This study explores the impact of metal doping on the surface structure of spent nuclear fuels (SNFs), particularly uranium dioxide (UO2). SNFs undergo significant microstructural changes during irradiation, affecting their physical and chemical properties. Certain elements, including actinides and lanthanides, can integrate into the UO2 lattice, leading to non-stoichiometry based on their oxidation state and environmental conditions. These modifications are closely linked to phenomena like corrosion and oxidation of UO2, making it essential to thoroughly characterize SNFs influenced by specific element doping for disposal or interim storage decisions. The research employs X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy to investigate the surface structure of UO2 samples doped with elements such as Nd3+, Gd3+, Zr4+, Th4+, and ε-particles (Mo, Ru, Pd). To manufacture these samples, UO2 powders are mixed and pelletized with the respective dopant oxide powders. The resulting pellet samples are sintered under specific conditions. The XRD analysis reveals that the lattice parameters of (U,Nd)O2, (U,Gd)O2, (U,Zr)O2, and (U,Th)O2 linearly vary with increasing doping levels, suggesting the formation of solid solutions. SEM images show that the grain size decreases with higher doping levels in (U,Gd)O2, (U,Nd)O2, and (U,Zr)O2, while the change is less pronounced in (U,Th)O2. Raman spectroscopy uncovers that U0.9Gd0.1O2-x and U0.9Nd0.1O2-x exhibit defect structures related to oxygen vacancies, induced by trivalent elements replacing U4+, distorting the UO2 lattice. In contrast, U0.9Zr0.1O2 shows no oxygen vacancy-related defects but features a distinct peak, likely indicating the formation of a ZrO8-type complex within the UO2 lattice. ε-Particle doped uranium dioxide shows minimal deviations in surface properties compared to pure UO2. This structural characterization of metal-doped and ε-particle-doped UO2 enhances our understanding of spent nuclear fuel behavior, with implications for the characterization of radioactive materials. This research provides valuable insights into how specific element doping affects the properties of SNFs, which is crucial for managing and disposing of these materials safely.

PURPOSES : Exposed aggregate concrete pavements have been adopted in several countries because of their advantages of pavement texture characteristics, which can produce low tire-pavement noise and higher load-carrying capacities. The magnitude of tire-pavement noise greatly depends on the wavelength of pavement texture. The wavelength of exposed aggregate concrete pavement can be controlled with maximum sizing and by controlling the amount of coarse aggregates in the concrete mixture. In this study, the maximum size and the amount of coarse aggregate in the exposed aggregate concrete pavement are investigated to produce equal levels of wavelength in the asphalt pavement. METHODS: A simple method to measure the average wavelength of pavement texture is introduced. Subsequently, the average wavelength of typical asphalt pavement is investigated. A set of mixture designs of exposed aggregate concrete with three maximum-sized coarse aggregates, and three amounts of coarse aggregate are used. The average wavelengths are measured to find the mixture design needed to produce equal levels of wavelength as typical asphalt pavement. RESULTS : With a cement content of 420 kg/m3 and fine aggregate modulus of 30%, the number of exposed aggregates was 48, and the shortest texture depth provided a wavelength of 4.2 mm. According to the number of exposed aggregates, the exposed aggregate concrete pavement could be rendered low-noise, because its wavelength was similar to that of asphalt pavement ranging from 3.9 to 4.4 mm. CONCLUSIONS : Selection of appropriate maximum sizes and the amount of coarse aggregates for exposed aggregate concrete pavement can produce a wavelength texture closely resembling that of asphalt pavement. Therefore, the noise level of exposed aggregate concrete pavement can be reduced with an appropriate maximum size and the amount of coarse aggregates are employed.

