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Carbon fibre-reinforced ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are considered a class of promising materials for several applications, the most appealing ones being in the aerospace sector. Reinforcement is necessary to overcome the brittleness and low thermal shock resistance of ceramics and is often provided through the addition of carbon fibres or other carbon-based phases, such as nanotubes, graphene, and graphite. The present work is focused on the toughening of UHTCs through incorporation of 30−50 vol% thin, ordered graphite layers from conventional filter paper followed by hot pressing sintering. Cellulose filter paper was selected because it undergoes thermolysis with no melting stage forming a strong carbonaceous residue that can be used as toughener. Microstructure and mechanical properties of toughened composites were compared to those of other materials reinforced with short carbon fibres and the effect of different distribution of graphite was studied. Addition of graphite allowed toughness to be increased from 3−4 MPa·m1/2 (for un-reinforced materials) to 5.1−5.5 MPa·m1/2, similar to results obtained with short fibre reinforcement. The high-temperature properties, such as strength and toughness as well as oxidation resistance at 1500 ℃, were also examined.

Traditionally, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) production has primarily relied on virgin cellulose sources. Yet, the shift to using paper mill sludge (PMS) as a source for CNF underscores the significance of reusing and recycling industrial byproducts. PMS contains significant amounts of cellulose that can be extracted as a raw material. The purpose of present study is to provide a sustainable approach to PMS utilization as a paper coating additive in the cellulose nanofibrils (CNFPMS) form via simply scalable wire-wound rod coating method. The effect of CNFPMS additive amounts at two coating layers on microstructure and surface properties of coatings such as porosity, air permeability surface roughness and optical properties such as brightness, gloss and CIE L*a*b* is studied, which they can also provide insight for the eventual print performance. Results indicated that the obtained CNFPMS in paper coating shows 52% decrease in porosity, presenting significant improvement in the coating microstructure. The marginal increase in permeability coefficient and surface roughness, 54% and 10%, respectively, suggests improving color reproduction and preventing color density losses. Optical analysis showed slight decrease in brightness and gloss, as was expected. Notably, the lightness was improved, which also indicates increasing color gamut volume in printing applications. As a result, the current work offers a sustainable approach to manage PMS for use in paper coatings as a high-value-added material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the friendly recycling of paper industry effluent sludge has gained great prominence due to the ecological and economic benefits. The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of the incorporation of paper industry effluent sludge into a red wall tile formulation (BIII group), replacing natural limestone material by up to 10 wt.%. For this purpose, five red wall tile formulations were developed by the dry process, pressed at 47 MPa, and fired at 1170 ºC by using a fast-firing cycle. The wall tile formulations were characterized in terms of chemical analysis, thermal analysis (DTA-TG), and dilatometric analysis. The influence of paper industry effluent sludge on the technical properties (apparent density, water absorption, and flexural strength) and sintered microstructure was investigated. The results showed that red wall tiles containing up to 10 wt.% of paper industry effluent sludge have very good usable final properties, indicating their suitability for the wall tile industrial production (BIII group - ABNT NBR ISO 13006). Such results emphasize the feasibility of ecological and economic recycling of paper industry effluent sludge for the production of red wall tiles.

The microstructure of fibrous paper plays an important role in its property investigation. In this study, an approach is proposed to extrapolate a 2D image into a virtual 3D microstructure. Five types of handsheets made of different pulps were prepared. Then, a hybrid function of two-point correlation and lineal-path function (S2&L2) and co-occurrence correlation functions (CCFs) was used in the simulated annealing reconstruction method. Thus, microstructures of two-phase fiber-pore handsheets were reconstructed using 2D scanning electron microscopy images. Finally, penetration simulations and calculations of the absolute permeability of handsheets were conducted. The statistical values of two-point correlation function (S2) and lineal-path function (L2) extracted from the reconstructed images were used to characterize the reconstruction accuracy, and the comparisons of reconstruction accuracy and time were made. The study results showed that the 3D microstructures of fibrous handsheets could be reconstructed effectively by S2&L2 and CCFs, identifying with the targets. The accuracies were around 10−5, and the reconstruction times by CCFs were shortened by 30–60% compared with S2&L2. Moreover, the visual permeability simulation results could reflect the structural difference of handsheets, according to the calculated absolute permeability. These findings provide a guidance for 3D reconstruction of natural fiber paper.

