Threshold voltage decrease in a thermotropic nematic liquid crystal doped with graphene oxide flakes

We report a threshold voltage decrease in a nematic liquid crystal compound, 4-cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl (5CB), doped with graphene oxide (GO) flakes at a concentration of 0.05–0.3 wt %. The threshold voltage decrease was observed at the same concentration in electro-optic and dielectric spectroscopy measurements. The effect is related to the disrupted planar alignment due to the strong π–π stacking between the 5CB’s benzene rings and the graphene oxide’s structure. Additionally, we present the GO concentration dependence on the isotropic–nematic phase transition temperature, electric anisotropy, splay elastic constant, switch-on time, and switch-off time. The shape and dimensions of the GO flakes were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influence of the GO concentration on the physical properties and switching process in the presence of the electric field was discussed

In-Line Gas Sensor Based on the Optical Fiber Taper Technology with a Graphene Oxide Layer

This article investigates the possibilities of gas detection using a tapered optical fiber coated with a graphene oxide layer. Measurement is based on changes in light beam propagation depending on the process of gas absorption to the graphene oxide layer. In this paper, we investigated the light change in a double-clad tapered optical fiber in a wide optical range. We present a special platform constructed for the deposition of additional functional materials that enable the preparation of the sensor module. Our results present differences in light transmission for three different kinds of gasses pure nitrogen, pure hydrogen, and a mixture of propane–butane. Measurements were provided in a wide range of 500 nm–1800 nm to find the most sensitive ages for which we are able to detect mentioned absorption and their interaction with light. Obtained results for pure gasses for which the refractive indices are similar to the air show the greatest changes for the visible range 750 nm–850 nm, and for propane–butane, changes are much visible in the whole investigated range

Correction: Sałasińska et al. Burning Behaviour of Rigid Polyurethane Foams with Histidine and Modified Graphene Oxide. <i>Materials</i> 2021, <i>14</i>, 1184

In the original article [...

Flake Graphene as an Innovative Additive to Grease with Improved Tribological Properties

The paper presents the results of research on the use of flake graphene as an additive to plastic grease in order to improve its tribological properties. The influence of concentration (0.25&ndash;5.00 wt.%) and the form of graphene (graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide) on selected properties of the base grease were investigated. It has been found that the addition of graphene flakes improves the anti-wear properties of the lubricant. The greatest improvement in the properties of the lubricant was achieved by using graphene at a concentration of 4.00 wt.%; the reduction in the average diameter of the wear scar was almost 70% for GO and RGO, compared to the base lubricant without the addition of graphene

Thermoelectric properties of bismuth-doped magnesium silicide obtained by the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

Doping is one of the possible ways to significantly increase the thermoelectric properties of many different materials. It has been confirmed that by introducing bismuth atoms into Mg sites in the Mg2Si compound, it is possible to increase career concentration and intensify the effect of phonon scattering, which results in remarkable enhancement in the figure of merit (ZT) value. Magnesium silicide has gained scientists’ attention due to its nontoxicity, low density, and inexpensiveness. This paper reports on our latest attempt to employ ultrafast self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) followed by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) as a synthesis process of doped Mg2Si. Materials with varied bismuth doping were fabricated and then thoroughly analyzed with the laser flash method (LFA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with an integrated energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). For density measurement, the Archimedes method was used. The electrical conductivity was measured using a standard four-probe method. The Seebeck coefficient was calculated from measured Seebeck voltage in the sample subjected to a temperature gradient. The structural analyses showed the Mg2Si phase as dominant and Bi2Mg3 located at grain boundaries. Bismuth doping enhanced ZT for every dopant concentration. ZT = 0.44 and ZT=0.38 were obtained for 3wt% and 2wt% at 770 K, respectively

Properties of Cold Sprayed Titanium and Titanium Alloy Coatings after Laser Surface Treatment

Additive manufacturing (AM) has seen remarkable development in recent years due to relatively high efficiency of the process. Cold spraying (CS) is a particular method of AM, in which titanium and titanium alloy powders are used. CS is a very competitive technology enabling the deposition of coatings, repairing machine parts, and manufacturing new components. For specific applications, the surface of cold-sprayed materials may require further processing. This paper reports an attempt to employ laser surface treatment (LST) of cold-sprayed coatings on an aluminium alloy substrate. The influence of laser beam interaction time on the coatings&rsquo; properties was analysed. The microstructure was investigated and observed employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To evaluate residual stress after CS and LST, the sin2&psi; technique was used. Investigations were also performed on Vickers hardness, contact angle, and surface roughness. Significant changes in the surface morphology of the coatings and elevated residual stress levels dependent on the laser beam interaction time were observed. Increased Vickers hardness was recorded for titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. LST also led to increased surface hydrophilicity of the modified materials Ti and Ti6Al4V

Morphology and Chemical Purity of Water Suspension of Graphene Oxide FLAKES Aged for 14 Months in Ambient Conditions. A Preliminary Study

Graphene and its derivatives have attracted scientists’ interest due to their exceptional properties, making them alluring candidates for multiple applications. However, still little is known about the properties of as-obtained graphene derivatives during long-term storage. The aim of this study was to check whether or not 14 months of storage time impacts graphene oxide flakes’ suspension purity. Complementary micro and nanoscale characterization techniques (SEM, AFM, EDS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and elemental combustion analysis) were implemented for a detailed description of the topography and chemical properties of graphene oxide flakes. The final step was pH evaluation of as-obtained and aged samples. Our findings show that purified flakes sustained their purity over 14 months of storage

Applicability of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet (APPJ) Discharge for the Reduction in Graphene Oxide Films and Synthesis of Carbon Nanomaterials

Atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJ) are widely used in industry for surface cleaning and chemical modification. In the recent past, they have gained more scientific attention especially in the processing of carbon nanomaterials. In this work, a novel power generation technique was applied to realize the stable discharge in N2 (10 vol.% H2) forming gas in ambient conditions. This APPJ was used to reduce solution-processed graphene oxide (GO) thin films and the result was compared with an established and optimized reduction process in a low–pressure capacitively coupled (CCP) radiofrequency (RF) hydrogen (H2) plasma. The reduced GO (rGO) films were investigated by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Effective deoxygenation of GO was observed after a quick 2 s treatment by AAPJ. Further deoxygenation at longer exposure times was found to proceed with the expense of GO–structure integrity. By adding acetylene gas into the same APPJ, carbon nanomaterials on various substrates were synthesized. The carbon materials were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. Fullerene-like particles and graphitic carbon with short carbon nanotubes were detected on Si and Ag surfaces, respectively. We demonstrate that the APPJ tool has obvious potential for the versatile processing of carbon nanomaterials.BMWi, 0324095H, Verbundvorhaben: speedCIGS - Rechnerunterstützte Optimierung des CIGS-Depositionsprozesses in der industriellen Umsetzung; Teilvorhaben: Transparent leitende Schichten und Perowskit Absorber Schichten für Tandem Konzepte mit CIGS AbsorberBMBF, 03EW0015A, Verbundvorhaben CatLab: Wasserstoff weitergedacht: Dünnschichtkatalysatoren für eine nachhaltige Chemie mit erneuerbaren EnergienBMBF, 03EW0015B, Verbundvorhaben CatLab: Wasserstoff weitergedacht: Dünnschichtkatalysatoren für eine nachhaltige Chemie mit erneuerbaren Energie