Laser metal deposition (LMD) is an advanced manufacturing technology combining rapid prototyping and laser cladding technology, which has been applied to manufacture high performance parts with complex structure. In this study, Inconel-steel functionally graded materials (FGMs) with composition transitioning from 100% 316 L incrementally graded to 100% Inconel718 by different composition gradients

Reverse osmosis (RO) has been increasingly applied for impaired water reuse in arid areas. However, enhancing RO recovery from scarce water resources is limited by energy demand for overcoming elevated brine osmotic pressure, and membrane scaling caused by concentrated poorly soluble salts. In this study, we present a hybrid ion exchange desalination process (HIX-Desal) as multifunctional RO pretreatment

A laboratory-made high-performance thin-film composite (TFC) forward osmosis (FO) membrane supported by a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) support was firstly employed to treat the effluent produced by an anaerobic fluidized bed bioreactor (AFBR). Synthetic wastewater was prepared to operate the AFBR, which produced the effluent for the FO process as post-treatment. The performance of the FO membrane was characterized

Formation of thin amorphous shear bands has been recently shown to enable plastic flow in crystalline SmCo5 in the absence of dislocations. To bring insights into the criteria for when this mechanism can be active, here we analyze energetics and atomic structure of deformation-induced shear bands in SmCo5. We find that the formation energy of amorphous shear bands is significantly lower than cleavage

There is a significant demand for Cu-based materials with high strength and high electrical conductivity for a wide range of applications. However, the long-standing trade-off between mechanical properties and electrical conductivity often inhibits the development of such high-performance Cu materials. Cu-based metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) are promising to mitigate this trade-off, but it is

Intercritical treatments within the dual-phase (α+γ) region were applied on HSLA pipeline steels, for acquiring a low yield ratio (YR) well balanced with desirable strength. Intercritical cooling treatment (ICT), step cooling treatment (SCT) as well as direct cooling treatment (DCT) after full austenization were designed to obtain an optima multiphase microstructure. Effects of cooling rate in DCT

Gradient structured metals have shown unique mechanical properties, such as high strength and good ductility. In this study, a gradient TWIP steel was fabricated by surface mechanical grinding treatment. The subsequent gradient structures consist of an outermost nanolaminate layer, a layer of deformation twins mixed with shear bands, and a deformation twinned layer. Tensile studies reveal that the

In this work, the effect of built direction on the small-scale mechanical properties and microstructure of a novel maraging stainless steel (SS-CX) manufactured through the selective laser melting (SLM) process was studied. Advanced electron microscopy and nanoindentation techniques were utilized to evaluate retained austenite fraction and micro-mechanical properties, respectively. Different thermal

This paper explores the application of the Arps’ hyperbolic relation beyond the rate-decline analysis for reserves assessment in conventional reservoirs. Although intended for the late-time boundary-dominated flow, the hyperbolic approach appears to work well for both the transient temperature and -pressure responses to attain the equilibrium condition. Given the simplicity and ease of use, this approach

To better evaluate the reservoir quality and optimize shale gas extraction, it is necessary to quantitatively characterize pore structure in shale reservoirs using complementary methods. Conventional tools that have been used extensively for pore characterization include gas physisorption, mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Small- and ultra-small-angle scattering

Leakage from pipes is a major issue in both the oil and gas sectors, not only in environmental and economic terms, because of wasting important natural resources, but importantly from a safety perspective. Optical fibre technology offers the possibility of continuous acoustic monitoring of pipelines and remote detection of leaks. In this paper we present results from gas leak measurements made on a

Recently, the switchable wetting surfaces between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity have been widely studied. However, for almost all existing surfaces, especially inorganic responsive smart surfaces (TiO2, ZnO, etc.), their surface microstructures are easily damaged under external force, thus resulting in the loss of superwetting switching and corresponding functions. Realizing the restoration

