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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using highly filled powders as electrostatically applied paper coatings. Powders prepared by two different methods were suitable for electrostatic deposition and they attached to the paper surface with a grounded backing. Pressing at elevated temperatures turned out to be a crucial process step for improving the adhesive and cohesive strengths of the powder coating layer on paper. Limited mechanical interlocking with the base paper and an uneven pressure profile were factors impairing the surface strength of the coated paper. On the other hand, factors such as higher polymer content, higher pressing temperature, pre-heating the paper prior to coating, and increasing the number of hot roll nips increased adhesion between the coating and the base paper. Powder coatings as such had uneven thickness, and they displayed a relatively broad pore size distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A cellulose-based cationic (Q) paper is a convenient platform to collect, preserve, and store nucleic acids (NA). • Factors that affected arboviral RNA adsorbance on Q-paper were evaluated. • Q-paper produced by optimized technology is an efficient tool for downstream infected mosquito surveillance. • Viral RNA could be recovered from infected mosquito saliva follow feeding on Q-paper treated with honey. Abstract Previously (Glushakova et al. 2017), a cellulose-based cationic (Q) paper derivatized with quaternary ammonium groups was shown to be a convenient platform to collect, preserve, and store nucleic acids (NAs) derived from mosquito vectors infected with pathogens for surveillance. NAs bind electrostatically to Q-paper, but the quantity of NA bound depends on the paper’s binding capacity. To optimize the original technology for mosquito surveillance, factors that affected NA absorbance on Q-paper were evaluated. Sixteen variations of Q-paper were prepared with modifications of the derivatizing reagents and derivatization temperature. The binding capacities of these variations were determined first with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic (BTCA), then viral RNA (purified or in infected mosquito samples) was used for validation. For this, samples with Zika (ZIKV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) RNA or virus-infected Aedes aegypti mosquito bodies were applied to sixteen Q-paper variants. Washing the paper samples with water versus elution with aqueous salt (1 M) gave samples that were analyzed for viral RNA by a PCR-based direct Luminex hybridization assay. The comparison ranked the Q-paper binding capacities from the lowest to the highest. The Q-paper with the highest RNA binding capability was further validated with ZIKV- and CHIKV-infected mosquito saliva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The polarization phenomenon of papers containing different amounts and different types of inorganic fillers during corona charging was studied using a dose-charging method. This method enables to investigate the phenomena in the conditions close to the real ones. It revealed that the paper composition affects the polarization tendency during the corona charging of paper. The filler influences the paper''s dielectric constant and hence its electrical capacitance, charging potential and polarizing electric field. It was shown that paper polarization depends mainly on the electric field and this is caused by the orientation polarization and the role of the filler origin and its concentration in the polarization was surprisingly low. Polarization temperature dependences enable to propose the paper polarization mechanism. Paper polarizability is dominated by cellulose and the moisture content in it, and the liability of cellulose and hydrogen bonds hydroxyl groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of the research is to determine the electrostatic properties of two-layer paper sheets composed of laboratory filter paper and polyethylene. The volume resistivity and conductivity in a filter paper sheet, polyethylene film and a two-layer sheet consisting of them were studied. The experiment was done using two techniques. The investigated samples were exposed to static electric field and the surface and volume conductivity were measured in accordance with ASTM D257 standard. The same samples were also exposed to positive and negative air ion flux that allows a periodical deposition of a dosed amount of charge in order to measure electrostatic properties of the samples, i.e. to measure maximum surface voltage, sheet capacitance, surface voltage decay half time, volume resistivity, et cetera. A study of a two-layer sample consisting of laboratory filter paper and polyethylene film superimposed on the conductive surface in one position when the polyethylene film is on top and in other when the sample is in turned over position shows that the electrostatic properties of the top layer become dominant. The obtained results appear to be useful for more precise understanding of the phenomena occurring in multilayer sheets and to find a way to improve the multilayer sheets features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using highly filled powders with 100 parts per weight of calcium carbonate and 10 parts per weight of polymer, acting as binder, as electrostatically applied paper coatings. Such powders prepared by different methods were evaluated as being suitable for electrostatic coating. Powders compacted at elevated temperatures demonstrated cohesion superior to that of calcium carbonate, and at best similar to that of aqueous coatings. Cohesion, porosity and thus absorption properties of compacted powders were affected by the powder preparation method, compaction process, and powder composition. Powders containing semicrystalline polymer turned out to be the most interesting for further testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effects of co-ions on iodide ion transport through a novel anion exchange paper membrane containing trimethylhydroxypropylammonium groups with approximately 0.30 meq. g−1 dry-membrane ion exchange capacity, transmembrane potential, membrane conductance and ionic fluxes were measured in the concentration-cell system for seven kinds of iodine salts (1:1-electrolytes) at 10−3 to 10−1 mol dm−3. For analysis of ion transport, the electroconductive membrane permeability, representing the solution/membrane ion distribution due to electrostatic effects, and the diffusional membrane permeability, representing the migration speed of ions within the membrane phase, concerning ion pair diffusion, and increasing with co-ion penetration and diffusion, were introduced in terms of linear phenomenological equations. Electroconductive membrane permeabilities of iodide ions were found to increase linearly with increasing hydrated co-ion radii; r2=0.855, while diffusional membrane permeabilities of iodide ions increased linearly with increasing crystal co-ion radii; r2=0.899. These results for a paper membrane differ from those of synthetic amphoteric membrane and nanoporus membranes in which ions of both charges penetrate equally, in which membrane permeabilities decreased with increasing co-ion radii. This suggests that iodide ion transport may be partially controlled by co-ion transport dependent on surface cationic charge density rather than ion radii in the anion exchange paper membrane, as the pores are large enough for ions to freely permeate within membrane matrix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Latent fingermarks were deposited onto white office paper samples containing writing or printing from several media (for example, ballpoint pens and laser printers). Fingermarks were deposited both before and after writing/printing. The marks were then treated with appropriate latent fingermark development techniques. Once treated, they were examined with standard techniques applied in document examination (filtered light analysis, electrostatic detection device and Raman spectroscopy) to determine the sequence of application. The results suggested that the sequence of laser printing and latent marks could be determined via electrostatic detection device examination of undeveloped and Ninhydrin developed samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A list of the articles published in this journal is presente including "Uniform Coloring of Silica Glass By Dispersion of Submicron Droplets Dissolving Organic Dye," "Electrostatic Separation of a Binary Solid Mixture Using a Rotating Conical Vessel" and "Development of a Novel Mechanoluminescent Material With Water-Resistence."

