Iranian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering

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Carbon-based chemical substances persistence can contribute to adverse health impacts on human lives. It is essential to overcome for treatment purposes. The semiconducting metal oxide is Zinc Oxide (ZnO), which has excellent biocompatibility, good chemical stability, selectivity, sensitivity, non-toxicity, and fast electron transfer characteristics. The ZnO nanoparticles are more efficient compared to other metal oxide materials. Thus, the nanoparticles are in the present research situation to receive increasing attention due to their potential performance of the human body to feel comfortable. The nanoparticles become more promising for biomedical applications through the development of anticancer agents to recovery different types of malignant cells in the human body. The ZnO nanoparticles can be the future potential materials for biomedical applications. The purpose of this paper is to review the cost-effective approach to synthesize the ZnO nanoparticles. Moreover, these ideas can develop for synthesized ZnO biomaterial to perform easily up-scaled in biomedical applications.

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Silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) materials derived from silicone attracted great attention for their superior high-temperature behavior. In the present study, Si(Ti)OC and Si(Ti,Al)OC nanocomposites, in which alkoxide precursors were used with the main silicone precursor, have been compared with SiOC material. Although in SiOC, C was bonded with Si in a carbon-rich SiOC phase, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that TiC was the preferred state for C atoms upon adding Ti into the system. This claim was also substantiated by Raman spectroscopy, where adding Ti into the system lowered the intensity of the D band, indicating the high affinity of C to form crystalline TiC. In the Si(Ti,Al)OC nanocomposites synthesized by adding AlCl₃ into the Si(Ti)OC system, mullite nanocrystals formed a superlattice structure with TiC. UV-vis spectra of the nanocomposites showed Si(Ti,Al)OC with mullite-TiC superlattice had a larger bandgap compared with Si(Ti)OC with only TiC nanocrystals.

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Copper oxide (CuO) nanostructure particles were prepared using KOH/NaOH catalyst by low cost precipitation method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectra (EDX) analysis. The photocatalytic dye degradation study of pure CuO nanostructure particles are analysed against two azo dyes (Direct black 38 (Black-E) and Congo red) under ultraviolet (UV) and solar irradiation. The release of major active species (*OH) in the photocatalytic degradation by as prepared CuO nanostructure particles were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) spectra with two different excitation wavelength (325and 355nm). The band gap of CuO nanostructure particles was calculated from diffuse reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic effect of CuO nanostructure particles is confirmed from the UV – Vis and photoluminescence spectra and also, further confirmed from the kinetic studies under UV and solar radiations. The photocatalytic degradation results revealed that 16.35% and 7.5% of black E and Congo red dye was degraded under UV, while it was 47.2% and 17.6% under solar light. The influence of pH on the photodegradation and change in the reaction temperature under solar irradiation were also analysed

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Porous nanostructured SnO₂ with a sheet-like morphology was synthesized through a simple green substrate-free gelatin-assisted calcination process using Tin tetracholoride pentahydrate as the SnO₂ precursor and porcine gelatin as the template. Crystalline phase, morphology, microstructure, and optical characteristics of the as-prepared material were also investigated at different calcination temperatures using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-visible absorption, and Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), respectively. XRD patterns of all the samples revealed the presence of a tetragonal crystalline structure with no other crystalline phases. Moreover, the synthesized hierarchical sheets assembled with nanoparticles displayed a large surface area and porous nanostructure. The calculated optical band gap energy varied from 2.62 to 2.87 eV depending on the calcination temperature. Finally, photoluminescence spectra indicated that the nanostructured SnO₂ could exhibit an intensive UV-violet luminescence emission at 396 nm, with shoulders at 374, violet emission peaks at 405 and 414 nm, blue-green emission peak at 486 nm, green emission peak at 534 nm and orange emission peak at 628 nm.

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The structural properties of a natural clay sample (51% kaolinite) were tweaked to suit specific applications. H₂SO₄ and NaOH (1.0 M) treatment caused structural alterations and a significant release of Al ions compared to Si ions. Chemical treatment caused structural alterations, according to XRD analysis. FTIR analysis also indicated higher density of polar surface groups upon treatment which affected the corresponding dielectric behaviors. Dielectric measurements shown the suitable application of the materials either as dielectrical insulator and this dependent on the applied frequency. Acid treated kaolinite was reported to be a promising dielectric at 10 and 1000 Hz. With appropriate mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) 12.098-12.182 cm²/g and a high half value layer of 10 cm at 10 keV, kaolinite and other treated forms were adequate shielding materials.

