Recent progress in bio-inspired macrostructure array materials with special wettability—from surface engineering to functional applications

Bio-inspired macrostructure array(MAA,size:submillimeter to millimeter scale)materials with special wettability(MAAMs-SW)have attracted significant research attention due to their outstanding performance in many applications,including oil repellency,liquid/droplet manipulation,anti-icing,heat transfer,water collection,and oil–water separation.In this review,we focus on recent developments in the theory,design,fabrication,and application of bio-inspired MAAMs-SW.We first review the history of the basic theory of special wettability and discuss representative structures and corresponding functions of some biological surfaces,thus setting the stage for the design and fabrication of bio-inspired MAAMs-SW.We then summarize the fabrication methods of special wetting MAAs in terms of three categories:additive manufacturing,subtractive manufacturing,and formative manufacturing,as well as their diverse functional applications,providing insights into the development of these MAAMs-SW.Finally,the challenges and directions of future research on bio-inspired MAAMs-SW are briefy addressed.Worldwide efforts,progress,and breakthroughs from surface engineering to functional applications elaborated herein will promote the practical application of bio-inspired MAAMs-SW.

A Brief Introduction of Macrostructures Theory

In recent years,numerous textual studies have appeared.However,the majority of them concentrated on the study of cohesion and coherence of sentences.Van Dijk(1977,1980),Holland famous linguist,put forward"Macrostructures"which provide us with a theo retical basis to study macrostructure of texts.The paper aims to introduce it in very detail and make it known to all the English learners.

Macrostructure and properties of thin walled copper tubes prepared by the downward continuous unidirectional solidification method

The macrostructure and properties of the thin walled copper tube prepared by the downward continuous unidirectional solidification （DCUS） method were studied. The result shows that the macrostructure is closely related to the solid-liquid interface profile, which is influenced by the distance between the cooling water location and the solidification front. The mechanical properties of the thin walled copper tube prepared by the DCUS method are near those of the normal cast copper, and it has good relative density, electrical conductivity, and elongation, which are not greatly affected by casting speed. The thin walled copper tube prepared by the DCUS method also has good processing properties that can be taken to further drawing procedures directly without an intermediate process, and obtains good mechanical properties with the total processing rate of 89.8%.

EFFECT OF ROTATING MAGNETIC FIELD ONMACROSTRUCTURE OF A CENTRIFUGALCASTING Al-1%Cu ALLOY

Rotating electromagnetic field is applied to the centrifugal casting, the macrostructure of centrifugal casting Al-1%Cu alloy stirred with driving or backing magnetic field are both examined. It is shown that both kinds of electromagnetic filed can enforce the columnar-equiaxed transition, the driving one decrease the tendency of porosity occurring due to the increase in the bulk liquid pressure. Stirring with braking electromagnetic field produces the mixture of outer fine grains and inner coarse grains in the casting, this is analyzed to be contributed to the differences both in electric conductivity and density between the crystal and the melt, as well as skin effects.

Macrostructures and mechanical properties of ultrasonic-assisted friction stir welding joint of 2024-T3 aluminium alloy

In friction stir welding of aluminum alloys, tunnel defect may occur due to insufficient plastic material flow caused by lower heat input in the weld region. The inadequacy in heat input is due to improper selection of friction stir welding tool and process parameters. Ultimately, such defects degrade the properties of weld and may pose serious concerns towards the integrity and safety of the weld component. In order to improve the properties of weld joints, an ultrasonic-assisted friction stir welding device has been configured where ultrasonic energy is transferred from an ultrasonic unit directly into one of the workpieces near the tool. Using this configuration, ultrassonic-assisted friction stir welding was conducted on 6 mm thick 2024- 73 aluminum alloy sheets. The macrostructure and mechanical properties of these welds were compared with the welds of this alloy prepared by conventional friction stir welding using identical process parameters. The results show that the welding speed can be increased while satisfactory weld quality is still ensured. The ultrasonic energy transferred in this configuration could enlarge the volume of weld nugget zone. Also, the influence of ultrasonic energy on the suppression or elimination of the tunnel defect is quite apparent. However, any beneficial effects of ultrasonic vibration on the tensile strength and the elongation of the joint were less obvious in this configuration.

