Small Grains Research Articles

Effect of crystallization behavior on wear properties of polytetrafluoroethylene composites modified by irradiation above melting point

AbstractIn this paper, the reasons for the improved wear resistance of irradiation‐modified Polytetrafluoroethylene (RM‐PTFE) and its composites above the melting point were investigated from the microcrystalline point of view by using methods such as crystallization kinetics, and it was found that the linear wear rate of RM‐PTFE was only 0.3 um/km, with a 1000 times increase in wear resistance, which was due to the transformation of its crystals from flake crystals that were easily dislodged to spherical crystals that were more resistant to abrasion. It was also found that the linear wear rate of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with coke and graphite was 0.2 and 0.1 μm/km, respectively, and the abrasion resistance was further improved, which was attributed to the lowering of spherical crystal grain size by coke and graphite, which had better mechanical properties. These studies lay the foundation for future research on the frictional wear mechanism of RM‐PTFE above the melting point.Highlights Irradiation‐modified PTFE above the melting point Wear resistance of PTFE increases 1000 times Changes in crystal morphology dramatically increase wear resistance Use of crystallization kinetics to study the crystalline form of PTFE Small grain size improves wear resistance

Low cycle fatigue and cycle hardening behavior of heterogeneous Ni2Co1Fe1V0.5Mo0.2 medium entropy alloy

Low-cycle fatigue behavior of high-entropy alloy (HEAs) and medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) have rarely been reported in literature though it is critical for industrial applications. In our previous work, a non-equiatomic Ni2Co1Fe1V0.5Mo0.2 MEA was designed by adding V and Mo elements with bigger atomic size to heighten solution strengthening effect. Due to larger atomic size mismatch and more severe lattice distortion, the Ni2Co1Fe1V0.5Mo0.2 MEA exhibits stronger strain hardening effect than that in CoCrFeMnNi HEA. In present work, the low-cycle fatigue behavior of the non-equiatomic Ni2Co1Fe1V0.5Mo0.2 MEA with heterogeneous grain structures was further investigated. The heterogeneous Ni2Co1Fe1V0.5Mo0.2 MEA exhibits high fatigue resistance at 0.25 % strain amplitude (51285 N), attributed to the pronounced dislocation planar slip and formation of stacking faults. At 0.3 % and 0.5 % strain amplitudes, dislocation interactions (including tangles and microbands) induced by extensive dislocation cross-slip result in obvious cyclic hardening but reduced lifetime. The findings assess the effect of solid solution strengthening on the fatigue behavior of MEAs. The fatigue cracks form either along slip bands in large grains or grain boundaries of small grains.

Microstructure evolution and grain refinement in 2319 aluminium alloy via wire arc additive manufacturing coupled with multi-pass friction stir processing

The present study investigates the alterations in 2319 aluminium alloy microstructure and properties induced by the WAAM-FSP process, including grain size, microhardness and tensile strength. The effects of multiple stirring friction processing and remelting on the grains were systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that the grains within the stirring zone underwent enlargement due to thermal remelting, while the size of the stirring zone decreased. Furthermore, multiple thermo-mechanical factors significantly intensified grain growth in the bottom of the stirring zone, resulting in an increase of up to 3.4 μm.Upon a second remelting process conducted on the top of the sample, the grain size in the stirring zone can reach 3.7 μm. Additionally, the bottom stirring zone exhibited a higher prevalence of deformed grains (21.7 %) of deformed grains caused by the extrusion during multiple stirring friction processing. The top region was subjected to less thermo-mechanical influence, resulting in a smaller grain size and an ultimate tensile strength of 192.6 MPa and a hardness of 90 HV0.2. This finding demonstrates highlights the impact of thermomechanical cycling on the grains within the multilayer samples prepared by the WAAM-FSP technique.

