Mathematical law of size effect on the flexural property of ceramics

Brittle materials generally exhibit size effects, and the mechanical properties of these materials degrade significantly with an increase in size. However, the mathematical law governing the attenuation degree of mechanical properties with the increase in size is still unknown. In this study, maximum loads of differently sized ceramic test strips were subjected to three point bending tests under two working conditions of equal spans and span amplifications, respectively. Subsequently, the theoretical maximum loads of materials were calculated using the finite element method (FEM). By calculating the difference between the calculated values and the actual maximum loads, the attenuation of mechanical properties of ceramic samples were observed. The results show that the theoretical mechanical properties and the performance attenuation caused by the size effect tend to increase according to the following equation: y=ax³+bx²+cx+d. Therefore, mechanical properties and performance attenuation of any sample exhibiting a size within the experimental range can be predicted by a mathematical law, which was obtained through mechanical tests results of four samples with different sizes. The obtained mathematical law holds great significance for predicting the mechanical properties of materials under size effects.     

Novel Bi4O5Br2/MnxZn1-xFe2O4 magnetic composite with an enhanced photodegradation activity and excellent recyclability

Bi₄O₅Br₂/Mn_xZn_1-xFe₂O₄ nanocomposites with impressive photocatalytic and recyclability properties were synthesised using a microemulsion method. In addition to the photocatalytic effect, the crystal structure and morphology, photoelectrochemical characteristics, magnetic effect and photocatalytic mechanism of Bi₄O₅Br₂/Mn_xZn_1-xFe₂O₄ were also investigated. As the best sample, the removal rate of the Bi₄O₅Br₂/Mn_xZn_1-xFe₂O₄ photocatalyst with 7.5 wt% Mn_xZn_1-xFe₂O₄ to rhodamine B (RhB) reached up to 99.4% within 60 min. The enhanced photocatalyst activity was mainly attributed to the type-II heterojunction formed between Bi₄O₅Br₂ and Mn_xZn_1-xFe₂O₄, which not only optimised the energy band structure, but also led to the building of an interior electromagnetic field within the Bi₄O₅Br₂/Mn_xZn_1-xFe₂O₄ heterojunction. Meanwhile, the constantly producing and migrating h⁺ and ·O₂^? were the main active components. In particular, the results of the saturation magnetization tests and magnetic recovery experiments revealed that the magnetic composite photocatalyst can be recovered effectively. The results of the removal rate of RhB remaining at 85.2% after five uses reflected the advantages of the stability of the Bi₄O₅Br₂/Mn_xZn_1-xFe₂O₄ photocatalyst. In brief, this paper presented an original idea to develop a novel composite magnetic photocatalyst and research the enhancement mechanism of photocatalysis.     

Influence of the SiC matrix introduction time on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cf/Hf0.5Zr0.5C-SiC ultra-high temperature composites

C_f/Hf_0.5Zr_0.5C-SiC composites were prepared by introducing Hf_0.5Zr_0.5C matrix (11 cycles) and SiC matrix (9 cycles) into the carbon cloth preform through precursor impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) process. The influence of the introduction time of SiC matrix on the microstructure and mechanical properties of C_f/Hf_0.5Zr_0.5C-SiC composites was studied, and the results show that with the increase of the PIP cycles of the SiC matrix introduced before Hf_0.5Zr_0.5C matrix, the composite open porosity decreased, and the flexural strength and modulus presented an obvious upward trend. CS45 sample, which has 4 cycles of PIP SiC introduced in advance, has the highest flexural strength, flexural modulus and interfacial shear strength of 402.73 ± 35.73 MPa, 56.92 ± 3.97 GPa and 100.88 ± 7.79 MPa, respectively. Hf_0.5Zr_0.5C matrix has a loose and porous structure, so when more SiC matrix was introduced in advance, its covering effect on the surface of fibers led to less intra-bundle pores and thusly denser composite structure, and due to the compactness of SiC matrix, better overall bonding of fiber, interface and matrix was achieved, as well as better load transfer effect, which led to obvious interfacial debonding and cracking based on the in-situ SEM observation during flexural tests. While in the sample without pre-introduced SiC, the cracking occurred mainly between the interface and porous matrix and the overall performance of the material was poor.     

