Applied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 749

Abstract: Thin films of Yb filled CoSb₃ were prepared on fused silica substrates using pulsed laser deposition method. The stoichiometric Yb_0.19Co₄Sb₁₂ target was prepared by hot pressing method. The deposition conditions were changed with the goal to reach layers of smooth morphology. The target-to substrate distance was kept equal to 4 cm. The ambient argon pressure moved from 0.5 Pa to 13 Pa, laser repetition rate from 3 Hz to 10 Hz, and substrate temperature from 250 °C to 400 °C. We tested laser fluencies from 0.8 J·cm^-2 to 5 J·cm^-2. Films roughness was determined by mechanical profilometer and by atomic force microscopy. The lowest roughness of about 5 nm – 10 nm was reached for low laser fluencies but mechanical quality of films was poor and growth rate low (about 0.1 A/pulse). From WDX analysis follows that there is an excess of Yb and Sb compared to Yb_0.19Co₄Sb₁₂ target.

Abstract: Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) powder was synthesized via the solvothermal method. Titanium isopropoxide (C₁₂H₂₈O₄Ti), ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH) and nitric acid (HNO₃) were used as the starting materials. The mixed solution was diluted with ethanol (C₂H₅OH) and heated at 100°C for 5h in a Teflon–lined stainless steel autoclave vessel. The phase transition of TiO₂ powder was studied by X–ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology and chemical composition of TiO₂ powder were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange over TiO₂ powder were determined using Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis).

Abstract: The overweight/obese individuals, in general, develop varied foot consequences during walk of life. The body weight and the prevalence of flat foot on the plantar surface are the primary indicators for the discomfort in respect of high BMI individuals. The body weight has been implicated as a factor in plantar heel [4, 11, 12]. The role of PU foam materials is of greater importance to render therapeutic advantages in footwear. The PU foam materials are widely used as varied elements in footwear and the consumers’ gain benefits and sense of satisfaction on comfort parameters. The main objective of research is to scientifically investigate the characteristics PU foam materials and explore these materials for plantar pressure analysis using In-shoe pressure measurement device on footwear designed and developed exclusively for overweight/obese individuals. The foot or thoses are commonly used in the conservative treatment of plantar fasciitis and are helpful to reduce the symptoms of strain during standing and ambulation [1,5,6,7].The investigation on PU foam materials and their efficacy as footwear inserts to provide therapeutic solutions especially for high BMI individuals has been not scientifically attempted in the domain of footwear research. Hence, the investigation on choosing ideal material thereby minimising the foot related problems being experienced by high BMI individuals is aimed at using plantar pressure analysis in this paper. The polyurethane foam materials possessing uniform substance of 4mm with varied densities such as D55, D75, D95 and D120 have been assessed on a range of physical characteristics such as Density, Hardness, Compression set followed Resiliency and cushioning behaviours. These materials are employed as foot inserts in footwear specifically designed and developed for overweight/obese individuals and the pressure analysis has been carried out using In-shoe pressure measurement method in the phase of human locomotion. Based on the results obtained on pressure analysis experiments, the ideal material aid in alleviating foot problems of high BMI individuals has been scientifically revealed and recommended to the beneficiaries.

Abstract: In this manuscript, Cu (II) uptake by Sunflower Shell from aqueous solutions was investigated using batch biosorption techniques. The biosorption equilibrium studies were realized as a function of contact time, initial Cu (II) concentration, biosorbent dosage, pH, temperature, agitation rate and particle size. In addition, the mechanism of the Cu (II) removal was explained on the basis of the results of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In order to gather information about the adsorption mechanism at various pHs, electrophoretic mobilites of particles were measured. The efficiency of Cu (II) ions uptake from aqueous solutions increased as pH, temperature and agitation rate of the solution increased, but decreased with the increase of biosorbent particle size.

