Main Phase Research Articles

Coexisting Phases in Transition Metal Dichalcogenides: Overview, Synthesis, Applications, and Prospects.

Over the past decade, significant advancements have been made in phase engineering of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), thereby allowing controlled synthesis of various phases of TMDCs and facile conversion between them. Recently, there has been emerging interest in TMDC coexisting phases, which contain multiple phases within one nanostructured TMDC. By taking advantage of the merits from the component phases, the coexisting phases offer enhanced performance in many aspects compared with single-phase TMDCs. Herein, this review article thoroughly expounds the latest progress and ongoing efforts on the syntheses, properties, and applications of TMDC coexisting phases. The introduction section overviews the main phases of TMDCs (2H, 3R, 1T, 1T', 1Td), along with the advantages of phase coexistence. The subsequent section focuses on the synthesis methods for coexisting phases of TMDCs, with particular attention to local patterning and random formations. Furthermore, on the basis of the versatile properties of TMDC coexisting phases, their applications in magnetism, valleytronics, field-effect transistors, memristors, and catalysis are discussed. Lastly, a perspective is presented on the future development, challenges, and potential opportunities of TMDC coexisting phases. This review aims to provide insights into the phase engineering of 2D materials for both scientific and engineering communities and contribute to further advancements in this emerging field.

Microstructure evolution and tribological behavior of the laser in-situ synthesized ceramics reinforced CoFH alloy-based composite coating on the 304 stainless steel

The poor tribological behavior of 304 stainless steel (SUS 304) strictly limits its application as rolling bearings, so CoFH alloy-based composite coating with the addition of 10 wt% and 20 wt% the nano-graphite coated Ti powder was prepared on the SUS 304 by laser cladding. The microstructure and chemical composition of the CoFH alloy-based composite coating were explored in detail by using XRD, SEM, OM, AFM and EDS, respectively. The wear mechanisms and tribological properties of the coating were investigated in conjunction with the relevant ASTM standards at room temperature (RT). The results show that the main phases of CoFH alloy-based composite coating were solid solution and ceramics. The CoFH alloy-based composite coating with the 20 wt% nano-graphite coated Ti powder addition showed the best micro-hardness, wear resistance, and friction stability. The wear resistance, self-lubricating properties, and friction stability of CoFH alloy-based composite coating were improved with the increase of H, E, and H3/E2, as decrease of H/E and H2/E2.

Mechanical Performance of Hybrid Fibre Reinforced Magnesium Oxychloride Cement-Based Composites at Ambient and Elevated Temperature

Magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) is often recognized as an eco-friendly cement and has found widespread application in various sectors. However, research on its resistance against elevated temperatures including fire is very limited. This paper thoroughly investigated the mechanical performance of fibre reinforced MOC-based cementitious composite (FRMOCC) at ambient and elevated temperatures. A recently developed water-resistant MOC was used as the base matrix which was further reinforced using hybrid basalt and polypropylene fibres at various proportions, and a systematic study on the effect of fibre dosage on compressive and tensile strength of FRMOCC was conducted. The specimens were exposed to elevated temperatures ranging from 200 to 800 °C; mechanical performance and phase composition from a microscale study were analysed. The findings revealed that compressive strength, with the increase in temperature, substantially decreased, with values of 30–87% at 400 °C and over 95% at 800 °C. Specimens with 1.5% basalt and 0.5% PP fibre showed the least reduction possibly due to the vacant channels created as a result of the melting effect of PP fibres. Tensile strength was also completely lost at 600 °C and the specimens suffered substantial mass loss exceeding 30% at this temperature, indicating significant matrix decomposition. Additional analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the decomposition stages of the matrix and highlighted the instability of the main hydration phases of FRMOCC at elevated temperatures.

