Average Roughness Research Articles

Characterizing Roughness of Wooden Mortise and Tenon Considering Effects of Measured Position and Assembly Condition

The surface roughness of wood mortise and tenon seriously influence the strength of mortise-and-tenon joints. However, it is difficult to obtain the whole surface roughness of mortise and tenon due to the limitation in measuring range of most profilometers. Therefore, the selection of measured position is critical to measuring the roughness of mortise and tenon. This study mainly aimed to investigate the effects of measured position in the thickness direction (T1, T2, and T3) and length direction (L1, L2, and L3), and assembly condition (unassembled and assembled) on the surface roughness of wood mortise and tenon to characterize their surface roughness. Roughness profile results showed that the average roughness of mortise (4.53 µm) was greater than that of tenon (3.89 µm), and the roughness of unassembled ones was greater than that of assembled ones. The roughness at all measured positions of unassembled mortise was nearly identical, while for unassembled tenon, roughness in the thickness direction varied. T2 was significantly greater than those of T1 and T3. Statistical analysis results showed that for an unassembled sample, sample type and measured position in the thickness direction significantly influenced roughness, but measured position in the length direction was not significant. Assembly condition significantly influenced the roughness of tenon; the roughness of assembled tenon decreased significantly compared with unassembled tenon. The roughness at T2L1 decreased so much compared with T2L2 and T2L3. It can be concluded that the roughness of mortise was mainly dominated by its grain orientation of the measured surface, which was perpendicular to the grain. The roughness of unassembled tenon varied and resulted from the tangential feeding speed of the machine changing during the manufacturing of the curved part of the tenon. The cutting speed at T2 of wood tenon was faster than those of T1 and T3, so the roughness at T2 was greater than those of T1 and T3.

Comparative Evaluation of Biofilm Formation on Temporization Crown Materials Used in the Rehabilitation of Primary Dentition With Different Polishing Materials: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction Advancements in dental materials have enhanced aesthetic treatments for managing dental caries and injuries in primary dentition. Bis-acryl composite-based temporization materials are now preferred for restoring primary crowns due to their superior properties. However, prolonged exposure to dietary and hygienic factors can lead to discoloration and roughness, making efficient polishing essential to prevent plaque buildup. Objective This study aims to evaluate Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation on temporization material polished with different polishing systems. Methods This study tested bis-acryl methacrylate temporization material. Thirty disk-shaped specimens were prepared and divided into three groups according to the polishing system used (n = 10 per group): Shofu Super Snap mini kit (Shofu, San Marcos, CA), aluminum oxide polishing paste, and propol polishing paste. Each group's specimens were polished according to the manufacturer's instructions. Surface roughness (SR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphological analysis, and Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation were assessed for each group. Results The results showed significant differences in roughness average (Ra) values among the polishing materials, with the Shofu Super Snap mini kit having the highest roughness (Ra = 2.04), followed by propol polishing paste (Ra = 1.30)and aluminum oxide paste (Ra = 0.75). Additionally, polishing methods significantly affected mean colony-forming unit (CFU) levels, with the first group having the highest mean CFU value (0.24), with SEM images showing substantial biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans. Conclusion Bacterial biofilm formation on the aluminum oxide paste group's surface differed from that on the propol polishing paste and aluminum oxide disc groups. The polishing techniques that we tested significantly influenced surface properties and biofilm formation. These findings suggest that selecting an appropriate polishing system can reduce the risk of gingival inflammation associated with temporization materials.

Early Biological Response to Poly(ε-Caprolactone)/Alumina-Toughened Zirconia Composites Obtained by 3D Printing for Peri-Implant Application.