Abstract: Wine is the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage and the most consumed in at least 20 countries. However, taints detract from its quality and acceptance, significantly reducing the value of wine. In this study we investigated the capacity of a poly-lactic acid (PLA) biopolymer to reduce concentrations of four odorants responsible for tainting many red wines: isopropyl-methoxypyrazine (IPMP), isobutyl–methoxypyrazine (IBMP), 4-ethylphenol (4-EP) and 4-ethylguaiacol (4-EG). Red wine was spiked with either IPMP [20 ng/L] and IBMP [20 ng/L] (Study 1) or 4-EP [200 ug/L] and 4-EG [200 ug/L] (Study 2) and then treated with a PLA film [surface area 350 cm²/L]. Solid Phase Micro-Extraction Multi-Dimensional Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry were used to measure the methoxypyrazines and ethylphenols, respectively, both before and after treatment with PLA. Results showed significant reductions in all of the target odorants after 8hrs treatment: IPMP (51%), IBMP (26%), 4-EP (21%) and 4-EG (20%). Taken overall, the data suggest potential for the use of PLA in treating common wine faults, particularly ‘ladybug taint’, which is caused by elevated levels of IPMP.

Abstract: In this study, we report on the inactivation technique to apply the oral surgery by micro low-temperature and atmospheric-pressure plasma irradiation utilizing a capillary nozzle. Emission spectrum of the micro-plasma showed OH and O radical, which were affected inactivation of coliform. Vibration temperature of the micro-plasma with 7998 K was calculated from peak-intensity at emission due to N₂ 2nd positive system. Inactivation region was larger than plasma irradiation spot, and it was increasing with plasma irradiation time.

Abstract: In this work, the (Ba_1-xCa_x)(Ti_1-yZr_y)O₃ lead-free ceramics were prepared by the two-step sintering method, and effects of Ca and Zr contents on phase structure, densification, microstructure, and electrical properties were investigated. It was found that all samples showed orthorhombic phase. The highest density of 5.84 ± 0.01 g/cm³ was achieved in x = 0.05, y = 0.05 sample. The average grain size, phase transition temperature, dielectric and piezoelectric properties significantly decreased by introducing of the Ca/Zr content. The ceramics with a small amount of Ca and Zr maintain good piezoelectric properties, and a lower dielectric loss. The composition with x = 0.05, y = 0.025 demonstrated optimum electrical properties of d₃₃ ∼211 pC/N, T_C ∼ 119 °C, ε_r ∼ 1788, and tanδ ∼ 0.04.

Abstract: Cotton fabrics were treated with 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) and then dyed with a natural dye extracted from henna (Lawsonia inermis Linn.) leaves. The effect of BTCA concentration on the dyeing properties of cotton fabrics was studied by measuring the K/S values of the treated dyed cotton fabrics. The wrinkle recovery angles of the treated dyed cotton fabrics were assessed. The results proved that the BTCA treated cotton fabrics showed increase dye uptake of cotton fabrics. Concentration of BTCA enhances the durable press and tensile strength of the dyed cotton fabrics. Fastness properties of these to wash, rub and light have also been discussed.

Abstract: Chitosan, a naturally available biopolymer, was used as finishing agent to increase dye uptake and color fastness of cotton fabrics. Thian King leaves extract a natural dye was applied on cotton fabrics after chitosan treatment. The whiteness index and tensile strength of samples were measured to study the effect of chitosan application. The color of dyed samples was investigated in term of the colorimetric parameters (L*, a*, b*, ∆E) and K/S values. The color fastness to washing, rubbing and light of dyed samples was determined according to AATCC test method. The results showed that the chitosan concentration enhances the whiteness index and tensile strength of the treated cotton fabrics. Chitosan treatment showed increase dye uptake of cotton fabrics. Fastness properties of these to washing, rubbing and light have also been discussed.

Abstract: It was hard to make a thinner film of hydrogen permeable alloy by rolling when small nonmetallic inclusion particles with the size of 5 to 30 μm were present in the alloy. For this reason, the removal of nonmetallic inclusion particles from Pd-Gd alloy were examined using various fluoride fluxes. In the experiments on the removal of nonmetallic inclusion particles from Pd-7 to 16 mass% Gd alloys, the lowest total oxygen content was obtained by the addition of GdF₃ flux.