• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.292-297
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• 2023

Triboelectric devices are attracting attention from researchers as self-powered electronic systems that can instantly convert mechanical input into electrical energy output. To improve triboelectric energy harvesting performance, increasing the number of contacts as well as the contact area has been carried out by numerous researchers. In this study, we design a shaker-type energy harvester which is called as maracas triboelectric generator (M-TEG), inspired by the structure of maracas, one of the musical percussion instruments. A tripod frame is inserted to the inside of a cylindrical case, which is a device with the electrodes of aluminum and copper. Then, the triboelectric energy harvesting characteristics between polypropylene (PP) balls and the electrodes are measured. The M-TEG with the frame generates the energy harvesting signals up to ~100 V and ~2.5 ㎂ due to larger contact area and numbers, which enhances the voltage and current output by 250% and 610% compared to that without the frame, respectively. This study presents the feasibility of self-powered sensors and toys using improved triboelectric energy performance with a low-cost and simple manufacturing process in the interesting structure.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.467-484
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• 2023

Despite the significant features of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs), including better mechanical, fractural, and durability performance, their high content of cement has restricted their use in the construction industry. Although ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is considered the main supplementary cementitious material, its slow pozzolanic reaction stands against its application. The addition of nano-sized mineral modifiers, including nano-silica (NS), is an alternative to address the drawbacks of using GGBFS. The main object of this empirical and numerical research is to examine the effect of NS on the strain-hardening behavior of cementitious composites; ten mixes were designed, and five levels of NS were considered. This study proposes a new method, using a four-point bending test to assess the use of nano-silica (NS) on the flexural behavior, first cracking strength, fracture energy, and micromechanical parameters including interfacial friction bond strength and maximum bridging stress. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used for monitoring the initiation and propagation of the cracks. In addition, to attain a deep comprehension of fiber/matrix interaction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was used. It was discovered that using nano-silica (NS) in cementitious materials results in an enhancement in the matrix toughness, which prevents multiple cracking and, therefore, strain-hardening. In addition, adding NS enhanced the interfacial transition zone between matrix and fiber, leading to a higher interfacial friction bond strength, which helps multiple cracking in the composite due to the hydrophobic nature of polypropylene (PP) fibers. The findings of this research provide insight into finding the optimum percent of NS in which both ductility and high tensile strength of the composites would be satisfied. As a concluding remark, a new criterion is proposed, showing that the optimum value of nano-silica is 2%. The findings and proposed method of this study can facilitate the design and utilization of green cementitious composites in structures.

• Clean Technology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.124-133
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• 2011

In addition to six substances regulated in EU RoHS including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), priority substances are identified in new RoHS II as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). In this study, 20 plastic samples were collected from 12 domestic electrotechnical companies and levels of four restricted substances were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, Among 20 parts that compose washer, refrigerator or microwave oven, HBCDD was detected in three samples of NBR material with the amount of 42~381 mg/kg while DBP and BBP was not detected in any samples collected respectively, implying that these substance may not be used widely in plastic materials for EEE. However, DEHP was detected in all samples of NBR, PP, PBT, EPDM and PVC materials with the amount of 42 up to 59,400 mg/kg that exceeds the limit value of 0.1 wt% (1,000 mg/kg). Presence of a restricted substance in polymer material makes a great negative influence on a number of final product. To cope with coming RoHS II as well as REACH, action not to use DEHP in plastic material or the relevant notification in case of REACH seems to be needed. Screening test of Arsenic compounds such as diarsenic pentaoxide, diarsenic trioxide, lead hydrogen arsenate, triethyl arsenate that are included in REACH SVHC was done by ICP measurement Arsenium was detected in four samples made of NBR and PBT materials in the level of 15~700 mg/kg. By considering the screening method used in this study, the amount of arsenium compounds in the thermistor made of PBT material has a high chance of exceeding the regulated limit value.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.201-209
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• 2016

