Dielectric performance and conductive mechanism of KNN-based ceramics prepared via sol–gel core–shell process

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics - 0.95(Li0.02Na0.50K0.48)(Nb0.95Sb0.05)O3–0.05AgTaO3@BaZrO3 (LNKNbSAT@BZ) lead-free ceramics were prepared via a sol–gel...     

DFD-SS: Document Forgery Detection using Spectral – Spatial Features for Hyperspectral Images

In the present era of machines and edge-cutting technologies, still document frauds persist. They are done intuitively by using almost identical inks, that it becomes challenging to detect them—this demands an approach that efficiently investigates the document and leaves it intact. Hyperspectral imaging is one such a type of approach that captures the images from hundreds to thousands of spectral bands and analyzes the images through their spectral and spatial features, which is not possible by conventional imaging. Deep learning is an edge-cutting technology known for solving critical problems in various domains. Utilizing supervised learning imposes constraints on its usage in real scenarios, as the inks used in forgery are not known prior. Therefore, it is beneficial to use unsupervised learning. An unsupervised feature extraction through a Convolutional Autoencoder (CAE) followed by Logistic Regression (LR) for classification is proposed (CAE-LR). Feature extraction is evolved around spectral bands, spatial patches, and spectral-spatial patches. We inspected the impact of spectral, spatial, and spectral-spatial features by mixing inks in equal and unequal proportion using CAE-LR on the UWA writing ink hyperspectral images dataset for blue and black inks. Hyperspectral images are captured at multiple correlated spectral bands, resulting in information redundancy handled by restoring certain principal components. The proposed approach is compared with eight state-of-art approaches used by the researchers. The results depicted that by using the combination of spectral and spatial patches, the classification accuracy enhanced by 4.85% for black inks and 0.13% for blue inks compared to state-of-art results. In the present scenario, the primary area concern is to identify and detect the almost similar inks used in document forgery, are efficiently managed by the proposed approach.     

Numerical study of strain development in high-density polyethylene geomembrane liner system in landfills using a new constitutive model for municipal solid waste

Tensile strain development in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane (GMB) liner systems in landfills was numerically investigated. A new constitutive model for municipal solid waste (MSW) that incorporates both mechanical creep and biodegradation was employed in the analyses. The MSW constitutive model is a Cam-Clay type of plasticity model and was implemented in the finite difference computer program FLAC?. The influence of the friction angle of the liner system interfaces, the biodegradation of MSW, and the MSW filling rate on tensile strains were investigated. Several design alternatives to reduce the maximum tensile strain under both short- and long-term waste settlement were evaluated. Results of the analyses indicate that landfill geometry, interface friction angles, and short- and long-term waste settlement are key factors in the development of tensile strains. The results show that long-term waste settlement can induce additional tensile strains after waste placement is complete. Using a HDPE GMB with a friction angle on its upper interface that is lower than the friction angle on the underlying interface, increasing the number of benches, and reducing the slope inclination are shown to mitigate the maximum tensile strain caused by waste placement and waste settlement.     

Impact of silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) powder on cream foaming,ice cream properties and palatability

Food fortification with edible insects can offer high nutritional values, improve consumer acceptance and sustainability of resources. This study elucidates the ramifications of silkworm pupae flour (SWF), i.e. dried and pulverized, on the rheological, textural, and sensorial properties of whipping and ice-cream. Results indicate SWF supplementation attenuates cream overrun (p < 0.05) with an observed viscosity increase. Contrary, SWF addition reduced (p < 0.05) separation of foam implying a shelf-life improvement. SWF enriched ice-cream exhibited altered texture attributes (hardness and adhesiveness) especially when using more than 1% (w/w) SWF. In addition, a notable effect on product color was registered which explains the reduced visual appeal of ice-creams containing 2.5% and 4% (w/w) SWF. Moreover, an untrained tasting panel (mean age: 28.6 ± 8.6) reported a strong aftertaste. Overall, this study concludes that SWF at concentrations of ≤1% (w/w) can enhance ice-cream techno-functional properties while maintaining palatability.Industrial relevanceEdible insects are a promising, cost-effective and highly sustainable food resource for proteins and other macro and micro-nutrients. Besides their nutritional advantages, they possess potential techno-functional properties that persist during processing operations and comply with various food matrices. This study offers an original use of bombyx Mori powder, to foam applications, like whipped cream and ice cream. Although not devoid of a on ice cream sensorial attributes, it is still palatable as ascertained by a tasting panel of 40 adult volunteers.     

