Research status and prospects of the fractal analysis of metal material surfaces and interfaces

As a mathematical analysis method,fractal analysis can be used to quantitatively describe irregular shapes with self-similar or self-affine properties.Fractal analysis has been used to characterize the shapes of metal materials at various scales and dimensions.Conventional methods make it difficult to quantitatively describe the relationship between the regular characteristics and properties of metal material surfaces and interfaces.However,fractal analysis can be used to quantitatively describe the shape characteristics of metal materials and to establish the quantitative relationships between the shape characteristics and various properties of metal materials.From the perspective of two-dimensional planes and three-dimensional curved surfaces,this paper reviews the current research status of the fractal analysis of metal precipitate interfaces,metal grain boundary interfaces,metal-deposited film surfaces,metal fracture surfaces,metal machined surfaces,and metal wear surfaces.The relationship between the fractal dimensions and properties of metal material surfaces and interfaces is summarized.Starting from three perspectives of fractal analysis,namely,research scope,image acquisition methods,and calculation methods,this paper identifies the direction of research on fractal analysis of metal material surfaces and interfaces that need to be developed.It is believed that revealing the deep influence mechanism between the fractal dimensions and properties of metal material surfaces and interfaces will be the key research direction of the fractal analysis of metal materials in the future.

MXenes: Versatile 2D materials with tailored surface chemistry and diverse applications

MXenes,the most recent addition to the 2D material family,have attracted significant attention owing to their distinctive characteristics,including high surface area,conductivity,surface characteristics,mechanical strength,etc.This review begins by presenting MXenes,providing insights into their structural characteristics,synthesis methods,and surface functional groups.The review covers a thorough analysis of MXene surface properties,including surface chemistry and termination group impacts.The properties of MXenes are influenced by their synthesis,which can be fluorine-based or fluorinedependent.Fluorine-based synthesis techniques involve etching with fluorine-based reagents,mainly including HF or LiF/HCl,while fluorine-free methods include electrochemical etching,chemical vapor deposition(CVD),alkaline etching,Lewis acid-based etching,etc.These techniques result in the emergence of functional groups such as-F,-O,-OH,-Cl,etc.on the MXenes surface,depending on the synthesis method used.Properties of MXenes,such as electrical conductivity,electronic properties,catalytic activity,magnetic properties,mechanical strength,and chemical and thermal stability,are examined,and the role of functional groups in determining these properties is explored.The review delves into the diverse applications of MXenes,encompassing supercapacitors,battery materials,hydrogen storage,fuel cells,electromagnetic interference(EMI) shielding,pollutant removal,water purification,flexible electronics,sensors,additive manufacturing,catalysis,biomedical and healthcare fields,etc.Finally,this article outlines the challenges and opportunities in the current and future development of MXenes research,addressing various aspects such as synthesis scalability,etching challenges,and multifunctionality,and exploring novel applications.The review concludes with future prospects and conclusions envisioning the impact of MXenes on future technologies and innovation.

Frictional contact analysis of a rigid solid with periodic surface sliding on the thermoelectric material

Understanding and characterizing rough contact and wavy surfaces are essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate wear,optimize lubrication,and enhance the overall performance and durability of mechanical systems.The sliding friction contact problem between a thermoelectric(TE)half-plane and a rigid solid with a periodic wavy surface is the focus of this investigation.To simplify the problem,we utilize mixed boundary conditions,leading to a set of singular integral equations(SIEs)with the Hilbert kernels.The analytical solutions for the energy flux and electric current density are obtained by the variable transform method in the context of the electric and temperature field.The contact problem for the elastic field is transformed into the second-kind SIE and solved by the Jacobi polynomials.Notably,the smoothness of the wavy contact surface ensures that there are no singularities in the surface contact stress,and ensures that it remains free at the contact edge.Based on the plane strain theory of elasticity,the analysis primarily examines the correlation between the applied load and the effective contact area.The distribution of the normal stress on the surface with or without TE loads is discussed in detail for various friction coefficients.Furthermore,the obtained results indicate that the in-plane stress decreases behind the trailing edge,while it increases ahead of the trailing edge when subjected to TE loads.

