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Moisture damage (MD) in bituminous mixtures occurs due to the loss of cohesion in the bitumen or adhesion between the binder and aggregates. The existence of moisture may influence the bonding between aggregates and bitumen, which may affect the moisture susceptibility of the bituminous mix. Therefore, there is a need to understand the bonding-debonding properties and the moisture susceptibility of binders and mixes, at the material selection stage. Surface free energy (SFE) method is one of the proven techniques to quantify the moisture susceptibility of bituminous mixtures, by using contact angle (CA) determination of the component materials of the mix. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydrated lime (HL) on the moisture susceptibility of bituminous mixtures, with control (VG30) bitumen and pyro-oil modified bitumen (POMB) having different percentages of pyro oil, using the SFE approach. Also, the study compared the SFE characteristics of VG30 and POMB with and without the optimum content of HL. POMB binders were prepared by the addition of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pyro oil in percentages of 1, 3, and 5% in a control bitumen. HL was added as 20%, 25%, and 30% by weight of bitumen in VG30 and POMB bitumen. The aggregates used in the study were limestone, basalt, gravel, and their SFE components were directly considered from the literature. The sessile drop method was used to measure the CA of bitumen and, in turn, determine the various SFE parameters using Van Oss–Chaudhury–Good theory. The moisture susceptibility of mixtures with and without HL was evaluated and compared. From the results, the MD resistance of the bituminous mixtures with modified and unmodified bitumen was found to be increased after the optimum of HL, depending upon the type of aggregates used. Basalt has a 27.41%, 23.38%, and 10.48% greater energy ratio (ER) with POMB1/25, POMB3/25, and POMB5/30, respectively, than VG30/30, the highest ER in modified base bitumen. This indicates that HDPE pyro-oil treatment improves MD resistance for basalt. Whereas for limestone and gravel, VG30/30 gives a maximum value of ER as compared to any other combination of HL modified POMB. The ER values would assist highway agencies in selecting the most compatible binder–aggregate combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study involved measurements of surface tension of liquid binary copper-titanium alloys with respect to their chemical composition and temperature as well as investigations of the liquid alloy–refractory material-gaseous phase system wettability using usual refractory materials, i.e., graphite, aluminum oxide and magnesium oxide. The experiments were performed with the use of the sessile drop method and a high-temperature microscope coupled with a camera and a computer. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of titanium content in the Cu-Ti alloy on the surface tension and contact angle at the interface between the liquid alloy and the refractory material. The influence of temperature on these parameters was also examined. The tests were carried out for copper-titanium alloys with a maximum content of 1.5% wt. Ti, in the temperature range of 1373 to 1573 K. The test results indicate that as the titanium content in the alloy increases, its surface tension increases slightly. However, an increase in temperature causes a decrease in the surface tension of the alloys. In the case of an alloy containing 1.5% wt. Ti, surface tension at a temperature of 1373 K reaches 1351 mN∙m−1, and at a temperature of 1573 K, it decreases to 1315 mN∙m−1. As the temperature and titanium content in the alloy increase, a decrease in the contact angle is observed. The highest values of contact angles were recorded in the case of contact of the liquid alloy with graphite. For an alloy containing 0.1% wt. Ti at a temperature of 1373 K, the contact angle reaches 132°, while at a temperature of 1573 K, it decreases to 128°. For an alloy containing 1.5% wt. Ti, the values of contact angles are 100° and 96°, respectively. However, the contact angles have the lowest values for magnesium oxide. In the case of a temperature of 1573 K and an alloy containing 1.5% wt. Ti, the contact angle reaches 49°. Such a significant impact of titanium content on the contact angles may be due to its high affinity for oxygen (contact with a substrate made of Al2O3 and MgO and its reactivity with carbon (contact with graphite). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental studies of the high-temperature interaction of a molten Mg-10Ca alloy (10 wt% Ca) with steel substrates were performed, for the first time, using the sessile drop method combined with non-contact heating and capillary purification procedure. The investigations were carried out under isothermal conditions at a temperature of 700 °C in two different flowing gas atmospheres: (i) a pure Ar and (ii) a mixture of Ar + 5 wt% H2. The high-resolution side-view images of Mg-10Ca/steel couples collected during the experiments were used to determine the contact angle values (θ) formed between the alloy drop and steel substrates. In both atmospheres, under the experimental conditions used, liquid Mg-10Ca alloy exhibited non-wetting behavior on steel substrates: after 180 s of dropping alloy from a graphite capillary, the average contact angle value in the Ar atmosphere was θav = 120°, which was slightly higher than that for the test performed in the Ar + 5 wt% H2 atmosphere, where θav = 114°. The microstructure of the solidified couples was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The SEM/EDS analysis revealed interfacial discontinuities throughout the cross-sectioned couples and a lack of permanent bonding between the alloy drop and substrates. Moreover, neither new phases nor mass transfer through the drop/substrate interface were noted. The non-wetting and weak bonding between the alloy drops and the steel substrates is consistent with the Mg–Fe and Ca–Fe phase diagrams, i.e., the non-reactive nature of the Mg-10Ca/steel couples, since at the testing temperature, Fe does not form any compounds with both Mg and Ca, and it does not dissolve in liquid Mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-temperature interaction between molten gray cast iron and Ti + C substrates that are composed of titanium and graphite powders was investigated by the sessile drop method combined with the non-contact heating of an alloy/substrate couple to a test temperature of 1330 °C in an inert gas atmosphere (argon). During the high-temperature testing, the images of the couple were recorded by a high-speed high-resolution CCD camera and used for estimating the values of the contact angles over time. An analysis of the wettability kinetics of the different Ti + C substrates by molten cast iron as well as a detailed structural characterization of the solidified couples with the help of light microscopy, electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy have allowed us to explain the mechanism of high-temperature interaction in the selected couples. It was evidenced that the good wetting and fast infiltration of all of the examined substrates with the selected alloy had a reactive nature due to the dissolution of the Ti and graphite in the molten alloy (dissolutive wetting) and the reactively formed wettable TiC phase. These high-temperature phenomena contributed to the formation of three metal-infiltrated zones with different amounts and distributions of TiC particles in the Fe-based matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wettability of black silicon (b-Si) layers formed by reactive ion etching, metal-assisted chemical etching, and laser-induced etching has been studied. The wetting contact angles of the prepared samples with deionized water, glycerol, diiodomethane, and ethylene glycol were determined. It has been shown that the silicon oxide surface film and the enlargement area factor of b-Si layers have a significant influence on their wettability, varying from hydrophilic to hydrophobic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study involved measurements of surface tension of liquid binary copper-titanium alloys with respect to their chemical composition and temperature as well as investigations of the liquid alloy–refractory material-gaseous phase system wettability using usual refractory materials, i.e., graphite, aluminum oxide and magnesium oxide. The experiments were performed with the use of the sessile drop method and a high-temperature microscope coupled with a camera and a computer. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of titanium content in the Cu-Ti alloy on the surface tension and contact angle at the interface between the liquid alloy and the refractory material. The influence of temperature on these parameters was also examined. The tests were carried out for copper-titanium alloys with a maximum content of 1.5% wt. Ti, in the temperature range of 1373 to 1573 K. The test results indicate that as the titanium content in the alloy increases, its surface tension increases slightly. However, an increase in temperature causes a decrease in the surface tension of the alloys. In the case of an alloy containing 1.5% wt. Ti, surface tension at a temperature of 1373 K reaches 1351 mN∙m−1, and at a temperature of 1573 K, it decreases to 1315 mN∙m−1. As the temperature and titanium content in the alloy increase, a decrease in the contact angle is observed. The highest values of contact angles were recorded in the case of contact of the liquid alloy with graphite. For an alloy containing 0.1% wt. Ti at a temperature of 1373 K, the contact angle reaches 132°, while at a temperature of 1573 K, it decreases to 128°. For an alloy containing 1.5% wt. Ti, the values of contact angles are 100° and 96°, respectively. However, the contact angles have the lowest values for magnesium oxide. In the case of a temperature of 1573 K and an alloy containing 1.5% wt. Ti, the contact angle reaches 49°. Such a significant impact of titanium content on the contact angles may be due to its high affinity for oxygen (contact with a substrate made of Al2O3 and MgO and its reactivity with carbon (contact with graphite).

