Materials

10 pages, 3094 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dealloying-Derived Nanoporous Cu₆Sn₅ Alloy as Stable Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

by Chi Zhang, Zheng Wang, Yu Cui, Xuyao Niu, Mei Chen, Ping Liang, Junhao Liu, Runjun Liu, Jingcong Li and Xin He

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154348 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2916

Abstract

The volume expansion during Li ion insertion/extraction remains an obstacle for the application of Sn-based anode in lithium ion-batteries. Herein, the nanoporous (np) Cu₆Sn₅ alloy and Cu₆Sn₅/Sn composite were applied as a lithium-ion battery anode. The [...] Read more.

The volume expansion during Li ion insertion/extraction remains an obstacle for the application of Sn-based anode in lithium ion-batteries. Herein, the nanoporous (np) Cu₆Sn₅ alloy and Cu₆Sn₅/Sn composite were applied as a lithium-ion battery anode. The as-dealloyed np-Cu₆Sn₅ has an ultrafine ligament size of 40 nm and a high BET-specific area of 15.9 m² g⁻¹. The anode shows an initial discharge capacity as high as 1200 mA h g⁻¹, and it remains a capacity of higher than 600 mA h g⁻¹ for the initial five cycles at 0.1 A g⁻¹. After 100 cycles, the anode maintains a stable capacity higher than 200 mA h g⁻¹ for at least 350 cycles, with outstanding Coulombic efficiency. The ex situ XRD patterns reveal the reverse phase transformation between Cu₆Sn₅ and Li₂CuSn. The Cu₆Sn₅/Sn composite presents a similar cycling performance with a slightly inferior rate performance compared to np-Cu₆Sn₅. The study demonstrates that dealloyed nanoporous Cu₆Sn₅ alloy could be a promising candidate for lithium-ion batteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Battery Materials-2021)

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17 pages, 7256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bainitic Ferrite Plate Thickness Evolution in Two Nanostructured Steels

by Victor Ruiz-Jimenez, Jose A. Jimenez, Francisca G. Caballero and Carlos Garcia-Mateo

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4347; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154347 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2261

Abstract

Bainitic ferrite plate thickness evolution during isothermal transformation was followed at the same holding temperatures in two nanostructured steels containing (in wt.%) 1C-2Si and 0.4C-3Si. A dynamic picture of how the bainitic transformation evolves was obtained from the characterization of the microstructure present [...] Read more.

Bainitic ferrite plate thickness evolution during isothermal transformation was followed at the same holding temperatures in two nanostructured steels containing (in wt.%) 1C-2Si and 0.4C-3Si. A dynamic picture of how the bainitic transformation evolves was obtained from the characterization of the microstructure present at room temperature after full and partial transformation at 300 and 350 °C. The continuous change during transformation of relevant parameters influencing the final scale of the microstructure, YS of austenite, driving force of the transformation and evolution of the transformation rate has been tracked, and these variations have been correlated to the evolution of the bainitic ferrite plate. Instead of the expected refinement of the plate predicted by existing theory and models, this study revealed a thickening of the bainitic ferrite plate thickness as the transformation progresses, which is partially explained by changes in the transformation rate through the whole decomposition of austenite into bainitic ferrite. Full article

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25 pages, 41259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of Compressive Strength of Self-Compacting Rubberized Concrete Using Machine Learning

by Miljan Kovačević, Silva Lozančić, Emmanuel Karlo Nyarko and Marijana Hadzima-Nyarko

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154346 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 3595

Abstract

This paper gives a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art machine learning methods that can be used for estimating self-compacting rubberized concrete (SCRC) compressive strength, including multilayered perceptron artificial neural network (MLP-ANN), ensembles of MLP-ANNs, regression tree ensembles (random forests, boosted and bagged regression [...] Read more.

This paper gives a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art machine learning methods that can be used for estimating self-compacting rubberized concrete (SCRC) compressive strength, including multilayered perceptron artificial neural network (MLP-ANN), ensembles of MLP-ANNs, regression tree ensembles (random forests, boosted and bagged regression trees), support vector regression (SVR) and Gaussian process regression (GPR). As a basis for the development of the forecast model, a database was obtained from an experimental study containing a total of 166 samples of SCRC. Ensembles of MLP-ANNs showed the best performance in forecasting with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.81 MPa and Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient (R) of 0.96. The significantly simpler GPR model had almost the same accuracy criterion values as the most accurate model; furthermore, feature reduction is easy to combine with GPR using automatic relevance determination (ARD), leading to models with better performance and lower complexity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence for Cementitious Materials)

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17 pages, 3595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Hydrothermal Treatment and Doping on the Microstructural Features of Sol-Gel Derived BaTiO₃ Nanoparticles

by Nico Zamperlin, Riccardo Ceccato, Marco Fontana, Alessandro Pegoretti, Andrea Chiappini and Sandra Dirè

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4345; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154345 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3645

Abstract

Barium Titanate (BaTiO₃) is one of the most promising lead-free ferroelectric materials for the development of piezoelectric nanocomposites for nanogenerators and sensors. The miniaturization of electronic devices is pushing researchers to produce nanometric-sized particles to be embedded into flexible polymeric matrices. [...] Read more.

Barium Titanate (BaTiO₃) is one of the most promising lead-free ferroelectric materials for the development of piezoelectric nanocomposites for nanogenerators and sensors. The miniaturization of electronic devices is pushing researchers to produce nanometric-sized particles to be embedded into flexible polymeric matrices. Here, we present the sol-gel preparation of crystalline BaTiO₃ nanoparticles (NPs) obtained by reacting barium acetate (Ba(CH₃COO)₂) and titanium (IV) isopropoxide (Ti(OⁱPr)₄). The reaction was performed both at ambient conditions and by a hydrothermal process carried on at 200 °C for times ranging from 2 to 8 h. Doped BaTiO₃ nanoparticles were also produced by addition of Na, Ca, and Bi cations. The powders were annealed at 900 °C in order to improve NPs crystallinity and promote the cubic-to-tetragonal (c⟶t) phase transformation. The microstructural features of nanoparticles were investigated in dependence of both the hydrothermal reaction time and the presence of dopants. It is found that short hydrothermal treatment (2 h) can produce BaTiO₃ spherical and more homogeneous nanoparticles with respect to longer hydrothermal treatments (4 h, 6 h, 8 h). These particles (2 h) are characterized by decreased dimension (approx. 120 nm), narrower size distribution and higher tetragonality (1.007) in comparison with particles prepared at ambient pressure (1.003). In addition, the short hydrothermal treatment (2 h) produces particles with tetragonality comparable to the one obtained after the longest process (8 h). Finally, dopants were found to affect to different extents both the c⟶t phase transformation and the crystallite sizes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Composites)

