Search

Lignin, a byproduct of the paper and pulp industry, shows promise as stabilizers for emulsions, offering potential value-added applications to direct disposal. However, utilizing particulate lignin directly as stabilizers is challenging due to limited emulsion stability. In this study, co-stabilization of Pickering emulsions is investigated by combination of lignin particles and cationic surfactants (CTAB and DDAB), wherein lignin source and oil types are optimized with a focus on emulsion stability. A battery of characterization methods, including visual appearance, microstructure, droplet size, zeta potential, etc., is employed to evaluate emulsion stability. The findings reveal that kraft lignin nanospheres (LNS) are the optimal stabilizing particles. The incorporation of cationic surfactants via electrostatic adsorption enhances the stabilizing effect of LNS, and the use of DDAB is found to significantly enhance emulsion stability compared to CTAB, attributing to higher charge shielding capability of DDAB, as well as the formation of a more robust and compact nonpolar anchoring layer. The surfactant-assisted LNS can be used to stabilize a range of oil types, with tridecane as the optimal oil. This research presents a straightforward, efficient, and scalable approach for producing highly stable lignin-based Pickering emulsions, showing potential applications in recycling and value enhancement of waste lignin. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Digital twin, a core technology for intelligent manufacturing, has gained extensive research interest. The current research was mainly focused on digital twin based on design models representing ideal geometric features and behaviors at macroscopic scales, which is challenging to accurately represent accuracy and performance. However, a numerical representation is essential for precision microstructures whose accuracy and performance are difficult to measure. The concept of a digital twin for an accurate representation, proposed in 2015, is still in the conceptual stage without a clear construction method. Therefore, the goal of accurate representation has not been achieved. This paper defines the concept and connotation of an accuracy and performance-oriented accurate digital twin model and establishes its architecture in two levels: geometric and physical. First, a geometric digital twin model is constructed by the contact surfaces distributed error modeling and virtual assembly with nonuniform contact states. Then, based on this, a physical digital twin model is constructed by considering the linear and nonlinear response of the structural internal physical properties to the external environment and time to characterize the accuracy and performance variation. Finally, the models are evaluated. The method is validated on microtarget assembly. The estimated values of surface modeling, center offset, and stress prediction accuracy are 94.22%, 89.3%, and 83.27%. This paper provides a modeling methodology for the digital twin research to accurately represent accuracy and performance, which is critical for product quality improvements in intelligent manufacturing. Research results can be extended to larger-scale precision structures for performance prediction and optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper is a material exhibiting a complex microstructure that is composed of a network of fibres at the micro-level. When subjected to external loading or variations in moisture conditions over different time scales, changes in strain that are non-linear with respect to time are observed at the sheet level (macro-scale). In order to investigate this time-dependent behaviour of paper, a creep power law model is implemented within a finite element approach at the level of single fibres. This rate-dependent model is found to capture experimental results available in literature for single fibres with a good agreement (both quantitatively and qualitatively). Based on the identified model at the level of single fibres, the time-dependent hygro-mechanical response is upscaled towards the network scale. To this end, random model networks of ribbon shaped fibres are generated and their response is simulated. The network-scale response, emerging from the rate-dependent fibre model, demonstrates the ability to predict the response of networks subjected to relaxation at a constant moisture level. The developed numerical model predicts lower values of overall stress response in single fibres as compared to networks. Also, stress relaxation predicted by the rate-dependent model in the cross-direction of the networks is in agreement with the experimental observations by Johanson and Kubát (1967). Therefore, one of the remarkable findings of the present work is that the developed rate-dependent model is robust enough to capture the sheet scale response also qualitatively. Based on the study of these computational results, a better understanding is achieved regarding the influence of mechanical and rate-dependent properties of single fibres on the hygro-expansion of complete fibre networks, and in particular of paper sheets. • A rate-dependent non-linear model is developed to study creep in paper networks. • It is calibrated with experiments on the single paper fibres with a good match. • It also captures the experimental response of the networks qualitatively. • One of the remarkable achievement of our work is the robustness of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Abstract—This paper studies the chemical composition stability of modified 1 mol % CaO ceramic composites which contain 50 mol % Al2O3 and 50 mol % [12Ce–TZP] or 50 mol % [3Yb–TZP] and are produced from powders synthesized by a hydrolytic sol-gel method. It is shown that the content of dangerous elements, such as As, Be, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Sb, in the new composites is below the maximum allowable limits. In addition, this paper establishes the high stability in the chemical composition of the composites after a long presence in a media that simulates the conditions of the body. The mass loss for Al is no more than 5 × 10–4 wt %; for Zr, it is no more than 1 × 10–4 wt %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Effect of Final Rolling Temperature on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of AZ31 Alloy Sheets Prepared by Equal Channel Angular Rolling and Continuous Bending" has been retracted by the journal. The authors raised concerns about redundancy and the improper reuse of figures from one of their previous articles. An investigation confirmed that several figures in the retracted article were duplicated without proper citation or permission. The authors and the journal have decided to retract the article in accordance with the journal's retraction policy. [Extracted from the article]

