High Temperature Stability Research Articles

Unravelling the Effect of Fission Gases on the Thermal Transport and High-temperature Structural Stability of UO2 Using Atomistic Simulations

Abstract Radioactive fission gases such as Xe and Kr play a decisive role in the thermal transport of UO2 under nuclear reactor operating conditions. Here, systematic molecular dynamics simulations are performed to understand the effect of fission gases on the thermal conductivity and structural properties of UO2 . The conductivity deteriorates significantly in the presence of fission gases. The
strong phonon-disorder scattering leads to overdamping of the phonon modes, particularly impacting the midfrequency region, leading to substantial decay in conductivity. We unveil the interplay of anharmonicity and disorder in conductivity. Significant decay in conductivity is attributed to the phonon-disorder scattering at low temperatures and anharmonic phonon-phonon scattering at high temperatures. To analyze the high-temperature structural stability, we compute the radial distribution function, mean square displacements, and diffusion coefficients; an early onset of superionic diffusion is observed in UO2 with fission gases compared to pristine UO2 .

Catalytic Performance of Iron-Based Oxygen Carriers Mixed with Converter Steel Slags for Hydrogen Production in Chemical Looping Gasification of Brewers’ Spent Grains

Iron-based oxygen carriers (OCs) have received much attention due to their low costs, high mechanical strengths and high-temperature stabilities in the chemical looping gasification (CLG) of biomass, but their chemical reactivity is very ordinary. Converter steel slags (CSSs) are steelmaking wastes and rich in Fe2O3, CaO and MgO, which have good oxidative ability and good stability as well as catalytic effects on biomass gasification. Therefore, the composite OCs prepared by mechanically mixing CSSs with iron-based OCs are expected to be used to increase the hydrogen production in the CLG of biomass. In this study, the catalytic performance of CSS/Fe2O3 composite OCs prepared by mechanically mixing CSSs with iron-based OCs on the gasification of brewers’ spent grains (BSGs) were investigated in a tubular furnace experimental apparatus. The results showed that when the weight ratio of the CSSs in composite OCs was 0.5, the relative volume fraction of hydrogen reached the maximum value of 49.1%, the product gas yield was 0.85 Nm3/kg and the gasification efficiency was 64.05%. It could be found by X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron microscope characterizations that the addition of CSSs helped to form MgFe2O4, which are efficient catalysts for H2 production. Owing to the large and widely distributed surface pores of CSSs, mixing them with iron-based OCs was beneficial for catalytic steam reforming to produce hydrogen.

Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Structural Ceramics for Tribological Applications: Principles, Techniques, Microstructure and Properties

Additive manufacturing technology has the advantages of precise manufacturing, high levels of customization, and large-scale molding; it can achieve the design of complex geometric structures and structural/functional integrated components, which is difficult to realize using traditional manufacturing technology, especially for different tribological applications. Ceramic materials are widely used in industries such as high-end manufacturing in aviation, aerospace, energy, and biomedicine due to their excellent wear resistance, high temperature stability, and hardness. The tribological properties of ceramic parts determine their versatility and durability during the application process. The rise of additive manufacturing technology in the field of ceramics has opened up the possibility of creating ceramics with excellent friction and wear properties and overcoming the limitations of traditional manufacturing processes. Although several studies on 3D printing of wear-resistant/self-lubricating metal- or polymer-based parts have been published, there has until now been no comprehensive review of additive manufacturing of advanced structural ceramics and composites for the purpose of reducing friction and enhancing wear-resistant properties. This article discusses the currently used ceramic additive manufacturing technology and processes, the ceramic materials used in the field of tribology, and how the combination of these two can improve the tribological properties of ceramic components from the perspective of micro- and macrostructures. Finally, specific tribological applications of additively manufactured ceramics in various industrial and biomedical fields are also introduced.

Porous Glass with Layered Morphology Prepared by Phase Separation

In this study, porous glass with controllable layered structure was successfully prepared by the phase-separation method, with the aim to develop a high-performance high-temperature catalytic (denitrification) material. Glass compositions with different R values (n (Na2O)/n (B2O3)) were designed based on the phase diagram of sodium borosilicate glass. The layered porous structure was obtained by heat treatment in the phase-separation temperature range and acid-leaching treatment to remove the boron-rich phase. For the adsorption and separation process, the layered pore is very ideal, due to its high contact area, high storage capacity and easy mass transfer characteristics, which means it has high adsorption capacity and separation efficiency. The experimental results show that the thickness of the silicon layer can be precisely controlled in the range of 2–23 μm by adjusting the heat treatment time (1.25–10 h), and the material has excellent high-temperature stability (the pore structure parameters do not change significantly after calcination at 600 °C for 10 h). V2O5 (multiphase redox catalyst) can be uniformly loaded by the impregnation method, and the layered structure can be completely retained. The formation process of the layered structure was studied by infrared, Raman spectroscopy and SEM analysis. This study provides a new strategy for the development of customizable porous materials.