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15 pages, 2676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochemical Investigation of Curcumin–DNA Interaction by Using Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles–Ionic Liquids Based Composite Electrodes

by Merve Uca, Ece Eksin, Yasemin Erac and Arzum Erdem

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4344; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154344 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2630

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HaP) and ionic liquid (IL) modified pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) are newly developed in this assay. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were applied to examine the microscopic and electrochemical characterization [...] Read more.

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HaP) and ionic liquid (IL) modified pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) are newly developed in this assay. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were applied to examine the microscopic and electrochemical characterization of HaP and IL-modified biosensors. The interaction of curcumin with nucleic acids and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) samples was investigated by measuring the changes at the oxidation signals of both curcumin and guanine by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. The optimization of curcumin concentration, DNA concentration, and the interaction time was performed. The interaction of curcumin with PCR samples was also investigated by gel electrophoresis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrode Materials: Fabrication, Properties, and Applications)

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12 pages, 4660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Correlation Analysis of Microstructure and Tribological Characteristics of In Situ VCp Reinforced Iron-Based Composite

by Yun Zhang, Richen Lai, Qiang Chen, Zhen Liu, Ruiqing Li, Jufei Chen and Pinghu Chen

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154343 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2395

Abstract

In this study, four kinds of heat treatments were performed to obtain a certain amount of retained austenite, which can result in good toughness and low brittleness accompanied with wear resistance of an in situ VC particle reinforced iron-based composite (VCFC). Microstructure, mechanical [...] Read more.

In this study, four kinds of heat treatments were performed to obtain a certain amount of retained austenite, which can result in good toughness and low brittleness accompanied with wear resistance of an in situ VC particle reinforced iron-based composite (VCFC). Microstructure, mechanical properties and wear resistance of the samples under heat treatment of QP, QPT, MQP and MQPT were compared. The experimental results indicated that there is a huge difference in microstructure between MQPT and the other heat treatments. High-proportion retained austenite and white net-like precipitates of M₇C₃ carbide existed in the MQPT-treated sample, but thick M₇C₃ carbide with brittleness was discovered in the other sample. Thereby, high-proportion retained austenite contributed to its low hardness of 634 HV and high tensile strength of 267 MPa, while a maximum hardness of 705.5 HV and a minimum tensile strength of 205 MPa were exhibited in the QPT-treated sample with a V-rich carbide of high hardness, a Cr-rich carbide of brittleness and a high-proportion martensite. Meanwhile, a phase transformation from retained austenite to martensite could increase the hardness and enhance wear resistance based on the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect; its wear rate was only 1.83 × 10⁻⁶ mm⁻³/(N·m). However, the wear rates of the samples under QP, QPT and MQP heat treatments increased by 16.4%, 44.3% and 41.0%, respectively. The wear mechanism was a synergistic effect of the adhesive wear mechanism and the abrasive wear mechanism. The adhesive wear mechanism was mainly considered in the MQPT-treated sample to reduce the wear rate attributed to high-proportion retained austenite and the existence of wear debris with a W element on the surface of the wear track. However, the abrasive wear mechanism could exist in the other samples because of a lot of thick, brittle M₇C₃, thereby resulting in a higher wear rate due to immediate contact between the designed material and the counterpart. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Non-ferrous Materials)

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17 pages, 15291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Production of a New FeCoNiCrAlCu High-Entropy Alloy: Influence of Powder Production Method on Sintering

by Eduardo Reverte, Monique Calvo-Dahlborg, Ulf Dahlborg, Monica Campos, Paula Alvaredo, Pablo Martin-Rodriguez, Elena Gordo and Juan Cornide

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154342 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2713

Abstract

The structure of FeCoNiCrAl1.8Cu0.5 high-entropy alloys (HEA) obtained by two different routes has been studied. The selection of the composition has followed the Hume–Rothery approach in terms of number of itinerant electrons (e/a) and average atomic radius to control the formation of specific [...] Read more.

The structure of FeCoNiCrAl1.8Cu0.5 high-entropy alloys (HEA) obtained by two different routes has been studied. The selection of the composition has followed the Hume–Rothery approach in terms of number of itinerant electrons (e/a) and average atomic radius to control the formation of specific phases. The alloys were obtained either from a mixture of elemental powders or from gas-atomised powders, being consolidated in both cases by uniaxial pressing and vacuum sintering at temperatures of 1200 °C and 1300 °C. The characterization performed in the sintered samples from both types of powder includes scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and density measurements. It was found that the powder production techniques give similar phases content. However, the sintering at 1300 °C destroys the achieved phase stability of the samples. The phases identified by all techniques and confirmed by Thermo-Calc calculations are the following: a major Co-Ni-Al-rich (P1) BCC phase, which stays stable after 1300 °C sintering and homogenising TT treatments; a complex Cr-Fe-rich (P2) B2 type phase, which transforms into a sigma phase after the 1300 °C sintering and homogenising TT treatments; and a very minor Al-Cu-rich (P3) FCC phase, which also transforms into Domain II and Domain III phases during the heating at 1300 °C and homogenising TT treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials Sintering)

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16 pages, 7723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Equilibrium Crystallization of Monotectic Zn-25%Bi Alloy under 600 g

by Grzegorz Boczkal, Pawel Palka, Piotr Kokosz, Sonia Boczkal and Grazyna Mrowka-Nowotnik

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4341; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154341 - 3 Aug 2021

Viewed by 2384

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of supergravity on the segregation of components in the Zn–Bi monotectic system and consequently, the creation of an interface of the separation zone of both phases. The observation showed that near the separation boundary, in a very narrow [...] Read more.

