Industrial ecosystem indicators—direct and indirect effects of integrated waste- and by-product management and energy production

In an idealised industrial ecosystem (IE), firms and organisations utilise each other's material and energy flows including wastes and by-products to reduce the system's virgin material and energy input as well as the waste and emission output from the system as a whole, and contribute to sustainable development (SD). IE complements the more conventional individual flow, product, process, organisation, individual actor or sector-focused environmental management approaches and tools with network or systems level approaches. The first research objective of this paper is to construct indicators for IE. The second task is to test the use of these indicators with "what if?" material and energy flow scenarios for the energy and waste system of Satakunta region in Finland including 28 municipalities. Using literature analysis as a source, we arrive at environmental indicators of carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalents, and at economic indicators of fuel, energy and waste management costs and revenues. The social indicators show the employment effects of the waste management system. The scenarios analyse the current situation (0-scenario) against alternative situations in the future. The future scenarios are developed according to the known and anticipated trends in international and national policy and legislation. The indicator application in the scenarios produces social, environmental and economic effects of waste management in four categories: direct negative, direct positive, indirect negative and indirect positive. Industrial ecosystem theory emphasises the utilisation of wastes as a resource with value alongside the objective of reducing waste. Therefore, the indirect positive effects of waste management are important, as well as the conventional focus of waste management, which has usually been on direct positive effects. The main difficulties in our argument are the system boundary definition, the qualitatively different nature of environmental, economic and social effects and indicators as well as the lack of qualitative or interview data on the preferences and interests of the actors involved.     

What can wave energy learn from offshore oil and gas?

This title may appear rather presumptuous in the light of the progress made by the leading wave energy devices. However, there may still be some useful lessons to be learnt from current 'offshore' practice, and there are certainly some awful warnings from the past. Wave energy devices and the marine structures used in oil and gas exploration as well as production share a common environment and both are subject to wave, wind and current loads, which may be evaluated with well-validated, albeit imperfect, tools. Both types of structure can be designed, analysed and fabricated using similar tools and technologies. They fulfil very different missions and are subject to different economic and performance requirements; hence 'offshore' design tools must be used appropriately in wave energy project and system design, and 'offshore' cost data should be adapted for 'wave' applications. This article reviews the similarities and differences between the fields and highlights the differing economic environments; offshore structures are typically a small to moderate component of field development cost, while wave power devices will dominate overall system cost. The typical 'offshore' design process is summarized and issues such as reliability-based design and design of not normally manned structures are addressed. Lessons learned from poor design in the past are discussed to highlight areas where care is needed, and wave energy-specific design areas are reviewed. Opportunities for innovation and optimization in wave energy project and device design are discussed; wave energy projects must ultimately compete on a level playing field with other routes to low CO? energy and/or energy efficiency. This article is a personal viewpoint and not an expression of a ConocoPhillips position.     

Comparison of the BGO and CsI(Tl) energy resolutions for p and α

Energy resolution and linearity of a BGO-photodiode have been measured for 20–40 MeV p and 14–25 MeV α. Comparisons are made to BGO and CsI(Tl) read by photomultipliers.     

Surface energy of hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate ceramics driving serum protein adsorption and osteoblast adhesion

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the specific role of calcium phosphates surface energy on serum protein adsorption and human osteoblast adhesion, by isolating chemical effects from those caused by topography. Highly dense phosphate ceramics (single-phase hydroxyapatite HA and β-tricalcium phosphates β-TCP) presenting two distinct nano roughnesses were produced. Some samples were gold-sputter coated in order to conveniently mask the surface chemical effects (without modification of the original roughness) and to study the isolated effect of surface topography on cellular behavior. The results indicated that the nano topography of calcium phosphates strongly affected the protein adsorption process, being more important than surface chemistry. The seeding efficacy of osteoblasts was not affected nor by the topography neither by the calcium phosphate chemistries but the β-TCP chemistry negatively influenced cell spreading. We observed that surface hydrophobicity is another way to change protein adsorption on surfaces. The decrease of the polar component of surface energy on gold-coated samples leaded to a decreased albumin and fibronectin adsorption but to an increased cell adhesion. Overall, this work contributes to better understand the role of topography and surface chemistry of calcium phosphates in serum protein adsorption and osteoblast adhesion.     