Abstract: To produce bioactive papers, i.e. papers incorporating biomolecules that are useful for analyte detection, adequate immobilization strategies should be devised. In this article, the physical immobilization behavior and activity of the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on various papermaking substrates were studied. The papermaking substrates included amorphous and crystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, styrene butadiene latex, polystyrene, and both negatively charged rayon and rayon with a positively charged layer. It was found that HRP adsorption improves as the hydrophobicity of the substrate increases; however, excessive hydrophobicity produces enzyme deactivation. HRP–calcium carbonate binding was weak and the enzyme loading was scant. These results provided a possible explanation for the poor analytical signals observed in pigment-coated papers when used as bioactive paper supports. Electrostatic effects played a minor role in HRP adsorption behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Variable stiffness surgical robots are capable of adapting to different surgical scenarios, providing enhanced stability during minimally-invasive surgeries. Prevalent methods for achieving variable stiffness, such as lockable mechanisms, granular jamming, and phase transition materials, have inherent weaknesses including difficulties in downsizing and issues related to excessive temperatures. In this paper, a novel lockable mechanism based on electrostatics is proposed, along with a tendon-driven surgical robot prototype that utilizes this locking mechanism to achieve variable stiffness. The proposed mechanism involves the installation of graphite electrode sheets at each joint, with silica gel being used as the dielectric material. By applying a high voltage to the electrode sheets, adjacent joints automatically absorb and restrict relative sliding, effectively preventing joint rotation and ensuring complete joint locking. An electrostatic adhesive braking force model for the robot is presented. Simulations and experiments conducted based on the robot prototype have been carried out to validate the locking capability of the proposed mechanism and the accuracy of the electrostatic adhesive braking force model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multi-scale fusion neural network is proposed to solve the elliptical interface problem. • Multi-scale fusion neural network can better capture "sharp turns" on the interface. • Solutions by multi-scale fusion neural network can better preserve the C 0 continuity while keeping the flux jumps. • We apply multi-scale fusion neural network to calculate the electrostatic potential of immersed biomolecules. In this paper, we construct a novel multi-scale fusion network as a new deep learning structure to solve the elliptic interface problem. Compared with the results of the fully connected neural network and ResNet, the new multi-scale fusion network is shown to be able to better capture "sharp turns", leading to the improved accuracy. Furthermore, its numerical solutions can preserve the C 0 continuity of the solution while keeping the flux jumps passing through different interfaces, thus maintaining the physics of the differential equation. Then, as an application, the new method is applied to solve the three-dimensional Poisson-Boltzmann equations to calculate the electrostatic potential of immersed biomolecules. Numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our new method compared to the results obtained by the finite element method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the local and nonlocal Poisson–Boltzmann equations are studied on their linear and nonlinear models with spherical symmetry. In particular, the exact solutions of the linear and nonlinear modes are obtained in either analytical expressions or simplified boundary value problems, whose solutions can be found easily via the Maple procedure dsolve for example. Numerical results confirm the derived solution properties, and show that the two new linear models proposed in this paper can have higher accuracy than the two conventional linear models in approximation to the local and nonlocal nonlinear models, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gyricon balls consist of two hemispheres of different colors and different electrical properties. When immersed in a liquid and exposed to a uniform electrical field, they rotate so that the ball is aligned along the polar axis. The dipole moment of the ball is modeled in terms of a uniform surface charge distribution on each hemisphere, and the predicted motion is obtained from a balance of electrical and viscous torques. The motion shows a long and variable initial decay, followed by a relatively rapid turning and then a long final delay. Measurements of the rotation between parallel electrodes lead to a dipole moment and surface charge density for the balls, with typical bipolar surface charge densities in the range of 0.1–0.3 μC/m2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract In recent years, paper-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) was proposed. In order to reduce cost, a cost-effective and high output performance TENG can be developed by utilizing commercial and cheap materials. In this study, TENG based on paper is proposed by creating arch structure with the materials that can be commercially obtained, for example, teflon tape or conductive copper foil tape. Silicone paper on the conductive copper foil tape is adopted as both triboelectric component and supporting frame. The market available LEDs have been lit up by the electronic outputs. This work will promote the development of paper-based TENG in the electronics industry. Highlights • Paper TENG using silicone paper, teflon tape and conductive copper foil tape is proposed. • The conductive copper foil tape can form triboelectric pair, supporting part and electrodes. • The output performance of TENG can maintain good stability in humid environment. • The proposed TENG could illuminate 27 commercial LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The electrostatically controlled deployable membrane antenna (ECDMA) is expected to become one of the next generation spaceborne antennas due to its lightweight, large-aperture and high-precision advantages. However, form-finding of the ECDMA is a challenge that related to the cable-membrane structure and electrostatic force. This paper presents an extended force density method (EFDM) that identifying the equivalent cable force density to replace the orthotropic membrane element stress by the virtual work principle. Then the force density equilibrium equations of the cable-membrane electrode structure and the membrane reflective surface of the ECDMA are deduced based on the EFDM and the corresponding form-finding strategies are given, respectively. Simulations and experiments show that the EFDM presented in this paper is effective for the form-finding design of the ECDMA. Highlights • The EFDM is applicable to the form-finding of orthotropic membrane structure. • The form-finding design of the cable-membrane electrode structure and the membrane surface need different strategies. • The parabolic membrane reflective surface wrinkling is worth of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FWVM module has 2 stages of Cock-Croft Walton voltage multiplier circuit. • The FWVM unit is fed by a center tapped, 20 kHz high voltage transformer. • The maximum ground fault current is 50 A as per simulation results. • The 100 kV, 100 mA FWVM module is designed, fabricated and tested at 100 kV. The 100 kV, 100 mA DC full-wave voltage multiplier (FWVM) modular unit is being developed for accelerator power supply