Resistance Performance Research Articles

Data-driven integration of synthetic representative volume elements and machine learning for improved microstructure-property linkage and material performance in ceramics

Ceramic materials, characterized by their heat resistance, dielectric properties, and mechanical performance, are often compromised by brittleness due to microstructural inclusions. These inclusions, such as defects, secondary phases, and pores, are critically analyzed for their impact on material strength and fracture properties. In this study, the linkage between microstructure and properties in ceramic materials is explored through a methodological approach that combines experimental observations with physics-based and machine learning models. A data-driven approach has been employed, utilizing synthetic Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) derived from X-ray computed tomography scans of ceramics. The methodology involves an automated finite element (FE) simulation process for progressive failure analysis under uniaxial compression and tension. The analysis is conducted using statistical, data-driven, and machine learning techniques, including principal component analysis and k-means clustering, to assess the microstructural features' impact on material performance. The study focuses on the use of RVEs for accurately capturing essential microstructural characteristics and addresses the challenges in developing synthetic models and the limitations of simulation capabilities. The study's findings reveal that less uniform inclusion distribution and a higher standard deviation in inclusion size correlate to lower mechanical performance. By applying data-driven methods, this research contributes to the optimization of material performance and the establishment of structure-property relationships, with a particular emphasis on the influence of inclusions and defects on the mechanical behavior of ceramic materials.

Lack of trichomes and variation in stomata properties influence the quantum efficiency of photosynthesis in Arabidopsis

This study investigates how the absence of trichomes and variations in stomatal properties affect the quantum efficiency of photosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana during drought stress. We analyzed three genotypes: Col-8 (with trichomes and lower stomatal density), epf1epf2 (with higher stomatal density), and tmm-1 (lacking trichomes and altered stomatal characteristics) to determine the influence of these anatomical traits on photosynthetic performance. Under well-watered conditions, epf1epf2 and tmm-1 exhibited higher photosynthetic efficiency (Fv´/Fm´) compared to Col-8. During drought stress, Col-8 maintained stable Fv´/Fm´, while epf1epf2 and tmm-1 experienced significant reductions. Our findings indicate that the presence of trichomes and higher stomatal density positively impacts photosynthetic efficiency under optimal watering while the presence of trichomes becomes less crucial under drought stress. Efficient adjustment of stomatal density and size under drought conditions plays a more significant role. These insights emphasize the importance of considering anatomical traits in breeding programs to enhance drought resistance and photosynthetic performance in plants.

Tailoring and Visualizing Macropores of the Zeolite Monolith to Reveal the Coke Resistance Performance for Bio-oil Hydrodeoxygenation

Tailoring and Visualizing Macropores of the Zeolite Monolith to Reveal the Coke Resistance Performance for Bio-oil Hydrodeoxygenation

Characterization of temperature regulating, high-temperature rheological and anti-aging properties of asphalt mastic modified with SSPCMs

The objective of this study is to explore the potential of utilizing self-developed SSPCMs as additives for heat storage temperature regulation in asphalt mastic modification. To achieve this aim, a variety of asphalt mastics with different F-A volume ratios and SSPCM contents were formulated, and their high-temperature rheological properties, modification mechanisms, thermoregulation capabilities, and aging resistance performances were analyzed. The results of temperature regulation test indicated that the maximum cooling amplitude of asphalt mastic could reach 11.3°C, showing a great promising application for cooling asphalt pavements. Additionally, the incorporation of SSPCMs generally resulted in positive impacts on both the high-temperature rheological properties and temperature sensitivity of the asphalt mastics. Moreover, the aging indices GAI, ICO and ISO of the modified asphalt mastic with 30 % SSPCMs decreased by 5.6 %, 18.3 % and 8.7 %, respectively, compared with control asphalt mastic, implying that the incorporation of SSPCMs can retard the aging process of asphalt and enhance the thermal oxidative aging resistance of the asphalt mastics. In summary, the current study demonstrates the feasibility, improved performance, and effective thermoregulation properties of SSPCMs in asphalt mastics.

