Pressure dependence of the ionic conductivity of Na- and Na–Rb borate glasses

The ionic conductivity of Na- and Na–Rb borate glasses is investigated as a function of hydrostatic pressure. Activation volumes of the dc conductivity are obtained from pressure-dependent ac conductivity measurements at a constant temperature of 180 °C. The activation volume of Na borate glasses decreases with increasing alkali content. It depends linearly on a separation parameter which is defined as the ratio of the average ionic distance and the average network atom distance. The activation volume of Na–Rb borate glasses increases from both end-members towards the mixed-alkali regime and passes through a maximum near the relative content Na/(Na + Rb) = 0.4. In addition to mobility anomalies, observed earlier in these borate glasses, the maximum in the activation volume is a further important fingerprint of the mixed-alkali effect.     

Thermal and electrical conductivities of silver–indium–tin alloys

The variations of thermal conductivity with temperature for the Ag–[x] wt% Sn–20 wt% In alloys (x=8, 15, 35, 55 and 70) were measured using a radial heat flow apparatus. From the graphs of thermal conductivity versus temperature, the thermal conductivities of solid phases at their melting temperature for the Ag–[x] wt% Sn–20 wt% In alloys (x=8, 15, 35, 55 and 70) were found to be 46.9±3.3, 53.8±3.8, 61.2±4.3, 65.1±4.6 and 68.1±4.8 W/Km, respectively. The variations of electrical conductivity of solid phases versus temperature for the same alloys were determined from the Wiedemann–Franz equation using the measured values of thermal conductivity. From the graphs of electrical conductivity versus temperature, the electrical conductivities of the solid phases at their melting temperatures for the Ag–[x] wt% Sn–20 wt% In alloys (x=8, 15, 35, 55 and 70) alloys were obtained to be 0.036, 0.043, 0.045, 0.046 and 0.053 (×10⁸/Ωm), respectively. Dependencies of the thermal and electrical conductivities on the composition of Sn in the Ag–Sn–In alloys were also investigated. According to present experimental results, the thermal and electrical conductivities for the Ag–[x] wt% Sn–20 wt% In alloys linearly decrease with increasing the temperature and increase with increasing the composition of Sn.     

Influence of Sr substitution on thermoelectric properties of La1−xSrxFeO3 ceramics

Perovskite La_1−xSr_xFeO₃ (0.10 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.20) ceramics have been synthesized by the conventional solid-state reaction technique. Their electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity have been measured. It has been found that the increase of Sr content reduces significantly both the electrical resistivity and the Seebeck coefficient, but slightly increases the high-temperature thermal conductivity. An adiabatic hopping conduction mechanism of small polaron is suggested from the analysis of the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity. Seebeck coefficients decrease with increasing temperature, and saturate at temperature above 573 K. The saturated value of Seebeck coefficient decreases with increasing of Sr contents, from 200 μV/K for x = 0.10 to 100 μV/K for x = 0.20. All samples exhibit lower thermal conductivity with values around 2.6 W/m K. The highest dimensionless figure of merit is 0.031 at temperature 973 K in La_0.88Sr_0.12FeO₃.     

Structure,stability and electrical properties of the La(2−x)SrxMnO4±δ solid solution series

Single phase materials of the La_(2−x)Sr_xMnO_4±δ (0.6 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) solid solution series were prepared via solid state reaction. The structure of each material was examined at room temperature and determined to be tetragonal for all phases examined. An expansion in lattice volume was observed on increasing lanthanum content. The stability and thermal expansion of each member of the solid solution series was determined via the use of in situ high temperature X-ray diffraction. It was found that all materials remained stable up to a temperature of 800 °C. Thermal expansion coefficients were found to be in the region of 15 × 10^− 6 K^− 1 for La_(2−x)Sr_xMnO_4±δ compounds where x > 1.4. The electrical conductivity of each phase was also determined over a similar temperature range with a maximum value of ∼6 Scm^− 1 at 900 °C for the x = 1.8 phase.     

Study of the formation of Co3O4 thin films using sol–gel method

Sol–gel derived coatings containing cobalt have been analyzed using impedance and reflection measurements. It is found that during the thermal treatments in air at temperatures in the range of 35–400 °C, cobalt migrates to the front surface of the coating where it is oxidized by the atmospheric oxygen and forms a top layer rich in nanocrystalline Co₃O₄. In samples heated above 260 °C, the current flows entirely through this top layer because it has higher conductivity than the rest of the coating. For these samples, the impedance spectra show two semicircles, related with the electrical properties of grain and grain boundaries of the cobalt oxide layer. Using the brick model, the grain boundary volume fraction was calculated as a function of the heating temperature.     

