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Search results for: surface engineering
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Microwave-assisted synthesis of a TiO2-CuO heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic activity against tetracycline
PublicationA microwave method was used for the synthesis of TiO2-CuO oxide systems. A detailed investigation was made of the effect of the molar ratio of components (TiO2:CuO=9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, 1:9) on the crystalline structure and morphology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the presence of octahedral and rod-shaped titania particles and sheet copper(II) oxide particles; moreover, HRTEM analysis indicated the presence of...
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The pulsed laser ablation synthesis of colloidal iron oxide nanoparticles for the enhancement of TiO2 nanotubes photo-activity
PublicationThe rapid, only a few minutes long synthesis of FeO, Fe3O4, and Fe2O3nanoparticles mixture utilizing the pulsedlaser ablation using simply pure iron target and water was demonstrated. The size and crystal phase of Fe-basedNPs were characterized using DLS and HR-TEM techniques, respectively. The metastable suspension of FeO,Fe3O4, and Fe2O3nanoparticles was used to the decoration of anodized TiO2nanotubes (TiO2-NTs) by means ofthe...
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Experimental and DFT insights into an eco-friendly photocatalytic system toward environmental remediation and hydrogen generation based on AgInS2 quantum dots embedded on Bi2WO6
PublicationBismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) can work as a photocatalyst but suffers from rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) simulations revealed that the formation of a thermodynamically stable AgInS2(112)/Bi2WO6(010) heterojunction could promote charge separation and enhance the photoactivity of Bi2WO6. To confirm these theoretical predictions, a new type of photocatalysts in the form...
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Studies on novel BiyXz-TiO2/SrTiO3 composites: Surface properties and visible light-driven photoactivity
PublicationA series of novel BiyXz-TiO2/SrTiO3 composites were prepared by multistep synthesis route. The asprepared photocatalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman spectra and BET analysis. The photocatalytic activity test was performed in aqueous solution of phenol under...
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Towards high quality ITO coatings: the impact of nitrogen admixture in HiPIMS discharges
PublicationThe paper reports controlled deposition of optically transparent and electrically conductive ITO films prepared by a combination of rf (13.56 MHz) and High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) systems without any post deposition thermal treatment/annealing. It is shown that (i) reactive admixture of N2 gas to the process and (ii) pressure in the deposition chamber enable to optimize optical properties of ITO films. Furthermore,...
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Binder-induced surface structure evolution effects on Li-ion battery performance
PublicationA comparative investigation on binder induced chemical and morphological evolution of Li4Ti5O12 electrodes was performed via X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical measurements. Composite electrodes were obtained using three different binders (PAA, PVdF, and CMC) with 80:10:10 ratio of active material:carbon:binder. The electrochemical performances of the electrodes, were found to be...
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Salt melt synthesis of curved nitrogen-doped carbon nanostructures: ORR kinetics boost
PublicationImplementing metal-free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and revealing crucial chemical or topographical parameters driving their activity are vital for the development of power cells. The carbon-based catalysts are very often synthesized through carbonization of biopolymers, in particular, those one containing nitrogen groups such as chitosan. Unfortunately, the resulting carbonaceous materials usually...
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Low-power microwave-induced fabrication of functionalised few-layer black phosphorus electrodes: A novel route towards Haemophilus Influenzae pathogen biosensing devices
PublicationIn this paper, various passivation schemes were applied at few-layer black phosphorus (FLBP) to achieve covalent functionalisation with 4-azidobenzoic acid, improving its electrochemical response intended for analytical and biosensing applications. The thermal and microwave assisted modification procedures in toluene and dime-thylformamide resulted in high reversibility of reactions on functionalised FLBP using a ferricyanide/ferrocya-nide...
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Density functional LCAO calculations of vibrational modes and phonon density of states in the strained single-layer phosphorene
PublicationThe paper presents an investigation of phosphorene under axial strain on the phonon density of states and vibrational modes. The studies were performed by means of density functional theory (DFT) within the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO). The strained models were constructed using optimised supercell techniques. The vibrational mode spectra were estimated for strains applied for both the zigzag and armchair directions...
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Laser-assisted approach for improved performance of Au-Ti based glucose sensing electrodes
PublicationThis paper focuses on the synthesis route and electrochemical properties of electrocatalytic material based on gold nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in a structured titanium template obtained via optimized anodization, chemical etching and laser processing. SEM inspection reveals the presence of Au NPs (60–90 nm in diameter) sited in the titanium foil cavities. Performed electrochemical measurements enable nomination of the set of working...