Dark Galaxies, Sun-Earth-Moon Interaction, Tunguska Event—Explained by WUM

Great experimental results and observations achieved by Astronomy in the last decades revealed new unexplainable phenomena. Astronomers have conclusive new evidence that a recently discovered “dark galaxy” is, in fact, an object the size of a galaxy, made entirely of dark matter. They found that the speed of the Earth’s rotation varies randomly each day. 115 years ago, the Tunguska Event was observed, and astronomers still do not have an explanation of It. Main results of the present article are: 1) Dark galaxies explained by the spinning of their Dark Matter Cores with the surface speed at equator less than the escape velocity. Their Rotational Fission is not happening. Extrasolar systems do not emerge;2) 21-cm Emission explained by the self-annihilation of Dark Matter particles XIONs (5.3 μeV);3) Sun-Earth-Moon Interaction explained by the influence of the Sun’s and the Moon’s magnetic field on the electrical currents of the charged Geomagma (the 660-km layer), and, as a result, the Earth’s daylength varies;4) Tunguska Event explained by a huge atmospheric explosion of the Superbolide, which was a stable Dark Matter Bubble before entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

Acoustic properties of closed-cell aluminum foams with different macrostructures

As structural materials, closed-cell aluminum foams possess obvious advantages in product dimension, strength and process economics compared with open cell aluminum foams. However, as a kind of structure-function integration materials, the application of closed-cell aluminum foams has been restricted greatly in acoustic fields due to the difficulty of sound wave penetration. It was reported that closed-cell foams with macrostructures have important effect on the propagation of sound waves. To date, the relationship between macrostructures and acoustic properties of commercially pure closedcell aluminum foams is ambiguous. In this work, different perforation and air gap types were designed for changing the macrostructures of the foam. Meanwhile, the effect of macrostructures on the sound absorption coefficient and sound reduction index were investigated. The results showed that the foams with half-hole exhibited excellent sound absorption and sound insulation behaviors in high frequency range（〉2500 Hz）. In addition, specimens with air gaps showed good sound absorption properties in low frequency compared with the foams without air gaps. Based on the experiment results, propagation structural models of sound waves in commercially pure closed-cell aluminum foams with different macrostructures were built and the influence of macrostructures on acoustic properties was discussed.

Carbon Nanotubes:from Nanoscale Building Blocks to Macrostructures

1 Results Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have fascinating properties.In order to use these novel one-dimensional structures for applications such as in nano-electronic,nano-mechanical and electrochemical energy storage device and as structural elements in various composites,the structure of nanotubes needs to be tailored and various architectures and macroscale assembles have to be configured using nanotube building blocks.Nanotube macrostructures are macroscopically organized groups of CNTs,which are expecte...

Macrostructural and microstructural features of 1000 MPa grade TRIP steel joint by CO_2 laser welding

Bead-on-plate CO2 laser welding of 1 000 MPa grade transformation induced plasticity （TRIP） steel was conducted under different welding powers, welding speeds and shield gases. The macrostructural and microstructural features of the welded joint were investigated. The increase of welding speed reduced the width of the weld bead and the porosities in the weld bead resulting from the different flow mode of melted metal in weld pool. The decrease of welding power or use of shield gas of helium also contributed to the reduction of porosity in the weld bead due to the alleviation of induced plasma formation, thus stabilizing the keyhole. The porosity formation intimately correlated with the evaporation of alloy element Mn in the base metal. The laser welded metal had same martensite microstructure as that of water-quenched base metal. The welding parameters which increased cooling rate all led to fine microstructures of the weld bead.

A 2-D FINITE ELEMENT MODEL SIMULATION OF THE MELTING PROCESS OF Al-Ti ALLOY IN VACUUM INDUCTION FURNACE WITH COLD CRUCIBLE(VIFCC)

The development of a numerical model for the melting process of Al--Ti alloy targetmaterial in vacuum induction furnace with cold crucible (VIFCC)was described. It isa two--dimensional computational methodology to calculate electromagnetic field, heattransfer field and fluid flow field. Based on the aid of the finite element method withthe commercial software--ANSYS, a superimposition method of a layer of copper anda slit to simulate the VIFCC melting process was used. The method was effectiveto save large quantity of memory and computing time. Meanwhile, a temperaturedistribution profile during the melting process was obtained. Validity of the model wasconfirmed by comparison between the result from calculation and those from directmeasurement by optical pyrometer and indirect investigation by ingot macrostructure.A relatively good agreement was found. Further, a nearly directional solidificationstrvcture was obtained under properly controlling the cooling rate and heating power.Therefore, such model developed in this article is feasible.

Investigation of Cast Copper Structure

In this paper,the results of exploration macrostructure and microstructure of continuous cast copper bars are shown. Quantitative parameters of copper cast bars depending on the speed of continuous casting are rated. It is fixed that independent of speed of casting the macrocrystalline columnar structure consisting of four zones is formed. By means of raster electron microscopy,the microstructure of cast copper is studied. It is determined that the accumulations of eutectic Cu-Cu2O in the form of lines and gas pores by size from 2 to 35 microns at the boundaries grain are observed. With the use of the transmission electron microscope,specific dislocation configuration on cast copper sub-boundary grains is determined. It indicates to high-temperature strain of cupper in the course of cast bar solidification. The important finding can be used for the design technology of copper continuous casting and plastic working of cast bars.