[Display omitted] Contact angle can be a key parameter in chemical engineering. However, the development and the optimization of numerous processes using supercritical CO 2 , considered as environmentally friendly, require new measurements under dense CO 2 atmosphere. Besides, the influence of the roughness or the wetting regime on the contact angle is known at ambient conditions but remains to be discussed for systems under high pressure. Contact angle measurements of ethanol, water, and their mixtures, with ethanol mass fractions ranging from 0.25 to 0.75, on two stainless steels in saturated CO 2 at pressures ranging from 0.1 MPa to 15.1 MPa, and at 313 K and 333 K were carried out in a set-up improving mass transfer between the studied liquid and the continuous fluid phase. Stainless steel surfaces have been characterized by atomic force and scanning electron microscopies allowing the application of the Wenzel equation. Ethanol wetted totally both stainless steels while contact angles of all other liquids were increased by the rise of pressure, with contact angles up to 128° for water at 15.1 MPa. Trapped bubbles were observed at the solid/liquid interface and the bubble formation is discussed. Furthermore, the potential influence of bubble presence on the wetting regime is prospected through the question: could the pressure rise modify the wetting regime? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on wetting two types of substrates (a platinum substrate and a polished graphite substrate) by molten polycomponent oxide system CaO–MgO–SiO2–Al2O3–B2O3 to test the level of interaction at high temperatures. The tested systems were subjected to high-temperature wetting tests in the temperature range from liquidus temperature to 1550 °C using the sessile drop method. A total of four oxide systems were tested with graded boron oxide contents ranging from 0 to 30 wt%. The experiments were conducted in a CLASIC high-temperature resistance observation furnace and an inert atmosphere of high-purity argon. Droplet silhouettes were obtained with a CANON EOS 550D high-resolution camera during heat treatment, with reactive and non-reactive wetting occurring depending on the substrate type. The dependence of the average wetting angles on temperature and time was evaluated, and it was found that boron oxide decreased the average wetting angles of molten oxide droplets. The analyses were accompanied by the SEM/EDX analysis of the substrate and FTIR analysis of the droplets after high-temperature experiments. The phase composition of the oxide systems was evaluated by XRD analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, experimental data on the high-temperature interaction of liquid Mg with pure Ag are presented. The study was performed by the sessile drop method and capillary purification procedure. The test was carried out under isothermal conditions at 720 °C in a protective atmosphere of Ar + 5 wt.% H2. The solidified couple was subjected to detailed microstructural observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Under the used conditions, immediately after contact with the Ag substrate, liquid Mg drop showed a good wetting (θ0 ~ 65°) followed by fast spreading over the substrate in subsecond time to form the final contact angle of θf ~ 31°.SEM/EDS analysis showed that θf is apparent because of a deep crater (200 μm) formed in the substrate under the drop by the dissolution of Ag in liquid Mg. SEM/EDS observations of complex structural transformations in the Mg/Ag couple due to high-temperature contact and subsequent cooling are in good agreement with the Ag-Mg phase diagram. Besides substrate dissolution, the interaction between liquid Mg and solid Ag at 720 °C is accompanied with the alloying of the Mg drop with Ag and the formation of a continuous layer of the β-AgMg phase at the Mg/Ag interface. During cooling, the chemical composition of the Mg(Ag) drop continuously changes, and this process is followed by the formation of the β-AgMg phase by secondary precipitation from Ag-saturated liquid, a partial transformation of the β-AgMg to ε′-Ag17Mg54 phase by peritectic reaction, followed by the solid-state transformation of the ε′-phase to the ε-AgMg3 phase, and finally, the solidification of residual liquid in the form of the two-phase eutectic mixture of AgMg4 + (Mg). The results obtained suggest that a very good wetting and fast spreading observed experimentally for the Mg/Ag couple is caused by high reactivity between liquid Mg and Ag substrate leading to the combined effect of two reactive wetting mechanisms, i.e. through dissolutive wetting and wetting through the formation of the interfacial reaction product (β-phase). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apparent contact angles between the molten steel with different [Al] contents (w[Al]) from 0.002% to 0.831% (mass fraction) and the microporous MgO (MM) substrates are measured at 1823 K using the sessile drop method. In particular, the contact angles of No. 1 (w[Al] = 0.002%) and No. 5 (w[Al] = 0.831%) molten steels gradually increase with time at the initial stage. As w[Al] increases from 0.002% to 0.831%, the transformation route of interfacial products between molten steel and the MM substrate is MgO–FeO → MgO·Al2O3 → CaO·2Al2O3 + MgO·Al2O3. The w[Al] of No. 1 molten steel is small, and the dissolution of CaO·ZrO2(s) in the substrate is mainly affected by FeO. As w[Al] increases gradually, [Al] consumes the (MgO) contained in CaO·MgO·SiO2 (CMS), and turns the CMS into (CaO·SiO2) slag layer, which promotes the CaO·ZrO2(s) dissolving and thus increasing the interaction area percentage. When w[Al] is 0.831%, [Al] can react with (CaO·SiO2) slag layer or CaO·ZrO2(s) to form CaO·2Al2O3(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between molten iron and refractory is of great significance to understand the damage of refractory in steelmaking processes. In this work, the interactions between the molten iron and three kinds of magnesia aggregates: No. 1 containing CaZrO3-ZrO2 intergranular phase (mainly CaZrO3), No. 2 containing ZrO2-MgAl2O4 intergranular phase (mainly ZrO2) and No. 3 fused magnesia, were studied by the sessile drop method at 1823 K under two kinds of oxygen partial pressures of PO2 ≈ 1.87 × 10−1 Pa and PO2 ≈ 1.87 × 10−3 Pa. It was found that the interaction mechanism between molten iron and substrate was almost the same under the two oxygen partial pressures. No. 2 substrate had a larger interacted area with molten iron due to its physical properties and chemical composition and more amount of slag was formed between them. The oxygen was easy to be released from the closed pores in No. 2 substrate so that the molten iron on No. 2 substrate had higher oxygen content, resulting in the decreases of the contact angle and the surface tension of molten iron. Accordingly, No. 2 substrate was penetrated most seriously. The intergranular phase of No. 1 substrate was more resistant to FeO corrosion than that of No. 2 substrate. The FeO penetration into No. 3 substrate was mainly along the grain boundary. The larger bulk density and grain size of No. 3 substrate could reduce the FeO penetration.

