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The comprehensive advantages of waste incineration power generation are evident, gradually replacing composting, landfill, and other treatment methods. However, the presence of chlorine, sulfur, heavy metals, and a variety of hazardous elements in the flue gas has led to severe corrosion of the heated surface tubes of the waste incineration boilers and an increase in the failure rate of the boilers, thus restricting the wider application of waste incineration power generation technology. In this study, (ZrYTaAlCr)O high-entropy ceramic materials were synthesized via the solid-phase reaction method and subjected to exposure in a standard corrosive mixture (SCM) simulating the molten salts environment of waste incineration boilers, consisting of NaCl (25 mol%), KCl (25 mol%), Na 2 SO 4 (25 mol%), and K 2 SO 4 (25 mol%). The corrosion behavior of (ZrYTaAlCr)O ceramics with different proportions was studied through visual detection, corrosion kinetics, XRD, and SEM/EDS analysis. The results show that (Zr 0.5 Y 0.125 Ta 0.125 Al 0.125 Cr 0.125)O forms a NaTaO 3 tantalate protective layer in the early stages of corrosion, with fewer types of corrosion products. Compared with other compositions, (Zr 0.5 Y 0.125 Ta 0.125 Al 0.125 Cr 0.125)O has good corrosion resistance and is suitable as a corrosion protection material for the heating surface tubes of waste incineration boilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon anodes, which exhibit high theoretical capacity and very low operating potential, are promising as anode candidates that can satisfy the conditions currently required for secondary batteries. However, the low conductivity of silicon and the alloying/dealloying phenomena that occur during charging and discharging cause sizeable volume expansion with side reactions; moreover, various electrochemical issues result in inferior cycling performance. Therefore, many strategies have been proposed to mitigate these problems, with the most commonly used method being the use of nanosized silicon. However, this approach leads to another electrochemical limitation—that is, an increase in side reactions due to the large surface area. These problems can effectively be resolved using coating strategies. Therefore, to address the issues faced by silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries, this review comprehensively discusses various coating materials and the related synthesis methods. In this review, the electrochemical properties of silicon-based anodes are outlined according to the application of various coating materials such as carbon, inorganic (including metal-, metal oxide-, and nitride-based) materials, and polymer. Additionally, double shells introduced using two materials for double coatings exhibit more complementary electrochemical properties than those of their single-layer counterparts. The strategy involving the application of a coating is expected to have a positive effect on the commercialization of silicon-based anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise pollution has been considered as a serious threat to the health of humans. The application of sound absorption materials is an effective noise reduction approach. Fibrous materials exhibit the unique micro-structures including small diameter, large specific surface area, and high porosity, which has been widely developed for sound absorption. Recently, rapid growth has been observed in the coating treatment of fibrous based materials and composites for acoustic applications, which can be attributed to the advantages of a facile production process, cost-effectiveness, and good sound absorption capability. This review aims to provide a brief overview on different coating layers of fibrous materials for improved sound absorption properties. The details of various factors affecting the acoustic behavior of coating materials are described. Among them, polymer coating is a widely used acoustic treatment method, adding particles and nanofiber materials to the polymer matrix, and carrying out structural design, which can further improve the sound absorption performance of textile materials. According to the different needs of the application field, different coating treatment methods have their own advantages. In summary, coating materials are promising to be used in buildings and interiors for efficient noise reduction and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon (Si) is recognized as a promising candidate for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its high theoretical specific capacity (~4200 mAh g−1), low working potential (<0.4 V vs. Li/Li+), and abundant reserves. However, several challenges, such as severe volumetric changes (>300%) during lithiation/delithiation, unstable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and inherently low electrical and ionic conductivity, impede its practical application. To mitigate these challenges, direct contact between the surface of the Si particle and the electrolyte must be prevented. In this review, we elucidated the surface coating strategies to enhance the electro–chemical performance of Si-based materials. We identified the impact of various coating methods and materials on the performance of Si electrodes. Furthermore, the integration of coating strategies with nanostructure design can effectively buffer Si electrode volume expansion and prevent direct contact with the electrolyte, thereby synergistically enhancing electrochemical performance. We highlight opportunities and perspectives for future research on Si-negative electrodes in LIBs, drawing on insights from previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coatings play a crucial role in the functionality of vacuum chambers in particle accelerators, serving a dual goal by efficiently facilitating pumping and mitigating electron cloud effects. However, their impact on the surface impedance of the chamber walls raises concerns, potentially affecting the machine performance and imposing limitations on achievable energies and currents. Therefore, an electromagnetic characterization is essential for a comprehensive study of accelerator structures, particularly in the context of the next-generation machines where the demand for extremely short particle bunches accentuates the importance of evaluating material responses in the very-high-frequency region. We present a technique for probing the sub-THz response of coating materials by measuring pulsed signals passing through a specifically designed waveguide, in which is placed a slab with the deposited material under test. The proposed methodology allows for a comprehensive exploration of the electromagnetic properties of the most used technical surfaces (substrate plus coatings) in accelerators under realistic conditions, providing valuable insights into their behavior in the sub-THz frequency range. The experimental data of three different Non-Evaporable Getter coating samples, prepared on a copper substrate at the CERN deposition facilities under different sputtering conditions, are discussed. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between coatings and accelerator structures, with the aim of optimizing performance and efficiency in the evolving landscape of particle acceleration technologies. The limitations and advantages of the technique are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate monitoring of steel plate coating thickness is crucial in construction quality control and durability assessments. To address this challenge, this study introduces a terahertz time-domain reflection spectroscopy based on a BP neural network model to achieve a quantitative visualization characterization of coating thickness. The BP neural network eliminates the inherent dependence of terahertz reflection spectroscopy on the refractive index value in thickness calculation. This trained BP neural network model effectively establishes a functional relationship between signal feature parameters and the corresponding thickness values. Additionally, the proposed model can innovatively measure different coating materials' refractive indexes, revealing the corresponding values for the black paint, white paint, epoxy resin, and rubber as 2.212, 1.967, 1.924, and 2.185, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate the trained BP neural network model possesses remarkable accuracy in predicting coating thickness within the scanning area, achieving a precision level exceeding 96%. This method enables the visualization of coating thickness and the extraction of thickness characterization values. Furthermore, using the thickness imaging results as a reference, the method can accurately identify the thickness abnormalities across the scanning area, locating the position and size of potential defects such as internal scratches and foreign object defects. This innovative approach offers a superior means of monitoring and assessing the thickness distribution quality of the steel plate coating layer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this review article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the latest research on microchannel heat sinks, with a particular focus on single-phase flow, flow boiling, and coating microchannels. The review aims to highlight the progress made in this field and identify the challenges that need to be addressed to promote the widespread adoption of