High-temperature Resistance Research Articles

Functional analysis of HpMYB72 showed its positive involvement in high-temperature resistance via repressing the expression of HpCYP73A

Global warming has led to occasional occurrence of extreme climates, especially summer high temperature, which constrains crops in growth and development. Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) characterizes in excellent tolerance to high temperature and drought stresses. Previously, a differentially expressed R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene, designated as HpMYB72, was identified in pitaya as exposure to high temperature. To elucidate the function of HpMYB72, currently, its spatiotemporal expression, as well as the roles involving in high-temperature response and regulating the downstream genes were conducted. The data from RT-qPCR and GUS reporter system showed that HpMYB72 was mainly expressed in rapidly developing tissues, particularly, in the flowers. It was activated by high temperature, and the coded proteins were accumulated in nucleus, indicating that HpMYB72 may act as a positive regulator involved in the high-temperature response of pitaya. Ectopic overexpression of HpMYB72 in Arabidopsis thaliana improved the growth performance and increased the germination rate as exposure to 42°C; reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species under high-temperature stress thus alleviated the oxidative damage; increased the content of osmotic regulators, thereby relieved the water loss as exposure to high temperature. The available evidences comprehensively reflected that overexpression of HpMYB72 improved the tolerance of Arabidopsis against high temperature, supporting the hypothesis that HpMYB72 is a positive regulator of high-temperature response. The results of yeast one-hybrid assay and luciferase reporter system demonstrated that HpMYB72 bound directly to the promoter of pitaya cinnamate 4-hydroxylase gene HpCYP73A and inhibited its transcription. In this way, the NADPH which ought to be the substrate of cinnamate 4-hydroxylase was reassigned to ROS scavenging, and led the conversion of cinnamoyl-CoA to pinocembrin chalcone, which protects pitaya flowers from malformation under high temperature.

Uncovering the features of rhodium metabolism in China during 2011–2022

Rhodium has unique properties, such as high-temperature oxidation resistance and catalytic activity, making it irreplaceable in various domains such as automobile exhaust purification and chemical production. Given its pivotal role in facilitating China's green and low-carbon transition and the advancement of high-tech industries, rhodium has become a strategic resource. However, China heavily relies on importing rhodium to meet its domestic demand due to its limited rhodium reserve. This study employs dynamic material flow analysis (DMFA) to trace the rhodium flows throughout its entire life cycle in China for the period of 2011–2022 so that the key features of rhodium metabolism can be uncovered, including rhodium production, consumption, trade, in-use stock, and recycling. Our results show that the domestic demand for rhodium increased by 2.18 times during this study period. The cumulative rhodium consumption reached 82,890 kg, of which automobile three-way catalysts (TWCs) accounted for 71.85% of the total rhodium consumption, followed by the chemical sector (13.64%) and the glass sector (8.95%). China's accumulative imported rhodium reached 77,447 kg, meaning an import reliance rate (IRR) of 91.81%. The total recycled rhodium reached 21,184 kg, meaning a recycling rate (RR) of 58.63%. These findings reflect that China is facing several challenges in achieving sustainable rhodium resource management, such as a significant supply risk, and inadequate recycling. Consequently, China should establish a comprehensive rhodium recycling system and diversify its rhodium supply both domestically and internationally to ensure the sustainable supply of rhodium resources.

Sustainable application of recycled plastics in asphalt pavement: Case study of a trial in Newtonville, Ontario, Canada

Global research on using plastic waste in asphalt roads highlights its benefits: recycling waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and providing an alternative to non-renewable asphalt binders. This study aims to bridge the gap between laboratory results and field performance of recycled plastic-modified asphalt in cold regions, promoting broader adoption. Laboratory analysis of core samples was performed as part of a quality assurance program. High-temperature rutting resistance was evaluated using the Hamburg wheel tracking test, while low-temperature cracking resistance was assessed through semi-circular bending testing. Results show that the impact of recycled plastics and fibers on rutting resistance varies with temperature, with the greatest benefit at the highest temperatures. For low-temperature cracking resistance, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers outperform mixed plastics by delaying crack propagation. Low-temperature conditioning can induce thermal shrinkage in the asphalt mixture, slightly moderating the effects of recycled plastics and fibers.

Influence of Nitrogen Content on the Microstructure Evolution and Oxidation Resistance toward Ambient Air of CrAlSiN Coatings Deposited by FCVAD Technique.