Comparison and Contrast of Paper-based and On-line Dictionaries

This paper explores the advantages and disadvantages of paper printed and on-line dictionaries in terms of macrostructure and microstructure,availability,portability and practicality etc.Different kinds of dictionaries have unique features that cannot be fully replaced by other kinds.

Hubble Tension

The results of measurements of the Hubble constant H0, which characterizes the expansion rate of the universe, show that the values of H0 vary significantly depending on Methodology. The disagreement in the values of H0 obtained by the various teams far exceeds the standard uncertainties provided with the values. This discrepancy is called the Hubble Tension. In this paper, we discuss Macrostructures of the World (Superclusters and Galaxies);explain their Origin and Evolution in frames of the developed Hypersphere World-Universe Model (WUM), which is an alternative to the prevailing Big Bang Model (BBM) [1];and provide the explanation of the Hubble Tension. The main difference between WUM and BBM is: Instead of the Infinite Homogeneous and Isotropic Universe around the Initial Singularity in BBM, in WUM, the 3D Finite Boundless World (a Hypersphere) presents a Patchwork Quilt of different Luminous Superclusters (103), which emerged in various places of the World at different Cosmological times. In WUM, the Medium of the World is Homogeneous and Isotropic. The distribution of Macroobjects in the World is spatially Inhomogeneous and Anisotropic and temporally Non-simultaneous.

Simulation of stray grain formation in Ni-base single crystal turbine blades fabricated by HRS and LMC techniques

The simulation models of the thermal and macrostructural evolutions during directional solidification of Ni-base single crystal(SX) turbine blades under high rate solidification(HRS) and liquid metal cooling(LMC) have been constructed using Pro CAST software, coupled with a 3D Cellular Automaton Finite Element(CAFE) model. The models were used to investigate the tendencies of stray grain(SG) formation in the platform region of turbine blades fabricated by HRS and LMC techniques. The results reveal that the LMC technique can prohibit SG formation by smoothing the concaved isotherm and in turn alleviating the undercooling in the platform ends to let the dendrites fill up the undercooled zone before SG nucleation. The simulation results agreed well with the experimental results, indicating that these models could be used to analyze the macrostructural evolution or to optimize process parameters to suppress SG formation. Using these models, the critical withdrawal rate for casting SX turbine blades without SG formation were determined to be around 75 μm·s^(-1) and 100 μm·s^(-1) for HRS and LMC respectively, suggesting that LMC can be used as an efficient technique in fabricating SX turbine blades without any SG defect formation.

THE STRUCTURES OF SOME MESOPHASE PITCH-BASED CARBON FIBRES

The macro-and micro-structure of two groups(high modulus and high thermalconductivity)of MP-based carbon fibres were studied using X-ray diffraction,and both scanningand transmission electron microscopy.The dominant macrostructure in cross section is of foldedpseudo-radial layers which have a tendency to form a quasi-uniform domain as the fibre modulusincreases.It is found that high thermal conductivity fibres have both missimg sector and circularcross sections(possessed predominantly by the high modulus fibre group).The microstructuralstudy indicates that apart from the fibre C700,which has a three-dimensional graphite structure,these two groups of carbon fibres all exhibit a turbostratic stacking order.Furthermore it is foundthat the turbostratic stacking thickness as determined from dark-field measurement is much largerthan the classical crystallite thickness L_c as measured from X-ray diffraction.

Advances in microwave absorbing materials with broad-bandwidth response

Microwave absorbing materials(MAMs)are playing an increasingly essential role in the development of wireless communications,high-power electronic devices,and advanced target detection technology.MAMs with a broad-bandwidth response are particularly important in the area of communication security,radiation prevention,electronic reliability,and military stealth.Although considerable progress has been made in the design and preparation of MAMs with a broad-bandwidth response,a number of challenges still remain,and the structure–function relationship of MAMs is still far from being completely understood.Herein,the advances in the design and research of MAMs with a broad-bandwidth response are outlined.The main strategies for expanding the effective absorption bandwidth of MAMs are comprehensively summarized considering three perspectives:the chemical combination strategy,morphological control strategy,and macrostructure control strategy.Several important results as well as design principles and absorption mechanisms are highlighted.A coherent explanation detailing the influence of the chemical composition and structure of various materials on the microwave absorption properties of MAMs is provided.The main challenges,new opportunities,and future perspectives in this promising field are also presented.

