This study investigates the multi-dimensional effects of increasing Gd2O3 reinforcement on the structural, mechanical, and gamma-ray shielding properties of AISI 316L stainless steel composites. Samples with varying Gd2O3 content (1%, 5%, 10%, and 20% by weight) were synthesized and characterized through x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to assess the microstructural changes and homogeneity of Gd2O3 dispersion after mechanical milling. The addition of Gd2O3 significantly enhanced the gamma-ray shielding properties, with the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), and half-value layer (HVL) improving as the Gd2O3 content increased, particularly in low to moderate photon energy ranges. Simultaneously, the elastic modulus exhibited an inverse relationship, decreasing with higher Gd2O3 content due to the lower stiffness of gadolinium compared to iron. Transmission factor (TF) values also decreased, indicating enhanced photon attenuation with higher Gd2O3 content across various thicknesses. The experimental characterization confirmed improved Gd2O3 dispersion and material uniformity after mechanical milling, contributing to the composites' superior radiation shielding performance. It can be concluded that Gd2O3-reinforced AISI 316L stainless steel composites offer a promising balance between enhanced radiation shielding properties and reduced mechanical stiffness, making them ideal candidates for applications requiring efficient and adaptable radiation protection especially for portable and non-structural shielding applications.

In the original publication [...].

Hydroxide-based electroactive materials are promising for supercapacitors due to their high energy storage capacity. Four sets of In(OH)3, In(OH)3-Cysteine, In(OH)3/rGO, and In(OH)3/rGO-Cysteine electrodes were synthesized on nickel foam via a hydrothermal route. The electrode morphology strongly depended on GO and cysteine incorporation. Cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge studies revealed a reversible Faradaic redox mechanism characteristic of battery-type behavior. In(OH)3/rGO-Cysteine electrode exhibited the highest specific capacity (251.34 mA h g-1 at 4 mA cm-2), which is substantially higher than the specific capacity of the In(OH)3 (21.51 mA h g-1), In(OH)3/rGO (41.78 mA h g-1), and In(OH)3-Cysteine (235.21 mA h g-1). It also showed superior stability, retaining 117.67 % capacity after 1000 cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed lower charge-transfer resistance and enhanced electrolyte diffusion. A symmetric supercapacitor with In(OH)3/rGO-Cysteine electrodes in 1 M KOH delivered a specific capacity of 9.88 mA h g-1 at 0.5 mA cm-2, maintaining 89.25 % capacitance and 93.89 % coulombic efficiency after 3000 cycles. The hierarchical structure and synergistic effects of rGO and cysteine contribute to exceptional electrochemical performance, making this composite a strong candidate for high-performance supercapacitors.

The multifunctional La2O3-TiO2-Nb2O5-B2O3 glass system was evaluated for its gamma-ray and neutron shielding capabilities, focusing on its potential use as transparent containers for radioactive isotope transport. Critical shielding parameters, including linear attenuation coefficients, half-value layers, equivalent atomic numbers, and transmission factors, were analyzed using Monte Carlo simulations and other computational methods. Among the investigated samples, the 16Nb2B glass exhibited exceptional performance, with an LAC of 7.0613 cm-1 at 0.01 MeV, outperforming the 40La14B glass by 29 %. Its HVL was as low as 0.003 cm at 0.015 MeV and 1.725 cm at 0.662 MeV, marking a considerable reduction compared to steel-magnetite concrete. Moreover, the deposited energy in the air surrounding 16Nb2B was 1.18 x 10-4 MeV/g, reflecting reductions of 59.9 % and 56.1 % compared to Boron Carbide and cement-bitumen mixtures, respectively. The TF values for 16Nb2B consistently showed superior attenuation, with reductions of 6.6 % at 3.0 cm thickness and 0.662 MeV compared to steel-magnetite concrete. It can be concluded that the 16Nb2B glass not only provides outstanding optical transparency properties but also provides better radiation shielding properties, making it a promising candidate for applications in medical imaging, nuclear facilities, and radioactive material transport.

