• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.59 no.1
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• pp.42-48
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• 2021

Zn and Al added LiNi0.85Co0.15O2 cathode materials were synthesized to improve electrochemical properties and thermal stability using a solid-state route. Crystal structure, particle size and surface shape of the synthesized cathode materials was measured using XRD (X-ray diffraction) and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). CV (cyclic voltammetry), first charge-discharge profiles, rate capability, and cycle life were measured using battery cycler (Maccor, series 4000). Strong binding energy of Al-O bond enhanced structure stability of cathode material. Electrochemical properties were improved by preventing cation mixing between Li+ and Ni2+. Large ion radius of Zn+ increased lattice parameter of NC cathode material, which meant unit-cell volume was expanded. NCZA25 showed 80% of capacity retention at 0.5 C-rate during 100 cycles, which was 12% higher than that of NC cathode. The discharge capacity of NCZA25 showed 104 mAh/g at 5 C-rate. NCZA25 achieved 36 mAh/g more capacity than that of NC cathod. NCZA25 cathode material showed excellent rate capability and cycling performance.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.228-235
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• 2021

Backgroud: Ginsenoside compound K (GK) is a major metabolite of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides and has remarkable anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. This work used an ionic cross-linking method to entrap GK within O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMC) nanoparticles (Nps) to form GK-loaded OCMC Nps (GK-OCMC Nps), which enhance the aqueous solubility and stability of GK. Methods: The GK-OCMC Nps were characterized using several physicochemical techniques, including x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential analysis, and particle size analysis via dynamic light scattering. GK was released from GK-OCMC Nps and was conducted using the dialysis bag diffusion method. The effects of GK and GK-OCMC Nps on PC3 cell viability were measured by using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Fluorescent technology based on Cy5.5-labeled probes was used to explore the cellular uptake of GK-OCMC Nps. Results: The GK-OCMC NPs had a suitable particle size and zeta potential; they were spherical with good dispersion. In vitro drug release from GK-OCMC NPs was pH dependent. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity study and cellular uptake assays indicated that the GK-OCMC Nps significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of GK toward the PC3 cells. GK-OCMC Nps also significantly promoted the activities of both caspase-3 and caspase-9. Conclusion: GK-OCMC Nps are potential nanocarriers for delivering hydrophobic drugs, thereby enhancing water solubility and permeability and improving the antiproliferative effects of GK.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.397-404
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a hemostatic agent containing aluminum chloride on the shear bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) to the dentin of primary teeth. Thirty-six extracted non-carious human primary teeth were collected in this study. Dentin surfaces were cut and polished. The specimens were randomly divided into 4 groups; group I: RMGIC without conditioning; group II: polyacrylic acid (PAA), RMGIC; group III: aluminum chloride, RMGIC; group IV: aluminum chloride, PAA, RMGIC. All teeth were thermocycled between 5.0℃ and 55.0℃ for 5000 cycles. Fifteen specimens from each group were subjected to shear bond strength test and 3 specimens from each group were inspected using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The mean shear bond strength of each group was as follows: 4.04 ± 0.88 MPa in group I, 8.29 ± 1.40 MPa in group II, 1.39 ± 0.47 MPa in group III, 6.24 ± 2.76 MPa in group IV. There were significant differences among all groups (p < 0.001). SEM image of the dentinal tubules were partially exposed in group III and group IV. Fully exposed dentinal tubules were found in group II. In conclusion, aluminum chloride decreased the shear bond strength of RMGIC to dentin, regardless of PAA conditioning.

• Clean Technology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.210-217
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• 2022

Boron(B) is a rare resource used for various purposes such as glass, semiconductor materials, gunpowder, rocket fuel, etc. However, Korea depends entirely on imports for boron. Considering the global boron reserves and its current production rate, boron will be depleted on earth in 50 years. Thus, a process including proper adsorbent materials recovering boron from seawater is demanded. This research proposed carbonized nanofibers prepared from electrospun PAN(polyacrylonitrile) mats as promising materials to adsorb boron in aqueous solution. First, the mechanism of boron adsorption on carbonized nanofibers was investigated by DFT(density functional method)-based molecular modeling and the calculated energetics demonstrated that the boron chemisorption on the nitrogen-doped graphene surface by a two-step dehydration is possible with viable activation energies. Then, the electrospun PAN mats were stabilized in air and then carbonized in an argon atmosphere before being immersed in the boric acid aqueous solution. Analytically, SEM(scanning electron microscopy) and Raman measurements were employed to confirm whether the electrospinning and carbonization of PAN mats proceeded successfully. Then, XPS(X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) peak analysis showed whether the intended nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber surface was formed and boron was properly adsorbed on nanofibers. Those results demonstrated that the carbonized nanofibers prepared from electrospun PAN mats could be feasible adsorbents for boron recovery in seawater.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.243-253
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• 2022

