Search Results (34)

In this study, an aluminum heating block with two inlets (for the Polylactic acid (PLA) filament and the continuous aramid fiber) was produced and placed onto an extruder, and continuous-aramid-fiber-reinforced PLA composites were fabricated by using the nozzle impregnation method. Layer height values of 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.8 mm and hatch spacing values of 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1.0 mm were used for the investigation of the processing parameters on the properties of composites by differentiating the reinforcement volume fraction. Additionally, atmospheric plasma treatment was used for the surface modification of the reinforcement fiber. The properties of composites reinforced by using surface-modified fibers were also investigated in order to reveal the efficacy of the atmospheric plasma treatment on the properties of composites. The effect of the atmospheric plasma treatment on the fiber properties was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Continuous-aramid-fiber-reinforced PLA composites were characterized mechanically by fiber pull-out, tensile, and flexural testing. The fracture surfaces of composites were analyzed by using SEM. The combination of a reduced layer height and a narrower hatch spacing yielded the best mechanical performance, with a tensile strength of 410.25 MPa achieved at a 0.6 mm layer height and a 0.4 mm hatch spacing. This combination minimizes void formation, enhances fiber alignment, and strengthens interlayer adhesion, leading to superior mechanical properties. The FTIR and XPS results showed that atmospheric plasma modification can enhance the interfacial bonding strength by improving the surface morphology and increasing the content of polar groups on the fiber surface. By combining optimized manufacturing conditions with the atmospheric plasma treatment, the mechanical performance of continuous-aramid-fiber-reinforced PLA composites was enhanced. Full article

An automated system for measuring the thermal conductivity of functional and structural materials was developed. The main building blocks of the setup are the following: heating unit and cooling unit creating a heat flux gradient in the test sample; thermal resistances for temperature registration and control; and thermal pads for better contact between parts of the setup and the sample. The effect of the thermal conductivity of thermal pads and thermal resistances on the distribution of thermal fields in the developed setup was studied by computer modelling. A control software for the measuring setup was developed based on the hardware implementation of the steady-state Fourier’s law-based method for the determination of thermal conductivity. The stopping criterion for the setup control software is the equality of heat fluxes in the heating and cooling units, as well as the stability of the thermal conductivity coefficient readings. The testing and calibration of the device were carried out using a sample of pure aluminum (99.999 wt.% Al). It was found that the experimental value of the thermal conductivity coefficient of the aluminum sample at room temperature (T = 22 °C) is <λ> = 243 ± 3 W/m·K. This value of the thermal conductivity coefficient is consistent with the literature data and experimental values obtained by the laser flash method, which ranges within λ = 210–260 W/m·K. Full article

Aluminum technical alloys are well known for their outstanding mechanical properties, especially after heat treatment. However, quenching and aging, which improve the mechanical properties, by the formation of Cu-rich zones and phases that are coherent with the matrix and block the dislocation motion, cause uneven distribution of the elements in the alloy and consequently make it prone to corrosion. One method providing satisfactory corrosion protection of aluminum alloys is anodizing. On an industrial scale, it is usually carried out in electrolytes containing chromates that were found to be cancerogenic and toxic. Therefore, much effort has been undertaken to find substitutions. Currently, there are many Cr(VI)-free substitutes like tartaric–sulfuric acid anodizing or citric–sulfuric acid anodizing. Despite using such approaches even on the industrial scale, Cr(VI)-based anodizing still seems to be superior; therefore, there is an urge to find more complex but more effective approaches in anodizing. The incorporation of anions into anodic alumina from the electrolytes is a commonly known effect. Researchers used this phenomenon to entrap various other anions and organic compounds into anodic alumina to change their properties. In this review paper, the impact of the incorporation of various corrosion inhibitors into anodic alumina on the corrosion performance of the alloys is discussed. It is shown that Mo compounds are promising, especially when combined with organic acids. Full article

