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At least 541 records · Page 30

Compact video content representation for video coding using low multi-linear tensor rank approximation with dynamic core tensor order

Tensor is a multi-way representation of an entity that is widely used in many applications of mathematics and physics. The wide range of tensor algebra operations attract the researchers of graphical and vision field to identify unique methods for various applications such as segmentation, compression, indexing and so on. In this paper, low multi-linear rank approximation of a tensor is used for decomposition so as to perform compression on a video that is represented as a 4D tensor. Thus, the encoder has blocks for (1) multilinear rank approximation method so as to aid decomposition, (2) sparsity removal of residual data to reduce the required memory storage to a small level, (3) quantization on the sparse less residual data and (4) LZ77 dictionary coding for the video. The decoder uses a tensor reconstruction block along with residual error correction block that reduces loss/error in the reconstructed video. The size of core tensor is an important factor in rank approximation. It is identified at run time depending on the video contents. This size is determined adaptively using Tikhonov’s regularization method. The best value of core tensor size is identified with the corner of L-curve which preserves the video contents from heavy loss/error. Experimental results of the proposed work on comparison with H.264/AVC compression method indicate that the proposed method achieves up to 10% improvement in compression ratio with the least amount of loss and a maximum signal to noise ratio of 0.14. The proposed system gives better compression ratio than H.265 for videos with more number of frames without compromising quality.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Modest hypoxia significantly reduces triglyceride content and lipid droplet size in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Highlights: •Long-term hypoxia decreased the size of LDs and lipid storage in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. •Long-term hypoxia increased basal lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. •Hypoxia decreased lipid-associated proteins in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. •Hypoxia decreased basal glucose uptake and lipogenic proteins in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. •Hypoxia-mediated lipogenesis may be an attractive therapeutic target against obesity. -- Abstract: Background: A previous study has demonstrated that endurance training under hypoxia results in a greater reduction in body fat mass compared to exercise under normoxia. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie this hypoxia-mediated reduction in fat mass remain uncertain. Here, we examine the effects of modest hypoxia on adipocyte function. Methods: Differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were incubated at 5% O{sub 2} for 1 week (long-term hypoxia, HL) or one day (short-term hypoxia, HS) and compared with a normoxia control (NC). Results: HL, but not HS, resulted in a significant reduction in lipid droplet size and triglyceride content (by 50%) compared to NC (p < 0.01). As estimated by glycerol release, isoproterenol-induced lipolysis was significantly lowered by hypoxia, whereas the release of free fatty acids under the basal condition was prominently enhanced with HL compared to NC or HS (p < 0.01). Lipolysis-associated proteins, such as perilipin 1 and hormone-sensitive lipase, were unchanged, whereas adipose triglyceride lipase and its activator protein CGI-58 were decreased with HL in comparison to NC. Interestingly, such lipogenic proteins as fatty acid synthase, lipin-1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma were decreased. Furthermore, the uptake of glucose, the major precursor of 3-glycerol phosphate for triglyceride synthesis, was significantly reduced in HL compared to NC or HS (p < 0.01). Conclusion: We conclude that hypoxia has a direct impact on reducing the triglyceride content and lipid droplet size via decreased glucose uptake and lipogenic protein expression and increased basal lipolysis. Such an hypoxia-induced decrease in lipogenesis may be an attractive therapeutic target against lipid-associated metabolic diseases.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

An advanced understanding of the specific effects of xylan and surface lignin contents on enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass

A deep understanding of biomass recalcitrance has been hampered by the intricate and heterogeneous nature of pretreated biomass substrates obtained from random deconstruction methods. In this study, we established a unique methodology based on chemical pulping principles to create "reference substrates" with intact cellulose fibers and controlled morphological and chemical properties that enable us to investigate the individual effect of xylan, bulk, and surface lignin content on enzymatic hydrolysis. We also developed and demonstrated an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique for quantifying surface lignin content on biomass substrates. The results from this study show that, apart from its hindrance effect, xylan can facilitate cellulose fibril swelling and thus create more accessible surface area, which improves enzyme and substrate interactions. Surface lignin has a significant impact on enzyme adsorption kinetics and hydrolysis rate. Advanced understanding of xylan, bulk, and surface lignin effects provides critical information for an effective biomass conversion process.

biomass↗

Efficacy of SCMs to mitigate ASR in systems with higher alkali contents assessed by pore solution method

