Search results for: ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
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Performance of organic coatings upon cyclic mechanical load
PublicationA number of engineering structures fail due to the fatigue damage resulting from cyclic mechanical stress. However, as far as organic coatings are concerned this degradation factor remains underestimated. In the paper the authors propose a methodology combining global electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and local atomic force microscopy measurements for evaluation of coating resistance to an impact of repetitive mechanical stress. Typical...
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Nonlinear and linear impedance of bismuth vanadate ceramics and its relation to structural properties
PublicationThe nonlinear and linear electrical properties, topography, and microstructure of bismuth-vanadate ceramics, were studied. The structurewas observed with the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal microscopy methods. The obtained results showed that ceramic is porous. Two phase transitionswere determinedwith the use of DSC measurements. The linear and nonlinear ac...
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Fibrillar aggregates in powdered milk
PublicationThis research paper addresses the hypothesis that powdered milk may contain amyloid fibrils. Amyloids are fibrillar aggregates of proteins. Up to this time, research on the presence of amyloids in food products are scarce. To check the hypothesis we performed thioflavin T fluorescence assay, X-ray powder diffraction, atomic force microscopy and fluorescence microscopy imaging. Our preliminary results show that commercially available...
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Electronic conductivity in the SiO2-PbO-Fe2O3 glass containing magnetic nanostructures
PublicationThe linear impedance spectra of iron–silicate–lead glass samples were measured in the frequency range from 1 MHz to 1 MHz and in the temperature range from 153 K to 423 K. The structure was investigated by means of XRD and atomic force microscopy. Local electrical and magnetic properties of the samples were tested with the aid of electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM). The obtained results show...
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Particulate Material Analysis in Air
PublicationThe chapter presents the methods and techniques used to asses the PM10 in air and different instruments typically used in analysis of PM, including sampling of particle by using filters and other systems. Besides the methods recommended by different national standards the other methods, especially electronic microscopy are also described.
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Quantitative Analysis of Biofilm Formed on Vascular Prostheses by Staphylococcus Epidermidis with Different ica and aap Genetic Status
PublicationOBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine biofilm formed on vascular prostheses by Staphylococcus epidermidis with different ica and aap genetic status, and to evaluate the effect of antibiotic-modified prostheses on bacterial colonization. METHODS: Biofilm formation was determined using fluorescence microscopy imaging. Quantitative analysis was conducted using the biofilm coverage ratio (BCR) calculations. RESULTS: Our investigations...
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Tip-Based Nanofabrication as a Rapid Prototyping Tool for Quantum Science and Technology
PublicationTip-Based Nanofabication as a Rapid Prototyping Tool for Quantum Science and Technology discusses the development of cantilevered nanotips techniques of quantum devices prototyping and how they evolved from scanning probe microscopy. Also covered are the advantages and future prospects of atomic resolution capability and how to use this enabling technology as a rapid prototyping tool for quantum science and technology.
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Piezoresponse force microscopy and dielectric spectroscopy study of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 thin films
PublicationResearch on synthesis, characterization and determination of processing – structure – property relationships of commercially important ferroelectric thin films has been performed. The sol-gel-type solution deposition technique was applied to produce good quality thin films of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (BST60/40) chemical composition on the stainless steel substrates. The thin films were characterized in terms of their microstructure, crystal...
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Ferromagnetic nanocrystallites in the SiO2 - PbO - Fe2O3 glass system
PublicationThe structure of 50% SiO2 - 35% PbO - 15% Fe2O3, 50% SiO2 - 30% PbO - 20% Fe2O3 and 50% SiO2 - 25% PbO - 25% Fe2O3 (in mol%) glass was investigated by the means of AFM microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Observation by the atomic force microscopy shows that each of prepared iron oxide glass doesn't have homogeneous structure and some nanocrystallites were detected. Next, test with neodymium magnet found out strong magnetic properties...
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Optimised five-hour multiplex PCR test for the detection of Tinea ungium: performance in a routine PCR laboratory
PublicationWe recently published the development of a 5-hour multiplex PCR test for the detection of dermatophyte nail infection. We have optimized this test by inclusion of an inhibition control and evaluated the test in a routine laboratory when compared to the conventional microscopy and culture. A total of 109 clinical samples received at the mycology reference lab at Statens Serum Institute were included. The samples were divided equally...
