The characterization of Nanosized Ni0.5Zn0.5RuxFe2−xO4 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.015), prepared by the wet chemical coprecipitation method, is reported in the current investigation. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis has confirmed the formation of a single phased spinel cubic structure. While transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies have shown an increase in the particle size for high content of Ru3+ doping. The elemental composition of all samples was investigated using energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) measurements. The results showed a reciprocal relation between the Fe3+ and Ru3+ contents, suggesting the successful substitution of Ru3+in Fe3+ sites. UV–Vis spectroscopy studies, via Urbach energy analysis, proposed a perturbation in the band structure of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 induced by Ru3+ substitution, affecting both the direct and indirect bandgap energies. Excitation wavelength-dependent photoluminescence (PL) studies, presented for the first time, have shown a strong dependence of the emission spectra on both the excitation wavelength and Ru3+ doping. The PL analysis suggests the utilization of Ni0.5Zn0.5RuxFe2−xO4 as a candidate for photocatalytic applications. Furthermore, VSM studies, have shown a transition from superparamagnetic to soft ferromagnetic for Ru3+ doped samples. The saturation magnetization, coercivity, and effective anisotropy were enhanced as a result of Ru3+ doping. Finally, photocatalysis experiments have shown an enhancement of the degradation rate of nitrobenzene for the sample with x = 0.0125 with the ability of magnetic recycling, in agreement with the PL and VSM studies.

A series of (Cu0.5−xTl0.5−y)-1223 superconductor samples, doped with varying amounts of (CuF2)x and (TlF)y compounds with x = y = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4, were synthesized via a single-step solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that all the samples have a tetragonal symmetry of (Cu0.5Tl0.5)-1223 phase. Additionally, with increasing fluorine content up to x = 0.2 CuF2 and y = 0.1 TlF, the phase fraction and the superconducting transition Tc were enhanced. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images exhibited mainly plate-like rectangular shape grains confirming the formation of (Cu0.5Tl0.5)-1223 phase. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of CuF2- and TlF-substituted (Cu0.5−xTl0.5−y)-1223 show a slight softening and hardening in few peaks related to the apical oxygen atoms and CuO2 planar modes. The stoichiometry of elemental composition for all prepared samples has been confirmed using ion beam analysis (IBA) methods. The excess conductivity Δσ above Tc was analyzed through the Aslamasov–Larkin (AL) approach. Using the Ginzburg–Landau (GL) number (NG) and equations, the coherence length, the effective layer thickness, the lower critical field Bc1(0), the upper critical field Bc2(0) and the critical current density Jc(0) were estimated. It was found that the addition of an optimum concentration of CuF2 and TlF, controlled the microstructure, the grains coupling and hence enhanced the physical properties of (Cu0.5Tl0.5)-1223 phase.

This work reveals the influence of lead fluoride on the physical properties of high-temperature superconductor samples $$ \left( {{\text{Cu}}_{0.5 - x} {\text{Tl}}_{0.5} {\text{Pb}}_{x} } \right){\text{Ba}}_{2} {\text{Ca}}_{2} {\text{Cu}}_{3} {\text{O}}_{10 - \delta - y} {\text{F}}_{y} $$, with (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.10). The samples under investigation were synthesized by solid-state reaction method at normal pressure. Ion beam analysis techniques were employed to determine the elemental content of the starting materials. The fluorine content “y” was estimated using the proton-induced gamma-ray emission technique by the aid of a 3 MeV proton beam. It was correlated to the oxygen content which was obtained using the Rutherford backscattering technique. Moreover, the samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The XRD data have indicated that the partial replacement of $$ {\text{Cu}}^{2 + } $$ ions by Pb2+ ions and oxygen by fluorine in the reservoir layer do not alter the tetragonal structure of the samples. On the other hand, the values of the lattice parameters a and c were found to be varied with x according to the difference in the ionic radii of $$ {\text{Pb}}^{2 + } \;{\text{and}}\;{\text{Cu}}^{2 + } $$ as well as to the oxygen content. SEM analysis has revealed that lead fluoride substitutions improve the inter-grains connectivity of the prepared samples. FTIR analysis has shown that the apical oxygen, planar and the oxygen in reservoirs layers, modes are observed around 415–524 cm−1, 564–579 cm−1 and 680 cm−1, respectively. Moreover, a shift in all absorption peaks was observed in the pure sample of (CuTl-1223) phase, and new peaks were appeared according to the values of x. The physical properties of the samples were investigated using electrical resistivity and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements at different values of the applied ac magnetic field. The granular response shows both inter-granular and intra-granular contributions. The values of the superconducting transition temperature ($$ T_{\text{c}} $$) have shown an increase with x up to 0.06 wt% followed by a decrease with further increase in elements substitution.

