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Porous cordierite ceramics were prepared with starch as pore-forming agent by solid-state method. The green bodies were sintered at 1,100–1,400 °C for 2 h. The characterization was focused on thermal analysis, phase evolution, sintering behavior, porosity and micro-structural changes. The results show that cordierite becomes the main crystallization phase at 1,200 °C. The shrinkage behavior shows the most obvious dependence on the sintering temperature and starch content, and it can be divided into three stages. Moreover, the open porosity increases with the increase of starch content, but the pore-forming effectivity decreases. Nevertheless, compared with the open porosity curves, the bulk density curves are more in line with the linear rule. The microphotographs show the densification process with the sintering temperature and the variation of pore connectivity with the starch content.

Herein, gradient nanostructures (GNs) are created in 300M ultrahigh‐strength (UHS) steel by laser shock processing (LSP). Microstructure evolution and properties of GNs subjected to LSP with different pulse energies are thoroughly characterized on 3D profiler, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), X‐ray stress analyzer, nanoindenter, and tensile tester. Results show successful creations of GNs in 300M steel after LSP treatments. With the increase in pulse energy, the size of the surface layer is refined from 15 nm (3 J) to 10 nm (7 J), and the corresponding grains are amorphized to some extent. Meanwhile, many substructure defects such as dislocation tangles and deformation twins (DTs) are noted in the subsurface. The dislocation density and the number of DTs increase with the pulse energy. Further, the high compressive residual stress is introduced to the 300M steel surface after LSP, and the corresponding hardness is improved substantially. The compressive residual stress, depth of the affected layer, and the hardness rise significantly with the pulse energy. Apart from improvements in strength and plasticity, the fracture morphology is changed from a typical ductile fracture to quasicleavage and ductile mixed fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As-extruded Mg-1.8Zn-0.5Zr-xGd alloys are thoroughly investigated for their microstructure, mechanical properties and degradation behavior in a wide range of minor Gd alloying (0 ≤ x ≤ 2.5 wt%). These alloys show complete dynamic recrystallization when the extrusion ratio and extrusion temperature are 7.7 and 350 °C, respectively. The resultant grain size decreases with the increase in Gd content until its stabilization. Of many observed second phases in these alloys, one type of second phase mainly consists of the granular (Mg, Zn)3Gd phase, the volume of which gradually increases with the increase in Gd content. The other precipitated nanoscale (Mg, Zn)3Gd second phase shows a coherent interfacial relationship with the alloy matrix. At Gd greater than 1.0wt%, a fraction of the insoluble second phase shows transformation into black paralleled strips, which are noted to be distributed along the extrusion direction. The mechanical characteristics of these alloys show optimal performances at x = 1.5 wt%, while decreasing (increasing) trend for 1.5 < x ≤ 2.5 (0 < x ≤ 1.5). Together with the best corrosion resistance at x = 1.0 wt%, these alloys show increment in the corrosion resistance first and then weakens with the increase in Gd content. This study reveals an optimized scale for minor Gd alloying toward the optimal mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of extruded Mg-Zn-Zr alloys, and hopefully beneficial in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZrB2‐SiC ceramics and Nb alloy were brazed at 1160°C for 60 min with CoFeNiCrCuTix high‐entropy alloy filler. The influence of Ti content on the interface structure and mechanical properties of ZrB2‐SiC/Nb joint was systematically studied. It is found that the rich‐Ti Laves phase was formed due to the addition of large atomic size Ti fill into the filler alloy or brazing joint, and its content increases with Ti content. The joint brazed by high‐entropy alloys filler without Ti can be divided into a tooth‐shaped Cr2B reaction layer and a central area composed of a eutectic mixed structure of FCC phase and rich‐Nb lamellar Laves phase. Ti and Nb are mutual solid solution elements. The increase of Ti content in the joint makes the FCC phase and the rich‐Nb lamellar Laves phase to transform into a big bulk Ti‐rich Laves phase and the quadrilateral (Ti, Nb)B phase. The tooth‐shaped Cr2B was disappeared. The residual stress generated in the joint during the brazing process tends to cause defects such as holes and microcracks in the bulk Ti‐rich brittle Laves phase. Therefore, with the addition of Ti, the normal temperature performance of the joint decreases from 216 MPa to 52 MPa. However, with the increase of Ti, the high‐temperature mechanical properties of the joint first decrease, and then increase. It was mainly due to the formation of rich‐Ti