microchannel heat sinks. The review article examines the research on microchannel heat sinks and analyzes the findings related to single-phase flow, flow boiling, and coating microchannels. The analysis of single-phase flow in microchannels covers the impact of various parameters, including channel size, fluid properties, and flow conditions, on the heat transfer rate. The analysis of flow boiling in microchannels includes the identification of the potential advantages and challenges associated with this technique, as well as the strategies developed to mitigate these issues. The analysis of coating microchannels examines the effects of surface coatings on flow behavior and heat transfer performance. The review finds that microchannel heat sinks have gained significant attention due to their potential for high heat transfer rates in a compact size. The analysis of single-phase flow reveals that the heat transfer rate is proportional to the channel diameter and inversely proportional to the fluid viscosity. Increasing the flow rate results in higher heat transfer rates and pressure drops. The analysis of flow boiling reveals that this technique can significantly increase the heat transfer rate compared to single-phase flow. However, it can also lead to flow instability, wall superheat, and premature drying. The review identifies strategies to mitigate these issues, including using different surface coatings, enhancing nucleation, and optimizing channel geometry. The analysis of coating microchannels shows that coatings can alter the surface energy, wettability, and roughness of the channel walls, affecting the flow behavior and heat transfer performance. Coatings made from materials such as metals, polymers, and self-assembled monolayers have been investigated, and their effects on the flow of boiling heat transfer have been analyzed. The review highlights the need for further research to address the challenges associated with microchannel heat sinks, including flow instability and premature drying. Additionally, the review suggests that there is a need for more comprehensive studies on the effects of different surface coatings on flow behavior and heat transfer performance. Future research can also explore the potential of other materials for coating microchannels and investigate new strategies to optimize channel geometry and enhance nucleation. The review article concludes that the progress made in understanding microchannel heat transfer is significant, but further research is necessary to realize the full potential of microchannel heat sinks.

This study is intended towards enhancing the working life of the spur gear and improving its performance using the surface coating process. Mild steel C45 has been chosen as the base material for spur gear, and various specimens were synthesized by coating the base material with Al2O3-40%TiO2, Cr3C2-20%NiCr, and WC-10%Co-4%Cr using detonation thermal spray method. XRD pattern confirms the materials phase, and SEM analysis reveals the surface's topography and compositions. EDS spectra show the presence of elements. The analysis of properties such as contact stress, bending stress, and total deformation has been carried out, and the specimens have also been studied based on their hardness, tensile, and wear tests. The theoretical stress values of the spur gear have been obtained using the Hertz equation on ANSYS 2021 R2 simulator which is also employed to carry out finite element analysis. Simulations were carried out on single-gear and meshed-gear configurations. The microstructure and mechanical properties of coated materials were compared with uncoated Mild Steel C45. The investigation shows that all the coated materials exhibited better hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance, and among these substrates coated with WC-Co-Cr possessed the highest abrasive resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose-based coatings have good coating-forming properties, and their applications have attracted much attention for tropical fruits. However, reviews of coating mechanical properties effects on the tropical fruit are limited. This article reviews cellulose-based coating materials, synthesis and functional properties of cellulose-based coatings, incorporation of active agents into coating material, and the effects of coatings on tropical fruit quality. The greater hydrophilicity of carboxymethyl cellulose is suitable for the coatings of tropical fruits. To properly preserve the quality of tropical fruits, it is crucial to choose coating materials according to their physical qualities. Coating characteristics and usefulness can be enhanced by minimizing the adverse effects of physical, chemical, and microbial factors when bioactive substances are included or encapsulated into the coating material. This review gives more understanding in selecting an appropriate coating for tropical fruits to retain their quality and prolong their shelf life without deep concern for food loss during distribution, storage, and at retailers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of pyrite poses a significant impediment to the comprehensive utilization of coal gangue, which is a prevalent solid waste in industrial production. However, the current efficacy of jig separation for pyrite in fine-grade coal gangue remains unsatisfactory. To investigate the influence of particle size distribution on the jig separation of pyrite in fine-grade coal gangue, the raw material was crushed to less than 2 mm using a jaw crusher and subsequently sieved to obtain its particle size distribution curve. Upon fitting the curve, it was observed that it tends towards the Rosin-Rammler (RRSB) and Fuller distributions. Leveraging these two-parameter distribution curves, adjustments were made to determine the mass within each particle size range before conducting thorough mixing followed by jig separation. The results indicate that for fine-grade gangue particles smaller than 2 mm, the RRSB distribution with a uniformity coefficient of n = 0.85 exhibits the most effective separation, although it is comparable to the separation achieved using the size distribution of raw ore. On the other hand, employing the Fuller distribution with modulus of distribution q = 1.5 yields superior separation performance. In comparison to the raw ore, the concentrate shows an increase in sulfur (S) and iron (Fe) content by factors of 3.4 and 2.4, respectively. Furthermore, compared to the RRSB distribution, there is an increase in S and Fe content by 1.91% and 2.30%, respectively; the contents of S and Fe in tailings is 0.71% and 2.72%, which can be directly used as raw materials for coating materials. Therefore, for fine-grade coal gangue particles, jigging under the Fuller distribution demonstrates better effectiveness than under the RRSB distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional food products offer excellent health benefits due to the presence of bioactive compounds, which provide physiological, in addition to nutritional, benefits. The food industry aims to produce palatable functional food products with long shelf life by artificially adding bioactive compounds. Incorporating bioactive compounds into food products in a way that maintains their intended characteristics and shelf life until consumption is a major challenge. Encapsulation is a revolutionary method to preserve bioactive molecules, which in turn improves the incorporation of added components into food products. In encapsulation, a shell (solid, liquid, or gas) is created around the core substance. By reducing the core substance's reactivity to its external environment (heat, moisture, air, and light), encapsulation can prevent bioactive compounds from deterioration. This article explains the use of encapsulated bioactive compounds in developing functional food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon anodes, which exhibit high theoretical capacity and very low operating potential, are promising as anode candidates that can satisfy the conditions currently required for secondary batteries. However, the low conductivity of silicon and the alloying/dealloying phenomena that occur during charging and discharging cause sizeable volume expansion with side reactions; moreover, various electrochemical issues result in inferior cycling performance. Therefore, many strategies have been proposed to mitigate these problems, with the most commonly used method being the use of nanosized silicon. However, this approach leads to another electrochemical limitation—that is, an increase in side reactions due to the large surface area. These problems can effectively be resolved using coating strategies. Therefore, to address the issues faced by silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries, this review comprehensively discusses various coating materials and the related synthesis methods. In this review, the electrochemical properties of silicon-based anodes are outlined according to the application of various coating materials such as carbon, inorganic (including metal-, metal oxide-, and nitride-based) materials, and polymer. Additionally, double shells introduced using two materials for double coatings exhibit more complementary electrochemical properties than those of their single-layer counterparts. The strategy involving the application of a coating is expected to have a positive effect on the commercialization of silicon-based anodes.