Influence of oxygen content on fatigue crack growth behavior of FGH96 superalloys

The fatigue crack growth (FCG) mechanism of FGH96 superalloys influenced by oxygen (O) was investigated in terms of grain structure and phase composition. The results reveal that the thinner powder oxide film process facilitates easier dissolution, and thus the fewer undissolved oxides as well as the movement of high-angle grain boundaries promote the generation of a uniform distributed small grains (SGs) within both the prior particle boundaries (PPB) interface and powder interior in the alloy with O content of 140 ppm. In contrast, the large number of undissolved oxide particles provides more recrystallization sites and thus the SGs clusters aggregate at the PPB interface in the alloy with O content of 340 ppm during sintering. A homogeneous distribution of SGs induces the uniform deformation of the alloy and thus stimulates the transgranular fracture of the coarse grains in alloy with O content of 140 ppm, in favor of a higher fatigue life. On the contrary, in the alloy with O content of 340 ppm, the SGs clusters forming on PPB interface results to the strain concentration at PPB, leading to the PPB fractured morphology and a serious reduction of the fatigue life. This study reveals that the generation of SGs is responsible for the FCG behavior and failure mechanism of the alloys, and suggests that regulating the uniform distribution of SGs or reducing the number of SGs during sintering plays an important role in improving the fatigue properties of powder metallurgy superalloys.

Late Jurassic High-Pressure Metamorphism of Variscan I-Type Granitoids in the Northern Part of the Pelagonian Unit (Republic of North Macedonia)

Abstract The high P/T metamorphic Pelagonian Unit in the Republic of North Macedonia comprises (1) a Variscan basement consisting of gneisses, schists and minor meta-mafic rocks, which are all intruded by I-type granitoids and rare related dikes; (2) a metamorphosed sedimentary sequence of Permian to Lower Triassic age, and (3) a sequence of calcite and dolomite marbles resulting from Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic carbonate sediments. All these rocks underwent a common high-P/T metamorphism of Late Jurassic age. This paper deals with the metamorphism of the Variscan I-type granitoids which contained the igneous mineral assemblage plagioclase I + alkali feldspar I + quartz I + biotite I + titanite I + allanite I + zircon I + apatite I ± magnetite I. During Late Jurassic high-P/T metamorphism, these undeformed granitoids were thoroughly metamorphosed under isotropic pressure conditions as documented by undeformed granitic textures that are overgrown by metamorphic minerals such as garnet II, epidote II, and phengite II. Various, eventually metasomatic mineral reactions took place in different textural positions: (1) Former igneous plagioclase grains became completely transformed to Na-rich plagioclase IIa (An09–14) containing numerous small grains of epidote IIa and phengite IIa. Either this transformation was an allochemical one and was accompanied by the syn-metamorphic introduction of an aqueous fluid phase containing Fe, Mg and K or, alternatively, the more Ca-rich parts of plagioclase I became considerably sericitized before high-P/T metamorphism, and the resulting mixture of more Na-rich relic plagioclase with its sericite-rich domains became later metamorphosed under high-P/T conditions. In the first case, an aqueous phase is needed during metamorphism, while in the second case high-P/T metamorphism might have proceeded under H2O-undersaturated conditions; (2) igneous alkali feldspar I was changed to albite-poor orthoclase II or microcline II; (3) igneous Ti-rich biotite I reacted with plagioclase to metamorphic garnet II + Ti-poorer biotite II + titanite II + phengite II + quartz II ± epidote II ± rutile II, which is rimmed by Ttn II. At textural positions, where igneous plagioclase I was not available, igneous biotite I was transformed to Ti-poorer biotite II + titanite II ± ilmenite-hematite II; (4) during uplift, high-P/T metamorphic rutile II became marginally overgrown by titanite II ± ilmenite II; (5) igneous allanite I grains stayed unaltered, but when located near to former plagiocase I, they became partially rimmed by metamorphic epidote II. Equilibrium phase diagram calculations showed that the observed metamorphic paragenesis (plagioclase II + K-rich feldspar II + biotite II + garnet II + epidote II + phengite II + garnet II + quartz II + rutile II + titanite II) is only stable under H2O-unsaturated conditions. The I-type granitoids and their metamorphic country rocks were metamorphosed under high-P/T conditions of 1.3 to 1.5 GPa and 560 to 590 °C.

