High-pressure studies of superconductivity in $$\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}$$

\(\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}\) crystallizes in tetragonal CeOBiS\(_{2}\) structure (S. G. P4/nmm). We have investigated the effect of pressure on magnetization measurements. Our studies suggest improved superconducting properties in polycrystalline samples of \(\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}\). The \(T_{\mathrm{c}}\) in our sample is 5.3 K, at ambient pressure, which is marginal but definite enhancement over \(T_{\mathrm{c}}\) reported earlier (= 5.1 K). The upper critical field \(H_{\mathrm{c}2}\)(0) is greater than 3 T, which is higher than earlier report on this material. As determined from the M–H curve, both \(H_{\mathrm{c}2}\) and \(H_{\mathrm{c}1}\) decrease under external pressure P (0 \(\le P \le \) 1 GPa). We observe a decrease in critical current density and transition temperature on applying pressure in \(\hbox {BiO}_{0.75}\hbox {F}_{0.25}\hbox {BiS}_{2}\).     

Resistance-switching properties of Bi-doped $$\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}$$ films for non-volatile memory applications with different device structures

\(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) and Bi-doped \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) films were fabricated with different device structures using the sol–gel method for non-volatile memory applications, and their resistance-switching behaviour, endurance and retention characteristics were investigated. \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) and \(\hbox {Sr}_{0.92}\hbox {Bi}_{0.08}\hbox {TiO}_{3}\) films grown on Si or Pt have the same phase structure, morphologies and grain size; however, the grain size of the \(\hbox {Sr}_{0.92}\hbox {Bi}_{0.08}\hbox {TiO}_{3}\) films grown on Si is slightly larger than those of the \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) films grown on Si and the \(\hbox {Sr}_{0.92}\hbox {Bi}_{0.08}\hbox {TiO}_{3}\) films grown on Pt. The \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) or \(\hbox {Sr}_{0.92}\hbox {Bi}_{0.08}\hbox {TiO}_{3}\) films grown on Si or Pt all exhibit bipolar resistive-switching behaviour and follow the same conductive mechanism; however, the \(\hbox {Ag}/\hbox {Sr}_{0.92}\hbox {Bi}_{0.08}\hbox {TiO}_{3}/\hbox {Si}\) device possesses the highest \(R_{\mathrm{HRS}}{/}R_{\mathrm{LRS}}\) of \(10^{5}\) and the best endurance and retention characteristics. The doping of Bi is conducive to enhance the \(R_{\mathrm{HRS}}{/}R_{\mathrm{LRS}}\) of the \(\hbox {SrTiO}_{3}\) films; meanwhile, the Si substrates help improve the endurance and retention characteristics of the \(\hbox {Sr}_{0.92}\hbox {Bi}_{0.08}\hbox {TiO}_{3}\) films.     

Structural,dielectric and piezoelectric study of Ca-, Zr-modified $$\hbox {BaTiO}_{3}$$ lead-free ceramics

We prepared a lead-free ceramic (\(\hbox {Ba}_{0.85}\hbox {Ca}_{0.15})(\hbox {Ti}_{1-x}\hbox {Zr}_{x})\hbox {O}_{3}\) (BCTZ) using the conventional mixed oxide technique. The samples were prepared by an ordinary mixing and sintering technique. In this study we investigated how small amounts of \(\hbox {Zr}^{4+}\) can affect the crystal structure and microstructure as well as dielectric and piezoelectric properties of \(\hbox {BaTiO}_{3}\). X-ray diffraction analysis results indicate that no secondary phase is formed in any of the BCTZ powders for \(0 \le x \le 0.1\), suggesting that \(\hbox {Zr}^{4+}\) diffuses into \(\hbox {BaTiO}_{3}\) lattices to form a solid solution. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed that the average grain size gradually increased with \(\hbox {Zr}^{4+}\) content from 9.5 \(\upmu \!\hbox {m}\) for \(x = 0.02\) to 13.5 \(\upmu \!\hbox {m}\) for \(x = 0.1\); Curie temperature decreased due to the small tetragonality caused by \(\hbox {Zr}^{4+}\) addition. Owing to the polymorphic phase transition from orthorhombic to tetragonal phase around room temperature, it was found that the composition \(x = 0.09\) showed improved electrical properties and reached preferred values of \(d_{33} = 148\) pC \(\hbox {N}^{-1}\) and \(K_{\mathrm{p}} = 27\%\).     