Understanding the positive effects of silica fume on the high-temperature resistance and water resistance of magnesium oxysulfate cement

This study aims to improve the high-temperature resistance and water resistance of magnesium oxysulfate cement (MOSC) through introducing silica fume (SF). The residual strength of MOSC after exposure to high temperatures of 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C and 800 °C was tested. The softening coefficient of MOSC after immersion in water for 28 days was used to evaluate the water resistance. The results revealed that SF enhanced the high-temperature resistance of MOSC at temperatures exceeding 200 °C. For SF-MOSC system, prolonged exposure to high temperature of 400 °C could further promote the transformation of partial MgO to M-S-H gel. This phenomenon extremely increased the residual compressive strength of SF-MOSC. Although the residual strength of MOSC and SF-MOSC decreased sharply at 600 °C, the SF-MOSC still displayed a better high-temperature resistance performance. At 800 °C, the MgO in SF-MOSC could have a solid-solid reaction with silicon source to generate forsterite with high melting point. Additionally, SF exhibited favorable filling effects in MOSC and could restrict the conversion of MgO to Mg(OH)2, which also promoted the crystallization of 5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·7H2O (5·1·7 phase). The decreased Mg(OH)2 after immersion in water and further generation of partial 5·1·7 phase contributed to the enhancement of MOSC’s water resistance in this study.

Effects of Mg-based admixtures on chloride diffusion in alkali-activated fly ash-slag mortars

This study evaluated the effects of various Mg-based admixtures, including magnesium oxide (MgO), layered double hydroxides (LDH), and calcined layered double hydroxides (CLDH), on the chloride resistance of alkali-activated fly ash-slag (AAFS) mortars. To this end, chloride diffusion tests were conducted on AAFS mortars containing 5 wt% MgO, Mg-Al-CO3 LDH, and CLDH. The results revealed that all Mg-based admixtures investigated in this study enhanced the chloride resistance of AAFS mortars. The inclusion of MgO led to a finer pore structure and promoted the formation of more Friedel's salt, thereby enhancing the chloride resistance performance. Although the inclusion of Mg-Al-CO3 LDH and CLDH resulted in more lager pores in the matrix, leading to slightly lower compressive strength, the overall content of Mg-Al LDH and Friedel's salt formed in the system increased, which led to an improved chloride binding capacity and enhanced chloride resistance.

Comprehensive performance evaluation of HGM hybrid modified resins: Excellent high resistivity terahertz shielding and impact energy absorption properties

AbstractThe development of electronic fuze has placed higher demands on encapsulation resins, which are required to provide not only insulation and protection, but also higher impact resistance and good electromagnetic shielding performance. A new composite material consisting of hollow glass microspheres (HGM) and modified epoxy resin was developed. This material exhibits significant electromagnetic shielding capabilities for terahertz (THz) waves, as well as superior impact energy absorption properties. Bisphenol A‐type epoxy resin (E‐44) was modified using Al(OH)3, red phosphorus, carbon black, and SiO2, and the material properties were optimized by adjusting the HGM content. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and impact energy absorption of the composite material in the THz band were comprehensively tested using THz time‐domain spectroscopy and split Hopkinson pressure bar testing systems. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical and dielectric properties, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability of the material was conducted. The results showed that the electromagnetic shielding effect of 60 vol.% HGM hybrid‐modified resins was the best, reaching 43.78 dB. The 20 vol.% HGM hybrid‐modified resins not only has a specific absorption energy of 18.51 J/cm3, but also has the best overall performance. This work has advanced the design and development of multifunctional and impact‐resistant potting epoxy resins.

Construction and properties of graphene oxide hydrogen-blocking coatings

Compared with the composite coating with a single structure, the coating with a multilayer structure may possess better hydrogen barrier performance. Graphene oxide (GO) was chemically modified using polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) to obtain modified graphene oxide (mGO). The introduction of epoxy groups in mGO would participate in the crosslinking reaction between the epoxy resin (EP) emulsion and the curing agent to improve the dispersion and adhesion of the middle layer in the sandwich structure. An EP/mGO/EP composite coating with a sandwich structure was prepared. The research found that the tightly stacked mGO middle layer in the sandwich structure played a crucial role. The average adhesion of the multilayer composite coating was about 9 MPa. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of layer 2-mGO composite coating showed that its modulus was up to 109 Ω cm2. The permeation current density ip and hydrogen content remained at low values of 1.38 μA and 1.34 ppm, respectively. The multilayer composite coating possessed not only excellent adhesion but also excellent corrosion resistance and hydrogen barrier performance.

Surface modification of Al-15Al2O3-0.3G powder metallurgical alloy induced by high-current pulsed electron beam

This paper investigates the effect of high-current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) surface treatment with two, five, and eight pulses on Al-15Al2O3-0.3G prepared by powder metallurgy. The results show that the presence of graphene during HCPEB irradiation effectively controls the extension of microcracks. The surface hardness of the samples increased by 66.56% and the wear rate decreased by 68.98% after eight-pulse HCPEB treatment. The increase in hardness is attributed to the uniform dispersion of hard particles, fine grain strengthening, dislocation strengthening, and amorphous structure formation by XRD, SEM, and TEM analysis during HCPEB irradiation. The improvement in wear resistance was attributed to the increase in hardness. The corrosion current density in 5 wt. % NaCl solution decreased from 1.212 × 10−4 to 3.353 × 10−5 after eight-pulse HCPEB treatment; the improved corrosion resistance performance is attributed to the equilibrium structure induced by HCPEB treatment.