This study demonstrates the efficacy of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to mitigate alkali-silica reaction (ASR) even when used in conjunction with cement of higher alkali contents (up to 1% Na{sub 2}O{sub eq}). The expansion of concrete prisms was studied immersed in simulated pore solution in order to address the limitations of conventional ASR testing methods, accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT) and concrete prism test (CPT). Expansion results demonstrate that 25% fly ash and 50% slag are both sufficient to mitigate ASR even with cements with alkali content up to 1% Na{sub 2}O{sub eq} and that the pore solution method is a viable alternative ASR testing method. Massive amounts of ASR products (~20 μm thickness) were observed in concretes without SCMs consistent with high degree of expansion and extensive cracking. Small amounts of ASR products (≤5 μm thickness) were also observed in concrete with SCMs despite absence of significant expansion.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Evaluation of hydrogen evolution reaction activity of molybdenum nitride thin films on their nitrogen content

We report preparation and electrochemical properties of molybdenum nitride Mo x N (x from 1 to 2) and Mo thin films prepared by the magnetron sputtering. We adjusted amount of nitrogen during reactive sputtering, to achieve different ratios of Mo:N in the films.We could prepare well-defined and extremely smooth films. We determined hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and other kinetics parameters such as Tafel slopes and exchange current densities. Corrosion stability at anodic potentials was also evaluated from onset potentials of dissolution of prepared films. We found that Mo x N thin film HER activity dependence on nitrogen content in the film exhibits volcano-like diagram. From XRD measurements we identified several phases present in the films from pure Mo to β-Mo 2 N and δ-MoN. We find that β-Mo 2 N phase has the highest HER activity. Stability of studied nitrides at anodic potentials increases with increasing content of nitrogen. Mo films sputtered at high substrate temperatures exhibit higher HER activity than Mo x N systems. Furthermore, with increasing substrate temperature during sputtering, HER activity of pure Mo thin films increases.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Dual frequency comb spectroscopy of solid fuel pyrolysis and combustion: Quantifying the influence of moisture content in Douglas fir

As the fire research community develops multi-scale models to predict the spread of wildland fires, there is a need for well-controlled, small-scale experiments which provide benchmark data and fundamental understanding of the effects of key parameters on the combustion of wildland fuels. Here, we implement a unique suite of non-intrusive, quantitative diagnostics that simultaneously measure mass loss, surface temperature, in situ gas temperature and water vapor concentration, including the first implementation of dual frequency comb spectroscopy for the study of solid fuels. As a demonstration, we examine the effect of fuel moisture content on the burning of Douglas fir wood samples that are ignited under constant radiative heat flux from a cone calorimeter to provide benchmark data for multi-scale models. Peak flame temperatures 3 mm above the sample surface measured with the dual frequency comb laser spectrometer are in excess of 1200 K. The flame temperature decreases by over 150 K as fuel moisture content increases from 0.7% to 40%. This work demonstrates a platform for simultaneous, quantitative measurements of well-controlled small-scale experiments which provide benchmark data for the development of advanced modeling and simulations capable of capturing the complex physics present in wildland fire systems.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Growth and inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in sterile extracts of fruits and vegetables: Impact of the intrinsic factors pH, sugar and organic acid content

Intrinsic characteristics of fresh produce, such as pH, water activity, acid content and nutrient availability are critical factors in determining the survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). In this study, sterile fresh produce juice was used to analyze Lm growth potential among 14 different commodities and to identify physicochemical characteristics in those juices that affect Lm growth. Significant growth of Lm was observed in juices with pH ≥5.6 and low acidity (0.04–0.07 % titratable acidity (TA)) (cantaloupe, carrot, celery, green pepper, parsley, and romaine lettuce), slight reduction of Lm was observed in juices with pH 4.1 (tomato) and pH 3.9 (mango), and no Lm counts were recovered from juices with pH ≤3.8 and high acidity (0.28–1.17 % TA) (apple, blueberry, grape, peach, and pineapple). Although these acidic fruit juices possessed a high sugar content, the pH and acidity of produce juice seemed to be the primary determinants for Lm growth. The neutralization of acidic juices (i.e., Fuji and Gala apple, blueberry, grape, mango, pineapple, peach, and tomato) enabled Lm growth at 37 °C in all juices except for Gala apple and peach. Strong decline in Lm populations in Gala apple, grape and peach juices might be linked to sensitivity to organic acids, such as malic acid. As a result, Lm populations significantly decreased in pH-neutral (7.6) cauliflower juice, suggesting that potential antilisterial substances may play a role in Lm decline in cauliflower juice.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Fuel reid vapor pressure level and ethanol content on stochastic preignition, effects at steady and unsteady engine operation