최근 우수한 유연성과 화학적 안정성 등을 가진 고분자 수지와 우수한 기계적 성질 등을 나타내는 무기 재료로 이루어진 나노 복합 시스템으로써 유-무기 하이브리드 코팅 필름에 관한 연구가 활발히 진행되고 있다. 아크릴레이트 단량체로써 사용된 o-phenylphenoxyethyl acrylate (OPPEA)는 1.576의 높은 굴절률을 나타내고, Bisphenol A ethoxylate diacrylate (BAEDA)는 굴절률은 낮지만 경화된 고분자의 경도를 향상시킨다. 또한, 무기 소재로써 사용된 지르코니아는 산화지르코늄으로써 우수한 내구성과 광학특성 등을 나타낸다. 본 연구에서는 광학 특성을 향상시키기 위한 목적으로 아크릴레이트 단량체 중 BAEDA의 함량을 조절하여 필름을 제조한 뒤 연필 경도계와 아베굴절계를 이용하여 광학 특성 변화를 확인하였고, UV-vis spectrophotometer을 이용해 투과도를 비교하여 최적의 조건을 확립하였다. 그리고 실란 커플링제인 γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS)를 사용하여 지르코니아를 소수화 처리하여 아크릴레이트 단량체에 대한 분산성을 향상시키고, 개질 전후의 물에 대한 분산성 변화를 조사하여 물에 대한 친화력이 감소하였음을 확인하였고, FT-IR ATR spectrophotometer를 통해 MPS에 의해 도입된 1716 cm-1에서의 에스터 C=O 결합 peak의 존재를 통해 MPS에 의한 지르코니아 표면의 개질 반응이 진행되었음을 확인하였다. 또한, 지르코니아의 표면에 도입된 규소 원자의 존재는 X 선 형광법을 이용하여 확인하였다. 그리고 화학적으로 개질된 지르코니아를 아크릴레이트 단량체에 도입하여 광경화 필름을 제조하였을 때, 굴절률은 아크릴레이트 자체 필름보다 1.2% 향상되었음을 확인하였고, SEM/EDS mapping 분석을 통해 PET 필름에 코팅된 개질 후 지르코니아가 아크릴레이트 코팅층에 균일하게 분포되어 있음을 알 수 있었다.

본 연구는 역삼투막의 물리-화학적 표면 개질을 통하여 친수성 증가에 따른 내오염성 및 내염소성을 향상하고자 하였다. 자외선조사로 상용막 표면을 활성화한 후 실란 커플링제를 sol-gel법으로 개질하여 염소에 대한 민감도를 낮춰 폴리 아마이드 활성층을 보호하여 내염소성을 향상시켰다. 또한, 에폭사이드의 개수가 다른 PGPE, SPE 두 종류의 에폭시로 코팅 후 에폭사이드의 개환반응으로 내오염성을 향상시켰으며, 표면 개질 조건은 접촉각과 FT-IR, XPS 분석을 통해 최적화하였다. 실란-에폭시 개질막의 오염성 평가 결과 투과도 감소율이 상용막보다 약 1.5배 감소하였고, 내염소성 평가 결과 20,000 ppm × hr에서도 염제거율이 90% 이상 유지되었다.

계면동전위(electrokinetic potential)로 불리는 제타전위(zeta potential)란 표면 전하적 특성을 정량화한 값으로, 전기동역학적 현상으로 인하여 발생하는 전기적 유동층을 통과하는 전위차를 말한다. 이러한 제타전위는 표면화학분야의 기초, 응용적인 연구에서 중요하다. 제타전위는 용액 내에서 표면 전하 특성 정보를 얻을 수 있다. 이를 측정하는 방법으로는 계면동전위효과(electrokinetic effects)를 이용한다. 현재 위 효과를 이용하여 제타전위 측정 기기로 측정이 쉽게 가능하고, 많은 연구가 진행되어왔다. 본 연구에서는 계면동전위의 원리, 측 정, 결과 등을 제시하면서 분리막 표면 특성평가에 관한 내용을 제시하였다.

In this study, an α-Fe2O3 (hematite) coated porcelain plate was sintered in a temperature range from 1100 oC to 1250 oC using ferrous sulfate. The specimens were investigated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and UV-visible spectrophotometer. It was confirmed that α-Fe2O3 (hematite) was densely fused to the surface at several tens of μm, the α-Fe2O3 (hematite) was in the form of thin platelet and polyhedra, and no other compounds appeared in the sintering process. In the specimen coated with α-Fe2O3 (hematite), the reflectance spectra show a red absorption band of 560-650 nm. The L* value decreased from 53.18 to 46.94 with the firing temperature. The values of a* and b* were at 19.03 and 15.25 at 1100 oC and gradually decreased with increasing temperature; these values decreased rapidly at 1250 oC to 11.54 and 7.98, respectively. It is considered that the new phases are formed by the phase transition of the porcelain plate (clay), and thus the a* and b* values are greatly influenced.

본 연구에서는 친수성을 가지고 있으며 외부 온도에 따라 형태를 변하는 특성을 가지는 N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM)를 이용하여 상용화 된 정삼투막인 HTI 분리막에 표면 개질을 하고 그에따른 표면 및 투과 특성 변화를 고찰 하고자 한다. 표면 개질을 확인 하는 방법으로 푸리에 변환 적외선 분광기 (FT-IR) 및 광전자분광기 (XPS)를 이용하였으며, 이러한 표면 개질이 정삼투 공정에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위하여 표면의 친수성을 측정 할 수 있는 접촉각 측정 및 수투과도/Reverse salt flux와 같은 투과 특성 평가를 이용 하였다. 위와 같은 표면 및 투과 특성 평가를 바탕으로 성공적으로 표면 개질을 되었음을 증명 할 수 있었다.