In the proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis cell, the gas diffusion layers play an important role in supporting the membrane components, supplying water for the reaction, removing gas bubbles from catalyst layers, and decreasing the electronic resistance. The anode at the PEM electrolysis cell works in an acidic, oxygen-rich, and high-potential environment. Therefore, a cell with excellent electrochemical performance requires a gas diffusion layer with a suitable structure and high corrosion resistance. This review categorizes the anodic titanium-based gas diffusion layers used in the PEM electrolysis cell, and briefly describes the way their structural characteristics affect the electrochemical performance of the cell. In addition, this review discusses how various coating materials improve the electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance of the gas diffusion layer and the performance of the oxygen evolution reaction in the cell. Finally, a perspective on future high-performance cells with low-cost gas diffusion layers is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of fertilizers coated with insoluble organic compounds is a promising approach for enhancing fertilizer efficiency and crop yield. Silk sericin (SS) is a protein with a high potential for the development of materials oriented toward fertilizer coating and soil amendment because of its biodegradability and the fact that it represents an important source of nitrogen for plants. Thus, this study proposes the design and evaluation of a novel SS-based multilayer coating for fertilizer granules. A pan-coating process was applied to form two distinct layers on the granules: an inner layer made of silk sericin/polyvinyl alcohol, SS/PVA (50/50 w/w), which has low solubility and porosity, and an outer hydrogel layer of SS/PVA with carboxymethyl cellulose CMC (SS/CMC/PVA 45/25/30 w/w/w). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed for the morphological characterization of the coated fertilizer (CF), examining both the cross-section and surface, while SEM with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) was used to analyze the chemical composition of the surface. The ability of the coating to reduce the nutrient-release rate was studied using water- and soil-release tests. Furthermore, its performance was evaluated in in vivo assays using jalapeño bell pepper (Capsicum annum) plants. The results revealed that the structure and composition of the multilayer coating significantly influenced its ability to delay nutrient release in both water and soil. Moreover, the inclusion of SS in the coating potentially contributed to the increased nitrogen content in the soil, thereby improving plant growth rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni60 alloy is one of the important brands of nickel-based self-fusing alloys. It is widely used in industries such as metallurgy, mining, and other fields for the repair and protection of fragile parts. However, there is little literature on the effect of C content on its properties. In this study, two Ni60 alloy coatings with different C contents prepared by flame spraying and remelting were investigated by means of XRD, SEM, EBSD, friction wear testing, thermodynamic calculation, etc. The results showed that the calculated freezing range (FR) of Ni60 decreased from 983-1165.90 °C to 980-1154.28 °C and the melting range (MR) of Ni60 decreased from 966.27-1089.28 °C to 958.91-1045.41 °C when the C content increased from 0.72 wt.% (S1) to 1.01 wt.% (S2). Besides, the Cr7C3 phase size of the Ni60 layer increased with the increase of C addition. The coating shrinks during the remelting and solidification process, and the inner pores do not have sufficient time to escape, caused by the decreased FR, leading to the generation of holes and the degradation of surface quality in S2. However, the hardness of the S2 was 66 HV higher than that of S1, and the wear resistance of the S2 coating was superior as well because of more precipitated carbides therein. This work would give a hint at balancing the processability and mechanical properties for the development of high-performance coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase equilibria in the Mn-Zn binary system were experimentally determined by chemical composition examination, crystal structure determination, and thermal analysis. Major changes were detected for the β, ε, and δ phases. The β-B2 single-phase region could not be confirmed in the studied system because a disordered body-centered cubic structure, which is identical to the δMn phase, was confirmed in a quenched sample from the previously proposed region of β phase. The ε phase has been controversial whether the phase is separated into ε, ε1, and ε2 phases or not. By studying a diffusion couple and several alloy compositions, it was established that the ε, ε1, and ε2 phases are not separate and comprise a single ε phase. Furthermore, the δ phase is not present in the Zn-rich region of the system because the corresponding invariant reactions were not detected via thermal analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phycoerythrin, a phycobiliprotein recognized for its brilliant crimson hue and essential role in light harvesting during photosynthesis, was extracted from the red alga Porphyridium purpureum. A final concentration of 0.3 mg mL−1, accompanied by an exceptional purity index of 6.05 was achieved. Then, its stability in response to pH fluctuations was evaluated, elucidating its robust resilience to varying pH conditions. To gauge its antioxidant prowess, two established techniques, the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, were employed, revealing both the inherent antioxidant capacity and a dose-dependent response. The obtained IC50 values were 22.61 mM for FRAP and 0.159 mg mL−1 for ABTS. After assessing its stability and antioxidant capacity, phycoerythrin encapsulated by an electrospray-assisted technique, employing diverse encapsulating materials. Impressively, each treatment surpassed an encapsulation efficiency threshold of 80%, opening promising avenues for controlled-release systems and targeted applications. The study culminated in an exploration of the protein's antiproliferative potential against colon cancer cells (CaCo2), both in its free and encapsulated states. At the highest tested concentration (0.3 mg mL−1) at 48 h, the non-encapsulated pigment exhibited a cellular viability of 41.0 ± 2.93%, whereas the encapsulated pigment reached a lower level of 27.27 ± 8.29%. These results show that encapsulation significantly enhances the in vitro anticancer activity of this pigment over time, underscoring its potential in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Nanoparticle-based composites have the potential to meet requirements for radiosensitization in both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The radiosensitizing properties of nanoparticles could be reliant on the nature of their coating layer. Any gains in reduced toxicity and aggregation or improved delivery to tumor cells for coated nanoparticles must be weighed against the loss of dose enhancement. The radiosensitization potential of coated NPs is confirmed by numerous studies but in most of them, the coating layer is mostly applied to reduce toxicity of the NPs and for stability and biocompatibility aims. While the direct effects of the coating layer in radiosensitization—were ignored and not considered. This review provides an overview of double-edged impact of nanoparticle coating on the radiosensitization potential of nanostructures and discusses the challenges in choosing appropriate coating material in the aim of achieving improved radioenhancement. Coating layer could affect the radiosensitization processes and thereby the biological outcomes of nanoparticle-based radiation therapy. The physicochemical properties of the coating layer can be altered by the type of the coating material and its thickness. Under low-energy photon irradiation, the coating layer could act as a shield for nanoparticles capable of absorb produced low-energy electrons which are important levers for local and nanoscopic dose enhancement. Also, it seems that the coating layer could mostly affect the chemical process of ROS production rather than the physicochemical process. Based on the reviewed literature, for the irradiated coated nanoparticles, the cell survival and viability of cancer cells are decreased more than normal cells. Also, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of cell proliferation, DNA damage, cell death and apoptosis were shown to be affected by coated metallic nanoparticles under irradiation.