In this study, CrAlSiN coatings with nitrogen contents ranging from approximately 42 to 54 at. % were deposited and subsequently exposed to temperatures of 700 or 900 °C for 2 h in ambient air to investigate the impact of nitrogen content on the microstructure evolution and high-temperature oxidation resistance. It was found that the CrAlSiN coating with nitrogen content of 42-45 at. % exhibited an amorphous/nanocrystalline hybrid structure, comprising pure metallic Cr and (Al,Cr)N phases within the matrix, as determined by the TEM, XRD, and XPS analysis. In contrast, as the nitrogen content exceeded 52 at. %, the coatings transformed to a dominantly columnar structure featuring solely Cr(Al)N phase. The CrAlSiN coating with a nitrogen content of ∼52 at. % retained amorphous fraction of around 20% but demonstrated superior oxidation resistance with the lowest parabolic rate constant of 1.1 × 10-14 cm2/s at 900 °C compared to other coatings. This enhanced performance was primarily attributed to the high stability of Cr(Al)N phase and formation of a fine-columnar/amorphous microstructure devoid of metallic Cr, resulting in a significantly thin (∼60 nm) yet dense Al2O3-rich monolayer atop the coating surface during the oxidation. Conversely, substoichiometric CrAlSiN coatings with N content ≤45 at. % would form a thick Cr2O3 outer layer over an underlying Al2O3 layer. Additionally, elemental segregation of Cr, Si, and Al was observed in all CrAlSiN coatings after exposure to 900 °C for 2 h, which was induced by the spinodal decomposition of the ternary nitride phases.

High-Temperature Resistance of Industrial Waste-Based Lightweight Geopolymer Mortars Produced Using Microwave Technology

High-Temperature Resistance of Industrial Waste-Based Lightweight Geopolymer Mortars Produced Using Microwave Technology

Achieving thermostability of a phytase with resistance up to 100 °C.

The development of enzymes with high-temperature resistance up to 100 °C is of significant and practical value in advancing the sustainability of industrial production. Phytase, a crucial enzyme in feed industrial applications, encounters challenges due to its limited heat resistance. Herein, we employed rational design strategies involving the introduction of disulfide bonds, free energy calculation, and B-factor analysis based on the crystal structure of phytase APPAmut4 (1.90 Å), a variant with enhanced expression levels derived from Yersinia intermedia, to improve its thermostability. Among the 144 variants experimentally verified, 29 exhibited significantly improved thermostability with higher t1/2 values at 65 °C. Further combination and superposition led to APPAmut9 with an accumulation of 5 additional pairs of disulfide bonds and 6 single-point mutation sites, leading to an enhancement in its thermostability with a t1/2 value of 256.7 min at 65 °C, which was more than 75-fold higher compared to that of APPAmut4 (3.4 min). APPAmut9 exhibited a T50 value of 96 °C, representing a substantial increase of 40.9 °C compared to APPAmut4. Notably, approximately 70% of enzyme activity remained intact after exposure to boiling water at 100 °C for a holding period of 5 min. Significantly, these advantageous modifications were strategically positioned away from the catalytic pocket where enzymatic reactions occur to ensure minimal compromise on catalytic efficiency between APPAmut9 (11,500 ± 1,100 /mM/s) and APPAmut4 (12,300 ± 1,600 /mM/s). This study demonstrates the feasibility of engineering phytases with resistance to boiling using rational design strategies.

Review of Progress in the Application of Polytetrafluoroethylene-Based Battery Separators.

Batteries have broad application prospects in the aerospace, military, automotive, and medical fields. The performance of the battery separator, a key component of rechargeable batteries, is inextricably linked to the quality of the batteries. The polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based membrane, in addition to PTFE's intrinsic properties of corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, also possesses characteristics such as high porosity and high strength, making it an ideal substrate for the separator in current high-performance batteries, such as fuel cells (FC), all-vanadium redox liquid current batteries (VRBs), solid-state batteries (SSBs), and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This paper introduces the PTFE membrane's main preparation methods and application fields and outlines its advantages as a battery separator. It then comprehensively describes the status of PTFE-based battery separator applications, sums up the advantages and development prospects of PTFE-based battery separators, and looks forward to the important role and challenges PTFE-based battery separators will play in the future of rechargeable batteries and even in new energy equipment with even more harsh and complex electrolytes. In the future, PTFE-based battery separators will be used in rechargeable batteries and even in new energy devices with more severe and complex electrolytes, which will play an important role and challenge in providing a reference for the research on PTFE-based battery separators.

