Copper Deposits Research Articles

Mechanistic insight into the Janus Green B on electrochemical roughening layer of copper foil

This study explores the impact of the electroplating additive JGB the surface characteristics and peel strength of electrolytic copper foils used in printed circuit boards. Utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy, we found that optimal JGB concentrations enhance the morphology and roughness of the copper foil roughening layer while maintaining high peel strength. The ideal concentration of 3 mg/L achieved an average roughness of 0.953 µm and a peel strength of 0.946 N/mm. JGB's effectiveness in inhibiting copper deposition was confirmed through cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Density Functional Theory calculations and in situ infrared spectroscopy elucidated JGB's adsorption and coordination actions, which have a synergistic effect on its inhibitory performance. Further investigations with molecular dynamics simulations and finite element analysis demonstrated JGB's preferential adsorption in areas of high electric field intensity, effectively controlling the copper grain morphology in the roughening layer. This research highlights the potential of dye-type additives in improving copper foil roughening for printed circuit boards applications. Future research should explore the long-term stability and environmental impact of JGB in industrial applications, while investigating other dye-type additives may further optimize the roughening process to meet diverse printed circuit boards manufacturing needs.

Copper metallization of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy polymer composites by surface activation and electrodeposition

The application of polymer metallization in lightweight and high-strength materials for the sporting goods, automotive, aerospace and construction sectors has attracted considerable attention. The present study aims to deposit a thin, uniform copper (Cu) layer on an epoxy‑carbon fiber (epoxy-Cf) composite material for lightweight, high-frequency radio reflector applications (Ka-Band and higher frequencies) required in space missions. In this work, a surface-activated electroplating technique in which the surface of the substrate is activated with a Sn/Ag system, followed by conventional electroplating is studied. Surface activation deposits layers of conducting metal ions on the surface of the epoxy-Cf composite, which significantly improves the electrical conductivity of the composite surface. The subsequent electrodeposition takes place from a CuSO4 solution with a pH value of 4 at three different current density values of 0.05 A/dm2, 0.5 A/dm2 and 1 A/dm2. The presence and abundance of metallic Cu over epoxy-Cf composite were confirmed by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology and elemental composition of the coating were characterized by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy. With current density and coating thickness, morphology of the deposit changed from cauliflower-like to spherical along with grain refinement. Microhardness test shows a hardness of 330 HV and the pull-off adhesion test gave a bond strength of 1.69 MPa for 27.56 μm thick copper deposit. A major challenge encountered during the deposition of Cu is the oxidation of the metal followed by immediate tarnishing. This issue has been effectively addressed by employing benzotriazole solution as a protective agent.

Biochemical Behavior, Influence on Cell DNA Condition, and Microbiological Properties of Wool and Wool-Copper Materials.

The paper presents the study concerning the preparation and physio-chemical and biological properties of wool-copper (WO-Cu) materials obtained by the sputter deposition of copper onto the wool fibers. The WO-Cu material was subjected to physio-chemical and biological investigations. The physio-chemical investigations included the elemental analysis of materials (C, N, O, S, and Cu), their microscopic analysis, and surface properties analysis (specific surface area and total pore volume). The biological investigations consisted of the antimicrobial activity tests of the WO-Cu materials against colonies of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, and fungal mold species (Chaetomium globosum). Biochemical-hematological tests included the evaluation of the activated partial thromboplastin time and pro-thrombin time. The tested wool-copper demonstrated the ability to interact with the DNA in a time-dependent manner. These interactions led to the DNA's breaking and degradation. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the WO-Cu materials suggest a potential application as an antibacterial/antifungal material. Wool-copper materials may be also used as customized materials where the blood coagulation process could be well controlled through the appropriate copper content.

Geometallurgical Simulation of the Work Index in a Porphyry Copper Deposit Using Geostatistical Techniques

The spatial variability in the geometallurgical attributes of the deposits is a crucial parameter from the exploration stage, which conditions and influences the mineral processing. Consequently, the objective of this research is to elaborate the geometallurgical simulation of the Bond Work Index for a porphyry copper deposit. For this purpose, information of primary and response attributes corresponding to ore zones, lithologies and BWi contained in 1,449 samples of exploratory drill holes were used. An exploratory data analysis of this information was carried out, and geometallurgical units were defined based on the geological and processing knowledge that validates the behavior of each one of them within the deposit; then Sequential Gaussian Simulation was applied, running 100 realizations in each GMU, those that best reproduce the statistics of the original samples were chosen. The results show that the lithology of the deposit controls the BWi variability and according to the rock competence the ore zones are classified from the softest to the hardest in oxides, mixed and sulfides.