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Stannates, titanates and tantalates modified with carbon and graphene quantum dots for enhancement of visible-light photocatalytic activity
PublicationMost efforts in heterogeneous photocatalysis are focused on development of new and stable photoactive materials efficient in degradation of various pollutants under visible-light irradiation. In this regard, the wide-bandgap perovskite semiconductors, i.e., SrTiO3 (titanate), SrSnO3 (stannate) and AgTaO3 (tantalate), were prepared by a solvothermal method, and then modified with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) or graphene quantum dots...
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The electrochemical deposition of nickel from electrolytes containing malonic acid
PublicationZbadano proces elektrolitycznego osadzania niklu z roztworów siarczanowych zawierających kwas malonowy lub winowy jako bufor zamiast kwasu borowego. Badano wpływ gęstości prądu katodowego, pH roztworu i temperaturę. Określono pojemność buforową i wgłębność kąpieli. Wyznaczono wydajności prądowe, twardość oraz połysk powłok niklowych otrzymanych z badanych kąpieli. Określono optymalne warunki pracy kąpieli i wykazano jej zalety...
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Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes properties on the photocatalytic activity of bismuth-based composites synthesised via an imidazolium ionic liquid
PublicationThe use of various types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the synthesis of bismuth oxybromide semiconductors via imidazolium ionic liquid was studied in detail. The effect of the MWCNT shape, specific surface area, and various diameters on the morphology, surface properties and photoactivity of the Bi-based composites has been investigated for the first time. So far, the literature has only shown the enhancement of photocatalytic...
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Enhanced electrochemical performance of partially amorphous La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ oxygen electrode materials for low-temperature solid oxide cells operating at 400 °C
PublicationThis work evaluates partially amorphous La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ (LSC) as a potential oxygen electrode for lowtemperature solid oxide cells. LSC was deposited using the spin-coating technique onto Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-δ (CGO) substrates. The optimal oxygen electrode thickness was determined as 500 nm. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study showed a significant improvement in oxygen reduction/oxidation reaction kinetics when annealing...
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Application of multisine nanoscale impedance microscopy to heterogeneous alloy surface investigations
PublicationIn the recent years atomic force microscopy is recognized as valuable tool for investigation of surficial features of construction materials. It concerns, among other things, studies of changes caused by such phenomena as galvanic corrosion, passivation associated with the growth of oxide layers, or sensitization of austenitic steels with the formation of carbide phases. In addition, atomic forcemicroscopy allows easy coupling...
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Functionalization of indium-tin-oxide electrodes by laser-nanostructured gold thin films for biosensing applications
Publicationof a relatively large area formed by pulsed laser nanostructuring of thin gold films arereported and discussed. The SEM inspection of modified electrodes reveals the presence of the nearlyspherical and disc-shaped particles of dimensions in the range of 40–120 nm. The NP-array geometry canbe controlled by selection of the laser processing conditions. It is shown that particle size and packingdensity of the array are important factors...
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Morphology and properties of nanotubular oxide layer on the Ti13Zr13Nb alloy
PublicationThe Ti13Zr13Nb alloy in solid and porous form was oxidised. The constant voltage 20 V, oxidation time 0.5 and 1 h, and 1 M H3PO4 (orthophosphoric acid) with addition of HF (hydrofluoric acid) as a test solution were applied. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) examinations of surface, EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) chemical analysis, nanohardness and nano-scratch tests, and corrosion potentiokinetic tests at various...
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Insightful studies of AuCu nanostructures deposited on Ti platform: Effect of rapid thermal annealing on photoelectrochemical activity supported by synchrotron radiation studies
PublicationIn this work, we present the influence of annealing atmospheres during rapid thermal annealing (40◦C/s) on nanostructured Ti platforms modified by 10 nm layer of AuCu alloy obtained via magnetron sputtering. The AuCu/Ti platform annealed under hydrogen atmosphere exhibits the best photoelectrochemical activity under visible light, i.e. 27 times higher photocurrent than for pure Ti dimpled platform, and the lowest reflectance with minimum...
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Electrophoretic deposition and characterization of composite chitosan/Eudragit E 100 or poly(4-vinylpyridine)/mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles coatings on pre-treated titanium for implant applications
PublicationTitanium implants are surface-modified to achieve bioactivity and often antibacterial properties. Such surface coatings may increase corrosion degradation and be weakly attached to the substrate. In the present research, biodegradable composite coatings, investigated so far as smart environment-sensitive, slowly releasing silver to the implant neighborhood, were produced as a combination of chitosan (CS) with Eudragit E 100 (EE100)...
