Search Results (289)

Cotton fabrics are widely used due to their comfort and biodegradability; however, their intrinsic hydrophilicity limits their performance in advanced applications. In this work, a fluorine-free approach for imparting durable hydrophobicity to cotton was developed based on thiol-ene crosslinking of polysiloxane networks formed on the fiber surface. Two thiol-functional polysiloxanes differing in –SH group content were combined with four vinyl-functional organosilicon crosslinkers under UV (2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA)) and thermal (2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN)) initiation. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of siloxane structures, while SEM-EDS revealed stable silicon- and sulfur-containing layers. SEM observations showed continuous coatings without blocking the textile structure. Water contact angle (WCA) measurements demonstrated that hydrophobic performance strongly depends on thiol content and crosslinker structure, with the highest values obtained for the thiol-rich polysiloxane and tetrafunctional vinyl crosslinker. All modified fabrics exhibited high durability, with minimal changes in WCA and complete droplet stability (1800 s) after washing. In the case of the lower-functionality polysiloxane, an increase in hydrophobicity after washing was observed, attributed to the reorganization of siloxane chains. These results demonstrate that thiol-ene crosslinking provides an effective strategy for designing durable, fluorine-free hydrophobic coatings on cotton. Full article

The article deals with the study of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of X70 steel using corrosion-mechanical testing that simulates the operating conditions of underground pipelines. The tests were carried out under cyclic four-point bending at stresses close to the yield point, in electrolytes with various hydrogen charging capacities. The following model environments were used: NS4 solution and citrate buffer (pH 5.5). Hydrogen charging was controlled by the addition of thiourea and by varying the potential. It was shown that microcracks initiated at corrosion defects (pits) and then emerged at the surface to form narrow cracks. The incubation period depends on the environment: under corrosive conditions it is approximately two times shorter than in the air. The size and nature of stress concentrators play a significant role: natural pits (~hundreds of μm) lead to crack formation within 24–28 days, whereas artificial holes (0.6–1 mm) lead to crack formation within 5–7 days. The effect of hydrogen was established: the acceleration is insignificant under moderate hydrogen charging, whereas the incubation period decreases sharply at high hydrogen charging. Critical hydrogen concentrations where its effect becomes significant were determined. Methods for inhibiting stress corrosion cracking by means of organosilicon films (vinyl- and aminosilanes, as well as their mixtures with inhibitors—benzotriazole and amines) were considered. The most effective composition is vinylsilane + benzotriazole: the time to crack initiation increases from 5 to 36 days, and the crack growth rate decreases. Full article

This study investigates the separation performance of transformer oil–water mixtures using gravity separation and chemical demulsification. The synthetic emulsion had an initial oil concentration (C₀) of approximately 246,000 mg/L. For gravity separation, the effects of compartment volume ratio, influent flow rate, initial water level, and oil discharge strategy were systematically evaluated. Under optimal conditions (volume ratio 2:1:1, flow rate 0.0055 L/s, initial water level 5 cm), the effluent oil concentration was reduced to as low as 0.020 mg/L, corresponding to a removal efficiency higher than 99.99%. For chemical demulsification, polyaluminum chloride (PAC), polyferric sulfate (PFS), polyacrylamide (PAM), and an organosilicon polyether demulsifier (MCL-D) were tested. The effects of pH, dosage, and temperature on demulsification efficiency (DE) and dehydration rate (DR) were investigated. Under optimal conditions (pH 3–5, dosage 300 mg/L, temperature 50 °C), MCL-D achieved the best performance, with a DE of 95.09% and a DR of 99.50%. Overall, gravity separation is effective for removing free and dispersed oil with low operational cost, whereas chemical demulsification is more suitable for treating stable emulsified oil. The combination of these two methods provides an efficient strategy for the treatment of transformer oil-containing wastewater. Full article