Silicon (Si) is recognized as a promising candidate for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its high theoretical specific capacity (~4200 mAh g−1), low working potential (+), and abundant reserves. However, several challenges, such as severe volumetric changes (>300%) during lithiation/delithiation, unstable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and inherently low electrical and ionic conductivity, impede its practical application. To mitigate these challenges, direct contact between the surface of the Si particle and the electrolyte must be prevented. In this review, we elucidated the surface coating strategies to enhance the electro–chemical performance of Si-based materials. We identified the impact of various coating methods and materials on the performance of Si electrodes. Furthermore, the integration of coating strategies with nanostructure design can effectively buffer Si electrode volume expansion and prevent direct contact with the electrolyte, thereby synergistically enhancing electrochemical performance. We highlight opportunities and perspectives for future research on Si-negative electrodes in LIBs, drawing on insights from previous studies.

Accurate monitoring of steel plate coating thickness is crucial in construction quality control and durability assessments. To address this challenge, this study introduces a terahertz time-domain reflection spectroscopy based on a BP neural network model to achieve a quantitative visualization characterization of coating thickness. The BP neural network eliminates the inherent dependence of terahertz reflection spectroscopy on the refractive index value in thickness calculation. This trained BP neural network model effectively establishes a functional relationship between signal feature parameters and the corresponding thickness values. Additionally, the proposed model can innovatively measure different coating materials’ refractive indexes, revealing the corresponding values for the black paint, white paint, epoxy resin, and rubber as 2.212, 1.967, 1.924, and 2.185, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate the trained BP neural network model possesses remarkable accuracy in predicting coating thickness within the scanning area, achieving a precision level exceeding 96%. This method enables the visualization of coating thickness and the extraction of thickness characterization values. Furthermore, using the thickness imaging results as a reference, the method can accurately identify the thickness abnormalities across the scanning area, locating the position and size of potential defects such as internal scratches and foreign object defects. This innovative approach offers a superior means of monitoring and assessing the thickness distribution quality of the steel plate coating layer materials.

Coatings play a crucial role in the functionality of vacuum chambers in particle accelerators, serving a dual goal by efficiently facilitating pumping and mitigating electron cloud effects. However, their impact on the surface impedance of the chamber walls raises concerns, potentially affecting the machine performance and imposing limitations on achievable energies and currents. Therefore, an electromagnetic characterization is essential for a comprehensive study of accelerator structures, particularly in the context of the next-generation machines where the demand for extremely short particle bunches accentuates the importance of evaluating material responses in the very-high-frequency region. We present a technique for probing the sub-THz response of coating materials by measuring pulsed signals passing through a specifically designed waveguide, in which is placed a slab with the deposited material under test. The proposed methodology allows for a comprehensive exploration of the electromagnetic properties of the most used technical surfaces (substrate plus coatings) in accelerators under realistic conditions, providing valuable insights into their behavior in the sub-THz frequency range. The experimental data of three different Non-Evaporable Getter coating samples, prepared on a copper substrate at the CERN deposition facilities under different sputtering conditions, are discussed. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between coatings and accelerator structures, with the aim of optimizing performance and efficiency in the evolving landscape of particle acceleration technologies. The limitations and advantages of the technique are also reported.

Gradient MCrAlY coatings exhibited good oxidation resistance during cyclic oxidation at 1200 °C. The interdiffusion behavior between the coating and substrate at 1200 °C exhibited distinct differences compared to that below 1100℃. In this study, the interdiffusion behavior in the gradient MCrAlY/superalloy system was investigated at 1080 °C/1200 °C after cyclic oxidation. To exclude the effect of aluminization on diffusion behavior, interdiffusion behavior between MCrAlY coatings and nickel-based superalloys was also studied at 1080 °C/1200 °C under oxygen-free condition. Based on experiment and thermodynamic calculation, temperature-dependent interdiffusion relationships between Al and Cr were established. The results showed that the diffusion fluxes of Al and Cr were close at 1080 °C. The diffusion flux of Cr could exceed that of Al at 1200 °C, resulting in the formation of the Cr-rich γ phase. The secondary γ' phases precipitated during the cooling of Cr-rich γ phase from 1200 °C. Furthermore, the calculations indicated that increasing Cr in the substrate reduced the diffusion driving force of Al from coating to substrate. This study clarified the role of Cr in interdiffusion and proposed a strategy to reduce the precipitation of TCP phases in gradient MCrAlY/superalloy system at 1200 °C by designing a wide Cr-rich γ phase zone.