and other plasma applications at Institute for Plasma Research (IPR). The high voltage engineering design involved in fabrication architecture and assembly of 100 kV, 100 mA DC FWVM module is the main focus of this paper. This FWVM module has 2 stages of Cock-Croft Walton voltage multiplier circuit considering the required optimum number of stages for final 500 kV voltage output. The FWVM unit is fed by a center tapped High Voltage High Frequency (HVHF) transformer. Electrical circuit simulations have been carried out to ensure the electrical performance parameters. The maximum value of the fault current during ground fault is 50 A as per simulation results. The 100 kV, 100 mA FWVM module is designed, fabricated and tested at 100 kV. Simulation Results, fabrication details, engineering design details and test results have been presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A holistic assessment of EHD technologies, fundamentals, limitations, and prospects. • Introducing a theoretical tool to assess EHD's effectiveness window. • EHD technologies cannot induce pressures above 300 Pa in gases. • EHD technologies cannot induce pressures above 300 kPa in liquids. • None of the EHD applications has reached to final technology readiness level yet. Electrohydrodynamics (EHD) refers to the interaction of electrical forces with fluids, whether liquids or gases. EHD has established itself as an energy-efficient, highly versatile, and effective tool to influence fluids without moving mechanical parts. Therefore, it has found applications in various fields of science and engineering. This review paper categorizes the most notable applications of EHD into five areas, grouping them based on their shared operational principles. The first application area includes electrospinning, electrospraying, and EHD jet printing. The other application areas are EHD-based heat and mass transfer, active airflow control, air filtration or so-called electrostatic precipitators, and EHD-based pumps, thrusters, and blowers. For each application, the fundamental theories are presented, and a summary of the recent advances is discussed. Moreover, a critical analysis of their current limitations and their envisaged future is provided. Finally, the overall application areas status is analyzed using indicators such as technology readiness level (TRL), scalability, and effectiveness compared to similar technologies in their respective fields. The analysis across the five technology areas indicates that electrostatic precipitators are mature and effective, while EHD-based pumps, thrusters, and blowers are in the early stages of development. Electrospinning, electrospraying, and EHD jet printing show promise with moderate technology readiness, while EHD-based heat and mass transfer and EHD-based airflow control fall within a mid-range, reflecting ongoing development. As many reviews on EHD focus on specific applications, the contribution of this review is to draw a comprehensive map of different applications, illustrate their similarities and differences, integrate current knowledge, and highlight areas for further investigation. This interdisciplinary perspective enables researchers to identify various capabilities of EHD and benefit from advances made by other established applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure analysis for the MEMS device is a crucial step in understanding the root causes of failure and improving the performance of the device. In order to explore the degradation failure mechanisms of 2-D electrostatic microscanners, three steps were addressed in this paper. Firstly, the stress distribution of the microscanner under its operation state was simulated using the finite element method (FEM), and the results showed that the middle part on the frame torsion beam was the most critical place. In the second step, accelerated lifetime test (ALT) was performed to shorten the time-to-failure period. Thirty well-conditioned devices participated in the experiment with continuous operation modes. Finally, five failures were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and pull-in was found to be the main failure mode. In particular, a new appearance (wrinkling) was found at the most critical place obtained by previous simulation, and the natural frequencies of failed microscanners declined in accordance with the characteristic degradation trend before they failed. In this paper, it was proved that for electrostatic microscanners, the degradation of the mechanical properties after a long period of cyclic torsion work was the cause that induced pull-in failure, and the degradation was embodied by the wrinkling appearance. Besides, based on the experimental data, a working life of 15.8 years at 298 K for microscanners was obtained by further calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Design guidelines for a unique double-gated TFET-based biosensor (DG-TFET-BS) • Identifying main factor(s) affecting DG-TFET-BS performance with < 100 % fill-factor. • Projected DG-TFET-BS outperforming its MOS counterpart (MES) in sensing performance. • Capturing the change in biomolecule properties (k-value, diameter) with temperature. • More stability of MES against temperature and position variability than DG-TFET-BS. In this paper, marking the first instance, we introduce design guidelines for a unique double-gate TFET-based biosensor, considering the practical aspect of a non-100% fill-factor in the nanogap cavity, facilitating the successful conjugation and detection of diverse biomolecules with varying diameters and k-values. Throughout our study, we have sought to identify the most influential parameter(s) among k-value, fill-factor, and gate-oxide thickness, impacting the biosensor's sensing performance. Intriguingly, we have discovered that the complex interplay of electrostatics in the device is governed by a collective effect of these parameters, affecting sensing performance. Nevertheless, optimizing the nanogap cavity thickness is a trade-off between performance and fabrication complexity. Subsequently, we have conducted a comparison between the proposed biosensor and its MOS counterpart, evaluating their sensitivity, and stability against temperature fluctuation and position variability. While the projected TFET-based biosensor excels in sensitivity, it lags in the latter two aspects, making the choice between the two types of biosensors application-specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrostatic monitoring technology is a useful tool for monitoring and detecting component faults and degradation, which is necessary for system health management. It encompasses three key research areas: sensor technology; signal detection, processing and feature extraction; and verification experimentation. It has received considerable recent attention for condition monitoring due to its ability to provide warning information and non-obstructive measurements on-line. A number of papers in recent years have covered specific aspects of the technology, including sensor design optimization, sensor characteristic analysis, signal de-noising and practical applications of the technology. This paper provides a review of the recent research and of the development of electrostatic monitoring technology, with a primary emphasis on its application for the aero-engine gas path. The paper also presents a summary of some of the current applications of electrostatic monitoring technology in other industries, before concluding with a brief discussion of the current research situation and possible future challenges and research gaps in this field. The aim of this paper is to promote further research into this promising technology by increasing awareness of both the potential benefits of the technology and the current research gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triboelectrification and its underlying mechanisms have been studied over several decades to provide us with deterministic tools which can predict the occurrence of such phenomenon. This has also produced many charge transfer models that have been validated by some experiments and contradicted by others. However, certain trends have emerged which provide insight for a