Rheological and Tribological Characterization of a New Acylated Chitosan–Based Biodegradable Lubricating Grease: A Comparative Study with Traditional Lithium and Calcium Greases

This work compares the thermal, rheological, and tribological properties of a new gel-like biodegradable formulation, prepared using an acylated chitosan thickener and castor oil, with properties exhibited by two conventional greases thickened with lithium and calcium soaps, respectively, taken as benchmarks. Thermogravimetric (TGA), rheological (small-amplitude oscillatory shear [SAOS], rheodestruction, and viscous flow) and tribological (friction and wear analysis) tests, as well as roll-stability measurements were carried out to characterize the three grease samples. In addition, infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to chemically characterize the acylated chitosan thickener agent. From a thermogravimetric point of view, the new formulation displayed better thermal resistance than the calcium and lithium lubricating greases. The evolution of the linear viscoelasticity functions with frequency and viscosity values in the shear rate and temperature ranges studied were similar to those obtained with the commercial lubricating greases. However, the linear viscoelasticity functions of the biodegradable formulation were slightly more affected by temperature. The mechanical stability behavior and recovery of the rheological functions found in the biodegradable formulation were also better than that exhibited by the calcium-based grease. However, the friction coefficient measured at low rotational speed is slightly higher than that obtained with the benchmarks, with similar or lower values obtained at a high rotational speed. Resulting wear marks obtained after the frictional tests using the acylated chitosan–based grease were larger than those obtained with the commercial greases.     

Improving Dynamic and Tribological Behaviours by Means of a Mn–Cu Damping Alloy with Grooved Surface Features

In this work, the effect of the damping component with/without individual grooved surface features on the friction-induced vibration and noise (FIVN) and surface wear performance is studied experimentally and numerically. The experimental results show that introducing a grooved damping component in the system has a significantly improved capability in suppressing the generation of FIVN. In addition, it is observed that the friction system with a grooved damping component suffers slighter wear. Numerical results show good agreement with the FIVN events observed in the experimental test. Through analysing the deformation behaviour of damping component and the contact behaviour of the friction system during friction process, it is speculated that the deformation behaviour of damping component plays a significant role in affecting the contact pressure and FIVN behaviour. In addition, linking the vibration performance and wear evolution, the connection between damping, and vibration and wear behaviour is discovered, which can further explain why the friction system with a grooved damping component shows improved capability in suppressing the FIVN of friction system.     

Effect of Melting and Microstructure on the Microscale Friction of Silver–Bismuth Alloys

This article reports an investigation of the effect of melting and microstructure on the microscale friction of several silver–bismuth alloys using a high-temperature nanoindentation-tribotesting system. These studies showed that friction increases with temperature before melting. We modeled these results as due to the softening of the alloys with increasing temperature, which appears to adequately explain the experimental trend. The friction behavior upon melting depends on the alloy composition. For some alloy composition, friction was observed to exhibit a sharp decrease upon melting, while for another alloy composition, friction was observed to keep increasing with temperature. This unusual behavior can be explained by the difference in microstructure and phase composition as a function of temperature among different Ag–Bi alloys.     

Microstructure and properties of Fe–Al intermetallic coatings on the low carbon steel synthesized by mechanical alloying

Fe–Al coating was obtained on low carbon steel substrates using mechanical alloying and subsequent heat treatment. Light optical microscopy and a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to conduct the microstructure characterization. Mechanical properties of the coatings were evaluated by microhardness measurements and wear tests. The corrosion behavior was determined by potentiodynamic polarization measurements in 3.5 % NaCl solution. The results of the mechanical and corrosion tests showed that the hardness and wear resistance of the coatings decreased with increasing the milling time, while increase in the milling time resulted in a significant increase in the thickness, porosity level, and corrosion resistance.     

Effect of Extrusion on the Microstructure and Tribological Behavior of Copper–Tin Composites Containing MoS2

This article deals with the effect of extrusion on the microstructures and tribological properties of powder metallurgy–fabricated copper–tin composites containing MoS₂ by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tribotesting. The extrusion decreases the number of pores and increases the density and hardness and thus improves the tribological properties of the composites. Results demonstrated that abrasion is the dominant wear mechanism in all extruded composites, whereas a combination of adhesion and delamination appears to be the governing mechanism for prepared composites. The developed hot-extruded composites exhibited lower coefficient of friction and wear rates compared to prepared composites. Design Expert software was used to develop contour map.     

