Materials Science and Engineering Commons^™

Controlling The Thermal And Electrical Properties Of Camno3-Δ Based Perovskite Ceramics, Sergio Andres Paredes Navia

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Most of the energy lost during the conversion process comes in the form of waste heat. The world's energy consumption loses over 60% of its energy after conversion. In order to increase the efficiency of the conversion process, it is essential to harness waste heat and reutilize this energy resource. Heat recovery technology as thermoelectric (TE) technology is one of the growing alternatives to harvest excessive amounts of energy lost as waste heat for a more efficient, safe, and sustainable future. Due to the Seebeck effect, TE materials have the potential to convert waste heat directly into electricity, improving efficiency …

Carbon Monoxide Sensing Of Nickel Oxide At 1000 ℃ To 1200 ℃ For In Situ Combustion Control: Behavior, Mechanism, And Application, Yi Wang

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

An advanced smart sensor network is essential to a combustion system, which is in favor of in situ, locally placed, and low-cost gas sensors. However, most chemical/electrochemical sensors fail to work in a combustion boiler, due to the demanding working temperatures (> 1000 ℃). This work for the first time reports a well-functioning mixed-potential type CO sensor at 1000 ℃ - 1200 ℃ using nickel oxide (NiO) as the sensing material. The influence of feed gas flow rate, electrode thickness, and porosity on sensor behavior is investigated, delivering notable and fast responses to 1000 ppm in 3% O₂: …

Microwave-Assisted Carbon Nanotube Growth From Methane On Surface Catalyst Exsolving Perovskite Oxide, Angela M. Deibel

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The novel method of using a perovskite exsolution catalyst, strontium titanium nickel oxide (STNO), proved capable of simultaneously producing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and CO_x-free hydrogen during methane decomposition under microwave irradiation. An optimization of common perovskite materials was conducted for microwave-responsiveness with the results reported in this study. Out of the materials screened, strontium titanium nickel oxide (STNO) was the best candidate to achieve an acceptable methane conversion rate as well as a decent responsiveness to microwave. STNO was further optimized through Ni content, reduction dwell time, and reduction temperature to produce the best methane conversion and CNT …

Minimizing Cr-Evaporation From Balance Of Plant Components By Utilizing Cost-Effective Alumina-Forming Austenitic Steels, Lingfeng Zhou

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a clean and efficient energy conversion device. The development of intermediate-temperature SOFCs has made it preferable to use metallic interconnects (MICs) to greatly reduce the cost and significantly increase the efficiency compared to ceramic interconnect materials. However, gaseous chromium species will evaporate from the chromium-containing layer formed on the surface of commonly used MICs and balance of plant (BoP) components. Volatile chromium species have been shown to form solid deposits which poison the cathodes of SOFCs, causing drastic cell performance degradation and thereby limiting commercialization. In order to alleviate the Cr poisoning and …

Direct Ink Writing Printability – Ashby-Like Plots For Guided Design, Domenic Cipollone

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Direct Ink Writing (DIW), an extrusion-based 3D printing technique, offers a broad application space. As such, the technique continues to find use in biomedical, flexible electronic, ceramic, and energy device applications, among others. With this broad application space comes an expanding material library of inks with diverse rheological and microstructural properties. This begs the question: what constitutes a printable ink? How does one define printability? And how does one design for printability?

Researchers currently have a broad understanding of what constitutes a printable ink. However, time and time again, inks with unique rheological properties and formulations are printed. Currently, ink …

An Archimedes' Screw For Light, Emanuele Galiffi, Paloma A. Huidobro, J. B. Pendry

Advanced Science Research Center

An Archimedes’ Screw captures water, feeding energy into it by lifting it to a higher level. We introduce the first instance of an optical Archimedes’ Screw, and demonstrate how this system is capable of capturing light, dragging it and amplifying it. We unveil new exact analytic solutions to Maxwell’s Equations for a wide family of chiral space-time media, and show their potential to achieve chirally selective amplification within widely tunable parity-time-broken phases. Our work, which may be readily implemented via pump-probe experiments with circularly polarized beams, opens a new direction in the physics of time-varying media by merging the rising …

Austenitic, Duplex, And Lean Duplex Stainless Steel Critical Pitting Temperature In Simulated Concrete Environment, Bobby Giebel