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Encapsulation of Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite photocatalyst with polythiophene for prolonged activity in oxidizing and humid environment
PublicationDespite their growing popularity in modern technology, halide perovskites suffer from susceptibility to oxidation, limiting their applications. Our aim was to enhance Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite's performance in humid environments through polythiophene encapsulation. This extended its lifespan while preserving photocatalytic abilities, as demonstrated in toluene decomposition experiments. We confirmed the stability of Cs3Bi2Br9 encapsulated...
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Influence of silver nanoparticles addition on antibacterial properties of PEO coatings formed on magnesium
PublicationMagnesium is a biodegradable material and thus could be a choice for bone fixation devices and implants with a specific purpose. This study aims to enhance the anti-corrosive, biocompatible, and antibacterial properties on magnesium-based materials through ceramic coatings formation. To achieve this the silicate-based electrolyte was used to create of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) coatings. During investigation the bioactive...
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Tailoring a low-energy ball milled MnCo2O4 spinel catalyst to boost oxygen evolution reaction performance
PublicationThe development of cost-efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts is one of the most important tasks facing modern techniques for hydrogen production. In this work, for the first time, a low-energy ball milling process of MnCo2O4 (MCO) spinel powders, with a mechanical modification time exceeding 1 day was used. After 6 days of ball-milling, the obtained overpotential of the electrocatalyst reached the value of 375 mV...
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The use of lightweight aggregate saturated with PCM as a temperature stabilizing material for road surfaces.
PublicationThis paper presents the possibility of adding lightweight building aggregates to increase the stability – mechanical as well as thermal - of constructions and road objects. This stability can be achieved through saturating the porous granules of aggregate with a phase-change material (PCM) that allows the accumulation of solar heat. Intense solar radiation, especially during the summer, can cause the asphalt on road surfaces, bridges...
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Scalability of surrogate-assisted multi-objective optimization of antenna structures exploiting variable-fidelity electromagnetic simulation models
PublicationMulti-objective optimization of antenna structures is a challenging task due to high-computational cost of evaluating the design objectives as well as large number of adjustable parameters. Design speedup can be achieved by means of surrogate-based optimization techniques. In particular, a combination of variable-fidelity electromagnetic (EM) simulations, design space reduction techniques, response surface approximation (RSA) models,...
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SORPTION OF SELECTED CHLORINATED SOLVENTS ON PLANT DEBRIS COLLECTED IN A CITY PARK
PublicationDebris from deciduous trees in the form of park green waste was investigated as a potential biosorbent for the removal of chlorinated solvents from water. The sorption properties of beech leaves and cupules, oak leaves and acorns, birch leaves and lime leaves (all tree species common for a moderate climate) in a non-modified form were investigated with regard to the removal of perchloroethylene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrachlorothane....
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High Performance Tubular Heat Exchanger with Minijet Heat Transfer Enhancement
PublicationIn the paper, the original cylindrical heat exchanger with minijets (MJHE) was introduced. The systematic experimental analysis of the prototype heat exchanger was described with special attention paid to such parameters as the heat transfer effectiveness, heat transfer rates, overall heat transfer coefficients, and pressure drop. The heat transfer coefficients were determined based on Wilson plot method, the most suitable approach...
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Elctrochemical oxidation and corrosion resistance of the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy
PublicationThis paper presents the results of oxidation and corrosion tests carried out on titanium alloy Ti13Nb13Zr. The oxide film was prepared by electrochemical environment 2M H3PO4 for 30 min and 1 h, at a constant voltage 40V. The tests of corrosion resistance were performed by potentiostatic method in Ringer's solution at different pH values: 7, 5 and 3. The change in an appearance of surface and the increase in corrosion resistance...
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Dependence between Ionic Liquid Structure and Mechanism of Visible-Light-Induced Activity of TiO2 Obtained by Ionic-Liquid-Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis
PublicationBecause of the tremendous structural diversityof ionic liquids (ILs), simple transfer of observations performed for one IL used for IL-TiO2 preparation on different samples is not possible. Therefore, four ionic liquids, all containing distinct nitrogen-bearing organic cations (pyridinium, pyrrolidinium, ammonium, imidazolium), were used for the first time for the preparation of IL-TiO2 composites. The role of the individual IL...
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Biological and mechanical properties of bone cement with nanoarticles - in vitro and in vivo research
PublicationDespite antibiotic preventive treatment both before and after implant implementation, the risks of infection are real. These infections develop at the implant surface a few months after inserting them into the body. To prevent the development of bacteria and reduce the risk of infection, implants coated with nanoparticles are used. The Mechanical Department of the Technical University of Gdansk carries out research into using bone...
