Chitosan Microspheres as Carriers for pH‐Indicating Species in Corrosion Sensing

Chitosan microspheres containing bromocresol green, cresol red, and phenolphthalein for corrosion detection, through pH change, are synthesized in order to be used in protective coatings for aluminium alloys. Microspheres containing corrosion detection species are characterized morphologically (SEM) and physico‐chemically (FTIR, TGA). Release studies (UV–vis) are performed in corrosion‐promoting conditions (pH, NaCl), and detection studies by immersion in media associated with corrosion activity while microspheres' sensing activity is evaluated visually. Electrochemical characterization of AA2024 substrates in the presence of chitosan spheres is performed to understand material performance, and a color change is observed as a result of local pH increase in cathodic areas when corrosion takes place. These findings can be correlated with the results from release studies and seem a promising approach for corrosion sensing purposes, not only because pH increase is possible to detect due to corrosion, but also because chitosan is considered an environmentally friendly material.     

The use of natural (Pinus pinaster) resin in the production of printing ink and the printability effect

Alkyd resins are generally used in the production of printing inks. All industries look for alternative raw materials in the production of ink with the growing inclination toward using natural products. Resins forming the vehicle of the ink to be obtained from natural resources will provide benefits for the environment, nature, and living creatures. The aim of the study was to promote the use of natural resin in the ink system. Natural Pinus pinaster resin was added into vegetable and mineral oil-based solvents in pure form with alkyd resin in different amounts and ink varnishes of different combinations were prepared. Then, printing inks were produced from these varnishes in pure and hybrid form. Following the assessment of the rheological properties of the inks prepared, printing tests were conducted to assess the printing quality parameters. Ideal mixing ratios of the natural resins in the ink were determined for printability. The environmental importance and advantages of the use of natural resins were discussed. Recommendations were given in line with the results to encourage widespread use of natural resins in near future.     

Phase-Field Modeling of Nugget Zone for a AZ31-Mg-Alloy Friction Stir Weld

This work presents simulation of microstructure evolution in the nugget zone (NZ) of a AZ31-Mg-alloy friction stir weld. The process parameters (tool geometrical characteristics, rotational speed, travel speed, applied load) have been correlated with the resulting microstructural features in the NZ of the weld (grain size and population) with the aid of the MICRESS software, which provides the ability to simulate both nucleation and grain growth during dynamic recrystallization phenomena evolving in the NZ during the weld thermal cycle. The input parameters of the developed model include the tool geometry, the welding conditions as well as the recrystallization energy, the grain boundary mobility and specific material properties. NZ microstructure obtained by simulation shows good agreement with experimental measurements for both grain population and size.     

Fabrication of dense nano-laminated tungsten carbide materials doped with Cr3C2/VC through two-step sintering

This work investigates the critical roles of two-step sintering (TSS) and laminated structure on the sintering behavior and mechanical properties of functionally graded WC-TiC-Al₂O₃ nanostructured composite materials doped with Cr₃C₂/VC. Results show that excellent mechanical properties are achieved for tailored TSS conditions with a hardness of 27.91?±?2.3?GPa and a flexural strength of 1423.3?±?23.5?MPa. The desirable mechanical properties are attributed to the suppressed grain growth without densification deterioration. TSS is more effective in facilitating the favorable dispersion of secondary phase toughening nano-particulates in a WC matrix than conventional sintering (CS). Cr₃C₂/VC dopant plays an important role in maximizing and shifting the temperature range of the kinetic window for WC-Al₂O₃ composites. Al₂O₃ crack deflection, transgranular Al₂O₃, microcracking, WC crack bridging and plate-like WC crack deflection are the major toughening mechanisms. Residual surface compressive stress induced by the graded structure is also an appreciated contribution to the improvement of mechanical properties.     

Back-analysis of geotechnical parameters on PVD-improved ground in the Mekong Delta

This study presents a back-analysis of geotechnical parameters on prefabricated vertical drain improved ground at a site in the Mekong Delta. Various time?settlement behaviors that reflected different clay thicknesses and loading patterns were observed. The total surface settlement behavior at several monitoring locations was simulated using an updated exponential method that considered staged construction. The analyzed results were validated by substituting the values into a theoretical solution for radial consolidation. The estimated theoretical behaviors were comparable with the monitored behaviors. The geotechnical parameters were back-analyzed by applying the previously analyzed results to various theoretical and empirical formulas. However, the use of extensometer data that were installed at large intervals produced different values of the geotechnical properties. Furthermore, finite element analysis supported the back-analyzed total settlement behaviors and nearly disregarded the application of the geotechnical properties that were obtained using either surface or subsurface settlement data. However, settlements and excess pore pressures in the sublayers were not successfully predicted even when the geotechnical properties were adjusted. Thus, subsurface instruments that can be installed closely in thick clay deposits are required to reliably reevaluate the variations in geotechnical properties along a certain depth.     

A simple model for the semicontinuous heterophase polymerization: Ethyl methacrylate as a case example

A simple but comprehensive model considering homogeneous and micellar nucleation, coagulation, entry of radicals to particles and to micelles and radicals' exit from particles, is presented. The model is validated, in a starved semicontinuous heterophase polymerization of ethyl methacrylate, at three monomer addition rates. The model accurately describes the overall and instantaneous conversion, the average particle density and diameter, and the number and weight average molar masses evolutions over time. It is found that even though the average number of radicals is much smaller than 0.5, the system is not 0-1. An empirical function was used to describe the gel effect. The homogeneous nucleation was the prevailing mechanism for particle formation and large exit rates of radicals were observed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60: 223–232, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Study of the Density of Interface States at the Insulator/In0.52Al0.48As Interface

Technical Physics Letters - The C–V characteristics of Au/Al2O3/In0.52Al0.48As and Au/SiO2/In0.52Al0.48As metal–insulator–semiconductor structures have been studied. It has been...