Nanoparticle-based composites have the potential to meet requirements for radiosensitization in both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The radiosensitizing properties of nanoparticles could be reliant on the nature of their coating layer. Any gains in reduced toxicity and aggregation or improved delivery to tumor cells for coated nanoparticles must be weighed against the loss of dose enhancement. The radiosensitization potential of coated NPs is confirmed by numerous studies but in most of them, the coating layer is mostly applied to reduce toxicity of the NPs and for stability and biocompatibility aims. While the direct effects of the coating layer in radiosensitization—were ignored and not considered. This review provides an overview of double-edged impact of nanoparticle coating on the radiosensitization potential of nanostructures and discusses the challenges in choosing appropriate coating material in the aim of achieving improved radioenhancement. Coating layer could affect the radiosensitization processes and thereby the biological outcomes of nanoparticle-based radiation therapy. The physicochemical properties of the coating layer can be altered by the type of the coating material and its thickness. Under low-energy photon irradiation, the coating layer could act as a shield for nanoparticles capable of absorb produced low-energy electrons which are important levers for local and nanoscopic dose enhancement. Also, it seems that the coating layer could mostly affect the chemical process of ROS production rather than the physicochemical process. Based on the reviewed literature, for the irradiated coated nanoparticles, the cell survival and viability of cancer cells are decreased more than normal cells. Also, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of cell proliferation, DNA damage, cell death and apoptosis were shown to be affected by coated metallic nanoparticles under irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the thermal barrier coating (TBC) performance of La2Zr2O7/ZrO (2-8 wt.%) Y2O3 coatings (LZ/YSZ TBCs) deposited using atmospheric plasma spray (APS) over high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) NiCoCrAlYTa coated on Inconel 625. On the outermost surface of the double-layered coating, a laser glazing method was used to treat the TBC systems. Specifically, a Nd:YAG pulsed laser was used to change the surface layer of plasma-sprayed La2Zr2O7 top coatings. The study found that the laser glazing treatment resulted in a higher number of temperature cycles needed to generate 5-20% spallation of the top surface of coatings, with 100 cycles compared to 30 cycles in the as-sprayed coatings. This improvement in performance was attributed to the dense surface of the laser-glazed LZ topcoat, which led to a lower thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer growth rate and improved TBC lifetime. Furthermore, the strain adaptation through segmented cracks that were created by laser glazing may have contributed to the enhanced TBC performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulation of bioactive compound has some encountered issues associated particularly to their mode of fabrication, design, and biodegradability. For these reasons, selecting appropriate coating materials like hydroxyl cellulose has several advantages such as modification of moisture, crystal growth, and viscosity. In addition, starches, maltodextrins, whey proteins, chitosan, zein/pectin, and alginates are considered an important coating materials used during microencapsulation processing steps. Thus, the variability in the hydrophilicity, lipophilicity and chargeability levels of those coating materials along with the encapsulation is considered among the molecular aspects in forming genius emulsion vesicles, microgels, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, or core shell nanoparticles. These encapsulation designs are capable in promoting variable physicochemical and therapeutic features such as intra-atomic dimensions, dispersed volumes, release kinetics, and stability levels. Under these desired structural and molecular parameters, in addition to proper optimization of processing conditions, perfect microcarriers and microcapsules could be achieved. Moreover, appropriate control of copolymerization and crystallization of the coating materials with some antagonistic pharmaceutical drugs needs special emphasize. In general, this manuscript reviews various important aspects of structured materials used along with their production and potential uses for enhancing targeted delivery and release of therapeutic foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To find a suitable medium for muscle satellite cells of Larimichthys crocea, herein, the effect of different basal media and coating materials on the proliferation of piscine satellite cells (PSCs) was explored. Firstly, two basal media, namely F10 and DMEM/F12, were selected as experimental materials, and high-sugar DMEM was the main basal culture medium used with fish muscle cells as a control. The results showed that the PSCs proliferated better in F10 than in DMEM/F12 or DMEM. Secondly, the effects of rat tail collagen, polylysine and matrix coatings, as compared with no coating, on the proliferation and later differentiation of PSCs were also investigated. Our results indicated that there was no significant difference between coating and no coating on the proliferation of PSCs in the F10-based medium. Meanwhile, it was found that the myotubes were washed out, and only those under matrix-coated conditions remained intact in the process of differentiation. The results also suggested that PSCs could still differentiate into myotubes without their stemness being affected after proliferation in the F10-based medium. Hence, this study identified an efficient proliferation medium based on F10 basal medium that could shorten the culture time and maintain the stemness of PSCs, thus providing a basis for large-scale cell expansion and cell-culture-based meat production in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For this experiment, nickel-boron and nickel-boron-nitrogen alloys are created using the electrochemical deposition method. Utilizing energy-dispersive X-ray methods, the nickel-boron and nickel-boron-nitrogen alloys are characterized. X-ray diffraction was used to examine the crystal structure of nickel-boron and nickel-boron-nitrogen alloys. An energy dispersed X-ray fluorescence spectrometer is used to gather X-ray photons from the present samples. The number of radiated X-ray photons from the present specimens is used to compute the Kβ/Kα intensity ratios. The theoretical Coulomb and Babushkin gauges are used to calculate the populations of the 3d and 4s4p electrons. The observed data imply that shielding effects from 4s3d orbitals, hybridization, changes in energy levels, and charge transfer mechanism may be the causes of the variance in 3d and 4s4p electron populations. In an effort to clarify the conclusions drawn as a result of all these computations, this study contrasts the results with those of pure nickel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematical modelling and software simulation nowadays are very effective tools for both understanding and predicting corrosion processes and the protection of metallic components. COMSOL Multiphysics 5.6 software provides validated mathematical models that can be used, for a given geometry, as a tool to predict and prevent corrosion of components. The corrosion of zinc-coated steel sheets has been studied in this work by comparing results of the simulations with laboratory tests carried out in a salt spray. Results of both the mathematical modelling and empirical tests give the possibility to estimate the stability of the protective zinc layer over time. The examination of the discrepancies between two analytical methods for the investigation of corrosion phenomena leads to possible modifications in the model in order to reach as much as possible coherence with experimental data. As a final result, a computational model of corrosion phenomena in an automotive component has been reached, allowing in the future to partially substitute laboratory tests, usually being highly time consuming and expensive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades, there has been an incredible awareness on natural plant fiber composites due to their biodegradability, low weight, non-corrosiveness, and recyclability. Many studies have been attempted to improve the performance of the natural plant fiber composite since it has many applications in the engineering sectors. But the adaptation of natural plant fiber composite has some drawbacks such as water absorption, non-linearity in fiber dimensions, low interfacial adhesion between fiber-matrix, and less uniform strength of the fiber. Several studies have attempted to enhance the natural plant fiber composite properties by various fibers, matrix, fiber orientation, fiber treatment, fiber loading, fiber length, fillers, and other reinforcements. However, fiber’s hydrophilic character is inevitable and influences the composite performance. To overcome the drawback, fiber coating is a felicitous technique. Few researchers have performed the fiber (Sisal, Jute, Flax, Ramie, Bamboo) coating to enhance the composite properties of tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, water resistance, viscoelastic behavior, and electrical conductivity. Considering the importance of fiber coating (Dip, Spray, Electroless), the present study summarizes the fiber coating types, coating materials, and their composite performance.

