Working Groups Reports

This volume contains selected full length technical papers amongst fifty oral presentations made in the 6th National Conference on Processing and Characterization of Materials (NCPCM 2016), NIT Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, India, December 9 – 10, 2016.The first conference of the NCPCM series was held at the same place in December 2011. Seeing the enthusiasm of the participants, it was decided to organize such conference in Rourkela every year. The basic idea was to establish a periodical national forum for multi–scale approaches in processing and characterization of materials in the eastern part of India. The conference NCPCM 2016 has successfully carried the tradition of previous conferences; more than fifty participants from twenty different organizations across India have registered. The conference was consisted of seven technical sessions of about fifty contributory talks along with four keynote lectures. Out of these, thirty four best peer – reviewed contributions are published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering.We would like to thank all the contributors, members of the organizing committee, session chairs as well as colleagues and students who helped with the preparation of the conference and, particularly, with the preparation of this volume. We convey our heartiest gratitude to the sponsors and advertisers for their contribution.January 2017Editorial Board, NCPCM 2016Our Sponsors• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India• Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS), IndiaLIST OF COMMITTEESEditorial BoardProf. B. K. Mishra, IMMT Bhubaneswar, IndiaProf. Ashish Garg, IIT Kanpur, IndiaProf. Anindya Basu, NIT Rourkela, IndiaProf. Manojit Ghosh, IIEST Shibpur, IndiaProf. Partha Sarathi De, IIT Bhubaneswar, IndiaOrganizing Committee (NIT Rourkela, India)Patron: Prof. A. Biswas, Director, NIT RourkelaChairman: Prof. S. C. Mishra, Head of the Department, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, NIT RourkelaConvener: Prof. D. ChairaCo-convener: Prof. S. K. KarakTreasurer: Prof. A. BasuTechnical Committee (NIT Rourkela, India)Prof. S.N. AlamProf. D. NagarajanProf. A. PatraLocal Organizing Committee (NIT Rourkela, India)Prof. K. DuttaProf. S. K. SahooMr. S. PradhanMr. S. HemberamMr. R. Pattnaik

The subject Materials Research is a most fascinating one, which encompasses all branches of science: physics, chemistry, biology, geology, mathematics, engineering, etc. It began as an interdisciplinary branch of science during the late 1960s, and today it has grown into a major branch. Materials Research covers subsets like Materials Processing,Materials Characterization and Materials Engineering. Today the term Materials Processing is more popularly used in a much broader sense to cover processes like materials synthesis, crystal growth, materials fabrication, materials preparation, etc., irrespective of the size of the materials being processed. This editorial outlines the evolution of one such area, namely Crystal Growth.

Laser material processing demonstrated its significance in many areas such as microelectronics, data storage, photonics and nanotechnology, since versatile laser sources provide flexible and unique energy source for precise control of material processing. With current laser technology, a short wavelength down to X-ray range and a short pulse duration down to femtosecond range can be achieved. The extreme conditions created by laser irradiation have provided strong impact on material research. To achieve nanoscale laser material machining and processing, we need to overcome the diffraction limit of the laser wavelengths. Recently, different approaches have been explored to overcome the diffraction limit and to achieve feature sizes down to 10 nm order, way beyond the diffraction limits. This paper will provide an overview in the areas of laser-based nanoscale machining and processing, including the authorís own research experience on laser-assisted scanning probe microscope, superfocusing by optical resonance in spherical particles, laser nanoimprinting, laser synthesis of quantum dots, laser annealing of ultrashow pn junctions, nanometer-order film thickness detection using rotational Raman spectroscopy, and laser cleaning of nanoparticles.

Natural porous materials such as nanoporous clays are used as green and low-cost adsorbents and catalysts. The key factors determining their performance in these applications are the pore morphology and surface activity, which are typically represented by properties such as specific surface area, pore volume, micropore content and pH. The latter may be modified and tuned to specific applications through material processing and/or chemical treatment. Characterization of the material, raw or processed, is typically performed experimentally, which can become costly especially in the context of tuning of the properties towards specific application requirements and needing numerous experiments. In this work, we present an application of tree-based machine learning methods trained on experimental datasets to accelerate the characterization of natural porous materials. The resulting models allow reliable prediction of the outcomes of experimental characterization of processed materials (R2 from 0.78 to 0.99) as well as identification of key factors contributing to those properties through feature importance analysis. Furthermore, the high throughput of the models enables exploration of processing parameter–property correlations and multiobjective optimization of prototype materials towards specific applications. We have applied these methodologies to pinpoint and rationalize optimal processing conditions for clays exploitable in acid catalysis. One of such identified materials was synthesized and tested revealing appreciable acid character improvement with respect to the pristine material. Specifically, it achieved 79% removal of chlorophyll-a in acid catalyzed degradation.