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]

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]

A method for controlling the parameters of a fibrous cellulose-containing material using the 3D microstructure is described. The developed method for studying the interaction of the fibers using 3D simulation can be used for prediction and quality control of paper and cardboard. The determined parameters include the volume and porosity, dimensions of the fibrous cellulose material, fiber volume, and uniformity of their distribution. The described method can also be used to predict to a certain degree the physicomechanical parameters from the 3D microstructure of samples of fibrous cellulose material, namely, from the estimated contact surface between the fibers and the dimensions of their distribution. The 3D model of the fibers was developed using a graphics program working with files. Microscopic sections of the fibrous composite material that were then digitized and separated by 5 μm were presented. Then, the Loft command of the graphics editor was used to extrude a plane and form a 3D body of fibrous composite that could produce a 3D model of the fibrous microstructure. An algorithm of actions to determine and predict the properties of the fibrous composite material by analyzing its 3D microstructure was derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to review the developments in the use of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in cementitious materials. This review covers the classification, properties, and methods for testing SAP, along with its impact on concrete properties, and other noteworthy developments in SAP usage. Various methods can be used to test the water absorption by SAP. Among them, the tea bag method is considered a simple and time-saving test, while centrifuge and suction filtration methods are regarded as accurate because they remove inter-particle liquid. The water absorption by SAP is affected by factors such as SAP composition, method of preparation, physical characteristics, and properties of the fluid. Higher fluid temperature (e.g., 60 °C) leads to greater absorption and release distance, while higher pH levels (pH 13) result in lesser absorption. The optimal dosage of SAP varies between studies, generally ranging from 0.1% to 1.5%. Higher SAP content (0.3–8%) reduces workability and decreases slump. Results related to strength vary; some studies have reported increased strength due to SAP's maintenance of higher internal relative humidity, while others have observed decreased strength due to increased porosity caused by SAP. The inclusion of SAP typically leads to a strength recovery of about 10% over time due to the continuous hydration process. Curing methods also influence strength, with sealed curing showing greater strength. Additionally, an increase in SAP dosage (0.1–0.6%) reduces shrinkage. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges encountered while using and testing SAP, as well as the explanations provided by researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the synergistic effect between two metals and a high oxidation state, β-ZnMoO4 shows a high theoretical specific capacity and acts as one active material for the design and construction of lithium-ion batteries. In this paper, β-ZnMoO4 structures were formed by one hydrothermal process and characterized with XRD, SEM, Raman and XPS. The electrochemical performance tests demonstrate their excellent lithium storage capacity and cycling stability. At a current density of 2.0 A g−1, the reversible capacities of two formed β-ZnMoO4 microstructures were maintained at 665.5 and 704.6 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles. These characteristics prove that β-ZnMoO4 structures show interesting application prospects in portable energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansive development of infrastructure has led to increased consumption of virgin aggregates in road construction, resulting in significant environmental impacts. To address this issue, there is a pressing need for sustainable alternatives that utilize recycled materials in pavement applications. This paper presents a comprehensive review of a decade-long research program focused on the development and evaluation of sustainable pavement materials, such as recycled and waste aggregates, industrial by-products, and natural fibers. The research encompassed a wide range of innovative materials and technologies, such as geopolymer-stabilized recycled aggregates, cement-stabilized waste materials, natural additive-modified cement stabilization, and recycled aggregate-geogrid reinforcement systems. The experimental framework employed a combination of mechanical testing, durability assessment, microstructural analysis, and environmental safety evaluation to assess the performance and sustainability of these materials. The key findings demonstrated the superior mechanical properties, improved durability, and environmental suitability of the recycled materials compared to conventional virgin aggregates. The successful implementation of these sustainable solutions in real-world projects highlights their potential to reduce the environmental footprint of road infrastructure development. Furthermore, the paper discussed the practical implications of the research outcomes for pavement design and construction, as well as future research directions to further advance the field of sustainable pavement engineering. The findings of this research report can be used as guidance for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to upcycle the widespread adoption of recycled materials in road application and contribute to the