Interfacial Properties of Carbon–Rubber Interfaces Investigated via Indentation Pull-Out Tests and the JKR Theory

Properties of the interface between the filler and the matrix of a composite material draw research attention due to their contributions to the overall properties of the material, especially when the filler and the matrix differ significantly from each other. The work reported in this paper investigates the interface between amorphous carbon and a cross-linked synthetic natural rubber. The interface was experimentally simulated with the surfaces of a sputtering-coated carbon on a spherical Al₂O₃ tip and a flat synthetic natural rubber sample. Step-loading and pull-out tests with a micro-/nano-indentation instrument were conducted. Fully relaxation of the samples occurred during both test procedures. The penetration depth, applied load, and experimental time were recorded during each test. The Johnson–Kendall–Roberts theory was used to analyze the data at the initial point (step-loading) and the final surface separation point (pull-out) to obtain the initial equivalent modulus, infinite equivalent modulus, work of adhesion, and the average normal interfacial strength at separation. It is found that the pull-out force and the work of adhesion depend on the unloading rate, but the infinite equivalent modulus and the average interfacial strength in the normal direction of the carbon–rubber interfaces are independent of the unloading rate in current experimental domain.     

Numerous Applications of Fiber Optic Evanescent Wave Fourier Transform Infrared (FEW–FTIR) Spectroscopy for Surface and Subsurface Structural Analysis

A new infrared (IR) interferometric method has been developed in conjunction with low-loss, flexible optical fibers, sensors, and probes. This combination of fiber optical sensors and Fourier Transform (FT) spectrometers can be applied to many fields, including: (i) noninvasive medical diagnostics of cancer and other different diseases in vivo; (ii) minimally invasive bulk diagnostics of tissue; (iii) remote monitoring of tissue, chemical processes, and environment; (iv) surface analysis of polymers and other materials; (v) characterization of the quality of food, pharmacological products, cosmetics, paper, and other wood-related products, as well as (vi) agricultural, forensic, geological, mining, and archeological field measurements. In particular, our nondestructive, fast, compact, portable, remote, and highly sensitive diagnostics tools are very promising for subsurface analysis at the molecular level without sample preparation. For example, this technique is ideal for different types of soft porous foams, rough polymers, and rock surfaces. Such surfaces, as well as living tissue, are difficult to investigate by traditional FTIR methods. We present here FEW–FTIR spectra of polymers, banana and grapefruit peels, and living tissues detected directly at surfaces. In addition, results on the vibrational spectral analysis of normal and pathological skin tissue in the wavenumber region 850–4000cm^–1 are discussed.     

Temperature and energy dependences of ion–molecule reactions: Studies inspired by Diethard Böhme

Diethard Böhme has had a long career covering many topics in ion-molecule reactivity. In this review, we describe the work done at the Air Force Research Laboratory (and its variously named preceding organizations) that was inspired by his studies. These fall into two main areas: nucleophilic displacement (S_N2) and metal cation chemistry. In S_N2 chemistry, we revisited many of the reactions Diethard pioneered and studied them in more detail. We found nonstatistical behavior, both competition and noncompetition between multiple channels. New channels were found as hydration occurred, with more solution-like behavior occurring as only a few ligands were added. Temperature-dependent studies revealed details that were not observable at room temperature. These and other highlights will be discussed. In metal cation reactions, Diethard's use of an inductively coupled ion source allowed him to systematically study the periodic table of elements with a number of simple neutrals. We have taken the most interesting of these and studied them in greater detail. In doing so, we were able to identify curve crossing rates, in a few instances information about product states, and the importance of multiple entrance channels.     

Increasing the load capacity and rigidity of roller–screw mechanisms by adjusting the screw surfaces

A method is proposed for increasing the load capacity and rigidity of roller–screw mechanisms by adjusting the screw surfaces. That permits the design of compact mechanisms such as automobile steering assemblies.     

Ultrasonic pulse and resonance method–evaluation of the degree of damage to the internal structure of repair mortars caused by exposure to high temperatures

When the repair mortars for the repair of concrete structures are exposed to high temperatures, it results in irreversible changes in their internal structure. These changes can be evaluated both on the basis of the compressive strength and flexural strength, but their evaluation can also be made using dynamic non-destructive methods. The article presents the findings on the use of parameters from the measurement by ultrasonic pulse and resonance method. Changes in the internal structure of repair mortars were evaluated on the basis of the dynamic Young’s modulus of elasticity and relative dynamic modulus of elasticity. The said parameters very well characterize the changes in the internal structure of the repair mortars, and their values decrease with the increasing temperature. Changes in the internal structure of the repair mortars also reduce the compressive strength and flexural strength. The researchers confirmed the suitability of the ultrasonic pulse and resonance method for evaluating the degree of damage to the internal structure of repair mortars exposed to high temperatures.     