This study investigated the influence of supergravity on the segregation of components in the Zn–Bi monotectic system and consequently, the creation of an interface of the separation zone of both phases. The observation showed that near the separation boundary, in a very narrow area of the order of several hundred microns, all types of structures characteristic for the concentration range from 0 to 100% bismuth occurred. An additional effect of crystallization in high gravity is a high degree of structural order and an almost perfectly flat separation boundary. This is the case for both the zinc-rich zone and the bismuth-rich zone. Texture analysis revealed the existence of two privileged orientations in the zinc zone. Gravitational segregation also resulted in a strong rearrangement of the heavier bismuth to the outer end of the sample, leaving only very fine precipitates in the zinc region. For comparison, the results obtained for the crystallization under normal gravity are given. The effect of high orderliness of the structure was then absent. Despite segregation, a significant part of bismuth remained in the form of precipitates in the zinc matrix, and the separation border was shaped like a lens. The described method can be used for the production of massive bimaterials with a directed orientation of both components and a flat interface between them, such as thermo-generator elements or bimetallic electric cell parts, where the parameters (thickness) of the junction can be precisely defined at the manufacturing stage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Material and Technological Solutions in Foundry Engineering)

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11 pages, 4941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nickel Wick by Continuous Freeze-Casting: Influences of the Particle Size on the Capillarity and Mechanical Properties

by Pedro Javier Lloreda-Jurado, Laura Chicote, Ernesto Chicardi and Ranier Sepúlveda

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4340; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154340 - 3 Aug 2021

Viewed by 2033

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the particle size range, the freeze casting temperature and sintering temperature on the capillarity performance and mechanical properties of Ni wicks manufactured by freeze-casting. The use of Ni/camphene-polystyrene suspensions creates wicks with [...] Read more.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the particle size range, the freeze casting temperature and sintering temperature on the capillarity performance and mechanical properties of Ni wicks manufactured by freeze-casting. The use of Ni/camphene-polystyrene suspensions creates wicks with an open porosity above 80% and average pore sizes of 38 μm to 17 μm by tailoring the particle size ranges and freezing temperatures employed. The incorporation of PS and the use of a continuous freeze-casting process reduces the particle sedimentation and generates a highly interconnected pore structure with regular pore sizes across the sample. The capillarity performances exhibit a fast and complete water adsorption, especially in Ni wicks freeze-casted at 10 °C and sintered at 800 °C, but only when the smaller particle size range is used do Ni wicks achieve sufficient mechanical strength. Full article

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14 pages, 12296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Double-Stage Annealing Parameters on Tensile Mechanical Properties of Initial Aging Deformed GH4169 Superalloy

by Guanqiang Wang, Mingsong Chen, Yongcheng Lin, Yumin Lou, Hongbin Li, Yanyong Ma, Zonghuai Zou, Quan Chen and Yuchi Xia

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4339; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154339 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2807

Abstract

This study takes large size samples after hot-upsetting as research objects and aims to investigate the optimization double-stage annealing parameters for improving the mechanical properties of hot-upsetting samples. The double-stage annealing treatments and uniaxial tensile tests for hot-upsetting GH4169 superalloy were finished firstly. [...] Read more.

This study takes large size samples after hot-upsetting as research objects and aims to investigate the optimization double-stage annealing parameters for improving the mechanical properties of hot-upsetting samples. The double-stage annealing treatments and uniaxial tensile tests for hot-upsetting GH4169 superalloy were finished firstly. Then, the fracture mode was also studied. The results show that the strength of hot-upsetting GH4169 superalloy can be improved by the double-stage annealing treatment, but the effect of annealing parameters on the elongation of GH4169 alloy at high temperature and room temperature is not significant. The fracture mode of annealed samples at high-temperature and room-temperature tensile tests is a mixture of shear fracture and quasi-cleavage fracture while that of hot-upsetting sample is a shear fracture. The macroscopic expressions for the two fracture modes belong to ductile fracture. Moreover, it is also found that the improvement of strength by the double-stage annealing treatment is greater than the single-stage annealing treatment. This is because the homogeneity of grains plays an important role in the improvement of strength for GH4169 superalloy when the average grain size is similar. Based on a comprehensive consideration, the optimal annealing route is determined as 900 °C × 9–12 h(water cooling) + 980 °C × 60 min(water cooling). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Commemorating the Launch of the Section 'Metals and Alloys')

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11 pages, 805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Proteomic Analysis of Discolored Tooth Surfaces after the Use of 0.12% Chlorhexidine (CHX) Mouthwash and CHX Provided with an Anti-Discoloration System (ADS)

by Stefania Bergamini, Elisa Bellei, Luigi Generali, Aldo Tomasi and Carlo Bertoldi

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4338; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154338 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2548

Abstract

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is considered the gold standard for the chemical control of bacterial plaque and is often used after surgical treatment. However, CHX employment over an extended time is responsible for side effects such as the appearance of pigmentations on the teeth and [...] Read more.

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is considered the gold standard for the chemical control of bacterial plaque and is often used after surgical treatment. However, CHX employment over an extended time is responsible for side effects such as the appearance of pigmentations on the teeth and tongue; the discoloration effects are less pronounced when using a CHX-based mouthwash with added an anti-discoloration system (ADS). The aim of this study was to evaluate, using one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry, the possible proteomic changes induced by CHX and CHX+ADS in the supragingival dental sites susceptible to a discoloration effect. The tooth surface collected material (TSCM) was obtained by curettage after resective bone surgery from three groups of patients following a supportive therapy protocol in which a mechanical control was combined with placebo rinses or CHX or a CHX+ADS mouthwash. The proteomic analysis was performed before surgery (basal conditions) and four weeks after surgery when CHX was used (or not) as chemical plaque control. Changes in the TSCM proteome were only revealed following CHX treatment: glycolytic enzymes, molecular chaperones and elongation factors were identified as more expressed. These changes were not detected after CHX+ADS treatment. An ADS could directly limit TSCM forming and also the CHX antiseptic effect reduces its ability to alter bacterial cell permeability. However, Maillard’s reaction produces high molecular weight molecules that change the surface properties and could facilitate bacterial adhesion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Periodontics and Restorative Dental Materials)

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13 pages, 3809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Processing Optimization and Toxicological Evaluation of “Lead-Free” Piezoceramics: A KNN-Based Case Study

by Antonio Iacomini, Juan Antonio Tamayo-Ramos, Carlos Rumbo, Irem Urgen, Marzia Mureddu, Gabriele Mulas, Stefano Enzo and Sebastiano Garroni

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4337; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154337 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2650

Abstract

Due to the ever-increasing limitations of the use of lead-based materials, the manufacturing of lead-free piezoceramics with competitive piezoelectric properties and established nontoxicity is considered a priority for the scientific and industrial community. In this work, a lead-free system based on sodium potassium [...] Read more.

