Electron Backscatter Research Articles

Sustainable assessment and synergism of ceramic powder and steel slag in iron ore tailings-based concrete.

Solid waste management is a critical issue worldwide. Effectively utilizing these solid waste resources presents a viable solution. This study focuses on Iron ore tailings (IOTs), a solid waste generated during iron ore processing, which can be used as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) but have low reactivity, hindering their large-scale application in concrete production. To address this, ternary SCMs were prepared using ceramic powder (CP) and steel slag (SS) to enhance the performance of concrete incorporating IOTs. The study found that the synergistic effect of CP and SS significantly improved the compressive strength of concrete, with a notable increase of up to 21% compared to concrete with IOTs alone. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and backscattering electron (BSE) analyses revealed that the ternary SCMs significantly optimized the characteristics of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), which in turn enhanced the compressive properties of the concrete. This contributed to maintaining the structural integrity of the concrete, even amidst variations in the pore structure. Importantly, the incorporation of ternary SCMs led to a 23% reduction in carbon emissions, from 400.01kg CO2/m3 to 307.48kg CO2/m3, and elevated eco-strength efficiency from 0.1 to 0.14. The study highlights the role of multi-material synergy in developing composite SCMs systems, fostering the sustainable advancement of green building materials.

Transitioning solidification mode via electroplated Ni coatings in martensitic stainless steel resistance spot welds: new insights into fabricating tough microstructure

The present study addresses the enhancement of fracture toughness of martensitic stainless steel (MSS) spot welds by utilizing through electroplating of Ni on MSS sheets. The equilibrium and non-equilibrium solidification modelling showed that by Ni coating with 50 μm thick on 1.5 mm thick MSSs, the solidification mode changes from δ-ferrite to γ-austenite, leading to a weld nugget (WN) dominated by austenite grains. Moreover, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) showed that the other phases (martensite, δ-ferrite) appeared in band areas of WN owing to incomplete mixing of MSS and the Ni-coating. The tough microstructure in the Ni-coated MSS spot welds provided superior mechanical properties compared to non-coated welds, both in cross-tension (CT) and tensile-shear (TS) tests. Notably, the TS and CT strengths of the Ni-coated MSS spot welds showed a remarkable increase of 57% and 127%, respectively, in comparison to the conventional bare MSS spot welds. Furthermore, in terms of failure energy, the Ni-coated MSS spot welds demonstrated a substantial enhancement of 296% in TS and 520% in CT, when compared to their non-coated counterparts. This research study showcased the effectiveness of Ni electroplating as an industrial method for improving the spot weldability of MSSs.

On the forensic relevance of tattoos: distinguishing black inks with energy dispersive spectroscopy and backscattered scanning electron microscopy.

This study aimed to analyze black tattoo inks by means of energy dispersive spectroscopy and backscattered scanning electron microscopy. The sample consisted of five types of commercial tattoo pigments of the black colour (Easy Glow™, Electric Ink™, Iron Works™, Master Ink™, and Viper™). An Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) detector (Silicon Drift Detector - SDD - type) attached to a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) device (Tescan Vega3 LMU, Libusina, Czech Republic) was used. X-ray characteristic signs were detected for each tattoo ink in an interval between 0 and 2.5keV. The electron acceleration potential in the microscope was 15keV. Two regions were analyzed for each sample (n = 10). On each region, a micrography of backscattered electrons (BSE) was obtained. Means and standard deviations (SD) of the weight percentages (Wt%) were calculated. C and O were predominant, with a mean O/C ratio between 2.69 and 2.74 Wt%. Electric Ink and Master Ink were the most similar pigments, while Easy Glow was the most distinctive - with agglomerates of Al that had a concentration 25 × higher than other specimens. Other compounds detected in the sample were Cl and Cu. EDS and SEM were efficient to distinguish black tattoo inks. These are our preliminary outcomes on the use of EDS and SEM to analyze black tattoo inks. Thus, careful interpretation is necessary to avoid rash applications in human identification practice.

