Metal Tools Research Articles

Biotechnological Tool for Metal(loid)s as Cd, Cu, Ni, and P Management with Multiple Approaches: Bioremediation, Recovery of Raw Materials, and Food Safety

Contaminated soils are a challenge for implementing biotechnology in bioremediation, the recovery of Critical and Strategic Raw Materials (CRMs and SRMs), and food security. European Union (EU) Governments have established strict limits on As, Pb, Cd, and Hg in foods (Document 32023R0915) and requested the recovery of 34 CRMs within a circular economy (CE) (5th CRMs list). This study proposed a biotechnological tool for the decontamination of soil with heavy metal(loid)s by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM)-assisted phytoextraction and the subsequent recovery of CRMs or by phytostabilization to prevent their entry into the food chain. It consisted of placing Baccharis salicifolia plants, inoculated or non-inoculated with AM fungi, into bioreactors (BRs) containing mining soil with Cd, Ni, and Cu, according to the Argentinian Patent (AR090183B1). The bioextractive potential (BP) was also estimated at the highest Technological Readiness Level (TRL) using a vegetable depuration module (VDM, TRL 6). Inoculated plants showed significantly higher aerial bioaccumulation coefficients (Cd: 68.62; P: 2.99; Ni: 2.51; Cu: 0.18) in BRs, and the BP values reached 1.16 g, 9.75 g, 2.40 g, and 213.1 g for Ni, Cd, Cu, and P, respectively. Finally, these CRMs and SRMs could be recovered from biomass through hydrometallurgy within a CE framework.

An enzyme-fused phycobiliprotein synthesis system developed for visual whole-cell biosensors for the detection of cadmium during wastewater treatment

Transcription factor-based whole-cell biosensors are simple and inexpensive tools for monitoring heavy metals during environmental processes. However, most biosensors are depend on instrumentation or have low sensitivity. Here, all the enzymes in the phycobiliprotein synthesis system were fused with the phycocyanin apoprotein to create a system to synthesize enzyme-fused phycobiliproteins with comparable fluorescence. We replaced the biliprotein synthesis system T7 promoter with cadmium-sensing genetic elements to create two visual cadmium biosensors (Epcad-cbsA and Epcad-cbsS). Cd2+ was detected at nanomolar concentrations by measuring the fluorescence intensity and evaluating the degree of color change of the cell pellets. Moreover, good linear correlations were observed with Cd2+ concentrations up to 250nM. Compared with cellular fluorescence, our cadmium biosensor is more sensitive when cell color is used as the output signal, with detection limits of 7.6nM for Epcad-cbsA and 3.2nM for Epcad-cbsS. This visual platform was validated by assessing bioavailable cadmium during wastewater treatment. By immobilizing large amounts of phycobilin with the proteins in cells, our designed biosensors do not require pigment extraction or specialized light sources or detection devices. This work demonstrates that a biliprotein synthesis system can be a novel platform for the development of simple, low-cost, and highly sensitive visual biosensors for real-world applications.

A Comprehensive Review on Wear Resistance and Fracture Toughness of Metal Tools for Baryte Mining and Processing: A Mechanistic Approach

A Comprehensive Review on Wear Resistance and Fracture Toughness of Metal Tools for Baryte Mining and Processing: A Mechanistic Approach

New Finds of Metal Tools of the Late Bronze Age in the Upper Tobol Region

The article presents an analysis of two accidental finds in the area of the villages of Novoilyinovka and Alchanovka (Kostanay oblast, Kazakhstan). The “Alchanovka” sickle belongs to the products of the Sosnovo-Mazino type, but differs by its zigzag ornament. The high iron content indicates the use of copper-pyrite ores as the raw material dating the sickle to the 14th–13th centuries BC and associate it with the Sargary-Alekseyevka culture. The “Novoilyinovka” celt is decorated on both sides by hanging triangles with ends in the form of “pearls”. By its morphological features, it is close to the products of the Maklasheyevka culture and Novoaleksandrovo groups of metal artifacts of the Late Bronze Age of Eastern Europe. Based on the chemical composition of the metal, it belongs to the Maklasheyevka culture of the Volga-Kama region, and possibly dates back to the 13th–12th centuries BC. Most likely, the “Novoilyinovka” celt is an import from the Volga-Kama region. The “Alchanovo” sickle and the “Novoilyinovka” celt reflect two stages within the period between the end of the Late Bronze Age-3 phase and the beginning of the Late Bronze Age-4 phase of the development of the West Asian (Eurasian) metallurgical province of Western Siberia.

