Materials Science and Engineering Commons^™

Imaging Of Dynamic Processes In Materials With A Laser-Wakefield Accelerator, J. Kang, R. J. Shalloo, M. J. Higgins, S. J.D. Dann, J. N. Gruse, C. I.D. Underwood, A. F. Antoine, C. Arran, C. D. Baird, M. D. Balcazar, N. Bourgeois, J. A. Cardarelli, K. Krushelnick, S. P.D. Mangles, C. D. Murphy, N. Lu, P. P. Rajeev, M. P. Selwood, D. R. Symes, C. P. Ridgers, A. G.R. Thomas, C. Thornton, Z. Najmudin, P. G. Sanders, P. D. Staublin, A. J. Shahani, M. J.V. Streeter

Michigan Tech Publications

Betatron x rays generated from laser-wakefield accelerators are a promising source for imaging dynamic processes in materials. Here, we present proof-of-concept imaging of microstructural evolution in a hypermonotectic Al-Bi alloy, which consists of liquid Bi particles in a solid Al matrix. The images capture the elongation and fragmentation of Bi particles upon isothermal annealing. Because of the femtosecond time scale of the betatron source, the images are not subject to motion blur, whereas the accessibility of the source allows for studies of long-term processes such as annealing. The high-resolution data reveal that the evolution of Bi particles is mediated by …

Production Of Recombinant Β-Galactosidase Protein In Bombyx Mori (Bmn1) Baculovirus Insect Cells, Shuhrat Sh. Khasanov, Jumanazar Ch Mengturayev, Jaloliddin M. Abdurakhmanov, Dilmurodjon B. Turdaliyev, Shakhnoz S. Azimova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

In this study we aimed to obtain a novel recombinant β-galactosidase baculovirus using the Bombyx mori baculovirus – insect cell expression system. A new recombinant plasmid was constructed on the basis of the pBacPAK8 transfer vector and cloned in E. coli cells. Subsequently, a recombinant baculovirus was generated in Bombyx mori cells, and efficient expression of the β-galactosidase gene was observed. The enzymatic activity of the protein was confirmed by the ONPG assay. The results demonstrated that the baculovirus – insect cell system expands the possibilities for producing proteins of industrial significance.

Photocatalytic Activity Of The Mixed Of Ti/Fe/Mo Oxide Composites For Degradation Of Nitrofurazone, Dilshoda R. Tursunova, Zuhra Ch. Kadirova, Shahlo Sh. Daminova, Kadriya Kh. Gabidullina

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of study is synthesize mixed oxide composites based on titanium dioxide, iron and molybdenum oxides from industrial waste materials and evaluated for their photocatalytic degradation performance of nitrofurazone—a persistent and toxic antibiotic frequently detected in aquatic environments. Various Ti/Mo ratios (T95M5, T87.5M12.5, T75M25, and T50M50) were prepared through thermal treatment at 600 °C and characterized using XRD, UV–Vis and Raman spectroscopy to assess structural and optical properties.XRD and Raman analyses confirmed the presence of anatase-phase TiO₂ and Mo/Fe oxides, with optimal crystallinity and heterojunction formation observed in the T87.5M12.5 composite. UV–Vis spectroscopic studies demonstrated that this composite exhibited …

Gas Chromatographic Analysis Of Fractions Separated By Atmospheric Distillation Of Pyrolysis Distillate, Gulnora K. Komolova, Lola A. Yusupova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The primary objective of this study is to optimize the process of isolating the C9 hydrocarbon fraction from pyrolysis distillate and to evaluate the impact of various temperature regimes on the product composition. To achieve this goal, the dry distillation process was conducted at three different temperatures: 152 °C, 159 °C, and 170 °C. Condensate samples obtained from each test were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC). The analysis results revealed that the fraction obtained at 152 °C yielded the most favorable outcome: the C9 fraction yield was 11.11%, which is higher than the values obtained at 159 °C (4.59%) and …

