Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering (Esteghlal)

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The objective of this study was to synthesize glass ionomer–forsterite nanocomposite and study the effect of incorporating forsterite nanoparticles to the ceramic part of glass ionomer cement in order to improve mechanical properties and bioactivity. So, Forsterite nanoparticles were made by the sol-gel process using different weight percentages added to the ceramic part of commercial GIC (Fuji II GC). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used in order to characterize and determine grain size of the produced forsterite nanopowder. In order to study the mechanical properties of the produced glass ionomer cement-forsterite nanocomposite, the compressive strength (CS), three-point flexural strength (FS) and diametral tensile strength (DTS) of specimens were measured. Statistical analysis was done by one Way ANOVA and differences were considered significant if P‹0.05. The morphology of fracture surface of specimens was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. Bioactivity of specimens was investigated by Fourier transitioned-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results of XRD analysis confirmed the nanocrystalline and pure forsterite synthesis. According to the mechanical properties measurements, the optimum weight percentages of forsterite nanoparticles for enhancement of CS, FS, and DTS were obtained equal to 3, 1 and 1 wt.%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that the differences between all the groups were significant (P<0.05). SEM images and results of the ICP-OES and FTIR tests confirmed the bioactivity of the nanocomposite. Glass ionomer-forsterite nanocomposite containing 1 to 3 wt.%-forsterite nanoparticles can be a suitable candidate for dentistry and orthopedic applications due to the improvement of mechanical properties and bioactivity.

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In this study, the chemical composition, thickness and tribocorrosion behavior of oxide films prepared on Ti-6Al-4V alloy by anodising treatment in H2SO4/H3PO4 electrolyte at the potentials higher than the dielectric breakdown voltage were evaluated. The thickness measurement of the oxide layers showed a linear increase of thickness by increasing the anodizing voltage. The EDS analysis of oxide films demonstrated precipitation of sulfur and phosphor elements from electrolyte into the oxide layer. Tribocorrosion results indicated that the tribocorrosion behavior of samples was significantly improved by anodising process. Furthermore, the tribocorrosin performance of thesamples anodised at higher voltages was enhanced. SEM and EDS of worn surfaces indicated that the oxide layer on the samples anodised at lower voltages was totally removed, but for the samples anodised at higher voltages, the oxide layer was only locally removed within the wear track. Moreover, measurement of wear volume of the treated samples exhibited lower values on the samples anodised at higher voltages.

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Based on molecular dynamics simulation results, a model was developed for determining elastic properties of aluminum nanocomposites reinforced with silicon carbide particles. Also, two models for prediction of density and price of nanocomposites were suggested. Then, optimal volume fraction of reinforcement was obtained by genetic algorithm method for the least density and price, and the highest elastic properties. Based on optimization results, the optimum volume fraction of reinforcement was obtained equal to 0.44. For this optimum volume fraction, optimum Young’s modulus, shear modulus, the price and the density of the nanocomposite were obtained 165.89 GPa, 111.37 GPa, 8.75 $/lb and 2.92 gr/cm3, respectively.

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The purpose of this work was to study the hydrogen adsorption on the surface of mesoporous materials based on silica (SBA-16) modified with palladium via temperature. Since mesoporous silica materials have a high specific surface area, and the ordered mesoporous size of 2-10nm, they are suitable for adsorption and storage of hydrogen. SBA-16 is suitable for this purpose due to its cubic crystalstructure and open pores. Single-stage sol-gel method was used to produce nanostructure composite from salt of palladium (PdCl₃) and mesoporous silica precursor. The aging time was selected as 12 hr at 80˚C. Furthermore, the obtained materials were heated at 550˚C for 6 hr to remove surfactant and to form pores. Then the materials were characterized by large angle and small angle x-ray diffraction analysis, and hydrogen absorption analysis at upto 200kPa pressure at three different temperatures of -196˚C (77 K), -123˚C (150 K) and 30˚C (303 K). Furthermore, adsorption-desorption of nitrogen gas was studied. The surface morphology was observed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). In addition, the amount of palladium, oxygen, and silicon were measured by using energy dispersive spectroscopy) EDS ). Finally, the functional groups on the surface of mesoporous silica materials were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of XRD and EDS analyses confirmed the presence of palladium and palladium oxide in mesoporous amorphous silica. In addition, BET results showed that addition of palladium in SBA-16 decreased the surface area, and produced 791 and 538m²/g for SBA-16 and SBA-16/Pd, respectively. Hydrogen absorption in nano structure composite was decreasing with temperatur in comparison with SAB-16. On the other hand, the maximum hydrogen absorption in the nano structure composite containing palladium was obtained at -196˚C (77 K).

