Heterogeneous Al–Si microstructure comprising of sub-micron-scale Al dendrites and nanoscale fibrous eutectic was fabricated by processing as-cast Al-20wt.%Si alloy using laser rapid solidification. In situ tension tests explored high tensile strength (∼600 MPa) ductility (∼10%) strain hardening rate (∼7 GPa). Microstructural characterization revealed the plastic co-deformation mechanisms betwe...

In this study, the effect of Ce additions on microstructure evolution of Mg-7Gd-3.5Y-0.3Zn (wt %) alloys during the casting, homogenization, aging and extrusion processing are investigated, and novel mechanical properties are also obtained. The results show that Ce addition promotes the formation of long period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases in the as-cast Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Ce alloys. A high content o...

In order to enhance the compatibilization and interfacial adhesion between epoxy and liquid carboxyl-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile (CTBN) rubber, an initiator was introduced into the mixture and heated to initiate the cross-linking reaction of CTBN. After the addition of curing agents, the CTBN/epoxy blends with a localized interpenetrating network structure were prepared. The mechanical p...

Drug delivery by micro- and nano-carriers enables controlled transport of pharmaceuticals to targeted sites. Even though carrier fabrication has made much progress recently, the delivery including controlled particle distribution and adhesion within the body remains a great challenge. The adhesion of carriers is strongly affected by their margination properties (migration toward walls) in the m...

The structuring of mid-IR materials, such as chalcogenide glass (ChG), at the micro and nano scales, is high interest for fabrication photonic devices in general, spectroscopy applications particular. One efficient method producing regular patterns with a sub-micron to micron length scale through self-organization processes occurring during femtosecond laser exposure. These occur broad set wher...

Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites are widely used in ship hull, airframe and wind turbine structural applications where they are subjected to various types of constant and variable amplitude cyclic-fatigue loads. Hence, fatiguedurability is one of the important requirements for such composite materials. These FRPs, generally, contain continuous fibres of carbon or glass reinforced in a ...

Plasmonics, a rapidly emerging subdiscipline of nanophotonics, is aimed at exploiting surface plasmons for important applications, including sensing, waveguiding, and imaging. Parallel to these research efforts, technology yielding enhanced scattering and absorption of localized surface plasmons (LSPs) provides promising routes for trapping and manipulation of micro and nano scale particles, as...