THE EFFECT OF A Cr-FREE FINGERPRINT-RESISTANT PASSIVATION FILM ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HOT-DIP 55 % Al-Zn COATED STEEL

Cr-free fingerprint-resistant hot-dip 55 w/% Al-Zn coated steel (CFAZCS) is a upmarket steel plate product that is widely used in consumer goods with high added value, such as LCD back panels for monitors, as well as various electrical and electronic products. Passivation is a crucial process in the production of CFAZCS, greatly affecting the overall performance of the CFAZCS product. A comprehensive evaluation of passivation films from different manufacturers on the performance of CFAZCS can assist production enterprises in optimizing and controlling the product quality according to the requirements of target customers. This article comprehensively tests and evaluates the performance of corrosion resistance, acid/alkali resistance, anti-yellowing/blackening, paint adhesion, abrasion resistance, fingerprint resistance, and the conductivity of mainstream, commercially available, Cr-free, fingerprint-resistant, passivation solutions, providing guidance for the selection of passivation solutions in production processes.

Preparation and Properties of Waterborne Polyurethane and SBS Composite-Modified Emulsified Asphalt

To address the issue of insufficient durability of traditional modified emulsified asphalt in the application of cold mix and cold paving anti-skid wear layers, this study utilizes cationic waterborne polyurethane (PU+) for composite modification to enhance adhesion and performance across a range of temperatures. Initially, composite-modified emulsified asphalt samples were prepared with varying dosages of PU+ according to a gradient method. Routine performance tests were conducted on the evaporated residues for analysis. Advanced rheological tests, including temperature sweep (TS), frequency sweep (FS), linear amplitude sweep (LAS), and multi-stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests, were performed using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Surface free energy (SFE) tests were conducted with a fully automated surface tension meter (STM). A comprehensive evaluation of the high-temperature rheological properties, fatigue properties, adhesion properties, and water damage resistance of the modified emulsified asphalt residues was carried out. Chemical changes before and after modification were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the distribution of polymers in the evaporated residue was observed using fluorescence microscopy (FM). The results demonstrated that cationic waterborne polyurethane significantly enhanced the fatigue and adhesion properties of SBS-modified emulsified asphalt, but it also weakened the water damage resistance of asphalt. MSCR tests revealed that the addition of cationic waterborne polyurethane might reduce the elastic recovery performance of modified asphalt, thereby weakening its resistance to rutting. Among the samples, the modified asphalt with a PU+ content of 6% exhibited good high-temperature shear resistance and elastic recovery performance, demonstrating the best anti-rutting performance.

Effect of microstructure of overlapping regions on the wear/corrosion resistance performance of laser cladded Fe-based amorphous composite coatings

The issue of crystallization during the laser cladding process poses a significant challenge to the application of amorphous coatings. In order to explore the practical application of Fe41.5Co12.2Cr7.4Mo37.3C0.3B0.5Y0.4Al0.4 (at.%) amorphous composite coatings, this study fabricated coatings with different scanning speeds. The aim was to delve into their crystallization processes and assess the consequential effects on the coatings’ properties. The study revealed that crystallization predominantly occurs in the coatings’ overlapping region, which can be divided into two zones: the overlapping transition zone (OTZ) and the overlapping heat affected zone (OHAZ). The crystallization extent within the OHAZ is higher than in the OTZ, attributable to the disparate cooling rates characteristic of each region. With increasing scanning speed, the OHAZ gradually increases and the OTZ decreases. The coating prepared at 2000 mm/min has excellent corrosion resistance (polarization resistance 10,814.2 Ω·cm2) and wear resistance (wear rate (8.88±0.378)×10–6 mm3/N·m).

