• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.214-225
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• 2023

Piezoelectric actuators, which utilize piezoelectric crystals or ceramics, are commonly used in precision positioning applications, offering high-speed response and precise control. However, the use of low-performance ceramics and expensive single crystals is limiting their versatile use in the actuator market, necessitating the development of both high-performance and cost-effective piezoelectric materials capable of delivering higher forces and displacements. The use of textured Pb (lead)-based piezoelectric ceramics formed by so-called templated grain growth method has been identified as a promising strategy to address the performance and cost issue. This review article provides insights into recent advances in texturing Pb-based piezoelectric ceramics for improved performance in actuation applications. We discussed the relevant issues in detail focusing on current challenges and emerging trends in the textured piezoelectric ceramics for their reliability and performance in actuator applications. We discussed in detail focusing on current challenges and emerging trends of textured piezoelectric ceramics for their reliability and performance in actuator applications. In conclusion, the article provides an outlook on the future direction of textured piezoelectric ceramics in actuator applications, highlighting the potential for further success in this field.

• Transactions of the Korean hydrogen and new energy society
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.8-18
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• 2022

With rapid industrialization and population growth, fossil fuel use has increased, which has a significant impact on the environment. Hydrogen does not cause contamination in the energy production process, so it seems to be a solution, but it is essential to find an appropriate storage method due to its low efficiency. In this study, Mg-based alloys capable of ensuring safety and high volume and hydrogen storage density per weight was studied, and Mg₂NiH_x synthesized with Ni capable of improving hydrogenation kinetics. In addition, in order to improve thermal stability, a hydrogen storage composite material synthesized with CaO was synthesized to analyze the change in hydrogenation reaction. In order to analyze the changes in the metallurgical properties of the materials through the process, XRD, SEM, BET, etc. were conducted, and hydrogenation behavior was confirmed by TGA and hydrogenation kinetics analysis. In addition, in order to evaluate the impact of the process on the environment, the environmental impact was evaluated through "Material Life Cycle Assessments" based on CML 2001 and EI99' methodologies, and compared and analyzed with previous studies. As a result, the synthesis of CaO caused additional power consumption, which had a significant impact on global warming, and further research is required to improve this.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.98-106
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• 2022

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are widely used in various fields because they make it easy to control porous structures according to combinations of metal ions and organic linkers. In addition, ZIF (zeolitic imidazolate framework), a type of MOF, is made up of transition metal ions such as Co²⁺ or Zn²⁺ and linkers such as imidazole or imidazole derivatives. ZIF-67, composed of Co²⁺ and 2-methyl imidazole, exhibits both chemical stability and catalytic activity. Recently, due to increasing need for energy technology and carbon-neutral policies, catalysis applications have attracted tremendous research attention. Moreover, demand is increasing for material development in the electrocatalytic water splitting and metal-air battery fields; there is also a need for bifunctional catalysts capable of both oxidation/reduction reactions. This review summarizes recent progress of bifunctional catalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting and metal-air batteries using ZIF-67. In particular, the field is classified into areas of thermal decomposition, introduction of heterogeneous elements, and complex formation with carbon-based materials or polyacrylonitrile. This review also focuses on synthetic methods and performance evaluation.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.137-147
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• 2023

In this study, Br-PPO was developed by applying additive organic particles through a suspension polymerization synthesis method. The anion exchange membrane fuel cell system performance was evaluated using it to an anion exchange membrane. To improve the performance, organic ion exchange particles were prepared and added to the anion exchange membrane. Chemical structure analysis and synthesis were determined through FT-IR and NMR, and tensile strength and thermal stability were measured through TGA and UTM to determine whether it could be driven. Before the anion exchange membrane fuel cell test, the performance was evaluated by measuring the ion conductivity and ion exchange capacity. Finally, the Br-PPO-TMA-SDV (0.7%) anion exchange membrane with excellent ion conductivity and ion exchange capacity was introduced into the fuel cell system. Its performance was compared with FAA-3-50, a commercial membrane, to determine whether it could be introduced into a fuel cell system.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.385-399
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• 2023

