Dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics: effect of high purity nanometric powders

The dielectric properties of CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ ceramics fabricated with nano-size fine powders (~30 nm) are compared with that fabricated with micro-size coarse powders (0.1–0.3 μm). For the same sintering conditions, the ceramic samples with nano-size fine powders have more uniform and denser microstructures and higher room temperature dielectric constant (~10⁵, in the frequency range of 10^?1–10⁵ Hz) than that with micro-size coarse powders. That the use of nano powders facilitates the formation of Cu-rich amorphous phase in the grain boundary led to an increasing dielectric loss in low frequency range. Besides the common intrinsic defect structure of V _O ⁺ and V _O ⁺⁺ , the energy level of ~0.72 eV detected in high temperature range is attributed to the conduction relaxations, and the energy level of 0.30–0.40 eV which is only detected in the sample synthesized by common submicron powders is suggested to originate from the defect level of grain boundary related to Cu ions. This research provides a technical guidance for the application of this material.     

Fabrication of commercial pure Ti by selective laser melting using hydride-dehydride titanium powders treated by ball milling

Micro-fine sphericalpowders are recommended for selective laser melting(SLM). However, they are mostly expensive due to the complex manufacturing technique and low yield. In this paper, using lowcost treated hydride-dehydride(HDH) Ti powders, commercial pure Ti(CP-Ti) was successfully fabricated by SLM. After 4-h milling, the resulting powders become near-spherical with no obvious angularity, and have optimal flowability with the apparent density of 1.64 ± 0.02 g/cm~3, tap density of 2.10 ± 0.04 g/cm~3,angle of repose 40.11?±0.09?, and Carr's index of 77.74 ± 0.15. The microstructure was determined with full acicular martensitic β phase. The CP-Ti can achieve superior mechanical properties with the ultimate tensile strength of 876.1 ± 20.5 MPa and elongation of(14.7 ± 0.5)%, which exhibit distinctly competitive compared to the as-cast CP-Ti or Ti-6 Al-4 V. Excellent mechanical properties together with its low-cost make SLM-fabricated CP-Ti from modified HDH Ti powders show promising applications.     

Large third-order nonlinearity of nonpolar A-plane GaN film at 800 nm determined by Z-scan technology

We report an investigation on the optical third-order nonlinear property of the nonpolar A-plane GaN film. The film sample with a thickness of ~2?μm was grown on an r-plane sapphire substrate by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition system. By performing the Z-scan method combined with a mode-locked femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser (800?nm, 50?fs), the optical nonlinearity of the nonpolar A-plane GaN film was measured with the electric vector E of the laser beam being polarized parallel (//) and perpendicular (⊥) to the c axis of the film. The results show that both the third-order nonlinear absorption coefficient β and the nonlinear refractive index n₂ of the sample film possess negative and large values, i.e. β_//?=??135?±?29?cm/GW, n_2//?=??(4.0?±?0.3)?×?10^?3?cm²/GW and β_⊥?=??234?±?29?cm/GW, n_2⊥?=??(4.9?±?0.4)?×?10^?3?cm²/GW, which are much larger than those of conventional C-plane GaN film, GaN bulk, and even the other oxide semiconductors.     

M?ssbauer and Electrical Studies of Mn x Co1?x Fe2O4 Compounds Prepared via Glycothermal Route

Manganese-cobalt ferrite powders (Mn _x Co_1?x Fe₂O₄ with x varying from 0.0 to?0.6) have been produced by glycothermal process from pure metal chlorides. Single phase cubic spinel structure and nanophase structure of the as-synthesized samples were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that the produced powders have grain sizes in the range 7 to 13?nm. Fe-57 M?ssbauer spectra for as-synthesized and for annealed samples at 700???C (in Ar atmosphere for 1?hour) are found to be similar. No significant changes in the spectra are observed across the composition range studied. The variations of grain sizes, lattice parameters, and M?ssbauer parameters as a function of composition have also been investigated. Bulk samples in the form of pellets were also produced from the as-synthesized compounds for resistivity measurements. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity for the samples sintered at 1050???C were studied using the four-probe method, from room temperature to about 110???C in a PID controlled oven. Two possible mechanisms for resistivity involving T ^?1/2 and T ^?1 dependences are investigated.     