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Preliminary studies of seamless flux cored wires stored in extreme conditions
PublicationIn the paper preliminary experimental studies of flux cored wires moisturized under controlled conditions are described. Three seamless wires of different grades have been placed in environmental chamber and moisturized in extremely adverse conditions (temperature T = 60° C, relative humidity H = 90%) for 240 hours. During this time measurements of weight gain and observations of surface of wires have been carried out. Also diffusible...
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Air journal bearing utilizing near-field acoustic levitation: stationary shaft case
PublicationResults of a study to examine a unique idea of self-levitating journal bearing are presented in this paper. the idea represents a radical departure from the current bearing technology. it utilisesacoustic levitation, which relies on the sound energy radiated by an object supporting a load. acoustic levitation has been demonstrated to support loads of up to 10 kg. in order to support a load theacoustic wave emitted by the radiating...
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M-integral for finite anti-plane shear of a nonlinear elastic matrix with rigid inclusions
PublicationThe path-independent M-integral plays an important role in analysis of solids with inhomogeneities. However, the available applications are almost limited to linear-elastic or physically non-linear power law type materials under the assumption of infinitesimal strains. In this paper we formulate the M-integral for a class of hyperelastic solids undergoing finite anti-plane shear deformation. As an application we consider the problem...
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SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NIOBIUM-DOPED HYDROXYAPATITE CERAMICS
PublicationHydroxyapatite (HAp) ceramic materials are considered as one of the most promising implant materials in bone surgery and in dentistry. They exhibit unique biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteoconductivity, which are the most desirable biomaterial features. However, HAp itself is brittle, has low strength, high degree of crystallinity and low solubility at physiological pH. Doping synthetic HAp with metal ions plays an important...
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Thermally activated natural chalcopyrite for Fenton-like degradation of Rhodamine B: Catalyst characterization, performance evaluation, and catalytic mechanism
PublicationIn this work, catalytic activity of natural chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) was improved by thermal activation. The modified chalcopyrite was used as efficient catalyst for degradation of organic dye Rhodamine B (RhB) through advanced oxidation process (AOP). Effects of catalyst dosage, H2O2 concentration, reaction temperature, solution pH, anions, and natural organic matter on the degradation efficiency of RhB were investigated. This study...
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Generative Process Planning with Reasoning based on Geometrical Product Specification
PublicationThe focus of this paper is on computer aided process planning for parts manufacture in systems of definite process capabilities, involving the use of multi-axis machining centers for parts shaping and grinding machines for finishing. It presents in particular a decision making scheme for setup determination as a part of generative process planning. The planning procedurę consists of two stages. The first stage is associated with...
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Multi-objective design optimization of antenna structures using sequential domain patching with automated patch size deter-mination
PublicationIn this paper, a simple yet efficient and reliable technique for fully automated multi-objective design optimization of antenna structures using sequential domain patching (SDP) is discussed. The optimization procedure according to SDP is a two-step process: (i) obtaining the initial set of Pareto-optimal designs representing the best possible trade-offs between considered conflicting objectives, and (ii) Pareto set refinement...
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3D scanning system for railway current collector contact strips
PublicationUndisturbed collection of current from a contact wire of the catenary constitutes one of the basic elements in reliable operation of electrified rail transport, particularly when vehicles move at high speed. Quality of current collection is influenced by the construction of catenary and current collectors, as well as by the technical condition and regulation of these two elements. Total contact force of a current collector head...
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Double ZIF-L structures with exceptional CO2 capacity
PublicationCarbon dioxide emission is an emerging problem nowadays and new methods are designed for its control. In this article, a report on the formation of zeolitic imidazole framework with an apparent double leaf-like morphology DZIF-L is given. The special structure of the materials prevents from aggregation of the particles providing remarkable CO2 capacity. At 0.1 MPa the CO2 uptake was 2.99 ± 0.06 mmol/g. The capacity of synthesized...
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Modeling, simulation, and validation of a TB41 crash test of the H2/W5/B concrete vehicle restraint system
PublicationThe paper addresses numerical simulations of a concrete vehicle restraint system. The model is described in detail. The advanced material law of the continuous surface cap model was used to analyze the damage locations in concrete barrier segments. The results were validated against the TB41 full-scale crash test. The test was conducted in compliance with European standard EN 1317, and the validation was performed in accordance...
