Sharif Digital Repository

An ultrafine-grained Al6063/Al2O3 (0.8 vol.%, 25 nm) nanocomposite was prepared via powder metallurgy route through reactive mechanical alloying and hot powder extrusion. Scanning electron microcopy, transmission electron microscopy, and back scattered electron diffraction analysis showed that the grain structure of the nanocomposite is trimodal and composed of nano-size grains (< 0.1 μm), ultrafine grains (0.1–1 μm), and micron-size grains (> 1 μm) with random orientations. Evaluation of the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite based on the strengthening-mechanism models revealed that the yield strength of the ultrafine-grained nanocomposite is mainly controlled by the high-angle... 

Ultrafine-grained (UFG) Al6063/Al2O3 (0.8 vol%, 25 nm) nanocomposite was prepared via powdr metallurgy route. The grain structure of the nanocomposite composed of nano-size grains (< 0.1 μm), ultrafine grains (0.1-1 μm) and micron-size grains (>1 μm) with random orientations. It was found that the yield strength of the UFG nanocomposite is mainly controlled by the Orowan mechanism rather than the grain boundaries. The deformation activation energy at temperature ranges of T <300 ˚C and 300 ˚C ≤T < 450 ˚C was determined to be 74 and 264 kJ mol-1, respectively. At the higher temperatures, significant deformation softening was observed due to dynamic recrystallization of non-equilibrium grain... 

Owing to the exceptional properties of graphene and the crucial role of substrate on the performance of electrochemical biosensors, several graphene-based hybrid structures have recently emerged, yielding improved selectivity and sensitivity. To date, most of the reported biosensors utilize solution-driven graphene flakes with drawbacks of low conductivity (due to high inter-junction contact resistant) and structural fragility. Herein, we present a conductive three-dimensional CeO2 semiconductor nanoparticles/graphene nanocomposite, as a platform for sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide, an important molecule in fundamental biological processes. The 3D conductive graphene architecture is... 

Owing to the exceptional properties of graphene and the crucial role of substrate on the performance of electrochemical biosensors, several graphene-based hybrid structures have recently emerged, yielding improved selectivity and sensitivity. To date, most of the reported biosensors utilize solution-driven graphene flakes with drawbacks of low conductivity (due to high inter-junction contact resistant) and structural fragility. Herein, we present a conductive three-dimensional CeO2 semiconductor nanoparticles/graphene nanocomposite, as a platform for sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide, an important molecule in fundamental biological processes. The 3D conductive graphene architecture is... 

This article describes a study on WC-10Co cemented carbides with different percent of grain growth inhibitors. Samples were prepared by the conventional powder metallurgy method, using WC and Co powder and different concentrations of VC and (Ta, Nb)C powder. All samples were processed using a hot isostatic press (HIP) and the effect of grain growth inhibitors on the microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. Additionally, microstructure and powder particle morphology were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The specimen's microstructure proved that the addition of VC is more effective at suppressing grain growth than... 

The effects of thermal history on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a friction-stir-processed Al–Mg–TiO2 (3 vol.-%, 20 nm) nanocomposite were studied. It is shown that, with increases in peak temperature, a more uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the metal matrix, and a refined grain structure, are attained. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that the mechanism of grain refinement is influenced by the hard inclusions, changing from discontinuous to continuous dynamic recrystallisation. A fine-grained nanocomposite (average grain size of 3 µm) with a uniform distribution of nanoparticles is obtained after four fully-overlapping passes at 1200 rev min−1 and 100 mm... 

Friction stir welding (FSW) of thermoplastic materials is an attractive but a challenging process due to inherent chemical and mechanical characteristics of polymeric materials. In the present work, thermo-mechanical models were employed to investigate the effect of processing parameters on of FSW of polycarbonate (PC). The heat flux during the joining process was localized around the PC join line and led to the formation of circular rings on the upper surface. According to the simulation results, increasing the tool rotational velocity reduced the temperature gradient and decfeased the suseptibelity of crack formation around the joint line. Cracks were formed at low frictional heats and... 

An artificial neural network model was developed for modeling of the effects of mechanical alloying parameters including milling time, milling speed and ball to powder weight ratio on the characteristics of Al-8 vol%SiC nanocomposite powders. The crystallite size and lattice strain of the aluminum matrix were considered for modeling. This nanostructured nanocomposite powder was synthesized by utilizing planetary high energy ball mill and the required data for training were collected from the experimental results. The characteristics of the particles were determined by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Two types of neural network architecture, i.e. multi-layer... 

This review covers the most recent developments of inorganic and organic-inorganic composite coatings for orthopedic implants, providing the interface with living tissue and with potential for drug delivery to combat infections. Conventional systemic delivery of drugs is an inefficient procedure that may cause toxicity and may require a patient's hospitalization for monitoring. Local delivery of antibiotics and other bioactive molecules maximizes their effect where they are required, reduces potential systemic toxicity and increases timeliness and cost efficiency. In addition, local delivery has broad applications in combating infection-related diseases. Polymeric coatings may present some... 

Polycaprolactone (PCL) composite films containing 5 wt.% bioactive glass (BG) particles of different sizes (6 μm, 250 nm, < 100 nm) were prepared by solvent casting methods. The ultra-fine BG particles were prepared by high-energy mechanical milling of commercial 45S5 Bioglass® particles. The characteristics of bioactive glass particles were studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. In vitro bioactivity of the PCL/BG composite films was evaluated through immersion in the simulated body fluid (SBF). The films were analyzed by FE-SEM, energy dispersive... 