A study of the natural self-healing of mortars using air-flow measurements

The aim of this research is to investigate the natural self-healing of mortars using air-flow measurements through a single crack of controlled geometry. Mortars were made with water?Ccement (W/C) ratios of 0.35, 0.45 and 0.60. For each type of mortar, three crack categories were created: 50?±?15, 105?±?15 and 220?±?35???m. Mortars were cracked at the age of 28?days and 6?months. Cracked mortars were stored in air at 23?°C and 100?% R.H. for up to 5?months to simulate the environmental conditions for open-air above-ground concrete structures. During the first month, the kinetics of self-healing is noticeably faster. The self-healing mechanism mainly involves carbonation and the formation of secondary hydration products in the crack volume. For fine cracks (50???m), the self-healing rate is slow (5?C10???m/month). For larger cracks (>200???m), the self-healing rate is faster (15?C30???m/month), as there is no space limitation for the formation of self-healing products and also because the effective crack opening remains high enough for the supply of external CO₂ and water. For crack openings higher than 300???m, the final natural self-healing level is less than 20?% after 5?months. For the mortar tested, age at the time of cracking only plays a minor role on self-healing kinetics.     

Laser material processing of nickel superalloy for improved erosion resistance

A nickel-based superalloy was laser surface treated, and its erosion behavior was evaluated. The laser power and scan speed were varied in different levels to impart variations in microstructure and mechanical properties. The microstructure of specimens exhibited fine equiaxed grains to columnar structure at different parameters. A high cooling rate improved the hardness of the laser-treated specimen up to 603?HV_0.3 compared to the base material hardness of 430?HV_0.3. The rate of erosion increased linearly from 30° to 60° impingement angle and decreased at 75° impingement angle. The accumulation of the erodent inside the crater and the consequent absorbtion of the incident kinetic energy might have caused this reduction. The laser surface treated specimens exhibited ～1.5 factor of improvement in high temperature erosion resistance. This was attributed to the minimized energy transfer from impinging particle to the substrate achieved through laser surface melting.     

Investigation on the calcining condition and sintering temperature of perovskite-type La0.7Ca0.3CrO3 complex oxides by a combustion method

Perovskite-type La_0.7Ca_0.3CrO₃ composite oxides were synthesized by a combustion method. The calcining condition of the synthesized powders and sintering temperature of ceramic specimens were studied. It was found that a pure perovskite structure was direct acquired in the combustion ash and the fine morphology (～100 nm) was observed in the sample calcined at 600 °C. In view of the relative density, microstructure and electrical conducting properties of the sintering ceramics at different temperatures, the preferred sintering temperature was ascertained to be 1300 °C, at which the sample attains a high relative density of 96.8%, showing an electrical conductivity of 53.6 S cm^?1 at 800 °C and much lower activation energy of 0.122 ev. Compared with La_0.7Ca_0.3CrO₃ synthesized by the conventional solid state reaction method, that synthesized by the combustion method exhibits fine morphology and superior sintering activity, effectively lowering the sintering temperature and enhancing electrical conducting properties of the material.     

Development and uniform evaluation of ropinirole osmotic pump tablets with REQUIP XL both in vitro and in beagle dogs

REQUIP XL, prolonged release formulation of ropinirole hydrochloride (RH) in market, could release ropinirole constantly and showed satisfactory therapeutic effect and good compliance. REQUIP XL was composed of more than 10 kinds of excipients and prepared by Geomatrix technology, which was complex and laborious. The purpose of this study was to obtain a dosage form of RH with similar in vitro release profile and bioequivalence in vivo compared to REQUIP XL. Osmotic pump tablet combined with fast release phase was selected as the delivery system of RH and similar release curves were obtained in different media. The tablets were also administered to beagle dogs and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental model. C_max, t_max, mean residence time (MRT), and area under the curve from 0 to 24?h (AUC_0–24) were 3.97?±?0.53?ng/mL, 3.58?±?0.49?h, 8.29?±?0.93?h, and 35.20?±?8.11?ng/mL???h for ropinirole osmotic pump tablets (ROPT) and 4.15?±?1.07?ng/mL, 2.92?±?0.49?h, 7.84?±?1.09?h, and 34.34?±?10.06?ng/mL???h for REQUIP XL. The log-transformed mean C_max and AUC_0–24 of ROPT were about 92.15% and 102.49% relative to that of REQUIP XL, respectively. The 90% confidence intervals of C_max and AUC_0–24 for ROPT were 75.69–115.31% and 88.89–122.30%, respectively. So it could be concluded that ROPT was uniform with REQUIP XL both in vitro and in beagles and the release profiles of Geomatrix technology may be obtained by osmotic pump combined with fast release technology.     

