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Mechanism of Li nucleation at graphite anodes and mitigation strategies
PublicationLithium metal plating is a critical safety issue in Li-ion cells with graphite anodes, and contributes significantly to ageing, drastically limiting the lifetime and inducing capacity loss. Nonetheless, the nucleation mechanism of metallic Li on graphite anodes is still poorly understood. But in-depth understanding is needed to rationally design mitigation measures. In this work, we conducted FirstPrinciples studies to elucidate...
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On weak solutions of the boundary value problem within linear dilatational strain gradient elasticity for polyhedral Lipschitz domains
PublicationWe provide the proof of an existence and uniqueness theorem for weak solutions of the equilibrium problem in linear dilatational strain gradient elasticity for bodies occupying, in the reference configuration, Lipschitz domains with edges. The considered elastic model belongs to the class of so-called incomplete strain gradient continua whose potential energy density depends quadratically on linear strains and on the gradient of...
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The Issue of Shading Photovoltaic Installation Caused by Dust Accumulation on the Glass Surface
PublicationThe issue of accumulation of dust and other pollutants on the surface of photovoltaic modules was thoroughly analysed over the years. One of the first surveys in this field of knowledge linked pollutant accumulation on the module surface with transmittance loss of its glass covering, which leads to lessened amount of solar radiation reaching solar cells. First stage of this accumulation process is linear transparency loss, and second...
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Principles of target DNA cleavage and the role of Mg2+ in the catalysis of CRISPR–Cas9
PublicationAt the core of the CRISPR–Cas9 genome-editing technology, the endonuclease Cas9 introduces site-specific breaks in DNA. However, precise mechanistic information to ameliorate Cas9 function is still missing. Here, multimicrosecond molecular dynamics, free energy and multiscale simulations are combined with solution NMR and DNA cleavage experiments to resolve the catalytic mechanism of target DNA cleavage. We show that the conformation...
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Phosphinophosphoranes: Mixed-Valent Phosphorus Compounds with Ambiphilic Properties
PublicationHerein, we present a simple synthesis of mixed-valent phosphinophosphoranes bearing three- and five-coordinate phosphorus centers. Compounds with phosphorus–phosphorus bonds were synthesized via a reaction of lithium phosphides RR′PLi with cat2PCl (cat = catecholate), whereas derivatives with methylene-linked phosphorus centers were obtained via a reaction of phosphanylmethanides RR′CH2Li with cat2PCl. The presence of accessible...
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Laser Beam as a Precision Tool to Increase Fatigue Resistance in an Eyelet of Undercarriage Drag Strut
PublicationThe article contains the results of tests on a laser-processed eyelet of undercarriage drag strut to increase its fatigue strength. Laser processing concentrated on both sides around the hole of eye for connecting the undercarriage drag strut caused that the material in this area withstood more than twice the number of load cycles established for this material. In order to determine the reasons for the increase in fatigue strength,...
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Effective Drug Concentration and Selectivity Depends on Fraction of Primitive Cells
PublicationPoor efficiency of chemotherapeutics in the eradication of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) has been driving the search for more active and specific compounds. In this work, we show how cell density-dependent stage culture profiles can be used in drug development workflows to achieve more robust drug activity (IC50 and EC50) results. Using flow cytometry and light microscopy, we characterized the cytological stage profiles of the HL-60-,...
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Statistical evaluation of physical and index properties of Vistula Marshlands deltaic soft soils
PublicationThis paper provides statistical evaluation of physical and index parameters of the Vistula Marshlands deltaic soft soils using three datasets. Soft soils from the Vistula Marshlands are grouped into the four categories: (1) silty/sandy loams, (2) organic clays, (3) organic silts and (4) peats. Variability of basic and derivative physical properties as well as Atterberg's limits and plasticity index is studied. It is found that...
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Silicon oxycarbide-tin nanocomposite derived from a UV crosslinked single source preceramic precursor as high-performance anode materials for Li-ion batteries
PublicationIn this work, we report an innovative and facile UV light-assisted synthesis of a nanocomposite based on silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) and tin nanoparticles. SiOC ceramic matrix, containing a conductive free carbon phase, participates in lithium-ion storage, and buffers the volume changes of Li-alloying/de-alloying material. The reported synthesis procedure through a polymer-derived ceramic route involves the preparation of a single-source...
