• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.37-42
• /
• 2021

The effect of chemical composition on the structural and thermal properties of TiZrN thin films was studied. As the Zr fraction in the deposited TixZr1-xN (x = 0.87, 0.82, 0.7, 0.6, and 0.28) increased, microstructural changes consisted of reduction in the grain size and a gradual transition from columnar structure to granular structure were observed. In addition, it was also confirmed that a gradual crystal phase transition from TiN to TiZrN has occurred as the Zr fraction increased up to 0.4. After heat treatment at 900℃, Ti0.82Zr0.18N and Ti0.7Zr0.3N layers were converted to a form in which rutile phase TiO2 and TiZrO4 oxides coexist, while Ti0.6Zr0.4N layer was converted to TiZrO4 oxide. Among the five compositions of TiZrN films, the Ti0.6Zr0.4N showed the best high temperature stability and produced a significant enhancement in the thermal oxidation resistance of Inconel 617 through suppressing the surface diffusion of Cr caused by thermal oxidation of the Inconel 617 substrate.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.243-254
• /
• 2021

In this study, the conservatism of the response displacement method (RDM) for the seismic response analysis of box-shaped power cable tunnels was evaluated. A total of 50 examples were used considering the cross-sections of 25 power cable tunnels and two soil conditions for each power cable tunnel. The following three methods were applied for the analysis by the RDM: (1) single cosine method, (2) double cosine method, and (3) dynamic free-field analysis method. A refined dynamic analysis method considering soil-structure interaction (SSI) was employed to compare the conservatism of the RDM. The double cosine method demonstrated the most conservative result, while the dynamic free-field analysis method yielded the least deviation. The soil stiffness reduction factor, C, for the double cosine method was recommended to be 0.9 and 0.7 for the operational performance and collapse prevention levels, respectively, to ensure a probability of at least 80% that the member force by the RDM is larger than that of dynamic SSI analysis.

• Membrane Journal
• /
• v.31 no.6
• /
• pp.434-442
• /
• 2021

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane has a good membrane durability because of its high mechanical resistance, thermal and chemical stability. However, the strong hydrophobic property of PVDF membrane can induce a low water permeability and easy fouling by proteins and organic matters. In order to improve the anti-fouling properties of PVDF membrane, the PVDF mixed matrix asymmetric membranes impregnated with biofunctional material 𝛽-cyclodextrin (𝛽-CD) in the membrane structure were prepared by phase inversion method. The membrane filtration experiments of pure water and BSA solution were performed using the PVDF/𝛽-CD mixed matrix asymmetric membranes prepared according to the 𝛽-CD contents. The experiments showed that the introduction of 𝛽-CD into the PVDF polymer matrix contributed to increase in the hydrophilic property of the PVDF membranes, and this led to the reduction of contact angles and improvement of anti-fouling properties. The PVDF/𝛽-CD membrane which was prepared using the dope solution with a 2 wt% 𝛽-CD content represented 64 L/m²·h of pure water flux, 95% of BSA rejection and maximum 80% of flux enhancements compared to flux results of the pristine PVDF membrane.

• Journal of Conservation Science
• /
• v.36 no.6
• /
• pp.541-548
• /
• 2020

There is a growing demand for natural materials to replace adhesives based on volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, the exclusion of VOCs from the manufacturing process leads to difficulties in manufacturing, and reduction in productivity and preservability. In this paper, we report the manufacture of natural bioadhesives using the carrageenan component of seaweed. λ-carrageenan, isolated from the extracted total carrageenan, was used to prepare a highly stable adhesive for paper. The resulting composition was 52.0 ± 1.0% λ-carrageenan, 30.5 ± 0.5% Polyvinylpyrrolidone, 1.0 ± 0.05% ethylhexylglycerin, 1.5 ± 0.05% glycerin, 13.5 ± 0.5% dextrine, and 0.6 ± 0.05% food-grade antifoam emulsion. The viscosity was found to be 1.13 ± 0.07 × 105 cP (25℃), UV degradation occurred at pH6.22, drying rate was 15min, △b^* was -10.79, and △E^* ab was 8.18. The bioadhesive showed an excellent adhesion strength of 44.63 kgf/cm². Thus this adhesive showed excellent fungal resistance and good adhesive persistence, without the presence of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde (HCHO), and heavy metals.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
• /
• v.26 no.6
• /
• pp.16-23
• /
• 2022