Due to the ever-increasing limitations of the use of lead-based materials, the manufacturing of lead-free piezoceramics with competitive piezoelectric properties and established nontoxicity is considered a priority for the scientific and industrial community. In this work, a lead-free system based on sodium potassium niobate (KNN), opportunely modified with MgNb₂O₆ (MN), was prepared through a combination of a mechanochemical activation method and air sintering, and its toxicity was evaluated. The effect of the mechanical processing on the microstructure refinement of the processed powders was established by X-ray diffraction and the average crystallite size content of the Nb₂O₅ species was evaluated. The experimental evidence was rationalized using a phenomenological model which permitted us to obtain the amount of powder processed at each collision and to optimize the activation step of the pre-calcined reagents. This influenced the final density and piezoresponse of the as-sintered pellets, which showed optimal properties compared with other KNN systems. Their toxicological potential was evaluated through exposure experiments to the pulverized KNN-based pellets, employing two widely used human and environmental cellular models. The in vitro assays proved, under the selected conditions, the absence of cytotoxicity of KNN-bases systems here studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Piezoelectric Ceramics: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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12 pages, 8551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Fire Properties of Blown Insulation from Crushed Straw in the Buildings

by Jiří Teslík

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4336; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154336 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2957

Abstract

Sustainable development in civil engineering is the clear and necessary goal of the current generation. There are many possibilities for reducing the use of depletable resources. One of them is to use renewable and recyclable materials on a larger scale in the construction [...] Read more.

Sustainable development in civil engineering is the clear and necessary goal of the current generation. There are many possibilities for reducing the use of depletable resources. One of them is to use renewable and recyclable materials on a larger scale in the construction industry. One possibility is the application of natural thermal insulators. A typical example is a crushed straw, which is generated as agricultural waste in the Czech Republic. Due to its small dimensions and good thermal insulation parameters, this material can also be used as blown thermal insulation. The research aims to examine the fire resistance of crushed straw as blown insulation. The single-flame source fire test results, thermal attack by a single burning item (SBI) test and large-scale test of a perimeter wall segment are shown. The results show that blown insulation made of crushed straw meets the requirements of fire protection. In addition, crushed straw can be also used to protect load-bearing structures due to its behaviour. This article also shows the production process of crushed straw used as blown insulation in brief. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmentally Friendly Materials in Construction)

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16 pages, 26277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modification and Properties of Cellulose Nonwoven Fabric—Multifunctional Mulching Material for Agricultural Applications

by Tobiasz Gabryś, Beata Fryczkowska, Joanna Grzybowska-Pietras and Dorota Biniaś

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4335; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154335 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3305

Abstract

The paper describes a method of modifying a commercial viscose nonwoven fabric and its use as a modern mulching material in agriculture. The conducted research confirmed that the proposed modification of the viscose nonwoven fabric could be successfully used as a multipurpose and, [...] Read more.

The paper describes a method of modifying a commercial viscose nonwoven fabric and its use as a modern mulching material in agriculture. The conducted research confirmed that the proposed modification of the viscose nonwoven fabric could be successfully used as a multipurpose and, above all, completely biodegradable nonwoven crop cover, which will eliminate the problem of disposal after the harvest period. Modified cellulose nonwoven fabric was obtained by staining with NB—BT helion brown, then padding with potassium nitrate (KNO₃) solution (used as a fertilizer) and finally coating with polylactide (PLA) solution. The characterisation of the nonwoven fabric included structural analysis, physicochemical properties and mechanical tests. The modified cellulose nonwovens were used in the tunnel cultivation of tomatoes as a heat-retardant, water-absorbing, antiweed mulching material that prevents soil infestation and slowly releases fertilizers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process, Structure and Mechanical Behavior of Polymer and Composite Materials)

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14 pages, 5746 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Silicate Mineral Eutectics with Special Reference to Lithium

by Agata Stempkowska

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4334; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154334 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2549

Abstract

In this paper, the system of natural mineral alkali fluxes used in typical mineral industry technologies was analyzed. The main objective was to reduce the melting temperature of the flux systems. Particular attention was paid to the properties of lithium aluminium silicates in [...] Read more.

In this paper, the system of natural mineral alkali fluxes used in typical mineral industry technologies was analyzed. The main objective was to reduce the melting temperature of the flux systems. Particular attention was paid to the properties of lithium aluminium silicates in terms of simplifying and accelerating the heat treatment process. In this area, an alkaline flux system involving lithium was analyzed. A basic flux system based on sodium potassium lithium aluminosilicates was analyzed; using naturally occurring raw materials such as spodumene, albite and orthoclase, an attempt was made to obtain the eutectic with the lowest melting point. Studies have shown that there are two eutectics in these systems, with about 30% spodumene content. The active influence of sodium feldspar was found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Minerals as Smart Materials for Advanced Technologies)

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10 pages, 6946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New HfNbTaTiZr High-Entropy Alloy Coatings Produced by Electrospark Deposition with High Corrosion Resistance

by Ciprian Alexandru Manea, Mirela Sohaciu, Radu Stefănoiu, Mircea Ionuț Petrescu, Magdalena Valentina Lungu and Ioana Csaki

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4333; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154333 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3908

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to investigate an innovative high corrosion resistance coating realized by electrospark deposition. The coating material was fabricated from HfNbTaTiZr high-entropy alloy. HEA was produced by the mechanical alloying of Hf, Nb, Ta, Ti, and Zr high-purity [...] Read more.

