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Porous yttriastabilized zirconia (YSZ), in a composite with NiO, is widely used as a cermet electrode in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). Given cycles of high temperature in these energy devices, mechanical integrity of the porous YSZ is critical. Pore morphology, as well as properties of the ceramic, ultimately affect the mechanical properties of the cermet electrode. Here, we fabricated porous YSZ sheets via freezing of an aqueous slurry on a cold thermoelectric plate and quantified their flexural properties, both for as-fabricated samples and samples subjected to thermal shock at 200 °C to 500 °C. Results of this work have implications for the hydrogen economy and global decarbonization efforts, in particular for the manufacturing of SOFCs and SOECs.

Material extrusion-based polymer 3D printing, one of the most commonly used additive manufacturing processes for thermoplastics and composites, has drawn extensive attention due to its capability and cost effectiveness. However, the low surface finish quality of the printed parts remains a drawback due to the nature of stacking successive layers along one direction and the nature of rastering of the extruded tracks of material. In this work, an in-process thermal radiation-assisted, surface reflow method is demonstrated that significantly improves the surface finish of the sidewalls of printed parts. It is observed that the surface finish of the printed part is drastically improved for both flat and curved surfaces. The effect of surface reflow on roughness reduction was characterized using optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the local heated spot temperature was quantified using a thermal camera.

Compared to conventional polymer manufacturing methods, additive manufacturing offers the distinct advantage of eliminating both tooling costs and lead time, rendering it an attractive solution for small batch production. Notably, fused filament fabrication (FFF), distinguished by its lack of resin or powder usage, exhibits the potential to operate effectively in vacuum and low-gravity environments. However, the inherent anisotropic strength of FFF components poses a significant constraint on its broader application. This study introduces a systematic exploration of a method designed to enhance the mechanical strength of 3D printed polyether ether ketone (PEEK) parts, approaching near isotropy through the implementation of an in-process laser heating system. PEEK, chosen for its remarkable strength and high-temperature tolerance, serves as the material. The essence of the laser-based approach lies in elevating the interface temperature for a slower cooling process, thereby allowing increased reptation and relaxation for improved mechanical strength. The application of this technology results in a substantial enhancement of the mechanical strength along the build direction for 3D-printed PEEK, surging from 18.8 MPa to an impressive 83.5 MPa. In addition, the mechanical strength along the in-plane direction experiences a commendable 9.5% increase, rising from 85.3 to 93.5 MPa. Although the difference in mechanical strength along the in-plane direction is modest (less than 10%), the strain before fracture exhibits a remarkable surge of 300%. Furthermore, the fracture behavior demonstrates significant variations. No significant improvement in crystallinity improvement with this technology is observed. The integration of this innovative technique emerges as a promising solution to overcome the limitations associated with utilizing FFF 3D printing in manufacturing production, showcasing the potential to revolutionize the mechanical properties of printed components.

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) has become the preferred method for 3D printing of thermoplastic polymer parts due to its cost-effectiveness in comparison with powder- or resin-based 3D printing methods in both machines and materials. It also holds the potential to replace injection molding for small batch production, due to significantly reduced tooling costs, lead time, and the ability to create complex structures. However, the mechanical strength of polymer parts fabricated using this method is significantly lower than those produced using injection molding; this issue is worse in printed polymer composites due to undesirable rheological behaviors of infills during the filament extrusion process. This study investigates the use of an in-process orbiting laser pre-deposition heating technique aimed to enhance the mechanical strength of carbon fiber–reinforced filament in FFF. In this work, the mechanical strength, strain, and fracture behavior are investigated. This innovative technology increases tensile strength from 17.4 to 34.9 MPa at 0.45 W laser power and increases strain from 0.028 to 0.084. Moreover, the laser-treated samples exhibit marked differences in fracture surface characteristics when compared to control samples. The adoption of this approach can provide a solution to the main barrier to the adoption of FFF 3D for engineering and industrial applications.

We propose a Green Cement Paradigm (GCPa) for fabricating environmentally friendly cementitious materials. By using GCPa, we report for the first time, the usage of Class C Fly Ash as a sole source of cementitous phase without any activation by alkali. During this study, Class C Fly Ash, and its composites with sand were fabricated at different compaction stresses by maintaining a low w/c (w-water, c-cement) ratio of 0.17-0.24 in the compacts. The porosity and the number of days for curing played a significant role in the evolution of compressive strength. The experimental results indicate that the curing for 28 days is the optimum time required for strength development. For example, the Class C Fly Ash samples cold pressed at ~86 MPa and cured for 28 days showed a compressive strength of ~29.5 MPa. The effect of additional Ca(OH) 2, high temperature curing and carbonation on the compressive strength development of the class C FA samples is reported. SEM, EDS, TGA/DSC and XRD investigations were employed to explain the obtained results. The possibility of fabricating lignin based polymer composites was investigated. The mechanical properties of the composites were reported in terms of yield strength and flexural strength.

Background Interleukin-10 (IL-10) regulates immune responses in solid tumours, but its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear due to inconsistent findings. Tumour location is a critical prognostic factor, with proximal tumours often linked to worse outcomes. However, the relationship between IL-10 expression and tumour site is poorly understood. Methods Protein expression of IL-10, its α-receptor (IL10Rα), and intracellular signal transducer (STAT3) was measured by immunohistochemistry in archived paired non-cancerous and cancerous colonic specimens collected from the same patients (n = 120). The data were then stratified according to clinical stages (early-stage I/II vs. late-stage III/IV) and tumour sites (right-sided cancers; RSCs vs. left-sided cancers; LSCs). Functional effects of biologically active IL-10 protein (0.1, 1, and 40 ng/ml), anti-IL10Rα monoclonal antibody (0.1, 1, and 40 ng/ml), and a single concentration of a specific STAT3 inhibitor (2 µM) on cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed in HT29 and SW620 CRC cell lines, along with the expression of key regulatory molecules. Results Overall, protein expression of IL-10, IL10Rα, and STAT3 was significantly higher in malignant tissues compared to non-malignant tissues. Early and late-stage RSCs exhibited markedly increased expression of these proteins relative to LSCs, with the highest levels observed in late-stage RSCs. Elevated protein levels of all molecules correlated with high-grade tumours, mucinous histology, lymph node metastasis, and advanced cancer stage. While IL-10 treatment showed minimal effects, IL-10Rα blockade or STAT3 inhibition led to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HT29 and SW620 cells, associated with increased p21, p27, and Caspase-3, and decreased CCND1, CCND3, PCNA, and survivin gene and protein expression. Conclusions IL-10 and its signalling molecules increased in CRC progression, particularly in RSCs, suggesting their potential oncogenic roles and prognostic significance. Furthermore, targeting IL-10 signalling pathways could offer a promising avenue for CRC treatment. However, further studies are required to explore the IL-10 system in relation to tumour consensus molecular subtypes to better elucidate its biological functions and prognostic values in CRC.