Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “composite”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,171 records · Page 65
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Trimethylamine sensing properties of graphene quantum Dots/α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were prepared by pyrolysis of citric acid. The sizes of the as-prepared GQDs were in the range of 2–4 nm. The GQDs/α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites were prepared by loading GQDs with α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} via a one-step facile hydrothermal method. The GQDs/α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites were characterized by XRD, TGA, FTIR, Raman, SEM and TEM, respectively. The sensor devices were fabricated using the GQDs/α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites as sensing materials. The effect of the amount of GQDs in the composites on the gas-sensing responses of the materials and the gas-sensing selectivity was investigated. The experimental results revealed that the sensor based on GQDs/α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} (S-15) composite exhibited high sensitivity and good selectivity to TMA vapor. The responses of the sensor based on GQDs/α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} (S-15) composite to 1000 ppm and 0.01 ppm TMA vapor attained 1033.0 and 1.9 at 270 °C, respectively. The response time and recovery time for 0.01 ppm TMA vapor were only 6 s and 4 s, respectively. - Graphical abstract: (1) The sizes of the GQDs are in the range of 2–5 nm; (2) The responses of the sensor based on GQDs/α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} (S-15) composite to 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 ppm TMA vapor at 270 °C are 1.9, 2.9, 5.5, 15.4, 293.0 and 1033.0, respectively, and the detection limit can reach 0.01 ppm.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Preparation of flower-like TiO{sub 2} sphere/reduced graphene oxide composites for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants

In this study, novel flower-like TiO{sub 2} sphere (FTS)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites (FTS-G) were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic performance of the FTS-G composites was evaluated through the photodegradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) and trichloroethylene (TCE) under simulated solar light irradiation. The rGO to FTS ratio in the composites significantly affected photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activities of FTS-Gs in the degradation of Rh B and TCE were superior to that of pure FTS. Of all the FTS-G composites tested, FTS-G with 1 wt% rGO (FTS-G-1) had the greatest photocatalytic activity, while FTS-G composites with rGO contents over 1 wt% had lower photocatalytic activities. Additionally, it is expected that the synthesis of FTS with a high specific surface area and well-developed pore structure and simultaneous conversion of GO to graphene-like rGO without the use of strong reducing agents could be a promising strategy to prepare other carbon-based flower-like TiO{sub 2} sphere composite photocatalysts. - Graphical abstract: Schematic illustration of high photocatalytic activity for FTS-G composites. Display Omitted.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Effect of 4 wt.% Cr on microstructure, corrosion resistance and tribological properties of Fe{sub 3}Al–20 wt.%Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites

Fe{sub 3}Al–20 wt.%Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} ultrafine grained composites with 4 wt.% Cr were prepared by mechanical alloying inducing self propagating high temperature synthesis with subsequent plasma activated sintering. Microstructures of the composites were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrum and transmission electron microscope. Then the relative density, room temperature hardness, static corrosion resistance and dry sliding wear behavior at a temperature range of 25 °C–800 °C of the sintered samples were tested and analyzed. The results showed that the composites had high hardness and a good microstructure with fine grain size, high relative density. The composites with 4 wt.% Cr amount also exhibited excellent comprehensive tribological properties at medium–high temperatures especially at a temperature above 500 °C, although the wear resistance did not be improved at 25 °C–500 °C. 4 wt.% Cr element addition improved the corrosion resistance of the composites significantly with the corrosion loss decreasing by 19.48%. - Highlights: ► In-situ Fe{sub 3}Al–20 wt.%Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites with 4 wt.% Cr was prepared by MA-PAS. ► Composites had good tribological properties at the temperature above 500 °C. ► Corrosion resistance was improved obviously by 4 wt.% Cr amount.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Characterization of boron carbide particulate reinforced in situ copper surface composites synthesized using friction stir processing