In this research, a thermoelectric generator is used to absorb waste heat on the walls of a wood charcoal burning stove to produce electrical energy. The research was carried out using 4 Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) attached to the outer wall of the furnace. The walls of the charcoal stove’s combustion chamber are designed with aluminum plates. A water block cooling system with water flow is used to overcome the increase in heat at the cold side of TEG. The DC water pump power used to circulate the water block is 215 L/h, 275 L/h, 320 L/h, 350 L/h, 375 L/h, and 400 L/h. This research aims to find the most optimal water flow rate at a water block. Temperature measurements are carried out on the recent and bloodless facets of the TEG, and the temperature of the inlet and outlet water of the water block. Changes in TEG voltage, current, and output power are recorded with a multimeter connected to the acquisition data. Analysis of energy balance and heat transfer was carried out in the furnace’s combustion chamber. The experimental results show that the cooling water flow rate of 275 L/h can produce the highest electrical power, around 11.17 W. The use of TEGs as a medium for generating electrical energy from wasted heat through the furnace’s walls can meet some of a household’s electrical energy needs. Full article

This work presents a low-cost transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) instrument for nucleic acid detection, employing an Arduino Nano microcontroller. The cooling system includes customized printed circuit boards (PCBs) that serve as electrical resistors and incorporate fans. An aluminum block is designed to accommodate eight vials. The system also includes two PCB heaters—one for sample heating and the other for vial lid heating to prevent condensation. The color detection system comprises a TCS3200 color 8-sensor array coupled to one side of the aluminum heater body and a white 8-LED array coupled to the other side, controlled by two Multiplexer/Demultiplexer devices. LED light passes through the sample, reaching the color sensor and conveying color information crucial for detection. The top board is maintained at 110 ± 2 °C, while the bottom board is held at 65 ± 0.5 °C throughout the RT-LAMP assay. Validation tests successfully demonstrated the efficacy of the colorimetric RT-LAMP reactions using SARS-CoV-2 RNA amplification as a sample viability test, achieving 100% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity with 66 clinical samples. Our instrument offers a cost-effective (USD 100) solution with automated result interpretation and superior sensitivity compared to visual inspection. While the prototype was tested with SARS-CoV-2 RNA samples, its versatility extends to detecting other pathogens using alternative primers, showcasing its potential for broader applications in biosensing. Full article

Solid-state additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) is a thermomechanical-based additive manufacturing technique. For this study, AFSD was utilized to produce aluminum alloy 6061 (AA6061) blocks with varying layer thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm). The mechanical properties were assessed through uniaxial tensile tests and Vickers microhardness measurement, and statistical analysis was employed to investigate differences among data groups. The results revealed that the deposition layer thickness influences tensile properties in the building (Z) direction, while the properties in the X and Y directions showed minor differences across the three AFSD blocks. Furthermore, variations in tensile properties were observed depending on the sample orientation in the AFSD blocks and its depth-wise position in the part in the building direction. The microhardness values decreased non-linearly along the building direction, spread across the width of the part’s cross-section, and highlighted that the deposition layer thickness significantly affects this property. The 1 mm block exhibited lower average microhardness values than the 2 mm and 3 mm blocks. The temperature histories and dynamic heat treatment are influenced by the deposition layer thickness and depend on the location of the point being studied in the part, resulting in variations in the microstructure and mechanical properties along the building direction and across the part’s width. Full article