Sintering kinetics and oxide ion conduction in Sr-doped apatite-type lanthanum silicates,La9Sr1Si6O26.5

These last past years, a major interest has been devoted to decrease the working temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) down to about 700 °C.Apatite materials (La_10 ? xSr_xSi₆O_27?x/2) are attractive candidates for solid electrolytes, with a high ionic conductivity at these intermediate temperatures. An apatite powder (x = 1) with a 0.75 µm mean particle size, produced by solid state reaction, was tape cast to obtain green sheets with a thickness of about 260 µm.On one hand, the densification mechanism of the apatite ceramic during the intermediate solid state sintering has been approached. It appeared from the kinetical tests performed under isothermal conditions between 1250 and 1550 °C, that densification could be controlled by the diffusion at grain boundaries of the rare-earth element, La, with an activation energy of 470 kJ/mol.On the other hand, conductivity measurements were performed on apatite samples sintered at 1400 and 1500 °C. The ionic conductivity was mainly sensitive to the presence of secondary phases at 1400 °C. The ionic conductivity of the apatite sintered at 1500 °C (mean grain size = 3.9 µm) is equal to 1.2 × 10^? 2 S/cm at 700 °C.     

Temperature coefficient of resistance and thermal conductivity of Vanadium oxide ‘Big Mac’ sandwich structure

In this paper, we synthesize and characterize a thin film thermometer structure for infrared microbolometers. The structure is composed of alternating multilayers of Vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅), 25 nm, and Vanadium (V), 5 nm, thin films deposited by rf magnetron and dc magnetron sputtering respectively and annealed for 20, 30 and 40 min at 300 °C in Nitrogen (N₂) atmosphere. The best achieved temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) was found to be −2.57%/K for 40 min annealed samples. Moreover, we apply, for the first time, the photo-thermal deflection (PTD) technique for measuring the thermal conductivity of the synthesized thin films. The thermal conductivity of the developed thin films reveals an increase in thermal conductivity from 2 W/m K to 5.8 W/m K for as grown and 40 min annealed samples respectively.     

Increasing heat transfer of non-Newtonian nanofluid in rectangular microchannel with triangular ribs

In this study, computational fluid dynamics and the laminar flow of the non-Newtonian fluid have been numerically studied. The cooling fluid includes water and 0.5 wt% Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) making the non-Newtonian fluid. In order to make the best of non-Newtonian nanofluid in this simulation, solid nanoparticles of Aluminum Oxide have been added to the non-Newtonian fluid in volume fractions of 0–2% with diameters of 25, 45 and 100 nm. The supposed microchannel is rectangular and two-dimensional in Cartesian coordination. The power law has been used to speculate the dynamic viscosity of the cooling nanofluid. The field of numerical solution is simulated in the Reynolds number range of 5 < Re < 300. A constant heat flux of 10,000 W/m² is exercised on the lower walls of the studied geometry. Further, the effect of triangular ribs with angle of attacks of 30°, 45° and 60° is studied on flow parameters and heat transfer due to the fluid flow. The results show that an increase in the volume fraction of nanoparticles as well as the use for nanoparticles with smaller diameters lead to greater heat transfer. Among all the studied forms, the triangular rib from with an angle of attack 30° has the biggest Nusselt number and the smallest pressure drop along the microchannel. Also, an increase in the angle of attack and as a result of a sudden contact between the fluid and the ribs and also a reduction in the coflowing length (length of the rib) cause a cut in heat transfer by the fluid in farther parts from the solid wall (tip of the rib).     

Effect of ultrasound and centrifugal force on carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) slices during osmotic dehydration

Osmotic dehydration (OD) of carambola slices were carried out using glucose, sucrose, fructose and glycerol as osmotic agents with 70 °Bx solute concentration, 50 °C of temperature and for time of 180 min. Glycerol and sucrose were selected on the basis of their higher water loss, weight reduction and lowers solid gain. Further the optimization of OD of carambola slices (5 mm thick) were carried out under different process conditions of temperature (40–60 °C), concentration of sucrose and glycerol (50–70 °Bx), time (180 min) and fruit to solution ratio (1:10) against various responses viz. water loss, solid gain, texture, rehydration ratio and sensory score according to a composite design. The optimized value for temperature, concentration of sucrose and glycerol has been found to be 50 °C, 66 °Bx and 66 °Bx respectively. Under optimized conditions the effect of ultrasound for 10, 20, 30 min and centrifugal force (2800 rpm) for 15, 30, 45 and 60 min on OD of carambola slices were checked. The controlled samples showed 68.14% water loss and 13.05% solid gain in carambola slices. While, the sample having 30 min ultrasonic treatment showed 73.76% water loss and 9.79% solid gain; and the sample treated with centrifugal force for 60 min showed 75.65% water loss and 6.76% solid gain. The results showed that with increasing in treatment time the water loss, rehydration ratio were increased and solid gain, texture were decreased.     