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), commonly referred to as Boron Nitride Nanoribbons (BNNRs), is an electrical insulator characterized by high thermal stability and a wide bandgap semiconductor property. This study delves into the electronic properties of two BNNR configurations: Armchair BNNRs (ABNNRs) and Zigzag BNNRs (ZBNNRs). Utilizing the nearest-neighbour tight-binding approach and numerical methods, the electronic properties of BNNRs were simulated. A simplifying assumption, the Hamiltonian matrix is used to compute the electronic properties by considering the self-interaction energy of a unit cell and the interaction energy between the unit cells. The edge perturbation is applied to the selected atoms of ABNNRs and ZBNNRs to simulate the electronic properties changes. This simulation work is done by generating a custom script using numerical computational methods in MATLAB software. When benchmarked against a reference study, our results aligned closely in terms of band structure and bandgap energy for ABNNRs. However, variations were observed in the peak values of the continuous curves for the local density of states. This discrepancy can be attributed to the use of numerical methods in our study, in contrast to the semi-analytical approach adopted in the reference work.

• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.41-47
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• 2022

Ag sintering technologies have received great attention as it was applied to the inverter of Tesla's electric vehicle Model III. Ag sinter bonding technology has advantages in heat dissipation design as well as high-temperature stability due to the intrinsic properties of the material, so it is useful for practical use of SiC and GaN devices. This study was carried out to understand the sinter joining temperature effect on the robust Ag sintered joints in air without pressure within 10 min. Electroplated Ag finished Cu dies (3 mm × 3 mm × 2 mm) and substrates (10 mm × 10 mm × 2 mm) were introduced, respectively, and nano Ag paste was applied as a bonding material. The sinter joining process was performed without pressure in air with the bonding temperature as a variable of 175 ℃, 200 ℃, 225 ℃, and 250 ℃. As results, the bonding temperature of 175 ℃ caused 13.21 MPa of die shear strength, and when the bonding temperature was raised to 200 ℃, the bonding strength increased by 157% to 33.99 MPa. When the bonding temperature was increased to 225 ℃, the bonding strength of 46.54 MPa increased by about 37% compared to that of 200 ℃, and even at a bonding temperature of 250 ℃, the bonding strength exceeded 50 MPa. The bonding strength of Ag sinter joints was directly influenced by changes in the necking thickness and interfacial connection ratio. In addition, developments in the morphologies of the joint interface and porous structure have a significant effect on displacement. This study is systematically discussed on the relationship between processing temperatures and bonding strength of Ag sinter joints.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.69-78
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• 2023

This investigation delves into the adverse repercussions stemming from the impact of arsenic on steel pipes concealed within soil designated for rice cultivation. Simultaneously, the study aims to ascertain effective techniques for detecting arsenic in the soil and to provide strategies for mitigating the corrosion of steel pipes. The realm of nanotechnology presents promising avenues for addressing the intricate intersection of renewable energy, oil, and environmental pollution from a novel perspective. Nanostructured materials, characterized by distinct chemical and physical attributes, unveil novel pathways for pioneering materials that exert a substantial impact across diverse realms of food production, storage, packaging, and quality control. Within the scope of the food industry, the scope of nanotechnology encompasses processes, storage methodologies, packaging paradigms, and safeguards to ensure the safety of consumables. Of particular note, silver nanoparticles, in addition to their commendable antibacterial efficacy, boast anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory prowess, environmental compatibility, minimal irritability and allergenicity, resilience to microbial antagonism, thermal stability, and robustness. Confronting the pressing issue of arsenic contamination within both environmental settings and the food supply is of paramount importance to preserve public health and ecological equilibrium. In response, this study introduces detection kits predicated upon silver nanoparticles, providing an expeditious and economically feasible avenue for identifying arsenic concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 3 ppm within rice. Subsequent quantification employs Hydride Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (HG-AAS), which features a detection threshold of 0.05 ㎍/l. A salient advantage inherent in the HG-AAS methodology lies in its capacity to segregate analytes from the sample matrix, thereby significantly reducing instances of spectral interference. Importantly, the presence of arsenic in the soil beneath rice cultivation establishes a causative link to steel pipe corrosion, with potential consequences extending to food contamination-an intricate facet embedded within the broader tapestry of renewable energy, oil, and environmental pollution.

