• Composites Research
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2021

Fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites are applied to transport industries to lightweight of body, and applications will be expanded gradually. In this study, the impregnation and mechanical properties of continuous glass fiber (GF) reinforced polycarbonate (PC) composites were evaluated with different molecular weights of PC. The continuous GF reinforced PC composite were prepared by using GF fabric and PC film via continuous compression molding method. The melting flow index and tensile strength of PC matrix were evaluated with different molecular weights. Mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and compressive) and pore rate of GF/PC composite were evaluated with different molecular weights of PC. The fracture behavior was analyzed to fracture surface of GF/PC composite using FE-SEM images. As these results, it was condition of representing the best mechanical property that the GF/PC composite was prepared by using PC of 20,000 g/mol as matrix.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.14-22
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• 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of alkali-washing with different sodium hydroxide concentrations on the chemical compositions of steam-treated Betung bamboo strand. Strands were subjected to steam treatment at 126 ℃ for 1 h under 0.14 MPa pressure and followed by washing with 1-5% sodium hydroxide solution for 30 sec. The alteration of structural and non-structural chemical components content of bamboo strands was evaluated. Steam and washing treatments with various concentrations of sodium hydroxide solution considerably reduced the extractive content of bamboo strands, and the cell wall chemical components of the strand in the small degree. FTIR analysis showed noticeable changes in peaks related to hemicellulose and lignin. The relative crystallinity increased significantly after steam and washing treatment with sodium hydroxide up to 3% concentration. SEM Images showed smooth and clean strands surface after washing with 3% sodium hydroxide.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.220-225
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• 2020

Gallium oxide nano-powder, the key starting material for IGZO target, is fabricated by gas phase synthesis using a new apparatus consist of reaction, transportation, and collection parts. As a result of gallium metal evaporation above 1150℃, Ga2O3 nano-powders, are successfully synthesized. The SEM images of the synthesized powders displace the spherical shaped powders without severe agglomeration. X-ray diffraction and PSA analysis show that the higher temperature at the reaction part results in the better crystallinity and larger powder size of the synthesized Ga2O3. To see the applicability to IGZO target, Ga2O3 nano-powders synthesized at 1250℃ are mixed with indium oxide and zinc oxide (In2O3 : Ga2O3 : ZnO = 1 : 1 : 1), and then sintered at 1400~1500℃. The highest sintered density of 5.83 g/㎤ (= 91 % of relative density) is achieved when sintered at 1450℃, showing better sinterability compared to the commercially available Ga2O3 powder, which has 5.61 g/㎤ of sintered density at the same condition.

• Journal of the Semiconductor & Display Technology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.138-143
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• 2022

We analyzed the influence of post-annealing on Ga₂O₃/n-type 4H-SiC heterojunction diode. Gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃) thin films were deposited by radio frequency (RF) sputtering. Post-deposition annealing at 950℃ in an Oxygen atmosphere was performed. The material properties of Ga₂O₃ and the electrical properties of the diodes were investigated. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images show a significant increase in the roughness and crystallinity of the O₂-annealed films. After Oxygen annealing X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) shows that the atomic ratio of oxygen increases which is related to a decrease in oxygen vacancy within the Ga₂O₃ film. The O₂-annealed diodes exhibited higher on-current and lower leakage current. Moreover, the ideality factor, barrier height, and thermal activation energy were derived from the current-voltage curve by increasing the temperature from 298 - 434K.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.97-111
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• 2022

In the present article, silica nanoparticles (SNPs) were exploited to improve the tribological and mechanical properties of vinyl ester/glass fiber composites. To the best of our knowledge, there hasn't been any prior study on the wear properties of glass fiber reinforced vinyl ester SiO₂ nanocomposites. The wear resistance is a critical concern in many industries which needs to be managed effectively to reduce high costs. To examine the influence of SNPs on the mechanical properties, seven different weight percentages of vinyl ester/nano-silica composites were initially fabricated. Afterward, based on the tensile testing results of the silica nanocomposites, four wt% of SNPs were selected to fabricate a ternary composite composed of vinyl ester/glass fiber/nano-silica using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding. At the next stage, the tensile, three-point flexural, Charpy impact, and pin-on-disk wear tests were performed on the ternary composites. The fractured surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images after conducting previous tests. The most important and interesting result of this study was the development of a nanocomposite that exhibited a 52.2% decrease in the mean coefficient of friction (COF) by augmenting the SNPs, which is beneficial for the fabrication/repair of composite/steel energy pipelines as well as hydraulic and pneumatic pipe systems conveying abrasive materials. Moreover, the weight loss due to wearing the ternary composite containing one wt% of SNPs was significantly reduced by 70%. Such enhanced property of the fabricated nanocomposite may also be an important design factor for marine structures, bridges, and transportation of wind turbine blades.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.513-525
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• 2022

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate direct oxidation of aqueous solution containing cefalexin antibiotic with new generation Sn/Sb/Ni: 500/8/1 anode. The fact that there is no such a study on treatment of cefalexin with these new anode made this study unique. According to the operating parameters evaluation COD graphs showed clearer results compared to TOC and CLX and thus, it was it was chosen as major parameter. Furthermore, pseudo-first degree kd values were calculated from CLX results to show more accurate and specific results. Experimental results showed that after 60 min of electrochemical oxidation, complete removal of COD and TOC was accomplished with 750 mg L^-1 KCl, at pH 7, 50 mA cm^-2 current density and 1 cm anode-cathode distance. Also, the stability of the Sn/Sb/Ni anode was evaluated by taking SEM and AFM images and XRD analysis before and after of electrochemical oxidation processes. According to the results, it was not occurred too much change on the anode surface even after 300 h of electrolysis. Thus, it was thought that the anode material was not corroded to a large extent. Furthermore, the removal efficiencies were very high for almost all the time and conditions. According to the results of the study, electrochemical oxidation with new generation Sn/Sb/Ni anodes for the removal of cefalexin antibiotic was found very successful and applicable due to require less reaction time complete mineralization and doesn't require pH adjustment step compared to other studies in literature. In future studies, different antibiotic types should be studied with this anode and maybe with real wastewaters to test applicability of the process in treatment of pharmaceutical wastewaters containing antibiotics, in a better way.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.1589-1598
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• 2022

