MRS Communications最新文献

Abstract

The transition from heterogeneous nucleation of nanoscale hardening S-phase precipitates on dislocation lines in cold-rolled aluminium alloy 2024 (Al–Cu–Mg) to a spatially homogeneous distribution during artificial ageing is studied by means of in situ and ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Three stages of precipitate evolution following nucleation on dislocation lines are established: (i) Growth and coalescence on dislocation lines, (ii) Ostwald ripening controlled by pipe diffusion, and (iii) Ostwald ripening controlled by volume diffusion. Whilst Ostwald ripening controlled by pipe diffusion is active (stage (ii) and transition from stage (ii) to stage (iii)) dislocation annihilation and/or re-arrangement can occur.

Graphical abstract

The functionalization of polymeric matrices through graft polymerization offers various advantages by providing new properties, allowing for additional chemical reactions that the matrix alone could not undergo or that would require drastic chemical conditions to occur. In this work, epoxy groups were incorporated through a graft polymer of poly(glycidyl methacrylate), using a prefunctionalization with peroxide groups in the polytetrafluoroethylene matrix through gamma radiation. These peroxide groups were subsequently used as radical chemical initiators in the graft polymerization reaction of glycidyl methacrylate. The graft polymerization reaction was studied based on the absorbed dose, monomer concentration, reaction time, and temperature.

Graphical abstract

Detecting and analyzing various defect types in semiconductor materials is an important prerequisite for understanding the underlying mechanisms and tailoring the production processes. Analysis of microscopy images that reveal defects typically requires image analysis tasks such as segmentation and object detection. With the permanently increasing amount of data from experiments, handling these tasks manually becomes more and more impossible. In this work, we combine various image analysis and data mining techniques to create a robust and accurate, automated image analysis pipeline for extracting the type and position of all defects in a microscopy image of a KOH-etched 4H-SiC wafer.

Graphical abstract

Photoluminescence (PL) mapping was utilized to investigate damage in β-Ga₂O₃ epilayers induced by 1064 nm laser pulses. The intensity and position of the intrinsic UV band were determined and plotted as a false-color image. Two types of damage were identified: circular damage and damage cracks. Circular damage shows lower UV PL intensity than the surrounding material with color centers in a “halo” around the damaged region. Damage cracks are aligned with the a and c axes and show higher PL intensity than undamaged material. Defects in the as-grown material were revealed by shifts in the UV band energy.

Graphical abstract

During coal storage and transportation, spontaneous combustion occurs occasionally. Heat pipes, as new fire prevention technology, have been applied and explored in the prevention and control of spontaneous combustion in coal yards. This paper combines the mechanism of spontaneous combustion in coal yards and the advantages and disadvantages of traditional prevention methods to explain the advantages of heat pipe technology, summarizes and analyzes factors affecting the heat transfer efficiency of gravity heat pipes, such as working medium, arrangement, heat pipe structure, and external environment, and looks forward to the development trend of gravity heat pipes in coal yards.

Graphical Abstract

Biocompatible optical devices are breakthrough illumination, imaging, and biomedical sensing technologies. Despite the noteworthy developments in silk, cellulose, and hydrogel-based optics, such approaches rely on expensive precursors and intricate fabrication. Therefore, agar extracted from red algae emerges as a promising biodegradable alternative as an edible, low-cost, and renewable material. This paper overviews the state-of-the-art of agar-based optical devices. Firstly, we revisit this phycocolloid’s fundamentals and highlight its appealing mechanical, optical, and electrical characteristics. Subsequently, we summarize the available agar elements, slab waveguides, and optical fibers. Lastly, we discuss their advantages and challenges by envisaging opportunities for future developments and applications.

Graphical Abstract

Triangular cross-section color center photonics in silicon carbide is a leading candidate for scalable implementation of quantum hardware. Within this geometry, we model low-loss beam splitters for applications in key quantum optical operations such as entanglement and single-photon interferometry. We consider triangular cross-section single-mode waveguides for the design of a directional coupler. We optimize parameters for a 50:50 beam splitter. Finally, we test the experimental feasibility of the designs by fabricating triangular waveguides in an ion beam etching process and identify suitable designs for short-term implementation.

Strategies for synthesis and processing of silicone rubber materials in three-dimensional (3D) structures are of significant interest based on their exceptional potential in many applications including flexible electronics and biomedical devices. Here, we present a synthetic approach of crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) exhibiting dynamic siloxane bond exchange for sufficient stress relaxation capability to enable versatile processabilities including reprocessing, remolding, self-healing, and hot-melt extrusion 3D printing. Considering the significant potential of recyclable silicone materials and their 3D structures, presented approaches enabled by dynamic exchangeable PDMS can provide a new pathway to replace conventional unrecyclable silicone used in diverse industrial sectors.

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Modern strategies to deliver drugs efficiently via less toxic non-aqueous carriers like deep eutectic solvents (DES) has grown tremendously. Herein, we develop several synthetic and natural DES to improve solubility of poorly soluble drug, docetaxel (DTX). Menthol:thymol-based natural DES showed 1500-folds higher solubility for DTX than that in water. FTIR-spectroscopy confirmed reduced crystallinity and stable encapsulation of DTX in DES through formation of hydrogen-bond. DTX-DES was developed further into self-emulsified formulation that upon dilution formed nanostructured globules (< 200 nm) and released 20-folds higher DTX than pure drug thereby highlighting the potential of DES for designing formulations of poorly soluble drugs.

Graphical Abstract

This study explores the efficacy of using a simplified molecular input line entry system (SMILES) as the sole feature, replacing quantum chemical properties (QCP), in predicting corrosion inhibition efficiency (CIE) for N-heterocyclic compounds. The gradient boosting regressor (GBR) model outperforms k-nearest neighbors (KNN), support vector regression (SVR), and other models. SMILES accurately predicts CIE for various datasets, demonstrating potential as a standalone feature. Results indicate a moderate correlation between SMILES representation and corrosion inhibition properties. The proposed method identifies novel N-heterocyclic derivatives with high CIE, suggesting its utility in discovering corrosion inhibitors.

Graphical abstract