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1 – 10 of 35Christopher Igwe Idumah, Raphael Stone Odera and Emmanuel Obumneme Ezeani
Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in personal protective textiles (PPT) or personal protective equipment (PPE) have alleviated spread and transmission of this highly contagious…
Abstract
Purpose
Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in personal protective textiles (PPT) or personal protective equipment (PPE) have alleviated spread and transmission of this highly contagious viral disease, and enabled enhancement of PPE, thereby fortifying antiviral behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Review of a series of state of the art research papers on the subject matter.
Findings
This paper expounds on novel nanotechnological advancements in polymeric textile composites, emerging applications and fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
As a panacea to “public droplet prevention,” textiles have proven to be potentially effective as environmental droplet barriers (EDBs).
Practical implications
PPT in form of healthcare materials including surgical face masks (SFMs), gloves, goggles, respirators, gowns, uniforms, scrub-suits and other apparels play critical role in hindering the spreading of COVID-19 and other “oral-respiratory droplet contamination” both within and outside hospitals.
Social implications
When used as double-layers, textiles display effectiveness as SFMs or surgical-fabrics, which reduces droplet transmission to <10 cm, within circumference of ∼0.3%.
Originality/value
NT advancements in textiles through nanoparticles, and sensor integration within textile materials have enhanced versatile sensory capabilities, robotics, flame retardancy, self-cleaning, electrical conductivity, flexibility and comfort, thereby availing it for health, medical, sporting, advanced engineering, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, military, automobile, food and agricultural applications, and more. Therefore, this paper expounds on recently emerging trends in nanotechnological influence in textiles for engineering and fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
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Sundeep Singh Sondhi, Prashant Salwan, Abhishek Behl, Suman Niranjan and Tim Hawkins
This paper aims to derive a model that explores how the interplay between knowledge integration capability and innovation impacts strategic orientation, leading to the attainment…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to derive a model that explores how the interplay between knowledge integration capability and innovation impacts strategic orientation, leading to the attainment of sustainable competitive advantage. The study considers the constituents of strategic orientation, namely, customer orientation, competitor orientation and technology orientation, as the basis for achieving sustainable competitive advantage. The study suggests that the firm’s capacity for integrating external and internal knowledge shapes how strategic orientation influences sustainable competitive advantage through service innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
This empirical research relies on qualitative and quantitative data gathered from telecom professionals to assess how knowledge integration and service innovation influence sustained competitive advantage. Structured equation modeling is used to examine the model and its interrelationships.
Findings
The research establishes significant relationships between strategic orientations, knowledge integration capability, service innovation and sustainable competitive advantage. Knowledge integration capability and service innovation are found to mediate the relationship between strategic orientations and the achievement of sustainable competitive advantage.
Practical implications
The study highlights the significant contribution of a firm’s knowledge integration capability in driving service innovation, especially in technology-intensive service industries facing hypercompetition. It also advocates prioritizing technology orientation and integrating knowledge from internal and external sources for competitive advantage.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to model the effect of knowledge integration capability and service innovation on strategic orientation-led sustainable competitive advantage.
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Liliya Frolova and Olga Sergeyeva
This paper aims to develop a simple and efficient plasma technology for the production of copper (I) oxide with the ability to control the morphology and size of Cu2O particles…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a simple and efficient plasma technology for the production of copper (I) oxide with the ability to control the morphology and size of Cu2O particles. To achieve this goal, the phase composition of the precipitate formed was estimated, the composition and size of the obtained particles were determined and Pourbaix diagrams were constructed.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated approach combining thermodynamic calculations and experimental research methods is used. The constructed Pourbaix diagram makes it possible to suggest the phase composition of the sediment. The use of cyclic voltammetry made it possible to establish the mechanism of deposit formation on the cathode during the treatment of the solution with contact nonequilibrium low-temperature plasma. The resulting product was examined using X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy.
Findings
The article presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies on the synthesis of copper (II) oxide. The influence of the parameters of plasma-chemical synthesis on the shape and phase composition of the deposits formed has been studied.
