Multicomponent Matrix Research Articles

Manufacturing of Ni-Co-Fe-Cr-Al-Ti High-Entropy Alloy Using Directed Energy Deposition and Evaluation of Its Microstructure, Tensile Strength, and Microhardness.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have drawn significant attention due to their unique design and superior mechanical properties. Comprising 5-35 at% of five or more elements with similar atomic radii, HEAs exhibit high configurational entropy, resulting in single-phase solid solutions rather than intermetallic compounds. Additive manufacturing (AM), particularly direct energy deposition (DED), is effective for producing HEAs due to its rapid cooling rates, which ensure uniform microstructures and minimize defects. These alloys typically form face-centered cubic (FCC) or body-centered cubic (BCC) structures, contributing to their exceptional strength, hardness, and mechanical performance across various temperatures. However, FCC-structured HEAs often have low yield strengths, posing a challenge for structural applications. In this study, a Ni-Co-Fe-Cr-Al-Ti HEA was manufactured using the DED method. This study proposes that the addition of aluminum and titanium creates a γ + γ' phase structure within a multicomponent FCC-HEA matrix, enhancing the thermal stability and coarsening the resistance and strength. The γ' phase with an ordered FCC structure significantly improves the mechanical properties. Analysis confirmed the presence of the γ + γ' structure and demonstrated the alloy's high tensile strength and microhardness. This approach underscores the potential of AM techniques in advancing HEA production for high-performance applications.

Structural and optical investigations of RE3+: Yb, Er, Sm, Nd, Ce-doped multi-functional silica glasses for photonic applications

The influence of various trivalent lanthanides was investigated in the silica phosphate multi-component glass matrix, synthesized by the sol-gel method. The prepared glasses were analyzed to explore the degree of bandwidth amplification for telecommunication systems, and the potentiality of lasing media and smart glass films. Alkaline earth metal ions of Ca2+ were effectuated as a glass modifier, mediating the formation of non-bridging oxygen with the glass formers, and imputing favorable structural attributes to the glasses for versatile applications. The bonding parameter derived from the average nephelauxetic ratio implies covalency around the rare earth ion sites in the Er3+ and Nd3+ doped systems, while the Sm3+ doped glass exhibits ionicity. In the silica-based glass matrix singly doped with Yb3+, the coexistence of Yb3+/Yb2+ ions was evidenced. Transitions across 4f14 and 4f135d levels of Yb2+, with an experimental lifetime of 45.8 ns would provide prospective pulsed yellow lasers, for non-invasive therapeutics. Er3+ doped glass evinced a large bandwidth of 93.775 nm at 1477 nm and a high quantum efficiency of 97%, favorable for O + E + S-band telecommunication networks. The transition corresponding to 4G5/2→6H7/2 of Sm3+ and 2G7/2→4I9/2 of Nd3+ is suggestive that the respective doped glasses could be devised into solid-state red and green laser sources. Novel near-infrared emission at 1476 nm was also evidenced in the Sm3+ and Nd3+ doped systems. Prominent absorption at 280 nm and complete transparency in the visible region observed in the Ce3+ mono-doped system make it ideal for smart glasses as UVB and UVC shielding films.

3D-printed strong and ductile high-entropy alloys with orientation arranged nanostructure complex

The rapid development of 3D printing technologies demands new materials with novel properties, as many high-strength metallic materials (up to over 1000 MPa) suffer from a significant weakness in ductility despite their enhanced mechanical properties, particularly in tension strength. To address this issue, we fabricated precipitation-hardened high-entropy alloy (Fe28Co29.5Ni27.5Al8.5Ti6.5) and employed aging post-treatment to obtain a duplex multicomponent intermetallic nanoprecipitate arrangement while retaining the in-situ dislocation network features. This approach resulted in the formation of a novel orientation arranged nanostructure complex (NSC) in the alloy. The NSC structure is composed of duplex multicomponent intermetallic nanoprecipitates (L12 and L21 phases), disordered multicomponent FCC matrix, and in-situ dislocation network. This resulted in ultra-high tensile strengths of 1430 MPa and an excellent tensile elongation close to 16%, surpassing the performance of other advanced commercial steels and alloys. These findings offer an effective approach to facilitate the design of high-strength and high-ductility structural materials for industrial applications. This is achieved by tailoring the microstructure through a combination of in-situ generation of high-density dislocations structure and multicomponent intermetallic nanoprecipitates in additive manufacturing. As such, this study represents an important step forward in the development of advanced materials for 3D printing technologies.

