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Phosphogypsum is a waste from the phosphorus chemical industry which has certain environmental hazards. Using it as a substitute for building materials was thought to alleviate the problems of phosphogypsum pollution and natural mineral consumption. This study tried to develop an environmentally friendly phosphogypsum-based composite filler (PCF) that can be used as a filler in the SMA-13 asphalt mixture. The SMA-13 asphalt mixture was first designed, following which PCF containing phosphogypsum and steel slag powder was prepared. PCF's composition and harmless treatment were determined based on the characterization of the overflowed concentration of fluoride ions, and the pH value of the PCF's leaching solution was evaluated by ion chromatography and a pH meter. The effect of replacing the PCF content in the SMA-13 asphalt mixture was investigated according to high-temperature performance, moisture resistance, and low-temperature performance. Long-term overflowed harmful ion concentrations of PCF-based SMA-13 asphalt mixtures were also included. The results indicate that the steel slag powder content can reduce the overflowed fluoride ion concentration in phosphogypsum. The optimal composition of PCF was 65% phosphogypsum and 35% steel slag powder. The addition of PCF can enhance the SMA-13 asphalt mixture's Marshall stability and dynamic stability when its content is over 20%. SMA-13 asphalt mixtures with PCF can meet the requirements of the specification, although their moisture resistance is reduced by PCF. PCF was proven to increase fracture toughness and energy in a semi-circular bending test at low temperatures, while 40% PCF showed the highest cracking resistance. Furthermore, PCF was able to reduce the long-term overflowed concentrations of fluoride ions and phosphate ions that could meet the environmental requirements. The results of this study provide academic support for the effective consumption of phosphogypsum in road engineering on a large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Negative thermal expansion (NTE) materials were utilized to alleviate the high residual stress of brazed joints by regulating the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of metal composite filler. However, the confined addition amount of NTE materials restricted their ability to control the CTE of metal composite filler. In this study, the physical properties of the brazing seam were investigated by finite element analysis to understand their influence on the stress distribution of brazed joint. Based on theoretical analysis, a new method of preparation a high-content Sc2W3O12 dispersed interlayer by cold-pressing sintering method was proposed. This method increased the optimal addition amount of Sc2W3O12 materials from 10 vol.% to 40 vol.%. When the content of Sc2W3O12 materials was 40 vol.%, the CTE of Sc2W3O12 dispersed interlayer decreased from 16.5 (the CTE of AgCuTi) to 10.9 × 10−6 K−1, achieving a gradient transition of CTE from the Cf/SiC composite material/brazing seam/GH3536. The maximum shear strength of the Cf/SiC-GH3536 joint using Sc2W3O12 dispersed interlayer is 141 MPa, which was 5.9 times higher than that of AgCuTi filler. This study highlights the potential of proposed method for preparing brazed interlayer with high-content reinforcements, which may find practical applications in other metal composites.

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher 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.)

As a structural and functional material with excellent properties, ceramics play an extremely important role in a wide range of industries, including life and production. To expand the range of applications for ceramic materials, ceramics are often joined to metals and then used. Among the physical and chemical joining methods of ceramics to metals, the AMB method is efficient and simple, suitable for industrial applications, and has been a hot topic of research. However, due to the problems of residual stresses caused by the large difference in thermal expansion coefficients between ceramic and metal brazing, composite fillers have become a very worthwhile solution by regulating the physical properties of the brazing material and improving the weld structure. This review describes the wetting principle and application of Ag-Cu-Ti active metal filler in the field of ceramic joining, with emphasis on the current stage of composite filler, and discusses the influence on the former brazing properties and organization after the introduction of dissimilar materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous operation of a biotrickling filter (BTF) is difficult to guarantee in industrial applications. Herein, BTF packed with diatomaceous earth-based composite fillers was investigated to treat xylene under the operating conditions of complete shutdown and nutrient deficiency. The BTF experienced complete shutdown (4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 16 h, 20 h, 2 d, and 7 d), and the removal efficiency recovered completely within 1 d of operation. The performance of the BTF was not significantly affected by 87 d of complete shutdown or 43 d of nutrient deficiency. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the diatomaceous earth-based composite filler could provide a good living environment for microorganisms and maintain microbial activity during starvation stages. The results show that the diatomaceous earth-based composite filler has great resistance to starvation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have been widely developed as an attractive solution to overcome the drawbacks found in most polymer membranes, such as permeability-selectivity trade-off and low physicochemical stability. Numerous fillers based on inorganic, organic, and hybrid materials with various structures including porous or nonporous, and two-dimensional or three-dimensional, have been used. Demanded to further improve the characteristics and performances of the MMMs, the use of dual-filler instead of a single filler has then been proposed, from which multiple effects could be obtained. This article aims to review the recent development of MMMs with dual filler and discuss their performances