Investigations of the Interface Design of Polyetheretherketone Filament Yarn Considering Plasma Torch Treatment

Taking advantage of its high-temperature resistance and elongation properties, conductive-coated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) filament yarn can be used as a textile-based electroconductive functional element, in particular as a strain sensor. This study describes the development of electrical conductivity on an inert PEEK filament surface by the deposition of metallic nickel (Ni) layers via an electroless galvanic plating process. To enhance the adhesion properties of the nickel layer, both PEEK multifilament and monofilament yarn surfaces were metalized by plasma torch pretreatment, followed by nickel plating. Electrical characterizations indicate the potential of nickel-coated PEEK for structural monitoring in textile-reinforced composites. In addition, surface energy measurements before and after plasma torch pretreatment, surface morphology, nickel layer thickness, chemical structure changes, and mechanical properties were analyzed and compared with untreated PEEK. The thickness of the Ni layer was measured and showed an average thickness of 1.25 µm for the multifilament yarn and 3.36 µm for the monofilament yarn. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of new functional groups on the PEEK surface after plasma torch pretreatment, indicating a successful modification of the surface chemistry. Mechanical testing showed an increase in tensile strength after plasma torch pretreatment but a decrease after nickel plating. In conclusion, this study successfully developed conductive PEEK yarns through plasma torch pretreatment and nickel plating.

Microstructural and mechanical investigation of dissimilar U-groove weld of IN 718/ASS 304L employing ERNiCr-3 filler

This study investigates the dissimilar welding of Inconel 718 (IN 718) and austenitic stainless steel 304L (ASS 304L) using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) with Ni-based filler ERNiCr-3. IN 718 is valued for its high-temperature stability, oxidation, and corrosion resistance, while ASS 304L offers excellent ductility, formability, and corrosion resistance. The objective is to evaluate the impact of ERNiCr-3 on the weld’s metallurgical and mechanical attributes. The materials, prepared with U-groove edges, were optimized for manual multi-pass welding. Microstructural analysis revealed an austenitic matrix with dispersed Ti(CN) and NbC precipitates, enhancing strength through dispersion-strengthening mechanisms, with no solidification cracking due to Nb presence. FESEM/EDS and colour mapping identified elemental migration and stable carbide formation at the weld interfaces. Mechanical testing revealed uniform hardness within the weld zone and tensile resistance of 510 MPa, underscoring the robustness of ERNiCr-3 weld metal. These results indicate that ERNiCr-3 is highly effective for producing superior quality dissimilar welds amidst IN 718/ASS 304L, making it suitable for applications in elevated-temperature and mechanically demanding environments.

Ultra-Efficient Heat Transport Across a "2.5D" All-Carbon sp2/sp3 Hybrid Interface.

Single- and few-layer graphene-based thermal interface materials (TIMs) with extraordinary high-temperature resistance and ultra-high thermal conductivity are very essential to develop the next-generation integrated circuits. However, the function of the as-prepared graphene-based TIMs would undergo severe degradation when being transferred to chips, as the interface between the TIMs and chips possesses a very small interfacial thermal conductance. Here, a "2.5D" all-carbon interface containing rich covalent bonding, namely a sp2/sp3 hybrid interfaces is designed and realized by a plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition with a function of ultra-rapid quenching. The interfacial thermal conductance of the 2.5D interface is excitingly very high, up to 110-117 MWm-2 K-1 at graphene thickness of 12-25 nm, which is even more than 30 % higher than various metal/diamond contacts, and orders of magnitude higher than the existing all-carbon contacts. Atomic-level simulation confirm the key role of the efficient heat conduction via covalent C-C bonds, and reveal that the covalent-based heat transport could contribute 85 % to the total interfacial conduction at a hybridization degree of 22 at %. This study provides an efficient strategy to design and construct 2.5D all-carbon interfaces, which can be used to develop high performance all-carbon devices and circuits.

Research Progress on the Relationship Between Microstructure and Properties of AISI 321 Stainless Steel

AISI 321 stainless steel is widely used in chemical pipelines and nuclear power, prompting research on its high-temperature performance and corrosion resistance. This review focuses on the effects of alloy elements, second-phase particle formation, and heat treatment processes on the microstructure and properties of AISI 321 stainless steel. Fine tuning of alloying elements can affect the mode and effect of dynamic recrystallization, altering the high-temperature flow deformation of AISI 321 stainless steel. In order to achieve phase equilibrium, the relationship between corrosion resistance and high-temperature creep behavior and high-temperature mechanical behavior in the presence of second-phase particles was also analyzed. This review outlines the basic heat treatment procedures for improving material properties, providing a new perspective for solution treatment and improving corrosion resistance. In addition, the latest research progress on other factors affecting the high-temperature performance of AISI 321, such as coatings, was briefly introduced.