The calculation model based on the surface tension of CaO–SiO2–Al2O3‐based mold flux containing Ce2O3 is studied using the modified Butler equation, and the surface tension of mold flux is measured by the sessile drop method. The experimental results show that the calculated surface tension based on the model agrees well with the experimental values, and the absolute value of the error is less than 3.23%. With the content of Ce2O3 in the mold flux increasing from 0% to 20%, the surface tension of the mold flux increases from 0.380 to 0.405 N m−1. The O2− dissociated from Ce2O3 makes the radius of the silicon–oxygen tetrahedral anion decrease, and the ion‐to‐ion interaction force in the melt increase. Therefore, the surface tension of the melt increases with the increase of Ce2O3 content in the mold flux. However, the amount of dissociated O2− is limited, so the effect of Ce2O3 on the surface tension of the mold flux is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calculation model based on the surface tension of CaO–SiO2–Al2O3‐based mold flux containing Ce2O3 is studied using the modified Butler equation, and the surface tension of mold flux is measured by the sessile drop method. The experimental results show that the calculated surface tension based on the model agrees well with the experimental values, and the absolute value of the error is less than 3.23%. With the content of Ce2O3 in the mold flux increasing from 0% to 20%, the surface tension of the mold flux increases from 0.380 to 0.405 N m−1. The O2− dissociated from Ce2O3 makes the radius of the silicon–oxygen tetrahedral anion decrease, and the ion‐to‐ion interaction force in the melt increase. Therefore, the surface tension of the melt increases with the increase of Ce2O3 content in the mold flux. However, the amount of dissociated O2− is limited, so the effect of Ce2O3 on the surface tension of the mold flux is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper examinations of high-temperature wetting tests of 3 systems of liquid alloy – cast iron in contact with ceramic materials: magnesia ceramics in combination with natural graphite were presented. After wettability testing, the microscopic observations of the morphology of the sample surface and the cross-section microstructure with the chemical composition in micro-areas were examined. One of the objective of this work was also to verify whether the graphite content would affect the wettability of the magnesia ceramics. The study of high-temperature wetting kinetics of the liquid alloy in contact with the ceramic material, by the "sessile drop" method with capillary purification (CP) procedure was conducted. Under the test conditions, at a temperature of 1450°C and time 15 minutes, all 3 experimental systems showed a non-wetting behaviour. The average contact angle for the system with cast iron drop on magnesia ceramics was 140°, on magnesia ceramics with 10 parts per weight of graphite was 137° and on magnesia ceramics with 30 parts per weight of graphite - 139°. Microscopic observations revealed that in the case of the sample consisting of the cast iron drop on the substrate with magnesia ceramics, the formation of fine separations was not observed, unlike the systems with the substrate with magnesia ceramics and the addition of natural graphite. Numerous, fine droplets accumulate on the graphite flakes and consist mainly of Si as well as Fe and O. On the other hand, the rough MgO grains have a gray, matt surface, without fine separations. The conducted observations indicate the mechanical nature of the bonding - liquid metal penetrates into the pores of the rough ceramics of the substrate. However, in the case of systems of cast iron drop with magnesia ceramics and addition of graphite, probably the adhesive connection and the physical attraction of elements derived from cast iron drop with the flake graphite appeared as well.

The wetting behavior of liquid magnesium drop on pure tungsten substrates was investigated, for the first time, with the sessile drop method combined with non-contact heating and capillary purification of a Mg drop from a native oxide film. A specially designed apparatus dedicated to the investigation of the high-temperature interaction of dissimilar materials was used. The comparative experiments were performed under isothermal conditions at temperatures of 700 °C and 740 °C using two atmospheres: Ar + 5 wt.% H2 and pure Ar, respectively. During high-temperature tests for 180 s, the images of the Mg/W couples were recorded with CCD cameras (57 fps) from two directions of observation. The solidified drop/substrate couples were subjected to structural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Under the applied measurement conditions, liquid Mg revealed non-wetting behavior on W substrates (a contact angle θ > 90°). The average value of the contact angle under the flowing Ar atmosphere at 740 °C was θav = 115°, whereas it was higher under the flowing Ar + 5 wt.%. H2 atmosphere at a lower temperature of 700 °C, showing θav = 122°. Independently on employed atmosphere and temperature, SEM + EDS analysis of solidified sessile drop couples did not display any new phases and mass transfer between the Mg drop and the W substrate, whereas the presence of discontinuities at the Mg/W interface of cross-sectioned couples were well-distinguished. Non-wetting and a lack of permanent bonding between the Mg drop and W substrates have a good agreement with the Mg–W phase diagram calculated with the help of FactSage software and FTlite database, i.e., the non-reactive nature of the Mg/W couple because W does not dissolve in liquid Mg and it does not form any compounds with Mg. These findings allow for the recommendation of tungsten as a suitable refractory material for long-time contact with liquid Mg in different container-assisted methods of materials characterization as well as in liquid-assisted processing of Mg components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-entropy silicide (HES) coatings are a promising solution to the problem of poor oxidation resistance of metallic refractory alloys. However, their practical development is still in the early stages. For the first time, this study evaluates the feasibility of synthesizing complex concentrated silicide coatings using a reactive melt infiltration approach. For this purpose, a sessile drop experiment was carried out in which a binary eutectic silicon‑boron alloy (Si 8B at.%) was subjected to contact heating with the MoNbTaW refractory high entropy alloy (RHEA) substrate at temperatures up to 1450 °C. After the high-temperature test, the solidified couple was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction systems, and microhardness techniques. The coating had an average thickness of 75 μm and was composed of different layers, including a primary MSi 2 layer, a transition MSi 2 + M 5 Si 3 silicide layer, and M 5 Si 3 silicides (M = metal). Additionally, borosilicides and boride particles were dispersed throughout the layers. However, future research should prioritize refining process parameters to eliminate porosity and improve the integrity of the coating layer. [Display omitted] • First proof of concept of synthesizing complex concentrated silicide coatings via liquid-assisted method. • Successfully synthesized multilayer silicide-based coating on MoNbTaW alloy using molten Si-B alloy. • Showcases silicide-based coatings can be produced in one-step under pressure-less conditions without chemical activators. • Formation of a multilayered coating, with MSi 2 and M 5 Si 3 as the main phases plus minor