Structural,microstructural and optical properties of $$\hbox {Cu}_{2}\hbox {ZnSnS}_{4}$$ thin films prepared by thermal evaporation: effect of substrate temperature and annealing

Thin films of \(\hbox {Cu}_{2}\hbox {ZnSnS}_{4}\) (CZTS), a promising solar cell absorber, were grown by thermal evaporation of ZnS, Sn and Cu precursors and subsequent annealing in sulphur atmosphere. Two aspects are chosen for investigation: (i) the effect of substrate temperature (\(T_{\mathrm{S}})\) used for the deposition of precursors and (ii) (\(\hbox {N}_{2}{+}\hbox {S}_{2})\) pressure during annealing, to study their impact on the growth of CZTS films. X-ray diffraction analysis of these films revealed the structure to be kesterite with (112) preferred orientation. Crystallite size is found to slightly increase with increase in \(T_{\mathrm{S}}\) as well as pressure during annealing. From optical absorption studies, the direct optical band gap of CZTS films is found to be \({\sim }\)1.45 eV. Room temperature electrical resistivity of the films obtained on annealing the stacks at 10 and 100 mbar pressures is found to be in the ranges 25–55 and 5–25 \(\Omega \) cm, respectively, depending on \(T_{\mathrm{S}}\). Films prepared by annealing the stack deposited at 300\({^{\circ }}\)C under 100 mbar pressure for 90 min are slightly Cu-poor and Zn-rich with compact grain morphology.     

Characterization and optical properties of $$\hbox {Pr}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$-doped molybdenum lead-borate glasses

\(\hbox {Pr}^{3+}\) doped molybdenum lead-borate glasses with the chemical composition 75PbO?[25–(x \(+\) y)\(\hbox {B}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}]\)–\(y\hbox {MoO}_{3}\)–\(x\hbox {Pr}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}\) (where \(x = 0.5\) and 1.0 mol% and \(y = 0\) and 5 mol%) were prepared by conventional melt-quenching technique. Thermal, optical and structural analyses are carried out using DSC, UV and FTIR spectra. The physical parameters, like glass transition \((T_{\mathrm{g}})\), stability factor \((\Delta T)\), optical energy band gap \((E_{\mathrm{gopt}})\), of these glasses have been determined as a function of dopant concentration. The \({T}_{\mathrm{g}}\) and optical energy gaps of these glasses were found to be in the range of 290–350\({^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\) and 2.45–2.7 eV, respectively. Stability of the glass doped with \(\hbox {Pr}^{3+}\) is found to be moderate (\(\sim \)40). The results are discussed using the structural model of Mo–lead-borate glass.     

Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Sn<Subscript>1 − <Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Ni<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> Thin Films Prepared by Flash Evaporation Technique

An effort was made to develop semiconductor oxide-based room temperature dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) thin films based on wide band gap and transparent host lattice with transition metal substitution. The Sn\(_{\mathrm {1}-x}\)Ni\(_{x}\textit {O}_{\mathrm {2}}\) (\(x\,= \mathrm {0.00, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.10, and \,0.15}\)) thin film samples were prepared on glass substrates by flash evaporation technique. All the samples were shown single phase crystalline rutile structure of host SnO\(_{\mathrm {2}}\) with dominant (110) orientation. The Ni substitution promotes reduction of average crystallite size in SnO\(_{\mathrm {2}}\) as evidenced from the reduction of crystallite size from 40 (SnO\(_{\mathrm {2}}\)) to 20 nm (Sn\(_{\mathrm {0.85}}\)Ni\(_{\mathrm {0.15}}\textit {O}_{\mathrm {2}}\)). In the energy dispersive spectra as well as X-ray photoelectron spectra of all the samples show, the chemical compositions are close to stoichiometric with noticeable oxygen deficiency. The crystalline films were formed by coalescence of oval-shaped polycrystalline particles of 100 nm size as evidenced from the electron micrographs. The energy band gap of DMS films decreases from 4 (SnO\(_{\mathrm {2}}\)) to 3.8 eV (x \(=\) 0.05) with increase of Ni content. The magnetic hysteresis loops of all the samples at room temperature show soft ferromagnetic nature except for SnO\(_{\mathrm {2}}\) film. The SnO\(_{\mathrm {2}}\) films show diamagnetic nature and it converts into ferromagnetic upon substitution of 3 % Sn\(^{\mathrm {4+}}\) by Ni\(^{\mathrm {2+}}\). The robust intrinsic ferromagnetism (saturation magnetization, 21 emu/cm\(^{\mathrm {3}}\)). Further increase of Ni content weakens ferromagnetic strength due to Ni-O antiferromagnetic interactions among the nearest neighbour Ni ions via O\(^{\mathrm {2-}}\) ions. The observed magnetic properties were best described by bound magnetic polarons model.     

