Influence of the surface properties of silicon carbide on the process of SiC particles codeposition with nickel

Electrochemistry at Krakowian research institutions

The electrochemistry research team activity from Poland is marked by significant increase in the last 20 years. The joining of European Community in 2004 gives an impulse for the development of Polish science. The development of electrochemistry has been stimulated by cooperation with industry and the establishment of technology transfer centers, technology parks, business incubators, etc. and the mostly by simplified international collaborations. Five research institutions from Krakow reports work in the field of electrochemistry. The achievements of all teams are briefly described.

Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Co-Electrodeposited Particulate-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites: A Critical Review with Interfacial Aspects

Particulate-reinforced metal matrix composites (PRMMCs) with excellent tribo-mechanical properties are important engineering materials and have attracted constant scientific interest over the years. Among the various fabrication methods used, co-electrodeposition (CED) is valued due to its efficiency, accuracy, and affordability. However, the way this easy-to-perform process is carried out is inconsistent, with researchers using different methods for volume fraction measurement and tribo-mechanical testing, as well as failing to carry out proper interface characterization. The main contribution of this work lies in its determination of the gaps in the tribo-mechanical research of CED PRMMCs. For mechanical properties, hardness is described with respect to measurement methods, models, and experiments concerning CED PRMMCs. The tribology of such composites is described, taking into account the reinforcement volume fraction, size, and composite fabrication route (direct/pulsed current). Interfacial aspects are discussed using experimental direct strength measurements. Each part includes a critical overview, and future prospects are anticipated. This review paper provides an overview of the tribo-mechanical parameters of Ni-based co-electrodeposited particulate-reinforced metal matrix composite coatings with an interfacial viewpoint and a focus on hardness, wear, and friction behavior.

Differential regulation of phenanthrene biodegradation process by kaolinite and quartz and the underlying mechanism

Natural and cost-effective materials such as minerals can serve as supportive matrices to enhance biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this study we evaluated and compared the regulatory role of two common soil minerals, i.e. kaolinite and quartz in phenanthrene (a model PAH) degradation by a PAH degrader Sphingomonas sp. GY2B and investigated the underlying mechanism. Overall kaolinite was more effective than quartz in promoting phenanthrene degradation and bacterial growth. And it was revealed that a more intimate association was established between GY2B and kaolinite. Si and O atoms on mineral surface were demonstrated to be involved in GY2B-mineral interaction. There was an higher polysaccharide/lipid content in the EPS (extracellular polymeric substances) secreted by GY2B on kaolinite than on quartz. Altogether, these results showed that differential bacterial growth, enzymatic activity, EPS composition as well as the interface interaction may explain the effects minerals have on PAH biodegradation. It was implicated that different interface interaction between different minerals and bacteria can affect microbial behavior, which ultimately results in different biodegradation efficiency.

Redox deposition of birnessite-type manganese oxide on silicon carbide microspheres for use as supercapacitor electrodes

Silicon carbide microsphere/birnessite-type MnOx (SiC/B-MnOx) composites were prepared by removal of a SiO2 layer with redox deposition of birnessite-type MnOx for supercapacitor electrode materials. The characterization studies showed that the birnessite-type MnOx in the composite was homogeneously deposited on the SiC surface. The capacitive properties of the as-prepared SiC/B-MnOx electrodes were measured in a three-electrode system using 1 M Na2SO4(aq) as the electrolyte. The SiC/B-MnOx(6) electrode, fabricated using a MnOx/SiC feeding ratio of 6:1, displayed a specific capacitance of 251.3 F g(-1) at 10 mV s(-1). Such excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to an increase in the electrical conductivity in the presence of silicon carbide, an increase in the effective interfacial area between MnOx and the electrolyte, and the contact area between MnOx and silicon carbide. The deposition of birnessite-type MnOx on a SiC surface may be a prospective fabrication technique for electrode materials for supercapacitors.