Exploring interfacial reactions and optical properties of ZBLAN-based phosphor-in-glass color converters via spark plasma sintering for laser-driven lighting

Phosphor-in-glass (PiG) is extensively utilized as a color converter in laser-driven lighting. Despite its popularity, a noteworthy concern is the potential for interfacial reactions to occur between the phosphors and the glass matrix during high-temperature processing, leading to subsequent corrosion. Previous research suggests that spark plasma sintering (SPS) may effectively limit these reactions in silica glass-based PiGs. However, the reactivity of silica glass, lacking glass modifiers, towards phosphors is diminished, raising uncertainty about whether SPS can truly fabricate a PiG with improved interfacial morphology. Nonetheless, research pertaining to PiG fabrication using SPS with multi-component glass compositions remains scarce. In this study, an attempt is made to address this gap by employing a multi-component glass matrix - ZrF4–BaF2–LaF3–AlF3–NaF (ZBLAN), which is known for its high reactivity with phosphors, in the creation of PiGs through SPS. Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+ (LuAG) was embedded within ZBLAN glass, fabricated using SPS in merely 5 min at a temperature of 255 °C. The subsequent analysis focused on the interfacial microstructure and the optical properties of the thus prepared PiG samples. The results demonstrate that the lower-temperature and time-efficient sintering process of SPS successfully mitigate the interfacial reactions between the phosphor and the glass matrix. Consequently, a commendable luminous flux of 597 lm and luminous efficacy of 242 lm/W is achieved.

Validation of ELISA Test-system for Trastuzumab (Herceptin, Hertikad) quantitative determination in biological fluids

Relevance. Trastuzumab is the drug of choice for the HER2+ breast cancer treatment. To determine the trastuzumab pharmacodynamics in personalized therapy a validated bioanalytical method for measuring the concentration of the drug in biological fluids is required. The aim: creation and assessment of the suitability (validation) of a test system based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantitative determination of trastuzumab concentration in human serum/plasma. Materials and methods. The presented test system is a classic ELISA kit with a 96-well polystyrene plate, the wells of which are coated with monoclonal antibodies specific to trastuzumab, secondary goat antibodies to the Fc fragment conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), substrate solution — (3,5,3',5')-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and stop solution. Quality control solutions were prepared by diluting known concentrations of trastuzumab in blank serum. Results. In the course of the work the limit of detection (0.84 ng/ml) and the lower limit of quantitative determination (1.41 ng/ml) of trastuzumab in serum/plasma were established and the high selectivity of analyte determination in a multicomponent matrix was proved. The found average values of trastuzumab concentrations did not deviate from the nominal values by more than 14 % in the entire range of determined concentrations, the intraand interseries precision of the test system did not exceed 8%, and the total method error was 20.1 %. The demonstrated dilution linearity allows the assay to be used to analyze a wide range of trastuzumab concentrations in biological samples. The stability of the components of the test system is defined as at least 1 year under storage conditions. Conclusion. The presented ELISA test system complies with international validation requirements and it is suitable for practical use.

