Industrial Production Technology Research Articles

Collaborative Operation Optimization Scheduling Strategy of Electric Vehicle and Steel Plant Considering V2G

With the shortage of fossil fuels and the increasingly serious problem of environmental pollution, low-carbon industrial production technology has become an effective way to reduce industrial carbon emissions. Electrified steel plants based on electronic arc furnaces (EAF) can reduce most carbon emissions compared with traditional steel production methods, but the production steps have fixed electricity consumption behavior, and impact loads are easily generated in the production process, which has an impact on the stability of the power system. EV has the characteristics of a mobile energy storage unit. When a large number of EVs are connected to the power grid, they can be regarded as distributed energy storage units with scheduling flexibility. Through the orderly scheduling of EVs, the spatial–temporal transfer of EV charging and discharging load can be realized. Therefore, the EV situated in the steel plant’s distribution network node has the capacity to be utilized by providing peak shaving and valley filling services for the steel production load. This study proposes an operation optimization scheduling method for EVs and steel plants. Taking the lowest overall operating cost as the objective, an optimal scheduling model considering EVs operation, steel plant, and distributed generator is established. Based on the IEEE-33 node distribution network model considering distributed generators, the proposed model is simulated and analyzed, and the effectiveness of the EV steel plant operation optimization scheduling strategy is investigated.

Comparison of different drying technologies for kiwifruit pomace: Changes in physical characteristics, nutritional properties and antioxidant capacities

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of different drying technologies including microwave drying (MD), vacuum microwave drying (VMD), sun drying (SD), vacuum drying (VD), hot air drying (HAD), and vacuum freeze drying (VFD) on the physical characteristics, nutritional properties and antioxidant capacities of kiwifruit pomace in order to realize by-product utilization and improve energy efficiency. Results showed that both MD and VMD significantly reduced drying time by >94.6%, compared to traditional thermal drying which took 14–48 h. MD exhibited the highest content of soluble dietary fiber (9.5%) and the lowest energy consumption. Furthermore, VMD resulted in the highest content of vitamin C (198.78 mg/100 g) and reducing sugar (73.78%), and the antioxidant capacities ranked only second to VFD. Given the financial advantages and product quality, VMD was suggested to be advantageous technology in actual industrial production.

Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS): Dynamic Modeling of Cyber-physical Environments

Dynamic modeling of nonlinear systems in cyber-physical contexts is necessary for understanding and predicting complex behavior. Enabling accurate representation of intricate interactions between cyber and physical components is crucial for enhancing control systems, predicting maintenance requirements, and enhancing resilience. This article presents industrial automation and robotics, taking into account the circumstances in developing economies. The importance of studying and using industrial automation and robotics can be attributed to the complexity of today's industrial setup and the pressing demand for increased production quantity and quality. Finding current initiatives and chances for more research was the aim of the examination. When it reaches innovation maturity, there is a dearth of study on the application and adoption of automation technologies and even less on technology innovation or prototyping. A more recent development has been an increase in the amount of research being done on industrial production technologies, especially additive manufacturing. Research on non-robotic cyber-physical systems, such as IoT connection, drone technologies, and actuator and actuator technologies specifically geared towards the construction industry, is minuscule. This research significantly advances dynamic modeling methodologies by creating a comprehensive and adaptable strategy tailored to the complexities of cyber-physical systems.

Industrial technological progress, technology spillover, and the environment in a dual agricultural economy

AbstractDeveloping nations typically prioritize economic growth. Thus, industrial technological progress frequently leads to production expansion and subsequent environmental degradation. This paper, however, proposes that in a dual agricultural economy, the progress in industrial production technology does not necessarily degrade the environment when considering technology spillover. Utilizing a general equilibrium model, we conclude that, at the beginning of modern agricultural development, increasing technology spillover rate adversely affects the environment and social welfare. Yet, after the popularization of modern agriculture, increasing this rate can enhance environmental and welfare conditions. Under specific conditions, industrial technological progress might promote environmental and welfare benefits.

ANALYSING THE EMERGING PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES IN CLOTHING INDUSTRY: PERCEPTION OF FASHION DESIGNERS WITHIN ADENTA MUNICIPALITY, GHANA.