Development,optimization, and characterization of a novel tea tree oil nanogel using response surface methodology

Purpose: To develop and optimize nanoemulsion (NE)-based emulgel (EG) formulation as a potential vehicle for topical delivery of tea tree oil (TTO).

Methodology: Central composite design was adopted for optimizing the processing conditions for NE preparation by high energy emulsification method viz. surfactant concentration, co-surfactant concentration, and stirring speed. The optimized NE was developed into emulgel (EG) using pH sensitive polymer Carbopol 940 and triethanolamine as alkalizer. The prepared EG was evaluated for its pH, viscosity, and texture parameters, ex vivo permeation at 37?°C and stability. Antimicrobial evaluation of EG in comparison to conventional gel and pure TTO was also carried out against selected microbial strains.

Results and discussion: Optimized NE had particle size and zeta potential of 16.23?±?0.411?nm and 36.11?±?1.234?mV, respectively. TEM analysis revealed the spherical shape of droplets. The pH of EG (5.57?±?0.05?) was found to be in accordance with the range of human skin pH. EG also illustrated efficient permeation (79.58?μL/cm²) and flux value (J_SS) of 7.96?μL cm²/h through skin in 10?h. Viscosity and texture parameters, firmness (9.3?±?0.08?g), spreadability (2.26?±?0.06?mJ), extrudability (61.6?±?0.05?mJ), and adhesiveness (8.66?±?0.08?g) depict its suitability for topical application. Antimicrobial evaluation of EG with same amount of TTO as conventional gel revealed broader zones of growth inhibitions against all the selected microbial strains. Moreover, EG was also found to be nonirritant (PII 0.0833). These parameters were consistent over 90 d.

Conclusion: TTO EG turned out to be a promising vehicle for the topical delivery of TTO with enhanced therapeutic efficacy.     

Hyperoside nanocrystals for HBV treatment: process optimization,in vitro and in vivo evaluation

The aim of this study was to develop hyperoside (Hyp) nanocrystals to enhance its dissolution rate, oral bioavailability and anti-HBV activity. Hyp nanocrystals were prepared using high pressure homogenization technique followed by lyophilization. A Box–Behnken design approach was employed for process optimization. The physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics and anti-HBV activity in vivo of Hyp nanocrystal prepared with the optimized formulation were systematically investigated. Hyp nanocrystals prepared with the optimized formulation was found to be rod shaped with particle size of 384?±?21?nm and PDI of 0.172?±?0.027. XRPD studies suggested slight crystalline change in drug. Dissolution rate obtained from Hyp nanocrystals were markedly higher than pure Hyp. The nanocrystals exhibited enhanced C_max (7.42?±?0.73 versus 3.80?±?0.66?mg/L) and AUC_0???t (193.61?±?16.30 versus 91.92?±?17.95?mg·h/L) with a 210.63% increase in relative bioavailability. Hyp nanocrystals exhibited significantly greater anti-HBV activity than Hyp. These results suggested that the developed nanocrystals formulation had a great potential as a viable approach to enhance the bioavailability of Hyp.     