Friction stir processing has evolved as a novel solid state technique to fabricate surface composites. The objective of this work is to apply the friction stir processing technique to fabricate boron carbide particulate reinforced copper surface composites and investigate the effect of B{sub 4}C particles and its volume fraction on microstructure and sliding wear behavior of the same. A groove was prepared on 6 mm thick copper plates and packed with B{sub 4}C particles. The dimensions of the groove was varied to result in five different volume fractions of B{sub 4}C particles (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 vol.%). A single pass friction stir processing was done using a tool rotational speed of 1000 rpm, travel speed of 40 mm/min and an axial force of 10 kN. Metallurgical characterization of the Cu/B{sub 4}C surface composites was carried out using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The sliding wear behavior was evaluated using a pin-on-disk apparatus. Results indicated that the B{sub 4}C particles significantly influenced the area, dispersion, grain size, microhardness and sliding wear behavior of the Cu/B{sub 4}C surface composites. When the volume fraction of B{sub 4}C was increased, the wear mode changed from microcutting to abrasive wear and wear debris was found to be finer. Highlights: • Fabrication of Cu/B{sub 4}C surface composite by friction stir processing • Analyzing the effect of B{sub 4}C particles on the properties of Cu/B4C surface composite • Increased volume fraction of B{sub 4}C particles reduced the area of surface composite. • Increased volume fraction of B{sub 4}C particles enhanced the microhardness and wear rate. • B{sub 4}C particles altered the wear mode from microcutting to abrasive.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Mechanical characterization of copper coated carbon nanotubes reinforced aluminum matrix composites

In this investigation, carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced aluminum composites were prepared by the molecular-level mixing process using copper coated CNTs. The mixing of CNTs was accomplished by ultrasonic mixing and ball milling. Electroless Cu-coated CNTs were used to enhance the interfacial bonding between CNTs and aluminum. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed the homogenous dispersion of Cu-coated CNTs in the composite samples compared with the uncoated CNTs. The samples were pressureless sintered under vacuum followed by hot rolling to promote the uniform microstructure and dispersion of CNTs. In 1.0 wt.% uncoated and Cu-coated CNT/Al composites, compared to pure Al, the microhardness increased by 44% and 103%, respectively. As compared to the pure Al, for 1.0 wt.% uncoated CNT/Al composite, increase in yield strength and ultimate tensile strength was estimated about 58% and 62%, respectively. However, in case of 1.0 wt.% Cu-coated CNT/Al composite, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength were increased significantly about 121% and 107%, respectively. - Graphical Abstract: Copper coated CNTs were synthesized by the electroless plating process. Optimizing the plating bath to (1:1) by wt CNTs with Cu, thickness of Cu-coated CNTs has been reduced to 100 nm. Cu-coated CNTs developed the stronger interfacial bonding with the Al matrix which resulted in the efficient transfer of load. Highlights: • Copper coated CNTs were synthesized by the electroless plating process. • Thickness of Cu-coated CNTs has been reduced to 100 nm by optimized plating bath. • In 1.0 wt.% Cu-coated CNT/Al composite, microhardness increased by 103%. • Cu-coated CNTs transfer load efficiently with stronger interfacial bonding. • In 1.0 wt.% Cu-coated CNT/Al composite, Y.S and UTS increased by 126% and 105%.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Characterization of molybdenum particles reinforced Al6082 aluminum matrix composites with improved ductility produced using friction stir processing

Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with various ceramic particles suffer a loss in ductility. Hard metallic particles can be used as reinforcement to improve ductility. The present investigation focuses on using molybdenum (Mo) as potential reinforcement for Mo(0,6,12 and 18 vol.%)/6082Al AMCs produced using friction stir processing (FSP). Mo particles were successfully retained in the aluminum matrix in its elemental form without any interfacial reaction. A homogenous distribution of Mo particles in the composite was achieved. The distribution was independent upon the region within the stir zone. The grains in the composites were refined considerably due to dynamic recrystallization and pinning effect. The tensile test results showed that Mo particles improved the strength of the composite without compromising on ductility. The fracture surfaces of the composites were characterized with deeply developed dimples confirming appreciable ductility. - Highlights: •Molybdenum particles used as reinforcement for aluminum composites to improve ductility. •Molybdenum particles were retained in elemental form without interfacial reaction. •Homogeneous dispersion of molybdenum particles were observed in the composite. •Molybdenum particles improved tensile strength without major loss in ductility. •Deeply developed dimples on the fracture surfaces confirmed improved ductility.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Synthesis of ZrN–sialon composites from zircon and alumina by carbothermal reduction–nitridation