The present work investigates relations between fuel Reid vapor pressure (RVP) and biofuel (ethanol) content on stochastic preignition (SPI) at both sustained steady-state engine operation and following load transients. This work stems from in-field observations that automotive original equipment manufacturers have observed consistent seasonal increases in United States customer drivability complaints and warranty claims during September and October where SPI is suspected to be responsible. The seasonal timing of these events coincides with the United States seasonal fuel property changeover initiating on September 15 each year, where fuel RVP increases. To explore potential linkage between fuel RVP and SPI the present study employs engine SPI experiments coupled with laboratory spray measurements of fuels with RVPs of 8, 12, and 16 psi in both E10 (10% ethanol) and E25 (25% ethanol) fuels. Engine results are partitioned into fuel RVP and ethanol content effects on SPI in steady-state, sustained high-load engine operation and unsteady-state low- to high-load transitions, where off-engine spray vessel patternation and tip penetration results help to elucidate the observed fuel effects on SPI. A boosted direct-injected, spark-ignition engine was fueled with three market relevant E10 and E25 fuels with RVPs of 8, 12, and 16 to characterize the interplay between winter fuels and abnormal combustion behavior. The steady-state work shows that for high-load, steady-state engine operation, SPI is directly linked to fuel retention, which was found to be dependent on fuel distillation. The unsteady-state engine operation work shows that following low-to high-load transitions, SPI can occur from a memory of fuel property effects at low-load operation. Specifically, the fuel RVP effect on fuel spray collapse at low loads was found to correlate with SPI with a more than 95% confidence interval following low- to high-engine-load transitions. Results suggest that fuel-wall impingement at low-load operation could carry over into high-load transitions and generate SPI events following low- to high-load transitions.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Investigation of the dependence of deformation mechanisms on solute content in polycrystalline Mg–Al magnesium alloys by neutron diffraction and acoustic emission

Influence of aluminium content on the deformation mechanisms in Mg–Al binary alloys has been studied using in-situ neutron diffraction and acoustic emission technique. Here, it is shown that the addition of the solute increases the critical resolved shear stress for twinning. Further, the role of aluminium on the solid solution hardening of the basal plane and softening of non-basal planes are discussed using results of the convolutional multiple peak profile analysis of diffraction patterns. In conclusion, the results indicate that the density of both prismatic and pyramidal dislocations increases with increasing alloying content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Assessing Transgender-Related Content in Radiography Programs in the United States: A Survey of Educators

Imaging science technologists care for diverse populations of individuals and need to be adequately prepared to provide optimal patient care that reduces any potential disparities among these individuals. In particular, exposure to transgender individuals is increasing in today's society. The purpose of this research study was to examine the extent to which transgender-related content is taught in radiography programs in the United States by surveying educators to assess their knowledge of, experience with, and readiness to teach such content.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

In situ self-ion (Fe + ) irradiation of ODS-FeCrAl alloy fuel cladding materials with different Cr contents: The early stages of Cr-rich α’ phase precipitation

Oxide-dispersion-strengthened FeCrAl (ODS-FeCrAl) alloys are candidate accident-tolerant fuel cladding materials for light water reactors because they demonstrate satisfactory resistance to materials degradation effects such as high-temperature oxidation, radiation-induced swelling, and creep. Their perspective deployment to market is challenged, however, by their inherent susceptibility to irradiation embrittlement caused by the precipitation of the brittle Cr-rich α’ phase at relatively low temperatures (≤475 °C). This work used in situ self-ion irradiation (150 keV Fe + ) in a transmission electron microscope to elucidate the early stages of Cr-rich α’ phase precipitation in three candidate ODS-FeCrAl alloy fuel cladding materials with different Cr contents (10, 12, and 20 wt.%) and microstructures. The early stages of the process resulting in the precipitation of the Cr-rich α’ phase in these three ODS-FeCrAl alloys under Fe + irradiation were investigated at room temperature and 300 °C up to total fluences of 1.7 × 10 15 ions·cm -2 (2 dpa) and 3.4 × 10 15 ions·cm -2 (4 dpa), using three damage dose rates (5 × 10 –5 , 3.3 × 10 –4 , and 2 × 10 –3 dpa·s -1 ). Post-irradiation examination via scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy suggested that the precipitation of the Cr-rich α’ phase might be promoted by the phase separation of the alloy matrix into Cr-rich and Fe-rich regions. Interestingly, oxygen impurities segregated preferentially in the Cr-rich regions, possibly promoting the radiation-assisted formation of the Cr-rich α’ phase. α’ phase precipitation was more pronounced at room temperature when compared to 300 °C, and it was clearly promoted by the progressive increase in the Cr content of the ODS-FeCrAl alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Phase equilibria, crystal structure and oxygen content of intermediate phases in the Y–Ba–Co–O system