Investigating the effects of corrosion parameters on the surface resistivity of transformer’s insulating paper using a two-level factorial design

The integrity of the insulation in oil-filled power transformers, shunt reactors, and high voltage bushings can be affected when copper dissolves in the insulating oil and then deposits onto the paper insulation. The presence of dissolved copper in the oil increases dielectric losses, while copper deposition significantly improves the conductivity of the paper insulation. Various factors, including temperature, oxygen, sulfur groups, passivators, and ageing time, have been found to contribute to the acceleration of corrosion activity in transformer insulating oils. Unfortunately, there is a lack of extensive research focused on systematically analysing and measuring the impact of corrosion-related factors on the dissolution of copper in transformer insulating oils and the deposition of copper onto solid insulation surfaces (Kraft paper). Therefore, this study aims to thoroughly examine the effects of corrosion factors on copper and sulfur deposition on Kraft paper insulation when it is submerged in transformer mineral oil (TMO). Using a two-level (2k) factorial design, we investigated three crucial factors: i) oil temperature, ii) elemental sulfur concentration, and iii) ageing time. It is worth mentioning that the results obtained from the two-level factorial design indicate that the surface resistivity is primarily affected by the temperature of the oil. This factor alone explains a significant 38.68% of the observed variation. In order to improve predictability, a regression model was created to estimate the surface resistivity of TMO-impregnated paper insulation. This model takes into account factors such as oil temperature, elemental sulfur concentration, and ageing time.

Geophysical signatures on gold and base metal mineralisation in the Ibaga area, northeast of Iramba, central Tanzania

This study provides an in-depth geophysical interpretation of the gold and base metal mineralisation of the Ibaga area related to hydrothermal alteration using high-resolution aero-geophysical and induced polarisation ground survey datasets. Despite its potential for gold and base metal and the available artisanal mines, the Ibaga area has remained poorly understood on geophysical signatures of ore deposits and other subsurface geological structures controlling the mineralisation. The magnetic results on the major structures show high magnetic signatures, supported by gravity, radiometric signatures and petrophysical analysis. The potential mineralised structures are interpreted as dyke for gold, and contacts for copper and the depth to the basement varies from 0.113 to 1.556 km. The gravity anomaly shows high values on the gold mineralisation similar to high-density values of dolerite dykes and gabbro and low to medium radiometric concentrations associated with mineralised zones. The magnetic signatures on the copper deposits coincide with the relative positive gravity anomaly of high-density intrusive bodies and relatively moderate conductive bodies with elevated potassium (K) alteration. The copper deposit also has intermediate K and low to intermediate K/Th and K/U ratios caused by K alteration within the geological structures. The good spatial correlation of the hydrothermally altered zones, igneous intrusions and geological structures implies that the geological features associated with gold and copper mineralisation lie within the regions of high-density intrusive bodies and geological structures (faults, fractures and dykes). These features are also associated with relatively moderate conductive bodies, low to intermediate radiometric concentrations and low to moderate magnetic signatures. Thus, the study reveals that the delineated geophysical signatures on gold and base metal mineralisation are associated with quartz–sericite–muscovite ± chlorite hydrothermally altered areas, deformed structures, and intrusive bodies, which act as pathways for the migration and accumulation of hydrothermally altered fluids.

