Phase change materials (PCM) with enhanced thermal conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties are vital for applications in electronic devices, energy storage, and aerospace. However, achieving a synergistic improvement in both thermal and EMI shielding performance remains a significant challenge. This study presents the development of phase change composites reinforced with 3D Ag foam and short carbon fibers (SCF) to address this challenge. Ag@SCF/ PCM composites were fabricated using a vacuum-assisted impregnation and curing process. Polyethylene glycol and epoxy resin formed the PCM matrix, while SCF and Ag foam created a dual-scale interpenetrating network to provide channels for phonon and electron transmission. The dual-scale network significantly improves thermal conductivity (2.24 W/m·K) and EMI shielding (69.7 dB), while maintaining latent heat storage (melting: 71.5 J/g, freezing: 68.7 J/g). These multifunctional properties make Ag@SCF/PCM composites promising candidates for applications requiring simultaneous thermal management and electromagnetic performance optimization.

Manganese dioxide, functioning as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), demonstrates a variety of benefits, such as elevated theoretical specific capacity, outstanding electrochemical performance, environmental compatibility, ample resource availability, and facile modification. These advantages make MnO2 one of the cathode materials that have attracted much attention for AZIBs. Nevertheless, manganese dioxide cathode in practical applications suffers from structural instability during the cycling process because of sluggish electrochemical kinetics and volume expansion, which hinder their large-scale application. Doping and compositing with conducting frameworks is an effective strategy for improving structural stability. Herein, homogeneously in situ growth of Yttrium-doped MnO2 nanorods on conductive reduced graphene oxide (Y-MnO2/rGO), were synthesized through a straightforward hydrothermal method. The Y-MnO2/rGO electrodes have an ultra-long cycle life of 179.2 mA h g− 1 after 2000 cycles at 1 A g− 1 without degradation. The excellent structural stability is attributed to the cooperative effect of yttrium doping and compositing with rGO, which is an effective approach to enhance the stability and mitigate the Jahn–Teller distortion associated with Mn ions.

본 연구는 규사 기반의 표면처리 기법이 FRCM 복합체의 인장 성능에 미치는 영향을 정량적으로 평가하고자 수행되었다. 실험은 탄소 및 내알칼리성 유리 직물을 사용하여 표면처리 유무를 변수로 설정하였으며, 총 4개의 실험군(CN, CS, GN, GS)에 대해 인장 실험을 수행하였다. 실험 결과, 탄소 직물을 적용한 복합체는 유리 직물 대비 우수한 인장 성능을 나타냈으며, 특히 표면처리된 탄소 실험군(CS)은 비처리 실험군(CN) 대비 약 73.7%의 인장강도 향상과 66.9%의 인성 증가를 보였다. 또한 유효계수(COE) 분석을 통해 직물의 기계적 성능이 복합체에 기여하는 정도를 정량화하였으며, 표면처리가 계면 부착 성능 및 응력 전달 효율 향상에 기여함을 확인하였다. 이를 통해 FRCM 복합체가 실구조물에 적용될 경우 일체화된 거동 확보를 기반으로 구조적 성능의 향상 등의 보강 효과를 기대할 수 있는 기술적 가능성을 제시하였다. 본 연구는 FRCM 복합체의 표준화 및 성능 향상을 위한 기초 자료를 제공하며, 향후 실 구조물 적용 및 수치해석 모델링의 신뢰성 제고에 기여할 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

As the integration of devices in electronics manufacturing increases, there is a growing demand for thermal interface materials (TIMs) with high through-plane thermal conductivity. Vertically aligned carbon fiber (CF) thermally conductive composites have received considerable attention from researchers. However, the presence of significant interfacial thermal resistance at the interface between CFs and polymer presented a significant challenge to achieving the desired thermal conductivity, even in highly vertically aligned structures. Here, in addition to developing a polymer-based thermally conductive composite based on highly oriented CFs, we employed the Diels–Alder reaction to enhance the interfacial bonding between the CFs and the polymer matrix. Notably, we proposed the thermal conductivity enhancing mechanism of the highly oriented CFs filled silicone rubber (SR) composite originated from the strengthened interfacial bonding. The results indicated that the Diels–Alder reaction facilitated an increase in the thermal conductivity of the composite from 17.69 Wm− 1 K− 1 to 21.50 Wm− 1 K− 1 with a CF loading of 71.4 wt%. Additionally, a novel nano-indentation test was employed to analyse the interfacial strengthening of composites. Our research have significant implications for the advancement of thermal management in the field of electronics and energy, particularly with regard to the development of high-performance thermally conductive composites.

