There are many approaches to predict the average pressure acting in the cutting zone, and these are usually based on specific cutting force and the cutting resistance. Common theme for these modelling approaches is to use chip thickness to describe the uncut chip. These models are usually based on process parameters such as the depth of cut ap, radial engagement ae and feed per tooth fz. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the underlying process parameters affecting the main cutting force in milling operations using the Full Factorial Design model. For this study, single-tooth climb milling with indexable carbide inserts in medium carbon steel C45E, were selected. The design, and experiment, and analysis were performed using Modde Pro. During the test, the main cutting force was measured with a dynamometer and compared with the results from the FFD model. These results revealed that the inclusion of the interaction of parameters in the model was important for the model accuracy. As expected, it also shows that any increase of ae, ap, and fz will increase the main cutting force and therefore all three parameters should be included in a DoE, when modelling main cutting force in milling. In conclusion, a statistical approach can be used to calculate the main cutting force, complementing the traditional models that are based on cutting resistance and chip thickness.
This study presents the development and evaluation of optimized pigment paste formulations for UV-curable nail coatings based on seven organic pigments. The influence of the monomer-oligomer ratio, pigment loading, and dispersants was examined using planetary mixing, high-speed dispersion, and three-roll milling. Paste quality was assessed through rheological measurements, grind gauge analysis, and opacity evaluation. The results demonstrate that dispersion behavior is strongly pigment-dependent and requires tailored formulation strategies. Stable, cream-like pastes suitable for automated handling were obtained by balancing pigment concentration with base viscosity and dispesrsant performance. Three-roll milling at 20/10 μm gaps and 160 rpm produced only minimal opacity changes (ΔOP = 0.27%), indicating that organic pigments disperse effectively even without intensive mechanical milling. The results establish the first comparative formulation framework for organic pigments tailored to automated production of UV-curable nail coatings. The proposed approach supports the development of stable dispersions with controlled rheological and optical properties enabling efficient and scalable production of coatings for industrial applications.
To meet the demand for rapid and high-quality metallographic specimen preparation of P91 steel, this study systematically optimized the chemical polishing and etching processes through full-factorial and single-factor experiments. The results indicate that the optimal formulation for the chemical polishing solution is 20 ml of hydrogen peroxide, 1.75 g of ammonium hydrogen fluoride, 2.0 g of oxalic acid, and 25 ml of deionized water. The optimal process parameters involve pre-grinding up to 600-grit, followed by chemical polishing at 25 °C for 120 s. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analyses demonstrate that this optimized process effectively disrupts temporary chromium-rich passivation films and promotes a dynamic oxidation-dissolution equilibrium. This mechanism helps to prevent localized over-corrosion and effectively retains critical secondary-phase precipitates, such as Cr-Mo-rich carbides. Furthermore, combining this polishing process with an optimized ethanol-buffered etchant (20 ml HCl + 100 ml anhydrous ethanol) clearly reveals the lamellar tempered martensite microstructure of P91 steel while mitigating severe matrix degradation. By avoiding the deformation layers typically introduced by mechanical polishing, this high-fidelity approach provides an efficient and reliable sample preparation methodology for on-site microstructural examination, thereby supporting the subsequent evaluation of critical pressure-bearing components.
To explore the influence of horizontal continuous casting parameters on Cu-0.8Cr alloy casting, modeling and analysis were carried out using ProCAST software. The results showed that casting speed had the greatest effect on liquid core length, followed by casting temperature and the primary cooling water flow rate, while the influence of the secondary cooling water flow rate was relatively weak. For billets with diameters of 14 and 21 mm, the optimal process conditions were a casting temperature of 1180 °C, a casting speed of 1400 mm/min, a primary cooling water flow rate of 36 L/min, and a secondary cooling water flow rate of 16 L/min. For billets with a diameter of 28 mm, the optimal process conditions were a casting temperature of 1180 °C, a casting speed of 600 mm/min, a primary cooling water flow rate of 36 L/min, and a secondary cooling water flow rate of 16 L/min.
