The size-dependent melting temperature and the size-dependent melting entropy of organic nanocrystals are predicted by use of our simple model being free of any adjustable parameter. The model predictions for the size-dependent melting temperature and the size-dependent melting entropy are supported by the experimental results on benzene, chlorobenzene, heptane, and naphthalene nanocrystals.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

A model, free of any adjustable parameters, is extended to predict the size dependence of the melting temperature of semiconductor nanocrystals. The model predictions are consistent with the experimental results for Si, Bi and CdS semiconductor nanocrystals. In addition, the simplified model with fixed material constants is in agreement with the usual phenomenological relationship that the size dependence of the melting temperature is proportional to the reciprocal of the nanocrystal radius.

Zinc (Zn) possesses desirable degradability and favorable biocompatibility, thus being recognized as a promising bone implant material. Nevertheless, the insufficient mechanical performance limits its further clinical application. In this study, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was used as reinforcement in Zn scaffold fabricated via laser additive manufacturing. Results showed that the homogeneously dispersed RGO simultaneously enhanced the strength and ductility of Zn scaffold. On one hand, the enhanced strength was ascribed to (i) the grain refinement caused by the pinning effect of RGO, (ii) the efficient load shift due to the huge specific surface area of RGO and the favorable interface bonding between RGO and Zn matrix, and (iii) the Orowan strengthening by the homogeneously distributed RGO. On the other hand, the improved ductility was owing to the RGO-induced random orientation of grain with texture index reducing from 20.5 to 7.3, which activated more slip systems and provided more space to accommodate dislocation. Furthermore, the cell test confirmed that RGO promoted cell growth and differentiation. This study demonstrated the great potential of RGO in tailoring the mechanical performance and cell behavior of Zn scaffold for bone repair.