In Situ Trace Element and S-Pb Isotope Study of Pyrite from the Denggezhuang Gold Deposit in the Jiaodong Peninsula—Insights into the Occurrence of Gold and the Source of Ore-Forming Materials

The Jiaodong gold province is one of the most important gold fields globally and the largest in China. The Denggezhuang gold deposit is situated in the eastern portion of the Muping metallogenic belt, within the Jiaodong gold province. Despite many recent investigations, detailed mineralogical studies, particularly on auriferous minerals such as pyrite, are lacking. Therefore, further constraints on the occurrence mode and source of gold are necessary for this deposit. This study employed in situ laser ablation (multi-collector) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) trace element and sulfur-lead isotopic analyses on pyrite at different stages. The aim was to reveal the occurrence status of various trace elements within Denggezhuang pyrite and to trace the complete evolution process of multi-stage fluids at Denggezhuang, elucidating the sources of gold mineralization. Four generations of pyrite in chronological order, Py-1, Py-2a, Py-2b, and Py-3, were identified via petrographic and backscattered electron (BSE) image analyses. Using in situ LA-MC-ICP-MS, we found that Co and Ni are most abundant in Py-1, while Py-2b is rich in As, Au, Ag, Pb, and Zn, reflecting the evolution of the mineralizing fluids in different mineralization stages. Py-2b contains a significant amount of invisible lattice gold, which migrates and precipitates within fluids rich in As. The in situ LA-MC-ICP-MS S-Pb isotopic analysis of pyrite indicates a relatively consistent source of ore-forming materials across different stages. Additionally, the S-Pb isotope characteristics resemble those of widely distributed coeval mafic dikes. Therefore, we propose that a water-rich, fertile, and deep-seated mafic magmatic system might have provided fluids, materials, and heat for mineralization.

Influence of high‐strain deformation on major element mobility in garnet: Nanoscale evidence from atom probe tomography

AbstractGarnet is a common rock‐forming mineral that occurs in a variety of rock types and over a wide range of pressure (P)–temperature (T) conditions in the Earth's lithosphere. Because garnet is considered a high‐strength mineral stable across an extensive range of conditions (1–25 GPa, <300–2000°C), it is generally accepted that garnets can retain their microstructures and chemical composition during deformation and metamorphism. Therefore, garnet is commonly used as a geothermobarometer and geochronometer to provide P–T and timing constraints on tectonic events. Herein, we study garnet from an eclogite facies mylonite (central Australia) to investigate the mechanisms of element mobility during high‐strain deformation under relatively dry, lower crustal conditions. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI) reveal evidence of crystal plasticity associated with brittle deformation in the form of heterogeneous misorientation patterns and low‐angle grain boundaries developed over length scales of 20–50 μm in the rims of garnet porphyroclasts. Atom probe tomography (APT) analysis of a low‐angle grain boundary within a highly strained portion of a clast shows Ca enrichment and Mg depletion along dislocations, whereas APT data along the rim of a mostly undeformed clast reveal a homogeneous distribution of garnet major components in the specimen matrix with the exception of Ca, Fe and Mg enrichment within a healed microfracture. The above‐mentioned results suggest that under relatively dry conditions, crystal plasticity enhances bulk element mobility via pipe diffusion, highlighting the importance of deformation‐induced microstructures on element mobility, with important implications for the robust and reliable use of garnet as a petrological tool.

The effect of anisotropic rate dependency on the deformation response of Ti-6242 during dwell fatigue loading

The α phase of titanium alloys is known to exhibit both elastic and plastic anisotropic mechanical behavior during deformation loading. Recent experimental studies indicate that single crystal rate dependency may also be anisotropic, though these studies are limited in scale and scope. Consequently, we present a study in which anisotropic rate dependency is studied on polycrystalline samples via crystal plasticity finite element (CPFE) simulations, which are compared against previously-published data from electron backscatter diffraction/digital image correlation (EBSD-DIC) experiments. Cold dwell fatigue loading is utilized, owing to the propensity for transient behavior during constant-load dwells, which is hypothesized to be sensitive to the relative rate dependencies on different slip families (i.e., basal, prismatic, and pyramidal) in hexagonal close packed crystals. A suite of CPFE simulations is conducted on polycrystalline samples in which the slip family rate dependency values are parameterized. We analyze simulation results by focusing on the slip activity and accumulation of slip on the various slip families as a function of dwell cycles, as well as the transient effect during singular dwell cycles, for hundreds of crystals simultaneously. Results are further discussed through the lens of findings from EBSD-DIC experiments.