Laves phase and quadrilateral (Ti, Nb)B with excellent high‐temperature mechanical properties. When brazing with CoFeNiCrCuTi1.5 filler, the high‐temperature performance of the joint reached 92% of its room temperature performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similar to gluten, zein can form a viscoelastic network upon hydration and shear. This makes zein a promising protein to develop gluten-free bakery products. In this study, the effect of addition of different hydrocolloids (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), guar and xanthan gum), and the inclusion of pregelatinized starch (PG starch) and lactic acid (LA) on zein-corn starch dough and bread properties was examined. The addition of HPMC, and to a lesser extent guar gum, significantly changed the viscoelastic zein dough properties and resulted in bread samples with improved loaf volume and sensory properties. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of a continuous fine foam-like structure in the zein-starch dough when HPMC and guar gum were added. This finer structure translated in a lower dough stiffness and resistance to deformation, and a higher degree of deformation characterized by lower complex moduli and increased creep compliance values. Xanthan gum addition, conversely, had an adverse effect on zein bread loaf volume which was attributed to potential weak repulsion between xanthan and zein molecules. In addition, the amount of α-helix and β-sheet secondary structures in bread samples was altered upon hydrocolloid and PG starch addition and played a role in bread crumb hardness. Overall, the zein bread with HPMC showed textural properties most similar to gluten bread. This research sheds light on different structure levels of zein-based gluten-free recipes as affected by inclusion of hydrocolloids, PG starch and LA, and provides a sound basis for the rational development of zein-based gluten-free breads. [Display omitted] • Zein forms a viscoelastic fibrillar network upon hydration and shear. • Zein-starch (Z-S) systems hold promise for gluten-free bread production. • Hydrocolloid addition alters the viscoelastic dough properties of Z-S recipes. • Hydrocolloid characteristics strongly determine protein structure in Z-S recipes. • Molecular built and microstructure of hydrocolloid Z-S dough relate to loaf quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The results of present work will provide the possibility for the preparation of TiAl alloy shaped parts and expand the application area of amorphous alloys. In this work, the Ti-48Al-2Nb-2Cr (at. %) alloy was successfully brazed using a Cu-based amorphous filler in 600 s under varied brazing temperatures. The element diffusion, microstructure, and precipitation phase of the joints are analyzed in detail, and the formation schemes are discussed. Reaction products in the joints are found as AlCuTi, Ti2Al, α-Ti, and (Ti,Zr)2(Cu,Ni). The interfacial microstructures varied subjected to the brazing temperature, while the shear strength of the joint firstly increased, and then accordingly decreased. The maximum shear strength of 266 MPa was reached under a brazing temperature of 1213 K and a holding time of 600 s. A formation mechanism was proposed to explain the shear strength variation following the width and amount of brittle compounds in the interfacial reaction layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on AISI 316LN austenitic stainless steel from − 40 to 300 °C at a rate of 0.5 mm/min. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the deformed steel were investigated by optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, x-ray diffraction, and microhardness testing. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and microhardness increase with the decrease in the test temperature. The tensile fracture morphology has the dimple rupture feature after low-temperature deformations and turns to a mixture of transgranular fracture and dimple fracture after high-temperature ones. The dominating deformation microstructure evolves from dislocation tangle/slip bands to large deformation twins/slip bands with temperature decrease. The deformation-induced martensite transformation can only be realized at low temperature, and its quantity increases with the decrease in the temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to detect the changes in microstructure and ultrastructure of the synovial tissue in rabbit temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement (ID) model. METHODS: One to four weeks after establishment of rabbit TMJ ID model, synovial tissue was collected and examined by light and electron microscope to observe the microstructure and ultrastructure changes, CD34 was used to count small blood vessels. Paired t test was performed with SPSS 16.0 software package to compare the number of vessels in synovial tissue of the experimental side and the control side. RESULTS: One week after the establishment of the model, the average number of small blood vessels in the experimental side was 9.77±1.59, while the average number