Researchers Develop Optically Active Biodegradable Nanocomposite Film

Researchers have fabricated an optically active biodegradable nanocomposite film with excellent mechanical properties that can be used as stretchable optical devices like flexible display, flexible organic LED, etc.

PVA: Good Film-forming and Mechanical Properties:

Polymers have become an indispensable part of our daily life. However, different engineering applications demand highly flexible and optically active polymers. In this regard, numerous methodologies have been adopted to improve the properties of #polymericmaterials by using suitable #nanomaterials.

Nanomaterials are known to enhance the properties of the polymers keeping the inherent properties of the polymers intact. Scientists have reported that #polyvinylalcohol (PVA) is one of the most widely studied synthetic #biodegradablepolymers having good film-forming and excellent #mechanical properties. Moreover, its optical and mechanical properties can be tuned by incorporating suitable #nanomaterials.

A research group from physical sciences division of the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute of North-East India under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), fabricated a biodegradable #PVA-CuO nanocomposite film using a facile solution casting technique, where Cu salt used as a precursor for the in-situ CuO nanoparticles formation under different heat treatment.

Superior Antimicrobial Properties:

This research group is led by Dr. Sarathi Kundu, associate professor, along with Mr. Saiyad Akhirul Ali, working as a junior research fellow (JRF). Their tests have proved superior optical, mechanical, and #antimicrobialproperties of the #nanocompositefilms under different #heattreatments. The formation of the CuO nanoparticles inside the polymer matrix under heat treatment is confirmed by different #spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The evaluation of mechanical properties validated the formation of a highly flexible and robust nanocomposite film with tensile strength as high as 39 MPa and flexibility of 169% with copper chloride loading.

The PVA-CuO nanocomposite film fabricated by the simple solution casting technique followed by the heat treatment method recently published in the journal of Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, can be used as a stretchable optical device.

Source: Press Information Bureau, Delhi/Omnexus-specialchem

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:What is th Solar Duck Curve

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

What is the Solar Duck Curve?

The term was coined around 2012 by the California Independent System Operator in the United States.

The solar duck curve refers to a graphical representation of the electricity demand and supply pattern that arises from solar energy production throughout the day. It typically shows a dip (the "belly" of the duck) in electricity demand during the day when solar energy production is high, followed by a steep increase in demand in the evening when solar generation decreases. The curve gets its name due to its resemblance to a duck's silhouette.

Here are some key points to elaborate on:

The duck curve highlights the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources, like solar power, into the electrical grid. As solar energy production follows the sun's natural cycle, it can lead to fluctuations in the power supply that do not always match the variations in electricity demand throughout the day.

The curve typically represents a 24-hour period, starting from early morning to late evening. During the day, when solar energy production is high, electricity demand can decrease #substantially due to reduced reliance on other power sources. However, as the sun sets, solar production drops, leading to a steep increase in electricity demand, often referred to as the "neck" of the duck.

Grid operators face the challenge of maintaining grid stability and balancing electricity supply and demand. They must manage the variability of solar generation to avoid overloading the grid during peak demand periods in the evening.

One way to address the duck curve's impact is through energy storage technologies. Energy storage systems, such as batteries, can store excess solar energy during periods of high production and release it when demand rises later in the day, helping to smooth out the curve and improve grid stability.

Another approach involves implementing demand response programs. These programs incentivize consumers to adjust their #electricity usage patterns to align better with solar energy generation. For example, they might encourage shifting energy-intensive activities to daylight hours when solar generation is abundant. Or sending a DRM0 activation signal to turn off #solarinverters .

#DuckCurve is a worldwide phenomenon and now widely referenced in the #energy industry.

Source:Ramy Hanafy

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Today's KNOWLEDGE Share"Deformable mold

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Do you realize how deformable your mold can be ?

Years ago I measured the mold plate deflection under a packing pressure of 80 MPa (that is 800 bar or less than 12000 psi) , for a simple two plate, robust, stainless steel plate mold. We found that the bending accounted for 20 microns equivalent increase in cavity thickness. Over the original 2mm cavity thickness, this is a whole 1 %, more than the typical shrinkage of a nicely packed PC. But the amazing finding, based on #FEA computations of the mold metal structure itself, is that about 1/3 of this increase was due to steel compressibility !