Materials processing, an important branch of materials science and engineering, converts raw materials into practical materials and their products for technological applications. These processing methods are developed to satisfy the service needs based on sound scientific theory. Different processing conditions confer practical materials with controllable microstructures and thus specific mechanical and functional properties. Therefore, developing novel processing methods and exploring the interaction between microstructure and properties under different processing conditions have received much attention in the scientific community, especially in recent years. With the rapid progress of modern science and technology, novel materials processing technologies involve the coupling of multi-physics field, including temperature, stress, electric field, magnetic field, gravity, ultrasonic field, microwave field, etc. The multi-physics field can give rise to some unique thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors during materials processing and thus lead to novel microstructures, such as refined grains, bimodal/multi-modal microstructure, heterogeneous microstructure, etc. Thus, the field-assisted materials processing technology is considered a revolutionary method to fabricate competitive high-performance practical materials.

Ion beam-based techniques have contributed significantly towards the prerequisites of society. These techniques are proven to be vital in the synthesis of materials, device fabrication as well as the characterization of the materials. Apart from the synthesis and characterization of materials, the manipulation of the physical properties and device characteristics are other important aspects. Ion beam-based sputtering methods are being extensively used to grow thin films of different kinds of materials. Recently, the focused ion beam (FIB) technique is used to prepare samples for various experimental techniques like transmission electron microscopy, X-ray imaging, etc. This technique is being further extended to microsystem technology.Ion beam methods have shown the potential to utilize them for material synthesis. Silicon-based materials, graphene, nanowires, plasmonic nanostructures, and quantum dots are some of the examples. Additionally, by passing through the material, ion beam techniques play an important role in modifying the physical characteristics of the material. Ion beam irradiation and implantation are two common and well-known techniques that are proven to be assets for this purpose. These techniques have found immense importance in recent years especially in semiconductor-based electronics. This book briefly discusses the ion beam processes and the potential applications in oxide semiconductors.

Recently, two-dimensional (2D) quantum materials and particularly transition metal dichalcogenides have emerged as an exciting class of atomically thin materials that possess extraordinary optoelectronic and photonic properties. The strong light interactions with these materials not only govern their fascinating behavior but can also be used as versatile synthesis and processing tools to precisely tailor their structures and properties. This review highlights the recent progress in laser-based approaches for synthesis and processing of 2D materials that are often challenging via conventional methods. In the synthesis section, the review covers the pulsed laser deposition as the main growth method due to its ability to form and deliver atoms, clusters, or nanoparticles for the growth of 2D materials and thin films with controlled stoichiometry, number of layers, crystallite size, and growth location. It is also shown that the tunable kinetic energy of the atoms in the laser plume is essential for healing defects and doping of 2D layers. In the processing section, the review highlights the application of lasers in crystallization, sintering, direct writing, thinning, doping, and conversion of 2D materials. The spatial and temporal tunability, controlled energy, and power densities of laser beams enable a broad spectrum of applications in the synthesis and processing of 2D quantum materials that are not accessible by other means.

The BES Materials Sciences Program has the central theme of Scientifically Tailored Materials. The major objective of this program is to combine Sandia`s expertise and capabilities in the areas of solid state sciences, advanced atomic-level diagnostics and materials synthesis and processing science to produce new classes of tailored materials as well as to enhance the properties of existing materials for US energy applications and for critical defense needs. Current core research in this program includes the physics and chemistry of ceramics synthesis and processing, the use of energetic particles for the synthesis and study of materials, tailored surfaces and interfaces for materials applications, chemical vapor deposition sciences, artificially-structured semiconductor materials science, advanced growth techniques for improved semiconductor structures, transport in unconventional solids, atomic-level science of interfacial adhesion, high-temperature superconductors, and the synthesis and processing of nano-size clusters for energy applications. In addition, the program includes the following three smaller efforts initiated in the past two years: (1) Wetting and Flow of Liquid Metals and Amorphous Ceramics at Solid Interfaces, (2) Field-Structured Anisotropic Composites, and (3) Composition-Modulated Semiconductor Structures for Photovoltaic and Optical Technologies. The latter is a joint effort with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Separate summaries are given of individual research areas.