Mechanical and tribological behaviours of aluminium matrix composites reinforced by graphene nanoplatelets

In the present study, the effects of graphene content (0.1, 0.3, 0.5?wt-%) on the mechanical and tribological properties of aluminium matrix composites were reported. The experimental results reveal that the best apparent density (2.58?±?0.02?g?cm^?3), highest Vickers hardness (57?±?2.5?HV), lowest mass loss (1.6 and 9.7?mg for 10?N and 40?N), and lowest wear rate (12?×?10^?5 and 18?×?10^?5?mm³/Nm for 10?N and 40?N) were obtained at aluminium–0.1% graphene composite when compared with pure aluminium. The ultimate compressive strength of composites increases from 106?±?4 to 138?±?4?MPa with increasing graphene nanoplatelet contents. All results showed that graphene has been a very effective reinforcement and solid-lubricant material for Al matrix composites.     

Pulse plating of Ni–B/WC nanocomposite coating and study of its corrosion and wear resistance

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of WC content on the properties of the Ni–B/WC nanocomposites deposited by the pulse method. It is obtained that, although by addition of WC nanoparticles to the bath in initial steps (WC 4 and 8 g?l^?1), the grain size was increased and hence mechanical and electrochemical properties got worse, but at the higher amount of WC (WC 12 g?l^?1), due to the formation of the fine and packed structures, the great corrosion and wear resistance was achieved. The corrosion resistance of the Ni–B/WC12 g?l^?1 coating is 59,967?Ω and wear weight loss is 2.1 mg?cm^?2 with the friction coefficient of 0.64.     

The Effect of Variable Binder Content and Sintering Temperature on the Mechanical Properties of WC–Co–VC/Cr3C2 Nanocomposites

WC powders with an average crystallite size of 10 nm were successfully prepared by ball milling of micron-sized tungsten carbide powders. Grain growth inhibitors (VC and Cr₃C₂) with concentrations of 0.6 wt% each were added to nanocomposites of WC–9Co and WC–12Co, in both as-received and milled WC. Powder mixtures were then consolidated using spark plasma sintering technique at 1200 and 1300 °C for 10 min under high vacuum and pressure of 50 MPa. The influence of WC crystallite size, Co content, and sintering temperature over microstructure and mechanical properties of the resulting composites were studied through XRD and FESEM. Densification and attained grain sizes of the sintered products were measured by Archimedes principle and Scherrer procedure, respectively. Moreover, microhardness (H_v30) and fracture toughness were measured and compared for each composition to comparatively assess the individual effect. It was observed that the addition of VC and Cr₃C₂ resulted in decreased densification of the synthesized composites. These grain growth inhibitors were found to limit grain sizes to 131 nm with an average hardness of 1592 H_v30 and fracture toughness of 9.23 Mpam^1/2.     

Synthesis,physical, ultrasonic waves,mechanical, FTIR,and dielectric characteristics of B2O3/Li2O/ZnO glasses doped with Y3+ ions

Six specimens of glasses with formula (70???x)B₂O₃/15Li₂O/15ZnO/xY₂O₃: x?=?0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mol%) have been synthesized via a conventional melt quenching technique. The produced specimens were named as BLZY0.0–BLZY2.5 according to x values. The physical, ultrasonic longitudinal (V_L) and shear (V_S) velocities, FTIR, and dielectric (50 Hz to 5 MHz) characteristics of the prepared glasses have been examined. With increasing content of Y₂O₃ from 0.0 to 2.5 mol%, the density (ρ) of the system increases linearly from 2512?±?11 to 2695?±?14 kg/m³, while the molar volume (V_M) decreases linearly from 2.6?±?0.011 to 2.57?±?0.013?×?10^?5 m³/mol. The oxygen packing density (OPD) as a number of the oxygen per unit composition in the glass sample is describing the packing tightness of the oxide network and thoroughly the compactness of the glass matrix. Values of the average boron–boron separation (d_B–B) decrease from 4.162 to 4.035?×?10^?10 (m) with 0 to 2.5 mol% Y₂O₃. Increasing formation of Y³⁺ ionic bonds with [BO_4/2]^1? may have an effect of lowering bond strength of B–O and thus shifting the absorption IR peak position. By increasing Y₂O₃ content in the investigated samples, the (V_L) and (V_S) increase linearly for the full-studied compositional range. The increasing number of strengthened bonds due to change coordination of B ions from 3 to 4 due to the increasing field strength of inserted accumulated Y³⁺ ions has the incentive impact to higher mechanical properties. The dielectric constant was decreased for Y₂O₃ content up to 1.5 mol% referring to cross-linkage formation with other elements, while the reduction in porosity at high content of Y₂O₃ is the main responsible for gradual enhancement in dielectric constant.