Lightweight Thermal Insulation Brick Based On Jerdanak Clay Shale, Obtained With The Addition Of Sawdust, Mastura Kh. Aripova, Sarvar T. Bozorov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of this study was to produce lightweight thermal insulation bricks based on Djerdanak clay shale with the addition of wood sawdust. The starting materials were clay shale from the Djerdanak deposit, fireclay made from it, and wood chips—a waste product from the wood processing industry. The optimal brick composition was determined to include 60% clay shale, 40% fireclay made from clay shale, and 14% wood chips (over 100%). The apparent density of the optimal brick composition corresponds to an apparent product density of 1 g/cm³ and a compressive strength of 3.6 N/mm². The microstructure of the material demonstrates …

Waste Utilization Considering Volatiles Circulation Behavior In Cement Kilns, Geun-Seong Lee, Farrukh B. Erkinov, Zebo A. Babakhanova, Mukhammadamin Sh. Jololdinov, Mastura Kh. Aripova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Since the cement kiln process has various advantages for waste incineration, the waste utilization as alternative fuel has been widely applied in the cement process. For waste utilization in kiln process, it is necessary to operate within the range of not-affecting the clinker quality and the operation stability, and not-causing pollution problems, with ensuring the smooth clinker production. In order to quantitatively analyze the volatiles circulation phenomena during waste utilization as alternative fuel in the kiln process, the simplified volatiles circulation model is derived based on material balances of volatiles, from which the permissible waste utilization % as alternative fuel …

Physico-Chemical Study Of Interaction In The “Urea – Glycine – Water” System, Suvonkul E. Nurmonov, Saydullo Kh. Azimov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

A comprehensive physicochemical study of the aqueous “urea – glycine” system was conducted to establish the mechanisms of intermolecular interaction and stability parameters for the development of modified liquid nitrogen fertilizers (LNF). Isomolar series, visual-polythermal analysis, X-ray phase analysis (XRD), single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD), IR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis (DTA/TGA) methods were applied. It was found that the interaction of components in solution leads to the formation of molecular associates stabilized by hydrogen bonds. The XRD and SC-XRD methods confirmed that no new individual chemical compounds are formed in the solid phase. It was proven that the addition of glycine …

Unlocking The Industrial Potential Of Khojaykon Sylvinite Through Mineralogical And Chemical Investigations, Elyor D. Eminov, Kholtura Ch. Mirzakulov, Gavkhar E. Melikulova, Ruslan Ch. Yorbobaev, Kamola S. Arifdjanova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of this study is to analyze the chemical, mineralogical, and fractional composition of sylvinite from the Khodjaikan deposit in Uzbekistan in order to assess its potential for potassium fertilizer production. Using chemical analysis, XRD, and IR spectroscopy, the ore was found to contain KCl (19.5–30.1%), NaCl (62.08–71.85%), CaCl₂ (1.12–1.32%), and MgCl₂ (0.18–0.32%). The water-insoluble residue, mainly sulfates, carbonates, and silicates, was also identified. These findings are important for improving beneficiation processes and reducing waste. Comparison with the Verkhnekamsk deposit highlights the quality and potential of Khodjaikan sylvinite. The research supports sustainable resource management.

Changes In The Structure And Properties Of Titanium In The Process Of Pressure Treatment, Sardor S. Abriev, Nasiba U. Abduraimova, Zokir R. Akramov, Yulbarskhon N. Mansurov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Titanium is classified as a critical metal. It serves as a raw material for a wide range of industries owing to its unique properties – high strength at low density, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility makes it indispensable. Uzbekistan and China possess primary resources for titanium production. However, the complexity of extraction and particularly processing, combined with high production costs, limits its large-scale use and increases the risk of shortages in industrial manufacturing. In this study, the structural and property evolution of titanium during pressure-based processing was investigated. Technology for producing powder titanium by metal forming methods is proposed. The results …

The Structure And Properties Of Er2o3 And Yb2o3 Based Ceramic Materials, Sintered Under High Pressure, Vladimir S. Urbanovich, Vadim D. Zhivulko, Eygeniy N. Poddenezhny, Ekaterina E. Trusova, Vladimir S. Niss