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Preparation and characterisation of solution-cast Nafion membrane
PublicationNafion is a commercial name for a perfluorosulfonic polymer, which has been developed in 1962 by Dupont de Nemours. This polymer consists of a polytetrafluoroethylene backbone and regular spaced long perfluorovinyl ether pendant side chains terminated by a sulfonate ionic group. These sulfonate groups are responsible for cation-exchange properties of Nafion. Thanks to the ion-exchange properties, water permeability, good chemical,...
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Study of the effect of thermally reduced graphene oxide on the physical and mechanical properties of flexible polyurethane foams
PublicationFlexible polyurethane foams were obtained from a two-component system via the one-step method. The foams were modified with thermally reduced graphene oxide added in the amount equal to 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 wt%. The morphology, static and dynamic properties, and thermal stability of modified foams were determined. The application of carbon filler resulted in the visible increase in the cell size, apparent density and rigidity of...
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Synthesis and thermal studies of flexible polyurethane nanocomposite foams obtained using nanoclay modified with flame retardant compound
PublicationThis work presents thermal studies of nanocomposites based on the flexible polyurethane (PU) matrix and filled using montmorillonite organically modified with organophosphorus flame retardant compound. Flexible PU nanocomposite foams were prepared in the reaction carried out between reactive alcoholic hydroxyl and isocyanate groups with the ratio of NCO to OH groups equal to 1.05. The amount of an organoclay ranging from 3 to 9...
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Superconductivity in the Cu(Ir1-xPtx)2Se4 spinel
PublicationWe report the observation of superconductivity in the CuIr2Se4 spinel induced by partial substitution of Pt for Ir. The optimal doping level for superconductivity in Cu(Ir1-xPtx )2Se4 is x = 0.2, where Tc is 1.76 K. A superconducting Tc vs composition dome is established between the metallic, normal conductor CuIr2Se4 and semiconducting CuIrPtSe4. Electronic structure calculations show that the optimal Tc occurs near the electron count...
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Physical properties and electronic structure of La3Co and La3Ni intermetallic superconductors
PublicationLa3Co and La3Ni are reported superconductors with transition temperatures of 4.5 and 6 K, respectively. Here, we reinvestigate the physical properties of these two intermetallic compounds with magnetic susceptibility χ, specific heat Cp and electrical resistivity ρ measurements down to 1.9 K. Although bulk superconductivity is confirmed in La3Co, as observed previously, only a trace of it is found in La3Ni, indicating that the...
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Environmental risk assessment of Polish wastewater treatment plant activity
PublicationWastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play an extremely important role in shaping modern society's environmental wellbeing and awareness, however only well operated and supervised systems can be considered as environmentally sustainable. For this reason, an attempt was undertaken to assess the environmental burden posed by WWTPs in major Polish cities by collecting water samples prior to and just after wastewater release points....
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Impact of Boundary Conditions on Acoustic Excitation of EntropyPerturbations in a Bounded Volume of Newtonian Gas
PublicationExcitation of the entropy mode in the field of intense sound, that is, acoustic heating, is theoreticallyconsidered in this work. The dynamic equation for an excess density which specifies the entropy mode,has been obtained by means of the method of projections. It takes the form of the diffusion equation withan acoustic driving force which is quadratically nonlinear in the leading order. The diffusion coefficient isproportional...
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Theoretical Investigation of the Electron-Transfer Dynamics and Photodegradation Pathways in a Hydrogen-Evolving Ruthenium-Palladium Photocatalyst
PublicationTime-dependent density functional theory calcula- tions combinedwith the Marcus theory of electron transfer (ET) were app lied on the molecular photocatalys t [(tbbpy) 2 Ru(tpph z)PdC l 2 ] 2 + in order to elucidate thelight-in- duced relaxation pathways populated upon excitation in the longer wavelength range of its absorption spectrum. The computational resultsshow that after the initial excitation, metal (Ru) to ligand (tpphz)chargetransfer...
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Corrosion degradation of spacers – examination of changes in bone cement coating.
PublicationSpacer is a special implant used at the time of infection after endoprosthetic surgery. It consists of a metal core and bone cement coating with an antibiotic. In the human body spacers are exposed to degradation processes. This paper looks at the effect of corrosion on spacers. Electrochemical corrosion tests were performer on titanium pins with bone cement coating in two solutions: Ringer’s solution and artificial...
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Forecasting of railway track tamping based on settlement of sleepers using fuzzy logic
PublicationThe sleepers in a railway track transfer vertical, transverse and longitudinal loads to the track ballast and subgrade. The sleepers allow for keeping the distance between the rails constant. The thickness of ballast should be between 16 and 35 cm depending on the design standard of the track, and it should be densified where the ballast supports the sleeper. The exploitation causes contamination of the ballast, crushing the material...
