• Journal of Hydrogen and New Energy
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.283-291
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• 2023

The physical properties were analyzed for four gas diffusion layers, and gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for the cathode of high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell were fabricated through bar coating with three binder to carbon (B/C) ratios. Among them, The GDE from JNT30-A6P showed a significant change in secondary pore volume at a B/C ratio of 0.31, which had the largest pore volume among all GDEs. In the polarization curve, JNT30-A6P GDE showed the best membrane electrode assembly (MEA) performance with a peak power density of 384 mW/cm² at a a B/C ratio of 0.31. From the distribution of relaxation time analysis, the peak 1 corresponding to mass transfer resistance of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was significantly reduced in the JNT30-A6P GDE. This is the result that when the binder content decreased, the volume of the secondary pore increased, and the mass transfer resistance of ORR decreased, which played an essential role in the MEA performance.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.205-218
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• 2022

Proper calculation of splitting tensile strength (STS) of concrete has been a crucial task, due to the wide use of concrete in the construction sector. Following many recent studies that have proposed various predictive models for this aim, this study suggests and tests the functionality of three hybrid models in predicting the STS from the characteristics of the mixture components including cement compressive strength, cement tensile strength, curing age, the maximum size of the crushed stone, stone powder content, sand fine modulus, water to binder ratio, and the ratio of sand. A multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network incorporates invasive weed optimization (IWO), cuttlefish optimization algorithm (CFOA), and electrostatic discharge algorithm (ESDA) which are among the newest optimization techniques. A dataset from the earlier literature is used for exploring and extrapolating the STS behavior. The results acquired from several accuracy criteria demonstrated a nice learning capability for all three hybrid models viz. IWO-MLP, CFOA-MLP, and ESDA-MLP. Also in the prediction phase, the prediction products were in a promising agreement (above 88%) with experimental results. However, a comparative look revealed the ESDA-MLP as the most accurate predictor. Considering mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) index, the error of ESDA-MLP was 9.05%, while the corresponding value for IWO-MLP and CFOA-MLP was 9.17 and 13.97%, respectively. Since the combination of MLP and ESDA can be an effective tool for optimizing the concrete mixture toward a desirable STS, the last part of this study is dedicated to extracting a predictive formula from this model.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.67-79
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• 2024

Yuzu (Citrus junos) undergoes traditional processing to create preserved yuzu with a sugar content of 50%. This study aimed to produce low-sugar yuzu syrup using artificial or natural sweeteners instead of sugar. Among artificial sweeteners, maltitol showed minimal browning and lack of deposition at high temperatures. The addition of xanthan gum (0.2%) and carboxymethyl cellulose (0.2%) resolved the issue of layer separation and viscosity decrease of yuzu syrup. Alternatively, grain syrup, a natural sweetener, improved viscosity and homogeneity without the additives. Yuzu syrups were developed using yuzu juice and preserved yuzu, with maltitol (20~40%) or grain syrup (50~70%) as the sweetener. Yuzu syrups containing 35% maltitol (M35) or 55% grain syrup (G55) had less than 5% and 10% free sugar, respectively. These syrups exhibited taste patterns similar to commercial yuzu syrup in analysis using an electronic tongue. Furthermore, M35 and G55 contained yuzu flavonoids at concentrations of 19.82 mg/g and 24.09 mg/g, respectively. Antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging) of M35 and G55 was equivalent to 10.55, 17.59 mg/100 g of Vitamin C and 97.39, 33.92 mg/100 g of Vitamin C, respectively. Consequently, M35 and G55 offer promising alternatives to preserved yuzu, providing low-sugar yuzu syrups enriched with functional ingredients.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.301-308
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• 2024

Ceramic materials are being explored as alternatives to toxic lead sheets for radiation shielding due to their favorable properties like durability, thermal stability, and aesthetic appeal. However, crafting effective ceramics for radiation shielding entails complex processes, raising production costs. To investigate local viability, this study evaluated Malaysian ceramic tiles for shielding in diagnostic X-ray rooms. Different ceramics in terms of density and thickness were selected from local manufacturers. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) characterized ceramic compositions, while Monte Carlo Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (MC PHITS) simulations determined Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC), Half-value Layer (HVL), Mass Attenuation Coefficient (MAC), and Mean Free Path (MFP) within the 40-150 kV energy range. Comparative analysis between MC PHITS simulations and real setups was conducted. The C3-S9 ceramic sample, known for homogeneous full-color structure, showcased superior shielding attributes, attributed to its high density and iron content. Notably, energy levels considerably impacted radiation penetration. Overall, C3-S9 demonstrated strong shielding performance, underlining Malaysia's potential ceramic tile resources for X-ray room radiation shielding.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.170-174
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• 2024