The improvement of the mucosal sealing around the implant represents a challenge, one that prompted research into novel materials. To this purpose, a printable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based composite loaded with alumina-toughened zirconia (ATZ) at increasing rates of 10, 20, and 40 wt.% was prepared, using a solvent casting method with chloroform. Disks were produced by 3D printing; surface roughness, free energy and optical contact angle were measured. Oral fibroblasts (PF) and epithelial cell (SG) tests were utilized to determine the biocompatibility of the materials through cell viability assay and adhesion and spreading evaluations. The highest level of ATZ resulted in an increase in the average roughness (Sa), while the maximum height (Sz) was higher for all composites than that of the unmixed PCL, regardless of their ATZ content. Surface free energy was significantly lower on PCL/ATZ 80/20 and PCL/ATZ 60/40, compared to PCL and PCL/ATZ 90/10. The contact angle was inversely related to the quantity of ATZ in the material. PF grew without variations among the different specimens at 1 and 3 days. After 7 days, PF grew significantly less on PCL/ATZ 60/40 and PCL/ATZ 80/20 compared to unmixed PCL and PCL 90/10. Conversely, ATZ affected and improved the growth of SG. By increasing the filler amount, PF cell adhesion and spreading augmented, while PCL/ATZ 80/20 was the best for SG adhesion. Overall, PCL/ATZ 80/20 emerged as the best composite for both cell types; hence, it is a promising candidate for the manufacture of custom made transmucosal dental implant components.

Microstructure and corrosion properties of Al1-xWxN coatings for potential use in gas turbine blades

Herein, a numerical approach of Al1-xWxN thin film coatings on Inconel 738LC superalloys for thermal barrier applications has been studied and the experimental analysis includes deposition of Al1-xWxN films on Si (100), glass and transparent quartz substrates at 40 % N2 flow rate using a dual target DC reactive magnetron sputtering technique to investigate the morphology, microstructure, chemical bonding and corrosion behaviour. AFM analysis revealed the rms roughness, Sq and average roughness, Sa increased with the increasing W content from 22 to 70 at.%. It was found that Al1-xWxN films tend to form tiny valleys on the film surface because the values of surface skewness, Ssk lie below zero. The TEM image showed a branched snowflake structure for the specimen of Al0.58W0.42N films with discrete spots in the SAED pattern, confirming the microcrystalline nature. The blue-shifting of Ecorr towards positive potential confirmed the lower corrosion resistance of WN films than those of AlN. XRD spectra of Al0.58W0.42N films showed an amorphous nature devoid of peaks, which is also confirmed by the SAED pattern. The quasi-passive oxide layer formation was spontaneous for WN films compared to the AlN films. The bending vibrations of AlN and WN showed the coordination environment of the metal centre in the Al1-xWxN films. The computational results indicated that the thermal barrier properties of Al1-xWxN films decreased with the increasing W content, i.e., AIN > Al0.58 W0.42N > WN.

Exploratory data analysis & EDS analysis on tool chip adhesion under dry and nano minimum quantity lubrication machining environment

Adhesion, abrasion, plowing and transverse displacement are the major causes of origin of friction. During dry machining of ductile materials, chips are fused with the rake face of the cutting tool and contribute to the formation of the built up edge. Built up edge protects the rake face of the tool from wear, but makes the machined surface rough. To improve the tribological properties and to decrease the tool-chip adhesion, cutting fluids are used. Cutting fluids are added to the machining zone to minimise cutting temperature and friction, but they result in environmental and health degradation. Surface texturing of tools is a potential way to modify the tribological properties of mating surfaces in order to increase the tribological qualities and decrease the tool-chip adhesion. The performance of surface textured tools depends upon orientation, dimple depth, width and pattern. Under lubrication regime, microholes in surface textured tools acts both as lubrication reservoir and traps wear debris to reduce abrasive wear. Nano Minimum Quantity Lubrication (nano-MQL) is an advanced lubrication technique used in machining processes, specifically designed to minimize the use of lubricants while maintaining effective lubrication. This method involves delivering an extremely small amount of high-performance lubricant directly to the cutting zone. The MoS2 lubricant with sunflower oil is typically in the form of nanodroplets, which are much smaller than conventional minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) droplets. The Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) methodology enables the identification of patterns, trends, and outliers within the collected data, offering insights into the complex interplay of factors affecting the machining of Aluminium Alloy AA2024. At a spindle speed of 3500 rpm the feed force decreases by 37% under dry environment when compared with nano-MQL environment. Under dry environment average surface roughness reduces by 27% when compared with nano-MQL environment.

