Synthesis,structural and luminescence properties of near white light emitting Dy-doped Y2CaZnO5 nanophosphor for solid state lighting

Novel near white light emitting Y₂CaZnO₅ (YCZ) nanocrystalline powders doped with Dy³⁺ ions were synthesized via the citrate gel combustion method. The structure of the compound is found to be triclinic with a particle size in the range of 20–30 nm. Luminescence properties have been characterized using photoluminescence (PL), excitation spectra and decay time measurements. The PL spectra have shown a broad blue band due to ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_15/2 transition and sharp yellow band corresponding to ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_13/2 transition of Dy³⁺ ions. From the concentration dependent PL studies, the optimum concentration of Dy³⁺ ions in YCZ is found to be 1.0 mol%, where intense near white light emission was observed. The Dy³⁺:YCZ nanophosphor has shown relatively better white color properties than the reported Dy³⁺:Y₂O₃ nanophosphor. The yellow to blue intensity ratios, CIE chromaticity coordinates and correlated color temperature studies have shown the possibility of using this compound for white light emission.     

In Situ Confocal Raman Mapping Study of a Single Ti-Assisted ZnO Nanowire

In this work, we succeeded in preparing in-plane zinc oxide nanowires using a Ti-grid assisted by the chemical vapor deposition method. Optical spatial mapping of the Confocal Raman spectra was used to investigate the phonon and geometric properties of a single ZnO nanowire. The local optical results reveal a red shift in the non-polar E₂ high frequency mode and width broadening along the growth direction, reflecting quantum-confinement in the radial direction.     

Tribocorrosion behaviour of TiCxOy thin films in bio-fluids

Decorative coatings require not only an attractive appearance for market applications, but also an ability to protect the surface underneath. Because of this, corrosion, wear and their combined effects (termed tribocorrosion) are particularly important for lifetime prediction. In this paper, the tribocorrosion behaviour of a range of single layered titanium oxycarbide, TiC_xO_y, coatings, produced by DC reactive magnetron sputtering, has been studied and reported as a function of electrode potential and applied load. The study was conducted in a reciprocating sliding tribo-system (Plint TE 67/E) in a bio-fluid (an artificial perspiration solution) at room temperature. During the wear tests, both the open-circuit potential and the corrosion current were monitored. The results showed that electrode potential and load have a significant influence on the total material loss. The variations in R_p (polarization resistance) and C_f (capacitance) before and after sliding, obtained by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were evaluated in order to provide an understanding of the resistance of the film in such conditions. Tribocorrosion maps were generated, based on the results, indicating the change in mechanisms of the tribological and corrosion parameters for such coatings, as a function of load and applied potential.     

Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Tribochemical Reactions with ZDDP: Zinc Phosphate–Iron Oxide Reaction

Zinc phosphate glass is considered to be the main constituent of tribofilms generated under boundary lubrication with zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP), a well-known antiwear additive. The reaction occurring during friction between zinc phosphate glasses and steel native iron oxide layer is investigated by both an experimental approach and by Molecular Dynamics simulations (MD). The importance of this “tribochemical” reaction in the general ZDDP antiwear process is discussed.     

Quantification of fire gases by FTIR: Experimental characterisation of calibration systems

Gaseous fire effluents contain a mixture of components, some of which are present in toxicologically significant proportions, together with water vapour and particulate matter, representing a significant challenge to the analyst. The most useful information is obtained from fire gases at about 180 °C where water and most organic species are volatile. Despite this, it is often necessary to sample and measure fire effluents for prediction of fire toxicity, estimation of the environmental impact of fires, and to understand their behaviour.Gas phase Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has the potential to measure almost all volatiles on a continuous basis during fire. This paper considers the key parameters, which must be carefully measured and controlled in order to obtain reliable calibration data. It evaluates a number of techniques designed for calibrating an FTIR spectrometer for use in fire gas analysis with conclusions on the best system for use for each species and for specific fire tests or experimental scenarios.As few molecules in the gas phase infrared spectrum obey the Beer-Lambert law, a full set of infrared spectra at different concentrations must be obtained for each target analyte, for the actual spectrophotometer—gas cell configuration in use. In some cases, stable standard mixtures are available, and these only have to be quantitatively diluted. In other cases reactive gases such as hydrogen halides must be generated quantitatively in situ, or vapours must be generated from volatile liquids under controlled conditions, in order to obtain calibration spectra. In each case, care must be taken in the design of the sampling line and calibration system, paying particular attention to the temperature, pressure and gas flow.Gas phase FTIR is a powerful analytical tool, but requires a significant investment in time and equipment before quantitative analysis can be undertaken. Unless care is taken to ensure constant temperature and pressure in the sample lines and gas cell, significant errors will result.     

