Arian Heidar Alaghband, Azam Moosavi, Saeid Baghshahi, Ali Khorsandzak,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (9-2021)
Abstract
Porous nanostructured SnO2 with a sheet-like morphology was synthesized through a simple green substrate-free gelatin-assisted calcination process using Tin tetracholoride pentahydrate as the SnO2 precursor and porcine gelatin as the template. Crystalline phase, morphology, microstructure, and optical characteristics of the as-prepared material were also investigated at different calcination temperatures using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-visible absorption, and Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), respectively. XRD patterns of all the samples revealed the presence of a tetragonal crystalline structure with no other crystalline phases. Moreover, the synthesized hierarchical sheets assembled with nanoparticles displayed a large surface area and porous nanostructure. The calculated optical band gap energy varied from 2.62 to 2.87 eV depending on the calcination temperature. Finally, photoluminescence spectra indicated that the nanostructured SnO2 could exhibit an intensive UV-violet luminescence emission at 396 nm, with shoulders at 374, violet emission peaks at 405 and 414 nm, blue-green emission peak at 486 nm, green emission peak at 534 nm and orange emission peak at 628 nm.
Anas Al-Reyahi, Salem Yahya Degs, Ayman Issa, Zyad Khattari, Mohammed Abu Al Sayyed,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
The structural properties of a natural clay sample (51% kaolinite) were tweaked to suit specific applications. H2SO4 and NaOH (1.0 M) treatment caused structural alterations and a significant release of Al ions compared to Si ions. Chemical treatment caused structural alterations, according to XRD analysis. FTIR analysis also indicated higher density of polar surface groups upon treatment which affected the corresponding dielectric behaviors. Dielectric measurements shown the suitable application of the materials either as dielectrical insulator and this dependent on the applied frequency. Acid treated kaolinite was reported to be a promising dielectric at 10 and 1000 Hz. With appropriate mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) 12.098-12.182 cm2/g and a high half value layer of 10 cm at 10 keV, kaolinite and other treated forms were adequate shielding materials.
Tamilanban Thangaraju, Thirupandiyur Selvanambi Ravikumar, Sivaraman Kanthasamy,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
The effect of pouring temperature while preparing Al SiC metal matrix composites, with additional benefits of magnesium and copper through stir casting technique were investigated. The composites were fabricated by mixing 12 wt% of SiC reinforcements, 4 wt% magnesium and 2 wt% copper into 6061 aluminium alloy melt at different pouring temperatures (630 ºC, 670 ºC and 710ºC). The addition of magnesium will enhance the wettability of the SiC particles with Al matrix and subsequently increase its interface bonding strength. The inclusion of copper has considerable improvement in strength and hardness of the composite. The microstructure and mechanical properties (tensile strength and hardness) of the Al MMC are evaluated with the corresponding processing parameter, specifically pouring temperature of the cast composite. The metallurgical characterization utilizing optical and scanning electron microscope were observed for the prepared composites. The coarse microstructure and homogenous distribution of alloying elements along with SiC particles were appeared within dendrite structures of the Al SiC composites. The SiC particles has effectively distributed and produced better bonding strength in composites prepared with 670ºC pouring temperature. Higher tensile strength and maximum hardness have occurred in composite at pouring temperature of 670ºC as compared to other composites. The mechanical properties were lower in composites prepared using lesser pouring temperature (630ºC) and significantly decreased for higher pouring temperature (710ºC) of the composites.
Yemurai Vengesa, Arash Fattah-Alhosseini, Hassan Elmkhah, Omid Imantalab,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
The main purpose of this investigation is to assess the effect of post-deposition annealing treatment on the electrochemical behavior of TiN coating developed on AISI 304 stainless steel substrate using cathodic arc evaporation physical vapor deposition (CAE-PVD). Post-annealing treatment at 400 ºC was performed on the coated substrate for 1 h. The studied samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. The preferred orientation of TiN (111) was identified by XRD patterns and the crystallinity of the coating increased after annealing treatment. SEM observations indicated that TiN coatings free of cracks were successfully developed on the substrate. The electrochemical measurements elucidated that the annealed coating had better corrosion resistance compared to that of the as-deposited coating with a lower current corrosion density. This investigation implied that improved corrosion performance of the TiN coating can achieved by performing post-deposition annealing treatment.