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Precipitation has always been one of the important methods in the preparation of ceramic nanopowders. In this study, the most important parameters, ageing time and concentration parameters, have been studied. Yttrium oxide (Yttria) nanopowder was synthesized by precipitation method. Yttria micropowder and ammonium hydrogen carbonate were used as precursor materials. The study involved aging time and concentration in four and three levels, repectively (3, 6, 12 and 24h for ageing time and 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mol/L for concentration). Synthesized phases, thermal behavior and particle size were studied by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR) was used for studying bonding before and after the heat treatment at 900, 1000 and 1100 ^°C.

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Bio-inspired silver nanoparticles were synthesized with the aid of a novel method, using leaves of the plant Nigella sativa. After drying the leaves in air, they were first sweltered in boiling distilled water and the liquid was filtered subsequently. The result was the brothused to reduce solutions including various concentrations of silver nitrate in a proper amount of pH. The displayed UV–visible spectra identified formation of silver nanoparticles whenever the colorless initial acclimated mixture turned brown. The centrifuged powder samples were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray diffraction analysis (EDX) methods. The results clearly revealed that the final particles of precipitated powder are high purity agglomerates of silver nanoparticles. Besides, the effects of various amounts of the silver salt on particle size of nano silver were studied, using a particle size analyzer. FTIR results also indicated the role of different functional groups in the synthetic process.

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With various features such as strong oxidation, biocompatibility and acceptable mechanical properties, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is among the materials that are frequently used in biological and medical applications. Nowadays, with the aim of increasing the efficiency of titanium dioxide and practical use of this material, doping it with elements such as silver, zinc and iron has been favored. In this study, Ag-TiO₂ and ZnO-TiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by the sol–gel method and were evaluated and compared.In order to identify the present phases in the structure, X-ray diffraction analysis was used. Also for the characterization of the nanoparticles, Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Zeta Potential were used. Inaddition, the antibacterial activities of nanoparticles were investigated and compared. The results showed that sol-gel method could successfully produce nanoparticles of Ag-TiO₂ and ZnO-TiO₂ with the expected combination. The investigation of antibacterial properties of these particles revealed that at lower inhibitory concentrations, Ag-TiO₂ composition has a higher antibacterial activity than ZnO-TiO₂ one.

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This study aims at investigation of the hydrogen damage after dissolution annealing and two-stage aging in aluminum 7075 alloy. Dissolution annealing was performed at 500 to 575 ^°C for duration of 1 to 20 hours. The first stage of two-stage aging was performed at 180, 200 and 220 ^°C for 30 minutes. The second stage was carried out at 120 and 150 ^°C for 10, 15 and 20 hours. Structural characteristics and chemical composition of precipitates was investigated using SEM and EDS methods, respectively. Reduction of the tensile strength in T6 process after hydrogenation reached to 150 MPa, although it decreased only, about 50 MPa in the two-stage process. Overall, tensile strength after hydrogen charging was significantly increased in the two-stage aging compared to the T6 process.