This paper aims to investigate the emerging production technologies in clothing production in Ghana and the awareness and usage by fashion designers. The research was based on quantitative and studio-based approaches, which employed questionnaires and observation for data collection. The population comprises 120 fashion designers who have their workshops within Adenta. The results indicated that the emerging production technologies in the clothing industry were ranked, and Computer-aided design (CAD) represented first (1st), Automated inspection (AIN) ranked second (2nd) and Automated material handling devices (AMHD) ranked third (3rd). The study showed that 82.1 % of the respondents agreed that fashion designers' design activities involve the effective use of computers for drawing and designing products. Also, 86% agreed that fashion designers used automated inspection machines to perform inspections. However, 83.3% of the respondents disagreed that fashion designers use a reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed for the automation of assembly lines for apparel making. The study concluded that to demonstrate creative and professional skills, fashion designers should be able to generate original designs from unique concepts and effectively manipulate most of the emerging production technologies in realising their concepts.

Ventilation shutdown and the breath-taking violence of infectious disease emergency management in industrial livestock production

Powerful ventilation systems are a crucial technology in industrial livestock production, mitigating the unhealthy ambient conditions that result from great densities of animal bodies, biowastes, and chemical agents, and enabling the rapid production of massive quantities of flesh and eggs in such crowded indoor spaces. But bad air is just one of many biophysical and technoscientific challenges managed in these spaces, chief among them the ever-present risks of infectious disease transmission and evolution that threaten animal health and productivity and pose untold risks for humans. This article examines the intersection of these two central problems, where ventilation systems that are normally used to manage bad air within enclosures have been repurposed in the context of disease outbreaks to quickly and cheaply kill infected populations by hyperthermia. An analysis of this nascent practice, euphemistically termed “ventilation shutdown,” shows how governments and publicly funded scientific institutions have worked with private industry to develop and systematize the use of this and other technologies of mass death to respond to infectious disease emergencies, a dynamic that, we argue, sheds new light on both the precarity and the violence of industrial livestock production.

Analysis of the top global emergency and disaster databases

Relevance. Despite advancements in industrial production technologies, no decrease is observed in global statistics for disasters and emergencies, as well as their identified precursors. Reliable and comprehensive inventory of global and regional disaster databases reinforces the development of effective national emergency prevention policies, improving the resilience of industrial facilities against adverse and thus generating extensive evidence for research. The objective is to study top global disaster information management databases and their inventory.Methods. The Internet, state reports, research papers available in the Russian Science Citation Index, Scopus and Web of Science bibliography databases were the major sources of data regarding top global disaster and emergency databases.Results and discussion. EM-DAT: OFDA/CRED (Emergency Events Database), NatCatSERVICE, SIGMA, GLIDE (Global IDEntifier Number), CatNat Global (The natural disasters database (NATDIS)), DesInventar (Disaster Inventory System) are among the top global databases, having quantitative assessment for disaster risk indexes and consequences. Comparative studies of emergency data entries across databases was performed to allow countries and regions to develop common global assessment tools for emergency consequences.Conclusion. Consistent terminology and uniformity of data submission procedures across top global international databases allows Russian and international experts to develop the most effective tools to predict and prevent various emergencies and build common consequence assessment strategies for countries and regions of the world.

Influence of Laser Process Factors on Laser‐Induced X‐Ray Emission in High‐Repetition Laser Processes

Lasers have established themselves as a versatile tool that generates innovations in a wide range of fields, from automotive to surface engineering, medical applications, etc. A current research field for lasers is surface texturing in biomimetic, which aims to mimic nature‐inspired functionalities and mechanisms, for example, to tailor and control wetting, adhesion/friction, or optical properties of technical surfaces. Therefore, ultrashort pulse lasers are often the right choice to alter surface structures at microscopic scale. Moreover, the ongoing trend toward high‐average power lasers reaching “kilowatt class” levels even for ultrashort pulse lasers seems to be beneficial to increase throughput of this powerful laser technology for industrial production. However, several recent studies are reported on harmful X‐ray emissions arising from high‐intense ultrashort laser pulses which must be considered as a secondary laser beam hazard in risk assessment. Shining light on this topic, this article reports on a set of experiments investigating X‐rays emission induced by ultrashort pulse laser processing of different laser‐pretreated stainless steel sheets. The X‐ray measurements show the effect of roughness and scan number on the laser‐induced X‐ray emission dose. In addition, the dependency of X‐ray emission on the scan direction relatively to the laser beam polarization state is discussed.

