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AlMg0.5Si (AA6063) as a base matrix composite with different weight percentages of Titanium (Ti) has been synthesized by the stir casting method. Objective of this research is to investigate the effect of Ti addition on AA6063 to produce aluminium matrix composites (AMCs). AA6063, AA6063/4%-Ti, AA6063/8%-Ti, and AA6063/12%-Ti are different volume fractions. The Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis is used to examine the modified grain refinement and worn surface on fabricated AMCs. The evenly distributed structure was attained on the processed AA6063/Ti combinations. The mechanical properties of processed composites were investigated with the following experimental tests such as tensile strength, impact strength, micro hardness, compressive, and flexural strength. The entire mechanical properties of fabricated AMCs were enhanced with increasing Ti reinforcement particles. The CNC drilling of AA6063/Ti composites was machined by spindle speed, feed and depth of cut. The gray relational analysis (GRA) was used to carry out the optimal machining parameters with their responses such as material removal rate and surface roughness. From the analysis of ANOVA, spindle speed parameter achieved most influencing parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a non-conventional process utilized for machining electrically conductive materials which cannot be machined by conventional processes. This paper is focused on modeling and optimization in electrical discharge machining (EDM) of UNS T30407 steel. The variables such as pulse on time (Ton), pulse off time (Toff), and current will influence the material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra) which were taken as response variables. Experimental data were collected as per the central composite design (CCD) matrix of response surface methodology (RSM) approach and mathematical models have been developed for both the response variables. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to determine the significant machining parameters and optimize the input parameters for both the responses (MRR and Ra). The statistical adequacy of the models is tested with the help of ANOVA. The optimum parametric combination for maximum MRR and smaller Ra (highest surface finish) was found. The surface characteristics of the machined surface were investigated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is of great significance for analyzing the ultrastructure. However, due to the requirements of data throughput and electron dose of biological samples in the imaging process, the SEM image of biological samples is often occupied by noise which severely affects the observation of ultrastructure. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and establish a noise model of SEM and propose an effective denoising algorithm that can preserve the ultrastructure. We first investigated the noise source of SEM images and introduced a signal-related SEM noise model. Then, we validated the effectiveness of the noise model through experiments, which are designed with standard samples to reflect the relation between real signal intensity and noise. Based on the SEM noise model and traditional variance stabilization denoising strategy, we proposed a novel, two-stage denoising method. In the first stage variance stabilization, our VS-Net realizes the separation of signal-dependent noise and signal in the SEM image. In the second stage denoising, our D-Net employs the structure of U-Net and combines the attention mechanism to achieve efficient noise removal. Compared with other existing denoising methods for SEM images, our proposed method is more competitive in objective evaluation and visual effects. Source code is available on GitHub (https://github.com/VictorCSheng/VSID-Net). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium is reinforced with three different weight percentages (5%, 10% and 15%) of SiC particles (200 mesh size) by stir casting technique to fabricate Mg/SiCp composites. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images, micro and macro hardness of three different composites are investigated. The comparison of micro and macro hardness clearly shows that increase in the weight percentage of SiC contributed to increase in hardness. However, uniform dispersion of SiC can be achieved while adding 5% SiC in the composite. Then, the Box Behnken experimental design in response surface methodology is employed for machining 3 mm diameter hole in the Mg/SiCp samples using EDM. The second-order model for Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Tool Wear Rate (TWR) are developed with the influencing parameters of weight percentage of SiC, current, pulse on time and pulse off time. The parameter optimization yields maximum MRR and minimum TWR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contemporary trend of cost-saving is the primary motive while studying the relative motion between the material surfaces. Therefore, exceptional surface characteristics are the most desirable features for any material. The rapid emerging surface modification phenomena like Friction Stir Processing (FSP) have proved its potential in the surface engineering applications. In this study, Magnesium–Aluminum–Silicon (Mg–Al–Si)-based AS21A magnesium alloy was examined for the wear characterization in respect with the cast and Friction Stir Processed (FSPed) conditions. FSP, performed at an optimized set of parameters, was utilized to attain the surface modification in the investigated material. In the wear study, cast and FSPed conditions of AS21A specimens were examined on Pin-on-disc apparatus with typical