Controlled growth and spectroscopy characterization of blue violet perovskite quantum dots in borate glasses

Blue violet light emitting CsPb(Cl/Br)3 perovskite quantum dots glasses (QDGs) have been successfully fabricated in multi-component borate glass matrix by melt quenching and heat treatment. The spectral characteristics have been evaluated by photoluminescence (PL), PL excitation (PLE), PL decay and absorption spectra. The recipe and preparation conditions have been optimized for controlled growth of QDs. By using raw materials of NH4Br/NH4Cl/PbO and crucible cover, optimizing composition of Na2O/K2O in matrix, melting temperature and time, heat treatment temperature and time, and NH4Cl and NH4Br contents, we have finally realized blue violet exciton emission in target range of 405–440 nm. The PL wavelength adjustment is comprehensive effect of the abovementioned influence factors. The emission in short wavelength of 405–440 nm is due to controlled growth of the QDs. In final CsPb(Cl/Br)3 QDs, the contents of Cl and Br are suitable and the Cl/Br ratios are large. A little Br is necessary for growth of CsPb(Cl/Br)3 QDs and then the Br is partially replaced by Cl at suitable treatment condition. Unsymmetrical PL spectrum profile of some samples is explained as reabsorption effect by monitoring PL spectral profile and PL decay. The temperature characteristics of PL spectra show good recoverability after a temperature cycle.

Efficient Separation of the Methoxyfuranocoumarins Peucedanin, 8-Methoxypeucedanin, and Bergapten by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC)

Pure methoxyfuranocoumarins were isolated from a crude petroleum ether extract (CPE; Soxleth extraction efficiency 12.28%) from fruits of Peucedanum tauricum MB. (Apiaceae) by counter-current chromatography in a hydrostatic equilibrium system (centrifugal partition chromatography-CPC). The optimized biphasic solvent system composed of n-heptane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (5:2:5:2; v/v/v/v) in the ascending mode of elution was used (3 mL/min, 1600 rpm). In the single run, peucedanin (P), 8-methoxypeucedanin (8MP), and bergapten (5MOP) were obtained as pure as 95.6%, 98.1%, and c.a. 100%, respectively. The carefully optimized and developed CPC was effectively transferred from the analytical to the semi-preparative scale (where 20 mg and 150 mg of CPE were loaded, respectively). Identification and quantitative analysis of methoxyfuranocoumarins was carried out in the plant material, in the CPE, and in individual CPC fractions by use of validated high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS). For the separation steps, the extraction/isolation recovery was calculated. In this case, CPC proved to be an effective tool for the simultaneous isolation and separation of P, 8MP, and 5MOP from a multicomponent plant matrix, without additional pre-purification steps. The high purity of the obtained plant metabolites makes it possible to consider their use in pharmacological or biological studies.

A lightweight orthorhombic-phase strengthened TiZrVNbAl multicomponent intermetallic alloy with promising ambient ductility and high-temperature strength

High-temperature alloy with good ambient ductility, high elevated-temperature strength and low density is desired for industrial application. Here, a novel lightweight TiZrVNbAl multicomponent intermetallic alloy with good combination of ambient ductility and high-temperature strength was developed. The designed alloy is composed of multicomponent B2 intermetallic matrix and dispersed micro-scale orthorhombic-phase (O-phase) precipitates. The multicomponent B2 intermetallic matrix can undergo plastic deformation through the mixture of planar and wavy slip of b = a<111> and b = a<001> dislocations, while the O-phase deforms by producing dislocation and stacking faults. Moreover, the O-phase can effectively contribute to strength by impeding dislocation motion at elevated temperatures (600 °C–800 °C). Consequently, the TiZrVNbAl alloy exhibits a large elongation of ∼14%, high specific tensile yield strength of ∼171.2 MPa g/cm3 at room temperature and a high specific compressive strength of ∼62.3 MPa g/cm3 at 800 °C. The present results will give new insights into the development of lightweight ductile high-temperature alloys.