general charge evolution model. Variations produced by impact conditions and solids surface properties have been discussed in greater detail in recent years and their effects need to be modeled as well. Of particular interest is the occurrence of bipolar charging in insulative particle systems. While models can predict such behavior with suitable work function differences, justifying this for particles of the same material is not obvious. Aside from discrete models, simulation setup and parameters used have also significant impact on outcomes. These factors and their implications are reviewed in this paper while highlighting shortcomings that need to be addressed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we investigate the impact of quantum mechanical effects on the device performance of n-type silicon nanowire transistors (NWT) for possible future CMOS applications at the scaling limit. For the purpose of this paper, we created Si NWTs with two channel crystallographic orientations 〈1 1 0〉 and 〈1 0 0〉 and six different cross-section profiles. In the first part, we study the impact of quantum corrections on the gate capacitance and mobile charge in the channel. The mobile charge to gate capacitance ratio, which is an indicator of the intrinsic performance of the NWTs, is also investigated. The influence of the rotating of the NWTs cross-sectional geometry by 90° on charge distribution in the channel is also studied. We compare the correlation between the charge profile in the channel and cross-sectional dimension for circular transistor with four different cross-sections diameters: 5 nm, 6 nm, 7 nm and 8 nm. In the second part of this paper, we expand the computational study by including different gate lengths for some of the Si NWTs. As a result, we establish a correlation between the mobile charge distribution in the channel and the gate capacitance, drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) and the subthreshold slope (SS). All calculations are based on a quantum mechanical description of the mobile charge distribution in the channel. This description is based on the solution of the Schrödinger equation in NWT cross sections along the current path, which is mandatory for nanowires with such ultra-scale dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the behavior and properties of spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPEBs), which are polyelectrolyte brushes grafted to a spherical core, is fundamental to many applications in biomedical, chemical and petroleum engineering as well as in pharmaceutics. In this paper, we study the pH-responsive electrostatics of such SPEBs in the decoupled regime. In the first part of the paper, we derive the scaling conditions in terms of the grafting density of the PEs on the spherical core that ensure that the analysis can be performed in the decoupled regime. In such a regime the elastic and the excluded volume effects of polyelectrolyte brushes (PEBs) can be decoupled from the electrostatic effects associated with the PE charge and the induced EDL. As a consequence the PE brush height, assumed to be dictated by the balance of the elastic and excluded volume effects, can be independent of the electrostatic effects. In the second part, we quantify the pH-responsive electrostatics of the SPEBs – we pinpoint that the radial monomer distribution for a given brush molecule exhibit a non-unique cubic distribution that decays away from the spherical core. Such a monomer distribution ensures that the hydrogen ion concentration is appropriately accounted for in the description of the SPEB thermodynamics. We anticipate that the present analysis, which provides possibly one of the first models for probing the electrostatics of pH-responsive SPEBs in a thermodynamically-consistent framework, will be vital for understanding the behavior of a large number of entities ranging from PE-coated NPs and stealth liposomes to biomolecules like bacteria and viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for detecting and sizing airborne particles at single particle level is presented in this paper. When a particle hits a metal electrode which is grounded, electrostatic charges will be transferred between the particle and the electrode. As a result, an electrical current pulse will be generated in the measurement system. The number of the signal pulse represents the number of particles in the sample. To determine the effect of the particle size on the magnitude of the signal, the correlation between the magnitude of the signal and the size of particle was experimentally investigated. The results show that the magnitude of the measured signal is linearly proportional to the square of particle’s diameter. Such a correlation can be used to evaluate particle size from the measured signal. The airborne particle detection method presented in this paper can be used for counting and sizing airborne particles at single particle level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a methodology for de-embedding scanning microwave microscopy (SMM) measurements, mainly for semiconductor characterization. Analytical modeling, a parametric study and experimental verification are presented. The proposed methodology is based on the analysis of system response in the linear scale, instead of the dB scale commonly utilized in RF measurements, and on expressing the standard calibration capacitances per unit area. In this way the total measured capacitance is determined by the tip area which is then obtained as a result of the model fitting on the experimental data. Additional evaluation is performed by a straightforward experimental comparison with the usually adopted technique that is based on the electrostatic force microscopy approach curve method. The results obtained by the application of both techniques on the same tip during the same experiment were found to be in good agreement and moreover allowed a detailed discussion on the features of each one of the two methodologies. The paper provides also in this way useful knowledge for the potential users in order to choose the most appropriate technique according to the corresponding SMM application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guidance-plate-covered electrostatic precipitators (GPC-ESPs), which are ESPs with perforated guidance plates that cover their collecting electrodes, have been experimentally proven to have higher collection efficiencies than their traditional counterparts. The key to the GPC-ESP׳s success in high collection efficiency is that particles that enter the gaps between the guidance plate and the collecting electrode have lower chances of returning to the environment. This paper presents the characteristics of the GPC-ESPs, and discusses how the parameters of interest affect collection efficiency. The numerical model is carried out by modeling the particle transport, flow field, and electric field. Results show that when the diameters of the holes on the guidance plate are larger, the flow recirculation is stronger and allows for more particles to easily enter the gaps through these holes. The electrical characteristics are dependent on the repelling voltage and the diameter of the holes. The collection efficiency is also discussed in terms of two dimensionless parameters: the Stokes numbers (the ratio of inertia force to viscous drag force) and the electrostatic numbers (the ratio of electrostatic force to viscous drag force). Results show that a lower Stokes number and a higher electrostatic number results in a higher collection efficiency. The collection efficiency remains numerically unchanged when the electrostatic number stays the same. This paper also demonstrates a set of simulations to simulate particle re-entrainment. Results show that when particle re-entrainment happens at the collecting electrode, none of the particles reenter the environment through the holes of the guidance plate. When particle re-entrainment happens at the guidance plate, some of the particles escape the collector, but most of the particles enter the gaps and are recaptured at the collecting electrode, due to either flow recirculation or induced electrostatic forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a