Material That Talks:Material Use of Architectural Surface in Semiotic Implications

According to the language of post-modern architecture which Charles Jencks proposed in the 1980s,form has been very crucial for architectural language expression.However,many suggestions also imply that the material which is deployed for building is also significant in the linguistic expression of architecture.Based on this consideration,the material use of architecture will also contain semiotic implications,whether for architects or for social consensus.How the material talks and what it says are two questions that need to be clarified.To answer these two questions,some empirical works in architecture will be examined to reveal the messages which could be delivered in architectural materials.Before this,semiotic debates in architecture will be reviewed.Then,two empirical works,one in the West and one in the East,will be considered particularly for their material deployments on the surface(façade).Since the architectural surface is the most tangible part of architecture in terms of material use,the surfaces of both projects will be discussed in detail with their implications and the atmospheres which the materials formulated and created.This paper will conclude with a consideration of the possible implications from these projects and also the different expressions of material use,which will help us to rethink the expression of the material use of architectural surface.

Universality and Specificity of Fractal Dimension of Fractured Surfaces in Materials

After calculation on the fracture angles under various conditions of specific surface energies with different symmetry operations of rotation, the complicated behavior of dependence of fractal dimension on the structure of crystal is shown. It is found that the crack propagates along the weakest crystal plane no matter what the direction of the maximum stress is if the anisotropy is sufficiently strong; and then, the fractal dimension of the fractured surfaces might be determined by the approximate fractal structure already existed in the material. Specificity of the fractal dimension of fractured surfaces would be easy to appear in this case. Reversely, the crack propagates along the direction of the maximum stress no matter what direction of the weakest crystal plane is if the anisotropy is sufficiently weak. Universality of the fractal dimension of fractured surfaces would be possible to appear in this case. In many real materials, universality and specificity of the materials are associated. The fractal dimension measured may more or less be influenced by the structure of materials and it shows its universality through the specificity of materials.

Research on a New Type of Anti-radiation Polymeric Material

Aiming at the harmfulness of and protection from ionizing radiation, this paper will centre on the design and synthesis technology of a new type of polymeric material which is stable at the ionizing radiation from 10-11 to 10-8 meter wave. The material is made up of epoxy resin 6101, curing agent phenolic-aniline resin, which is developed by the authors, and other auxilliary agents. This material is stable at the radiation of 107Gy,and its physical and chemical properties are excellent.

THE SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF Ba-CROSSLINKED POLYMER ANTI-RADIATION MATERIALS

Crosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene with barium dimethacrylate [Ba(MA)_2] as crosslinking agent have been synthesized. The relationship between X-ray absorbability and the content of Ba(MA)_2 in polymers was investigated. TGA and DSC results indicated that the crosslinked polymers containing barium dimethacrylate have a much better heat stability than pure PMMA or PS. The mechanical properties of the polymers containing barium are improved in comparison with the pure PMMA.

The Study of the Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Engineering Materials’ Surfaces

This paper studies the antimicrobial activity of selected engineering materials surfaces at room and chill temperatures. The antimicrobial effects of selected materials surfaces were evaluated by dropping the test pieces into prepared cultures of Bacillus spp, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aereus isolated from fruits, animal feaces and natural environment respectively. Bacteria count obtained after 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 and 300 minutes at room temperature and chill condition was taken and compared with their initial count. The amount of live bacteria drops by several orders of magnitude, to zero, on metallic copper and brass within 30 to 300 minutes in both room and chill conditions. In contrast, no reduction is seen in the number of colonies of live bacteria on plastics, ceramic and stainless steel in both room and chill conditions. These results suggest that the selection of metallic copper and brass for touch surfaces in hospitals, surfaces exposed to fruit processing and household utensils can materially assist in reducing bacterial contamination, which should lead to a reduction in the transmission of infectious organisms.