The phase equilibria in the Y–Ba–Co–O system were systematically studied at 1373 K in air. The intermediate phases formed in the Y–Ba–Co–O system at 1373 K in air were: YBaCo₂O 5+δ , YBaCo₄O₇ and BaCo 1–y Y y O 3–δ (0.09≤y≤0.42). It was shown that YBaCo₂O 5+δ possesses tetragonal structure with the 3aₚ×3aₚ×2aₚ superstructure (sp. gr. P4/mmm). High-temperature X-ray diffraction analysis of the YBaCo₂O 5+δ in the temperature range from 298 K up to 1073 K under Po₂=0.21 atm has not shown any phase transformations. The value of oxygen content for the YBaCo₂O 5+δ at room temperature was estimated as 5.40 and at 1323 K it was equal to 5.04. Thermal expansion of sample shows a linear characteristics and the average thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) is about 13.8×10⁻⁶, K⁻¹ in the temperature range 298–1273 K. The homogeneity range and crystal structure of the BaCo 1–y Y y O 3–δ (0.09≤y≤0.42) solid solutions were determined by X-ray diffraction of quenched samples. All BaCo 1–y Y y O 3–δ solid solutions were found to have cubic structure (sp. gr. Pm3m). The unit cell parameters were refined using Rietveld full-profile analysis. Oxygen nonstoichiometry of BaCo 1–y Y y O 3–δ solid solutions with 0.1≤y≤0.4 was measured by means of thermogravimetric technique within the temperature range 298–1373 K in air. Thermal expansion of BaCo 1–y Y y O 3–δ (y=0.0; 0.1; 0.2; 0.3) samples was studied within the temperature range 298–1200 K in air. The projection of isothermal–isobaric phase diagram for the Y–Ba–Co–O system to the compositional triangle of metallic components was presented. - Graphical abstract: A projection of isobaric isothermal phase diagram of the Y–Ba–Co–O system to the metallic components triangle (T=1373 K, Po₂=0.21 atm). Highlights: • High-temperature X-ray diffraction analyses of the YBaCo₂O 5+δ in the temperature range 298–1073 K. • The value of oxygen content for the YBaCo₂O 5+δ in the temperature range 298 –1323 K. • The homogeneity range and crystal structure of the BaCo 1–y Y y O 3–δ (0.09≤y≤0.42) solid solutions. • Oxygen nonstoichiometry of BaCo 1–y Y y O 3–δ solid solutions. • The projection of isothermal–isobaric phase diagram for the Y–Ba–Co–O system.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Characterization of Cu–Ni nanostructured alloys obtained by a chemical route. Influence of the complexing agent content in the starting solution

The influence of the amount of complexing agent added to the starting solution on the physicochemical properties of Cu–Ni nanostructured alloys obtained through a chemical route, was studied. For this purpose, three Cu–Ni nanoalloy samples were synthesized by a previously developed procedure, starting from solutions with citric acid to metal molar ratios (C/Me) of 0.73, 1.00 and 1.50. The synthesis technique consisted in preparing a precursor via the citrate-gel method, and carrying out subsequent thermal treatments in controlled atmospheres. Sample characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray nanoanalysis and electron diffraction. In the three cases, copper and nickel formed a solid solution with a Cu/Ni atomic ratio close to 50/50, and free of impurities inside the crystal structure. The citric acid content of the starting solution proved to have an important influence on the morphology, size distribution, porosity, and crystallinity of the Cu–Ni alloy microparticles obtained, but a lesser influence on their chemical composition. The molar ratio C/Me = 1.00 resulted in the alloy with the Cu/Ni atomic ratio closest to 50/50. - Highlights: • We synthesize Cu–Ni nanoalloys by a chemical route based on the citrate-gel method. • We study the influence of the complexing agent content of the starting solution. • We characterize the samples by electron microscopy and X-ray techniques. • Citric acid influences the shape, size, porosity and crystallinity of the alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microstructural characterization, formation mechanism and fracture behavior of the needle δ phase in Fe–Ni–Cr type superalloys with high Nb content