The Microstructure and Abrasive Wear Resistance of Fe–Cr–C Hardfacing Alloys with the Composition of Hypoeutectic,Eutectic, and Hypereutectic at $$ frac{Cr}{C} = 6 $$

In this investigation, three Fe–Cr–C hardfacing alloys with different carbon and chromium contents and in constant ratio of ( fracCrC = 6 ) left( {frac{Cr}{C} = 6} right) were fabricated by GTAW on AISI 1010 mild steel substrates. The OES, OM, SEM, and XRD techniques and Vickers hardness method were used for determining chemical composition, hardness, and studying the microstructure of the hardface alloys. The OES, OM, and XRD examination results indicated that different carbon and chromium contents of hardface alloys produced hypoeutectic/eutectic/hypereutectic structures. By increasing the carbon and chromium contents in the chemical composition of hardface alloys, the volume fraction of the total (Cr, Fe)₇C₃ is increased resulting to decreasing in total the austenite volume fraction and increasing the hardness of the surface. Studying the microstructure after wear test (ASTM G65) shows that at the edge of the worn surface, the transformation of austenite to martensite had occurred in all the samples. The wear test results indicate that the highest wear resistance is gained in the hypoeutectic structure with maximum hardness after the wear test. In addition, abrasive wear micromechanisms in hypoeutectic/eutectic/hypereutectic were recognized as: ploughing + cutting/ploughing + cutting + cracking/cracking + cutting, respectively.     

Chromium and Detonation Nanodiamond Based Coatings of the Chromium–Carbon System: Deposition by Magnetron Sputtering,Peculiarities of Phase Composition,and Tribological Properties

The structure, the chemical and phase compositions, and the micromechanical and tribological properties of chromium–carbon coatings obtained by the magnetron sputtering of composite and/or sintered chromium–nanodiamond targets are investigated. The coatings possess the composite multiphase structure composed of chromium and its phases formed as a result of the chemical interactions of the target material’s components both between each other and with the reactive gas if present in a sputtering atmosphere. Several technological factors influencing the structural and phase peculiarities of the coatings, their nanohardness, and the dry friction behavior at high contact pressures are studied.     

Electrical and Electrochemical Tests of Performance of Polographs: I. Needs and Methods; II. Diagnostic Criteria for Establishing the Degree to Which Recorded Polarograms Are Adversely Affected by Circuit Performance†

SUMMARY

Both electrical and electrochemical tests are required to define, describe, and specify the performance of a polarograph when a polarograph or a cell or an electrode is newly constructed or placed in service, when work is to be started that is of special importance, or when poor results are obtained with a combination that has been in use. In the last case, the first question is whether the malfunction originates in the polarograph itself or in the cell-electrode assembly or is due to electrochemical problems specific to the sample just introduced. The polarograph is tested by means of electrical tests. If it is performing according to specifications, the overall system (and thus the cell and electrodes) is checked out by means of obtaining polarograms with reactions of well-known characteristics. Satisfactory electrical and electrochemical test methods which have evolved at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are set forth in this paper. For any specific polarograph, each of these tests is generally applicable, provided, of course, that the polarograph includes the feature or mode of operation for which the test is designed. Also, diagnostic criteria are given for establishing the degree to which the forms of recorded regular, first derivative, and second derivative dc polarograms (for simple, polarographically reversible test reactions) are adversely affected by circuit performance.     

Characterization of the absorption of histidine and lead by Juglan regia L., Platanus L., and Pinus nigra L. using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry

High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry were used for the determination of histidine and lead in Juglan regia L., Platanus L., and Pinus nigra L. leaves from industrial areas including Gaziantep City and Bursa City, Turkey. Distilled water was used for the extraction of histidine from plant material at 90°C for 30 min. The flow rate of the mobile phase, fragmentation potential, injection volume, and column temperature were optimized to be 0.2 mL min^?1, 70 V, 15 µL, and 20°C for the determination of histidine. The concentrations of histidine were from 7–9 mg kg^?1 for Juglan regia L., 2–5 mg kg^?1 for Platanus L., and 1–7 mg kg^?1 for Pinus nigra L. The concentrations of Pb were from 1–42 mg kg^?1 for Juglan regia L., 1–4 mg kg^?1 for Platanus L., and 1–62 mg kg^?1 for Pinus nigra L.     

A comparison of the tensile, fatigue, and fracture behavior of Ti–6Al–4V and 15-5 PH stainless steel parts made by selective laser melting

In this work, Ti–6Al–4V and 15-5 PH steel samples were fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) and their tensile, fatigue, and fracture properties were analyzed and compared. The tensile properties were compared with respect to the build orientation. The horizontally built samples showed relatively better tensile properties as compared with the vertically built samples. Fatigue performance was studied for the vertical build orientation and compared with standard wrought material data. The tensile and fatigue performance of SLM-built materials were comparable to their respective standard wrought materials. Fractography was carried out for all tensile and fatigue-tested samples. The fatigue fracture behavior of Ti–6Al–4V was different from 15-5 PH steel. For Ti–6Al–4V, the fatigue crack initiation occurred deep in the subsurface whereas for PH steel the fatigue crack was initiated from the surface.     