Analysis on failure test and evaluation about refueling receptacle of onboard hydrogen system

ABSTRACT As the key component of the onboard hydrogen system, the service life and failure problem of the refueling receptacle easily leads to the hydrogen leakage accident which give rise to the suffocation, the frostbite, the burns, and the impact injuries. The typical hydrogen leakage accidents include the accidental leakage, the ignition, the deflagration, and the explosion. Therefore, the failure test and evaluation problem about the refueling receptacle is focused on. In this paper, the failure test and evaluation about the refueling receptacle covering the vibration resistance performance, the temperature resistance performance, and the durability was studied. First, the failure mechanisms of the refueling receptacle involving the vibration, the temperature, and the durability based on the vehicle operating conditions were clarified. Second, according to the test experience and the vehicle operating condition, the test methods about the failure phenomenon of the refueling receptacle were established, respectively. Finally, the failure test results of the refueling receptacle were analyzed. The failure of the refueling receptacle may caused by the aging and failure of sealing element, the metal creep aging and material damage, the decline in the contact stress at the low-temperature connection, the loose connection, and the internal structural ectopia.

Microstructure and bending resistance performance of sprayed NiCoCrAlY sealing coating anchored by circular oscillating laser

A novel pinning-process using circular oscillating laser is utilized to improve the performance of NiCoCrAlY sealing coatings prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying. the stirring effect of the oscillating laser and Marangoni convection affect the outline morphology of pinned area, promote the recrystallization of the sprayed coating, eliminate the initial defects, transform the bonding behavior, and improve the mechanical property. The microstructure of the circular oscillating laser pinning area becomes compact, and the grain size is significantly refined, with an average size of 4.50 μm. The combination between the coating and the substrate changes from mechanical bonding to metallurgical bonding. The enhanced uniformity of the microstructure in the laser pinning region resulted in a decrease of the microhardness by 5.6 %. Furthermore, the pinning process increased the toughness of the coatings by 29 % in yield strength from 470 MPa to 600 MPa, and by 20 % in maximum failure strength from 1160.91 MPa to 1392.97 MPa.

Post-earthquake fire performance of partially encased composite steel and concrete columns

Considering the potential severity of losses caused by post-earthquake fires compared to earthquakes alone, this study employed a three-dimensional Finite Element (FE) model established in ABAQUS to investigate the response of partially encased composite (PEC) steel and concrete columns under post-earthquake fire, serving as preliminary analysis for subsequent experimental studies. The validity of the FE model was verified using results from existing seismic and fire loading tests. In simulating the hysteresis behavior of PEC columns, this study evaluated the impacts of concrete discrete cracking and mechanical models on the simulation outcomes, thereby refining the modeling technique. A typical PEC column was selected as the focus of this investigation. Sequential earthquake-fire simulations were conducted using a data transfer technique to assess the fire resistance performance of different seismic damaged columns with different axial compression load ratios. The results indicate that the behavior of damaged PEC columns evolves based on initial damage, and the failure exhibits overall bending accompanied by local buckling of the steel flange. As the axial load ratio increases, the fire resistance time of seismic-damaged PEC columns significantly decreases. When the axial compression ratio is increased from 0.2 to 0.5, the fire resistance time of columns with damage factor D within 0.6 decreases by 59.07% on average. This sensitivity to axial pressure is particularly pronounced when earthquake damage is severe. Moreover, it finds that the lateral drift ratio under seismic action should be controlled within 2% to ensure that the post-earthquake fire resistance will not be significantly reduced.

The Effect of Expanded Vermiculite on the Fire Resistance of Waterborne Acrylic Coatings.

Due to their ability to prevent or slow the spread of fires, fire-retardant coatings are utilized as the main means of fire protection for steel structures, combining easy application and high economic efficiency. This study investigates the effects of the particle size and dosage of expanded vermiculite (EV) on the fire resistance and application performance of coatings. Ammonium polyphosphate, melamine, and pentaerythritol were used as intumescent fire-retardant systems, along with waterborne hydroxyl-modified acrylic resins as the film-forming substances. The properties of fire resistance coatings were tested via scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI), and cone calorimetry. The excellent fire performance of the coatings with 3 wt.% 300-mesh EV was proven, exhibiting a relative expansion of 30.43 times. Moreover, the surface structure of the charcoal layer was dense. The total smoke production (TSP) and smoke concentration (TSR) were only 0.18 m2 and 0.25 m2/m2.

Does double pre-notches have a greater impact than single pre-notch on the mechanical and fracture behavior of rock? Insights from three-point bending tests using the numerical approach of grain-based model