In this study, we report the microstructural evolution and shear strength of an Sn-Sb alloy, used for die attach process as a solder layer of backside metal (BSM). The Sb content in the binary system was less than 1 at%. A chip with the Sn-Sb BSM was attached to a Ag plated Cu lead frame. The microstructure evolution was investigated after die bonding at 330 ℃, die bonding and isothermal heat treatment at 330 ℃ for 5 min and wire bonding at 260 ℃, respectively. At the interface between the chip and lead frame, Ni₃Sn₄ and Ag₃Sn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) layers and pure Sn regions were confirmed after die bonding. When the isothermal heat treatment is conducted, pure Sn regions disappear at the interface because the Sn is consumed to form Ni₃Sn₄ and Ag₃Sn IMCs. After the wire bonding process, the interface is composed of Ni₃Sn₄, Ag₃Sn and (Ag,Cu)₃Sn IMCs. The Sn-Sb BSM had a high maximum shear strength of 78.2 MPa, which is higher than the required specification of 6.2 MPa. In addition, it showed good wetting flow.

• Corrosion Science and Technology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.283-288
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• 2024

Hot-dip Zn-Mg-Al coatings have a complex microstructure consisting of Zn, Al, and MgZn₂ phases. Its crystal structure depends on alloy content and cooling rates. Microstructure and corrosion resistance of these coatings might be affected by heat treatment. To investigate effect of heat treatment on microstructure and corrosion resistance of Zn-Mg-Al coatings, Zn-1.5%Mg-1.5%Al coated steel was heated up to 550 ℃ at a heating rate of 80 ℃/s and cooled down to room temperature. At above 500 ℃, the ternary phase of Zn-MgZn₂-Al was melted down. Only Zn and MgZn₂ phases remained in the coating. Heat- and non-heat-treated specimens showed similar corrosion resistance in Salt Spray Test (SST). When a Zn-3.0%Mg-2.5%Al coated steel was subjected to heat treatment at 100 ℃ or 300 ℃ for 200 h and compared with GA and GI coated steels, the microstructure of coatings was not significantly changed at 100 ℃. However, at 300 ℃, most Al in the coating reacted with Fe in the substrate, forming a Fe-Al compound layer in the lower part of the coating. MgZn₂ was preferentially formed in the upper part of the coating. As a result of SST, Zn-Mg-Al coated steels showed excellent corrosion resistance, better than GA and GI.

• Nanomaterials
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• v.12 no.14
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• pp.2329-2343
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• 2022

Typically, to meet emission regulations, the selective catalytic reduction of NO_X with NH₃ (NH₃-SCR) technology cause NH₃ emissions owing to high NH₃/NO_X ratios to meet emission regulations. In this study, V-Cu/BN-Ti was used to remove residual NO_X and NH₃. Catalysts were evaluated for selective catalytic oxidation of NH₃ (NH₃-SCO) in the NH₃-SCR reaction at 200-300 ℃. The addition of vanadium and copper increased the number of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites available for the reaction by increasing the ratio of V⁵⁺ and forming Cu⁺ species, respectively. Furthermore, h-BN was dispersed in the catalyst to improve the content of vanadium and copper species on the surface. NH₃ and NO_X conversion were 98% and 91% at 260 ℃, respectively. Consequently, slipped NH₃ (NH₃-Slip) emitted only 2% of the injected ammonia. Under SO₂ conditions, based on the NH₃ oxidation reaction, catalytic deactivation was improved by addition of h-BN. This study suggests that h-BN is a potential catalyst that can help remove residual NO_X and meet NH₃ emission regulations when placed at the bottom of the SCR catalyst layer in coal-fired power plants.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.259-272
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• 2002