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In this work, the critical pitting temperature (CPT) will be observed for a selection of austenitic (316LN and 24100) and duplex (2205), and lean duplex (2304, 2001) stainless steels in simulated concrete pore solution. To study the influence of temperature on the pitting stability of the stainless steels, three temperatures were tested: 25oC, 45oC, and 65oC for cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Electrochemical properties of the interfaces we studied via EIS analysis. Kinetics were studied via CPP testing. To reveal the critical pitting temperature of the stainless steels, cyclic thermammetry was used. Characterization of the pits …

Additive Manufacturing Waste Management System - Plastic Extrusion Process, Gabriel Bennett, Lindsay Liebrecht, David Lyogky, Wilson Woods

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

3D printing is a fast-growing market with its main source of waste being PLA and ABS plastics. In 2019, the global additive manufacturing market grew to over $10.4 billion, crossing the pivotal double-digit billion threshold for the first time in its nearly 40-year history. (SmarTech Analysis, 2020 Additive Manufacturing Market Outlook and Summary of Opportunities Report). The waste is generated from failed prints and rejected support structures which are common occurrences for personal use. Plastic recycling has become one of the leading discussions of environmental protection and waste management. The 3D market currently does not offer an effective and affordable …

Cathodic Protection, Michaela Schaber

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This Honors Research Project explores cathodic protection of reinforcing steel in concrete. It uses NACE SP0408-201 Cathodic Protection of Reinforcing Steel in Buried or Submerged Concrete Structures as the guidelines for experiments and supporting literature. An economic analysis will be included to fulfill Design requirements. Different voltage and other applications will be explored to determine the lowest obtainable cost-efficient corrosion rate. The method of cathodic protection focused on for this project is impressed current cathodic protection.

Analysis And Comparison Of Nir Pigments For "Cool" Coating Applications, Karey Steinmetz

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this research is to compare our own formulation of near infrared radiation (NIR) pigment coating to commercialized ones. These near infrared coatings are designed to be used on roofs of buildings to keep the buildings from absorbing the heat from the sun’s radiation. This would keep the building cooler and use less energy and money to cool the building. In this study, Styrofoam was used to build a lab-scale house and were put under heat lamps that mimicked the sun. Temperatures were taken at three different locations to determine the effectiveness of the pigmented coatings. Color and …

Adjust-A-Ramp, Taylor Sharrits, Courtney Banks, Emily Beck, Jazmin Buenrostro

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Adjust-A-Ramp is a portable ramp designed to ensure the safety of consumers and prevention of damage to cars, specifically towards low profile cars. A low-profile vehicle includes any vehicle that has a clearance off the ground of 6.5 inches or less. Advantages of low-profile vehicles include improved handling, better braking, increased fuel efficiency, increased stability, and an overall luxury aesthetic. The reduced tire size increases grip on smooth surfaces with better wheel response, creating a fast, more efficient ride. The simple tire tread patterns and the stiff sidewalls allow for lower rolling resistance which increases fuel economy. The Adjust-A-Ramp can …

Recycled Printer Filament, Charlotte Hyland, Troy D. Molinar

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of recycling PLA filament for 3D printing on its material properties. After examining these effects, PLA and carbon fiber additives were mixed with recycled PLA pellets in different ratios to attempt to regain material properties lost in the recycling process. To complete these findings, an experiment was design and executed.

The research found that tensile strength during multiple iterations of recycling remained mostly unaffected, however, the strain degraded exponentially. In the PLA additive study, high ratios of PLA additive were able to increase the strength and strain properties of the …

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Analysis Of Corrosion Of Reinforcing Steel In Fly Ash Mortar By Means Of Transmission Line Modeling, Padraig Stack

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is an important non-destructive tool that allows for a deeper understanding of the electrochemical processes and mechanisms occurring in an electrochemical cell. Equivalent electrical circuits (EECs) are used to model the impedance data into electrical components, such as resistors and capacitors, on a circuit. Current potentiostat offers software packages that can analyze the frequency response, but the software only supports “simple” EEC that can be written as fixed electrical components in some combination of series and parallel. Park and Macdonald propose a transmission line model (TLM) that does not use lumped-element models, instead, the values of …