A first-principle investigation into effect of B- and BN-doped $$\hbox {C}_{60}$$ in lowering dehydrogenation of $$\hbox {MXH}_{4}$$MXH4 (where M $$=$$= Na,Li and X $$=$$= Al,B)

The present paper reports the effect of B- and BN-doped \(\hbox {C}_{60}\) as catalysts for lowering the dehydrogenation energy in \(\hbox {MXH}_{4}\) clusters (M = Na and Li, X = Al and B) using density functional calculations. \(\hbox {MXH}_{4}\) interacts strongly with B-doped \(\hbox {C}_{60}\) and weakly with BN-doped \(\hbox {C}_{60}\) in comparison with pure \(\hbox {C}_{60}\) with binding energy 0.56–0.80 and 0.05–0.34 eV, respectively. The hydrogen release energy \((E_{\mathrm{HRE}})\) of \(\hbox {MXH}_{4}\) decreases sharply in the range of 38–49% when adsorbed on B-doped \(\hbox {C}_{60}\); however, with BN-doped \(\hbox {C}_{60}\) the decrease in the \(E_{\mathrm{HRE}}\) varies in the range of 6–20% as compared with pure \(\hbox {MXH}_{4}\) clusters. The hydrogen release energy of second hydrogen atom in \(\hbox {MXH}_{4}\) decreases sharply in the range of 1.7–41% for BN-doped \(\hbox {C}_{60}\) and decreases in the range of 0.2–11.3% for B-doped \(\hbox {C}_{60}\) as compared with pure \(\hbox {MXH}_{4}\) clusters. The results can be explained on the basis of charge transfer within \(\hbox {MXH}_{4}\) cluster and with the doped \(\hbox {C}_{60}\).     

Thermodynamic Properties at Saturation Derived from Experimental Two-Phase Isochoric Heat Capacity of 1-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide

New measurements are reported for the isochoric heat capacity of the ionic liquid substance 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide ([C6mim][NTf2]). These measurements extend the ranges of our earlier study (Polikhronidi et al. in Phys Chem Liq 52:657, 2014) by 5 % of the compressed liquid density and by 75 K. An adiabatic calorimeter was used to measure one-phase \((C_{\mathrm{V1}})\) liquid and two-phase \((C_{\mathrm{V2}})\) liquid + vapor isochoric heat capacities, densities \((\rho _s)\), and phase-transition temperatures \((T_s)\) of the ionic liquid (IL) substance. The combined expanded uncertainty of the density \(\rho \) and isochoric heat capacity \(C_\mathrm{V}\) measurements at the 95 % confidence level with a coverage factor of \(k = 2\) is estimated to be 0.15 % and 3 %, respectively. Measurements are concentrated in the immediate vicinity of the liquid + vapor phase-transition curve, in order to closely observe phase transitions. The present measurements and those of our earlier study are analyzed together and are presented in terms of thermodynamic properties \((T_s\), \(\rho _s\), \(C_{\mathrm{V1}}\) and \(C_{\mathrm{V2}})\) evaluated at saturation and in terms of key-derived thermodynamic properties \(C_\mathrm{P}\), \(C_\mathrm{S}\), \(W_\mathrm{S}^{{\prime }}\), \(K_{\mathrm{TS}}^{{\prime }}\), \(\left( {\partial P/\partial T} \right) _{\mathrm{V}}^{\prime }\), and \(\left( {\partial V/\partial T} \right) _\mathbf{P}^{\prime })\) on the liquid + vapor phase-transition curve. A thermodynamic relation by Yang and Yang is used to confirm the internal consistency of measured two-phase heat capacities \(C_{\mathrm{V2}} \), which are observed to fall perfectly on a line as a function of specific volume at a constant temperature. The observed linear behavior is exploited to evaluate contributions to the quantity \(C_{\mathrm{V2}} = f(V, T)\) from chemical potential \(C_{{\mathrm{V}\upmu }} =-T\frac{\mathrm{d}^{{2}}\mu }{\mathrm{d}T^{2}}\) and from vapor pressure \(C_{\mathrm{VP}} =VT\frac{\mathrm{d}^{2}P_{\mathrm{S}} }{\mathrm{d}T^{2}}\). The physical nature and specific details of the temperature and specific volume dependence of the two-phase isochoric heat capacity and some features of the other derived thermodynamic properties of IL at liquid saturation curve are considered in detail.     