An ultrahigh-vacuum multifunctional apparatus for synthesis and in situ investigation of low-dimensional structures by spectral magnetoellipsometry in the temperature range of 85–900 K

This paper presents the results of modernizing an ultrahigh-vacuum multifunctional apparatus that allows one to obtain semiconductor or metallic nanostructures in a single technological cycle and to investigate their optical and magneto-optical properties in a temperature range of 85–900 K. The capabilities of the developed system were demonstrated based on the example of studying the temperature dependence of the bulk Si permittivity via spectral ellipsometric measurements.     

Increasing the tribological performances of Ti–6Al–4V alloy by forming a thin nanoporous TiO2 layer and hydroxyapatite electrodeposition under lubricated conditions

In this study, comparative investigation of (i) untreated Ti–6Al–4V alloy, (ii) nanoporous thin TiO₂ layer formed by controlled anodic oxidation and (iii) electrodeposited hydroxyapatite coatings into porous oxide layer was carried out for evaluation of sliding-wear performances in a bio-simulated environment. Wear mechanisms, wear volumes and friction coefficients of the three types of surfaces under lubricated conditions in a bio-simulated solution were recorded and analyzed. The results presented herein show that, under the investigated tribocorrosion conditions (under reciprocating sliding), both surface treatments applied have improved the wear resistance and friction coefficients as compared to the untreated Ti–6Al–4V alloy surface.     

Influence of graphite content on the dry sliding and oil impregnated sliding wear behavior of Al 2024–graphite composites produced by in situ powder metallurgy method

The influence of graphite content on the dry sliding and oil impregnated sliding wear characteristics of sintered aluminum 2024 alloy–graphite (Al/Gr) composite materials has been assessed using a pin-on-disc wear test. The composites with 5–20 wt.% flake graphite particles were processed by in situ powder metallurgy technique. For comparison, compacts of the base alloy were made under the same consolidation processing applied for Al/Gr composites. The hardness of the sintered materials was measured using Brinell hardness tester and their bending strength was measured by three-point bending tests. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the debris, wear surfaces and fracture surfaces of samples. It was found that an increase in graphite content reduced the coefficient of friction for both dry and oil impregnated sliding, but this effect was more pronounced in dry sliding. Hardness and fracture toughness of composites decreased with increasing graphite content. In dry sliding, a marked transition from mild to severe wear was identified for the base alloy and composites. The transition load increased with graphite content due to the increased amount of released graphite detected on the wear surfaces. The wear rates for both dry and oil impregnated sliding were dependent upon graphite content in the alloy. In both cases, Al/Gr composites containing 5 wt.% graphite exhibited superior wear properties over the base alloy, whereas at higher graphite addition levels a complete reversal in the wear behavior was observed. The wear rate of the oil impregnated Al/Gr composites containing 10 wt.% or more graphite particles were higher than that of the base alloy. These observations were rationalized in terms of the graphite content in the Al/Gr composites which resulted in the variations of the mechanical properties together with formation and retention of the solid lubricating film on the dry and/or oil impregnated sliding surfaces.     

Finite element modeling of solid particle erosion in AISI 4140 steel and nickel–tungsten carbide composite material produced by the laser-based powder deposition process

A FE dynamic model was developed to study the slurry erosion in Ni–WC composite material that considers both Ni and WC separately. The model was verified by the measured erosion rate and the eroded surface topography. The verified model was used to study the effect of material composition and different erodent particle characteristics such as impingement angle, velocity and the shape on the erosion rate, stress distribution and internal energy of the target material. The results show that the volume fraction of the Ni-matrix determines the energy absorption within the target material and the WC is responsible for minimizing the erodent attack. It was shown that a soft interlayer can provide more resistant to erosion in a multilayered Ni–WC deposit.     

Environmental Effects on the Tribology and Microstructure of MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript>–Sb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–C Films

The tribology of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂)–Sb₂O₃–C films was tested under a variety of environmental conditions (ambient 50% RH, 10⁻⁷ Torr vacuum, 150 Torr oxygen, and 8 Torr water) and correlated with the composition of the surface composition expressed while sliding. High friction and low friction modes of behavior were detected. The lowest coefficient of friction, 0.06, was achieved under vacuum, while sliding in 8 Torr water and ambient conditions both yielded the highest value of 0.15. Water vapor was determined to be the environmental species responsible for high friction performance. XPS evaluations revealed a preferential expression of MoS₂ at the surface of wear tracks produced under vacuum and an increase in Sb₂O₃ concentration in wear tracks produced in ambient air (50% RH). In addition, wear tracks produced by sliding in vacuum exhibited the lowest surface roughness as compared to those produced in other environments, consistent with the picture of low friction originating from well-ordered MoS₂ layers produced through sliding in vacuum.