in diverse potential applications. Challenges in this emerging field and outlook for future research are finally provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite nano-lubricating fillers have attracted much attention due to their excellent synergistic effect. In this study, MoS 2 nanoflowers composed of two-dimensional nanosheets were synthesized by precise control of hydrothermal conditions. Using the "bridging" effect of dopamine, the flower-like MoS 2 was assembled with MXene to form a unique compound filler. This distinctive structure perfectly retained the shape of the MoS 2 flower. The impacts of compound fillers on the thermodynamic, mechanistic, and frictional properties of polyimide (PI) coatings were scrutinized. The formation of the compound fillers between MXene and MoS 2 effectively improve the interface compatibility of individual materials in the PI matrix. The compound fillers can enhance the thermodynamic stability and mechanical properties of PI. It is noteworthy that the frictional coefficient of the PI/(MoS 2 :MXene = 4:6) compound coating decreased by 47.2 %, and the attrition rate reduced by 98.5 % compared to the pure PI coating. The compound lubricating filler prepared by the combination of two types of two-dimensional lubrication fillers has an important application prospect in the field of wear resistance of polymer materials. [Display omitted] • The flower-like MoS 2 was assembled with MXene to form a unique compound filler. • The compound fillers can enhance the thermodynamic and mechanical properties of PI. • Compared to PI, the COF of the PI/(MoS 2 -MXene) coating was reduced by 47.2 %. • Compared to PI, the wear rate of the PI/(MoS2-MXene) coating was reduced by 98.5 %. • The PI/(MoS 2 -MXene) coating maintains low COF and wear under extreme conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal gasification fine slag is a by-product of the entrained-flow gasifier, which has caused some environmental pollution. Through acid dissolution and calcination at different temperatures, mesoporous spherical silica/porous carbon composite filler was prepared using coal gasification fine slag. The particle size and specific surface area of the composite filler decreased with the decrease of unburned carbon content. The analysis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated the decrease of oxygen-containing functional groups and the increase of C–C groups with the decrease of the content of carbon. The effects of mesoporous spherical silica/porous carbon with different carbon content on the comprehensive properties of filled polypropylene (PP) were studied. The tensile strength and interface interaction increased at first and then decreased with the decrease of carbon content, due to the synergistic effect of mesoporous spherical silica and rough amorphous carbon. The scanning electron microscope showed that the composite filler with the carbon content of 14.47 wt.% at the calcination temperature of 450 °C had the best compatibility with the matrix. Thermodynamic analysis of the PP composites indicated that thermal insulation properties and thermal stability improved with the incorporation of the composite filler. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) testing indicated the highest crystallinity of the matrix corresponding to the best comprehensive performances of the composites. XRD patterns revealed that the cooperation of fillers brought characteristic peaks and did not change the primary crystal structure of PP. Simultaneously, heavy calcium powders (CC) were used as comparative fillers, and the overall properties of the PP composites filled with the composite filler were better compared to those of the CC-filled PP composite. The results illustrated that mesoporous spherical silica/porous carbon particles can completely replace CC used in the PP composites, which can be used in auto bumpers, plastic pipes, display cases, and car air deflectors. The CGFS can be processed into a plastic filler for substituting heavy calcium powder particles, which can solve the environmental pollution caused by the accumulation of solid waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher 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.)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of laboratory-scale biotrickling filters (BTFs) packed with composite filler and pine bark filler under different operating conditions in purifying mixed gas containing H2S and NH3. The composite filler was prepared with modified activated carbon and loaded with functional microbes, using the microbial immobilization technology combined with a nutrient sustained-release composite filler. The results showed that the composite filler could better adapt to low empty bed retention time (EBRT) and high inlet concentration than the pine bark filler. When EBRT was 40 s and the inlet load was 41 g/m3·h, the NH3 removal efficiency of the composite filler was kept above 80%, and when the inlet load was 61.5 g/m3·h, it could be stabilized at about 60%. When EBRT exceeds 34 s, the H2S removal efficiency of the two BTFs was maintained at 100%. Yet, when EBRT was 34 s, the H2S removal efficiency of the bark filler BTF dropped to <80%. The microbial diversity and richness of the bark filler BTF were significantly higher than those of the composite filler BTF, which had higher community similarity under each working condition. However, the proportion of predominant bacteria in the composite filler BTF was higher than that of the bark filler BTF. As the inlet load increased, the diversity of predominant bacteria of the composite filler BTF increased, which means that the predominant bacteria were less inhibited by high-concentration odorous gases. The predominant bacteria with deodorizing function in the composite filler BTF included Pseudomonas, Comamonas, and Trichococcus, which might jointly complete nitrogen's nitrification and denitrification processes. The proportion of these three bacteria in the composite filler BTF was higher than in the bark filler BTF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental Science & Technology (10036504) is the property of Editorial Board of Environmental Science & Technology 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.)

