purified nanodiamonds produced by detonation technique (DNDs), DNDs with grafted paramagnetic ions, and micro- and nanodiamonds produced by milling bulk high-temperature high-pressure diamonds is presented. It has been established that in all the studied materials, the relaxation rates depend linearly on the concentration of diamond particles in suspensions, the concentration of grafted paramagnetic ions, and surface paramagnetic defects produced by milling, while the relaxation times exhibit a hyperbolic dependence on the concentration of paramagnetic centers. This is a universal law that is valid for suspensions, gels, and solids. The results obtained will expand the understanding of the properties of nano- and microdiamonds and will be useful for their application in quantum computing, spintronics, nanophotonics, and biomedicine. Full article

As one of the most important prototypical chromium-based MOFs, MIL-101(Cr) is well-studied and widely employed in various scientific fields. However, due to its small capture window sizes and curved internal apertures, its application in large molecular removal is quite limited, and given its high stability and high synthetic temperature (>200 °C), it is difficult to achieve hierarchically porous MIL-101(Cr). In our study, hierarchically porous MIL-101(Cr) involving a high macro-/meso-/micropores ratio was designed and synthesized using acetic acid as an additive and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles as a template. The optimal hierarchically porous MIL-101(Cr) (A-4) possessed a high specific surface area (2693 m² g⁻¹) and an abundant macro-/mesoporous structure with the addition of SiO₂ of 200 mg. Compared with the control sample (A-0) with a less macro-/mesoporous structure, A-4 showed good adsorption properties for both coomassie brilliant blue R-250 (CBB, 82.1 mg g⁻¹) and methylene blue (MB, 34.3 mg g⁻¹) dyes, which were 1.36 times and 9.37 times higher than those of A-0. Moreover, A-4 also had good recyclability, and the removal rate of CBB was still higher than 85% after five cycles of adsorption. Full article

TiAl6V4 wrought alloy is a standard material used for endoprostheses due to its ideal characteristics in terms of osseointegration. However, the insufficient wear and crevice corrosion resistance of TiAl6V4 are limiting factors that can cause clinical problems. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze and identify suitable phases and microstructural states of TiAl6V4 alloy with advantageous implant properties by thermal treatments. By varying the temperature and cooling rate, four heat treatment strategies were derived that produced different microstructural states that differed in morphology, arrangement and proportions of phases present. All TiAl6V4 modifications were characterized regarding their microstructure, mechanical, corrosive and tribological properties, as well as cell adhesion. The acicular, martensitic microstructure achieves a significant hardness increase by up to 63% and exhibits improved corrosion and wear resistance compared to the forged condition. Whereas the modified microstructures showed similar electrochemical properties in polarization tests using different electrolytes (PBS with H₂O₂ and HCl additives), selective α or β phase dissolution occurred under severe inflammatory crevice conditions after four weeks of exposure at 37 °C. The microstructurally selective corrosion processes resemble the damage patterns of retrieved Ti-based implants and provide a better understanding of clinically relevant in vivo crevice corrosion mechanisms. Furthermore, a microstructural effect on cell attachment was determined and is correlated to the size of the vanadium-rich β phase. These key findings highlight the relevance of an adapted processing of TiAl6V4 alloy to increase the longevity of implants. Full article

An undesirable side effect of economic progress is increasingly severe pollution with heavy metals, responsible for the degradation of ecosystems, including soil resources. Hence, this research focused on examining six adsorbents in order to distinguish a reactive mineral with the highest capacity to remediate soils contaminated with heavy metals. To this end, the soil was polluted with Co²⁺ and Cd²⁺ by applying the metals in concentrations of 100 mg kg⁻¹ d.m. The extent of soil equilibrium disturbances was assessed by evaluating the response of the soil microbiome, activity of seven soil enzymes, and the yields of Helianthus annuus L. Six sorbents were evaluated: a molecular sieve, expanded clay (ExClay), halloysite, zeolite, sepiolite and biochar. Co²⁺ and Cd²⁺ proved to be significant inhibitors of the soil’s microbiological and biochemical parameters. Organotrophic bacteria among the analysed groups of microorganisms and dehydrogenases among the soil enzymes were most sensitive to the effects of the metals. Both metals significantly distorted the growth and development of sunflower, with Co²⁺ having a stronger adverse impact on the synthesis of chlorophyll. The molecular sieve and biochar were the sorbents that stimulated the multiplication of microorganisms and enzymatic activity in the contaminated soil. The activity of enzymes was also stimulated significantly by zeolite and sepiolite, while the growth of Helianthus annuus L. biomass was stimulated by the molecular sieve, which can all be considered the most useful reactive materials in the remediation of soils exposed to Co²⁺ and Cd²⁺. Full article