AZ91D, a die‐casted alloy, offers several benefits (better saltwater corrosion resistance, suitable castability, and good atmospheric stability) over other grades of magnesium alloy. However, it cannot overcome the challenging requirements of advanced applications in its current form. Extensive research in coating technologies is crucial in enhancing the performance of AZ91D alloy in highly corrosive environments (coastal and marine, industrial, farm, etc.). The high corrosion resistance of AZ91D for various applications is achievable through the deposition of different materials. Developments in coating materials and techniques, with their influence on the corrosion protection behavior of AZ91D alloy, over the last decade (2012–2022), are focused on in this study. It is observed that composite, biodegradable, and self‐healing coatings are gaining popularity. The transition in the coating technology, from conventional to self‐healing coating materials and from conventional to environment‐friendly coating techniques, is a vital part of this discussion. This review further explores how different additives, pre‐treatments, post‐treatments, and corrosion inhibitors affect the corrosion performance of coatings. This study helps select the optimum coating material for AZ91D magnesium alloy to fulfil a specific application requirement and guides toward technological developments in this segment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increases in food production to meet global food requirements lead to an increase in the demand for nitrogen (N) fertilizers, especially urea, for soil productivity, crop yield, and food security improvement. To achieve a high yield of food crops, the excessive use of urea has resulted in low urea-N use efficiency and environmental pollution. One promising alternative to increase urea-N use efficiency, improve soil N availability, and lessen the potential environmental effects of the excessive use of urea is to encapsulate urea granules with appropriate coating materials to synchronize the N release with crop assimilation. Chemical additives, such as sulfur-based coatings, mineral-based coatings, and several polymers with different action principles, have been explored and used for coating the urea granule. However, their high material cost, limited resources, and adverse effects on the soil ecosystem limit the widespread application of urea coated with these materials. This paper documents a review of issues related to the materials used for urea coating and the potential of natural polymers, such as rejected sago starch, as a coating material for urea encapsulation. The aim of the review is to unravel an understanding of the potential of rejected sago starch as a coating material for the slow release of N from urea. Rejected sago starch from sago flour processing is a natural polymer that could be used to coat urea because the starch enables a gradual, water-driven mechanism of N release from the urea–polymer interface to the polymer–soil interface. The advantages of rejected sago starch for urea encapsulation over other polymers are that rejected sago starch is one of the most abundant polysaccharide polymers, the cheapest biopolymer, and is fully biodegradable, renewable, and environmentally friendly. This review provides information on the potential of rejected sago starch as a coating material, the advantages of using rejected sago starch as coating material over other polymer materials, a simple coating method, and the mechanisms of N release from urea coated with rejected sago starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of fertilizers coated with insoluble organic compounds is a promising approach for enhancing fertilizer efficiency and crop yield. Silk sericin (SS) is a protein with a high potential for the development of materials oriented toward fertilizer coating and soil amendment because of its biodegradability and the fact that it represents an important source of nitrogen for plants. Thus, this study proposes the design and evaluation of a novel SS-based multilayer coating for fertilizer granules. A pan-coating process was applied to form two distinct layers on the granules: an inner layer made of silk sericin/polyvinyl alcohol, SS/PVA (50/50 w/w), which has low solubility and porosity, and an outer hydrogel layer of SS/PVA with carboxymethyl cellulose CMC (SS/CMC/PVA 45/25/30 w/w/w). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed for the morphological characterization of the coated fertilizer (CF), examining both the cross-section and surface, while SEM with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) was used to analyze the chemical composition of the surface. The ability of the coating to reduce the nutrient-release rate was studied using water- and soil-release tests. Furthermore, its performance was evaluated in in vivo assays using jalapeño bell pepper (Capsicum annum) plants. The results revealed that the structure and composition of the multilayer coating significantly influenced its ability to delay nutrient release in both water and soil. Moreover, the inclusion of SS in the coating potentially contributed to the increased nitrogen content in the soil, thereby improving plant growth rates.

Mg batteries utilizing a Mg metal anode with a high-voltage intercalation cathode define a potential pathway toward energy storage with high energy density. However, the making of Mg batteries is plagued by the instability of existing electrolytes against the Mg-metal anode and high-voltage cathode materials. One viable solution to this problem is the identification of protective coating materials that could effectively separate the distinct chemistries of the metal-anode and the cathode materials from the electrolyte. Using first-principles calculations we mapped the electrochemical stability windows for non-redox-active Mg binary and ternary compounds in order to identify potential coating materials for Mg batteries. Our results identify Mg-halides and Mg(BH4)2 as promising anode coating materials based on their significant reductive stability. On the cathode side, we single out MgF2, Mg(PO3)2, and MgP4O11 as effective passivating agents.