Highlights: ► ZrN–sialon composites were directly synthesized from zircon and γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. ► The morphologies and phase compositions of products changed with the temperature. ► The comprehensive and systematic thermodynamic relation of the reaction process was analyzed comprehensively. ► This new technique for synthesizing ZrN–sialon composites can reduce the cost and energy consumption. -- Abstract: ZrN–sialon composites were synthesized from zircon and γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} via carbothermal reduction–nitridation. The effects of reaction temperature on the phase compositions and product morphologies were studied. The equilibrium relationship curves of the condensed phases were drawn and the temperature dependence of the phase stability was investigated. The results show that products with different phase compositions and morphologies can be obtained at different temperatures. The optimum temperature for acquiring ZrN–sialon composites was 1550 °C. Granular ZrN and short prismatic β-sialon (Si{sub 3}Al{sub 3}O{sub 3}N{sub 5}) were formed at 1500 °C, accompanied by surplus Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and ZrO{sub 2}. The dominant products at 1550 °C were ZrN and Si{sub 3}Al{sub 3}O{sub 3}N{sub 5}, whereas they were ZrN and 15R-SiAl{sub 4}O{sub 2}N{sub 4} at 1600 °C. β-sialon had perfect crystals with a long-column morphology, whereas 15R-SiAl{sub 4}O{sub 2}N was plate-like.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis and electrocatalytic performance for p-nitrophenol reduction of rod-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} and Ag/Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} composites

Graphical abstract: The pure Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} and Ag/Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} composite with 5% Ag all exhibited rod-like morphology, and the microrods were actually composed of nanoparticles with mean size of 35 nm or so. - Highlights: • A facile route was designed to fabricate rod-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} and Ag/Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} composite nanomaterials. • Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} and Ag/Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} composite were modified on a GCE directly. • All samples exhibited enhanced catalytic property for p-nitrophenol reduction. - Abstract: Rod-like precursors of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} and Ag/Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} composites with different Ag contents were synthesized via a co-precipitation method. Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} and Ag/Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} composite samples were fabricated by calcining each precursor at 400 °C for 3 h. The as-prepared samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} and Ag/Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} composites were used as electrocatalyst modified on a glassy carbon electrode for p-nitrophenol reduction in basic solution. The results showed that p-nitrophenol could be reduced effectively on the modified electrode. By comparison with a bare glassy carbon electrode, peak current increased markedly with Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} and Ag/Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} samples, and peak potential decreased obviously with Ag/Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} samples. Ag/Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} composites with 4% Ag exhibited the highest electrocatalytic activity for p-nitrophenol reduction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Preparation, characterization and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities of BiPO{sub 4}/BiVO{sub 4} composites

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • BiPO{sub 4}/BiVO{sub 4} composites were successfully prepared by the hydrothermal method. • BiPO{sub 4}/BiVO{sub 4} composites exhibited broad absorption in the visible region. • Visible-light photocatalytic activities of BiPO{sub 4}/BiVO{sub 4} composites were enhanced. • P/V molar ratio and pH value of the reaction affect photocatalytic activity. • The mechanism of enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities was discussed. - Abstract: BiPO{sub 4}/BiVO{sub 4} composites with different P/V molar ratios were prepared by the hydrothermal method and the effect of pH values of hydrothermal reaction on photocatalytic activity of BiPO{sub 4}/BiVO{sub 4} composite was investigated. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic property of BiPO{sub 4}/BiVO{sub 4} was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of Methylene blue under visible light irradiation. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of the composites was much higher than that of pure BiPO{sub 4} and BiVO{sub 4}. The rate constant of Methylene blue degradation over BiPO{sub 4}/BiVO{sub 4} (P/V molar ratio of 5:1 and hydrothermal reaction pH value of 1.5) is 1.7 times that of pure BiVO{sub 4}. The photocatalytic activity enhancement of BiPO{sub 4}/BiVO{sub 4} composite is closely related to the BiVO{sub 4} functioning as a sensitizer to adsorb visible light and the heterojunction of BiPO{sub 4}/BiVO{sub 4} acting as an active center for hindering the rapid recombination of electron–hole pairs during the photocatalytic reaction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of three-dimensional ZnS/CdS composites