quantities borides and borosilicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wetting experiment using capillary purification procedure in sessile drop method ensured the in-situ cleaning of Al drop from native oxide. • Al drop showed good wetting at 720 °C on the deformed steel substrate - contact angle decreased from 35° to 7° after 100 s. • The interface zone was of dual-morphology: grains of Al5Fe2 phase penetrating steel substrate and θ-Al13Fe4 phase growing towards Al drop. • The Al5Fe2 phase formed the long colonies of similarly oriented grains, while the θ-Al13Fe4 phase was of needle shape morphology. • Dissolution of steel substrate and formation of the thick product layer beneath the drop were responsible for good wetting behaviour. The high-temperature liquid Al - solid S355J2N steel interaction was studied using a modified wettability test. A sessile drop method with a capillary purification procedure was employed for the first time, involving non-contact aluminium isothermal heating followed by the dropping of a pure liquid Al drop onto the severely deformed steel substrate and isothermal contact heating of Al with steel. The calculated contact angles and wetting kinetics curves demonstrated a good spreading and wetting of the investigated system. Scanning electron microscopy investigations played an important role in interpretation of the microstructural characteristics of the specimen, especially those located at the drop/substrate interface. The electron backscattered diffraction measurements allowed to characterize the microstructure of the interface zone to obtain more detailed information about the grain size, type of the intermetallic phases: θ-Al 13 Fe 4 , Fe 2 Al 5 , FCC Al and ferrite and their distribution in the neighborhood of the interface zone. These intermetallics were also confirmed via transmission electron microscopy studies coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis of the drop/substrate interface. Research findings provide valuable insights into the liquid Al and steel interaction during the explosive welding process, where the local melting of metal takes place at the interface of colliding plates, strongly deformed due to the collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on wetting two types of substrates (a platinum substrate and a polished graphite substrate) by molten polycomponent oxide system CaO–MgO–SiO2–Al2O3–B2O3 to test the level of interaction at high temperatures. The tested systems were subjected to high-temperature wetting tests in the temperature range from liquidus temperature to 1550 °C using the sessile drop method. A total of four oxide systems were tested with graded boron oxide contents ranging from 0 to 30 wt%. The experiments were conducted in a CLASIC high-temperature resistance observation furnace and an inert atmosphere of high-purity argon. Droplet silhouettes were obtained with a CANON EOS 550D high-resolution camera during heat treatment, with reactive and non-reactive wetting occurring depending on the substrate type. The dependence of the average wetting angles on temperature and time was evaluated, and it was found that boron oxide decreased the average wetting angles of molten oxide droplets. The analyses were accompanied by the SEM/EDX analysis of the substrate and FTIR analysis of the droplets after high-temperature experiments. The phase composition of the oxide systems was evaluated by XRD analysis.

The contact angle is a numerical index of differentiation between hydrophilic and hydrophobic soils. The objectives of this research are: 1) assessing different methods such as capillary rise, the molarity of ethanol droplet, repellency index, and sessile drop, and 2) Determining the most efficient method in a typical soil with sandy loam texture. In this study, hydrophobic soil was hydrophobized artificially using stearic acid and according to the water drop penetration time classification method. Calculated contact angles of hydrophilic soil with capillary rise method, the molarity of ethanol droplet method, repellency index (two methods of calculation), and sessile drop method were 89.9, 75.41, (57.81), 56.28, and 58.91, respectively. Using the contact angle measuring device, the contact angle of five hydrophobic levels were 58.91, 104.92, 120.48, 129.96, and 173.07, respectively. According to the precession of the device where the operator is capable to control data and processes and there is no limitation in usage, therefore, the sessile drop method is the most suitable method to measure contact angle. The contact angle of the late method and water drop penetration data are positively correlated (R2 = 0.975).

In this paper examinations of high-temperature wetting tests of 3 systems of liquid alloy – cast iron in contact with ceramic materials: magnesia ceramics in combination with natural graphite were presented. After wettability testing, the microscopic observations of the morphology of the sample surface and the cross-section microstructure with the chemical composition in micro-areas were examined. One of the objective of this work was also to verify whether the graphite content would affect the wettability of the magnesia ceramics. The study of high-temperature wetting kinetics of the liquid alloy in contact with the ceramic material, by the "sessile drop" method with capillary purification (CP) procedure was conducted. Under the test conditions, at a temperature of 1450°C and time 15 minutes, all 3 experimental systems showed a non-wetting behaviour. The average contact angle for the system with cast iron drop on magnesia ceramics was 140°, on magnesia ceramics with 10 parts per weight of graphite was 137° and on magnesia ceramics with 30 parts per weight of graphite - 139°. Microscopic observations revealed that in the case of the sample consisting of the cast iron drop on the substrate with magnesia ceramics, the formation of fine separations was not observed, unlike the systems with the substrate with magnesia ceramics and the addition of natural graphite. Numerous, fine droplets accumulate on the graphite flakes and consist mainly of Si as well as Fe and O. On the other hand, the rough MgO grains have a gray, matt surface, without fine separations. The conducted observations indicate the mechanical nature of the bonding - liquid metal penetrates into the pores of the rough ceramics of the substrate. However, in the case of systems of cast iron drop with magnesia ceramics and addition of graphite, probably the adhesive connection and the physical attraction of elements derived from cast iron drop with the flake graphite appeared as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface characteristics of printing substrates are of the utmost importance to all types of paper that interact with ink. During all types of printing processes, the behaviour of the liquid phase (ink or dye) on the paper is directly defined by the paper cellulose-based surface. The printed ink spreads and penetrates more into paper fibres when the paper surface is rougher and more permeable. Contact angle measurements by sessile drop method are considered the most appropriate for determining the paper sheet surface energy. Paper as hydrophilic material has a high absorption rate resulting in a low contact angle. The objective of this study was to evaluate the surface free energy of laboratory-made papers containing straw pulp obtained from residues after the harvest of the most cultivated cereals in Croatia (wheat, barley and triticale). The obtained surface free energy results are promising for straw pulp usage in the manufacture of printing paper.