Effect of malondialdehyde oxidation on structure and physicochemical properties of amandin

Oil, accounting for 45% of almonds, is easily oxidised and can further induce the protein oxidation to reduce their quality. Structure and physicochemical properties of amandin, the main water-soluble protein in almonds, inducing oxidation by malondialdehyde (MDA) were investigated. The results showed that the content of carbonyl group increased from 5.23 to 33.25 nmol mg⁻¹ of protein with the increase in MDA concentration (P < 0.05). However, the sulphydryl content, surface hydrophobicity, particle size and the absolute value of ζ-potential first increased and then decreased. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed that the structure of amandin changed from order to disorder. Fluorescence spectroscopic analysis revealed that mild oxidation (0–0.1 mmol L⁻¹ MDA) exposed hydrophobic groups of the protein. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) suggested that protein oxidation promoted crosslinking between protein molecules. Furthermore, protein oxidation markedly declined the total amino acid content of amandin (P < 0.05). In conclusion, MDA oxidation changed the structure and amino acid content of amandin, and caused the protein aggregate and crosslink through hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic interaction.     

Repurposing fish waste into gelatin as a potential alternative for mammalian sources: A review

Mammalian gelatin is extensively utilized in the food industry because of its physicochemical properties. However, its usage is restricted and essentially prohibited for religious people. Fish gelatin is a promising alternative with no religious and social restrictions. The desirable properties of fish gelatin can be significantly improved by various methods, such as the addition of active compounds, enzymes, and natural crosslinking agents (e.g., plant phenolics and genipin), and nonthermal physical treatments (e.g., ionizing radiation and high pressure). The aim of this study was to explore whether the properties of fish gelatin (gel strength, melting or gelling temperature, odor, viscosity, sensory properties, film-forming ability, etc.) could be improved to make it comparable to mammalian gelatin. The structure and properties of gelatins obtained from mammalian and fish sources are summarized. Moreover, the modification methods used to ameliorate the properties of fish gelatin, including rheological (gelling temperature from 13–19°C to 23–25°C), physicochemical (gel strengths from ∼200 to 250 g), and thermal properties (melting points from ∼25 to 30°C), are comprehensively discussed. The relevant literature reviewed and the technological advancements in the industry can propel the development of fish gelatin as a potential alternative to mammalian gelatin, thereby expanding its competitive market share with increasing utility.     

Enhancement of oxygen/pressure sensing performance of Eu3+-doped YSZ phosphors via Bi3+ sensitization

The effects of the incorporation of a Bi³⁺ sensitizer on the phosphorescence properties and oxygen partial pressure sensitivity of the Eu³⁺ doped yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) phosphors were studied using a lifetime-based optical measurement system. Two series of YSZ: Eu phosphors were investigated in this work: Eu_0.01Bi_xY_0.07-xZr_0.92O_1.96 substitutional series and Eu_0.01Bi_xY_0.07Zr_0.92-xO_1.96-0.5x additive series. The phosphorescence intensity of the additive-series phosphors was enhanced by 47% excited at 405 nm with a Bi³⁺ concentration of 2 mol% due to the energy transfer between Bi³⁺ and Eu³⁺. In contrast, the phosphorescence intensity of the substitutional-series phosphors decreased as the Bi³⁺ concentration increased. The phosphorescence lifetimes for both series phosphors were highly sensitive to oxygen partial pressure at elevated temperatures. With increasing Bi³⁺ concentration, the oxygen sensitivities of both series were enhanced initially, which was related to the increment of concentration dependent non-radiative decay via cross-relaxation between Bi³⁺ and Eu³⁺. With 1 mol% Bi³⁺ doping, the oxygen sensitivity was enhanced by 28% and 12% for substitutional-series and additive-series phosphors, respectively. As the Bi³⁺ concentration further increased, the oxygen sensitivities of both series declined, which was attributed to the energy transfer between Bi³⁺, the formation of Bi³⁺ aggregates as well as the increase of the Eu³⁺ site symmetry. The results of this study not only provided valuable references for phosphor thermometry, but also offered new ideas for developing high-temperature non-contact pressure sensors.     

