This contribution investigates the effect of the addition of the Hubbard U parameter on the electronic structural and mechanical properties of cubic (C-type) lanthanide sesquioxides (Ln2O3). Calculated Bader's charges confirm the ionic character of Lnsingle bondO bonds in the C-type Ln2O3. Estimated structural parameters (i.e., lattice constants) coincide with analogous experimental values. The calculated band gaps energies at the Ueff of 5 eV for these compounds exhibit a non-metallic character and Ueff of 6.5 eV reproduces the analogous experimental band gap of cerium sesquioxide Ce2O3. We have thoroughly investigated the effect of the O/Ce ratios and the effect of hafnium (Hf) and zirconium (Zr) dopants on the reduction energies of CeOx configurations. Our analysis for the reduction energy of CeO2, over a wide range of temperatures displays that, shuffling between the two +4 and +3 oxidation states of Ce exhibit a temperature-independent behaviour. Higher O/Ce ratios necessitate lower reduction energies. Our results on Cesingle bondHfsingle bondZrsingle bondO alloys are in reasonable agreements with analogous fitted values pertinent to lowering reduction energies and shrinkage in lattice parameters when contrasted with pure CeO2. Structural analysis reveals that Hf and Zr atoms in the solid solution are shifted towards the nearest vacancies upon reduction. It is hoped that values provided herein to shed an atomic-base insight into the reduction/oxidation thermodynamics of increasingly deployed catalysts for environmental applications.
Biodegradable polymers have garnered increasing attention as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-derived plastics, which pose a global environmental challenge due to their difficult recycling and slow degradation. This study focuses on the preliminary evaluation of surface functional properties of chitosan films reinforced with TiO₂ or ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). These films were prepared at different loading ratios using the solution-casting method. Structural and morphological properties were characterized using FTIR and FESEM, while functional properties were evaluated by surface wettability, UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and antibacterial activity testing. FTIR results showed significant changes in abs
... Show MoreRecently, many materials have shown that they can be used as alternatives to chemicals materials in order to be used to improve the properties of drilling fluids. Some of these materials are banana peels and corn cobs which both are considered environmentally- friendly materials. The results of the X-ray diffraction examination have proved that the main components of these materials are cellulose and hemicellulose, which contribute greatly to the increasing of the effectiveness of these two materials. Due to their distinct composition, these two materials have improved the rheological properties (plastic viscosity and yield point) and reduced the filtration of the drilling fluids to a large extent. The addition rates used for each o
... Show MoreAbstract : Silicone elastomer is widely used as the material of choice for fabricating maxillofacial prosthesis. However, silicone properties are far from ideal; low tear strength, low tensile strength and insufficient elasticity are the most undesirable properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of nano SiO2filler on tear strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness and color of Cosmesil M-511 HTV maxillofacial silicone elastomer. Nano SiO2was added to the silicone base in concentrations of 4%, 5% and 6% by weight. Silicone with 0% nano filler served as a control. Tear test was done according to ISO 34-1. Tensile and elongation test was done according to ISO 37. Shore A hardness test was done
... Show MoreIn this study, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized from graphene oxide (GO) via an ascorbic acid-assisted reduction process. GO was synthesized from graphite powder using a modified Hummers technique. The surface morphology, structure, functional groups, and elemental compositions of the produced materials were studied using various methods, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/EDX, X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and UV-Vis. The removal of oxygen-containing functional groups in rGO through reduction resulted in poor sample quality. In addition, FTIR investigations revealed that GO contained more oxygen-containing functional groups than rGO. Typical peaks at 2
... Show MoreThis investigation was carried out to examine the effect of replacing partial of flour by dried Lentils (Lens culinaris) to white flour in different percentages on the chemical, sensory and storage properties of the Laboratory bread. The results revealed that replacing 0% than wheat flour by lentil powder (1) control was high significan than the replacing 25 and 35% than wheat flour by lentil powder ( 4 and 5) in flavor and chewiness . The results of sensory evaluation showed that replacing 4 were high significan different than that of replacing 1 in external layer colour. Other replacing percentages, however, did not show significant differences of in comparison with control . In regards with chemical analysis of Iron and copper, i
... Show MoreThe aim of this work was to capture solar radiation and convert it into solar thermal energy by using a storage material and the heat transfer fluid like oil and water and comparison between them, we used the evacuated tube as a receiver for solar radiation, The results showed that the oil better than water as storage material and the heat transfer fluid and the effective thermal conductivity material and good for power level, rates and durations of charge and discharge cycles.
The optical transmission and UV-VIS absorption spectra have been recorded in the wavelength range (200-1100m) for different composition of polyaniline and polyvinyl Alcohol(PVA ) blends thin films. Polyaniline was prepared in acidic medium to enhancement the solubility and processibility, The optical energy gap (Eopt) refractive index and optical dielectric constant real and imaginary part have been evaluated. The effects of doping percentage of prepared polyaniline on these parameters was discussed and the non –linear behavior for all these parameters was investigated.
In this study a polymeric composite material was prepared by hand
lay-up technique from epoxy resin as a matrix and magnesium oxide
(MgO) as a reinforcement with different weight fraction (5,10,15,
and 20)% to resin. Then the prepared samples were immersed under
normal condition in H2So4(1 M) solution, for periods ranging up to
10 weeks. The result revealed that the diffusion coefficient
decreasing as the concentration of MgO increase. Also we studied
Hardness for the prepared samples before and after immersion. The
result revealed that the hardness values increase as the concentration
of MgO increase, while the hardness for the samples after immersion
in H2SO4 dec