Preparation and characterization of solid polymer electrolytes based on PHEMO and PVDF-HFP

Polymer electrolyte membranes consisting of a novel hyperbranched polyether PHEMO (poly(3-{2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy) ethoxy] ethoxy}methyl-3′-methyloxetane)), PVDF-HFP (poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene)) and LiTFSI have been prepared by solution casting technique. X-ray diffraction of the PHEMO/PVDF-HFP polymer matrix and pure PVDF-HFP revealed the difference in crystallinity between them. The effect of different amounts of PVDF-HFP and lithium salts on the conductivity of the polymer electrolytes was studied. The ionic conductivity of the prepared polymer electrolytes can reach 1.64 × 10^? 4 S·cm^? 1 at 30 °C and 1.75 × 10^? 3 S·cm^? 1 at 80 °C. Thermogravimetric analysis informed that the PHEMO/PVDF-HFP matrix exhibited good thermal stability with a decomposition temperature higher than 400 °C. The electrochemical experiments showed that the electrochemical window of the polymer electrolyte was around 4.2 V vs. Li⁺/Li. The PHEMO/PVDF-HFP polymer electrolyte, which has good electrochemical stability and thermal stability, could be a promising solid polymer electrolyte for polymer lithium ion batteries.     

Sonication enhances polyphenolic compounds,sugars, carotenoids and mineral elements of apple juice

A study was initiated with the objective of evaluating the effects of sonication treatment on quality characteristics of apple juice such as polyphenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, epicatechin and phloridzin), sugars (fructose, glucose and sucrose), mineral elements (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Cu and Zn), total carotenoids, total anthocyanins, viscosity and electrical conductivity. The fresh apple juice samples were sonicated for 0, 30 and 60 min at 20 °C (frequency 25 kHz and amplitude 70%), respectively. As results, the contents of polyphenolic compounds and sugars significantly increased (P < 0.05) but the increases were more pronounced in juice samples sonicated for 30 min whereas, total carotenoids, mineral elements (Na, K and Ca) and viscosity significantly increased (P < 0.05) in samples treated for 60 min sonication. Losses of some mineral elements (P, Mg and Cu) also occurred. Total anthocyanins, Zn and electrical conductivity did not undergo any change in the sonicated samples. Findings of the present study suggest that sonication technique may be applied to improve phytonutrients present naturally in apple juice.     

Electrical transport and crystallization in Cu+ ion substituted AgI–Ag2O–V2O5 glassy superionic system

A new glassy solid electrolyte system Cu_xAg_1 − xI–Ag₂O–V₂O₅ has been synthesized. The structural, thermal and electrical properties of the samples have been investigated. The glassy nature of the samples is confirmed by X-Ray diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry studies. The electrical conductivity of these samples increases with CuI content and approaches a maximum value of ∼ 10⁻² Ω^− 1 cm^− 1 for x = 0.35 at room temperature. Ionic mobility measurements suggest that enhancement in the conductivity with Cu⁺ ion substitution may be attributed to increase in the mobility of Ag⁺ ions. The electrical conductivity versus temperature cycles carried out at well-controlled heating rate above T_g and T_c reveal interesting thermal properties. For lower CuI content samples conductivity exhibits anomalous rise above T_g and subsequent fall at T_c. It is also found that CuI addition into AgI–Ag₂O–V₂O₅ matrix reduces the extent of crystallization.     