The advantages of using a high-Z material as a plasma facing component (PFC) in fusion devices is now admitted, consequently, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) will have a solid tungsten divertor. In this article, we present the properties of tungsten coating on fine grain graphite using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. We successfully achieve a uniform coating without cracks nor gaps while maintaining a low level of oxygen impurities in the deposited layer of about 1%. The coating shows tensile stresses as the body centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure of tungsten adapts to the graphite hexagonal structure. We use the Williamson-Hall method to distinguish the contributions of crystallite size and strain on the broadening of the X-ray diffraction peaks; The former increases from 30 to 50 nm while the latter saturates around 2.5 x 10(-3) with increasing PLD laser energy. The Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) analyses show that the coating thickness is about 120 nm for PLD laser energy below 500 mJ. Around this value, the thickness increases abruptly to 300 nm and remains almost unchanged up to 600 mJ.

CR-39 detectors have been irradiated with both Am-241 alpha particles and protons in the energy range of 1.0-5.5 MeV and 0.8-2.8 MeV, respectively. The proton irradiation has been achieved through two different techniques: Rutherford Backscattering (RB) and Nuclear Reaction (NR). The detectors were chemically etched in a hot KOH solution for periods ranging from 0.5 h to 3 h for alpha particles and 2.5 to 5.5 h for protons. The track diameter variation as a function of particles energies and etching time has been studied. A new predictive model based on experimental track parameters has been developed for the studied particles and for variable bulk track etching velocities. This predictive model is based on a single parameter beta determined by fitting our experimental data.

Air particulate matter (PM) samples were collected over the period from May 2017 to January 2018 for determination of chemical elements. Sampling campaign is realized in Damascus, the capital of Syria, and conducted twice per week. PM samples were taken as two size fractions (PM2.5 and PM2.5-10) using ISAP air sampler. The results showed that the mass concentrations for PM2.5 were higher than those for PM10-2.5. The overall mean mass concentrations were 32.48 +/- 14 mu g/m(3) and 18.9 +/- 10 mu g/m(3) for PM2.5 and PM10-2.5, respectively. The PM2.5 samples were subjected to PIXE analysis in order to determine the major (Ca, S, Si, Fe, Al, K, Mg and Na) and trace elements (Cl, Pb, Zn, Ti, P, Mn, Cu, Sr, Zr, Br, V and Ni). Elemental composition data were modelled using cluster analysis and principal component analysis to determine particle source categories contributing to the air pollution. The identified sources of PM2.5 were (1) resuspended soil characterized by high concentrations of Si, Al, Fe and Mg; (2) traffic source identified by the presence of Pb, Br, and S; (3) heavy oil combustion characterized by association between Ni and V; (4) a mixed industrial source; and (5) agriculture activities (K, Ca and P). The concentrations of elements initiated from anthropogenic sources are much lower than those induced naturally from earth's crust.

The effect of nanosized particles NiO addition on the Vickers microhardness of polycrystalline SmBa2Cu3O7-δ was investigated. Various amounts of nanosized particles NiO (x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, and 0.12 wt%) were added to SmBa2Cu3O7-δ prepared by the solid-state reaction method. Sample characterizations were carried out using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE), Rutherford backscattering (RBS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The nanosized particle addition does not influence the orthorhombic structure of SmBa2Cu3O7-δ, whereas it affects the oxygen content δ. The electrical and mechanical properties of (NiO)xSmBa2Cu3O7-δ samples were measured using four-standard probe technique and Vickers microhardness in order to investigate the effect of NiO nanosized particles on superconducting transition temperature and Vickers microhardness number Hv. The Vickers microhardness data were analyzed using Hays and Kendall (HK), elastic plastic deformation (EPD), and modified proportional specimen resistance (MPSR) models. The analysis showed that the MPSR model was found to be the best to describe the behavior of Hv.

