Laser shock peening effect on the dislocation transitions and grain refinement of Al–Mg–Si alloy

This paper systematically investigates the effect of laser shock peening without coating parameters on the microstructural evolution, and dislocation configurations induced by ultra-high plastic strains and strain rates. Based on an analysis of optical microscopy, polarized light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy observations and residual stress analysis, the significant influence of laser shock peening parameters due to the effect of plasma generation and shock wave propagation has been confirmed. Although the optical microscopy results revealed no significant microstructural changes after laser shock peening, i.e. no heat effect zone and differences in the distribution of second-phase particles, expressive influence of laser treatment parameters on the laser shock induced craters was confirmed. Moreover, polarized light microscopy results have confirmed the existence of well-defined longish grains up to 455 μm in length in the centre of the plate due to the rolling effect, and randomly oriented smaller grains (20 μm × 50 μm) in the surface due to the static recrystallization effect. Laser shock peening is reflected in an exceptional increase in dislocation density with various configurations, i.e. dislocation lines, dislocation cells, dislocation tangles, and the formation of dense dislocation walls. More importantly, the microstructure is considerably refined due to the effect of strain deformations induced by laser shock peening process. The results have confirmed that dense dislocation structures during ultra-high plastic deformation with the addition of shear bands producing ultra-fine (60–200 nm) and nano-grains (20–50 nm). Furthermore, dislocation density was increased by a factor of 2.5 compared to the untreated material (29 × 10¹³ m^− 2 vs. 12 × 10¹³ m^− 2).     

Pulsed laser deposition of hydroxyapatite on nanostructured titanium towards drug eluting implants

Titania nanotubes grown on titanium substrates by electrochemical anodization in glycerol–ammonium fluoride–water system were used to develop efficient drug carrying implants upon coating hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic. The nanostructured surfaces achieved by anodization were caped with HA crystallites by pulsed laser deposition. The implant substrates were studied for their drug carrying capacity using gentamicin as a model. The nano-tubular surface with HA coating had better drug loading capacity of about 800 μg/cm² gentamicin while the bare anodized substrate carried less than 660 μg/cm². The HA coating alone stored as low as 68 μg/cm² and released the drug within the initial burst period itself. The ceramic coated anodized substrates were found to be more efficient in controlled delivery for longer than 160 h with a drug release of 0.5 μg/cm² even towards the end. The substrate with nanostructuring alone delivered the whole drug within 140 h. This study proposes the application of laser deposition of HA over nanostructured titanium, which proves to be promising towards controlled drug eluting bioceramic coated metallic prostheses.     

Reverse saturable absorption studies in polymerized indole – Effect of polymerization in the phenomenal enhancement of third order optical nonlinearity

We report our results on the identification of large order enhancement in nonlinear optical coefficients of polymerized indole and its comparative study with reference to its monomer counterpart. Indole monomer shows virtually little third order effects whereas its polymerized version exhibits phenomenal increase in its third order nonlinear optical parameters such as nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption. Open aperture Z-scan trace of polyindole done with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser source (532 nm, 7 ns), shows β value as high as 89 cm/GW at a beam energy of 0.83 GW/cm². Closed aperture Z-scan done at identical energies reveals nonlinear refractive index of the order of −3.55 × 10⁻¹⁷ m²/W. Band gap measurement of polyindole was done with UV–Vis absorption spectra and compared with that of Indole. FTIR spectra of the monomer and polymerized versions were recorded and relevant bond formations were confirmed from the characteristic peaks. Photo luminescent spectra were investigated to know the emission features of both molecules. Beam energy (I₀) versus nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) plot indicates reverse saturable type of absorption behaviour in polyindole molecules. Degenerate Four Wave Mixing (DFWM) plot of polyindole reveals quite a cubic dependence between probe and phase conjugate signal and the resulting χ⁽³⁾ is comparable with Z-scan results. Optical limiting efficiency of polyindole is comparable with certain derivatives of porphyrins, phthalocyanines and graphene oxides.     