In this study, characteristics of effect on hydrogen gas was investigated to hydrogen embrittlement by disk and tensile tests. The developed and commercial alloy was fabricated to a plate material made from an alloy ingot. The prepared materials were processed in the form of a disk to measure rupture pressure by hydrogen and helium gas at a rate of 0.1 to 1,000 bar/min. In the hydrogen pre-charged tensile test, a specimen was hydrogenated using an anode charging method, and the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and reduction in area rate were carried by a strain rate test. Also, the microstructure was observed to the fracture surface of the tensile test specimen. As a result, the developed materials satisfied endurable hydrogen embrittlement, and the fractured surface showed a brittleness fracture surface with a depth of several ㎛, but dimple due to ductile fracture could be observed.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.42 no.6
• /
• pp.787-792
• /
• 2022

In winter, the excessive use of deicing salt deteriorates concrete pavement durability. To reduce the amount of deicing salt used, phase-change materials (PCMs) potentially offer an alternative way to melt snow through their latent heat storage characteristics. In this research, thermal energy storage concrete was developed by using PCM-impregnated expanded clay as 50 % replacement to normal aggregate by volume. In addition, to improve the thermal efficiency of PCM lightweight aggregate (PCM-LWA)-incorporated concrete, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were incorporated in proportions of 0.10 %, 0.15 %, and 0.20 % by binder weight. Compressive strength testing and programmed thermal cycling were performed to evaluate the mechanical and thermal responses of the PCM-LWA concrete. Results showed a significant strength reduction of 54 % due to the PCM-LWA; however, the thermal performance of the PCM-LWA concrete was greatly improved with the addition of MWCNTs. Thermal test results showed that 0.10 % MWCNT-incorporated concrete had high thermal fatigue resistance as well as uniform heat flow, whereas specimens with 0.15 % and 0.20 % MWCNT content had a reduced thermal response due to supercooling when the ambient temperature was varied between -5℃ and 10℃.

• Composites Research
• /
• v.35 no.6
• /
• pp.447-455
• /
• 2022

Currently, the problem of pollution of the marine environment by microplastics is emerging seriously internationally. In this study, to develop a lightweight portable microplastic collection device, the types and number of microplastics in 21 coastal areas nationwide in Korea were investigated. And CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic), GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene copolymer) and aluminum were applied for design and analysis of microplastic collection device to have the durability, corrosion resistance and lightweight. As a result of sample collection and classification from the shore, it was confirmed that microplastics were distributed the most in Hamdeok beach, and the polystyrene was found to be mainly distributed microplastics. Particle information through coastal field survey and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis were used to analyze the flow rate and distribution of particles such as sand and impurities, which were applied to the structural analysis of the cyclone device using the finite element method. As a result of structural analysis considering the particle impact inside the cyclone device, the structural safety was examined as remarkable in the order of CFRP, GFRP, aluminum, and ABS. In the view of weight reduction, CFRP could be reduced in weight by 53%, GFRP by 47%, and ABS by 61% compared to aluminum for the cyclone device.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.175-188
• /
• 2022