Nitrite is commonly found in various aspects of daily life, but its excessive intake poses health risks like blood oxygen transport impairment and cancer risks. Accurate detection of nitrite is crucial for preventing its potential harm and ensuring public health. In this work, Cu–Co bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated nitrogen-doped carbon dodecahedron (Cu/ Co@N–C/CNTs-X, where X denotes the carbonization temperatures) are synthesized by facile carbonization of CuO@ZIF- 67 composites. Cu and Co NPs are uniformly embedded in the carbon dodecahedron decorated by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) without agglomeration. Combining the superior catalytic from Cu and Co NPs with the electrical conductivity and stability from the carbon frameworks, the Cu/Co@N–C/CNTs-600 composite as catalyst detected nitrite concentrations ranging from 1 to 5000 μM, with sensitivity values of 0.708 μA μM–1 cm– 2, and a detection limit of 0.5 μM. Moreover, this sensor demonstrated notable selectivity, stability and reproducibility. The design of Cu/Co@N–C/CNTs-X catalysts prepared in this study can be used as an attractive alternative in the fields of food quality and environmental detection.

LTO is a commercial anode material that contributes to delivered energy and cycle stability. With affordability and high energy density, graphite faces limited cycle time and inferior stability. Here, we discussed the LTO challenges and compared the Ti-based anode from the original structure to the LTO-MXene composites, which are promising alternative anodes. Spinel lithium titanate (LTO) possesses high working voltage, stability, safety, and negligible volume change, while it suffers from low electronic conductivity that limits rate performance at large current densities. 2D Mxenes have recently drawn attention to various applications due to high conductivity, large surface area, flexibility, and polar surface benefits. We critically reviewed the synthesis approaches, morphology views, and electrochemical behavior of LTO-MXene as new anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). There are few reports on LTO-MXene anodes in LIBs. They provide a synergistic action of LTO and MXene, enhancing the accessibility of electrolytes and reducing the distance, benefiting fast diffusion. This review paper sheds light on how the synthesis approaches can directly affect LIB configurations' durability and energy density and lead researchers to develop features of LTO anodes with promising engagement.

A technology was developed to measure the hydrogen uptake and diffusivity of polymer materials used in high-pressure hydrogen tanks and pipelines at hydrogen refueling stations. This technology involves charging hydrogen into polymer under a maximum pressure of 90 MPa, followed by depressurization. The polymer material is then placed in a cylinder partially submerged in water, and hydrogen is released from the material. The increase in volume of the released hydrogen causes a decrease in the water level in the cylinder. To track this in real-time, an image analysis algorithm based on the brightness of a crescent-shaped water level image is used to accurately measure the water level and change in hydrogen amount at the same time. This data is then used in a self-developed diffusivity analysis program to evaluate hydrogen uptake and diffusivity. Using this technology, the hydrogen uptake and diffusivity of sulfur-crosslinked nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) composites containing carbon black and silica fillers were measured from 2 to 90 MPa. Additionally, the relationship between the physical stability of the NBR composites and their hydrogen uptake and diffusivity was investigated. To validate the effectiveness of the technology, an uncertainty analysis of the measurements was conducted, with all results showing an uncertainty within 8 %.