Traceological features of anthropogenic incisions on Yuka Mammoth’ hide (Yakutia)

The article presents the data of experimental-trasological analysis, confirming the cutting of the Yuka mammoth skin by man in the northeast of Yakutia during of time approximately ca 39,000 – 38,000 BP during relatively warm period (MIS 3). A series of experiments have been conducted to study processing separate hide pieces from different animals including one mammoth individual. It is fundamental to note that for the first time use-wear methods were adapted for the study of soft organic material, namely the mammoth hide which to date has only been available for research in Yakutia.The result was an understanding of the criteria for the difference between the cuts made by stone and metal tools. In the examination we observed and documented a large incision along the Yuka Mammoth’s spinal ridge and incisions around the eye sockets. Traces of anthropogenic cuts on mammoth skin and their distinction from injuries caused by animals were described. Comparison of the experimental data and anthropogenic traces on mammoth Yuka’s carcass has shown that these cutting can have been made only with stone instruments before freezing the mammoth carcass.

Induction heating simulation for aircraft RTM toolings

Aircraft CFRP parts as sharklets are produced in resin transfer molding (RTM) tooling. The parts need to be heated up homogenously over the whole area with a constant temperature. The complex shape and accessibility of the tooling make it hard to introduce a common heating system. In addition, the heat must be transferred through the Invar metal tooling structure onto the CFRP. Infrared lamp, air fan and microwave heating are concepts in development. Electrical heating layer mats and cages are laborious in applying. Induction has the advantage of contact-less, efficient, and fast heating. Induction heating was tested for the structural bonding of CFRP frames and stringers showing high bonding strengths. To apply this technology for the RTM tooling, the placement and distance of the induction coils is important. Simulation can help to find the right adjustments and power needed for induction heating. With the program COMSOL the surface and the coils are modeled, and the numerically structured net is divided in small tetrahedron and quadratic sub elements. Since there is no magnetic streamline in the middle of the coil-section, a symmetric halving of the structure is applied as a boundary condition. The temperature-time development and the distance of the coils are simulated in 2D and 3D. Due to the material properties of the magnetic flux concentrator (MFC), higher flux concentration of the magnetic field occurred only in 2D. The results are validated by experiments and are in good agreement.

The construction of the Giza pyramids chronicled by human copper contamination

Abstract Although the construction of the Giza necropolis necessitated the creation of an extensive array of metal tools, the significance of these early instances of metallurgy, and the contamination they left, has been overlooked in favor of understanding pyramid building techniques. We geochemically analyzed a sediment core from the Khufu harbor, on the Nile floodplain at Giza, Egypt, to track the construction of the necropolis, with a particular focus on copper contamination deriving from metallurgical activities. We found that significant local contamination occurred during the regnal years of Kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, consistent with metalworking during the preparation and construction of the edifices. While the pyramid complex led to the creation of an outstanding cultural legacy for humanity, it also marked the onset of significant human-caused metal contamination at Giza.

A community of practice approach to the management of metal resources, metalworking and hoarding in Bronze Age societies

The burial of metals in hoards is a trademark phenomenon of prehistoric Europe that may be counterintuitive to perceptions of value nowadays. For the first time here, we establish detailed biographies of a large corpus of hoarded metal objects, providing new insights into how societies in the second millennium BC engaged with their convertible material wealth. We move beyond previous research on prehistoric hoarding commonly focussing on separate questions such as what was placed in hoards, who selected the objects, what were the origins of materials, and where and when they were buried. Analysing ca. 200 metal tools and weapons, we use data reduction methods to define technological pathways in the long biographies of hoarded objects extending across the sourcing of materials, production, use, decommissioning, and deposition in the Carpathian Basin. We show how the differential treatment of materials and objects was strongly biased by social decisions across artefact types. We identify shared, standardised signature treatments that crossed over social-spatial boundaries. Our findings bring new insights on the interface between communal and elite wealth management at the intersection of technological reasoning and cultural beliefs in prehistoric communities.