Experimental and simulated performance of lithium niobate 1–3 piezocomposites for 2 MHz non-destructive testing applications

Lithium niobate piezocomposites have been investigated as the active element in high temperature resistant ultrasonic transducers for non-destructive testing applications up to 400 °C. Compared to a single piece of lithium niobate crystal they demonstrate shorter pulse length by 3×, elimination of lateral modes, and resistance to cracking. In a 1–3 connectivity piezocomposite for high temperature use (200–400 °C), lithium niobate pillars are embedded in a matrix of flexible high temperature sealant or high temperature cement.In order to better understand the design principles and constraints for use of lithium niobate in piezocomposites experiments and modelling have been carried out. For this work the lithium niobate piezocomposites were investigated at room temperature so epoxy filler was used. 1–3 connectivity piezocomposite samples were prepared with z-cut lithium niobate, pillar width 0.3–0.6 mm, sample thickness 1–4 mm, pillar aspect ratio (pillar height/width) 3–6, volume fraction 30 and 45%. Operating frequency was 1–2 MHz.Experimental measurements of impedance magnitude and resonance frequency were compared with 3-D finite element modelling using PZFlex. Resonance frequencies were predicted within 0.05 MHz and impedance magnitude within 2–5% for samples with pillar aspect ratio ⩾3 for 45% volume fraction and pillar aspect ratio ⩾6 for 30% volume fraction. Laser vibrometry of pulse excitation of piezocomposite samples in air showed that the lithium niobate pillars and the epoxy filler moved in phase. Experiment and simulation showed that the thickness mode coupling coefficient k_t of the piezocomposite was maintained at the lithium niobate bulk value of approximately 0.2 down to a volume fraction of 30%, consistent with calculations using the (Smith and Auld, 1991 [1]) model for piezocomposites.     

Study on ionic conductivity of polymer electrolyte plasticized with PEG–aluminate ester for rechargeable lithium ion battery

We have synthesized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-aluminate ester as a plasticizer for solid polymer electrolytes. The thermal stability, ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability of the polymer electrolyte which consist of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based copolymer, PEG–aluminate ester and lithium bis-trifluoromethanesulfonimide (LiTFSI) were investigated. Addition of PEG–aluminate ester increased the ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolyte, showing greater than 10^− 4 S cm^− 1 at 30 °C. The polymer electrolyte containing PEG–aluminate ester retained thermal stability of the non-additive polymer electrolyte and exhibited electrochemical stability up to 4.5 V vs. Li⁺/Li at 30 °C.     

Influence of various lanthanides on the properties of Sr0.8Ce0.1Ln0.1MnO3 − δ and Sr0.9Ce0.05Ln0.05CoO3 − δ ceramics and thick film electrodes

In this work nonstoichiometric strontium cerium manganites and cobaltites Sr_0.8Ce_0.1Ln_0.1MnO_3 ? δ and Sr_0.9Ce_0.05Ln_0.05CoO_3 ? δ with low content of various lanthanides (Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Yb) were investigated as potential electrode materials for solid state fuel cells and gas sensors. Synthesis and sintering conditions as well as dc resistivities and thermal expansion coefficients of the developed ceramics in the range 20–900 °C were studied. On the basis of complex impedance spectroscopic studies of yttria stabilized zirconia solid electrolyte samples with thick film perovskite electrodes four contributions to the dielectric response were found, attributed to the grains and the grain boundaries of the solid electrolyte, to the electrode–electrolyte interface and to the electrodes, in the descending order of frequency. Dc conductivity of the ceramic samples and thick films exhibited semiconducting, semimetallic or metallic character, depending on the composition and the examined temperature range. In the temperature range of 600–900 °C, a very good agreement was found between the experimental and the theoretical values of electromotive force of concentration oxygen cells based on zirconia solid electrolyte with perovskite electrodes.     

Physical,electrochemical and supercapacitive properties of activated carbon pellets from pre-carbonized rubber wood sawdust by CO2 activation

The physical and electrochemical properties of the activated carbon pellet electrodes have been investigated. Activated carbon pellets were prepared from single step carbonization process of pre-carbonized rubber wood sawdust at a temperature of 800 °C that followed with a CO₂ activation process at temperature in the range of 700–1000 °C. The BET characterization on the sample found that the surface area of the carbon pellet increased with the increasing of the activation temperature. The optimum value was as high as 683.63 m² g⁻¹. The electrical conductivity was also found to increase linearly with the increasing of the activation temperature, namely from 0.0075 S cm⁻¹ to 0.0687 S cm⁻¹ for the activation temperature in the range of 700–1000 °C. The cyclic voltammetry characterization of the samples in aqueous solution of 1 M H₂SO₄ also found that the specific capacitance increased with the increasing of the activation temperature. Typical optimum value was shown by the sample activated at 900 °C with the specific capacitance was as high as 33.74 F g⁻¹ (scan rate 1 mV s⁻¹). The retained ratio was as high as 32.72%. The activated carbon pellet prepared from the rubber wood sawdust may found used in supercapacitor applications.     