This paper sought to determine corrosion resistance changes in the artificial saliva of a CoCrMoW-based alloy used for dental prostheses under Nd:YAG laser welding with CoCr alloy and stainless steel wire filler metals. The paper presents the corrosion characteristics of such joints, including the next stage of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) firing. Corrosion tests were performed by electrochemical methods registering anodic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The microstructures were assessed by scanning microscopy (SEM) and chemical composition analysis (EDS) at the connection and heat-affected zones. Welding CoCrMoW alloy with and without a filler material increased the open circuit potential of the samples by 40–100 mV compared to unwelded base alloy. At the same time, a potentiodynamic test showed a polarization resistance R_pol reduction in welded samples, both for CoCr and stainless steel wires, as compared to the base CoCrMoW material. On the other hand, when comparing the current density and polarization resistance between materials welded with two different filler metals, better results were obtained for samples welded with stainless steel wire. The polarization resistance R_pol for the base alloy was 402 kΩ·cm², for the CoCr wire weld it was 436 kΩ·cm², and the value was 452 kΩ·cm² for stainless steel wire welds. Comparing polarization resistance R_pol from the Tafel analysis and the total charge transfer resistance from Rp_(EIS) from EIS, the CoCrMoW alloy welded with a stainless steel wire after heat treatment equaled or even slightly exceeded the corrosion resistance of the base alloy and alloy welded with dedicated CoCr wire after heat treatment. These results indicated the possibility of using stainless steel wire for the laser welding of CoCrMoW alloys dental prostheses, including the next stage of PFM, without sacrificing the corrosion resistance of such connections, and this was confirmed by most electrochemical parameters. Full article

In order to improve the microwave absorption performance of absorbing materials, the composite foam absorbing materials with different multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) contents were prepared using polyurethane foam as the substrate and MWCNTs and flaked carbonyl iron powder as absorbers. The electromagnetic properties of the materials were characterized and analyzed. Then, CST electromagnetic simulation software was used to simulate the electromagnetic shielding effect of absorbing materials on mechatronics products under a strong electromagnetic irradiation environment, and, finally, it was verified by irradiation experiment. The results show that the materials have good microwave absorption properties, in which the composites containing 1.5 wt.% MWCNTs exhibit good microwave absorption properties. The minimum reflectivity reaches −29 dB when the thickness is 3 mm and −15.6 dB when the thickness is 1.5 mm, with a bandwidth of 5.7 GHz for reflectivity less than −10 dB. The good microwave absorption performance of the material is due to the synergistic effect of MWCNTs particles and good impedance matching. The simulation and experimental results show that the mechatronics product with absorbing materials can protect against strong electromagnetic interference and ensure the normal operation of the mechatronics product circuits. Full article

This paper introduces the tunability performance, concept, and analysis of a unique and miniaturized metamaterial (MTM) unit cell covering the upcoming 6G applications. The proposed metamaterial consists of two metallic star-shaped split-ring resonators (SRR). It has a line segment placed in the middle of the structure, which can feature tunable characteristics. The proposed design provides dual resonances of transmission coefficient S21 at 0.248 and 0.383 THz with a significant operating frequency span of 0.207–0.277 and 0.382–0.390 THz, respectively. Moreover, wide-range achievement, negative permittivity, double-negative (DNG) refractive index, and near-zero permeability characteristics have been exhibited in two (z and y) principal wave propagation axes. The resonance frequencies are selective and modified by adjusting the central slotted-strip line length. Furthermore, the metamaterial is constituted on a polyimide substrate while the overall dimensions are 160 × 160 μm². A numerical simulation of the proposed design is executed in CST microwave studio and has been compared with advanced design software (ADS) to generate the proposed MTM’s equivalent circuit, which exhibits a similar transmission coefficient (S21). Full article

Our study investigated the partially degenerate intermodal four-wave mixing (IM-FWM) process in nonlinear multimode optical fibers with strain-induced birefringence. The difference in the refractive index along the two orthogonal directions was due to the photoelastic effect that occurred when the fiber under test (FUT) was subjected to uniformly applied diameter stress caused by winding on a cylinder of a given diameter. Our work analyzed how the nonlinear frequency conversion and the output modal field profiles depended on the degree of birefringence in FUT. The experimental results significantly affected the order of the excited moduli in fiber sections characterized by different amounts of birefringence. We also checked the efficiency of the FWM process for different polarizations of the pump beam to determine those for which the FWM process was most effective for the 532 nm sub-nanosecond pulses. More than 30% conversion efficiency was obtained for the FUTs with a length of tens of centimeters. Full article