Expansive soil exhibits significant swellings and shrinkages, which may result in severe damage or the collapse of structures built upon it. Calcium-based admixtures, such as lime, are commonly used to improve this problematic soil. However, traditional chemical additions can increase significant environmental stress. This paper proposes a sustainable solution, namely, the use of lignin fiber (LF) from the paper industry to partially replace lime as an amendment for expansive soils. Both the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the lignin fiber-treated expansive soil are extensively studied. The results show that the mechanical properties of expansive soil are improved by using lignin fiber alone. Under the condition of an optimal dosage of 8%, the compressive strength of lignin fiber-modified soil can reach 193 kPa, the shear strength is increased by 40% compared with the untreated soil, and the water conductivity is also improved with the increase in dosage. In addition, compared with 2% lime-modified soil, the compressive strength of 8% lignin fiber- and 2% lime composite-treated expansive soil increased by 50%, the cohesion increased by 12%, and the water conductivity decreased significantly. The microstructure analysis shows that at an 8% lignin fiber content, lignin fibers interweave into a network in the soil, which effectively enhances the strength and stability of the improved soil. Simultaneously, the fibers can form bridges across the adjacent micropores, leading to the merging of pores and transforming fine, dispersed micropores into larger, connected macropores. Lime promotes the flocculation of soil particles, forming larger aggregates and thus resulting in larger pores. The addition of fibers exerts an inhibitory effect on the flocculation reaction in the composite-improved soil. In conclusion, lignin fibers are an effective addition used to partially replace calcium admixture for the treatment of expansive soil, which provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly treatment scheme for reducing industrial waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, stacked SiC fibers paper‐reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (SiCnf/SiC CMCs) were prepared by nanoimpregnation and transient eutectic (NITE) process using ultra‐long single‐crystal SiC nanofibers. The effect of the SiCnf surface modification via boron nitride (BN) interphase deposition as well as the sintering additive (Al2O3–Y2O3) content on the density, microstructure, and mechanical properties of SiCnf/SiC CMCs has been investigated systematically. The results revealed that the laminated SiCnf/SiC CMCs feature a significant saw‐tooth‐like curve on the load–displacement test, which indicates that the obtained laminated structure with the weak interlayer binding owning to the BN coating treatment possesses significant toughening to the SiC ceramics. Specifically, the SiCnf/SiC CMCs with the sintering additive content of 12 wt% revealed a fracture toughness of over 10 MPa m1/2 after 60 min of BN interface deposition, which is 104.31% higher than that of the composites prepared without BN coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the fabrication and characterization of porous SiC ceramics derived from highly-filled preceramic papers. The SiC ceramics were obtained by spark plasma sintering of stacked preceramic papers at temperatures of 2100 and 2200 °C under pressures of 5–60 MPa for 10 min. The microstructure and phase composition were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Gas permeation tests were performed using hydrogen permeation cell at room temperature. It is revealed that the porosity of sintered SiC can be varied from 9 to 45 % depending on the sintering parameters. The shrinkage of the materials during spark plasma sintering occurs in four stages. The linear shrinkage value of the material increases from 7 to 47 % at 2100 °C and from 20 to 50 % for the samples sintered at 2100 and 2200 °C, respectively. Correlation dependencies between porosity and mechanical properties of the fabricated SiC were established. The obtained porous SiC ceramics exhibit high bending strength of 165 MPa and gas permeation flux of 78 molH 2 /m2/s at the porosity of 36 % that make it suitable for ceramic-based membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansive soil exhibits significant swellings and shrinkages, which may result in severe damage or the collapse of structures built upon it. Calcium-based admixtures, such as lime, are commonly used to improve this problematic soil. However, traditional chemical additions can increase significant environmental stress. This paper proposes a sustainable solution, namely, the use of lignin fiber (LF) from the paper industry to partially replace lime as an amendment for expansive soils. Both the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the lignin fiber-treated expansive soil are extensively studied. The results show that the mechanical properties of expansive soil are improved by using lignin fiber alone. Under the condition of an optimal dosage of 8%, the compressive strength of lignin fiber-modified soil can reach 193 kPa, the shear strength is increased by 40% compared with the untreated soil, and the water conductivity is also improved with the increase in dosage. In addition, compared with 2% lime-modified soil, the compressive strength of 8% lignin fiber- and 2% lime composite-treated expansive soil increased by 50%, the cohesion increased by 12%, and the water conductivity decreased significantly. The microstructure analysis shows that at an 8% lignin fiber content, lignin fibers interweave into a network in the soil, which effectively enhances the strength and stability of the improved soil. Simultaneously, the fibers can form bridges across the adjacent micropores, leading to the merging of pores and transforming fine, dispersed micropores into larger, connected macropores. Lime promotes the flocculation of soil particles, forming larger aggregates and thus resulting in larger pores. The addition of fibers exerts an inhibitory effect on the flocculation reaction in the composite-improved soil. In conclusion, lignin fibers are an effective addition used to partially replace calcium admixture for the treatment of expansive soil, which provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly treatment scheme for reducing industrial waste.