An architectural modification method was utilized to improve fracture toughness of discontinuously reinforced aluminum (DRA) composites. Al-DRA composites having a structure similar to that of reinforced concrete were fabricated. The number of reinforcing DRA rods within Al matrix and volume fraction of SiC particles in DRA were altered to evaluate their effect on fracture behavior of these materials. It was found that architectural modification does not have any destructive influence on elastic modulus and yield strength of the composite. Moreover, the success of this method on toughness improvement strongly depends on the occurrence of debonding between Al and DRA regions upon loading  

Two-dimensional boron nitride quantum dots (2D BNQDs) with excellent chemical stability, high photoluminescence efficiency, and low toxicity are a new class of advanced materials for biosensing and bioimaging applications. To overcome the current challenge about the lack of facile, scalable, and reproducible synthesis approach of BNQDs, we introduce a green and facile approach based on mechanochemical exfoliation of bulk h-BN particles in ethanol. Few-layered hydroxylated-functionalized QDs with a thickness of 1-2 nm and a lateral dimension of 2-6 nm have been prepared. The synthesized nanocrystals exhibit a strong fluorescence emission at 407 and 425 nm with a quantum efficiency of ∼6.2%.... 

Several metals and alloys can be used to enhance the mechanical and physical properties of micro parts and components for micromechanical, micro-chemical or sensor applications. Such parts can be produced in series by the powder metallurgical process of micro metal injection moulding (μ-MIM). This paper describes a novel manufacturing route for metallic multi-material micro components, two-component micro metal injection moulding (2C-μ-MIM). Similar to "two-colour" injection moulding of plastics, the process allows the integration of multiple functions in a micro part by simultaneously injecting and joining two materials in one mould. Net-shape parts with solid material interfaces are... 

Abstract Sintering response and phase formation during sintering of WC-Co/316L stainless steel composites produced by assembling of powder injection molding (PIM) parts were studied. It is shown that during cosintering a significant mismatch strain (> 4 pct) is developed in the temperature range of 1080° C to 1350° C. This mismatch strain induces biaxial stresses at the interface, leading to interface delamination. Experimental results revealed that sintering at a heating rate of 20 K/min could be used to decrease the  

In this work, age hardening behavior of an ultrafine-grained (UFG) Al6063-0.8 vol.% Al2O3 nanocomposite produced via reactive mechanical alloying followed by hot extrusion method by means of T6 heat treatment was studied. The temperature and time of solutionizing and aging were optimized by the Taguchi method. The optimal heat treatment condition was found to be solutionizing at 510 °C for 1.5 h and aging at 170 °C for 8 h. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the solutionizing temperature was the most significant factor. A novel cyclic solution treatment was developed for age hardening of Al6063-Al2O3 nanocomposite. The results showed a considerable... 

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized via arc discharge in aqueous solutions containing ferrous and ferric irons to reveal the effect of iron-charge mole ratio, R = [Fe 2+]/[Fe 3+], on the purity of CNTs and the process yield. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the cathodic deposits. It is shown that the nucleation of multi-walled CNTs is catalyzed by ferric irons while their growth is affected by ferrous ions. Well-graphitized CNTs with a high-yield are obtained at R = 1 and total iron concentration of 0.05 M. The effect of iron charge is described based on the two-stage formation mechanism  

Stimuli responsive hydrogels (SRHs) are attractive bioscaffolds for tissue engineering. The structural similarity of SRHs to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of many tissues offers great advantages for a minimally invasive tissue repair. Among various potential applications of SRHs, cartilage regeneration has attracted significant attention. The repair of cartilage damage is challenging in orthopedics owing to its low repair capacity. Recent advances include development of injectable hydrogels to minimize invasive surgery with nanostructured features and rapid stimuli-responsive characteristics. Nanostructured SRHs with more structural similarity to natural ECM up-regulate cell-material... 

Abstract: In this study, chitosan–Laponite nanocomposite coatings with bone regenerative potential and controlled drug-release capacity are prepared by electrophoretic deposition technique. The controlled release of a glycopeptide drug, i.e. vancomycin, is attained by the intercalation of the polymer and drug macromolecules into silicate galleries. Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry reveals electrostatic interactions between the charged structure of clay and the amine and hydroxyl groups of chitosan and vancomycin, leading to a complex positively-charged system with high electrophoretic mobility. By applying electric field the charged particles are deposited on the surface of titanium... 

The formation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) during arc discharge in aqueous solutions of Fe2(SO4)3 and FeCl3 was studied. The concentration of iron ions changed from zero (deionized water) to 0.25 M and the cathodic products were examined by transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectrometry, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The experimental results showed that the crystallinity of MWCNTs is improved by increasing the concentration of iron ions. Nevertheless, the process yield and overall quality of the produced CNTs were significantly affected by iron concentration in the aqueous solution. This observation suggested that there should be an optimum iron concentration at which... 

Chitosan films have a great potential to be used for wound dressing and food-packaging applications if their physicochemical properties including water vapor permeability, optical transparency, and hydrophilicity are tailored to practical demands. To address these points, in this study, chitosan (CS) was combined with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets (with a thickness of ∼1 nm and lateral dimensions of few micrometers). Flexible and transparent films with a high antibacterial capacity were prepared by solvent casting methods. By controlling the evaporation rate of the utilized solvent (1 vol % acidic acid in deionized water), self-organization of GO in the...