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Microscopic and Spectroscopic Imaging and Thermal Analysis of Acrylates, Silicones and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in Adhesive Transdermal Patches
PublicationDermal or transdermal patches are increasingly becoming a noteworthy alternative ascarriers for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which makes their detailed physicochemical evaluation essential for pharmaceutical development. This paper demonstrates mid-infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy with complementary microscopic methods (SEM, optical and confocal Raman microscopy) and differential scanning calorimetry...
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Multifrequency Nanoscale Impedance Microscopy (m-NIM): A novel approach towards detection of selective and subtle modifications on the surface of polycrystalline boron-doped diamond electrodes
PublicationIn this paper, we describe the modification of Nanoscale Impedance Microscopy (NIM), namely, a combination of contact-mode atomic force microscopy with local impedance measurements. The postulated approach is based on the application of multifrequency voltage perturbation instead of standard frequency-by-frequency analysis, which among others offers more time-efficient and accurate determination of the resultant impedance spectra...
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The silver layers in fiber-optic sensors
PublicationIn this paper a method of application of the silver layers on the surface of an optical fiber was proposed. The optical properties and surface quality of the silver layer was examined by optical microscopy. The reflection and transmission of the sample were investigated. To evaluate the silver mirror it was placed in a fiber optic Fabry-Perot interferometer and the quality of the spectra was analyzed. The commercial mirror was...
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Application of dynamic impedance spectroscopy to scanning probe microscopy.
PublicationDynamic impedance spectroscopy, designed for measuring nonstationary systems, was used in combination with scanning probe microscopy. Using this approach, impedance mapping could be carried-out simultaneously with topography scanning. Therefore, correlation of electrical properties with particular phases of an examined sample was possible. The sample used in this study was spheroidal graphite cast iron with clearly defined phases...
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PHASE OBJECT OBSERVATION SYSTEM BASED ON DIFFRACTION PHASE MICROSCOPY
PublicationIn the paper authors present a special measurement system for observing phase objects. The diffraction phas microscopy makes it possible to measure the dimensions of a tested object with a nanometre resolution. To meet this requirement, it is proposed to apply a spatial transform. The proposed setup can be based either on a two lenses system (called 4 f ) or a Wollaston prism. Both solutions with all construction aspects are described...
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Measurement system for nonlinear surface spectroscopy by atomic force microscopy for corrosion processes monitoring
PublicationIn addition to traditional imaging the surface, atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables wide variety of additional measurements. One of them is higher harmonic imaging. In tapping mode the nonlinear contact between tip and specimen results in higher frequency vibrations. More information available from the higher harmonics analysis proves to be helpful for more detailed imaging. Such visualization is especially useful for heterogeneous...
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Heterogeneous oxidation of highly boron-doped diamond electrodes and its influence on the surface distribution of electrochemical activity
PublicationThe electrochemical active surface area (EASA) of polycrystalline boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes is heterogeneous and can be affected by numerous factors. There is a strong need for proper consideration of BDD heterogeneity in order to improve this material's range of application in electrochemistry. Localized changes in surface termination due to the influence of oxidation agent result in increased surface resistance. The...
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Assessment of copper surface coverage with corrosion inhibitor using AFM-based local electrical measurements
PublicationThe paper presents a new method of assessment of metal surface coverage with corrosion inhibitor and thus of inhibitor protective performance. It is based on the atomic force microscopy measurement performed in a contact mode. Apart from topography images the proposed approach allows acquisition of local DC maps and local electrical impedance spectra via application of DC bias voltage or AC perturbation signal between the conductive...
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Phase Separation and Electrical Properties of Manganese Borosilicate Glasses
PublicationThe structure and electrical properties of manganese borosilicate glasses of a composition of xMnO-(0.8-x)SiO2-(0.2)B2O3 (x=0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 in mol) were investigated by impedance spectroscopy, SEM, XRD and confocal microscopy methods. The influence of composition on the glass structure and electrical properties was discussed. A separation of two amorphous phases was observed and it was concluded that one phase is SiO2-rich and...
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Heterogeneous distribution of surface electrochemical activity in polycrystalline highly boron-doped diamond electrodes under deep anodic polarization
PublicationThe surface homogeneity of boron-doped diamond electrodes is variable and depends on anodic polarization conditions. The differentiation factor is the gradual and localized change in surface termination. A series of measurements under different polarization conditions was performed in order to investigate the scale of this effect. Nanoscale impedance microscopy (NIM) revealed large variation of surface resistance in individual...
