Hierarchical flower-like amorphous nickel sulfide/crystalline CoFe layered double hydroxide heterostructure for overall water splitting

The construction of a bifunctional electrocatalyst with excellent performance and low cost plays a key role in the application prospect of renewable energy. Herein, nickel sulfide/CoFe layered double hydroxide heterostructures on nickel foam (NiS/LDH/NF) have been constructed by using hydrothermal and electro-deposition methods. The amorphous nickel sulfide is deposited on the surface of crystalline LDH mesh-like nanosheets to form a hierarchical flower-like structure. The deposition of amorphous NiS can control the morphology and modulate the electronic structure of NiS/LDH/NF. The obtained NiS/LDH/NF is employed as a bifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting, which can achieve a current density of 10 mA cm^?2 at a low voltage of 1.51 V in 1 M KOH. The results show that the high electrocatalytic activity is ascribed to the formation of amorphous NiS/crystalline LDH heterostructure with abundant surface defects and active sites. The synthetic strategy holds a great promise for accelerating the development of hydrogen energy by highly efficient electrocatalytic production of hydrogen.     

Multi-scale parallel finite element analyses of LDH sheet formability tests based on crystallographic homogenization method

A multi-scale parallel finite element (FE) procedure based on the crystallographic homogenization method was applied to the LDH sheet formability test analysis. For the multi-scale structure, two scales are considered. One is a microscopic polycrystal structure and the other is a macroscopic elastic plastic continuum. The analysis code can predict the formability of sheet metal in macro-scale, simultaneously the crystal texture and hardening evolutions in the micro-scale (Nakamachi E et al. Int J Plasticity 2007;23:450-8). Since huge computation time is required for the nonlinear dynamic multi-scale FE analysis, parallel computing technique based on domain partitioning of FE model for macro-continuum is introduced into the multi-scale code using the message passing interface (MPI) library and PC cluster (Kuramae H et al. In: Proceedings of the eighth international conference on computational plasticity, Part 1, 2005. p. 622-5). The explicit time stepping solution scheme in the nonlinear multi-scale FE dynamic problem is well-suited for parallel computing on distributed memory environment such as PC cluster because solving simultaneous equation is not required. We measured crystal morphologies of four automotive sheet metals, aluminum alloy sheet metals A6022-T43 and A5182-O, an asymmetrically rolled aluminum alloy sheet metal A6022-ASR, and mild steel HC220YD, by using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) with electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) analyses, and defined a three-dimensional representative volume element (RVE) of micro polycrystal structure, which satisfy the periodicity condition of crystal orientation distribution. We evaluate not only macroscopic formability of the automotive sheet metals by the multi-scale LDH test analysis, but also microcrystalline texture evolution during plastic deformation. Furthermore, a relationship between the macroscopic formability and the microcrystal texture evolution was discussed through looking at multi-scale FE results. It is concluded that the mild steel HC220YD was the highest formability than the aluminum alloy sheet metals because of remaining and generating the γ-fiber texture, such as {1 1 1}〈1 1 0〉-{1 1 1}〈1 1 2〉 orientations, during plastic deformation.     

层状双羟基氧化物对RTV硅橡胶阻燃性及热稳定性的影响

采用传统阻燃剂(氢氧化铝和氢氧化镁)和新型阻燃剂(LDH)分别制备室温硫化硅橡胶材料,对比研究了3种不同阻燃剂对硅橡胶材料的阻燃性、耐电痕化及热稳定性的影响。结果表明:采用经表面改性的LDH制备的室温硫化硅橡胶复合材料,其阻燃性能、耐电痕化及热稳定性得到明显提高。     

Two‐Dimensional Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications: Emerging Trends and Future Prospects

Two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are ultrathin nanomaterials with a high degree of anisotropy and chemical functionality. Research on 2D nanomaterials is still in its infancy, with the majority of research focusing on elucidating unique material characteristics and few reports focusing on biomedical applications of 2D nanomaterials. Nevertheless, recent rapid advances in 2D nanomaterials have raised important and exciting questions about their interactions with biological moieties. 2D nanoparticles such as carbon‐based 2D materials, silicate clays, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and transition metal oxides (TMOs) provide enhanced physical, chemical, and biological functionality owing to their uniform shapes, high surface‐to‐volume ratios, and surface charge. Here, we focus on state‐of‐the‐art biomedical applications of 2D nanomaterials as well as recent developments that are shaping this emerging field. Specifically, we describe the unique characteristics that make 2D nanoparticles so valuable, as well as the biocompatibility framework that has been investigated so far. Finally, to both capture the growing trend of 2D nanomaterials for biomedical applications and to identify promising new research directions, we provide a critical evaluation of potential applications of recently developed 2D nanomaterials.     

Investigating the microstructures and properties of Mg-Al LDH film-coated Mg-Li alloy: Effect of hydrothermal temperature

Magnesia-alumina layered double hydroxide (Mg-Al LDH) films grown in situ on LA43M magnesium-lithium (Mg-Li) alloy were synthesized utilizing the hydrothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the surface morphologies, composition, and phase of the Mg-Al films. The corrosion resistance of the Mg-Al films was estimated via immersion experiment and hydrogen evolution test, and the tribological properties were investigated using tribological wear tests. The results showed that the thickness of the Mg-Al LDH film enhanced, and the size of the LDH sheets increased as the hydrothermal temperature raised, resulting in the improvement of the corrosion and wear resistance. When the hydrothermal temperature reached 110°C, interlayer anions were loaded the most, and the film achieved the optimal thickness. The Mg-Al LDH film had the optimum corrosion resistance and tribological properties. At this point, the weight loss of the film was 1.3560 mg·cm^–2, and the average friction coefficient was .149. It demonstrated that synthesizing Mg-Al LDH at a hydrothermal temperature of 110°C was an effective approach to improve the corrosion resistance of LA43M.     