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of the work was to obtain high-density optically transparent ceramic samples by sintering cubic modification Er₂O₃ and Yb₂O₃ oxides micropowders at the pressure of 7 GPa and the heating current power of 0.6–1.0 kW, which was demonstrated. Non-monotonic dependence of the density on the heating current power has been established. The maximum density values of 9.2 g/cm³ (Er₂O₃) and 9.8 g/cm³ (Yb₂O₃) were achieved at the power of 0.8 and 0.9 kW, respectively. During sintering, the cubic phase partially transforms into the …

Additive Manufacturing Of Carbons From Commodity Polyolefins, Paul Smith

Dissertations

Though tremendous progress has been made engineering carbon materials across length-scales from the molecular to the macroscopic, on-demand macro-structural control of carbons is still developing. Many carbon materials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, activated carbons, and carbon fibers have powder or fiber form factors. Recent research has pioneered on-demand carbon production through additive manufacturing (AM) via 1) extrusion and post-processing of highly filled carbon slurries, or 2) printing and pyrolysis of polymeric carbon precursors such as polyimides, acrylated polyethylene glycol, and phenolics. While groundbreaking, most methods face challenges with adoption due to costly/complex materials and manufacturing processes, and large dimensional changes …

Elucidating Differences In Constitutionally Isomeric Diamine- And Bisphenol-Based Polybenzoxazine Networks, Benjamin L. G. Morasch

Dissertations

This dissertation aims to expand the fundamental understanding of diamine-based benzoxazine chemistry by examining how synthesis influences the network properties of 4,4’-ddm and phenol-based (P-ddm) benzoxazine, compared to the constitutionally isomeric bisphenol-F and aniline-based (BF-a) benzoxazine. While bisphenol-based benzoxazines such as BF-a have been studied more extensively, diamine-based benzoxazines are still relatively unexplored due to the competition with the formation of 1,3,5-hexahydrotriazine intermediates and the inconsistent thermal and mechanical properties reported in the literature. These inconsistencies stem from factors including synthetic methods, curing conditions, and degradation during polymerization that have been overlooked.

To address these issues, this dissertation is organized …

Upcycling Commodity Polymers To Advanced Materials For Energy And Environmental Sustainability, Anthony Griffin-Espinoza

Dissertations

Synthetic polymers play an essential role in nearly every aspect of our lives. Extending beyond single-use packaging, polymeric material design has progressed to attain tailorable architectures granting exceptional performance across advanced applications, including carbon-fiber reinforced polymer composites for aerospace, conductive materials for soft electronics, and drug carriers for biomedicine. While highly promising, intricately designed polymers needed to achieve excellent performance often have limited processability, complex synthetic methods, and expensive precursors. Furthermore, due to a lack of recyclability, commodity polymer waste streams result in both environmental impacts and a substantial loss of economic value. This dissertation focuses on developing robust strategies …

Understanding Crystallization Behaviors Of Polyethylene-Derived Vitrimers, Sara Valdez

Dissertations

Polyolefins (POs), particularly polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are among the most widely utilized polymers globally, valued for their low production costs and favorable mechanical properties stemming from their semicrystalline microstructure. However, their extensive use and improper disposal have raised serious environmental and human health concerns. In response, PO-derived covalent adaptable networks (CANs) have emerged, integrating dynamic chemistries to enable recyclability and sustainable end-of-life strategies. While existing literature has largely focused on novel CAN systems, structure–property relationships, and network rearrangement in relation to thermal transitions (e.g., topological freezing temperature), the influence of network formation on crystallinity and crystallization kinetics remains …

Advancements In Visualization, Post-Processing And Ai-Enhanced Modeling Of Multi-Scale Micromechanics For Composite Materials, Joao Guilherme Brites Rei

Masters Theses

This study addresses some of the primary deficits of a localization/homogenization workflow for composite materials by focusing on the visualization and enhancement of models based on GMC and HFGMC, with emphasis on their implementation within the NASMAT ecosystem.