The Chain of Processes Forming Porphyry Copper Deposits—An Invited Paper

Abstract Porphyry-related mineral deposits are giant geochemical anomalies in the Earth’s crust with orders-of-magnitude differences in the content and proportion of the three main ore metals Cu, Au, and Mo. Deposit formation a few kilometers below surface is the product of a chain of geologic processes operating at different scales in space and time. This paper explores each process in this chain with regard to optimizing the chances of forming these rare anomalies. On the lithosphere scale, deposits with distinct metal ratios occur in provinces that formed during brief times of change in plate motions. Similar metal ratios of several deposits in such provinces compared with global rock reservoirs suggest preceding enrichment of Au or Mo in lithospheric regions giving rise to distinct ore provinces. The largest Cu-dominated deposits and provinces are traditionally explained by selective removal of Au during generation or subsequent evolution of mantle magmas, but the possibility of selective Cu pre-enrichment of lithosphere regions by long-term subduction cannot be dismissed, even though its mechanism remains speculative. Evolution of hydrous basaltic melts to fertile magmas forming porphyry Cu deposits requires fractionation toward more H2O-rich magmas in the lower crust, as shown by their adakite-like trace element composition. The prevailing interpretation that this fractionation leads to significant loss of chalcophile ore metals by saturation and removal of magmatic sulfide might be inverted to a metal enrichment step, if the saturating sulfides are physically entrained with the melt fraction of rapidly ascending magmas. Ascent of fertile magma delivers a large mass of H2O-rich ore fluid to the upper crust, along points of weakness in an overall compressive stress regime, within a limited duration as required by mass and heat balance constraints. Two mechanisms of rapid magma ascent are in debate: (1) wholesale emplacement of highly fractionated and volatile-rich granitic melt into a massive transcrustal channelway, from which fluids are exsolved by decompression starting in the lower crust, or (2) partly fractionated magmas filling a large upper crustal magma chamber, from which fluids are expelled by cooling and crystallization. Transfer of ore-forming components to a hydrothermal ore fluid is optimized if the first saturating fluid is dense and Cl rich. This can be achieved by fluid saturation at high pressure, or after a moderately H2O rich intermediate-composition melt further crystallizes in an upper crustal reservoir before reaching fluid saturation. In either case, metals and S (needed for later hydrothermal sulfide precipitation) are transferred to the fluid together, no matter whether ore components are extracted from the silicate melt or liberated to the ore fluid by decomposition of magmatic sulfides. Production and physical focusing of fluids in a crystallizing upper crustal magma chamber are controlled by the rate of heat loss to surrounding rocks. Fluid focusing, requiring large-scale lateral flow, spontaneously occurs in mushy magma because high water content and intermediate melt/crystal ratio support a network of interconnected tubes at the scale of mineral grains. Calculated cooling times of such fluid-producing magma reservoirs agree with the duration of hydrothermal ore formation measured by high-precision zircon geochronology, and both relate to the size of ore deposits. Ore mineral precipitation requires controlled flow of S- and metal-rich fluids through a vein network, as shown by fluid inclusion studies. The degree of hydrothermal metal enrichment is optimized by the balance between fluid advection and the efficiency of cooling of the magmatic fluid plume by heat loss to convecting meteoric water. The depth of fluid production below surface controls the pressure-temperature (P-T) evolution along the upflow path of magmatic fluids. Different evolution paths controlling density, salinity, and phase state of fluids contribute to selective metal precipitation: porphyry Au deposits can form at shallow subvolcanic levels from extremely saline brine or salt melt; high-grade Au-Cu coprecipitation from coexisting and possibly rehomogenizing brine and vapor is most efficient at a depth of a few kilometers; whereas fluids cooling at greater depth tend to precipitate Cu ± Mo but transport Au selectively to shallower epithermal levels. Exhumation and secondary oxidation and enrichment by groundwater finally determine the economics of a deposit, as well as the global potential of undiscovered metal resources available for future mining.

Geochronology and geochemical characteristics of porphyry bodies in the periphery of Pulang super-large porphyry copper deposit, NW Yunnan, SW China and their geological significances

Geochronology and geochemical characteristics of porphyry bodies in the periphery of Pulang super-large porphyry copper deposit, NW Yunnan, SW China and their geological significances

Performance evaluation in die-sinking EDM of polygonal micro cavities over EN-24 alloy steel using cylindrical electrode and polygon cycle approach