Geology and Petrography of the Basement Complex Rocks of Tsauni and Environs, North Central Nigeria

Detailed geological mapping and petrographic study of the rocks in Tsauni area and environs situated within Gwagwalada in Abuja Federal Capital Territory have been carried out to establish the geology relative to the rock types, texture, mineralogy, and mineralization. The area is part of the Basement Complex of North Central Nigeria and a newly discovered skarn environment with preserved basement metagranitoids of the migmatite-gneiss complex and lower grade metasedimentary schist belts. Major rock types identified include migmatite and various types of gneisses. Subordinate rocks include calc-silicate (skarn) rocks, ultramafic relicts and fine to medium grained granite all crosscut by younger Pan African granite, diorite, pegmatites, and quartzo-feldspathic veins. Two types of skarn; A and B were distinguished petrographically being the first mention of skarn occurrence in Nigeria. Petrographic study of selected rocks under plane and crossed polarized light alongside Back Scattered Electron (BSE) images from microprobe analysis showed the mineral suites to include quartz, feldspar (mostly plagioclase and subordinate alkali feldspar), biotite, minor amphibole, pyroxene, calcite and muscovite with accessory epidote, allanite, zircon, titanite, apatite and opaque minerals which selectively occur in both metagranitoids and skarn. Opaque minerals include magnetite, ilmenite± rutile, galena, pyrite sphalerite, and chalcopyrite. Structural features include foliation, joints, xenoliths and pendant (flame) textures, veins, and veinlets which are all aligned in the NE-SW, NW-SE, and minor N-S and E-W directions suggesting control from some deep-seated sources.

Selective Visualization of Martensite in Bainitic Steel Using Backscattered Electron Images and Phase Fraction Evaluation Using Machine Learning

Selective Visualization of Martensite in Bainitic Steel Using Backscattered Electron Images and Phase Fraction Evaluation Using Machine Learning

Appearance and analysis of a reflecting coating damage

Eight reflecting gratings are installed into the plasma facing wall of ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) in order to provide a controlled second pass through the plasma centre in 140 GHz heating scenarios with reduced single pass absorption. Four of these gratings are machined out of W1.4901 steel and coated with tungsten to increase the reflectivity. During plasma operation three of them worked very well, only one showed a strong correlation between the launcher On-time and an unusual increase in plasma radiation. After completion of the 2022 experimental campaign, this tile was carefully inspected. Traces of local melting were visible and the tile was examined with a scanning electron microscope to determine the surface material composition. The image of backscattered electrons revealed that tungsten is missing locally and along some of the ridges of the complex topology of this grating. Within these areas, the steel surface started to melt, which is in accordance with the assumption, that an intact tungsten coating indeed prevents the steel from melting. The damaged tile is currently being replaced and we have implemented two measures in order to prevent such damage on the new tile. The first measure is to consequently finish all machining steps before the coating procedure. This is because a mechanical damage of the coating before the installation could not be ruled out. The second measure is to control and minimize the surface roughness after machining and before the coating procedure. It turned out that the roughness was up to 3 microns in the past, which seems to be too high for the desired quality of this particular coating. We have tested and developed an electropolishing procedure to decrease the surface roughness to the order of 1 micron and keep the grating topology as precise as possible.

Optimizing Backscattered Electron Detection in SEM: Diode Layout and Collection Efficiency

Optimizing Backscattered Electron Detection in SEM: Diode Layout and Collection Efficiency

Quantification of surface grinding during the sample preparation of cementitious materials by optical profilometry.

