Structure and Physical Properties of Plant Wax Crystal Networks and Their Relationship to Oil Binding Capacity

The microstructure, melting and crystallization behavior, rheological properties and oil binding capacity of crystalline networks of plant-derived waxes in edible oil were studied and then compared amongst different wax types. The critical concentrations for oleogelation of canola oil by rice bran wax (RBX), sunflower wax, candelilla wax, and carnauba wax were 1, 1, 2, and 4 %, respectively, suggesting RBX and sunflower wax are more efficient structurants. A phenomenological two-phase exponential decay model was implemented to quantify the oil-binding capacity of these oleogels. Parameters obtained from this empirical model were then evaluated against microscale structural attributes such as crystal size, mass distribution and porosity to determine the structural dependence of oil-binding capacity. Gels containing candelilla wax exhibited the greatest oil-binding capacity, as they retained nearly 90 % of their oil. This is due to the small crystal size as well as the spatial distribution of these crystals. Using a microscopic to macroscopic approach, this study examines how the structural characteristics unique to each wax and resulting oleogel system affect functionality and macroscopic behavior.     

Numerical analysis for environmental effects in circular tanks

An efficient numerical method of analysis for environmental (thermal, shrinkage, and swelling) effects in circular, concrete, liquid storage thin-walled tanks under conditions of axial symmetry is outlined. Although the approach is based on individual analyses of wall and plate sub-structures, it yields the global solution that accounts for actual interaction between the wall and plate elements. This interaction between the tank main elements is introduced in a Force Method-type procedure by utilising conditions of compatibility of displacements at the wall-plate junctions. The analysis technique is applicable to a wide range of circular-cylindrical tank systems in contact with a variety of support media. The numerical treatment of the considered environmental effects presented herein extends the approach outlined earlier by the author [1 and 2] and is just a part of design analysis that includes also tank pre-stressing. The effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed method and of the computer software developed are tested with the included examples.     

Multiple-image encryption by compressive holography

We present multiple-image encryption (MIE) based on compressive holography. In the encryption, a holographic technique is employed to record multiple images simultaneously to form a hologram. The two-dimensional Fourier data of the hologram are then compressed by nonuniform sampling, which gives rise to compressive encryption. Decryption of individual images is cast into a minimization problem. The minimization retains the sparsity of recovered images in the wavelet basis. Meanwhile, total variation regularization is used to preserve edges in the reconstruction. Experiments have been conducted using holograms acquired by optical scanning holography as an example. Computer simulations of multiple images are subsequently demonstrated to illustrate the feasibility of the MIE scheme.     

Design of suspension-based and collocated dual stage actuated suspensions

Dual stage actuators have recently been implemented in hard disk drive suspensions in order to increase the track density of hard disk drives. This paper investigates the lateral deflection (lateral stroke), stress distribution and design characteristics of a suspension-based and a collocated flexure-based dual stage actuated suspension design using finite element analysis. Design parameters for each suspension design are examined and guidelines for improved lateral deflection characteristics are proposed.     

Bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework-derived substrate-free anode with superior cyclability for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries

Freestanding carbon nanofibers loaded with bimetallic hollow nanocage structures were synthesized.The nanocages inherited the rhombic dodecahedral morphology of the zeolitic imidazolate framework(ZIF)precursors,ZIF-8 and ZIF-67.As anode materials for lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),the bimetallic nanocage-loaded freestanding carbon nanofibers effectively buffered volume expansions and alleviated pulverization through their different reduction and oxidation potentials.The higher capacities of the composite anodes arose via the formation of the Li_xZn alloy and Li₂O by Zn and Co ions,respectively,and the enhanced conductivity conferred by the carbon nanofibers.A synergistic effect of the composite components toward the strong electrochemical performance(688 m A h·g^-1at 1200 m A·g^-1)of the bimetallic nanocage-loaded fibers was demonstrated through the superior long-term stability of the anode(1048 m A h·g^-1after 300 cycles at 100 m A·g^-1),suggesting that the fabricated anode can be a promising material for use in portable LIBs.     

Reduced graphene oxide supersonically sprayed on wearable fabric and decorated with iron oxide for supercapacitor applications

We demonstrate the fabrication of wearable supercapacitor electrodes.The electrodes were applied to wearable fabric by supersonically spraying the fabric with reduced graphene oxide(rGO)followed by decoration with iron oxide(Fe2O3)nanoparticles via a hydrothermal process.The integration of iron oxide with rGO flakes on wearable fabric demonstrates immense potential for applications in high-energy-storage devices.The synergetic impact of the intermingled rGO flakes and Fe2O3 nanoparticles enhances the charge transport within the composite electrode,ultimately improving the overall electrochemical performance.Taking advantage of the porous nature of the fabric,electrolyte diffusion into the active rGO and Fe2O3 materials was significantly enhanced and subsequently increased the electrochemical interfacial activities.The effect of the Fe2O3 concentration on the overall electrochemical performance was investigated.The optimal composition yields a specific capacitance of 360 F g-1 at a current density of 1A g-1 with a capacitance retention rate of 89％after 8500 galvanostatic cycles,confirming the long-term stability of the Fe2O3/rGO fabric electrode.