N-doped TiO2 (N-TiO2) photocatalyst was prepared by the sol-gel method, using butyl titanate and urea as raw materials, and then loaded onto diatomite to prepare a composite photocatalyst. Bleached sulfate softwood pulp fiber was dissolved and mixed with the composite photocatalyst and then regenerated to prepare composite fillers for the manufacture of visible light-responsive photocatalytic paper suitable for the removal of toxic formaldehyde gas. Photocatalytic paper containing 20% composite filler with a ratio of 4/6 N-TiO2 (60% N-doping)/diatomite had good photocatalytic activity, with 50.1% formaldehyde degraded after 10 h under visible light irradiation. This photocatalytic paper also had good physical properties, with a paper density of 0.36 g cm−3, a burst index of 3.0 kPa·m2 g−1 and a tensile index of 43.33 Nm g−1, indicating that it has good prospects for removal of indoor air pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of bio-based strengthening agents and mineral filling procedure on the 3D elongation of chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) handsheets with and without mineral (PCC) filling have been investigated. The 3D elongation was measured using a press-forming machine equipped with a special converting tool. The strength of the handsheets was altered using either cationic starch or microfibrillated cellulose. Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) was added to the furnish either as a slurry or by precipitation of nano-sized PCC onto and into the CTMP fibre. The 3D elongation of unfilled sheets was increased by the dry-strengthening agents, but no evidence on the theorised positive effect of mineral fill on 3D elongation was seen in either filling method. The performance of the strengthening agent depended on whether the PCC was as slurry or as a precipitated PCC-CTMP. The starch was more effective with PCC-CTMP than when the PCC was added directly as a slurry to the furnish, whereas the opposite was observed with microfibrillated cellulose. The 3D elongation correlated positively with the tensile strength, bursting strength, tensile stiffness, elastic modulus and bending stiffness, even when the sheet composition was varied, but neither the strengthening agent nor the method of PCC addition affected the 3D elongation beyond what was expectable based on the tensile strength of the sheets. Finally, mechanisms affecting the properties that correlated with the 3D elongation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to assess the synergy among a specific bio-based pigment derived from red beetroot, a composite filler, and a UV absorber as additives for wood paints. The composite filler aims to enhance the mechanical properties of the coating, while the UV absorber is selected to improve the pigment's color stability under solar radiation. The impact of these additives on sample aesthetics is evaluated through color, gloss, and roughness measurements. Mechanical properties are analyzed using Buchholz surface hardness and Taber abrasion resistance tests. The protective role of the UV absorber is further examined through accelerated degradation tests in a UV-B chamber. To ensure that the additives do not compromise the coating's barrier properties, water uptake tests, resistance to liquids, and contact angle measurements are conducted. Overall, the study demonstrates how each additive serves a distinct purpose and their combined application offers benefits such as enhanced color retention and improved mechanical durability of the coating. It highlights the potential of using bio-based pigments to enhance color durability without sacrificing the protective performance of wood coatings. • Red beetroot is employed as bio-based pigment for wood paints. • UV absorber is employed to enhance the color consistency of the beetroot pigment. • An innovative composite filler improves the mechanical properties of the coating. • The coating containing the 3 additives reveals multi-functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is widely used in tissue engineering. The natural polymer hyaluronic acid (HA) shows excellent biocompatibility and affects cell signaling, proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, a polynucleotide (PN) induces cell growth of human skin fibroblasts and osteoblasts. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the properties, safety, and efficacy of a novel composite filler consisting of cross-linked HA with PN in combination with monodisperse PLLA microspheres manufactured using Inventage Lab Precision Particle Fabrication method. Materials and Methods: The composition of the filler and characteristics of the microspheres were examined via scanning electron microscopy, particle size analysis, gel permeation chromatography, and rheology and osmolality measurement. Additionally, safety and efficacy of HA-PN/PLLA composite filler were conducted in in vitro and in vivo. Results: Analysis of PLLA microspheres revealed spherical surfaces and a narrower particle size distribution than that in PLLA filler. HA-PN/PLLA composite filler had higher viscosity and elasticity values and similar osmolality as compared to those of HA and PN fillers. The nontoxicity in in vitro and in vivo tests reflected that the composite filler may be safe for human use. In addition, the composite filler maintained a more stable volume than did HA filler for 24 weeks after administration in HWY/Slc hairless rats. Furthermore, the results support the effect of HA-PN/PLLA in restoring skin structure. Conclusion: Altogether, these data suggest that the novel composite filler might be a safe and effective option in terms of tissue integration, clinical management during delivery and high esthetic durability. Level of Evidence III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CaCO3-pulp composite was prepared via precipitation of calcium hydroxide in the presence of pulp. In order to investigate the precipitation selectivity and mechanism, the substrate pulps and the obtained composites were fractionated (R30, R100, R200, R400 and a sedimented fraction that passed the 400 mesh wire) using a Bauer-McNett unit. The main fractionation criterion was therefore fiber length. The pulp used was CTMP (chemithermomechanical pulp), yielding a precipitated calcium carbonate-chemithermomechanical pulp (PCC-CTMP) composite with a targeted PCC-to-CTMP ratio of 1:1. The PCC consisted primarily of nano-sized primary particles which formed aggregates and clusters on the fibers. When the fiber morphology, zeta potential and surface charge density of the fractions were determined, a correlation