Graphene-based materials and structures for energy harvesting with fluids – A review

Graphene and graphene-based systems have recently been recognized as promising platforms for energy harvesting, microelectronic components and energy storage owing to their excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, outstanding mechanical properties, good chemical stability, area adaptability, among other significant properties. Integration of energy harvesting systems relying on the graphene/graphene-based materials in contact with fluids has been emphasized in recent years, as well as their potential impact on electric energy generation for a wide range of applications (e.g. innovative medical devices, advanced electronic systems and highly-efficient transduction systems for renewable energy). This review summarizes, for the first time, major breakthroughs carried out in the scope of energy harvesting exploiting graphene-based material systems (comprising graphene films, graphene grids, graphene membranes, 3D graphene composites and tribological structures) in contact with ionic and non-ionic fluids. Several transduction mechanisms for energy harvesting have been thoroughly analyzed. Energy outputs, materials and structures, substrates, types of fluid, manufacture methodologies, and experimental test methodologies are systematically highlighted in this review. Finally, future research directions and innovative applications of these harvesters are proposed.     

Surface energy controlled α–γ–α transformation texture and microstructure character study in ULC steels alloyed with Mn and Al

In this article, an ultralow-carbon steel grade alloyed with Mn and Al has been investigated during α–γ–α transformation annealing in vacuum. Typical texture and microstructure has evolved as a monolayer of grains on the outer surface of transformation-annealed sheets. This monolayer consists of <100>//ND and <110>//ND fibre, which is very different from the bulk texture components. The selective driving force is believed to reside in the anisotropy of surface energy at the metal–vapour interface. The grain morphology is very different from the bulk grains. Moreover, 30–40% of the grain boundary interfaces observed in the RD–TD surface sections are tilt incoherent <110> 70.5° boundaries, which are known to exhibit reduced interface energy. Hence, the conclusion can be drawn that the orientation selection of surface grains is strongly controlled by minimization of the interface energy; both metal/vapour and metal/metal interfaces play a roll in this.     

Cyclic compression behavior and energy dissipation of aluminum foam–polyurethane interpenetrating phase composites

This paper presents a study of the mechanical behavior of aluminum foam–polyurethane interpenetrating phase composites (AF–PU composites) with different corresponding porosity and pore size under cyclic compressions. The dissipated energy of AF–PU composite is described by the area of the compression cycle. Cyclic frequency, strain amplitude, temperature aging and cycle numbers were taken as reacting influence parameters to evaluate the damping capacity of AF–PU composites with different corresponding porosity and pore size. These cyclic tests demonstrate that AF–PU composites can make up the disadvantage of pure aluminum foams (AF) that are not suffered by the recoverable deformation in the stage of plastic plateau, and AF–PU composites with high porosity and large pore size have a good potential applied in hysteretic damping devices for seismic resistant structures under the condition of large strain level and preloading several cycles.     

Effects of fine–coarse particles interaction on flotation separation and interaction energy calculation

The particle interaction behavior is important in flotation process, and the interaction energy calculation is helpful for evaluating this behavior. This study investigates and compares the floatability of magnesite, dolomite, and quartz in single mineral flotation and artificial mixture flotation with dodecylamine (DDA) as collector. The results showed that while the pH, dissolved ions, and competitive adsorption had a minor influence on their floatability, fine magnesite and dolomite largely decreased the recovery of quartz. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis on the flotation products demonstrated severe masking of fine particles on the surface of quartz. The extended-DLVO (Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek) theory was applied to calculate the interaction energy between the mineral particles, and the results showed that the interaction force between magnesite and quartz and between dolomite and quartz was attractive; therefore, fine magnesite and dolomite particles were easily masked on the surface of quartz. The calculation results agree with the experiment results and explain the mechanism of particles’ interaction and the reasons for the differences in single mineral flotation and artificially mixed minerals flotation.     

Variation of the optical energy gap with γ-radiation and thickness in Bi-thin films

The effect of -radiation and thickness on the optical energy gap of Bi-thin films has been investigated by measuring their optical absorbance. The measurements were carried out on thermally evaporated films having thicknesses in the range 5–20 nm. Different -radiation doses were used ranging from 0–300 Mrad. The optical energy gap as well as the absorption coefficient were found to be -dose dependent.     

Correlation between deep-level parameters and energy resolution of p-type high purity Ge γ-detectors

A physical basis is presented for the previously reported correlation between deep levels in p-type high purity germanium and the energy resolution of corresponding γ-detectors. Taking account of re-emission of trapped holes at 77 K it is shown that effective hole traps are deeper than about E_v + 0.07 eV. Slowly re-emitting traps may become saturated during detector operation.The detector resolution criterion L ≤ 2 keV is found to correspond with an upper limit of 4.5 × 10⁹ cm⁻³ for the total active copper density. This density criterion is shown to be a reliable basis for the routine DLTS characterisation of high purity germanium production.     