This study is to examine experimentally on the engineering properties of fiber reinforced concrete using kenaf(KN) fiber and another organic fibers for comparing test, and propose the usable method of KN fiber as an natural fiber in the concrete industry. It is to select 4 contents(0, 0.3, 0.6 and $0.9kg/m^3$) of KN fiber and 4 organic fibers (Jute, Cellulose, Polypropylene and Nylon). For this study, it is to perform various tests including slump, air content, plastic and drying shrinkage, flexural and tensile strength, carbonation depth for the fiber reinforced concrete according to contents of KN fiber and 4 organic fibers. The results of this study are as follows : In case of KN fiber contents $0.6kg/m^3$, it shows the effective results from increasing concrete strength including flexural and tensile, from decreasing plastic and drying shrinkage, carbonation depth. Also KN fiber is confirmed having excellent performances by comparing with test results of another organic fibers as same contents $0.6kg/m^3$. Therefore, considering concrete test results, cost and environment, KN fiber is proposed as the optimum contents in the range of $0.6kg/m^3$ and an effective fiber materials, and needs to keep up these study on the site application.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.770-775
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• 1994

Kimchi packed in polypropylene(PP) tray was stored at different temperatures (0, 10, $20^{\circ}C$) to investigate the relationships between fermentative gas pressure and quality changes. The quality of Kimchi during storage was evaluated in terms of pH, titratable acidity, color, and sensory properties. The fermentative gas pressure changes due to $CO_2$ evolution showed typical sigmoidal curves at each temperature. Accordingly, inflation of Kimchi packages caused by increasing gas pressure occurred in 40 hours, 5 and 30 days at 20, 10, $0^{\circ}C$ , respectively, at which gas pressure inside the packages ranged $1.2{\sim}1.4\;psig$. Following inflation, Kimchi packages stored at 20 and $10^{\circ}C$ were burst out on 3 and 8 days, but those at $0^{\circ}C$ were not. As the fermentative gas pressure increased, pH decreased (r > 0.968) and titratable acidity increased (r > 0.973) proportionally. Regarding to the color change of crushed Kimchi juice, L and b values were decreased exponentially, but a value remained constant during storage. Among sensory properties, the sourness and texture scores showed good accordance with pH changes. In conclusion, although Kimchi kept optimal tastes during storage, the inflation of package restricted shelf-life of Kimchi.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.184-192
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• 2014

Various types of unit packaging methods were applied for 'Fuji' apples during short-term cold storage and export simulation. Gas tightness of the package was controlled stepwise in the successive two-year experiments using different perforation treatments (none, punch hole, or pinhole) and sealing methods (tie v s. heat seal). Risk of tight packaging and effectiveness of macroperforation on weight loss and quality maintenance were analyzed as related to changes in gas concentration inside the packages. Immediately after harvest, each 5 apple units were packaged in $40{\mu}m$ polypropylene (PP) film bags, stored 4 weeks at $0^{\circ}C$, and then put on the shelf for one week at ambient temperature in the preliminary experiment, In the main experiment, export process was imposed after storage simulating 2 week refrigerated container shipment at $0^{\circ}C$ plus one week local marketing at ambient temperature. Non-perforated film packaging with relatively high gas tightness induced flesh browning caused by carbon dioxide accumulation regardless of the sealing methods. Among perforated film packaging, in contrast, atmospheric modification was partly established only in the pinhole treatment and flesh browning symptom was not observed in all the treatments. Even the punch hole perforated film packaging without gas tightness effectively reduced the weight loss, whereas had slight benefits for quality maintenance. Reduced perforation using pinhole treatment seemed to improve sensory texture, while effects on physicochemical quality were insignificant. Overall results suggest the need of more minute perforation treatments on the packaging film to ensure modified atmosphere effects on quality maintenance.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.15-20
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• 2012