Mineral and Material Science is an interdisciplinary field that combines the study of minerals, the naturally occurring inorganic solids, with the design, characterization, and applications of materials that are engineered or processed from various substances.The field encompasses understanding the structure, properties, performance, and synthesis of materials in order to develop new applications for technology, industry, and sustainable practices.Minerals, by definition, are naturally occurring compounds formed through geological processes, whereas materials science extends beyond natural resources to encompass synthetic materials created for specific uses.The study of materials includes a wide range of substances, from metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, to more advanced materials like semiconductors, biomaterials, and nanomaterials. The Structure of MaterialsAt the heart of material science is the relationship between the atomic structure of a material and its macroscopic properties.The arrangement of atoms in a material governs its physical, mechanical, and chemical properties.Materials can be broadly classified based on their atomic and molecular structures. Crystalline MaterialsAtoms are arranged in a highly ordered and repeating pattern, which is typical of minerals like quartz and metals like copper.These materials have well-defined mechanical properties and exhibit behaviors such as high strength, high melting points, and electrical conductivity. Amorphous MaterialsThe atomic arrangement lacks long-range order.Glasses, certain polymers, and some metallic alloys are examples.These materials are often flexible, and their behavior can be more difficult to predict due to their disordered nature. Polymeric MaterialsThese materials consist of long chains of atoms and are typically softer and more flexible.They include materials such as plastics, rubber, and fibers.Polymers can be synthetic or derived from natural sources like cellulose. CompositesThese are materials made by combining two or more different materials to achieve better properties than those of the individual components.Examples include reinforced concrete, carbon fiber composites, and fiber-reinforced plastics. Core Areas of Mineral and Material ScienceMineral Science and Geology Mineralogy focuses on the identification, classification, and properties of minerals, as well as their occurrence, distribution, and formation processes.Geological processes, such as crystallization from molten rock or precipitation from solution, give rise to different mineral structures.Understanding these processes is essential for exploring the Earth's resources, including metals, rare earth elements, and fossil fuels.Metallurgy and Metal Processing Metallurgy is the branch of material science focused on metals.Metal ores are extracted from the Earth and then refined into usable forms through processes like smelting and casting.Metallurgical engineers design and optimize processes to enhance the properties of metals, such as strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance.Ceramics and Glass Science Ceramics include materials such as clay, bricks, and porcelain, which are often characterized by their hardness, high melting points, and insulating properties.Glass, a type of amorphous ceramic, is commonly used in electronics, optics, and construction.Ceramics and glasses are often employed for their resistance to wear and high temperature stability.Polymer Science Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating structural units, or monomers.They can be synthetic (like nylon and PVC) or natural (such as rubber and silk).The study of polymers involves understanding their synthesis, behavior under various conditions, and how they can be modified to achieve specific properties like elasticity, strength, or biodegradability.Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Nanomaterials are materials with structures at the nanometer scale, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers.At this scale, materials can exhibit unique optical, electrical, and mechanical properties that differ significantly from their bulk counterparts.Nanotechnology has potential applications across a wide range of industries, including electronics, medicine, energy storage, and environmental sustainability.Sustainability and Green Materials The need for sustainable materials has grown significantly in recent years.Material scientists are focusing on developing materials that are not only high-performance but also environmentally friendly.This includes the recycling of materials, the use of renewable resources, and the design of materials that are easier to decompose or recycle.Green materials aim to reduce environmental impact throughout the life cycle, from production to disposal.

The utilization of nanomaterials in the synthesis and processing of energetic materials is a new area of science and technology. At LLNL we are studying the application of solgel chemical methodology to the synthesis of energetic nanomaterials components and their formulation into energetic nanocomposites. Here sol-gel synthesis and formulation techniques are used to prepare sol-gel nano Fe203 / Al (nano) pyrotechnic nanocomposites. The resulting materials were found to have superb mixing of metal oxide and fuel phases at the nanometer level. Thermal analyses revealed that these nanocomposites underwent the thermite reaction at much lower temperatures than mixtures prepared with micron-sized Fe203 and Al. We have observed that the nanocomposites burn much more rapidly than their conventional analogs. We are currently investigating the role that the size of the oxidizer and fuel particle sizes play individually on the thermal properties of the material