Laser powder bed fusion of Fex(CoCrMnNi)100-x medium-entropy ferrous alloys: Processability, microstructure and dynamic deformation mechanism

In this work, Fex(CoCrMnNi)100-x (x = 40, 60 and 80 at.%) medium-entropy ferrous alloys (MEFAs) were fabricated through laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of mixed powders composed of FeCoCrNiMn and Fe powders, and the dynamic compressive properties and deformation mechanisms were studied with combination of experiment and molecular dynamics simulation. The results demonstrate that all MEFAs exhibit good processability.The Fe40 and Fe60 samples were predominantly composed of FCC phase with coarse grains, while the Fe80 mainly consisted of BCC phase with a smaller grain size. When subjected to quasi-static and dynamic compression at 3000/s, the yield strengths of Fe40, Fe60 and Fe80 increases by 131, 220 and 256 MPa, respectively, illustrating the positive strain rate sensitivity and influence of Fe on the mechanical properties of MEFAs. Further, both the single-crystal and the polycrystalline models suggested that the incompatibility between the BCC and FCC phases is responsible for the enhancement of strength. Therefore, it is more likely to produce deformation twins, dislocations and thus stress concentration around the BCC phase, which is consistent with the TEM observations.

Effect of in situ CaTiO3 slag on the formation quality and properties of 17-4PH underwater wet laser cladding layer

Underwater wet laser cladding (UWLC) has gradually become a hotspot in the research on online repair technology. In this study, by adjusting the ratio of CaF2 and TiO2 in an assistive agent, CaTiO3 slag was formed at a ratio of 1:1 and uniformly covered the top of cladding layers. The slag isolated molten pools from the influence of water and reduced the generation of porosity and cracks. A cladding layer with good macro forming and ideal performance was successfully prepared. Among all samples, a cladding layer with a 1:1 ratio for the assistive agent comprised the smallest grain size under complete coverage protection of the liquid slag. Moreover, it exhibited the highest hardness and consequently the lowest wear rate, wear volume loss, and excellent friction resistance; it also had the best corrosion resistance. The cladding layer with a 1:1 ratio for the assistive agent had a self-corrosion current density of 0.9201 × 10−7 A cm−2, which is the lowest among the samples, indicating that it had the lowest corrosion rate. Furthermore, it had the highest corrosion potential of −0.196 V, implying that corrosion is least likely to occur. This research elucidates the protective mechanism of the ratio of CaF2 and TiO2 components in assistive agents on the macro formability of UWLC layers. It holds considerable reference value for designing protective methods for cladding layer molding in aqueous environments.

Stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric Mn modification on high-power properties in PYN-PZT piezoelectric ceramics

The types of dopants lead to distinctive microstructural evolution behavior and physical properties in materials. In this study, the effect of stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric Mn modification, namely Pb(Mn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PMnN) and MnO2, on the microstructure and properties of Pb(Yb1/2Nb1/2)O3-PbZrO3-PbTiO3 (PYN-PZT) piezoelectric ceramics are systematically investigated. It was found that stoichiometric PMnN modification inhibits the grain growth while non-stoichiometric MnO2 modification promotes it, and thus the former yields stronger high-power characteristics (higher internal bias field Ei and larger mechanical quality factor Qm) than the latter. Specifically, with an equivalent amount of Mn modification (2 mol%), PMnN and MnO2 modification PYN-PZT ceramics exhibit significantly different values for average grain size (1.21 μm vs. 14.12 μm), Ei (8.5 kV/cm vs. 5 kV/cm), and Qm (2376 vs.1134). To further evaluate high-power performance, the vibration velocity v of these two modified PYN-PZT under high driving conditions was measured. Under an AC electric field of 3.5 V/mm, the PYN-PZT+6PMnN ceramics exhibit a v of up to 0.95 m s−1, larger than both MnO2-doped PYN-PZT (0.72 m s−1) and unmodified PYN-PZT ceramics (0.1 m s−1), and far outperformance than both PZT-4 and PZT-8 ceramics. Furthermore, to elucidate the origin of the exceptional high-power performance of PMnN-modified PYN-PZT, we performed phase-field simulations revealing a pinning effect of the grain boundary on domain wall motion. Consequently, the small grain size (high grain boundary density) in PMnN-modified PYN-PZT exhibits a strong pinning effect, resulting in a large Qm and outstanding high-power performance.