Influence of different machining methods on the surface roughness of TC4: dry milling, water-based fluid wet milling, and foam spray milling

The surface quality of workpieces is influenced by various factors, including processing parameters, processing techniques, cutting force, and cutting vibration. Many researchers have studied wet cutting to minimize milling forces and vibrations. We explore a high-density water-based foam milling method. By this method the foam is sprayed onto the surface area of tool and workpiece to absorb vibration energy. Firstly, a milling test system was established to conduct tests on TC4 titanium alloy under three different machining conditions (dry milling, water-based fluid wet milling, and foam spray milling), and the three-dimensional (3D) milling forces and milling vibrations were simultaneously recorded during the milling process, and the workpiece’s surface roughness was measured using a contact roughness measuring instrument. Then principal component analysis method was performed on the 3D milling forces and vibrations to obtain dimensionality-reduced feature values. Subsequently, multi-feature combination prediction models of surface roughness corresponding to the three machining conditions were developed using particle swarm optimization and a generalized regression neural network. Finally, the developed prediction models were compared and analyzed. The research results indicate that high-density water-based foam spray milling can effectively reduce the milling force by 70% and the milling vibration by 85% at most. Foam spray milling reduces the average roughness by up to 49%. The roughness prediction accuracy reaches 95.43%, with an error of less than 0.054 µm.

The impact of Streptococcus mutans biofilms on the color stability and topographical features of three lithium disilicate ceramics.

Secondary caries around ceramic restorations is the most common reason for the replacement of fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). Therefore, it is important to examine the susceptibility of different ceramic materials to biofilm formation. This study aimed to evaluate biofilm development and associated roughness and color alterations in three lithium disilicate ceramics: Emax CAD (EC), Emax Press (EP), and LiSi Press (LP). Streptococcus mutans biofilms were grown on the three ceramics (n = 10 per group) for 7 days. Surface roughness values and color alteration were assessed before and after the biofilm using a non-contact profilometer and spectrophotometer, respectively. Biofilm growth was evaluated using colony-forming units (CFUs) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. There was a significant (p≤0.001) growth of S. mutans colonies on EC (6.75 ± 0.56) and EP (6.72 ± 0.54) specimens compared to LP, which showed no biofilm growth. The change in average surface roughness (∆Ra, nm) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the EC specimens (0.029 ± 0.003) compared to the EP (0.055 ± 0.012) and LP (0.041 ± 0.010). When the changes in the Rv and Rt values were investigated, no significant difference was observed among the groups. Following the biofilm challenge, the change in color (∆E00) was significantly lower (p = 0.005) in the LP group (1.68 ± 1.45) compared to the EC group (3.89 ± 1.50) and no significant difference was observed between the EP group (2.74±1.01) and the other two ceramics (p ≥ 0.05). LP ceramics exhibited superior resistance to S. mutans biofilm formation and associated changes in surface roughness and color compared to the Emax CAD and Emax Press ceramics. These findings suggest that the LiSi Press material may be more favorable to mitigate the risk of secondary caries.

Effect of the brass waste recycling process on mechanical properties with investment casting for gear materials

This study is an experimental research to analyze the characteristics and mechanical properties of the casting process of recycled brass alloy, which will be used as a material for gears. Currently, the remaining production and waste from brass alloys continue to increase. Another thing is the increase in the need for brass gears, so environmentally friendly material engineering is needed to provide good quality and efficient energy use, especially during the casting process. The casting process uses an electric furnace that melts brass alloys at 526 up to 900 °C within 1 hour and molds to make test specimens. The results of microstructural testing for grain size in recycled brass alloys range from 74.63 μm to 84.57 μm. The maximum tensile strength produced is up to 225.2 MPa, the maximum yield strength is up to 179.8 MPa, and the maximum elongation is up to 7.3 %. The roughness of recycled brass alloys has a maximum Ra value (average roughness) of up to 0.836 μm. Validation was carried out by comparing the mechanical properties of CAC 302 brass products and the study results. The data shows that recycled brass's maximum yield strength value is 179.8 MPa and CAC 302 brass material is 175 MPa, but for the ultimate tensile strength value, the value of recycled brass is far below CAC 302 products. These results can be a consideration for the industry to be able to use recycled brass alloys for gear products because the yield strength value is not far from CAC 302 brass products. The impact result of this study produces recycled brass alloys that are environmentally friendly, efficient in smelting energy consumption, and have good yield strength. The results of this research can benefit the manufacture of gear components made of brass alloys.