To overcome the limitations of traditional single-layer materials in broadband sound absorption and the inadequacy of existing simulation methods for complex composite structures, this study proposes a hybrid modeling framework that integrates Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) and Transfer Matrix Method (TMM). A cross-scale theoretical model is established to map material micro-parameters (flow resistivity, porosity, tortuosity) to macroscopic SEA subsystem parameters, enabling precise low-frequency wave description via TMM and efficient mid-to-high frequency statistical energy characterization via SEA. Comparative simulations reveal a fundamental divergence between the two methods: at 16 Hz, pure TMM predicts a transmission loss (TL) of only 0.44 dB, whereas SEA predicts 48.62 dB – a discrepancy exceeding 48 dB – highlighting TMM's idealized infinite-layer assumptions versus SEA's system-level boundary considerations. Based on these findings, a frequency-domain weighted fusion model is developed, employing a Sigmoid weighting function calibrated by experimental data to achieve a smooth transition between the two methods across the full spectrum. The proposed SEA-TMM hybrid model reduces the root-mean-square error (RMSE) of TL prediction by 52 % compared to pure SEA and 93 % compared to pure TMM, providing a robust cross-scale theoretical tool for the high-performance design of complex multilayer acoustic materials.
Lead-free solder alloys are crucial in the electronics production sector due to environmental and health concerns. While tin aluminum alloys are good alternatives, the addition of indium improves their properties. This study investigates the effect of indium addition on the structural, thermal, and electrical properties of tin aluminum alloys. Sn95-xAl5Inx alloys (where x = 5, 10, and 15 wt.%) were made, and examined using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical, electrical and thermal properties were measured. The addition of indium caused changes in the microstructure and the formation of intermetallic compounds. The Vickers hardness increased from 36.43 kg/mm² for Sn95Al5 alloys to 38.92 kg/mm² for Sn80Al5In15 alloys, while the modulus of elasticity increased from 31.71 GPa to 37.92 GPa with increasing indium content. The melting temperature decreased by up to 130 °C, while mechanical strength and hardness varied with indium content. Electrical resistivity showed variations depending on indium concentration as well. This work is notable for investigating the change in electrical resistivity with varying indium content, highlighting the important role of indium in modifying these properties. The results demonstrate that tin-aluminum-indium alloys exhibit modified melting points and improved mechanical properties, suggesting their potential use in lead-free welding applications and improved welding efficiency.
Elemental redistribution is able to achieve through thermal diffusion and formation of intermetallic phases in amorphous Ti30Cu70 ribbons in liquid Sn at 590 ℃. Cu elements are replaced partially by Sn elements gradually with the extension of treatment time, and most of Cu elements can be replaced by Sn at 60 s. Preformed Ti2Cu intermetallic phases in amorphous Ti30Cu70 ribbons still remain as preformed due to their higher thermal stability than Sn-containing intermetallics. Both Ti6Sn5 and Ti2Sn3 intermetallic phases are preferred to form after thermal diffusion for 60 s. The repartitioning rate of Sn elements is confirmed to be 5.61 × 10-8 m s-1 according to the change of the thickness of residual layers with high Cu concentration. The present methodology provides a possible alloying way to fabricate the precursors with multilayers where different intermetallic phases.
This paper discusses the increasing issues of urbanization and industrialization by creating compressed non-fired solid waste bricks (CNFSWB) under 10 MPa uniaxial pressure and without heat treatment with red mud (RM), fly ash (FA), and silica fume (SF) as the main materials with less ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and alkali (NaOH) activation, providing an alternative construction material which is sustainable. Effects of combinations of OPC-NaOH on early-age and 28-day compressive strength were also systematically examined, as well as their freeze-thaw resistance in order to determine durability behavior under cyclic environmental factors. Findings indicate that cement hydration and alkali activation have a synergistic effect on mechanical performance, leading to enhancement of the dissolution of aluminosilicate phases and consequent formation of C–S–H, C–A–S–H and N–A–S–H gels. The specimens with a moderate level of NaOH dosage (8.4 g) had the highest 28-day compressive strength (52.24 MPa) and better freeze-thaw resistance, which showed that there is an optimal level of OPC content and alkali activation ratio, which is important in densifying the microstructure, mechanical strength and long-term stability. These results indicate the possibilities of using strategic blending of industrial solid wastes with controlled chemical activation in the production of sustainable, high performance, and durable non-fired bricks to be used in construction.
Thermo-physiological comfort has become an essential quality parameter for footwear and apparel materials, particularly in natural leather, where heat, air, and moisture regulation directly affect wearability. Among these, suede leathers exhibit distinctive comfort behaviour due to their napped, open-pore structure. This study aimed to compare the thermo-physiological comfort properties of suede leather for footwear and apparel, focusing on physical strength, air and water vapour permeability, and thermal performance. Physical-mechanical properties of suede leathers were evaluated according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards (tensile strength, elongation, tear load), air and water vapour permeability, and thermal parameters (conductivity, resistance, absorptivity) were measured. Apparel suede exhibited significantly higher tensile strength and elongation, reflecting flexible collagen structures suited to body movement. They also exhibited greater air and water vapour permeability, supporting moisture transfer and breathability in garments. Suede footwear demonstrated higher thermal resistance and absorptivity, providing insulation and a cooler tactile sensation, functional for foot protection and maintaining microclimate stability. These findings highlight the application-specific optimization of suede leathers: apparel suede is preferred for flexibility, softness, and breathability, whereas footwear suede emphasizes insulation, durability, and tactile cooling. The study offers valuable guidance for material selection in design and manufacturing, bridging scientific evaluation with consumer-driven comfort needs.