Investigation of structural, dielectric, impedance, and conductivity properties of layered perovskite type compound; NaYSnO4

In this paper, the structural study of NaYSnO4 (NYSO), a layered perovskite ceramic oxide, was done using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) to identify the phase and determine the composition of NYSO. The microscopic structure of the sample seen by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was found to be polycrystalline and a mixture of large and small grains, which indicate the anisotropic nature of the sample. A FTIR spectroscopic behaviour of the material was used to identify the formation of different bonds in the material, and the XPS study gives an idea of the binding energy of each element in NYSO. A thorough analysis of the impedance, dielectric constant, dielectric loss, modulus and AC conductivity properties concerning temperature and frequency displays the electronic device characteristics. The complex impedance spectra were studied at temperatures range between 25 and 500˚C and frequency of 100 Hz to 1 MHz range. Nyquist plots reveal the charge conduction mechanism of the grain and well-defined grain boundaries that correspond to the resistive and capacitive phenomena of the material. Furthermore, the activation energy has been estimated to investigate the charge transportation mechanism. This article concludes by discussing future possibilities and scientific challenges in NTCR thermistors using NYSO.

Effect of glass infiltration and modified cooling rates on color characteristics alteration of monochrome and multilayer high yttrium oxide containing zirconia.

Sintering technique impacted color of zirconia. This study examined the effect of glass infiltration and altering cooling rate on color alteration of monochrome (Mo) and multilayer (Mu) 5 mol% yttria-partially stabilized zirconia (5Y-PSZ). 180 specimens (width, length, thickness = 10, 20, 2 mm) were prepared from Mo and Mu (comprising cervical (C) and incisal (I) zone) 5Y-PSZ shade VITA-A2. Unintentionally categorized samples (n=15/group) were sintered with traditional (T) versus glass infiltrated (G) technique and cooled down with slow (S: 5°C/min), normal (N: 35°C/min), and fast (F: 70°C/min). CIE-L*a*b* color characteristics were determined for translucency parameter (TP), contrast ratio (CR), opalescence parameter (OP), and color difference (∆Ediff). Microstructures were investigated with SEM and XRD. ANOVA and Tamhane's comparisons were determined for significant differences (p<0.05). TP and OP were significantly higher for Mo than MuC and MuI, but no significant difference in CR among them. Comparable ΔEdiff between Mo and MuC were indicated, but both were significantly lesser than MuL. Glass infiltration and raising cooling rate significantly decreased TP and OP, whereas increased CR and ΔEdiff, which amplified color alteration. Glass infiltration sintering and modified cooling rate significantly altered color parameters of 5Y-PSZ. Monochrome demonstrated higher translucency and opalescence than multilayer, possibly due to colorant additives. Glass infiltration decreased translucency and opalescence due to different refractive indices. Increased cooling rate resulted in decreasing translucency and opalescence due to smaller grain size and t→m transformation. Nevertheless, altered sintering and cooling rates still rendered an acceptable color alteration. Key words:Cooling rate, glass infiltration, optical characteristics, translucency.