Sample preparation is of utmost importance for any microscopy and microstructural analysis. Correct preparation will allow accurate interpretation of microstructural features. A well-polished section is essential when scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used in backscattering electron (BSE) mode and characteristic X-rays are to be quantified using an energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) detector. However, obtaining a well-polished section, especially for cementitious materials containing aggregates, is considered to be challenging and requires experience. A sample preparation procedure consists of cutting, grinding and polishing. Undercutting of soft and brittle paste between harder aggregates can be overcome by vacuum epoxy impregnation offering mechanical support in the matrix. Furthermore, most of the attention during the sample preparation is given to the polishing of the sample. There is a wide range of suggestions on polishing steps, ranging from grain sizes, time and applied force; however, the final assessment of a polish surface is often subjective and qualitative. Therefore, a quantitative, reproducible guidance on the grinding steps, effect of experimental parameters and the influence of different grinding steps on the surface quality are required. In this paper, the influence of grinding was quantitatively evaluated by a digital microscope equipped with optical profilometry tools, through a step-wise procedure, including sample orientation, grinding time and the difference between cement paste and concrete. Throughout the grinding procedure, the surface profiles were determined after each grinding step. This showed the step-wise change in surface roughness and quality during the grinding procedure. Finally, the surface qualities were evaluated using optical and electron microscopy, which show the importance of the grinding/prepolishing steps during sample preparation.

In-Column Backscattered Electron Microscopy for a Rapid Identification of the Number of Layers in MoS2 Nanosheets: Implications for Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices

In-Column Backscattered Electron Microscopy for a Rapid Identification of the Number of Layers in MoS₂ Nanosheets: Implications for Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices

Poly-ε-Caprolactone 3D-Printed Porous Scaffold in a Femoral Condyle Defect Model Induces Early Osteo-Regeneration.

Large bone reconstruction following trauma poses significant challenges for reconstructive surgeons, leading to a healthcare burden for health systems, long-term pain for patients, and complex disorders such as infections that are difficult to resolve. The use of bone substitutes is suboptimal for substantial bone loss, as they induce localized atrophy and are generally weak, and unable to support load. A combination of strong polycaprolactone (PCL)-based scaffolds, with an average channel size of 330 µm, enriched with 20% w/w of hydroxyapatite (HA), β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), or Bioglass 45S5 (Bioglass), has been developed and tested for bone regeneration in a critical-size ovine femoral condyle defect model. After 6 weeks, tissue ingrowth was analyzed using X-ray computed tomography (XCT), Backscattered Electron Microscopy (BSE), and histomorphometry. At this point, all materials promoted new bone formation. Histological analysis showed no statistical difference among the different biomaterials (p > 0.05), but PCL-Bioglass scaffolds enhanced bone formation in the center of the scaffold more than the other types of materials. These materials show potential to promote bone regeneration in critical-sized defects on load-bearing sites.

Tetrad Effect of Rare Earth Element Fractionation in Zircon from the Pegmatite of the Adui Massif, Middle Urals

The zircon from the pegmatite of the Adui granitic massif displays the unique the rare earth element (REE) distribution spectrum with the tetrad effect in REE fractionation. The tetrad effect often occurs in granitoid rocks, but it is rarely encountered in minerals, e.g., zircon. Fluid saturated with volatiles, water and trace elements is a factor responsible for the tetrad effect in the zircon. The detailed isotopic-geochemical study of the zircon has revealed several zones differing in internal structure (in the back-scattered electron (BSE) image), composition and REE distribution. The zones indicate changes in the crystallization environment provoked by the evolution of the pegmatite-forming melt. They occur as the gradually growing changes in composition from the unaltered zones that are light-colored in BSE to the altered zones that are dark-colored in BSE. The unaltered zones are consistent in composition and geochemical features with magmatic zircons. The high content of trace (U, Th, REE) and volatile elements (F, Cl) in water suggests its crystallization from the fluid-saturated magmatic melt. The altered zircon zones occur as recrystallized zones with high content of non-formula elements (Y, Ca, Sr, Nb, P), a non-differentiated REE distribution spectrum and an absent Ce anomaly. These features are consistent with those of hydrothermal-metasomatic zircon.