A Wide-Spaced Dual-Band Metamaterial Absorber Based on 2.5D Frequency Selective Surfaces and Magnetic Material

By applying meander-line for electrical loss and magnetic material for magnetic loss,we present a metamaterial absorber which is wide-spaced and dual-band(1.35—2.24 GHz and 10.37—12.37 GHz).The novelty of this study mainly lies in a combination of two kinds of losses to consume electromagnetic energy,which can get better dual-band absorption.In the electrical loss layer,meander-line structures are printed on both surfaces of the substrate and the structure series with resistors.Considering the need for miniaturization,we connect eight metallic vias with these meander-line areas to form a compact 2.5-dimensional(2.5D)structure.The dimension of the unit cell is miniaturized to be 5.94 mm×5.94 mm,about 0.035λat the center frequency of the lower absorption band.In the magnetic loss layer,the 0.4 mm thick magnetic material is employed on a metallic ground plane.In addition,the complex permittivity and complex permeability of the magnetic material are given.Finally,we fabricate a prototype of the proposed absorber and obtain a measurement result which is in good agreement with the full-wave simulation result.

Structural Engineering of Anode Materials for Low-Temperature Lithium-Ion Batteries:Mechanisms,Strategies,and Prospects

The severe degradation of electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)at low temperatures poses a significant challenge to their practical applications.Consequently,extensive efforts have been contributed to explore novel anode materials with high electronic conductivity and rapid Li^(+)diffusion kinetics for achieving favorable low-temperature performance of LIBs.Herein,we try to review the recent reports on the synthesis and characterizations of low-temperature anode materials.First,we summarize the underlying mechanisms responsible for the performance degradation of anode materials at subzero temperatures.Second,detailed discussions concerning the key pathways(boosting electronic conductivity,enhancing Li^(+)diffusion kinetics,and inhibiting lithium dendrite)for improving the low-temperature performance of anode materials are presented.Third,several commonly used low-temperature anode materials are briefly introduced.Fourth,recent progress in the engineering of these low-temperature anode materials is summarized in terms of structural design,morphology control,surface&interface modifications,and multiphase materials.Finally,the challenges that remain to be solved in the field of low-temperature anode materials are discussed.This review was organized to offer valuable insights and guidance for next-generation LIBs with excellent low-temperature electrochemical performance.

Material Removal Model Considering Influence of Curvature Radius in Bonnet Polishing Convex Surface

The bonnet tool polishing is a novel, advanced and ultra-precise polishing process, by which the freeform surface can be polished. However, during the past few years, not only the key technology of calculating the dwell time and controlling the surface form in the bonnet polishing has been little reported so far, but also little attention has been paid to research the material removal function of the convex surface based on the geometry model considering the influence of the curvature radius. Firstly in this paper, for realizing the control of the freeform surface automatically by the bonnet polishing, on the basis of the simplified geometric model of convex surface, the calculation expression of the polishing contact spot on the convex surface considering the influence of the curvature radius is deduced, and the calculation model of the pressure distribution considering the influence of the curvature radius on the convex surface is derived by the coordinate transformation. Then the velocity distribution model is built in the bonnet polishing the convex surface. On the basis of the above research and the semi-experimental modified Preston equation obtained from the combination method of experimental and theoretical derivation, the material removal model of the convex surface considering the influence of the curvature radius in the bonnet polishing is established. Finally, the validity of the model through the simulation method has been validated. This research presents an effective prediction model and the calculation method of material removal for convex surface in bonnet polishing and prepares for the bonnet polishing the free surface numerically and automatically.

High specific surface area porous graphene grids carbon as anode materials for sodium ion batteries

Although great accomplishments of functional material synthesis have been achieved in sodium ion batteries(SIBs)recently,there are still numerous challenges and problems in preparing carbon-based materials with porous architectures and enough lattice distance for Na^+insertion.Herein we report a templated strategy to synthesize 3D porous graphene girds(PGGs)consisting of several stacking graphene structure with ultrahigh surface area and hierarchical connected structure by employing Ag nanoparticles(NPs).The Ag NPs will regenerate for decreasing the experimental cost,also in line with principles of green chemistry and environmentally friendly strategy.The PGGs obtain advanced specific capacity of160 m A h g^(-1)at current density of 50 m A h g^(-1).Moreover,112 mA h g^(-1)capacity can be gained at 1 A h g^(-1)during 1000 cycles.Due to their porous architecture,ultrahigh surface area and low amorphous graphited structure,PGGs electrode showed the excellent electrochemical performance in high rate capability.