Effect of Ce-Doping on the Structural, Morphological, and Electrochemical Features of Co3O4 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Solution Combustion Method for Battery-Type Supercapacitors

This study investigates the potential of cerium (Ce) doping to improve the performance of cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) nanoparticles as battery-type supercapacitor electrodes. Pure Co₃O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized via a solution combustion method and then doped with 2.5% (Ce-Co3O4) and 5% Ce (CeO2-Co3O4). Comprehensive characterization, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), was used to analyze the impact of Ce doping on the material properties. XRD analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of Ce into the Co₃O₄ structure, with distinct CeO2 phases forming at higher doping levels. Ce doping resulted in decreased crystallite size and peak intensity, indicating reduced crystallinity and increased defect concentration. Raman spectroscopy corroborated these findings, showing a redshift that suggests weakened metal-oxygen bonds and smaller grain sizes due to Ce³⁺ incorporation. FESEM images demonstrated that Ce doping effectively reduced nanoparticle agglomeration, with 2.5% doping leading to smaller particles and 5% doping promoting a 2D flake-like morphology with increased porosity. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements revealed a significant increase in surface area and pore volume for CeO2-Co₃O₄, facilitating improved electrolyte diffusion and reduced resistance, thereby enhancing electrochemical performance. Evaluation of the electrochemical properties of undoped and Ce-doped Co₃O₄ materials revealed a battery-like response in a three-electrode configuration. Notably, the CeO2-Co3O4 exhibited a superior specific capacity of 603.3 C g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1, significantly exceeding the values of 368.5 C g-1 and 127.1 C g-1 achieved by Ce-Co3O4 and undoped Co3O4, respectively. Furthermore, the CeO2-doped Co3O4 demonstrated exceptional cyclic stability, retaining 87% of its initial capacity after undergoing 5000 charge-discharge cycles at a high current density of 10 A g-1. These results suggest that Ce doping is a promising strategy for optimizing Co₃O₄-based battery-type electrode materials, potentially leading to the development of high-performance and cost-effective energy storage systems.

Influence of process parameters on the organization and properties of 316L-SCBCC bracket formed by selective zone laser melting

Abstract 316L porous skeletal scaffolds prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) technology are currently widely used in bone injuries. Its successful implantation is predicated on having properties that match those of natural bone. The process parameters significantly influence the performance of SLM-316L porous scaffold. In this study, the nine-group shaping process parameters were determined by orthogonal method. The 316L porous scaffolds were tested in compression, electrochemistry, XRD and microstructure. The influence of process parameters on the performance of body-centered cubic peripheral square structure bracket was investigated. The influence laws of process parameters on microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance were obtained. The results show that process parameters have a significant effect on the microstructure, properties and defect distribution. The reduction of defects and grain refinement in the stent is conducive to the improvement of compressive properties and hardness of the stent. The magnitude of the hardness is inversely related to the grain size. The corrosion current density of porous scaffolds are also affected by their microscopic defects and grain size. At an energy density of 78.70 J mm−3 presents the least defects and obtains smaller grains, resulting in the best mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Optical microscopy of ceramic materials based on fly ash from thermal power plants

The data on the annual release of ash and slag waste as a result of the operation of thermal power plants (TPP) in Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation are presented. The main reasons for the insignificant use of ash in the construction industry (about 5-8% of the total waste output) and the problems hindering its use for the production of ceramic wall materials are considered. A brief description of the composition and properties of the raw materials used in this work for the manufacture of ceramic wall materials is given. The compositions of the developed fly ash-based charges and the method of manufacturing ceramic samples with a matrix structure are given. The results of the study of the structure of ceramic materials by optical microscopy are presented. It is established that during the firing process, a matrix (dispersion medium) is formed from the fusible shell of aggregated complexes, and granules from fly ash are transformed into cores (dispersed phase) of a ceramic matrix composite. It was revealed that the kernels have an oval shape due to the deformation of the granules during pressing. Clusters are formed in the nuclei, consisting of a large number of small crystalline grains connected by an amorphous substance and edged with thin chains of pores. It is shown that the developed pore space inside the cores is mainly represented by frost-proof and reserve pores, which ensures high frost resistance of ceramic samples based on fly ash.