Use of the feed additive Optimus in feeding of cows of Black-and-White breed

An important limiting factor in intensive milk and beef production systems is protein. The lack of protein feed provokes the need to use modern and new protein sources. Modern approaches to the system of standardized feeding of ruminant animals help to improve the quality of protein in rations, which is assessed by the ratio of its degradable and non-degradable parts. In this regard, innovative feed additives such as Optimus to stimulate microbial protein synthesis and a source of non-degradable protein are of particular interest. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of Optimus feed additive on the productive traits of highly productive Holstein cows under the conditions of industrial milk production technology. In order to conduct the study, 3 groups (control and two experimental) of Holstei highly productive first-calf heifers were formed on the principle of pair-analogs taking into account age, live weight, lactation period, and productivity. In the ration of the cows of the 1st experimental group 500 g/head/day of Optimus additive was added instead of 500 g of KK-60-1 compound feed, in the 2nd experimental group 1 kg/head/day was added instead of 1 kg of KK-60-1 compound feed. Thus, the diff erence in milk yield between cows of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups compared to the control group was 87,3 and 148,0 kg, respectively. Milk production coefficients in the 1st and 2nd experimental groups were also higher than the control group by 15,0 (p < 0,05) and 30 kg (p < 0,01). Thus, the use of the feed additive Optimus in doses of 500 g/head/day and 1 kg/head/day instead of compound feed KK-60–1 in feeding of Holsteinized first-calf heifers during the period of increasing the milk yield under the conditions of industrial milk production technology showed positive results. A more optimal dosage should be 1 kg/head/day.

Optimized synthesis of functional organosilicon monomers and polymers exploiting new types of CuAAC recoverable heterogeneous catalysts

Organosilicon molecules of both individual and polymer structures are an integral part of modern high-tech industrial production and high technologies.

Performance of laying hens fed diets incorporated with feather-based feed additive

A comprehensive and in-depth understanding of modern industrial poultry production technology is a vital condition for the development of poultry enterprises. Among the factors that determine poultry farming's development, the state and development of the feed base are of paramount importance. One of the promising directions for organizing rational poultry feeding based on self-produced feed is the use of new feed sources in compound feeds that have a multifaceted positive impact on poultry health. This study aimed to determine whether feeding feather meal induces changes in the body weight of laying hens, feed consumption, and egg production. The experiment was conducted on laying hens of the Hy-Line Brown W-36 breed without beak trimming, aged from 21 to 34 weeks at an industrial poultry farm. The chickens were placed in standard cages arranged in 6 tiers (with eight chickens per cage) and were distributed into five randomized groups. Four diets were formulated with the inclusion of feather-based feed additives in the base diet at levels of 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, or 3.5 kg per ton, while the control group was maintained on the standard diet. Research results using feather meal as part of the compound feed for laying hens have revealed that the inclusion of this additive had a positive impact on the live weight dynamics of Hy-Line Brown laying hens. Positive trends in absolute live weight gains were observed in the experimental groups compared to the control group, with EG1 showing an increase of 56.78 g (4.8%), EG2 with 43.66 g (3.7%), EG3 with 33.26 g (2.8%), and EG4 with 25.75 g (2.1%). The highest retention rate of laying hens was recorded in the first (EG 1) and second (EG 2) experimental groups: 98.9% and 97.9% respectively. The difference in retention between the first experimental group and the control group was 4.1%, while between the second experimental and control groups, it was 3.1%. The feather meal feed additive is an effective protein supplement, and research has revealed its positive influence on live weight gains and the survival of laying hens. The most effective level is 2 kg per ton of compound feed, which can be explained by the data observed in EG1.