Enhanced optical limiting performance in phthalocyanine-quantum dot nanocomposites by free-carrier absorption mechanism

Enhanced nonlinear optical properties (in dimethyl sulphoxide) is observed for 2(3),9(10),16(17),23(24)-tetrakis-(4-aminophenoxy)phthalocyaninato indium(III) chloride (InPc) when covalently linked to CdSe/ZnS or CdSe quantum dots (QDs). The experimental nonlinear optical parameters were obtained from Z-Scan measurements. Contributions from two-photon absorption (2PA) due to the InPc, and free-carrier absorption (FCA) by QDS have been identified as the main factors responsible for the enhanced optical limiting. The effective nonlinear absorption coefficient for InPc-CdSe/ZnS was found to be 700.0 cm/GW. The FCA cross-sections for InPc-CdSe/ZnS and InPc-CdSe composites were found to be 1.52 × 10⁻¹⁹ and 6.00 × 10⁻²⁰ cm² respectively. A much lower limiting threshold of 92 mJ cm⁻² was observed for InPc-CdSe/ZnS nanocomposite, hence, making it suitable for use as optical limiting material. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations on similar phthalocyanine-quantum dots system was modeled in order to explain the enhancement in the observed nonlinear optical properties of the Pc in the presence of the QDs. The experimentally determined nonlinear optical properties are well within the range of the DFT calculated properties.     

Impact of high dose krypton ion irradiation on corrosion behavior of laser beam welded zircaloy-4

In order to study the effect of krypton ion irradiation on the aqueous corrosion behavior of laser beam welded zircaloy-4 (LBWZr4), the butt weld joint of zircaloy-4 was made by means of a carbon dioxide laser, subsequently the LBWZr4 samples were irradiated with Kr ions using an accelerator at an energy of 300 keV, with a dose range from 1 × 10¹⁵ to 3 × 10¹⁶ ions/cm² at about 150 °C. Three-sweep potentiodynamic polarization measurement was employed to evaluate the aqueous corrosion behavior of Kr-irradiated LBWZr4 in a 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface topography of the Kr-irradiated LBWZr4 after the potentiodynamic polarization measurement. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to examine the change of microstructures in the irradiated surface. The polarization tests showed that compared with the passive current density of the as-received LBWZr4, the Kr-irradiated LBWZr4 is much lower; however, with the irradiation dose increasing from 1 × 10¹⁵ to 3 × 10¹⁶ ions/cm², the passive current density, closely related to the surface corrosion resistance, increased remarkably. The mechanism of the corrosion behavior transformation was due to the recrystallization of the amorphous phase induced by the lower ion irradiation.     

Ultralow density carbon aerogels with low thermal conductivity up to 2000 °C

Ultralow density (0.052 g cm^?3) carbon aerogels (CAs) were prepared for ultrahigh temperature thermal insulation, and their thermal conductivities were determined by laser flash method. The CAs have a total thermal conductivity as low as 0.601 W m^?1 K^?1, which is only one third of the value for closed-pore carbon foam (CF) with a density of 0.054 g cm^?3, at 2000 °C under 0.15 MPa argon. The solid, gaseous, and radiative conductivities of the CA are all much lower than those of the CF, because of the special nanoporous and pearl-necklace nanoparticle structures of the CA. The ultralow density CA clearly demonstrates its great potentials as thermal insulations for extreme applications.     

A comparative study of ferroelectric triglycine sulfate (TGS) crystals grown by conventional slow evaporation and unidirectional method

Unidirectional 〈0 1 0〉 TGS single crystal of diameter 35 mm and length 80 mm was grown by Sankaranarayanan–Ramasamy (SR) method. Nearly two times higher d₃₃ value has been obtained for the SR grown TGS crystal compared to conventional grown TGS. The etch pit density of SEST and SR method grown TGS crystal is 2.1 × 10² cm^?2 and 1.5 × 10² cm^?2 respectively. The values of hardness were found to be 152 kg/mm² for SR grown TGS and 108 kg/mm² for SEST grown TGS crystal. The average laser damage threshold obtained on the SEST grown TGS crystal was 29 mJ/cm² whereas a high damage threshold of 39 mJ/cm² was obtained for the SR grown crystal. The SR method grown TGS has 5% higher transmittance as against conventional method grown crystal. Dielectric study showed higher dielectric permittivity and lower dielectric loss in SR grown TGS crystal.     

Surface characterization and wear behavior of ion implanted NiTi shape memory alloy

The aim of this study was investigation of changes in the modified near-surface layer on the NiTi shape memory alloy, caused by ion implantation as well as their influence on the mechanical and shape memory properties of this material. Surface of NiTi has been modified by nitrogen ion beam at several fluences 1 × 10¹⁷ cm^?2, 1 × 10¹⁸ cm^?2 and 2 × 10¹⁸ cm^?2 at the energy 50 keV. The effect of implantation parameters on surface characteristics and wear properties was investigated using dry-sliding-wear test, depth sensing indentation test and scanning profilometry method. The experimental results have shown how the ion implantation treatment can change the original surface: reducing Ni content in the surface, increasing the surface hardness (furthermore, the hardness improvement extended to the regions much deeper than the implanted layer), and improving the sliding wear resistance. The experimental results of surface treatment conditions and mechanical properties of the modified NiTi alloys are compared, analyzed and discussed in this paper.     

