3D-printed polyurea-toughened Al2O3 cellular ceramic structures: Bioinspired dual-phase interpenetrating design for superior mechanical properties
Peer-Reviewed Publication
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Cellular ceramic structures (CCSs) are promising candidates for structural components due to their low density and superior strength. However, the brittleness and poor energy absorption of CCSs severely limit their applications. Inspired by the dual-phase interpenetrating architectures in natural materials, bioinspired dual-phase composites were developed to achieve superior strength and energy absorption simultaneously. Importantly, structural components are subjected to not only quasi-static loading but also dynamic impact in application. Although mechanical properties of dual-phase composites under quasi-static loading have been investigated, their performance under dynamic loading has rarely been revealed. Moreover, how structural parameters affect mechanical properties of CCSs-based dual-phase interpenetrating composites remains unclear.
The genus Trichoderma plays a vital role in agriculture by promoting plant growth, enhancing nutrient uptake, and protecting crops from pathogens through biocontrol mechanisms. This can be largely attributed to its production of diverse secondary metabolites (SMs), including epidithiodiketopiperazines (ETPs). Our previous study has reported the complex biosynthesis of α, β'-disulfide bridged ETPs, in which TdaH and TdaG are highly conserved in catalyzing C6'-O-methylation and C4, C5-epoxidation, respectively. Here we proved the functional diversification of ETP methylation and oxidation by TdaH and TdaG towards eleven pathogenic fungi, including Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Botrytis species. Elimination of C6'-O-methylation and C4, C5-epoxidation reduced the antagonistic effects of Trichoderma hypoxylon against various pathogenic fungi. However, each deletion mutant showed varying antagonistic effects against different pathogenic fungi. Our results highlight the importance of ETP structural diversity in T. hypoxylon's ecological adaptation and biocontrol potential, offering insights into developing enhanced antifungal agents against plant pathogens.
Researchers from Beijing Institute of Technology introduce a novel two-stage method for converting monochromatic near-infrared (NIR) images into high-quality RGB images. In the first stage, luminance information is recovered by converting NIR images into grayscale images. The second stage then restores chrominance information, transforming grayscale images into vibrant RGB images. This grayscale-assisted approach significantly improves image quality for applications such as assisted driving and security surveillance.
Researchers from Beihang University, Beijing, have developed an innovative solution to address the coexistence challenges between airborne pulse radar and communication systems. Published in the Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, the study introduces a Dynamic Spectrum and Power Allocation based on Genetic Algorithm (GA-DSPA) method. This breakthrough enables optimization of spectrum and power resources, significantly improving the performance of both systems while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility.
A joint research team from the Defense Innovation Institute at the Chinese Academy of Military Science and the College of Aerospace Science and Engineering at the National University of Defense Technology has developed a novel method for satellite 3D component layout optimization based on engineering requirements. The satellite 3D component layout problem involves determining both component assignment schemes and position variables simultaneously with complex multidisciplinary constraints, making it an NP-hard multi-constrained bilevel combinatorial optimization problem. The team proposed a Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) model to formulate the heat dissipation performance objective and the constraints of component 3D geometry, system stability, and special component position, transforming the original bilevel problem into a single-level optimization problem. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed method can efficiently generate layout solutions, providing fresh insights for engineering layout design.
Lead scandium tantalate (PbSc0.5Ta0.5O3, PST) is one of the most promising ferroelectric materials for electrocaloric (EC) refrigeration because of the large enthalpy change (ΔH) at room temperature (RT), whose properties are determined by the ordering arrangement of two kinds of heterovalent ions in B-sites. The highly ordered PST ceramic always has excellent EC properties, while it is difficult to achieve. Besides, research on the modulation of ordering degree (Ω) in PST ceramics is still rare up to now, particularly regarding its impact on ferroelectric properties, phase transition characteristics, and electrocaloric effects. Thus, it is imperative to bridge this research gap.
The development of multifunctional composites with desired electromagnetic wave absorption and antibacterial performance for the medical field has aroused wide concern. In this work, SiOC/Ag composites were successfully fabricated via liquid phase method. When the filler content of SiOC/Ag-3 is 40 wt.%, SiOC/Ag-3 exhibits excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance, achieving a minimum reflection loss value of -58.03 dB with a matching thickness of only 2.82 mm. The superior electromagnetic wave absorption performance is attributed to multiple reflections, conductive loss and interfacial polarization loss. Besides, the RCS simulation indicates all RCS values of PEC with SiOC/Ag-3 coating are below -20 dB·m2 across the incident angle range from -60° to 60°, exhibiting strong radar stealth performance. Moreover, SiOC/Ag composites also achieve excellent antibacterial ability to E. coli and S.aureus by reactive oxygen species under visible light radiation. This work provides new insights into the design and development of bifunctional composites with electromagnetic wave absorption and antibacterial performance for application in medical devices.
A study published in Forest Ecosystems shows that low-latitude warming has increased tree growth in Central Asia's alpine forests since the 20th century. Researchers analyzed 128 tree-ring records and found a significant upward trend in tree radial growth, driven by enhanced regional temperatures and precipitation. However, they warn that continued warming may eventually reverse these gains. Future research needs to refine models to better understand these dynamics.
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a cutting-edge class of devices for energy conversion and self-powered sensing. The selection of appropriate triboelectric and conductive materials is critical in determining the performance of TENGs. In recent years, MXenes, particularly Ti3C2 MXene, have emerged as promising candidates for triboelectric/conductive materials in TENGs. To elucidate the multifaceted roles of MXenes, this review examines their applications from a materials science perspective. The applications are categorized into four types based on the functional layers of TENGs where MXenes are applied: (1) MXene films as conductive layers, (2) MXene films as triboelectric layers, (3) MXene nanosheets as fillers in polymer-based triboelectric layers, and (4) MXene films as charge trapping layers. The rationale and advantages of utilizing MXenes in each application are analyzed and elucidated. Owing to their unique combination of properties, including electronegativity, electrical conductivity and flexibility, MXenes demonstrate remarkable versatility in all functional layers, either as pure films or composite films. Systematic analysis reveals that MXene composite films are particularly promising for the applications. This review represents the first comprehensive attempt to classify MXene applications in TENGs and articulate their inherent advantages, thereby providing a foundation for the design and development of high-performance MXene-based TENGs.
This paper develops a power system dispatching model that integrates thermal power, wind power, photovoltaic (PV) generation, and energy storage systems (ESS). The model uses Monte Carlo simulations to analyze the impact of renewable energy and ESS capacities on electricity costs, carbon emissions, power fluctuations, and renewable energy utilization. The study optimizes the system configuration using the NSGA-II algorithm and provides valuable insights for decarbonizing power systems while ensuring energy equity.