Optical properties of AIE organic chromophores embedded erbium-doped glass composites fabricated by spark plasma sintering

Encapsulation strategies can isolate the organic chromophores and prevent chemical or photochemical degradation. Inorganic transparent glass matrix has excellent utility as encapsulation matrices. Although the sol-gel method can make this encapsulation, the unclear sol-gel synthetic mechanism limits the synthesis of multi-component glass whose properties can be modified. A novel technique to encapsulate organic chromophores within multi-component glasses is required. In this letter, an organic chromophore was successfully encapsulated within a multi-component glass matrix by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The glass composite has great chemical and photochemical stability. Besides, a non-radiative energy transfer process between rare earth ions and organic chromophores was observed in the glass composites. These results indicate that the glass composite has great potential for optical application, and SPS can be a novel technique for encapsulating organic chromophores.

A Tumor Accelerator Based on Multicomponent Bone Scaffolds and Cancer Cell Homing.

Bone tissue attracts cancer cell homing biologically, mechanically, or chemically. It is difficult and time consuming to identify their complex cross-talk using existed methods. In this study, a multi-component bone matrix was fabricated using gelatin, hydroxyapatite (HAp), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) as raw materials to investigate how “acellular” bone matrix affects cancer cell homing in bone. Then, EGF-responsive cancer cells were cultured with the scaffold in a dynamical bioreactor. For different culture periods, the effects of HAp, gelatin, and EGF on the cell adhesion, proliferation, 3D growth, and migration of cancer were evaluated. The results indicated that a small amount of calcium ion released from the scaffolds accelerated cancer MDA-MB-231 adhesion on the surface of inner pores. Moreover, degradable gelatin key caused cancer cell growth on the scaffold surface to turn into a 3D aggregation. Despite this, the formation of cancer spheroids was slow, and required 14 days of dynamic culture. Thankfully, EGF promoted cancer cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration, and cancer spheroids were observed only after 3-day culture. We concluded that the combination of the multiple components in this scaffold allows cancer cells to meet multiple requirements of cancer dynamic progression.

A Comprehensive Analysis of AISI 316L Samples Printed via FDM: Structural and Mechanical Characterization

Metal Fused Deposition Modelling is a promising multi-step process able to manufacture metal parts by means of a low-cost additive technique. In this study, a metal-polymer composite filament characterized by homogenous mixture of AISI 316L sinterable metal powders and a multi-component polymeric matrix was used to fabricate samples by means of a FDM printer. A 24 full factorial design of experiments was elaborated to define the possible influence of the relevant printing parameters on dimensional shrinkage, bulk density and overall porosity of printed samples. In addition, the mechanical properties of printed AISI 316L samples were investigated by performing tensile tests, compression tests, Charpy impact tests, Rockwell B and Vickers hardness tests. An X-ray diffraction analysis was conducted to assess the crystallographic structure of the FDM AISI 316L samples.

Structure and low-temperature micromechanical properties of as-cast and SPD-processed high-entropy Co25−xCr25Fe25Ni25Cx alloys

The effect of carbon additions on the structure and mechanical properties of high-entropy alloys Co25−xCr25Fe25Ni25Cx (x = 0, 1, 3, at. %) in two structural states, as-cast coarse-grained (CG) samples and nanocrystalline (NC) obtained by severe plastic deformation (SPD), was studied. The SPD was performed by high-pressure torsion at room temperature. The mechanical properties were investigated by microindentation in the temperature range of T = 77−300 K. It was found that in the as-cast state, all alloys had a dendritic microstructure and an inhomogeneous distribution of elements. At x = 0 and x = 1, the dendrites were enriched in iron and nickel, and the interdendrite regions were enriched in chromium. At x = 3, in the interdendrite regions, a eutectic consisting of a multicomponent matrix and fine eutectic dendrites of M7C3 carbide, where M is predominantly chromium, was formed. The main phase in alloys had an fcc lattice, while the solubility of carbon in it was about 1 at. %. SPD led to the effective refinement of the microstructure (the size of the coherent scattering regions was about 30−50 nm), to an increase in the dislocation density up to (1−1.5)⋅1015 m−2 and to an increase in the concentration of stacking faults. The microhardness of CG alloys at room temperature increased monotonically with increasing carbon concentration, while in NC alloys the maximum microhardness HV was achieved at 1 at. % of carbon. The reason for this anomalous behavior of the microhardness of NC alloys is an increase in the grain size and a decrease in the dislocation density in the alloy with x = 3 compared to the alloy with x = 1. As the temperature decreased from room temperature to the temperature of liquid nitrogen, the microhardness of CG and NC alloys increased by about 1.5−1.7 and 1.2−1.5 times, respectively, which indicates the thermally-activated nature of plastic deformation under the indenter. The results obtained indicate that the main role in the hardening of the CG alloys Co25−xCr25Fe25Ni25Cx is due to solid solution and dispersion hardening, while in NC alloys it is hardening due to a decrease in the grain size (according to the Hall-Petch relation) and an increase in the dislocation density (according to the Taylor relation).