Scale Formation, Properties And De-Scaling In Steelmaking, Richard Osei

Doctoral Dissertations

During continuous castings, reheating, and hot rolling, slab surfaces are exposed to atmospheres containing oxidizing gases which results in scale formation. Inefficient removal of the formed scale during reheating affects product surface quality. The effect of steel composition and operating parameters on scale formation and scale removal efficiencies were investigated. Experimental investigations were carried out using a thermogravimetric (TGA) apparatus designed to replicate the combustion gas atmosphere and temperature in actual industrial slab reheat furnaces. Report on oxidation kinetics, scale structure and properties, and descaling were conducted on laboratory cast and industrial samples. Different characterization techniques were used to analyze …

Graphene Derivatives Reinforced Metal Matrix Nanocomposite Coatings: A Review, Hamed Sadabadi, Omid Ghaderi, Amir Kordijazi, Pradeep K. Rohatgi

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Due to the extraordinary mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), these materials have the potential to become ideal nanofillers in the electrodeposited nanocomposite coatings. This article provides an overview of literature on the improvements of properties associated with graphene, GO, and rGO-reinforced coatings, along with the processing parameters and mechanisms that would lead to these improvements in electrodeposited metal matrix nanocomposite coatings, where those affected the microstructural, mechanical, tribological, and anti-corrosion characteristics of coatings. The challenges associated with the electroplating of nanocomposite coatings are addressed. The results of this survey indicated …

The Correlation Between Phase Formation And The Structure Of The Pellets With The Fungal Immobilization Study As A Commercial Substrate Culture/Planting Material, Rattiphorn Sumang, Rampai Kodsueb, Narathip Vitayakorn, Ruangwut Chutima

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Calcined clay pellets are popular planting material for those who love to grow plants in pots. The calcined clay pellets consist of clay (C), phosphate rock (PR), and rice husk ash (RHA). [(1-x)(50C–50PR)-xRHA], x(RHA) = 0, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, and 0.65 wt% were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction method. The samples were made into a spherical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and fired at 600℃ to 1000℃. The effect of x contents on phase formation, microstructure, and chemical properties of [(1-x)(50C–50PR)-xRHA] was studied. X-ray diffraction revealed the typical assemblages with quartz, illite, …

Synthesis And Antimicrobial Studies Of Nano-Copper Doped Carbon Substrates; Activated Carbon, Reduced Graphene Oxide, And Carbon Nanofiber, Songwuit Chanthee, Jenjira Jirasangthong, Channarong Asasvatesanupap, Malee Santikunaporn

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Copper oxides (CuxO) have received considerable attention as a result of their biological activity. Nanoparticles (NPs) of CuxO attached to different substrates exhibit a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity against bacteria and viruses, with similar properties to silver. The antimicrobial activity of CuxO-NPs doped on distinctive carbon materials was investigated for three carbon substrates: apricot stone activated carbon (AAC), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon nanofiber (CNF). The CuxO-NPs (5 wt%) doped AAC and rGO substrates were prepared by impregnation of copper nitrate followed by a thermal treatment process, while a similar weight of CuxO-NPs doped CNF was fabricated by …

Preparation Of Feedstock Containing Water-Soluble Binder For Powder Injection Moulding Of Silver, Chuanchom Aumnate, Nithiwach Nawaukkaratharnant, Nutthita Chuankrerkkul

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Feedstock for powder injection moulding of silver was prepared using water-soluble binder composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinyl butyrol (PVB). Silver powders with particle size in range of 1 μm to 20 μm can be mixed with PEG/PVB binder system to form feedstocks having powder loadings of 42 vol% and 45 vol%. PEG can be removed using water leaching method while PVB can be removed by thermal debinding. Specimens retained their shapes during debinding and after debinding. Components fabricated with relatively higher powder loading resulted in higher density with lower porosity. Density of specimens containing powder loading of 42 …

Tungsten Disulfide-Nickel Oxide Hybrids As High-Performance Supercapacitors, Zainab Ali Hrbe, Samaher Waheed Hashim

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Two-dimensional materials are suitable for energy storage applications due to their chemical stability, high electrical conductivity and large specific surface area. In this work, tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanosheets were synthesized by chemical exfoliation method and combined with nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles to be used as a working electrode for storing energy. The WS2 electrode alone shows a capacitance of about 21.87 mF⸳cm-2, which is improved up to 64.58 mF⸳cm-2 by adding NiO nanoparticles. The occurrence of redox reactions plays an important role in increasing the final capacitance. Moreover, the proposed hybrid maintains 93% of its initial capacitance after 5000 charge-discharge …