3D Imaging of PEMFC Electrode Microstructure by Electron Tomography and 3D FIB/SEM

Scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM) are two imaging techniques widely used in the study of PEMFC electrode microstructure. They have played a significant role in the improvement of electrode components and the understanding of their main degradation mechanisms. However, the currently available description of the electrode microstructure does not allow yet to unambiguously identify the key microstructural factors that limit gas and proton transport within the electrode. These factors are crucial as they control the performance of the PEMFC, especially at high current density, and are therefore the subject of numerous studies, using either fine electrochemical measurements or modeling approaches.The objective of our work is to provide an improved description of the electrode microstructure by giving quantitative information on its porosity at different scales as well as on the ionomer distribution. For this purpose, we develop 3D characterization techniques applied to the PEMFC electrodes such as electron tomography and 3D FIB/SEM.The studied cathode electrode was prepared using TEC10E50E catalyst from Tanaka that is 50 wt % loading of Pt deposited on high-specific area carbon (HSAC), and Nafion D2020. The Pt loading of the electrode is 0.2 mgPtcm-2 and the ionomer/carbon ratio is 0.8.As a first step, electron tomography analyses were performed on the Pt/HSAC powder to determine the distribution of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) which can be located either on the carbon surface (outer NPs) or inside the carbon porosity (inner NPs)[1-3]. Our strategy is to record tilt image series by using two annular detectors: i) a high angle annular detector avoiding Pt NP diffraction contrast for the 3D image reconstruction of Pt NPs (without diffraction artifact) and ii) a lower angle annular detector that enhances carbon contrast for the 3D image reconstruction of the carbon phase. These two segmented images were then combined (Figure 1), allowing the calculation of the NP size histogram but also of the volume and the surface area of the two NP populations (inner and outer NPs).On the second step, the porosity of the electrode was analyzed by 3D FIB/SEM. A volume of around 10 X 10 x 5 μm3 was imaged with a cubic voxel size of 5 × 5 × 5 nm3. The solid phase (carbon, Pt NPs and ionomer) segmentation was based on a composite image created from two electron detectors (secondary and backscattered electrons) and using a machine learning software. Quantitative data such as the total porosity, the pore size distribution or the agglomerate size distribution of the solid phase were extracted from this volume. Figure 2a shows a 2D slice of this segmented volume where the solid phase is in black and the porosity in white.In order to analyze the electrode porosity with a higher spatial resolution, electron tomography experiment was also performed on a 150 nm thick slice of the electrode cut by ultramicrotomy after being embedded in an epoxy resin. The tilt image series were recorded with a pixel size of 0.5 nm and a field of view of 2 x 2 µm2. The 2D slice of the reconstructed volume (Figure 2b) shows that the largest solid agglomerates detected on the 3D FIB/SEM image can be identified as an agglomeration of numerous carbon particles. The challenge now is to quantify the porosity created between these carbon particles and to determine how many Pt NPs are located in these large agglomerates.Finally, the distribution of the ionomer was analyzed within the electrode similarly to [4]. For this analysis, a 150 nm slice of the electrode was cut by cryo-ultramicrotomy without embedding in epoxy resin as described in [5]. TEM images show that the ionomer is not homogeneously distributed on the surface of the entire carbon particles but is often observed in the concave surface created between the carbon particles (Figure 3). These observations suggest a ionomer distribution in agreement with the heterogeneous ionomer coating model proposed by Inoue et al. [6]. We also suggest that a part of the ionomer could be localized in the small pores located inside the large carbon agglomerates described in the previous paragraph. This could explain why the ionomer is so difficult to detect on TEM images. This work has been done in the frame of the FURTHER-FC project. This project has received funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (now Clean Hydrogen Partnership) under Grant Agreement No 875025. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program, Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research. Figure 1

Pentlandite and its alteration products in serpentinites of the Itkulsky ultrabasic massif (Southern Urals)