This study explores the impact of integrating varying concentrations of Erbium Oxide (Er2O3) into Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) alloys, specifically focusing on gamma-ray and neutron attenuation properties. Utilizing a 316L stainless steel matrix, Er2O3 was methodically incorporated in concentrations ranging from 1 % to 21 % by weight. The structural and radiation attenuation properties of the resultant alloys were comprehensively analyzed using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and experimental gamma-ray transmission studies. The results demonstrate a significant enhancement in gamma-ray shielding with increased Er2O3 content. This enhancement is quantitatively evidenced by increased linear attenuation coefficient, elevated effective Electron Density (Neff), reduced Half-Value Layers (HVL), and higher effective atomic numbers (Zeff). These findings are crucial for nuclear applications where efficient gamma-ray shielding is paramount. Conversely, a decrease in the effective removal cross section (sigma R) for neutron attenuation was observed with higher Er2O3 concentrations. This suggests a potential compromise in neutron shielding efficiency, attributed to the dilution of neutron-absorbing base elements in the alloy. Additionally, the study reveals notable changes in the microstructural properties of the alloys, including alterations in particle size, distribution, and agglomeration, influenced by varying Er2O3 concentrations. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the design of ODS alloys for nuclear radiation shielding, highlighting the balance between gamma-ray attenuation and neutron shielding properties. The study's findings contribute to the development of advanced materials for safer and more efficient nuclear technology applications.

Refractory-High entropy alloys (RHEAs) are known for their exceptional mechanical and radiation-resistant properties, making them promising materials for use in nuclear reactors. Their high entropy composition, which consists of multiple elements in roughly equal proportions, can create a stable microstructure that withstands high levels of radiation damage. The objective of this work is to further our comprehension of the unique behavioral, physical, structural, and nuclear radiation attenuation characteristics shown by High-Entropy Alloys (HEA) and Refractory-High entropy alloy (RHEA) materials. Accordingly, two high entropy alloy (HEA) samples through two different compositions were produced. The first composition under consideration is the typical high-entropy alloy (HEA) defined as MnCrFeNiCoMo0.5. The second composition under consideration is a refractory high entropy alloy (RHEA) characterized by the following elemental composition: TiZrNbHfVTa0.1. SEM and EDX analyses were conducted in terms of determining their physical and structural attributes. Next, a133Ba radioisotope together with a HPGe detector were utilized for gamma-ray transmission experiments. Finally, a241Am/Be source and a gas proportional detector were used for neutron absorption experiments for HEA and RHEA samples. The alloy structures displayed a unique degree of uniformity. Throughout the RHEA phase, the incorporation of refractory elements did not provide any discernible adverse impacts on the physical stability. The counting spectrum provided a clear explanation of the gamma ray absorption features shown by the RHEA (R) sample, highlighting its exceptional absorption properties. Regarding the absorption properties of neutrons, it was observed that RHEA had a comparatively reduced amount of absorption. Therefore, it can be concluded that the basic structure of RHEA grants it superior gamma-ray attenuation qualities compared to HEA. It can be concluded that RHEA demonstrates superior applicability as a material in comparison to HEA, especially in situations involving the use of fuel rods, where maintaining of neutron quantity has paramount importance for achieving optimum neutron activation.

We report a comprehensive investigation on customization process of Oxide Dispersion-Strengthened alloys through Sm2O3, Pr2O3, and Er2O3 incorporation into 316L stainless steel matrix in terms of a desired enhancement in structural, physical, and nuclear radiation shielding properties. Oxide powders are incorporated into 316L stainless steel powder all with the same purity of 99.5%. These were Erbium oxide (Er2O3), Praseodymium oxide (Pr2O3), and Samarium oxide (Sm2O3). First, X-Ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope/Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses are conducted in order to investigate their physical and structural properties. Next, two different experimental setups are employed using a133Ba and 241Am/Be sources for the measurements of gamma-ray and neutron transmission properties of Oxide Dispersion-Strengthened alloys. The maximum density increment is achieved through Er2O3 compared to other reinforced oxides. The detector counting value reached its minimum level when a 5% Er2O3 oxide dispersion was introduced into the 316L SS matrix. Similarly, the most significant degree of photon absorption, the highest values of mass attenuation coefficient, lowest half value layer, and most effective atomic number, were all attained by the same sample. Based on the findings derived from the investigation, it can be concluded that incorporating Er2O3 oxide into 316L steel can be considered as a viable option in terms of enhancing the critical properties of Oxide Dispersion-Strengthened alloys for extreme conditions such as nuclear reactors and other similar fields, where the behavioral attributes of the utilized materials are at utmost importance.