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On the application of magnetoelastic properties measureme nts for plastic level determination in martensitic steels
PublicationThe change in the dislocation density, induced by plastic deformation, influences strongly the magnetic domain structure inside the material. Being so, classic parameters, like the coercivity or magnetic permeability, can be a good measure of the deformation level, yet their reliable determination in a non-destructive way in industrial environment is problematic. The magnetoacoustic emission (MAE) which results from the non-180...
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Photoinduced electron transfer in 5-bromouracil labeled DNA. A contrathermodynamic mechanism revisited by electron transfer theories
PublicationThe understanding of the 5-bromouracil (BrU) based photosensitization mechanism of DNA damage is of large interest due to the potential applications in photodynamic therapy. Photoinduced electron transfer (ET) in BrU labeled duplexes comprising the 50 -GBrU or 50 -ABrU sequence showed that a much lower reactivity was found for the 50 -GBrU pattern. Since the ionization potential of G is lower than that of A, this sequence selectivity...
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Structure, Mechanical, Thermal and Fire Behavior Assessments of Environmentally Friendly Crude Glycerol-Based Rigid Polyisocyanurate Foams
PublicationIn this work, rigid polyisocyanurate foams were prepared at partial substitution (0–70 wt%) of commercially available petrochemical polyol, with previously synthesized biopolyol based on crude glycerol and castor oil. Influence of the biopolyol content on morphology, chemical structure, static and dynamic mechanical properties, thermal insulation properties, thermal stability and flammability was investigated. Incorporation of...
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Characterizing Interactions Between Small Peptides and Dimethyl Sulfoxide Using Infrared Spectroscopy and Computational Methods
PublicationThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of the interactions between dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and two small peptides, diglycine and N-acetyl-glycine-methylamide (NAGMA), in aqueous solutions using FTIR spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and DFT results revealed that DMSO does not form direct bonds with the peptides, suggesting that DMSO indirectly influences both peptides by...
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Investigating BiMeVOx compounds as potential photoelectrochemical and electrochemical materials for renewable hydrogen production
PublicationIn this study, BiMeVOx compounds (where Me: Co, Mo, Ce, Zr) were synthesized and characterized as potential photoelectrochemical materials for solar water splitting, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The analysis confirmed the successful formation of phase BiMeVOx compounds with the desired crystal structure. Among the tested materials, BiCoVOx(800) showed the highest photocurrent density...
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Tuning the work function of graphite nanoparticles via edge termination
PublicationGraphite nanoparticles are important in energy materials applications such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), supercapacitors and as catalyst supports. Tuning the work function of the nanoparticles allows local control of lithiation behaviour in LIBs, and the potential of zero charge of electrocatalysts and supercapacitors. Using large scale density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we find that the surface termination of multilayer...
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Three-dimensional characterization of porosity in iron ore pellets: A comprehensive study
PublicationThis paper presents a comprehensive study on the production and reduction of high-quality iron ore pellets characterized by a basicity index nearing 0.5 and diameters ranging from 1 to 2 cm. The reduction process was carried out in a hydrogen atmosphere at temperatures spanning 800–1000 ◦ C and a pressure of 8 bar. Initial f indings revealed substantial variations in pellet density and compressive strength, attributed to their...
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Molybdenum sulfide modified with nickel or platinum nanoparticles as an effective catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
PublicationIn this study, we investigate the catalytic performance of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) modified with either nickel (Ni) or platinum (Pt) nanoparticles as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The MoS2 was prepared on the TiO2 nanotube substrates via a facile hydrothermal method, followed by the deposition by magnetron sputtering of Ni or Pt nanoparticles on the MoS2 surface. Structural and morphological characterization...
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Mechanochemically synthesized Mn3O4@β-cyclodextrin mediates efficient electron transfer process for peroxymonosulfate activation
PublicationThe rational surface engineering of heterogeneous catalysts is of great significance in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for eliminating refractory contaminants but remains challenging. In this study, β-cyclodextrin modified Mn3O4 (Mn3O4@β-CD) was prepared through a mechanochemical approach for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation, which achieved efficient bisphenol A (BPA) removal via electron transfer process (ETP). The reactive...
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Electronic structure of intertwined kagome, honeycomb, and triangular sublattices of the intermetallics MCo2Al9 ( M = Sr, Ba)
PublicationIntermetallics are an important playground to stabilize a large variety of physical phenomena, arising from their complex crystal structure. The ease of their chemical tunabilty makes them suitable platforms to realize targeted electronic properties starting from the symmetries hidden in their unit cell. Here, we investigate the family of the recently discovered intermetallics MCo2Al9 (M=Sr, Ba) and we unveil their electronic structure....
