Iranian Journal of Materials science and Engineering
Volume:20 Issue: 3, Sep 2023

In this research, after pressing in a cylindrical mold, the AA 7075 alloy swarf was melted and cast in a wet sand mold. After rolling and cutting, sheets with two different thicknesses of 6 and 20 mm were obtained. The sheets after homogenization were solutionized at 485°C for 30 and 90 minutes, respectively, due to differences in thickness and thermal gradients. The solutionized samples were quenched in 3 polymer solutions containing 10, 30, and 50% Poly Alekylene Glycol. The results showed that melting, casting, rolling, and heat treatment of AA7075 alloy swarf similar properties to this alloy is achievable. Microstructural studies by optical microscopes (OM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that by increasing the quenching rate after the solutionizing process, precipitation increases during aging. The tensile test results indicated that as the quench rate and internal energy increase, the diffusion driving force would increase the precipitation of alloying elements. Hence, this leads to an increase in hardness and reduction of its strain after aging.

Several extensive researches are being carried out in the field of 3D printing. Polymer matrices, such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), are less explored in particular on the microstructure and mechanical properties of HDPE composites developed via Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) process. Very scarce amount of works is devoted to study HDPE’s reinforced with carbon nano-tubes (CNT’s) . In the present work, we report on the mechanical properties of  HDPE composites prepared via FDM process. Varying proportions of CNTs ( 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) are used as reinforcements. It is found that increasing CNT content enhances impact and tensile strength, with HDPE/2.0%CNT outperforming pure HDPE by approximately 71.6% and 25.4%, respectively. HDPE/2.0%CNT composite also showed Young's modulus approximately 49.2% higher than pure HDPE. According to fracture analysis, pure HDPE failed near ductile, whereas composites failed brittle. CNTs occupy the free positions in the polymeric chains, and their tendency to restrict chain mobility causes HDPE to lose ductility and begin to behave brittle. The use of CNTs as reinforcement successfully improved the mechanical properties of HDPE.

In this study, zinc chloride (ZnCl) was used as a precursor chemical to form boron reinforced zinc oxide (ZnO:B) particles. The supercapacitor performance of the reduced graphene oxide/boron reinforced zinc oxide (RGO/ZnO:B) composite electrodes produced by hydrothermal methods, and the impact of different boron doping ratios on the capacitance, were both examined. The characterization of the RGO/ZnO:B composites containing 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% boron by weight were performed using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The capacitance measurements of the electrodes produced were conducted in a 6 M KOH aqueous solution with a typical three electrode setup using Iviumstat potentiostat/galvanostatic cyclic voltammetry. The specific capacitance value of the 20% reinforced RGO/ZnO:B composite electrode was 155.88 F/g, while that of the RGO/ZnO composite electrode was 36.37 F/g. According to this result, the capacitance increased four-fold with a 20% boron doping concentration. Moreover, a longer cycle performance was observed for the RGO/ZnO:B electrodes with higher boron doping concentrations.

This paper introduces a method for producing red copper glaze by adding copper oxide (CuO) and silicon carbide (SiC) additives to the base glaze. SiC created a reducing environment in situ and allowed the glaze to be sintered in an oxidizing furnace environment. Nanocrystals are the determinants of the red color of the glaze. The CuO reduction reaction temperature range of SiC produces a reducing environment in the glaze as detected by the method (DSC). The functional group and phase of nanocrystals were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy.