The use of waste in the production of building materials is one of the possible ways to solve problems related to the sustainable management of non-degradable waste and difficult-to-recycle secondary resources. In this paper, a method is proposed for the non-autoclave production of an ultra-lightweight cellular concrete based on Portland cement, glass waste and liquid glass. A mixture of sodium hexafluorosilicate and hydroxide is used as a hardening activator, an aluminum powder serves as a gas-forming agent. The setting and hardening of raw mixtures occurs under the action of exothermal heat release due to a complex of chemical reactions occurring in the system, and the resulting material does not require additional heat treatment. It is optimal to use two fractions of glass waste to achieve acceptable material strength: coarse crushed (fineness modulus F_m = 0.945) and finely ground (specific surface S_sp = 450–550 m²/kg) glass. Glass particles of the fine fraction of glass, along with Portland cement, participate in hydrolytic and structure-forming processes, while glass particles of the coarse fraction play the role of reinforcing filler. The influence of the dispersion of glass and the density of liquid glass on the density, porosity, strength, water absorption and water resistance of the resulting cellular material was determined. At an average density of cellular concrete in the dry state of 150–320 kg/m³, the following characteristics can be achieved: a compressive strength up to 2.0 MPa, bending strength up to 0.38 MPa, thermal conductivity coefficient of the material in the range 0.05–0.09 W/(K·m), and a maximum operating temperature of 800 °C. The proposed ultra-lightweight cellular concrete can be used as a non-combustible heat and sound insulation material, as well as a repairing composition; the cellular concrete blocks can be used as filling masonry and for the construction of non-bearing internal walls. Full article

In this study, 2219 aluminum alloy thick plate was joined by electron beam welding. Defect-free joints with excellent surface formation were obtained. There were significant differences in the microstructure along the thickness direction of the weld zone (WZ). The upper region of the WZ was mainly striated grains, while the lower region was fine equiaxed grains. The WZ of 2219 joint is composed of α-Al and Al-Cu eutectic. Fine equiaxed grains were formed in the partially melted zone (PMZ) due to the existence of high-melting nucleation particles including Ti-Al and Ti-Zr compounds. The eutectic microstructure in the PMZ and the heat-affected zone (HAZ) presented net-like and block-shape distribution. Due to the formation of fine grains and high content of Al-Cu eutectic, the WZ showed the highest microhardness (80 HV). Therefore, the 2219 joint obtained excellent mechanical properties. The tensile strength of the 2219 joint was equal to that of the base metal (BM), but the elongation of the 2219 joint significantly decreased to 15.1%, about 67.7% of that of BM. The fracture mode of the 2219 joint presented typical ductile fracture. Full article

Many common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants cultivated in areas of the world with acidic soils exhibit difficulties adapting to low phosphorus (P) availability, along with aluminum (Al) toxicity, causing yield loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of an increase in P supply level on the agronomic, phenological, and physiological performance of two common bean breeding lines grown in acidic soil, with low fertility and under high temperature conditions, in a screenhouse. A randomized complete block (RCB) design was used under a factorial arrangement (five levels of P × 2 genotypes) for a total of 10 treatments with four replications. The factors considered in the experiment were: (i) five P supply levels (kg ha⁻¹): four levels of P0, P15, P30, and P45 through the application of rock phosphate (RP), and one P level supplied through the application of organic matter (PSOM) corresponding to 25 kg P ha⁻¹ (P25); and (ii) two advanced bean lines (BFS 10 and SEF10). Both bean lines were grown under the combined stress conditions of high temperatures (day and night maximum temperatures of 42.5 °C/31.1 °C, respectively) and acidic soil. By increasing the supply of P, a significant effect was found, indicating an increase in the growth and development of different vegetative organs, as well as physiological efficiency in photosynthesis and photosynthate remobilization, which resulted in higher grain yield in both bean lines evaluated (BFS 10 and SEF10). The adaptive responses of the two bean lines were found to be related to phenological adjustments (days to flowering and physiological maturity; stomatal development), as well as to heat dissipation strategies in the form of heat (NPQ) or unregulated energy (qN) that contributed to greater agronomic performance. We found that, to some extent, increased P supply alleviated the negative effects of high temperature on the growth and development of the reproductive organs of bean lines. Both bean lines (BFS 10 and SEF 10) showed adaptive attributes suited to the combined stress conditions of high temperature and acidic soil, and these two lines can serve as useful parents in a bean breeding program to develop multiple stress tolerant cultivars. Full article