Competition between microstructural factors affecting growth of abnormally large grains in thin Cu foils

Grain boundary types and local boundary curvatures are generally considered to be important microstructural factors controlling grain boundary migration during grain growth. In this work, grain growth in thin copper foils is studied during annealing at a temperature of 1040 °C near the melting point by ex-situ experiments and Monte Carlo simulations. Few grains, stimulated by slight deformation at the sample edge, are observed to grow abnormally into the cube-oriented recrystallized microstructure with columnar grains spanning the foil thickness. The grain boundaries of these abnormally growing grains and the grain sizes in the adjacent polycrystalline recrystallized regions are analyzed. The experimental results suggest that spatial heterogeneities in the distribution of small recrystallized grains have a significant effect on the migrating boundaries. Potts model simulations confirm that grain boundary segments with small grains in front are more likely to migrate than segments facing coarser grains. The simulations also demonstrate the importance of grain morphology. Altogether, this work highlights the effects of a heterogeneous recrystallized microstructure on abnormal grain growth in thin foil samples.

Composition design and mechanical properties of B4C/Al-Zn-Mg-Cu functionally graded materials prepared by laser additive manufacturing

In this study, three types of three-layer functionally graded materials (FGMs) were designed by mainting the average content of the reinforcement constant and changing the span of the composition. The B4C particle-reinforced Al-matrix FGMs and a homogeneous composite (HC) with the same average composition were prepared using the laser additive manufacturing technique. The FGMs had a higher average secondary-phase content and grain size than the HC. Large (black) and reticulated (white) secondary phases corresponding to B4C phase, T phase, and MgZn2 were observed in the as-deposited FGM samples. The content of the secondary phase in the middle layer was generally low. The bottom layer, which was in direct contact with the substrate, exhibited the smallest grain size. The hardness and wear resistance significantly improved owing to the high B4C content in the top layer. The flexural behaviors of each layer of the FGM in different directions were systematically studied. The plasticity of the single-layer material decreased with increase in the B4C content. When the bottom layer had a high B4C content, the flexural ability significantly reduced. Among all the samples, G2 with 8% B4C particle content in the top layer exhibited the best comprehensive mechanical properties. The hardness value, wear rate of the top layer, maximum bending stress, and maximum bending strain of the FGM were 177.5 HV, 0.367 × 10−3mm3/(N·m), 585.6 MPa, and 7.36%, respectively. This study can provide a reference value for the future design and development of wear-resistant gradient materials for aerospace applications.

Effect of Extrusion Process on Microstructure, Corrosion Properties, and Mechanical Properties of Micro-Alloyed Mg-Zn-Ca-Zr Alloy.

The effect of the extrusion process on the microstructure, corrosion, and mechanical properties of Mg-Zn-Ca-Zr alloy has been investigated. Zn and Ca were both in a solid solution and only the Zr-rich phase was observed in the homogenized and extruded alloys. The Zr-rich phase was obviously refined after extrusion. The corrosion rate of the homogenized alloy decreased by about 25% after extrusion. This is because the refined Zr-rich phase was easier to cover with the deposited corrosion products, which reduced the cathodic reaction activity of the Zr-rich phase. The corrosion rate is similar for the alloys extruded at 320 °C and 350 °C since the size and distribution of the Zr-rich phase were not different in the two conditions. The alloy extruded at 320 °C has a smaller grain size and better comprehensive mechanical properties.

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.