Experimental investigation of comprehensive performance by tailoring the proportion of late transition metals in quinary Fe-Co-Ni-Si-B amorphous alloys

We fabricated the Fe-Co-Ni-Si-B multi-principal element alloys by vacuum melt-spinning method. The effects of late transition metals proportion in quinary alloy ribbons on the formation, phase structure, thermal stability, microhardness, corrosion resistance and soft magnetic properties were investigated. The melt-spun structure consists of an amorphous single phase for all the specimens. The surfaces of glassy ribbons are rather flat and flawless and the average surface roughness is 0.351 nm or below. The initial crystallization temperature (Tx) and supercooled liquid region (ΔTx) of alloy system decrease by degrees with increasing Co and Ni content, showing the maximum values of 753.0 K and 60.0 K for Fe60Co10Ni10Si6B14 alloy. But the glass transition temperature (Tg) seems to barely change and maintain approximately 692.0 K. All the as-received alloy ribbons exhibit good bending ductility and acceptable Vickers microhardness ranging from 671 to 785 HV0.5. The amorphous alloy ribbons present a gradually wide passive potential range (ΔE) with the decrease of Fe content, but the corrosion current density (Icorr) becomes larger. The smallest Icorr value is 1.785 μA·cm-2 for Fe60Co10Ni10Si6B14 alloy and the widest ΔE value is about 0.272 V for Fe26Co27Ni27Si6B14 alloy. The saturation magnetization of these glassy alloys reduces from 165.0 to 112.0 emu/g as the Fe content decreases. Meanwhile, the coercivity also changes from 14.25 to 6.70 A/m. This paper offers a brand-new perspective to understand the role of late transition metals on the various physicochemical properties of quinary Fe-Co-Ni-Si-B amorphous alloys.

Effect of machining parameters on average surface roughness during computer numerical controlled dry milling of high strength AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel

This study focuses on developing an empirical model for average surface roughness during computer numerical controlled (CNC) dry milling of AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel, utilizing response surface methodology (RSM). Experiments were designed with three levels of axial depth of cut, feed rate, and spindle speed to quantify their impact on surface roughness. The RSM-Box-Behnken design was employed to construct the empirical model. Model adequacy was validated through residual analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Analysis of the main effects and interaction effects revealed that the primary influences on average surface roughness were the feed rate, spindle speed, and axial depth of cut, while interaction effects were less significant. Optimal cutting conditions were determined to be a spindle speed of 1500 rpm, a feed rate of 30 mm min−1, and an axial depth of cut of 0.3 mm. The model’s validity was further confirmed through additional validation tests.

Spatial frequency decomposition with bandpass filters for multiscale analyses and functional correlations

To address the essential problem in surface metrology of establishing functional correlations spatial, frequencies in topographic measurements are progressively decomposed into a large number of narrow bands. Bandpass filters and commercially available software are used. These bands can be analyzed with conventional surface texture parameters, like average roughness, Sa, or other parameters, for detailed, multiscale topographic characterizations. Earlier kinds of multiscale characterization, like relative area, required specialized software performing multiple triangular tiling exercises. Multiscale regression analyses can test strengths of functional correlations over a range of scales. Here, friction coefficients are regressed against standard surface texture parameters over the range of scales available in a measurement. Correlation strengths trend with the scales of the bandpass filters. Using bandpass frequency, i.e., wavelength or scale, decompositions, the R2 at 25 μm, exceeds 0.9 for Sa compared with an R2 of only 0.2 using the broader band of conventional roughness filtering. These improved, scale-specific functional correlations can facilitate scientific understandings and specifications of topographies in product and process design and in designs of quality assurance systems.

