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During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to convert teaching to a distance method. The distance form of education had the advantage of student´s choice of place and time for study. However, students had to study using self-access. This could have a negative impact on study results. On the other hand, they could retain their academic results due to the extension of the time needed to grasp the subject matter. This article deals with the analysis of the performance of students regarding the study grades and the time required to complete a single assignment in the course of Mechanical Testing and Defectoscopy of Materials.

In the present work, the microstructure, phase constitution, and corrosion behavior of binary Sn–xZn alloys (x = 5, 9 and 15 wt.%) were investigated. The alloys were prepared by induction melting of Sn and Zn lumps in argon. After melting, the alloys were solidified to form cast cylinders. The Sn–9Zn alloy had a eutectic microstructure. The Sn–5Zn and Sn–15Zn alloys were composed of dendritic (Sn) or (Zn) and eutectic. The corrosion behavior of the Sn–Zn alloys was studied in aqueous HCl (1 wt.%) and NaCl (3.5 wt.%) solutions at room temperature. Corrosion potentials and corrosion rates in HCl were significantly higher compared to NaCl. The corrosion of the binary Sn–Zn alloys was found to take place by a galvanic mechanism. The chemical composition of the corrosion products formed on the Sn–Zn alloys changed with the Zn weight fraction. Alloys with a higher concentration of Zn (Sn–9Zn, Sn–15Zn) formed corrosion products rich in Zn. The Zn-rich corrosion products were prone to spallation. The corrosion rate in the HCl solution decreased with decreasing weight fraction of Zn. The Sn–5Zn alloy had the lowest corrosion rate. The corrosion resistance in HCl could be considerably improved by reducing the proportion of zinc in Sn–Zn alloys.

Nowadays, we can hardly imagine our life without the achievements of modern technology, such as refrigerators, televisions, computers, or smartphones. Producers are pushing consumers to buy newer, more modern appliances instead of repairing the original ones. However, all the devices represent a huge amount of waste. E-waste is one of the fastest growing types of waste, and only less than a half of it is recycled. Its disposal poses a great challenge for the population and constitutes a huge burden for the environment. In the research described in this article, we focused on individual techniques for metals recovery from e-waste. In the experimental part, we deal with the recycling of electronic waste by bioleaching, using microorganisms Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. Compared to conventional techniques, bioleaching is a more environmentally friendly and economical alternative of metals recovery from e-waste.

Microstructural characterization of ledeburitic tool steel Vanadis 6 after sub-zero treatment and tempering has been examined. The samples were heat treated using following schedules: heating to the austenitizing temperature (TA= 1050 °C) in a vacuum furnace, hold at the final temperature for 30 min. and nitrogen gas quenching (5 bar). The sub-zero treatments consisted of immediate (after quenching) immersion of the material into the liquid helium (-269 °C), hold at the soaking temperature and removal the samples to be heated to a room temperature. Double tempering has been performed at the temperatures from the range 170 – 530 °C, whereas each tempering cycle was realized with a hold of 2 h. Typical heat treated microstructure of ledeburitic steels consists, besides of the martensitic matrix with certain amount of retained austenite, of several types of carbides – eutectic, secondary and small globular carbides. In sub-zero treated steel the amount of retained austenite is significantly reduced. The population density of small globular carbides increase as a result of sub-zero treating. Tempering of the material resulted in decrease in population density of small globular carbides with increasing the tempering temperature. The hardness of sub-zero treated material is higher than that of conventionally quenched one. Also, this tendency is preserved when the steel is low-temperature tempered. On the other hand, the hardness of conventionally quenched steel becomes higher than that of SZT one when tempered at the temperature of secondary hardening.