The aim of the present paper is to investigate an innovative high corrosion resistance coating realized by electrospark deposition. The coating material was fabricated from HfNbTaTiZr high-entropy alloy. HEA was produced by the mechanical alloying of Hf, Nb, Ta, Ti, and Zr high-purity powders in a planetary ball mill, achieving a good homogenization and a high alloying degree, followed by spark plasma sintering consolidation. The electrodes for electrospark deposition were cut and machined from the bulk material. Stainless steel specimens were coated and electrochemically tested for corrosion resistance in a 3.5% NaCl saline solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Entropy Alloy and Compositionally Complex Alloys: Challenges and Prospects for Applications in Corrosive Environments)

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17 pages, 20259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Hemp Fiber Surface Treatment on the Moisture/Water Resistance and Reaction to Fire of Reinforced PLA Composites

by Percy Festus Alao, Laetitia Marrot, Heikko Kallakas, Alar Just, Triinu Poltimäe and Jaan Kers

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4332; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154332 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3251

Abstract

The effects of surface pretreatment (water and alkali) and modification with silane on moisture sorption, water resistance, and reaction to fire of hemp fiber reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites at two fiber loading contents (30 and 50 wt.%) are investigated in this work. [...] Read more.

The effects of surface pretreatment (water and alkali) and modification with silane on moisture sorption, water resistance, and reaction to fire of hemp fiber reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites at two fiber loading contents (30 and 50 wt.%) are investigated in this work. Moisture adsorption was evaluated at 30, 50, 75 and 95% relative humidity, and water resistance was determined after a 28-day immersion period. The cone calorimetry technique was used to investigate response to fire. The fiber surface treatment resulted in the removal of cell wall components, which increased fiber individualization and homogeneity as shown in scanning microscopic pictures of the composite cross-section. Although the improved fiber/matrix bonding increased the composite’s water resistance, the different fiber treatments generated equal moisture adsorption results for the 30 wt.% reinforced composites. Overall, increasing the fiber amount from 30 to 50 wt.% increased the composite sensitivity to moisture/water, mainly due to the availability of more hydroxyl groups and to the development of a higher pore volume, but fire protection improved due to a reduction in the rate of thermal degradation induced by the reduced PLA content. The new Oswin’s model predicted the composite adsorption isotherm well. The 30 wt.% alkali and silane treated hemp fiber composite had the lowest overall adsorption (9%) while the 50 wt.% variant produced the highest ignition temperature (181 ± 18 °C). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Processing for Composite Materials)

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16 pages, 8002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Y_5−xPr_xSb_3−yM_y (M = Sn, Pb) Electrodes for Lithium- and Sodium-Ion Batteries by Structure Disordering and CNTs Additives

by Volodymyr Pavlyuk, Wojciech Ciesielski, Nazar Pavlyuk, Damian Kulawik, Agnieszka Balińska and Karolina Kluziak

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4331; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154331 - 3 Aug 2021

Viewed by 2212

Abstract

The maximally disordered (MD) phases with the general formula Y_5−xPr_xSb_3−yM_y (M = Sn, Pb) are formed with partial substitution of Y by Pr and Sb by Sn or Pb in the binary Y₅Sb₃ [...] Read more.

The maximally disordered (MD) phases with the general formula Y_5−xPr_xSb_3−yM_y (M = Sn, Pb) are formed with partial substitution of Y by Pr and Sb by Sn or Pb in the binary Y₅Sb₃ compound. During the electrochemical lithiation and sodiation, the formation of Y_5-xPr_xSb_3-yM_yLi_z and Y_5−xPr_xSb_3−yM_yNa_z maximally disordered–high entropy intermetallic phases (MD-HEIP), as the result of insertion of Li/Na into octahedral voids, were observed. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are an effective additive to improve the cycle stability of the Y_5−xPr_xSb_3−yM_y (M = Sn, Pb) anodes for lithium-ion (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Modification of Y_5−xPr_xSb_3−ySn_y alloys by carbon nanotubes allowed us to significantly increase the discharge capacity of both types of batteries, which reaches 280 mAh · g⁻¹ (for LIBs) and 160 mAh · g⁻¹ (for SIBs), respectively. For Y_5−xPrxSb_3−yPb_y alloys in which antimony is replaced by lead, these capacities are slightly smaller and are 270 mAh · g⁻¹ (for LIBs) and 155 mAh · g⁻¹ (for SIBs), respectively. Results show that structure disordering and CNT additives could increase the electrode capacities up to 30% for LIBs and up to 25% for SIBs. Full article

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17 pages, 3269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel HMO-Glasses with Sb₂O₃ and TeO₂ for Nuclear Radiation Shielding Purposes: A Comparative Analysis with Traditional and Novel Shields

by Ghada ALMisned, Huseyin Ozan Tekin, Shams A. M. Issa, Miray Çelikbilek Ersundu, Ali Erçin Ersundu, Gokhan Kilic, Hesham M. H. Zakaly and Antoaneta Ene

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4330; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154330 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2791

Abstract

The radiation shielding characteristics of samples from two TeO₂ and Sb₂O₃-based basic glass groups were investigated in this research. TeO₂ and Sb₂O₃-based glasses were determined in the research as six samples with a [...] Read more.

The radiation shielding characteristics of samples from two TeO₂ and Sb₂O₃-based basic glass groups were investigated in this research. TeO₂ and Sb₂O₃-based glasses were determined in the research as six samples with a composition of 10WO₃-(x)MoO₃-(90 − x)(TeO₂/Sb₂O₃) (x = 10, 20, 30). A general purpose MCNPX Monte Carlo code and Phy-X/PSD platform were used to estimate the radiation shielding characteristics. Accordingly, the linear and mass attenuation coefficients, half value layer, mean free path, variation of the effective atomic number with photon energy, exposure and built-up energy factors, and effective removal cross-section values were determined. It was determined that the results that were produced using the two different techniques were consistent. Based on the collected data, the most remarkable findings were found to be associated with the sample classified as T80 (10WO₃ + 10MoO₃ + 80TeO₂). The current study showed that material density was as equally important as composition in modifying radiation shielding characteristics. With the T80 sample with the greatest density (5.61 g/cm³) achieving the best results. Additionally, the acquired findings were compared to the radiation shielding characteristics of various glass and concrete materials. Increasing the quantity of MoO₃ additive, a known heavy metal oxide, in these TeO₂ and Sb₂O₃-based glasses may have a detrimental impact on the change in radiation shielding characteristics. Full article

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16 pages, 3238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Different Plasma Cell Discharges on the Performance Quality of Surgical Gown Samples

by Atif H. Asghar and Ahmed Rida Galaly

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4329; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154329 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2018

Abstract

An experimental study was performed on a low-density plasma discharge using two different configurations of the plasma cell cathode, namely, the one mesh system electrodes (OMSE) and the one mesh and three system electrodes (OMTSE), to determine the electrical characteristics of the plasma [...] Read more.