The integration of advanced Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) technology, incorporating short and electronically pulsed discharges with precise circular electrode movements, has enabled the production of intricate 3D microstructures and cavities. This paper aims to investigate the machining performance of polygonal cavities—triangular, square, pentagon, and hexagon—fabricated on steel samples using a 400 µm cylindrical copper electrode within the polygon cycle approach of EDM. Experimental investigations were conducted to assess shape error, tool wear rate, recast layer formation, and elemental characterization. Various discharge patterns and side discharges were examined to understand their effects on spark gap uniformity, tool deflection, and discharge stability. The results revealed non-uniform spark gaps, tool deflection, and corner rounding due to varying discharge patterns and side discharges. Tool wear rate was found to be directly related to polygon complexity, with higher-order polygons leading to increased wear due to extended machining durations and heat accumulation. The maximum tool wear of 7.69 × 104 µm3/s occurred in case of hexagonal cavities while in case of triangular cavities, the tool wear rate was minimum having value of 5.77 × 104 µm3/s. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) examinations showed the presence of recast layers and micro-cracks, particularly in cavities with higher shape complexities. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis identified copper deposition, local material evaporation, and foreign element accumulation on the cavity surfaces. This study provides insights into the machining performance of polygonal cavities in EDM processes. The findings underscore the influence of discharge patterns, polygon complexity, and material interactions on tool wear, surface quality, and microstructure integrity. Understanding these factors can inform optimization strategies for EDM processes, leading to enhanced precision and efficiency in microstructure fabrication.

Optimization of machine learning algorithms for remote alteration mapping

World-class large to sub-economic small porphyry copper deposits (PCDs) are primarily found in the Kerman Cenozoic Magmatic Arc (KCMA) which is a fascinating area for geological remote sensing investigationsbecause of its well-exposed rocks and roughly vegetated surfaces. Remote hydrothermal alteration mapping is a critical component of mineral exploration and resource assessment, vital for identifying PCDs. This study explored the application of ML techniques, such as quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), cosine K-nearest neighbor (CKNN), and bagging decision tree (BDT), in remote hydrothermal alteration mapping. Moreover, the study highlights the transformative impact of optimization methods such as grid search (GS), random search (RS), Bayesian optimization (BO), and principal component analysis (PCA) methods in fine-tuning these algorithms to achieve superior results. These algorithms were found accurate and helpful in identifying PCD-related argillic, phyllic, propylitic, and iron oxide/hydroxide alteration-type zones based on field observations, petrographic studies, and XRD analysis. This research revealed evidence for widespread phyllic and silicic alteration zones, as well as confined argillic and iron oxide/hydroxide zones surrounded by wider regions of propylitic alteration. As the field of ML continues to advance, the future holds promise for even more refined and innovative approaches to hydrothermal alteration mapping. This study underscores the pivotal role that optimized ML algorithms play in revolutionizing mineral exploration practices and paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible resource assessment industry.

Copper exposure induces inflammation and PANoptosis through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to testicular damage and impaired spermatogenesis in Wilson disease

Copper is a toxic heavy metal that causes various damage when it accumulates in the body beyond the physiological threshold. Wilson disease (WD) is an inherited disorder characterized by impaired copper metabolism. Reproductive damage in male patients with WD is gradually attracting attention. However, the underlying mechanisms of copper toxicity are unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of inflammation and PANoptosis in testicular damage and impaired spermatogenesis caused by copper deposition using the WD model toxic milk (TX) mice. Copper chelator-penicillamine and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor-eritoran were used to intervene in TX mice in our animal experiment methods. Testis samples were collected from mice for further analysis. The results showed that the morphology and ultrastructure of the testis and epididymis in TX mice were damaged, and the sperm counts decreased significantly. The TLR4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway was activated by copper deposition, which led to the upregulation of serum and testicular inflammatory factors in TX mice. Meanwhile, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis were significant in the testis of TX mice. Both chelated copper or inhibited TLR4 expression markedly suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing the expression of inflammatory factors. PANoptosis in the testis of TX mice was also reversed. Our study indicated that pathological copper exposure induces inflammation and PANoptosis through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to toxic testicular damage and impaired spermatogenesis in WD.

