Tomas Bata University in Zlín
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Catalyzing renewable energy deployment in the Mercosur economies: A synthesis of human capital, technological innovation and green finance
Get PDFIt has become a global agenda for the transition toward sustainable energy systems; the Mercosur region faces unique opportunities and challenges in harnessing the potential of renewable resources. Against this backdrop, this study thoroughly investigates the determinants of renewable energy consumption (REC) for Mercosur nations. The research examined the influence of economic expansion, green finance, technological innovation, human capital, government effectiveness, and urbanization on the integration and transition of REC. Incorporating a comprehensive approach, the study integrated the CS-ARDL econometric model and panel data for over three decades (1990–2021). The analysis revealed that economic expansion, green finance, technological innovation, human capital and government effectiveness are advantageous and essential for advancing REC deployment in the Mercosur nations. In addition, the outcome espoused that urbanization is detrimental to the progress of REC. Moreover, there is a one-way causality between economic expansion, green finance, technological innovation and green finance to REC. Still, there is a bi-directional link between human capital, urbanization, and renewable energy consumption. The outcome of this paper contributes to the ongoing discussion on sustainable development, providing essential insight for stakeholders, policy-makers and researchers seeking to investigate the complexities of transitioning towards a more resilient and greener energy landscape.excellent innovation team construction project of philosophy and Social Sciences in Colleges and universities of Jiangsu Province; Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, MOE, (18YJA630105); Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, MOEExcellent innovation team construction project of philosophy and Social Sciences in Colleges and universities of Jiangsu Province; Humanities and Social Sciences Research Program of the Ministry of Education: Research on the Formation Mechanism and Breakthrough Path of "Low-end Capture "in the Global Value Chain of High-tech Industry [18YJA630105
Approach to heterogeneous surface roughness evaluation for surface coating preparation
Get PDFThis paper focuses on evaluating the roughness of heterogeneous surfaces, aiming to interpret data effectively for thorough assessment. Previous research highlights the significant impact of surface roughness on final coatings. Beam-cutting machining generates surfaces with position-dependent roughness parameter changes. However, there is inconsistency in the methods for investigating roughness in such surfaces, leading to the loss of crucial information and potentially inaccurate results. This could result in flawed coating preparation and subsequent defects. This paper proposes a suitable evaluation method involving an optical 3D profilometer and a stabilizing support system for reliable measurements. It provides a detailed description of the materials and methods used. The objective is to establish a more consistent and accurate approach to assessing roughness for coating preparation. Technical applications demonstrate up-to-fivefold fluctuations in surface topography parameters, as illustrated in this manuscript. Overall, this paper seeks to address these challenges and provide a robust framework for evaluating roughness in heterogeneous surfaces, thereby enhancing surface coating preparation processes.Tomas Bata University in Zlín, TBU, (IGA/FT/2024/002)Internal grant of TBU in Zlin - Resources of specific university research [IGA/FT/2024/002
Valorization of cork stoppers, coffee-grounds and walnut shells in the development and characterization of pectin-based composite films: Physical, barrier, antioxidant, genotoxic, and biodegradation properties
Get PDFThe development of sustainable materials from the valorization of waste is a good alternative to reducing the negative environmental impact of plastic packaging. The objectives of this study were to develop and characterize pectin-based composite films incorporated with cork or cork with either coffee grounds or walnut shells, as well as to test the films’ genotoxicity, antioxidant properties, and biodegradation capacity in soil and seawater. The addition of cork, coffee grounds, or walnut shells modified the films’ characteristics. The results showed that those films were thicker (0.487 ± 0.014 mm to 0.572 ± 0.014 mm), more opaque (around 100%), darker (L* = 25.30 ± 0.78 to 33.93 ± 0.84), and had a higher total phenolic content (3.17 ± 0.01 mg GA/g to 4.24 ± 0.02 mg GA/g). On the other hand, the films incorporated only with cork showed higher values of elongation at break (32.24 ± 1.88% to 36.30 ± 3.25%) but lower tensile strength (0.91 ± 0.19 MPa to 1.09 ± 0.08 MPa). All the films presented more heterogeneous and rougher microstructures than the pectin film. This study also revealed that the developed films do not contain DNA-reactive substances and that they are biodegradable in soil and seawater. These positive properties could subsequently make the developed films an interesting eco-friendly food packaging solution that contributes to the valorization of organic waste and by-products, thus promoting the circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of plastic materials.European Cooperation in Science and Technology, COSTCOST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology
Fluoro and trifluoromethyl benzoyl hypoiodite complexes with substituted pyridines
Get PDFBased on the prior observation of the trifluoroacetate hypoiodite, CF3C(O)OI, demonstrating the largest σ-hole of a neutral halogen bond donor, a series of mono- and bis-carbonyl hypoiodites utilising trifluoromethyl or fluorine substituents at various positions of a parent benzoyl skeleton have been synthesised. The carbonyl hypoiodite complexes were prepared via cation exchange of the silver(I) cations with iodine(I) from the respective silver(I) carboxylates and dicarboxylates as the synthetic precursors. A range of pyridinic Lewis bases of varying nucleophilicities were used to stabilise the carbonyl hypoiodites to further probe their properties. The silver(I) intermediates with these Lewis bases were also isolated for silver(I) pentafluorobenzoate, providing additional insight into the cation exchange reaction. All complexes were characterised both in solution (1H, 1H-15N HMBC, 19F) and in the solid state (SCXRD), permitting insights into the formation of the elusive pyridine-iodine(I) cation.Erasmus+; Internal Funding Agency of Tomas Bata University, (IGA/FT/2024/001); Research Council of Finland, AKA, (351121, 356187); Research Council of Finland, AKAErasmus+program; Internal Funding Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zln [IGA/FT/2024/001]; Academy of Finland [351121, 356187
Unveiling significant impact of subtle atomic displacement from equilibrium position in crystal lattice on electronic properties and photocatalytic activity of ZnO
No full textThis work contributes to the unsettling question of the structural parameters' influence on photocatalysts’ performance. Whereas specific surface area, average crystalline domain size, morphology, intrinsic defects and exposed facets are considered the main factors determining photocatalytic activity, we have demonstrated on a model ZnO that even subtle atomic displacement from equilibrium may impact photocatalytic activity dramatically. Synthesis of ZnO with fixed important parameters was realized by thermal decomposition of zinc oxalate precursor differing just in a cooling profile; one sample was left to cool-down naturally (ZnO) while the second one was rapidly quenched in liquid nitrogen medium (ZnO-LNQ). The quenching affected neither morphology nor textural characteristics including average crystalline domain size. The slight difference in Urbach tail associated defects was not evidenced either by visible-band emission in PL spectra or by ESR. However, analysis of E2high and E2low modes of experimental Raman data to Breit-Wigner-Fano (BWF) function and Phonon Confinement Model (PCM) indicates microstructural disorder for the quenched sample assigned to the dislocation of zinc atoms. Results on photocatalytic degradation of commonly used active pharmaceutical ingredients and methylene blue discoloration indicate that even the subtle displacement of zinc atoms from equilibrium position may cause a significant decrease in photocatalytic performance.Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT; DKRVO, (RP/CPS/2022/007)Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic - DKRVO [RP/CPS/2022/007
AFM-based machine design for finishing injection molding tools
No full textThis research delves into challenges within injection molding, particularly the struggle to maintain uniform cooling in complex product shapes. Additive manufacturing, like conformal cooling, is explored as a potential solution but faces surface quality issues. The study investigates Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) as a means to refine surfaces within cooling channels, crucial for injection molds. The research presents the design and assembly of an AFM-based machine and its potential in addressing the requirements for machining internal surfaces created through additive technologies, highlighting its universality and potential applications in future research on conformal cooling within injection molding technology.TBU in Zlin, (IGA/FT/2024/003)Internal Grant Agency of TBU in Zlin [IGA/FT/2024/003
The interaction of microplastics and microbioplastics with soil and a comparison of their potential to spread pathogens