development of a more sustainable and resilient transportation infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is a near-net shape powder metallurgy (PM) technique, which has emerged as an efficient technique, offering precise control over the microstructure and properties of materials, particularly in high-performance alloys. This technology finds applications across a wide range of industries, such as aerospace, automotive, marine, oil and gas, medical, and tooling. This paper provides an overview of powder metallurgy and hot isostatic pressing, covering their principles, process parameters, and applications. Additionally, it conducts an analysis of PM-HIPed alloys, focusing on their microstructure and fatigue behavior to illustrate their potential in diverse engineering applications. Specifically, this paper focuses on nickel-based superalloys and martensitic tool steels. The diverse microstructural characteristics of these alloys provide valuable insights into the PM-HIP-induced fatigue defects and properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new efficient method for manufacturing auxetic foams, a subcategory of metamaterials with intriguing mechanical properties. Unlike previous methods that require two steps involving heating or the use of a chemical solvent, the present method involves compressing the foam during the manufacturing process after cells have been formed in the die, but while the material remains soft. This one-step process is more time-efficient, energy-efficient, and flexible; it also requires fewer facilities and materials. After the manufacturing process, various mechanical properties of the auxetic foams were evaluated by compression tests (energy absorption, mean force, and maximum force) and indentation tests (stiffness, absorbed energy, and hysteresis energy). The results confirmed that the auxetic foams exhibited superior behavior compared with conventional foam at the same density. To further investigate the foam microstructures and deformation mechanisms, in situ compression tests were conducted; the macro behaviors of the foams were explained based on these observations. Overall, this paper presents a promising approach for the manufacturing of auxetic foams with improved mechanical properties that can be used in applications typically dominated by conventional foams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Automobile Technology & Material is the property of Automobile Technology & Material Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper mainly explores the feasibility of using desert sand (DS) and recycled aggregate in cement-stabilized bases. Recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) and DS serve as the substitutes of natural coarse and fine aggregates, respectively, in cement-stabilized bases. A four-factor and four-level orthogonal test is designed to analyze the unconfined compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and compressive resilient modulus. Furthermore, this paper investigates the effects of cement content, fly ash (FA) replacement rate, RCA replacement rate, and DS replacement rate on the road performance of cement-stabilized bases composed of RCA and DS. The test results reveal that the performance of cement-stabilized bases with partial RCA instead of natural coarse aggregate (NCA) and partial DS instead of natural fine aggregate satisfies the road use. The correlation and microscopic analyses of the test results imply the feasibility of applying DS and recycled aggregate to cement-stabilized bases. This paper calculates and evaluates the life cycle of carbon emissions of desert sand and recycled coarse aggregate cement-stabilized macadam (DRCSM) and finds that both DS and RCA can reduce the carbon emissions of CSM, which has a positive effect on improving the environment and solving the climate crisis. It is hoped that this paper can offer a solid theoretical foundation for promoting the application of DS and recycled aggregate in road engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of geopolymer as a cementitious material for geopolymer concrete (GPC) is beneficial for the sustainable development and green transformation of the construction industry. Geopolymer concrete has many advantages, such as high strength, heat and corrosion resistance, low hydration heat, and carbon emissions. This paper adopted the water–binder ratio, alkaline activator modulus, and slag replacement as the influencing factors, and used the 28-day compressive strength and flexural strength of geopolymer concrete as the response values to seek a reasonable mix design. In addition, through microstructure analysis, the mechanism of geopolymer on concrete was studied. The results indicated that as the water–binder ratio increased, the compressive strength first increased and then decreased, while the flexural strength continuously decreased. As the amount of slag replacement increased, the compressive strength and flexural strength would also increase. The effect of alkaline activator modulus on compressive strength and flexural strength was not significant. Through response surface methodology (RSM) analysis, the optimal design of geopolymer concrete was determined to have a water–cement ratio of 3.50, a modulus of 1.54 for alkaline activator solution, and a slag substitution rate of 47%. The microstructure analysis showed that the water–binder ratio and slag replacement improved the pore structure and density of concrete, thereby enhancing the macroscopic mechanical properties of concrete. This paper can provide a theoretical basis for the application of geopolymer concrete in engineering. [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]

