A new driving mechanism for direction-controlled motion of nano-scale objects is proposed, based on a model of stretching a graphene strip linked to a rigid base with linear springs of identical stiffness. We find that the potential energy difference induced by the strain gradient field in the graphene strip substrate can generate sufficient force to overcome the static and kinetic friction for...

Using a tight-binding atomistic simulation, we simulate the recent atomic-force microscopy experiments probing the slipperiness of graphene flakes made slide against a graphite surface. Compared to previous theoretical models, where the flake was assumed to be geometrically perfect and rigid, while the substrate is represented by a static periodic potential, our fully-atomistic model includes q...

The use of slurry ice, both alone and in combination with ozone, as compared with traditional flake ice was investigated as a new refrigeration system for the storage of sardine (Sardina pilchardus). Microbiological, chemical and sensory analyses were carried out throughout a storage period of 22 days. According to sensory analyses, sardine specimens stored in ozonised slurry ice had a shelf li...

.4 tuo-d~nlen\io~l,lI motlel lo pretlict engineering const;lnts ot' o~.ic~jted strandhoard (OSB) was tievclopccl sing a continuum theory. The orthotropic flake properties, flahe alignment distrihution. ant1 panel \hclling !ratio (as measured by flake weight ratio, FWK, between face layer and entire board) l o r three-layer OSB werc considered in the model. The two-tcrm cosine prohability densit...

This study investigates morphological differences between flakes produced via "core and flake" technologies and those resulting from bifacial shaping strategies. We investigate systematic variation between two technological groups of flakes using experimentally produced assemblages, and then apply the experimental model to the Cutting 10 Mid -Pleistocene archaeological collection from Elandsfon...

Steel pile pipes used for offshore applications and port construction are subject to high levels of corrosion. To protect the top end steel pipe against aggressive corrosion conditions, splash zone is coated with epoxy. For a strength system applications, requirement long term durability coating was specified as C5 (H) Im2 according ISO 12944. The specimens glass flake reinforced epoxy were exp...

Recent experiments on microscopic graphite mesas demonstrate reproducible high-speed microscale superlubricity, even under ambient conditions. Here, we explore the same phenomenon on the nanoscale, by studying a graphene flake sliding on a graphite substrate, using molecular dynamics. We show that superlubricity is punctuated by high-friction transients as the flake rotates through successive c...

A method is demonstrated to prepare graphene dispersions at high concentrations, up to 1.2 mg mL(-1), with yields of up to 4 wt% monolayers. This process relies on low-power sonication for long times, up to 460 h. Transmission electron microscopy shows the sonication to reduce the flake size, with flake dimensions scaling as t(-1/2). However, the mean flake length remains above 1 microm for all...