Nanograin Mn-Zn ferrite smart cores to miniaturize electronic devices

Conventional ceramic and sol-gel auto combustion routes were adopted to develop Mn-Zn ferrite cores. To control high frequency (>500 kHz) losses, zirconia (0.2 wt%) and calcia (0.04 wt%) were added in Mn_0.57Zn_0.35Fe_2.08O₄. The results revealed that Mn-Zn ferrite smart cores synthesized by auto combustion process have superior properties than conventionally prepared cores. It is believed that the presence of unique properties such as nanograin microstructure, light weight and short height (thickness) dimensions have played their role to enhance the magnetic impedance of smart core to manifold. Fabricated smart core excellently performed in a test frequency band of 3-15 MHz.     

Influence of metal‐oxide‐supported bentonites on the pyrolysis behavior of polypropylene and high‐density polyethylene

In this article, we report on the pyrolysis of polypropylene (PP) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) in the absence and presence of plain and metal‐oxide‐impregnated bentonite clays [BCs; acid‐washed bentonite clay (AWBC), Zn/AWBC, Ni/AWBC, Co/AWBC, Fe/AWBC, and Mn/AWBC] into useful products. Thermal and catalytic runs were performed at 300°C in the case of PP and at 350°C in the case of HDPE for a contact time of 30 min. The effects of different catalysts and their concentrations on the overall yields and the yields of liquid, gas, and residue were studied. The efficacy of each catalyst is reported on the basis of the highest liquid yields (in weight percentage). The derived liquid products were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy; this confirmed the presence of paraffins, olefins, and naphthenes. The results indicate the catalytic role of impregnated BCs compared to plain BC with the optimum efficiency shown by Co/AWBC in the case of PP and Zn/AWBC in the case of HDPE toward the formation of liquid products in a desirable C range with the enrichment of olefins and naphthenes in the case of PP and paraffins and olefins in the case of HDPE compared to the thermal run. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41221.     

Considering Industry 4.0 aspects in the supply chain for an SME

Industry 4.0 is a buzzword in current research and in the manufacturing environment. However, despite this limited research has focused on how a company can determine the likely benefits of Industry 4.0 technologies and its influence on the supply chain. Additionally, the aspect of customer experience is gaining significant importance in the new Industry 4.0 supply chain. There is a research gap in implementation strategies of Industry 4.0 concepts for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper addresses this gap through an in-depth case study of an SME and highlights how the company can develop competitive advantage. First, a framework was developed to determine the realization of Industry 4.0 predicted benefits for SMEs, which was tested in a case company. Based on input from the case the five-step framework for Industry 4.0 realization is adjusted. It enables practitioners to determine the actual status for their company towards Industry 4.0 realization and thereby functions as a guide for further implementation strategies.     

Improving through-thickness conductivity of carbon fiber reinforced polymer using carbon nanotube/polyethylenimine at the interlaminar region

The through-thickness conductivity of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite was increased by incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes in the interlaminar region. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were dispersed in a polyethylenimine (PEI) binder, which was then coated onto the carbon fiber fabric. Standard vacuum-assisted resin infusion process was applied to fabricate the composite laminates. This modification technique aims to enhance the electrical conductivity in through-thickness direction for the purpose of nondestructive testing, damage detection, and electromagnetic interference shielding. CNT concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.75 wt% were used and compared to pristine CFRP samples (reference). The through-thickness conductivity of the CFRP exhibited an improvement of up to 781% by adopting this technique. However, the dispersion of CNT in PEI led to a viscosity increase and poor wetting properties which resulted in the formation of voids/defects, poor adhesion (as shown in scanning electron micrographs) and the deterioration of the mechanical properties as manifested by interlaminar shear strength and dynamic mechanical analysis measurements.     

Improving properties of silicone rubber composites using macromolecular silane coupling agent (MMSCA)

Two types of vinyl silicone oil (VSO), allyl‐capped hyperbranched polycarbosilane (HBP), and triethoxysilane (TES) were employed to synthesize macromolecular silane coupling agent (MMSCA) by hydrosilylation. VSOs, HBP, and the hydrosilylated products were used as crosslinker, respectively, to improve weak mechanical properties of silicone rubber (SR). Structures of the crosslinkers were studied by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Crosslinking density test and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed an increased interaction between silicone rubber and fumed silica by the use of MMSCA. Mechanical properties of the resulted composites using MMSCAs were increased to varying degrees compared with those possessing crosslinkers without ethoxy group. MMSCAs were effective for further property enhancements of composites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43415.     

On stratified variable thermal conductivity stretched flow of Walter-B material subject to non-Fourier flux theory

The objective here is to examine the characteristics of non-Fourier flux theory in flow induced by a nonlinear stretched surface. Constitutive expression for an incompressible Walter-B liquid is taken into account. Consideration of thermal stratification and variable thermal conductivity characterizes the heat transfer process. The concept of boundary layer is adopted for the formulation purpose. Modern methodology for the computational process is implemented. Surface drag force is computed and discussed. Salient features of significant variables on the physical quantities are reported graphically. It is explored that velocity is enhanced for a larger ratio of rate constants. The increasing values of thermal relaxation factor correspond to less temperature.

     

A hybrid model for spelling error detection and correction for Urdu language

Neural Computing and Applications - Detecting and correcting misspelled words in a written text are of great importance in many natural language processing applications. Errors can be broadly...     

Magnetohydrodynamic stagnation point flow of third-grade liquid toward variable sheet thickness

Neural Computing and Applications - The current study examines the boundary layer stagnation point flow of third-grade fluid toward a stretching surface with variable thickness. Electrically...