In this work, we report a unique and facile approach to the manufacture of fluorine-free superamphiphobic paper. Based on the principle that Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) arranged along the direction of a magnetic field, the mixture of Fe3O4 NPs and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was coated on kraft paper through self-assembly and thermal-curing at a high temperature in a magnetic field, fabricating a mushroom-like microstructure on the paper. At an Fe3O4 NPs content of 75%, the radius of the mushroom-like pillar caps (RCAP) and center-to-center spacing between two pillars (S) obtained the optimal size of 37 ± 18 μm and 237 ± 38 μm, respectively. The oil-contact angle and water-contact angle of the fabricated paper were up to 156° and 160.4°, respectively. It also showed excellent oleophobic stability; the oil-contact angle was still maintained at 141.9° after 1 h. In addition, the contact angles of milk, ethylene glycol and castor oil were all above 150°, and the contact angle of diiodomethane was 134.2°. Moreover, the sample showed great oil resistance with a kit rating value of 12/12 and permeability of 1800+ s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are a high-quality interlamination reinforcement material, but the high viscosity of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) prevents good fusion between MWCNTs and PEEK. This study proposes a method to achieve the complete integration of MWCNTs and PEEK through the preparation of a composite film using the vacuum suction filtration (VSF) method and optimizes the process parameters. An orthogonal experiment with three factors (filter paper pore size, ultrasonic dispersion time, and PEEK content) at three levels is designed, and mechanical performance testing and microscopic morphology observation are conducted. The influence of the three factors of filter paper pore size, ultrasonic time, and PEEK content on the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the film is investigated. The results are a filter paper pore size of 0.45 μm, ultrasonic time of 8.3 h, and PEEK content of 336.524 mg. The mechanical performance obtained under the optimal process parameters are an elastic modulus of 2437.5723 MPa and a tensile strength of 46.5196 MPa. This optimal process increases the elastic modulus by 12.3152% while maintaining a high tensile strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies physical properties of an interesterified palm‐based fat (EIEPO) that predict oil binding capacity (OBC). A 100% EIEPO sample, 50% EIEPO sample diluted with 50% soybean oil (SBO), and a 20% EIEPO sample diluted with 80% SBO were used to test how saturation level impacts OBC. All samples were crystallized using either a fast (6.4°C/min) or slow (0.1°C/min) cooling rate as well as with or without the application of high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU; 20 kHz) to generate a wide range of physical properties. Immediately after crystallization, the sample's physical properties, including crystal microstructure, solid fat content (SFC), viscoelasticity (G′, G″, and δ), melting behavior, hardness, and OBC (centrifuge method) were quantified. The samples were then stored for 48 h at 22 and 5°C and the aforementioned physical properties were measured again, with one additional measurement for the samples stored at 5°C—OBC using a filter paper method (OBCp). The results indicate that OBC can be optimized in a palm‐based fat by modifying the physical properties which was achieved via the processing conditions. Both measurements of OBC were significantly correlated with SFC, hardness, δ, and enthalpy. A model was developed to predict a sample's OBCc using the following dominant variables—SFC, hardness, peak temperature, enthalpy, and the number of crystals. These results suggest that OBC can be predicted using a sample's SFC, hardness, peak temperature, enthalpy, and number of crystals and that SFC, hardness, and enthalpy are main drivers of OBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the potential use of discarded plasterboard paper as fibers from buildings to reinforce concrete. Various concentrations of wastepaper fibers (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% by weight of the binder) were investigated in this research. To mitigate the water absorption effect of the paper fibers, metakaolin was employed as a partial cement replacement. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of the wastepaper fiber enhances the mechanical and durability performance of the concrete. The optimal fiber proportion was identified as 1%, leading to a 29% increase in the compressive strength, a 38% increase in the splitting tensile strength, a 12% decrease in the water absorption, and a 23% decrease in the drying shrinkage with respect to the concrete containing 20% metakaolin. However, exceeding this optimal fiber content results in decreased mechanical and durability properties due to the fiber agglomeration and non-uniform fiber distribution within the concrete matrix. Based on the microstructural analysis, the improved performance of the concrete is ascribed to decreased porosity, more refined pore structure, and reduced propagation of microcracks within the concrete matrix in the presence of wastepaper fiber. According to the results, concrete containing 20% metakaolin and 1% wastepaper fiber exhibits durability and mechanical properties comparable to those of the traditional concrete. This finding highlights the significant promise of reducing dependency on conventional cement and incorporating suitable recycled materials, such as discarded plasterboard, and secondary by-products like metakaolin. Such a strategy encourages the preservation of resources, reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and a decrease in the ecological footprint resulting from concrete production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, continuous carbon reinforced C f /(Ti 0.2 Zr 0.2 Hf 0.2 Nb 0.2 Ta 0.2)C–SiC high entropy ceramic matrix composites were additively manufactured through paper laminating (PL), direct slurry writing (DSW), and precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP). (Ti 0.2 Zr 0.2 Hf 0.2 Nb 0.2 Ta 0.2)C high entropy ceramic (HEC) powders were synthesized by pressureless sintering and ball milling. A certain proportion of HEC powder, SiC powder, water, binder, and dispersant were mixed to prepare the HEC-SiC slurry. Meanwhile, BN coating was prepared on the 2D fiber cloth surface by the boric acid-urea method and then the cloth was cut into required shape. Additive manufacturing were conducted subsequently. Firstly, one piece of the as-treated carbon fiber cloth was auto-placed on the workbench by paper laminating (PL). Then, the HEC-SiC slurry was extruded onto the surface of the cloth by direct slurry writing (DSW). PL and DSW process were repeated, and a C f /HEC-SiC preform was obtained after 3 cycles. At last, the preform was densified by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) and the final C f /HEC-SiC composite was prepared. The open porosity of the C f /HEC-SiC composites, with the HEC volume fractions of 15, 30 and 45%, were 7.7, 10.6, and 11.3%, respectively. And the density of the C f /HEC-SiC composites, with the HEC volume fractions of 15, 30 and 45%, were 2.9, 2.7 and 2.3 g/cm3, respectively. The mechanical properties of the C f /HEC-SiC composites increased firstly and then decreased with the HEC content increase, reaching the maximum value when the HEC volume fraction was 30%. The mechanical properties of the C f /HEC-SiC composites containing 45, 30 and 15% HEC were as follows: flexural strength (180.4 ± 14 MPa, 183.7 ± 4 MPa, and 173.9 ± 4 MPa), fracture toughness (11.9 ± 0.17 MPa m1/2, 14.6 ± 2.89 MPa m1/2, and 11.3 ± 1.88 MPa m1/2), and tensile strength (71.5 ± 4.9 MPa, 98.4 ± 12.2 MPa, and 73.4 ± 8.5 MPa). From this study, the additive manufacturing of continuous carbon fiber reinforced high entropy ceramic matrix composites was achieved, opening a new insight into the manufacturing of ceramic matrix composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose‐based paper samples were surface‐modified by a polymeric single‐source precursor prepared from perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) and iron(III)acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3) and ammonolyzed at 500°C, 700°C, 900°C, and 1000°C, leading to C/SiFe(N,C)O‐based ceramic papers with in situ‐generated hierarchical micro/nano‐morphology. As reference, cellulose‐free samples were prepared under the same conditions. Upon thermal treatment, the microstructure evolutions of the resulting ceramic paper and the reference sample were comparatively investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that for all temperatures, the ceramic papers exhibit the same morphology as the template, however, with noticeable shrinkage and curling, particularly evident at higher temperatures. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements of the reference samples and the ceramic papers showed a similar crystallization behavior and phase evolution in both materials. In the ceramic paper, the crystallization process seems to occur at a later time. The results provide a comprehensive understanding of the investigated C/SiFe(N,C)O‐based ceramic system. It was shown that use of the cellulose‐based paper template has the benefit of retaining the microstructure and furthermore, apart from transforming the cellulose fibers into turbostratic carbon, does not change the phase evolution during the polymer‐to‐ceramic transformation, allowing at the same time the manufacturing of novel morphologically complex parts by a convenient one‐pot synthesis approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable paper mulch has the advantages of being easily degradable and environmentally benign, but its own performance and adaptability to harsh environments have not been tested. This paper uses scanning electron microscopy and three-dimensional morphometry to microscopically characterize biodegradable paper mulch and white plastic mulch. To analyze and compare their mechanical and hydrophobic properties, and weather resistance, the two mulches were measured through tensile tear load and static contact angle. A comparative analysis of the effect of mulching in the dry crop area of the Hexi Corridor was conducted by comparing the growth index, farm water heat, soil oxygen content, and yield using maize and flax. The test results show that biodegradable paper mulch films were slightly inferior to traditional white mulch films in terms of mechanical and hydrophobic properties, with inadequate insulation and moisture retention, but better in terms of aging resistance, soil oxygen content, and crop insulation and water storage capacity in the middle and growth stages. White mulch film had a better yield enhancement effect on maize, while with biodegradable paper mulch film, this was more significant with flax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the problem of collapsibility of loess, adding industrial materials such as cement is common engineering treatment, but this seriously damages the reclamation performance of soil. Calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) from paper plant waste fluids is a natural bio-based polymer with good application prospects as a soil improver. In this paper, the collapsibility and mechanical properties of CLS improved loess were investigated using a collapsibility test, gray correlation analysis, and an unconfined compressive strength test (UCS). In addition, the strengthening mechanism of CLS-improved loess was also explored based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microstructure parameters, and X-ray diffraction. The collapsibility coefficient decreased rapidly after CLS was admixed, and the single and double-oedometer methods showed the same change trend. The order of grey correlation degree of collapsibility on each index from large to small was: moisture content, pore ratio, dry density, and CLS content. The dosage of CLS greatly influenced the mechanical properties and collapsibility of stabilized loess. The optimum amount of CLS for Xi'an loess was 3%, at which the collapsibility coefficient was reduced by more than 95%, and the 28 d UCS increased by 180.01%. From the microstructure and mineral composition analysis perspective, CLS plays a role in filling pores and linking soil particles. After the protonation and ion exchange effect