The study the ancient Phoenician cult place of Kharayeb, in the rural hinterland of Tyre, southern of Lebanon, dated to the Iron Age and Hellenistic periods is particularly helpful in evaluating the complexity and variability of the so called “Hellenism” and of “Greek cultural influences” in the Phoenician world. The PIXE analytical technique was used to characterize the elemental composition of several artefacts from this archaeological site, mainly figurines and some artisanal objects, with an attempt to analyze geological samples that could be potential clay sources in the area. Furthermore, the PIXE information about the composition of the studied objects helped to understand if the figurines were locally produced or imported from the coast and how was the process of production connected to the sanctuary. Hence, particle induced X-ray emission technique PIXE was used to determine the elemental composition of about 57 excavated fragments of figurines and pottery from Kharayeb site, as well as from two another archaeological sites, Jemjim and Tyre which is the prestigious city of antiquity, located on the eastern Mediterranean coast. Then, PIXE analyses with multivariate statistical methods were used to compare and to reveal characteristic groups. Finally, PIXE technique contributed to establish a first database of chemical composition of Phoenician pottery, which will broaden the existing database currently related only to archaeological pottery from coastal sites in Lebanon. Therefore, this work will probably be used for any future archaeological study on Phoenician pottery in the Phoenician colonies in the Mediterranean basin.

(ZnFe 2 O 4 ) x GdBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− δ superconducting samples, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.40 wt%, were synthesized using a conventional solid-state reaction technique. The prepared samples were investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. EPR measurements were carried out, at different temperatures 100 K ≤ T ≤ 300 K, for the prepared samples before and after irradiation by 3 MeV protons. An isotropic symmetric EPR line with g factor ≈2 is detected for the samples before irradiation, corresponding to Gd 3+ ions. A single strong and broad isotropic EPR line is observed for all samples after irradiation with g ≈2.65. The broadness is attributed to the superposition of signals resulting from the clustering of Gd 3+ ions and the dipole interaction between these ions. The number of spins ( N ) participating in EPR resonance showed a decrease with increasing temperature, while the activation energy ( E a ) experienced an increase with x up to 0.06 wt% followed by a further decrease.

The aim of this work is to show the capability of the PIXE technique as a rapid, non-destructive and accurate quantification method on silicon (Si) and in Si-based matrix. For this purpose, an aluminium (Al) thin film (2.5nm) deposition on silicon and silicon carbide substrates was carried out using effect joule evaporation. In order to improve the sensitivity for Al determination, a systematic study was undertaken using proton ion beam at different energies (from 0.2 to 3MeV) with a different incident angles (0°, 60°, and 80°). Proton beam energy of 0.3MeV and 80° tilting angle permits a more accurate determination of Al/Si with high sensitivity within few minutes of acquisition time and with a LOD less than 1.2×1015at/cm2. However, the LOD of Al decreases by one order of magnitude when SiC substrate is used instead of Si. Hence, these optimal parameters were used to determine the concentration of Al doping in thin homoepitaxial SiC layer. It was found that the Al/Si ratio was varied from 0.066 to 0.36 when the incident angle varied from 0 to 80°.

The present work is a part of a scientific study conducted among several Arab countries in west Asia, under an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regional technical cooperation project for Arasia region. The project aims at producing for the first time a database of particulate matter (PM) elemental concentrations in the region that will help in future air quality studies in order to identify commonalities and differences in the presence and contribution of fingerprint pollution sources among the Arasia Member States. The first regional campaign was launched simultaneously in Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and United Arab Emirates, using a harmonized sampling and analysis protocol of PM10 and PM2.5 samples. Different samples, collected between October 2014 and February 2015, from the participating countries, were analyzed by PIXE technique and gravimetric measurements were also carried out. The first results of the study will be discussed in a regional perspective. Our study shows that concentrations of fine aerosol fractions are often exceeding the WHO standard values as well as showing some disparities in the obtained values between the different sampling sites. However, some trend similarities of variations with time could also be observed, suggesting a common influence by trans-boundary or external sources of air pollution.

Solid-state reaction method was used to prepare superconductor samples with nominal composition of (SnO2) x (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10−δ , (SnO2) x (Bi,Pb)-2223 composite, where 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2 wt%. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD patterns proved that the addition of nano-SnO2 particles to (Bi,Pb)-2223 did not affect the tetragonal structure and the lattice parameters of this phase. Vickers microhardness measurements (H V) for these samples were carried out at room temperature as a function of applied load, heating temperatures, and dwell time. However, to clarify the indentation size effect (ISE) behavior of these composite materials and to estimate the true microhardness values (H 0), different models including Meyer’s law, Hays and Kendall (energy dissipation) model, elastic/plastic deformation model, as well as proportional specimen resistance model were applied. Some important mechanical parameters, such as Young’s modulus (E), yield strength (Y), fracture toughness (K), and brittleness index (B), were estimated from the microhardness curves. It was found that the incorporation of a proper concentration of nano-SnO2 particles has proved their efficiency to enhance the mechanical properties of superconductors. Moreover, it was noted that dwell time and Vickers microhardness were inversely proportional. Indentation creep experiments showed that the operative creep mechanisms in the studied samples were dislocation creep in addition to dislocation interaction.

