Engineering grain boundary anisotropy to elucidate grain growth behavior in alumina

Current grain growth models have evolved to account for the relationship between grain boundary energy/mobility anisotropy and the five degrees of grain boundary character. However, the role of grain boundary networks on overall growth kinetics remains poorly understood. To experimentally investigate this problem, a highly textured Al₂O₃ was fabricated by colloidal casting in a strong magnetic field to engineer a unique spatial distribution of grain boundary character. Microstructural evolution was quantified and compared to an untextured sample. From this comparison, a prevalence of (0001)/(0001) terminated grain boundaries with anisotropic networks were identified in the textured sample. These boundaries and their networks were found to be driving grain growth at a faster rate than predicted by models. These findings will allow better modelling of grain growth in real systems by experimentally exploring the impact thereon of grain boundary plane anisotropy and relative energy/mobility differences between neighboring boundaries.     

Tribological and mechanical characteristics of AA5083 alloy reinforced by hybridising heavy ceramic particles Ta2C & VC with light GNP and Al2O3 nanoparticles

In this study, AA5083 sheets were reinforced with four different hybrid nanoparticles by friction stir processing (FSP) for the development of surface nanocomposites used in advanced engineering applications. The present research focused on improving the properties and tribological behaviour of AA5083 alloy surfaces, including novel hybrid nanoparticles and the intermetallic phase formed during FSP. A tribometer tester with a constant normal load was used to examine the tribological performance of the hybrid composites. After the wear test, a surface profiler inspector was used to analyse the morphology and surface roughness of the examined materials. The Vickers micro-hardness of the base metal and the manufactured composites were measured. During FSP, a new intermetallic phase of AlV₃ was successfully formed at 300–400 °C in the hybrid nanocomposites containing VC particles. The reinforcements resulted in additional grain refining than FSP. The AA5083/Ta2C–Al₂O₃ exhibited the greatest grain refinement, a sixty-fold reduction in grain size compared to that of the base alloy. The results revealed that the hybrid nanocomposites containing VC particles demonstrated the most significant microhardness values inside the stirred zone as a result of the presence of the AlV₃ phase, which was increased by 25–30%. Moreover, the mechanical properties were significantly improved for all manufactured nanocomposites. The tensile strength was increased by 28% through the hybridisation of AA5083 using a hybrid of VC-GNPs. The dispersion of Ta₂C-GNPs and VC-GNPs in the matrix led to excellent interfacial adhesion, resulting in an enhancement in the mechanical properties. The AA5083/VC-GNPs surface composite outperformed other manufactured composites regarding wear resistance. In addition, due to GNPs soft nature, it reduced the coefficient of friction (COF) of the manufactured composites by 20–25% compared to other reinforcements.     

Applications of analytical electron microscopy to guide the design of boron carbide

Compositional analysis of boron carbide on nanometer length scales to examine or interpret atomic mechanisms, for example, solid-state amorphization or grain-boundary segregation, is challenging. This work reviews advancements in high-resolution microanalysis to characterize multiple generations of boron carbide. First, ζ-factor microanalysis will be introduced as a powerful (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) analytical framework to accurately characterize boron carbide. Three case studies involving the application of ζ-factor microanalysis will then be presented: (1) accurate stoichiometry determination of B-doped boron carbide using ζ-factor microanalysis and electron energy loss spectroscopy, (2) normalized quantification of silicon grain-boundary segregation in Si-doped boron carbide, and (3) calibration of a scanning electron microscope X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS) system to measure compositional homogeneity differences of B/Si-doped arc-melted boron carbides in the as-melted and annealed conditions. Overall, the improvement and application of advanced analytical tools have helped better understand processing–microstructure–property relationships and successfully manufacture high-performance ceramics.     

Ultra-Robust Flexible Electronics by Laser-Driven Polymer-Nanomaterials Integration

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most widely used polymer in the world. For the first time, the laser-driven integration of aluminum nanoparticles (Al NPs) into PET to realize a laser-induced graphene/Al NPs/polymer composite, which demonstrates excellent toughness and high electrical conductivity with the formation of aluminum carbide into the polymer is shown. The conductive structures show an impressive mechanical resistance against >10000 bending cycles, projectile impact, hammering, abrasion, and structural and chemical stability when in contact with different solvents (ethanol, water, and aqueous electrolytes). Devices including thermal heaters, carbon electrodes for energy storage, electrochemical and bending sensors show this technology's practical application for ultra-robust polymer electronics. This laser-based technology can be extended to integrating other nanomaterials and create hybrid graphene-based structures with excellent properties in a wide range of flexible electronics’ applications.     

