Volume 116, Issue 1

In this study, WO 3 thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis were evaluated for their structural and surface morphology and optimized according to the parameters of this technique for applications such as hydrophilic uses, which need their own particular surface characteristic. The deposition solution contains tungsten hexachloride (WCl 6 ), as the precursor, and hydrazine monohydrate (N 2 H 4 ·H 2 O), as the solvent. To the best of our knowledge, no report has shown the presence of hydrazine monohydrate as a solvent for the WCl 6 precursor. By increasing the annealing temperature, the crystallite structure and surface morphology for the mentioned application were improved, particularly at the concentration of 0.02 M and annealing temperature of 500 °C, the surface converts from nanogranule into nanoplate. Moreover, at this concentration and annealing temperature intense and narrow peaks were observed around 10.9° and 21.8° in X-ray diffraction pattern, which have not been shown in any other report.

In this paper, Z -strengthening structure (strengthening the Z -axis struts) and Graded- Z -strengthening structure (strengthening the Z -axis struts and node by gradient) based on cubic structure were investigated. Specimens were fabricated by indirect additive manufacturing. The compressive properties and energy absorption were characterized by axial quasi-static compression tests. The results showed that Z -strengthening enhances the compressive properties and energy absorption capacity of the original cubic structure. As for Graded- Z -strengthening, the stiffness of the structures was further increased. Moreover, different strengthening structures change the failure mode of the structures, which has a significant effect on mechanical properties and energy absorption capacities.

This study investigated the characteristics of a nano-web made using the electrospinning technique, which incorporated Halloysite clay nanotubes. The focus was on understanding how different ultrasonic frequencies affected the properties of the nano-web. Through the use of field emission scanning electron microscopy and elemental mapping, it was confirmed that the Halloysite clay nanotubes were present and provided insights into the morphology of the samples. The electrical conductivity results were impressive, and the treated specimens showed higher crease recovery properties compared to the untreated ones, thanks to the presence of Halloysite clay nanotubes and the various ultrasound frequencies used. In addition, the samples demonstrated improved ultraviolet-blocking abilities as well as excellent strength and resistance to abrasion. Overall, the nanocomposite webs displayed promising features that could find applications in multiple industries.

Unique magnetically recoverable copper/zinc-doped hematite nanoparticles, were synthesized by using a co-precipitation process with polymer polyvenylpyrodine and an aqueous extract of the Azadirachta indica plant serving as the capping and stabilizing agent. Hematite nanoparticles are the most stable form of iron oxide at room temperature, the presented work concentrated on the effects and comparisons of chemically and green synthesized doped materials that serve a dual role as reducing agents: supporting biomedical application and catalyzing environmental cleanup through photocatalysis. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, vibrating-sample magnetometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques to examine the produced material. The average grain size for doped hematite nanoparticles was found to be 13.33–19.90 nm based on X-ray diffraction measurements. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum demonstrates the function of the biomolecules in the extract in capping the nanoparticles. The ferrimagnetic character of the produced nanoparticles demonstrated by the Vibrating-sample magnetometer investigation showed dependence at 300 K. According to the phytochemical study, A. indica has components that enhance its photocatalytic and antioxidant activity. In comparison, chemical/green synthesized doped hematite nanoparticles demonstrated noticeably higher photocatalytic activity for the oxidative breakdown of hazardous organic dyes Rhodamine blue and Congo red. Additionally, the photocatalyst displayed outstanding stability for the reaction. Radical scavenger assays 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) were used to measure antioxidant capability. Based on the assay, the bran and husk fractions displayed higher levels of antioxidant activity. This research is regarded as a novel step in the production of doped hematite nanoparticles with particular photocatalytic and biological characteristics for wide use in environmental, and agricultural areas.

This work reports green synthesis of AgNPs using aqueous extract of Pupalia lappacea (L.) Juss. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy supported with energy dispersive X-ray, and transmission electron microscopy. UV–vis spectroscopy reveals a characteristic surface plasmon resonance absorption band at 420 nm. TEM results showed synthesis of spherical shaped AgNPs with an average particle size of 14.48 nm. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited excellent inhibition zones against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (26.33 ± 0.88 mm), Bacillus Coagulans (12.33 ± 0.33 mm); and Gram-negative bacteria Sphingomonas (24.33 ± 0.67 mm), Shigella dysenteriae (24.33 ± 0.67 mm) and Salmonella typhimurium (12.67 ± 0.33 mm). Therefore, Pupalia lappacea mediated AgNPs can be used for clinical and medical applications.