Jaouad Zerhouni, Fouzia Rhazi Filali, Mohammed Naciri Bennani, Omar Qabaqous, Aziz Bouymajane, Jamal Houssaini, Safae Allaoui, Faouzia Benhallam,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Our study is to highlight the effect of the acid-base character and the redox potential of two clays, synthetic anionic Layered Double Hydroxides Zn3Al-CO3 (LDH) clay, and natural commercial cationic clay "Ghassoul" on their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The antibacterial effect was tested on two Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Then it was tested on a Gram-negative bacterium: Escherichia coli. The determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration of the two materials was carried out using the microplatemicrotitration technique. The antioxidant activities of clays are assessed by the methods 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and the reducing power of iron (Fe3+). The redox potential (Eh) was measured and the redox strength (rH2) was evaluated. The results showed that these materials have an antibacterial effect on the three bacteria tested, the measured zero charge point of Ghassoul (pHzpc =8.75) more basic than that of double layer hydroxide (pHzpc =7.5), redox potential of LDH (-27mV) was higher than that of Gh (- 103mV), and the rH2 of Gh (14.04) was higher compared to anionic clay (13.33).
Keywords: LDHs, Ghassoul, Redox Potential, Zero point of Charge, Antibacterial.
Dillibabu Surrya Prakash, Narayana Dilip Raja,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Hybrid composites consisting of AA6061 matrix reinforced with TiB2 (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt. %), Al2O3 (2 wt. %) particles were produced by the sintering process. In comparison to the base material AA6061, the composite produced had improved mechanical properties. The sintered composites' mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and hardness, are measured and compared to the wear-tested specimen. Optical micrographs reveal that composites were riddled with defects like blowholes, pinholes, and improper bonding between the particulates before sintering. However, the post-sintered optical micrograph showed that the defects were greatly suppressed. Micrographic images revealed the changes in surface characteristics before and after wear. Until a sliding distance of 260 m, the wear rate of the hybrid composites was kept lower than that of the base material. The coefficient of all the composite materials produced for this study was noted to be less than that of the base material. The results reveal that the hardness of hybrid composites having 4 wt. % and 6 wt. % of TiB2 particulates increased by 5.98 % and 1.35 %. Because of the frictional heating during the wear test, the tensile properties lowered by up to 49.6%. It is concluded that the hybrid composites having 4 wt. % and 6 wt. % of TiB2 particulates exhibited less wear rate for extended sliding distance, good hardness, moderate tensile strength, and decent elongation percentage compared to its counterparts.
Mala Siddaramappa, Haraluru Kamala Eshwaraiah Latha, Haraluru Shankaraiah Lalithamba, Andi Udayakumar,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles were synthesized by green combustion method using indium (In) and tin (Sn) as precursors, and Carica papaya seed extract as novel fuel. This paper highlights effect of tin concentration (5%, 10% and 50%) on microstructural, optical and electrical properties of ITO nanoparticles (NPs). The indium nitrate and tin nitrate solution along with the fuel were heated at 600 °C for 1 h in muffle furnace and obtained powder was calcinated at 650 °C for 3 h to produce ITO NPs. The above properties were investigated using XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM and computer controlled impedance analyser. The XRD, SEM and TEM investigations reveals the synthesized NPs were spherical in shape with an increase in average grain size (17.66 to 35 nm) as Sn concentration increases. FTIR investigations confirms the In-O bonding. The optical properties results revealed that the ITO NPs band gap decreased from 3.21 to 2.98 eV with increase in Sn concentration. The ac conductivity of ITO NPs was found to increase with increase in Sn concentration. These synthesised ITO NPs showed the excellent properties for emerging sensor and optical device application.
Farideh Golbabaie, Somayeh Farhang Dehghan, Majid Habibi Mohraz, Elham Akhlaghi Pirposhteh,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the role of the electrostatic mechanism in the filtration process of Polyacrylonitrile nanofibers containing single-walled carbon nanotube. The nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning using 16wt% Polyacrylonitrile polymer (PAN) solution, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) at a ratio of 99:1 along with N and N-Dimethylformamide solvents. Initial filtration efficiency was tested as per ISO 29463:2011 standard inside a test rig. An electrostatic discharge test was performed via the chemical treatment of the filter media with Isopropyl alcohol in accordance to EN779 standard. Mean initial filtration efficiency of the nanofiber media in the capturing of 100nm and 200nm particles were 95.92% ±2.74 and 97.26% ±1.11 respectively, while for particles between 80nm to 250nm, this was 96.73% ±2.74. The efficiency of the untreated media was 0.2% to 1.2% higher than the PAN/SWNT media after electron discharge using Isopropyl alcohol with an even bigger difference being observed at lower particle size ranges. After treatment with Isopropyl alcohol, the pressure drop of the filtration media was increased from 164.7 Pa to 185.3 Pa. The reduction in filtration efficiency observed after the electrostatic discharge test indicates that the electrical charge of the electrospun nanofibers is influential in its initial efficiency for removing the submicron particles.