Laser damage resistance of plasma-sprayed alumina and honeycomb skeleton/alumina composite ceramic coatings

Al₂O₃ and honeycomb skeleton-Al₂O₃ composite coatings on Titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) were prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying. A laser ablation experiment on as-sprayed coatings was performed. In this paper, the laser damage resistance, microstructure, phase composition of Al₂O₃ coatings were examined. 3D Dimensional Confocal Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) characterized the laser damage morphology, microstructure, phase composition, and element analysis, respectively. The influence of the honeycomb skeleton on the laser ablation damage on as-sprayed coatings was investigated by a comparative analysis of the laser damage morphology with different laser ablation times and gas flow. The results show that the honeycomb skeleton raises thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity. Moreover, a “tower”-like dendrite was generated during the laser irradiation of the composite coating. The honeycomb skeleton refined the structure, suppressed crack propagation, and reduced the influence of gas flow on cracks. Under the same experimental laser ablation parameters, the laser damage area of the honeycomb skeleton-Al₂O₃ composite coating was smaller than that of the Al₂O₃ coating. It was demonstrated that the laser damage resistance of the honeycomb skeleton-Al₂O₃ composite coating was superior to that of the Al₂O₃ coating.     

On the Catalytic Activity of Sn Monomers and Dimers at Graphene Edges and the Synchronized Edge Dependence of Diffusing Atoms in Sn Dimers

In this study, in situ transmission electron microscopy is performed to study the interaction between single (monomer) and paired (dimer) Sn atoms at graphene edges. The results reveal that a single Sn atom can catalyze both the growth and etching of graphene by the addition and removal of C atoms respectively. Additionally, the frequencies of the energetically favorable configurations of an Sn atom at a graphene edge, calculated using density functional theory calculations, are compared with experimental observations and are found to be in good agreement. The remarkable dynamic processes of binary atoms (dimers) are also investigated and is the first such study to the best of the knowledge. Dimer diffusion along the graphene edges depends on the graphene edge termination. Atom pairs (dimers) involving an armchair configuration tend to diffuse with a synchronized shuffling (step-wise shift) action, while dimer diffusion at zigzag edge terminations show a strong propensity to collapse the dimer with each atom diffusing in opposite directions (monomer formation). Moreover, the data reveals the role of C feedstock availability on the choice a single Sn atom makes in terms of graphene growth or etching. This study advances the understanding single atom catalytic activity at graphene edges.     

Rapid preparation of Palygorskite/Al2O3 composite aerogels with superhydrophobicity,high-temperature thermal insulation and improved mechanical properties

Al₂O₃ aerogels are widely employed in heat insulation and flame retardancy because of their unique combination of low thermal conductivity and exceptional high-temperature stability. However, the mechanical properties of Al₂O₃ aerogel are poor, and the preparation time is considerably long. In this study, we present a simple and scalable approach to construct monolithic Pal/Al₂O₃ composite aerogels using solvothermal treatment instead of traditional solvent replacement, which remarkably shortened the preparation time. Subsequently, to obtain stable superhydrophobicity (θ > 152°), the Pal/Al₂O₃ aerogel was modified by gas-phase modification method. The obtained Pal/Al₂O₃ composite aerogels demonstrate the integrated properties of low density (0.078–0.106 g/cm³), low thermal conductivity (1000 °C, 0.143 W/(m·K)), good mechanical properties (Young's modulus, 1.6 MPa), and good heat resistance. The monolithic Pal/Al₂O₃ composite aerogels with improved mechanical performance and improved thermal stability can show great potential in the field of thermal insulation.     

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.     

Inhibition of stress corrosion cracking in 304 stainless steel through titanium ion implantation

The effects of titanium ion implantation on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviour of 304 austenitic stainless steel were studied. Slow strain rate tests (SSRTs) were conducted on 304 steel in air and in 5?wt-% NaCl solution. The microscopic effects of ion implantation were evaluated by Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter Procedures (SRIM). Fracture morphologies and microstructures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The fracture surfaces illustrate that ion implantation significantly inhibits the corrosion pits that initiate SCC. A dense passive film, which inhibits SCC, was formed during the ion implantation process. SCC initiation was restrained due to the dense dislocation nets that were generated by titanium ion implantation.

Highlights

• Ion implantation inhibits SCC susceptibility.

• The lack of Cr at the grain boundary leads to the expansion of SCC along the grain boundary.

• Implantation-induced damage leads to high-density dislocations.

• The surface was amorphised due to high-density dislocations.