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]

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]

Before artificial ageing, extruded aluminium profiles are subjected to stretching with a small cold deformation in the range of 0.5–2%. This deformation improves the geometrical stability of the extruded product and causes changes in the microstructure of the profile, which leads to the strain hardening of the material after artificial ageing. The work has resulted in the creation of the prototype of an original device, which is unique in the world, for the dynamic stretching of the extruded profiles after quenching. The semi-industrial unit is equipped with a hydraulic system for stretching and a pneumatic system for cold dynamic deformation. The aim of this research paper is to produce advantageous microstructural changes and increase the strength properties of the extruded material. The solution of the dynamic stretching of the profiles after extrusion is a great challenge and an innovation not yet practised. The paper presents the results of microstructural and mechanical investigations carried out on extruded AlMgSi(Cu) alloys quenched on the run-out table of the press, dynamically stretched under different conditions, and artificially aged for T5 temper. Different stretching conditions were applied: a static deformation of 0.5% at a speed of 0.02 m/s, and dynamic deformation of 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% at speeds of 0.05 and 2 m/s. After the thermomechanical treatment of the profiles, microstructural observations were carried out using an optical microscope (OM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A tensile test was also carried out on the specimens stretched under different conditions. In all the cases, the dynamically stretched profiles showed higher strength properties, especially those deformed at a higher speed of 2 m/s, where the increase in UTS was observed in the range of 7–18% compared to the classical (static) stretching. The microstructure of the dynamically stretched profiles is more homogeneous with a high proportion of fine dispersoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four typical theories on the formation of thermal tears: strength, liquid film, intergranular bridging, and solidification shrinkage compensation theories. From these theories, a number of criteria have been derived for predicting the formation of thermal cracks, such as the stress-based Niyama, Clyne, and RDG (Rapaz-Dreiser-Grimaud) criteria. In this paper, a mathematical model of horizontal centrifugal casting was established, and numerical simulation analysis was conducted for the centrifugal casting process of cylindrical Al-Cu alloy castings to investigate the effect of the centrifugal casting process conditions on the microstructure and hot tearing sensitivity of alloy castings by using the modified RDG hot tearing criterion. Results show that increasing the centrifugal rotation and pouring speeds can refine the microstructure of the alloy but increasing the pouring and mold preheating temperatures can lead to an increase in grain size. The grain size gradually transitions from fine grain on the outer layer to coarse grain on the inner layer. Meanwhile, combined with the modified RDG hot tearing criterion, the overall distribution of the castings' hot tearing sensitivity was analyzed. The analysis results indicate that the porosity in the middle region of the casting was large, and hot tearing defects were prone to occur. The hot tearing tendency on the inner side of the casting was greater than that on the outer side. The effects of centrifugal rotation speed, pouring temperature, and preheating temperature on the thermal sensitivity of Al-Cu alloy castings are summarized in this paper. This study revealed that the tendency of alloy hot cracking decreases with the increase of the centrifugal speed, and the maximum porosity of castings decreases first and then increases with the pouring temperature. As the preheating temperature increases, the overall maximum porosity of castings shows a decreasing trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of an experimental study to investigate the effects of two types of graphene, dried (DG) and hydrated graphene (HG), when enhancing the interfacial and tensile mechanical properties of fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites. The inclusion of DG and HG could produce an improvement in the tensile strength of the FRCM composites by increasing the tensile strength of the mortar paste and the amount of fibers that participate in load bearing due to the increased penetration of mortar (cement hydrates) into the fiber bundle. The better dispersion of HG produces better results than DG. The maximum increases in the overall tensile strengths of the FRCM composites with DG and HG are 18% and 31%, respectively, with the majority of these improvements coming from the increase in the number of fibers that participate in load bearing. The microstructure images indicate increases of up to 20% and 44% in the mortar penetration thickness into the fiber bundles using DG and HG, respectively. [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]