Addressing the limitations of individual Cu2O and Co(OH)(2) components, this study aims to develop a high-performance supercapacitor electrode by synergistically combining these materials. A composite electrode material of Cu2O/Co(OH)(2) was effectively synthesized on nickel foam via a facile hydrothermal method for supercapacitor applications. The as-fabricated Cu2O/Co(OH)(2) composite electrode exhibits a hierarchical marigold flower-like morphology that comprises of many interspersed nanoflakes. This unique morphology offers several advantages, including increased surface area, abundant electroactive sites, and enhanced electrolyte accessibility, all of which contribute to superior electrochemical performance. The Cu2O/Co(OH)(2) electrode demonstrates exceptional battery-type supercapacitor behavior, characterized by prominent redox peaks in cyclic voltammetry curves and a well-defined potential plateau during galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements. The electrode delivers an outstanding specific capacitance of 90.21 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 1.25 A g(-1) and retains a remarkable 81.91 % capacitance at a high current density of 12.5 A g(-1). Furthermore, the electrode exhibits impressive cycling stability, maintaining approximately 107.84 % of its initial specific capacity value after 200 cycles at 7.5 A g(-1). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements reveal low solution resistance and charge-transfer resistance, signifying efficient charge-transfer kinetics within the electrode. These findings highlight the potential of Cu2O/Co(OH)(2) composite electrodes as promising candidates for high-performance supercapacitor applications.

This study focused on enhancing key material properties of Alumino-Barium-Titanium-Calcium-Lithium glasses for nuclear applications, specifically by integrating increasing amounts of TiO2 additives. Utilizing the MCNPX general-purpose Monte Carlo code, version 2.7.0, the research aimed to ascertain Transmission Factor (TF) values across a spectrum of well-known radioisotope energies. This analysis was conducted for glass samples with varying thicknesses, ranging from 0.5 cm to 3 cm. The study also delved into the gamma-ray shielding characteristics of these glasses at energy levels between 0.015 and 15 MeV, uncovering notable findings. In exploring the T1 to T12 glass system, various physical and optical methods were employed to measure key parameters like glass density (rho glass), molar volume (Vm), oxygen molar volume (OMV), and oxygen packing density (OPD). A significant outcome of this research was the observation that with an increase in TiO2 content, there was a corresponding rise in glass density, from 3.727 g/cm3 to 3.825 g/cm3. Furthermore, the study noted alterations in the physical and mechanical properties of the glasses. Most notably, the T12 glass sample, which contained the highest concentration of TiO2, exhibited superior gamma-ray shielding properties compared to the other glass compositions analysed.

The nuclear industry produces large quantities of low, intermediate, and high levels of radioactive waste, all of which require safe management during both transport and storage. This study evaluates the radiation shielding effectiveness and mechanical properties of four distinct container materials: Pb Composite Glass, 0.5 Cement-0.5 Bitumen, Concrete (Steel-Magnetite), and C9 (BCBV0.5) Vanadium Oxide-Glass. Using Monte Carlo simulations and theoretical methods, we determined the Transmission Factors (TF) and Half-Value Layers (HVL) for each material. The TF indicates the effectiveness of a material in attenuating radiation, calculated by the ratio of gamma rays exiting the material to those entering it. Lower TF values signify better radiation shielding. The HVL is the thickness of material required to reduce the intensity of gamma rays by half, with lower HVL values indicating more effective shielding. Concrete (Steel-Magnetite) demonstrated superior performance with the lowest TF values (e.g., 1.0 × 10-1 at 0.662 MeV and 1 cm thickness) and HVL values (e.g., 2.5 cm at 1.3325 MeV), alongside a high elastic modulus of 163.15 GPa, indicating its robustness for high-energy gamma-ray applications. Pb Composite Glass also showed strong performance with a TF of 9.5 × 10-2 at 0.662 MeV and 1 cm thickness, an HVL of 2.0 cm at 0.662 MeV, and an elastic modulus of 41.54 GPa. The C9 (BCBV0.5) Vanadium Oxide-Glass, with an elastic modulus of 73.79 GPa, outperformed the 0.5 Cement-0.5 Bitumen mixture in both TF (e.g., 1.15 × 10-1 at 0.662 MeV and 1 cm thickness) and HVL (e.g., 4.2 cm at 1.1732 MeV) measurements, highlighting its potential as a more effective alternative. It can be concluded that C9 (BCBV0.5) Vanadium Oxide-Glass presents promising properties for future advancements in radiation protection, warranting further research and optimization.