Originality/value
A plasma-chemical technology for obtaining copper oxide in the form of single crystals of a regular faceted shape is proposed. The mechanism of formation of copper oxide has been established by cyclic voltammetry. The constructed Pourbaix diagrams show the area of existence of the product.
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Deepak Byotra and Sanjay Sharma
This study aims to find the dynamic performance parameters of the journal bearing with micro geometries patterning the arc (crescent) shape textures provided in three specific…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to find the dynamic performance parameters of the journal bearing with micro geometries patterning the arc (crescent) shape textures provided in three specific regions of the journal bearing: the full, the second half and the increasing pressure region. The dynamic behavior of textured journal bearings has been analyzed by computing dynamic parameters and linear and non-linear trajectories.
Design/methodology/approach
The lubricant flows between the bearing and journal surface are governed by Reynold’s equation, which has been solved by finite the element method. The dynamic performance parameters such as stiffness, damping, threshold speed, critical mass and whirl frequency ratio are examined under various operating conditions by considering various ranges of eccentricity ratios and texture depths. Linear and non-linear equations of motion have been solved with Ranga–Kutta method to get journal motion trajectories. Also, the impact of adding aluminum oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles to the base lubricant in combination with arc-shaped textures is analyzed to further see any enhancement in the performance parameters.
Findings
The findings demonstrated that direct stiffness and damping parameters increased to their maximum level with six textures in the pressure-increasing region when compared with the untextured surface. Also, nanoparticle additives showed improvements above the highest value attained with no inclusion of additives in the same region or quantity of textures.
Originality/value
Engineers may design bearings with improved stability and overall performance if they understand how texture form impacts dynamic properties.
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Ranjeet Rai, Vikash Kumar and R.R. Sahoo
Nowadays fossil fuel prices have increased; therefore, consumption of energy reduction has become a significant issue. Hence, this study aims to explore energy-efficient…
Abstract
Purpose
Nowadays fossil fuel prices have increased; therefore, consumption of energy reduction has become a significant issue. Hence, this study aims to explore energy-efficient mechanical devices and their energy management.
Design/methodology/approach
This study focused on numerical analysis of various factors, including pressure drop, sensitivity, heat transfer and friction factor. This study compared the performance of two different arrangements of the heat exchanger: flat tube and staggered circular tube. This study also investigated the impact of varying coolant volume fractions.
Findings
This numerical analysis compares the geometric properties of flat and circular tube cross-sections while considering the flow of nanofluid inside and air outside. The current experimental investigation specifically examines the temperature-dependent characteristics (specific heat capacity, viscosity, density and thermal conductivity) of the stable ternary hybrid nanofluid mixture composed of Al2O3, CuO and TiO2.
Originality/value
While several researchers have conducted numerical investigations on laminar flow in circular tubes, only a few studies are available on flat tube heat exchangers that use nanofluids just for internal flow. Furthermore, there is no simultaneous study on internal and exterior flow. Therefore, more investigation is necessary to examine the combined three-dimensional examination of shapes and their thermal-hydraulic influence using hybrid nanofluids.
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Kuo Yang, Yanqiu Xia, Wenhao Chen and Yi Zhang
The purpose of this study was to synthesize composite nanoparticles (TiO2@SiO2) via the chemical deposition method and investigate their efficacy as additives in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to synthesize composite nanoparticles (TiO2@SiO2) via the chemical deposition method and investigate their efficacy as additives in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lubricating grease. The focus was on examining the frictional and conductive properties of the TiO2@SiO2 grease using a friction tester.
Design/methodology/approach
Composite nanoparticles (TiO2@SiO2) were synthesized using the chemical deposition method and incorporated into PTFE grease. Frictional and conductive properties were evaluated using a friction tester. Surface morphology and chemical composition of wear tracks were analyzed using scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively.