on the control side was 3.46±0.52. There was significant difference between the two groups (P=0.000). Two weeks later, the average number of small blood vessels in the experimental side was 15.15±2.88; while the number was 3.38 ± 0.65 on the control side. There was significant difference between the two groups (P=0.000). On the control side, there was no significant difference (P=0.721) for the number of small blood vessels in the second week, while there was significant difference on the experimental side in the second week (P=0.000). Numerous synovial cells of type A and type B can be detected in synovial tissue under electron microscopy, and type A cells shrink after a period of time. CONCLUSION: This study is helpful to understand the generation and development of the TMJ intraarticular adhesion (IA). Supported by Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project (S30206), Research Fund of Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Health (2008160), Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai Municipality (10ZR1418200), and Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province (2010C320006). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: TiC reinforced magnesium matrix composites were successfully synthesized by spontaneously infiltrating molten magnesium alloy into Al–Ti–C preforms and in situ forming TiC particles in the liquid of magnesium alloy. Damping capacities of in situ TiC reinforced magnesium matrix composites were investigated. Experimental results show the damping capacity of the magnesium alloy increased with the increase of reinforcement percentage. Improved damping capacities of composites can be attributed to dislocation damping mechanism at room temperature. At elevated temperatures, interface damping becomes a new contributor to the increase of damping capacity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Stress relief treatments were carried out separately with a pneumatic chipping hammer, ultrasonic peening treatment, and heat treatment for metal active-gas welding (MAG) welded joints of 2205 duplex stainless steel. The effects of these methods on the residual stress, microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of welded joints were studied. Results show the stress state of the weld and the surrounding area was effectively improved by the pneumatic chipping hammer and ultrasonic peening treatment, and the residual stress field of the surface layer changed from tensile stress to compressive stress. On the contrary, low-temperature stress relieving annealing had no obvious effect on stress distribution. After the pneumatic chipping hammer and ultrasonic peening treatment, the welded joints were machined and hardened. Correspondingly, strength and hardness were improved. However, the heat treatment only led to a slight decrease in strength and hardness due to the static recovery of the welded joint structure. All stress relief methods effectively improved the corrosion resistance of welded joints, with the ultrasonic peening treatment giving the best performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, high quality Mo-(10–40) wt% Cu and W-(10–40) wt% Cu alloys were prepared by powder metallurgy using the ultrafine molybdenum and tungsten powders as raw materials. The molybdenum powder with the size of 100–200 nm and tungsten powder with the size of 50–100 nm were prepared by a two-step reduction-process composed of an insufficient carbothermal reduction reaction and the following deep reduction reaction by hydrogen. From the experimental results, it was concluded that at the sintering temperature of 1200 °C to 1300 °C, relative densities of the Mo-(10–40) wt% Cu and W-(10–40) wt% Cu sintered blocks can reach >98%, and at the same time, excellent physical and mechanical properties were achieved. Meanwhile, the larger the content of copper in the alloy, the lower the temperature required for densification. At 1300 °C, the relative density, microhardness and thermal conductivity of the Mo-10 wt% Cu and W-10 wt% Cu sintered blocks are 98.83% and 99.36%, 167 HV and 283 HV, 138.38 W·m−1·k−1 and 154.15 W·m−1·k−1, respectively. Whereas, at 1200 °C, the relative density, microhardness and thermal conductivity of the Mo-40 wt% Cu and W-40 wt% Cu sintered block are 99.68% and 98.87%, 150 HV and 207 HV, 138.38 W·m−1·k−1 and 154.15 W·m−1·k−1, respectively. The present method was much more convenient relative to the traditional infiltration method. • Mo Cu or W Cu alloys are one-step prepared by using ultrafine Mo or W powders. • The larger the copper content, the lower the temperature needed for densification. • The prepared alloys have fine grain size, high hardness and thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mg–Zn–Zr–Gd alloys belong to a group of biometallic alloys suitable for bone substitution. While biocompatibility arises from the harmlessness of the metals, the biocorrosion behavior and its origins remain elusive. Here, aiming for the tailored biodegradability, we prepared the Mg–2.0Zn–0.5Zr–xGd (wt %) alloys with different Gd