Sara Ahmadi, Bijan Eftekhari Yekta, Hossein Sarpoolaky, Alireza Aghaei,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
In the present work, monolithic gels were prepared through different drying procedures including
super critical, infrared wavelengths and traditional drying methods. Dense and transparent glasses
were obtained after controlled heat treatment of the dried porous xerogels in air atmosphere.
The chemical bonding as well as different properties of the prepared gels and the relevant glasses
were examined by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmitt-
Teller (BET) and UV-Vis spectrometer. Based on the obtained results, different drying conditions
affect the average pore size and the total pore volume of the studied gels. The mean pore size was
found to be 8.7 nm, 2.4 nm and 3.2 nm for super critical, IR radiation and slow drying in air
atmosphere, respectively. The glass network structure was significantly changed by heat treatment temperature so that the B-O-Si bonds were formed only after 450 °C. It was found that the gel dried under super critical condition was unable to reach to its full density all over the selected sintering temperature interval.
Mohammad Jafaripour, Hassan Koohestani, Behrooz Ghasemi,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
In this study, aluminum matrix composites reinforced with Al2O3 and SiC nanoparticles, and graphene nanoplatelets produced by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) were studied. The microstructural and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated by changing the amounts of the reinforcing materials. The SEM images showed that the reinforcing particles were more distributed in the grain boundary regions. According to the results, the addition of alumina and SiC to the matrix caused an increase in the composite density whereas the composite density decreased by adding graphene nanoplatelets. The highest relative density of 96.3% was obtained for the composite containing 2 wt% Al2O3. The presence of the reinforcing particles increased the hardness of all the samples compared to the pure aluminum (39 HV). The composite containing 1 wt.% Al2O3, 0.7 wt.% SiC, and 0.3 wt.% graphene showed the highest hardness of 79 HV. Moreover, the plastic deformation of the specimens decreased and the slope of the plastic region increased by adding the reinforcing particles to the matrix.
Muhammad Muzibur Rahman, Shaikh Reaz Ahmed,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
This paper reports the wear behavior of Cu, high Cu-Sn alloy, high Cu-Pb alloy and high Cu-Sn-Pb alloy under dry sliding at ambient conditions. These four materials were chosen for the wear resistance characterization of SnPb-solder affected old/scraped copper (high Cu-Sn-Pb alloy) to explore its reusing potentials. Wear tests were conducted using a pin-on-disk tribometer with the applied load of 20N for the sliding distance up to 2772 m at the sliding speed of 0.513 ms-1. The applied load was also changed to observe its effect. The investigation reveals that the presence of a little amount of Sn increased the hardness and improved the wear resistance of Cu, while a similar amount of Pb in Cu reduced the hardness but improved the wear resistance. The general perception of ‘the harder the wear resistant’ was found to match partially with the results of Cu, Cu-Sn alloy and Cu-Sn-Pb alloy. Coefficient of friction (COF) values revealed non-linearly gradual increasing trends at the initial stage and after a certain sliding distance COF values of all four sample materials became almost steady. SnPb-solder affected Cu demonstrated its COF to be in between that of Cu-Pb alloy and Cu-Sn alloy with the maximum COF value of 0.533.