of CLS, the grain size and double electric layer thickness of mineral composition were reduced, and the structural compactness was increased. These research results are of great scientific significance for the ecological modification of soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) plays an important role in defining the hydro-mechanical behavior of unsaturated soils. Biochar has the properties of porous structure, high specific surface area and high adsorption. The hydraulic characteristics of biochar-amended soil may change due to the influence of natural environmental factors when applied as the cover layer of landfills. In order to study the effect of biochar content on the water retention behavior of biochar-clay mixture in full suction range, the suction of samples was controlled by vapor equilibrium technique (suction range 3–368 MPa), filter paper method (suction range 0–40 MPa) and pressure plate method (suction range 0–1.5 MPa), and the water content and saturation degree of samples after suction equilibrium were determined. The soil-water characteristic curve of biochar-clay mixtures was obtained in the full suction range. The results showed that: (1) The soil-water characteristic curve in the full suction range of biochar-clay mixtures was effectively expressed by the three suction testing methods. (2) Biochar can affect the water retention behavior of clay, but within a certain range of suction, the water retention behavior of biochar-clay mixtures was also related to the pore structure and the morphology of water in the pores. (3) As measured by the pressure plate method, the air intake value of samples decreased as the biochar content increased. When the suction value was less than the air intake value, a horizontal section appeared in the curve, and the samples were always in the saturated state. The greater the content of biochar, the better the water retention of the sample. (4) The relationship between the water retention capacity of biochar-amended clay and biochar content was explained by the microscopic structure of the biochar-clay mixture and the distribution form of biochar in clay.

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Bio-cemented soils can exhibit various types of microstructure depending on the relative position of the carbonate crystals with respect to the host granular skeleton. Different microstructures can have different effects on the mechanical and hydraulic responses of the material, hence it is important to develop the capacity to model these microstructures. The discrete element method (DEM) is a powerful numerical method for studying the mechanical behaviour of granular materials considering grain-scale features. This paper presents a toolbox that can be used to generate 3D DEM samples of bio-cemented soils with specific microstructures. It provides the flexibility of modelling bio-cemented soils with precipitates in the form of contact cementing, grain bridging and coating, and combinations of these distribution patterns. The algorithm is described in detail in this paper, and the impact of the precipitated carbonates on the soil microstructure is evaluated. The results indicate that carbonates precipitated in different distribution patterns affect the soil microstructure differently, suggesting the importance of modelling the microstructure of bio-cemented soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the properties of 2D defective Mo1.33C MXene, a material that shows promise in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The researchers tested a defect-containing Mo1.33C MXene "paper" and found positive results compared to other MXene and graphene-based materials. The article provides information on the preparation of the MXene and the experimental methods used for characterization and testing. The research suggests that Mo-based defective MXene could have applications in EMI shielding. [Extracted from the article]

In this paper, we present an enhanced version of the two-scale numerical homogenization with application to asphalt concrete modeling in the elastic range. We modified the method of effective material parameters tensor assessment for analysis based on the representative volume element (RVE). As the method was tested on asphalt concrete, we also present two possible approaches to geometrical modeling of its internal microstructure. Selected numerical tests were performed to verify the proposed approach. The main novelties of this study, i.e. higher order approximation at the macroscale and modification of boundary conditions at the level of RVE analysis, improved the efficiency of our methodology by error reduction. Practically, we obtained a reduction of NDOF up to 3 orders of magnitude (comparing to full-scale and homogenized analysis) that was accompanied with the introduced error of order of several percent (measured in L2 norm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The paper aims to produce aluminium welds in the solid state with good specifications and the least amount of welding defects by using the friction stir welding method (FSW) and different tool pin profiles and welding parameters. The research investigated the mechanical characteristics and microstructure of a friction stir welded dissimilar aluminium alloy (2024-T3 to 7075-0) through thickness produced by varying welding settings and three different FSW tool pin shapes. Design/methodology/approach: The objective is to obtain the welds with the least amount of welding defects in the solid state by using the friction stir welding method (FSW), designing the tool pin profiles, and changing the rotation speeds. Findings: According to tensile strength and micro-hardness tests, tool rotation of 2000 rpm and square pin profile were the best compared to other working parameters. The greatest hardness and highest tensile strength of FSWed dissimilar aluminium joints have been 144 HV and 215 MPa, respectively, when using the square pin profile at a tool rotation speed of 2000 rpm. The hardness and tensile strength of FSWed dissimilar aluminium alloy joints increase with the tool rotation speed. Microstructural observations of the FSWed dissimilar aluminium joints using a square pin profile at the tool rotation speed of 2000 rpm exhibited the