Facial structure of matrix convex sets

This article investigates the notions of exposed points and (exposed) faces in the matrix convex setting. Matrix exposed points in finite dimensions were first defined by Kriel in 2019. Here this notion is extended to matrix convex sets in infinite-dimensional vector spaces. Then a connection between matrix exposed points and matrix extreme points is established: a matrix extreme point is ordinary exposed if and only if it is matrix exposed. This leads to a Krein-Milman type result for matrix exposed points that is due to Straszewicz-Klee in classical convexity: a compact matrix convex set is the closed matrix convex hull of its matrix exposed points.Several notions of a fixed-level as well as a multicomponent matrix face and matrix exposed face are introduced to extend the concepts of a matrix extreme point and a matrix exposed point, respectively. Their properties resemble those of (exposed) faces in the classical sense, e.g., it is shown that the C⁎-extreme (matrix extreme) points of a matrix face (matrix multiface) of a matrix convex set K are matrix extreme in K. As in the case of extreme points, any fixed-level matrix face is ordinary exposed if and only if it is a matrix exposed face. From this it follows that every fixed-level matrix face of a free spectrahedron is matrix exposed. On the other hand, matrix multifaces give rise to the noncommutative counterpart of the classical theory connecting (archimedean) faces of compact convex sets and (archimedean) order ideals of the corresponding function systems.

Multi-Electromagnetic Jamming Countermeasure for Airborne SAR Based on Maximum SNR Blind Source Separation

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) may be attacked by multifarious kinds of the active-jamming, which will lead to the ineffectiveness of SAR in complex electromagnetic environment. In this paper, a novel multi-electromagnetic jamming counter-measure for the airborne SAR is proposed based on maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) blind source separation. Firstly, the imaging geometry and multi-component mixed signal model of airborne SAR are established. Then, based on multi-component mixed signal matrix, a blind source separation (BSS) method based on the maximum SNR is proposed to separate the real target echo signal from the multi-electromagnetic jamming signals. After real target echo signal identification, the high resolution images of the interested target area can be achieved by the corresponding SAR imaging method. The simulated and measured data results are present to prove the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.

On the yield stress anomaly in a B2-ordered refractory AlNbTiVZr0.25 high-entropy alloy

High-entropy intermetallics have a great potential for high-temperature applications. However, there is relatively limited information about the plastic flow behaviour and deformation mechanisms of these materials. Here we reported a yield strength anomaly (YSA) in a refractory AlNbTiVZr0.25 high-entropy alloy with a multicomponent B2 matrix phase. The YSA was detected during the compression tests at 22–900 °C with a stress peak at 700 °C. Detailed analysis suggested that the YSA could be connected with the glide of dissociated a 〈111〉 superdislocations.