Design and development of a novel MR finishing method for hollow cylindrical surfaces

ABSTRACT Hollow cylindrical components of longer length are a crucial necessity in industries catering to products like gun barrels, cylinder liners of ship and locomotive engines, pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, etc. A highly finished inner surface improves resistance to corrosion, wear, and friction. Conventional magnetorheological (MR) finishing techniques typically use axis-based CNC setups, which are limited in their ability to finish longer components (>30 cm) due to the Z-axis tool restriction. In this work, a novel MR finishing method has been designed and developed that is based on the pneumatic cylinder and has extremely high reach for the length of the hollow cylindrical workpiece thereby successfully mitigating the limitation of conventional CNC-based MR finishing techniques. Using mild steel as the material, the new technique achieved a significant reduction in surface roughness, with a minimum average roughness of 0.059 µm after 150 minutes of finishing.

Enhanced optical gain assisted by the plasmonic effects of Au nanoparticles in Nd³⁺ doped TeO₂-ZnO waveguides produced with the pedestal architecture

Investigation of the signal enhancement of Nd3+ codoped TeO2-ZnO pedestal waveguides, at 1064 nm, due to Au nanoparticles deposited over the core is presented for the first time. Nd3+ doped TeO2-ZnO thin film was obtained by RF Magnetron Sputtering deposition. The resulting core with 500 nm height and widths in the 4–40 μm range, exhibited low roughness average in all area measured (0.48 ± 0.04) nm. Minimum propagation losses of 2.2 dB/cm were observed for waveguide width of 40 μm whereas an increase took place for smaller ones. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed the waveguide structure inspection and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) the Au nanoparticles evaluation. The results showed that the Au nanoparticles contributed up to 75 % of relative gain enhancement, under 808 nm excitation. This increase was due to the local field growth in the proximity of the nanoparticles that enhances the density of excited Nd3+. The internal gain that considers the propagation losses reached positive values for larger core widths (above 8 μm).The present study opens possibilities for optical amplifiers with low propagation losses based on different metal-dielectric composites, as well as other waveguide-based devices.

Effect of heat treatment on the anisotropic machinability of additive manufactured titanium alloys in micro-milling

For titanium alloy parts prepared by selective laser melting (SLM), post-treatment operation is usually utilized to meet the needed surface accuracy and dimensional tolerances. However, the heat treatment process and anisotropy of different surfaces of SLMed titanium alloy can directly affect its machinability. In this study, the anisotropic machinability of SLMed TC4 before and after heat treatment was comprehensively compared by the milling force, surface quality, top-burr and work hardening. The results indicate that the milling force and work hardening degree of top surface of SLMed TC4 material are larger than those of side surface, and top surface the presents the better surface quality and smaller top-burr. It exhibits obvious anisotropic machinability in micro-milling. After heat treatment, the anisotropic machinability between different surfaces of SLMed TC4 materials were significantly reduced. The average surface roughness difference rate of top and side surfaces decreased from 10.08% to 2.79%, and the total average top-burr size difference rate decreased from 19.53% to 9.99%. The difference rate of milling force and work hardening degree of the top and side surfaces both showed a decreasing trend. This work demonstrates that the anisotropic machinability of SLMed TC4 material in micro-milling can be effectively mitigated by the heat treatment process.