Umarfarooq Maktedar Abdulkhadar, Patil Somalingana Shivakumar Gouda, Anil Shirahatti, Gonal Basavaraja Veeresh Kumar, Nagaraj Ramalingyya Banapurmath,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
The energy release rate for delamination in a laminated composite is supposed to be the material property being considered as independent of non-material property variables. However, Mode I fracture toughness(GI) is found to vary with lamina arrangement, geometrical dimensions, and process-induced stresses. In this investigation, the influence of lamina stacking arrangement on process-induced stresses and their effects on GI of laminated composites are studied. Unidirectional (UD) ([0]16) and cross-ply ([902/06]s, [904/04]s and [906/02]s) Glass/ epoxy (GE) composites with the delamination plane at 0◦//0◦ were prepared by manual layup method and post-cured at 120 °C for 4 hours. GI of composite laminates were experimentally determined using a double cantilever beam(DCB) specimen as per ASTM D 5528. The slitting method was applied to determine the Process-induced stresses in GE laminates. The stacking sequence of laminas was found to have a noticeable effect on the state of residual stresses and GI of GE laminates. Residual stresses do not have much influence on the GI for delamination initiation, whereas GI for the crack propagation was found to increase with a gradual increase in compressive residual stresses in GE laminates.
Mohammad Reza Zamani Meymian, Razieh Keshtmand,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Tin oxide (SnO2) is used as an electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells with a planar
structure due to its good transparency and energy level alignment with the perovskite layer. The modification
interface of the electron transport layer and the perovskite absorber layer plays an important role in the efficient
charge extraction process at the interface. In this study, planar perovskite solar cells with configuration
(FTO/SnO2/mixed-cation perovskite/CuInS2/Au) were prepared to investigate the effect of UV-Ozone (UVO) treated
SnO2 as ETL on the performance of devices. ETL treatment was performed at different times (0 to 60 min). It is
shown that surface wetting was improved by UVO treating the SnO2 films prior to deposition of the perovskite layer.
The latter improves the contact between the ETL and the perovskite layer, allowing more efficient electron transport
at the interface. Contact angle, SEM, photoluminescence spectra, and the current density-voltage tests were
conducted to characterize the photovoltaic of the cells. The best PSC performance with a power conversion
efficiency of 10.96% was achieved using UVO-treated SnO2 ETL for 30 min, whereas the power conversion
efficiency of the perovskite solar cells with SnO2 ETL without UVO treatment was only 4.34%.
Hamid Reza Rezaei Ashtiani, Shahab Moghaddam,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
In this study, the effects of heat treatment of aluminum alloy on the tube bending process were investigated in the rotary draw bending process. As two experimental and numerical simulation methods were used to determine the wall-thinning, ovality, and spring back for extruded, annealed, and aged AA6063 aluminum alloy tubes in different bending angles and bend radii. Numerical simulations were done by the finite element method with Abaqus software. The results indicated that in comparison with annealed and extruded parts, wall-thinning reduced whereas the amount of ovality and spring-back increased in the aged tubes. Also, in each case, the percentage of wall-thinning decreased with increasing bend radius, and the effect of bend radius was greater in the reduction of ovality from the bending angle. Investigations showed that the spring-back rate also decreased with an increasing bending angle.
Ata Abdi, Mehrdad Aghaie-Khafri,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Hot Workability and Processing Map of High Gd Content Mg-Gd-Zn-Zr-Nd Alloy Hot deformation behavior of homogenized Mg-4Sn binary alloy was studied using compression tests at the temperature range of 300-500
and strain rates of 0.001-1s
-1. The material showed typical single peak flow behavior followed by a steady state flow as a plateau, which is more evident at the high value of Zener-Hollomon parameter. Constitutive analysis showed that in spite of the original Johnson-Cook (J-C), conventional strain compensated Arrhenius model based on Sellars-McTegart model has a reasonable agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the well-known hyperbolic sine function fits the experimental data for predicting of the peak stress with a fair degree of accuracy.
Mojtaba Hosseini, Ali Allahverdi, Mohammad Jaafar Soltanian Fard,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
The aim of the present research work is to evaluate the feasibility of processing and utilizing steel slag
in binary and ternary cement blends with limestone. The physical and microstructural properties of binary and
ternary composite cements produced by inter-grinding mixtures of ordinary Portland cement clinker, processed
steel slag and limestone in a laboratory ball mill with replacement levels varying from 0 wt.% to 30 wt.% were
studied. The effects of processed steel slag and limestone incorporation on density of dry cement mixes and water
consistency, setting time and volume stability of fresh and hardened cement pastes were investigated. Also,
density, water absorption, total open pore volume (%) and compressive strength of cement mortars were measured.