Development of industrial production technology with determination of the quality of a soft medicine «Vetmikoderm» for veterinary

It is well known, that 1,2,4–triazole derivatives have a wide range of biological properties, showing little toxicity. Original modeling of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives allows obtaining new molecules with unique properties. Such purposeful changes in molecules are popular among many scientists because they make it possible to obtain compounds with «improved» properties. Such a compound was the substance (4-((5-(decylthio)-4-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-methyl)morpholine with the prospect of creating a mild medicinal product – liniment «Vetmikoderm».
 The main advantage of these medicinal forms is a low traumatic effect on damaged tissue, creating maximum contact with the wound surface, etc. It has been proven, that the antimicrobial agents available on the veterinary drugs’ market, including those ones in the form of ointments, gels and liniments, are characterized by the fact that they do not always stimulate tissue regeneration processes. Medicines with the ability to improve wound healing, as a rule, have minor antiseptic properties. Under these circumstances, the search, development and introduction of the medicines that have antimicrobial and antifungal action is an extremely urgent issue of modern veterinary medicine.
 The aim of our research was to study the technological aspects and manufacturing features, the substantiation of the composition, the analysis of the soft medicinal form of the drug «Vetmikoderm».
 During the research, the appearance, transparency, and thickness of the drug were determined. APHI identification was carried out with the determination of its content by the gas chromatography’s method. The external standard method was used. Microbiological purity (bacteria, yeast and mold fungi (in total), the presence of bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) was determined in accordance with the requirements of the SPHU by the membrane filtration method. Sterile soy–casein agar was used to determine the total number of aerobic bacteria. Determination of harmlessness was carried out according to the «abnormal toxicity» indicator.
 On the basis of the conducted research, the technological aspects and manufacturing features, substantiation of the composition, quantitative and qualitative analysis of the «Vetmikoderm» liniment were determined, which ensures the possibility of the medicinal form’s obtaining in industrial conditions. The proposed methods of the medicinal form’s analysis are characterized by sensitivity and reproducibility.

Assessment of the Emission Characteristics of Major States in the United States using Satellite Observations of CO2, CO, and NO2

By using space-based measurements of the column-averaged dry air mole fraction of carbon dioxide (XCO2) from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) and CO and NO2 from the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI), this study investigates the seasonal variation in the characteristics of CO2, CO, and NO2 across major states in the United States. Beyond correlating these trends with natural factors, significant emphasis is placed on human activities, including heating demands, energy usage, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Concentration enhancements in observations influenced by anthropogenic emissions from urban regions relative to background values are calculated to estimate gas emissions. Our investigation reveals a strong correlation between NO2 and CO2 emissions, as evidenced by a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.75. Furthermore, we observe a correlation of 0.48 between CO2 and CO emissions and a weaker correlation of 0.37 between CO and NO2 emissions. Notably, we identify the NO2 concentration as a reliable indicator of CO2 emission levels, in which a 1% increase in NO2 concentration corresponds to a 0.8194% (±0.0942%) rise in annual mean CO2 emissions. Enhancement ratios among NO2, CO, and XCO2 are also calculated, uncovering that high ΔNO2: ΔXCO2 ratios often signify outdated industrial structures and production technologies, while low ΔCO: ΔXCO2 ratios are linked to states that utilize clean energy sources. This approach offers a deeper understanding of the effect of human activities on atmospheric gas concentrations, paving the way for more effective environmental monitoring and policy-making.

Digitalization of Russian industry: the state and prospects of development in the conditions of sanctions and restrictions

The article presents an assessment of the main statistical indicators related to the efficiency of industrial production growth in various regions of Russia over the past few years. The inclusion of digital achievements in the context of the negative consequences of the recent pandemic and sanctions on the production of industrial enterprises is also considered. The research is devoted to the application of digital technologies in industrial production in Russia in several regions under current circumstances and the potential of their future development. The introduction contains an overview of the scientific literature of economists and researchers dealing with industrial production and digitalization. This section also outlines the goals and objectives of the study. The purpose of the study is to study the current state of industrial production growth in Russian regions, depending on the development of the regional economy under sanctions. The assessment of industrial growth indicators of the main economic indicators of industrial enterprises is carried out. There was also a study of methods and researchers who contributed to the consideration of this issue both at the national and international level. The article considered indicators illustrating the growth of Russian industrial production and its regional variations, as well as evaluating the use of digital technologies in industrial production. At the conclusion of the article, based on the scientific work carried out and a review of the literature of researchers who studied this issue, the result was summed up. The essence of this conclusion suggests that the reorganization of industrial production at the level of regional management should continue in the foreseeable future. Additionally, a long-term forecast for the development of industrial production has been compiled.

