Search

The current load is one of the most significant factors in the reliability of electrical contact under fretting conditions. In this paper, the fretting wear experiments are conducted for CuZn40 and AgCu10 alloys with varied current loads. The variations of electrical contact resistance (ECR), ECR endurance, temperature, and wear volume with the increasing current load of two alloy materials under fretting conditions are investigated, and the differences between their electrical contact behaviors are compared. The microstructures of the surface wear morphology are examined to reveal the mechanisms of fretting wear and electrical contact failure. In addition, the fretting wear volume evolution of both alloys under different fretting cycles is studied. The results show the current load impacts the wear morphology. The wear particles become smaller and the oxide layer becomes stable with the increase of current load. The effect of current load on ECR and temperature is more significant for CuZn40 alloy. The ECR endurance for both materials first increases and then decreases. This is attributed to two competitive mechanisms controlling the evolution of ECR endurance under varied current loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the comparative studies on structural, mechanical and corrosion properties of Nb 2 O 5 /Ti–Al–V and graphene/Ti–Al–V alloy systems have been investigated. We show that the hardness of pure niobium pentoxide was ca. 8.64 GPa and graphene deposited on titanium alloy surface was equal 5.63 GPa. However, the graphene monolayer has no effect on surface hardness of titanium alloy and can be easily removed from the surface. On the other hand, the sample with graphene coating has much better corrosion resistance. Our results suggest, that the use of combined layers of niobium pentoxide and graphene, in the hybrid multilayer system can greatly improve the mechanical and corrosion properties of the titanium alloy surface. Such hybrid system can be used in the future, as protection coating for Ti alloy, in biomedical application and in other applications, where Ti alloys work in an aggressive corrosive environment and in engineering applications where friction is involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Complex 3D micro-structures can be fabricated layer by layer in alloys by micro electrical discharge machining (EDM) using simple shaped electrodes. However, electrode wear is a serious problem which significantly affects machining accuracy. The electrode wear compensation method is a key issue in micro EDM milling and effectively solves this problem. This paper proposes a new compensation method based on the scanned area (BSA) in each layer machining. The new method is integrated with a CAD/CAM system to generate 3D micro cavities. Experimental results have been compared with those using the uniform wear method (UWM) and those using a combination of linear compensation with UWM. It was found that using the proposed method machining efficiency was improved and tool wear ratio was reduced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper compares the ferritic and austenitic plasma nitriding and nitrocarburizing behavior of AISI 4140 low alloy steel carried out to improve the surface corrosion resistance. The gas composition for plasma nitriding was 85% N2–15% H2 and that for plasma nitrocarburizing was 85% N2–12% H2–3% CO2. Both treatments were performed for 5h, for different process temperatures of 570 and 620°C for ferritic and austenitic plasma treatment, respectively. Optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and potentiodynamic polarization technique in 3.5% NaCl solution, were used to study the treated surfaces. The results of X-ray analysis revealed that with increasing the treatment temperature from 570 to 620°C for both treatments, the amount of ε phase decreased and γ′ phase increased. Nitrocarburizing treatment resulted in formation of a more amount of ε phase with respect to nitriding treatment. However, the highest amount of ε phase was observed in the ferritic nitrocarburized sample at 570°C. The sample nitrided at 620°C exhibited the thickest layer. The potentiodynamic polarization results revealed that after plasma nitriding and nitrocarburizing at 570°C, corrosion potential increased with respect to the untreated sample due to the noble nitride and carbonitride phases formed on the surface. After increasing the treatment temperature from 570 to 620°C, corrosion potential decreased due to the less ε phase development in the compound layer and more porous compound layer formed at 620°C with respect to the treated samples at 570°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To review governmental guidelines on amalgam use worldwide and to assess trends in the usage of amalgam and composite materials in restoration of posterior teeth. Methods: A letter was sent to 24 government health agencies or representative organisations requesting details of regulations pertaining to amalgam use. A literature search was carried out in order to identify papers in which the incidence of amalgam and composite restorations was stated. Results: Ten replies were received, indicating few restrictions on the use of amalgam. Results obtained from published work appear to indicate that amalgam use is declining, but at rates which are unclear in many countries because of the paucity of published data. Amalgam use has been found to be decreasing in the USA, Australia and Scandinavia, with lesser decreases being apparent in the UK. Conclusions: There are few restrictions to the use of amalgam worldwide. In countries where data are available, such as USA, Australia and Scandinavia, amalgam use has been found to be decreasing, with smaller decreases being apparent in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]