     

Room temperature elastic moduli and Vickers hardness of hot-pressed LLZO cubic garnet

Cubic garnet Li_6.24La₃Zr₂Al_0.24O_11.98 (LLZO) is a candidate material for use as an electrolyte in Li–Air and Li–S batteries. The use of LLZO in practical devices will require LLZO to have good mechanical integrity in terms of scratch resistance (hardness) and an adequate stiffness (elastic modulus). In this paper, the powders were fabricated by powder processing of cast ingots. All specimens were then densified via hot pressing. The room temperature elastic moduli (Young’s modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus, and Poisson’s ratio) and hardness were measured by resonant ultrasound spectroscopy, and Vickers indentation, respectively. For volume fraction porosity, P, the Young’s modulus was 149.8?±?0.4?GPa (P?=?0.03) and 132.6?±?0.2?GPa (P?=?0.06). The mean Vickers hardness was 6.3?±?0.3?GPa for P?=?0.03 and 5.2?±?0.4 for P?=?0.06.     

Experimental research on residual carbon of Y211 inclusions in a melt-textured Y123/Y211 composite

The inherent doping of residual carbon during the preparation of Y₂BaCuO₅ (Y211) inclusions would degrade the physical and mechanical performance of the Y₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7-x (Y123) superconducting matrix. Y211 precursor powders were prepared by the oxalate coprecipitation process in this study. Residual carbon contents of Y211 powders under different heat treatment processes were studied by the high-frequency combustion infrared absorption method. The residual carbon content of Y211 reached the current best level ～0.012% when calcined in O₂ flow at 950°C for 20?h. Y211 powders with the lowest carbon content were used to prepare a small batch of melt-textured Y123/Y211 composites. All samples were single-domain crystals without macro defects, which were usually caused by the emission of CO₂. Among them, one sample (Ø27?mm?×?14?mm) has a maximum levitation force of 71?N (77?K, 0.5?T), with critical current density J_c of 3.2?×?10⁸ A/m² (77?K, 0?T).     

The efficacy of anti-VEGF antibody-modified liposomes loaded with paeonol in the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of anti-VEGF antibody-modified Paeonol liposome gels (PAE-BEV-lip gels) in the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars (HS). Systematic optimization of the encapsulation process of anti-VEGF antibody-modified Paeonol liposomes (PAE-BEV-lips) was performed using Box–Behnken design with the optimized parameters as follows: SPC concentration of 7.36?mg mL^?1; SPC-Chol-PAE:pNP-PEG₃₀₀₀-DOPE:BVE-PEG₃₀₀₀-DOPE ratio of 14:5:4:0.28:0.05, w/w; the hydration temperature of 41?°C; stripping using pH 7.5 sodium dihydrogen phosphate buffer; and ultrasound for 3?min (ultrasound time 2?s, interval 3?s, power 300?W). Using these conditions, the encapsulation efficiency of PAE reached the peak level, i.e. 73.61?±?2.36%. The PAE-BEV-lips displayed unimodal size-distribution with a mean diameter of (235.7?±?4.67) nm and a zeta potential of –(5.13?±?0.25) mV. The investigation of the retention effect PAE-BEV-lip gels revealed a slower transdermal delivery rate, a remarkable dermal retention effect, and superior bioavailability compared to PAE gels and PAE conventional liposome gels (PAE-lip gels). Meanwhile, PAE-BEV-lip gels exhibited definite effects on the prevention and treatment of HS of the rabbit ears. The PAE-BEV-lip gels group showed a lower scar proliferation rate, fewer and looser collagenous fibers and fibromyocytes, more regular chondrocytes, less calcified tissue and fewer inflammatory cells compared to other groups. At the same time, PAE-BEV-lip gels significantly reduced scar hyperplasia index (1.34?±?0.51) and levels of VEGF, TGF-β₁ and TNF-α (30.90?±?3.57, 733.2?±?43.19 and 66.76?±?2.98?ng·L^?1, respectively), compared to the model group (p?<?.01).     

