Gd2Zr2O7 ceramics synthesized by solid-state reactive sintering: Effects of starting powders with different-scale particle sizes

In this work, the effects of starting oxide powders with different-scale particle sizes on the synthesis of gadolinium zirconate pyrochlore (Gd₂Zr₂O₇, GZO) and its physical properties were studied. Micron Gd₂O₃ (μG), micron ZrO₂ (μZ), nano Gd₂O₃ (nG), and nano ZrO₂ (nZ) powders were used. GZO ceramics were prepared by employing solid-state reactive sintering at 1300 °C, 1400 °C, 1500 °C and 1600 °C with mixed powders of different sizes (μGμZ, μGnZ, nGμZ and nGnZ). X-ray diffraction and Raman analyses of the ceramics revealed that nG has a more significant impact on the crystallization process than nZ. All ceramics synthesized with different sized oxide powders crystallized into pyrochlore phases except for those synthesized with μGnZ mixed powders, which resulted in a fluorite phase. The results indicated that decreasing the particle size of only ZrO₂ to synthesize pyrochlore-phase Gd₂Zr₂O₇ with high crystallinity may not be effective. Samples obtained at 1500 °C were further analyzed. Scanning electron microscopy results revealed that all four ceramics have a non-homogeneous grain size and that the average grain size ranges from 5.40 to 8.30 μm. In addition, the density and Vickers hardness measurements showed that the use of nanopowders significantly improves the mechanical properties.     

Strong tribocatalysis of strontium titanate nanofibers through harvesting friction energy for dye decomposition

Friction is a common clean energy and can be harvested and converted into electricity energy via triboelectricity, which can electrochemically drive dye decomposition in theory. In this work, the tribocatalytic Rhodamine B dye decomposition has been experimentally realized in strontium titanate (SrTiO₃) nanofibers, which are synthesized via a hydrothermal method. In the tribocatalytic dye decomposition process, the friction is exerted in the interface between catalyst surface and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Teflon rod setup with the different stirring speed. The RhB dye decomposition ratios of SrTiO₃ nanofibers at these stirring speeds of 200 rpm, 400 rpm, 600 rpm, and 800 rpm are respectively 24.2%, 51.8%, 73.9% and 88.6%, yielding to these reaction rate constants of ～0.0112 h^?1, ～0.0260 h^?1, ～0.0562 h^?1 and ～0.0877 h^?1. The main active species, which play an important role in tribocatalytic process, are the superoxide radicals and holes on basis of the active species quenching experiment results. The excellent tribocatalysis activity makes SrTiO₃ nanofibers potential for application in dye wastewater treatment through utilizing the environmental friction energy.     

Improved reversible dehydrogenation properties of MgH2 by the synergetic effects of graphene oxide-based porous carbon and TiCl3

In this study, we used a combination of graphene oxide-based porous carbon (GC) and titanium chloride (TiCl₃) to improve the reversible dehydrogenation properties of magnesium hydride (MgH₂). Examining the effects of GC and TiCl₃ on the hydrogen storage properties of MgH₂, the study found GC was a useful additive as confinement medium for promoting the reversible dehydrogenation of MgH₂. And TiCl₃ was an efficient catalytic dopant. A series of controlled experiments were carried out to optimize the sample preparation method and the addition amount of GC and TiCl₃. In comparison with the neat MgH₂ system, the MgH₂/GC-TiCl₃ composite prepared under optimized conditions exhibited enhanced dehydrogenation kinetics and lower dehydrogenation temperature. A combination of phase/microstructure/chemical state analyses has been conducted to gain insight into the promoting effects of GC and TiCl₃ on the reversible dehydrogenation of MgH₂. Our study found that GC was a useful scaffold material for tailoring the nanophase structure of MgH₂. And TiCl₃ played an efficient catalytic effect. Therefore, the remarkably improved dehydrogenation properties of MgH₂ should be attributed to the synergetic effects of nanoconfinement and catalysis.     

Effect of pyrolysis temperature on the mechanical evolution of SiCf/SiC composites fabricated by PIP

Three types of SiC_f/SiC composites with a four-step three-dimensional SiC fibre preform and pyrocarbon interface fabricated via precursor infiltration and pyrolysis at 1100 °C, 1300 °C, and 1500 °C were heat-treated at 1300 °C under argon atmosphere for 50 h. The effects of the pyrolysis temperature on the microstructural and mechanical properties of the SiC_f/SiC composites were studied. With an increase in the pyrolysis temperature, the SiC crystallite size of the as-fabricated composites increased from 3.4 to 6.4 nm, and the flexural strength decreased from 742 ± 45 to 467 ± 38 MPa. After heat treatment, all the samples exhibited lower mechanical properties, accompanied by grain growth, mass loss, and the formation of open pores. The degree of mechanical degradation decreased with an increase in the pyrolysis temperature. The composites fabricated at 1500 °C exhibited the highest property retention rates with 90% flexural strength and 98% flexural modulus retained. The mechanism of the mechanical evolution after heat treatment was revealed, which suggested that the thermal stability of the mechanical properties is enhanced by the high crystallinity of the SiC matrix after pyrolysis at higher temperatures.     

Dynamic mechanical response of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) exposed to cyclic loads in the high stress tensile regime

Tensile fatigue tests of PEEK at high load levels were carried out and analyzed regarding the dynamic mechanic behavior of the material during the tests. The experiments were conducted in the high stress tensile regime of PEEK. After a short period of unsteady temperature increase distinct material changes were observed during the tests at medium and high load levels. The storage modulus increased continuously while the loss modulus, loss factor (tan δ) and the dissipation energy rate decreased continuously. It was concluded that the accumulation of residual stresses because of partially irreversible deformation causes this effect.     

Amide-containing segmented copolymers

This review highlights the synthesis, physical properties, and emerging technologies of state-of-the-art segmented copolymers containing amide hydrogen bonding sites. Amide hydrogen bonding plays a crucial role in the physical properties associated with amide-containing segmented copolymers. Amide hard segments are accessible in many different forms from amorphous alkyl amides to crystalline aramids and greatly influence copolymer morphology and mechanical properties. Variations in copolymer structure allow for the fine tuning of physical properties and the ability to predict mechanical performance based upon structural modifications. This review includes various synthetic methods for producing well-defined amide-containing segmented copolymers as well as common applications. Also, the morphological and mechanical properties associated with modifications in copolymer structure are discussed.     

驾校训练场地设计感谈

以某驾校训练场地设计为例,介绍了驾校的功能分区,结合相关规划设计标准,着重对驾校训练场地的规划设计策略进行了详细论述,并对其绿化设计作了分析,为同类工程设计提供参考。     

谈三沙市永兴岛驻岛官兵宿舍设计

通过对某些高校大学生宿舍的调查结果分析,结合宿舍设计的新趋势,从宿舍平面类型、驻岛官兵心理需求、宿舍环境及宿舍设施布置等方面入手,探讨了在新形势下驻岛官兵宿舍设计的新模式。