• Journal of the Korean institute of surface engineering
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.401-411
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• 2023

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and application of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles for corrosion resistance and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) mitigation in high-temperature and high-pressure environments. The ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized using plasma discharge in water, resulting in rod-shaped particles with a hexagonal crystal structure. The ZnO nanoparticles are applied to Alloy 600 tubes in simulated nuclear power plant atmospheres to evaluate their effectiveness. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals the formation of thermodynamically stable ZnCr₂O₄and ZnFe₂O₄ spinel phases with a depth of approximately 35 nm on the surface after 240 hours of treatment. Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) mitigation experiments reveal that ZnO treatment enhances thermal and mechanical stability. The ZnO-treated specimens exhibit increased maximum temperature tolerance up to 310 ℃ and higher-pressure resistance up to 60 bar compared to non-treated ZnO samples. Measurements of crack length indicate reduced crack propagation in ZnO-treated specimens. The formation of thermodynamically stable Zn spinel structures on the surface of Alloy 600 and the subsequent improvements in surface properties contribute to the enhanced durability and performance of the material in challenging high-temperature and high-pressure environments. These findings have significant implications for the development of corrosion-resistant materials and the mitigation of stress corrosion cracking in various industries.

• 한국유가공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2002.04a
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• pp.59-60
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• 2002