Influence of different sulfur sources on the phase formation of Cu<Subscript>2</Subscript>ZnSnS<Subscript>4</Subscript> (CZTS) nanoparticles (NPs)

Wurtzite (Wz) and kesterite (Ks) phases of Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) nanoparticles (NPs) have been selectively synthesized via hot injection method using 1-octadecene (1-ODE) as solvent. The solvents, 1-dodecanethiol (1-DDT) and tert-dodecanethiol (t-DDT) were utilized to control the reactivity of metal precursors and to tune the desirable crystallographic phases. The phase purity of the as synthesized CZTS NPs was confirmed using X-ray diffraction results. TEM images indicate that the developed nanoparticles consist of a mixture of triangular shaped (height 20?±?3 nm, width 17?±?2 nm) and sphere shaped NPs (13.4?±?0.4 nm). These nanoparticles were formed due to the influence of thiols without any additional capping ligands. The band gap of as-synthesized CZTS NPs were calculated as 1.41 eV for wurtzite phase (Wz—1-DDT) and 1.47 eV for kesterite phase (Ks—t-DDT) from UV–Visible absorption results. CZTS thin films were prepared via spin coating and the electrical properties were analysed using Hall Effect measurements. Both the phases of CZTS films exhibit p-type conductivity. Wurtzite phase of CZTS has higher mobility (23.6 cm^?3) and carrier concentration (2.64?×?10¹⁷) compared to kesterite phase of CZTS films.     

An ultra-broadband continuously-tunable polarization-entangled photon-pair source covering the C+L telecom bands based on a single type-II PPKTP crystal

The first experimental preparation is reported of an ultra-broadband continuously-tunable highly polarization-entangled photon-pair source via spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a single type-II phase-matched bulk periodically-poled KTiOPO₄ (PPKTP) crystal. A tuning band of more than 60?nm for the down-converted photons is achieved experimentally, which covers the C+L telecom bands. The photon pair generation rate is about 1.63 × 10⁴ (s mW?nm)^?1. The calculated S parameter values of CHSH inequality between 2.60?±?0.04 (minimum) and 2.72?±?0.07 (maximum) over the whole tunable range clearly demonstrate high entanglement of the source. In combination with the dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) technique, our source could be used to enhance the transmission capacity of a communication channel in the field of quantum communication.     

Fabrication and characterizations of Zn1?xCoxO bulk ceramics prepared by solid state reaction combined with spark plasma sintering

Zn_1?xCo_xO (x?=?0.01, 0.05 and 0.1) bulk ceramics were prepared through a two-step, solid state reaction method combined with spark plasma sintering technique. The single phase Zn_1?xCo_xO powders were synthesized using ZnO and Co₃O₄ at 935?°C in air for 3?h. The Zn_1?xCo_xO bulks were prepared at sintering temperature from 900 to 1,100?°C for 5?min by SPS. The relative density of Zn_1?xCo_xO bulk ceramics sintered at 1,100?°C is higher than 99% of the theoretical value. The Structure, composition analysis, optical absorption, Raman and XPS measurements revealed that the Co²⁺ substituted Zn²⁺ ions and was incorporated into the lattice of ZnO in both of the single phase Zn_1?xCo_xO powders and bulk ceramics. Room- and low-temperature magnetization measurements reveal a paramagnetic behavior and that the paramagnetic Co amount is smaller than the nominal Co concentration for all of Zn_1?xCo_xO samples at 4?K. The paramagnetic magnetism of bulk ceramics is apparently larger than that of powders with the same composition. The electrical properties measurements reveal that the Co concentration has a slight influence on the electrical properties of Zn_1?xCo_xO bulk ceramics. The carriers concentration is about 1?×?10²⁰?cm^?3 and with the Co concentration increases the resistivity slightly increases from 3.56?×?10^?3 (x?=?0.01) to 5.58?×?10^?3 (x?=?0.1) Ωcm.