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using liquid exfoliation of expandable graphite into multilayer exfoliated graphene flakes (EGFs) to form a self-assembled thin film on an air–water interface. The film can coat the surface of additive manufactured (AM) steel substrates to enhance surface properties, specifically AM 316 stainless-steel (AM316), AM 8620 steel (AM8620), and samples of the same alloys made by conventional manufacturing (CM) processes. Liquid exfoliation offers a high yield route for an EGF coating that can cover up to 95% of the sample surface with a single application. The thin, flexible EGFs can coat a rough AM metal surface, while the highly intact crystal lattice protects covered areas against diffusing ions and prevents localized corrosion compared to similar coatings made with graphene oxide (GO) or reduced GO (rGO). The EGF coating exploits a unique self-assembly process without surfactants or stabilizers, wherein the hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of EGFs arrange the flakes, then van der Waals (vdW) forces bond them together and to the substrate for a coherent anti-corrosive coating. Electrochemical measurements indicate lower corrosion potential for coated samples, nanoindentation measurements show surface hardness protection against corrosive attack, and weight loss measurements demonstrate long-term protective capabilities. Density functional theory calculations, using the optB88-vdW exchange functional of the graphene and iron (111) interface demonstrated stronger binding and shorter interface distance compared to the well-studied graphene/nickel (111) interface. These calculations and experimental results can further elucidate the superior performance of EGF thin film coatings on high iron content steels, especially AM steels.

This paper aims to investigate the degradation of coating materials on concrete surfaces exposed to accelerated and natural ultraviolet (UV) rays under a chloride environment for two years. Two types of coating materials, epoxy (EP) and cementitious-based waterproof (CW) were studied. The surface of cement-only concrete was coated by the coating materials. The UV radiation sources for inducing degradation of the coating materials were natural sunlight and accelerated UV in the laboratory. The intensity of the accelerated UV was about 4–5 times higher than that of the sunlight. The wet/dry cycles (1 week per cycle with 3 days wet and 4 days dry) were applied to concrete specimens during the tests. The specimens were exposed to the chloride solution during the wetting period and UV radiation during the drying period. At the end of each specified cycle, visual inspection and measurement of chloride contents in the concrete specimens were conducted. From the experimental results, it was found that UV radiation significantly degraded the coating materials. The degradation of the surface coating materials depended on the intensity of the UV. The chloride penetration resistance of the coated concrete with EP was considerably higher than that coated with CW after 107 cycles of the wet-dry test (two years of exposure). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is expected to increase the demand for nitrogen fertilizers to improve crop yield and ensure food security. With existing challenges related to the low nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of conventional fertilizer and environmental concerns, controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) have become a promising approach to synchronising nutrient release according to the requirements of plants. CRFs provide a good tool to control the nutrient release into the soil and match plant demand. They are expected to provide high efficiency and reduce harm to the environment. This review also aims to provide a better overview of the different coating materials used in the synthesis of CRFs and the mechanisms involved in CRFs. In the subsequent sections, different raw materials utilized to form CRFs, focusing on inorganic and organic materials and synthetic and natural polymers are compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to fabricate new superhydrophobic nanocomposite coating materials to protect the inner surfaces of the petroleum pipelines from corrosion. The batch emulsification polymerization technique (BEM) was used as a facial eco-friendly technique to prepare three hydrophobic (styrene/vinyl acetate) copolymers. The sol–gel method was used to prepare SiO2 nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) with average size ranging from 90 to 101 nm. The functionalized SiO2-NPs were prepared using hexadecyl trimethoxy silane (HDTS) as a precursor to increasing the hydrophobicity character of the unfunctionalized SiO2-NPs. Three superhydrophobic [(styrene/vinyl acetate copolymer/functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles (SiO2NPs)] nanocomposites denoted as M1, M3, and M5 were fabricated by incorporating 1, 3, and 5 wt% of the functionalized-SiO2NPs into the styrene/vinyl acetate copolymer, respectively. The effectiveness of the fabricated nanocomposite coating materials was analyzed using contact angle measurement and transmission electron and atomic force microscopies. The results showed that the highest contact angle of 161.21o was obtained by M5-nanocomposite. The highest corrosion efficiency of 99.63% was obtained at 300 ppm concentration of M5-nanocomposite-coated solution, 298 K, and 24 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In marine environments, steel friction pairs undergo significant degradation due to the combined effects of wear and corrosion, known as tribocorrosion. This study investigates the tribocorrosion behavior and mechanisms under high loads of a High Entropy Alloy (HEA) FeCrNiCoAl coating applied by HVOF spraying, as well as cast ingot FeCrNiCoAl and 304SS samples, in artificial seawater. The investigations were conducted using electrochemical methods and in situ wear- electrochemical techniques. The tribocorrosion rate of the HVOF coating is approximately 1/5 that of the HEA cast ingot and 304SS samples. This is attributed to the coating's high hardness and the supporting and isolating effects of its oxide layers between splats. An intriguing finding is that the Open-Circuit Potential (OCP) trough value of the HVOF coating coincides with the peak Coefficient of Friction (COF) value during tribocorrosion in artificial seawater. This is due to the exposure of fresh surfaces following the local peeling off of flattened particles. Furthermore, the coating exhibits high re-passivation capabilities during wear because of high oxygen content in the coating. In comparison to corrosion, wear-induced material loss was identified as the primary contributor (≥ 99.8 %) to mass loss in both HEA cast ingot and coating samples. Optimizing the quantity and morphology of the HVOF coating has the potential to further enhance its tribocorrosion resistance. This study lays the foundation for developing advanced tribocorrosion-resistant coatings for use in seawater environments. [Display omitted] • Excellent tribocorrosion resistance of HVOF FeCrNiCoAl coating in sea water under high load. • OCP trough value of HVOF coating corresponds to its COF's peak value during tribocorrosion. • The oxide at the interface of splat in the HVOF coating reduces the tribocorrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne pathogens are typically associated with particles, and the transport behavior of these particles is largely driven by their size. To better understand airborne transmission of viral diseases and develop effective control measures, proper size characterization of virus-laden particles is essential. The Andersen cascade impactor (ACI) is an 8-stage air sampler that separates aerosol particles into 9 aerodynamic size fractions. During sampling with an ACI under certain conditions, particles may bounce upon impact with the collection plates of the ACI, leading to eventual deposition on a stage further downstream than their target stage. Coating collection plates with adhesive materials may help