Electronic and Vibrational Decoupling in Chemically Exfoliated Bilayer Thin Two-Dimensional V2O5.

The synthesis of high-quality two-dimensional (2D) transition metal oxides is challenging compared to 2D transition metal dichalcogenides as a result of the exotic surface changes that can appear during formation. Herein, we report the synthesis of bilayer 2D V2O5 nanosheets with a thickness of ∼1 nm using the chemical exfoliation method and a comprehensive study on the vibrational and optical properties of bilayer 2D V2O5. We report, for the first time, a thickness-dependent blue shift of 1.33 eV in the optical bandgap, which signifies the emergence of electronic decoupling in bilayer 2D V2O5. In addition, a thickness-dependent vibrational decoupling of phonon modes observed via Raman spectroscopy fingerprinting was verified by computing the lattice vibrational modes using the density functional perturbation theory. We demonstrate that the manifestation of the electronic and vibrational decoupling can be used as a benchmark to confirm the successful formation of bilayer 2D V2O5 from its bulk counterpart.

Multiobjective Optimization of Fabrication Parameters of Jute Fiber/Polyester Composites with Egg Shell Powder and Nanoclay Filler.

In the present study, a model is presented to optimize the fabrication parameters of natural fiber reinforced polyester matrix composites with dual fillers. In particular, jute fiber mat was chosen as reinforcement and eggshell powder (ESP) and montmorillonite nanoclay (NC) were selected as fillers. The weight per square meter (GSM) of the fiber, the weight percentage of ESP and NC have been chosen as independent variables and the influence of these variables on tensile, flexural and impact strength of the composite has been inspected. The permutations of the different combinations of factors are intended to accomplish higher interfacial strength with the lowest possible number of tested specimens. The experiments were designed by the Taguchi strategy and a novel multi-objective optimization technique named COPRAS (COmplex PRoportional ASsessment of alternatives) was used to determine the optimal parameter combinations. Affirmation tests were performed with the optimal parameter settings and the mechanical properties were evaluated and compared. Experimental results show that fiber GSM and eggshell powder content are significant variables that improve mechanical strength, while the nanoclay appears less important.

Hierarchical order of influence of mix variables affecting compressive strength of sustainable concrete containing fly ash, copper slag, silica fume, and fibres.

Experiments have been conducted to study the effect of addition of fly ash, copper slag, and steel and polypropylene fibres on compressive strength of concrete and to determine the hierarchical order of influence of the mix variables in affecting the strength using cluster analysis experimentally. While fly ash and copper slag are used for partial replacement of cement and fine aggregate, respectively, defined quantities of steel and polypropylene fibres were added to the mixes. It is found from the experimental study that, in general, irrespective of the presence or absence of fibres, (i) for a given copper slag-fine aggregate ratio, increase in fly ash-cement ratio the concrete strength decreases and with the increase in copper slag-sand ratio also the rate of strength decrease and (ii) for a given fly ash-cement ratio, increase in copper slag-fine aggregate ratio increases the strength of the concrete. From the cluster analysis, it is found that the quantities of coarse and fine aggregate present have high influence in affecting the strength. It is also observed that the quantities of fly ash and copper slag used as substitutes have equal "influence" in affecting the strength. Marginal effect of addition of fibres in the compression strength of concrete is also revealed by the cluster analysis.