Search

Background: Celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, is used for the management of short- and long-term pain as well as in other inflammatory conditions. Unfortunately, its chronic use is highly associated with serious abnormal cardiovascular events. The current study was designed to explore the effect of long-term administration of celecoxib on the cardiac tissues of male albino rats. The study also examined the alleged cardioprotective effect of royal jelly. Methods: Thirty, male albino rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups; 10 each: (1) rats served as the control group and received no drug; (2) rats received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally), for 30 consecutive days; (3) rats received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally) plus royal jelly (300 mg/kg/day, orally) for 30 consecutive days. Sera were collected to assay cardiac enzymes and oxidant/antioxidant status. Rats were euthanatized and cardiac tissues were dissected for quantitative estimation of apoptotic genes (Bax) and anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2). Results: Long-term celecoxib administration caused cardiotoxicity in male albino rats as manifested by significant elevation of serum levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), with ameliorative effects of royal jelly against celecoxib-induced cardiotoxicity as manifested by significantly decrease in serum CPK, CK-MB, and LDH levels. It also showed a significant decrease in the oxidative stress indicator malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the bax gene. Additionally, it demonstrated significant increases in the bcl-2 gene and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, which contribute to its therapeutic effects against celecoxib-induced cardiotoxicity. Conclusion: Long-term celecoxib administration caused cardiotoxicity in male albino rats with protective effect of royal jelly being given together. It could be concluded that royal jelly may prove a useful adjunct in patients being prescribed celecoxib. Trial registration: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of new solid‐state energy storage devices to tackle the electrical revolution requires the usage of nonlinear behavior leading to emergent phenomena. The ferroelectric analyzed herein belongs to a family of electrolytes that allow energy harvesting and storage as part of its self‐charging features when thermally activated. The Na2.99Ba0.005ClO electrolyte shows quasi‐adiabatic behavior with a continuous increase in polarization upon cycling, displaying almost no hysteresis. The maximum polarization obtained at a weak electric field is giant and similar to the remanent polarization. It depends on the temperature with a pyroelectric coefficient of 5.37 C m−2 °C−1 from −5 to 46 °C. The emergence occurs via negative resistance and capacitance. The glass transition is found to have its origins in the sharp depolarization at 46 – 48 °C. Above –10 °C, at ≈ –5 °C, another thermal anomaly may rely on the topologic characteristics of the A3–2xBaxClO (A = Li, Na, K) glass electrolytes enabling positive feedback of the current of electrons throughout the surface of the inner cell. The phenomena may pave the way toward a better understanding of dipolar nanodomain fragile glasses with exceptional ferroelectric characteristics to architect energy harvesting and storage devices based on multivalent thermally activated Na+‐ion‐ion electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on low-cost fabrication and high-energy density of full-cell lithium-ion battery (LIB) models. Super-hierarchical electrode architectures of Li2SiO3/TiO2@nano-carbon anode (LSO.TO@nano-C) and high-voltage olivine LiMnPO4@nano-carbon cathode (LMPO@nano-C) are designed for half- and full-system LIB-CR2032 coin cell models. On the basis of primary architecture-power-driven LIB geometrics, the structure keys including three-dimensional (3D) modeling superhierarchy, multiscale micro/nano architectures and anisotropic surface heterogeneity affect the buildup design of anode/cathode LIB electrodes. Such hierarchical electrode surface topologies enable continuous in-/out-flow rates and fast transport pathways of Li+-ions during charge/discharge cycles. The stacked layer configurations of pouch LIB-types lead to excellent charge/discharge rate, and energy density of 237.6 Wh kg−1. As the most promising LIB-configurations, the high specific energy density of hierarchical pouch battery systems may improve energy storage for long-driving range of electric vehicles. Indeed, the anisotropic alignments of hierarchical electrode architectures in the large-scale LIBs provide proof of excellent capacity storage and outstanding durability and cyclability. The full-system LIB-CR2032 coin cell models maintain high specific capacity of ∼89.8% within a long-term life period of 2000 cycles, and average Coulombic efficiency of 99.8% at 1C rate for future configuration of LIB manufacturing and commercialization challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alhagi maruroum, a species of family leguminosae, has high contents of flavonoids, triterpenes, sterols and glycosides. It is a woody perennial herb that was used in the folk medicine for gastric disturbance, rheumatic pains, liver disease and urinary tract infection. This study was designed to spot the light on some pharmacological activities of Alhagi maurorum. The fresh aerial parts of the plant were washed, dried at room temperature, crushed into fine powder, extracted with 80% methanol for three days with frequent agitation, filtrated and dried by rotatory evaporator under reduced pressure at 45°C. The concentrated filtrate then was lyophilized in lyophilizer. The extract was tested for some pharmacological activities (analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic) in