[Display omitted] • A standardized contact angle measurement method for porous powder materials. • Effect of laminating treatment on structure and wettability of PCN is investigated in detail. • The contact angle data is stable and reproducible. • Oil contact angle data of PCN are reported explicitly. • The method provided can solve the dilemma of PCN wettability data confusion. The wettability of polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) is an important surface chemical factor affecting its catalytic and separation performance. However, due to the amphipathic characteristics of hydrophilic/lipophilic and porous powder properties, the contact angle (CA) of PCN measured by the common sessile drop method will be interfered by the substrate, resulting in randomness of the results. Herein, the pristine PCNs obtained by thermal polycondensation of different precursors in air or nitrogen atmosphere were used as the wettability research object. The CA of the PCNs was measured by a modified sessile drop method after the traditional powders were replaced by pressed-tablet samples. The influence of sample mass and applied pressure on specific surface area, pore volume, surface morphology and CA of the pressed-tablet samples was investigated carefully, and the optimal experimental conditions were determined. When the sample mass was 0.15 g and the applied pressure was 10 MPa, the measured water CA of PCNs was between 27 ∼ 34°, and the diiodomethane CA is between 24 ∼ 29°. The measurement results showed considerable stability and reproducibility. This improved CA measurement method provides a simple and standardized way to accurately explore the surface chemistry of PCN, and has the potential to be applied to other hydrophilic and/or oleophilic porous powder materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion of refractory is generally related to the wetting between slag and refractory. Investigating the wetting and corrosion characteristics of refractory by molten slag has a positive significance to elucidating the corrosion mechanism and understanding the slag resistance. In this work, the apparent contact angles of the CaO–Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 –(MgO) molten slags on microporous magnesia aggregate (MM) and fused magnesia (FM) substrates were respectively measured by sessile drop method under Ar atmosphere at 1550 °C. The dissolution of the MM substrate and the slag penetration behavior were investigated by combining the theoretical calculation of the FactSage thermodynamic software with the examination of SEM-EDS. The results show that MM substrate had a better slag resistance than FM substrate. The final apparent contact angles (θ f) of slags with the CaO/SiO 2 values of 3, 5 and 11 on MM substrate were 15.8°, 21.4°, and 9.2°, respectively, and that with the MgO content of 3, 6 and 9 mass% were 11.1°, 14.2°, and 52.5°, respectively. The larger the CaO/SiO 2 value of the slag, the more beneficial it was to slowing down the dissolution of MM and FM substrates; the original slag with MgO was also beneficial to lessening the dissolution of the MM substrate, which was better than that with a high CaO/SiO 2 value. The formation of MA could inhibit the slag from penetrating. In addition, for slags with different CaO/SiO 2 values, the effects of surface tension and viscosity on slag penetration were more significant than that of contact angle; for slags with different MgO contents, the effect of contact angle on slag penetration was more significant than those of surface tension and viscosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wetting and corrosion behavior of the corundum substrate anode by CaO–SiO 2 –MgO molten slag was investigated via the joint application of the sessile drop method with applied voltage and SEM-EDS technique. The slag drop exhibited a good wettability on the corundum substrate. The apparent contact angle at zero voltage slightly exceeded that at a 1 V applied voltage but was lower than those at 1.5 V and 2 V ones. Low applied voltage of 1 V had little effect on the corundum substrate's direct dissolution corrosion processes; high ones of not less than 1.5 V caused the electrode reaction to occur. The stirring effect of O 2 bubbles from the anode reaction aggravated the substrate's direct dissolution and physical stripping. It was found that the applied voltage could inhibit the slag penetration, and the apparent contact angle had no obvious relation with the direct dissolution thickness and penetration depth. A thin but almost continuous MgO⋅Al 2 O 3 (MA) layer could form at the slag/substrate interface at the applied voltage of 1.5 V. These results indicate the positive effect of applied voltage on the distribution of interfacial products and the molten slag penetration in reducing the corrosion of corundum anode under certain conditions. However, when the applied voltage was too high, the vigorous electrode reaction could aggravate the direct dissolution and physical stripping of the corundum anode, and damage the continuation of the formed interface product layer with a high melting point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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High temperature behavior of three compacted graphite iron (CGI) alloys on polycrystalline alumina substrates (99.7%, poro­sity

In this paper, temperature and concentration dependencies on density and surface tension of liquid Fe-C-O-Cr alloys (1.93 - 4.80 wt.% Cr) were investigated in high-temperature resistance observation furnace by a sessile drop method during heating from liquidus temperature to 1600°C. The interfacial characteristics (interfacial tension, wetting angle, work of adhesion, and spreading coefficient) of liquid alloy/alumina system were also determined depending on temperature. The effect of temperature and chromium content on surface and interfacial properties was proven in case of all examined alloys. Based on the fact that the content of surface-active elements such as oxygen (up to 195 ppm) and sulfur (up to 545 ppm) was higher, the influence of activities of both mentioned elements on surface tension of alloy samples was assessed. Particular attention was paid to the dependence of the surface tension temperature coefficient on oxygen and sulfur activity.

The wetting behavior of liquid magnesium drop on pure tungsten substrates was investigated, for the first time, with the sessile drop method combined with non-contact heating and capillary purification of a Mg drop from a native oxide film. A specially designed apparatus dedicated to the investigation of the high-temperature interaction of dissimilar materials was used. The comparative experiments were performed under isothermal conditions at temperatures of 700 °C and 740 °C using two atmospheres: Ar + 5 wt.% H2 and pure Ar, respectively. During high-temperature tests for 180 s, the images of the Mg/W couples were recorded with CCD cameras (57 fps) from two directions of observation. The solidified drop/substrate couples were subjected to structural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Under the applied measurement conditions, liquid Mg revealed non-wetting behavior on W substrates (a contact angle θ > 90°). The average value of the contact angle under the flowing Ar atmosphere at 740 °C was θav = 115°, whereas it was higher under the flowing Ar + 5 wt.%. H2 atmosphere at a lower temperature of 700 °C, showing θav = 122°. Independently on employed atmosphere and temperature, SEM + EDS analysis of solidified sessile drop couples did not display any new phases and mass transfer between the Mg drop and the W substrate, whereas the presence of discontinuities at the Mg/W interface of cross-sectioned couples were well-distinguished. Non-wetting and a lack of permanent bonding between the Mg drop and W substrates have a good agreement with the Mg–W phase diagram calculated with the help of FactSage software and FTlite database, i.e., the non-reactive nature of the Mg/W couple because W does not dissolve in liquid Mg and it does not form any compounds with Mg. These findings allow for the recommendation of tungsten as a suitable refractory material for long-time contact with liquid Mg in different container-assisted methods of materials characterization as well as in liquid-assisted processing of Mg components.

