Composites between Perovskite and Layered Co-Based Oxides for Modification of the Thermoelectric Efficiency

The common approach to modify the thermoelectric activity of oxides is based on the concept of selective metal substitution. Herein, we demonstrate an alternative approach based on the formation of multiphase composites, at which the individual components have distinctions in the electric and thermal conductivities. The proof-of-concept includes the formation of multiphase composites between well-defined thermoelectric Co-based oxides: Ni, Fe co-substituted perovskite, LaCo0.8Ni0.1Fe0.1O3 (LCO), and misfit layered Ca3Co4O9. The interfacial chemical and electrical properties of composites are probed with the means of SEM, PEEM/XAS, and XPS tools, as well as the magnetic susceptibility measurements. The thermoelectric power of the multiphase composites is evaluated by the dimensionless figure of merit, ZT, calculated from the independently measured electrical resistivity (ρ), Seebeck coefficient (S), and thermal conductivity (λ). It has been demonstrated that the magnitude’s electric and thermal conductivities depend more significantly on the composite interfaces than the Seebeck coefficient values. As a result, the highest thermoelectric activity is observed at the composite richer on the perovskite (i.e., ZT = 0.34 at 298 K).

Performance and Fracture Analysis of Composite Interfaces for Semi-Flexible Pavement

Semi-flexible pavement is widely used in pavement engineering due to its excellent rutting resistance; however, it mainly fails due to cracking. Therefore, it is important to understand the properties of the aggregate–mortar–asphalt interfacial transition zone, to better understand the cracking mechanism of the semi-flexible pavement. In this work, we used pull-off tests and digital image analysis technology to compare and analyze the interfacial tensile strength and granite–bitumen–mortar interactions in three types of asphalt (70# matrix asphalt, PG76-22 modified asphalt and S-HV modified asphalt) at different curing ages. The analysis results showed that, for the three different bitumen materials, with settled mortar, the peak interfacial tensile strength values all occurred at approximately 14 d of curing. In addition, the order of the tensile strength followed the order of asphalt penetration degree; the order of the interfacial water damage resistance from weak to strong was 70# asphalt cementation specimen, PG76-22 modified asphalt cementation specimen, and S-HV modified asphalt cementation specimen. The results of this analysis highlight the original contributions of the optimum curing time for the composite interface of semi-flexible pavement materials prepared with different asphalts to reach optimum crack resistance.

To the Question on the Use of Multivariate Analysis and 2D Visualisation of Synchrotron ATR-FTIR Chemical Imaging Spectral Data in the Diagnostics of Biomimetic Sound Dentin/Dental Composite Interface

In this short communication, we provide information on the use of the hierarchical cluster analysis of synchrotron ATR-FTIR 2D chemical imaging spectral data as a useful and powerful approach to the microspectroscopic diagnostics of molecular composition in the hybrid sound dentin/dental composite interfaces and materials, including ones developed with the use of biomimetic strategies. The described diagnostic approach can be successfully transferred to the analysis and visualisation of 2D spectral data, collected using laboratory Raman and FTIR microspectroscopy techniques.

Nepenthes pitcher inspired isotropic/anisotropic polymer solid–liquid composite interface: preparation, function, and application

This review summarizes recent advances in isotropic/anisotropic polymer solid–liquid composite interfaces, focusing on their preparation, functions, and applications.