The load-bearing behavior and the performance of composites depends largely on the bond between the individual components. In reinforced concrete construction, the bond mechanisms are very well researched. In the case of carbon and textile reinforced concrete, however, there is still a need for research, especially since there is a greater number of influencing parameters. Depending on the type of fiber, yarn processing, impregnation, geometry, or concrete, the proportion of adhesive, frictional, and shear bond in the total bond resistance varies. In defined profiling of yarns, we see the possibility to increase the share of the shear bond (form fit) compared to yarns with a relatively smooth surface and, through this, to reliably control the bond resistance. In order to investigate the influence of profiling on the bond and tensile behavior, yarns with various profile characteristics as well as different impregnation and consolidation parameters are studied. A newly developed profiling technique is used for creating a defined tetrahedral profile. In the article, we present this approach and the first results from tensile and bond tests as well as micrographic analysis with profiled yarns. The study shows that bond properties of profiled yarns are superior to conventional yarns without profile, and a defined bond modification through variation of the profile geometry as well as the impregnation and consolidation parameters is possible. Full article

During their life span, concrete structures interact with many kinds of external mechanical loads. Most of these loads are considered in advance and result in reversible deformations. Nevertheless, some of the loads cause irreversible, sometimes unnoticed changes below the macroscopic scale depending on the type and dimension of the impact. As the functionality of concrete structures is often relevant to safety and society, their condition must be known and, therefore, assessed on a regular basis. Out of the spectrum of non-destructive monitoring methods, Coda Wave Interferometry using embedded ultrasonic sensors is one particularly sensitive technique to evaluate changes to heterogeneous media. However, there are various influences on Coda waves in concrete, and the interpretation of their superimposed effect is ambiguous. In this study, we quantify the relations of uniaxial compression and uniaxial tension on Coda waves propagating in normal concrete. We found that both the signal correlation of ultrasonic signals as well as their velocity variation directly reflect the stress change in concrete structures in a laboratory environment. For the linear elastic range up to 30% of the strength, we calculated a velocity variation of −0.97‰/MPa for compression and 0.33%/MPa for tension using linear regression. In addition, these parameters revealed even weak irreversible changes after removal of the load. Furthermore, we show the time-dependent effects of shrinkage and creep on Coda waves by providing the development of the signal parameters over time during half a year together with creep recovery. Our observations showed that time-dependent material changes must be taken into account for any comparison of ultrasonic signals that are far apart in time. The study’s results demonstrate how Coda Wave Interferometry is capable of monitoring stress changes and detecting even small-size microstructural changes. By indicating the stated relations and their separation from further impacts, e.g., temperature and moisture, we anticipate our study to contribute to the qualification of Coda Wave Interferometry for its application as an early-warning system for concrete structures. Full article

The thermal measurement sensor applied to hypersonic vehicles requires characteristic size in the order of micrometers and characteristic time in the order of microseconds. The measurement criteria of localized detection, high temporal-spatial precision, and long-term stability cannot all be reached by current thermal measuring techniques. This work presents a temperature sensor with excellent temporal-spatial resolution that can measure both in-plane and out-of-plane heat flow. The sensor was made of thin platinum nano-film and an aluminum nitride ceramic sheet. The sensor was calibrated using a thermostatic vacuum chamber and used for in-plane and out-of-plane heat flow measurements. The temperature measurement accuracy of the sensor was estimated to be 0.01 K. The sensor’s resolution for measuring heat flow density is more than 500 W/m² and its measurement uncertainty is roughly 3%. To ensure the structural stability of the device, the aluminum nitride ceramic sheet was chosen as the substrate of the thermal sensing unit, and the response time became longer due to the high thermal conductivity of aluminum nitride. The suspension platinum nano-film sensor can reach a sub-microsecond response time according to the theoretical derivation. Experimental results of pneumatic thermal effects of high-temperature flames using the sensor prove that the designed sensor has good sensitivity and accuracy. Full article

Phosphorus slag (PS), an industrial waste slag, has been used in geopolymers because it is rich in silicon and calcium. The poor performance of phosphorus slag-based geopolymer is due to its aluminum deficiency. In this work, low-calcium fly ash, treated by a wet-grinding process, named wet-grinding ultrafine fly ash (WUFA) was used as an Al supplement to replace some of the phosphorus slag, and the wet-grinding, ultrafine fly ash-phosphorus slag (WUFA-PS)-based geopolymer was prepared. The effects of the substitution amount of WUFA and the activator dosage on the hydration properties, mechanical properties, pore structure and SEM of the WUFA-PS geopolymer were discussed in detail. The results indicate that WUFA and more activators contribute to the Al and high alkalinity environment, which positively induces the production of more geopolymer gels, thus releasing more heat and optimizing the pore structure of the matrix. The compressive strength increased by up to 28.1%. The enhanced performance of the WUFA-PS-based geopolymer may also arise from the filling effect and activity improvement of WUFA. This study has proved the feasibility of preparing a geopolymer by blending wet-grinding ultrafine fly ash and phosphorus slag and has provided references for the ratio and performance evaluation of WUFA-PS-based geopolymer concrete. Full article