Author: S.Lee†, H.Lee†, J.Kim, J.Park, S.Kyung, H.Choi, S.Baek, J.Park, S.Park, J.Kim, H.Jo, S.Cho, J.Kim, H.Kim, S.Han*, J.Oh* and B.Kim*Title: Active-type piezoelectric smart textiles with antifouling performance for pathogenic controlJournal: npj flexible electronicsYear: 2024Impact factor: 12.3Abstract:Recently, an investigation into preventive measures for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has garnered considerable attention. Consequently, strategies for the proactive prevention of viral pathogens have also attracted significant interest in the field of wearable devices and electronic textiles research, particularly due to their potential applications in personal protective equipment. In this study, we introduce smart textiles designed with optimized piezoelectric devices that exhibit antifouling performance against microorganisms and actively inactivate viruses. These active-type smart textiles, which incorporate advanced lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics, a stretchable interconnector array, and polymeric fabric, demonstrate effective antifouling capabilities, detaching approximately 90% of Escherichia coli and 75% of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, they inactivate viruses, releasing ~26.8 ng of N protein from ruptured SARS-CoV-2, using ultrasonic waves within the wearable platform. Experimental results show that piezoelectric smart textiles significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19 by leveraging the electrical and acoustic properties of PZT ceramics.
Author: H.Nam†, J.Choi†, H.Kim, J.Lee* and J.Kim*Title: Combined experimental and computational investigation of precipitation behaviour and mechanical properties in a novel Cu–Ni–Si–Co alloy: effect of solution treatment temperatureJournal: Materials TechnologyYear: 2024Impact factor: 2.9Abstract:Cu alloys are extensively utilized in electronics for heat exchangers, electrical conductors, automotive connectors, and electrical contacts. To meet the demands of miniaturization, these alloys must exhibit enhanced strength and electrical conductivity. We investigated the microstructural and precipitation properties of the Cu–Ni–Si–Co alloy at the solution treatment temperature (1,050°C). We subjected the alloy to cold rolling and ageing. The secondary-phase particles dissolved completely at higher temperatures, increasing the concentrations of the Ni, Si, and Co solutes within the Cu matrix. This enhanced supersaturation facilitated higher precipitation during ageing, resulting in fine (Ni,Co)2Si precipitates with a number density of 12.3 × 1010 cm-2. The alloy was strengthened by the Orowan mechanism and exhibited good electrical conductivity. Moreover, nanoscale (Ni,Co)2Si precipitates were formed. We achieved the highest hardness of 251 hV and an electrical conductivity (EC) of 51% International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS).
Author: H.Kim†, H.Lee†, H.Son, I.Bae, J.Choi and J.Kim*Title: Ab initio calculations of Nb-based MAX phases as bond coats for thermal barrier coatingsJournal: Journal of Materials Research and TechnologyYear: 2024Impact factor: 6.2Abstract:Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are essential to the reliable high-temperature operation of gas turbines and engines. They comprise a ceramic top coat (TC), a metallic bond coat (BC), and a superalloy substrate. Metallic BCs are common, but they require a minimal difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between the TC and substrate. Among ceramic materials, MAX phases have high CTE. This study reports our use of ab initio calculations to assess the suitability of MAX phases as TBCs. We model Nb-based MAX phases with 211 and 312 structures that have Al or Si at the A sites and C or N at the X sites. We use the quasi-harmonic approximation to calculate the Young’s moduli and CTEs of the materials with respect to temperature. The Nb2SiN MAX phase appears as the most suitable for use as a BC between various ceramic TCs and an Inconel-718 substrate. It is predicted to be effective in relieving thermal stresses due to its high CTE of 10.882 × 10−⁶ K−1 at 1,273 K. The results indicate that carbide MAX phases with high Young’s modulus and low CTE should be used with caution. They may not accommodate thermal stresses as effectively, potentially leading to material failure or reduced performance. Overall, our study indicates the potential of Nb-based MAX structures for use as BCs.