An experimental study was performed on a low-density plasma discharge using two different configurations of the plasma cell cathode, namely, the one mesh system electrodes (OMSE) and the one mesh and three system electrodes (OMTSE), to determine the electrical characteristics of the plasma such as current–voltage characteristics, breakdown voltage (V_B), Paschen curves, current density (J), cathode fall thickness (d_c), and electron density of the treated sample. The influence of the electrical characteristics of the plasma fluid in the cathode fall region for different cathode configuration cells (OMSE and OMTSE) on the performance quality of a surgical gown was studied to determine surface modification, treatment efficiency, exposure time, wettability property, and mechanical properties. Over a very short exposure time, the treatment efficiency for the surgical gown surface of plasma over the mesh cathode at a distance equivalent to the cathode fall distance d_c values of the OMTSE and for OMSE reached a maximum. The wettability property decreased from 90 to 40% for OMTSE over a 180 s exposure time and decreased from 90 to 10% for OMSE over a 160 s exposure time. The mechanisms of each stage of surgical gown treatment by plasma are described. In this study, the mechanical properties of the untreated and treated surgical gown samples such as the tensile strength and elongation percentage, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, strain hardening, resilience, toughness, and fracture (breaking) point were studied. Plasma had a more positive effect on the mechanical properties of the OMSE reactor than those of the OMTSE reactor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modification of Materials with Ion/Plasma Beams)

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20 pages, 8551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental-Analytical Method for Temperature Determination in the Cutting Zone during Orthogonal Turning of GRADE 2 Titanium Alloy

by Łukasz Ślusarczyk

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4328; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154328 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2126

Abstract

The paper presents an experimental-analytical method for determination of temperature in the cutting zone during the orthogonal turning of GRADE 2 titanium alloy. A cutting insert with a complex rake geometry was used in the experiments. The experimental part of the method involved [...] Read more.

The paper presents an experimental-analytical method for determination of temperature in the cutting zone during the orthogonal turning of GRADE 2 titanium alloy. A cutting insert with a complex rake geometry was used in the experiments. The experimental part of the method involved orthogonal turning tests during which the cutting forces and the chip forming process were recorded for two different insert rake faces. The analytical part used a relationship between the cutting forces and the temperature in the Primary Shear Zone (PSZ) and the Secondary Shear Zone (SSZ), which are described by the Johnson-Cook (J-C) constitutive model and the chip forming model according to the Oxley’s theory. The temperature in the PSZ and SSZ was determined by finding the minimum difference between the shear flow stress determined in the J-C model and the Oxley’s model. Finally, using the described method, the relationship between the temperature in the PSZ and SSZ and the rake face geometry was determined. In addition, the temperature in the cutting zone was measured during the experimental tests with the use of a thermovision camera. The temperature distribution results determined experimentally with a thermovision camera were compared with the results obtained with the described method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization and Simulation in Alloy Cutting Processes)

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19 pages, 8437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Micro-Machining Process for External Thread of Micro Round Tube

by Tsung-Chia Chen, Jyun-Jie Lian and Cheng-Chi Wang

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4327; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154327 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2423

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the stainless steel micro round tube external threading process for the influence of different outer threading pitches (0.25 mm, 0.4 mm) and outer diameters (Ø1.9, Ø1.94, Ø2). This study also analyzes the effects of different friction factors (0.1, [...] Read more.

This study aims to analyze the stainless steel micro round tube external threading process for the influence of different outer threading pitches (0.25 mm, 0.4 mm) and outer diameters (Ø1.9, Ø1.94, Ø2). This study also analyzes the effects of different friction factors (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9) and different tube thicknesses (0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, and 0.6 mm) on the threading process. This study considers size effect to use corrected material parameters for the microtube to conduct the finite element analysis by DEFORM-3D software. The goal is to understand stainless steel (SUS304) micro round tube threading and the difference by using macro material parameter analysis. The historic forming data from the simulation and experiment of threading processing are presented, and the corresponding stress/strain distribution and thread shape are also calculated. The experiment results are compared to the simulation results to verify the reliability of this analysis method. The result shows that the torque/stress/strain obtained by the modified model is always lower than by Swift’s model. It means that the size effect can be considered to apply on the forming process and provided proper torque to form the external thread of the micro round tube, e.g., the maximum torque of the round die for M2 × 0.25 occurs over the fourth stroke. For the influence of the outer diameter of the micro round tube, the larger diameter induces the larger maximum torque on the round die for M2 × 0.4, but for the smaller pitch of M2 × 0.25, the larger maximum torque is not influenced by the diameter of the tube. When the pitch of the round die is increased, the torque, stress and strain are also increased relatively. As the friction factor and torque between the round die and tube increase, the stress and strain become lower. Changing the tube thickness will not significantly change the torque, the stress, and the strain. These results guide the simulation and experiment of optimized micro round tube threading development and design to reduce cost and increase product quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision and Ultra-Precision Subtractive and Additive Manufacturing Processes of Alloys and Steels)

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16 pages, 3941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a New Sr-O Parameterization to Describe the Influence of SrO on Iron-Phosphate Glass Structural Properties Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

by Pawel Goj, Aleksandra Wajda and Pawel Stoch

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4326; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154326 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2602

Abstract

Iron-phosphate glasses, due to their properties, have many potential applications. One of the most promising seems to be nuclear waste immobilization. Radioactive ⁹⁰Sr isotope is the main short-lived product of fission and, due to its high solubility, it can enter groundwater and [...] Read more.