Comparison of optical properties of Si and ZnO/CdTe core/shell nanowire arrays

The systematic computations of the short-circuit current density have been performed for Si and ZnO/CdTe core shell nanowire arrays of 1 μm height in order to optimize the structural morphology in terms of nanowire diameter and period. It is found that the best structural configuration for Si leading to the ideal short-circuit current density of 19.6 mA/cm² is achieved for a nanowire diameter and period of 315 nm and 350 nm, respectively. In case of ZnO/CdTe, the ideal short circuit current density is of 24.0 mA/cm², the nanowire diameter and period is of 210 nm and 350 nm, respectively. It is shown that the optimal configuration is more compact in the case of Si nanowire arrays than in the case of ZnO/CdTe nanowire arrays. Since Si has a smaller absorption coefficient than CdTe, a larger amount of material is needed and thus more compact nanowire arrays are required. It is also revealed that core–shell nanowire arrays made of ZnO/CdTe more efficiently absorb light than that of Si, making this device a good candidate for the next generation of nanostructured solar cells.     

Entrapment of enzyme within organic and inorganic materials for biosensor applications: Comparative study

In order to determine the best kind of matrix that enables preservation of the enzymatic and electro-enzymatic activity of immobilized enzyme and provides accessibility towards substrate, various host materials (electropolymerized polypyrrole films, alginate polysaccharide, biocompatible synthetic latex and inorganic clays (laponite and layered double hydroxides LDHs), differing in permeability, ion exchange properties and hydrophobic–hydrophilic character, were compared for the fabrication of amperometric glucose biosensors. The electrochemical assays were performed by potentiostating the enzyme electrodes at 0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl in order to oxidize the hydrogen peroxide enzymatically generated in the presence of glucose and oxygen. The highest sensitivity and maximum current density were recorded for laponite (82.3 mA M^− 1 cm^− 2 and 410 μA cm^− 2 respectively) and LDHs (55 mA M^− 1 cm^− 2 and 417 μA cm^− 2, respectively).     

Ultrafast excitation relaxation in titanylphthalocyanine thin film

Ultrafast excitation relaxation in the whole Q band of titanylphthalocyanine amorphous thin film fabricated by physical jet deposition was investigated by femtosecond time-resolved pump–probe technique. The measured relaxation dynamics was found to be strongly dependent on the wavelength of the laser beam and consists of three quite different processes: an ultrafast process with a lifetime of 0.5–5 ps, a fast and a long-lived processes with lifetimes of about 5–10 ps and longer than 100 ps, respectively. The initial ultrafast decay appearing to be excitation intensity dependent is suggested to represent a bimolecular exciton–exciton annihilation process with a t^−1/2 time dependence of the excited-state population, assigned to a one-dimensional exciton diffusion. The exciton–exciton annihilation is observed in the pump intensity as low as 0.27 GW/cm².     

Investigations of structural defects,crystalline perfection,metallic impurity concentration and optical quality of flat-top KDP crystal

KDP crystal grown using flat-top technique has been characterized using X-ray and optical techniques with the aim of correlating the defects structure and impurity concentration in the crystal with its optical properties. Crystallographic defects were investigated using X-ray topography revealing linear and arc like chains of dislocations and to conclude that defects do not originate from the flat-top part of the crystal. Etching was performed to quantify dislocation defects density. The crystalline perfection of the crystal was found to be high as the FWHM of the rocking curves measured at several locations was consistently low 6–9 arc s. The concentration of Fe metallic impurity quantified using X-ray fluorescence technique was approximately 5 times lower in the flat-top part which falls in pyramidal growth sector as compared to the region near to the seed which lies in prismatic sector. The spectrophotometric characterization for plates cut normal to different crystallographic directions in the flat-top potassium dihydrogen phosphate (FT-KDP) crystal was performed to understand the influence of metallic impurity distribution and growth sectors on the optical transmittance. The transmittance of the FT-KDP crystal at 1064 nm and its higher harmonics (2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th) was determined from the measured spectra and the lower transmission in the UV region was attributed to increased absorption by Fe metallic impurity at these wavelengths. The results are in agreement with the results obtained using X-ray fluorescence and X-ray topography. Birefringence and Mach–Zehnder interferometry show that except for the region near to the seed crystal the optical homogeneity of the entire crystal was good. The laser-induced damage threshold (LDT) values are in the range 2.4–3.9 GW/cm². The LDT of the plate taken from the flat-top region is higher than that from the bottom of the crystal, indicating that the flat-top technique has good optical quality and is comparable to those reported using rapid growth technique. The results indicate that the structural defects, crystalline quality and impurity concentration have a correlation with the optical properties of the FT-KDP crystal.     