was found between the surface charge density of the CTMP and the ash content of the corresponding PCC-CTMP fractions. This supports the hypothesis that the precipitation on the CTMP fiber is driven by the charge interparticle interaction. The use of refined CTMP furnishes and fractionation of the PCC-CTMP furnishes demonstrates that PCC is preferably fixed on fines and fibrils since it appears at a higher content in the fines fractions. Fiber activation via fiber split, removal of primary wall and surface defibrillation enhanced the affinity of the PCC for the fibrils. The laboratory handsheets prepared from the material demonstrated the importance of controlling the substrate fiber properties for the mineral-fiber composite, e.g. via refining, as differences between the refining levels and fractions were found to lead to differences in both optical properties and bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a newly-designed TiN/AgCuTi composite brazing alloy to significantly improve the bonding strength of AlN/Cu composite ceramics, which can endow high power electronic devices with superior compatibility with large current transport and high voltage resistance. Via the systematic microstructure investigation of the brazed joint by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometer, we found that added TiN particles could decrease the thickness of brittle reaction layer and promote the formation of fine TiCu particles in brazed joint, leading to dispersion strengthened and decreased CTE mismatch of the ceramic/metal composite. Importantly, the maximum bonding strength of 131 MPa was obtained for AlN and copper foil brazed joining via composite filler with TiN(4 wt.%)/AgCuTi, which is approximately 150 % higher than the case without TiN addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the self-made new iron-carbon micro-electrolytic packing, a composite packing was developed, coupled with a membrane bioreactor, and the simulation of low C/N urban sewage was used as the research object. Use anaerobic aerobic bioreactor, adopt intermittent cultivation, and then continuous cultivation, control hydraulic retention time (HRT) to 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 h by adjusting influent, PH of influent is 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0. The high-efficiency start-up effect and optimized phosphorus removal characteristics of the composite-filled bioreactor were investigated. The results show that the intermittent start-up and continuous cultivation method can reduce the start-up time to 30 d, the film hanging effect is good; when the water inlet HRT = 7, PH = 7.5 ± 0.1, the total phosphorus removal rate reached 90.1%; biological phase observation, and scanning electron microscopy chart showed that iron-carbon micro-electrolytic materials have no segregation and passivation; comparison test it is proved that the composite filler reactor removes total phosphorus through iron-carbon micro-electrochemical physicochemical phosphorus removal and biological phosphorus removal, and the composite filler physical and chemical phosphorus removal plays a leading role in phosphorus removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The type of filler has an important influence to the water purification effect of bioretention system. Through the simulation test of bioretention column, using natural soil and construction sand as basic fillers, sawdust compost, zeolite and anthracite as improved materials, the removal effects of COD(chemical oxygen demand), TP(total phosphorus), NH=4-N(ammonia nitrogen) and NO-3-N(nitrate nitrogen) by different filler combinations(the sand and soil ratio of planting soil, adding sawdust compost to planting soil, adding zeolite and anthracite separately and simultaneously in sand filter) were studied and the water treatment effect of bioretention of traditional sand filler and composite filler under different inflow characteristics was evaluated. Based on the results, in the six filter combinations, adding sawdust compost in planting soil and simultaneously adding anthracite and zeolite in sand filter layer has the best treatment effect on each pollutant. Under seven inflow conditions, the concentration removal rates of COD, TP, NH=4-N and NO-3-N by traditional sand and soil fillers bioretention are 70.5%-87.5%, 50.0%-79.3%, 84.7%-96.7% and -110.5%-23.3% respectively, while the concentration removal rates by composite fillers bioretention are 84.0%-93.0%, 82.0%-92.0%, 80.0%-94.7% and 24.3%-90.4% respectively. The comprehensive treatment effect of bioretention system with composite fillers on pollutants is obviously enhanced. In addition, compared with traditional sand and soil fillers bioretention, the influence of inflow characteristics to the treatment effect of runoff pollutants of composite fillers bioretention is relatively less. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A composite filler was developed by pre-flocculation of fiber fines and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) particles with flocculants such as cationic polyacrylamide (cPAM) and bentonite. The composite filler was compared with a conventional loading method in terms of physical properties of handsheet and filler retention. The handsheets using the composite filler showed higher strength properties than that using a conventional loading at a similar paper ash content level, implying that paper ash content can be increased maintaining same level of paper strength. Optical properties such as opacity and brightness of the paper with the composite were quite similar with the paper with the conventional loading. Filler retention of the composite filler was slightly higher than that of the conventional loading even though retention aids were not used for the composite filler. Paper formation of the composite filler was better than the case of the conventional loading. However, the sheet with the composite filler showed lower bulk than that with the conventional loading. Conclusively, the composite filler technology by pre-flocculation of fines and filler has a potential to be utilized to produce a high loaded paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A composite filler micro-embedded with P. putida was prepared and evaluated. • RE could remain above 90 % when the inlet loading rates were less than 41.4 g/(m3·h). • The biofilter could tolerate substantial transient shock loadings. • Firmicutes , Actinobacteria , Proteobacteria were the most abundant during operation. • The abundance of Bacteroidetes increased significantly during the re-start period. The composite filler