Ventilation effects of bottles($1,100m{\ell}$) for culturing Flammulina velutipes on its mycelial growth and mushroom production were investigated. The degree of ventilation were controlled with hole positions, upper and under, and hole sizes in the bottle lids. The ventilation effects were measured with the contents of carbon dioxide, free sugars, chitin, moisture in the bottles and with the amount of produced mushrooms from the bottles. Carbon dioxide concentrations within the culturing bottles at exponential mycelial growth period vertex were relatively high in the bottles with lids without both a sponge and an aeration hole, and in those with a smaller hole. Free sugar contents in the mycelia were the highest in those with a 47mm hole on both sides, and in those with 26~33mm holes only underside. Chitin content was the highest in those with a 26mm hole only underside. On the other hand, the lids with 42mm~47mm holes on the both sides greatly lost water and decreased the mushroom production. In conclusion, the most efficient ventilation hole sizes on the lids for bottle($1,100m{\ell}$) cultivation of Flammulina velutipes using $1,100m{\ell}$ polypropylene bottle were 19mm on both sides of the lid and 26mm on only underside. They produced more mushrooms than the control by 6~9 %.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.509-516
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• 2012

The aims of this research is to develop a fire resistant admixture to enhance high-pressured pumping of high-strength concrete (HSC) with a compressive strength of 60~80 MPa. Generally, the efficiency of HSC high-pressured pumping is dramatically reduced due to entanglement of short fibers added to prevent fire spalling. Therefore, the fire resistant admixture that can facilitate pumping of fire resistant HSC is urgently needed presently. The fire resistant HSC mix is comprised of Polypropylene fiber, Nylon fiber and Polymer powder. The test results showed that the slump-flow was improved by approximately 70% of the HSC without fire resistant admixture. However, the air void content was increased slightly due to the addition. The standard design compressive strength at 28-days was satisfied, while its flexural strength was similar to the concrete without the admixture. Since the flexural strength was 12~15% of its compressive strength, the general trend of flexural to compressive strength ratio in normal concrete was maintained. Even though its elastic modulus was decreased by adding the admixture, the study results showed that the concrete can be used for construction since all of the test results exceeded the code requirements.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.35-46
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• 2017

Most of high carbon fly ashes (HCFA) are discarded in landfills with high costs due to low recycling rate. This study aims to explore the geotechnical behaviors of HCFA mixtures reinforced with fiber and sand. A series of compaction test, unconfined compressive strength test and modified 1D consolidation test with bender element were performed. Specimens were prepared at their optimal moisture contents based on the results of compaction tests. The results of this study demonstrate that the inclusion of fibers to the matrix of HCFA increases unconfined compressive strength (UCS), strain at UCS, and maximum shear modulus ($G_{max}$) at a given void ratio. Reinforcement with sand increases UCS of HCFA; while the strain at UCS is irrelevant with sand fractions. Sand particles may disrupt the direct contacts between HCFA particles at low sand content, resulting in a decrease in $G_{max}$. However, it can be expected that the mixtures with sand content larger than 20% are in dense state; thus, $G_{max}$ of HCFA reinforced with sand shows greater value than that of unreinforced HCFA compacted with the same energy. Regardless of types of reinforcement, the compression index ($C_c$) of both fiber and sand reinforced HCFA is mainly determined by initial void ratio.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.405-415
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• 1999

In general, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is usually used in the investigation of polymer microstructure. Microtoming, solution casting, staining and carbon replica method are frequently introduced to the study of the polymer morphology with TEM, however the sample preparation procedure of those techniques is very difficult, and it takes a long time. The purpose of this study is to develop a new sample preparation technique which is suitable for the investigation of the various shapes and species of polyolefin microstructure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). By modifying the conventional chemical etching method, we developed a new chemical etching technique and sample preparation procedure that are suitable for SEM study of polymer microstructure. In this study the permanganate etching method is introduced and the optimum etching condition are determined by simply adjusting the etchant formulation, concentration and etching time. This technique has shown good reproducibility and it's morphological results agree well with other works on various types of microstructures such as spherulite characterization of isotatic polypropylene $(\alpha/\beta)$, polyethylene and poly-propylene copolymer characterization, and the study of lamellar growth pattern of unsheared or oriented materials. This technique has also been applied to the industrial fields for characterization of the polyolefin film, automobile products and the others.