Moisture damage occurs due to loss of cohesion and/or adhesion, which results in loss of stiffness and strength. Currently, the surface free energy (SFE) approach is used to calculate mixture performance in terms of various SFE parameters to assess moisture susceptibility of various newly developed binders. In the present study, the concept of SFE is used to evaluate the moisture-induced damage potential of newly modified bitumen using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pyro-oil. For this purpose, parameters of SFE considered are work of adhesion, work of cohesion, wettability, and energy ratio (ER). HDPE pyro-oil was obtained from pyrolysis process at 750°C. For determination of surface tension properties of base and modified bitumen, this study used glycerol, formamide, and distilled water as probe liquid, and a sessile drop method was adopted to measure the static contact angle. The aggregates considered in this study were basalt, gravel, and limestone. Dispersive and polar components of aggregates were directly taken from the literature. In contrast, for base bitumen (VG30) and pyro-oil–modified bitumen (POMB), these components were determined using van Oss–Chaudhury–Good theory. Along with this, the variation in contact angle, SFE components and surface tension parameter of base and modified bitumen were studied for different time of ageing (0, 45, 85, and 150 min) using rolling thin film oven (RTFO) as per guidelines of Superpave. The investigation concludes that, for the parameters under study, the analysis of data does not show any regular pattern. Work of adhesion decreases whereas work of cohesion increases with ageing resulting in increased moisture susceptibility for pyro-oil–modified bitumen. Further, the results showed that pyro-oil was effective in enhancing the surface tension parameter as compared to the base binder for different ageing conditions. Based on the results of energy ratio, it is concluded that a combination of the binder with basalt gives higher resistance to moisture damage than limestone and gravel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contact angle is a numerical index of differentiation between hydrophilic and hydrophobic soils. The objectives of this research are: 1) assessing different methods such as capillary rise, the molarity of ethanol droplet, repellency index, and sessile drop, and 2) Determining the most efficient method in a typical soil with sandy loam texture. In this study, hydrophobic soil was hydrophobized artificially using stearic acid and according to the water drop penetration time classification method. Calculated contact angles of hydrophilic soil with capillary rise method, the molarity of ethanol droplet method, repellency index (two methods of calculation), and sessile drop method were 89.9, 75.41, (57.81), 56.28, and 58.91, respectively. Using the contact angle measuring device, the contact angle of five hydrophobic levels were 58.91, 104.92, 120.48, 129.96, and 173.07, respectively. According to the precession of the device where the operator is capable to control data and processes and there is no limitation in usage, therefore, the sessile drop method is the most suitable method to measure contact angle. The contact angle of the late method and water drop penetration data are positively correlated (R² = 0.975). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contact angle between a membrane surface and a waterdrop lying on its surface provides important information about the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of the membrane. This method is well-developed for solid non-swelling materials. However, ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) are gel-like solids that swell in liquids. When an IEM is exposed to air, its degree of swelling changes rapidly, making it difficult to measure the contact angle. In this paper, we examine the known experience of measuring contact angles and suggest a simple equipment that allows the membrane to remain swollen during measurements. An optimized protocol makes it possible to obtain reliable and reproducible results. Measuring parameters such as drop size, water dosing speed and others are optimized. Contact angle measurements are shown for a large number of commercial membranes. These data are supplemented with values from other surface characteristics from optical and profilometric measurements.

Maize grain have a high moisture content in the harvest period, and a model to calculate the JKR surface energy between high-humidity maize grains was developed. A system was designed and used to measure the contact angle. The effects of different factors on the JKR surface energy were investigated. The results showed that the JKR surface energy of maize grains increased with increasing moisture content and temperature. The content of crude starch in grains is the main factor that affects the JKR surface energy. The JKR model and no slip model of EDEM were used to simulate the collision of high-humidity maize grains, and the results were compared with the physical tests. The data obtained by the JKR model are compared with those obtained by Young model and OWRK model. The results provide a reference for the calculation of the JKR surface energy of other particles with high moisture content. Unlabelled Image • JKR surface energy of high-humidity maize grain was investigated. • The mathematical model of JKR surface energy was founded. • The effects of different factors on the JKR surface energy of grain were investigated. • JKR surface energy was mostly affected by the content of coarse starch in the grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between inks and substrates is critical during printing. Adhesion of the ink film is determined by the reciprocal interactions of polar and nonpolar (dispersive) components between polymer films and inks. The greater the similarity between the polar and dispersive components of inks, coating and substrates, the better the wetting and adhesion on the surface of printing substrate. Various liquid materials in printing such as inks, varnishes, lacquers, and adhesives contain high ratios of water. The highly polar nature of water makes the interaction of these materials unsuitable with predominantly disperse polymer surfaces. Some films with polyolefin structure, especially polypropylene, and polyethylene, are nonpolar and cannot form strong bonds with ink, varnish, or lacquer coatings due to their chemical structure. Increasing surface energy components overcomes the poor wetting and adhesion on polymer surfaces. In this review, the topics of water contact angle measurement and determination of surface energy, surface tension, and using sessile drop method for the wettability and ink adhesion of polymer films are surveyed. Information on structural and chemical processes was given that assists in obtaining wettable film surfaces. Recommendations were made for good adhesion and printability based on surface treatment methods and ink modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The features of the nucleation and growth of p-quaterphenyl crystal films from solution drops on substrates are studied under conditions of slow isothermal evaporation of the solvent. Studies on the influence of temperature factor show the largest crystal films are formed at a temperature of about 45°C. It is found that the use of a high-boiling solvent with a high surface tension (1,2,4-trichlorobenzene) makes it possible to form single-crystal films of a much larger scale than when using a low-boiling solvent with a lower surface tension (toluene). The surface properties of solutions in comparison with pure solvents are investigated and analyzed by the hanging drop method and the sessile drop method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper was aimed to study of the wetting angle (Θ) of Sn–Ag–Cu, Sn–(3 − x)Ag–0.5Cu–(x)Bi and Sn–(3 − x)Ag–0.5Cu–(x)In (x = 0. 5 , 1 and 2 in wt.%) Pb-free solder alloy systems at various temperatures (250, 280 and 310∘C) on Cu substrate in Ar atmosphere. The new Sn–(3 − x)Ag–0.5Cu–xBi and Sn–(3 − x)Ag–0.5Cu − (x) In systems, low Ag content quaternary Pb-free solder alloys, were produced by adding 0.5%, 1% and 2% Bi and In separately to the near-eutectic Sn-3 wt.%Ag–0.5 wt.%Cu (SAC305) alloy. The wetting angles of new alloys, Sn − 2.5 wt.%Ag − 0.5 wt.%Cu − 0.5 wt.%Bi (SAC-0.5Bi), Sn − 2 wt.%Ag − 0.5 wt.%Cu − 1 wt.%Bi(SAC-1Bi), Sn − 1 wt.%Ag − 0.5 wt.%Cu − 2 wt.%Bi(SAC-2Bi), Sn − 2.5 wt.%Ag − 0.5 wt.%Cu − 0.5 wt.%In (SAC-0.5In), Sn − 2 wt.%Ag − 0.5 wt.%Cu − 1 wt.