Zr is an important element to improve the heat resistance of aluminum alloys, which is usually added to alloys using the Al-Zr master alloys. The microstructure of Al-Zr master alloys has a significant impact on the properties of Zr-bearing aluminum alloys. In this paper, the microstructure of commercial Al-5Zr master alloys was examined, and the effect of the remelting temperature and cooling rate on the solidification structure of the remelted Al-5Zr master alloys was investigated, aiming to develop a feasible way for quality improvement of Al-5Zr master alloys. The results showed that the microstructure of the remelted Al-5Zr master alloy could be regulated effectively by controlling the remelting temperature and cooling rate. When the remelting temperature was 1320 °C, the primary Al₃Zr phase in the remelted Al-5Zr master alloy was mainly precipitated as coarse plate-like or fine long needle-like. Higher cooling rate increased nucleation density and refined microstructure. The average length of the primary Al₃Zr phase was 178.2, 87.4, and 61.3 μm when the cooling rate was 4.6, 30.8, and 43.9 °C/s, respectively. Lower remelting temperature was generally conducive to refinement of primary Al₃Zr phase. When the remelting temperature was 920 °C, the primary Al₃Zr phase in the remelted Al-5Zr master alloy was mainly precipitated as block-like, fine needle-like, and petal-like. When the cooling rate was 4.6 °C, coarse plate-like Al₃Zr phase precipitated. With increasing cooling rate to 25.3 °C, the coarse plate-like Al₃Zr phase disappeared and the block-like and fine needle-like Al₃Zr phase precipitated followed by a large number of fine petal-like Al₃Zr phase precipitated after cooling rate to 45.6 °C. The optimized remelting process can improve the microstructure of the commercial Al-5Zr master alloy. Full article

Spray cooling is a heat transfer technology that has already shown its advantages and limitations. There has been increasing interest from academia and industry in combining this technology with nanofluids as coolants, owing to their potential for heat transfer enhancement. Nevertheless, there is a lack of understanding of the physical mechanism leading to this enhancement with the presence of technical problems that prevent the use of nanofluids in spray cooling applications. In this study, we investigate the effect of water-based TiO${}_2$ nanofluids on both spray characteristics and heat transfer using an industrial full-cone pneumatic nozzle. For this purpose, three mass concentrations (0.05 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, and 0.2 wt.%) were prepared and tested. We monitored the droplet sizes and velocity profiles with a particle dynamics analysis system. Moreover, the temporal temperature decrease of a heated aluminum block from 190 to 65 °C was measured via an infrared camera to calculate the heat transfer rate and heat transfer coefficient. The presence of nanoparticles is shown not to substantially alter the spray characteristics. Moreover, heat transfer is augmented mainly in the boiling regime due to more nucleation sites formed by the deposited nanoparticles. However, in the non-boiling regime, the contribution of adsorbed nanoparticles to the heat transfer enhancement diminishes. Overall, the aluminum block is cooled down 6%, 12%, and 25% faster than the DI water by the nanofluids at 0.05 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, and 0.2 wt.%, respectively, including boiling and non-boiling regimes. Full article

The temperature effect caused by high slip has an important influence on the operation performance and reliability of magnetic coupling. Taking the self-developed single disk asynchronous magnetic coupling as the research object, the heat loss equation of the magnetic coupling is established. Based on the three-dimensional transient magnetic field simulation model of the magnetic coupling, the eddy current loss, torque, and eddy current distribution law of the magnetic coupling are obtained through simulation. The space flow field and structure temperature field distribution of the magnetic coupling are analyzed by using the fluid-thermal coupling simulation method, and the heat dissipation coefficient and temperature distribution law of the structure surfaces such as copper disk, the back lining yoke iron disk, and the aluminum disk are obtained. The test platform was built to test the torque and temperature of the magnetic coupling. The results show that the error between the test and simulation is 4.8% in the torque aspect, and the maximum error between the test and simulation is only 8.1% in the temperature aspect of each component, which further verifies the effectiveness of the simulation method. On this basis, three heat dissipation improvement schemes are proposed, including installing heat dissipation blocks, setting semicircular grooves on the back lining yoke iron disk, and a hybrid design. The results show that the degree of improvement for each scheme is in the following order: hybrid design, setting semicircular grooves on the back lining yoke iron disk, and installing heat dissipation blocks. Under the hybrid design, the temperature of the back lining yoke iron plate and a copper plate of the magnetic coupling is reduced by about 8.5 °C compared with the original model, and the effect is ideal. The research results can provide an optimization reference for high-speed magnetic coupling and the temperature effect caused by an overload-locked rotor. Full article