Thermal scatter treatment of iron in transport of photons and neutrons

The present paper deals with measured as well as calculated energy spectra of neutron and photon beams from the AKR-2 experimental reactor after having passed through Fe layers and Fe/H₂O combined layers. The experiment results are compared with calculations presented in various nuclear data libraries, such as, ENDF/B VI.2., ENDF/B VII., BROND 3, JENDL 3.3 and JEFF 3.1. Two models were used to calculate the neutron transport. The first takes into account the atomic structure of the material, whereas the other neglects the effect of inter-atomic bonds assuming the atomic nucleus behaviour to follow the free gas model.     

Determination of elemental composition of cement powder by Spark Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Measurement of the cement powder composition as a major building material is considered very important. In this paper the capabilities of Spark Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (SIBS) as a new technique for analysis of cement powder are shown. The major and minor elements of cement such as Ca, Si, Fe, K, Mg, Al, Na, Ba, Ti, V, Pb, Mn and Sr are detected qualitatively. For quantitative measurement, calibration curves are prepared for elements Ca, Si, Mg, Al, Fe and K with limit of detection below 220 ppm. The critical problems such as how to achieve quantitative measurement and improve the detection limits are investigated. The potential and drawbacks of SIBS technique in comparison with XRF for analysis of powder products are discussed.     

Experimental and Calculational Studies of the Interactions of BF3 with Fluoroethers

BF₃ was co-condensed with (C₂H₅)₂O, (CF₃CH₂)₂O, and (C₂F₅)₂O in excess argon at 15 K. Infrared spectra of the matrices showed a definite Lewis acid-base interaction between BF₃ and diethyl ether; a weak but definite interaction with bis(2,2,2,-trifluorodiethyl)ether, and no observable interaction with perfluorodiethyl ether. Molecular orbital (MO) calculations complemented the experimental observations by revealing that fluorine atoms on the ethers decreased electron localization about the oxygen atom. Thus, the experimental data and MO calculations indicated a clear trend between strength of interaction with BF₃ and the degree of ether F substitution. The implications of the results for commercial perfluoro ether lubricant/metal oxide surface interactions are discussed.     

Effect of water saturation and porosity on the nonlinear elastic response of concrete

Nonlinear interaction of a monochromatic elastic wave with a low frequency should be a good tool for non-destructive evaluation of existing concrete structures. Nonlinear indicators have already proved efficient in detecting global damage by exhibiting a significant sensitivity regarding classical linear ultrasonic methods like wave speed or attenuation. However, it is necessary to understand the influence of some structural parameters such as porosity, stress state, or water saturation on the nonlinear processes. In this way, a recent model containing all of these potential contributors is presented in this paper. It is sustained by nonlinear interaction experiments in impact mode. This method reveals a great potential for in situ measurements with a low frequency propagating into the whole structure. We make use of a calibrated concrete sample's series, conditioned at different water saturation states, to quantify the influence of water content and porosity on the nonlinear response of concrete.     

Cathodic disbondment of epoxy coating with zinc aluminum polyphosphate as a modified zinc phosphate anticorrosion pigment

As an approach to improve the resistance of protective coatings to the disbondment, modification of the formulation through incorporation of zinc aluminum polyphosphate anticorrosion pigment representing third generation phosphates was examined in this paper. The data obtained from cathodic disbonding test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and pull-off indicated that introduction of zinc aluminum polyphosphate within epoxy coating could provide improved resistance to cathodic disbonding as well as superior adhesion strength. The superiority in the presence of the modified pigment was connected to deposition of a layer at the disbonding front and locally controlled pH as well. The precipitation restricting active zone available for electrochemical reaction was confirmed by SEM.