Macro-and Microstructure Evolution of 5CrNiMo Steel Ingots during Electroslag Remelting Process

A comprehensive mathematical model was established and used to simulate the macro and microstructure evolution during the production process of 5CrNiMo steel ingot by electroslag remelting （ESR） method. Along the ingot height, the macrostructure distribution characteristics changed from vertical, fine columnar grains to tilted, coarse columnar grains, and this transformation process occurred at the very beginning of ESR. In the cross section of the ingot, there were three grain morphology regions and two grain type transition regions from the outside to the center of the ingot. These regions were the fine columnar grain region, columnar competitive growth transition re gion, coarse columnar grain region, columnar to equiaxed grain transition （CET） region, and coarse equiaxed grain region. The influence of the remelting rate on the macrostructure and mlcrostructure was investigated using a series of experiments and simulations. The results showed that a low remelting rate could produce a small grain growth angle （GGA） ; the average secondary dendrite arm spacing （SDAS） firstly decreased and then increased as the remelting rate increased. An excessively high or low remelting rate can increase the GGA and average SDAS in ingots. Thus, the remelting rate should be controlled within a suitable range to reduce composition microsegregation and microshrinkage in the ingot to produce an ESR ingot with satisfactory hot forging performance.

Review of organic and inorganic pollutants removal by biochar and biochar-based composites

Biochar(BC)has exhibited a great potential to remove water contaminants due to its wide availability of raw materials,high surface area,developed pore structure,and low cost.However,the application of BC for water remediation has many limita-tions.Driven by the intense desire of overcoming unfavorable factors,a growing number of researchers have carried out to produce BC-based composite materials,which not only improved the physicochemical properties of BC,but also obtained a new composite material which combined the advantages of BC and other materials.This article reviewed previous researches on BC and BC-based composite materials,and discussed in terms of the preparation methods,the physicochemical properties,the performance of contaminant removal,and underlying adsorption mechanisms.Then the recent research progress in the removal of inorganic and organic contaminants by BC and BC-based materials was also systematically reviewed.Although BC-based composite materials have shown high performance in inorganic or organic pollutants removal,the potential risks(such as stability and biological toxicity)still need to be noticed and further study.At the end of this review,future prospects for the synthesis and application of BC and BC-based materials were proposed.This review will help the new researchers systematically understand the research progress of BC and BC-based composite materials in environmental remediation.

Application of biochar-based materials in environmental remediation:from multi-level structures to specific devices

The development of biochar has triggered a hot-spot in various research fields including agriculture,energy,environment,and materials.Biochar-based materials provide a novel approach against environmental challenging issues.Considering the rapid development of biochar materials,this review serves as a valuable platform to summarize the recent progress on the theoretical investigation and engineering applications of biochar materials in environmental remediation.For a better understanding of the structure-application relationships,the structural properties of biochar from macroscopic and microscopic aspects are summarized.The multilevel structures including elements,phases,surface chemistry,and molecular are highlighted to elucidate the multi-functional properties of biochars.Sorption,catalysis,redox reaction,and biological activity of biochar are briefly illustrated,which influence the transport,transformation,and removal of organic and inorganic pollutants in the environments.According to the multi-level structures and structure-application relationships of biochar,specific biochar-based materials and devices have been designed for practical environmental application.The important progress on the functionalization and device of biochar-based materials,including magnetic biochars,2D and 3D biochar-based macrostructures,immobilized microorganism on biochar,and biochar-amended biofilters are highlighted.The environmental friendliness and sustainability of biochar-based materials,considering the whole cycle from synthesis to application,are evaluated.

Improvement of Inner Quality of High Carbon Wire Rod Steel Using Combined Electromagnetic Stirring

To improve the quality of high carbon wire rods,combined electromagnetic stirring was introduced in the continuous casting of round billets with a diameter of 250mm at Tianjin Rockcheck Steel Group Co.In this paper,the positioning of final electromagnetic stirring(F-EMS)was determined by nail-shooting method.Furthermore,the effect of mold electromagnetic stirring(M-EMS)on the macrostructure and internal defects in the round billets was investigated to find out the optimal operating parameters for continuous casting of SWRH 82B round billets.The results show the desirable positioning of F-EMS locates 9.7m below the mold level where the molten steel can be effectively driven by electromagnetic force and disperse central composition segregation.The shrinkage cavity is totally eliminated with the rotational M-EMS.The ratio and index of central composition segregation and center porosity can be reduced significantly. Furthermore,the equiaxed crystal ratio is considerably increased to 64%under 480A/3Hz M-EMS and 500A/10Hz F-EMS. Fine microstructure and mechanical property of wire rod are presented after optimization of combined electromagnetic stirring.Accordingly,the probability of occurrence of cup-cone fracture of wire rod is reduced dramatically.