面向小粒蔬菜种子的气吸排种器排种性能试验

Vegetable precision planting agronomy is suitable for my country's current vegetable planting system, and the air-suction vegetable precision planter is currently the most important work tool in my country. This paper designs a kind of air-absorbing vegetable precision sower for the problems of small vegetable seeds with small grains, poor mobility and high difficulty in achieving uniform sowing of small seeds. First, Fluent software is used to simulate and analyze the flow field of the air chamber in the seed metering device, and the pressure and velocity of the fluid in the air chamber are analyzed. Through the comparison of the pressure distribution cloud chart and the velocity distribution cloud chart, the influence of different apertures, holes, vacuum degree, and gas chamber depth on the flow field of the gas chamber is analyzed. The air suction seed discharger test bench was set up and orthogonal test was carried out, and the test results showed that the optimal parameter combination was 3.5 kPa vacuum degree of the air chamber, 2.4 mm diameter of the type hole, and 18 r/min rotational speed of the seed discharging disk. The high-speed photographic test was carried out under the optimal parameter combination, and the results showed that leakage of suction, adsorption of 1 seed, and adsorption of multiple seeds appeared in the process of suction, and it is important for the development of the air suction precision machine for small seeded vegetables with better performance. The results showed that the phenomenon of leakage, adsorption of 1 seed and adsorption of multiple seeds occurred in the process of seed suction, which provided a reference basis for the development of a better performance of the air-absorption precision planter for small seeds.

Mineralogical Characterization and Geochemical Signatures of Supergene Kaolinitic Clay Deposits: Insight of Ropp Complex Kaolins, Northcentral Nigeria

This study presents the chemical and mineralogical composition of clay deposits and associated rock types within the Ropp Complex in order to assess the influence of parent lithology on the kaolinization, genesis, and utility of the deposit. Representative kaolin samples from E horizons of the weathering profiles and their bedrocks were collected from six sites in the Ropp Complex. Clay mineralogy was determined via the XRD technique, while a geochemical analysis was conducted using XRF, SEM coupled with EDS, and ICP-MS. The results showed that all kaolins dominantly contain kaolinite with a content of 77%–98% except for the AS1 kaolin with only minor kaolinite (20%) but mainly illite (65%). The notably lower crystallinity of kaolinite (HI value of 0.53–1.1) as well as its markedly small grain size is consistent with the formation of kaolinite from intensive chemical weathering of igneous rocks. The AS1 kaolin was probably formed from hydrothermal alteration in the burial stage due to the heating of groundwater by the late volcanism. Mobile trace elements (Sr, Ba, and Eu) exhibited a depletion trend, while immobile elements (Hf, Ta, Th) showed enrichment. The relatively more zirconium in kaolins implies the formation of low-temperature kaolinization. The notably high kaolinite content, accompanied by reasonable levels of Fe2O3 and TiO2, signifies a medium-grade quality. Furthermore, chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns exhibit congruent trends in rocks and kaolin samples, indicating a relative enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) alongside a discernible negative Eu anomaly. The abundant kaolinite and silicon–aluminum composition make the kaolins suitable for refractories, pharmaceutics, cosmetics, and supplementary cementitious material (SCM).

Study on the grain development and dislocation evolution from dynamic to post-dynamic stage in IN718Plus superalloy; the role of second-phase

The introduction of hexagonal η-Ni3(Al,Ti)0.5Nb0.5 phase can refine and homogenize the microstructure of IN718Plus superalloy during hot working, but produces more complicated recrystallization behavior associated with second-phase modified structural mechanisms. Derived from this perspective, the role of η phase on recrystallization mechanisms and grain development from dynamic deformation to post-dynamic dwell was systematically investigated. The results indicated that η phase delayed the throughout recrystallization procedure and grain development. During dynamic deformation, boundary η inhibited discontinuous dynamic recrystallization via preventing the bulging of original grain boundaries, while intragranular lamellar η promoted heterogeneous strain concentration, stimulated random dislocations for continuous dynamic recrystallization and dislocation walls for banded dislocation substructures, which limited recrystallization occurrence in dynamic stage. During post-dynamic dwell, boundary η dissolution increased the nucleation sites for discontinuous static recrystallization, and η phase restricted grain boundary migration to provide abundant nucleation sites for continuous static recrystallization (CSRX). The banded dislocation substructures slowly evolved into subgrains to further form banded CSRX grains, which reduced grain size during early post-dynamic stage. After fully recrystallization, the residual η protected the small grains and impeded grain growth, meanwhile controlled the grain distribution. As a result, η phase induced sluggish dislocation evolution and recrystallization nucleation, consequently suppressed grain development and obtained the more homogeneous and fine grain configuration.