Manipulating the phase and morphology of MgFe2O4 nanoparticles for promoting their optical, magnetic, and microwave absorbing/shielding characteristics

Morphology and phase regulation shed light on the tuning of microwave absorbing characteristics, as well as magnetic and optical features. Not only is the development of electromagnetic wave absorbing materials the best way to equip us against harmful electromagnetic waves in the technology era, but the widespread applications of microwave absorbers in military and civilian fields have also enhanced their importance. Hence, MgFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized, and then (1) its main crystalline phase was divided into Mg, Fe2O3, and Fe3O4, and (2) its morphology was manipulated to evaluate the influence of morphology and phase on the microwave absorbing performance, optical characteristics, and magnetic capability. The novel precursors, along with modified sol-gel and solvothermal scenarios, were applied to regulate the structures toward strengthening the features. Interestingly, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was chosen as the recyclable plastic to fabricate the final composites to evaluate the microwave absorbing/shielding characteristics due to its fascinating susceptibilities as building materials, minimizing environmental hazards and implementing green and sustainable manufacturing. Noticeably, Mg/Fe3O4/PET nanocomposite gained a brilliant RL of −95.50 dB at 21.80 GHz meanwhile the one-pot-synthesized Fe2O3/MgFe2O4 composited by PET attained a maximum RL of −71.32 dB at 23.06 GHz and an ultra-high efficient bandwidth (RL ≤ −20 dB) of 8.50 GHz with only thickness of 0.50 mm. Interestingly, the PET-based microwave absorbers were fabricated with a low filling ratio of 10 wt%. More significantly, the samples illustrated proper shielding efficiency, desirable for practical applications in the modern era.

Preparation and characterization of ReCr co-doped β-NiAl coating on a Ni-based single crystal superalloy

To prepare ReCr co-doped β-NiAl coating, an innovative method that electroplating NiRe combined with arc ion plating (AIP) Cr, AIP Al and followed by diffusion treatment was proposed. ReCr co-doped β-NiAl coating contained an outer β-NiAl layer with fine dispersive ReCr-rich precipitates, an inner β-NiAl layer with fine dispersive W-rich precipitates and bottom interdiffusion zone (IDZ). And ReCr-rich phases were mainly distributed in the interior of coating grain. The TEM results proved that ReCr-rich precipitates were α-Cr phase as main phase, wherein some Re solubilized in α-Cr phase and it did not change the phase structure of α-Cr.

Absorbance enhancement of a treated Tanzanian kaolin for removal of synthetic dyes from contaminated water

Kaolin possesses unique features suitable for removing pollutants from aqueous solutions, in this regard, improving its effectiveness as an adsorbent is important. This study focused on refining the absorbance efficiency of Pugu kaolin clay from Tanzania to enhance its utilization in removing textile dyes from contaminated water. The process involved acid-activation after calcination at 750oC. Characterization using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Porosimeter techniques revealed the presence of kaolinite [Al2Si2O5(OH)4], silica (SiO2) and microcline [KAlSi3O8] as the main phases. Acid treatment resulted in an increase in silica content from 44.18% to 58.81% due to the appearance of tridymite, while alumina decreased from 26.70% to 12.74% due to the removal of kaolinite. Surface area significantly expanded from 15.36 to 149.61 m2/g as acid-soluble impurities were eliminated. Chemical composition was also altered, with a decrease in Fe2O3 and increase in other major oxides. The impact of acid activation on the adsorption capacity of the clay was investigated by studying various parameters such as contact time, temperature, adsorbent dose, initial pH and adsorbate concentration. Basic Blue 9 (BB9) and Direct Red 28 (DR28) dyes were used as model adsorbates. The results obtained at optimal conditions of 3 hours contact time, 27oC temperature, 0.9 g adsorbent dose, initial pH of 11 and initial adsorbate concentration of 90 mg/L, showed that acid modification of the clay increased its capacity to adsorb BB9 from 96.82% to 99.91%, and DR28 from 86.33% to 95.04%. These findings underscore the positive impact of modifying the raw clay, enhancing its suitability for dye removal applications.