weld zone's high weld quality. Additionally, there were no defects in the weld zone. The fracture surface of the FSWed joint indicated a ductile fracture type. Research limitations/implications: With many regions on either side of the weld with varied compositions, microstructures, and characteristics, the resulting welds of dissimilar alloys might result in unsatisfactory weld joints. Practical implications: The weld zone's exceptional weld quality was demonstrated by microstructural investigations of the FSWed dissimilar aluminium connections utilising a square pin profile at a tool rotation speed of 2000 rpm and feed rate of 20 mm per minute. Application in aerospace, shipbuilding and marine, railway, construction, electrical industries, and land transportation. Originality/value: The original value of the paper is the production of welds from dissimilar aluminium alloy (2024-T3 to 7075-0) with the least amount of welding defects by changing the tool pin profiles and tool rotation speeds using the friction stir welding method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of nickel alloy type from the same group, the parameters of flame spraying, as well as the preparation of the substrate and the heat treatments of the substrate on the microstructure of the coating/substrate system. Due to the possibility of applying nickel alloys in corrective maintenance of tools used on elevated working temperatures, hot work tool steel X38CrMoV5-1 was selected as a substrate material. The investigation of the microstructure of the coating/substrate system was carried out according to the factorial design of experiment, where the input factors were varied on two levels. The factors that were varied are: Ni-based self-fluxing alloys - NiCrBSi and NiBSi; distance of the burner from the workpiece - small (6 mm) and large (20 mm); preparation of the substrate - roughened and non-roughened and the heat treatments of the substrate - soft annealed and tempered condition. Ni-based self-fluxing alloys were applied on samples (12,5 × 25 × 25 mm) by flame spraying with simultaneous fusing process. Analysis of the microstructures of the coating/substrate system was carried out on the Leica DM 2500M light microscope. After the conducted analysis the paper concluded that by spraying the selected coatings onto the X38CrMoV5-1 tool steel base, poor quality coatings are obtained, due to the appearance of cracks (NiCrBSi) or separation of the coating from the substrate (NiBSi). This is attributed to the formation of martensitic structure of the substrate after spraying and the presence of residual stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the candidates for metallic interconnects of solid oxide fuel cells is ferritic stainless steel, Crofer 22 APU. Ferritic stainless steel Crofer 22 APU specimens with different surface roughness were prepared by grinding with SiC powder papers of various grits and then thermally cycled in air. Variation in the microstructure of the samples having different roughness with thermal cycling was investigated. Polished Crofer 22 APU specimens after three and five thermal cycles had relatively flat oxide layers with thicknesses of about 13.8 and 17.9 µm, respectively. Micrographs of a trench made by milling with FIB (focused ion beam) for a Crofer 22 APU specimen ground with grit 80 SiC powder paper after 8 thermal cycles (total oxygen exposure time of 200 h at 1073 K), captured by ESB (energy selective back-scattering) and SE2 (type II secondary electrons), showed that the surface of the sample was very coarse and its oxide layer was undulated. In the oxide layer, the phase of the sublayer was Cr2O3, and that of the top layer was (Cr, Mn)3O4 spinel. The surface of the sample ground with grit 80 SiC powder paper was very rough after 60 thermal cycles (total oxygen exposure time of 1500 h at 1073 K). The polished Crofer 22 APU is a better applicant to an interconnect of SOFC than those with rougher surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the investigations was to characterise and describe the modern creep-resistant Thor 115 steel for supercritical power units. Design/methodology/approach: The investigations were performed based on the knowledge and experience of the author, the preliminary results of his own research and the available literature on the subject-matter of the considerations presented in the paper. Findings: Modern steel Thor 115 was subjected to overall analysis in terms of its use as a potential heat-resistant structural material for power plant components. Based on the preliminary results of own research and the available literature data, it has been shown that the analysed steel may be a structural material of full value if the assumed creep resistance in the service temperature range of 600-650°C is confirmed. Research limitations/implications: The comprehensive analysis of degradation of microstructure of the steel after ageing (and/or creep) requires TEM examinations. Finding the correlation between the creep and ageing conditions and changes in the microstructure of the steel. Practical implications: The investigations carried out as part of the paper and the considerations on the subject-matter of the analysed steel may be the basis for the development of a database of material characteristics for steels, alloys and welded joints. Originality/value: The analysis of chemical composition, heat treatment and mechanical properties and the investigations of microstructure of Thor 115 steel are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creep damage evolution of asphalt binder plays a significant role in investigating the formation mechanism of rutting. The rutting is the common distress at high temperatures for asphalt pavements. However, the reliability of existing creep damage parameters is under questioned, and these parameters cannot accurately illustrate the change of intrinsic microstructure for asphalt binder. In this paper, a new test protocol was given access to study the evolution of viscoelastic parameters during creep damage. It was completed by inserting the frequency sweep during creep test. The frequency sweep curve clusters were fitted by the generalized Kelvin-Voigt model for obtaining the change law of model parameters. Based on the