%In (SAC-1In) and Sn − 1 wt.%Ag − 0.5 wt%.Cu − 2 wt.%In (SAC-2In) were measured by sessile drop method. Experimental results showed that additions of Bi and In separately to SAC305 resulted in a continuous decrease in the Θ up to 1 wt.% above which the Θ value was increased and it is appeared that a correlation among the Θ , alloys compositions and the test temperatures exists which recommended an empirical model to estimate the Θ at a given Bi and In content and temperature for a given alloy systems. The numerical model estimates the Θ understandably well with the present work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperature behavior of three compacted graphite iron (CGi) alloys on polycrystalline alumina substrates (99.7%, porosity <3%) were examined by the sessile drop method combined with classical contact heating procedure in flowing Ar. High-speed high-resolution CCd camera was used for continuous recording of the CGi/Al2o3 couples during melting alloy, heating to and holding the couples at the test temperature of 1450°C for 15 min and their subsequent cooling. The comparative studies were made with conventional CGi (in wt.%: 3.70 C, 2.30 Si, 0.44 Mn, 0.054 P, 0.017 Mg, 0.015 S) and two alloys additionally containing the same amounts of 0.25 Mo, 0.1 V, 0.045 Sn and 0.032 Sb with different concentrations of Mg + Cu additions, i.e. 0.01Mg + 0.33Cu and 0.02Mg + 0.83Cu. All three CGi alloys demonstrated non-wetting behavior on the Al2o3 substrates while the contact angle values slightly decreased with increase of the Mg + Cu content in the alloy, i.e. 131° (unalloyed CGi), 130° (0.01Mg + 0.33Cu) and 125° (0.02Mg + 0.83Cu). Structural characterization of solidified couples by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed: 1) heterogeneous nucleation of discontinuous graphite layer at the drop-side interfaces and on the surface of the drops; 2) reactively formed Mg-rich oxide layer at the substrate-side interface; 3) the formation of satellite droplets on the surface of the drops during their solidification; 4) degeneration of initially compacted graphite to lamellar graphite after remelting and subsequent solidification of the drops, particularly in their surface layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon-boron alloys have been recently pointed out as novel ultra-high temperature phase change materials for applications in Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage (LHTES) and conversion systems. One of the emerging challenges related to the development of such devices is a selection of refractories applicable to build a vessel for storing molten Si-B alloys at high temperatures and under consecutive melting/solidification conditions. Previously, it has been documented that hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is the only one ceramic showing a non-wettability and limited reactivity with Si-B alloys at temperatures up to 1750 °C, what makes it a good candidate of the first selection for the predicted application. Nevertheless, pure h-BN shows a rather low mechanical strength that could affect a durability of the LHTES vessel. Therefore, the main purpose of this work was to examine high temperature behavior of commercial high strength h-BN composite having a nominal composition of h-BN-24ZrO2-6SiC (vol.%) in contact with a solid/liquid eutectic Si-3.2B alloy. Two types of sessile drop experiments were carried out: a step-contact heating up to 1750 °C, and a thermocycling at 1300 − 1450 °C composed of 15 cycles of the alloy melting/solidification. The obtained results showed a lack of wettability in the examined system at temperatures up to 1750 °C. The Si-3.2B alloy presented good repeatability of melting/solidification temperatures in consecutive thermal cycles, which was not affected by the interaction with the h-BN composite. However, due to reactions taking place between the composite's components leading to structural degradation, it is not recommended to increase operational temperature of this material above 1450 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf wettability has an impact on a plant's ability to retain water on its leaf surface, which in turn has many environmental consequences. In the case of the potato leaf (Solanum tuberosum L.), water on the leaf surface may contribute to the development of a fungal disease. If fungal disease is caused, this may reduce the size of potato harvests, which contribute significantly to meeting global food demand. The aim of this study was to assess the leaf wettability of five potato cultivars (i.e., Bryza, Lady Claire, Rudawa, Russet Burbank, Sweet Caroline) in the context of its direct and indirect impact on potato yield. Leaf wettability was assessed on the basis of contact angle measurements using a sessile drop method with an optical goniometer. For Bryza and Rudawa cultivars, which showed, respectively, the highest and the lowest contact angle values, light microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy analyses were performed. The results of the contact angle measurements and microscopic image analyses of the potato leaf surfaces indicated that the level of wettability was closely related to the type of trichomes on the leaf and their density. Therefore, higher resistance of the Rudawa cultivar to biotic stress conditions could be the result of the presence of two glandular trichome types (VI and VII), which produce and secrete metabolites containing various sticky and/or toxic chemicals that may poison or repel herbivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature interaction between molten conventional gray cast iron (wt.%: 4.1 C; 1 Si; 0.20 Mn; 0.03 S; 0.04 P, the rest—Fe) and multiphase Al2O3-ZrO2-SiO2 ceramic substrate (wt.%: 51.5 Al2O3, 33.8 ZrO2, 13.3 SiO2, ~ 1 NaO2, 0.15 Fe2O3 + TiO2 + CaO) was examined at a temperature of 1450 °C for 15 min under inert flowing gas atmosphere (Ar, 850-900 hPa) using a sessile drop method coupled with contact heating procedure. Melting, wetting behavior and solidification of gray cast iron sample were continuously recorded with a high-speed high-resolution CCD camera. Under conditions of this study, selected gray cast iron alloy does not wet the Al2O3-ZrO2-SiO2 ceramic forming the final contact angle with average value of θf ~ 135°. The wetting kinetic curve was not smooth and its shape suggests the effect of substrate chemical heterogeneity due to multiphase composition of the substrate material. After the sessile drop test, the solidified drop was easily detached from the ceramic substrate along the drop-side interface showing a lack of bonding between the drop and the substrate. Structural characterization of the drop/substrate couple evidenced the nucleation and growth of graphite at the drop surface and at the drop/substrate interface taken place during solidification and resulting into the formation of discontinuous interfacial graphite layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change heat transfer (e.g., boiling of water) on surfaces can be enhanced by tuning the surface wettability, which is often quantified by the contact angle and is expected to be influenced by temperature and pressure. However, the temperature (and pressure) dependence of contact angles of water on metallic surfaces remain unclear. In this study, an in situ characterization of the contact angles of water on 304 stainless steel surfaces at temperatures from room temperature to 250 °C and at pressures up to 15 MPa was performed using the sessile drop method. It was shown that three distinct regimes can be identified on the contact angle-temperature curves. A slightly-decreasing trend of the contact angles with temperature was observed below 120 °C, followed by a steeper linear decrease at higher temperatures. A further rise of the decreasing rate with temperature was observed above 210 °C. In contrast to temperature, the pressure was shown to have little effects on the contact angles. Based on the theory of surface thermodynamics, the effects of temperature (and pressure) on the contact angles were analyzed in terms of the interfacial tensions. An empirical correlation was developed to predict the contact angles as a function of temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of investigating the wettability of commercial multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) Taunit-MD under irradiation with 120-keV Ar+ ions with various fluences are presented. The structure of the irradiated MWCNTs is investigated using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray microanalysis of the