Thermal runaway (TR) remains a critical bottleneck for the safe application of lithium-ion battery (LIB) in large-scale energy storage systems, arising from the instability of battery materials under high temperatures. This review systematically summarizes materials design strategies to suppress TR, focusing on modifications of cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes. For cathodes, surface coating and bulk doping enhance the structural stability and thermal decomposition temperature of high-Ni materials, while nanoscale engineering and carbon networks improve the electronic conductivity and interfacial stability of LiFePO₄ (LFP). For anodes, surface modification of graphite suppresses solid-electrolyte interphase degradation, and nanostructured silicon-based composites mitigate thermal failure caused by volume expansion. Separator functionalization, including ceramic coating, inorganic separators, and thermal shutdown separators, enhances thermo-mechanical stability and enables thermally triggered ion blocking. Flame-retardant electrolytes incorporate phosphorus-based, organosilicon, and halogenated additives that act through combined gas- and condensed-phase mechanisms. The review further discusses challenges in interfacial compatibility, system integration, and trade-offs among multiple performance metrics. Future efforts should focus on integrating intrinsic thermal stability with smart safety functions to achieve both high energy density and inherent safety. This review provides a systematic reference for the design and industrialization of high-safety materials for LIBs. Full article

Surface modification processes significantly influence the aggregate characteristics of steel slag and the road performance of asphalt mixtures. Therefore, this study employs four different substances to conduct surface modification treatment on aged steel slag with particle size ranges of 4.75–9.5 mm and 9.5–13.2 mm to determine the optimal surface modification process through macroscopic and microscopic analytical methods. Ultimately, a comparative analysis is performed on the pavement performance of asphalt mixtures incorporating aged steel slag and modified aged steel slag at different volume replacement ratios. Experimental results demonstrate that Epoxy Acrylate-Modified Organosilicon Resin (EAOR) significantly improved the aggregate properties of Aged Steel Slag (ASS), making it a viable alternative to natural stone; under identical conditions, the volume stability of modified aged steel slag (EAOR-ASS) was slightly superior to that of ASS, while the differences in high-temperature stability and low-temperature cracking resistance of the corresponding asphalt mixtures were minimal. Surface modification of ASS with EAOR significantly enhanced the water damage resistance of the asphalt mixture under freeze–thaw cycle conditions, thereby improving the utilization rate of steel slag. Both an increased volume replacement ratio of steel slag and surface modification with EAOR contributed to improved resistance to elastic deformation of the asphalt mixture. Full article

The application of boron in soybeans in Oxisols of the Brazilian Cerrado is frequently integrated into complex tank fertilizer mixtures with multiple components via foliar application. This study investigated the interactive effects of varying spray application rates (40, 70, 100, and 130 L ha⁻¹) and adjuvant types (organosilicone surfactant; methylated seed oil; and a water control) on boron deposition and the resulting physiological status. The organosilicone surfactant provided superior technical stability and deposition efficiency, allowing for a reduction in application rates to volumes between 40 and 70 L ha⁻¹ maintaining a stable foliar B status across the evaluated range. In contrast, the performance of the methylated oil was strictly dependent on physical deposition, being effective only at intermediate rates, while the use of water alone represented a high risk of technical failure at reduced volumes. Furthermore, the NDRE index proved to be more responsive and robust than NDVI for monitoring delivery efficiency in high-density canopies, as it avoided signal saturation. Finally, Multivariate Analysis helped to observe that soybean yield in the Cerrado is primarily governed by the mitigation of water and thermal stress (TVDI), with optimized boron application acting as a key facilitator of reproductive success and yield stability under these environmental constraints. Full article

In this paper, SiQDs were synthesized using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, an organosilicon source, via the room temperature stirring method under atmospheric pressure. Based on the “Turn-off” and “Turn-on” fluorescence response mechanisms, the SiQDs/Fe³⁺ fluorescent probe was constructed to quantitatively detect glyphosate according to the interaction between Fe³⁺ and glyphosate. Subsequently, the impacts of pH, incubation temperature, and reaction time on the detection of glyphosate were systematically investigated. Under the optimized detection parameters, the fluorescent probe exhibited a linear range of 2–10 μg/mL and a detection limit of 394.74 ng/mL. The constructed fluorescent probe demonstrated outstanding anti-interference performance. It was applied to actual samples of potato and yam, yielding satisfactory detection results with recovery values between 91.69% and 104.53%. These findings provide novel ideas and theoretical support for glyphosate residue detection. Full article