The mix with 15 wt.% limestone and 15 wt.% processed steel slag was selected as a typical ternary cement mix
for complementary studies including X-ray diffractometry, thermal gravimetry, Fourier-transform infrared
spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analyses. The results show that removal of relatively high
metallic content of steel slag increases its grindability for mechanical activation and improves its hydraulic
properties effectively and makes it suitable for being recycled in cement industry. The results show that
mechanical activation of the cement mixes enhances the poor hydraulic activity of the processed steel slag and
compensates the strength loss to some extent. The physical and chemical properties of all studied composite
cement mixes comply with ASTM standard specifications, except the compressive strength of the cement mixes
at 28-days containing 20 wt.% or higher amounts of limestone ground to the relatively low Blaine specific surface
area of about 3000 cm2/g.
Ehsan Tarighati, Majid Tavoosi, Ali Ghasemi, Gholam Reza Gordani,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
In the present study, the effects of boron on the structural and magnetic properties of AlCrFeNiMnSiBx high entropy alloys (HEAs) were investigated. In this regards, different percentages of boron element were added to the based composition and the samples were identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) methods. Based on results, the tendency of Si element to formation of silicide phases prevents from the stabilization of single FCC and BCC solid solution phases in AlCrFeNiMnSi alloy. The boron element has significant effects on destabilization of silicide phases and by increasing in the percentage of this element, the simple BCC solid solution phase has been dominate phase. Of course, boron has distractive effects on magnetic properties of prepared alloys and the saturation of magnetization of AlCrFeNiMnSiBx HEAs decrease from 29.8 emu/g to about 6 emu/g by increasing the boron content.
Morteza Hadi, Omid Bayat, Hadi Karimi, Mohsen Sadeghi, Taghi Isfahani,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
In this research, the effect of initial microstructure and solution treatment on rollability and crystallographic texture of a Cu-Mn-Ni-Sn alloy has been investigated. The initial tests indicated that the rolling of the alloy at different temperature conditions is not possible due to formation of second phases. Herein to eliminate the segregated phases, according to DTA analysis, proper temperature for solution treatment was selected as 750°C applied at different periods of time. The obtained results showed that after 15-hour solution treatment, the complete elimination of Sn, Mn, Ni, and Fe-rich phases can be achieved. Also, the peaks of XRD shifted to the higher angles indicating that the alloying elements are dissolved. Meanwhile, the intensity of the texture reduced and the dominant texture changed from Goss and Brass-texture to Copper-texture. Accordingly, the amount of maximum total reduction at the rolling process increased from 16.37 to 109.46 after solution treatment.
Surekha S. Jadhav, Amit A. Bagade, Tukaram J. Shinde, Kesu Y. Rajpure,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
In present work Ni0.7Cd0.3NdxFe2-xO4 ferrite samples (0≤x≤0.03) were prepared by using oxalate co-precipitation technique. The different characterization techniques were achieved using X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), DC electrical resistivity and dielectric measurements. The crystallographic parameters such as crystal structure, crystallite size, lattice constant, unit cell volume and theoretical density have been systematically analysed. The XRD and FT-IR measurements confirmed the formation of single phase spinel ferrite structure. The cation distribution among the octahedral and tetrahedral sites has been proposed on the basis of analysis of XRD patterns by employing Rietveld refinement analysis. The samples exist as a mixed type spinel with cubic structure. The DC electrical resistivity confirms the semiconducting behaviour and the Curie temperature decreases with increase in Nd3+ content. The dielectric constant and loss tangent decreases with frequency and higher frequencies remain constant, which shows the usual dielectric dispersion due to space charge polarization. The AC conductivity reveals that the small type polarons responsible for conduction process.
Zahra Rajabimashhadi, Rahim Naghizadeh,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
ꞵ-tricalcium phosphate (ꞵ-TCP) and anorthite are the main crystalline components in bone china bodies. The difference in their thermal expansion coefficients causes a decrease in the thermal shock resistance of the body. In this study, anorthite was replaced with bone ash at the bone china body, and the effect of this new composition on different properties of bone china, after curing at 1260 °C for 3 hours, was investigated. The results showed that the physical and mechanical properties of the sample containing 50 wt% anorthite compared to the typical bone china improved and only 8.7% of the whiteness index diminished. Also the microstructure of samples containing Anorthite were observed without thermal crack and almost uniform distribution of Anorthite and quartz crystals in the heterogeneous glass matrix.