micro-embedded with Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) was prepared and the biodegradation performance of the filler was evaluated in a biofilter. Five phases were set up to evaluate the performance of the biofilter under different toluene inlet loadings and transient shock loadings. In particular, the microbial community structure in the biofilms and fillers was measured by sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene. The results show that the biofilter packed with the composite fillers was suitable for the biodegradation of toluene. The biofilter could start up quickly with high removal efficiency (RE), and remain above 90 % RE when the empty bed residence time (EBRT) was 18 s and the inlet loading rates were not higher than 41.4 g/(m3·h). Moreover, the biofilter could tolerate substantial transient shock loadings. The high removal efficiency and elimination capacity contributed to rich bacterial communities for the efficient degradation of toluene. The dominant microbial communities at the phylum level were mainly Firmicutes , Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. It is noteworthy that the abundance of Bacteroidetes at phylum level and Chungangia and Stenotrophomonas at genus level increased significantly during the re-start period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of polyimide (PI) composite films were prepared using PI as matrix and boron nitride (BN) and aluminum nitride (AlN) as the doped phases. The modification of the thermal conductive filler particles was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The results showed that the silane coupling agent KH550 was successfully coated on the surface of BN and AlN. X-ray photoelectron spectrometer characterization was used to further prove that silane coupling agents were successfully attached to BN and AlN surfaces, forming a new chemical bond. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the dispersion of filler particles in the matrix. It was found that agglomeration phenomenon occurred when the content of BN particles were high, but this problem was improved after the surface modification of BN. The breakdown field strength and volume resistivity of PI/BN composite film increased first and then decreased with the increase of BN content and reached the maximum when the volume fraction of BN was 5%, which was 191.53 kV/mm and 8.832 × 1013 Ω·m, respectively. When the BN content was 9 vol%, the thermal conductivity of the PI/BN composite film was 0.496 W/(m·K), which was 1.4 times larger than that of the pure PI film. The thermal conductivity of the PI/BN/AlN composite film at the BN and AlN contents of 5 vol% and 1 vol%, respectively, is 0.144 W/(m·K) higher than that of 7 vol% PI/BN. It indicated that the synergistic effect of the composite fillers played a significant role, and at the same time, under the premise of ensuring higher thermal conductivity, the amount of thermally conductive particles could be reduced to some extent. After the surface modification of the filler particles, the properties of the composite film showed the same trend compared with the unmodified one, while the only difference was that there was a certain increase in the numerical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial talc was modified with phthalimide to produce a composite filler, which was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was used as a papermaking filler, and its efficiency was compared with that of plain commercial talc and when mixed with additives (i.e., cationic polyacrylamide and alum-rosin size). The results showed that phthalimide could be linked appropriately to the surface of talc particles through forming ester bonds with the surface hydroxyl groups. The brightness of the composite filler was more than that of the commercial filler due to a reduction in the impurities and removal of the metal compounds. Unlike other treatments, the brightness of the papers filled with modified talc (MT) was enhanced with increases in filler loading. In spite of reducing the paper strength in all treatments, the reduction was significantly less in the MT treatment, which implies the enhancement in particle tendency to develop hydrogen bonds in the fiber network.

Using composite filler is a very potential way to braze dissimilar material, especially braze metals with ceramics. The composite filler which is added varieties of high temperature alloy, carbon fiber and ceramic particles has a suitable coefficient of thermal expansion. The application of composite filler can release the residual stress caused by mismatch of thermal expansion coefficient in the brazing joints and improve the overall performance significantly. According to the traditional classification method of composite materials, the composite filler is divided into micron-reinforced composite filler and nano-reinforced composite filler, of which the feature and research status are discussed in this text. According to the influence of different size reinforced phases on microstructure and mechanical property of the brazing joints, nano-reinforced composite filler has more uniform and better structure compared with micron-reinforced composite filler, and higher joint strengh can be obtained by using it. However, the reinforced mechanism is still an open question, and will become the key area of the future research work.

Abstract In this study, the SiBCN ceramic and TC4 alloy were successfully brazed using TiB 2 reinforced AgTi composite filler in a vacuum furnace. The typical interfacial microstructure of the joint and the reaction products were identified through EDS, SEM and XRD. The effect of the TiB 2 content and brazing temperature on the joint microstructure and property were investigated. During the brazing process, the filler reacted with the SiBCN to form TiC + TiB + TiN + Ti 5 Si 3 reaction layer adjacent to the SiBCN. With the increase of the TiB 2 content in the composite filler, the diffusion of Ti in the brazing seam was restrained, and the reaction layer became thinner. Meanwhile, the TiB 2 volume fraction in the brazing seam increased. The increase of the brazing temperature promoted the reaction of the braze filler and the base materials. Thick reaction layer adjacent to the SiBCN and lots of Ti (s.s) and Ti 2 Ag in the brazing seam were obtained at high brazing temperature. When the SiBCN and TC4 were brazed using 6 wt% TiB 2 reinforced AgTi composite filler at 980 °C for 10 min, the maximum shear strength of the joint reached 32 MPa. Highlights • The SiBCN and TC4 were vacuum brazed using TiB 2 reinforced AgTi composite filler. • The