First Principles Calculation of the Influence of Alloying on the Phase Stability, Elasticity, and Thermodynamic Properties of the MoNbTiVX (X = Al/Cr) Refractory High-Entropy Alloy

In response to the poor wear resistance and high-temperature oxidation resistance of titanium alloys during service, a series of lightweight refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) can be designed for the laser cladding coating of titanium alloy surfaces, with due consideration of the compositional and structural characteristics of titanium alloys. Firstly, the structural stability, mechanical and thermal properties of four lightweight RHEAs (MoNbTiV, AlMoNbTiW, CrMoNbTiV, and AlCrMoNbTiV) with equal atomic ratios were designed and calculated using first principles combined with quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA). The results indicate that all four RHEAs are stable BCC, exhibiting elastic anisotropy and ductility. The lightest density is 6.409 g/cm3. Adding Al/Cr can cause structural distortion and affect its mechanical properties. Their Young’s moduli are in the following order: AlCrMoNbTiV > MoNbTiV > CrMoNbTiV > AlMoNbTiV. The thermal expansion coefficients of the four RHEAs and titanium alloys are very close, with a difference in linear expansion coefficient of less than 1.16 × 10−5/K. Meanwhile, the metallurgical bonding of four types of RHEA coatings was successfully achieved on a Ti-6Al-4V(TC4) substrate through laser cladding technology, and all coatings exhibited a unique BCC solid solution phase.

PlFabG improves high-temperature resistance in herbaceous peony by increasing saturated fatty acids

The herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is renowned for its striking flowers, which are highly valued in the cut flower industry. However, in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the elevated summer temperatures negatively affect the plant's flowering capacity in the subsequent year. 3-oxoacyl-ACP reductase (FabG) is a component of the type II fatty acid synthesis (FAS II) system, where it plays a role in facilitating the production of saturated fatty acids. However, its role in conferring resistance to high-temperature stress remains unclear. In order to investigate the function of PlFabG in dealing with high-temperature stress, we isolated PlFabG from P. lactiflora. The gene contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 780 bp, which encodes 259 amino acids. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the expression levels of PlFabG increased with prolonged exposure to high temperature. Additionally, plants overexpressing PlFabG maintained a relatively healthy phenotype under high-temperature stress, whereas plants with silencing PlFabG exhibited more severe leaf scorching and wilting under the same conditions. Various physiological indices indicated that PlFabG reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and enhanced the saturation of photosystem II. Most importantly, PlFabG helped P. lactiflora withstand high-temperature stress by increasing the proportion of saturated fatty acids, thereby maintaining cell membrane integrity. These findings elucidate the beneficial role of PlFabG in enhancing plant tolerance to high temperature and provide a strong theoretical support for the development of high-temperature tolerance in transgenic P. lactiflora.

Fast chlorophyll fluorescence rise kinetics as a high-throughput diagnostic tool for evaluating the capacity of 2-amino-3-methylhexanoic acid at inducing plant resistance against high temperature

Plant resistant induction is considered as a promising strategy for protecting crops against extreme high temperature (HT). However, a high-throughput method to accurately estimate the capacity of plant resistance inducers (PRIs) for HT resistance has not been developed. Here, we present a simple approach using fast chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics in Arabidopsis leaf discs to assess PRI efficacy in inducing HT resistance. Both 2-amino-3-methylhexanoic acid (AMHA) and salicylic acid (SA) significantly alleviated the temperature-dependent increase in the K-peak of the OJIP curve and variations in amplitude of heat-responsive JIP-test parameters within the elevated-temperature range of 25 to 42℃. The PIABS (performance index on absorption basis) and WK (relative variable fluorescence at the K-step to the amplitude FJ - FO) as two classical heat-responsive characteristic parameters were used to produce a novel hypersensitive parameter HT sensitivity indicator, PIABS/WK (named Hs). Based on the correlation of logHs with elevated temperatures, a model for quantifying the capacity of HT-resistance induction (called Ci) by AMHA or SA was established. A three-grade classification according to the Ci value was proposed as low (0<Ci ≤ 1℃), moderate (1℃ <Ci ≤ 2℃), and high resistance (Ci > 2℃). AMHA at 1µM and SA at 100µM had Ci values of 2.49℃ and 4.09℃ in Arabidopsis plants, respectively, associated with their high level of HT resistance induction. Additionally, the EC50 derived from the relative stimulation ratio (Kc) was also introduced as a quantitative index for measuring the ability of AMHA and SA to induce HT resistance. The EC50 value of AMHA is about 0.1µM in Arabidopsis and 0.35µM in tomato, being much lower than that of SA (approximately 63µM in Arabidopsis). Thus, AMHA is a more potent plant inducer than SA. The model was validated through additional experimental evidence, demonstrating its reliability and applicability. This study provides an expeditious high-throughput method for screening promising PRI candidates.