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is a valuable material with wide industrial applications, particularly for the food and cosmetics industries, owing to its excellent physiochemical properties. Here, we prepared high-solid microfibrillated cellulose (HMFC) from the centrifugation of Gelidium amansiiderived MFC right after fibrillation. Dispersion properties, morphology, and structural changes were monitored during processing. HMFC has a five-fold higher solid concentration than MFC without significant changes to dispersion properties. SEM images and FTIR spectra of HMFC revealed a stable surface and structure against centrifugal forces. HMFC exhibited 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, although it could not scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Moreover, HMFC inhibited the generation of LPS-induced excessive nitrite and radial oxygen species in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, HMFC suppressed LPS-induced Keap-1 expression in the cytosol but did not alter iNOS expression. HMFC also attenuated the UVB-induced phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2, and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, as well as the phosphorylation of c-Jun in the immortalized human skin keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Therefore, the application of centrifugation is suitable for producing high-solid MFC as a candidate material for anti-inflammatory and antioxidative marine cosmeceuticals.

• Advances in materials Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.179-192
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• 2023

We have studied the structural and optical properties of the non-doped and Co 0.08 at.%, Co 0.02 at.%, and Co 0.11 at.% doped ZnO nanorods (NRs) synthesized using the simple low-temperature chemical bath deposition (CBD) method at 95℃ for 2 hours. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirmed the morphology of the ZnO NRs are affected by Co incorporation. As observed, the Co 0.08 at.% doped ZnO NRs have a larger dimension with an average diameter of 153.4 nm. According to the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) number #00-036-1451, the x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of non-doped and Co-doped ZnO NRs with the preferred orientation of ZnO NRs in the (002) plane possess polycrystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure with the space group P63mc. Optical absorbance indicates the Co 0.08 at.% doped ZnO NRs have stronger and blueshift bandgap energy (3.104 ev). The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra of ZnO NRs exhibited excitonicrelates ultraviolet (UV) and defect-related green band (GB) emissions. By calculating the UV/GB intensity, the Co 0.08 at.% is the proper atomic percentage to have fewer intrinsic defects. We predict that Co-doped ZnO NRs induce a blueshift of near band edge (NBE) emission due to the Burstein-Moss effect. Meanwhile, the redshift of NBE emission is attributed to the modification of the lattice dimensions and exchange energy.

• Advances in environmental research
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.51-64
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• 2023

The sustainable management of rice straw is essential for protection of human health and environment. This study assesses the impact of stock density of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) and Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) on the quality of the final vermicompost. The vermicompost is produced using different combinations of rice straw, Neem leaves, and cow dung (bulking agent) by varying stock density of earthworms. The vermicomposting experiments are performed in plastic containers (32 cm × 28 cm × 28 cm) in open for 90 days under laboratory conditions. The stock density of the earthworm is found to be an important factor to influence nutritional quality of the final vermicompost. There is observed significant improvement in the total nitrogen (91.8%), phosphate (73.4%), potassium (38.8%), and calcium (59.05%) content of the vermicompost produced with the highest stock density of the earthworms. All the treatments showed decrease in TOC and C:N content after 90 days of vermicomposting. The treatment with Neem leaves showed maximum growth of earthworms (2.65 fold). Neem leaves brought positive changes in the quality of final vermicompost by enhancing the growth and reproduction of the earthworms. The calcium content increased by 39% in the final vermicompost with the addition of Neem leaves at the same stock density of the earthworms. The stock density of the earthworms and Neem leaves are found to significantly improve quality of the final vermicompost as compared with the compost (control). The surface morphology in SEM images showed high degree of fragmentation in the vermicompost as compared with the compost. The combined action of microbes and earthworms resulted in high degree of disintegration in the vermicompost.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.171-180
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• 2022

Zeolitic material, Z-Y3, was synthesized from coal fly ash (CFA) under low-alkaline conditions (NaOH/CFA ratio = 0.3 and NaOH solution concentrations of 0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 M) using a fusion/hydrothermal method. The adsorption capacities of the fabricated Z-Y3 samples for Cs and Sr ions and the desorption capacity of Na ions were evaluated. The XRD patterns of the Z-Y3 sample fabricated using a 1.0 M NaOH solution (Z-Y3 (1.0 M)) indicated the successful synthesis of a zeolitic material, because the diffraction peaks of Z-Y3 coincided with those of the Na-A zeolite in the 2θ range of 7.18-34.18. Moreover, the SEM images revealed that morphology of the Z-Y3 (1.0 M) sample, which presented zeolitic materials characteristics, consisted of sharp-edged cubes. The adsorption isotherms of Cs and Sr ions on all the fabricated Z-Y3 samples were described using the Langmuir model, and the maximum adsorption capacities of Cs and Sr were calculated to be 0.14-0.94 mmol/g and 0.19-0.78 mmol/g, respectively. The desorption of Na ions from the Cs and Sr ions adsorbed Z-Y3 samples followed the Langmuir desorption model. The maximum desorption capacities of Na ions from the Cs and Sr ions adsorbed Z-Y3 (1.0 M) samples were 1.28 and 1.49 mmol/g, respectively.