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A measurement system for nonlinear surface spectroscopy with an atomic force microscope during corrosion process monitoring
PublicationIn addition to traditional imaging the surface, atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables wide variety of additional measurements. One of them is higher harmonic imaging. In tapping mode the nonlinear contact between tip and specimen results in higher frequency vibrations. More information available from the higher harmonics analysis proves to be helpful for more detailed imaging. Such visualization is espe-cially useful for heterogeneous...
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High temperature corrosion evaluation and lifetime prediction of porous Fe22Cr stainless steel in air in temperature range 700–900 °C
PublicationThis work describes a high temperature corrosion kinetics study of ~30% porous Fe22Cr alloys. The surface area of the alloy (~0.02 m2 g-1) has been determined by tomographic microscopy. The weight gain of the alloys was studied by isothermal thermogravimetry in the air for 100 hours at 700 - 900 °C. Breakaway oxidation was observed after oxidation at 850 °C (~100 hours) and 900 °C (~30 hours). The lifetime prediction shows the...
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NANOCRYSTALLINE CATHODES FOR SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS MADE OF NOBLE METALS
PublicationCathodes for solid oxide fuel cells prepared by the infiltration method at 600 °C are presented. The infiltration method allows to produce stable, nanostructured electrodes. Cathodes were prepared using gold, platinum, La2NiO4+δ (L2N) and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 δ (LSCF). Symmetrical cathode/electrolyte/cathode samples were prepared and examined with SEM microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Despite successful deposition...
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Determination of the refractive index and wavelength‐dependent optical properties of few‐layer CrCl3 within the Fresnel formalism
PublicationBased on previous reports on the optical microscopy contrast of mechanically exfoliated few layer CrCl3 transferred on 285 nmand 270 nmSiO2 on Si(100), we focus on the experimental determination of an effective mean complex refractive index via a fitting analysis based on the Fresnel equations formalism. Accordingly, the layer and wavelength-dependent absorbance and reflectance are calculated. Layer and wavelength-dependent optical...
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Spatially variant PSF modeling in confocal macroscopy
PublicationThe point spread function (PSF) of imaging systems plays an essential role in image reconstruction. In the context of confocal microscopy, optical performance degrades towards the edge of the field of view. In confocal macroscopy, the related artifacts are even stronger, as the field of view is much larger. Because the related PSFs are strongly spatially variant, it is essential to be able to model them with few parameters. The...
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Surface and Corrosion Properties of AA6063-T5 Aluminium Alloy in Molybdate-containing Sodium Chloride Solutions
PublicationCorrosion properties of aluminium alloy AA6063-T5 were investigated in molybdate-containing NaCl solutions. Electrochemical, microscopic, and spectroscopic experiments were utilized to examine the mechanism of corrosion inhibition by molybdates. SEM-EDX, magnetic force, and intermodulation electrostatic force microscopy data suggested that the inhibition initiation preferentially occurred over Fe-rich cathodic IMPs. Spectroscopic...
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Effect of Variation of Hard Segment Content and Graphene-Based Nanofiller Concentration on Morphological, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane Nanocomposites
PublicationThis study describes the development of a new class of high-performance polyurethane elastomer nanocomposites containing reduced graphene oxide (RGO) or graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). Two types of polyurethane elastomers with different contents of hard segments (HS) were used as a polymer matrix. The developed nanocomposites were characterized by thermal analysis (DSC, TG), dynamic mechanical testing (DMA), hardness testing, mechanical...
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Studies on the influence of β-cyclodextrin derivatives on the physical stability of famotidine
PublicationThe usage of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, near infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and microscopy is presented in this work focused on the exploration of the effect of CD on the physical stability of famotidine (FAM). The most significant information was achieved by analysis of the second derivatives ofnear infrared (NIR) spectra recorded. Changes in the shape of spectra derivatives allow...
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RAMAN DIAGNOSTICS OF CVD DIAMOND GROWTH
PublicationDevelopment of Raman spectroscopic system for diagnostics of growth of diamond and BDD (Boron- Doped-Diamond) thin films during μPA CVD (Microwave Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition) process is described. Raman studies of such films were carried out as in-situ monitoring of film deposition as ex-situ measurements conducted for a sample outside the reaction vessel after manufacturing process. Modular system for the in-situ...
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Inhibition of amyloid fibril formation of hen egg white lysozyme by trimethylamine N-oxide at low pH
PublicationIn vitro inhibition of the formation of fibrous aggregates of proteins (amyloids) has gained increasing attention due to the number of diseases associated with protein misfolding and fibrillation. An interesting group of compounds for which pronounced activity against this phenomenon can be expected consists of low molecular weight substances (osmolytes) which have the ability to change protein stability. Here we investigate the...