rats and mice. The current results proved that administration of Alhagi maurorum aqueous methanolic extract in mice at dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg BW exhibited analgesic effect that was noticed from a significant elevation in the reaction time of mice in a dose dependent manner when compared to the control mice by using hot plate method. Moreover, Alhagi maurorum aqueous methanolic extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect by using hind paw edema method in rats as confirmed by a significant dose dependent reduction in the thickness of the hind paw edema compared with the control group. Additionally, administration of Alhagi extract elicited a significant improvement in gastric damage induced by indomethacin in rats where mean ulcer score in alhagi 200 and alhagi 400 groups was 1.25±0.045 and 0.25±0.004, respectively compared with 1.75±0.054 of indomethacin group. It could be deduced from those results that Alhagi maurorum aqueous methanolic extract owns analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcerogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two hundred and twenty five Oreochromis niloticus with average body weight 36±1 g, were distributed randomly into five groups in triplicates. The control group was fed on basal diet, while the other groups were supplemented with various levels of Spirulina platensis (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) for 90 days. The growth performance, biochemical parameters (Alanine aminotransferase activity, Aspartate aminotransferase, Creatinine and cortisol), antioxidant effect (Reduced Glutathion enzyme), IgM and lysozyme were determined. Also, investigating the differences between fish fed the control diet and diet supplemented with Spirulina (1%) against the infection with pathogenic strain of Aeromonas hydrophila. The final body weight, gain percent and specific growth rate was significantly (P.0.05) increased in fish fed on supplemented diet with Spirulina comparable with that fed on the control diet. The highest final body weight (49.60±0.52g), body gain (11.70±1.04g) and body gain (30.87±4.10%) were recorded in fish fed on diet supplemented with 2% Spirulina. Biochemical, immunological parameters and antioxidant enzyme (GSH) were improved in the group supplemented with Spirulina in comparing with fish fed on basal diet. The best result was recorded in-group fed on Spirulina supplemented diet by level of 1% at which the levels of IgM was 42.40 ±0.66 μg /ml, lysozyme level was 31.33 ±0.44 μg /ml and the level of GSH was 11.7 ±0.39 mg/g tissues. Moreover, Spirulina supplemented with (1%) in diet enhanced fish protection against A. hydrophila infection. The survival rate was (80%) in fish fed on diet supplemented with 1% Spirulina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the microhardness of SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composites produced by a transient eutectic phase (TEP) hot-press consolidation process. The internal microstructure of the composites was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and microhardness variations were determined, showing that both matrices and fibers have hardness values that are independent of geometrical features. This verification is of special interest for the production of SiC/SiC composite structures with more complicated geometries for prospective nuclear applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe nanoelectrodes based on the use of hierarchical carbon-nitrogen nanospheres and dual-head nickel oxide echinop flowers (CN@HDN) placed on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. The modified electrodes enable sensitive detection of catecholamine neurotransmitters, specifically of epinephrine (EPI) in human serum samples. The modified electrodes possess many active sites along the {111} crystal plane and large contact surfaces. This enables a rapid EPI diffusion within a highly active transport surface. The geometrical and morphological structures of the NiO decorated with CN-nanospheres render superior electrocatalytic behavior at a relatively low working voltage of 0.12 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) which makes the sensor relatively specific. The use of CN also increases the electron transfer rate and facilitates mass transfer between electrolyte (EPI sample) and catalytically active sites. The electrode is sensitive, selective and works at near-physiological pH values. It has a detection limit as low as 4 nM of EPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a nuclear-grade joining material for bonding of silicon carbide-based components. The joint material is fabricated via a hybrid preceramic polymer, chemical vapor infiltration process. The joint is comprised entirely of β-SiC and results in excellent mechanical and permeability performance. The joint strength, composition, and microstructure have been characterized before and after irradiation to 4.5 dpa at 730 °C in the High Flux Isotope Reactor. The hybrid preceramic polymer-chemical vapor infiltrated joint exhibited complete retention of shear strength and no evidence of microstructural evolution or damage was detected following irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The thermal stability, kinetics of crystallization, and glass forming ability of a Ti48Ni32Cu8Si8Sn4 bulk amorphous alloy have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry using both isothermal and non-isothermal experiments. The activation energy, frequency factor, and reaction rate for the crystallization cascade were determined via the Kissinger method. X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that crystallization starts with the primary precipitation of Ti(Ni,Cu), followed by the nucleation of Cu3Ti from the amorphous precursor. The kinetics of nucleation of the primary crystalline phase was also investigated using the Johnson–Mehl-Avrami method and the Avrami exponent, n, was determined. This new alloy possesses a significantly larger supercooled liquid region than any other non beryllium- or non rare earth – containing titanium-based bulk metallic glass to date. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ti-based bulk metallic glasses presented here are designed in a multi-dimensional composition space using a series of modeling tools. A chemical short range order model was used to evaluate the bonding behavior between the constituent species. This technique predicts the local structure present in the amorphous phase. A structural model is then used to further optimize the composition space, ensuring an efficient topology within the amorphous phase. These two models are compared with the predicted liquidus profile. Deep eutectics correlate well with glass forming ability, and their location and depth are located and quantified using a searching technique over a broad compositional range. Ti-based alloys were designed according to these three models, and the alloys with the highest glass forming ability represent a balance between having a densely packed cluster structure and a close proximity to a deep eutectic. Bulk metallic glass compositions have been successfully produced over a wide compositional space with only cost-effective alloying elements, Ni, Cu, Si, and Sn, using these models. The best glass former in this composition space, Ti48Ni32Cu8Si8Sn4, demonstrates a supercooled liquid region in excess of 100K, and was successfully cast into fully amorphous rods, 3mm in diameter, with a compressive fracture strength of ∼1.8GPa. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Amorphous Fe67− x C10B9Mo7+ x Cr4W3 (x =1–7at.%) plates with 0.64mm thickness were prepared by copper mold casting. The thermal properties and microstructural development during heat treatments were investigated by a combination of differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The glass forming ability (GFA) and activation energy for crystallization have a distinct dependence on Mo content. Fe62C10B9Mo12Cr4W3 was the best glass former in this study, demonstrating a supercooled liquid region, ΔTx =51K, and an activation energy for crystallization, Q =453kJ/mol. The GFA of alloys in this system was governed by elastic strain optimization resulting directly from the variation in Mo content. Heat treatments were performed to demonstrate resistance to crystallization under typical processing conditions. Alloys in this system exhibited a three phased evolution during crystallization. A second set of heat treatments was performed to identify each phase. An analysis of phase evolution revealed a distinct dependence of phase evolution with stepwise substitution of Mo for Fe in this system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Amorphous Fe67− x C10B9Mo7+ x Cr4W3 (x =1–7at.%) plates with 640μm thickness were prepared by copper mold casting. The thermal properties and microstructural development during heat treatments were investigated by a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential thermal analysis, and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The glass forming ability (GFA) and activation energy for crystallization have a distinct dependence on Mo content. Fe62C10B9Mo12Cr4W3 is the best glass former in this study, demonstrating a supercooled liquid region, ΔT x =51K, and an activation energy for crystallization, Q =453kJ/mol. The GFA of alloys in this system was governed by elastic strain optimization resulting directly from the variation in Mo content. Heat treatments were performed to demonstrate resistance to crystallization under typical processing conditions. Alloys in this system exhibited a three-phase evolution during crystallization. A second set of heat treatments was performed to identify each phase. Hardness data was collected at each of the heat treatment conditions, and a bulk metallic glasses (BMG)-derived composite containing a Mo-rich phase exhibited Vickers Hardness in excess of 2000. The fully amorphous alloys had an average hardness approaching 1500. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly active antineoplastic agent; however, its clinical use is limited due to associated cardiotoxicity. This study was performed to evaluate the beneficial effects of allicin, a dietary garlic active constituent against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.Methods: Forty male Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups, which received normal saline, oral allicin (20 mg kg-1 once daily), intraperitoneal DOX (on the 7, 9 and 11th day of the experiment), or DOX plus once daily allicin at 10 or 20 mg kg-1. Sera were collected for evaluation of cardiac injury markers and proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, heart tissue spacemen were harvested for determination of oxidative stress markers, as well as for histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis.Results: DOX administration induced significant (p < 0.05) reductions in cardiac tissue level of reduced glutathione and activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase). Moreover, it induced significant (p < 0.05) elevations in cardiac tissue concentrations of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde as well as serum levels of cardiac injury biomarkers (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase-MB) and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). The histopathological examination showed necrotic and degenerative changes in the cardiac tissue, while immunohistochemical analysis revealed marked myocardial expression of activated caspase-3 and cyclooxygenase-2, following DOX adminstration. Allicin pretreatment significantly improved (p < 0.05) all examined parameters, and restored the cardiac architecture.Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that allicin effectively mitigates cardiac oxidative damage, apoptosis and inflammation, induced by acute DOX intoxication. Therefore, allicin could be a promising cytoprotective agent against DOX cardiotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of traditional medicine against viral diseases in animal production has been practiced worldwide. Herbal extracts possess organic substances that would improve chicken body performance. Aim: The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of either thyme or ginseng oil in regard to their immunemodulatory, antiviral, and growth promoter properties. Methods: Two hundred and forty-one-day-old broiler chicks were allocated into eight equal groups as the following: group 1; nonvaccinated and nontreated and group 2; Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccinated and nontreated. Birds of groups 3 and 4 were treated with thyme oil (200 mg/l of drinking water for 12 hours/day) without or with NDV vaccination. Birds of groups 5 and 6 were treated with ginseng oil (200 mg/l of drinking water for 12 hours/day) without or with NDV vaccination. Birds of groups 7 and 8 were treated with a combination of ginseng oil (100 mg/l of drinking water) and thyme oil (100 mg/l of drinking water) for 12 hours/day. On the 35th day of life, birds in all the experimental groups were given 0.1 ml of a virulent genotype VIId NDV strain suspension containing 106.3 EID50/ ml intramuscularly. Results: Administration of ginseng and thyme oils each alone or simultaneously to birds either vaccinated or nonvaccinated elicited a significant improvement in body performance parameters. Administration of thyme and ginseng each alone or concurrently to vaccinated birds (Gp 4, 6, and 8) induced a higher hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titer of 6, 7.3, and 6.3 log2 at 21 days of age, 6.7, 7.6, and 7 log2, at 28 days of age and 7, 8, and 6.8 log2 at 35 days of age, respectively. Challenge with vNDV genotype VII led to an increase in the NDV-specific HI-Ab titers 10 days post challenge in all the experimental groups. In addition, thyme, ginseng oils, or a combination of them improved the protection from mortality in vaccinated birds; by 100%, 100%, and 90%, respectively, compared with 80% protection from mortality in vaccinated-only birds post-NDV challenge. Moreover, NDV-vaccinated birds treated either with thyme; ginseng or their combination showed negative detection of the virus in both tracheal and cloacal swabs and nonvaccinated groups that received oils showed improvement in vNDV shedding in tracheal and cloacal swabs. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the administration of thyme and ginseng essential oils to broilers can improve productive performance parameters, stimulate humoral immunity against, and protect from vNDV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline antibiotic, is a powerful chemotherapeutic agent effective against multiple types of cancer, particularly lung, breast, bladder and hematologic neoplasia (lymphomas and leukemia). However, its therapeutic usage is restricted by its known cardiotoxicity, which is associated with the production of oxidative stress. Enhancing antioxidant capacity represents a promising approach to mitigate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Hesperidin (HES), a citrus bioflavonoid, possesses several pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the cardiotoxicity of DOX and assess the possible cardioprotective role of HES. Methods: Groups of Wistar rats were either treated with DOX (4 mg/kg. bw., once a week for five consecutive weeks, intraperitoneally) or received co-treatment with HES (100 mg/kg. bw./day in distilled water, 5 days in a week for five consecutive weeks, administered orally). Heart and blood samples were obtained for histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical assessments. Results: DOX administration resulted in severe cardiotoxicity, as evidenced by significant elevations in cardiac biomarkers, including Troponin I (CTnI), Creatine kinase (CK-Total), Creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). DOX also elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interferon γ (IFN-γ), Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Furthermore, DOX-induced oxidative stress and substantially reduced the levels of antioxidant enzymes, including Glutathione peroxidase (GPX), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT). Histopathologically, DOX caused severe Zenker's necrosis, cardiomyocyte disarray, sarcoplasmic vacuolizations, cardiomyocyte congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunohistochemically, DOX exhibited extensive apoptosis, as indicated by strong positive immuno-localization against anti-caspase-3 antibody. In contrast, co-treatment with HES protected cardiac tissues against cardiotoxicity of DOX, as indicated by the amelioration of histological abnormalities and the normalization of biochemical values. Conclusion: We can conclude that DOX induces severe cardiotoxicity characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, pathological alterations, and apoptosis. Co-treatment with HES demonstrates significant cardioprotective effects by virtue of its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytoprotective, and antiapoptotic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheese represents an important source of essential amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements such as copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). Cheese can be contaminated with toxic heavy metals due to the use of contaminated ingredients, or during the manufacture process, and distribution. This study was taken to estimate the