Bulletin of Materials Science 

About: Bulletin of Materials Science is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Thin film & Scanning electron microscope. It has an ISSN identifier of 0250-4707. Over the lifetime, 5815 publications have been published receiving 73176 citations.

Deposition of metal chalcogenide thin films by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method

Abstract: During last three decades, successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method, has emerged as one of the solution methods to deposit a variety of compound materials in thin film form. The SILAR method is inexpensive, simple and convenient for large area deposition. A variety of substrates such as insulators, semiconductors, metals and temperature sensitive substrates (like polyester) can be used since the deposition is carried out at or near to room temperature. As a low temperature process, it also avoids oxidation and corrosion of the substrate. The prime requisite for obtaining good quality thin film is the optimization of preparative provisos viz. concentration of the precursors, nature of complexing agent, pH of the precursor solutions and adsorption, reaction and rinsing time durations etc. In the present review article, we have described in detail, successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method of metal chalcogenide thin films. An extensive survey of thin film materials prepared during past years is made to demonstrate the versatility of SILAR method. Their preparative parameters and structural, optical, electrical properties etc are described. Theoretical background necessary for the SILAR method is also discussed.

Raman spectroscopy of graphene on different substrates and influence of defects

Abstract: We show the evolution of Raman spectra with a number of graphene layers on different substrates, $SiO_2/Si$ and conducting indium tin oxide (ITO) plate. The G mode peak position and the intensity ratio of G and 2D bands depend on the preparation of sample for the same number of graphene layers. The 2D Raman band has characteristic line shapes in single and bilayer graphene, capturing the differences in their electronic structure. The defects have a significant influence on the G band peak position for the single layer graphene: the frequency shows a blue shift up to $12 cm^{-1}$ depending on the intensity of the D Raman band, which is a marker of the defect density. Most surprisingly, Raman spectra of graphene on the conducting ITO plates show a lowering of the G mode frequency by $\sim 6cm^{-1}$ and the 2D band frequency by $\sim 20cm^{-1}$. This red-shift of the G and 2D bands is observed for the first time in single layer graphene.

Serrated plastic flow

Abstract: This paper attempts an assessment of the current understanding of the phenomenon of “serrated plastic flow”, which manifests itself as serrations, load drops, jerkiness or other discontinuities in the stress-strain curves obtained in constant extension rate tensile tests, and as sudden bursts of strain in constant loading rate tests and in constant load (stress) creep tests (the so called staircase creep). Though one can identify at least seven physical processes that can cause serrations, the discussion here is restricted mainly to serrated yielding in tension tests originating from dynamic strain ageing (dsa). The characteristics of the five types of serrations that have been identified so far and the experimental conditions under which they occur are discussed. The various models of serrated flow that have been put forward are reviewed critically. Some recent results on 316 stainless steel are presented to illustrate the effects of grain size, temperature and strain rate on serrated flow. Manifestations ofdsa other than serrations such as a negative strain rate sensitivity, positive temperature dependence for flow stress and work hardening, and the ductility minimum are also discussed. Finally the various issues to be resolved are enumerated.

Functional finishing in cotton fabrics using zinc oxide nanoparticles

Abstract: Nanotechnology, according to the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), is defined as utilization of structure with at least one dimension of nanometer size for the construction of materials, devices or systems with novel or significantly improved properties due to their nano-size. The nanostructures are capable of enhancing the physical properties of conventional textiles, in areas such as anti-microbial properties, water repellence, soil-resistance, anti-static, anti-infrared and flame-retardant properties, dyeability, colour fastness and strength of textile materials. In the present work, zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared by wet chemical method using zinc nitrate and sodium hydroxide as precursors and soluble starch as stabilizing agent. These nanoparticles, which have an average size of 40 nm, were coated on the bleached cotton fabrics (plain weave, 30 s count) using acrylic binder and functional properties of coated fabrics were studied. On an average of 75%, UV blocking was recorded for the cotton fabrics treated with 2% ZnO nanoparticles. Air permeability of the nano-ZnO coated fabrics was significantly higher than the control, hence the increased breathability. In case of nano-ZnO coated fabric, due to its nano-size and uniform distribution, friction was significantly lower than the bulk-ZnO coated fabric as studied by Instron® Automated Materials Testing System. Further studies are under way to evaluate wash fastness, antimicrobial properties, abrasion properties and fabric handle properties.

Instrumental characterization of clay by XRF, XRD and FTIR

Abstract: Instrumental characterizations of the clay were performed by different techniques such as XRF, XRD and FTIR. XRF shows the chemical compositions of the clay where Al-oxide and silica oxide are present in major quantity whereas XRD confirms the presence of these minerals in clay. FTIR studies show the presence of quartz, alumina, haematite and different mineral matters.