The very complex nature of hydrocarbon raw materials, such as crude oil, and all kinds of reactions and mutual interactions of all its components and phases with each other and with steel equipment (base metals, alloying elements and inclusions), as well as the applied temperatures and pressures in refining processes, in addition to the technical conditions of the steel equipment and storage and transportation conditions of crude oil, all this makes it almost impossible to completely dehydrate and desalinate crude oil, which is the real cause of most of the inevitable problems.Taking into account high corrosion rates, premature failures and the growing number of accidents and emergency stops, researchers face a challenging task and a great responsibility to provide a more comprehensive understanding of corrosion, and proposing deeper corrosion mechanisms that take into account the role of multiphase metal components, which are not less important than the influence of other corrosive components.

Loading of the anti-cancer drug 6-gingerol on graphene, graphene oxide, and Fe3O4 nanocarriers is investigated using Monte Carlo (MC) adsorption locator simulations in the gases phase. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used in aqueous medium and neutral pH for the adsorption of 6-gingerol. In this study, the 6-gingerol loading ability of graphene oxide is studied as a function of the oxidation extent of graphene oxide (GO), and the effect of functional groups on drug loading properties is investigated. MC adsorption locator energy calculations which were done in a gaseous space, indicate that the 6-gingerol molecule prefers to be adsorbed at the less oxidized sites of the graphene oxide framework. The linear hydrophobic chain of the 6-gingerol molecule prefers to bind to the aromatic region of graphene oxide. In contrast, it has the least affinity for the Fe3O4 nanoparticle surface, which is indicated by the adsorption energies. The MD simulations were carried out in an aqueous medium under neutral pH. To determine the nature of the 6-gingerol attachment and release in the aqueous medium, radial distribution functions (RDF) were obtained from MD simulations. The RDF values suggest that the physical distance of separation depends on the oxidation extent of the graphene oxide. The MD presented in this study will help in fine-tuning nanocarrier synthetic methods for gingerol delivery applications.

The damage caused by crude oil impurities is in no way proportional to their small amounts, because there is an integrated system based on chemical composition and structure, chemical and electrochemical nature of corrosion processes, as well as sequence and synchronization between various damage mechanisms. Study of the influence of the heterogeneous metal content of the organic phase or steel matrix on premature failure of steel coils and equip-ment in oil refineries due to its aggressive role in corrosion processes allows us to reach certain rate-limiting stages of corrosion, which can help us describe better solutions to protect them against corrosion and premature failure. Industrial problems at which multiple sciences intersect represent challenging research tasks. On the other hand, solving them is as difficult as it is, as much as it adds wider interconnection between the various sectors of science, which would provide a clearer and deeper understanding to the problems faced by researchers that contributes to a multidimensional scientific-industrial development.