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In this study, NBG was successfully achieved through a sol-gel technique, and to further improve its dispersibility, a crylate coupling agent was coupled onto the surface of the NBG. The 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)Propylmethacrylate coupling agent was used to the surface modification of the synthesized NBG by a wet-chemical method in a dynamic inert nitrogen atmosphere. The surface properties of the biomaterials before and after modification were characterized and compared using FTIR and AFM techniques. The characteristic peaks in FTIR spectra indicated that –CH2, –CH3 and C=O groups appeared on the surface of modified NBG, and also, AFM analysis revealed that the dispersibility of surface modified NBG was improved, significantly. The above results proved that the desired groups of 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)Propyl methacrylate had been covalently bonded onto the surface of NBG. Besides, a nanocomposite scaffold was synthesized using the synthesized NBG and polyurethane foam as raw materials. The morphology of pores, porosity contents, compress strength and bioactivity of the scaffold were studied. The results showed that the biological scaffolds for use in bone tissue engineering with the basic requirements (90% porosity and 200-600 μm pore diameter) were successfully prepared. The polymer component had no effect on the relationship between the scaffold pores and bioactivity of bioglass nanoparticles. Improvement of compressive strength and proper bioactivity of the resulted scaffold showed that it is an acceptable candidate for biomaterials applications.

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Perovskite structures including oxygen vacancies are the most important group of the oxygen preamble membranes. These membranes have potentially attractive applications in the membrane reactors for partial oxidation of methane. Doping Perovskite phase in order to increase the oxygen vacancies and oxygen permeation, besides Perovskite structure stability, has been the main approach of the recent researches. In this research, tantalum was chosen as the appropriate dopant for Ba(Co_0.8Fe_0.2)O_{3&minus;&delta;}  Perovskite phase, according to the tolerance factor calculations. The X ray patterns of synthesized Ba (Co_0.7Fe_0.2Ta_0.1)O_{3&minus;&delta;} indicate that the Perovskite structure was formed. Powder density, thermal expansion coefficient measurements and bond strength studies using FT-IR analysis revealed that the chosen dopant not only increases the oxygen vacancies volume but also reduces the thermal expansion coefficient without significant changes of bond strength. Results showed that the novel Ba (Co_0.7Fe_0.2Ta_0.1) O3_{&minus;&delta;} is a good choice for the membrane fabrication of methane partial reduction reactors.

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In this study, nine Nd-Fe-B and FeCe thin films with 10-50 nanometers width were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering on the Si/SiO₂ substrate. Then, the films were annealed at 800 ^oC for 5 sec in rapid thermal annealing furnace. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) was used to analyze the phase composition of layers and existance of Nd₂F₁₄ and Fe₆₅Co₃₅ phase was confirmed, without formation of any other secondary phase. The layers surfaces were investigated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). The morphology of layers surfaces was investigated using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The magnetic properties of layers were evaluated by vibrating sample magnetometer with maximum applied field of 24kOe, in order to measure coercivity, saturation of magnetization, hysteresis area, rectangular ratio and (BH)max. It was found that all layers have vertical magnetic anisotropy. Increasing thickness of FeCo resulted in increasing saturation of magnetization,  coercivity and saturation magnetization. The results indicate that by an increase in thickness of FeCo up to 20nm, exchange interaction strength between hard and soft magnetic layers is enhanced and, consequently, maximum energy induced from this hetero-structure is increased.

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In this paper, milling was investigated as a method for production of Mn-Ga binary alloys and the effect of milling process on phase formation of Mn:Ga samples with 2:1 and 3:1 ratio within 1, 2 and 5 hour milling times was studied. For Mn:Ga samples, according to the results, Mn_1.86Ga compound with tetragonal structure and I4/mmm space group was a stable phase. Also, some amounts of  Mn₃Ga compound with orthorhombic structure and Cmca space group was observed in the Mn:Ga solution. The effect of Ge addition, with the purpose of  replacing Ge with Ga was also studied in Mn:Ga:Ge (3:0.5:0.5) sample. Although improved magnetic properties is expected with the addition of Ge, but increasing the coercivity was occurred, and saturation magnetization did not change significantly in the studied sample. Ge addition caused elimination of the possibility of formation of asymmetric orthorhombic Mn₃Ga phase. In return, two new structures of Mn₁₁Ge₈ and MnGaGe were appeared. This phase change was confirmed by studying magnetic behaviour of samples. This behavior can be caused by unbalanced electrostatic forces resulting from Mn-Mn exchange interaction in Mn₃Ga orthorhombic structure and substitution of some Ge atoms with Ga.