new approach for streamer advance mechanism in dielectric liquid. The existing of bush-like streamer shape early and then a tree structure shape after that has been given an over view and definition by devising a breakdown index for dielectric liquid which reach a value of 25. The deviation of streamer velocity from low values of tens of meter per second, until several kilometer per second from bush-like shape, until complete breakdown has been discussed too. These different stages have been studied on an energy balance concepts. In this paper using energy balance analysis, different critical applied fields have been obtained. These values reach 2.18 MV/cm for one branch channel in bush-like streamer shape and 21.5 MV/cm, for tree streamer. After that, the initial streamer velocities concerning these stages have been introduced. From these analysis the dissociation of dielectric liquids starts when the streamer velocity reach the sound speed in air, 331 m/s. In addition, the dissociation field depends mainly on the physical values of the dielectric medium, such as density, and permittivity have been introduced. In this paper the dissociation starts at an electric field value of 21.5 MV/cm for nearly all dielectric liquids, This result is equal to tree streamer inception value, which can be considered as a new introduced finding. A new energy equation relating injected energy electric field, velocity and new deduced breakdown index in dielectric liquid has been devised. The streamer may stop or continue its advance until complete breakdown. According to many published data for streamer, there is no clear explanation for streamer stopping and continuing it advance. In this paper, the streamer must advance ahead of the bush zone in the gap toward the opposite electrode when the prospective electric field at 66% of the gap achieves a breakdown index of 25. This result can be considered as a new criterion for streamer growth until crossing the gap. These new equations and findings have been applied to several experimental works and achieve good results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes both an experimental methodology based on the Ion Beam Induced Charge (IBIC) technique and the relevant interpretative model, which were adopted to characterize the electronic features of power diodes. IBIC spectra were acquired using different proton energies (from 1.2 to 2.0 MeV), angles of incidence, and applied bias voltages. The modulation of the ion probe range, combined with the modulation of the extensions of the depletion layer, allowed the charge collection efficiency scale to be accurately calibrated, the dead layer beneath the thick (6 μm) Al electrode and the minority carrier lifetime to be measured. The analysis was performed by using a simplified model extracted from the basic IBIC theory, which proved to be suitable to interpret the behaviour of the IBIC spectra as a function of all the experimental conditions and to characterize the devices, both for what concerns the electrostatics and the recombination processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper aims to establish an accurate physical basis for the transient negative capacitance (TNC) and the relationship between the TNC and organic ferroelectric's free energy profile. • The fundamental mechanism of TNC is caused by the switching rate difference between the free charge and polarization during the two stable state switching processes. • TNC appears immediately when the change in organic ferroelectric voltage (V OFE) per unit time is negative. • Unipolar pulsing does not produce the TNC effect. • The proposed organic ferroelectric capacitor may be employed as a gate stack of any standard transistor for designing beyond CMOS transistor technology. The physical mechanism of the negative capacitance (NC) effect in an organic ferroelectric (OFE) remains unknown. Therefore, this paper presents a series circuit of a resistor and an OFE capacitor (R-OFEC) based on experimentally validated Ginzburg-Landau-Khalatnikov (GLK) theory, electrostatics, and Kirchoff's circuit rule to understand the transient NC (TNC) mechanism in TCAD environment. We show that: (i) the fundamental mechanism of TNC in an R-OFEC is caused by switching rate difference between the free charge (Q OFE) and OFE polarization (P OFE) during the two stable state switching processes; (ii) Q OFE -P OFE difference is induced by the NC region of the OFE's double-well free energy landscape and its relationship with the change in voltage transient is demonstrated analytically; (iii) a bipolar pulsing is needed for TNC appearance; (iv) TNC appears immediately when the change in voltage across the OFEC per unit time is negative. Finally, the TNC effect caused by the Q OFE -P OFE difference is justified by its dependence on R. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes conventional parameter extraction methodologies applied to MOSFET devices subject to electrical stress and highlights the complexity to accurately get and separate both electrostatic and transport degradations. It is shown that an accurate Coulomb scattering assessment from the linear Id-Vg characteristics is mandatory whenever the amount of interface charges/traps becomes significant. Thus, this paper proposes a novel technique able to extract the electrostatic drift and the field-dependent mobility directly from the experimental data without any a priori assumption for the transport. Applied to MOSFETs experiencing Hot Carrier Stress, the proposed methodology provides deeper insights into the relationship between stress-induced defects location and their impact on electrostatic and transport degradations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for measuring the zeta potential of PDMS–electrolyte solution interface is presented in this paper. When an electrolyte solution passes the electrode coated with PDMS film, an electrical current will be induced due to the electrostatic potential difference between the PDMS–air interface and the PDMS–electrolyte solution interface. Based on this principle, the relationship between the measured electrical signal and the zeta potential of PDMS–electrolyte solution interface is experimentally investigated. The results show that the magnitude of the measured signal is linearly proportional to this potential difference. An empirical correlation between the zeta potential and the measured voltage signal was obtained. Good agreement was found when comparing the zeta potential calculated by this empirical equation with that reported in the published journal papers. The zeta potential measurement method presented in this paper is simple and accurate and can be used for measuring zeta potentials of other dielectric–electrolyte interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze and give experimental evidence of the efficiency of pulsed-mode actuation for the characterization of capacitive MEMS resonators. In particular, we show how to process the output signal in pulsed mode to eliminate parasitic feedthrough effects and characterize the resonator. We test our approach on a pressure sensor, developed by THALES Avionics, used for avionics applications. Contrary to the existing state-of-the-art techniques, the method described in this paper can be used to characterize an electrostatic MEMS without a spectrum analyzer or high-performance ADC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been found that the particle in the sandstorm is always associated with the separation of electric charge, which in turn produces a strong electrostatic field. A few papers have reported that the surplus charge on particle has a significant effect on particles׳ optical properties, but no any reports on the influence of the environmental electric field. In order to fill this gap, this paper proposed a theoretical model and carried out a numerical simulation. The calculated results show that the environmental electric field, when it is more than 50 kV/m, should have a significant influence on particle׳s optical properties, and the stronger the environmental electric field is, the more obvious the influence is. This paper also shows that both the charged angle and the charge density