Hydroclimatic processes as the primary drivers of the Early Khvalynian transgression of the Caspian Sea: new developments

Abstract. It has been well established that during the late Quaternary, the Khvalynian transgression of the Caspian Sea occurred, when the sea level rose tens of meters above the present level. Here, we evaluate the physical feasibility of the hypothesis that the maximum phase of this extraordinary event (known as the “Early Khvalynian transgression”) could be initiated and maintained for several thousand years solely by hydroclimatic factors. The hypothesis is based on recent studies dating the highest sea level stage (well above +10 m a.s.l.) to the final period of deglaciation, 17–13 kyr BP, and studies estimating the contribution of the glacial waters in the sea level rise for this period as negligible. To evaluate the hypothesis put forward, we first applied the coupled ocean and sea-ice general circulation model driven by the climate model and estimated the equilibrium water inflow (irrespective of its origin) sufficient to maintain the sea level at the well-dated marks of the Early Khvalynian transgression as 400–470 km3 yr−1. Secondly, we conducted an extensive radiocarbon dating of the large paleochannels (signs of high flow of atmospheric origin) located in the Volga basin and found that the period of their origin (17.5–14 ka BP) is almost identical to the recent dating of the main phase of the Early Khvalynian transgression. Water flow that could form these paleochannels was earlier estimated for the ancient Volga River as 420 km3 yr−1, i.e., close to the equilibrium runoff we determined. Thirdly, we applied a hydrological model forced by paleoclimate data to reveal physically consistent mechanisms of an extraordinarily high water inflow into the Caspian Sea in the absence of a visible glacial meltwater effect. We found that the inflow could be caused by the spread of post-glacial permafrost in the Volga paleocatchment. The numerical experiments demonstrated that the permafrost resulted in a sharp drop in infiltration into the frozen ground and reduced evaporation, which all together generated the Volga runoff during the Oldest Dryas, 17–14.8 kyr BP, up to 360 km3 yr−1 (i.e., the total inflow into the Caspian Sea could reach 450 km3 yr−1). The closeness of the estimates of river inflow into the sea, obtained by three independent methods, in combination with the previously obtained results, gave us reason to conclude that the hypothesis put forward is physically consistent.

Wear and corrosion properties of HVOF sprayed WC-Cr3C2 composite coating for application in polysilicon cyclone separator

The wear and corrosion properties of the cyclone separator play a crucial role for the preparation of high-purity trichlorosilane in the Siemens method polysilicon cold hydrogenation system. In this work, we used fluent simulation technology to determine the optimal spraying process parameters of high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) technology, and the Ni60-WC composite coatings with different content of Cr3C2 were prepared on 316L stainless steel surface by using HVOF technology. The microstructure, phase structure and mechanical properties of the coating were characterized, and the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the coating were studied. By comparing the friction coefficient, wear rate, wear profile and electrochemical polarization and impedance spectrum of the coating, the effects of Cr3C2 content on the microstructure, hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of HVOF sprayed WC composite coating were studied. The results show that the coating prepared by using the simulation parameters are uniform and compact, the coating is tightly bonded to the substrate. The main phases in the coating are WC, W2C and Cr3C2. With the increase of Cr3C2 hard phase, the wear resistance and corrosion resistance gradually improve. Ni60–35WC–20Cr3C2 and Ni60–35WC–30Cr3C2 volume loss rate is the lowest, the friction depth is the shiniest, compared with the substrate, the wear rate is reduced by more than 95 %. Ni60–35WC–20Cr3C2 has the highest corrosion potential, the smallest corrosion current, the smallest corrosion rate and the largest impedance spectrum radius. However, when the content of Cr3C2 reaches 30 %, the corrosion resistance is the worst. Combined with wear resistance and corrosion resistance analysis, the Ni60–35WC–20Cr3C2 coating is selected to provide support for upgrading and prolongating the service life of the cyclone separator.