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The present study aims to investigate the role of the electrostatic mechanism in the filtration process of Polyacrylonitrile nanofibers containing single-walled carbon nanotube. The nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning using 16wt% Polyacrylonitrile polymer (PAN) solution, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) at a ratio of 99:1 along with N and N-Dimethylformamide solvents. Initial filtration efficiency was tested as per ISO 29463:2011 standard inside a test rig. An electrostatic discharge test was performed via the chemical treatment of the filter media with Isopropyl alcohol in accordance to EN779 standard. Mean initial filtration efficiency of the nanofiber media in the capturing of 100nm and 200nm particles were 95.92% ±2.74 and 97.26% ±1.11 respectively, while for particles between 80nm to 250nm, this was 96.73% ±2.74. The efficiency of the untreated media was 0.2% to 1.2% higher than the PAN/SWNT media after electron discharge using Isopropyl alcohol with an even bigger difference being observed at lower particle size ranges. After treatment with Isopropyl alcohol, the pressure drop of the filtration media was increased from 164.7 Pa to 185.3 Pa. The reduction in filtration efficiency observed after the electrostatic discharge test indicates that the electrical charge of the electrospun nanofibers is influential in its initial efficiency for removing the submicron particles.

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In the present study, the effects of boron on the structural and magnetic properties of AlCrFeNiMnSiB_x high entropy alloys (HEAs) were investigated. In this regards, different percentages of boron element were added to the based composition and the samples were identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) methods. Based on results, the tendency of Si element to formation of silicide phases prevents from the stabilization of single FCC and BCC solid solution phases in AlCrFeNiMnSi alloy. The boron element has significant effects on destabilization of silicide phases and by increasing in the percentage of this element, the simple BCC solid solution phase has been dominate phase. Of course, boron has distractive effects on magnetic properties of prepared alloys and the saturation of magnetization of AlCrFeNiMnSiB_x HEAs decrease from 29.8 emu/g to about 6 emu/g by increasing the boron content.  

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Copper oxide thin layers were elaborated using the sol-gel dip-coating. The thickness effect on morphological, structural, optical and electrical properties was studied. Copper chloride dihydrate was used as precursor and dissolved into methanol. The scanning electron microscopy analysis results showed that there is continuity in formation of the clusters and the nuclei with the increase of number of the dips. X-ray diffractogram showed that all the films are polycrystalline cupric oxide CuO phase with monoclinic structure with grain size in the range of 30.72 - 26.58 nm. The obtained films are clear blackin appearance, which are confirmed by the optical transmittance spectra. The optical band gap energies of the deposited films vary from 3.80 to 3.70 eV. The electrical conductivity of the films decreases from 1.90.10^-2 to 7.39.10^-3 (Ω.cm)^-1

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Green synthesis refers to the synthesis of nanoparticles using plants and microorganisms. It is preferred over conventional methods as its sustainable, eco-friendly, cost effective and rapid method. The phytochemicals and enzymes present in plants and microorganisms respectively acts as the reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Phytochemicals and enzymes have the ability to reduce precursor metal ions into nanoparticles. As the conventional methods involve the use of high energy and toxic chemicals which are harmful to both environment and organisms, these synthesis methods are discouraged. Of the nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained lots of attention owing to their multiple applications and less toxicity. In addition, various in-vitro studies have reported the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs and AuNPs against various microbes. This particular review portrays the methods of nanoparticles synthesis, components of green synthesis, mechanism of green synthesis, antimicrobial activity, other applications and various factors affecting the green synthesis of AgNPs and AuNPs.

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Abstract
In this research, Gelatine (GEL)/ Chitosan (CH) wound dressing was prepared and irradiated with gamma rays from ⁶⁰Co source for wound healing applications. GEL-CH composite characterization and functional properties were determined. The structural changes occurring after γ-irradiation at doses from 5 to 25 kGy were reported by physico-chemical techniques such as Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) studies. The antioxidant capacity was studied using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical) scavenging and the antibacterial activities of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were observed using liquid medium. Results revealed that EPR spectroscopy of un-irradiated GEL-CH showed 2 paramagnetic centers correspond to g=2.077 and g= 2.079. After irradiation, no active centre was appeared. A dose-dependent decrease in the central signal intensity was detected, then the EPR signal intensity almost disappears at 20 kGy. Gamma rays caused a slight increase in ion conductivity. FTIR suggest a slightly crosslinking phenomenon at 20 kGy. The XRD analysis does not show peak indicating crystallinity between a range of 2θ (15–30°). Moreover, γ-irradiation elevated the Scavenging DPPH radical activity (0.75 ± 0.07%). Gamma rays did not affect the antibacterial activity of GEL-CH wound dressing against pathogenic bacteria. The innovative results showed that the required γ-radiation for sterilization was ranged from 5 to 25 kGy. It permits to improve the physico-chemical and biological properties and maintain the native structural integrity of the GEL/ COL wound dressing