Effect of quaternary binder slag-based geopolymer slurries on mechanical durability and microstructural properties of green prepacked composites

This study conducts a detailed investigation into the effects of slag-based quaternary binder geopolymer slurries on the physico-mechanical properties, high temperature resistance, and microstructural characteristics of prepacked composites. This research employs a strategic combination of aluminosilicate precursors, including metakaolin (MK), pumice powder (Pum), and perlite powder (Per), which are blended with slag in varying mix proportion to identify and optimizing the composite’s performance. In the key finding reveal that samples containing 20 % of MK achieved superior performance, displaying the lowest porosity and water absorption rates. The oven-dry density of the mixtures demonstrated a marked improvement with the inclusion of MK, increasing from a range of 2150–2230 kg/m3 in 0 % MK mixture to 2250–2350 kg/m3 in those with 20 % MK. Post heat curing, the compressive strength peaked at 31.12 MPa in the mixture comprising 20 % MK, 20 % pumice, and 10 % perlite; however, this strength reduced to 11.92 MPa when subjected to a temperature of 600℃. In high temperature resistance tests, the combination of 20 % MK and 10 % perlite resulted in a minimal mass loss of 4 % at 600℃, indicating a robust resistance to thermal degradation. Furthermore, the 24-h water capillary absorption displaying lowest water absorption rates. This study provides a critical advancement in the use of natural pozzolans for developing high-performance, slag based geopolymer slurries. The enhanced high-temperature strength and reduced water absorption underscore the potential of these materials to deliver durable and sustainable solution for the construction industry, particularly in application requiring superior thermal resistance and longevity.

Fluorine polyimide nanofibrous composites with outstanding piezoelectric property for human motion monitoring

The limited high-temperature resistance of conventional piezoelectric polymers remains an extremely arduous obstacle to fabricate a flexible sensor that meets the practical application in extreme environments. In this paper, the fluorine-containing polyimide (FPI) nanofiber membrane was prepared by electrospinning and further encapsulated with FPI resin into a flexible and wearable piezoelectric sensor. The influence of fluorine-containing monomer content on the mechanical properties, heat resistance, and piezoelectric properties of FPI nanofiber composite membranes was systematically investigated. The fabricated samples show outstanding thermal stability with Tg of 247℃-262℃ and Td5% of 570℃. The composite also displays a low dielectric constant (2.25–3.5) and dielectric loss (0.004–0.01), respectively. It is particularly noteworthy that the prepared fluorine-containing PI nanofiber membrane exhibits excellent piezoelectric properties. The output voltage of CPI-100 can reach up to 7 V with fast response / recovery time (16 ms / 7 ms) and exceptional durability (10,000 cycles). Moreover, the prepared CPI nanofiber composite membrane sensor can effectively detect bending and pressuresignals, which can be applied to motion and pressure monitoring. We found a new kind of substrate with outstanding piezoelectric and provided a novel strategy for developing high-temperature resistant flexible self-powered piezoelectric sensors in wearable electronics.

Road Performance of Cold Repaired Asphalt Mixture with New Green Maintenance Materials

Cold patched asphalt mixture plays a crucial role in road maintenance, providing flexibility and the ability to quickly recover from harsh weather conditions. This article conducts in-depth research on the performance of cold patched asphalt mixture through multiple experiments, with special attention paid to the influence of diluent content and curing conditions on its performance. The experimental results show that using a mixture of green curing agents is feasible, and the diluent content is one of the main factors affecting the physical properties of cold patched asphalt. The optimal content of asphalt diluent was determined to be 25% through mass evaporation experiments and rotational viscosity experiments. Meanwhile, it was found that single component polyurethane prepolymers and SBS curing agents have a negative impact on the adhesion of cold patched asphalt, but have an improving effect on its strength, high-temperature resistance, and water stability. After comparing the performance of cold patched asphalt mixtures under different curing conditions, it was found that the performance of cold patched materials with long-term curing was better. Finally, this study determined the optimal dosage ratio of base asphalt, bio oil diluent, and single component polyurethane prepolymer as 100:25:12, providing technical support for the design and application of cold patched asphalt concrete pavement under high adverse weather conditions.