Some properties of sandwich type composite panels manufactured from eastern redcedar

This study presents some of the properties of sandwich type of panels made from strands of low quality eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) logs and Southern pine fibers. Experimental panels were made at three density levels of 0.60 g/cm³, 0.70 g/cm³ and 0.80 g/cm³ using 9% phenol formaldehyde adhesive based on oven dry weight of the raw material. Mechanical properties including modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture and internal bond strength of three layer panels in addition to their thickness swelling characteristics were evaluated. Both modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture of the samples improved with increasing panels density. Thickness swelling of the samples for 2-h and 24-h water soaking ranged from 8.33% to 23.90%. Both physical and mechanical properties of the panels showed acceptable and comparable results to those found in past studies used eastern redcedar and other species to manufacture strand type of product. Having fiber layers on the surface of the panels resulted in smooth surface to comparable to that of typical medium density fiberboard with an average roughness value of 6.42 μm. Based on initial findings of this study it appears that eastern redcedar which is an under-utilized invasive resource can have a potential to be used as raw material for sandwich type panel manufacture.     

Some properties of sandwich type composite panels manufactured from eastern redcedar

This study presents some of the properties of sandwich type of panels made from strands of low quality eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) logs and Southern pine fibers. Experimental panels were made at three density levels of 0.60 g/cm³, 0.70 g/cm³ and 0.80 g/cm³ using 9% phenol formaldehyde adhesive based on oven dry weight of the raw material. Mechanical properties including modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture and internal bond strength of three layer panels in addition to their thickness swelling characteristics were evaluated. Both modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture of the samples improved with increasing panels density. Thickness swelling of the samples for 2-h and 24-h water soaking ranged from 8.33% to 23.90%. Both physical and mechanical properties of the panels showed acceptable and comparable results to those found in past studies used eastern redcedar and other species to manufacture strand type of product. Having fiber layers on the surface of the panels resulted in smooth surface to comparable to that of typical medium density fiberboard with an average roughness value of 6.42 μm. Based on initial findings of this study it appears that eastern redcedar which is an under-utilized invasive resource can have a potential to be used as raw material for sandwich type panel manufacture.     

Vapor growth of CdSe:Cr and CdS:Cr single crystals for mid-infrared lasers

Single crystals of CdSe:Cr and CdS:Cr with the doping level up to 10¹⁹ cm⁻³ were grown by a vapor phase contact-free technique. An efficient room-temperature pulsed and continuous wave (CW) lasing with the CdSe:Cr crystal was achieved. First a pulsed lasing with the CdS:Cr crystal was also demonstrated. The slope efficiency on the absorbed energy was as high as 46.5% for Cr²⁺:CdSe and 39% for Cr²⁺:CdS lasers. Using an intra-cavity prism, the Cr²⁺:CdSe laser wavelength was continuously tuned from 2.26 to 3.61 μm while the Cr²⁺:CdS laser from 2.2 to 3.3 μm. For the laser wavelength, the crystal passive loss coefficient was estimated to be smaller than 0.045 cm⁻¹ for CdSe:Cr crystals and 0.039 cm⁻¹ for CdS:Cr crystals. For the Cr²⁺:CdSe laser, the CW output power up to 1.07 W was achieved.     

Evolution characteristic of OH absorption in Mg (5 mol% in melt):LiNbO3 crystal with post-grown Li-poor vapor transport equilibration

We have measured OH absorption spectra of a 0.47-mm-thick Z-cut MgO (5 mol% in melt):LiNbO₃ crystal subjected to post-growth Li-poor vapor transport equilibration (VTE) treatments at 1100 °C for different durations ranging from zero to 395 h. These spectra allow the evolution of OH absorption characteristics with prolonged VTE to be followed. After 2 h of VTE process an additional absorption appears at 3483 cm^? 1. A transition regime that the original 3536 cm^? 1 and new 3483 cm^? 1 absorptions simultaneously appear exists within the VTE duration range of 2–16 h. In this regime, the 3536 cm^? 1 absorption becomes weak gradually and eventually disappears around 16 h while the 3483 cm^? 1 absorption increases remarkably with the prolonged VTE. The presence of transition regime gives a hint that the 3483 cm^? 1 absorption is due to the VTE-induced formation of a new center. Based upon the spectral features, we have suggested a simple three-layer (two on surface and one in the center of crystal plate) model to describe the depth profile of the photorefractive damage MgO concentration threshold in the crystal in the transition regime. A Li out-diffusion theory is suggested and correlated with the model. To support the Li out-diffusion theory, some additional experiments have been done. These include the depth profile characterization of VTE-induced Li₂O content reduction and the measurement of the surface Li₂O content as a function of the VTE duration. A quantitative analysis and discussion shows that the model is well supported by the experimental results.     

