This work presents an investigation into the energy harvesting performance of a combination of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) materials prepared using a one-step electrospinning technique. Before electrospinning, different percentages of the 1 micron PTFE powder were added to a PVDF precursor. The surface morphology of the electrospun PTFE/PVDF fibre was investigated using a scanning electron microscope and tunnelling electron microscope. The structure was investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). A highly porous structure was observed with a mix of the α- and β-phase PVDF. The amount of β-phase was found to reduce when increasing the percentage of PTFE. The maximum amount of PTFE that could be added and still be successfully electrospun was 20%. This percentage showed the highest energy harvesting performance of the different PTFE/PVDF combinations. Electrospun fibres with different percentages of PTFE were deployed in a triboelectric energy harvester operating in the contact separation mode and the open circuit voltage and short circuit current were obtained at frequencies of 4–9 Hz. The 20% PTFE fibre showed 4 (51–202 V) and 7 times (1.3–9.04 µA) the voltage and current output respectively when compared with the 100% PVDF fibre. The V _oc and I _sc were measured for different load resistances from 1 kΩ to 6 GΩ and achieved a maximum power density of 348.5 mW m⁻² with a 10 MΩ resistance. The energy stored in capacitors 0.1, 0.47, 1, and 10 µF from a book shaped PTFE/PVDF energy harvester were 1.0, 16.7, 41.2 and 136.8 µJ, respectively. The electrospun fibre is compatible with wearable and e-textile applications as it is breathable and flexible. The electrospun PTFE/PVDF was assembled into shoe insoles to demonstrate energy harvesting performance in a practical application.

A triboelectric power generator/energy harvester is an attractive option for mechanical energy harvesting for smart, wearable applications. This paper reports on the fabrication and evaluation of the energy harvesting performance of Polytetrafluoroethylene/Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PTFE/PVDF) fibre prepared using a one-step electrospinning technique. Different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4%wt.) of the 1 μm PTFE powder in the electrospun PVDF fibre were investigated. The electrospun fibre was assembled into a nonwoven fabric mat and tested in the vertical contact separation triboelectric mode by constructing a sandwich structure with electrodes in a book-shaped assembly. The voltage output from the cyclical compressive test for fibres with 4%wt. PTFE in PVDF was five times greater than it was for the 100% PVDF electrospun fibres. The influence of adding nylon fabric as a triboelectric donor material within the assembly was explored. The output of the 4%wt. PTFE/PVDF sample was then tested with and without nylon fabric at different frequencies (3–12 Hz). The results show a further 80% increase in the output voltage with the additional nylon fabric included, and the harvester was able to illuminate up to 95 LEDs.

This research investigates the intersection of construction innovation and cultural heritage through the lens of tourist perceptions of the world’s largest carved golden Buddha, situated at Khao Chi Chan Mountain, Pattaya, Thailand. Positioned as an emerging tourism destination, this site contributes to the rebranding of Pattaya as a globally significant hub for religious tourism. This study highlights how this monumental Buddha statue fosters spiritual experiences, promotes the conservation of art and culture, and encapsulates a historical narrative tied to Thailand’s royal lineage. Notably, the statue’s creation employed a pioneering technique—the only one of its kind worldwide—involving laser-guided carving by artisans, followed by gold leaf application to enhance its aesthetic magnificence. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted, integrating historical document analysis with narrative accounts of the statue’s construction using modern technology, complemented by quantitative data collected through tourist questionnaires. By documenting the historical use of laser technology in creating this iconic Buddhist landmark, this research corrects misconceptions about its construction process and highlights the innovative application of a 20 W Argon ion laser for drawing the image of Buddha on the cliff. This study evaluates tourist perceptions using the DHARMA model, revealing how Destination Identity, Heritage Values, and Memorable Experiences foster emotional connections and spiritual enrichment (β = 0.801, p < 0.001). The findings underscore Khao Chi Chan’s potential to reposition Pattaya as a hub for Buddhist tourism, diversifying its image beyond nightlife-centric tourism. This work contributes to sustainable tourism by demonstrating how sacred sites can balance cultural preservation and economic vitality, offering insights for heritage management and urban tourism development in Southeast Asia.

In this study, titanium carbonitride (TiCN) thin films were deposited using cathodic arc deposition techniques. The as-deposited TiCN thin films were subsequently subjected to annealing treatment by rapid thermal annealing (RTA) technique at a temperature range from 400 to 600 °C. The effect of RTA temperature on the crystallinity, morphology, chemical composition, and mechanical properties of the TiCN thin films was investigated. The grazing incident X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) analysis confirmed the presence of a dominant face-centered cubic TiCN phase. Cross-sectional field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images revealed a compact and homogeneous morphology, which became more pronounced with increasing RTA temperatures. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated the atomic concentration of the primary element (Ti, C, and N) remained relatively stable throughout the annealing process. Furthermore, the hardness of the TiCN thin films improved at 400 °C-RTA temperature. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT HIGHLIGHTS Crystalline TiCN thin films were successfully deposited via cathodic arc deposition. RTA treatment improved the TiCN thin film, resulting in a highly compact morphology. The harness of TiCN showed enhancement at 400 oC-RTA temperature.