The paper deals with the analysis of mechanical properties of welded joints made of AW 2099 aluminium-lithium alloy by electron beam welding. The thickness of the experimental material was 3±0.2 mm. PZ EZ 30 STU electron beam welding machine was used for production of welds. Maximum accelerating voltage used within this study was 55 kV. Metallographic analysis, hardness measurement test and static tensile were carried out. The structure of the weld joint of aluminium-lithium alloy was investigated. Produced welded joints were characterized by the presence of following zones: heat affected zone (HAZ), equiaxed non-dendritic zone (EQZ), columnar dendritic zone (CDZ) and equiaxed dendritic zone (EDZ). EQZ grains were formed due to heterogeneous nucleation on precipitates at the fusion boundary. EQZ is typical for joining of aluminium lithium alloys.

The aim of this research was to characterize soldering alloys of the type Sn–Sb–Ti and to study the ultrasonic soldering of SiC ceramics with a metal–ceramic composite of the type Cu–SiC. The Sn5Sb3Ti solder exerts a thermal transformation of a peritectic character with an approximate melting point of 234 °C and a narrow melting interval. The solder microstructure consists of a tin matrix, where the acicular constituents of the Ti6(Sb,Sn)5 phase and the sharp-edged constituents of the TiSbSn phase are precipitated. The tensile strength of the soldering alloy depends on the Ti content and reaches values from 34 to 51 MPa. The average strength of the solder increases with increasing Ti content. The bond with SiC ceramics is formed owing to the interaction of titanium, activated by ultrasound, with SiC ceramics, forming the (Ti,Si)6(Sb,Sn)5 reaction product. The bond with the metal–ceramic composite Cu–SiC is formed owing to the solubility of Cu in a tin solder forming two phases: the wettable η-Cu6Sn5 phase, formed in contact with the solder, and the non-wettable ε-Cu3Sn phase, formed in contact with the copper composite. The average shear strength of the combined joint of SiC/Cu–SiC fabricated using the Sn5Sb3Ti solder was 42.5 MPa. The Sn–Sb–Ti solder is a direct competitor of the S-Bond active solder. The production of solders is cheaper, and the presence of antimony increases their strength. In addition, the application temperature range is wider.

EN AW2099 aluminium lithium alloy, 2.0mm in thickness, was used as an experimental material. EN AW2099 belongs to the 3rd generation of aluminium lithium alloys. The third generation was developed to improve the disadvantages of the previous generation, such as anisotropy in mechanical properties, low fracture toughness, corrosion resistance and resistance to fatigue crack growth, as well. Aluminium magnesium 5087 filler wire with a diameter of 1.2mm was used for the welding. Crack free weld joints were produced after an optimization of welding parameters. The microstructure of weld metal and mechanical properties of weld joints were investigated. Equiaxed zone (EQZ) was observed at the fusion boundary. The character of grains changed in the direction towards the weld centre, from the columnar dendrite zone to equiaxed dendrite zone in the weld centre. The microstructure of the weld metal matrix consisted of -aluminium. Alloying elements enrichment was found at the inter-dendritic areas, namely copper and magnesium. The microhardness decrease in the weld metal due to a dissolution of strengthening precipitates was measured. The microhardness was slightly higher in comparison to a weld produced by a laser welding without a filler material. The tensile strength of the weld joint reached around 67% of the base material’s strength and the fracture occurred in the weld metal.

Purpose This study aims to solder AlN ceramics with a Cu substrate using an active type Sn-Ag-Ti solder. Soldering was performed with power ultrasound. The Sn3.5Ag2Ti alloy was first studied. Design/methodology/approach It was found to contain a Sn matrix, where both Ag phase – ɛ-Ag3Sn – and Ti phases ɛ-Ti6Sn5 and Ti2Sn3 – were identified. Ti contained in these phases is distributed to the interface with ceramic material. A reaction layer was thus formed. This layer varies in thickness from 0.5 to 3.5 µm and ensures the wettability of an active solder on the surfaces of ceramic materials. Findings X-ray diffraction analysis proved the presence of new NTi and AlTi2 phases on the fractured surface. Sn plays the main role in bond formation when soldering the Cu substrate with Sn-Ag-Ti solder. The Cu3Sn and Cu6Sn5 phases, which grow in direction from the phase interface to solder matrix, were found in all cases within the solder/Cu substrate interface. The combination of AlN ceramics/Cu joint maintained a shear strength of 29.5 MPa, whereas the Cu/Cu joint showed a somewhat higher shear strength of 39.5 MPa. Originality/value The present study was oriented towards soldering of AlN ceramics with a Cu substrate by the aid of ultrasound, and the fluxless soldering method was applied. Soldering alloy type Sn-Ag-Ti was analysed, and the interactions between the solder and ceramic and/or Cu substrate were studied. The shear strength of fabricated soldered joints was measured.