samples. The dependences of the average diameter of the MWCNTs, the O2 concentration, and defects in the MWCNT samples on the irradiation fluence, as well as their effect on the wettability with distilled water, ethylene glycol, and cyclohexane are considered. The possibility and prospects of using ion-beam modification methods for controlled variation of the wettability with the aim of creating a MWCNT coating, which is hydrophobic or hydrophilic to various types of liquids, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Experimental assessment of a novel liquid-assisted borosiliconizing process. • A new technological approach for a fabrication of Mo-Si-B materials. • Wetting, spreading and reactivity in Si-B/Mo system. • Reactively formed molybdenum silicides, borosilicides and borides. In this work, we used a sessile drop experiment to assess a feasibility of novel processing design engaging liquid-phase assisted fabrication of multi-phase materials from Mo-Si-B system. For this purpose, binary eutectic silicon-boron alloy (Si-3.2B wt%) was subjected to contact heating with polycrystalline molybdenum substrate at temperature up to 1385 °C. It was in-situ observed that molten Si-3.2B alloy wets and rapidly spreads over the Mo surface. After the high temperature test, the solidified couple was subjected to structural characterization by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. The obtained results revealed that the direct interaction between examined materials under applied testing conditions results in the reactively formed product layer having a thickness of ∼80 µm. The following structural features were recognized starting from the surface side: (I) the main product layer composed of columnar-like MoSi 2 phase and Mo 5 Si 3 phase; (II) an intermediate layer made of MoB and Mo 5 SiB 2 phases. Although these results give the first indication for designing a novel liquid-assisted fabrication method of Mo-Si-B materials, an existence of porosity in the product layer clearly suggests that a further optimization of the process parameters is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Experimentally investigated high-temperature interaction of liquid Mg with solid Cu. • Wettability of liquid magnesium on the solid metallic copper. • A very good wetting and spreading of liquid magnesium on solid copper (θ less than 90°). • The SEM/TEM/EDS analysis of the Mg/Cu couple after sessile drop test. For the first time, experimental results of the high-temperature interaction of liquid magnesium with pure copper are presented. The investigation was performed using the sessile drop method and capillary purification procedure allowing both non-contact heating of the Mg/Cu couple and in situ cleaning of the Mg drop from a native oxide film. The test was done under isothermal conditions at 710 °C in a protective atmosphere, which was a mixture of Ar + 5 wt% H 2. The images of the Mg/Cu couple collected during the high-temperature measurements were used to determine the time-dependent values of the contact angle (θ) formed between the liquid magnesium drop and the copper substrate. The solidified couple was subjected to detailed microstructural observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), both coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Under the applied measurement conditions, immediately after contact with the Cu substrate, the liquid Mg drop showed a very good wetting (θ 0 ∼ 22°), followed by rapid spreading over the substrate, forming a final contact angle θ f ∼ 11°. However, SEM/EDS analysis revealed that θ f is an apparent angle due to the deep crater (∼200 μm) formed in the substrate under the Mg drop by the dissolution of Cu in liquid Mg. The comparative SEM/TEM/EDS analysis suggests that good wetting and rapid spreading in the Mg/Cu couple are dominated by the reactive wetting mechanism due to the dissolution of the Cu substrate in the liquid Mg drop and its saturation with a high amount of dissolved Cu. Consequently, the microstructure of the solidified drop was composed of large Cu-rich primary MgCu 2 crystals surrounded with a two-phase eutectic mixture (MgCu 2 + Mg 2 Cu) formed at the final stage of cooling. In addition, the MgCu 2 phase was also nucleated and grown at the Mg/Cu interface to form a continuous layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf wettability has an impact on a plant’s ability to retain water on its leaf surface, which in turn has many environmental consequences. In the case of the potato leaf (Solanum tuberosum L.), water on the leaf surface may contribute to the development of a fungal disease. If fungal disease is caused, this may reduce the size of potato harvests, which contribute significantly to meeting global food demand. The aim of this study was to assess the leaf wettability of five potato cultivars (i.e., Bryza, Lady Claire, Rudawa, Russet Burbank, Sweet Caroline) in the context of its direct and indirect impact on potato yield. Leaf wettability was assessed on the basis of contact angle measurements using a sessile drop method with an optical goniometer. For Bryza and Rudawa cultivars, which showed, respectively, the highest and the lowest contact angle values, light microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy analyses were performed. The results of the contact angle measurements and microscopic image analyses of the potato leaf surfaces indicated that the level of wettability was closely related to the type of trichomes on the leaf and their density. Therefore, higher resistance of the Rudawa cultivar to biotic stress conditions could be the result of the presence of two glandular trichome types (VI and VII), which produce and secrete metabolites containing various sticky and/or toxic chemicals that may poison or repel herbivores.

The reactive wetting behaviors of molten Zn-Al-Mg alloys on MnO- and amorphous (a-) SiO2-covered steel sheets were investigated by the sessile drop method, as a function of the Al and Mg contents in the alloys. The sessile drop tests were carried out at 460 °C and the variation in the contact angles (θc) of alloys containing 0.2-2.5 wt% Al and 0-3.0 wt% Mg was monitored for 20 s. For all the alloys, the MnO-covered steel substrate exhibited reactive wetting whereas the a-SiO2-covered steel exhibited nonreactive, nonwetting (θc > 90°) behavior. The MnO layer was rapidly removed by Al and Mg contained in the alloys. The wetting of the MnO-covered steel sheet significantly improved upon increasing the Mg content but decreased upon increasing the Al content, indicating that the surface tension of the alloy droplet is the main factor controlling its wettability. Although the reactions of Al and Mg in molten alloys with the a-SiO2 layer were found to be sluggish, the wettability of Zn-Al-Mg alloys on the a-SiO2 layer improved upon increasing the Al and Mg contents. These results suggest that the wetting of advanced high-strength steel sheets, the surface oxide layer of which consists of a mixture of MnO and SiO2, with Zn-Al-Mg alloys could be most effectively improved by increasing the Mg content of the alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wettability between liquid Ag and graphene-coated SiC single crystal has been investigated by dispensed drop method at T = 970 °C under vacuum accompanied with subsecond recording of the drop/substrate images (100 frames per second) by high-speed high-resolution CCD camera. Non-contact heating method coupled with capillary purification of the Ag drop procedure has been applied. Scanning electron microscopy combined with EDS analysis and scanning probe microscopy combined with Raman spectroscopy techniques has been utilized for microstructure and surface characterization of samples before and after high-temperature wetting tests. Immediately after its detachment from the capillary, the Ag drop showed non-wetting behavior (θ > 90°) forming a high contact angle of θ = 114°. Surface characterization of the drop surface after wettability tests evidenced the presence of graphene and Si transferred from the substrate to the top of Ag drop. These findings suggest chemical interaction phenomena occurring at the interface. Locally, an intimate contact between liquid Ag and SiC substrate was allowed by the appearance of discontinuities in the graphene layer basically produced by thermomechanical stress. Local dissolution of carbon into liquid Ag and its reorganization (by segregation, nucleation and growth) as secondary graphene layer at the Ag surface was also observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]