The Influence Of Different Crystal Modifiers On Ultra-Low Embodied Energy Curing Fiber-Reinforced Cement Composites, Passakorn Sonprasarn, Wichit Prakaypan, Sureerat Polsilapa, Nuntaporn Kongkajun, Edward A. Laitila, Nutthita Chuankrerkkul, Parinya Chakartnarodom

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Fiber-reinforced cement composites (FRCC) are widely used in the construction of houses and commercial buildings in many countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, the European countries, and the Asian countries such as China, India, and Thailand.  Conventionally, the FRCC is manufactured from Portland cement, silica sand, and cellulose fiber using the so-called autoclaved curing under a designate hydrothermal condition to accelerate the hydration reaction resulting in superior properties.  However, the autoclave-curing process needs a huge investment and generates highly environmental impact specially greenhouse gases due to its heavy energy consumption.  Hence, this research aims to develop the …

Sequential Injection Analysis For Mercury Ion With Modified Screen – Printed Carbon Electrode, Eakkasit Punrat, Naphat Piyasart, Chalinee Auanphui, Rutanachai Thaipratum, Shoji Motomizu, Wanida Wonsawat

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

In this study, we developed a simple high-throughput and cost-effective method for monitoring toxic metal ion in an environmental aqueous sample. Mercury ion determination with Sequential Injection Analysis system (SIAs) coupled with the electrochemical detection on the modified screen-printed carbon working electrode (SPCE) is an alternative green analysis of mercury ion. The gold film was used as the modified material for improved mercury ion analysis in the automated system without memory effect on the electrode. Mercury oxidation signal was found at the potential of 0.7 V in 0.1 M HNO3 and 1.0 M HCl with the concentration low to 0.25 …

Effect Of A-Site Modification On Structural And Microwave Dielectric Properties Of Calcium Titanate, Shailendra Rajput, Sunita Keshri

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This article presents studies on characteristics properties of CaTiO3, Ca0.8Sr0.2TiO3, and Ca0.6La0.8/3TiO3 ceramics. These ceramics were synthesized using the solid-state reaction process. Structural examination revealed that the grown ceramics have an orthorhombic structure with the Pbnm space group. The random distribution of particle size was shown through morphological investigation. Apparent density of developed ceramics was determined using the Archimedes technique and found to be ˂ 90%. The microwave dielectric properties of grown ceramics are compared on the basis of ionic polarizability. It is observed that partial replacement of Ca-ions by Sr-ions provides a high permittivity value (er = 168.93), higher …

Hole Transport Layers In Organic Solar Cells: A Review, Riva Alkarsifi, Jörg Ackermann, Olivier Margeat

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Thanks to huge research efforts, organic solar cells have become serious candidates in the field of renewable energy sources, with reported power conversion efficiencies above 19% and operating lifetime surpassing decades. In the thin film stack composing the organic solar cell, the transport layers at interfaces play a key role, as important as the photoactive material itself. Both electron (ETL) and hole (HTL) transport layers are indeed directly involved in the efficiency and stability of the devices, due to the very specific properties required for these interfaces. Focusing on the HTL interface, a large number of materials has been used …

Research Progress Of Novel Zirconium Alloys With High Strength And Toughness, Na Zhang, Chaoqun Xia, Jiaqian Qin, Qiang Li, Xinyu Zhang, Riping Liu

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Atoms of zirconium (Zr) are often known as "first metals of the atomic age". Because of its low cross section for thermal neutron absorption, excellent corrosion resistance, and good mechanical and processing properties, it is extensively used in the nuclear industry. As the properties requirements of materials in chemical, medical and aerospace fields turn out to be higher, the application of Zr alloys in these non-nuclear fields has become more and more widespread due to their excellent properties. In addition to having a high melting point, Zr alloys also have a high specific strength and low thermal expansion coefficient. Therefore, …

Rice Husk Ash Utilization, Composition And Properties: A Brief Review, Vignesh Nayak Ullal, Shivaramu H. T., Aveen K. P.