High-entropy alloys (HEAs), also referred to as multi-principal elemental alloys, are the newest group of advanced materials that has emerged with the concept of novel alloy design. Near-equal atomic ratio of multi-principal elemental parts is the basis for the design of HEAs whereas mostly 1 or 2 principal elements are used for design of conventional alloy. For a wide range of structural applications, many various compositions in large number with a different combination of promising properties are derived from the emergence of HEAs. The strength and sluggish diffusion at elevated temperature are the two main features among various properties of HEAs which have attracted the attention of the materials researcher community. The new novel materials for superior high-temperature properties need to be developed for the high-temperature applications as compared to superalloys which is a major concern for the materials researcher group. From this paper, HEAs have promised to be a coming generation high-temperature materials which can be the replacement of Ni-based superalloys. High-temperature mechanical properties, microstructural stability, and phase stability of HEAs are the main focus of this review paper and also this state-of-the-art review will be of benefit to understand HEAs for high-temperature applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) microstructures have been synthesized using the sol-gel process. One-dimensional (1D) LiFePO4 microstructures were fabricated using tissue paper as a template under different temperatures to form pure phase microstructures. XRD analysis confirmed the single phase nature of orthorhombic olivine-structured LiFePO4 with Pnma space group. SEM analysis authenticated the formation of 1D LiFePO4 microstructures along with some clusters of particles. LiFePO4-multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) freestanding sheets were prepared using a tape-casting process. Further, the electrochemical properties of LiFePO4-MWCNT freestanding sheet were analyzed through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge-discharge analysis. [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]

The results of graphical and analytical processing of microstructures of multilayer fibrous composite materials are described. The results obtained with use of two software packages that make it possible to process the cross-section microstructure of a fibrous material are compared. The areas of fiber cuts are determined, from which the porosity of the cardboard is estimated. These data are compared with the results of graphical and analytical processing with use of the ImageJ software package. [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 thermomechanical behavior of materials is known to be sensitive to preexisting defects in their microstructure. In this paper, non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations have been used to investigate the effects of the microvoid size on the plastic deformation in single-crystal iron shock-compressed along the [ 001 ] crystallographic direction. The higher the microvoid radius, the faster the kinetics of dislocations. Thus, as the microvoid radius increases, the plastic activity evolves from a regime where the deformation is dominated by twin activities to a regime where both twin and dislocation activities play an essential role and then to a regime where the deformation is dominated by dislocation slip. Furthermore, in both defect-free and defective initial crystal states, the elastic precursor wave is observed to decay with propagation distance, resulting in a constitutive functional dependence of the yielding pressure, σ E , on the plastic deformation rate, ε ˙ p. In the regime where both deformation twinning and dislocation slip play important roles, the constitutive behavior is consistent with the original Swegle–Grady model and is in overall agreement with experimental data and thermomechanical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The backlight module is a key component for providing a light source for a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), and its thickness has a direct impact on the thickness of the display. In order to reduce the thickness of the display product, it can be realized by reducing the thickness of the backlight module. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a design method for the microstructure of the optical film applied to the mini LED backlight module. The microstructured optical film designed in this paper can effectively improve the uniformity of brightness and realize the ultra‐thinning of the backlight module. Based on the principle of total reflection, the optical film microstructure is designed for the miniLED Lambertian light source. Under the assumption that the point light source is established, the extended light source is discretized into point light sources, and then the light energy that can be used for circulation is calculated for each point light source, and all point light sources The cyclic energy of is accumulated as the cyclic energy corresponding to the extended light source, and when its value is the largest, the best shape of the microstructure is obtained. The simulation results show that after adding the microstructured optical film, the illumination uniformity of the backlight module reaches 91.2%, which meets the uniformity requirements of the backlight module. The method of designing microstructured optical film proposed in this paper can effectively realize the ultra‐thinness of the backlight module and has strong practicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]