UV-curable L(-)–borneol-functionalized antibacterial hydrogels for packaging fresh-cut banana and cherry tomato (UV-LBs) were designed from L(-)–borneol-functionalized polyurethane acrylate prepolymers (LB-PUAs) and thiol-functionalized PVA (PVA-SH) using a thiol-ene click reaction initiated by UV light. UV-LBs exhibit unique properties, including excellent thermal stability, high mechanical performance and quite high antibacterial efficiency. The initial thermal decomposition temperature (T_d5), tensile strength and elongation at break are in the range of 225–240 °C, 1.38–2.05 MPa and 44.4–68.6%, respectively. The antibacterial efficiency of UV-LBs against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Monilia albican (M. albican) can reach 67.4%, 75.6% and 83.7%, respectively. The storage time of packaged fresh-cut banana and cherry tomato can be extended from 12 h to 30 h and 4 d to 5 d, respectively. Full article

Flexible electrolyte-gated synaptic field-effect transistors (EGFETs) have emerged as a promising platform for neuromorphic visual systems, owing to their low-voltage operation, diverse synaptic plasticity, and exceptional mechanical flexibility. In particular, gel-based electrolytes, including hydrogels and ion gels, play a pivotal role as functional gate dielectrics, enabling efficient ion transport and strong ion–electron coupling through electric double-layer (EDL) formation. By leveraging these unique properties at the semiconductor/gel interface, EGFETs can effectively emulate essential biological synaptic behaviors, including short-term and long-term plasticity under optical stimulation. The inherent compatibility of EGFETs with a broad range of semiconductor channels, gel electrolytes, and flexible substrates enables the development of wearable and conformable neuromorphic platforms that seamlessly integrate sensing, memory, and signal processing within a single device architecture. Recent advances in gel material engineering, such as polymer network design, ionic modulation, and nanofiller incorporation, have significantly improved ion transport dynamics, interfacial stability, and device performance. Despite remaining challenges related to ion migration stability, multi-physical field coupling, and large-area device uniformity, these developments have substantially advanced the practical potential of gel-based systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the operating mechanisms, gel-based material systems, synaptic functionalities, mechanical reliability, and future prospects of flexible electrolyte-gated visual synapses, highlighting their considerable potential for next-generation intelligent perception and artificial vision technologies. Full article

This study demonstrates the feasibility of encapsulating Paracoccus yeei VKM B-3302 cells, which contain palladium nanoparticles, within an organosilicon matrix synthesized using the sol–gel method. The resulting organosilicon material is characterized by a well-developed porous structure and a high specific surface area, ensuring the formation of a catalytic system with accessible active sites. Kinetic studies of the Mizoroki–Heck reaction showed that, although encapsulating the Pd/P. yeei catalyst in an organosilicon matrix slightly decreases its initial reaction rate, it increases the selectivity of the process and reduces the leaching of the active metal during repeated use. These results suggest the potential of encapsulating microorganisms containing metal nanoparticles in organosilicon materials to create stable hybrid catalytic systems. Full article

In this study, a non-typical luminescent organosilicone was synthesized through a click reaction and used as a cross-linker to cure hydroxyl-terminated dimethylsilicone oil at room temperature via the sol–gel process, followed by application as a coating on a glass surface. This organosilicone film functions effectively as a luminescent down-shifting (LDS) material. Additionally, the presence of methyl groups and voids in the structure imparts a low refractive index, allowing it to serve as an anti-reflective (AR) layer. Optical and structural analyses on organosilicone-coated glass samples were conducted, and the dual-functional layer was applied to the glass cover of a perovskite solar panel to evaluate its performance. The coating not only enhanced light transmission as an AR layer but also converted UV light into blue light, which was absorbed by the solar cell. The results indicated improved solar panel performance, particularly in short-circuit current (Isc), external quantum efficiency (EQE) in the UV wavelength range, and overall efficiency. Overall, this material is a promising candidate for solar panel applications owing to maximized UV absorption for LDS, preserved transparency of the top cover glass, and room-temperature gelation, which facilitates repair of the dual-functional coating. Full article