Iron-phosphate glasses, due to their properties, have many potential applications. One of the most promising seems to be nuclear waste immobilization. Radioactive ⁹⁰Sr isotope is the main short-lived product of fission and, due to its high solubility, it can enter groundwater and pose a threat to the environment. On the other hand, Sr is an important element in hard tissue metabolic processes, and phosphate glasses containing Sr are considered bioactive. This study investigated the effect of SrO addition on a glass structure of nominal 30Fe₂O₃-70P₂O₅ chemical composition using classical molecular dynamics simulations. To describe the interaction between Sr-O ion pairs, new interatomic potential parameters of the Buckingham-type were developed and tested for crystalline compounds. The short-range structure of the simulated glasses is presented and is in agreement with previous experimental and theoretical studies. The simulations showed that an increase in SrO content in the glass led to phosphate network depolymerization. Analysis demonstrated that the non-network oxygen did not take part in the phosphate network depolymerization. Furthermore, strontium aggregation in the glass structure was observed to lead to the non-homogeneity of the glass network. It was demonstrated that Sr ions prefer to locate near to Fe(II), which may induce crystallization of strontium phosphates with divalent iron. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Glass and Glass-Ceramic Materials)

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17 pages, 39678 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochemical Degradation of Tetracycline Using a Ti/Ta₂O₅-IrO₂ Anode: Performance, Kinetics, and Degradation Mechanism

by Hao Dong, Wanqiang Chi, Ang Gao, Tianyu Xie and Bo Gao

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4325; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154325 - 2 Aug 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3038

Abstract

Tetracycline (TC) is widely used in production and in life. The high volume of its use and the difficulty of its disposal have become the most important causes of environmental pollution. A suitable method needs to be found to solve this problem. In [...] Read more.

Tetracycline (TC) is widely used in production and in life. The high volume of its use and the difficulty of its disposal have become the most important causes of environmental pollution. A suitable method needs to be found to solve this problem. In this study, the Ti/Ta₂O₅-IrO₂ electrode was characterized for its surface morphology and crystal composition. The electrochemical catalytic ability of the Ti/Ta₂O₅-IrO₂ electrode was investigated using LSV and CV tests. The electrochemical degradation of tetracycline (TC) in water with a Ti/Ta₂O₅-IrO₂ anode was investigated. The main influence factors, such as current density (2.5–10 mA/cm²), electrode spacing (20–40 mm), initial TC concentration (20–80 mg/L) and initial solution pH (4.74–9.48) were analyzed in detail and their influences on reaction kinetics was summed up. The removal rate increased along with the increasing current density, decreasing initial TC concentration and decreasing of electrode distance under the experimental conditions. The optimum pH was 4.74. UV–vis, total organic carbon (TOC) and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analyses were used to reveal the mechanism of TC degradation. Nine main intermediates were identified, and the degradation pathways were proposed. A new insight has been postulated for the safe and efficient degradation of TC using the Ti/Ta₂O₅-IrO₂ electrode. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Functional Film/Coating Materials in Electrocatalysis, Electroanalysis and Electrosynthesis)

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24 pages, 9717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of J Integral Assessments for Cracked Plates and Pipes

by Ľubomír Gajdoš, Martin Šperl, Jan Bayer and Jiří Kuželka

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154324 - 2 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2477

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to compare two predictive methods of J integral assessments for center-cracked plates, single-edge cracked plates and double-edge cracked plates produced from X52 and X70 steels, and a longitudinally cracked pipe produced from X70 steel. The two methods [...] Read more.

The purpose of this article is to compare two predictive methods of J integral assessments for center-cracked plates, single-edge cracked plates and double-edge cracked plates produced from X52 and X70 steels, and a longitudinally cracked pipe produced from X70 steel. The two methods examined are: the GSM method and the J_s procedure of the French RCC-MR construction code, designated here as the FC method. The accuracy of J integral predictions by these methods is visualized by comparing the results obtained with the “reference” values calculated by the EPRI method. The main results showed that both methods yielded similar J integral values, although in most cases, the GSM predictions were slightly more conservative than the FC predictions. In comparison with the “reference” values of the J integral, both methods provided conservative results for most crack configurations, although the estimates for cracks of a relative length smaller than 1/8 were not found to be so conservative. The prediction of burst pressures for external longitudinal semielliptical part-through cracks in X70 steel pipe showed that the magnitudes of predicted burst pressures came very close to each other, and were conservative compared to FEM (finite element method) calculations and experimentally determined burst pressures. Full article

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15 pages, 24328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Padding Elements Wear of Belt Conveyors Working in Combination of Rubber–Quartz–Metal Condition

by Dawid Romek, Dariusz Ulbrich, Jaroslaw Selech, Jakub Kowalczyk and Roksana Wlad

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4323; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154323 - 2 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2305

Abstract

Elements of belt conveyors, like other machine parts, are subject to wear processes. The conveyors transporting the spoil in the quartz sand mine are exposed to accelerated wear due to the effect of quartz on metal elements. Intensive wear of metal parts leads [...] Read more.

Elements of belt conveyors, like other machine parts, are subject to wear processes. The conveyors transporting the spoil in the quartz sand mine are exposed to accelerated wear due to the effect of quartz on metal elements. Intensive wear of metal parts leads to downtime and the need to replace damage parts which generates additional costs. Therefore, it is important to perform surface treatment of metal elements, which will allow to extend the operation time of belt conveyors by reducing wear. The main objective of the article is to determine the impact of the pad welding process of the surface layer of metal elements on the abrasive wear of elements working in the metal–quartz sand–rubber conditions used in belt conveyors. In this research study, three different types of electrodes were used for pad welding the surface. The wear results obtained on the test stand were compared to wear of the basic element without surface treatment. The average wear value of the samples padded with electrode 3 was about 25% lower than the samples without surface treatment. The main mechanism of sample wear was the abrasion process due to the interaction between the steel surface and hard sand particles. The results presented in the article are important not only for belt conveyor elements but also for other machine parts where it is desirable to reduce abrasive wear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tribology: Friction and Wear of Engineering Materials (Second Volume))

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11 pages, 2336 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Classifying Charge Carrier Interaction in Highly Compressed Elements and Silane

by Evgueni F. Talantsev

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4322; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154322 - 2 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2406

Abstract

Since the pivotal experimental discovery of near-room-temperature superconductivity (NRTS) in highly compressed sulphur hydride by Drozdov et al. (Nature 2015, 525, 73–76), more than a dozen binary and ternary hydrogen-rich phases exhibiting superconducting transitions above 100 K have been discovered [...] Read more.