Rapid determination of toxic and essential metal binding proteins in biological samples by size exclusion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry

Metalloproteins binding with trace elements play a crucial role in biological processes and on the contrary, those binding with exogenous heavy metals have adverse effects. However, the methods for rapid, high sensitivity and simultaneous analysis of these metalloproteins are still lacking. In this study, a fast method for simultaneously determination of both essential and toxic metal-containing proteins was developed by coupling size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS). After optimization of the separation and detection conditions, seven metalloproteins with different molecular weight (from 16.0 to 443.0 kDa) were successfully separated within 10 min and the proteins containing iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iodine (I) and lead (Pb) elements could be simultaneously detected with the use of oxygen as the collision gas in ICP-MS/MS. Accordingly, the linear relationship between log molecular weight and retention time was established to estimate the molecular weight of unknown proteins. Thus, the trace metal and toxic metal containing proteins could be detected in a single run with high sensitivity (detection limits in the range of 0.0020–2.5 μg/mL) and good repeatability (relative standard deviations lower than 4.5 %). This method was then successfully used to analyze metal (e.g., Pb, Zn, Cu and Fe) binding proteins in the blood of Pb-intoxicated patients, and the results showed a negative correlation between the contents of zinc and lead binding proteins, which was identified to contain hemoglobin subunit. In summary, this work provided a rapid and sensitive tool for screening metal containing proteins in large number of biological samples.

A contactless energy transfer type of 3-DOF ultrasonic tool holder

The vibration form of the tool has a significant impact on the machining effect in rotary ultrasonic machining. Compared with 1DOF rotary ultrasonic machining, multi-DOF rotary ultrasonic machining have comprehensive advantages in the machining performance. However, the current multi-DOF rotary ultrasonic machining faces the challenges of miniaturization, multi-DOF vibration integration and high rotary speed. Therefore, a 3DOF ultrasonic vibration tool holder with decoupled three-channel contactless energy transfer was proposed, which realize 1DOF, 2DOF and 3DOF rotary ultrasonic machining with the same resonant frequency and the vibration conversion functions at high rotation speed. Structure design, principle analysis and simulation verification was carried out to determine the structure size and material. Through manufacturing and testing of prototype, the results show that under the performance of high speed, high transfer efficiency with 93 % and low temperature rise. The prototype of 3DOF ultrasonic vibration tool holder can not only integrate six vibration forms with high amplitude, but also has the function of replacing the milling tool for metal and grinding tool for brittle materials. Finally, through machining experiments with different vibration forms, two kinds of elliptical vibration produce regular textures with different shapes in the Ti-6Al-4V milling. In Al2O3 grinding, the surface roughness is the lowest under 2DOF vertical elliptical vibration grinding. While the 2DOF horizontal elliptical vibration grinding significantly improves the chip removal and prolongs the tool life. These findings provide guidance for machining performance under various vibration mode. It was proved that this tool holder integrated and switch with multiple vibration modes is of great value for high efficiency and high-quality multi-procedure machining.

Design And Construction Of Metal And Non-Metal Waste Selecting Tools Based On Arduino Uno

This Arduino-based automatic metal and non-metal waste sorting tool is designed to sort waste, making it easier to recycle waste. The main components of this tool include Arduino (as a tool control system), proximity sensor (as a metal scrap detector), servo motor (as a driver to isolate metal scrap) and LCD to display the type of metal scrap. In terms of waste sorting, the Proximity sensor will detect waste. If the waste is detected as metal waste, the servo motor will rotate to the right and direct the waste to a special metal waste bin. The LCD screen will display the type of metal waste. If the proximity sensor does not detect non-metal waste, the servo motor will rotate to the left and direct the non-metal waste to a special non-metal waste bin. This type of waste sorter is very helpful in reducing waste because it can be processed according to the type of waste.

Increasing of the service life of massive tools using combined restoration and hardening technologies

Combined methods for restoring and strengthening of massive metal and soil-working tools are considered, which simultaneously provide induction quenching or surfacing and plasma surface treatment. These methods increase not only the hardness and wear resistance, but also the impact strength and crack resistance of the tool, which is not provided by traditional methods of surface hardening. Keywords:tool, tool steel, surface, induction quenching, plasma jet, surfacing, structure, crack resistance zaplazmu@yandex.ru

Healing Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Thymbra Spicata and Ferulago Angulata on Second-degree Burn Wounds in Rats