THE THERMODYNAMICS OF INTERACTIONS AND RELAXATION PROPERTIES OF THE POSS-CONTAINING NANOCOMPOSITES BASED ON POLYURETHANE-POLY(HYDROXYPROPYL METHACRYLATE) MATRIX, WHICH IS FORMED BY THE PRINCIPLE OF IPNS

A series of the nanocomposites based on a multicomponent polymer matrix consisting of polyurethane and poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate) and 1,2-propanediolysobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (1,2-propanediolysobutyl-POSS), used as a functionalized nanofiller, was synthesized. The polymer matrix was formed on the principle of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). The influence of 1,2-propanediolysobutyl-POSS amount on the thermodynamics of polymer components of the matrix interactions and on the dynamic mechanical properties of the created nanocomposites was studied. With purpose of the thermodynamic parameters interactions calculations the isothermal sorption of methylene chloride vapour by samples was investigated. The methylene chloride vapour sorption by the samples was studied using a vacuum installation and a McBain balance. By calculations of the thermodynamic parameters of PU and PHPMA interactions was shown that the free energy of PU and PHPMA mixing was positive. The introduction of 1-3 wt % of POSS lead to further phase separation in semi-IPNs. This is due to concentration of POSS particles in the PU’s nanodomains. The increasing of POSS content up to 5-10 wt % lead to compatibi-lization in semi-IPNs. These is due to concentration of POSS nanoparticles not only in the PU’s nanodomains but also in the interphase region of semi-IPN. The dynamic mechanical properties of the created nanocomposites were investigated and the degree of polymer components segregation was calculated. It was shown that there are two peaks of tan δ (PU and PHPMA) in the nanocom-posites. The introduction of 1-3 wt % of POSS lead to increasing of tan δ peak of PHPMA and to deepening of the bridge between two peaks (PU and PHPMA). At the same time the degree of polymer components of the matrix segregation became higher. This means the further phase separation in semi-IPNs. Increasing of 1,2-propanediolysobutyl-POSS amount up to 5-10% leads to the concentration of the nanofiller not only in the nanodomains of PU, but also in the interfacial layers. This leads to a change in the free energy of polymer components mixing, which becomes negative. At the same time the degree of polymer components of the matrix segregation became significantly reduced. These means that the process of compatibilization took part in the semi-IPNs.

Two Statistical Tools for Assessing Functionality and Protein Characteristics of Different Fava Bean (Vicia faba L.) Ingredients.

Fava bean (Vicia faba L.) is a promising source of proteins that can be potentially used as nutritional and/or functional agents for industrial food applications. Fava ingredients are industrially produced, modified, and utilized for food applications. Their processing conditions influence physico-chemical protein properties that further impact ingredient functionality. To design a functionally suitable ingredient, an understanding of the interrelationships between different properties is essential. Hence, this work aimed to assess two statistical analytical tools, Pearson’s correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), for investigating the role of the process conditions of fava ingredients on their functional and protein properties. Fava concentrates were processed by pH (2, 4, 6.4 and 11), temperature (55, 75 and 95 °C) and treatment duration (30 and 360 min) into different modified ingredients. These were utilized under two application conditions (pH 4 and 7), and their foam and emulsion properties as well as their ingredient characteristics (charge, solubility, and intrinsic fluorescence) were measured. The results show that foam and emulsion properties are not correlated to each other. They are associated with different protein and non-protein attributes as fava concentrate is a multi-component matrix. Importantly, it is found that the results from the two statistical tools are not fully comparable but do complement each other. This highlights that both statistical analytical tools are equally important for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of process conditions on different properties and the interrelationships between them. Therefore, it is recommended to use Pearson’s correlation and principal component analysis in future investigations of new plant-based proteins.