This study evaluated the effects of vegan mouthrinses on the color stability and translucency of single-shade and multi-shade resin composites. A total of 108 disc specimens from four resin composites (Charisma Smart, Filtek Z250, Vittra APS Unique, Zenchroma) were allocated to control, Grapefruit mouthrinse, and Chios Mastiha mouthrinse groups. Samples were immersed in 12 and 24 hours to simulate 1- and 2-year clinical use. Color (ΔE00) and translucency (ΔRTP00) changes were measured with a spectrophotometer. Data analysis was performed with robust ANOVA (α = 0.05). Vegan mouthrinse groups showed greater color change than the control group (p < 0.001). Vittra APS Unique showed the highest color change, exceeding clinical thresholds (> 1.8), whereas Charisma Smart was the most stable. In contrast, translucency changes were mainly material-dependent (p < 0.001) and were not influenced by solution or time. All ΔRTP00 values were within clinically acceptable limits. Vegan mouthrinses had a negative effect on color stability, particularly in single-color resin composite samples; however, their effect on translucency was minimal. Multi-shade resin composites exhibited greater color stability; this indicates that vegan mouthrinses may still be clinically and visually acceptable.
The corrosion behavior of four copper corrosion inhibitors benzotriazole (BTA), 2-mercaptobenzoxazole (MBO), methylbenzotriazole (TTA), and 5-carboxybenzotriazole (5-CBTA) at a concentration of 0.20 mmol/L to 3.5 % NaCl solution was studied. According to electrochemical test, soak test and corrosion morphology characterization analysis, the best corrosion inhibitor at the same concentration are screened out. The results of the electrochemical fitting test, static corrosion test, and metallographic micrograph all have suggested that the corrosiveness of the brass plate surface is significantly reduced after the addition of the high-concentration corrosion inhibitor. It can be obtained by means of a weight-loss method that, when the concentration of corrosion inhibitor is 0.20 × 10-3 mol/L, the minimum corrosion rate of BTA is 1.43 × 10-5 g/cm2·d, metallographic micrographic characterization shows that BTA's inhibition effect is the best.
Metal-halide perovskites (MHPs) are investigated in industrial applications due to optoelectronics and energy storage properties. In this study, the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the structural, electronic, elastic and optical properties of CsPbM₃ (M = F, Cl, Br, and I) are studied through using theoretical calculations based on the FP-LAPW method in Materials Studio, with GGA-PBE and LDA-CAPZ parameterizations. The exchange-correlation energies are calculated with GGA-PBE and LDA-CAPZ parameterizations. Results indicate that CsPbCl₃ with GGA-PBE exhibits the highest mechanical stability with a bulk modulus of 24.67 GPa, B/G ratio of 2.49, and positive elastic constants. CsPbF₃ (LDA-CAPZ) is the hardest (9.73 GPa) but mechanically unstable under pressure. Moreover, the CsPbM3 exhibits a vertical-electron transition as well as semiconductor with a direct band gap at R- symmetry point as the band gap decreases between CsPbF3 (2.629 eV PBE, 2.498 eV LDA) to CsPbI 3 (1.303 eV PBE, 1.280 eV LDA) respectively. A red shift in absorption and higher static dielectric constant occurs with increasing halide atomic radius. CsPbI₃ shows strong infrared and visible absorption, ideal for solar cells, while CsPbCl₃ and CsPbBr₃ keeps high plasmonic activity and suitable for high-frequency optoelectronic applications. GGA-PBE predicts higher mechanical strength and is more effective for studying band gap closure and optical absorption compared to LDA-CAPZ. CsPbI₃ is promising for solar energy devices due to its optical properties, while CsPbCl₃ and CsPbBr₃ are better for mechanically stable optoelectronic applications. Current research work findings support the potential of CsPbM₃ perovskites for practical applications as well as experimental validation.