АНАЛИЗ РЕАЛИЗАЦИИ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОЙ ПОЛИТИКИ В РЕГИОНАХ СИБИРСКОГО ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОГО ОКРУГА

The industrial policy of the region is one of the main factors in the development of advanced innovative industrial productions capable of resisting internal and external challenges and threats. Currently, an increasing number of sanctions are being imposed on Russia, which is why there is a high dependence on the supply of industrial production and high technologies. This problem is especially acute at the level of the regions of Russia, characterized by a high level of diff erentiation of socio-economic development and having diff erent industrial potential. In the course of the study, the tools of industrial policy implementation operating in the regions of the Siberian Federal District are considered, the analysis of key indicators of industrial policy is carried out. The analysis made it possible to identify threats to the industrial sector of the SFD regions. In the conclusion of the study, the regions of the Siberian Federal District, depending on the level of industrial development, were divided into three classes: progressive, stable and lagging. Progressive regions are characterized by high development of industry, construction and agriculture. Sustainable regions are characterized by a developed industrial base, but a high level of resource intensity of production, weak innovation and investment activity. Lagging regions are characterized by narrowly focused raw materials specialization, low diversifi cation of industrial production and low competitiveness of products. In the course of the study, it was determined that in order to increase the eff ectiveness of the implementation of industrial policy, it is necessary to develop measures providing for the stimulation and improvement of the industrial sector.

Enhanced ethanol production using hydrophobic resin detoxified Pine forest litter hydrolysate and integrated fermentation process development supplementing molasses.

Globally escalating ethanol demand necessitates the use of hybrid technologies integrating first- and second-generation biofuel feedstocks for achieving the futuristic targets of gasoline replacement with bioethanol. In present study, an optimized two-step sequential pre-treatment (first dilute alkali, then dilute acid) of Pine forest litter (PFL) was developed. Furthermore, the saccharification of pre-treated PFL was optimized through Response Surface Methodology using Box-Behnken Design, wherein 0.558g/g of reducing sugar was released under the optimized conditions (12.5% w/v of biomass loading, 10 FPU/g of PFL enzyme loading, 0.15% v/v Tween-80 and 48h incubation time). Moreover, during hydrolysate fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCIM 3288 strain, 22.51 ± 1.02g/L ethanol was produced. Remarkably, hydrophobic resin (XAD-4) treatment of PFL hydrolysate, significantly removed inhibitors (Furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and phenolics) and increased ethanol production to 27.38 ± 1.18g/L. Furthermore, during fermentation of molasses supplemented PFL hydrolysate (total initial sugar: 100 ± 3.27g/L), a maximum of 46.02 ± 2.08g/L ethanol was produced with 0.482g/g yield and 1.92g/l/h productivity. These findings indicated that the integration of molasses to lignocellulosic hydrolysate, would be a promising hybrid technology for industrial ethanol production within existing bio-refinery infrastructure.

Simulation of three-dimensional temperature field in high-frequency welding based on nonlinear finite element method

Abstract In modern industrial production, many advanced manufacturing technologies are constantly developing with the progress of social sciences. Welding, as an indispensable manufacturing technology in industrial production, has received close attention from various industries. High frequency welding technology is needed in fields such as mechanical manufacturing, machine making in the food industry, and intelligent robot model making. High frequency welding is an important technical means in the production process of welded pipes, and the level of welding temperature has a significant impact on the quality of welded pipe welds. This article studied the shortcomings of traditional high-frequency welding, analyzed the application method of nonlinear finite element method in high-frequency welding, and analyzed the dynamic process of welding and its influencing factors. The finite element method formula is used to stabilize the value of three-dimensional (3D) temperature field. This work studied the temperature distribution of welded pipe welding, welded pipe materials, inside and outside of welded pipe, and temperature changes under different voltages. The experimental results showed that the error value between the simulation results of the 3D temperature field of high-frequency welding and the measured experimental results was about 4.3542°C, which was basically similar, indicating the effectiveness of the 3D temperature field simulation experiment. With the development of science and technology, high-frequency welding technology would continue to improve, and the quality of welded pipe welds would become better and better with the progress of technology. The improvement in quality promotes the development and progress of industry, and maintains the quality of machine manufacturing. The simulation experiment method of 3D temperature field has shortened the experimental time and reduced the experimental cost, providing a new reference for other temperature related experiments.