on particle have some influences on it. The above findings offer a theoretical guidance to understand the effect of electric field on the microwave propagation on the sandstorm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This survey paper describes NCLab (Network Computing Laboratory), a novel cloud computing service that is pioneering free web browser access to finite element simulations. Presently, these include general second-order linear partial differential equations, linear elasticity problems, and electrostatics problems (all in two spatial dimensions). The modeling process consists of geometry definition in the web browser, mesh generation on a remote server, specification of material parameters and boundary conditions in the web browser, computation on a remote server, and visualization in the web browser. The module supports curvilinear elements and higher-order finite element discretizations. In this paper we present the modeling process using a sample electrostatics problem. Numerical results are provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has numerous applications in biophysical health monitoring due to its small size, lightweight, and economical use. The triboelectric effect occurs when two triboelectric materials with opposite polarities come into contact or rub against each other. This paper presents the simulated output performance of a three-dimensional TENG with two opposite dielectric circular layers separated by a distance of 0.05 μm. The bottom negative layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a 0.5 μm diameter and 0.1 μm thickness has a negative aluminium electrode with the same dimensions. The top of the negative layer has cylindrical surface morphology. A layer of copper serves as both a positive layer and electrode with a diameter of 1 μm and a thickness of 0.1 μm. Furthermore, for analysis, PTFE is replaced by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene and the results are compared. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to analyze the geometry, employing a combination of Solid mechanics and Electrostatic module of COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6 software. The result shows that a maximum output voltage of 35.9 V was observed for an applied pulse pressure of 3 kPa as input. The results indicate that the TENGs have the potential to be used for various devices and wearable healthcare monitors. • The presented study sheds light on the performance characteristics of a 3D Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) with dielectric circular layers. • It explores the simulated output performance of theTENG with a comparative analysis of dielectric materials. • The investigation of the triboelectric effect presents an avenue for advancing health monitoring technologies. • The utilization of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene underlines the study's comprehensive approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper deals with the continuous monitoring of electrostatic fire and explosion hazards that can occur at the inlet to electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) when highly charged dust particles are transported by a gas carrier that can be the mixtures of both incombustible and combustible flue gases. The risk of ignition and even explosion is especially high in the presence of an explosive mixture of oxygen and, e.g., hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, etc. To avoid the danger of electrostatic discharges and their consequences for a whole installation including an electrostatic precipitator a method and a specially designed and built system should effectively enable the continuous monitoring of the hazards and should immediately manage any automatic control system or some other control elements. Some theoretical considerations concerning the method proposed, the physical quantities that must be measured, and the derivation of a novel dynamic safety criterion for assessing the risk of hazardous electrostatic discharges are presented. Finally, the author presents and discusses the possible practical application of the microprocessor-based measuring system verified experimentally in the past to the continuous monitoring of the hazards and to the management of an automatic control system to be put into operation. The paper presents a certain idea and proposal of the problem's solution based on the author's many years' experience in the field of pneumatic transport of dusts, powders and granular materials, of the electrostatic measurements of electric and mechanical quantities characteristic of the particulate transport, and of the risk and prevention of discharges of static electricity in transporting pipes and silos, vessels, etc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electrostatic levitators have been around for more than 30 years and have become mature tools for the material science community. Originally developed as positioners for materials and fluid science experiments in space, they saw a myriad of offsprings throughout the world for ground-based research, not only in space agencies but also in governmental laboratories, in universities and in the industry. Electrostatic levitators eliminate any physical contact with a container allowing to process and study corrosive or high temperature materials in their solid or liquid phases. Moreover, heterogeneous contamination from the container being avoided, it is possible to reach and maintain supercooled and metastable phases. This, in turns, permits a host of fundamental and applied studies. The nucleation and solidification phenomena can be scrutinized, the atomic structure and dynamic of liquid and metastable phases can be probed and the physics of molten drops could be investigated. On a more applied standpoint, the measure of thermophysical properties and the synthesis of materials with new properties are also possible with current facilities. This paper first describes the principle of electrostatic levitation and retraces the development of various facilities throughout the world, focusing on the advances made by each research group. The capabilities of electrostatic levitation for materials processing and synthesis under different environments are then presented. The paper successively covers in length its contribution for the measurements of thermophysical properties and for fundamental studies using high energy particle beams. Finally, the outlook of electrostatic levitators and its attractiveness for space experiments in materials sciences are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper a new strategy for developing broadband, bi-directional, vibration energy harvesters is presented. Often energy harvesting systems address unidirectional incoming energy, however this is a strong limitation when considering real applications; in fact it is very likely that incoming vibrations will not be aligned with the direction of motion of the harvester. Therefore the presence of irregular vibrations along several orientations reduces the energy conversion and the harvester efficiency. Furthermore, often the ambient vibrations come with energy distributed over a wide spectrum of frequencies, with predominance of low frequency components such as vibration generated by: highway traffic, human motions, trains, electrical machines and generic noise-induced vibrations. The classical approach is based on vibrating mechanical bodies (linear systems) able to collect energy through the adoption of smart materials, magnetic or electrostatic solutions. Moreover this family of systems performs poorly for off-resonance conditions. For this reasons suitable harvester architecture for collecting energy from vibrations having a broad spectrum and distributed along different directions is needed. This work addresses both these issues by proposing a double nonlinear bi-stable oscillator with a large amplitude response over a broad range of frequencies. Such system improves traditional scavengers based on linear mechanical principles, which only give a suitable response if the dominant ambient vibration frequency is tuned to the mechanical resonance. Moreover a suitable topology of the double