Objective: Burns can be physically and mentally painful, making them one of the worst experiences. In this study, hydroalcoholic extracts of Thymbra spicata and Ferulago angulata were investigated as treatments for second-degree burns in male Wistar rats. Methods: To create the burn wounds, a circular metal tool with a diameter of 2 cm was used, followed by treatment with prepared ointments including Ferulago angulata (1%), Thymbra spicata (1%), Thymbra spicata plus Ferulago angulata (1%), and Adib derm ointment. The wound area was measured and the wound tissue was examined histopathologically on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 in each group. The ointments were applied every day for 21 days to determine the wound healing rate. Results: The experiment showed that on the sixth and eleventh days, the groups treated with a combination of Ferulago angulata and Thymbra spicata, and Ferulago angulata alone, demonstrated significant reductions in wound area. According to histopathology, both Ferulago angulata alone and in combination with Thymbra spicata significantly improved the inflammatory condition, epithelialization process, fibroplasia, arrangement, and density of collagen fibers when compared to the other groups. Conclusion: The study showed that Ferulago angulata extract, either on its own or in combination with Thymbra spicata extract, has significant healing and restorative effects on seconddegree burn wounds in animal models.

Bone Artefacts from the exposition of the National Historical and Archaeological Reserve “Olbia” Museum

In the article, a collection of bone and antler artefacts that had been displayed at the National Historical and Archaeological Reserve “Olbia” Museum until 2022 are discussed. The collection includes materials excavated from the territory of Olbia starting from 1946 and encompasses a diverse range of artefacts categories, such as spindle whorls, handles for metal tools, musical instruments, jewellery and components of horse harness, etc.

CFRP layer-by-layer curing using research-based automated deposition system

Composite laminates of carbon fibres and a toughened snap-cure epoxy matrix were manufactured using a proof-of-concept layer-by-layer curing technique and compared to equivalent hot-press cured laminates. The layer-by-layer approach used a roller and a heated metal tool to deposit and cure a pre-preg layer to a degree-of-cure below gelation (αGel= 0.41) before applying the next layer, removing the need for a further curing step after deposition. The layer-by-layer process was found to produce laminates with evenly distributed micro-porosity (∼2.9 %), whereas press molded laminates at equivalent pressures featured higher porosity (∼4.7 %), that was concentrated in the inter-ply regions that were laminated together. Further work is needed to optimize the process variables for laminate quality, manage roller contamination, and study non-flat geometries.

Internally cooled tools as an innovative solution for sustainable machining: Temperature investigation using Inconel 718 superalloy

Machining is a process that involves intense heat generation at localized points within the tool-chip interface. This leads to elevated temperatures, which can be detrimental to cutting tools. This issue becomes even more crucial when dealing with superalloys like Inconel 718, as they exhibit high shear strength and good creep resistance. Consequently, a significant amount of energy is expended, increasing the cutting temperature. Until now, the primary technique employed to address this issue has been using Cutting Fluids (CFs). In machining, a portion of costs is attributed to fluid handling. It also contains harmful elements that can pose health risks, potentially leading to conditions such as cancer. Moreover, the toxic components can contribute to environmental degradation when improperly disposed of. Therefore, this study proposes an innovative cooling technique called Internally Cooled Tools (ICTs). The ICTs employ an internally circulating coolant fluid through closed cooling channels within the cutting tools, eliminating fluid dispersion into the atmosphere. The main objective was to compare the performance of ICTs in controlling the tool-chip interface temperature during Inconel 718 turning using hard metal tools. For this purpose, a complete factorial experimental design (25) was utilized, with the response variable being the temperature measured by the tool-work thermocouples technique. Beyond that, a sustainable assessment was performed using the Pugh Matrix method. Many key sustainable factors were evaluated related to three atmospheres, cutting fluids in abundance – CFA, dry machining, and ICT. The data base used was a depth literature investigation together with results found in this work. The main findings of this entire work demonstrated that an increase in cutting parameters corresponded to an increase in temperature, as anticipated. TiNAl coating reduced the temperature by up to 10% compared to uncoated tools. Similarly, applying ICTs led to temperature reductions of up to 17% compared to dry machining conditions. The Pugh Matrix made considering 12 factors showed that ICT (14 points) was the most sustainable lubri-cooling method in comparison to CFA (3) and DM (5). Ultimately, ICTs showed to be a promising eco-friendly method. It outperformed conventional methods, showcasing a remarkable heat dissipation capacity. As a result, further studies are warranted to delve deeper into this promising approach.