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Neoplastic cells have co-opted inflammatory receptors and signaling molecules that potentiate inflammation. Activated inflammatory pathways lead to neo-angiogenesis, lymph-angiogenesis, immunosuppression, tumor growth, proliferation and metastasis. This cancer-sustaining inflammation is a critical target to arrest cancer growth. Multiple drug resistance, high cost, low oral bioavailability and serious side effects have rendered conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutics less impressive. The aim of this research was to achieve cancer debulking and proliferation prevention by limiting ‘cancer-sustaining’ tumor niche inflammation through non-conventional oral approach employing anti-inflammatory agents and avoiding conventional cytotoxic agents. Synergistic anti-inflammatory agents, i.e. celecoxib as selective COX-2 inhibitor and montelukast as cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, were selected. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were used as nanocarriers because of their efficient synergistic anti-neoplastic effects and excellent oral drug delivery potential. Specifically, selected drugs were co-conjugated onto AgNPs. Synthesized nanoparticles were then surface-modified with poly(vinyl alcohol) to control particle size, avoid opsonization/preferred cellular uptake and improve dispersion. Surface plasmon resonance analysis, particle size analysis, DSC, TGA, XRD, FTIR and LIBS analysis confirmed the successful conjugation of drugs and efficient polymer coating with high loading efficiency. In-vitro, the nanoparticles manifested best and sustained release in moderately acidic (pH 4.5) milieu enabling passive tumor targeting potential. In-vivo, synthesized nanoparticles exhibited efficient dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity reducing the dose up to 25-fold. The formulation also manifested hemo-compatibility, potent anti-denaturation activity and dose-dependent in-vitro and in-vivo anti-cancer potential against MCF-7 breast cancer and Hep-G2 liver cancer cell lines in both orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft cancer models. The anti-inflammatory nanoparticles manifested tumor specific release potential exhibiting selective cytotoxicity at cancerous milieu with slightly acidic environment and activated inflammatory pathways. The formulation displayed impressive oral bioavailability, sustained release, negligible cytotoxicity against THLE-2 normal human hepatocytes, low toxicity (high LD₅₀) and wide therapeutic window. Results suggest promise of developed nanomaterials as hemo-compatible, potent, cheaper, less-toxic oral anti-inflammatory and non-conventional anti-cancer agents.

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In this study, for the first time, the Forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄) nanoparticles (NPs) with the size of about 25 nm were added to the phosphate-based electrolyte, and the characteristics and properties of the obtained plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coating on AZ31 Mg alloy was investigated. The results of the potentiodynamic polarization measurements revealed that after one week of exposure to simulated body fluid (SBF) solution, the coating with Mg₂SiO₄ NPs possessed 12.30 kΩ cm² polarization resistance, which was more than two times greater than that of the coating without NPs. The thicker coating layer, lower wettability, and also presence of Mg₂SiO₄ NPs inside the pores were responsible for enhanced corrosion protection in the Mg₂SiO₄ NPs incorporated coating. After three weeks of immersion in SBF solution, the in-vitro bioactivity test results indicated the ability of the NPs-containing coating to form apatite (Ca/P ratio of 0.92) was weaker than the coating without NPs (Ca/P ratio of 1.17). This could be attributed to the lower wettability of the coating with NPs and supports that the addition of the nanoparticles is not beneficial to the bioactivity performance of the coating. 

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The goal of the present study is to prepare a room temperature cured hydrophobic and self-cleaning nano-coating for power line insulators. As a result, the installed insulators operating in power lines can be coated without being removed from the circuit and without the need to cut off power. For this purpose, hydrophobic silica nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel method using TEOS and HMDS. The synthesized hydrophobic silica nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM analyses to investigate phase formation, particle size, and morphology. Then the surface of the insulator was cleaned and sprayed by Ultimeg binder solution, an air-dried insulating coating, as the base coating. Then the hydrophobic nano-silica powder was sprayed on the binder coated surface and left to be air-cured at room temperature. After drying the coating, the contact angle was measured to be 149^o. Pull-off test was used to check the adhesion strength of the hydrophobic coating to the base insulator. To evaluate the effect of environmental factors, UV resistance and fog-salt corrosion tests were conducted. The results showed that 150 hours of UV radiation, equivalent to 9 months of placing the samples in normal conditions, did not have any significant effect on reducing the hydrophobicity of the applied coatings.

