International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

The emission spectrum of the ZrO2–TiO2–Al2O3–Sm2O3 coating was recorded at different excitation wavelengths. Under UV excitation (λₑₓ = 354 nm), broad band with a maximum around 420–440 nm was observed and can be associated with oxygen vacancies in ZrO2 together with Ti³⁺ centers. Weakly intense and narrower emission bands at 600 nm and 647 nm are assigned to the 5G5/2  7H7/2 and 5G5/2  7H9/2 transitions of Sm3+ ions. Under excitation with 404 nm the emission is dominated by defect levels in the oxide coating. The values of the chromaticity coordinates of the coating excited under 354 nm correspond to the pale pink color of emission (0.252, 0.272) and under 404 nm has orange color of emission (0.353, 0.370).

Spectroscopic ellipsometry was applied to study the optical properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy before and after anodization in acetic acid electrolyte. The main findings can be summarized as follows: The ellipsometric spectra of the uncoated alloy were successfully modeled using a multi-Lorentz oscillator approach with MSE values of 20–26, and surface roughness ranging from 17 to 52 nm. Anodized surfaces exhibited distinct interference features, confirming the formation of a transparent oxide layer. The optical modeling revealed increased surface roughness and modified optical constants due to the formation of a TiO₂ -based film with amorphous–anatase character. The applied ellipsometric methodology proved reliable for evaluating the thickness and optical properties of anodic oxide films on titanium alloys. These results form the basis for future quantitative analysis of anodic oxide thickness and refractive index as functions of anodizing parameters, which is important for optimizing the surface properties of titanium alloys in biomedical, protective, and optical applications.

A study was conducted after the production and installation of building composite bricks and brick blocks in a real environment. The studied bricks are products made of a composite material consisting of clay mass from a respective deposit, spherical foam glass granules of various sizes, manufactured using a specially developed technology and straw fibers or plant grain husks, which bricks and brick elements are being pressed and only dried without being fired. These bricks have a standard shape and dimensions and certain physical and mechanical properties, heat, sound insulation and fire protection properties. The purpose of the study is to install them in a construction site – mainly single-family houses and to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the process of installing the innovative building bricks in a real building structure.

A survey of the prevailing trends in the field of quartz ceramics has been carried out. The article examines the main technological stages characteristic of the synthesis of quartz ceramics and the production of various product categories. The main technological stages characteristic of the synthesis of quartz ceramics and the production of various categories of products have been presented. The technological conditions applicable to the processing of raw materials, the preparation of suspensions with optimal characteristics, the molding of blanks and the heat treatment of semi-finished products have been examined. The role and influence of various technological factors in the formation of the structural characteristics and operational indicators of the products have been analyzed.

Obtained experimental self-cleaning coatings (based on compositions with the participation of Sm2O3), applied by the sol-gel method on glass slides. This study attempts to improve the overall efficiency of a photovoltaic solar panel by using a Sm2O3 doped ZrO2 (SDZ)-based coating. The optical characterization and phase composition of the obtained experimental samples were investigated using UVVIS- NIR, XRD and XRF methods. The coatings are nanocrystalline according to XRD and XRF analyzes and show transmittance close to that of pure glass when tested with a UV–VIS–NIR spectrophotometer The experimental results represent a prerequisite for the development of a series of additional compositions and a detailed technological regime for obtaining various modifications of resistant, long-lasting selfcleaning coatings, potentially applicable to photovoltaic panels.

The efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems is significantly influenced by surface contamination, which can reduce light transmission and energy conversion performance. In this study, self-cleaning nanostructured coatings based on titanium dioxide (TiO₂ ), zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂ ), and their doped and composite variants (with Y₂ O₃ and Eu₂ O₃ ) were synthesized using the sol-gel method and applied to photovoltaic glass substrates. The coatings were characterized in terms of their optical transmittance, surface morphology (AFM), wettability (contact angle), and crystallographic properties (XRD). Results indicate that TiO₂ coatings offer superior superhydrophilic behavior, while stabilized ZrO₂ -based composites show excellent transparency, surface homogeneity, and long-term durability. Eu₂ O₃ -doped coatings exhibit additional luminescent functionalities, potentially useful for photonic enhancement. These findings highlight the potential of sol-gel coatings in improving PV panel performance via integrated passive cleaning mechanisms and multifunctional surface engineering.