Microstructural characterization, formation mechanism and fracture behavior of the needle δ phase in Fe–Ni–Cr type superalloys with high Nb content (GH4169, equivalent to Inconel 718) have been quantitatively investigated in this research. The typical microstructures of δ phases with the stick, mixed and needle shapes obviously present in Inconel 718 after the isothermal upsetting at the temperature of 980–1060 °C with the initial strain rate of 10{sup −3}–10{sup −1} s{sup −1}. It is found that the shape of the δ phase has a great effect on the mechanical properties of the alloy, viz., the stick δ phase behaves good plasticity and the needle δ phase has good strength. In addition, the needle δ phase can be used to control the grain size as it can prevent grain growth. The combined effect of the localized necking and microvoid coalescence leads to the final ductile fracture of the GH4169 components with the needle δ phase. Both dislocation motion and atom diffusion are the root-cause for the needle δ phase to be firstly separated at grain boundary and then at sub-boundary. The formation mechanism of the needle δ phase is the new finding in this research. Furthermore, it is the primary mechanism for controlling the needle δ phase in Fe–Ni–Cr type superalloys with high Nb content. - Highlights: • Shape of the δ phase takes great effect on mechanical property. • Needle δ phase plays a great role to prevent grain growth. • Needle δ phase can enhance the fracture strength. • Microstructure mechanism of the needle δ phase has been investigated. • Fracture behavior of the needle δ phase has been studied.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of Al content on structure and mechanical properties of the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 1) high-entropy alloys

In present study, structure and mechanical properties of the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 1) high-entropy alloys after arc melting and annealing at 1200 °C for 24 h are investigated. The CrNbTiVZr alloy is composed of body centered cubic (bcc) and C15 (face centered cubic) Laves phases while the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0.25; 0.5; 1) alloys consist of bcc and two C14 (hexagonal close packed) Laves phases with different chemical compositions. Thermodynamic modeling predicts existence of two phases – bcc and C15 Laves phase and broadening of single bcc phase field due to Al addition. The density of the alloys decreases with the increase of Al content. The alloys are found to be extremely brittle at room temperature and 600 °C. The alloys have high strength at temperatures of 800–1000 °C. For example, yield strength at 800 °C increases from 440 MPa for the CrNbTiVZr alloy to 1250 MPa for the AlCrNbTiVZr alloy. The experimental phase composition of the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr alloys is compared with predicted equilibrium phases and the factors governing the transformation of C15 to C14 Laves phases due to Al addition to the CrNbTiVZr alloy analyzed. Specific properties of the alloys are compared with other high-entropy alloys and commercial Ni-based superalloys. - Highlights: •Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 1) alloys are arc melted and annealed at 1200 °C. •The CrNbTiVZr alloy has bcc and C15 Laves phases. •The Al-containing alloys are composed of bcc and two C14 Laves phases. •The alloys demonstrate high specific strength at temperatures of 800 °C and 1000 °C. •The strength of the alloys increases in proportion with increase of Al content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Precipitation behavior of the sigma phase with Ni and Mn content variations in superaustenitic stainless steel weld metal

Highlights: • Precipitation behaviors in the superaustenitic stainless steel welds were researched. • The fraction and size of the sigma phases decreased with addition of both Ni and Mn. • The Ni addition induced the increase of Mo content in a sigma phase. • The Mn prevented the Mo increase in the sigma, and consequently the Mo depletion. • Ni addition elevated the Mo activity, which induced clustering of Mo in the sigma. - Abstract: In this study, precipitation behavior of the sigma phase with variations of the Ni and Mn in superaustenitic stainless steel weld metal was evaluated focused on microstructure and thermodynamic analysis. Experiments were conducted with variation of Ni and Mn based on a 23Cr-17Ni-6Mo superaustenitic stainless steel weld. And GTAW welding was performed on the casted specimens for simulating the weld metal. The weld metal consisted of γ-dendrite and an amount of sigma phases at interdendritic boundaries. And the sigma phase fraction showed decreasing behavior inversely according to addition of the Ni and Mn in the weld metal. From the microstructural analysis, the Ni addition induced increase of Mo content in the sigma phase, which caused the Mo depletion zone around the sigma phase. Whereas, the Mn addition induced replacement of Mo in sigma phase by Mn, so that the Mo depletion zone was not formed. Also, from the Thermo-Calc analysis, it was revealed that Ni addition caused increase of Mo activity, which induced Mo clustering in the sigma phase, while the Mn addition showed opposite effect of the Mo activity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of excitation wavelength and Y{sup 3+} content on luminescent properties of YMO{sub 4}:Dy{sup 3+} (M = V, P) phosphors induced by ultraviolet excitation