Among the novel system configurations that remove organic matter and nitrogen simultaneously, the structured bed reactor with recirculation and intermittent aeration (SBRRIA) can be mentioned. Studies addressing the SBRRIA have shown high efficiency of organic matter and nitrogen removal, as well as low sludge production. However, operational parameters such as the recirculation rate, intermittent

A detailed knowledge of the metastable zone width (MSZW) and nucleation kinetics is vital for the design of batch cooling crystallization processes. Factors such as cooling rate and impeller speed affect the MSZW and nucleation kinetics. In this study, crystallization and dissolution temperatures were measured as a function of cooling rate and impeller speed during the batch cooling crystallization

Supercritical fluid crystallization is an efficient method for manipulating the solid‐state properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to overcome the drawbacks of conventional methods. The solubility of solid APIs in supercritical fluids is a major thermodynamic criterion for selection and screening of microparticle generation processes. To develop an efficient method for solubility prediction

Computationally efficient and tactile workflows to examine solid‐state and solvation intermolecular interactions can guide crystallisation scientists to a deeper understanding of phenomenon seen during crystallisation, such as polymorphism, crystallisability and morphology variation.Here we interpret the solvent dependent polymorphism of the active pharmaceutical material (API) carbamazepine, from

Abstract 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), one of the key building block for replacing petroleum-derived tereph-thalic acid, is utilized as the source of bioplastics, pharmaceuticals. Herein, free-standing Cu(OH)2 and CuO nanowires as electrode were examined to disclose the effects of crystal structure and chemical formation based on copper oxide in electrocatalytic 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation

Abstract Bio-inspired micro- and nanostructures are emerging as novel dry adhesives owing to their high aspect ratio micropillar structure, resulting in collective van der Waals attraction between the adhesive and the substrate. Specifically, gecko-inspired structures exhibit great adhesive properties on smooth surfaces; however, the pull-off strength of micropillars in gecko-inspired surfaces can

Abstract 2-chloro-4,6-dinitroresorcinol (CDNR) is detrimental to the environment and human health owing to its high toxicity and poor biodegradability. To demonstrate the feasibility of photocatalytic degradation of CDNR from industrial salty wastewater by borosilicate glass supported TiO2 under UV light irradiation, borosilicate glass supported TiO2 was prepared successfully by a novel sol-gel route

Abstract The present work describes the electroless deposition of Ni nanoparticles on micron sized (10 μm) boron carbide particles at room temperature. The weight of the boron carbide particles varied in relation to the other parameters during electroless deposition. A uniform and continuous nanolayer of Ni nanoparticles changed into a discontinuous layer, with irregular distribution and insignificant

Abstract Mesoporous Cr2O3 microspheres with improved pore structure were prepared by spray pyrolysis method. A precursor solution was nebulized into fine droplets containing chromium salt and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), which were then pyrolyzed to Cr2O3/Cx microspheres inside a tubular furnace, followed by post-heat treatment to eliminate the carbonaceous material. The produced Cr2O3 particles

Abstract Cobalt hydroxide has been emerging as a promising catalyst for the electrocatalytic oxidation reactions, including the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and glucose oxidation reaction (GOR). Herein, we prepared cobalt hydroxide nanoparticles (CoHP) and cobalt hydroxide nanosheets (CoHS) on nickel foam. In the electrocatalytic OER, CoHS shows an overpotential of 306 mV at a current density of

Abstract Nickel(Ni)-rich layered materials have attracted considerable interests as promising cathode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their higher capacities and lower cost. Nevertheless, Mn-rich cathode materials usually suffer from poor cyclability caused by the unavoidable side-reactions between Ni4+ ions on the surface and electrolytes. The design of gradient concentration (GC)

Adopting in-seam boreholes for gas pre-drainage is an important method for ensuring safety coal mine operation. However, borehole collapse often occurs during the process of construction in soft coal seams, especially in downward boreholes. The main purpose of this study is to develop an efficient drilling fluid for coal seam methane drainage boreholes. First, a drilling fluid with a formula of 1 wt

Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) is widely used, by developing a Risk Priority Number (RPN), to identify the failure modes and to prioritize them. But this has been extensively criticized due to several drawbacks in the literature. This issue can be solved partly by using Fuzzy FMECA (FFMECA) although Fuzzy logic itself has been criticized of having a direct bearing on subjectivity

Biomedical implants are made of biomaterials such as titanium, cobalt-based alloys or stainless-steel depending on which is the most suitable. However, metallic alloys have failed to prove high wear resistance alongside acceptable biocompatibility. Recently, metallic glasses (MG) have attracted more attention for joint replacement implants due to their superior wear resistance and acceptable biocompatibility

In this current study, we developed SiC (10 wt%) reinforced AlCoCrFeNi complex concentrated composite claddings using different particle sizes (micro, nano and bimodal) on stainless steel 316L substrate using microwave irradiation. Microstructural analysis showed cellular structured claddings with intermetallic phases occupying the intercellular regions along with low porosity (<1%). The claddings

Particle‐laden flows in a vertical channel were simulated using an Eulerian–Eulerian, Anisotropic‐Gaussian (EE‐AG) model. Two sets of cases varying the overall mass loading were done using particle sizes corresponding to either a large or small Stokes number. Primary and turbulent statistics were extracted from these results and compared with counterparts collected from Eulerian–Lagrangian (EL) simulations

Quantum dots (QDs) are attracting significant attention for the development of sensitive detection methods because of their unique optical properties. Biosynthetic QDs using organisms is a promising alternative route to chemical synthesis because it is a simple and eco-friendly process. Herein, we developed a straightforward and green system for the biological assembly of CdSxSe1-x QDs by Phomopsis

Awareness about environmental impact of petroleum sourcing polymeric materials is leading to an increased interest sustainable materials manufacturing. Here we present the elaboration of fully bio-based materials using an aromatic epoxy resin matrix coming from wood biomass and two natural side-products, namely keratin from chicken feathers and lignin. In situ FTIR kinetic studies show that the two

N-doped carbon material, graphitic carbon nitride (gCN), is a semiconductor with high mechanical and thermal stability, which provides good dispersion of metal particles. As it is resistant to corrosion, it constitutes an alternative to carbon black as a catalyst support in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), e.g. in alcohol oxidation reactions. Due to the fact that its composition (C:N

Selective oxidation of cyclohexane to KA oil (cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone) is one of the most important industrial procedure. In this study, we reported a remarkably enhanced cyclohexane oxidation under visible light irradiation by a novel [email protected]/[email protected] composite photocatalyst with multilevel hierarchy, which was prepared by immersing (NH4)2MoS4 guest into Cu−MOF polyhedra

It is challenging to explore non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts with high-performance and long-term stability for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, urchin-like iron-doped nickel cobalt phosphide (FeNiCoP) with hierarchical nanoarray structures and fine-tuned doped Fe content are fabricated through a simple hydrothermal method and subsequent phosphorization process. The optimized FeNiCoP

Superamphiphobic coating has significant applications in self-cleaning and anti-fouling materials. Herein, chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) with a needle-like morphology as building blocks were modified by thiol-groups and highly fluorinated long chains to reduce the surface free energy. The prepared superamphiphobic ChNC particles were performed with a series of morphological and physicochemical characterizations

Ethyl 2-bromo-2,2-difluoroacetate reacted with alkenes during irradiation by a blue LED (470 nm) in the presence of 10 mol% fluorescein to achieve the visible light-driven direct 2,2-difluoroacetylation; the combination of N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) as a reducing agent and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) as the solvent was essential to afford the desired 2,2-difluoroacetyl compounds

Currently, Cu-based catalyst has become a promising candidate for ethanol and higher alcohols (HA) from synthesis gas (H2+CO), but all these catalysts contain F-T elements (e.g. Co, Fe) and alkalis since carbon chain growth reaction occurs on these metal components. Herein, two series of ternary CuZnAlOOH catalysts with various Cu and Al proportions were synthesized using a complete liquid-phase (CLP)