typical microstructure of the SiBCN/TC4 joint was investigated. • Both of the TiB 2 content and brazing temperature affects the microstructure and property of the joint significantly. • The maximum strength of the joint reached 32 MPa when the joint brazed using AgTi-6TiB 2 at 980 °C for 10 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable brazing of Ti(C,N)-based cermet and 45 steel was successfully achieved by using the Mo-particle-reinforced Ag-Cu-Ti composite filler. The effects of Mo content on the interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermet/45 steel joints were analyzed. The results showed that the joint microstructure was primarily composed of Ni3Ti+Cu3Ti2, Ag(s,s)+Cu(s.s), CuTi+Mo, Ti-based solid solution, and FeTi+Fe2Ti. With the increase in Mo content in filler, the thickness of the Ni3Ti+Cu3Ti2 layer adjacent to the Ti(C,N)-based cermet decreases, while more blocky Ti-Cu intermetallic were observed in the brazing seam. The shear strength of the joint could be significantly improved by adding suitable amounts of Mo into the Ag-Cu-Ti filler, and the peak value of 263 MPa was achieved when the alloys were brazed with Ag-Cu-Ti+8wt.%Mo composite filler at 920 °C for 20 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• (Cu) + Ti 5 Si 3 composite filler with foil form was developed by arc melting mixed-powders. • Large number of in-situ synthesized Ti 5 Si 3 reinforcements were distributed uniformly. • Ti 5 Si 3 reinforcements relieved the stress, and the shear strength of the joint reached 125.6 MPa. A novel foil (Cu) matrix filler reinforced by Ti 5 Si 3 particles was designed to join C f /SiC composite and 304 stainless steel. Results showed Ti and Si atoms in-situ reacted to form Ti 5 Si 3 reinforcement during arc melting of mixed-powders of Cu, Ti and Si. The foil composite filler with Cu:Ti:Si = 86.5:5:9.5 (at.%) as raw material can not only reduce the thermal stress in the joint, but also react appropriately with C f /SiC composite, and the corresponding joint shear strength was 126.5 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel composite filler by coupling polyoxometalate clusters with polydopamine. • Keggin-type PMo 12 induces significant Lewis acid-base pairs at sub-nanometer scale. • The mechanism on rich free alkaline ions and high conductivities is elucidated. • The PMo 12 @PDA CPE exhibits pronounced properties for ASSBs applications. Polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based composite solid electrolytes (CPEs) are viewed as one class of the most promising candidates for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). Vast efforts have been made to address the ionic conductivity mainly by extending its amorphous phase, but the mobility of cations is strictly limited by the strong coordination with PEO. Herein, the design of polyoxometalate-modified polydopamine (PMo 12 @PDA) as composite filler is first proposed to simultaneously increase the ionic migration of PEO segments and intrinsic mobility of cations. PDA serves as versatile mediator and collaborates with PMo 12 clusters to construct multiple Lewis acid-base interactions with the undissociated salts as well as the coordinated ether oxygen units. Raman spectra, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and the first principles calculations results confirm that more mobile cations are generated. The constructed CPEs exhibit wide utilization in all-solid-state Li/Na batteries by assembly with cathodes of LiFePO 4 , LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 or Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 @C, achieving long cycling stability and excellent rate performance. This work offers a viable route towards intermolecular engineering of CPE intrerphases at sub-nanometer scale and fast cationic movement in ASSBs applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon/carbon (C/C) composite and Ti6Al4V alloy (wt%) were successfully brazed with graphene nanosheets strengthened AgCuTi filler (AgCuTiG). Graphene nanosheets (GNSs) with low CTE and high strength were dispersed into AgCuTi filler by ball milling. The interfacial microstructure was systematically characterized by varieties of analytical means including transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results show that typical interfacial microstructure of the joint brazed at 880 °C for 10 min is a layer structure consisting of (Ti6Al4V/diffusion layer/Ti2Cu + TiCu + Ti3Cu4 + TiCu4/GNSs + TiCu + TiC + Ag(s,s) + Cu(s,s)/TiC/C/C composite). The interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of brazed joints changed significantly as temperature increased. High temperature promoted the growth of TiCu and TiC phases, which were attached to GNSs. Meanwhile, the diffusion layer and primary reaction layers thickened as temperature increased, while the thickness of brazing seam decreased. The maximum shear strength of 30.2 MPa was obtained for the joint brazed at 900 °C for 10 min. GNSs decreased the thickness of brittle reaction layers and promoted the formation of TiCu and TiC phases in brazing seam, which caused the strengthening effect and decreased the CTE mismatch of brazed joints. The fracture modes are also discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual stresses in ceramic-metal joints is the important factor for their reliable implementation in cutting-edge industries. Composite fillers is reported to be a promising approach to reduce the residual stresses. Until now, few experimental researches on the brazing of ZrO 2 ceramic and TC4 alloy using composite fillers have been reported. In this study, to release the residual stresses and improve the joints strength, novel WB reinforced Ag-Cu composite filler was fabricated to braze ZrO 2 ceramic and TC4 alloy. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied for the analysis of microstructure and phases structure in the joints. The TiB whiskers and W particles were in situ synthesized via the reaction between active Ti and WB particles, and randomly distributed in the brazing seam. The effect of brazing temperature and WB content on interfacial microstructure and mechanical strength in the brazed joints were investigated. When brazed at 870 °C for 10 min, favorable microstructure reinforced by TiB whiskers and W particles in the brazing seam was achieved with 7.5 wt% WB addition in composite filler. The maximum average shear strength of the joints was 83.2 MPa, which about 59.4% increase over the joints without WB addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher 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.)