Structure, dielectric, ferroelectric, and energy density properties of (1 − x)BZT–xBCT ceramic capacitors for energy storage applications

We investigate the dielectric, ferroelectric, and energy density properties of Pb-free (1 ? x)BZT–xBCT ceramic capacitors at higher sintering temperature (1600 °C). A significant increase in the dielectric constant, with relatively low loss was observed for the investigated {Ba(Zr_0.2Ti_0.8)O₃}_(1?x ){(Ba_0.7Ca_0.3)TiO₃} _x (x = 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) ceramics; however, electric breakdown was low (~140, 170, 134 kV/cm), and of which room temperature (300 K) charging curve energy density values are largest ~0.88, 0.94, and 0.87 J/cm³ with maximum high dielectric constant values ~7800, 8400, and 5200, respectively. Bulk ceramic BZT–BCT materials have shown interesting energy densities with good energy storage efficiency (~72 %) at high sintering temperature; they might be one of the strong candidates for high energy density capacitor applications in an environmentally protective atmosphere.     

500 Hz ultraviolet dye laser with pulse energy 1.7 mJ and potential for PLIF imaging

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a high-pulse-energy frequency-doubled ultraviolet dye laser operating at a repetition rate of 500?Hz. The pump source is a laser-diode side-pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a pulse energy of 29?mJ at 532?nm. A master oscillator power amplifier is employed to amplify the output pulse of the dye laser to 8.1?mJ at 566?nm, and by frequency doubling with BBO crystal a pulse energy of 1.7?mJ at 283?nm is achieved with a pulse width of 8?ns. This is more than four times the largest reported pulse energies generated by other fixed-frequency dye lasers when operating at repetition rates of more than 1?kHz. The conversion efficiency and stability of dye laser are discussed, which show the potential for high-speed laser diagnostics in the fields of combustion and turbulent flow detection.     

Pressureless sintering curve and sintering activation energy of Fe–Co–Cu pre-alloyed powders

The kinetic characteristics of Fe–Co–Cu pre-alloyed powders in the pressureless sintering process have been investigated. The expansion ratio, linear shrinkage, densification rate and effect of heating rate on the sintering have been analyzed. Based on the classical Arrhenius curve, the sintering activation energy has been calculated. Results show that the samples have a smaller expansion ratio before contracting when the Fe content is higher, and the final linear shrinkage ratio is larger too. The sintering carries out more efficiently and the final linear shrinkage ratio is larger when the samples at a lower heating rate. In the initial and final stage of sintering, the Arrhenius curve is suitable for the Fe–Co–Cu pre-alloyed powders and diffusion is the main transport mechanism. At the initial stage of sintering the sintering activation energy of Fe25%–Co15%–Cu60% powder is 453.11 kJ/mol, Fe45%–Co15%–Cu40% powder is 638.28 kJ/mol and Fe65%–Co15%–Cu20% powder is 504.6 kJ/mol, respectively. At the final stage of sintering the sintering activation energy of Fe25%–Co15%–Cu60% powder is 31.17 kJ/mol, Fe45%–Co15%–Cu40% powder is 20.09 kJ/mol and Fe65%–Co15%–Cu20% powder is 35.13 kJ/mol, respectively. The sintering activation energy in the middle stage is dominated by not only one diffusion mechanism so it is not suitable for the Arrhenius curve.     

Fatigue behavior of carbon/epoxy composites under pretorsion and low‐energy impact effects

Abstract

This work presents a systematic study of the fatigue behavior and macroscopic analysis of carbon/epoxy [0/45/90/‐45]_2S quasi‐isotropic composite laminates. The failure mechanism and fatigue effects of the composites under pretorsional twist and low‐energy impact were investigated in this research. The coupling effects of the laminates under twist and low‐energy impact and the residual tensile strength and the S‐N curve under various stress levels were also studied.     