Findings
Incorporating TiO2@SiO2 at a mass fraction of 1 Wt.% led to a significant reduction in friction coefficient and wear width. The wear depth exhibited a remarkable decrease of 260%, while the contact resistance reached its peak value. This improvement in tribological properties could be attributed to the presence of TiO2@SiO2, where TiO2 served as the core and SiO2 as the shell during the friction process. The high hardness of the SiO2 shell contributed to enhanced load-bearing capacity. In addition, the exceptional insulation properties of SiO2 demonstrated excellent electron-capturing capabilities, resulting in improved friction and insulation performance of the TiO2@SiO2 lubricating grease.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates the potential of TiO2@SiO2 composite nanoparticles as additives in lubricating greases, offering improved friction and insulation performance. The findings provide insights into the design of advanced lubricating materials with enhanced tribological properties and insulation capacity, contributing to the development of more efficient and durable lubrication systems.
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Xiang Liu, Xinghai Cheng, Pengyu Feng, Jing Li, Zhongping Tang, Jiangbing Wang, Yonggang Chen, Hongjie Zhu, Hengcheng Wan and Lei Zhang
This paper aims to try to develop new, environmentally friendly and efficient lubricating additives; study the compatibility of carbon-based additives with different base oils…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to try to develop new, environmentally friendly and efficient lubricating additives; study the compatibility of carbon-based additives with different base oils [Polyalphaolefin (PAO)-3, PAO-20 and NPE-2]; and explore the lubrication mechanism.
Design/methodology/approach
Oleylamine modified carbon nanoparticles (CNPs-OA) were prepared and the dispersion stability of CNPs-OA in PAO-3, PAO-20 and NPE-2 base oils was investigated by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Universal Mechanical Tester (UMT) platform was used to carry out experiments on the effects of different additive concentrations on the lubricating properties of base oil.
Findings
The mean friction coefficient of PAO-3, PAO-20 and NPE-2 reduced by 32.8%, 10.1% and 11.4% when the adding concentration of CNPs-OA was 1.5, 2.0 and 0.5 Wt.%, respectively. Generally, The CNPs-OA exhibited the best friction-reducing and anti-wear performance in PAO-3.
Originality/value
The agglomeration phenomenon of carbon nanoparticles as lubricating additive was improved by surface modification, and the lubricating effect of carbon nanoparticles in three synthetic aviation lubricating base oils was compared.
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Huei-Jyun Shih, Ying-Chieh Lee, Jing-Ru Pan and Claire Chung
This study aims to address these challenges by enhancing the resistance of Ag-based pastes to corrosion and sulfurization, thereby improving their performance and weatherability…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to address these challenges by enhancing the resistance of Ag-based pastes to corrosion and sulfurization, thereby improving their performance and weatherability in high-power and high-frequency electronic applications.
Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates the influence of Sn doping in W-doped Ag paste to enhance resistance against electrochemical corrosion and sulfurization. A systematic examination was conducted using transient liquid phase sintering and solid–liquid inter-diffusion techniques to understand the microstructural and electrochemical properties.
Findings
This study found that Sn addition in W-doped Ag paste significantly improves its resistance to electrochemical corrosion and sulfurization. The sintering process at 600°C led to the formation of an Ag2WO4 phase at the grain boundaries, which, along with the presence of Sn, effectively inhibited the growth of Ag2WO4 grains. The 0.5% Sn-doped samples exhibited optimal anti-corrosion properties, demonstrating a longer grain boundary length and a passivation effect that significantly reduced the corrosion rate. No Ag2S phase was detected in the weatherability tests, confirming the enhanced durability of the doped samples.
Originality/value
The findings of this study highlight the potential of Sn-doped Ag-W composites as a promising material for electronic components, particularly in environments prone to sulfurization and corrosion. By improving the anti-corrosion properties and reducing the grain size, this study offers a new approach to extending the lifespan and reliability of electronic devices, making a significant contribution to the development of advanced materials for high-power and high-frequency applications.