In this research hemp fibres have been modified by the sol-gel method in different combinations to implement silica nanolevel coating on fibres surface without compromising the mechanical properties of the fibres and ensure sustainable coverage to achieve matrix-filler compatibility in composite as filler. The coatings of samples prepared using different proportions of nano-sols. The fibres were immersed in the prepared sols made of ethanol, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), distilled water and hydrofluoric acid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used to examine the nature of the surface modification. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis was used for chemical composition analysis on coated fibres surface. Analyses based on the SEM show that small sol components proportion differences significantly affect coating adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazing of graphite to CuCrZr alloys has been achieved using CuTiH 2 Ni-based fillers (CuTiH 2 Ni, CuTiH 2 Ni+TiC and CuTiH 2 Ni+B) at 1173 K. Microstructural observation of the joints reveals a favorable interfacial bonding. The joining area of joints with CuTiH 2 Ni filler is composed of a TiC reaction layer and a filler layer containing Cu-based solid solutions, τ 1 -Ti(Cu x Ni 1-x ) 2 , Ti 2 (Cu,Ni) and TiCu intermetallics. For the graphite/CuTiH 2 Ni+TiC/CuCrZr joints, both TiC particles distribution in the filler layer and liquid filler penetration into the graphite open pores are observed. In the case of joints with CuTiH 2 Ni+B filler, TiB whiskers synthesized by the in situ reaction of boron with Ti are dispersed uniformly in the filler layer. Compared to CuTiH 2 Ni filler, the introduced TiC particles and TiB whiskers can work as ceramic reinforcements to strengthen the graphite/CuCrZr joints. Meanwhile, these reinforcements can also provide heterogeneous nucleation sites for the molten filler layer and suppress the grain growth of the precipitated phases, resulting in strengthening the filler layer by grain refinement. The electrical resistivity of the joining area in the joints brazed with CuTiH 2 Ni-based fillers is relatively low, satisfying the requirement for the applications of carbon commutators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel nano-Si 3 N 4 particle reinforced AgCuTi composite filler (AgCuTi C ) was used to braze Ti6Al4V and Si 3 N 4 ceramic in the study and brazing cycles that peak at 880 °C for 0–20 min. Effects of holding time on interfacial microstructure and mechanical property were studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, and universal testing machine. TiN and Ti 5 Si 3 were identified as the main product of the reaction between Si 3 N 4 and Ti. The interfacial microstructure evolved considerably with joining time, eventually leading to a high degree of inhomogeneity across the length of the joint, and the maximal shear strength of 78.3 MPa was obtained when the joint was brazed at 880 °C for 10 min. A limited number of Si 3 N 4 /Si 3 N 4 and Ti6Al4V/Ti6Al4V joints using AgCuTi C with different content of Ti particles were also studied to clarify the influences of diffusion and dissolution behaviors of element Ti on interfacial microstructure. In terms of characterizing the interfacial phases, efforts were made to understand the microstructural evolution mechanism of Si 3 N 4 /Ti6Al4V brazed joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Combination of plastic and mineral fillers in constructed wetlands was investigated. • CFCW performed better at higher influent concentration and hydraulic loading. • Composite fillers changed dominant genera and promoted functional bacteria growth. • TN removal in CFCW is 3.9% higher than CW mainly due to diverse nitrogen metabolisms. A novel filter-type constructed wetland was constructed by combining plastic fillers and mineral fillers for secondary effluent treatment. Findings showed that TN, TP and COD removal in the constructed wetland with composite fillers (CFCW) was 3.9%, 8.0% and 3.5% higher than that of constructed wetland with ordinary gravel fillers (CW) in the stable phase, respectively. CFCW showed better pollutants removal when dealing with higher influent concentrations and hydraulic loading. The main functional bacteria in two systems were significantly different (p < 0.05). Composite fillers could change the dominant genera, enhance genera activity and increase genera quantity. Denitrification (e.g., Pseudorhodobacter , Zoogloea, Pseudarthrobacter), nitrification (e.g., Devosia , Nitrospira), heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (e.g., Paracoccus) and partial denitrification (e.g., g__Simplicispira) in CFCW provided diverse nitrogen metabolism pathways, resulting in higher nitrogen removal. The novel filter-type constructed wetland is suitable for the advanced treatment of sewage treatment plant effluent with enhanced pollutants removal and exuberant microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel composite filler was prepared by introducing CoCrNi medium-entropy alloy (MEA) into the AgCuTi filler and it was then used to enhance the Sapphire/4 J33-Kovar alloy brazed joints. The effects of CoCrNi MEA on the interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of brazed joints were discussed by comparatively studying the brazed joints with single AgCuTi and composite filler. The results demonstrated that the porous CoCr 2 phase surrounded by the Ni 3 Ti layer was in-situ synthesized in the brazing seam with the addition of CoCrNi MEA, which relieved the local residual stress during the cooling process. Moreover, the effect of porous structure on retarding the diffusion of metal atoms limited the reaction of Ti with Fe, which promoted the sufficient interfacial reaction between brazing filler and sapphire. The maximum shear strength of 95 MPa was achieved when 3 wt% CoCrNi MEA was added into the AgCuTi filler, which was ∼57.5% higher than that of the joint brazed with the single AgCuTi filler. The reaction mechanism at the brazing seam with different CoCrNi MEA amounts was also illustrated. • CoCrNi MEA reinforced AgCuTi filler metal was prepared to braze sapphire and Kovar alloy. • The effects of CoCrNi MEA contents on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints were investigated. • The strengthening mechanism of CoCrNi MEA during brazing was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamond grits were bonded to 1045 steel by Mo particles modified Ni Cr composite filler. The effects of Mo particle addition on the morphology, bonding interface, residual stress, and diamond grits' strength were studied. The results show that: adding of Mo particles changed brazed diamond joints' morphology and interface element distribution. An appropriate amount of Mo particles reduced the distribution of interfacial cracks. The composite filler brazed