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • 3D urchin-like ZnS/CdS composites were synthesized via a two-step method. • The CdS nanoparticles were assembled on the thorns of 3D ZnS urchins. • The ZnS/CdS composites show excellent photocatalytic degradation activities. • The modification of CdS on ZnS is responsible for the enhanced property. - Abstract: Urchin-like ZnS/CdS semiconductor composites were successfully synthesized by combining solvothermal route with homogeneous precipitation process. The as-obtained samples were characterized by means of XRD, EDX, TEM, HR-TEM, ED and FE-SEM techniques. The results show that the as-obtained composites were comprised of the hexagonal structure ZnS and CdS, and CdS nanoparticles were assembled on the surfaces of the thorns of urchin-like ZnS. In addition, the optical properties and photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared ZnS/CdS composites toward some organic dyes (such as Methyl Orange, Pyronine B, Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue) were separately investigated. It is found that the ZnS/CdS composites exhibit excellent photocatalytic degradation activity for these dyes under UV irradiation, as compared to corresponding pure ZnS urchins and commercial anatase TiO{sub 2} (P-25). This enhanced activity may be related to the modification of CdS nanoparticles on the surfaces of thorns of ZnS urchins and a tentative mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation activities of the ZnS/CdS composite catalyst was proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Facile fabrication of three-dimensional mesoporous Si/SiC composites via one-step magnesiothermic reduction at relative low temperature

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The Si/SiC composites were synthesized by one-step magnesiothermic reduction. • The mesoporous composites have a high specific surface area (655.7 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}). • The composites exhibited a strong photoluminescence and better biocompatibility. • The mechanisms of formation and photoluminescence of sample were discussed. - Abstract: By converting modified silica aerogels to the corresponding silicon/silicon carbide (Si/SiC) without losing its nanostructure, three-dimensional mesoporous (3DM) Si/SiC composites are successfully synthesized via one-step magnesothermic reduction at relative low temperature (650 °C). The phase composition and microstructure of the resulting samples are measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). N{sub 2}-sorption isotherms results show that the products have high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface areas (up to 656 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}) and narrow pore-size distributions (1.5–30 nm). The composites exhibit a strong photoluminescence (PL) in blue-green light region (peak centered at 533 nm). We have set out work on the biocompatibility and enhancing PL of samples. As a result of excellent performances of the composites, it can be expected to have significant application in optoelectronics, biosensors, biological tracer and so on.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Facile synthesis of Ag–Cu{sub 2}O composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Highlights: • Ag–Cu{sub 2}O nanocomposites were synthesized via awet-chemical precipitation route. • The growth temperature does not exceed 50 °C in any step of the synthesis. • Enhanced photocurrent of Ag–Cu{sub 2}O composites, compared to pure Cu{sub 2}O particles. • The photocatalytic property was studied upon simulated sunlight. • Enhanced photocatalytic property of Ag–Cu{sub 2}O composites, compared to pure Cu{sub 2}O particles. - Abstract: Silver–cuprous oxide (Ag–Cu{sub 2}O) microcomposites are successfully prepared by a facile low-cost solution method. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Experiments demonstrated that the formation of Ag–Cu{sub 2}O microcomposites was significantly influenced by the concentration of AgNO{sub 3}, and with increasing the concentration of AgNO{sub 3}, the optical absorption of the composites becomes strong. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared Ag–Cu{sub 2}O composites was determined by measuring the degradation of methyl orange solution under visible light, to find out its potential application in waste water treatment. The results reveal that the photocurrent of the composite is about 4 times higher than that of pure Cu{sub 2}O and the visible light photocatalytic activity of the composite is enhanced greatly on degradation of methyl orange. The reason for improvement in photocatalytic activity of the Ag–Cu{sub 2}O composites was also discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Composite electrolytes ceramic Li{sub 7}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12}/glassy Li{sub 2}O-Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}-SiO{sub 2}

Highlights: • We synthesized Li{sub 7}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12}-x wt% 40.2Li{sub 2}O·5.7Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}·54.1SiO{sub 2} (x = 1–10) composites. • Density of the composite samples is higher than one of the sintered Li{sub 7}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12}. • The composition with x = 5 has high total conductivity, 2.5 × 10{sup −5} S cm{sup −1} at 25 °C. - Abstract: We have investigated the effect of lithium yttrium-silicate glass 40.2Li{sub 2}O·5.7Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}·54.1SiO{sub 2} on the density and total conductivity of tetragonal Li{sub 7}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12}. An optimal sintering temperature (1200 °C) was selected on the basis of a composite with 1 wt% of the glass having the highest density and total conductivity after annealing at this temperature. A series of composites Li{sub 7}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12}-x wt% 40.2Li{sub 2}O·5.7Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}·54.1SiO{sub 2} (x = 1–10) was prepared. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The data revealed that the sintering additive interacted with Li{sub 7}La{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 12}, causing the glass to crystallize during annealing. The conductivity of the composites was studied using complex impedance spectroscopy over a temperature range of 20–250 °C. The composite with x = 5 exhibited the highest total conductivity at room temperature: 2.5 × 10{sup −5} S cm{sup −1}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