Using non-destructive analytical methods, we identified the material characteristics of two gold fabric artifacts excavated from the Cheongsong Sim clan (Bugeum Wonsam, Jikgeum Chima), including the artifact condition, fiber type, surface contamination, and metallic threads. We found that the artifacts were buried and had turned brown; thus, we were unable to determine their original color. The fiber type was determined to be silk from cocoons, based on scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses of Amide I, II, III, and IV peaks, and color reactions Further, the FT-IR and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses identified the white and black stains as natural resin hydrolyzed substances, such as lipids and proteins, that occurred as microbial decomposition due to body decay. Finally, the XRF analyses identified the thin gold layer of the metallic yarn as gold (Au). According to the FT-IR data and the color reaction to the metallic yarn medium, the adhesive component of the medium was a product of-Amides I, II, III, and 3000 cm^-1 within Amides A and B (an animal type), respectively. Thus, the medium was identified as Hanji (Korean paper), which is made from domestically produced Broussonetia kazinoki fibers.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.324-331
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• 2023

Lithium (Li) is a key resource driving the rapid growth of the electric vehicle industry globally, with demand and prices continually on the rise. To address the limited reserves of major lithium sources such as rock and brine, research is underway on seawater Li extraction using electrodialysis and Li-ion selective membranes. Lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO), an oxide solid electrolyte for all-solid-state batteries, is a promising Li-ion selective membrane. An important factor in enhancing its performance is employing the powder synthesis process. In this study, the LLTO powder is prepared using two synthesis methods: sol-gel reaction (SGR) and solid-state reaction (SSR). Additionally, the powder size and uniformity are compared, which are indices related to membrane performance. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy are employed for determining characterization, with crystallite size analysis through the full width at half maximum parameter for the powders prepared using the two synthetic methods. The findings reveal that the powder SGR-synthesized powder exhibits smaller and more uniform characteristics (0.68 times smaller crystal size) than its SSR counterpart. This discovery lays the groundwork for optimizing the powder manufacturing process of LLTO membranes, making them more suitable for various applications, including manufacturing high-performance membranes or mass production of membranes.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2000.02a
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• pp.174-174
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• 2000

A strong antiferromagnetic coupling in Fe/Si multilayered films (MLF) had been recently discovered and much consideration has been given to whether the coupling in the Fe/Si MLF system has the same origin as the metal/metal MLF. Nevertheless, the nature of the interfacial ron silicide is still controversial. On one hand, a metal/ semiconductor structure was suggested with a narrow band-gap semiconducting $\varepsilon$-FeSi spacer that mediates the coupling. However, some features show that the nature of coupling can be well understood in terms of the conventional metal/metal multilayered system. It is well known that both magneto-optical (MO) and optical properties of a metal depend strongly on their electronic structure that is also correlated with the atomic and chemical ordering. In this study, the nature of the interfacial regions is the Fe/Si multilayers has been investigated by the experimental and computer-simulated MO and optical spectroscopies. The Fe/Si MLF were prepared by rf-sputtering onto glass substrates at room temperature with the number of repetition N=50. The thickness of Fe sublayer was fixed at 3.0nm while the Si sublayer thickness was varied from 1.0 to 2.0 nm. The topmost layer of all the Fe/Si MLF is Fe. In order to carry out the computer simulations, the information on the MO and optical parameters of the materials that may constitute a real multilayered structure should be known in advance. For this purpose, we also prepared Fe, Si, FeSi2 and FeSi samples. The structural characterization of Fe/Si MLF was performed by low- and high -angle x-ray diffraction with a Cu-K$\alpha$ radiation and by transmission electron microscopy. A bulk $\varepsilon$-FeSi was also investigated. The MO and optical properties were measured at room temperature in the 1.0-4.7 eV energy range. The theoretical simulations of MO and optical properties for the Fe/Si MLF were performed by solving exactly a multireflection problem using the scattering matrix approach assuming various stoichiometries of a nonmagnetic spacer separating the antiferromagnetically coupled Fe layers. The simulated spectra of a model structure of FeSi2 or $\varepsilon$-FeSi as the spacer turned out to fail in explaining the experimental spectra of the Fe/Si MLF in both intensity and shape. Thus, the decisive disagreement between experimental and simulated MO and optical properties ruled out the hypothesis of FeSi2 and $\varepsilon$-FeSi as the nonmagnetic spacer. By supposing the spontaneous formation of a metallic ζ-FeSi, a reasonable agreement between experimental and simulated MO and optical spectra was obtained.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.231-240
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• 2023