Hofmeister Effect-Enhanced, Nanoparticle-Shielded, Thermally Stable Hydrogels for Anti-UV, Fast-Response, and All-Day-Modulated Smart Windows.

Thermochromic smart windows offer energy-saving potential through temperature-responsive optical transmittance adjustments, yet face challenges in achieving anti-UV radiation, fast response, and high-temperature stability characteristics for long-term use. Herein, the rational design of Hofmeister effect-enhanced, nanoparticle-shielded composite hydrogels, composed of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAA), sodium sulfate, and polydopamine nanoparticles, for anti-UV, fast-response, and all-day-modulated smart windows is reported. Specifically, a three-dimensional network of PDMAA is created as the supporting skeleton, markedly enhancing the thermal stability of pristine HPMC hydrogels. Sodium sulfate induces a Hofmeister effect, lowering the lower critical solution temperature to 32 °C while accelerating phase transition rates fivefold (30 s vs. 150 s). Intriguingly, small-sized polydopamine nanoparticles simultaneously enable high luminous transmittance of 66.9% and outstanding anti-UV capability. Additionally, the smart window showcases a high solar modulation (51.2%) and maintains a 10.2 °C temperature reduction versus a glass window during all-day modulation applications. The design strategy is effective, opening up new avenues for manufacturing fast-response and durable thermochromic smart windows for energy savings and emission reduction.

Research on electric vehicle BTMS using phase change material energy storage tube for temperature regulation

The regulation of battery temperature within an optimal range and the mitigation of fluctuations during operation are essential technologies for enhancing the performance of electric vehicles. The incorporation of phase change material (PCM) within active battery thermal management systems (BTMS) is viewed as a promising direction for future advancements, yet an ideal structure for PCM implementation in BTMS to facilitate industrialization remains elusive. To leverage the thermal absorption and release properties of PCM for improving both high and low temperature stability, as well as mitigating temperature fluctuations in batteries, a novel BTMS integrating PCM energy storage tubes (PCM-EST) with liquid cooling has been proposed. This system employs two distinct groups of PCM-EST, where the low-temperature group (W-PCM-EST) acts as a heat source to elevate the battery temperature, and the high-temperature group (C-PCM-EST) functions as a cold source to dissipate excess heat within the coolant loop. Simulation models were developed and validated, with simulations conducted under WLTC test cycle. The simulation outcomes indicate the advantages and practicality of utilizing BTMS combined with PCM-EST for battery temperature management, showing a reduction in power consumption by 4.29%–5.54% under low temperature conditions and a decrease in compressor energy consumption by 8.3%–8.43% under high temperature scenarios. This research offers new insights and potential applications for PCM within BTMS.

Sintering, high-temperature stability, and thermal conductivity of (Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta)(C, N) high-entropy carbonitrides

Sintering, high-temperature stability, and thermal conductivity of (Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta)(C, N) high-entropy carbonitrides

Enhancing high-temperature strength and thermal stability of Cu-Cr-Zr via twin structure by cryogenic rolling

Enhancing high-temperature strength and thermal stability of Cu-Cr-Zr via twin structure by cryogenic rolling

Performance optimization of rock Asphalt/Dioctyl maleate composite modified asphalt binder: Balancing high-temperature stability and low-temperature toughness

Performance optimization of rock Asphalt/Dioctyl maleate composite modified asphalt binder: Balancing high-temperature stability and low-temperature toughness

High-Temperature Stability of LiFePO4/Carbon Lithium-Ion Batteries: Challenges and Strategies

Lithium-ion batteries that use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) as the cathode material and carbon (graphite or MCMB) as the anode have gained significant attention due to their cost-effectiveness, low environmental impact, and strong safety profile. These advantages make them suitable for a wide range of applications including electric vehicles, stationary energy storage, and backup power systems. However, their adoption is hindered by a critical challenge: capacity degradation at elevated temperatures. This review systematically summarizes the corresponding modification strategies including surface modification of the anode and cathode as well as modification of the electrolyte, separator, binder, and collector. We further discuss the control of the charge state, early warning prevention, control of thermal runaway, and the rational application of ML and DFT to enhance the LFP/C high temperature cycling stability. Finally, in light of the current research challenges, promising research directions are presented, aiming at enhancing their performance and stability in such harsh thermal environments.