To predict the corrosion progression of high-strength steel wires in the main cables of suspension bridges, this study proposes a method for calculating the corrosion rate of steel wires under service conditions. First, the corrosion rate was experimentally determined using a three-electrode system under orthogonal test conditions, varying the concentration of NaCl, pH, and tensile stress. The results reveal that both pH and NaCl concentration significantly influence the corrosion rate, with a notable coupling effect, while tensile stress has a relatively minor impact. A fitted calculation model was established to describe the relationship between these factors and the steel wire corrosion rate. Second, to validate the model, the environmental conditions of the Humen Bridge in China were analyzed. The annual corrosion rate of steel wires in this environment was estimated to be approximately 0.017 mm/year. Lastly, the diameter loss of the most severely corroded outer steel wire in the Humen Bridge's main cable was measured to be around 0.2 mm, aligning well with the model's predictions. Through experimental investigation and real-world validation, this study establishes a calculation method for predicting steel wire corrosion in suspension bridge main cables based on the internal cable environment and tensile stress. This method offers a novel approach for assessing and monitoring main cable corrosion in suspension bridges.
In this work, the effects of adding rare earth elements (Nd and Gd) and Mg, Al, and Mn on the microstructure and corrosion characteristics of Zn-based cast alloys were comprehensively studied. Eight different alloy samples were synthesized and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel) experiments, and immersion corrosion tests. Microstructural analysis revealed the presence of dendritic α-Zn phases in the Zn matrix and Nd-rich and Gd-rich intermetallic phases, whose morphology varied depending on the kind and quantity of the additives. The Tafel test values of corrosion potential (Ecorr) and current density (Icorr), and the immersion test-derived values of annual corrosion rates (mm/year), were well correlated with the degree of microstructural degradation. Sample Zn + 5 Mg + 0.1 Al + 0.01 Mn + 0.5 Nd + 2.0 Gd, which had the highest corrosion resistance with a higher percentage of Nd and more homogeneous in structure, followed by Sample Zn + 5 Mg + 0.1 Al + 0.01 Mn + 0.1 Nd with the poorest performance. Post-immersion SEM micrographs substantiated the corrosion and electrochemical as well as immersion results, and reiterated that the distribution of intermetallic phases, grain size, and homogeneity of alloying elements are the major parameters governing the corrosion behavior.
This work presents an optimized formulation strategy for UV-curable pigment pastes based on seven inorganic pigments and six lacquers for nail coating systems. The composition was systematically adjusted by varying the monomer–oligomer ratio, pigment loading, and dispersant concentration. Dispersion efficiency was assessed through wetting tests, controlled mixing and three-roll milling. Final performance was characterized by viscosity, grind value and opacity measurements. Viscosity increased with oligomer content and pigment concentration, while dispersant 1 substantially reduced viscosity and enabled stable formulations at practical pigment loadings. Three-roll milling at 20/10 μm roll gaps and 160 rpm improved opacity (ΔOP = 12.81%), confirming the need for high shear energy to achieve efficient deagglomeration. The results establish a practical parameter set for producing UV-compatible inorganic and lacquer pigment pastes with viscosities suitable for automated manufacturing.
CuO layers were formed by thermal oxidation of Cu sheets at 900 °C under static-air conditions using two different heating protocols: isothermal insertion into a preheated furnace and continuous ramp heating from room temperature. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed predominantly monoclinic CuO in both cases. The isothermal insertion protocol produced a distributed preferential orientation involving the (111), (020), and (311) planes, whereas the continuous ramp protocol promoted a pronounced texture along the (−202) plane, accompanied by larger crystallite size and reduced microstrain. Minor Cu2O traces were detected in samples prepared under the continuous ramp protocol, indicating differences in oxidation kinetics. Raman peak positions were nearly identical (< 1.5 cm⁻¹ variation), indicating similar local bonding in both samples, while slightly broader full width at half maximum (FWHM) values for the isothermal insertion sample were consistent with the higher microstrain derived from XRD analysis. Photoluminescence measurements showed emission maxima at ~880 nm for the continuous ramp sample and ~887 nm for the isothermal insertion sample, with nearly identical FWHM values (~ 153 – 154 nm). The red shift observed for the isothermal insertion sample suggests minor variations in the local defect environment, while the comparable FWHM values indicate that the same dominant defect-related recombination mechanism governs the emission in both cases. Electrical transport properties were largely insensitive to the texture and microstructural variations induced by the heating protocol. The heating protocol therefore exerts a clear influence on the crystallographic texture of CuO layers formed by thermal oxidation of Cu, without significantly altering their electrical behavior.