So, even in the remote (actually impossible) case your #mold would be very very stiff, the cavity would still grow bigger during pack because of #STEEL COMPRESSIBILITY !

Source:Vito Leo

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#plastics #plasticsindustry #injectionmolding

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 (8.8) 𝐯𝐬. (10.9)

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 (8.8) 𝐯𝐬. (10.9)

𝗕𝗼𝗹𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 (8.8)

Grade 8.8 bolts are made of medium carbon alloy steel.

They have a minimum tensile strength of 800 MPa and a minimum yield strength of 640 MPa.

These bolts are known for their moderate strength and durability.

They are commonly used in machinery, automotive parts, and general engineering applications.

𝗕𝗼𝗹𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 (10.9)

Grade 10.9 bolts are made of alloy steel and have a higher strength than Grade 8.8 bolts.

They have a minimum tensile strength of 1000 MPa and a minimum yield strength of 900 MPa.

These bolts are specifically designed for applications that require high strength and reliability.They are commonly used in structural steel connections, heavy machinery, and automotive engine components.

𝗦𝗼, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 (10.9) 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 (8.8) 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝘁𝘀?

Grade 10.9 bolts have higher tensile and yield strength, allowing them to withstand greater loads and stresses.

They are ideal for heavy-duty applications.

Grade 10.9 bolts are more durable and resistant to fatigue.

They can withstand challenging conditions and provide long-lasting performance.

Due to their higher tensile strength, Grade 10.9 bolts can achieve a higher preload.This provides better clamping force and improves joint integrity.

Grade 10.9 bolts are often used in critical or safety-sensitive applications where strength and reliability are vital.

Grade 8.8 bolts are suitable for general-purpose applications.

Source:Karim Nabil

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#metal #metalindustry #bolts #fasteners #mechanicalengineering

 #steelstructures #EN1090 #asme #welding #weldinginspection #construction #fabrication #piping #steel #quality #qualitycontrol #qualityassurance #pressurevessels #tanks #oilandgas #powerindustry

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:Carbon fiber driveshaft catastrophical

 Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

#Carbonfiber driveshafts are an advanced and sought-after component in high-performance vehicles due to their exceptional properties and numerous advantages.

However, when shit hits the fan... They can fail catastrophically like the one in this picture! 

Can you think of possible reasons as to why this part failed? 

Source:#managingcomposites #thenativelab

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#composites

Solvay Showcases Advanced Polymers for Semiconductors at Semicon Taiwan 2023

Solvay has announced that it is participating in Semicon Taiwan 2023 to present its comprehensive materials portfolio for the global and local semiconductors manufacturing industry.

In addition, the company will highlight the upcoming start of operations at its Taiwan-based Shinsol Advanced Chemicals #jointventure plant for the production of electronic-grade #hydrogen peroxide.

Sustainable Alternative to PFA and PTFE:

Solvay also presents several material solutions with an advanced sustainability profile. New bio-based polymer chemistry addresses ambitious environmental targets. Non-fluorosurfactant (NFS) Tecnoflon® #FKM and more sustainably produced Tecnoflon® #FFKM #elastomers show excellent plasma resistance for dry etch seal fabrication and a wide service temperature range, while exhibiting extremely low particle generation. And Halar® ECTFE grades provide a more sustainable alternative to #PFA and #PTFE for wet process applications.

Many of Solvay’s specialty polymers also extend into wafer handling, duct coating, filters, piping and tubing as well as BEOL processes from wafer level packaging (WLP) to probing and testing. The portfolio is complemented by dedicated specialty chemicals such as cleaning gas for etching, Interox® hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for optimized wet etching and Cypure® PH3 cylindered phosphine dopant gas. All of these process chemicals, including fluids with very low #globalwarming potential, offer the highest levels of purity, quality and consistency in the market.

In line with the company’s continuing efforts to ensure the long-term supply security of its #specialtychemicals, #Solvay has invested in a new joint venture plant for the production of #electronic-grade H2O2, an indispensable chemical agent in wafer cleaning. Located at Tainan Technology Industry Park, the plant is scheduled for commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2023 with an initial capacity of 30,000 tons per year. It builds on Solvay’s experience with other H2O2 plants already operating in Asia, Europe and the United States and complies with strict international standards of quality, sustainability and environmental safety.

Source: Solvay/omnexus-specialchem

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