본 연구는 아민화 셀룰로오스 나노섬유(CNF)를 시멘트 복합체에 적용하여 기계적 및 미세구조적 성능 향상을 도모하고자 하였다. CNF는 (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES)를 활용해 화학적으로 개질하였으며, 이는 시멘트 수화 생성물과의 계면 결합력 및 분산성을 향상시키기 위한 목적이다. 표면 개질의 성공 여부는 주사전자현미경(SEM)과 X-선 회절 분석(XRD)을 통해 확인 하였다. 다양한 함량의 개질 및 비개질 CNF를 혼입한 모르타르를 제작하여 압축강도 및 휨강도를 평가하였다. 그 결과, 아민화 CNF는 0.2% 혼입 시 압축강도 향상 효과가 가장 두드러졌으며, 휨강도는 0.3%에서 가장 우수한 성능을 나타내었다. 미세구조 분석을 통해, 아민화 CNF가 시멘트 수화물과의 상호작용을 통해 내부 조직을 치밀하게 형성하고 공극률을 저감시키는 것으로 확인되었다. 본 연구는 화학적으로 개질된 CNF가 지속가능하고 고성능인 시멘트 복합재료 개발에 있어 유효한 기능성 첨가제로 활용될 수 있음을 시사한다.

For the commercialization of bipolar plates, several properties must be considered together. Electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, contact resistance, mechanical strength, and light weight are essential evaluation factors, with corrosion resistance and durability being significant for unitized regenerative fuel cells (URFCs), which must operate in electrolysis and fuel cell mode. However, improving both properties is challenging, since corrosion resistance is largely inversely proportional to conductivity. In this study, to improve both properties together, composites composed of Pb and Zn with excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance were prepared with graphite powder and formed as a coating layer on the surface of 304 stainless steel (SS304) and evaluated for electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. Among the ZnPb/C composites prepared at various ratios, Zn8Pb2/C exhibited the lowest transmittance resistance of 1.566 Ω, and improved electrical conductivity and durability compared to bare SS304.

Segregated composites, where fillers are selectively placed at the matrix interface to form a segregated filler network, are attracting attention because they can provide excellent conductive properties at low filler content. In this study, the anisotropic enhancement in thermal conductivity of composites was discovered due to the unique structure of the segregated network. The segregated composites were produced using a typical mechanical mixing of matrix pellets and the internal structure was precisely analyzed using three-dimensional non-destructive analysis. The segregated composites slightly improved in the through-plane thermal conductivity, but the in-plane thermal conductivity increased rapidly, showing the anisotropic thermal conductivity. The maximum improvement in the in-plane thermal conductivity of the segregated composites increased by 112.5 (at 7 wt% graphene nanoplatelet) and 71.4% (at 10 wt% multi-walled carbon nanotube), respectively, compared to that of the random composites filled with the same amount of filler. On the other hand, the electrical conductivity of the segregated composites was isotropic due to the difference in the transport mechanisms of electrons and phonons. The anisotropic thermal conductivity developed by the segregated network was helpful in inducing effective heat dissipation of commercial smartphone logic boards.

Biomass-derived carbon materials have attracted considerable attention in electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption applications due to their advantages of low cost, light weight, and sustainability. Herein, bagasse-based porous carbon (BPC) was prepared by canonization and activation process from natural waste bagasse. The porous flower-like MoS2/ BPC composites were successfully prepared for efficient microwave absorption via hydrothermal process by in-situ formation of flower-like MoS2 into the porous structure of BPC. The effect of hydrothermal time and hydrothermal temperature on surface morphology, degree of graphitization, surface chemical composition and impedance matching of the prepared samples was investigated. Results demonstrated that when the hydrothermal temperature was 220 °C, and the hydrothermal time was 24 h, the obtained MoS2/ BPC sample (named as MoS2/ BPC-220 ℃) showed the minimum reflection loss value (RL) of − 41.6 dB at 8.96 GHz and exhibited effective microwave absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.32 GHz at a relatively thin thickness of 1.5 mm. This work provides a promising way to prepare novel biomass-derived porous carbon for strong broadband electromagnetic absorption.

Graphene aerogels have gained widespread recognition in recent years as electrode materials for supercapacitors, primarily attributed to their excellent stability and impressive specific capacitance. However, further enhancing their specific capacitance is a formidable task. One viable strategy to overcome this hurdle is to composite them with metal oxides. In doing so, the metal oxides boost the specific capacitance of graphene aerogels, while the latter addresses the stability issues inherent in metal oxides. This article reviews recent research on Ni, Co, and Mn oxide–graphene composite aerogels in supercapacitors, summarizing their preparation processes, performance and energy storage mechanism. While existing studies have demonstrated the feasibility of metal oxide–graphene composite aerogels as supercapacitor electrodes, several challenges remain, necessitating deeper exploration by researchers in this field.