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Local properties of organic coatings close to glass transition temperature
PublicationAcrylic coating applied on copper substrate has been investigated at different temperatures starting from the ambient one up to the level above the glass transition temperature. Its local topographic and electric properties have been examined with the atomic force microscopy (AFM) based approach including dc current mapping and local impedance spectroscopy. The local findings have been compared with the information from global...
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Thickness and structure change of titanium (IV) oxide thin films synthesized by the sol–gel spin coating method
PublicationTitanium dioxide is a well-known material in nanotechnology, while it provides new opportunities due to its interesting properties, for example, as a semiconductor with a quite significant forbidden band gap energy of 3.2 eV. In this study, thin films of titanium dioxide (TiO2) were synthesized in amorphous and crystallographic systems using the sol–gel process. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction...
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Determination of pseudocapacitance chan ges of nickel oxide NiO electrode with use of dynamic electrochemical impedancje spectroscopy
PublicationThe electrochemical capacitors (ECs) are attractive energy storage devices which can be applied in many electronic products (e.g., cameras, laptops, cell phones) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). The energy storage in ECs is based on capacitive (the electrical double layer charging/discharging) and pseudocapacitive (additional charge provided by faradic reaction) phenomena. Considering the electrodes exhibiting pseudocapacitance,...
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Highly linear self-assembled porphyrin wires
PublicationAn efficient noncovalent assembly process involving high geometrical control was applied to a linear bis(imidazolyl zinc porphyrin) 7Zn, bearing C18 substitutents, to generate linear multiporphyrin wires. The association process is based on imidazole recognition within the cavity of the phenanthroline-strapped zinc porphyrin. In chlorinated solvents, discrete soluble oligomers were obtained after (7Zn)n was end-capped with a terminal...
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Evaluation of Immobilization of Selected Peat-Isolated Yeast Strains of the Species Candida albicans and Candida subhashii on the Surface of Artificial Support Materials Used for Biotrickling Filtration
PublicationThe paper describes the process of n-butanol abatement by unicellular fungi, able to deplete n-butanol content in gas, by using n-butanol as source of carbon. Isolated and identified fungi species Candida albicans and Candida subhashii were subjected to a viability process via assimilation of carbon from hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds. The isolates, which exhibited the ability to assimilate carbon, were immobilized on four...
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Localized impedance measurements of AA2024 and AA2024-T3 performed by means of AFM in contact mode
PublicationPurpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an atomic force microscopy (AFM) based approach to local impedance spectroscopy (LIS) measurement performed on AA2024 and AA2024-T3 aluminium alloys. Design/methodology/approach: AFM-LIS measurements were performed ex-situ without the electrolyte environment, so in fact the electrical not electrochemical impedance was obtained. Findings: Relative local impedance values...
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Automatic Detection of Nerves in Confocal Corneal Images with Orientation-Based Edge Merging
PublicationThe paper presents an algorithm for improving results of automatic nerve detections in confocal microscopy images of human corneal. The method is designed as a postprocessing step of regular detection. After the nerves are initially detected, the algorithms attempts to improve the results by filling unde-sired gaps between single nerves detections in order to correctly mark the entire nerve instead of only parts of it. This approach...
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Stability of thin film diamond mirror for applications in interferometers under the short-time exposure on selected aggressive chemicals
PublicationIn presented study a thin boron-doped diamond film was proposed for application in the interferometry as a highly durable optical mirror. The unique properties of the diamond films, like high chemical stability and hardness, allow them to be used even in the chemically aggressive environment, where the commonly used silver mirrors can be susceptible to damage. The investigated nanodiamond layer was fabricated by uPE CVD method...
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Structure and magnetic properties of BeO-Fe2O3-Al2O3-TeO2 glass-ceramic composites
PublicationIn this work, glass-ceramics in the xBeO–20Fe2O3–(80-x)TeO2 system with x = 0–25 mol% were synthesized by the traditional melt quenching route and studied by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, confocal microscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. BeO addition was found to support the crystallization process of Fe2O3 during melting, and an increased BeO content was associated with an increased...
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Optimized 5-hour multiplex PCR test for the detection of tinea unguium: performance in a routine PCR laboratory
PublicationWe recently reported the development of a 5-hour multiplex PCR test for the detection of tinea unguium and the optimization of this test by the inclusion of an inhibition control. Here we report the performance of this procedure as used in a routine clinical laboratory as compared to conventional microscopy and culture-based techniques performed in a mycology reference laboratory. We found in processing 109 samples that 22 (20.2%)...