Edible films such as wax coatings, sugar and chocolate covers, and sausage casings, have been used in food applications for years$^{(1)}$ However, interest in edible films and biodegradable polymers has been renewed due to concerns about the environment, a need to reduce the quantity of disposable packaging, and demand by the consumer for higher quality food products. Edible films can function as secondary packaging materials to enhance food quality and reduce the amount of traditional packaging needed. For example, edible films can serve to enhance food quality by acting as moisture and gas barriers, thus, providing protection to a food product after the primary packaging is opened. Edible films are not meant to replace synthetic packaging materials; instead, they provide the potential as food packagings where traditional synthetic or biodegradable plastics cannot function. For instance, edible films can be used as convenient soluble pouches containing single-servings for products such as instant noodles and soup/seasoning combination. In the food industry, they can be used as ingredient delivery systems for delivering pre-measured ingredients during processing. Edible films also can provide the food processors with a variety of new opportunities for product development and processing. Depends on materials of edible films, they also can be sources of nutritional supplements. Especially, whey proteins have excellent amino acid balance while some edible films resources lack adequate amount of certain amino acids, for example, soy protein is low in methionine and wheat flour is low in lysine$^{(2)}$. Whey proteins have a surplus of the essential amino acid lysine, threonine, methionine and isoleucine. Thus, the idea of using whey protein-based films to individually pack cereal products, which often deficient in these amino acids, become very attractive$^{(3)}$. Whey is a by-product of cheese manufacturing and much of annual production is not utilized$^{(4)}$. Development of edible films from whey protein is one of the ways to recover whey from dairy industry waste. Whey proteins as raw materials of film production can be obtained at inexpensive cost. I hypothesize that it is possible to make whey protein-based edible films with improved moisture barrier properties without significantly altering other properties by producing whey protein/lipid emulsion films and these films will be suitable far food applications. The fellowing are the specific otjectives of this research: 1. Develop whey protein/lipid emulsion edible films and determine their microstructures, barrier (moisture and oxygen) and mechanical (tensile strength and elongation) properties. 2. Study the nature of interactions involved in the formation and stability of the films. 3. Investigate thermal properties, heat sealability, and sealing properties of the films. 4. Demonstrate suitability of their application in foods as packaging materials. Methodologies were developed to produce edible films from whey protein isolate (WPI) and concentrate (WPC), and film-forming procedure was optimized. Lipids, butter fat (BF) and candelilla wax (CW), were added into film-forming solutions to produce whey protein/lipid emulsion edible films. Significant reduction in water vapor and oxygen permeabilities of the films could be achieved upon addition of BF and CW. Mechanical properties were also influenced by the lipid type. Microstructures of the films accounted for the differences in their barrier and mechanical properties. Studies with bond-dissociating agents indicated that disulfide and hydrogen bonds, cooperatively, were the primary forces involved in the formation and stability of whey protein/lipid emulsion films. Contribution of hydrophobic interactions was secondary. Thermal properties of the films were studied using differential scanning calorimetry, and the results were used to optimize heat-sealing conditions for the films. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) was used to study the nature of the interfacial interaction of sealed films. All films were heat sealable and showed good seal strengths while the plasticizer type influenced optimum heat-sealing temperatures of the films, 130$^{\circ}$C for sorbitol-plasticized WPI films and 110$^{\circ}$C for glycerol-plasticized WPI films. ESCA spectra showed that the main interactions responsible for the heat-sealed joint of whey protein-based edible films were hydrogen bonds and covalent bonds involving C-0-H and N-C components. Finally, solubility in water, moisture contents, moisture sorption isotherms and sensory attributes (using a trained sensory panel) of the films were determined. Solubility was influenced primarily by the plasticizer in the films, and the higher the plasticizer content, the greater was the solubility of the films in water. Moisture contents of the films showed a strong relationship with moisture sorption isotherm properties of the films. Lower moisture content of the films resulted in lower equilibrium moisture contents at all aw levels. Sensory evaluation of the films revealed that no distinctive odor existed in WPI films. All films tested showed slight sweetness and adhesiveness. Films with lipids were scored as being opaque while films without lipids were scored to be clear. Whey protein/lipid emulsion edible films may be suitable for packaging of powder mix and should be suitable for packaging of non-hygroscopic foods$^{(5,6,7,8,)}$.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.111-115
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• 2013

The optimum synthetic conditions of poly(p-phenylphenol) by horseradish peroxidase in dioxane:water (80:20 v/v) mixtures were studied. The stability against thermal degradation and structural properties of the synthesized phenolic resins were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. The synthetic yield of poly(p-phenylphenol) increased upon the increase of the amount of enzyme up to 0.25 mg HRP/mL, then leveled off for further increase of the enzyme usage. When sodium acetate (100 mM, pH 4~6) and sodium phosphate (100 mM, pH 7~9) were used as the buffering salts for the aqueous component (20% v/v), the synthetic yield of the resin increased at higher pH of the aqueous buffer. But when the pHs of the aqueous buffer were 6 and 9, the synthetic yield strongly depended on the types of the buffering salts; if sodium phosphate was used instead of sodium acetate at pH 6, the yield decreased by about 15% and if sodium bicarbonate was used instead of sodium phosphate, the yield decreased by almost 20%. When the pH range of the aqueous buffer was from 4 to 7, the addition of a radical mediator, 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), up to 2 mM improved the synthetic yield of the resin by about 10%. TGA experiments revealed that the thermal stability of the resin synthesized in dioxane:water (100 mM sodium phosphate, pH 9) (80:20 v/v) was high having the char yield of 47% upon the heating at $800^{\circ}C$. DCS results showed that the structures of the polymers synthesized in acidic aqueous buffers were different from those of the polymers synthesized in the basic aqueous buffers. However, all the synthesized resins were found to have the property of the thermosetting resins.