Synthesis, characterization, investigation, and utilization of nanostructured materials (NSMs) are the main topics of nanoscience. These materials have at least one dimension that is in the nanoscale range. A nanometer, or 10-9m, is one billionth of a meter. A nanometer is about the length of ten hydrogen atoms or five silicon atoms arranged in a straight line. In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in the processing, structure, and properties of materials whose grain sizes range from tens to many hundreds of nanometers. The ability to pattern and describe materials at the nanoscale length scale is driving a revolution in materials science and engineering. Innovative materials possessing exceptional electrical, optical, magnetic, and mechanical characteristics are being created at a swift pace for applications in bioengineering, information technology, energy, and the environment. The essay provides a summary of the origins of NPs and NSMs, both natural and manufactured, as well as their harmful effects on tissue. It also covers the history and classifications of NMs. Also covered are the laws that various nations have put in place to lessen the risks involved.

(2006). Cost Effective Synthesis, Processing and Applications of Light-Weight Metallic Materials. Materials Technology: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 94-101.

The International Polymer Characterization Conference POLY-CHAR [Halle│Siegen] 2022 took place as a live digital event from 22nd to 25th May 2022. Organized jointly by the Fraunhofer IMWS in Halle, Germany, and the Institute of Physical Chemistry I of the University of Siegen, Germany, the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)-endorsed conference brought together more than 100 participants from five continents, who shared their research findings ranging from theoretical to experimental and fundamental to applied aspects of polymers. As a a nonprofit, non-governmental organization POLY-CHAR is devoted to creating a friendly interdisciplinary environment to share information, organize student exchange and cooperation, to hold international meetings and to provide a platform for scientist from all over the word. The annual POLY-CHAR conferences are not limited to mere “POLYmer CHARacterization”. Instead, POLY-CHAR offers an open platform for sharing ideas, presenting results, meeting old and making new friends in the scientific community. Topics cover a wide area in synthesis, characterization, modification and application of polymeric materials and composites, probably best summarized under the terms “Advanced Materials' and ‘Functional Materials”. The live digital format chosen for POLY-CHAR [Halle│Siegen] 2022 enabled unrestricted worldwide participation in times of global uncertainty regarding travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the first day of the conference the POLY-CHAR Short Course was held. The topics of the lectures presented on the subsequent days by 5 plenary speakers, 24 invited speakers, 66 oral speakers, 9 poster presenters from 28 countries included (i) polymer synthesis, (ii) polymer characterization, (iii) polymer physics, theory and simulations, (iv) circular economy of polymers and sustainable applications, (v) polymers for biomedical applications, biopolymers, biomedical materials and biotechnology, (vi) biopolymers in nutrition and health, (vii) elastomers, amorphous materials, nanomaterials and smart materials, (viii) mechanics of polymers, and (ix) adhesives, coatings, and advanced hybrid materials. In addition to several POLY-CHAR and IUPAC prizes for outstanding oral presentations and posters of young scientists, the following prestigious prizes were awarded to well renowned scientists to honor their academic achievements: The Richard Robert Ernst Award went to Prof. Dr. Jianyong Jin (The University of Auckland, New Zealand), the Jean-Marie Lehn Award went to Prof. Dr. Zheng Li (Peking University, China) and the Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Award was awarded to José Luis Gómez Ribelles (Universitat Polìtècnica de València, Spain). This conference volume represents a focused selection of contributions from different areas of polymer and materials science. The next conference in the series, POLY-CHAR [Auckland] 2023, will be held in presence in Auckland, New Zealand, from January 22nd to 26th, 2023. This meeting will be co-hosted by Prof. Jianyong Jin and Prof. Duncan McGillvray. Sven Henning, Fraunhofer IMWS, Germany Ralf Lach, Institut für Polymerwerkstoffe e.V. (IPW), Germany Holger Schönherr, University of Siegen, Germany

A review of novel materials for nano-photocatalytic and optoelectronic applications: Recent perspectives, water splitting and environmental remediation

There are a lot of problems in the existing databases of ancient characters, such as the digital processing obstacles of Gaiji (characters excluded in character sets), the defects of information technology, and a lack of completeness. The newly released “digital resource library for intelligent Internet search of ancient characters” makes the following breakthrough: it achieves full coverage of all types of ancient characters in all dynasties, and realizes the carrier conversion of character data with strict digital standards, allows the the further processing of materials and the intelligent recognition search technology, and forms the series of thematic databases. There are two major tasks for the future development of the digital resource library of Chinese characters: the development of international standards for ancient character sets, and the further processing and sorting of ancient character materials for the intelligent research of ancient characters.