The technological possibilities for the synthesis of barium-titanate phases were investigated by applying mechanochemical activation (from 30 min. to 2 h) of the starting charges and thermal treatment of the compositions up to 900°C (with an isothermal delay of 1 h). The applied laboratory regime for the preparation of the experimental samples is in accordance with the preliminary thermodynamic calculations. The identification of the obtained phases was carried out by X-ray phase analysis (XRD). Based on the experimental results, the necessary technological conditions for the synthesis of titanate monophasic product by heat treatment at lower temperature values than those typical for standard classical synthesis have been established. The potential possibilities of application of the synthesized phases for the deposition of thin layers on metal surfaces and the preparation of various coatings with different functional purposes are considered.

Composite structural modifications based on hydraulic inorganic binders and foam glass aggregate fractions were prepared. Formwork moulds were developed for the moulding of composite test bodies using different technological approaches. A series of experimental specimens meeting the requirements for standard laboratory tests were obtained. The role of the technological regimes used in the formation of the structural characteristics and performance of the composites is examined. The existing possibilities for further modification and potential application of the obtained composite materials are analysed.

A brief review of the design characteristics of the main construction types of standard movable frame and traditional beehives applicable in beekeeping farms is presented. The performance of a newly developed innovative movable frame beehive constructed of durable, heat-resistant hollow chamber ceramic structural elements is discussed. A comparison of the functional characteristics of prepared experimental ceramic hive prototypes and the prevailing types of standard beehives made of other materials is carried out. The existing requirements and prospects for equipping beekeeping farms with ceramic hives providing prolonged service life, higher yields and increased sustainability in diverse climatic environments and critical conditions are analysed.

Applied research work carried out for the development and manufacture of an innovative movable frame ceramic hive with increased operational stability and efficiency is presented. A brief justification of the design solutions used and the choice of the applied technological approach is made. The main stages of the developed technological regime for the preparation of structural ceramic elements and various modifications of experimental prototypes are discussed in a summarized form. The existing possibilities for the production of new modifications of ceramic beehives with improved performance chracteristics by applying different technological approaches are analyzed. The technological regime for the preparation of structural details is fully compatible with the production methods typical for the ceramic industry and provides the opportunity for further implementation.

In laboratory conditions, the frost resistance of hollow ceramic samples (constructive elements of ceramic beehives) was examined by applying a standardized methodology for assessing the reliability of ceramic products. For both sample types that were investigated (each with different phase compositions), the result for the frost resistance coefficient Kfr is above 84%. The products retain their structural integrity and high resistance in an extreme temperature environment. It was not observed any significant damage that could disrupt their functionality. The obtained results prove the assumptions that the ceramic beehives are appropriate for use in vast geographical regions characterized by critical temperatures and high diurnal and seasonal temperature amplitudes. At the same time, the experimental data can serve for further optimization of the recipe compositions, the technological regime, and for improvements of the construction characteristics of the ceramic elements that build the ceramic beehive.

An original installation and method for the preparation of ash with a predominant content of amorphous SiO2 (96-97 %), which is a technological residue after thermal treatment of agro-biological waste (rice husks), are presented. The resulting product is a complete raw material for the production of materials with a variety of functional characteristics, using different technological designs (in combination with other components). The design parameters of the installation and the different stages of the developed technological approach are discussed. The basic operating mode of the installation within one operating cycle is presented. The design features and technical equipment of the installation allow controlled creation, maintenance and modification of the necessary technological conditions for the effective thermal processing of the waste biomass.