Parallel Cross-sectional Lamé Mode Rod Resonator with high effective electromechanical coupling coefficient and temperature stability

Abstract Lamb wave resonators (LWR) have the advantages of high frequency, small size and lithographically defined resonant frequency. To solve the problems of low effective electromechanical coupling coefficient ( k e f f 2 ) and high temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) in the application of LWR, a method of etching off the AlN film not covered by the top interdigital transducers (IDTs) is proposed to form a Parallel Cross-sectional Lamé Mode Rods Resonator (PCLMRR). The formed rods confine more longitudinal electric field and weaken the lateral capacitance between lateral rods. PCLMRR takes advantage of the high k e f f 2 of one order Cross-sectional Lamé Mode Resonator (CLMR) and the low impedance of array structure. The complexity of manufacturing PCLMRR has been reduced by etching grooves using the same mask of IDTs. For the same thickness of AlN film, the critical dimension for PCLMRR in photolithography is twice of CLMR, reducing the demand for photolithography resolution. Compared to plate LWR with a trade-off between TCF and k e f f 2 , the PCLMRR adjusts the electric field, capacitance and stress-free boundaries, resulting in a higher k e f f 2 and lower TCF simultaneously. The variation of quality factor (Q) with temperature in PCLMRR is also smaller than that of the plate LWR due to the groove cutting the heat flow off and raising the thermal relaxation time.

Performance Analysis of Scandium-Doped Aluminum Nitride-Based PMUTs Under High-Temperature Conditions

PMUTs have been widely studied in recent years, particularly those based on the SOI (silicon-on-insulator) process, which have been partially commercialized and are extensively used in advanced applications such as ultrasonic ranging and spatial positioning. However, there has been little research on their high-temperature reliability, a critical area for their use in extreme environmental conditions. In this study, we investigate the high-temperature characteristics of air-coupled PMUTs based on SOI under various structural conditions, employing both finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental validation. We assess the performance of PMUTs at elevated temperatures by examining key parameters such as resonant frequency, the electromechanical coupling coefficient, mechanical amplitude, and warpage, all analyzed as functions of temperature. The experimental results show that temperature-induced drift becomes more significant as the back cavity size increases and the top silicon layer thickness decreases. These findings are consistent with the trends observed in the finite element analysis. Specifically, a PMUT with a back cavity diameter of 1000 μm and a top silicon thickness of 4 μm exhibits a temperature drift rate of up to 47.3% when the operating temperature rises from room temperature to 200 °C. Furthermore, at elevated temperatures, the maximum electromechanical coupling coefficient improves by 68.6%, and the mechanical amplitude increases by 66.1%. Heating experiments using a 3D profiler reveal that warpage increases from 0.3 μm to 2.15 μm as the temperature reaches 150 °C. These findings offer important theoretical insights into the temperature-induced drift behavior of PMUTs under high-temperature conditions. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the performance variations of PMUTs, including changes in electromechanical coupling, mechanical amplitude, and structural warpage, which are critical for their reliable operation in extreme environments. The results presented here can serve as a foundation for the design and optimization of PMUTs in applications that require high-temperature stability, ensuring their enhanced reliability and performance in such demanding conditions.

Preparation and Performance Evaluation of High-Temperature Polymer Nano-Plugging Agents for Water-Based Drilling Fluids Systems Applicable to Unconventional Reservoirs

To address the challenges of micro-fracture development in shale formations, frequent wellbore instability, and the limited plugging capability of water-based drilling fluids in unconventional reservoirs, a nano-plugging agent (NPA) was synthesized using emulsion polymerization. The synthesized NPA was characterized through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), revealing excellent high-temperature stability and a spherical or sub-spherical morphology, with particle diameters ranging from approximately 20 to 50 nm. The rheological, filtration, and plugging properties of NPA were systematically evaluated, and its sealing mechanism was analyzed. The results demonstrate that at a test temperature of 180 °C, the optimal NPA concentration in the drilling fluid base slurry is 1.5%, achieving a 60.5% reduction in HTHP (high-temperature high-pressure) sand disc filtration loss. Additionally, the API filtration loss and HTHP filtration loss reduction rates reached 58.1% and 50.3%, respectively, highlighting the remarkable filtration loss reduction and plugging efficiency of NPA under high-temperature conditions. After NPA treatment, the specific surface area and pore volume of shale cuttings decreased to 9.348 m2/g and 0.035 cm3/g, respectively, indicating effective surface plugging. The mechanism analysis suggests that due to its nanoscale size, NPA can penetrate deep into micro-pores and fractures within the shale, achieving deep-layer plugging. Furthermore, NPA forms a physical plugging barrier on the shale surface, effectively suppressing shale hydration and swelling. This study provides valuable insights and guidance for addressing wellbore instability and the insufficient plugging performance of drilling fluids in unconventional reservoir drilling operations.