The relevance of the work is due to the need to study the mineralogy of the only indigenous manifestation of jewelry olivine within the Ural region. The purpose of the work is to study pentlandite and the products of its supergene alteration in serpentinites of the Itkulsky ultrabasic massif in the Southern Urals. Research methodology. The composition of some minerals was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope JSM6390LV from Jeol with an energy dispersive attachment INCA Energy 450 X-Max 80 from Oxford Instruments (analyst L. V. Leonova). The same instrument was used to obtain images of minerals in BSE (back-scattered electron) mode. X-ray structural study of minerals was carried out on an XRD-7000 X-ray diffractometer from Shimadzu with polycapillary optics and a high-temperature attachment NTK-1200N from Anton Paar for operation in the temperature range 25–1500 °C (analyst O. L. Galakhova). Conditions: copper radiation, V = 40 kV, I = 30 mA, step size – 0.02°. Results. Pentlandite is the main sulfide mineral of antigorite serpentinites; it is characterized by a fairly pure chemical composition; the only impurities in the mineral are cobalt (from 0 to 1.18 wt. %). According to the Ni/Fe ratio, the sulfide belongs to nickel and pentlandite proper. Smythite replaces pentlandite grains along the cracks and at the edges. Chemical composition, wt. %: S – 40.81; Fe – 37.65; Co – 1.66; Ni – 19.87, well calculated for the crystal chemical formula of smythite – (Fe5.83Ni2.93Co0.24)9.00S11.00. Cronstedtite replaces the pentlandite matrix in the form of veined segregations. It is distinguished by its chemical composition: SiO2 – 17,82; Fe2 O3 – 40,00; NiO – 11,02; FeO – 18,06; MnO – 0,57; MgO – 2,23; CaO – 1,30; H2 O – 9,00 (by difference in accordance with the standard), which is calculated based on the crystal chemical formula of Ni-Mg-bearing cronstedtite – (Fe2+ 0.95Ni0.71Mg0.21Ca0.09Mn0.03)1.99Fe3+ 1.01[(Si1.12Fe3+ 0.88)2.00O5 ](OH)3.80. Conclusions. Pentlandite from antigorite serpentinites of the Itkulsky ultrabasic massif (Southern Urals) was studied. Under the influence of weathering processes, most of the pentlandite grains were partially replaced by secondary sulfide – smythite and ferruginous serpentine – cronstedtite.

Impact of Twin's Landscape on the Magnetic Damping of La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 Thin Films

AbstractUnderstanding the origin and mechanisms of magnetic damping in complex oxide materials is crucial for optimizing spin dynamics and tailoring their properties for specific spintronic applications. Ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy (FMR) technique has been used to investigate the magnetic damping of multiple La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (LSMO) epitaxial thin films with similar thickness and identical DC magnetic properties. However, the dynamic magnetic properties exhibit noticeable variations among samples. Microstructural analyses using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), confirm that the samples are structurally identical, except for minute differences in the miscut angles of the substrates. Nevertheless, when examining the samples using backscattered electron (BSE) images in scanning electron microscopy (SEM), significant disparities in the twin distribution are observed. These variations in the twin distribution directly correlate with the observed differences in the damping values. A careful image analysis of BSE images allows to demonstrate that the increase of damping is due to the pinning of the magnetization in the twin boundaries.

Wear Reduction in Heavily Loaded Units of Transport Vehicles

Introduction. The pivot assembly provides connection between the rotating and non-rotating parts of machines and mechanisms such as cranes, excavators, trailers, railway rolling stocks. In relation to rolling stock, it connects the load-carrying part of the car with the bogie and is one of the most critical and wear-out friction units. Its technical condition affects the intensity and form of wear of the surfaces themselves, the amount of resistance to rotation of the bogie when the car moves in curved sections of the track, the amplitude of the lateral rocking of the car, the intensity of wear of the wheel flanges and, as a consequence, the safety of operation of the rolling stock as a whole. Until now, periodic grease is used for this unit, which, even with a short mileage, manages to be squeezed out of the contact zones and, thereby, creates conditions for the predominance of dry friction. Until now, various proposals to solve this problem have not found application in mass production for a number of reasons, and therefore the search for ways to reduce wear in the pivot assembly of cars is still relevant. This study proposes a solution to this problem that does not require structural changes to the pivot assembly itself. The aim of this work was to develop a technologically advanced anti-friction coating with good adhesion, which will be applied to the surface of a replaceable disk installed between the rubbing surfaces of the pivot assembly during scheduled repairs of the car chassis. This approach will reduce the friction force and wear rate in the unit when lubrication shortage occurs due to squeezing out of the grease. Materials and Methods. Antifriction characteristics of the developed coating was observed on a friction machine providing specific loads on the test sample up to 5000 N and a sliding speed from 0.13 m/s. The samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (FEI Quanta 200 microscope). SEM images were acquired in a back-scattered electron (BSE) mode using a semiconductor detector. To analyze the elemental composition of beam samples, an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDAX Element EDS system) was used. Results. A three-layer functional phosphorus-containing composite coating of the surfaces of the unit was developed, which made it possible to significantly reduce the coefficient of friction and, as a consequence, the intensity of wear of the pivot unit surface during dry friction. The optimal conditions for obtaining composite coating layers were determined. The influence of the thickness of each layer and the conditions for its production on its functional characteristics was studied. Discussion and Conclusion. The proposed solution is manufacturable and, with appropriate adaptation, can be used to reduce wear in any open pivot assembly without radically changing its design. The methods for producing coating layers are accessible and technologically advanced for serial use.