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Analysis of surface roughness of chemically impregnated Scots pine processed using frame-sawing machine
PublicationThe objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the impregnation process of pine wood (Pinus sylvestris L.) on roughness parameters of the surface processed on a frame sawing. The samples weredried and impregnated using a commercial procedure by a local company. The touch method withthe use of measuring stylus (pin) was employed to determine of surface roughness of the samplesconsidering parameters, namely, arithmetical...
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Magnetic superhydrophobic melamine sponges for crude oil removal from water
PublicationThis paper proposes the preparation of a new sorbent material based on melamine sponges (MS) with superhydrophobic, superoleophilic, and magnetic properties. This study involved impregnating the surface of commercially available MS with eco-friendly deep eutectic solvents (DES) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The DES selection was based on the screening of 105 eutectic mixtures using COSMO-RS modeling. Other parameters affecting the efficiency...
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Nonlinear impedance of as-quenched Bi2VO5.5 glass-ceramic was measured with impedance spectroscopy method at low temperature region
Open Research DataThe nonlinear electrical properties of as-quenched Bi2VO5.5 glass-ceramic was measured by impedance spectroscopy method.
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Cyclic Behavior of Masonry Shear Walls Retrofitted with Engineered Cementitious Composite and Pseudoelastic Shape Memory Alloy
PublicationThe behavior of masonry shear walls reinforced with pseudoelastic Ni–Ti shape memory alloy (SMA) strips and engineered cementitious composite (ECC) sheets is the main focus of this paper. The walls were subjected to quasi-static cyclic in-plane loads and evaluated by using Abaqus. Eight cases of strengthening of masonry walls were investigated. Three masonry walls were strengthened with different thicknesses of ECC sheets using...
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Evaluation of structural change during fast transformation process of cross-linked NR into liquid NR by light pyrolysis
PublicationThe presence of cross-linked networks in rubber creates a tremendous problem for recycling and reusing of waste rubber. Fast transformation of cross-linked natural rubber (NR) into liquid natural rubber was carried out by light pyrolysis in temperature range from 240 to 300 °C in variable time (in range: 1–30 min). The transformation efficiency was evaluated by measuring the sol fraction and the cross-link density of the gel fraction....
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Enhanced photocatalytic properties of lanthanide-TiO2 nanotubes: An experimental and theoretical study
PublicationA series of Er-, Yb-, Ho-, Tb-, Gd-, Pr-TiO2 nanotubes (RE-NTs) was prepared via an electrochemical method. The as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis absorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and luminescent spectroscopy. The experiments demonstrated that toluene in the gas phase was successfully degraded under visible light (LEDs λmax = 465...
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Heterotrophic Anodic Denitrification in Microbial Fuel Cells
PublicationNowadays, pollution caused by energy production systems is a major environmental concern. Therefore, the development of sustainable energy sources is required. Amongst others, the microbial fuel cell (MFC) seems to be a possible solution because it can produce clean energy at the same time that waste is stabilized. Unfortunately, mainly due to industrial discharges, the wastes could contain nitrates, or nitrates precursors such...
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Application of twin-plane ECT sensor for identification of the internal imperfections inside concrete beams
PublicationThe main purpose of this paper is to investigate application of special construction of Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) sensor to concrete beams internal homogeneity tests. Identification of internal imperfection inside the concrete beams is one of the main problems related to analysis of the construction structure bearing capacity. Therefore, this paper shows attempts to study the measurement prospects for this non-invasive,...
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Electrodes consisting of PEDOT modified by Prussian Blue analogues deposited onto titania nanotubes – Their highly improved capacitance
PublicationIn this work we present the outstanding energy storage of prepared inorganic-organic heterojunction where hydrogenated ordered titania nanotubes (H-TiO2NT) were modified by the hybrid made of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (pEDOT) and iron hexacyanoferrate centres (Fehcf, Prussian Blue). The material TiO2NT/pEDOT:Fechf was obtained electrochemically by means of: anodization, hydrogenation and finally, electropolymerization of...
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Hydrogen Embrittlement and Oxide Layer E ect in the Cathodically Charged Zircaloy-2
PublicationThe present paper is aimed at determining the less investigated effects of hydrogen uptake on the microstructure and the mechanical behavior of the oxidized Zircaloy-2 alloy. The specimens were oxidized and charged with hydrogen. The different oxidation temperatures and cathodic current densities were applied. The scanning electron microscopy, X-ray electron diffraction spectroscopy, hydrogen absorption assessment, tensile, and...