We have demonstrated, in previous studies that Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) is one of the most rapid and accurate choices for quantification of an active ingredient, in a solid drug, from the reactions induced on its specific heteroatom using pellets made from original tablets. In this work, PIXE is used, for the first time, for simultaneous quantification of two active ingredients, amoxicillin trihydrate and potassium clavulanate, in six different commercial antibiotic type of drugs. Since the quality control process of a drug covers a large number of samples, the scope of this study was also to found the most rapid and low cost sample preparation needed to analyze these drugs with a good precision. The chosen drugs were analyzed in their tablets’ “as received” form, in pellets made from the powder of the tablets and also in pellets made from the powder of the tablets after being heated up to 70°C to avoid any molecular destruction until constant weight and removal of humidity. The quantification validity related to the aspects of each sample preparation (homogeneity of the drug components and humidity) are presented and discussed.

Superconductor samples of type (CoFe 2 O 4 )xGdBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ (0≤ x ≤0.1) were synthesized by the conventional solid-state reaction technique, whereas nanosized CoFe 2 O 4 was prepared by co-precipitation method with grain size of about 8.5 nm. The elemental content of the prepared samples was determined using particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE). The temperature dependence of real (χ') and imaginary (χʺ) components of AC magnetic susceptibility (ACMS) at different magnetic field amplitude (3–15 Oe) was investigated. The analysis of the temperature dependence of ACMS was performed using Bean critical state model. The values of the critical current density J c at T > T p ( T p is the inter-granular loss peak temperature) were calculated as a function of magnetic field and nanosized CoFe 2 O 4 content. It was found that the low nanosized CoFe 2 O 4 addition content ( x = 0.01) improves the critical current density J c of Gd-123 superconducting phase. The observed variation of J c with temperature indicated that the weak links are changed from superconductor–normal metal–superconductor (SNS) for free sample to superconductor–insulator–superconductor (SIS) type of junctions for samples added with nanosized CoFe 2 O 4 of x > 0.01. We also discussed the experimental results in the framework of the critical state model to estimate the effective volume fraction of the grains f g using Cole–Cole plots.

(Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2 O 4) x /Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3 O 10−δ superconductor samples, 0.00 ≤x ≤ 0.20 wt%, were prepared using a one-step solid-state reaction technique. Lattice parameters and relative volume fraction for Cu0.5Tl0.5-1223 phase added by Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2 O 4 nanoparticles were calculated from X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) data. The surface morphology and real-elemental contents for the prepared samples were studied through scanning electron microscope (SEM) and ion beam analysis (IBA), respectively. Insignificant change was observed for both the crystal structure and stoichiometry for Cu0.5Tl0.5-1223 phase with different weight percent addition of Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2 O 4 nanoparticles. In addition, the superconductivity of these samples was investigated by the electrical resistivity and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements. Both the superconducting transition temperature T c and hole-carrier concentration Pof Cu0.5Tl0.5-1223 phase increased by adding Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2 O 4 nanoparticles up to x = 0.08 wt%.

Superconducting samples of SmBa2Cu3O7−δ (Sm-123) added with various amounts of nanosized MnFe2O4 addition (0.0−0.20wt%) were investigated. The investigated samples prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The phase formation and microstructure of these samples were examined using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). XRD data indicate that the volume fraction of Sm-123 increases as nanosized MnFe2O4 increases up to 0.02wt%. The elemental distribution and oxygen content were deduced from PIXE and RBS. The oxygen content slightly decreases as MnFe2O4 wt% increases. The superconducting transition temperature (Tc) and critical current density (Jc) of the prepared samples were estimated from electrical resistivity and transport critical current density measurements. It was found that Tc decreases as nanosized MnFe2O4 addition increases, while Jc enhances up to 0.02wt%. Moreover, the temperature dependence of normal state electrical resistivity was studied in view of the pseudogap opening in order to determine the pseudogap temperature T* as a function of nanosized MnFe2O4 addition. T* increases as nanosized MnFe2O4 increased, indicating the enhancement of the pseudogap formation in HTSCs by adding magnetic impurities. The crossover to fluctuation conductivity near the Tc is discussed.