Method for the Analysis of Respirable Airborne Particulates on Filter Using the Mineral Liberation Analyser

In recent years, the Mineral Liberation Analyser (MLA) has played a pivotal role in analysing respirable and inhalable ambient air samples collected on filters from both underground coal and metalliferous mines. Leveraging backscattered electron (BSE) image analysis and X-ray mineral identification, the MLA offers automated quantitative mineral characterization. The escalating prevalence and severity of mine dust lung diseases, particularly among young miners, have reignited interest in comprehensively understanding the dust’s characterization, encompassing mineralogy, particle size, and shape. Merely measuring total respirable dust exposure and its duration based on gravimetrically determined weight is no longer deemed sufficient in addressing the evolving landscape of occupational health challenges in mining environments. Since the publication of previous studies, efforts have been dedicated to refining the Mineral Liberation Analyser (MLA) methodology for respirable dust sampling. This refinement, discussed in detail in this paper, encompasses various enhancements, such as the implementation of data checks to identify carbon contamination, backscattered electron (BSE) drift, and the misclassification of X-ray spectra. Additionally, an examination of sampling efficiency led to the exploration of using smaller samples as an alternative to the time-intensive analysis of entire filters. Furthermore, this paper presents a reanalysis of paired filter sample sets previously reported using the Sarver Group Methodology. These samples are subjected to analysis using the Mineral Liberation Analyser, providing a more detailed illustration of the outputs derived from the updated methodology and compared to previously published MLA data.

Reducing the prosthesis modulus by inclusion of an open space lattice improves osteogenic response in a sheep model of extraarticular defect.

Introduction: Stress shielding is a common complication following endoprosthetic reconstruction surgery. The resulting periprosthetic osteopenia often manifests as catastrophic fractures and can significantly limit future treatment options. It has been long known that bone plates with lower elastic moduli are key to reducing the risk of stress shielding in orthopedics. Inclusion of open space lattices in metal endoprostheses is believed to reduce the prosthesis modulus potentially improving stress shielding. However, no in vivo data is currently available to support this assumption in long bone reconstruction. This manuscript aims to address this hypothesis using a sheep model of extraarticular bone defect. Methods: Initially, CT was used to create a virtual resection plan of the distal femoral metaphyses and to custom design endoprostheses specific to each femur. The endoprostheses comprised additively manufactured Ti6Al4V-ELI modules that either had a solid core with a modulus of ∼120GPa (solid implant group) or an open space lattice core with unit cells that had a modulus of 3-6GPa (lattice implant group). Osteotomies were performed using computer-assisted navigation followed by implantations. The periprosthetic, interfacial and interstitial regions of interest were evaluated by a combination of micro-CT, back-scattered scanning electron microscopy (BSEM), as well as epifluorescence and brightfield microscopy. Results: In the periprosthetic region, mean pixel intensity (a proxy for tissue mineral density in BSEM) in the caudal cortex was found to be higher in the lattice implant group. This was complemented by BSEM derived porosity being lower in the lattice implant group in both caudal and cranial cortices. In the interfacial and interstitial regions, most pronounced differences were observed in the axial interfacial perimeter where the solid implant group had greater bone coverage. In contrast, the lattice group had a greater coverage in the cranial interfacial region. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that reducing the prosthesis modulus by inclusion of an open-space lattice in its design has a positive effect on bone material and morphological parameters particularly within the periprosthetic regions. Improved mechanics appears to also have a measurable effect on the interfacial osteogenic response and osteointegration.