One-pot synthesis of the g-C3N4/S-doped ZnO composite with assistance of sodium lignosulfonate and its enhanced photodegradation on organic pollutants

Highlights: • g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/S-ZnO composite was successfully prepared by a facile one-pot method. • SLS acts as a linkage reagent in the synthetic process. • S originated from SLS was doped into ZnO. • Combining g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} with ZnO cooperatively improves composite photocatalytic performance. • The g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/S-ZnO composite shows excellent photocatalytic degradation on phenol. - Abstract: Lignin is one of the most abundant materials in nature, but its highly value-adding utilization is still a challenge. Herein, sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) was adopted to fabricate ZnO centering on the concept of “using lignin valuably”. And the g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/S-ZnO (CNSZ) composite was successfully prepared. SLS serves as a linkage reagent, interacting with ZnO on one hand and simultaneously helping urea (processor of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}) to be deposited with ZnO. The structure and morphology of CNSZ were fully characterized. It is shown that g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} co-exists in the composite. Meanwhile, EDS and XPS analyses indicate the presence of S in the composite, which originates from SLS. The composite is found to show good photocatalytic property. Its degradation efficiency on phenol is 8.5 times higher than bare ZnO. Due to its facile synthesis and excellent property, the newly-synthesized CNSZ is anticipated to be promising for water treatment application.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Compositionally Graded High Entropy Alloy with a Strong front and ductile base

Material components with variable properties can be ideal for many advanced applications due to their seamless nature of microstructural transition, cost reduction and high resistance of failure. A compositionally graded AlXCoCrFeNi (x=0.3-0.7) high entropy alloy composite build was additively manufactured using laser engineered net shaping (LENSTM). In this high throughput production process, the elemental composition of Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Ni powders in the hoppers were varied and the feed rates were shifted to create a laminate of Al0.3CoCrFeNi and Al0.7CoCrFeNi layers, with a 500 µm wide transition zone of intermediary composition. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy along the build direction verified the elemental composition matching closely with the targeted compositions. X-ray diffraction revealed the Al0.3CoCrFeNi to be a single-phase fcc structure whereas Al0.7CoCrFeNi had dual phase fcc + B2/ bcc. Scanning electron microscopy was used to capture the microstructural features in the two layers as well as the transition zone. The massive shift in mechanical properties of hardness, dynamic strength and work hardening rates in this graded composite have been discussed. With this endeavor, the microstructural complexity of HEAs has been combined with the unique advantage of LENSTM to achieve an ingenious path to fabricate materials suited applications demanding variable strength and ductility/toughness.

Gwalani, Bharat↗
DOE OSTI2022

Integrating very-high-resolution UAS data and airborne imaging spectroscopy to map the fractional composition of Arctic plant functional types in Western Alaska

Widespread changes in vegetation cover and composition are driving strong impacts on Arctic ecosystem functioning and global climate feedbacks. An accurate characterization of tundra vegetation composition is required to understand how the Arctic will respond to future climate change. However, quantifying tundra vegetation composition over large areas is challenging as commonly-used satellite observations are too coarse, spatially and spectrally, to differentiate low-lying tundra vegetation types. Recent airborne and spaceborne imaging spectroscopy platforms provide better data to characterize vegetation composition. Yet, our ability to characterize vegetation composition with imaging spectroscopy remains largely unexplored in the Arctic, particularly due to a lack of ground observations needed to train and test classification models. To address this problem, we collected very-high-resolution (VHR, ~5 cm) unoccupied aerial system (UAS) imagery at three low-Arctic tundra sites located on the Seward Peninsula, western Alaska. In this paper, we examine the feasibility of integrating imagery from the UAS and the hyperspectral Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer, Next Generation (AVIRIS-NG) airborne instrument to map the fractional composition of 12 key Arctic plant functional types (PFTs). To this end, we first mapped the 12 PFTs from our VHR UAS imagery using random forest classification. We then used these UAS-derived PFT maps as ground truth to develop partial least squares regression (PLSR) models to predict the fractional cover (FCover) of each PFT from AVIRIS-NG imagery. Further, we evaluated the performance of our PLSR models using reserved UAS samples, as well as by mapping PFT FCover and dominant PFT for large tundra landscapes. Our results show that 1) Arctic PFTs can be effectively mapped using VHR UAS imagery, with overall accuracy between 86% and 92%, 2) when the UAS mapped PFTs were used to inform PLSR scaling models, the FCover of the 12 PFTs could be effectively estimated from AVIRIS-NG imagery with a mean absolute error (MAE) <0.13, and 3) our PLSR models outperformed traditional, fully constrained least-squares (FCLS) linear mixture analysis and produced high-quality, spatially contiguous PFT FCover and PFT maps that captured vegetation spatial patterns with similar accuracy to those developed from UAS imagery. The developed PLSR models have the potential to be broadly applied for quantifying vegetation composition with AVIRIS-NG images to help monitor tundra vegetation dynamics and improve process-based modeling of tundra ecosystems.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Natural organic matter composition and nanomaterial surface coating determine the nature of platinum nanomaterial-natural organic matter corona