This thesis details the development of two dynamic, ParaView-based plugins that convert large hierarchical simulation outputs into interactive insights. While NASMATDiscreteElement systematizes RUC creation with transparent parametrization in a reproducible GUI, NASMATExplorerRUC enables the inspection of deeply nested datasets through accurate cell picking and synchronizes comparisons between parent and child views. Additionally, a shallow U-Net neural network is optimized on HFGMC data …

Polypropylene/Polyethylene Blends With Asymmetric Viscosity: Fabrication, Characterization, And Recycling Potential, Bernadine Daichendt

All Dissertations

Polyolefin materials, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), are widely used in day-to-day life both commercially and industrially, offering versatile applications due to their mechanical and chemical properties. The high consumption rate of these materials makes them important targets for recycling efforts. However, there are multiple contributing factors leading to low recycling of PP and PE, chiefly sorting factors: chemical similarity, changed properties after multiple rounds of processing, and the use of processing aids. It is necessary to point out that, because of multiple melt processing cycles, recycled PP has decreased molecular weight due to chain scission. Conversely, recycled PE molecular …

Micro/Nanomechanical Properties Of Top-Seeded Melt Grown Ybco Single Crystals Determined Using Depth Sensing Indentation, Ugur Kolemen, Cafer Mert Yesilkanat, Fikret Yilmaz, Fatih Dogan, Orhan Uzun

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Mechanical properties of the bulk YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) single crystal superconductor, prepared by using the Top Seeded Melt Growth (TSMG) method, were determined. Property measurements were conducted by the nanoindentation method under various loads and the micro indentation method at different temperatures. Hardness (H) and reduced elastic modulus (Er) values were calculated by using the Oliver–Pharr method. According to hf/h max values found from load- displacement curves, there is a sink in behavior around outer rim of the indents that was confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. Nanoindentation analyses conducted on upper section, middle section and subsection revealed that all …

Emerging Solid Electrolytes For Solid-State Sodium Batteries: Synthesis And Interface Study., Xiaolin Guo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Over the past decade, solid-state batteries have attracted significant attention as the next-generation energy storage technology due to their higher energy density and enhanced safety. Given the abundant sodium (Na) resources relative to lithium (Li), the development of sodium-based batteries has become increasingly compelling. Within a solid-state battery, the solid electrolytes (SEs) serve the dual function of (i) electronically insulating and physically separating the electrodes, and (ii) transporting ions between the anode and cathode. To meet these essential requirements, ideal SEs must process high ionic conductivity with negligible electronic conductivity, robust structural and chemical stability, a wide electrochemical window, and …

Investigating The Performance Of Fibre Reinforced Plastic Repairs To Timber Marine Civil Structures At His Majesty’S Naval Base Devonport, Anna G. Walther

The Plymouth Student Scientist

This paper explores Fibre Reinforced Plastics (FRPs) as a composite repair method to restore and enhance mechanical properties of timber marine civil structures within the context of His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Devonport. To support this, timber composite specimens were manufactured and subjected to flexural and compressive strength tests. Comparisons are made to literature sources for initial predictions, in addition to hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models on SolidWorks. Data demonstrates that FRPs can be used as a cost-effective and beneficial method of repairing timber marine structures. Experimental data demonstrates an ability to restore compressive strength parallel to …

Development And Testing Of A Prototype Erbium-Doped Lithium Tantalate Based Sensor For Infrastructure Crack Detection And Measurement, Alejandro Barrera

Theses and Dissertations

Ensuring the safety and longevity of infrastructure is crucial to safeguarding communities and preserving economic stability. In this study, the development of a novel sensor for detecting and characterizing cracks in infrastructure, particularly suited for deployment on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), is presented. The device utilizes a laser (operating at 980 nm) for excitation of erbium-doped lithium tantalate nanoparticles that emit 1550 nm wavelength, which stimulates a photodiode for data collection. The data was utilized to collect, process, and reconstruct topological information. The synthesized lithium tantalate nanoparticle samples vary in erbium doping percentages of 0.5%, 3%, and 10%. Experimental evaluation …