Numerical simulation of hydraulic fracture extension patterns at the interface of coal-measure composite rock mass with Cohesive Zone Model

This study presents the development of a numerical computational model for hydraulic fracturing of coal-measure rock mass. The model is based on the B-K hybrid fracture energy criterion and is implemented using the extended finite element method (XFEM) and cohesive zone model (CZM) in the ABAQUS software. The study took into account the elastic-plastic damage properties of the coal-measure rock mass, as well as the combined effects of tensile and shear damage during the start and expansion of hydraulic fractures. The expansion trajectories and fracture morphology of hydraulic fractures at the interface of coal-measure rock mass under different lithological combinations (lithological strength differences) and ground stress conditions are revealed, and the main controlling factors affecting the expansion across the bedding are clarified. The study provides valuable insights into the management of hydraulic fracturing in the challenging context of hard roof coal mines, the stimulation of coal-measure gas co-production reservoirs, and the development of effective fracturing stimulation strategies for shale oil reservoirs interlayered with thin sandstone, and it can promote the development of industrial production technology for coal-measure gas and shale oil and gas resources, and is beneficial to increase the proportion of clean energy in China's energy consumption structure, and thus promoting a further reduction in the carbon emissions from energy consumption.

Mesoporous PdO–loaded WO3 nanocrystals: A promising photocatalyst for highly efficient photoreduction of nitrobenzene to aniline under visible light

BackgroundNitrobenzene (NTB) conversion to aniline (AN) is a key technology for large-scale industrial chemical production and wastewater treatment. Accordingly, photocatalytic reduction of nitrobenzene has emerged as a green technology to produce aniline. MethodsThis study offers a simple nontoxic surfactant-assisted fabrication of mesoporous tungsten oxide (WO3) nanostructures accompanied by the incorporation of tiny contents (0.5‒2.0 wt%) of palladium oxide (PdO) nanoparticles through impregnation and calcination. Significant findingsPhysicochemical investigations of fabricated heterostructures revealed the formation of mesoporous surfaces and showed the implication of PdO loading on textural and optoelectronic characteristics of WO3. Only 2.0 wt% PdO on the WO3 surface caused a notable decline in the energy bandgap from 2.77 to 1.07 eV, confirming visible light-harvesting improvement. The prepared PdO–loaded WO3 was examined for NTB photoreduction to AN. The optimum content of 1.5 wt% PdO/WO3 (2.0 g L–1) exhibited a complete phototransformation of NTB to AN after only 40 min with excellent reusability and recyclability. The PdO loading significantly facilitated photoinduced charge carriers’ separation and mobility through the construction of Step (S)-scheme heterojunction. This work opens the door for developing semiconductor-based photocatalysis as a green process for effectively converting contaminated water into useful value-added chemicals.

Quantification of fcc-Ge2Sb2Te5 stoichiometry variations

Ge-rich Ge-Sb-Te (GGST) alloys are being currently integrated to the complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology for industrial production of new generation of non-volatile memories, able to support the development of raising technologies such as internet-of-things and artificial intelligence. These phase-change random access memories are based on ultra-fast reversible crystallization/amorphization of the Ge2Sb2T5 (GST225) chalcogenide compound exhibiting a large resistivity contrast between the amorphous and crystalline states. GGST film crystallization is accompanied by the phase separation of Ge and an fcc-GST225 phase of unknown composition, which should vary with Ge excess of GGST films. However, device properties and reliability are expected to vary with fcc-GST225 stoichiometry. This work reports atom probe tomography, X-ray diffraction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy investigations of the crystallization of an amorphous GST225 layer containing pseudo-periodic local composition variations. The results show that the compound fcc-GST225 is not stoichiometric, accepting 10 Ge at% variations, 7.5 Sb at% variations, and 6 Te at% variations. Furthermore, the microstructure as well as element distributions in the crystallized fcc-GST225 film suggest that fcc-GST225 nucleation is piloted by local composition variations. Fcc-GST225 nuclei formed in the Te-richest regions of the amorphous layer, corresponding to bulk hetero-nucleation, lowering the nucleation temperature.