change law and sensitivity analysis of model parameters, (E2 + E3)/2 was proposed as the creep damage variable. According to the curve of (E2 + E3)/2 versus loading time, two stages during the creep test could be identified: an approximate constant value in phase I and a linear decrease in phase II. Intrinsic differences about creep property of binders could be determined by this new proposed parameter. Above results not only ensure better understanding of the creep damage mechanism of binders, but also lay the theoretical foundation on predicting the anti-rutting performance of binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the influence of adding rinsed ilmenite mud waste (R-MUD) on the microstructure of Portland cement composites, compared to similar composites containing fly ash (FA). The aim of the study is the assessment of the pozzolanic activity of ilmenite mud waste by its impact on the microstructure of the cement matrix in comparison to the undoubted pozzolanic activity of fly ash. The presented test results include pore size distribution, phase composition, pozzolanic activity using thermal analysis, R3 bound water test, and microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tests were performed on mortars cured for up to 360 days. The results presented in this paper have shown that R-MUD has a pozzolanic activity level similar to FA or better, which influences pore size distribution in the composite and its microstructure. During the curing process, the microstructure of composites containing R-MUD became more compact and sealed than those with FA, which might also increase their durability. The results of the R3 tests have proven the pozzolanic activity of R-MUD but its level was lower than FA. R-MUD might be a useful substitute for fly ash, especially given the lack of good-quality fly ash on the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional book casting of Sm2TM17-type alloys (where TM = Co, Fe, Cu, Zr) leads to a coarse, highly segregated microstructure, predominantly due to the slow, variable cooling rate from the mould surface towards the centre of the ingot. These cast alloys require a long homogenisation treatment to remove this segregation and develop a super-saturated, metastable SmTM7-type hexagonal phase. This SmTM7 phase is a vital precursor phase required during magnet production to develop the complex cellular structure responsible for high magnetic properties. In this work, strip casting was employed to facilitate rapid solidification to develop thin flakes (<0.5 mm thick) with a columnar grain structure. Rapid cooling has the potential to produce a homogenous microstructure consisting predominantly of the metastable SmTM7 phase. This could remove or significantly reduce the need for the energy-intensive homogenisation treatment usually required in conventional magnet manufacture. This paper investigates the effect of wheel speed (and hence cooling rate) on flake thickness, microstructure, and phase balance of the cast alloys. It was shown that for wheel speeds between 1.1 and 3.0 m/s, the microstructure showed large variation; however, in all cases, evidence of the columnar SmTM7 phase was presented. The adhesion between the melt and the wheel was deemed to be critical for the nucleation and subsequent columnar growth of SmTM7 grains, where the wheel speed controlled both the flow of the alloy onto the wheel and the thickness of the resultant flake. It was determined that in order to achieve a homogenous columnar SmTM7 structure, the maximum flake thickness should be limited to 270 μm to avoid the formation of equiaxed Sm2TM17 grains through insufficient cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polarized light microscope (PLM) was utilized to examine the optical textures of mesophase pitch (MP) and MP-derived fibers, which aimed to reveal the arrangement and orientation characteristics of pitch molecules and to clarify the evolution and transformation mechanism of carbonaceous microcrystalline from pitch fibers to graphitized fibers. The results found that there were distinct optical textures in MP, where one side exhibited a transition from a flattening plane to a mountain-like undulating plane. This transition corresponded to the arrangement of pitch molecules, resembling stacked lamellar structures reminiscent of curved paper. Meanwhile, the optical textures of fibers revealed that the blue substance was wrapped around the red grain-like domains in the longitudinal section and confirmed that the red part belonged to the pyridine insoluble fraction of MP and the blue part belonged to its pyridine-soluble fraction. After graphitization, the red part was transformed into graphite sheets and the blue part was transformed into an amorphous carbon layer which was wrapped around the graphite sheets, forming a carbonaceous microcrystalline package-like bag. Therefore, this study provided a comprehensive interpretation of the structural evolution mechanism of MP and MP-derived fibers based on their macro-optical textures and micro-nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P92 steel is a modern martensitic heat-resistant steel currently used for seamless products for pressure equipment operating in supercritical operating parameters. The paper presents the results of a study on the strength properties and structure of a P92 steel welded joint used for pressure components of power units. The paper presents an assessment of the suitability for further operation of both the parent material and a circumferential similar welded joint of finished products in the form of P92 steel pipes after annealing for 3000 hours at 600 and 650°C. Annealing at 650°C results in faster increase in the size of the precipitates and their coagulation along grain boundaries of former austenite and martensite laths. The changes in mechanical properties were compared in relation to the state of the structure of the parent material and the material of the welded joint. Quantitative analysis of M23C6 precipitates was also carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the changes in corrosion behaviour of severely deformed by accumulative roll bonding aluminium alloy AA1050. Design/methodology/approach: To determine the influence of the accumulative roll bonding on microstructure, texture, and grain size, electron backscattered diffraction was used. Corrosion behaviour was evaluated in a 3.5 wt.