Get PDFMicroplastics contribute to various environmental issues and serve as carriers for a wide range of toxic compounds such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and metal ions. Consequently, there is a gradual shift towards replacing them with biodegradable plastics (bioplastics). However, biodegradable plastics require specific conditions for complete biodegradation, and their biodeterioration often leads to the rapid production of smaller fragments, known as microbioplastics. In this review, we summarize selected issues related to the impact of plastic particles on soil properties and the soil microbiome. Findings from numerous studies indicate that both microplastics and microbioplastics induce adverse changes in soil microbiology, potentially increasing the abundance of soil-borne pathogens. Based on these observations, we argue that plastic particles could serve as carriers for colonies of soil-borne pathogens. Furthermore, the use of bioplastics may exacerbate this issue due to their easier and faster formation, increased support for biofilms, and more pronounced adverse effects on soil biota. However, further research is necessary to either substantiate or refute this perspective.European Cooperation in Science and Technology, COST; Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, MŠMT, (FCH-S-24-8591)Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic; COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology
Desenvolvimento e perspetivas das importações de joias de ouro e prata para a Eslováquia considerando o impacto da pandemia da COVID-19
Get PDFThis study focuses on gold and silver jewelry import to Slovakia between the years 2010–2022 for hallmarking according to the country of origin. The aim of the research was to analyze and predict the import of gold and silver jewelry to Slovakia using statistical methods, namely the correlation coefficient and time series analysis. Using the correlation coefficient, we determined the relationship or degree of relation between selected countries of origin based on the amount of gold and silver jewelry (in kg) imported to Slovakia for hallmarking. We obtained an estimate of the future development trend of gold and silver imports into the domestic market from abroad using the time series method, particularly regression analysis and Holt-Winterson methods. It was found that the import of gold jewelry to Slovakia from the studied countries has an upward trend and, conversely, the import of silver jewelry has a downward trend
Preparation and properties of novel binary and ternary highly amorphous poly(vinyl alcohol)-based composites with hybrid nanofillers
Get PDFSmart protective coatings and devices are currently of great interest. In particular, they can absorb or reflect harmful waves of electromagnetic interference (EMI). In this work, novel binary and ternary composites with highly amorphous poly(vinyl alcohol) (HAVOH) as a matrix and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and MXenes as nanofillers were prepared. HAVOH is a recently patented kind of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) that was modified with diol monomers. MXenes are a new type of inorganic two-dimensional (2D) nanoparticle consisting of carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides. Three series of composites, HAVOH/SWCNTs, HAVOH/MXenes and HAVOH/SWCNTs/MXenes, were prepared using the solvent casting method. Samples were tested with various methods to study their structure, electrical properties, thermal behavior and EMI-shielding properties. HAVOH/3.0 wt.% SWCNTs/3.0 wt.% MXene specimens revealed a shielding effectiveness of 55 dB, which is 122 times better than that of the neat matrix. These results are promising for the fabrication of films with protective effects against EMI.Drexel University; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, H2020; H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, MSCA, (777810, APVV 19–0465, VEGA 02/0006/22); European Cooperation in Science and Technology, COST, (CA19118)Authors greatly appreciate Prof. Yury Gogotsi and Dr. Christopher Shuck (Drexel University, USA) for providing the MXene paste
Additive manufacturing and 3D printing technology
No full textWith the growing use of technology in the manufacturing industry, additive technology has its contribution and potential for further advancements. This paper will discuss the various additive manufacturing processes and the potential of additive manufacturing and 3D printing technology in the 21st-century manufacturing industry. Additive manufacturing and 3D printing technology have been around for decades, but their applications and capabilities rapidly expand. A thorough analysis of additive manufacturing and 3D printing technology is reviewed, focusing on recent advancements made by several researchers and industries. The paper explores the current state of the technology and its potential applications in the future as Industry 4.0 continues to advance. Challenges that can hinder the technology from reaching its full potential are also discussed