Integrated cyclostratigraphy of the Cau core (SE Spain) - A timescale for climate change during the early Aptian Anoxic Event (OAE 1a) and the late Aptian

We report a cyclostratigraphic study performed on the Cau core (Spain), which is considered an Aptian stratigraphic reference for global correlation and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. This investigation presents an astronomical timescale for the Aptian from the Ap2a to Ap14 carbon-isotope stages. Based on the evaluation of a multiproxy dataset from the Cau core, we recalibrate the age and duration of different biozones, bioevents, chemostratigraphic substages and horizons from the early and late Aptian, with special focus on the Selli Event, providing a new astronomical framework for Aptian climate. From the recognition of 14 long-eccentricity cycles, we propose a time span of 5.67 Ma from C-isotope segments Ap2a to the top of Ap14, and ages of 120.82 Ma for the onset of the nannoconid crisis, and 120.20 Ma for the onset of oceanic anoxic event (OAE) 1a. Calculations yield a duration of 1.47 Ma for OAE 1a. We estimate the age for the onset of the main non-radiogenic phase of the Os isotopes at 120.08 Ma, 120 ka after the onset of OAE 1a. The high-resolution data from the Cau core provide further insights in the temporal constraints of the OAE 1a and other Aptian paleoclimatic events. The onset of the main non-radiogenic excursion in Os isotopes occurring 120 ka after the onset of OAE 1a reinforces the theory of rapid destabilization of methane hydrates as the trigger of the anoxic event, that preceded the onset of large-scale volcanism.

Изучение эргономических факторов: влияние ветра на подачу мяча в пляжном волейболе

In the article, the authors consider one of the actively developing sports in the world and Russia – beach volleyball. Comparative analysis revealed the features of classic and beach volleyball and interdependent factors. The purpose of the scientific study was to determine the effect of wind on the delivery of various methods in beach volleyball. To conduct a scientific study, video and photographic materials were collected and studied, on which an analysis was carried out and the main phases of motor activity were identified. Applied research was carried out in the study of the profile subject “Biomechanics of motional activity”, biomechanical actions in the game and the main ergonomic factor in the chosen sport were revealed. With the help of ergonomic biomechanical factors, the features of classic and beach volleyball are determined. The main ergonomic natural factor was identified, which is the wind as a physical phenomenon that affects not only the trajectory of motor actions, in which the serve acts as the main link in the development of the concept of the game, but also the influence of atmospheric phenomena on the stability of the support and movement of the body in space.

Effect of heating rate on crystallisation and properties of R2O–CaO–MgO–CuO–Al2O3–SiO2 glass-ceramics

R2O–CaO–MgO–CuO–Al2O3–SiO2 (RNa, K) glass-ceramics were fabricated using the melt-quenching method and the effect of heating rate on the microstructure and properties of the glass-ceramics was investigated. The results demonstrated that the main crystal phase of the samples was clinoenstatite, and the secondary crystal phases were forsterite and diopside. With an increase in heating rate, the diffraction peak intensity of clinoenstatite gradually increased, and the morphology of the particles changed from short columns to long needles. When the heating rate was 1 °C/min, the sample exhibited flexural strength and Vickers hardness of 7.38 GPa and 84.33 MPa, respectively. When the heating rate was 10 °C/min, the Cu+ content in the sample reached the maximum of 2.1 wt%, which is 1.4 times of Cu+ in the brown sample obtained by heat-treatment at 1 °C/min. The colour of the sample intensified as the heating rate was increased from 1 °C/min to 20 °C/min, and the sample heated at 10 °C/min was brownish-red. The heating rate has a significant effect on the colour of glass-ceramics with the same CuO content, providing a new approach for regulating the colour of glass-ceramics. Further, this study has significant prospects in enriching the colour of glass-ceramics for architectural decoration and reducing production costs.