MICRO-EDD OF INCONEL 800 USING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD

Micro-electro-discharge drilling ([Formula: see text]EDD) is a type of non-traditional machining process used for drilling micro-holes of desired dimensions with a high aspect ratio. But, there are no such research works that could have explained the desired accurate circular shape of micro-holes. The need for a more advanced hybrid machining process to improve the overall efficiency in terms of mainly desired circular shape and radial overcut is evolved. In this research work, an electromagnetic field force-assisted micro-EDM process has been carried out on Inconel 800 with a copper tool of 450[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. Experimental results showed that measured metal removal rate and tool wear rate decreased for ascending values of magnetic flux density, peak current and gap voltage, whereas circularity increases linearly with an increase in magnetic flux density and also the effects of magnetic field on circularity of micro-holes on Inconel 800 are more predominant than other parameters.

The modified boundary layer mechanism for the release between polyimide film and poly(ether ketone ketone) thermoplastics

AbstractSticking between the thermoplastic polymer and metal tool is a crucial issue, as it determines whether the manufactured part can be ejected from the metal mold. Polyimide (PI) release films have been widely used in the processing of fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic polymer composites. Compared with other release mediums such as release agents, PI release film has a higher release efficiency. However, the underlying release mechanism is still not well understood which is essential to improve their performance further and reduce the cost. In this paper, poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) polymer was melted and cooled down between two PI films. The surface morphologies and chemical compositions of the PI film and PEKK were characterized both before and after release using atomic force microscope, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and confocal microscopy. It showed that a thin PI layer was transferred from the PI release film to the PEKK surface during the release process. Based on these experimental results, a modified boundary layer mechanism is proposed as a hypothesis to describe the release mechanism of PI films. Our results give a fundamental understanding of how PI film works for the release of thermoplastics with high processing temperatures and may help to improve the performance and reduce the costs of existing PI films and may give guidance to the design of new release media.

Examining cut mark residue with SEM to identify metal tool use: An experimental study

In this manuscript, we explore the potential of studying metal residues in cut marks generated by copper and bronze knives. The method was developed in the forensic sciences for use with modern metals in order to identify microscopic particles of metal tools on bone surfaces. However, the study of residues in archaeological materials can be challenging due to the ways in which the bone remains may have been manipulated, both in the past and in more recent times. Using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), we detected microscopic fragments of bronze and copper knives along with contamination both inside and outside of the cut marks made by those knives. Copper and bronze residues were identified embedded in the bone inside the incisions and, in two cases, they left greenish stains caused by metal oxidation. In contrast, modern contamination of undetermined origin was found unattached to the bone and had a chemical composition not compatible with that of the knives. The amount of residue was influenced by the quantity of soft tissue between the bone and the knife during the butchering tasks. Bone cooking does not seem to influence the preservation of the residues. We anticipate that the approach used in this first exploratory study will emerge as a promising method for identifying the use of metal tools in archaeological bone remains.

Polarized hydroxyapatite, a ceramic nanocatalyst to convert automotive carbon emissions into ethanol

This paper is aimed to develop ultrananoporous polarized hydroxyapatite (HAp) catalyst and evaluate its performance in transforming CO2 into useable ethanol considering three different scenarios: 1) a batch reaction using a mixture of CO2 and CH4 as feeding gas; 2) a batch reaction using as reactant exhaust gases captured from the fumes of diesel vehicles; and 3) a continuous flow reaction using pure CO2 as feeding gas. Ultrananoporous HAp scaffolds were prepared using a four-step process: 1) as prepared HAp powder was mixed with 60% wt. of a commercial hydrogel at low-temperature; 2) the resulting paste was shaped at low temperature to reduce the adhesion between the metallic tools and the mixture, enhancing the homogeneity of the sample; 3) the shaped paste was calcined in air by applying 1000 ºC during 2 h to eliminate the hydrogel; and 4) an external DC electric field of 3 kV/cm was imposed at 1000 ºC during 1 h to the calcined scaffold. The resulting polarized scaffolds both ultrananoporosity and catalytic activation. Thus, the mass: volume ratio of the ultrananoporous catalyst was much lower than that of conventional HAp catalyst (718 vs 5093 g/L. Furthermore, the ethanol yield was much higher (up to a factor of ×21.4) for the ultrananoporous catalyst than for the compact one, allowing us to conclude that ultrananoporous polarized HAp catalyst is a promising technology for transforming CO2 into valuable chemical products from highly polluted gases, especially those coming from road, sea and air transport.