Search

The breakaway oxidation behaviour of ferritic stainless steels 430, 443 and 445 has been investigated at 1150 °C in humid air. The oxidation kinetics exhibited significant differences among the three ferritic stainless steels. A uniform and steady growing oxide scale was developed on the 430 steel with an even steel/oxide interface. Local breakdown of the initially protective oxide scale occurred and oxide nodules were developed on the 443 and 445 stainless steels, resulting in irregular and rough steel/oxide interfaces. The breakaway oxidation behaviour was significantly influenced by the microstructure and the composition of the oxide scale. The Mn-Cr spinel oxide formed on top of the Cr 2 O 3 scale in Mo alloying 445 steel can greatly minimise the Cr depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation kinetics of ferritic stainless steel 430 was studied in dry and humid air at 1090 °C by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). Different atmospheres and heating times were adopted for reheating to obtain different compositions and thickness of the oxide scale. Hot rolling was performed on a 2-high Hille 100 experimental rolling mill at various reductions. Oxide scale thickness and composition were analysed with optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface profiles were examined by a digital microscope, and the topographic features of the thin oxide scale surface were examined with an atomic force microscope (AFM) before and after rolling. The oxide scale surface and steel/oxide interface roughness were measured after rolling. Inverse calculation of the coefficient of friction was employed to analyse and the effect of oxide scale on friction in hot rolling. The coefficient of friction depends not only on the thickness of the oxide scale, but also on its composition and surface topography before hot rolling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribological behaviour of innovative TiO 2 nano-additive water-based lubricant on ferritic stainless steel (FSS) 445 was characterised on a ball-on-disk tribometer. Non-oxidised (clean) and pre-oxidised FSS 445 disks with original rough surfaces were both applied in the tribological tests at room temperature. The results show that the water-based nanolubricants with concentrations of 0.4–8.0 wt% TiO 2 can significantly reduce the coefficient of friction (COF) on the two types of disks. The 4.0 wt% TiO 2 lubricant exhibits optimal tribological properties, including the lowest COF and the strongest anti-wear ability on the applied balls under all lubrication conditions. The lubrication mechanisms are primarily ascribed to the formation of tribofilm and the ball-bearing effect of the TiO 2 nanoparticles, respectively, on the two different disks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ball-on-disk tribometer was employed to evaluate the lubrication performance and mechanisms of innovative TiO 2 nano-additive water-based lubricants. Two experimental methods were applied to determine the optimal mass fraction of TiO 2 . In the method I, lubricants were added onto the worn disk tracks at a predetermined time interval. In the method II, the disks were immersed in the lubricants continuously during the whole process of tribological tests. The results both indicate that the water-based lubricants can significantly reduce the coefficient of friction (COF). The 0.8 wt% TiO 2 lubricant demonstrates excellent tribological properties including the lowest COF and the strongest wear resistance under all lubrication conditions. The lubrication mechanisms are attributed to the rolling and mending effects of the TiO 2 nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of the study: To investigate the immunological regulation of Guizhi Fuling Capsule (GZFLC) on rat endometriosis. Materials and methods: Twenty-seven rats, in which endometriotic implants were induced by transplanting autologous uterine tissue to the peritoneum, were randomly divided into three groups equally: (1) the GZFLC group of low dose (480mg/kg/day); (2) the GZFLC group of high dose (1920mg/kg/day); and (3) the model group(saline solution). Another 10 rats were treated as sham operation group. After rats were treated for four weeks, we examined the alterations of implants volume, the percentage of CD4+ T lympholeukocyte, the activity of NK cell and the expression of cytokines (MCP-1 and ICAM-1) on each group. Results: Statistical analysis showed that posttreatment volumes were significantly reduced compared with pretreatment in GZFLC groups, whereas there was no significant change in the model group. The percentage of CD4+ T lympholeukocyte and the activity of NK cell in GZFLC groups significantly increased to the level of the sham group compared with the model. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry showed that the endometria of the sham operation and treatment groups were similar on expression level of MCP-1 and ICAM-1. Conclusions: GZFLC plays an important role in the regression of endometriotic implants by immunological regulation in the rat model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]