Effect of Mo content on the corrosion resistance of (CoCrFeNi)1−xMox thin films in sulfuric acid

(CoCrFeNi)1−xMox thin films with various Mo content (0–10 at.%) were grown by magnetron sputtering on a stainless steel substrate. The films with 0–2 at.% presented two crystal structures: one FCC phase and one sigma phase, while films with higher Mo content only had the FCC structure. All films have a (111) texture and follow the topography of the substrate. The corrosion resistance of the films was evaluated in 0.05 M H2SO4 at room temperature and at 80 °C. It was observed that the corrosion current densities considerably decreased for Mo > 2 at%, and that the current densities were higher at the elevated temperature. Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy showed a large potential difference between the main FCC phase and sigma phase for the Mo0–2 films. This would suggest that preferential dissolution of the FCC phase occurs over the sigma and reduces the corrosion resistance. Such preferential dissolution does not occur for the higher Mo content films with only the FCC phase. The high corrosion resistance was also attributed to the inhibition of Fe and Cr dissolution by Mo and the stabilisation of the Cr enriched oxide by incorporating Mo oxides into the passive film, identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The low corrosion current densities (below 1 µA/cm2) make these thin films possible candidates for protective coatings of bipolar plates in PEM fuel cells.

Innovating Perception: A design-based learning group project for Sensation and Perception

ABSTRACT Sensation and Perception is an upper-division psychology course that typically focuses on foundational knowledge of sensory and perceptual systems. This study describes a design-based learning group project in Sensation and Perception that encouraged students to apply that foundational knowledge to real-world problems. Students were asked to devise, research, and conceptually design an innovation – such as a product or technology – that would help solve a problem faced by people with a particular sensory or perceptual difference (such as blindness). Students were guided through the design thinking process via 3 main phases: identifying the population and problem (empathizing and defining), using existing research to inform potential innovations (ideation), and designing a conceptual representation (prototyping). The project culminated in a product “pitch” and research paper. Survey data showed that students perceived the project to enhance their engagement with, application, and understanding of course material – benefits that were most prominent for first-generation students and people of colour. Furthermore, compared to students in previous quarters, students who completed this project achieved higher overall grades in the course. Overall, this study suggests that implementation of design-based learning group projects into courses like Sensation and Perception can enhance student learning and engagement, particularly for underrepresented students.

Enhancing reactivity of granite waste powder toward geopolymer preparation by mechanical activation

Granite waste powder (GWP) is a solid waste produced during stone processing, and its accumulation has brought serious environmental and ecological problems. Due to its rich Si and Al components, GWP is a potential raw material for the preparation of geopolymers, but its low reactivity limits its utilization. This study aimed to enhance the reactivity of GWP toward geopolymer preparation by mechanical activation. During mechanical activation, the particle size of GWP decreased rapidly, and its internal pore volume gradually increased, which made its specific surface area continuously increase. The relative crystallinity of the main mineral phases in GWP decreases continuously with mechanical activation, and the aluminosilicate minerals (including albite, microcline, and biotite) are more easily amorphized than quartz. Leaching tests show that activated GWP can dissolve higher percentages of silicon and aluminum components in alkaline solutions. After 120 min of activation, the dissolution percentage of Si increased from 1.55% to 6.25%, and that of Al increased from 4.83% to 20.86%. The reaction heat result shows that the early geopolymerization involving activated GWP releases higher cumulative heat, which reflects a higher degree of reaction. Also, geopolymer incorporated with activated GWP, its compressive strength increased from 50.83 MPa to 78.94 MPa, and its flexural strength increased from 7.2 MPa to 10.0 MPa. These results confirmed that the reactivity of GWP can be significantly enhanced by mechanical activation. This technology may provide an efficient and promising method to improve the reactivity of GWP and promote its utilization in the preparation of geopolymers.

Composite Cryogels Based on Hydroxyapatite and Polyvinyl Alcohol and the Study of Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties.