This study was tried to interpret the important major factors controlling some physicochemical properties by comparing mineralogical and physicochemical characteristics such as pH, cation exchange capacity, Methylene Blue adsorption amount, swelling, viscosity, strength (compressional and tensile), and surface area etc. Investigated bentonite samples are five Korean samples from Dusan, Naa, Oksan, Dongyang, and Yeonil deposits and two Japanese bentonites from Tsukinuno and Tomioka deposits which were formed under a similar geological environment of the Tertiary basin. Tsukinuno bentonite is only natural Na-type bentonite and the others are all Ca-type bentonites. Most of the properties are not explained by the montmorillonite content only though the most important factor controlling the physicochemical properties is the montmorillonite content. The layer charge of montmorillonite will strongly control cation exchange capacity and Methylene Blue adsorption. Zeolite bearing bentonites show the strong alkaline character and causes the increase of cation exchange capacity, however decrease swelling, viscosity and strengths. Pyrite bearing bentonites decrease green compressional strength and wet tensile strength. The exchangeable interlayer cations control some physicochemical properties. Na-type bentonite than Ca-type shows more strong alkaline character and much more advanced swelling and viscosity. Also the size and thickness of montmorillonite flakes seem to control some physicochemical properties. Bentonite mainly composed of montmorillonite of very thin and large flakes is characterized by the very high surface area, cation exchange capacity, viscosity, swelling, Methylene Blue adsorption, green compressional strength and wet tensile strength. Domestic Dusan bentonite shows the most excellent physicochemical properties, which is due to the high content(84%) and very well crystallinity of montmorillonite.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.512-519
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• 2015

In this study, the effects of gamma-radiation treatment on cell wall composition and physiological characteristics of astringent persimmon fruit were investigated. The soluble tannin contents of gamma-radiated samples were reduced by the radiation treatment. The hardness of the radiated fruit was decreased when compared to non-radiated fruit. Alcohol-insoluble component of the cell wall in the radiated fruit was decreased from 39.3 mg/g to 37.2 mg/g. The water-soluble content of the radiated fruit was increased from 11.4 mg/g to 13.9 mg/g. The cell wall content of the non-radiated fruit was 26.6 mg/g whereas the cell wall content of radiated fruit was decreased to 23.1 mg/g. Due to the maturation of astringent persimmon fruit by gamma-radiation, water-soluble compounds were increased whereas decreasing in cell wall compounds. The contents of lignin, pectin, and cell wall were decreased from 0.82 mg/g and 3.56 mg/g to 0.77 mg/g and 3.14 mg/g, respectively. Acid-soluble hemicellulose content was decreased by gamma-radiation, while alkali-soluble hemicellulose and cellulose contents were increased. Activities of sotening enzyme as polygalacturonase, pectinesterase and $\beta$-galactosidase existed in persimmon fruit were increased by gamma-radiation. In the sensory evaluation, gamma-radition treated persimmon showed very low astringent taste when compared to the non-radiated fruit. In hardness test, the non-radiated persimmon maintained the hardness while gamma-treated persimmon showed softened outer layer due to the condensation of tannin during radiation treatment. Therefore, gamma-radiation treatment will be used for the removal of its astringency of persimmon fruit and for enhancement of its maturation.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.245-265
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• 2004

This study was to compare the geological occurrences and geneses of the Myogi, Tsukinuno, Dobuyama and Kawasaki bentonite deposits distributed in the Tertiary sedimentary basins of NE Japan, and to compare the mineralogical and physicochemical properties of their bentonites. The Japanese bentonite deposits are mainly distributed in the Green-tuff region which was formed in Neogene. The shape of ore body of the Myogi, Tsukinuno and Kawasaki deposits formed by the diagenesis are layered and stratiform. In contrast to this, the Dobuyama deposit formed by hydrothermal alteration shows the cone shape. The mineralization age of four deposits are 1.8 ～ 21 Ha from Early Miocene to Pliocene. The Dobuyama bentonite with the highest montmorillonite content shows the highest surface area, CEC, MB adsorption, and strengths. The Tsukinuno bentonite with a little high montmorillonite content is characterized by strong alkalinity, high viscosity and swelling. The Kawasaki bentonite, the Na-Ca mixed type, shows higher viscosity and swelling than the Ca-type Dobuyama bentonite. The Myogi bentonite with the lowest montmorillonite content shows the properties of low viscosity, In adsorption, strengths and a little high CEC and surface area. The high CEC and surface area of this deposit is due to the sufficient occurrence of zeolite. A strong dispersion in the Na-type bentonite and a strong flocculation in the Ca-type bentonite took place, and both the types show a slow flocculation with time. The physicochemical properties of the bentonite are mainly controlled by the montmorillonite content, interlayer cations, and impurity minerals such as zeolite. But bentonites inconsistent to this factors are sometimes occurred. This is maybe due to the crystal chemistry such as layer charge of montmorillonite and crystal morphology of montmorillonite such as aspect ratio.