The aim of this research is to characterize the soldering alloy Zn6Al6Ag, and to study the ultrasonic soldering of an Al2O3/metal&ndash, ceramic composite (Al/Al2O3). Zn6Al6Ag solder presents a quasi-eutectic structure with a melting point around 425 &deg, C. The solder microstructure consists of a (Zn) + (Al) matrix, reinforced with a silver AgZn3 phase. A bond with the metal&ndash, ceramic composite was formed due to the dissolution of Al in the liquid Zn solder. The Al2O3 particles were put into motion, and a new composite was formed on the boundary. The Zn6Al6Ag solder also wetted the surface of the Al2O3 ceramic. A decisive effect on bond formation was caused by zinc and aluminum, whose oxides were combined with the oxides of ceramic material during in-air soldering. An adhesive bond was formed. The average joint shear strength of Al2O3/metal&ndash, ceramic composite (Al/Al2O3) was found to be 23 MPa.

The microstructure and tempering response of Cr-V ledeburitic steel Vanadis 6 subjected to sub-zero treatment at − 196 °C for 4 h have been examined with reference to the same steel after conventional heat treatment. The obtained experimental results infer that sub-zero treatment significantly reduces the retained austenite amount, makes an overall refinement of microstructure, and induces a significant increase in the number and population density of small globular carbides with a size 100-500 nm. At low tempering temperatures, the transient M3C-carbides precipitated, whereas their number was enhanced by sub-zero treatment. The presence of chromium-based M7C3 precipitates was evidenced after tempering at the temperature of normal secondary hardening; this phase was detected along with the M3C. Tempering above 470 °C converts almost all the retained austenite in conventionally quenched specimens while the transformation of retained austenite is rather accelerated in sub-zero treated material. As a result of tempering, a decrease in the population density of small globular carbides was recorded; however, the number of these particles retained much higher in sub-zero treated steel. Elevated hardness of sub-zero treated steel can be referred to more completed martensitic transformation and enhanced number of small globular carbides; this state is retained up to a tempering temperature of around 500 °C in certain extent. Correspondingly, lower as-tempered hardness of sub-zero treated steel tempered above 500 °C is referred to much lower contribution of the transformation of retained austenite, and to an expectedly lower amount of precipitated alloy carbides.

The microstructure and tempering response of ledeburitic steel Vanadis 6 subjected to sub-zero treatments at a boiling temperature of liquid nitrogen for 4 and 17 h have been examined with reference to conventional heat treatment. The obtained results infer that i) sub-zero treatment induces time-dependent reduction of retained austenite amount, ii) the steel contains considerably enhanced population density of small globular carbides after sub-zero treatments; the population density is directly proportioned to the duration of sub-zero treatment, iii) application of sub-zero treatment results in overall refinement of the microstructure, iv) decomposition of retained austenite is accelerated by sub-zero treatments, v) tempering treatment reduces the population density of small globular carbides, vi) sub-zero treatments modify the precipitation behaviour of carbides; the precipitation of transient M 3 C is accelerated within the low-temperature tempering range, but the precipitation of stable M 7 C 3 carbides is rather suppressed within the normal secondary hardening temperature range, viii) the application of sub-zero treatment leads to complete loss of secondary hardening peak, ix) the overall tempering response of the Vanadis 6 steel is a result of competition between the tempering of the martensite, decomposition of the retained austenite, variations in the small globular carbides count, and precipitation of carbides; higher hardness of sub-zero treated and low-temperature tempered steel can be attributed to lower retained austenite amount, and much higher number of small globular carbides while the loss of secondary hardening peak is explained by much lower contribution of secondary martensitic transformation, suppressed precipitation of special alloy carbides, and reduced number of small globular carbides.