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Osuani Fyneface Idema, Malik Abdulwahab, Innocent Okechi Arukalam, Ifeyinwa Ekeke, Chigoziri N. Njoku, Chioma Anyiam, Benedict Onyeachu and Emeka Emmanuel Oguzie
Hexavalent chromium has been a benchmark corrosion inhibitor before it was phased out because of its carcinogenic properties. However, because it was phased out, many alternative…
Abstract
Purpose
Hexavalent chromium has been a benchmark corrosion inhibitor before it was phased out because of its carcinogenic properties. However, because it was phased out, many alternative corrosion inhibitors have been introduced but failed to meet the performance of this benchmark inhibitor. Consequently, benzotriazole (BTA) was reported to exhibit chromate-like inhibition performance. Subsequently, Intelli-ion was reported by researchers to exhibit chromate-like performance also with claims of being a unique alternative. This paper aims to review the inhibition performance of these two alternatives. Above all, promotes the unique inhibition performance of Intelli-ion that makes it suitable for application in many sectors.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the corrosion inhibition performances of BTA and Intelli-ion were compared systematically by reviewing some related literatures based on the opinion of the authors.
Findings
Different methodologies for measuring the inhibition performance of BTA showed that it’s an inhibitor of choice. However, the cut edge corrosion performance of Intelli-ion and BTA corrosion inhibitors on galvanized steel of 55% Wt.% Al, 44% Wt.% Zn and 1% Wt.% Si in 5 Wt.% NaCl solution was compared when subjected to scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) for 24 h. The results showed faint blue-colored region depicting negative cathodic current density for the Intelli-ion while there was a high-intensity of red-colored region depicting a positive anodic current density for BTA. In other words, the Intelli-ion inhibitor had a better overall cut-edge corrosion inhibition performance than the BTA inhibitor.
Originality/value
This paper compares and further, summarizes the corrosion inhibition performance of Intelli-ion and BTA by evaluating SVET results from the literature. In addition, it serves as an overview and reference for the unique inhibition performance of Intelli-ion when applied in field applications.
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Nehad Abid Allah Hamza, Amal Hussein Oliwie, Nejla Mahjoub Said, Isam Abed and Qusay Rasheed
This study aims to investigate experimentally and numerically the thermal analysis of a wavy diverging-converging corrugated enclosure, partitioned into two parts under the effect…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate experimentally and numerically the thermal analysis of a wavy diverging-converging corrugated enclosure, partitioned into two parts under the effect of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural convection. The left part was filled with Al2O3/C2H6O2 nanofluid, while the right part was Al2O3/C2H6O2 saturated by a porous medium, featuring a corrugated cylinder at the center. This system is relevant to many engineering applications. Key factors affecting thermal performance, such as nanofluid volume fraction, Darcy number, Hartmann number, inclination angle of MHD and Rayleigh number, were analyzed. This study evaluated the impact of these parameters on stream function, average Nusselt number and isothermal lines under three heat source scenarios: heating the corrugated cylinder, heating the magnetic source and heating the nanofluid, porous media and corrugated walls.
Design/methodology/approach
The main governing equations for the nanofluid flow are mass, momentum and heat transfer, while the porous media are modeled using the Darcy–Brinkmann model. These governing equations are transformed into a dimensionless form and solved numerically using COMSOL 6.0 based on the finite-element method. Dynamic viscosity, density and thermal conductivity equations are used to calculate the properties of the nanofluid at different volume concentrations.
Findings
The results showed that increasing the Rayleigh number (Ra) and Darcy number (Da) increased the Nusselt number by 55%, indicating enhanced heat transfer. A vertical magnetic source (γ = 90°) further improved thermal performance. Conversely, thermal performance decreased with increasing Hartmann number (Ha). The highest Nusselt number was observed when the heat source was applied to the corrugated cylinder, followed by the right side with nanofluid–porous contact and was lowest for the left side with nanofluid contact. Experimental data demonstrated that the presence of a magnetic field can significantly increase the temperature, thereby enhancing heat transfer by natural convection, particularly when the heat source is applied in the region of nanofluid–porous contact.
Originality/value
The primary originality of this work lies in the use of a novel design featuring a diverging-converging structure with a wavy wall. In addition, it uses two types of fluids simultaneously, dividing the enclosure into two sections: the right side contains nanofluid mixed with a porous medium, while the left side is filled with nanofluid only. The system also includes a corrugated cylinder at its center with four undulations. The position of the heat source significantly influences heat dissipation. Therefore, three different positions were examined: heating the cylinder at a constant temperature, heating the left side of the enclosure and heating the right side.
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