The objective underlined in this work is to apply Rotary Friction Welding (RFW) process to joint similar AA2024 and TiAl6V4 welds. The experiment is conducted by varying the input parameters (rotational speed, friction pressure and friction time) using Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array method. MINITAB software was used to plot the response chart. The output parameter considered in this approach is the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) of the weld joint, where the optimum RFW condition for maximizing the UTS were determined. Besides, the most influential process parameter has been determined using statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA). Finally, the general regression equations of the UTS for both materials are formulated and confirmed by means of the experimental tests values.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold is commonly used in the applications of bone tissue engineering due to its bioactivity and equivalent chemical composition to the inorganic constituents of human bone. The present study focused on the fabrication of porous 3D hydroxyapatite scaffold which was modified by polymer coating as a successful strategy to improve the mechanical properties. A 3D porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds were fabricated by gel-casting method by using freshly extracted egg yolk (EY) with (50 and 60)wt% of HA powder. To enhance the mechanical properties, composite PVA/ HA scaffolds were produced by using dip coating in Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to recognize the functional group associated with the hydroxyapatite scaffolds before and after PVA coating. The physical (density and porosity) and mechanical (compressive strength and elastic modulus) properties were investigated before and after coating. SEM was used to inspect the surface morphology and pore modification of the scaffolds. Wettability was determined by using a water contact angle to analyze the scaffold hydrophobicity. Surface roughness was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was revealed that the scaffold porosity decreased with increase solid loading of HA powder in the gel and after PVA coating. The findings showed that PVA coating improved mechanical strength of scaffold to be double by covering the small pores and filling microcracks sited on the scaffold strut surfaces, inducing a crack bridging mechanism. The scaffolds’ strength was in the range of trabecular bone strength. This indicates  non-load bearing applications.

In this study, CoFe2O4  (CoF) and ZnFe2O4 (ZnF) photocatalysts were successfully prepared by a facile and simple chemical precipitation method for degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes under direct sunlight irradiation. The obtained ferrites were then characterized through XRD, TEM, EDS, UV-vis, and SEM. XRD and TEM results exhibited cubic nanostructures with sizes ranging from 9 to 16 nm and 11 to 18 nm for ZnF and CoF, respectively. SEM images showed homogenous, porous flat surfaces. EDS spectra confirmed the successful synthesis of ZnF and CoF nanostructures with high purity. UV-vis spectra results of MB and MO dyes showed maximum sunlight absorbance in the absence of ZnF and CoF, while a regular decrease in the sunlight absorbance was observed in the presence of ZnF and CoF within 15-60 min. The UV-vis results also showed that ZnF had higher photocatalytic activity than CoF. The experimental findings showed that the highest % degradation was 92.89% and 96.89% for MO and MB dyes, respectively, over ZnF compared to CoF photocatalyst (87.55% and 88.41% for MO and MB, respectively). These findings confirm that porous ZnF and CoF nanostructures are critical in promoting the degradation of dyes under sunlight instead of UV-vis light lamps that consume/require electrical energy.

Elevating component performance through advanced surface coatings finds its epitome in the domain of laser cladding technology. This technique facilitates the precision deposition of metallic, ceramic, or cermet coatings, accentuating their superiority over conventional methods. The application spectrum for laser-clad metallic coatings is extensive, encompassing critical components. Central to the efficacy of laser cladding is the modulation of laser parameters—encompassing power, speed, and gas flow—which decisively influence both process efficiency and coating properties. The meticulous calibration of these parameters holds the key to producing components endowed with refined attributes while ensuring the sustainable continuation of the process. As such, this study embarks on an empirical investigation aimed at transcending existing process limitations. It delves into the characterization of laser-clad WC-17Co coatings on AISI H13 and AISI 4140 steels. The importance of WC-17Co coatings lies in their capacity to enhance wear resistance, extend component life, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the performance of various industrial components across diverse sectors. On the other hand, the substrates have pivotal roles. AISI H13 is lauded for its exceptional hot work capabilities, while AISI 4140 steel is renowned for its robust strength and endurance. Through rigorous evaluation, the resultant deposited coatings offer crucial insights into the efficacy of manufacturing parameters. Employing a comprehensive suite of analytical techniques including laser confocal microscopy, Vickers microhardness assessment, and micro-adhesive wear testing, the study thoroughly characterizes the samples. The outcomes underscore the achievement of homogenous coatings marked by elevated hardness and exceptional wear resistance, thereby signifying a substantial enhancement over the substrate materials.

Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) which is a transient phase in natural bio-mineralization process has recently gained the spotlight. This study aimed to assess the effect of incorporation of nano-ACP (NACP) in a dental adhesive with/without surface treatment with silane coupling agent on bond strength. NACP was synthesized by the wet chemical precipitation technique. To characterize the structure of NACP, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used. Forty molars were randomized into 4 groups of 10. The teeth were restored with composite resin and the bonding agent (one of the four groups). Adper Single Bond 2 was used as the control group. In 4wt% NACP group, NACP fillers were added to the bonding agent. In 0.4wt% and 4wt% SNACP groups, silanized NACP fillers were added to the bonding agent. Finally, the mode of failure of specimens was determined. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Addition of 4wt% non-silanized NACP decreased the bond strength compared with the control group (P<0.05). The bond strength of the groups with silanized fillers was not significantly different from that of the control group. Addition of silanized NACP to dental adhesive had no significant adverse effect on bond strength, which is a promising finding to pave the way for the synthesis of bonding agents containing bioactive fillers.

Graphene Nanoparticles (GNPs), an upshot of nanotechnology have attracted great interest in diverse research fields including dentistry for their unique properties. Graphene Nanoparticles are cytocompatible and when combined with other compounds, they possess improved synergistic antimicrobial and anti-adherence properties against oral pathogens. The cytotoxicity of graphene in the oral setting has been reported to be very limited in the scientific literature. Current applications of graphene include reinforcing Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for the fabrication of dentures, improving properties of dental luting agents like glass ionomer cement, reinforcing restorative composites and ceramics, and improving osseointegration of titanium dental implants by coating with graphene. This paper reviews the nanoparticle ‘Graphene’ and its potential uses in the field of restorative dentistry.

In this study, the potential of calcined montmorillonite as a primary precursor for one-part alkali-activated cement incorporated with high percentage of limestone, is evaluated. Comparative studies on the properties of the sodium silicate activated metakaolin-limestone and metamontmorillonite-limestone fresh and hardened cement pastes depending on several formulation and processing parameters (precursor nature, dosages of limestone and alkali reactant, curing conditions) showed that metamontmorillonite exhibits reactivity comparable to that of metakaolin in the studied cement systems. The mechanical performance of optimal alkali-activated cement formulations consisted of 20-30% of metamontmorillonite and 70-80% of limestone is provided by both reactivity of metamontmorillomite under sodium silicate activation and the filler, nucleation, and chemical effects of the raw limestone. The reaction products and microstructures of alkali-activated metamontmorillonite-limestone cement-based hardened pastes were investigated using thermal, XRD, and SEM/EDS analyses.

In the third generation of solar cells, cheaper absorbent layers such as Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) have been developed with specifications similar to Cu2InGaS4 (CIGS). This CZTS material is known as a material with good structural and optical properties where the CZTS material has a series of atoms bonded to each other to form a kesterite or stannite crystal arrangement. In its use as an absorbent layer for solar cells, CZTS material is synthesized using the electrochemical deposition method. In this electrochemical deposition technique, an electrical circuit will be connected to the electrode and inserted into the electrolyte. Several voltage variations from 1 volt to 5 volts will be applied to the electrical circuit, which will then trigger ions from the precipitating material in the electrolyte to stick to one of the electrodes. Variation of deposition voltage was carried out to determine the effect of deposition stress on the electrochemical deposition method on the characteristics of the CZTS absorbent layer. The characterizations used are X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis Spectrometry, and I-V meter. XRD results show that the resulting crystal size is getting smaller with greater deposition voltage around 6.07 - 7.27 nm. The optical absorption results show that the CZTS absorber layer is sensitive at low wavelengths around 300 – 480 m,, with Light Harvesting Efficiency (LHE) ranging from 13.3 - 24.75%. The band gap energy values obtained ranged from 1.4 to 1.48 eV. The cell efficiency test results show an excellent efficiency value according to the reference ranges from 2.56-8.77%. These results indicate that the deposition voltage affects the characteristics of the CZTS absorbent layer for solar cell applications.