Magnetically soft-soft MnFe2O4-Fe3O4 core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized through a seed-mediated method using the organometallic decomposition of metal acetyl acetonates. Two sets of core-shell nanoparticles (S1 and S2) of similar core sizes of 5.0 nm and different shell thicknesses (4.1 nm for S1 and 5.7 nm for S2) were obtained by changing the number of nucleating sites. Magnetic measurements were conducted on the nanoparticles at low and room temperatures to study the shell thickness and temperature dependence of the magnetic properties. Interestingly, both core-shell nanoparticles showed similar saturation magnetization, revealing the ineffective role of the shell thickness. In addition, the coercivity in both samples displayed similar temperature dependencies and magnitudes. Signatures of spin glass (SG) like behavior were observed from the field-cooled temperature-dependent magnetization measurements. It was suggested to be due to interface spin freezing. We observed a slight and non-monotonic temperature-dependent exchange bias in both samples with slightly higher values for S2. The effective magnetic anisotropy constant was calculated to be slightly larger in S2 than that in S1. The magnetothermal efficiency of the chitosan-coated nanoparticles was determined by measuring the specific absorption rate (SAR) under an alternating magnetic field (AMF) at 200–350 G field strengths and frequencies (495.25–167.30 kHz). The S2 nanoparticles displayed larger SAR values than the S1 nanoparticles at all field parameters. A maximum SAR value of 356.5 W/g was obtained for S2 at 495.25 kHz and 350 G for the 1 mg/mL nanoparticle concentration of ferrogel. We attributed this behavior to the larger interface SG regions in S2, which mediated the interaction between the core and shell and thus provided indirect exchange coupling between the core and shell phases. The SAR values of the core-shell nanoparticles roughly agreed with the predictions of the linear response theory. The concentration of the nanoparticles was found to affect heat conversion to a great extent. The in vitro treatment of the MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line and HT-29 human colorectal cancer cell was conducted at selected frequencies and field strengths to evaluate the efficiency of the nanoparticles in killing cancer cells. The cellular cytotoxicity was estimated using flow cytometry and an MTT assay at 0 and 24 h after treatment with the AMF. The cells subjected to a 45 min treatment of the AMF (384.50 kHz and 350 G) showed a remarkable decrease in cell viability. The enhanced SAR values of the core-shell nanoparticles compared to the seeds with the most enhancement in S2 is an indication of the potential for tailoring nanoparticle structures and hence their magnetic properties for effective heat generation.

Magnetically hard–soft core-shell ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized using an organometallic decomposition method through seed-mediated growth. Two sets of core-shell nanoparticles (S1 and S2) with different shell (Fe3O4) thicknesses and similar core (CoFe2O4) sizes are obtained by varying the initial quantities of seed nanoparticles of size 6.0 ± 1.0 nm. The nanoparticles synthesized have average sizes of 9.5 ± 1.1 (S1) and 12.2 ± 1.7 (S2) nm with corresponding shell thicknesses of 3.5 and 6.1 nm. Magnetic properties are investigated under field-cooled and zero-field-cooled conditions at several temperatures and field cooling values. Magnetic heating efficiency for magnetic hyperthermia applications is investigated by measuring the specific absorption rate (SAR) in alternating magnetic fields at several field strengths and frequencies. The exchange bias is found to have a nonmonotonic and oscillatory relationship with temperature at all fields. SAR values of both core-shell samples are found to be considerably larger than that of the single-phase bare core particles. The effective anisotropy and SAR values are found to be larger in S2 than those in S1. However, the saturation magnetization displays the opposite behavior. These results are attributed to the occurrence of spin-glass regions at the core-shell interface of different amounts in the two samples. The novel outcome is that the interfacial exchange anisotropy of core-shell nanoparticles can be tailored to produce large effective magnetic anisotropy and thus large SAR values.