Thin-film composite membranes (TFCs) have dominated desalination markets for recent decades, but a higher water permeance is still necessary to reduce the energy consumption. Although most researches have focused on the ultrathin active layer of TFCs, the supports should also be considered to further enhance the membrane performances. In this study, TFCs were fabricated on PSf supports containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) by interfacial polymerization. CNT/PSf supports show rougher and more porous surface morphologies than those of bare PSf supports. Because of such surface characteristics, CNT/PSf supports were favorable to increase the roughness and surface area of TFCs. Consequently, TFCs prepared on CNT/PSf nanocomposite supports showed a 41% enhanced water permeance without losing its salt rejection compared to the bare TFCs.

현재 수준의 단백질 분리는 공정비용이 많이 들고 시간이 오래 걸린다는 단점이 있다. 이러한 단점들을 해결하기 위해서 공정이 비교적 간단하고 친환경적인 분리막을 이용한 방법들이 연구되고 있다. 먼저, 단백질 분리공정을 두 가지 정도로 나눌 수 있고, 이는 단백질 크기에 따른 분리공정과 pH에 따른 단백질 표면의 전하 차이를 이용한 분리 공정을 들 수 있다. 본 연구는 폴리술폰의 표 면전하를 개질하여서 유사한 크기의 단백질을 분리하고자 하였으며, 용매를 이 용한 고분자용액을 만들고 비용매에 침전하여 분리막을 제조하는 상변환법을 이용하여 제조하였고, 제조된 분리막 표면의 Zeta potential을 측정하여 pH에 따른 표면의 전위차를 확인하였다. 폴리술폰의 표면개질을 확인하고자 FT-IR 과 1HNMR을 이용하여 화학구조를 분석하였으며, UV Spectrometer를 이용하여 단 백질의 농도를 측정하였다.

Poly-methylmetacrylate (PMMA) is mainly applied in the plastic manufacturing industry, but PMMA is weak and gradually got discolor. The strength of PMMA can be improved through organic-inorganic hybrid nano composites with inorganic nano particles such as, SiO2 or ZrO. However, inorganic nano particles are mostly agglomerated spontaneously. In this study, the zeta potential is controlled using different types of organic solvent with different concentrations, dispersibillity of SiO2 nano particles on the PMMA particle are analyzed. When 3 M acetic acid is used, absolute value of the zeta potential is higher, SiO2 nano particle is well attached, and dispersed on the PMMA particle surface. Results indicate that the absolute value of the zeta potential affects the stability of SiO2 dispersion.

The implanting of metal products is performed with numerous surface treatments because of toxicity and adhesion. Recently, the surface modification of metal products has been actively studied by coating the surface of the TiC or TiN film. We prepared a Ti(10%)Ag Target which may be used in dental oral material by, using the AIP(arc ion plating) system TiAgN coating layer that was deposited on Ti g.23. The purpose of this study was to establish the optimal bias voltage conditions of the coated TiAgN layer formed by the AIP process. The TiAgN coatings were prepared with different bias voltage parameters (0V to −500V) to investigate the effect of bias voltage on their mechanical and chemical properties. The SEM(scanning electron microscope), EDS(energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer), XRD(X-ray diffraction), micro-hardness, and potentiodynamic polarization were measured and the surface characteristics of the TiAgN coating layers were evaluated. The TiAgN coating layer had different mechanical characteristics based on the bias voltage, which also showed differences in thickness and composition.

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polycarbonate (PC) nanocomposite was prepared by direct melt mixing to investigate the effect of the shear rate on the surface resistivity of the nanocomposites. In this study, an experiment was carried out to observe the shear induced orientation of the MWCNT in the polymer matrix using a very simple melt flow indexer with various loads. The compression-molded, should be eliminated. MWCNT/PC nanocomposite sample exhibited lower percolation thresholds (at 0.8 vol%) and higher electrical conductivity values than those of samples extruded by capillary and injection molding. Shear induced orientation of MWCNT was observed via scanning electron microscopy, in the direction of flow in a PC matrix during the extrusion process. The surface resistivity rose with increasing shear rate, because of the breakdown of the network junctions between MWCNTs. For real applications such as injection molding and the extrusion process, the amount of the MWCNT in the composite should be carefully selected to adjust the electrical conductivity.