Additive manufacturing of ceramics via the laser powder bed fusion process

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) of ceramics presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges, particularly with the laser‐based AM processes. Ceramics are known for their special properties, such as high strength, corrosion resistance, and temperature stability, but their inherent brittleness and high processing demands make AM more complex. This review provides an updated overview of the most common AM techniques for ceramics, including direct energy deposition, binder jetting, laminated object manufacturing, and material extrusion‐based techniques. However, the focus is placed on the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of ceramics, a technique that has gained increasing attention for its ability to fabricate complex ceramic parts with enhanced quality. The review delves into the key causes of critical defects commonly observed in LPBF, such as porosity, cracking, spattering, and surface roughness. Recent advancements in addressing these issues are discussed, along with the limitations of current defect prevention strategies. Furthermore, the review provides an updated analysis of the mechanical properties of LPBF‐fabricated ceramics, giving insights into how processing parameters influence the performance of ceramic LPBF‐printed parts. Modeling and simulation techniques are also reviewed, highlighting their role in enhancing understanding of ceramic behavior during LPBF. Overall, this review highlights recent progress and current challenges in ceramic AM techniques, while exploring future research opportunities, such as process optimization and defect prevention strategies.

Ultrathin carbon biphenylene network as an anisotropic thermoelectric material with high temperature stability under mechanical strain

Ultrathin carbon biphenylene network as an anisotropic thermoelectric material with high temperature stability under mechanical strain

Mix Design Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Ultra-Thin Wearing Courses Incorporating Ceramic Grains as Aggregate

The impact of ice and snow in seasonally frozen regions has led to a significant decline in the flatness and skid resistance of highway pavements, creating severe traffic safety hazards. With economic development driving the transition from road construction to maintenance, this study proposes enhancing Ultra-Thin Wearing Course (UTWC) maintenance materials with anti-icing performance and snow-melting properties. The study first employed the Marshall mix design method to develop gradations for two common types of UTWC asphalt mixtures: the dense-graded GT-8 and the open-graded NovaChip® Type-B. Using the volume substitution method, aggregates were replaced with equivalent volumes of ceramic grains. The optimal asphalt–aggregate ratios for the mixtures with varying ceramic grain contents were determined, and the influence of ceramic grains content on the asphalt–aggregate ratio was analyzed. The results indicate that the optimal asphalt–aggregate ratio increases with higher ceramic grains content. Subsequently, the high-temperature performance, low-temperature performance, and water stability of UTWC with varying ceramic grain contents were evaluated. Overall, NovaChip® gradation mixtures demonstrated superior road performance compared to GT-8 gradation mixtures. Moreover, an increase in ceramic grains content enhanced the high-temperature performance of UTWC but moderately reduced its low-temperature performance and water stability. Finally, the effects of different ceramic grain contents and snowmelt agent types on the anti-icing and snowmelt properties of UTWC were examined. The results revealed that higher ceramic grains content improved snowmelt effectiveness. Considering the road performance of the specimens, a ceramic grains content of 40% was recommended. Furthermore, calcium chloride (CaCl2) exhibited superior anti-icing performance compared to other snowmelt agents.

High-Temperature Titanium Alloys for Space Shuttle Engines: Development Challenges and Future Prospects

Titanium and its alloys play a pivotal role in aerospace engineering due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ability to perform under extreme thermal conditions. This study explores the development of a titanium alloy capable of withstanding temperatures as high as 1273 K, specifically designed for space shuttle engine structures. Key challenges addressed include enhancing the alloy creep resistance, high-temperature strength, and oxidation resistance, which are essential for its performance in severe aerospace environments. A detailed review of the literature identifies crucial alloying elements such as aluminum (Al), niobium (Nb), silicon (Si), manganese (Mn), boron (B), and tungsten (W), all of which contribute significantly to improving high-temperature stability and mechanical properties. Additional considerations like thermal expansion, phase stability, fatigue resistance, and cost-efficiency were analyzed to ensure a balanced approach in alloy design. The proposed alloy composition offers an optimized balance of strength, ductility, and oxidation resistance, making it suitable for aerospace applications. Future work will involve computational simulations and rigorous empirical testing to further refine the alloy properties and ensure its feasibility for use in real-world space shuttle engines.