Highlights: ► The color temperature of YPO{sub 4}:Dy{sup 3+} phosphor can be controlled by changing excitation wavelength. ► Y{sub x}VO{sub 4}:Dy{sup 3+} phosphors were synthesized by chemical precipitation method. ► Little excessive Y{sup 3+} content can make body color of YVO{sub 4}:Dy{sup 3+} phosphor become white even if sintered above 1100 °C. -- Abstract: Y{sub 0.99}VO{sub 4}:0.01Dy{sup 3+}, Y{sub 0.99}PO{sub 4}:0.01Dy{sup 3+} and Y{sub x}VO{sub 4}:0.01Dy{sup 3+} phosphors were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. All the samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence spectroscopy. XRD results show that the samples only have single tetragonal structure and the crystallinity of Y{sub 0.99}VO{sub 4}:0.01Dy{sup 3+} phosphor is higher than that of Y{sub 0.99}PO{sub 4}:0.01Dy{sup 3+} phosphor when the heat treatment process is same. Photoluminescence excitation spectra results show that the Y{sub 0.99}VO{sub 4}:0.01Dy{sup 3+} and Y{sub 0.99}PO{sub 4}:0.01Dy{sup 3+} phosphors can be efficiently excited by ultraviolet light from 250 nm to 380 nm, the former have a wide Dy{sup 3+}–O{sup 2−} charge transfer band ranging from 260 nm to 350 nm including a peak at 310 nm, the latter have four peaks at 294 nm, 326 nm, 352 nm and 365 nm. Emission spectra of all the samples exhibit a strong blue emission (483 nm) and another strong yellow emission (574 nm). Moreover, the yellow-to-blue emission intensity ratio and color temperature of emission of Dy{sup 3+} are strongly related to excitation wavelength in Y{sub 0.99}PO{sub 4}:0.01Dy{sup 3+} phosphor, but it is almost not in Y{sub 0.99}VO{sub 4}:0.01Dy{sup 3+} phosphor. For Y{sub x}VO{sub 4}:0.01Dy{sup 3+} (x = 0.94, 0.97, 0.99, 1.01, 1.03) phosphors, with increasing value of x, the body color of phosphor changes from yellow to white and the strongest peak in excitation spectra shifts a little to shorter wavelength. It is detrimental to luminous intensity when Y{sup 3+} content deviate stoichiometric ratio, but the influence of Y{sup 3+} on the color temperature of emission of YVO{sub 4}:Dy{sup 3+} phosphor is slight.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of Zr/Ce molar ratio and water content on thermal stability and structure of ZrO{sub 2}–CeO{sub 2} mixed oxides prepared via sol–gel process

Highlights: ► Tetragonal t″ phase was stabilized in Zr{sub 0.5}Ce{sub 0.5}O{sub 2} solid solution at temperature as high as 1000 °C. ► Specific surface area of powders decreased with the increase of water addition and the Ce content. ► The single stable phase was controlled by adjusting the volume ratio of water and ethanol. ► Tetragonal (t″) phase dissociated into cubic and tetragonal (t′) phases at 1200 °C. -- Abstract: ZrO{sub 2}–CeO{sub 2} mixed oxides were synthesized via sol–gel process. Thermal stability, structure and morphology of samples were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, FT-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In this approach, the solvent composition and Zr/Ce molar ratio have great influences on the structure and morphology of final products. With decreasing water content in the mixed solvent, specific surface area of powders increased and the single tetragonal phase was obtained. Only when the volume ratio of water and ethanol and the Zr/Ce molar ratio were 1:1, tetragonal t″-Zr{sub 0.5}Ce{sub 0.5}O{sub 2} could be stabilized in powders at temperature as high as 1000 °C. Meanwhile, tetragonal (t′) and (t″) phases coexisted in Zr{sub 0.5}Ce{sub 0.5}O{sub 2} solid solution without peak splitting after calcination at 1100 °C, further transforming into cubic and tetragonal (t′) phases at 1200 °C. The effective activation energy for Zr{sub 0.5}Ce{sub 0.5}O{sub 2} nanocrystallite growth during annealing is about 5.24 ± 0.15 kJ/mol.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