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis has emerged as a powerful and versatile strategy for constructing silicon derivatives, offering a metal-free alternative to traditional transition-metal methods. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in the NHC-catalyzed synthesis of organosilicon derivatives. Key transformations discussed include both asymmetric and non-asymmetric silylation reactions, as well as the construction of silicon-stereogenic centers. The content is systematically organized according to the types of silicon products and their underlying catalytic mechanisms. Our own perspectives on future development within this rapidly evolving field are also outlined. Full article

Thermal barrier materials play a crucial role in reducing heat transfer, suppressing thermal runaway (TR) propagation, and mitigating the risk of fire and explosion. Among the various types of thermal barrier materials, polymer-based thermal barrier materials, including polyimide (PI), aramid, epoxy resin (ER), polyurethane (PU), phenolic resin (PR), and silicone, have been widely applied in lithium-ion battery (LIB) safety protection owing to their excellent thermal stability, structural tunability, and favorable processability. This review provides a systematic and comprehensive overview of polymer-based thermal barrier materials for mitigating thermal runaway propagation in LIBs. The propagation pathways of TR in battery systems are first outlined to clarify the functional requirements of thermal barrier materials. Subsequently, representative classes of polymer materials are reviewed with emphasis on their structural characteristics and advantages. Strategies for enhancing thermal insulation, flame retardancy, heat absorption capacity, and mechanical robustness are then summarized in the context of thermal safety protection. Finally, key challenges associated with polymer-based thermal barrier materials are discussed, and future development directions are proposed. Full article

Droplet size is a key factor in minimizing spray drift. Different types of adjuvants and sprayer operating pressures can affect the droplet size distribution in various ways. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of commercial adjuvants, namely, acids and surfactant (AS), silicone surfactant (SS), organosilicone surfactant (OS), mineral oil (MO and MO₂), and copolymer (CP) adjuvants, on the droplet spectra and physicochemical properties of aqueous solutions. Hydrogen potential (pH), volumetric mass ($VM$), electrical conductivity (EC), surface tension (ST), contact angle (CA), and droplet spectra were measured. The droplet spectrum variables, including volumetric diameters ($D_{v0.1}$, $D_{v0.5}$, and $D_{v0.9}$), the Relative Span Factor ($RSF$), and percentages of the total volume of droplets with a diameter smaller than 100 µm (V100) and larger than 500 µm (V500), were determined using a laser diffraction particle analyzer (Malvern Spraytec). Spraying tests were carried out using the AXI 11003 flat fan nozzle at pressures of (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) MPa. The increase in pressure increased the V100 and the $RSF$, with greater sensitivity observed for SS. Adjuvants such as AS, MO₂ and OS showed a more balanced trend, with a smaller increase in fine droplets and a greater reduction in coarse droplets. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the droplet spectrum variables were the ones that best explained the variation among the solutions. A negative correlation was identified between EC and other physicochemical properties, such as pH, ST, and CA. Therefore, these properties alone did not determine the atomization pattern. The study demonstrates that optimizing spray quality and minimizing drift require a combined consideration of adjuvant physicochemical properties and their interaction with operational pressure. Full article

A nano-TiO₂-modified silicone-based reflective thermal insulation coating is successfully synthesized. The influence of the nano-TiO₂ content on the microstructure, adhesion strength as well as near-infrared reflectivity (NIR) of the coatings before and after heat treatment is investigated. The results demonstrate that the coating is an organic/inorganic composite coating composed of muscovite, rutile-phase titanium dioxide and an organosilicon binder before heat treatment. The addition of an appropriate amount of nano-TiO₂ helps fill the pores in the coating, resulting in a dense coating and improved adhesion. Meanwhile, due to the reduced average size of the pigment, the reflectance of the coating is maintained or enhanced. When the addition amount is 5.0 wt.%, the coating achieves the highest bonding strength of Grade 1 with a reflectivity of 0.830. After heat treatment at 1000 °C for an hour, the coating transforms into an inorganic coating composed of partially melted muscovite and rutile-phase TiO₂. The nano-TiO₂ promotes the formation of a molten phase, which further increases the coating density and makes the surface smoother. Consequently, the coating’s bonding strength and reflectance are further improved, reaching Grade 0 and 0.945 respectively. Full article