decrease particle bounce; however, it may also affect the viability of collected pathogens. In this study, we evaluated different materials for their ability to minimize particle bounce while conserving virus viability during the collection of viral aerosol particles with an ACI. We evaluated nine materials - Tween® 80, silicone oil, Span® 85, Brij® 35, glycerol, mineral oil, gelatin, bovine serum albumin, and virus growth media - on their effect to inactivate H1N1 influenza virus and bovine coronavirus, a surrogate of SARS-CoV-2. Plates coated with gelatin, silicone oil, and mineral oil resulted in the least reduction of viability for both viruses. These materials were then used to sample viral aerosol particles in a wind tunnel. Results of physical particle collection, viral load and viral viability from the various ACI stages revealed no significant differences in aerodynamic size distribution between coated and uncoated plates, and the size distribution was similar to that reported by an optical particle sizer. Overall, our results did not support the need to coat ACI collection plates when characterizing viral aerosol particles under the conditions of this study. However, we did identify potential coating materials which could conserve virus viability maximally, if particle bounce is of concern. • Particle bounce may not always be an issue when using impactors to sample viral aerosols. • Some coating materials caused toxicity to cell culture and affected virus viability. • Gelatin, silicone oil and mineral oil did not impact virus viability significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium alloys offer an alternative for applications in biodegradable implant devices within human body, eliminating the need for subsequent surgeries to remove metallic parts. Nevertheless, the uniform degradation rate of magnesium (Mg) alloys must be enhanced by applying surface coatings, preferably incorporating bactericidal and biocompatible agents, to improve the implant properties. In this study, magnesium alloys ZK60 (Mg, Zn, and Zr) and ZK60-Mm (Mg, Zn, and Zr with 1.5 % mass of rare-earth elements - mischmetal), both having a specific mass close to the bone, were investigated. The surfaces were coated with ZnO using physical vapor deposition (PVD) in the HiPIMS (High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering) mode. The corrosion resistance and degradation of the alloys were studied using electrochemical and immersion tests in simulated body fluid. Surface analysis and microstructures were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the ZnO coating favors osseointegration with hydroxyapatite formation after immersion in SBF. Moreover, electrochemical analysis indicates an enhancement in corrosion resistance. On average, the corrosion current density decreases by a factor of four for the ZK60 alloy and two for the ZK60-Mm alloy post-coating. The corrosion rate of ZnO-coated alloys is lower compared to that of uncoated alloys, showcasing the promising utility of this coating. [Display omitted] • Successful HiPIMS ZnO coating of ZK60 and ZK60 alloys with 1.5 % mischmetal. • Corrosion resistance of coatings makes them suitable for use as biomaterials. • Coatings show hydroxyapatite mineralization ability. • ZK60-ZnO coating shows superior corrosion resistance with low current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades, there has been an incredible awareness on natural plant fiber composites due to their biodegradability, low weight, noncorrosiveness, and recyclability. Many studies have been attempted to improve the performance of the natural plant fiber composite since it has many applications in the engineering sectors. But the adaptation of natural plant fiber composite has some drawbacks such as water absorption, nonlinearity in fiber dimensions, low interfacial adhesion between fiber-matrix, and less uniform strength of the fiber. Several studies have attempted to enhance the natural plant fiber composite properties by various fibers, matrix, fiber orientation, fiber treatment, fiber loading, fiber length, fillers, and other reinforcements. However, fiber's hydrophilic character is inevitable and influences the composite performance. To overcome the drawback, fiber coating is a felicitous technique. Few researchers have performed the fiber (Sisal, Jute, Flax, Ramie, Bamboo) coating to enhance the composite properties of tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, water resistance, viscoelastic behavior, and electrical conductivity. Considering the importance of fiber coating (Dip, Spray, Electroless), the present study summarizes the fiber coating types, coating materials, and their composite performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation with two sources of non-protein nitrogen at different feeding times on the performance, ingestive behavior, and rumen metabolism of growing Nellore bulls during the dry season. Exp. 1: One hundred and twenty Nellore bulls, weighing 206 ± 39 kg of initial body weight (BW) and 12 months of age, were divided into 20 paddocks, and they were used in randomized block design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate performance and ingestive behavior. Exp. 2: 12 rumen cannulated animals with 509 ± 59 BW, divided into 4 paddocks, were used in a triple Latin square 4 × 4 in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate metabolism. The factors were 2 non-protein nitrogen sources (urea or slow-release urea) and 2 feeding times (07:00 or 13:00 at 4 g/kg BW of supplement). There was no influence of non-protein sources, supplementation time, or their interaction on the grazing time or the trough time during daytime, nighttime, or total (P ≥ 0.16). There were no interactions or factor effects on ADG (P ≥ 0.45) or final body weight (P ≥ 0.39). There was an interaction between supplementation time and collection time (P < 0.01) on ruminal pH. Animals supplemented in the morning had greater total SCFA at 18 h after supplementation (P = 0.03). The supplementation time and the non-protein nitrogen sources did not alter the ingestive behavior or animal performance of young Nellore cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The A356 aluminum alloy is a very commonly used alloy in the automotive industry, for parts such as pistons, cylinder heads, and connecting rods, for which the mechanical properties can be effectively increased by anodizing. In this work, oxide layers were formed in oxalic acid solution with defined parameters on A356 aluminum alloy and then studied by using a novel combination of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and in-situ nanoindentation. The purpose of this research is to understand the relationship between the substrate and the oxide layer by examining its microstructure and nanohardness. Based on the experimental results showing special composite microstructure and corresponding high hardness, this alloy seems to be a good alternative for replacing steel brake disks in an environmentally conscious manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser cladding (LC) is a laser-based surface modification technique widely adopted to develop a thin coating or remanufacture worn-out mechanical components that work in extreme conditions. LC helps to generate superior surface properties and surface integrity on the substrate surface, improving the service life. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the LC process, different powder feeding methods, and the uniqueness of LC over other coating techniques. More specifically, the current state-of-the-art of the LC process on carbon steel and high-alloy steel-based mechanical components operating in diverse industries was elucidated. Furthermore, the effect of LC processes on mechanical properties such as wear, corrosion and fatigue properties are discussed. In addition, the LC process's influence on microstructural features and microstructural modifications is explained. Finally, this study explores some potential applications of the LC process in diverse industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]