residual contents of some toxic metals including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), and trace elements such as zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in five of the most consumed cheese types in Egypt including Domiati, Feta, Karish, Mish, and Rumi. Moreover, calculation of the dietary intakes, and health risk assessment among children and adults were conducted. The obtained results revealed that Mish cheese had the highest residual content of Pb, and As. Karish cheese had the highest content of Cd, and Zn. Mercury was not detected in Feta and Domiati cheese. Calculation of the estimated daily intakes, hazard ratio, and hazard index revealed that consumption of cheese among Egyptian adults and children would not pose health risks. However, such data should be handled carefully as consumption of cheese will provide considerable concentrations of the total buildup of heavy metals to the Egyptian consumers. In addition, consumption of cheese will provide part of the human needs of the essential trace elements including Zn, and Cu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the potential role of ivabradine (IVN) in the attenuation of doxorubicin (DXR)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. A total of 28 Swiss-Albino male mice were used, divided into four equal groups: the negative control did not receive any agents (n = 7), the DXR group received a single dose of DXR 20 mg/kg (n = 7), the treated group A was pretreated with IVN 5 mg/kg plus DXR (n = 7), and the treated group B was pretreated with IVN 10 mg/kg plus DXR (n = 7). The duration of this study was 10 days. Inflammatory biomarkers, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and cardiac troponin (cTn-I) serum levels were measured. TNF-α, LDH, MDA, and cTn-I serum levels were higher in the DXR-treated mice compared with the control (P˂0.01). IVN produced a dose-dependent effect in the reduction of MDA and cTn-I compared to DXR-treated mice (P˂0.05). Our findings suggest that IVN is an effective agent in mitigating DXR-induced cardiotoxicity due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. IVN illustrated a dose-dependent effect in the attenuation of DXR-induced cardiotoxicity through inhibition of lipid peroxidation and cardiomyocyte injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • β-SiC composites are sintered to full density using spark plasma sintering. • The conversion to α-SiC can be avoided using spark plasma sintering. • Hot-pressed composites convert to α-SiC because of long processing times. Abstract We describe the β → α phase transformation in SiC/SiC fiber-reinforced composites prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and hot-pressing, resulting in samples of >96% relative density and uniform β-SiC microstructure for the SPS composites. Starting from β-SiC powders, the phase transformation from β to α in the samples manufactured by SPS is shown to be suppressed due to the influence of lower sintering temperature, shorter processing time, and higher pressure. These samples are compared to ones produced by a hot-pressing (HP) technique that results in samples with very significant conversion to α-SiC. This study is of special interest for the production of SiC/SiC composite structures for electronic, structural, and nuclear applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Active electrocatalytic electrode designs are needed for the sensitive and selective detection of a single or multi-active biomolecule among biological components. We report the design of hierarchical NiO catalyst (HNC) for one-step monitoring of bioactive molecules such as ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), and uric acid (UA). The novel mesostructured geometries, active surface sites, and multi-diffused spaces for easy electron movement through gaps provide highly active electrocatalytic electrode designing surface. Controlled HNC architecture along electrode-design surface domains having double-head branches spread out along both sides of the dipole-like rod may lead to the vital electron transfer and fast response signaling of multi-bioactive molecules in one-shot triggering individually or simultaneously. Electrochemical analyses showed evidence that the proposed electrode design can detect each component up to 0.02 µM. Sensitive detection up to 1.127, 0.02, and 0.978 µM and wide-range responses of 25-800, 2-60, and 10-000 µM for AA, DA, and UA, respectively, were observed. The simultaneous monitoring and selective signaling of AA, DA, and UA in real urine samples in one step under different potentials were realized. Thus, the HNC-modified electrode can monitor and evaluate the coexistence of biomolecules simultaneously in multi-components.Graphical Abstract: The electrochemical oxidation of AA, DA, and UA at the HNC-modified electrode and the corresponding DPV peaks with losing of 2e−/2H+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spark plasma sintering (SPS) is an emerging powder consolidating technique which promises high potential capabilities to process refractory ceramics with properties previously unattainable. As the first step in studying the applicability of this technique to the processing of tailored ceramic structures, the validity of SPS to consolidate refractory carbides with controllable porosity is investigated. Vanadium carbide (V 8 C 7 ) is chosen as a studied material. The structure, thermal and mechanical properties of the V 8 C 7 powder pellets produced by SPS are analyzed and discussed in the paper. The attained properties of the processed ceramic material are in particular suitable for applications where high electrical conductivity and strength at high melting temperatures, low thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion coefficient are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]