Biofouling in brackish water reverse osmosis (RO) membranes still needs extensive research to understand cause and mechanism and to obtain methods for reduction of its impact on RO applications. Natural compounds with biofilm formation inhibitory properties are being investigated. Two compounds, vanillin and Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), were selected due to their great potential on biofilm formation inhibition. Vanillin shows inhibition on quorum sensing mechanisms of biofilm formation. EGCG has potential to inactivate microbial activity. The two compounds were incorporated in typical polyamide reverse osmosis membranes and evaluated on flux behaviours and biofilm formation potential. The surface properties of membrane coated with vanillin were changed tremendously compared to those with EGCG. As a result, the flux was reduced substantially. The biofilm formation seems hindered with EGCG coated membranes compared to the virgin membranes. More research is needed to optimize coating methods applicable to RO membranes and to enhance biofouling reduction.

미즈나미 지하처분연구시설 프로젝트는 일본원자력연구개발기구가 결정질암 내의 심부 지하 환경에 관해 종 합적으로 연구하는 프로젝트이다. 미즈나미 프로젝트는 3개의 중첩되는 단계로 구성된다: 지표기반 조사단계 (단계 1), 건설단계 (단계 2), 운영단계 (단계 3)의 총 20년. 미즈나미 프로젝트의 1단계에서 3단계까지의 전체 목표는 1) 심부지질환경을 조사, 분석, 평가하기 위한 기술 정립, 2) 심부 지하 활용을 위한 일련의 공학적 기 술 개발이다. 전체 목표 1을 달성하기 위하여, 1단계 목표를 굴착 전에 지질환경을 모사하고 굴착거동을 예측 하는 모든 지표기반 조사결과로부터 지질환경 모델을 구축하는 것으로 설정하였다. 전체 목표 2를 달성하기 위하여, 2단계 목표는 지하시설을 위한 상세 설계 개념과 건설 계획을 수립하는 것으로 설정하였다. 본 논문은 결정질암내 지하수의 수리지화학적 특성을 조사하고 평가하기 위한 지질통합적 방법을 소개한다.

Copper composite materials have attracted wide attention for energy applications. Especially has a desirable direct band gap of 1.5 eV, which is well matched with the solar spectrum. nanoparticles could make it possible to develop color-tunable nanoparticle emitter in the near-infrared region (NIR) for energy application and bio imaging sensors. In this paper, nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by thermo-decomposition methods. Surface modification of nanoparticles were carried out with various semiconductor materials (CdS, ZnS) for enhanced optical properties. Surface modification and silica coating of hydrophobic nanoparticles could be dispersed in polar solvent for potential applications. Their optical properties were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The structures of silica coated were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Inorganic oxide colloids dispersed in alcohol were applied to a stainless steel substrate to produce oxide coatings for the purpose of minimizing emissive thermal transfer. The microstructure, roughness, infrared emissive energy, and surface heat loss of the coated substrate were observed with a variation of the nano oxide sol and coating method. It was found that the indium tin oxide, antimony tin oxide, magnesium oxide, silica, titania sol coatings may reduce surface heat loss of the stainless steel at 300˚C. It was possible to suppress thermal oxidation of the substrate with the oxide sol coatings during an accelerated thermal durability test at 600˚C. The silica sol coating was most effective to suppress thermal oxidation at 600˚C, so that it is useful to prevent the increase of radiative surface heat loss as a heating element. Therefore, the inorganic oxide sol coatings may be applied to improve energy efficiency of the substrate as the heating element.

Changes in the surface morphology and light scattering of textured Al doped ZnO thin films on glasssubstrates prepared by rf magnetron sputtering were investigated. As-deposited ZnO:Al films show a hightransmittance of above 80% in the visible range and a low electrical resistivity of 4.5×10-4Ω·cm. The surfacemorphology of textured ZnO:Al films are closely dependent on the deposition parameters of heater temperature,working pressure, and etching time in the etching process. The optimized surface morphology with a cratershape is obtained at a heater temperature of 350oC, working pressure of 0.5 mtorr, and etching time of 45seconds. The optical properties of light transmittance, haze, and angular distribution function (ADF) aresignificantly affected by the resulting surface morphologies of textured films. The film surfaces, havinguniformly size-distributed craters, represent good light scattering properties of high haze and ADF values.Compared with commercial Asahi U (SnO2:F) substrates, the suitability of textured ZnO:Al films as frontelectrode material for amorphous silicon thin film solar cells is also estimated with respect to electrical andoptical properties.