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The aim of the present study is to study the effects of adding  diopside (CaMgSi₂O₆) as well as silica sulfuric acid nanoparticles to ceramic part of glass ionomer cement (GIC) in order to improve its mechanical properties. To do this, firstly, diopside (DIO) nanoparticles with chemical formula of CaMgSi₂O₆ were synthesized using sol-gel process and then, the structural and morphological properties of synthesized diopside nanoparticles were investigated. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size analyzing (PSA) confirmed that synthesized diopside are nanoparticles and agglomerated. Besides, the result of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses approved the purity of diopside nanoparticles compounds. Silica sulfuric acid (SSA) nanoparticles are also prepared by chemical modification of silica nanoparticles by means of chlorosulfonic acid. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique was used to find about the presence of the (SO₃H) groups on the surface of silica sulfuric acid nanoparticles. Furthermore, various amounts (0.1, 3 and 5 wt.%) of diopside and silica sulfuric acid nanoparticles were added to the ceramic part of GIC (Fuji II GIC commercial type) to produce glass ionomer cement nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of the produced nanocomposites were measured using the compressive strength, three-point flexural strength and diametral tensile strength methods. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique confirmed the presence of the (SO₃H) groups on the surface of silica nanoparticles. The compressive strength, three-point flexural strength and diametral tensile strength were 42.5, 15.4 and 6 MPa, respectively, without addition. Although adding 1% silica solfonic acid improved nanocomposite mchanical properties by almost 122%, but maximum increase in nanocomposite mechanical properties was observed in the nanocomposites with 3% diposid, in which 160% increase was seen in the mechanical properties.

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Organic–inorganic hybrid coatings were prepared by sol–gel method and deposited on aluminum alloy 6061. Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used for structural study of the hybrid coatings. Adhesive strength of sol–gel coatings to the substrate was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. Corrosion behavior of the samples was studied by cyclic potentiodynamic and linear polarization tests. Results showed that adhesion strength of the coatings to the substrates was increased with increasing tetrapropoxide of zirconium (TPOZ) and cerium content. Corrosion tests showed that corrosion current density of coated samples were decreased three to seven orders of magnitude in comparison with uncoated aluminum alloy 6061. Decreasing in corrosion current density and increasing in polarization resistance was observed by increasing zirconia and cerium content. Unlike the uncoated aluminum alloy 6061, the crack-free coatings did not show pitting tendency. 

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Simultaneous application of mechanical pressure and electrical charge on powder samples in spark plasma sintering process, has resulted in a sample with a density close to the theory. In the present study, a thermal-electrical-mechanical coupled finite element model of spark plasma sintering system using multi-objective optimization algorithm is proposed to optimize the mold variable. The simulation performed for Si₃N₄-SiO₂ (1:1 mol) specimen has good agreement with the experimental results. Multi-objective genetic algorithms was used for optimization of mold design in order to maximize the temperature of sample core and minimize the mises stress in the mold. The results show that the optimized dimensions cause 8% increase in sample temperature and about 18% decrease in temperature difference between mold surface and sample core. This leads to better uniformity in the porosity distribution of final sample.

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In this paper the effect of deep cryogenic treatment time on microstructure and tribological behavior of AISI 5120 case hardennig steel is studied. The disk shape samples were carburized at 920 ^◦C for 6 hours and air cooled; after austenitizing, the samples were quenched in oil.Then immediately after quenching and sanding, the sample were kept in liquid nitrogen for 1, 24, 30 and 48 h and then tempered at 200 ^◦C for 2 hours. The wear test was done by ball on disk method using of WC ball at 80 and 110 N load. For characterization of carbides, the etchant solution of CuCl₂ (5 gr)+HCl (100 mL) + ethanol (100 mL) was used. The hardness of samples before and after of tempering was measured by vicers method at 300 N load.. The amount of retained austenite was measured by X Ray Diffraction method. For 1DCT and 24DCT samples it was about 8% and 4%; in the other samples, the retained austenite peal was so decreased that it was not visible. The result showed that the hardness increases by deep cryogenic treatment in all speciments. While wear resistance increases in 1DCT and 24DCT samples, it decreases for 30DCT and 48DCT samples in compare with Conventional heat treatment (CHT) sample in both applied loads, such that , 48DCT sample has the least wear resistance. The cause of increament of hardness is due to reduction in amount of retained austenite as a result of deep cryogenic treatment and decreasing in wear resistance after 24 hour, is due to carbide growth and nonhemogenuse distribution in microstructure and then weakening of matrix. So the 24 hour deep cryogenic treatment was the best optimal for AISI 5120 steel.