bistable oscillator is proposed such to obtain a bi-axial vibrations energy harvester. The system proposed here is composed of two magnetically coupled bi-stable beams, having orthogonal directions of deflection, with piezoelectric output; in presence of mechanical vibrations the beams will respond to both the inertial excitation and the magnetic coupling. Therefore the total output power, being the sum of the two piezoelectric outputs, will be optimized independently of the direction of the incoming vibrations. In this paper the two dimensional wide-band energy harvester is first described and analytically modeled, extensive simulations have been performed to evaluate the behavior of the two magnetically coupled beams. A macro-prototype has been conceived and realized and a measurement campaign has been performed in order to validate the principle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The control of flow in microscale is one of the most important problems in microfluidic devices, which in particular, are used as micro heat exchangers. The use of electric field is one of the efficient methods of control of dielectric liquid flow in microscale. The electric field influences liquid flow by the EHD force which affects liquid behaviour in terms of the flow rate and pressure. The EHD force consists of three components: the first is the electrostatic force due to free charges present in the liquid, the next one is the force due to the gradient of permittivity of material, and the third one is caused by the change in the electric field intensity. The EHD force is used also in many commercial devices, for example EHD pumps or dielectrophoretic separators. An own approach to apply the EHD force to control the liquid flow rate is presented in this paper. Authors paid a close attention to the dielectrophoresis effect. Dielectric liquid in a non-uniform electric field tends to drift/migrate towards the region of high electric field intensity. With decreasing the electrode dimensions, the dielectrophoresis force becomes relatively stronger. For the dimensions under 400 μm the dielectrophoresis phenomenon can be used for control and actuation of the liquid flow in microchannels. The originally developed design of such flow controller is presented in this paper. The experimental investigations covered flow rate measurement of 2-propanol in microchannel flow controller with application of AC field. It was showed that the dielectrophoresis phenomenon could effectively control the flow. The results for distilled water are also comparatively discussed in the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Numerical simulation has proved to be a powerful tool in the research and development of new electrostatic processes. In a previous paper, the authors have introduced a simple mathematical model for simulating the outcome of a novel tribo-aero-electrostatic separation process for binary mixtures of granular materials. The mathematical model assumed that the probability of a granule to be separated can be expressed as a function of the number of impacts with granules belonging to the other class of materials. The process is characterized by the fact that the charging of the granules is produced in a fluidized bed device, in the presence of an electric field. The aim of the present paper is to simulate the continuous operation of such a device at various feed rates. The evolution in time of the mass of granules collected at the electrodes has been computed for various compositions of the granular mixture. The effect of the walls was taken into account. The computed results were in good agreement with the experiments. They demonstrate that open-loop continuous operation of the separator is possible for a range of feed-rates that depends on the composition of the materials to be separated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper proposes a layered sensor for the simultaneous measurement of the softness and surface moisture of an object, at the same position. In the proposed sensor, a thin stainless steel film is pasted on a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) film. The voltages in the stainless steel and PVDF films are generated because of electrostatic and piezoelectric effects, and the resulting waveforms can be measured while the proposed sensor repeatedly contacts and releases the object. The voltages in the films depend on the softness and surface moisture conditions of the object. The proposed sensor therefore makes it possible to measure the softness and surface moisture of the object using the voltage waveforms. Here, we present the relationship between the measured voltages obtained using the proposed sensor and the volume of distilled water infiltrated into the filter paper on the surface of the object, and the relationship between the voltages and the softness of the object. In addition, the potential of the proposed sensor for applications is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the last few decades, electrostatic knowledge as laid down in standards and regulations has developed from lean national documents to two comprehensive international IEC documents with more than 200 pages together. In this paper, the development of the knowledge on the electrostatic assessment of products and processes is given as well as expected future trends. As the work of Helmut Krämer was focused on electrostatic hazards of solids and liquids, the emphasis of this paper is placed on this topic too. Additionally, a curriculum vitae of Helmut Krämer and his contribution to this development is given in an annex. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the last two decades protection against electrostatic hazards became a very important topic. The increase in the range of possible faults fast automated systems and complex fault analysis is required. The tools of artificial intelligence and expert systems have been applied successfully on this field and this paper aims to take a step further. While giving some insight to the currently used tools, another AI method, the ''support vector machines'' are introduced in this paper. Besides a brief review on SVMs they are introduced to the SCOUT system, a novel approach to electrostatic hazard management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper investigates both electrostatic control improvement and performance enhancement of UTBB SOI MOSFETs obtained in quasi-double-gate (QDG) regime (i.e. simultaneously biasing top- and back-gate (substrate or ground plane) as V bg = k · V g) as a strong function of k-multiplication factor, when compared to a standard single-gate mode. Improved performance (in terms of transconductance, drive current and early voltage) in QDG mode combined with lowered DIBL and enhanced gain are of interest for high-precision low-frequency analog applications. QDG mode is demonstrated to allow threshold voltage tuning, subthreshold swing reduction and on-current enhancement without off-state current degradation, thus of interest for digital applications. The unique feature of QDG mode is finally exploited to boost the performances of the sleep transistor in the practical use case of a power-gated processor. About 30% reduction of the leakage in stand-by mode is achieved at nominal V g with a V bg of 3V, which can be generated at marginal area/power overheads with an on-chip charge pump with an architecture proposed in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper explores the concept of using electrostatic forces for deployment of gossamer space structures. The Electrostatically Inflated Membrane Structure (EIMS) uses two conducting membranes that are interconnected through membrane ribs. An absolute electrostatic charge is applied to the structure through active charge emission. This causes repulsion between layers of lightweight membranes that inflates the EIMS system and tensions the membranes. Assuming positive tensions, the EIMS system is modeled as a rigid system. Typical orbital perturbations are considered such as solar radiation pressure, differential gravity, and atmospheric drag which may compress the structure leading to shape destabilization. Restricting the analysis in this paper to flat membranes, the minimum potentials required to exactly compensate for the worst case scenario of differential solar radiation pressure at geostationary altitudes are estimated to be on the order of hundreds of volts. In low Earth orbit, voltage magnitudes of several kilovolts are required to reach an inflation pressure to offset the normal compressive drag pressure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of lightning forecasting based on atmospheric electrostatic field (EF), radar and lightning location data in Nanjing of China. The warning behavior with EF data in summer of 2009 was analyzed and the suitable EF warning indexes were determined. To improve EF warnings effect, a method of cloud-ground (CG) lightning nowcasting based on EF observations, radar data, etc. was proposed and the best radar forecasting index was selected in the paper. The experimental (2009) and independent test (2010) results show that POD is 82.7%, FAR is 14.6%, CSI is 72.4% and average lead time is 20.8 min. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present paper describes the characteristic switching of a multilayer thin electrostatic actuator supported by only lubricating oil and its application in the control of an ultra-precision fine stage. Friction forces often deteriorate the response and positioning accuracy of a control system. However, they generate a large holding force, which is needed to precisely maintain the stage position in fine stages. When the lightweight electrode layers in the electrostatic actuator are supported by only lubricating oil, the contact condition between the electrode layers can be changed by the attractive forces resulting from the driving signal, which consequently influences the frictional effect. Thus, suitable driving signals have the potential to adjust the frictional effect for fine motion with a large holding force and a wide and fast motion. In this paper, suitable driving signals for switching between two frictional conditions (i.e., low friction for the wide and fast motion and high friction for the fine motion with a large holding force) are examined and clarified. First, the relationship between the driving signals and the working range of the actuator is explained. Then, the holding force characteristics and the driving signals for switching between the frictional conditions are discussed. Finally, the actuator control system is designed based on the findings. The control system includes a PID compensator and a driving signal unit that generates two driving signals. One driving signal provides a driving mode with a holding force for a working range smaller than 250nm. The other driving signal provides a wide driving mode for a working range wider than 250nm under low-friction conditions. The driving signal is determined so as to quickly change the frictional effect. A combination of these modes (referred to as the dual driving mode) is implemented in the actual multilayer electrostatic actuator, and its effectiveness is validated experimentally. The actuator exhibits a positioning error of less than 14nm with a continuous holding force of 0.205N. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ASME Technical Paper ES2010-90396 “Solute Ion Coulomb Force Monopole Motor and Solute Ion Linear Alignment Propulsion” by the author describes a motor that is based on an arrangement of solute ion electric field monopoles.[1] That is, through a process called capacitive deionization, sodium and chlorine ions in salt water are captured and confined by an electrically conductive material to form electric field monopoles. At least four of the like charged monopoles (all negative or all positive) can be arranged on a disc. At least one stationary monopole of the same charge is placed adjacent to the disc and positioned so that a repulsive electric field is formed between the stationary monopole and at least one of the monopoles positioned on the disc so that the disc is then forced to rotate a shaft at the center of the disc. This paper analyzes the behavior of the dielectric materials forming part of the monopoles to show that the net torque on the motor is greater than zero and also illustrates a novel effect of polarization of a dielectric material positioned between two like-charged monopoles as occurs in the configuration of the monopole motor and a deficiency in the conventional closed path analysis for work performed during movement of electric charges that emit electrostatic fields by failing to consider the effects of dielectric materials in shielding the electrostatic fields. The monopole motor connected to an to electrical generator can provide continuous on-board electrical power to electrical loads for local and deep space applications including power to electrode assemblies designed for linear alignment of like-charged solute ions as a means of propulsion and particle acceleration as described in the ES2010-90396 paper. Details of the monopole motor and the propulsion are available in WO 2008/024927 A2 (and US2010/0199632 A1) “Solute Ion Coulomb Force Acceleration and Electric Field Monopole Passive Voltage Source” by the author Ref.[2]. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper the results of the research being carried out on the impulse characteristics of soils and more specifically the ionization voltage gradient are presented. The determination of the soil ionization voltage and the respective gradient using a universally accepted method is yet to be established. Aiming at meeting this need, the present paper critically presents these methods and records the ionization gradient values for soil types, which have derived from different experimental approaches. The comprehensive study of these methods is intended to serve as a guide for researchers studying the nonlinear phenomena developed in the soil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, two different ASTM C 618 Class C fly ashes (FA) were used for the production of aluminum metal matrix composites (MMCs) using powder metallurgy (PM) technology. Calcareous FAs were sampled from the electrostatic precipitators of two different lignite-fired power stations: from Megalopolis, Southern Greece (MFA) and from Kardia, Northen Greece (KFA), under maximum electricity load. FAs were milled in order to reduce the mean particle diameter and Aluminum-FA composites containing 10% and 20% of FA were then prepared and compacted. The green products were sintered for 2h at 600°C. Sintered Al-FA MMCs showed increased hardness and wear resistance suggesting their possible use in industrial applications for example in covers, casings, brake rotors or engine blocks. As most possible industrial applications of MMCs not only require wear resistance, but also corrosion resistance in different mild aggressive medias, this paper aims to study the electrochemical behavior of FA MMCs in order to evaluate their corrosion resistance. The morphology and chemical composition of the phases in the Aluminum-FA composite samples were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDXS). Moreover, topographic and Volta potential maps were acquired by Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (SKP-FM). Volta potential maps provide information about the electrochemical behavior of the different phases in absence of electrolyte. The electrochemical behavior was investigated by Open Circuit Potential measurements and potentiodynamic polarization, while the corrosion mechanisms were studied by SEM observations after different times of immersion in a mild corrosive medium. In all cases it could be stated that the addition of the FA particles into the Al matrix might cause an increase of the hardness and mechanical properties of the pure aluminum but deteriorates the corrosion resistance. The degradation phenomena occurring on the FA containing samples might be related to the following mechanisms: 1) Partial detachment or dissolution of the FA soluble phases, in particular based on Si, Fe and Ca; 2) dissolution of the Al matrix surrounding the FA particles due to crevice corrosion; 3) Al localized dissolution due to galvanic coupling between the Fe-rich intermetallics and the matrix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]