Effect of sputtering power and thickness ratios on the materials properties of Cu–W and Cu–Cr bilayer thin films using high power impulse magnetron and DC magnetron sputtering

This study investigates the influence of Cu thickness ratios on the structural, morphological, and mechanical properties of sputtered Cu–W and Cu–Cr bilayer thin films. Employing high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS), five distinct thickness ratios of 1:3, 3:5, 1:1, 5:3, and 3:1 were analyzed and compared to bilayer films developed using direct current magnetron sputtering (DCMS). The microstructural and surface characteristics of these films were evaluated using x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Electrical properties were measured using a four-point probe, while mechanical properties were assessed through nanoindentation. Results reveal that increasing Cu thickness in Cu–W and Cu–Cr bilayers inversely affects hardness, grain size, and roughness, highlighting the influence of thickness ratios on film properties. Films with a higher Cu thickness ratio in both Cu–W and Cu–Cr bilayer systems deposited by HiPIMS exhibited lower hardness, smaller grain size, and reduced average roughness. Cross-sectional analysis and XRD confirmed the impact of thickness ratio on crystal phase and microstructure, indicating smoother columnar structures. Specifically, the HiPIMS-deposited Cu–Cr 3-1 film exhibited the lowest resistivity, at 4.77 μΩ cm, and hardness, measuring 8.26 GPa. Moreover, the 1:1 ratio films of Cu–W and Cu–Cr demonstrated hardness values of 13.81 and 11.37 GPa, respectively, which were 1.39 times higher than the films grown by DCMS. Additionally, variations in the bilayer thickness ratio significantly affected the electrical properties of the films. The enhanced properties of HiPIMS films are attributed to the higher peak power density of the target, leading to increased ion energy and deposition of dense grain structures.

Interaction of contour and hatch parameters on vertical surface roughness in laser powder bed fusion

In Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), surface roughness is pivotal for controlling the mechanical and functional performances, as well as the geometrical accuracy of the final product. This study extensively investigated the interactions of hatch and contour processing parameters, along with contour offset distance, on vertical surface roughness for 316L stainless steel in L-PBF. Melt pool morphology and surface arithmetic average roughness (Sa) were quantified using confocal microscopy, while scanning electron microscopy was employed to interpret the detailed microstructure of surface features. Under low volumetric energy density (VED) hatch conditions (e.g., 66.7 J/mm3), varying the contour offset distance has a negatable effect on the surface roughness when the contour VED is lower than 121.6 J/mm3, remaining relatively smooth surfaces dominated by bare melt tracks with sparely attached partially melted particles. Increasing the hatch or contour VED (e.g., 166.7 J/mm3), dross formation, identified by the microstructural differences and explained by the melt pool instability and migration, is inevitable, which dictates the surface roughness with higher Sa values. The larger contour offset distance further promotes the dross occurrence with irregularity and increases Sa. Employing a low contour VED with an appropriate offset distance and adopting the contour-first scan strategy was demonstrated as an effective solution to reduce the dross formation. Through the analysis of melt pool behavior, surface topography, and microstructure, this study elucidates the mechanisms governing dominant surface characteristics under the combined influence of hatch and contour parameters. It lays the foundation for precise control of surface roughness without altering hatching parameters, enabling the tailored manipulation of performance in additively manufactured structures.

Modeling and verification of cortical bone drilling forces based on tissue structure heterogeneity

Bone drilling mechanism study is the basis for the optimization of cortical bone drilling process and drill geometry. In this paper, a drilling force model for modified drills with thinned chisel edge is established considering the heterogeneous structure of cortical bone. The bone mineral density is embedded into the established model, the model can predict the axial thrust force change along the drilling depth direction, and the model is verified through cortical bone drilling experiments. The thrust force and torque predicted by the model are in good agreement with the drilling experimental results of cortical bone drilling. Then, the drilling performance of the modified drill and the common drill is compared through cortical bone drilling experiments. Compared with common drill bits, the maximum reduction in average thrust force of the modified drill bit during stable drilling is 21.21 % (n = 2500 rpm, Vf=60 mm/min). The maximum reduction in average roughness of the hole wall is 21.87 % (n = 500 rpm, Vf=10 mm/min). The drill chisel edge thinning design reduces the negative impact of the negative normal rake angle on the cutting lip of common drill on drilling force and stability. Therefore, the drill bit chisel edge thinning design can effectively improve the drilling performance.