diamonds generated two layers of compounds with different morphologies on the surface; the internal layer was a loose Cr 3 C 2 layer, and the external layer was the Cr 9 Mo 21 Ni 20 compound. The Mo particles could suppress the segregation of the active element Cr to diamonds, thus affecting the size and morphology of the interfacial Cr 3 C 2 layer. The Mo particles effectively improved the CTE mismatch between the filler and diamond grits, but the excessive addition decreased the plasticity of the filler alloy. Ni-Cr + 4 vol% Mo composite filler brazed diamond joints have optimal morphology and lowest residual stress, while diamond grits have the best strength. Grinding tests showed that brazed diamond joints on diamond grinding heads fabricated by Ni-Cr + 4.vol% Mo composite filler exhibited the best fracture resistance. [Display omitted] • Ni-Cr + 4Mo composite filler plays an active role in alleviating thermal damage. • The cracks of brazed diamond joint by Ni-Cr + 4Mo composite filler were reduced. • The strength of brazed diamond was improved by Ni-Cr + 4Mo composite filler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examines the precipitation of PCC – pulp composite fillers with varying crystal habits and their effects on the papermaking properties of printing and writing paper. Colloidal (c-PCC), rhombohedral (r-PCC), and scalenohedral types (s-PCC) of composite PCCs were produced and compared with commercial reference PCCs. Scanning electron micros-copy showed the c-PCC to be a high-surface-area nano-structured PCC. The rhombohedral composite was formed in clusters like a spider-web structure. Under similar experimental conditions, composite PCC was formed as individual ellipsoidal crystals and some of the particles had malformed structure, in contrast to the structured reference s-PCC. The co-precipitation and the structure of PCC significantly influence the forming, consolidation, and properties of paper, as well as its perform-ance in printing.Composite c-PCC showed the highest retention during forming. At higher filler contents, dewatering was reduced significantly with handsheets containing s- and r-PCC composite fillers. Colloidal composite hand-sheets showed the lowest tensile index and internal bond strength, while the rhombohedral composite gave the highest z-directional bond strength. Compared with the traditional reference samples containing commercial PCCs, paper with s- and r-composites had significantly higher density but similar light scattering ability. Addition of fibrillar fines to fine paper increased print rub fastness significantly in both laser and inkjet printed samples.

The YSZ ceramic coated with a copper layer (~ 5 μm) was successfully reactive air brazed using novel Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles (NPs) reinforced Ag-CuO-Al 2 O 3 composite filler. The effects of Al 2 O 3 NPs content on the interfacial microstructure and joint properties were investigated. When the content of Al 2 O 3 NPs was 8 wt.%, YSZ joints obtained fine interfacial microstructure and optimal mechanical properties. The coefficient of thermal expansion of composite filler was calculated to be 16.26 × 10 − 6 K − 1 , presenting a decline of 12.1% compared to that of Ag-CuO base filler. The hardness and modulus values of braze joint slightly increased to 2.6 GPa and 164 GPa, respectively, possessing a better ability to resist deformation. Consequently, the YSZ joint possessed a maximum shear strength of 60 MPa, which was 25 MPa (~ 71%) higher than that of the joints brazed using Ag-CuO base filler. The leakage rate of YSZ-tube/AgCuO-8Al 2 O 3 /YSZ-block samples was measured to be 3.2 ± 0.9 × 10 − 10 Pa m 3 s − 1 , which met the leakage rate requirements for vacuum tight components (less than 10 − 9 Pa m 3 s − 1 ). It implied that this novel method was an effective way to obtain hermetic YSZ joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simplified filler approach has been developed to enhance structural stability of existing cast iron columns and beds. The motivation for this research was to develop a machine tool structural material having characteristics such as, improved dynamic stability, ease in production, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. A methodology has been developed to predict dynamic behaviour of prototype column structure using simplified reduced odd-scale model. A combination of formulae based similitude model, FE based structural analysis and statistics based Taguchi design analysis has been used to achieve enhanced structural dynamic performance of a VMC column. Similitude principles have been developed to correlate simplified odd-scale column model with existing complex prototype column through FE based 1:5 scaled column structure. Prototype column has been replaced by simplified odd-scale column for filler optimization experiments using Taguchi design and scaling factors. Simplified odd-scale column models were filled with a number of combinational designs of unique composite filler material. VMC column structural stability in terms of excitation decay time, dynamic stress and displacement has been analyzed for present hollow cast iron structures as well as filled structures. Present methodology combination reduces efforts to develop dynamically improved machine tool structures through simplified odd-scale models, avoiding complexity involved in implementation of traditional scaling approach. As a result, dynamic characteristics have been improved by 20-30 times with introduction of composite filler material as compared to unfilled structures. This composite filler technology has been applied for patent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology. Social Sciences Edition / Haerbin Gongye Daxue Xuebao. Shehui Kexue Ban is the property of Harbin Institute of Technology 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.)

Commercial talc was modified with phthalimide to produce a composite filler, which was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was used as a papermaking filler, and its efficiency was compared with that of plain commercial talc and when mixed with additives (i.e., cationic polyacrylamide and alum-rosin size). The results showed that phthalimide could be linked appropriately to the surface of talc particles through forming ester bonds with the surface hydroxyl groups. The brightness of the composite filler was more than that of the commercial filler due to a reduction in the impurities and removal of the metal compounds. Unlike other treatments, the brightness of the papers filled with modified talc (MT) was enhanced with increases in filler loading. In spite of reducing the paper strength in all treatments, the reduction was significantly less in the MT treatment, which implies the enhancement in particle tendency to develop hydrogen bonds in the fiber network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]