Mechanism of heat transport in nanofluids

We have calculated thermal conductivity of alumina nanofluids (with water and ethylene glycol as base fluids) using temperature as well as concentration-dependent viscosity, η. The temperature profile of η is obtained using Gaussian fit to the available experimental data. In the model, the interfacial resistance effects are incorporated through a phenomenological parameter α. The micro-convection of the alumina nanoparticle (diameter less than 100 nm) is included through Reynolds and Prandtl numbers. The model is further improved by explicitly incorporating the thermal conductivity of the nanolayer surrounding the nanoparticles. Using this improved model, thermal conductivity of copper nanofluid is calculated. These calculations capture the particle concentration-dependent thermal conductivity and predict the dependence of the thermal conductivity on the size of the nanoparticle. These studies are significant to understand the underlying processes of heat transport in nanofluids and are crucial to design superior coolants of next generation.     

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Fine Particle Oxides Employing Wet Redox Mixtures

Interaction of electromagnetic radiation with a physical mixture of metal nitrates and amides/hydrazides is observed to initiate high-temperature reactions, useful for realizing several high-temperature ceramic materials. A judicious choice of such redox mixtures undergoes exothermic reactions when they couple with microwave radiation. The coupling of electromagnetic radiation with metal salts and amides/hydrazides depends on the dielectric properties of the individual components in the reaction mixture. The approach has been used to prepare γ-Fe₂O₃, Fe₃O₄, MgCr₂O₄, α-CaCr₂O₄, and La_0.7Ba_0.3MnO₃.     

Thermal gas effusion from diamond-like carbon films

Good-quality diamond-like carbon films (6 at.% H₂, 2400 kgf/mm² microhardness, 2.7 eV bandgap, higly insulating) have been obtained by the DC glow discharge decomposition of acetylene. Mass spectroscopic thermal effusion measurements were carried out on the films deposited under different deposition conditions. Analyses of hydrogen in conjunction with hydrocarbon effusing species yield information on the microstructure and nature of C---H bonding configurations. It is shown to be a useful analytical tool to study hydrogenated amorphous carbon films of different microstructures varying from polymer-like to diamond-like.     

Biogenic synthesis,characterisation and antifungal activity of gum kondagogu‐silver nano bio composite construct: assessment of its mode of action

The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles was achieved by using gum kondagogu (Cochlospermum gossypium), a natural biopolymer (Gk‐AgNPs). Synthesised nanoparticles were characterised by using UV–visible spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometer, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope techniques. The silver nano particle size determined was found to be 3.6 ± 2.2 nm. The synthesised Gk‐AgNPs showed antifungal activity and exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration and minimal fungicidal concentration values ranging from 3.5 to 6.5 µg mL⁻¹ against Aspergillus parasiticus (NRRL‐2999) and Aspergillus flavus (NRRL‐6513). Scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed morphological changes including deformation, shrunken and ruptured mycelium of the fungi. At the biochemical level, the mode of action revealed that there was an elevated level of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzyme activity. Increased oxidative stress led to increased outer membrane damage, which was confirmed by the entry of N ‐phenyl naphthylamine to the phospholipid layer of outer membrane and higher levels of K⁺ release from the fungi treated with Gk‐AgNPs. This study explores the possible application of biogenic silver nanoparticles produced from gum kondagogu as potent antifungal agents. The potent antifungal activity of Gk‐AgNPs gives scope for its relevance in biomedical application and as a seed dressing material.Inspec keywords: antibacterial activity, nanocomposites, silver, nanofabrication, nanoparticles, biomedical materials, polymers, visible spectra, ultraviolet spectra, atomic emission spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, microorganisms, X‐ray chemical analysis, enzymes, lipid bilayers, biomembranes, biomechanics, nanomedicineOther keywords: antifungal activity, gum kondagogu‐silver nanobiocomposite, Cochlospermum gossypium, natural biopolymer, UV‐visible spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometer, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, fungicidal concentration, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus flavus, scanning electron microscopy, SEM‐energy dispersive spectroscopy, fungi deformation, ruptured mycelium, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase enzyme activity, oxidative stress, membrane damage, N‐phenyl naphthylamine, phospholipid layer, potassium ion release, biogenic silver nanoparticle, antifungal agent, seed dressing material, Ag     