Effect of Ceramic Veneering on the Microstructure of Pre-sintered Cobalt-Chromium, Compared to Pre-sintered Zirconia and Conventional Cast Alloys.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate ceramic-alloy interface and emphasize the alteration of alloy microstructure after ceramic layering. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two discs made from a ceramic-alloy combination of pre-sintered cobalt-chromium (CoCr), cast CoCr, cast nickel-chromium (NiCr), or pre-sintered zirconia were prepared with eight discs in each group. Four specimens were examined as manufactured and four were ceramic-layered. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray diffractometer (XRD), and an atomic force microscope were used for analysis. Non-layered specimens received ceramic fire-heating without adding any ceramic. Alloy microstructure was compared before and after ceramic veneering or heating within the same group. Mean differences in grain size and surface roughness were compared among groups. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: SEM showed a close bonding interface between alloys and ceramics. EDX demonstrated differences compared to the manufacturer's composition. Ceramic-layering reduced grain size for both milled alloys (P<0.05), whereas grain size increased in cast groups (P=0.011). Heat treatment did the same for the CoCr groups (P=0.013). Ceramic veneering increased the surface roughness of the cast CoCr (Gi) (P=0.029) and NiCr (Wi) (P=0.005) groups, whereas zirconia roughness average (Ra) showed a slight decrease (P=0.282). XRD showed no differences among zirconia, NiCr, and milled CoCr groups before and after veneering. Crystallite size differed between monoclinic and tetragonal phases in zirconia. Conclusion: The study highlights that ceramic-layering induces significant microstructural changes in alloys, enhancing bonding potential and mechanical stability. Pre-sintered materials show a fine homogeneous surface, optimizing ceramic adherence and potentially improving clinical outcomes.

Near-Ground wind field characteristics of tracking photovoltaic systems based on field measurements

The study conducts field measurements at a tracking photovoltaic power station in Zhongwei City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, investigating near-ground incoming wind characteristics, spatial coherence, and their impact on the flow field of the tracking photovoltaic system. Actual measurements indicate a low dispersion degree in the roughness index of this area, with an average roughness index of α = 0.1228, which is consistent with the characteristics of open land and desert areas. The incoming wind speed profile largely complies with European wind load specifications, with turbulence intensity measured at different heights exceeding other wind load specifications, primarily due to increased sand movement contributing to turbulence in desert areas. Additionally, this study proposes calculation formulas for measured turbulence intensity, integration scale, and gust factor, offering valuable insights into the incoming wind field characteristics in this region. Furthermore, the investigation into spatial coherence and decay parameters revealed the superior performance of the Krenk model in high frequency bands and over long distances. Lastly, the tracking photovoltaic array induces noticeable shading effects, altering flow field characteristics significantly, with a diminished impact on wind flow velocity as the tilt angle of the photovoltaic panel decreases. These studies serve as a valuable reference for gaining a deeper understanding of wind field characteristics, wind load calculation, and the optimal design of tracking photovoltaic systems.

A low-pollution surface modification system for improving the adhesion of polycarbonate

In the present study, the surface adhesion capacity of polycarbonate (PC) has been improved by using a low-pollution surface modification system that includes alkaline potassium ferrate (K2FeO4). The effects of environmentally friendly swelling conditions, NaOH and K2FeO4 contents, and other modification conditions on the PC surface topography, hydrophilicity, and surface roughness were then primarily studied. The modification resulted in an improvement of the hydrophilic property of the PC surface. There was a significant reduction in the surface contact angle from 97.6° to 34.1°. A considerable increase in the PC surface’s average surface roughness (Ra) was also observed, which increased from 2 nm to 209 nm. Meanwhile, after chemical copper plating, the maximum peel strength between the PC resin and copper layer reached 1.13 kN/m. Furthermore, infrared absorption spectroscopy (FT–IR) and X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used in the analyses of the surface chemical structure of the PC substrate, both prior to and after surface treatments. The results indicated that the modification of the surface led to increased hydrophilic groups on the PC surface, which was advantageous for the subsequent PC treatments (involving chemical copper plating). In short, the PC surface modification increased surface roughness and surface hydrophilicity, which improved the bonding between the chemically plated copper layer and the PC substrate.