Further Estimates of $$(T-T_{90})$$ Close to the Triple Point of Water

Recent advances in primary acoustic gas thermometry (AGT) have revealed significant differences between temperature measurements using the International Temperature Scale of 1990, \(T_{90}\), and thermodynamic temperature, T. In 2015, we published estimates of the differences \((T-T_{90})\) from 118 K to 303 K, which showed interesting behavior in the region around the triple point of water, \(T_\mathrm{TPW}=273.16\) K. In that work, the \(T_{90}\) measurements below \(T_\mathrm{TPW}\) used a different ensemble of capsule standard platinum resistance thermometers (SPRTs) than the \(T_{90}\) measurements above \(T_\mathrm{TPW}\). In this work, we extend our earlier measurements using the same ensemble of SPRTs above and below \(T_\mathrm{TPW}\), enabling a deeper analysis of the slope \(\mathrm{d}(T-T_{90})/\mathrm{d}T\) around \(T_\mathrm{TPW}\). In this article, we present the results of seven AGT isotherms in the temperature range 258 K to 323 K. The derived values of \((T-T_{90})\) have exceptionally low uncertainties and are in good agreement with our previous data and other AGT results. We present the values \((T-T_{90})\) alongside our previous estimates, with the resistance ratios W(T) from two SPRTs which have been used across the full range 118 K to 323 K. Additionally, our measurements show discontinuities in \(\mathrm{d}(T-T_{90})/\mathrm{d}T\) at \(T_\mathrm{TPW}\) which are consistent with the slope discontinuity in the SPRT deviation functions. Since this discontinuity is by definition non-unique, and can take a range of values including zero, we suggest that mathematical representations of \((T-T_{90})\), such as those in the mise en pratique for the kelvin (Fellmuth et al. in Philos Trans R Soc A 374:20150037, 2016. doi: 10.1098/rsta.2015.0037), should have continuity of \(\mathrm{d}(T-T_{90})/\mathrm{d}T\) at \(T_\mathrm{TPW}\).     

Electrochemical impedance studies of capacity fading of electrodeposited ZnO conversion anodes in Li-ion battery

Electrodeposited ZnO coatings suffer severe capacity fading when used as conversion anodes in sealed Li cells. Capacity fading is attributed to (i) the large charge transfer resistance, \(R_{\mathrm{ct}}\) (300–700 \(\Omega \)) and (ii) the low \(\hbox {Li}^{+}\) ion diffusion coefficient, \(D_{\mathrm{Li}}^{+}\ (10^{-15}\) to \(10^{-13}\hbox { cm}^{2}\hbox { s}^{-1})\). The measured value of \(R_{\mathrm{ct}}\) is nearly 10 times higher and \(D_{\mathrm{Li}}^{+}\) 10–100 times lower than the corresponding values for \(\hbox {Cu}_{2}\hbox {O}\), which delivers a stable reversible capacity.     

Physical,optical and structural studies of copper-doped lead oxychloro borate glasses

Bluish coloured glasses are obtained from the composition PbCl\(_{2}\)–PbO–B\(_{2}\)O\(_{3}\) doped with Cu\(^{2+}\) ions. Basic physical properties and spectroscopic studies (optical absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies) were carried out on these samples. The increase in PbCl\(_{2}\) content resulted in the decrease in density and increase in molar volume. At optical frequencies, band gaps and Urbach energies were evaluated and their variation is explained. Spin-Hamiltonian parameters (SHP) obtained from the EPR spectra suggest that the ligand environment around Cu\(^{2+}\) is tetragonally distorted octahedral sites and the orbital \(d_{x^{2}-{y}^{2}} \) is the ground state. The characteristics broad bands in the optical absorption spectra are assigned to the \(^{2}\)B\(_{\mathrm{1g}}\,\rightarrow \, {}^{2}\)B\(_{\mathrm{2g}}\) transition. The bonding coefficient values were evaluated using optical data and SHP. FTIR studies suggested that the glass structure is built up of BO\(_{3}\) and BO\(_{4}\) units. The presence of diborate, pyroborate, pentaborate groups, etc. in the glass network was confirmed from Raman spectra.     