Since the pivotal experimental discovery of near-room-temperature superconductivity (NRTS) in highly compressed sulphur hydride by Drozdov et al. (Nature 2015, 525, 73–76), more than a dozen binary and ternary hydrogen-rich phases exhibiting superconducting transitions above 100 K have been discovered to date. There is a widely accepted theoretical point of view that the primary mechanism governing the emergence of superconductivity in hydrogen-rich phases is the electron–phonon pairing. However, the recent analysis of experimental temperature-dependent resistance, R(T), in H₃S, LaH_x, PrH₉ and BaH₁₂ (Talantsev, Supercond. Sci. Technol. 2021, 34, accepted) showed that these compounds exhibit the dominance of non-electron–phonon charge carrier interactions and, thus, it is unlikely that the electron–phonon pairing is the primary mechanism for the emergence of superconductivity in these materials. Here, we use the same approach to reveal the charge carrier interaction in highly compressed lithium, black phosphorous, sulfur, and silane. We found that all these superconductors exhibit the dominance of non-electron–phonon charge carrier interaction. This explains the failure to demonstrate the high-T_c values that are predicted for these materials by first-principles calculations which utilize the electron–phonon pairing as the mechanism for the emergence of their superconductivity. Our result implies that alternative pairing mechanisms (primarily the electron–electron retraction) should be tested within the first-principles calculations approach as possible mechanisms for the emergence of superconductivity in highly compressed lithium, black phosphorous, sulfur, and silane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Superconducting Materials: Characterization, Properties and Applications)

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28 pages, 3267 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Some Microstructural Aspects of Ductile Fracture of Metals

by Wiktor Wciślik and Robert Pała

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4321; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154321 - 2 Aug 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3771

Abstract

The paper discusses the basic issues of the local approach to ductile fracture of structural metals, with particular emphasis on the failure due to microvoid development. The mechanisms of nucleation of voids around inclusions and precipitates are characterized. The criteria for the nucleation [...] Read more.

The paper discusses the basic issues of the local approach to ductile fracture of structural metals, with particular emphasis on the failure due to microvoid development. The mechanisms of nucleation of voids around inclusions and precipitates are characterized. The criteria for the nucleation of voids resulting from cracking of the existing particles or their separation from the material matrix are presented. Selected results of experimental studies and Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations on nucleation of voids are discussed. The analytical and numerical models of growth and coalescence of voids are described, indicating the effect of the stress state components on the morphology of voids and the course of the cracking on a microscopic scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Testing of Materials and Elements in Civil Engineering (2nd Edition))

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33 pages, 8217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of Thermo-Chemo-Mechanical Properties of Anode Mixture during the Baking Process

by Bowen Chen, Hicham Chaouki, Donald Picard, Julien Lauzon-Gauthier, Houshang Alamdari and Mario Fafard

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4320; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154320 - 2 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2249

Abstract

In the Hall–Héroult process, prebaked carbon anodes are utilized to produce primary aluminium. The quality of the anode plays a crucial role in the efficiency of electrowinning primary aluminium. In the production of anodes, the anode baking is considered as the stage most [...] Read more.

In the Hall–Héroult process, prebaked carbon anodes are utilized to produce primary aluminium. The quality of the anode plays a crucial role in the efficiency of electrowinning primary aluminium. In the production of anodes, the anode baking is considered as the stage most frequently causing anode problems. During the baking process, the anode undergoes complex physicochemical transformations. Moreover, the anode at a lower position, imposed by loading pressures from upper anodes, will creep during this process. Thus, the production of high-quality anodes demands efficient control of their baking process. This paper aims to investigate the thermo-chemo-mechanical properties of the anode paste mixture at high temperatures. These properties include kinetic parameters of pitch pyrolysis such as the activation energy and the pre-exponential factor, the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) and relevant mechanical parameters related to the elastic, the viscoelastic and the viscoplastic behaviours of the anode. For this purpose, experiments consisting of the thermogravimetric analysis, the dilatometry and the creep test were carried out. Based on the obtained results, the forementioned parameters were identified. Relevant mechanical parameters were expressed as a function of a new variable, called the shrinking index, which is related to the volatile released in open and closed pores of the anode. This variable would be used to highlight the chemo-mechanical coupling effect of the anode mixture. New insights into the phenomena such as the expansion due to the increase of the pore pressure and the chemical shrinkage of the anode during the baking process were also gained in this work. These investigations pave the way for modeling the thermo-chemo-poromechanical behaviour of the anode during the baking process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Carbon Materials)

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13 pages, 2933 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Method of Computing Diameter of Nano Wood Powder Based on Geometric Figure Fitting

by Lei Zhao, Xueling Yang, Jun Ma and Jianhua Wang

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4319; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154319 - 2 Aug 2021

Viewed by 1688

Abstract

Computing the diameter of nanometer wood powder is the key step of intelligently acquiring wood powder mesh during processing and production in the wood powder manufacturing industry. To obtain the micro image of nano wood powder, the method of hole filling is adopted [...] Read more.

Computing the diameter of nanometer wood powder is the key step of intelligently acquiring wood powder mesh during processing and production in the wood powder manufacturing industry. To obtain the micro image of nano wood powder, the method of hole filling is adopted to fill the binary image of wood powder particles. The contours of wood powder particles are extracted with the use of the edge detection operator, and the control experiment is carried out accordingly. The shape line method is adopted while fitting the geometric shape of wood powder particles, and the longest side or diameter of the figure is solved so as to obtain the diameter. In addition, based on the conversion standard, the mesh number of particles is calculated. The method presented in this study is expected to facilitate the automation of wood powder pellet processing industry, whereas the method is also found to have optimal applicability and reference significance for the measurement of other sorts of particles. Full article

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