Dendrimer as nanocarrier for drug delivery

Dendrimers are novel three dimensional, hyperbranched globular nanopolymeric architectures. Attractive features like nanoscopic size, narrow polydispersity index, excellent control over molecular structure, availability of multiple functional groups at the periphery and cavities in the interior distinguish them amongst the available polymers. Applications of dendrimers in a large variety of fields have been explored. Drug delivery scientists are especially enthusiastic about possible utility of dendrimers as drug delivery tool. Terminal functionalities provide a platform for conjugation of the drug and targeting moieties. In addition, these peripheral functional groups can be employed to tailor-make the properties of dendrimers, enhancing their versatility. The present review highlights the contribution of dendrimers in the field of nanotechnology with intent to aid the researchers in exploring dendrimers in the field of drug delivery.     

The methionine precursor dl-2-hydroxy-(4-methylthio)butanoic acid protects intestinal epithelial barrier function

dl-2-hydroxy-(4-methylthio)butanoic acid (HMTBA) is a source of dietary methionine (Met) that is widely used in poultry nutrition. We have previously shown that HMTBA is preferentially diverted to the transsulfuration pathway, which gives antioxidant metabolites such as taurine and glutathione. Therefore, here we hypothesize that this Met source can protect epithelial barrier function in an in vitro model of intestinal inflammation of Caco-2 cells. The results show that HMTBA prevents the increase in paracellular permeability induced by H₂O₂ or tumour necrosis factor-α. This effect can be attributed to the increased production of taurine and reduced glutathione. Similar results were obtained for dl-Met, although the protective role of the amino acid was less pronounced than that of the hydroxy analogue. In conclusion, the diversion to the transsulfuration pathway means that this Met precursor is of greater value than previously thought, due to its capacity to improve intestinal homeostasis and the quality of poultry products destined for human consumption.     

Preparation of bichar/layered double hydroxide@alginate aerogel as a highly efficient adsorbent for Cu2+ and Cd2+

Calcium cross-linked layered double hydroxide-bichar/alginate aerogel (LBCA) was synthesized by ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal and freeze-drying method. The Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) was successfully loaded on the bichar (BC) and the LDH-BC was dispersed uniformly in the calcium alginate aerogel, which was confirmed by X-Ray Diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and BET tests. The obtained LBCA was applied to remove the Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in the aqueous solution. As compared with LDH nanosheets, removal rates of LBCA aerogel on Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were ranged from 59% to 94% and 45% to 86%, respectively. The adsorption kinetic data accorded with the pseudo second-order kinetic equation, and the isotherm data were in good agreement with the Langmuir model. Moreover, LBCA aerogel showed good regeneration ability, and raw materials for the fabrication of LBCA aerogel are abundant and low price.     

Tailored blank welding between low carbon steel sheet and STS 304 stainless steel sheet by CO2 laser beam

A basic reseach of tailored blank welding between a low carbon steel sheet and a STS 304 stainless steel sheet was carried out with CO₂ laser beam. The materials used in this work were a low carbon steel sheet with a thickness of 0.9 mm and a STS 304 stainless steel sheet with the same thickness. Experiments were carried out by applying the Taguchi method to obtain optimized conditions in order to apply this tailored blank laser welding method in the practical manufacturing process. In order to compare the laser welding results with the conventional welding process, GTA welding was carried out for the same materials. Optical microscopy, SEM and XRD analyses were performed to observe the microstructures and to analyze the various phases. A tensile test, hardness test and Erichsen test were performed to evaluate the formability of welded specimens. In addition, immersion test was carried to estimate corrosion resistance. A WDS analysis showed that laser welding resulted in almost the same dilution of both low carbon steel and stainless steel in welded metal, meanwhile, GTA welding resulted in more dilution of stainless steel due to its slower heat conductivity. The formability of the laser welded specimen reached 83% of that in base metal. On the other hand, it was 63% in the case of GTA welding. During the tension test, base metal was fractured in the case of a laser welded specimen, meanwhile the welded zone was fractured in the case of the GTA welded specimen. The corrosion test showed that weight loss per unit area was less in the laser welded specimen than that of the GTA welded specimen.     

Incorporation of active nano-hybrids into poly(ε-caprolactone) for local controlled release: Antifibrinolytic drug

The antifibrinolytic drug trans-4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylate (tranexamic anions) was intercalated by anion exchange into Mg/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH). The hybrid, of formula [Zn_0.65Al_0.35(OH)₂]Trx_0.24(CO₃)_0.055 × 1.5H₂O, was characterized by chemical and thermal analyses and X-ray powder diffraction.Different amounts of the hybrid material were incorporated into poly(ε-caprolactone) by high energy ball milling technique and processed as films. The composite materials were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry, thermogravimetry and FT-IR spectroscopy to clarify the filler-polymer structural organization. An investigation of the mechanical properties of the composite showed an improvement of mechanical parameters, in particular the elastic modulus, when compared to of the pristine polymer. Thus, the inorganic component, even in small quantities, beside acting as a reservoir of active molecular anions, can improve the physical properties.A new method for the quantitative determination of tranexamic anions by infrared spectroscopic analysis was proposed and the release process of the tranexamic anions from the composite into a physiological solution was monitored. The release consisted of two stages: a first stage, very rapid as a burst, in which a small fraction of intercalated drug was released and of a second stage over longer time, much slower than the first.The composites are very promising in the preparation of new hybrid polymeric materials to be used for the molecular delivery of drugs in topical applications, as suture threads or medicate scaffolds.