Nowadays, due to the increasing number of diseases and injuries related to bone tissue, there is an acute problem of creating a material that could be incorporated into the bone tissue structure and contribute to accelerated bone regeneration. Such materials can be represented by a polymeric matrix that holds the material in the bone and an inorganic component that can be incorporated into the bone structure and promote accelerated bone regeneration. Therefore, in this work we investigated polyvinyl alcohol-based composite cryogels containing an in situ deposited inorganic filler, hydroxyapatite. The freezing temperature was varied during the synthesis process. The composition of the components was determined by infrared spectroscopy and the phase composition by X-ray phase analysis, from which it was found that the main phase of the composite is hydroxyapatite and that the particle size decreases with increasing freezing temperature. The elemental composition of the surface is dominated by carbon, oxygen, phosphorus and calcium; no impurities of other elements not typical for polyvinyl alcohol/ hydroxyapatite cryogels were found. Higher mechanical properties and melting points were observed at -15 °C. Cryogenic treatment parameters did not affect cell viability; however, cell viability was above 80% in all samples.

Experiences Using Ethereum and Quorum Blockchain Smart Contracts in Dairy Production

feta cheese is a Greek protected designation of origin (PDO) product that is produced in three main phases: milk collection, cheese preparation and maturation, and product packaging. Each phase must be aligned with quantitative rules, stemming from the legislation framework and best practices. The production complexity, the increased production cost, centralised and monolithic traceability systems, and the lack of a systematic monitoring framework have made dairy products a commodity with increased frequency of food fraud. Given the context of the dairy section in Greece, this study aims to examine (a) whether it is possible to model the end-to-end process of PDO feta cheese considering production rules to develop a trustworthy blockchain-based traceability system (b) how to associate the (‘easy-to-retrieve’, operational) traceability data with the (difficult-to-assess) product characteristics meaningful to the consumer, (c) how to design a technical solution ensuring that information is accessible by the stakeholders and the consumer, while minimising blockchain-related delay, and (d) how to design a graphical user interface and offer tools to consumers so that traceability information is communicated effectively and they can verify it through access to the blockchain. In terms of methods, we analyse and model the process steps, identify measurable, operational parameters and translate the legislative framework into rules. These rules are designed and codified as blockchain smart contracts that ensure the food authenticity and compliance with legislation. The blockchain infrastructure consists of the private Quorum blockchain that is anchored to the public infrastructure of Ethereum. Mechanisms to address scalability in terms of dynamic data volumes, effective data coding, and data verification at the edge as well as relevant limitations are discussed. Consumers are informed about traceability information by using QR codes on food packaging and can verify the data using the blockchain tools and services.

Early Triassic Episode of the Kresty Volcano–Plutonic Complex Formation in the Maymecha-Kotuy Alkaline Province, Polar Siberia: Geochemistry, Petrology and Uranium–Lead Geochronology

The Kresty volcano–plutonic complex (KVPC) is one of the representatives of the alkaline–ultrabasic magmatism in the Maymecha-Kotuy Alkaline Province in Polar Siberia. The geological structure of the KVPC consists of intrusive formations of olivinite–pyroxenite and melilitolite–monticellitolite bodies, a series of rocks that break through dikes of trachydolerites, syenites, granosyenites, alkaline picrites and lamprophyres. This paper summarizes the results of the authors’ long-term research on the geological structure and features of the material composition of the intrusive magmatic rocks, including geochemistry, mineralogy, distribution of rare earth elements (REE), as well as the results of isotope studies. The multielement composition of the KVPC intrusions demonstrates a complex geodynamic paleoenvironment of the formation as plume nature with signs of subduction and collision. For the ultrabasic series with normal alkalinity from the first phase of the KVPC, a Sm-Nd isochron age yielded an Early Triassic (T1) result of 251 ± 25 Ma. Here, we present U-Pb dating of zircons and perovskite of high-calcium intrusive formations and a dyke complex of alkaline syenites. Thus, for the intrusion of kugdite (according to perovskite), the age determination was 249 ± 4 Ma, and for the crosscutting KVPC dykes of syenites (according to zircon) 249 ± 1 Ma and 252 ± 1 Ma. The age of the most recent dike is almost identical to the age of the main intrusive phases of the KVPC (T1), which corresponds to a larger regional event of the Siberian LIP—251 Ma. According to isotopic Sr-Nd parameters, the main source of KVPC magmas is a PREMA-type material. For dyke varieties, we assume there was an interaction of plume melts with the continental crust. The new age results obtained allow us to further constrain the episodes of alkaline–ultrabasic intrusions in Polar Siberia, taking into account the interaction of mantle plume matter and crustal material.