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Multimodal analysis of traction forces and the temperature dynamics of living cells with a diamond-embedded substrate
PublicationCells and tissues are constantly exposed to chemical and physical signals that regulate physiological and pathological processes. This study explores the integration of two biophysical methods: traction force microscopy (TFM) and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) to concurrently assess cellular traction forces and the local relative temperature. We present a novel elastic substrate with embedded nitrogen-vacancy microdiamonds...
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Introduction to the RSC Advances themed collection on nano and microscale modifications of biomaterials
PublicationThe dramatically increasing development of novel biomaterials, their manufacturing techniques, and surface modications, as well as their application in in vivo tests and clinical trials, is evident. It is interesting to note in what a relatively short time the well-known long-term implants have become medical standard: titanium dental implants started in 1965, and total hip arthroplasty (not very successful) was rst attempted...
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Highly porous nanoberyllium for X-ray beam speckle suppression
PublicationThe speckle suppressor device containing highly porous nanoberyllium is proposed for manipulating with the spatial coherence length and removing undesirable speckle structure during the imaging experiments. We report a special device called the speckle suppressor, which contains the highly porous nanoberyllium plate, compacted from both sides by two beryllium windows. By insertion the speckle suppressor in the X-ray beam it allows...
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Preparation and characterization of Pt/Pd-modified titanium dioxidenanoparticles for visible light irradiation
PublicationSeries of Pt/Pd–TiO2photocatalysts were obtained using the sol–gel method. The Pt/Pd–TiO2nanocom-posites showed significant visible light photoactivity. X-ray diffraction, STEM microscopy, UV–visspectroscopy and BET characterization allowed to conclude that the photocatalysts at the best perfor-mance had the anatase structure, 91 m2/g specific surface area, Pt/Pd alloy structure and 1–4 nm particlesize. The photocatalytic activity...
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AFM-assisted investigation of conformal coatings in electronics
PublicationPurpose – This paper aims to presents a new method of investigation of local properties of conformal coatings utilized in microelectronics. Design/methodology/approach – It is based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique supplemented with the ability of local electrical measurements, which apart from topography acquisition allows recording of local impedance spectra, impedance imaging and dc current mapping. Potentialities...
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Copper Slag as a Potential Waste Filler for Polyethylene-Based Composites Manufacturing
PublicationThe present study aimed to analyze the application of waste material from copper production– copper slag (ŻŻL) as filler for composites based on the high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Copper slag filler was introduced in the amounts of 1–20 wt%, and its influence on the appearance (color analysis), chemical structure (Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy), microstructure (optical microscopy), as well as static (tensile...
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Sensing the onset of epoxy coating degradation with combined Raman spectroscopy/atomic force microscopy/electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
PublicationThe paper presents the results of investigation on epoxy resin durability upon 12-week exposure to UV radiation. The aim was early determination of the onset of epoxy degradation and for this purpose an epoxy film on steel substrate systems were periodically inspected using Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The behaviour of examined polymer could be divided into three periods: immunity,...
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Structural and electronic properties of diamond-composed heterostructures
PublicationDiamond is a promising material for 21st century electronics due to its high thermal and electronic conductivity, biocompatibility, chemical stability, high wear resistance, and possibility of doping. However, the semiconductor properties of diamond, especially free-standing films, have not been fully explored. Nor have their integration with polymers and fragile materials and their applications as electronic components. In this...
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Effect of sisal fiber filler on thermal properties of bio-based polyurethane composites
PublicationThis work is mainly focused on study of thermal and thermomechanical properties of obtained bio-based polyurethane (coded as bio-PU) composites via using different types of bio-components (bio-glycol, modified soybean oil and sisal fiber) in the procedure. The chemical structure, morphology and mechanical properties were also investigated and described in this manuscript in order to know more perfect characterization of produced...
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Influence of microwave treatment conditions of GTR on physico-mechanical and structural properties of NBR/NR/GTR composites
PublicationThe increasing amount of tires used in the industry induces the researchers to find alternatives to the recycling of the end-of-life tires. Several alternatives in order to application of ground tire rubber GTR include their incorporation as a filler in composites. The main issue in this approach is the lack of compatibility between GTR and polymer matrix. In order to solve this problem the devulcanization by microwaves has been...