Facile self-assembly approach to construct a novel MXene-decorated nano-sized phase change material emulsion for thermal energy storage

In recent years, phase change material emulsions (PCMEs) with enhanced energy storage capacities and good flow characteristics have drawn significant attention. However, due to the thermodynamically unstable nature and tiny particle confinement, the nanomaterial modification strategies at PCM/water interface to improve stabilities and reduce supercooling of nano-sized PCMEs (NPCMEs) are very limited and challenging. Herein, we report a facile strategy for constructing MXene-decorated NPCME with good stability, little supercooling, and high thermal conductivity by self-assembly of MXene nanosheets at PCM/water interface. The concentrations of MXene have great influences on the average droplet diameters, stabilities, and thermophysical properties of the NPCMEs. The results show that the PCMs have been well dispersed into the water in the form of quasi-spherical droplets, with average droplet diameters of 242–805 nm. The thermal conductivity of 10 wt% n-tetradecane/water NPCME containing 9 mg ml^-1 MXene is 0.693 W m^-1·K^-1, achieving an enhancement by 15.5%, as compared to that of water. Besides, the MXene-decorated paraffin/water NPCMEs exhibit little supercooling and enhanced heat storage capacities. More importantly, this facile self-assembly strategy opens a new platform for preparing high-performance NPCMEs, which can be used as novel heat transfer fluids for thermal energy storage systems.     

Preparation and properties of AZO/PS/AZO tri-layer transparent conductive film with a light-trapping structure

The light-trapping structure is an effective method to increase solar light capture efficiency in the solar cells. In this study, Al-doped ZnO (AZO)/polystyrene (PS)/AZO tri-layer transparent conductive film with light-trapping structure was fabricated by magnetron sputtering and liquid phase methods. The structural, optical and electrical properties of the AZO films could be controlled by different growth conditions. When the sputtering pressure of the under-layer AZO film was 0.2 Pa, the discharge voltage was around 80 V, which was within the optimal process window for obtaining AZO film with high crystallinity. The optimal under-layer AZO film had a large surface roughness and a very low static water contact angle of 75.71°, promoting the relatively uniform distribution of PS spheres. Under this sputtering condition, the prepared AZO/PS/AZO tri-layer film had the highest crystallinity and least point defects. The highest carrier concentration and Hall mobility are 3.0 × 10²¹ cm^-3and 5.39 cm² V^-1 s^-1, respectively. Additionally, a transparent conductive film with the lowest resistivity value (3.88 × 10^-4 Ω cm) and the highest average haze value (26.5%) was obtained by optimizing the process parameters. These properties were comparable to or exceed the reported values of surface-textured SnO₂-based as well as ZnO-based TCOs films, making our films suitable for transparent electrode applications, especially in thin-film solar cells.     

基于信任链的骚扰电话预判技术研究

当前,骚扰电话乱象屡禁不止,严重影响了人民群众的正常生活,甚至威胁到个人财产安全,因此简单有效地识别骚扰电话技术成为亟待解决的问题。区别于现有的对电话号码进行黑白名单标记、大数据分析等识别方法,提出基于信任链的骚扰电话预判技术,从可信度量的角度计算来电号码的可靠程度,并针对高危受害群体的典型应用场景进行分析,通过对骚扰电话的预判,降低其受到电话骚扰甚至电话诈骗的可能性。     

Feasibility of zeolites in converting butyric acid into propylene for biorefineries

The biorefinery has been recognized as a new industry to produce both energy and chemical materials such as olefins and BTX from renewable resources. In this context the conversion of butyric acid over zeolites was investigated for establishing a new production route of propylene. Propylene was mainly generated by decarbonylation and dehydration of butyric acid. Our study proved that H-ZSM-5 (750) and silicalite were the best industrial catalyst among the tested ones. For H-ZSM-5 (750), the selectivity of propylene reached 64.2 C% and the ratio of the yield for propylene to theoretical yield (75 C%) became 85.6%.