New Trends in the Development of Superhard and Heat-Resistant Materials

The directions and tendencies in development of high-strength and heat-resistant materials are analyzed on the basis of knowledge about the mechanical and thermal properties of solids and the fundamentals of physics of strength and structural transformations in materials. The prospects are shown for designing pceudoalloys and composite materials based on refractory compounds and metals.     

Foreword

Telecommunication Systems -     

Magnetic properties of sputtered multilayers of Mo/Ni

We have studied the d.c. magnetization of Mo/Ni artificial superlattices in the temperature range 5–300 K and in magnetic fields of up to 10⁷/4πAm^-1 (10kG). The saturation magnetization and the Curie temperature behavior are consistent with expectations based on thin film effects. However, there are indications of ferromagnetic coupling across the normal metal and the coercive field shows an unexpected peak at a layer thickness of 25 Å.     

Photoinduced enhancement of the Josephson effect in YBaCuO grain boundary junctions

Experiments of persistent photoinduced enhancement of the Josephson effect in YBaCuO junctions are reviewed in this paper. These experiments show that the critical current and the conductivity of these Josephson junctions can be increased after illumination. This effect is due to photodoping of the oxygen depleted region in the weak link.     

A SUMMARY REPORT OF AN ESIS WORKING PARTY ON FRACTURE CONTROL GUIDELINES FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY ASSISTED CRACKING OF LOW ALLOY STEELS

This paper provides guidelines for obtaining and using Environmentally Assisted Cracking (EAC) test data for low alloy steels, which are used in a wide range of industrial applications. Both fracture mechanics and non-fracture mechanics tests are considered, but the emphasis is on using fracture mechanics as part of an overall strategy—a fracture control plan—to prevent or control EAC in service. Prevention is the usual strategy, but the control of crack growth is possible for thick-walled components. Fracture control planning can, for low and medium strength steel structures, be directed to both preventing and controlling EAC in service.     

Surface tension measurements of industrial iron-based alloys from ground-based and parabolic flight experiments: Results from the thermolab project

For measurements of the surface tension the oscillating drop technique is employed. With the help of digital image processing this method yields the frequencies of the surface oscillations from which the values of the surface tension can be derived. In the framework of ESA’s Thermolab project, the surface tensions of two representative steels: one low carbon steel, and one stainless steel, have been determined over a wide temperature range. The measurements were carried out in an earthbound levitation device, as well as during parabolic flights in the TEMPUS facility, taking advantage of the microgravity environment. The results obtained are compared and discussed in the framework of thermodynamic models.     

PBT blends with rigid polymer and elastomer inclusions: the effect of component type and reactivity on mechanical behaviour

The present study shows the potential of the poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) matrix to form ternary blends with well‐balanced properties, analogous to Polyamide 6 (PA6) systems with a very fine (<100 nm) separately dispersed rigid polymer (poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride)) and elastomer (maleated ethylene‐propylene elastomer). The use in PBT blends of maleated components analogous to those in the PA6 systems was much less effective, due to the presence of larger particles. Enhancement of all properties, including toughness, was found in the case of a blend containing at least one component with epoxide groups, such as rigid styrene‐glycidyl methacrylate copolymer or elastomeric poly[(ethylene)‐co‐(methyl acrylate)‐co‐(glycidyl methacrylate)]. In this case, the reactive compatibilization of the epoxy‐group‐containing component caused refinement of particle size of the other component due to enhanced viscosity. As a result, more advantageous micromechanical behaviour of this ternary in comparison with the binary system occurs. The PBT matrix offers a similar potential to PA6 in synergistic influencing of both well‐dispersed phases. This work supports the universality of rigid polymer‐elastomer combination for the enhancement of the properties of pseudoductile polymers. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Cognitive–behavioral treatment for depression in alcoholism.

Alcoholics with depressive symptoms score ≥ 10 on the Beck Depression Inventory (A. T. Beck, C. H. Ward, M. Mendelson, J. Mock, & J. Erbaugh, 1961) received 8 individual sessions of cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression (CBT-D, n?=?19) or a relaxation training control (RTC; n?=?16) plus standard alcohol treatment. CBT-D patients had greater reductions in somatic depressive symptoms and depressed and anxious mood than RTC patients during treatment. Patients receiving CBT-D had a greater percentage of days abstinent but not greater overall abstinence or fewer drinks per day during the first 3-month follow-up. However, between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups, CBT-D patients had significantly better alcohol use outcomes on total abstinence (47% vs. 13%), percent days abstinent (90.5% vs. 68.3%), and drinks per day (0.46 vs. 5.71). Theoretical and clinical implications of using CBT-D in alcohol treatment are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Inorganic Wastes in the Manufacture of Glass and Glass-Ceramics: Quartz-Feldspar Waste of Ore Refining, Metallurgical Slag, Limestone Dust, and Phosphorus Slurry

This work presents the results of an investigation on producing diopside glass-ceramic materials based on various combinations of quartz-feldspar waste from ore refining and limestone dust. Other industrial wastes were added to contribute as nucleation agents; when the concentration of the latter was insufficient, they were added in the pure state. Additionally, relatively high concentrations of alkalis were used to accelerate glass melting. Low-cost materials with promising exploitation properties were produced. A two-stage regime of crystallization of the basic glass composition was determined, including nucleation at 720°C and crystal growth at 950°C. Local environmental regulations must be considered for the selection of the type of admixtures and the combination of wastes.