percentages (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), and studied their microstructures and biocorrosion behavior. Results showed that adding a moderate amount of Gd into Mg–2.0Zn–0.5Zr alloys will refine and homogenize α-Mg grains, change the morphology and distribution of (Mg, Zn)3Gd, and lead to enhancement of mechanical properties and anticorrosive performance. At the optimized content of 3.0%, the fishbone-shaped network, ellipsoidal, and rod-like (Mg, Zn)3Gd phase turns up, along with the 14H-type long period stacking ordered (14H-LPSO) structures decorated with nanoscale rod-like (Mg, Zn)3Gd phases. The 14H-LPSO structure only exists when x ≥ 3.0, and its content increases with the Gd content. The Mg–2.0Zn–0.5Zr–3.0Gd alloy possesses a better ultimate tensile strength of 204 ± 3 MPa, yield strength of 155 ± 3 MPa, and elongation of 10.6 ± 0.6%. Corrosion tests verified that the Mg–2.0Zn–0.5Zr–3.0Gd alloy possesses the best corrosion resistance and uniform corrosion mode. The microstructure impacts on the corrosion resistance were also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cellular automaton-lattice Boltzmann coupled model is extended to study the dendritic growth with melt convection in the solidification of ternary alloys. With a CALPHAD-based phase equilibrium engine, the effects of melt convection, solutal diffusion, interface curvature and preferred growth orientation are incorporated into the coupled model. After model validation, the multi dendritic growth of the Al-4.0 wt%Cu-1.0 wt%Mg alloy is simulated under the conditions of pure diffusion and melt convection. The result shows that the dendritic growth behavior, the final microstructure and microsegregation are significantly influenced by melt convection in the solidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical ZnO nanostructures with a large yield were fabricated by a simple thermal evaporation method. For the first time, novel ZnO flowers were observed blooming at certain sites of a variety of spines, identified as Zn-terminated polar (0001) planes or tips. The spines for as-synthesized hierarchical structures can be nanowires, nanobelts, nanodendrites, nanobrushes, etc. This growth phenomenon determines the key role of polar sites in the fabrication of hierarchical structures. The spiral feature of ZnO flowers indicates an unusual screw dislocation driven growth mechanism, which is attributed to a high concentration of Zn vapor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiabatic foam has been successfully prepared through sintering sodium silicate which is modified by boric acid. The effect of the sintering temperature, boric acid content and modulus of sodium silicate on the thermal conductivity, density, compression strength and microstructure of the adiabatic foam was studied in detail. In the sintering process, B 3+ ion can take the place of the Si 4+ ion by incorporating into the Si–O–Si structure via Si–O–B bridges, increasing the chemical stability of the adiabatic foam. High temperature, low boric acid content and low modulus of sodium silicate can reduce the thermal conductivity, density and compression strength. In order to meet the application of exterior wall thermal insulation, 450–500 °C of the sintering temperature, 18–24 g boric acid per 600 g sodium silicate solution, and 2.5–2.8 modulus of sodium silicate are chosen. The samples with thermal conductivity less than 0.044 W/m·K, density less than 100 kg/m 3 and compression strength more than 0.7 MPa are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An approach of selecting alloying elements to control the size of in situ formed reinforcement in metal melts is proposed. This approach is based on the effect of alloying addition on nucleation of reinforcement predicted by the extended Miedema model and Wilson equation and on growth of reinforcement predicted by diffusion coefficient model. Using this approach, the effect of alloying element addition on the size of in situ formed Mg2Si in (AlN+Mg2Si)/Mg composites is evaluated. The results show that the addition of Ti, V, Mo, Cr, Fe and Mn can delay the nucleation and promote the growth of Mg2Si, while the addition of Ge, Sn, Cu and Zn can promote the nucleation and hinder the growth of Mg2Si. The microstructure of (AlN+Mg2Si)/Mg with the addition of Ti has been investigated based on the theoretical prediction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ZrB 2 -SiC ceramic and Nb were brazed by using a novel high entropy alloy CoFeNiCrCu filler. Interfacial microstructure, mechanical properties and brazing mechanism of the joint were systematically investigated. It was found that the activity of Cr could be maintained during the brazing process due to the high-entropy mixing effect of CoFeNiCrCu. The newly generated Cr 2 B had a tooth shape and it improved interfacial bonding between ZrB 2 -SiC and Nb. A composite microstructure containing a soft FCC and hard Laves phase was formed in the joint due to the presence of Nb and this microstructure significantly enhanced the joint strength. Influences