In this study, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized from graphene oxide (GO) via an ascorbic acid-assisted reduction process. GO was synthesized from graphite powder using a modified Hummers technique. The surface morphology, structure, functional groups, and elemental compositions of the produced materials were studied using various methods, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/EDX, X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and UV-Vis. The removal of oxygen-containing functional groups in rGO through reduction resulted in poor sample quality. In addition, FTIR investigations revealed that GO contained more oxygen-containing functional groups than rGO. Typical peaks at 2

Sol-gel derived CuCo-oxide coatings as solar selective surfaces, synthesized onto aluminium substrates at various annealing temperatures, are analysed by correlating their structural, chemical bonding states, and surface morphological topographies. As the annealing progressed, all the coatings displayed a Cu0.56Co2.44O4 (ICSD 78-2175) phase with preferential orientation along (400) reflection plane. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data indicate that residual stress and microstrains developed around the coating surfaces are reduced resulting in mechanically stable thin films. Enhancement of the crystallite size and preferred orientation of the surface were confirmed via XRD, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM),

Soft red winter wheat (SRW) is characterized by high yield and relatively low protein content. In Kentucky, there is growing demand from local artisan bread bakers for regionally produced flour, requiring production of grain with increased protein content and/or strength. The objective of this two-year field experiment was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) management on five cultivars of winter wheat on yield and bread baking quality traits of modern and landrace SRW cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.). All five cultivars were evaluated using two N application rates in conventional and organic production systems. All traits measured were significantly affected by the agricultural production system and N rate, although plant height

Samples of Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ superconductor were prepared by solid-state reaction method to study the effects of gold nanoparticles addition to the superconducting system, Nano-Au was introduced by small weight percentages (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.25 weight %). Phase identification and microstructural
characterization of the samples were investigated using XRD and SEM. Moreover, DC electrical resistivity as a function of the temperature, critical current density Jc, AC magnetic susceptibility, and DC magnetization measurements were carried to evaluate the relative performance of samples. x-ray diffraction analysis showed that both (Bi,Pb)-2223 and Bi-2212 phases coexist in the samples having an orthorhombic crystal struct

This paper investigates a new approach to the rapid control of an upper limb exoskeleton actuator. We used a mathematical model and motion measurements of a human arm to estimate joint torque as a means to control the exoskeleton’s actuator. The proposed arm model is based on a two-pendulum configuration and is used to obtain instantaneous joint torques which are then passed into control law to regulate the actuator torque. Nine subjects volunteered to take part in the experimental protocol, in which inertial measurement units (IMUs) and a digital goniometer were used to measure and estimate the torque profiles. To validate the control law, a Simscape model was developed to simulate the arm model and control law in which measurem

In current research Copper was employed for preparing a ternary system of Al–Si alloy in different (0.2–2.5 wt. %) the best was taken is (1.5%wt) of copper that circumstances of solidification for improving the mechanical performance of the available in aluminium alloy. Cast iron molds were prepared to obtain tensile strength testing specimens. Alloys were prepared by employing gas furnaces. The molten metal was poured into a preheated cast-iron mold. The obtained alloy structures were studied using an X-ray diffractometer and optical microscopy. The mechanical performance of the prepared alloys was examined under the influence of different hardening conditions in both heat and non-heat-treated conditions. The outcomes showed at the

An agricultural waste (walnut shell) was undertaken to remove Cu(II) from aqueous solutions in batch and continuous fluidized bed processes. Walnut shell was found to be effective in batch reaching 75.55% at 20 and 200 rpm, when pH of the solution adjusted to 7. The equilibrium was achieved after 6 h of contacting time. The maximum uptake was 11.94mg/g. The isotherm models indicated that the highest determination coefficient belongs to Langmuir model. Cu (II) uptake process in kinetic rate model followed the pseudo-second-order with determination coefficient of 0.9972. More than 95% of the Cu(II) were adsorbed on the walnut shells within 6 h at optimum agitation speed of 800 rpm. The main functional groups responsible for biosorption of

The presence of heavy metals in the environment is major concern due to their toxicity. In the present study a strong acid cation exchange resin, Amberlite IR 120 was used for the removal of lead, zinc and copper from simulated wastewater. The optimum conditions were determined in a batch system of concentration 100 mg/L, pH range between 1 and 8, contact time between 5 and 120 minutes, and amount of adsorbent was from 0.05 to 0.45 g/100 ml. A constant stirring speed, 180 rpm, was chosen during all of the experiments. The optimum conditions were found to be pH of 4 for copper and lead and pH 6 for zinc, contact time of 60 min and 0.35 g of adsorbent. Three different temperatures (25, 40 and 60°C) were selected to investigate the effect