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ABSTRACT
In this paper, novel Nanohybrid CuO-Fe₃O₄/Zeolite nanocomposites (HCFZ NCs) have been synthesized to improve the adsorption capacity and activity for removing the Arsenic and Lead cations from the contaminated water solutions. The nanohybrid 4, 10, and 20 -HCFZ NC samples were investigated by XRD, FT-IR, TEM, FESEM, EDX, and BET. The characterization results of these catalysts confirmed the presence of CuO and Fe₃O₄ NPs in nanospherical shapes as Nanohybrid Cu and Fe oxides on the zeolite surface. Notably, the 10-HCFZ NC sample showed the highest removal efficiency of harmful metallic pollutants from the water in comparison to the prepared neat zeolite, 4-HCFZ NC, and 20-HCFZ NC samples, with a percentage removal of (97.9 %) for Pb ions and (93.5 %) for As ions within 30 minutes (100 ppm). According to the adsorption isotherms results, R² values for the Langmuir isotherm were the highest, suggesting that the experimental results fit better the Langmuir isotherm model. Generally, according to the obtained results, there is a possibility of enhancing the efficiency of Nanohybrid CuO-Fe₃O₄/Zeolite NCs to remove Arsenic and Lead ions from polluted aqueous solutions.
 

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Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZO) garnets are one of the promising materials as electrolytes for solid-state batteries. In this study, Li_7-3xAl_xLa₃Zr₂O₁₂ (x= 0.22, 0.25, and 0.28) garnet is synthesized using the combustion sol-gel method to stabilize the cubic phase for higher ionic conductivity. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of as-synthesized powders reveal that by addition of 0.22 and 0.25 mole Al, the tetragonal phase still co-exist, whereas 0.28 mole Al addition resulted in a single cubic phase. Afterward, the as-synthesized powders are pressed and sintered at 1180°C for 10h. The hardness evaluation revealed that Al addition increases the hardness that shows better resistance against Li dendrite formation. Besides, the secondary electron microscopy results demonstrate that the dopant has not a huge impact on particle size and grain growth whereas the porosity content has been changed. Finally, the investigation of samples' electrochemical behavior reveals that the addition of Al increases the ionic conductivity of samples by increasing the density and stability of the cubic phase as well. The results declare that the 0.25 Al sample has the highest ionic conductivity. This behavior is thought to be due to the promotion of sintering and increment of bulk ionic conductivity by doping Al.

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Ionic liquids as green solvents with high thermal stability, recyclability, low flash point, and low vapor
pressure, have been considered as a viable alternative in hydrometallurgical processes. In this study the leaching
kinetics of chalcopyrite concentrate was investigated using 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate
(BmimHSO4) as an acidic ionic liquid. The Effect of operational parameters, including temperature, BmimHSO4
concentration, H2O2 concentration, stirring speed, solid-to-liquid ratio, and particle size on the rate of copper
dissolution of CuFeS2 were examined systematically. The highest Cu efficiency (ca. 97%) was achieved using 40%
(w/v) BmimHSO4, 30 %v/v H2O2, and 10 g.L-1 solid to liquid ratio for particle sizes less than 37 μm at 300 rpm and
45°C after 180 min leaching time. Kinetics study using Shrinking Core Model (SCM) revealed that CuFeS2 leaching
process using BmimHSO4 follows chemical reaction-controlled process. Under these circumstances, the calculated
activation energy was 46.66 KJ/mol. Moreover, the orders of reaction with respect to BmimHSO4 and H2O2
concentration, solid to liquid ratio and particle size were estimated to be 0.539, 0.933, −0.676 and −1.101
respectively. The obtained Arrhenius constant was found to be 0.26  106. The calculation of apparent activation
energy using “time given to a fraction method” revealed that the leaching mechanism remains the same over the
course of time.

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Materials that are applied to combat vehicles require an innovation as the development of the military world advances. The material innovation in this research is a lightweight hybrid laminated Al7075 composites. The main materials used in this research are aluminum 7075 plate, kevlar 29, silicon carbide (SiC) nano powder, and epoxy resin. SiC nano powder is mixed with polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG-400), then ethanol is added so that it becomes a shear thickening fluid (STF) solution which is used to impregnate kevlar. Laminate composites were prepared using the hand lay-up method with epoxy resin as an additive between layers of kevlar and aluminum 7075 plates. The thickness of laminates is various due to the number of kevlar used different of each laminated that is 8, 16, and 24 layers. The results of this study show that the composite with impregnated kevlar has higher ballistic and impact resistance values than the composite with non-impregnated kevlar, which has good potential as a base material for combat vehicles such as tanks. This is also supported by the Fourier Transfer Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) results to determine the level of absorbance of the functional groups identified in impregnated kevlar and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) results of the distribution of nano SiC filler that infiltrated to the empty space in the kevlar fiber.