Flexible quasi-solid-state sodium-ion full battery with ultralong cycle life,high energy density and high-rate capability

Flexible power sources featuring high-performance,prominent flexibility and raised safety have received mounting attention in the area of wearable electronic devices.However,many great challenges remain to be overcome,notably the design and fabrication of flexible electrodes with excellent electrochemical performance and matching them with safe and reliable electrolytes.Herein,a facile approach for preparing flexible electrodes,which employs carbon cloth derived from commercial cotton cloth as the substrate of cathode and a flexible anode,is proposed and investigated.The promising cathode(NVPOF@FCC)with high conductivity and outstanding flexibility is prepared by efficiently coating Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂O₂F(NVPOF)on flexible carbon cloth(FCC),which exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance and the significantly improved reaction kinetics.More importantly,a novel flexible quasi-solid-state sodium-ion full battery(QSFB)is feasibly assembled by sandwiching a P(VDF-HFP)-NaClO₄ gel-polymer electrolyte film between the advanced NVPOF@FCC cathode and FCC anode.And the QSFBs are further evaluated in flexible pouch cells,which not only demonstrates excellent energy-storage performance in aspect of great cycling stability and high-rate capability,but also impressive flexibility and safety.This work offers a feasible and effective strategy for the design of flexible electrodes,paving the way for the progression of practical and sustainable flexible batteries.     

Slip modes and partitioning of energy during dynamic frictional sliding between identical elastic–viscoplastic solids

The effect of plasticity on dynamic frictional sliding along an interface between two identical elastic–viscoplastic solids is analyzed. The configuration considered is the same as that in Coker et al. (J Mech Phys Solids 53:884–992, 2005) except that here plane strain analyses are carried out and bulk material plasticity is accounted for. The specimens have an initial compressive stress and are subject to shear loading imposed by edge impact near the interface. The material on each side of the interface is modeled as an isotropically hardening elastic–viscoplastic solid. The interface is characterized as having an elastic response together with a rate- and state-dependent frictional law for its inelastic response. Depending on bulk material properties, interface properties and loading conditions, frictional slip along the interface can propagate in a crack-like mode, a pulse-like mode or a train-of-pulses mode. Results are presented for the effect of material plasticity on the mode and speed of frictional slip propagation as well as for the partitioning of energy components between stored elastic energy, kinetic energy, plastic dissipation in the bulk and frictional dissipation along the interface. Some parameter studies are carried out to explore the effects of varying the interface elastic stiffness and the impact velocity.     

Photoluminescence properties and energy transfer in γ-irradiated Dy3+, Eu3+-codoped fluoroaluminoborate glasses

The photoluminescence (PL) properties of singly doped (Dy³⁺) and codoped (Dy³⁺, Eu³⁺) fluoroaluminoborate glasses, with an emphasis on the white light generation, are studied. The γ-irradiation led to the formation of defects in Dy³⁺-doped glasses and photoreduction of Eu³⁺ to Eu²⁺ in codoped (Dy³⁺, Eu³⁺) glasses. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra confirm the presence of divalent europium ions and defects in Dy³⁺, Dy³⁺–Eu³⁺-doped glasses. The FTIR spectra mainly establish the compaction of glass network due to γ-irradiation. From the PL spectra, the intensity ratio of Dy³⁺ emission bands yellow to blue (⁴F_9/2–⁶H_13/2/⁴F_9/2–⁶H_15/2) defines the site symmetry, covalency, and feasibility of extracting white light. The existence of an energy transfer (ET) from Dy³⁺ to Eu³⁺ ions are established due to the decrease in intensity of Dy³⁺ peaks with an increase of Eu₂O₃ content. Moreover, the non-exponential nature of decay curves was well fitted with the generalization of Yokota–Tanimoto model for electric dipole-quadrupole (S = 8) interaction that is responsible for ET process from sensitizer (Dy³⁺) to activator (Eu³⁺).     

Efficient 1.53 μm emission and energy transfer in Si/Er-Si-O multilayer structure

Strong 1.53 μm light emission has been achieved in Si/Er-Si-O multilayer structure grown by sputtering method and annealing process. The luminescence intensity at 1.53 μm increases with annealing temperature, reaching maximum at about 800 °C, and decreases at higher temperatures. It is found that the amorphous Si well layer can sensitize and enhance Er³⁺ luminescence in Er-Si-O sublayer through carrier-mediated processes. Moreover, the Si/Er-Si-O multilayer exhibits much low temperature- and carrier-induced quenching of Er³⁺ luminescence, with the photoluminescence intensity at 1.53 μm decreased about a factor of only 1.4 from 80 K to 300 K. The new Si nanostructure material reported here may open the route towards the realization of electrically pumped Si-based light source.