Scratch behaviour of graphene alumina nanocomposites

The scratch resistance behaviour of alumina-graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) (0.5, 2 and 5?vol.-%) composites was investigated using a Rockwell indenter with normal applied loads ranging from 1 to 200?N. The alumina-GNP composites behaved differently during scratch testing depending on the normal applied load. The coefficient of friction of the composites did not change much at low normal loads but increased with increasing amount of GNP in the alumina matrix for high normal loads. The addition of GNP contributed to improved scratch resistance of alumina nanocomposites only for low loads below ～97?N. This correlates with the mechanical properties of the composites. As the applied load increased, the scratch resistance of the GNP composites decreased due to the presence of weakly bonded grain boundaries in the alumina matrix, which enhanced chipping of material.     

Number‐Resolved Single‐Photon Detection with Ultralow Noise van der Waals Hybrid

Van der Waals hybrids of graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides exhibit an extremely large response to optical excitation, yet counting of photons with single‐photon resolution is not achieved. Here, a dual‐gated bilayer graphene (BLG) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂) hybrid are demonstrated, where opening a band gap in the BLG allows extremely low channel (receiver) noise and large optical gain (≈10¹⁰) simultaneously. The resulting device is capable of unambiguous determination of the Poissonian emission statistics of an optical source with single‐photon resolution at an operating temperature of 80 K, dark count rate 0.07 Hz, and linear dynamic range of ≈40 dB. Single‐shot number‐resolved single‐photon detection with van der Waals heterostructures may impact multiple technologies, including the linear optical quantum computation.     

Optimization of a solvent extraction route for the recovery of Mo from petroleum refinery spent catalyst using Cyphos IL 102

In this study, trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium bromide (Cyphos IL 102) diluted in toluene has been explored for the first time as an organic phase for the extraction, separation, and recovery of Mo(VI) from hydrochloric acid medium. The study focuses on the recovery of metals from spent catalyst, a hazardous solid waste. The metal recovered in the form of metal oxide has further applications in various fields. The widespread use of solvent extraction for metal recovery can be assigned to its economic feasibility and the built-in concentration step thereby providing an appropriate commercial technology for the beneficiation of low-grade sources of metals and recovery of substances from complex matrices. The influence of fundamental extraction variables on Mo(VI) extraction and loading and recycling capacity of the extractant has also been evaluated. Binary separations of Mo(VI) from other associated metal ions have been achieved with high separation factors. Optimized conditions have been employed for the extraction and recovery of Mo(VI) from petroleum refinery spent catalyst leach liquor containing Mo-1141.18 ppm, Al-2158.42 ppm, Ni-270.39 ppm, and Co-61.82 ppm. Quantitative and selective extraction (98.4%) of Mo from spent petroleum refinery catalyst was achieved in two stages at A:O = 3:2 using 2.0 × 10^?2 mol/L Cyphos IL 102. Almost 99% Mo was stripped with 1.0 mol/L (NH₄)₂CO₃ in two stages at O:A = 1:1. MoO₃, obtained from the stripped solution by thermal decomposition was characterized by XRD, FESEM, and EDX techniques. Economical and environmental aspect of present work is supported by high loading capacity and reusability of extractant.     

Framework for implementing big data analytics in Indian manufacturing: ISM-MICMAC and Fuzzy-AHP approach

Information Technology and Management - Manufacturing firms generate a massive amount of data points because of higher than ever connected devices and sensor technology adoption. These data points...     

An Investigation of Cutting Mechanisms and Strain Fields during Orthogonal Cutting in CFRPs

Fiber-reinforced plastics (FRPs) are typically difficult to machine due to their highly heterogeneous and anisotropic nature and the presence of two phases (fiber and matrix) with vastly different strengths and stiffnesses. Typical machining damage mechanisms in FRPs include series of brittle fractures (especially for thermosets) due to shearing and cracking of matrix material, fiber pull-outs, burring, fuzzing, fiber-matrix debonding, etc. With the aim of understanding the influence of the pronounced heterogeneity and anisotropy observed in FRPs, “Idealized” Carbon FRP (I-CFRP) plates were prepared using epoxy resin with embedded equispaced tows of carbon fibers. Orthogonal cutting of these I-CFRPs was carried out, and the chip formation characteristics, cutting force signals and strain distributions obtained during machining were analyzed using the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. In addition, the same procedure was repeated on Uni-Directional CFRPs (UD-CFRPs). Chip formation mechanisms in FRPs were found to depend on the depth of cut and fiber orientation with pure epoxy showing a pronounced “size effect.” Experimental results indicate that in-situ full field strain measurements from DIC coupled with force measurements using dynamometry provide an adequate measure of anisotropy and heterogeneity during orthogonal cutting.