A visco-hyperelastic constitutive description of elastomeric foam

This study focuses on the constitutive modelling of finite deformation in elastomeric polyurethane foams—in particular, PORON-4701-59-25045-1648 (0.4 g/cm³ density) and PORON-4701-59-20093-1648 (0.32 g/cm³ density). Their mechanical properties under compression, for engineering strains up to about 80%, are characterized over a range of strain rates between 10⁻² and 10³/s. Dynamic compression is applied using a split Hopkinson pressure bar device. Experimental results show that the behaviour of elastomeric foam is sensitive to strain rate and can be described by a visco-hyperelastic material model. In this model, the quasi-static response is defined by compressible hyperelasticity, whereby the strain energy potential is assumed to be representable by a newly proposed polynomial series with three independent parameters. Strain rate sensitivity is characterized by incorporating a nonlinear Maxwell relaxation model with four parameters. The (seven) material parameters in the constitutive model are determined from high-speed mechanical testing methods tailored for high-compliance materials. A comparison of predictions based on the proposed frame-independent constitutive equation with experiments shows that the model is able to describe the rate dependent behaviour of the elastomeric foams examined.     

Study of the interaction between microstructure,mechanical and tribo-performance of a commercial brake lining material

The interaction between microstructure, mechanical, and frictional properties of a commercial brake lining material (BLM) was investigated in order to correlate them to braking performance. For this purpose, a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping and spectrum were used to identify and analyze different constituents. The mechanical properties were determined using compression test. Relevant physical properties (density and porosity) were determined using standard test methods. The friction coefficient and wear behavior of the friction material on contact with the grey cast iron disc were established using a pad-on disc tribometer. The results have shown that the brake lining material contains phenol resin such as the matrix and other various ingredients, including silica, rock and mineral filler reinforcement, barium sulfate and carbon-rich particles as filler and brass particles as friction modifier. It had a varied amount and size up to 1 mm for brass particles. The density and porosity were 1.8 g cm⁻³ and 7%, respectively. The investigated material exhibited excellent mechanical properties in the normal solicitation direction. The average friction coefficient was about 0.65, whereas the friction coefficient was stable. The different actions of various ingredients in terms of their effects on the friction and wear behavior of the BLM could be related to their different bonding strengths with the resin matrix and their different abilities to form friction films (third-body layer) on the surfaces of the material and transfer films on the counterpart cast iron surface in relation to the surface temperature evolution and mechanical properties.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced multilayered (PyC–SiC)n matrix composites

Carbon fiber reinforced multilayered (PyC–SiC)_n matrix (C/(PyC–SiC)_n) composites were prepared by isothermal chemical vapor infiltration. The phase compositions, microstructures and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results show that the multilayered matrix consists of alternate layers of PyC and β-SiC deposited on carbon fibers. The flexural strength and toughness of C/(PyC–SiC)_n composites with a density of 1.43 g/cm³ are 204.4 MPa and 3028 kJ/m³ respectively, which are 63.4% and 133.3% higher than those of carbon/carbon composites with a density of 1.75 g/cm³. The enhanced mechanical properties of C/(PyC–SiC)_n composites are attributed to the presence of multilayered (PyC–SiC)_n matrix. Cracks deflect and propagate at both fiber/matrix and PyC–SiC interfaces resulting in a step-like fracture mode, which is conducive to fracture energy dissipation. These results demonstrate that the C/(PyC–SiC)_n composite is a promising structural material with low density and high flexural strength and toughness.     

Structure,crystalline perfection,mechanical, second harmonic generation efficiency,laser damage threshold and piezoelectric properties of bis nicotinamidium bis D-tartrate 1.25-hydrate single crystals

Bis nicotinamidium bis D-tartrate 1.25-hydrate single crystals have been grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study indicates that the grown crystal crystallizes in monoclinic system with space group P2₁. Crystalline perfection of the crystal has been evaluated by high resolution X-ray diffraction technique and it reveals that the crystal is free from structural grain boundaries. Mechanical stability of the crystal has been analyzed by Vickers microhardness measurement and it exhibits reverse indentation size effect. The second harmonic generation efficiency of the grown crystal has been checked and its value is 1.24 times that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate. The surface laser damage threshold for the crystal has been analyzed and its value is 0.644 GW/cm². Piezoelectric d₃₃ co-efficient for the crystal has been examined and its value is 29.8 pC/N.