Papers by Author: K.M. Gupta

Abstract: Bhimal fibres are quite a newer kind of bio-degradable fibres. They have never been heard before in literatures from the view point of their utility as engineering material. These fibres have been utilized for investigation of their properties. Characterization of this fibre is essential to determine its properties for further use as reinforcing fibre in polymeric, bio-degradable and other kinds of matrix. With this objective, the fabrication method and other mechanical properties of Bhimal-reinforced-PVA biocomposite have been discussed. The stress-strain curves and load-deflection characteristics are obtained. The tensile, compressive, flexure and impact strengths have been calculated. The results are shown in tables and graphs. The results obtained are compared with other existing natural fibre biocomposites. From the observations, it has been concluded that the tensile strength of Bhimal-reinforced-PVA biocomposite is higher than other natural fibre composites. Hence these can be used as reinforcement to produce much lighter weight biocomposites.

Abstract: Thermoelectric materials are a novel class of materials having unique characteristics. They are Seebeck and Peltier effect materials and are used as thermocouples, for thermoelectric cooling of microelectronic products, as thermoelectric converter for energy conservation etc. Due to their versatility of behaviour, they are now used as construction materials for microelectronic equipment, wireless sensors also. This paper aims at elaborating the development of such materials by compiling the recent and ongoing researches. In this regard, the research developments of some newer materials by other investigators have been presented here. Brief details of the development of thermoelectric generation, thermoelectric cooling, thermoelectric power generator for wearable systems, nano-thermocouple, thermoelectric Peltier microcoolers etc. are presented. In these elaborations, it is shown by the respective investigators that these TE materials can be effectively used in heavily doped semiconductor, thin films, quantum well etc.

Abstract: In recent years, semiconductor nanomaterials have been extensively studied and reports are available for their preparation methods, physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles and their characterization techniques. Because of their potential applications, ZnS nanoparticles are recently major area of research. It is an important inorganic material for a variety of applications including photoconductors, solar cells, field effect transistors, sensors, transducers optical coatings and light-emitting materials. Inorganic nano-particles have found potential application in various electronic devices. Synthesis, shape and size control are important issues for nano-particles research. Various nano-structured materials have found potential applications in optical and electrical devices such as photoconductors, LEDs, solar cells, field effect transistors, optical coatings etc. ZnS has wide band gap ranging from 3.5 to 3.8 eV at room temperature and the band gap can be tuned in the UV region by controlling the size of the nano-particles. In the present work we have studied the synthesis of ZnS nano-particles, their characterization to investigate various properties such as size, structure, band gap and luminescence via different characterization tools. The particles were then used as acceptors for fabrication of organic hybrid solar cells.