We have studied the effect of the series resistance on the heating of the cathode, which is based on carbon nanotubes and serves to realize the field emission of electrons into the vacuum. The experiment was performed with the single multi-walled carbon nanotube (MCNT) that was separated from the array grown by CVD method with thin-film Ni-Ti catalyst (nickel 4 nm/Ti 10 nm). The heating of the cathode leads to the appearance of a current of the thermionic emission. The experimental voltage current characteristic exhibited the negative resistance region caused by thermal field emission. This current increases strongly with increasing voltage and contributes to the degradation of the cold emitter. The calculation of the temperature of the end of the cathode is made taking into account the effect of the phenomenon that warms up and cools the cathode. We have developed a method for processing of the emission volt-ampere characteristics of a cathode, which relies on a numerical calculation of the field emission current and the comparison of these calculations with experiments. The model of the volt-ampere characteristic takes into account the CNT’s geometry, properties, its contact with the catalyst, heating and simultaneous implementation of the thermionic and field emission. The calculation made it possible to determine a number of important parameters, including the voltage and current of the beginning of thermionic emission, the temperature distribution along the cathode and the resistance of the nanotube. The phenomenon of thermionic emission from CNTs was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The conditions of this type emission occurrence were defined. The results of the study could form the basis of theory of CNT emitter’s degradation.

The objective of the present study is to observe the surface morphology, structure and elemental composition of the ash particles produced from some thermal power stations of India using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA). This information is useful to better understand the ash particles before deciding its utility in varied areas.

Two kinds of solar thermal power generation systems (trough and tower) are selected as the research objects. The life cycle assessment (LCA) method is used to make a systematic and comprehensive environmental impact assessment on the trough and tower solar thermal power generation. This paper mainly analyzes the three stages of materials, production and transportation of two kinds of solar thermal power generation, calculates the unit energy consumption and environmental impact of the three stages respectively, and compares the analysis results of the two systems. At the same time, Rankine cycle is used to compare the thermal efficiency of the two systems.

This work investigates epoxy composites reinforced by randomly oriented, short glass fibres and silica microparticles. A full-factorial experiment evaluates the effects of glass fibre mass fraction (15 wt% and 20 wt%) and length (5 mm and 10 mm), and the mass fraction of silica microparticles (5 wt% and 10 wt%) on the apparent density and porosity, as well as the compressive and tensile strength and modulus of the hybrid composites. Hybrid epoxy composites present significantly higher tensile strength (9%) and modulus (57%), as well as compressive strength (up to 15%) relative to pure epoxy.

Cross-border infrastructure projects offer significant economic and social benefits for the Asia-Pacific region. If the required investment of $8 trillion in pan-Asian connectivity was made in the region’s infrastructure during 2010–2020, the total net income gains for developing Asia could reach about $12.98 trillion (in 2008 US dollars) during 2010–2020 and beyond, of which more than $4.43 trillion would be gained during 2010–2020 and nearly $8.55 trillion after 2020. Indeed, infrastructure connectivity helps improve regional productivity and competitiveness by facilitating the movement of goods, services and human resources, producing economies of scale, promoting trade and foreign direct investments, creating new business opportunities, stimulating inclusive industrialization and narrowing development gaps between communities, countries or sub-regions. Unfortunately, due to limited financing, progress in the development of cross-border infrastructure in the region is low.

This paper examines the key challenges faced in financing cross-border projects and discusses the roles that different stakeholders—national governments, state-owned enterprises, private sector, regional entities, development financing institutions (DFIs), affected people and civil society organizations—can play in facilitating the development of cross-border infrastructure in the region. In particular, this paper highlights the major risks that deter private sector investments and FDIs and provides recommendations to address these risks.

The expansion of road networks, taken place during the last decades, was driven by technological progress and economic growth. The most innovative products of this trend—modern motorways and international road corridors—provide an excellent level of service, traffic safety and necessary information to travelers. However, despite this undeniable progress, major impediments and respective challenges to road authorities and operators still remain. The present paper analytically presents the main current challenges in the road engineering field, namely: a) financing new projects, b) alternative energy resources, especially renewable energy, c) serviceability, including maintenance of road infrastructure, traffic congestion and quality of the network, d) climate change hazards due to greenhouse gas emissions increase, e) environmental impacts, f) safety on roads, streets and motorways, and g) economy and cost-effectiveness. In each country and over each network, challenges and concerns may vary, but, in most cases, competent authorities, engaged in road development policies, have to deal with most of these issues. The optimization of the means to achieve the best results seems to be an enduring stake. In the present paper, the origin and the main features of these challenges are outlined as well as their tendency to get amplified or diminished under the actual evolving economic conditions worldwide, where growth alternates with crisis and social hardship. Moreover, responses, meant to provide solutions to the said challenges, are suggested, including research findings of Aristotle University and innovative technological achievements, to drive the transition to a more sustainable future.