Coercivity mechanism of La–Nd–Fe–B films with Y spacer layer

The effect of the Y spacer layer on the phase composition, coercivity, and magnetization reversal processes of La–Nd–Fe–B films has been investigated. The addition of a 10 nm Y spacer layer increases the coercivity of the film to 1.36 T at 300 K and remains 0.938 T at 380 K. As the thickness of the Y spacer layer increases, Y participates in the formation of the main phase in the film, and further regulates the formation of La–B phases. The results of the first-order reversal curve (FORC) and micromagnetic fitting show that the coercivity of all the films is dominated by nucleation mechanism. The c-axis preferred orientation, good magnetic microstructure parameters and the largest dipole interaction enhance the coercivity. Therefore, the introduction of the Y spacer layer can be an effective way to improve the coercivity of La–Nd–Fe–B film over a wide temperature range of 150 K–380 K.

Analysis and Mechanism Study of Residual Stress during the Spontaneous Crystallisation Process of Molten Titanium-Containing Blast Furnace Slag

Molten titanium-containing blast furnace slag can be used to obtain cast stone materials by controlling a reasonable heat treatment system. The material acquired during this process showcases residual stress, which additionally impacts the macroscopic characteristics of the material. This article simulates the process of manufacturing microcrystalline cast stones based on the self-crystallisation ability of titanium-containing products. This research employs X-ray diffraction to precisely and conveniently assess the residual stress of microcrystalline cast stones and investigates how viscosity and the thermal expansion coefficient influence the residual stress level. The study provides a theoretical foundation for explaining titanium-containing blast furnace slag and combines characterisation methods such as XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (Scanning electron microscope), DTA (Differential thermal analysis), and theoretical calculations such as Factpage and Fullprop to study the effect of the TiO2 content on the microstructure of self-crystallised mechanical characteristics of microcrystalline cast stones through residual stress. The results of the experiment indicate that as the TiO2 content in the system increases, the glass phase is reduced, the crystallinity improves, and the main crystal phase changes from a feldspar phase to a diopside phase. Furthermore, its viscosity, thermal expansion coefficient, and residual stress decrease while its corresponding compressive strength and bending strength increase.

Sub-daily solar wind-magnetosphere energy transfer during major geomagnetic storms of solar cycle 23

The solar wind-magnetosphere energy transfer is one major way of quantifying the impacts of space weather on the Earth's environment. Studies on solar wind-magnetosphere energy transfer in terms of sub-daily time scales are quite sparse. Consequently, in order to investigate storm-time characteristics of the solar wind-magnetosphere energy transfer at a 4-hourly time scale over solar cycle 23, a total of 85 major geomagnetic storms (Dst ≤ −100 nT) were categorized into bins, using the points of minimum Dst values as reference points. Additionally, the monthly statistics of the storms occurrences over the solar cycle was carried out. The statistics followed a semi-annual periodicity, with a lesser peak in the months of May and August, and a major peak in October and November. Furthermore, the energy dissipated was estimated by the summation of aurora precipitation, Joule heating, and the ring current injection. Overall, from the data analyzed, we observed storm-time intensification of energy transfer. The magnetosphere received the highest energy during the time interval 0400–0800 UT (0900–1300 LT in the American sector, and most impactful there), while the lowest energy transfer was recorded between 0000 and 0400 UT (0200–0600 LT in the African/European sector, and least impactful there). We observed a synchrony between the energy dissipated and energy input for the storms’ main phases. Generally, storms driven by a composite of two Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections (ICMEs) transients transferred highest energy into the magnetosphere, while those driven by Co-rotating Interaction Regions (CIRs) transferred lowest energy.