Materials and manufacturing technology for high reliability rigid-flex multilayer PCB for space 3D-electronics packaging

Rigid-flex Multilayer PCB Technology enables the elimination of several connectors and bulky harness for interconnecting functional electronic systems. This minimizes packaging complexity and reduces performance degradation at high frequencies with an added advantage of reduced weight and volume in high-reliability space electronic packages. Here, only thermo-mechanically stable adhesiveless all polyimide flexible laminate cores and no-flow glass-polyimide prepregs are employed. To overcome the manufacturing issues like registration, coverlay protrusion into the rigid portions, and residual copper deposition at the intersections of flexible and rigid portions; a novel manufacturing process technology is proposed here. The technology has been successfully devised after choosing the most appropriate flexible, rigid, and low-flow prepreg materials. Herein, for the realization of rigid-flex multilayer PCB technology with 2-layers of flex and 8-layers of rigid to meet the functional requirements of the board is presented. The critical registration issues associated with the dissimilar rigid and flexible substrates are successfully addressed to achieve best-fit registration and obtain minimum annular rings of 50 μm in all the inner layers for high reliability. Experimental results manifest that incorporating rigid-flex multilayer PCB technology dramatically reduces weight (>30%) and volume (∼40%) to high-reliability space electronics 3D packaging for static and dynamic applications.

Impact of Pyrite Textures Prevalence on Flotation Performance in Mount Isa Copper Orebodies

ABSTRACT Pyrite, the most abundant sulfide mineral in base-metal deposits, presents significant challenges in mineral processing due to its deleterious effects when not properly managed. Its undesirable association with valuable minerals leads to low-quality concentrates, hindering smelting processes. Pyrite’s distinct textures and variable elemental compositions affect its floatability, with complex textures challenging to depress. Moreover, since multiple textures can be present within an orebody, their relative proportion in the ore could affect the overall flotation performance. Therefore, understanding the types of pyrite present, their abundance, and how they affect the flotation behavior of the ore is critical for an efficient depression and possible reclamation of pyrite. At the Mount Isa copper deposit, framboidal or ‘carbonaceous’ pyrite has been an ongoing challenge to the copper concentration operation, reducing the flotation circuit’s efficiency. Previous work by Yenial-Arslan et al. showed that high pyrite recoveries could be strongly linked to the prevalence of fine-grained pyrite. However, samples belonging to the coarse pyrite domain exhibited low natural floatability. This study further investigates the effect of the prevalence of pyrite textures on the flotation performance of copper orebodies at the Mount Isa deposit. The prevalence of pyrite textures was quantified and statistically linked to the natural floatability of pyrite, proving that fine-grained and framboidal pyrite greatly influence pyrite’s overall recovery. Furthermore, various mineral characterization techniques, such as synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) analysis, were used to explore how the natural floatability of pyrite was affected.

Cost Benefit Analysis of Re-Developing the Defunct Panguna Copper Deposit in Autonomous Region of Bougainville

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has been obliged to devise socially inclusive mining legislation and policies that were realised through enactment of Mining Act (2015). It recognises community ownership of minerals found in predominantly maternal system of land ownership. The enactment of a separate mining legislation from that of Papua New Guinea (PNG) was a response to socio-political and environmental legacies associated with former Panguna mine. The cost benefit analysis (CBA) study was conducted using historical data from former Panguna mine and conceptual model of redeveloping the defunct Panguna resource. The results show redevelopment of the remaining copper resource could exceed the net benefits of the former mine. The historical and conceptual efficiency ratios (CBR) being greater than 1 depicted that monetary benefits could exceed production and opportunity costs of mining. Despite excluding social and environmental costs of mining, the positive NPV and IRR create opportunities to forge workable partnerships to enhance low-risk options to reduce net costs and maximize the benefits of mining. A major finding of the CBA study was that despite the local ownership of minerals, the mining lease permits and land access are competitive, similar to regalian ownership system. Also, the benefit redistribution structure was found to be similar to PNG’s regalian system where local ownership of minerals may not be a direct form of nationalisation.