Electrical properties of yttrium doped strontium titanate with A-site deficiency as potential anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells

Yttrium doped strontium titanate with A-site deficiency ((Y_0.08Sr_0.92)_1 ? xTiO_3 ? δ) was synthesized by conventional solid state reaction. The deficiency limit of A-site in (Y_0.08Sr_0.92)_1 ? xTiO_3 ? δ is below 6 mol% in Ar/H₂ (5%) at 1500 °C. The sinterability of (Y_0.08Sr_0.92)_1 ? xTiO_3 ? δ samples decreases slightly with increasing A-site deficiency level (x). The ionic conductivity of (Y_0.08Sr_0.92)_1 ? xTiO_3 ? δ samples increases while the electronic conductivity decreases with increasing A-site deficient amount. The defect chemistry analysis indicates that the introduction of A-site deficiency results in not only the increase of oxygen vacancy concentration but also the decrease of Ti³⁺-ion concentration. The latter plays the main role in the electrical conduction. (Y_0.08Sr_0.92)_1 ? xTiO_3 ? δ shows good thermal-cyclic performance in electrical conductivity and has an excellent chemical compatibility with YSZ electrolyte below 1500 °C.     

A preliminary study on a new LiBOB/acetamide solid phase transition electrolyte

New solid electrolytes containing acetamide and lithium bioxalato borate (LiBOB) with different molar ratios have been investigated. Their melting points (T_m) are around 42 °C. The ionic conductivities and activation energies vary drastically below and above T_m, indicating a typical feature of phase transition electrolyte. The ionic conductivity of the LiBOB/acetamide electrolyte with a molar ratio of 1:8 is 5 × 10^? 8 S cm^? 1 at 25 °C but increases to 4 × 10^? 3 S cm^? 1 at 60 °C. It was found that anode materials, such as graphite and Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, could not discharge and charge properly in this electrolyte at 60 °C due to the difficulty in forming a stable passivating layer on the anodes. However, a Li/LiFePO₄ cell with this electrolyte can be charged properly after heating to 60 °C, but cannot be charged at room temperature. Although the LiBOB/acetamide electrolytes are not suitable for Li-ion batteries due to poor electrode compatibility, the current results indicate that a solid electrolyte with a slightly higher phase transition temperature than room temperature may find potential application in stationary battery for energy storage where the electrolyte is at high conductive liquid state at elevated temperature and low conductive solid state at low temperature. The interaction between acetamide and LiBOB in the electrolyte is also studied by Raman and FTIR spectroscopy.     

Polymer electrolytes based on copolymer of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate and imidazolium ionic liquid

Polymer electrolytes based on the copolymer of N-vinylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (VyImBF₄) and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) have been prepared. Ethylene carbonate (EC) and LiClO₄ are added to form gel polymer electrolytes. The chemical structure of the samples and the interactions between the various constituents are studied by FT-IR. TGA results show that these polymer electrolytes have acceptable thermal stability, are stable up to 155 °C. Measurements of conductivity are carried out as a function of temperature, VyImBF₄ content in poly(VyImBF₄-co-PEGDMA), and the concentration of EC and LiClO₄. The conductivity increases with PEGDMA and EC content. The highest conductivity is obtained with a value of 2.90 × 10^? 6 S cm^? 1 at room temperature for VP1/EC(25 wt.%)–LiClO₄ system, corresponding to the LiClO₄ concentration of 0.70 mol kg^? 1 polymer.     

In-situ strain localization analysis in low density transformation-twinning induced plasticity steel using digital image correlation

The effect of deformation temperature on the strain localization has been evaluated by an adapted digital image correlation (DIC) technique during tensile deformation. The progress of strain localization was traced by the corresponding strain maps. The electron backscatter diffraction analysis and tint etching technique were utilized to determine the impact of martensitic transformation and deformation twinning on the strain localization in both elastic and plastic regimes. In elastic regime the narrow strain bands which are aligned perpendicular to the tension direction were observed in temperature range of 25 to 180 °C due to the stress-assisted epsilon martensite. The strain bands were disappeared by increasing the temperature to 300 °C and reappeared at 400 °C due to the stress-assisted deformation twinning. In plastic regime strain localization continued at 25 °C and 180 °C due to the strain-induced alfa-martensite and deformation twinning, respectively. The intensity of plastic strain localization was increased by increasing the strain due to the enhancement of martensite and twin volume fraction. The plastic strain showed more homogeneity at 300 °C due to the lack of both strain-induced martensite and deformation twinning.