In Situ Medium Entropy Intermetallic Reinforced Composite Coating Fabricated by Additive Manufacturing

The possibility of stabilizing different amounts of medium-entropy intermetallic compounds (MEIMCs) within a multicomponent matrix using laser cladding is demonstrated. The results indicated that MEIMC with a B2 structure could be successfully formed within a multicomponent BCC matrix during laser cladding of a proper ratio of Al, Fe, Co, Cu, Mn, and Ni powders. Two coatings with different contents of MEIMC were fabricated by changing the feeding rate of the powder mixture. Based on the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses, the Al-rich intermetallic particles were qualitatively identified as (Fe0.55Co0.18Cu0.22Ni0.03Mn0.02)Al MEIMC. It was also found that the feeding rate affects the content of MEIMC, and consequently, the grain structure and microhardness values. Finally, we propose MEIMC-reinforced alloys as a more effective alternative system to be used for fabricating high-performance coatings using laser cladding.

261 Dietary Fiber: Chemical and Physical Characteristics and Methods of Analysis

Abstract The fiber component of the diet is the major food source for the intestinal microbiota of swine. Included are traditional insoluble (e.g., cellulose) and soluble (e.g., pectin) dietary fibers, resistant starches (four types), and oligosaccharides (some of which are “prebiotics”). Fiber constituents are found both in the primary and secondary cell walls of plants, but some are found in non-cell wall structures as well. In cereals, cell walls consist of a reinforced multi-component matrix of cross-linked polymers (acidic xylans, arabinoxylans, glucomannans) in which a network of cellulose microfibrils is embedded. Proteins form a second network in the matrix, and lignin and phenolic acids may be covalently linked to the matrix polysaccharides. In addition, whole grains have considerable amounts of resistant starch. Physical processing and cooking have a major effect on the chemical composition and subsequent utilization of the whole grain. Techniques are available to quantify both the insoluble and soluble fibers present in swine diets. Solubility often impacts the location of fermentation within the swine gastrointestinal tract, and solubility often, but not always, reflects fermentation potential. Other important attributes of fiber include its viscosity/gel-forming capacity/water-holding capacity, and its fermentability. On the analytical front, considerable progress has been and continues to be made, with many AOAC-approved techniques currently available. In summary, dietary fiber is perhaps the most chemically complicated of any swine feed constituent, making its analysis difficult. Fibers, whether they be intrinsic and intact, isolated, chemically and (or) enzymatically synthesized, alternative, etc.represent the key foods for the swine intestinal microbiota, so a good understanding of their properties is critical to fully understand how to optimize their role in swine nutrition.

Use of bottom ash materials in the construction industry

It is possible to use waste from the energy production of thermal and electrical energy, in the form of ash and cinder, as a substitute for natural mineral raw materials in the production of construction materials and products. Bottom ash, being a valuable raw component for the production of mortars, concrete and reinforced concrete, under certain conditions, provides a significant increase in the quality of the multicomponent matrix, and improves the construction, technical and thermal insulation properties of the finished product. Bottom ash from TPPs is an inexpensive construction material which increases the basic construction, technical and thermal insulation properties of the resulting construction products, which leads to a decrease in heat losses among consumers and, ultimately, to a decrease in the cost of housing under construction. This contributes to the implementation of the state programs “Affordable Housing” and “Low-Rise Construction”. One of the largest consumers of bottom ash mixtures could be road construction within the framework of the state program “Development of the Transport System”. Moreover, the use of bottom ash from TPPs is an indicator of the state of the art in power engineering and construction. However, there are a number of problems that one has to face when using bottom ash in industry, the main problem being unstable fractional composition and physicochemical characteristics that do not meet technical requirements. In their turn, the physicochemical characteristics of bottom ash from TPPs are formed in the course of conversion of the fuel mineral matter during combustion in boiler plants. Knowing the behavior of the coal mineral components during combustion, it is possible to solve the problem of choosing the optimal combustion modes for the production of bottom ash materials with the chemical and mineralogical composition required by consumers, while not reducing the efficiency of the boiler plant. Thus, TPP bottom ash is becoming a valuable mineral raw material - bottom ash materials for replacing nonmetallic materials in the construction sector.