To address the environmental degradation of solar panels, we developed a durable, multifunctional nanocomposite coating. The coating integrates TiO₂, ZnO, and SiO₂ nanoparticles into a silicone resin, which is applied using a scalable spray-deposition technique to achieve self-cleaning, UV protection, and thermal management. Key performance metrics were significantly improved: the coating created a superhydrophobic surface (Water Contact Angle > 145°), provided strong UV absorption (> 0.87 a.u.) while retaining high visible light transmittance (> 95 %), and increased thermal emissivity from 71 % to 84.9 %. In field tests, coated panels consistently outperformed uncoated panels, delivering up to 59 % higher power output and reducing surface temperatures by up to 8.6 %. The novelty lies in the strategic integration of three complementary nanoparticles to provide comprehensive environmental protection in a single, robust layer. This work demonstrates a practical, scalable solution to improve the efficiency and long-term durability of solar panels in real-world applications.
Microwave dielectric ceramics, dispersed polymer matrix composites, play a pivotal role in contemporary wireless communication systems due to the strategic combination of miniaturization and efficient electromagnetic wave processing. In this work, complex oxides were prepared to suit the requirements of compact and superior high-frequency devices. The zinc tungstate-boron oxide and zinc tungstate powders were synthesised by a solid-state reaction and subsequently embedded in an epoxy matrix to provide a new functional polymer composite. Structural characterizations were measured with x-ray diffraction (XRD (Lab6000)), and microwave dielectric properties were measured with a Vector Network Analyser (VNA). The resulting zinc tungstate – 5 wt.% boron oxide/epoxy composite showed great potential dielectric performance with a high dielectric constant (ɛr) of 30 and a low loss tangent (tan δ) of 0.0001. To illustrate the practical feasibility of these composites, Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Studio Suite was used to design and simulate a microstrip patch antenna. Simulation results revealed that incorporating 5 % boron oxide not only improved the microwave dielectric properties but also transformed the material into a highly effective antenna substrate that surpasses traditional materials with respect to matching depth (-45 dB) and radiation efficiency (93.4 %).
CoCrNi medium entropy alloy (MEA) coatings were prepared by high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spraying. The microstructures, wear resistance in a wide temperature range, corrosion resistance in NaCl and NaOH solutions of the MEA coatings were systematically studied by SEM, XRD, friction experiment, and electrochemical corrosion test. The microstructure of HVOF coatings was uniform with FCC single-phase solid solution. As the friction temperature increased from room temperature to 200 ℃, 400 ℃, and 600 ℃, the friction coefficients, wear track depth and width, and wear volume loss of the coatings gradually decreased. And these parameters of CoCrNi coating at 600 ℃ are about 0.50 ± 0.1, (140 ± 8) μm, (2.10 ± 0.1) mm, (0.0234 ± 0.0001) g, respectively. Abrasive wear, fatigue wear and plastic deformation were the main wear mechanisms of CoCrNi coatings during the wear test at room temperature. And oxidation wear became the main wear mechanism of CoCrNi coating during the wear test at 400 ℃ and 600 ℃. Ecorr and Icorr of the CoCrNi coatings in NaCl solution were approximately (-0.217 ± 0.01) mV and (0.26 ± 0.08) μA/cm2, respectively. Ecorr and Icorr of CoCrNi coatings in NaOH solution were approximately (-0.282 ± 0.02) and (0.04 ± 0.01) μA/cm2, respectively. And the corrosion resistance of CoCrNi coatings were more superior than 45 carbon steel.
In this study, Zn-based alloys were produced by the conventional casting technique. After homogenization heat treatment, microstructural properties and corrosion life of pure zinc, Zn-Mg, Zn-Mg-Al, and Zn-Mg-Al-Sc alloys were investigated. Effects of additional elements, heat treatment, and phases formed in the structures affecting corrosion resistance were systematically investigated. To evaluate corrosion, we performed electrochemical and immersion tests in Hank's salt solution. Corrosion resistance deteriorated in scandium-added Zn-Mg-Al-Sc alloys due to localized galvanic coupling, whereas we observed improvements in microstructure. On a positive note, the Zn-Mg-Al alloy showed the best corrosion resistance. Our findings on the microstructural changes and corrosion resistance effects of Sc addition to biodegradable Zn-based alloys helped to explain the complex role played by Sc. The previous studies focused mostly on binary and ternary systems of Zn alloys. However, new insight into the role of Sc adding in Zn-based alloys is contributed by this study. The findings of our study clarify the effect of Sc on the microstructure and bio-corrosion behavior of Zn-based alloys. As a result, more reliable biodegradable Zn-based alloys will be designed thanks to this study.