Relaxin has been demonstrated to have regulatory functions on both the smooth muscle and extracellular matrix (ECM) of blood vessels and fibrotic organs. The diverse mechanisms by which relaxin acts on small resistance arteries and fibrotic organs, including the bladder, are reviewed here. Relaxin induces vasodilation by inhibiting the contractility of vascular smooth muscles and by increasing the passive compliance of vessel walls through the reduction of ECM components, such as collagen. The primary cellular mechanism whereby relaxin induces arterial vasodilation is mediated by the endothelium-dependent production of nitric oxide (NO) through the activation of RXFP1/PI3K, Akt phosphorylation, and eNOS. In addition, relaxin triggers different alternative pathways to enhance the vasodilation of renal and mesenteric arteries. In small renal arteries, relaxin stimulates the activation of the endothelial MMPs and EtB receptors and the production of VEGF and PlGF to inhibit myogenic contractility and collagen deposition, thereby bringing about vasodilation. Conversely, in small mesenteric arteries, relaxin augments bradykinin (BK)-evoked relaxation in a time-dependent manner. Whereas the rapid enhancement of the BK-mediated relaxation is dependent on IK_Ca channels and subsequent EDH induction, the sustained relaxation due to BK depends on COX activation and PGI₂. The anti-fibrotic effects of relaxin are mediated by inhibiting the invasion of inflammatory immune cells, the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and the differentiation and activation of myofibroblasts. Relaxin also activates the NOS/NO/cGMP/PKG-1 pathways in myofibroblasts to suppress the TGF-β1-induced activation of ERK1/2 and Smad2/3 signaling and deposition of ECM collagen.

• Journal of Korea Foundry Society
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.107-136
• /
• 2023

Natural silica sand was commonly used for sand casting of cast steel products, and chromites sand was used to suppress seizure defects due to the lack of thermal properties of silica sand. However there are disadvantages such as deterioration by repeated use, system sand mixing problem, difficulty separating and removing, increased during mold according to high density and to being waste containing chrome. Recently, industrial waste reduction and atmospheric environment improvement have been highlighted as important tasks in the casting industry. In order to solve the problems that occur when using foundry Sand and to improve the environment of casting factories, various artificial sands that can be applied instead of natural silica sand have been developed and introduced. Artificial sands can be classified into artificial sand manufactured by the electric arc atomization or gas flame atomization, artificial sand manufactured by the spray drying & sintering process, artificial sand manufactured by the sintering & crushing process and exhibit different physical properties depending on the type of raw-minerals and manufacturing method. In this study, comparative evaluation tests were conducted on the physical properties of various foundry sands, mold strength, physical durability, thermal durability, and casting test pieces. When comprehensively considering the actual amount of molding sand used according to density, the mold strength according to the shape of sand, the physical and thermal durability of foundry sand, and the heat resistance characteristics of foundry sand, 'Molten artificial sand A1' or 'Molten artificial sand B' is judged to be the most suitable spherical artificial sand for casting of heavy steel castings.

• Clean Technology
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.71-75
• /
• 2023

In general, the presence of non-selective intercrystalline (grain boundary) defects in polycrystalline metal-organic framework (MOF) or zeolite membranes, which are known to be ca. 1 nm in size, causes lower membrane performance (selectivity) than the intrinsically expected. In this study we show that applying a thin polymeric coating of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on a polycrystalline MOF membrane is effective to cap the non-selective intercrystalline defects and therefore improve membrane performance. To demonstrate the concept, first, polycrystalline UiO-66, one of Zr-based MOFs, membranes were prepared by an in-situ solvothermal growth. By controlling membrane growth condition with respect to growth temperature, we were able to obtain polycrystalline UiO-66 membranes at 150 ℃ with intercrystalline defects of which the quantity is not significant, so it can be plugged by the suggested PDMS deposition. Second, their performances were compared before and after the PDMS deposition. As expected, the PDMS deposition ended up with a noticeable increase in CO₂/N₂ ideal selectivity from 6 to 14, indicating successful intercrystalline defect plugging. However, the enhancement in CO₂/N₂ selectivity was accompanied by a significant reduction in CO₂ permeance from 5700 to 33 GPU because the PDMS deposition not only plugs defects but also forms a continuous coating on membrane surface, adding an additional transport resistance.