Microwave-hydrothermal synthesis of mesoporous $$\upgamma $$-$$\hbox {Al}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$Al2O3 and its impregnation with AgNPs for excellent catalytic oxidation of CO

Mesoporous \(\upgamma \)-alumina was synthesized by the microwave-hydrothermal process with a shorter duration time at 150\({^{\circ }}\)C/2 h followed by calcination at 550\({^{\circ }}\)C/1 h. Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were impregnated into \(\upgamma \)-alumina under a reducing atmosphere at 450\({^{\circ }}\)C. The synthesized product was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG)/differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), \(\hbox {N}_{2}\) adsorption–desorption study, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The BET surface area values of \(\upgamma \)-alumina and Ag-impregnated \(\upgamma \)-alumina were found to be 258 and 230 m\(^{2}\) g\(^{-1}\), respectively. FESEM images showed the formation of grain-like particles of 50–70 nm in size with a flake-like microstructure. The XRD, XPS and TEM studies confirmed the presence of Ag in the synthesized product. Catalytic properties of the product for CO oxidation was studied with the \(T_{50}\) (50% conversion) and \(T_{100}\) (100% conversion) values of 118 and 135\({^{\circ }}\)C, respectively; the enhanced values were compared with the literature reported values.     

Influence of Thermal Annealings in Argon on the Structural and Thermochromic Properties of $$\mathrm{MoO}_{3}$$ Thin Films

The effect of thermal annealing in an inert atmosphere (argon) on the structural and thermochromic properties of \(\hbox {MoO}_{3}\) thin films was investigated. \(\hbox {MoO}_{3}\) thin films were deposited by thermal evaporation in vacuum of \(\hbox {MoO}_{3}\) powders. X-ray diffraction patterns of the films showed the presence of the monoclinic Magneli phase \(\hbox {Mo}_{9}\hbox {O}_{26}\) for annealing temperatures above \(250\,{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\). Absorbance spectra of the films annealed in argon indicated that their thermochromic response increases with the annealing temperature in the analyzed range (23 \({^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\)–300 \({^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\)), a result opposite to the case of thermal annealings in air, for which case the thermochromic response shows a maximum value around 200 \({^{\circ }}\)C–225 \({^{\circ }}\)C and decreases for higher temperatures. These results are explained in terms of a higher density of oxygen vacancies formed upon thermal treatments in inert atmospheres.     

Temperature and Heat Flow Rate Calibration of a Calvet Calorimeter from $$0\,{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}$$ to $$190 \,{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}$$19

This study describes the temperature and heat flow rate calibrations of a Calvet calorimeter (SETARAM, BT2.15) in the temperature range of 0–190 \({^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\). Temperature calibration is carried out using three reference materials, namely water, gallium, and indium, as specified in the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90). The sample temperature of the Calvet calorimeter is corrected by the obtained mean value, \(-0.489 \,{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\), of the measured extrapolated peak onset temperature (\(T_{e})\) when the heating rate (\(\upbeta )\) is zero (\(\Delta T_\mathrm{corr }(\upbeta ~=~0\))). The heat flow rate is calibrated using a reference material with a known heat capacity, namely SRM 720 \(\alpha \)-\(\hbox {Al}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}\) (synthetic sapphire), which is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. From the heat flow rate measurements of the blank baseline and SRM 720, the proportional calibration factor, \(\hbox {K}_{\Phi }\), in the 0–190\( \,{^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\) temperature range was determined. The specific heat capacity of copper was measured with the obtained calibration values, and the measured data show consistency with the reference value.     