Screening of Potential Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-Inhibitory Peptides in Squid (Todarodes pacificus) Skin Hydrolysates: Preliminary Study of Its Mechanism of Inhibition.

Hypertension has been identified as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Given the prevalence of the adverse effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory (ACEI) drugs, natural and effective alternatives to these medications need to be identified. An investigative study was conducted to assess the ACEI capacity and structural characteristics of enzymatic hydrolysates with varying molecular weights derived from squid skin. The amino acid sequences of the enzymatic digests were analyzed via Nano LC-MS/MS and screened for peptides with ACEI activity using an in silico analysis. Furthermore, molecular docking was employed to investigate the interaction between potential ACEI peptides and ACE. TPSH-V (MW < 1 kDa) exhibited the highest rate of ACEI, a property attributable to its substantial hydrophobic amino acid content. Additionally, TPSH-V exhibited high temperature and pH stability, indicative of regular ordering in its secondary structure. The binding modes of four potential novel ACEI peptides to ACE were predicted via molecular docking with the sequences of FHGLPAK, IIAPPERKY, RGLPAYE, and VPSDVEF, all of which can bind to the ACE active site via hydrogen bonding, with FHGLPAK, RGLPAYE, and VPSDVEF being able to coordinate with Zn2+. Squid skin constitutes a viable resource for the production of ACEI peptides.

Hot corrosion behavior of Y3NbO7 as thermal barrier coating material

Y3NbO7, a simple ternary oxide, has shown excellent high-temperature stability lately. The growing need for more durable thermal barrier coatings in extreme conditions underscores the importance of exploring materials that can resist challenges like hot corrosion. This study examines the thermal barrier properties and hot corrosion characteristics of Y3NbO7. Thermal diffusivity and the coefficient of thermal expansion were measured using laser flash technique and dilatometry respectively. The interaction with the thermally grown oxide (TGO) was evaluated by exposing the Y3NbO7 powder to Al2O3 at high temperatures. To demonstrate the viability of the as-synthesized powder for coating deposition, a plasma sprayed TBC architecture was developed using the Y3NbO7 powder. The behavior of as-deposited coating under thermal shock was studied using thermal cycling test. Hot corrosion study was performed on Y3NbO7 pellets in a species composed of 32 wt% Na2SO4 and 68 wt% V2O5 at 900°C. The corrosion products were examined with X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The corrosion phenomenon was found to align with the Lewis acid-base theory, where Y2O3 was preferred over Nb2O5 for the acidic activity of V2O5.

Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by a Naturally Derived One-Dimensional All-In-One Hybrid Nanostructure.

Colloidal particles generated from plant-derived proteins and polysaccharides have high potential as particulate stabilizers since they are environmentally friendly, biocompatible, and biodegradable. It has also been shown that amphiphilic anisotropic particles are more effective particulate stabilizers at the oil/water interface. In this study, a one-dimensional all-in-one zein nanoparticle/cellulose nanofiber hybrid nanostructure (ZCHN) was successfully prepared by self-assembling hydrophilic cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and hydrophobic zein nanoparticles (ZNPs). The synthetic approach is based on the antisolvent-induced deposition of uniform and discrete ZNPs on the surface of CNFs, with the electrostatic interaction between the two thought to be the main factor for their binding. Furthermore, the microstructure of the generated ZCHN can be easily tuned by the initial mass ratio of zein and CNFs. When compared to ZNPs or CNFs alone or their simple mixture, the emulsion stabilized with ZCHN displayed better long-term, high-temperature, and centrifugation stability. The efficient reduction of oil/water interfacial tension, neutral wettability, and more uniform and high coverage of ZCHN on the droplet surface were the reasons for such better emulsion stability. As an illustration, the resulting emulsion protected β-carotene effectively, exhibiting a significant improvement in stability under UV radiation and high temperature. Therefore, the prepared biocompatible Pickering emulsion is anticipated to have promising applications for the preservation and delivery of fat-soluble bioactive compounds.