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Extractive detoxification of feedstocks for the production of biofuels using new hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents – Experimental and theoretical studies
PublicationThe paper presents a synthesis of novel hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs) composed of natural components, which were used for removal of furfural (FF) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from lignocellulosic hydrolysates. The main physicochemical properties of DESs were determined, followed by explanation of the DES formation mechanism, using 1H NMR, 13C NMR and FT-IR analysis and density functional theory (DFT). The most...
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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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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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Removal of Siloxanes from Model Biogas by Means of Deep Eutectic Solvents in Absorption Process
PublicationThe paper presents the screening of 20 deep eutectic solvents (DESs) composed of tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPABr) and glycols in various molar ratios, and 6 conventional solvents as absorbents for removal of siloxanes from model biogas stream. The screening was achieved using the conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) based on the comparison of siloxane solubility in DESs. For the DES which was characterized...
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GTR/NBR/Silica Composites Performance Properties as a Function of Curing System: Sulfur versus Peroxides
PublicationIn this work, conventional sulfur and two types of organic peroxides (dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and di-(2-tert-butyl-peroxyisopropyl)-benzene (BIB)) curing systems were used to investigate the possibility for tailoring of the performance properties of GTR/NBR blends reinforced with a variable content of highly dispersive silica (0–30 phr). The curing characteristics, static mechanical and acoustical properties, swelling behavior,...
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Deep eutectic solvents based highly efficient extractive desulfurization of fuels – Eco-friendly approach
PublicationThe developed process is based on alternative, green and cheap solvents for efficient desulfurization of fuels. Several deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were successfully synthesized and studied as extraction solvents for desulfurization of model fuel containing thiophene (T), benzothiophene (BT) and dibenzothiophene (DBT). The most important extraction parameters (i.e. kind of DES, DES: fuel volume ratio, hydrogen bond acceptor:...
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The Application of Granulated Expanded Glass Aggregate with Cement Grout as an Alternative Solution for Sub-Grade and Frost-Protection Sub-Base Layer in Road Construction
PublicationThe purpose of the research was to assess the possibility of using granulated expanded glass aggregate (GEGA) with cement grout as a replacement of a sub-grade and frost-protection layer, made of natural fine aggregates (NATU), stabilized with a hydraulic binder. Instead of traditional parts of the road construction, such as the sub-grade and frost-protection layer with the application of fine aggregate, stabilized with cement,...
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The Effect of Fly Ash Microspheres on the Pore Structure of Concrete
PublicationThe fly ash microspheres (FAMs) formed during the mineral transformation stage in coal combustion are hollow spherical particles with a density less than water. This paper presents the results of X‐ray micro‐computed tomography and an automatic image analysis system of the porosity in the structure of hardened concrete with microspheres. Concrete mixtures with ordinary Portland cement and two substitution rates of cement by microspheres—5%...
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DFT study of low-energy electron interaction with pyridine, pyrazine and their halo derivatives
PublicationIn this work, the density functional theory with B3LYP hybrid functional was employed to calculate quantities useful for estimating the behavior of pyridine, pyrazine and their derivatives monosubstituted with Cl or Br atom, when exposed to low-energy electron impact. Vertical electron affinities obtained in several Pople basis sets and in aug-cc-pVTZ basis set are reported. Although some of the investigated molecules do not form...
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Conductive Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposite Foams Derived from a Cellulose/MWCNTs Aerogel Framework: Simultaneous Enhancement of Piezoresistance, Strength, and Endurance
PublicationHigh conductivity and excellent mechanical properties of composite polymers favors their application as piezoresistive strain sensors. Nonetheless, it is difficult to develop composite polymers with desirable piezoresistance, mechanicaland durable properties. Herein, we developed conductive cellulose/MWCNTs aerogel using the freeze-drying technique. Besides, we explored the application of the highly-sensitive piezoresistive polymer...
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Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) Fiber Extraction and Characterization for Its Use in Polymer Composites
PublicationThis work describes an extraction method for giant reed fibers from stems and leaves based on chemical soaking and crushing through a rolling mill. Obtained fibers, together with the shredded plant (stems + leaves), are characterized in terms of chemical composition, thermal stability, morphology, and crystallinity. Mechanical properties of fibers have also been assessed (single fiber tensile tests). The results show that the proposed...