Study of optical properties of potassium permanganate ($$\hbox {KMnO}_{4}$$) doped poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) composite films

We have developed films of pure polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (0.5, 1, 2 and 5%) and potassium permanganate \((\hbox {KMnO}_{4})\)-doped PMMA composite films of thickness (\(\sim 100\, \upmu \hbox {m}\)) using the solution-cast technique. To identify the possible change that happen to the PMMA films due to doping, the optical properties were investigated for different concentrations of \(\hbox {KMnO}_{4}\) by recording the absorbance (A) and transmittance (\(T\%\)) spectra of these films using UV–Vis spectrophotometer in the wavelength range of 300–1100 nm. From the data obtained from the optical parameters viz. absorption coefficient (\(\alpha \)), extinction coefficient (\(\kappa \)), finesse coefficient (F), refractive index (\(\eta \)), real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant (\(\varepsilon _{\mathrm{r}}\) and \(\varepsilon _{\mathrm{i}})\) and optical conductivity (\(\sigma \)) were calculated for the prepared films. The indirect optical band gap for the pure and the doped-PMMA films were also estimated.     

Measurement Uncertainty Budget of the PMV Thermal Comfort Equation

Fanger’s predicted mean vote (PMV) equation is the result of the combined quantitative effects of the air temperature, mean radiant temperature, air velocity, humidity activity level and clothing thermal resistance. PMV is a mathematical model of thermal comfort which was developed by Fanger. The uncertainty budget of the PMV equation was developed according to GUM in this study. An example is given for the uncertainty model of PMV in the exemplification section of the study. Sensitivity coefficients were derived from the PMV equation. Uncertainty budgets can be seen in the tables. A mathematical model of the sensitivity coefficients of \(T_{\mathrm{a}}\), \(h_{\mathrm{c}}\), \(T_{\mathrm{mrt}}\), \(T_{\mathrm{cl}}\), and \(P_{\mathrm{a}}\) is given in this study. And the uncertainty budgets for \(h_{\mathrm{c}}\), \(T_{\mathrm{cl}}\), and \(P_{\mathrm{a}}\) are given in this study.     

Mesoscale evolution of non-graphitizing pyrolytic carbon in aligned carbon nanotube carbon matrix nanocomposites

Polymer-derived pyrolytic carbons (PyCs) are highly desirable building blocks for high-strength low-density ceramic meta-materials, and reinforcement with nanofibers is of interest to address brittleness and tailor multi-functional properties. The properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) make them leading candidates for nanocomposite reinforcement, but how CNT confinement influences the structural evolution of the PyC matrix is unknown. Here, the influence of aligned CNT proximity interactions on nano- and mesoscale structural evolution of phenol-formaldehyde-derived PyCs is established as a function of pyrolysis temperature (\(T_{\mathrm {p}}\)) using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Aligned CNT PyC matrix nanocomposites are found to evolve faster at the mesoscale by plateauing in crystallite size at \(T_{\mathrm {p}}\) \(\sim\)800 \(^{\circ }\hbox {C}\), which is more than \(200\,\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}\) below that of unconfined PyCs. Since the aligned CNTs used here exhibit \(\sim\)80 nm average separations and \(\sim\)8 nm diameters, confinement effects are surprisingly not found to influence PyC structure on the atomic-scale at \(T_{\mathrm {p}}\) \(\le \)1400 \(^{\circ }\hbox {C}\). Since CNT confinement could lead to anisotropic crystallite growth in PyCs synthesized below \(\sim\)1000 \(^{\circ }\hbox {C}\), and recent modeling indicates that more slender crystallites increase PyC hardness, these results inform fabrication of PyC-based meta-materials with unrivaled specific mechanical properties.     

Fracture of pre-cracked thin metallic conductors due to electric current induced electromagnetic force

