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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Agronomic Benefits Of Durian Shell Biochar, N Prakongkep, R J. Gilkes, W Wiriyakitnateekul
Agronomic Benefits Of Durian Shell Biochar, N Prakongkep, R J. Gilkes, W Wiriyakitnateekul
Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals
This study investigated the chemical properties of durian shell biochar which is used as a soil amendment. It can act as a carbon sink and as a means to improve crop yield. Plant nutrient elements in this biochar are in crystalline minerals located within the complex pore structure therefore biochar production from wastes could be a very good way to reduce demand for fertilizers. XRD and SEM-EDS results demonstrate that the numerous minerals in biochar are highly soluble, such as archerite (KH2PO4), chlorocalcite (KCaCl3), kalicinite (KHCO3), and sylvite (KCl) with small amounts …
Thermotropic Phase Boundaries In Classic Ferroelectrics, Tom T. A. Lummen, Yijia Gu, Jianjun Wang
Thermotropic Phase Boundaries In Classic Ferroelectrics, Tom T. A. Lummen, Yijia Gu, Jianjun Wang
Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
High-performance piezoelectrics are lead-based solid solutions that exhibit a so-called morphotropic phase boundary, which separates two competing phases as a function of chemical composition; as a consequence, an intermediate low-symmetry phase with a strong piezoelectric effect arises. In search for environmentally sustainable lead-free alternatives that exhibit analogous characteristics, we use a network of competing domains to create similar conditions across thermal inter-ferroelectric transitions in simple, lead-free ferroelectrics such as BaTiO3 and KNbO3. Here we report the experimental observation of thermotropic phase boundaries in these classic ferroelectrics, through direct imaging of low-symmetry intermediate phases that exhibit large enhancements …