of brazing temperature on the interfacial reaction and shear strength of joint were also investigated. After being brazed at 1160 °C for 60 min, the maximum shear strengths of the joint were 216 and 94 MPa at room temperature and at 650 °C, respectively, indicating the successful use of the filler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce intermetallic compound formations in brazed joints, a CoFeCrNiCu high entropy alloy was invented and employed to braze SiC ceramics. Results show that SiC ceramics were tightly and strongly brazed with the CoFeCrNiCu filler. Microstructure, phase and shear strength were systematically studied for joints brazed at different temperature. Main compositions were identified as high-entropy FCC, Cu(s, s), Si(s, s), and Cr 23 C 6 phases, regardless the brazing temperature differences. After being brazed at 1453 K, the joint reached a maximum shear strength of 60 MPa, much higher than those brazed with conventional AgCuTi filler. Thanks to high entropy effect of CoFeCrNiCu filler, random solid solution turned out in the seam and benefitted joint quality. The successful use of CoFeCrNiCu high entropy alloy as fillers can expand the application range of high entropy alloys and provide a new filler system to braze ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to relieve high residual stresses between ceramics and metals during brazing processes, an AgCuTi/graphene-reinforced Cu foam composite filler was developed and used to braze the ZrB 2 -SiC ceramic and Inconel 600 alloy. Microstructures and shear strengths of the joints were systematically studied. The joints are composed of TiFe 2 , TiCu, TiC, Cu(s, s), Ag(s, s), and Ti 5 Si 3 phases. It is found the addition of graphene on the Cu foam surface can effectively retard diffusions of metal atoms and avoid the collapse of the foam matrix. After being brazed at 900 °C, the joint can get a maximum shear strength of 157 MPa, much higher than those brazed without graphene addition. The high shear strength was investigated in detail and attributed to the integrity of the Cu foam, formation of the TiC and thickness of the reaction layer at the ceramic side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, brazing behaviors between ZrB 2 SiC and Ti 6Al 4V by Cu foam interlayer were studied. The microstructure, formation mechanism, mechanical property and fracture surface of the joints were systematically studied. The results showed that the phases in the joints were α + β -Ti, TiCu, Ti 2 Cu, Cu(s, s), TiC, TiB 2 and Ti 3 SiC 2. An optimum shear strength reached up to 435 MPa at a brazing temperature of 910 °C and holding time of 20 min. Such a shear strength was 90 MPa higher than the one without the Cu foam. The obtained high shear strength of joint was discussed from microstructure and residual stress. With the increase of brazing time, Cu(s,s) gradually disappeared and the content of Ti 2 Cu intermetallic compound increased, which was harmful for the joint. Furthermore, the residual stress of joint with Cu foam was calculated to be 324 MPa, lower than the one without Cu foam interlayer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain ideal implant materials, we hot extruded Mg-2.0Zn-0.5Zr-3.0Gd solid-solution alloys, and studied extrusion temperature impacts on materials properties. Fine dynamic recrystallized (DRXed) grains (∼5 μm) and elongated coarse un-dynamic recrystallized (unDRXed) deformed grains turned out at the range of 470–490 °C, but changed to bigger ones (∼8 μm) and abnormal growth (30–40 μm) at 490–510 °C. Precipitated phases consist of rod-like (Mg, Zn) 3 Gd particles and newly precipitated Mg 2 Zn 11 rectangles. The alloy extruded at 490 °C meets all mechanical and anticorrosive requirements for biomaterials, thanks to evenly distributed second phases via the solid solution, and the grain refinements through the hot extrusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of AISI 316 LN austenitic stainless steel (SS) after cryorolling with different strains were investigated by means of optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, microhardness tester, and tensile testing system. The deformation-induced martensite transition and the deformation microstructure occurred during cryorolling process were always composed of high-density dislocations, deformation twins, and deformation-induced martensites. Following the strain, the dislocation density in deformation microstructure approached saturation state and the volume fraction of deformation twins combined with deformation-induced martensites increased significantly. At the 70% strain, original austenite was transformed into martensite completely. Further increasing the strain to 90% would refine the martensitic lamellae to nanoscale. The deformation degree also led to remarkable increase of the strength and hardness of the cryorolled SS, and drastic reductions of the elongation. Due to the cryorolling, the tensile fracture morphology changed from typical ductile rupture to a mixture of quasi-cleavage and ductile fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructural contributes to understand the strengthening and elongation mechanism in Lanthanum-doped Titanium-Zirconium-Molybdenum alloy. Lanthanum oxide particles not only act as heterogeneous nucleation core, but also act as the second phase to hinder the grain growth during sintering crystallization. The molybdenum substrate formed sub-grain under the effect of second phase when the alloy rolled to plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BiOI/BiOCl composites with high photocatalyitic and adsorption ablities were prepared via a facile ionic liquid assisted ultrasonic method in several hours at room temperature. The BiOI/BiOCl composites with different contents of BiOI can be conveniently synthesized via changing the amount of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide precursor during the preparation process. Microstructures, morphologies, porosities and bandgaps of the as-prepared samples were determined through various experimental methods. A first-principles calculation was employed to explicate electronic structures of the complex. Photocatalytic results suggest that the obtained BiOI/BiOCl composite with 40% BiOI has the highest photoactivity for the degradation of rhodamine-B and quinoline blue under visible light irradiation. All the rhodamine-B and quinoline blue can be degraded in 25 min and 15 min, respectively. To observe the universality of the BiOI/BiOCl, the degradation results of colorless target pollutant (tetracycline) was also investigated. Based on experimental and computational results, origins of the photocatalytic abilities leading to the observed results were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface treatment of Ti80 alloy with different microstructures was performed by laser shock peening (LSP), and the effect of LSP on Ti80 alloy on microstructure and corrosion properties was investigated. After LSP, the surface grains of Ti80 alloy with different microstructures were all refined, microhardness was significantly increased, and compressive residual stress was generated, and both microhardness and compressive residual stress showed gradient change characteristics along the layer depth. The corrosion resistance of Ti80 alloy with different microstructures was improved in both 3.5% NaCl solution and 5MHCL solution after LSP. Before LSP, the corrosion resistance of lamellar microstructure was the best, followed by bimodal microstructure and the worst by equiaxial microstructure, while the corrosion resistance of equiaxial microstructure exceeded that of bimodal microstructure under the combined effect of volume fraction of β phase, thickness of α phase and compressive residual stress after LSP. • A large number of dislocation tangles and deformation twins were formed in LSPed Ti80 alloy. • LSP can effectively improve the corrosion resistance of Ti80 alloys. • Corrosion resistance of untreated Ti80 alloy: lamellar > bimodal > equiaxial • After LSP, corrosion resistance of Ti80 alloy: lamellar > equiaxial > bimodal [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is a novel MRI method for quantifying tissue magnetic property. In the brain, it reflects the molecular composition and microstructure of the local tissue. However, susceptibility maps reconstructed from single-orientation data still suffer from streaking artifacts which obscure structural details and small lesions. We propose and have developed a general method for estimating streaking artifacts and subtracting them from susceptibility maps. Specifically, this method uses a sparse linear equation and least-squares (LSQR)-algorithm-based method to derive an initial estimation of magnetic susceptibility, a fast quantitative susceptibility mapping method to estimate the susceptibility boundaries, and an iterative approach to estimate the susceptibility artifact from ill-conditioned k-space regions only. With a fixed set of parameters for the initial susceptibility estimation and subsequent streaking artifact estimation and removal, the method provides an unbiased estimate of tissue susceptibility with negligible streaking artifacts, as compared to multi-orientation QSM reconstruction. This method allows for improved delineation of white matter lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis and small structures of the human brain with excellent anatomical details. The proposed methodology can be extended to other existing QSM algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous anorthite ceramics with low thermal conductivity were successfully prepared using fly ash and gypsum by direct foaming and slip casting method. Effects of dispersant and foaming process on the performance of the porous materials were investigated. The results show adiabatic anorthite ceramics with the highest open porosity (94%) and the lowest thermal conductivity (0.042 W/m K) can be fabricated by adding 10% content of gypsum, 0.8% content of SHMP and using two-step foaming process. High porosity and small pore size are the main factors resulting in the low thermal conductivity. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity can be predicted with the proportionality coefficient χ obtained by fitting the experimental data based on previous Gong's model. The a and b values in the expression of the proportionality coefficient χ were further discussed. The results show that they are affected by the pore size and distribution, and then the thermal conductivity will change accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, supersonic fine particle bombardment (SFPB) was applied to modify surface of TC11 alloy and its impacts on microstructure and fatigue properties were systematically studied. The modified surface owned a nanoscale grain structure and a compressive residual stress with an amplitude of −196 MPa. The depth of hardened layer was about 300 μm. Afterwards, high-cycle fatigue behavior of SFPB modified alloy at −30 °C, 25 °C and 150 °C was studied, and the fracture surface, microstructure evolution, residual stress relaxation and microhardness of Ti alloy were characterized. The results show that the fatigue strength of the alloy is significantly improved by SFPB, and the fatigue strength decreases with the testing temperature. The deformation-induced martensite appears in the subsurface structure of Ti alloy tested at 25 °C and 150 °C, and the amount of deformation-induced martensite increases with the fatigue loading temperature. The compressive residual stress field induced by SFPB is relaxed in different degrees during fatigue loading. The degree of residual stress relaxation is the lowest under fatigue loading at 150 °C due to low cycle life. Mechanisms leading to the microstructural evolution and mechanical property variations were also proposed. • Surface nanocrystallization of TC11 alloy can be induced by SFPB. • SFPB can improve the fatigue strength of the TC11 alloy at different temperatures. • Deformation-induced martensite appears in the subsurface layer at 25 °C and 150 °C, but not at −30 °C. • Relaxation degree of residual stress is the lowest after fatigue loading at 150 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supersonic fine particles bombarding (SFPB) technology opens a new territory for engineering materials towards improved performances. Owing to its merits and emerging applications, 300M steel (tensile strength ≥1800 MPa) was treated with SFPB to create surface gradient nanostructures. The time dependent SFPB process was implemented on various 300M steel surface to investigate the microstructural evolution and mechanical property. 300M steel surface grains were sufficiently refined down to nanometer scale under high energy SFPB. In the subsurface layer, acicular martensite was found to be bent and broken, resulting in the high-density dislocation. At the early stage of SFPB, the impact affected area of 300M steel surface was deepened with increasing SFPB time, and the grains were constantly refined, which further lead to higher strength and improved hardness. However, after longer treatments of more than 90 s, bombardment energy accumulated at 300M steel surface resulted in grain growths and deteriorations of hardness. In particular, the newly formed microcracks substantially reduced the tensile strength. After SFPB treatment, the dimple size of the 300M steel surface fracture decreased significantly, and a large area of cleavage plane appeared, showing typical characteristics of ductile-brittle mixed fracture. • Surface gradient nanostructures of 300M steel has been created by SFPB treatment. • Dislocation motion has been found the dominant nano-crystallization mechanism. • Appropriate SFPB time can improve the mechanical properties of 300 M steel. • Mixed ductile-brittle fracture morphology was observed for SFPB treated 300 M steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled cold rolling impacts on microstructure and mechanical properties of the rare earth Ce-modified SAF 2507 super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) are investigated towards a better application and development prospective over the pristine SDSS. Rolling was performed at room temperature with the deformation level in a range of 30%–90%. A large amount of dislocations into the ferrite phase turned out, and their density increased with the deformation. While, emergence of dislocation plugs group, ferrite grains get refined to nanometer scale during the deformation process. In addition to deformed bands within austenite, formation of α′-martensitic phases and significant increment in their volume fraction are detected and attributed to deformation-induced martensitic transformation. Elongation of the ferrite and austenite microstructures along the deformation direction under the action of high strain also resulted in fibers formation gradually. Correspondingly, significant increase in the strength index while decrement in the plasticity index are observed. Moreover, cold rolling deformation not only affects the tensile fracture morphology but also switches it from a typical ductile to a ductile and quasi-cleavage mixed fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]