Hematite nanoparticles of average size of 20 nm were synthesized using sol-gel method and the structural characterisations were conducted using XRD and TEM. The XRD profile revealed the coexistence of small fraction of maghemite phase along with the main hematite phase. Magnetization versus applied field (M-H) measurements were performed between −5 and 5 T and respectively in the temperatures 2, 10, 30, 50, 70,100,150,200, and 300 K under zero field and 1, 2, 3, 4 T field cooling. At all field-cooling values, the coercivity was found to display a weak temperatures dependence below 150 K and a strong increase above 150 K reaching the largest value of 3352 Oe at 300 K for the field-cooling value of 3 T. Horizontal and vertical hysteresis loop shifts were observed at all temperatures in both the zero-field and field-cooled states. In the field-cooled state, both loop shifts where found to have significant and nonmonotonic field-cooling dependences. However, because saturation magnetization was not attained in all measurements our calculations were based on the minor hysteresis loops. M-H measurements were performed between −9 and 9 T at room temperature under zero field cooling and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 T field cooling. Saturation magnetization was not attained, and the loops displayed loop shifts similar to those for the ±5 T sweeping field. The highest coercivity value of 4400 Oe is observed for the 6 T field cooled MH loop. The ferromagnetic (FM) contribution towards the total magnetization was separated from the total magnetization and hysteresis loops displayed both horizontal and vertical shifts. The novel results of the temperature and field dependence of exchange bias were attributed mainly to the magnetic exchange coupling between the different magnetic phases (mainly the FM) and the spin-glass-like regions.

Ti-doped maghemite nanoparticles of average crystallite size 12.9 nm were synthesized using the sol–gel method. The XRD profile mainly showed the presence of maghemite phase with very small phases of TiO2 (rutile and anatase). Magnetization hysteresis loops of the nanoparticles were obtained between −4 T to +4 T at temperatures of 2, 10, 30, 50, 70, 100, 150, 200, and 300 K under field cooling (FC) of 1, 2, 3, and 4 T and zero-field cooling conditions (ZFC). The coercivity displayed nonmonotonic field dependence while it decreased sharply with temperature and vanished at 150 K at all fields. Horizontal hysteresis loop shifts were observed in the 2–150 K temperature range in both the ZFC and FC conditions. The exchange bias effect became negligible in both ZFC and FC states above 50 K. Magnetization vs. applied field measurements were conducted in both ZFC and FC cooled conditions at several temperatures in the range of 2–400 K, with spin freezing being observed below 50 K. The exchange bias effect obtained below 50 K is suggested to be attributed to the competing roles of the long-range dipolar and short-range exchange coupled interactions.

Hematite nanoparticles of average size 20 nm were synthesized using the sol-gel method, and the structural characterizations were conducted using XRD and TEM. The XRD profile revealed a small fraction of the maghemite phase and the main hematite phase. Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to study the magnetic structure of the particles and revealed a third but very slight non-magnetic phase. Mössbauer spectrum shows 35% of the nanoparticles exhibiting superparamagnetism. The weighted average Morin transition temperature for the particles determined by Mössbauer is 262 K, which is remarkably similar to the bulk value and higher than the Morin transition determined by VSM (about 250 K). The reported findings on the hematite nanoparticles will help understand the enhanced ferromagnetic behavior of the hematite nanoparticles at room temperature, which is crucial for potential applications.

При транспортировке и переработке тяжелой металлоносной нефти возникают проблемы с локальными разрушениями металлических конструкций и элементов из-за процессов коррозии. Во время эксплуатации оборудования выявлено, что преждевременный выход из строя стальных змеевиков нагревательных трубчатых печей на нефтеперерабатывающих и нефтехимических заводах связан с недостаточной прочностью и коррозионной стойкостью стальных конструкций. Изучение влияния структуры и фазового состава стальных элементов из сплава 15Х5М нагревательных печей нефтеперерабатывающего производства на коррозионные свойства, связанные с потерей массы и локальными разрушениями во время термообработки, позволяет разработать условия защиты и определить режимы нагрева с лимитирующей стадией скорости окисления. Скорость различных типов коррозии стали марки 15Х5М используется в качестве показателя для оценки эффективности примененных режимов термических обработок змеевиков с целью повышения коррозионной стойкости и улучшения их эксплуатационных характеристик. Проведенные эксперименты по термообработке некоторых участков стальных змеевиков позволили определить рациональные режимы нагрева исследуемых змеевиков, что позволяет снизить потерю их массы и повысить коррозионную стойкость рабочих поверхностей во время эксплуатации. Предлагаемый вариант термообработки стальных змеевиков в заданные промежутки времени их работы в трубчатых печах создает условия для устойчивой эксплуатации и влияет на степень промышленной и экологической безопасности при снижении материальных затрат, связанных с ремонтом и заменой отдельных узлов и деталей трубчатых печей.