Cold metal transfer (CMT) welding is an attractive welding technology for thin sheet aluminum alloys because of its low heat input, arc stability and spatter-free behavior during the welding process. The present research is mainly concerned with the effect of different heat input on microstructure and mechanical properties of CMT welding 2A14 aluminum alloy in 3 mm thickness. The results indicate that a welded joint with good quality can be achieved when the welding current is 105 A and welding speed is 8 mm/s. The weld width and porosity gradually increase along with the constantly increasing welding heat input. The center of the welded joint consists of a large number of fine equiaxed dendrites, and the gray matrix is uniformly distributed accompanied by a large number of dots and blocks as a white second phase, corresponding to the composition of the Al₂Cu phase. The microhardness of welded joints under different welding heat input maintains relative stability and presents a certain softening degree; the base material is the highest, followed by the heat-affected zone. Full article

The isothermal heat treatment process has been identified as a unique process of fabricating exceptional graphite cast iron due to its remarkable mechanical properties, such as excellent machinability, toughness, and high level of ultimate tensile strength. Austempered ductile iron (ADI), ductile iron (DI), and gray cast iron (GCI), known as spheroidal cast irons, are viable alternative materials compared to traditional steel casting, as well as aluminum casting. The graphite nodules from the microstructures of DI, ADI, and GCI are consistently encompassed by acicular ferrite and carbon-saturated austenite in the matrix, forming a distinctive ausferritic structure. All these materials are extensively used in the fabrication of engine sleeves, engine blocks, valves, gears, and camshafts in the automobile sector. With relative motion and outward loads, these components are regularly exposed to surface contact. In this project, it was observed that austempering temperature and a shorter holding period could also be used to manufacture needle-like ferrite platelets for austempered ductile iron (ADI) and other graphite cast irons. To overcome the brittleness challenges and catastrophic failures encountered by applied loads in present-day applications, it is essential to comprehend the isothermal treatments, morphological behaviors, phase analyses, processing techniques, and mechanical properties needed to properly incorporate these materials into future designs. This review article provides detailed information on the characterization and relevant potential mechanisms of ADI, DI, and GCI. Full article

In this study, dissimilar AA7075/Q235 steel joints were successfully fabricated by friction stir welding (FSW), and the grains of AA7075 in the nugget zone (NZ) were refined and mixed with the broken Q235 fragments (i.e., the steel particles, strips, and blocks). Meanwhile, intermetallic compound (IMC) layers were generated along the aluminum/steel (Al/steel) interface due to the occurrence of Al/steel diffusion. The results also revealed that the macro- and microstructures of the FSW joints varied depending on the welding heat input; under the cold FSW condition, micro-defects formed because of the weak and chaotic material flow in the NZ, reducing the welding heat input gave rise to inhomogeneous grain refinement; and the dynamic recrystallization of Al only occurred in the regions that lacked large steel blocks. In contrast, elevating the welding heat input led to the homogenization of the grain refinement and increased the thickness of the IMC layers. The FSW quality was controlled by both the thickness of the IMC layers and the size of the steel fragments simultaneously. Both the optimal-thickness IMC layers (about 2 μm) and fine steel particles were required to strengthen the joints, and a more than 30 MPa increment in the tensile strength could be obtained by manufacturing the above microstructures. Unfortunately, all the FSW joints failed in a brittle manner and the elongation was lower than 5%. Two kinds of fracture surfaces were observed inside the NZ: one was flat along the Al/steel interface, and the other was uneven due to the pulling out of the large steel strips and blocks. Full article