In this research, our goal was to explore the potential use of cement mortar augmented with liquid red mud. To facilitate this, we neutralized liquid red mud(LR) - exhibiting a pH of 10-12 - using sulfuric acid to yield sulfuric acid neutralized red mud(SR). We then evaluated the flow, setting time, and compressive strength of the cement mortar combined with liquid red mud, while also performing a thorough examination of its chemical properties through X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The flow tests indicated a decrease in flow values for both MS-LR and MS-SR in comparison to the Plain. Analogously, the setting time for MS-LR and MS-SR was found to be abbreviated when juxtaposed with the Plain. With regards to compressive strength, MS-LR demonstrated a surge in strength at the 1-day mark, while MS-SR displayed a diminution at the 1-day and 3-day timepoints compared to the Plain. XRD analysis illustrated that after 28 days, the XRD patterns of Plain and MS-SR bore significant resemblance, though a new peak was detected in MS-LR. SEM imagery highlighted that the microstructures of Plain and MS-SR were alike, but MS-LR manifested a distinct microstructure, characterized by a finely fibrous formation. Based on these observations, we infer that the replacement of cement mortar with liquid red mud neutralized with sulfuric acid contributes to a noticeable enhancement in strength, thereby verifying its suitability for this application.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.61 no.3
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• pp.419-425
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• 2023

This paper presents the research results of analyzing the high-temperature corrosion characteristics of three currently commercialized heat exchanger tube materials under actual operating conditions of a biomass power plant. In order to precisely analyze the high-temperature corrosion characteristics of these materials, a high-temperature corrosion evaluation device was installed in the power plant equipment, which allows for adjusting the surface temperature of the heat exchanger tubes. Experiments were conducted for approximately 300 hours under various temperature and operating conditions. In this study, the commercialized heat exchanger tube materials used were SA213T12, SA213T22, and SA213T91 alloys. In order to objectively analyze the high-temperature corrosion characteristics of each material, an international standard-based process to remove corrosion products was applied to obtain the weight change of the specimens, and the average thickness loss and corrosion rate were derived. Thus, the high-temperature corrosion results for each condition were quantitatively compared and analyzed. In addition, in order to increase the reliability of the high-temperature corrosion evaluation method introduced in this study, the surface and cross-sectional corrosion of the specimens were confirmed by using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Based on these analysis results, it was found that the corrosion resistance of the commercial heat exchanger materials increases as the content of chrome and nickel in the composition increases. Additionally, it was found that the corrosion phenomenon is rapidly accelerated as the surface temperature increases. Finally, the replacement period (lifetime) of the heat exchanger tubes under each condition could be inferred through this study.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Heat Treatment
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.198-205
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• 2023

We investigated the effects of Al and Mg on the microstructure and hardness of the coating layer of galvanized steel sheets, by thermodynamic calculations, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Vickers hardness tests of Zn-0.2Al, Zn-6Al-2Mg, and Zn-10Al-5Mg coating layers. Regardless of the alloy composition of the galvanizing bath, a Fe-Al layer was observed between the coating layer and steel sheet. The Zn-0.2Al coating layer consists of major h.c.p. Zn phase and minor f.c.c. Al phase. The fraction of f.c.c. Al phase (containing a significant amount of Zn) of the coating layer increases with increasing the chemical composition of Al of the galvanizing bath. The h.c.p. MgZn₂ phase was formed in the Al/Mg-containing Zn-6Al-2Mg and Zn-10Al-5Mg coating layers, forming Zn-Al-MgZn₂ eutectic microstructure. The primary MgZn₂ phase was additionally formed in the Zn-10Al-5Mg coating layers containing high concentrations of Al and Mg. The Vickers hardness values of Zn-0.2Al, Zn-6Al-2Mg, and Zn-10Al-5Mg coating layers were 59.1 ± 1.2 HV, 161.2 ± 5.7 HV, and 215.5 ± 40.3 HV, respectively. The addition of Al and Mg increased the hardness of the coating layer by increasing the fraction of the Al phase (containing Zn) and MgZn₂ intermetallic compound, which were harder than the Zn phase.