Disk laser weld brazing of dissimilar metals was carried out. Aluminum alloy 5083 and commercially pure titanium Grade 2 with the thickness of 2.0 mm were used as experimental materials. Butt weld brazed joints were produced under different welding parameters. The 5087 aluminum alloy filler wire with a diameter of 1.2 mm was used for joining dissimilar metals. The elimination of weld metal cracking was attained by offsetting the laser beam. When the offset was 0 mm, the intermixing of both metals was too high, thus producing higher amount of intermetallic compounds (IMCs). Higher amount of IMCs resulted in poorer mechanical properties of produced joints. Grain refinement in the fusion zone occurred especially due to the high cooling rates during laser beam joining. Reactions at the interface varied in the dependence of its location. Continuous thin IMC layer was observed directly at the titanium–weld metal interface. Microhardness of an IMC island in the weld metal reached up to 452.2 HV0.1. The XRD analysis confirmed the presence of tetragonal Al3Ti intermetallic compound. The highest tensile strength was recorded in the case when the laser beam offset of 300 μm from the joint centerline toward aluminum alloy was utilized.

Microstructural and metallurgic analysis of historical steel knives can reveal the technology which was used for their manufacturing and the used heat treatment. The subjects of research were two knife blades found near Čierna Lehota and Cígeľ, Slovak Republic, located in central Europe. The microstructure of the samples was observed in order to explain the technology of heat treatment of the blades. To gain more complex information about properties of the structure the hardness tests and tests of phosphorus segregation were performed along with the chemical analysis by GDOES and EDX. Observation of the polished samples revealed non-metallic impurities and texture after hand forging of the material.

Samples made from Vanadis 6 PM ledeburitic tool steel were surface machined, ground and mirror polished. Prior the deposition, they were heat treated to a hardness of 60 HRC. Cr2N- and Cr2N/Ag-coatings were deposited by magnetron sputtering technique, using pure Cr and Ag targets, in a composite low pressure nitrogen/argon atmosphere and at a temperature of 500 °C. The contents of silver in Cr2N/Ag coatings were established 3, 7, 11 and 15 wt. %. Incorporation of silver in the Cr2N-matrix influence the growth rate, namely from the content of 11 wt. %. The nanohardness and Young´s modulus do not change until the content of 11 wt. % where slightly increased but further increasing of silver led to decreasing these values rapidly. The best adhesion was established for coatings with 3 and 7 wt. % of silver.

Cr 2 N-7Ag self-lubricating nanocomposite thin films were deposited on substrates made of Cr-V ledeburitic tool steel Vanadis 6 by reactive magnetron sputtering at a deposition temperature of 500 °C, using pure Cr and Ag targets, in a composite low pressure N 2 /Ar atmosphere. The films are composed of Cr 2 N-matrix and Ag grains. The films have an average thickness of 4.3 μm. They grew in a columnar manner, but, individual silver agglomerates were visible along the columnar crystals, also. The average size of silver agglomerates lies well below 50 nm. The nanohardness of the Cr 2 N-7Ag films was 16.17 ± 1.93 GPa, e.g. it was practically the same as for the pure Cr 2 N so for Cr 2 N-3Ag coatings analyzed recently. Also, the Young modulus was not negatively affected by elevated silver content. The coatings exhibited good adhesion on the substrate – the first critical loads, established by scratch-testing method, ranged between 31 and 37 N. Annealing of the films at temperatures below the deposition temperature induced only very limited silver redistribution throughout Cr 2 N-matrix. The film annealed at 500 °C manifested more remarkable Ag-redistribution, being represented by the decrease in population density of Ag-agglomerates on the surface and by the decrease in silver content towards to film/substrate interface. Obtained results infer that there is a good opportunity to design the Cr 2 N-Ag film for specific tribological applications, through proper choice of the deposition temperature.