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Asian countries rely massively on rice to feed and sustain its massive population. For long the staple food has provided nourishment to the masses and the classes. Rice is grown in large quantities in Asian countries. A by-product of its cultivation is its husk. The husk of the rice grain is mainly utilized as a fuel for the boilers in the rice mills. The uncontrolled burnt rice husk referred to as rice husk ash consists majorly of silica. silica is used in a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. Use of rice husk ash in various products serves to …

Extraction Of Lutein Dye From Tagetes Erecta Garland Waste For Green Dyeing Of Hemp Fabric Using Response Surface Methodology, Pisutsaran Chitichotpanya, Nattaya Vuthiganond, Thitirat Inprasit, Benjamas Klaykruayat, Seranee Srisuk

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Large quantities of discarded flowers from religious observances are left at temples and other places of worship, causing global disposal and environmental issues. Recycling and transforming such organic waste into value-added products is one of the most effective and beneficial solutions to the problem. The main goal of this study is to convert the most abundant temple wastes of marigold (Tagetes erecta) flowers into an eco-friendly dyestuff for the textile industry. Our study assessed the suitability of dye extract from garland waste for dyeing hemp fabric and valuated indicators including color strength (K/S) and fastness properties using tannic …

Development Of Fexoy Particle Onto Bacterial Cellulose Network By Forced Hydrolysis And Its Electrical Conductivity, Prompong Khamwongsa, Poramed Wongjom, Andi Magattang Gafur Muchlisc, Chun Che Lin, Seranee Srisuk, Sarute Ummartyotin

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

FexOy particle and bacterial cellulose composite sheet was successfully prepared by forced hydrolysis. The presence of Fe3+ ions in bacterial cellulose suspension significantly provided the positive charge due to electrostatic force as reported by Zeta potential. With the pH of 12 of bacterial cellulose suspension, particle was nucleated between bacterial cellulose networks. Fourier transform infrared exhibited Fe-O stretching. X-ray diffraction reported that the mixture of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 was existed onto bacterial cellulose composite. Scanning electron microscope reported that FexOy particle was randomly distributed in bacterial cellulose network. Intensity of Fe was qualitatively observed by energy dispersive analysis. With the …

Morphology And Electrochromic Property Of Chemical Bath Deposited Nio Films At Different Niso4 Concentration, Watcharaporn Thongjoon, Kamon Aiempanakit, Itsarapong Chuasontia, Chantana Aiempanakit

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

In this study, nickel oxide (NiO) films were prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass by a chemical bath deposition (CBD) at different nickel sulfate (NiSO4) concentrations. The NiO films were verified for their structural properties with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) while the optical properties were investigated using a spectrophotometer. Moreover, the NiO films were studied to assess their electrochemical properties by cyclic voltammetry in potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte. The results showed that annealed NiO films exhibited the dominant crystal structure of the (111) plane. Meanwhile, the NiSO4 concentration controlled morphological structure between dense …

Optimized Parameter Of Dissimilar Joining Between Al6061-T6 And Height-Strength Steel With Friction Stir Spot Welding Process (Fssw), Anusak Silachai, Suriya Prasomthong

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

High-strength steel and aluminum alloys are used to manufacture modern vehicles. The objective was to reduce the weight and fuel consumption of the vehicles. In this study the optimum parameters for the friction stir spot welding (FSSW) process between Al6061-T6 aluminum alloy and HSS590 high-strength steel were determined. Response surface methodology based on central composite design (CCD) with three parameters, five levels, and 19 runs was used to conduct experiments and develop mathematical regression models. The three joint parameters were tool speed, welding feed, and dwell time. Analysis of variance was then performed to examine the adequacy of the developed …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Hybrid Shell Microcapsules For Anti-Corrosion Ni-Co Coating, Hamed Sadabadi, Saeed Reza Allahkaram, Omid Ghader, Pradeep K. Rohatgi

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This paper presents the results of the study of microcapsules synthesized using a novel hybrid shell of polyureaformaldehyde/SiO2 (PUF/SiO2) and a core of linseed oil. The synthesis was accomplished by facial polymerization combined with sol-gel of TEOS, and urea-formaldehyde resin to form the hybrid shell under optimal process parameters. The microcapsules were embedded in a metal coating using the electrodeposition method. Microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM, FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), particle size analyzer (PSA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The experimental results indicated that the average size of capsules synthesized umder the optimum processing …