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Usefulness of chest perfusion computed tomography in the diagnosis of diabetic pulmonary microangiopathy
PublicationThis paper presents the usefulness of perfusion computed tomography (pCT) in the diagnosis of diabetic pulmonary microangiopathy. Our previous works have shown that perfusion parameters are useful in the diagnosis of diabetic pulmonary microangiopathy. We are looking for such measurements and perfusion parameters that provide the most accurate diagnosis. Two types of comparison were made based on the results of clinical trials:...
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Heat transfer characteristics of hybrid microjet – Microchannel cooling module
PublicationThe paper presents experimental investigation of heat transfer intensification in a microjet–microchannel cooling module. Applied technology takes benefits from two very attractive heat removal techniques. When jets are impinging on the surface, they have a very high kinetic energy at the stagnation point, also in microchannels boundary layer is very thin allowing to obtain very high heat fluxes. Main objective of this paper was...
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Effect of different crystalline structures on W/O and O/W/O wax emulsion stability
PublicationtThe possibility of emulsion stabilization using mineral and vegetable wax particles only (without sur-factant) was investigated. Mineral waxes, paraffin wax and ceresin, and a vegetable wax, carnauba wax,were used. The content of the wax particles and the water to oil proportion were found crucial for thestability of all emulsions. Some emulsions were also produced with a liquid wax (i.e. jojoba oil). Themultiple light scattering...
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Lax-Wendroff and McCormack Schemes for Numerical Simulation of Unsteady Gradually and Rapidly Varied Open Channel Flow
PublicationTwo explicit schemes of the finite difference method are presented and analyzed in the paper. The applicability of the Lax-Wendroff and McCormack schemes for modeling unsteady rapidly and gradually varied open channel flow is investigated. For simulation of the transcritical flow the original and improved McCormack scheme is used. The schemes are used for numerical solution of one dimensional Saint-Venant equations describing free...
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Application of probabilistic tools to extend load test design of bridges prior to opening
PublicationLoad tests of bridges are widely performed in a large number of countries. Deterministic comparison of measurement results to the theoretical, FEM (finite element method)-based outcomes with possible further calibration is mostly applied. Sometimes, the data collected in the tests are also used to calibrate the reliability factors of bridge structures or their components. This work proposes to complement the stage of the load test...
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SURFACTANTS IN KLODNICA RIVER (KATOWICE, POLAND). PART I. LINEAR ALKYLBENZENE SULPHONATES (LAS)
PublicationSurfactants are a group of compounds with specific physico-chemical properties and therefore they are used in many spheres of human activity. Surface-active substances undergo various physico-chemical transformations, what enables their migration between different elements of the environment and may lead to its pollution. Selected anionic surfactants were determined in samples of water from the Klodnica river (25 samples) and bottom...
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Application of the Mathar method to identify internal stress variation in steel as a welding process result
PublicationThe paper deals with the method to identify internal stresses in two-dimensional steel members. Steel members were investigated in the delivery stage and after assembly, by means of electric-arc welding. In order to perform the member assessment two methods to identify the stress variation were applied. The first is a non-destructive measurement method employing local external magnetic field and to detecting the induced voltage,...
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A review on electrospun membranes for potential air filtration application
PublicationAir pollution is one of the major environmental concerns in most highly populated cities, which is typically caused by particulate (PM2.5 and PM0.1) or gaseous pollutants that can be removed using electrospun membranes. These membranes are characterized by different features in terms of uniform and controllable structure, tuneable porosity, and high surface area, where their separation efficiency strongly depends on their properties....
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Assessment of unusual failure in crankshaft of heavy-duty truck engine
PublicationThe unusual premature failure of a heavy-duty truck engine crankshaft has been the subject of a rigorous study, and this manuscript describes it in detail. The failure was happened to begin with the growth of the crack from the surface defects, in the form of the clusters of non-metallic inclusions, in the lubrication hole zone of the first main journal, which was the stress concentration zone. A series of experiments including...
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Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) based heat transfer: A comprehensive review
PublicationHigher than a standard level, the humidity provides a suitable environment for the pathogenic microorganisms to grow and increases energy consumption for cooling, increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Desiccant air-conditioning (DAC) is an effective method to reduce humidity and energy simultaneously. Conventional desiccants are not suitable for use as a desiccant in building air conditioners, mainly because of high regeneration...
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Damage of a post-tensioned concrete bridge – Unwanted cracks of the girders
PublicationThe cracking of a post-tensioned T-beam superstructure, which was built using the incremental launching method, is analyzed in the paper. The problem is studied in detail, as specific damage was observed in the form of longitudinal cracks, especially in the mid-height zone of the girder at the interface of two assembly sections. The paper is a case study. A detailed inspection is done and non-destructive testing results of the...