% sodium chloride water solution using anodic polarisation. Findings: It was found out that accumulative roll bonding up to eight cycles led to an increase in corrosion rate compared to annealed alloy, but the increase in the number of cycles of accumulative roll bonding from two to eight shows a tendency toward lowering corrosion rates. It has a beneficial influence on pitting corrosion susceptibility. Research limitations/implications: The presented research focuses only on the influence of texture and grain size on severely deformed aluminium alloy AA1050 corrosion. Other factors, such as accumulated during deformation stresses, could also play their role in the corrosion process. Originality/value: The paper reports results on the influence of two factors - texture and grain size, on the corrosion of severely deformed aluminium alloy AA1050. Most reports on the topic include only the influence of texture or grain size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, TiN-Ni nanostructured composite films with different Ni contents are prepared using the magnetron sputtering method. The composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of composite films are analyzed using an X-ray energy spectrometer (EDS), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction technology (XRD), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), and nanoindentation. All the films grow in a columnar crystal structure. There are only TiN diffraction peaks in the XRD spectrum, and no diffraction peaks of Ni and its compounds are observed. The addition of the Ni element disrupts the integrity of TiN lattice growth, resulting in a decrease in the grain size from 60 nm in TiN to 25 nm at 20.6% Ni. The film with a Ni content of 12.4 at.% forms a nanocomposite structure in which the nanocrystalline TiN phase (nc-TiN) is surrounded by the amorphous Ni (a-Ni) phase. The formation of nc-TiN/a-Ni nanocomposite structures relies on the good wettability of Ni on TiN ceramics. The hardness and elastic modulus of the film gradually decrease with the increase in Ni content, but the toughness is improved. The hardness and elastic modulus decrease from 19.9 GPa and 239.5 GPa for TiN film to 15.4 GPa and 223 GPa at 20.6 at.% Ni film, respectively, while the fracture toughness increases from 1.5 MPa·m1/2 to 2.0 MPa·m1/2. The soft and ductile Ni phase enriched at the TiN grain boundaries hinders the propagation of cracks in the TiN phase, resulting in a significant increase in the film's toughness. The research results of this paper provide support for the design of TiN-Ni films with high strength and toughness and the understanding of the formation mechanism of nanocomposite structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To keep up with the pace of renewable energy, PV Emulators are encouraged during the design and installation stages. Short circuit current, maximum power point and open circuit voltage are required to analyze the complete characteristic plot of PV panel. This paper focuses on the modeling and control of PV Emulators, as well as the comparison of the results obtained by implementing P,PI, PID and FOPID as conventional controllers with AI-based PSOPI, PSOPID and ANFIS controllers. This work will aid in minimizing time, cost and on-site constraints, allowing timely installation of PV panels after covid. Another distinguishing feature of this paper is the comparative analysis of designed models with various control strategies and their associated performance indices over complete range of PV characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we report a thermoresponsive hydrogel formed by the self-assembly of compounds 1 and 2 Milli Q water. Both hydrogels showed thixotropic behavior. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies confirm the fiber-like microstructure of compounds 1 and 2, but denser fibers were observed in the case of compound 1. The hydrogel formed by compound 1 detected Cu2+, Fe3+, and Hg2+, whereas the hydrogel of 2 showed a change in the optical signal, specifically upon adding Cu2+ and Hg2+. Mechanistically, adding metal ions to the hydrogel resulted in the formation of a (1:1) complex with Fe3+ and Hg2+ and (2:1) with Cu2+. The detection of metal ions has also been achieved in real-life samples, such as in tap water. Low-cost portable gel-coated paper strips have also been developed for the onsite detection of these metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the peculiarities of the lexicographic fixation of nationally marked units of minority languages in Scotland, in particular Scots and Scottish Gaelic. The aim of this paper is to analyse dictionary entries and to determine the features of lexicographic representation of nationally-marked units at the microstructural level by identifying common and distinctive features. The source base is represented by such online dictionaries as The Dictionaries of Scots Language and Am Faclair Beag. The paper presents a brief overview of the creation of dictionaries, which constitute the source base of the research, and also provides a brief overview of their macrostrcture. The common features include the presence of interpretation (translation), transcription and grammatical commentary, while the differences include different formats of illustrating the usage of a lexical item (territorial - in Scottish Gaelic, situational - in Scots). Methods used in the study: general scientific (analysis and synthesis), critical dictionary research, diachronic and synchronic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since, in modern high-performance sports, the technical component is decisive, the ski running surface is an important element of cross-country skiing. This paper presents a review of papers on sliding mechanics, discusses modern methods for improving it, and considers the prospects for the development of this area under current energy and environmental conditions. Various factors affecting the sliding mechanics, in particular, snow cover albedo, and microroughness of the ski running surface are analyzed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]