A Remote Monitoring System for Wind Speed and Direction Based on Non-Contact Triboelectric Nanogenerator

Wind speed and wind direction sensors are crucial sensor categories in the Internet of Things (IoT), particularly vital in fields such as meteorological monitoring, construction engineering, transportation engineering, and ocean engineering. However, power supply remains a key limiting factor for the widespread application of these sensors in large-scale sensor networks. In this paper, a self-powered, non-contact wind speed and direction sensor based on the triboelectric nanogenerator (SD-TENG) is proposed. The optimized wind speed measurement structure has a start-up wind speed as low as 0.2m/s and exhibits good linearity in the range of 0.2-29m/s. Additionally, the sensor demonstrates high temperature and humidity resistance, with a voltage attenuation of 2.4% at 45°C ambient temperature and 9.8% at 95% relative humidity. For wind direction measurement, the design of non-uniform electrodes enhances the recognition capability of different channels. To meet the demands of remote monitoring, we have designed an advanced signal processing circuit that can directly convert the raw output of a wind speed sensor into wind speed information and upload it to a cloud platform via a host. This system not only records and displays wind speed data in real-time but also features historical data storage and alarm functionalities, enhancing the intelligence and automation levels of wind speed monitoring. Additionally, users can access and analyze wind speed data through both computer and mobile devices, ensuring the system's efficiency and reliability. This work provides crucial technical support for the advancement of smart cities, clean energy, and environmental monitoring, thereby promoting the application and dissemination of IoT technology in the environmental field.

Performance Restoration of Aged SBS-Modified Asphalt in RAP via Dry-Process SBS modifier Diffusion at the Interface of Aggregate-Aged Asphalt-Virgin Asphalt

To address and recycle more RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement), dry-process SBS(Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) modifier was applied in hot in-place recycling. Molecular simulation and laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the diffusion behavior of dry-process SBS modifier on RAP surfaces and its effects on the properties of recycled asphalt and recycled asphalt mixtures (RAM). Molecular simulation results revealed that after the diffusion of dry-process SBS on RAP surfaces, the fractured and aged SBS molecules in the aged asphalt were replenished, leading to a 59.49% enhancement in the interface energy between aged asphalt and aggregates. Dry-process SBS exhibited bidirectional diffusion between RAP and virgin asphalt, with a preference for the intact SARA components of Virgin asphalt. The diffusion coefficient of the dry-process recycling system was significantly higher compared to conventional wet-process recycling, achieving a higher degree of fusion (DOB) between virgin and aged asphalt. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that dry-process recycling was more effective in restoring the performance of aged SBS-modified asphalt compared to wet-process recycling. At high RAP contents (80%, 100%), the asphalt mixtures from wet-process recycling failed to meet specifications for high-temperature permanent deformation resistance, low-temperature cracking resistance, and resistance to water damage. However, using 10% dry-process SBS modifier by mass of aged asphalt in RAP enabled 100% RAP content asphalt mixtures to meet specifications.

Efficient carburization of high-entropy alloys from polyethylene microplastics using a green mechanochemical process to obtain excellent wave absorbing performance

Polyethylene as a major white pollutant has a significant negative impact on the environment and the human health. Beneficial recycling of polyethylene through mechanochemical processes not only can eliminate environmental hazards, but also enable some beneficial industrial applications. In this work, polyethylene was used as the raw materials of carburization of FeCoNiMn high-entropy alloys (HEAs) by a green mechanochemical method. The phase structure, magnetic properties, high-temperature oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance and electromagnetic-wave absorbing performance of the obtained carburized HEAs were investigated in detail. The carburized-FeCoNiMn HEAs exhibited excellent corrosion resistance, suggesting great application potential for use in harsh environments. Besides, the impedance matching was optimized and the electromagnetic-wave absorption bandwidth was expanded by this carburization process. Specifically, the reflection loss of C10 (FeCoNiMnC0.1) at 8.88 GHz reached −65.07 dB at a thickness of 2.79 mm, and both the C50 (FeCoNiMnC0.5) and C90 (FeCoNiMnC0.9) exhibited a maximum absorption bandwidth of 5.45 GHz. This work provides a new concept of utilizing common microplastic pollutants to achieve efficient carburization of HEAs by a green mechanochemical process.