Evaluating the ATR-SEIRAS performance of electrodeposited copper CO2 reduction catalysts using a flow-through spectroelectrochemical cell

The attenuated total reflection-surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) activity of electrodeposited Cu nanoparticles on indium tin oxide-modified Si internal reflection elements is reported. The solution in the cell is easily, and repeatedly, exchanged between a copper deposition bath and a solution containing 4-methoxypyridine through the use of a flow-through spectroelectrochemical cell. 4-methoxypyridine is a convenient SEIRAS probe molecule exhibiting potential-dependent adsorption/desorption on the copper surface. Successive amounts of copper are deposited and then evaluated for electrochemical SEIRAS activity without the need to expose the Cu surface to ambient conditions. It is found that copper deposition charge densities of approximately 60 mC cm−2 exhibit the largest amplitude and most symmetric IR absorption peaks of the investigated electrodeposition conditions. Scanning electron microscopy images of the different Cu charge density films are correlated with the SEIRAS results and establish that close-packed two-dimensional, percolated arrays of oblate, ellipsoidal Cu nanoparticles are responsible for ideal SEIRAS performance and three-dimensional aggregates of larger particles should be avoided. Textured films of Cu nanoparticles are used to determine the adsorbed species present on the copper surface during CO2 electroreduction at low overpotentials. Evidence of adsorbed CO and COH is found at lower overpotentials than those described in previous reports.

Copper and zinc isotopic variations in Ni-Cu-PGE ores of the Noril’sk Province (Russia)

Research subject. Mineral assemblages of sulfides from massive and disseminated sulfide nickel-copper-platinum-group element (Ni-Cu-PGE) and low-sulfide PGE ores of the Noril’sk Province, which hosts the richest complex deposits of platinum-group metals, nickel, and copper. Aim. In order to identify sources of ore material and explore new forecasting approaches for Ni-Cu-PGE deposits, we study the Cu- and Zn isotopic compositions of sulfides from economic Kharaelakh and Noril’sk-1 intrusions containing unique and large sulphide Ni-Cu-PGE deposits (Oktyabr’sk and Noril’sk-1, respectively), subeconmic Zub-Marksheider and Vologochan intrusions containing small- to medium-size Ni-Cu-PGE deposits, and non-economic Nizhny Talnakh and Nizhny Noril’sk intrusions containing low grade disseminated Ni-Cu mineralization. Results. The analyzed samples are characterized by sulfide mineral assemblages, which contain mainly chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, pentlandite, troilite, cubanite, and galena. Sulfide Ni-Cu-PGE ores of the Oktyabr’sk and Noril’sk-1 deposits, associated with economic intrusions (i.e., Kharaelakh and Noril’sk-1), demonstrate distinct δ65Cu values from –2.42 to –1.40‰ and from –0.33 to 0.60‰, respectively, which differ from the δ65Cu values for sulfides from other Ni-Cu-PGE deposits and ore occurrences of the Noril’sk Province (data comprise 36 analyses). We note that the Cu-isotopic composition for sulfide minerals of massive and disseminated ores from the Kharaelakh intrusion has similar “isotope-light” characteristics. The most pronounced shift towards “isotope-heavy” copper was found in the horizon of low-sulfide PGE ores of the Noril’sk-1 intrusion (δ65Cu = 0.51–0.60‰). The isotopic composition of Zn (δ66Zn) for the studied sulfide samples from economic, subeconomic, and non-economic intrusions, with the exception of one sample (0.73 ± 0.14‰), is characterized by similar “isotope-light” values (from –0.65 to –0.03‰). Conclusions. The revealed variations in the Cu- and Zn-isotopic composition in the studied sulfide assemblages from all types of ores reflect their primary characteristics; however, for the unique Oktyabr’sk Ni-Cu-PGE deposit, characterized by the most “isotopically light” composition of copper (δ65Cu = –1.9 ± 0.34‰), the possibility of assimilation of an external source of Cu during the formation of sulfide Ni-Cu-PGE ores cannot be excluded. The combined use of Cu and Zn isotopic parameters proved to be a weakly informative predictive indicator for the detection of high-grade sulfide ores, primarily due to the similarity of the Zn isotopic composition of the ore material in all investigated intrusions of the Noril’sk Province.