The mechanical performance of rock masses is significantly impacted by the existence of cracks. Distribution of the cracks may result in different mechanical or fracture behaviors of rock. To gain a preliminary understanding of such problems, a series of numerical tests of three-point bending (TPB) are designed and carried out with the consideration of single pre-notch and double pre-notches. The numerical method of grain-based model (GBM) approach is employed in this paper, with a validation implemented by comparing the results with previous experiments to demonstrate the reliability of this model. Afterward, a comprehensive investigation, including the mechanical behavior, strength characteristics, crack evolution and progressive failure mechanism of the above mentioned TPB tests are conducted. The conclusions are as follows: (1) During TPB tests, as the offset distance increases, the fracture mode of the single pre-notched specimens gradually transitions from Mode I to Mode II, with the peak fracture toughness occurring at a mixed Mode I-II fracture condition (2p/s = 0.4). Moreover, the failure angle, notch open degree and expansion area all tend to rise regardless of specimens of single or double pre-notches. (2) A thorough exploration of crack evolution shows that the specimens primarily fracture during the crack propagation and failure stages. Shear failure predominates among these stages, with microcracks mostly occurring inside the rock mineral grains. (3) When offset distance increases to a certain degree (2p/s = 0.8), the fracture of specimen ceases to be governed by the pre-notch; instead, it occurs directly from the middle of the beam specimen. This phenomenon can be attributed to the reduction of stress concentration at the notch tip, as inferred from analysis of the contact force chain. (4) In double pre-notched specimen, microcracks initiate at both pre-notches, but the final failure results from crack propagation at one notch tip. Compared to single pre-notched specimen, the presence of double pre-notches exhibits superior fracture resistance performance.

Study of a nano-coated hydrophilic polymer for indirect evaporative cooler from wetting, thermal and corrosion resistance performance

Hydrophilicity and evaporation rate of the wet channels play crucial effects on the cooling performance of an indirect evaporative cooler (IEC). Thus, great efforts are made to develop high-performance wet surface materials for IECs. However, current studies of hydrophilic coatings focus on the moisture diffusion ability of the material itself or the overall thermal performance of an IEC, with less in-depth research on the internal local thermal and quantitative wetting performance under various operating conditions. In this study, a TiO2/SiO2 nano-coating is applied to polypropylene (PP) by three treatment methods to develop a hydrophilic durable and corrosion-resistant PP for IEC application. Firstly, the hydrophilic durability of various samples was tested for 30 days. Secondly, test rigs were built for wetting and thermal performance investigation. The wetting performance was studied by both the drop-impact interaction test and the falling film experiment. The flow pattern, water film thickness, and wettability ratio were investigated under varying water flow rates, air velocity, and water distribution strategies (continuous spray, intermittent spray). The thermal performance including the internal wall temperature and supply air temperature of non-coated and coated IEC were comparatively tested. Finally, the corrosion resistance ability of samples was tested by acid salt spray. The results show that primer-aided TiO2/SiO2 coating on PP can provide durable hydrophilicity and corrosion resistance. Gaining better water retention ability, the thermal performance of nano-coated IEC can be enhanced under intermittent spray with 1.1 °C lower plate temperature and wet-bulb efficiency improved from 74.4 % to 81.4 % compared to the non-coated one.

Comparison of machine learning and electrical resistivity arrays to inverse modeling for locating and characterizing subsurface targets

This study evaluates the performance of multiple machine learning (ML) algorithms and electrical resistivity (ER) arrays for inversion with comparison to a conventional Gauss-Newton numerical inversion method. Four different ML models and four arrays were used for the estimation of only six variables for locating and characterizing hypothetical subsurface targets. The combination of dipole-dipole with Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network (MLP-NN) had the highest accuracy. Evaluation showed that both MLP-NN and Gauss-Newton methods performed well for estimating the matrix resistivity while target resistivity accuracy was lower, and MLP-NN produced sharper contrast at target boundaries for the field and hypothetical data. Both methods exhibited comparable target characterization performance, whereas MLP-NN had increased accuracy compared to Gauss-Newton in prediction of target width and height, which was attributed to numerical smoothing present in the Gauss-Newton approach. MLP-NN was also applied to a field dataset acquired at U.S. DOE Hanford site.

Mao-based solid-like slippery composite coating with superior corrosion resistance and robust machinery performance upon magnesium-lithium alloy LA81

Slippery liquid-infused porous surface exhibits a great potential for corrosion management with super repulsive water properties, whilst their poor adhesion to underlying materials and durability of lubricants remains a challenge. In this work, a micro-arc oxidation (MAO)-based solid-like slippery composite coating (SSC) is developed upon Mg-Li alloy LA81 by combining mechanical pinning effects of MAO and super repulsive water performance of SSC, which maximizes adhesion strength, water repulsion and sustainable corrosion protection. The SSC coatings exhibit liquid-to-solid transition under the curing effect of epoxy resin. Efficient sealing of the MAO layer is yielded through high fluidity of the liquid phase of SSC. Cured SSC can further strengthen the interface bonding with respect to underlying MAO layer, and significantly alleviate lubricant loss.