Effect of SO<Subscript>4</Subscript> <Superscript>2-</Superscript>, Cl<Superscript>–</Superscript> and NO<Subscript>3</Subscript> <Superscript>-</Superscript> anions on the formation of iron oxide nanoparticles via microwave synthesis

In the present work iron oxide nanoparticles have been prepared by microwave assisted synthesis with the influence of different precursor salts and synthesis of magnetite, hematite, Iron oxide hydroxide and maghemite nanoparticles. Synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles were characterized with Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). XRD measurements show that the peaks of diffractogram are in agreement with the theoretical data of magnetite, hematite, FeO(OH) (Iron oxide hydroxide) and maghemite. Crystallite size of the particles was found to be 33, 45, 36 and 43.5 nm for Fe₃O₄, α-Fe₂O₃, FeO(OH) and γ-Fe₂O₃. FESEM studies indicated that size of the particles is observed in the range of about 19.4 to 46.7 nm (Fig. 2a, average 32 nm), 29.1 to 67.6 nm (Fig. 2b average 45 nm), 29.1 to 40.8 (Fig. 2c average 36.6 nm), 29.1 to 80 nm (Fig. 2d average 43.5) for Fe₃O₄, α-Fe₂O₃, FeO(OH) and γ-Fe₂O₃ respectively. EDX spectral analysis reveals the presence of carbon, oxygen, iron in the synthesized nanoparticles. The FTIR graphs indicated absorption bands due to O–H stretching, C–O bending, C–H stretching and Fe–O stretching vibrations.     

An Effective Approach on Attaining Enhanced Silicon Solar Cell Performance Through Sputter Deposited Perovskite Thin Films

Silicon - Antireflection coatings (ARCs) have become one of the key techniques for mass production of Si solar cells. They are generally performed by vacuum processes such as thermal evaporation,...     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of nano-sized Cu0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 via citrate and aloe vera: A comparative study

In this report, Cu_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized by solgel using eco-friendly aloe vera extract and citric acid separately and their properties were discussed. Structural, Functional, morphological, magnetic properties of the samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). XRD exhibited the samples have single phase cubic spinel with average size of 46.4?nm and 35.45?nm. Two characteristics bands of ferrite were confirmed by FTIR. TEM indicated different morphology of the samples with some regularity. VSM data showed that higher coercivity for the sample prepared by aloe vera extract.     

The Practical Application of Ozone Gas as an Anti-fungal (Anti-mold) Agent

We evaluated the ability of a portable ozone generating machine (Viroforce 1000) to inactivate 13 different species of environmental fungi. Samples, prepared as wet or dried films, were subjected to one or two cycles of treatment (35 ppm ozone for 20 minutes, with a short burst of?>90%?relative humidity), and measured for residual viability. Treatments could inactivate 3 log₁₀ cfu (colony forming units) of most of the fungi, both in the laboratory and in simulated field conditions, on various surfaces. We conclude that the ozone generator would be a valuable decontamination tool for mold removal in buildings.     

Models for minimum explosible concentration of organic dust clouds handled in industries

Dust explosion hazard exists in plants and facilities wherever combustible dusts are hardled. Minimum explosible concentration of dust clouds is an important factor requiring special attention for hazard evaluation if any technological equipment is to be protected by inertisation. The mathematical models available for prediction of this parameter have been analysed for their application to organic dust clouds. Solution of the most general mode for determination of minimum explosible concentration of dust clouds proposed by Mitsui and Tanaka is presented, together with the comparison with experimental data. It has been found that the model is not successful in predicting the minimum explosible concentration for organic dusts. Recommendations on requirement of development of a new model for prediction of minimum explosible concentration of an organic dust such as polyethylen have been given.     

Use of micelles in photogalvanic cell for solar energy conversion and storage: Azur A-glucose system

Sodium lauryl sulphate (NaLS), tetradecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (TTAB) and Brij-35 were used in a photogalvanic cell containing azur A as a photosensitizer and glucose as a reductant for solar energy conversion and storage. The photopotential and photocurrent generated by the cell in the presence of NaLS were 811.0 mV and 1470 μA, respectively. The effect of variation of the concentrations of the surfactants on the electrical output, the fill factor, the conversion efficiency and the performance of the cell in the dark was studied in detail.