Wilson’s Disease Caused by Previously Undescribed Homozygous Nucleotide Variant of the <i>ATP7B</i> Gene: Clinical Cases

Wilson’s disease is severe autosomal recessive disease manifested primarily by hepatic, neurological, and psychiatric disorders due to excessive copper deposition in organs and tissues. Clinical case description. The variant with uncertain clinical value of the ATP7B gene, c.2111C>T (p.T704I, chr13:52534294G>A (HG19)), was described in the family where parents are cousins. The eldest daughter out of four children died at the age of 11 due to liver cirrhosis. Wilson’s disease was genetically confirmed in two children (clinically — abdominal form). The younger son was diagnosed heterozygous state of the disease (without any clinical manifestations). The revealed variant of the ATP7B gene was previously identified in 3 more patients with Wilson’s disease, however, in a compound heterozygous state with known pathogenic genetic variant. Conclusion. c.2111C>T (p.T704I) variant of the ATP7B gene can be considered as probably pathogenic. Further research is required to evaluate its functional significance in Wilson’s disease pathogenesis.

An innovative approach for the passive cooling of batteries: An empirical investigation of copper deposition on polyurethane foam for the enhancement of phase change material

A proof-of-concept utilising Copper-Plated Polyurethane Foam (CPPF) and Phase Change Material (PCM) for passive thermal management of lithium-ion batteries is demonstrated in this study. The aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness of CPPF when utilised as a constituent substance in PCM/Foam composites. Six distinct configurations of PCM/Foam composites are presented in this work using 10-pore-per-inch foam. A total of four deposition foam samples were produced. Of these, three were created by gradually increasing the immersion time in an electroless copper plating solution. For the fourth sample, an electroless plating technique was utilised for 80 min, followed by an electroplating procedure to deposit an additional layer of copper. The evaluation entails examining each plated sample in comparison to a copper foam that is commercially available with a purity level of 99.99 %. The findings reveal that the electroless-plated specimens exhibit improved effectiveness after being subjected to a prolonged plating period of 80 min. The electroplated sample exhibited the greatest degree of effectiveness, as evidenced by a 64.4 % reduction in battery cell surface temperature(10.98 °C), which is almost identical to the 64.5 % decrease in temperature (11.03 °C) observed with commercial foam but coupled with 88.1 % decrease in mass. The results suggest that the CPPF-PCM composites offer effective passive cooling properties for batteries.

Influence of chemistry and topography on the wettability of copper

To understand the complex interplay of topography and surface chemistry in wetting, fundamental studies investigating both parameters are needed. Due to the sensitivity of wetting to miniscule changes in one of the parameters it is imperative to precisely control the experimental approach. A profound understanding of their influence on wetting facilitates a tailored design of surfaces with unique functionality.We present a multi-step study: The influence of surface chemistry is analyzed by determining the adsorption of volatile carbonous species (A) and by sputter deposition of metallic copper and copper oxides on flat copper substrates (B). A precise surface topography is created by laser processing. Isotropic topography is created by ps laser processing (C), and hierarchical anisotropic line patterns are produced by direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) with different pulse durations (D).Our results reveal that the long-term wetting response of polished copper surfaces stabilizes with time despite ongoing accumulation of hydrocarbons and is dominated by this adsorption layer over the oxide state of the substrate (Cu, CuO, Cu2O). The surfaces’ wetting response can be precisely tuned by tailoring the topography via laser processing. The sub-pattern morphology of primary line-like patterns showed great impact on the static contact angle, wetting anisotropy, and water adhesion. An increased roughness inside the pattern valleys combined with a minor roughness on pattern peaks favors air-inclusions, isotropic hydrophobicity, and low water adhesion. Increasing depth of the primary topography can also induce air-inclusions despite increasing peak roughness while time dependent wetting transitions were observed.

Investigation of plasma chamber erosion in an RF ion source

Filament driven plasma sources are widely used to produce ion beams, but they require frequent maintenance due to the limited filament lifetime. External radio-frequency (RF) coupled ion source offers a filament-free plasma and hence better maintenance. However, one of the issues encountered during the development of a planar external RF-powered ion source at D-Pace was the erosion of its copper plasma chamber and subsequent formation of copper deposits on the Aluminum Nitride (AlN) RF window. The copper deposits on the RF window deteriorate the power coupling between the external antenna and the plasma. This paper investigates the erosion of the plasma chamber and describes some of the methods used to control the deposition of copper on the RF window.