We investigated propagation of a sharp crack in a thin metallic conductor with an edge crack due to electric current induced electromagnetic forces. Finite element method (FEM) simulations showed mode I crack opening in the edge-cracked conductor due to the aforementioned (i.e., self-induced) electromagnetic forces. Mode I stress intensity factor due to the self-induced electromagnetic forces, \(K_{\mathrm{IE},}\) was evaluated numerically as \(K_{\mathrm{IE}}=\upmu l^{2}j^{2}(\uppi a)^{0.5}f(a/w)\), where \(\upmu \) is the magnetic permeability, l is the length of the conductor, a is the crack length, j is the current density, w is the width of the sample and f(a / w) is a geometric factor. Effect of dynamic electric current loading on edge-cracked conductor, incorporating the effects of induced currents, was also studied numerically, and dynamic stress intensity factor, \(K_{\mathrm{IE,d}}\), was observed to vary as \(K_{\mathrm{IE,d}} \sim f_{d}(a/w)j^{2}(\uppi a)^{1.5}\). Consistent with the FEM simulation, experiments conducted using \(12\,\upmu \hbox {m}\) thick Al foil with an edge crack showed propagation of sharp crack due to the self-induced electromagnetic forces at pulsed current densities of \(\ge \) \(1.85\times 10^{9}\,\hbox {A/m}^{2}\) for \(a/w = 0.5\). Further, effects of current density, pulse-width and ambient temperature on the fracture behavior of the Al foil were observed experimentally and corroborated with FEM simulations.     

A comparative study on dielectric behaviours of Au/(Zn-doped PVA)/<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-4H-SiC (MPS) structures with different interlayer thicknesses using impedance spectroscopy methods

Three different thicknesses (50, 150 and 500 nm) Zn-doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was deposited on n-4H-SiC wafer as interlayer by electrospinning method and so, Au/(Zn-doped PVA)/n-4H-SiC metal–polymer–semiconductor structures were fabricated. The thickness effect of Zn-doped PVA on the dielectric constant (\(\varepsilon ^{\prime }\)), dielectric loss (\(\varepsilon ^{{\prime }{\prime }}\)), loss-tangent (tan \(\delta \)), real and imaginary parts of electric modulus (\(M^{\prime }\) and \(M^{{\prime }{\prime }})\) and ac electrical conductivity \((\sigma _{\mathrm{ac}})\) of them were analysed and compared using experimental capacitance (C) and conductance (\(G/\omega \)) data in the frequency range of 1–500 kHz at room temperature. According to these results, the values of \(\varepsilon ^{\prime }\) and \(\varepsilon ^{{\prime }{\prime }}\) decrease with increasing frequency almost exponentially, \(\sigma _{\mathrm{ac}}\) increases especially, at high frequencies. The \(M^{\prime }\) and \(M^{{\prime }{\prime }}\) values were obtained from the \(\varepsilon ^{\prime }\) and \(\varepsilon ^{{\prime }{\prime }}\) data and the \(M^{\prime }\) and \(M^{{\prime }{\prime }}\) vs. f plots were drawn for these structures. While the values of \(\varepsilon ^{\prime }\), \(\varepsilon ^{{\prime }{\prime }}\) and tan \(\delta \) increase with increasing interlayer thickness, the values of \(M^{\prime }\) and \(M^{{\prime }{\prime }}\) decrease with increasing interlayer thickness. The double logarithmic \(\sigma _{\mathrm{ac}}\) vs. f plots for each structure have two distinct linear regimes with different slopes, which correspond to low and high frequencies, respectively, and it is prominent that there exist two different conduction mechanisms. Obtained results were found as a strong function of frequency and interlayer thickness.     

Fast crack propagation correlated with crack tip stress in 2D hexagonal atomic lattices

We construct strip finite element models of 2D hexagonal atomic lattices with initial cracks to simulate dynamic crack propagation under mode \(\mathrm{I}\) displacement loading, in which the atomic bonds of 2D lattices are represented by Timoshenko beam elements. Series of 2D lattices, including graphene, hexagonal boron nitride and virtual graphene-like materials, are modeled by varying the nonlinear constitutive relations of beam elements. Branching and oscillation phenomena inevitably occur in fast-propagating crack when the crack speed reaches a critical value, which is closely related to the stress field near the crack tip. Our results reveal that the size of nominal plastic zone \(r_{p}\) around crack front varies with different 2D lattices at both crack initiation and branching. The critical branching speeds \(V_{\mathrm {C}}\) change with material properties, and is correlated with the local stresses around the crack front. Further, we find that \(V_{\mathrm {C}}\) increases with the increment of conditional yield stresses of 2D lattices, but \(V_{\mathrm {C}}\) decreases with the increment of \(r_{p}\) monotonously and linearly at crack branching. Therefore, nonlinear zone, formed by redistributed singular stresses at crack tip, dominates crack kinking or branching during fast crack propagation.