load values ranging from 10–40 N. The subsequent investigation involves characterization of worn surfaces through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs, and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometer (EDS) to understand the accountable wear mechanism. It was found that the FSPed AS21A samples exhibited noteworthy improvement in the wear characteristics at all assessment conditions. FSPed sample showed overall 17% enhancement in the specific wear rate. Also, with an increase in normal load, around 53–55% reduction was observed in the Coefficient of Friction (COF) value. It was established that the morphology of Mg2Si precipitates had an active contribution in the wear behavior of cast and FSPed AS21A samples. The notable mechanisms found responsible for the wear of samples were adhesion, abrasion, oxidation, delamination and plastic deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traveling Wire Electro-Chemical Spark Machining (TW-ECSM) process is a new innovative thermal erosion-based machining process suitable for cutting electrically nonconductive materials using tool electrode in the form of wire. This article attempts experimental modeling of TW-ECSM process using a hybrid methodology comprising Taguchi methodology (TM) and response surface methodology (RSM). The experiments were carried out on borosilicate glass using L 2 7 orthogonal array (OA) considering the input parameters like applied voltage, pulse on-time, pulse off-time, electrolyte concentration and wire feed velocity along with process performances such as material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (R a) and kerf width (K w ). The interaction influence of input parameters on process performances was also discussed. Further, multi-objective optimization (MOO) of response performances of TW-ECSM process is executed using a coupled approach of grey relational analysis (GRA) and principal component analysis (PCA). The optimal process parameter setting illustrates the improvement of MRR by 171%, diminution of Ra and K w by 27% and 8% against the initial parameter settings. Moreover, irregular cutting of kerf width and surface characteristics were also scrutinized using scanning electron microscope (SEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pure Na2MoO4 solutions with different concentrations of MoO 4 2 − (0.01, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10 mmol/L), a passive film was formed on the surface of Q235 carbon steel spontaneously, and the influences of MoO 4 2 − concentrations on the passive film characteristics were investigated. The electrochemical and microstructural techniques of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Mott–Schottky plot (MSP), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) were applied to characterize the passive film characteristics, including resistance, defect, microstructure and composition. The resistance and defect of passive film respectively increased and decreased with increased MoO 4 2 − concentration up to 0.08 mmol/L, which was the critical MoO 4 2 − concentration of complete passivation for the Q235 surface. The passive film formed in the 0.08 mmol/L Na2MoO4 solution showed a dense microstructure and was composed of Fe2(MoO 4 ) 3 mainly. Further, in this work, the relation between characteristic and anti-corrosion of passive film was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research investigation reported on the effect of machining parameters on surface roughness (Ra) in electric discharge drilling of Inconel 718. Machining was done by using a copper tool electrode. Machining was conducted by considering different process parameters viz. tool diameter, discharge current, pulse on time, pulse off time, tool rotation and depth of hole. Optical surface profiler was used to measure surface roughness of drilled hole in work-piece. Design of experiment was created by Taguchi method based L18 orthogonal array. For minimum surface roughness, optimum parameters were found using Analysis of variance (ANOVA). Based on analysis, it is found that pulse off time, pulse on time and tool rotation are the most significant parameters that affect the surface roughness. Tool diameter is the less significant parameter that affects the surface roughness. Regression analysis was used to predict a value for minimum surface roughness. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were used to identify the microstructure of the drilled hole in Inconel 718 work-piece. Interaction plots and residual plot have been plotted for surface roughness to identify the interaction between parameters and residual errors, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, for Q235 carbon steels in NaNO2 solutions with different concentrations of NO 2 − , a passive film composed of mainly Fe2O3 was formed on the Q235 surface, and the effects of NO 2 − concentrations on the properties of passive film were studied by electrochemical methods and microstructural analyses. The applications of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Mott–Schottky (MS) plot, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) were carried out to characterize the resistance, defect, morphology and composition of passive film, respectively. The passive film resistance and defect, respectively, increased and decreased with the increase of NO 2 − concentration until the NO 2 − concentration was up to 0.01 M, which was the critical NO 2 − concentration of stable passivation for the Q235 surface. The relation between the electrochemical behavior and the passive film was also discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, compounds of B6Si were irradiated using a Co gamma source that have an energy line of 1.25 MeV at the absorbed dose rates from 14.6 kGy to 194.4 kGy. Surface morphology images of the sample obtained by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) show that the crystal structure at a high absorbed doses starts to be destroyed. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that with increasing radiation absorption dose, the spectrum intensity of the sample was decreased 1.96 times compared with the initial value. Thermal properties were studied by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method in the temperature range of 30-1000C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate deterioration in mechanical integrity of the collagen network of bovine bone formed by non-enzymatic glycation (NEG), a process that mimics aging by microindentation technique. Methods: Young and old bovine cortical bone specimens were rested in solutions for four weeks for the process of NEG and were grouped as ribosylated and non-ribosylated. A series of indentations were made on bone specimens weekly for each of 3-masses of 50 g, 100 g and 200 g for 10 s to detect the effect of indentation load and for each of five durations of 5 s, 10 s, 20 s, 30 s for 100 g to study the effect of indentation duration. The applied load was increased to 300 g, 500 g, 1000 g and 2000 g for 10 s to be able to make microcracks. Specimens were tested in the wet and dry state to study the effects of hydration on microhardness measurement. Results: Loads of 50 g, 100 g and 200 g for 10 s were able to differ ribosylated bone from non-ribosylated bone for the young and old bovine bones. Microhardness values increased with increasing incubation period. Microhardness of dry specimens were found to be statistically higher than that of wet specimens. Presence of extrinsic toughening mechanisms including crack bridging due to uncracked ligaments and collagen fibers were directly observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Ribosylated bone was found to have lower number of collagen bridging compared to non-ribosylated bovine bone. Conclusion: Microhardness test by these are able to discriminate non-modified collagen structure from modified collagen. On the other hand, it is found that microindentation was not able to discriminate the degree of NEG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decomposition of goethite and goethite/siderite concentrates into hematite with thermal modification was studied through the measurements of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The experimental results showed that goethite decomposed into hematite directly at around 300°C without any intermediate phase and the decomposition of siderite completed at 500°C. Nanoscale granular structures were observed in the thermally treated products. It deserves highlighting that the decomposition processes proceeded from surfaces into bulks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were obtained by a mechanical alloying of micrometer-sized powder at different milling times. Samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Mössbauer spectrometry, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). A qualitative and quantitative phase analyses using the Rietveld method have been performed based on the XRD data. The results did not reveal any phase change during the milling. The average particle size decreases with a prolongation of milling times, while the lattice parameters, unit cell volume, and microstrain increase. Mössbauer measurement shows that there are two components, one nanometric and other micrometric. The magnetic hysteresis loops shows that the samples are typical of ferromagnet with superparamagnetic fraction in the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of uniform nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 by sol–gel method was investigated using different thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Thermal treatment of the precursor at 350°C for 2 h in air results in the formation of nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 with the average crystal size of 21.5 nm. Quantitative analysis through energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) indicated that the atomic ratio of Ti:O ≈ 1:1 is close to the stoichiometric ratio of TiO2, leading to the evident fact that the prepared nanoparticles are indeed the TiO2 material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanoalumina particles were produced by the wire explosion process. The size and the shape of the particles were measured using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) studies. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) studies were carried out to confirm that the particles are of sub-micron size. The compositions of the material were characterized through the Energy Dispersive Angle X-ray Analysis (EDAX) results. The Wide Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD) and the Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) results confirmed the nanosize powder formed by the process as crystalline γ-Al2O3 powder. The thermal characteristics were analyzed using Thermo-gravimetric Differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). It is identified that the local temperature of the medium at the time of formation of nanopowder decides the phase characteristics of the powder material. The formation mechanism of nanopowder by wire explosion technique was explained in detail. The mechanism of nanopowder formation and the characteristic changes that occur during the explosion process were recorded using a high-speed digital camera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]