核磁共振磷谱法测定乳制品中的酪蛋白含量

基于插值法建立乳制品中酪蛋白的核磁共振磷谱定量检测方法。结果表明，该方法的检出限为0.38 g/L（信噪比（RSN）=3），定量限为1.25 g/L（RSN=10）；在5.00～35.00 g/L质量浓度范围内线性良好，相关系数R2大于0.999；加标回收率在91.94%～105.10%范围区间；日内精密度在0.65%～1.40%范围区间；日间精密度在1.40%～1.80%范围区间。对市售不同乳制品中酪蛋白含量进行检测，该方法与GB 31638—2016《酪蛋白》测定结果误差在±5%以内，满足方法可行性对比分析验证要求。该方法相比常规方法样品前处理简单、定量准确性高，大大缩短了检测时间，且有更广泛的适用性，满足乳制品中酪蛋白快速定量检测的要求。     

Studies on waterline corrosion processes and corrosion product characteristics of carbon steel in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution

The waterline corrosion behaviors of carbon steel partially immersed in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution were investigated using the wire beam electrode technique, and the effects of corrosion products on the processes of waterline corrosion were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the initial stage and development stage of waterline corrosion were mainly controlled by the concentration and diffusion of dissolved oxygen, respectively, and the deceleration stage of waterline corrosion was mainly affected by corrosion products. The main component of the yellow corrosion products was γ-FeOOH, and γ-FeOOH that exhibited a high reduction reactivity could be involved in the cathodic reaction. The black corrosion products were mainly composed of Fe₃O₄ with strong thermodynamic stability and the processes of dissolved oxygen diffusion and ion transports were obviously affected due to the continuous accumulation of Fe₃O₄ on the surface of the electrodes. Polarity reversals were observed on the single electrodes below the waterline, but the reasons for the phenomena were different from each other.     

Conversion kinetics of container glass batch melting

Understanding the batch-to-glass conversion process is fundamental to optimizing the performance of glass-melting furnaces and ensuring that furnace modeling can correctly predict the observed outcome when batch materials or furnace conditions change. To investigate the kinetics of silica dissolution, gas evolution, and primary foam formation and collapse, we performed X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetry, feed expansion tests, and evolved gas analysis of batch samples heated at several constant heating rates. We found that gas evolving reactions, foaming, and silica dissolution depend on the thermal history of the batch in a similar manner: the kinetic parameters of each process were linear functions of the square root of the heating rate. This kinetic similarity reflects the stronger-than-expected interdependence of these processes. On the basis of our results, we suggest that changes in furnace operating conditions, such as firing or boosting, influence the melting rate less than what one would expect without consideration of batch conversion kinetics.     

42CrMo钢加热过程中的奥氏体晶粒尺寸演变

通过金相试验方法测定42CrMo钢在890~930 ℃下保温10~240 min后的晶粒尺寸。结果表明,42CrMo钢在加热到试验温度890~930 ℃时已经完全奥氏体化,保温过程中的晶粒生长属于正常生长;加热温度对晶粒尺寸的影响较大,保温时间对晶粒尺寸的影响较小;随保温时间的延长晶粒生长缓慢,晶粒尺寸与保温时间满足指数小于1的函数关系。基于试验数据,通过线性回归得到晶粒长大的Beck模型参数,通过非线性回归得到Sellars和Anelli模型参数,3个模型的预测精度都较好,而Anelli模型的适用性要高于Beck模型和Sellars模型,故在预测42CrMo钢的奥氏体晶粒长大规律时宜使用Anelli模型。     

Thermoset IM-LSI-based C/C-SiC: Influence of flow direction and weld lines on microstructure and mechanical properties

The production of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) based on C/C-SiC is still very cost-intensive and therefore only economical for a few applications. The fabrication of the preforms involves many costs that need to be reduced. In this work, the shaping of the CFRP-preforms is realized by thermoset injection molding, which enables large-scale production. The polymeric matrix used is a multi-component matrix consisting of novolak resin, curing agent and lubricant. Six millimeter chopped carbon fiber with a proportion of 50 wt.% were used as a reinforcement. These ingredients are processed by an industrial equipment for compounding and injection molding in order to manufacture a CFRP demonstrator representing a brake disc. Test specimens are cut out of the demonstrator in different directions in order to investigate influences of flow direction and weld lines on microstructural and mechanical properties. Afterward, the CFRP samples were converted to C/C-SiC composites by the liquid silicon infiltration process. The article addresses the flow behavior of the compound during the injection molding and the building of the weld lines in the demonstrator. In addition, results of the directional dependence of the microstructural and mechanical properties within the fabricated disc in the different production steps are presented.     

Loliolide,a New Therapeutic Option for Neurological Diseases? In Vitro Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of a Monoterpenoid Lactone Isolated from Codium tomentosum

Parkinsons Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, and is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Without an effective treatment, it is crucial to find new therapeutic options to fight the neurodegenerative process, which may arise from marine resources. Accordingly, the goal of the present work was to evaluate the ability of the monoterpenoid lactone Loliolide, isolated from the green seaweed Codium tomentosum, to prevent neurological cell death mediated by the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on SH-SY5Y cells and their anti-inflammatory effects in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Loliolide was obtained from the diethyl ether extract, purified through column chromatography and identified by NMR spectroscopy. The neuroprotective effects were evaluated by the MTT method. Cells’ exposure to 6-OHDA in the presence of Loliolide led to an increase of cells’ viability in 40%, and this effect was mediated by mitochondrial protection, reduction of oxidative stress condition and apoptosis, and inhibition of the NF-kB pathway. Additionally, Loliolide also suppressed nitric oxide production and inhibited the production of TNF-α and IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results suggest that Loliolide can inspire the development of new neuroprotective therapeutic agents and thus, more detailed studies should be considered to validate its pharmacological potential.