Friction Stir Spot Welding (FSSW) is a solid-state welding technology that is rapidly growing in the automotive industry. Achieving superior welding characteristics requires the proper selection of tool geometry and process conditions. In this study, FSSW was performed on dissimilar materials comprising AA5052-HO/hot-melt aluminum alloy sheets and Steel Plate Cold Rolled for Deep Drawing Use(SPCUD) steel sheets. The effects of tool geometry, plate arrangement, and tool plunge depth on the welding process were investigated. At the joint interface between the aluminum alloy and the steel sheet, new intermetallic compounds (IMCs) were observed. As the plunge depth increased, thicker and more continuous IMC layers were formed. However, excessive plunge depth led to discontinuous layers and cracking defects. An analysis of the IMCs revealed a correlation between the IMC thickness and the shear tensile load. Furthermore, compared to the conventional Al-Top arrangement, the St-Top arrangement exhibited reduced deformation and superior shear tensile load values. These findings indicate that plate arrangement significantly influences the mechanical properties of the joint.

Piezoelectric composites have attracted significant research interest as sustainable power sources for electronic devices due to their high mechanical stability and electrical output characteristics. This study investigated the optimal processing conditions for fabricating a flexible piezoelectric energy harvester based on Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) powder and a polyimide (PI) matrix composite. Various parameters, including the optimal mixing ratio of PI/PZT, ultrasonic treatment, homogenization, vacuum oven, and UV/O3 treatment, were optimized to achieve a uniform piezoelectric composite. A PZT content of 30 wt% and 20 minutes of homogenization were identified as the most effective conditions for increasing the uniformity of the composite. The optimized composite exhibited a high piezoelectric coefficient, a typical P-E hysteresis loop, and dielectric properties, exhibiting a voltage output that adjusts in response to variations in the applied touch force. This study provides foundational data for the uniform fabrication of flexible piezoelectric energy harvesters and next-generation miniaturized electronic devices.

본 연구는 시멘트 산업의 대체연료(폐합성수지 등) 사용량 증대에 따라 이를 활용한 탄소배출 저감 및 시멘트/콘크리트 제조 적용 기술 및 방안에 대해 검토하고자 했으며, 향후 시멘트 산업의 탄소중립 실현을 위한 기초 자료로써 활용하고자 한다. 시멘트 제조 에 있어 폐합성수지 사용은 경제적 장점과 높은 발열량으로 인해 연료로서의 가치가 높은 것으로 나타났으며, 열경화성 수지는 부가가 치가 높은 저탄소 시멘트 복합체의 비반응성 골재로 작용할 수 있는 것으로 확인되었으며, 감마선 조사는 다양한 폐플라스틱의 성능 평가에 적용되는 것으로 확인되었다.

Lightweighting is crucial in various industries, especially for bicycles where weight and stiffness are key. Traditional materials like steel, aluminum, and carbon each have pros and cons. This study compares hybrid tubes made of aluminum and carbon composites with conventional aluminum tubes. Using structural analysis and experimental testing, the hybrid tubes showed a weight reduction of up to 17.25% and maintained acceptable deformation levels. Finite element analysis confirmed these findings, demonstrating the hybrid tubes' potential as superior bicycle frame materials. Future research should focus on long-term durability and fatigue characteristics.

This study presents a cost-effective wet chemical coating process for fabricating a boron nitride (BN) interphase on silicon carbide (SiC) fibers, increasing the oxidation resistance and performance of SiCf/SiC ceramic matrix composites. Using urea as a precursor, optimal nitriding conditions were determined by adjusting the composition, concentration, and immersion time. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed distinct BN phase formation at 1300°C and 1500°C, while a mixture of BN and B2O3 was observed at 1200°C. HF treatment improved coating uniformity by removing SiO2 layers formed during the de-sizing process. Optimization of the boric acid-to-urea molar ratio resulted in a uniform, 130-nm-thick BN layer. This study demonstrates that the wet coating process offers a viable and economical alternative to chemical vapor deposition for fabricating high-performance BN interphases in SiCf/SiC composites that are suitable for high-temperature applications.