Natural organic matter corona (NOM corona) is an interfacial area between nanomaterials (NMs) and the sur- rounding environment, which gives rise to NMs' unique surface identity. While the importance of the formation of natural organic matter (NOM) corona on engineered nanomaterials (NMs) to NM behavior, fate, and toxicity has been well-established, the understanding of how NOM molecular properties affect NOM corona composition remains elusive due to the complexity and heterogeneity of NOM. This is further complicated by the variation of NOMs from different origins. Here we use eight NOM isolates of different molecular composition and ultrahigh resolution Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR-MS) to determine the mol- ecular composition of platinum NM-NOM corona as a function of NOM composition and NM surface coating. We observed that the composition of PtNM-NOM corona varied with the composition of the original NOM. The per- centage of NOM formulas that formed PVP-PtNM-NOM corona was higher than those formed citrate-PtNM-NOM corona, due to increased sorption of NOM formulas, in particular condensed hydrocarbons, to the PVP coating. The relative abundance of heteroatom formulas (CHON, CHOS, and CHOP) was higher in the PVP-PtNM-NOM corona than in citrate-PtNM-corona which was in turn higher than those in the original NOM isolate, indicating preferential partitioning of heteroatom-rich molecules to NM surfaces. The relative abundance of CHO, CHON, CHOS, CHOP and condensed hydrocarbons in PtNM-NOM corona increased with their increase in NOM isolates. Furthermore, PtNM-NOM corona is rich with compounds with high molecular weight. This study demonstrates that the composition and properties of PtNM-NOM corona depend on NOM molecular properties and PtNM sur- face coating. The results here provide evidence of molecular interactions between NOM and NMs, which are crit- ical to understanding NM colloidal properties (e.g., surface charge and stability), interaction forces (e.g., van der Waals and hydrphobic), environmental behaviors (e.g., aggregation, disso.

Baalousha, Mohammed↗
DOE OSTI2015

A novel approach in organic waste utilization through biochar addition in wood/polypropylene composites

Highlights: • Biochar made from waste wood was added with wood polypropylene composites. • 24% biochar gave the best mechanical properties. • 6% biochar had no effect on physico-mechanical properties of composites. • Coupling agent remained unreacted in composites having higher amount of biochar. - Abstract: In an attempt to concurrently address the issues related to landfill gas emission and utilization of organic wastes, a relatively novel idea is introduced to develop biocomposites where biochar made from pyrolysis of waste wood (Pinus radiata) is added with the same wood, plastic/polymer (polypropylene) and maleated anhydride polypropylene (MAPP). Experiments were conducted by manufacturing wood and polypropylene composites (WPCs) mixed with 6 wt%, 12 wt%, 18 wt%, 24 wt%, and 30 wt% biochar. Though 6 wt% addition had similar properties to that of the control (composite without biochar), increasing biochar content to 24 wt% improved the composite’s tensile/flexural strengths and moduli. The biochar, having high surface area due to fine particles and being highly carbonised, acted as reinforcing filler in the biocomposite. Composites having 12 wt% and 18 wt% of biochar were found to be the most ductile and thermally stable, respectively. This study demonstrates that, WPCs added with biochar has good potential to mitigate wastes while simultaneously producing biocomposites having properties that might be suited for various end applications.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