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In this research, the nanopowders of lanthanum and neodymium co-doped yttria were synthesized by sol-gel combustion method. Citric acid and glycine were used as the gel maker and fuel respectively. The effect of molar ratio of citric acid to glycine on the grain size and morphology was evaluated. The optimized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV–visible (UV–Vis), thermal gravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The optimized products which are synthesized with a molar ratio citric acid to glycine 1.06:1.06 have an average grain size of 30-40nm with spherical morphology, and without agglomeration. Also, their band gap is 3.29eV.

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In this research, nickel ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion route, and the effect of calcination temperature on phase constituents, magnetic properties and microstructure of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). XRD results were submitted to quantitative analysis. Microstructural studies and crystallite size calculations showed formation of nanoparticles. XRD results showed that the combustion product consisted of NiFe₂O₄, α-Fe₂O₃, NiO, and FeNi₃ phases. FeNi₃ was eliminated by calcination, and the amounts of NiO and α-Fe₂O₃ were modvlated by changing in calcination temperature. Saturation magnetization changed from 37emu/g in combustion product to 30emu/g by calcination at 600°C, due to decomposition of FeNi₃ magnetic phase and formation of higher amount of antiferromagnetic hematite phase. Also, the coercivity values increased, that could be due to increasing the amount of nickel ferrite phase and eliminating FeNi₃ phase. Saturation magnetization reached to 43emu/g in calcinated sample at 1000°C due to the reaction between hematite and NiO phases that led to formation of higher amount of nickel ferrite to 43emu/g. Coercivity value dropped out to 127Oe by calcination at 1000°C, the reason of which could be incresing of particle size and formation of multi domain magnetic particles.
 

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In this paper, Ni-doped lead hexaferrites (PbFe12-xNixO19) nanoparticles with x = 0.2 were prepared by sol- gel method. Then, the effect of annealing temperature on its structural, magnetic and dielectric properties was studied. First, the dryed gel was evaluated by Thermogravimetry-Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA) and then, the structural morphology, magnetic and dielectric properties of samples have been characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and LCR meter. The results of x-ray diffraction patterns show that by increasing annealing temperature up to 800 °C, PbFe11.8Ni0.2O19 phase percentage in the samples increases. Also, by increasing annealing temperature, the magnetization increases because the unwanted phases disappear and pure and single-phase lead hexaferrite are formed. By increasing frequency, first the AC electrical conductivity of the samples decreases and then increases. These variations have been explained by Maxwell- Wanger model. The result measurements show that the best sample is PbFe11.8Ni0.2O19 with annealing temperature of 800 °C for 3 h.
 

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Age hardening processes cause a wide range of changes in 17-4 PH stainless steel properties. Aging at 480ºC for 1 hour (A480-1) and aging at 620ºC for 4 hours (A620-4) are two most applicable heat treatment processes for this alloy. Not only the studies on fatigue behavior of this alloy in these two heat treatment conditions are few, but also the methods of fatigue test were mostly axial. In this study, after microstructure studies, hardness and tension tests, fatigue behavior at A480-1 and A620-4 conditions were evaluated by using a rotational bending fatigue test machine. Tension results showed that yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of A480-1 specimens were 40 percent more than A620-4 specimens. However, elongation of A620-4 specimens was 30 percent more than A480-1 specimens. Fatigue results revealed the endurance limit of aged specimens is 50 MPa more than overaged specimens. Overall results showed that A480-1 condition specimens are more resistant to fatigue than A620-4 condition specimens.