Model Estimation of Volatilization of Ammonia Appliedwith Surface Film-Forming Material

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the ammonia volatilization loss with or withoutapplication of surface film-forming material (SFFM). Ammonia volatilization loss was estimated by the modeldeveloped by Jayaweera and Mikkelsen. The results showed that the model could estimate and predict wellammonia volatilization loss also in case of SFFM addition. There was an emended factor B introduced tothe model calculation when SFPM was used. Simulated calculation showed that the effect of factor B onNHa loss was obvious. The value of B was governed by SFFM and the environmental conditions. Sensitivityanalysis suggested that pH was the main factor coatrolling NH3 volatilization loss from the floodwater.

Use of New Water Soluble Surface Film－Forming Material to Reduce Ammonia Loss from Water Solution

A new water soluble surfaCe film-forming material was developed and its effect on reducing ammonia volatilization from an alkaline solution was investigated in laborstory. Results showed that the new film formed by the material was not only more effective in reducing ammonia loss than any other films tested but also much cheaper. The optimum amount of addition of the new film-forming material was about 10times the theoretical amount to form a monomolecular film. Under the experimental conditions, the new film could effectively depress the ammonia volatilization for at least 6 days. The cumulative ammonia loss rates for different films were fitted to a simple logistic equation, and some important parameters such as the cumulative loss, and the maximum and average volatilization rates were calculated. The effect of different films could be, therefore, compared quantitatively, indicating the new film was most effective in depressing ammonia volatilization.

AN IN SITU SURFACE COMPOSITE AND GRADIENT MATERIAL OF Al-Si ALLOY PRODUCED BY ELECTROMAGNETIC FORCE

Because of the different conductivities between the primary phase (low electric conduc tivity) and the metal melt, electromagnetic force scarcely acts on the primary phase. Thus, an electromagnetic repulsive force applied by the metal melt exerts on the pri mary phase when the movement of the melt in the direction of electromagnetic force is limited. As a result, the repulsive force exerts on the primary phase to push them to move in the direction opposite to that of the electromagnetic force when the metal melt with primary phase solidifies under an electromagnetic force field. Based on this, a new method for production of in situ surface composite and gradient material by electromagnetic force is proposed. An in situ primary Si reinforced surface composite of Al-15wt%Si alloy and gradient material of Al-l9wt%Si alloy were produced by this method. The microhardness of the primary Si is HV1320. The reinforced phase size is in the range from 40μm to 100μm. The wear resistance of Al-Si alloy gradient material can be more greatly increased than that of their matrix material.

Field-assisted machining of difficult-to-machine materials

Difficult-to-machine materials (DMMs) are extensively applied in critical fields such as aviation,semiconductor,biomedicine,and other key fields due to their excellent material properties.However,traditional machining technologies often struggle to achieve ultra-precision with DMMs resulting from poor surface quality and low processing efficiency.In recent years,field-assisted machining (FAM) technology has emerged as a new generation of machining technology based on innovative principles such as laser heating,tool vibration,magnetic magnetization,and plasma modification,providing a new solution for improving the machinability of DMMs.This technology not only addresses these limitations of traditional machining methods,but also has become a hot topic of research in the domain of ultra-precision machining of DMMs.Many new methods and principles have been introduced and investigated one after another,yet few studies have presented a comprehensive analysis and summarization.To fill this gap and understand the development trend of FAM,this study provides an important overview of FAM,covering different assisted machining methods,application effects,mechanism analysis,and equipment design.The current deficiencies and future challenges of FAM are summarized to lay the foundation for the further development of multi-field hybrid assisted and intelligent FAM technologies.

Surface modification of up-conversion luminescence material Na[Y_(0.57)Yb_(0.39)Er_(0.04)]F_4 with hydrosulfide group

A new method was reported for surface modification of an up-conversion luminescence material with hydrosulfide group. The factors that may influence the surface modification,such as reaction time,amount of catalyzer and modifier,and reaction solvent,were investigated. The optimal conditions were that the reaction time,the quantity of the basic catalyzer,the quantity of modifier and the volume of reaction solvent were 40 min,1.0,1.0,and 40 mL,respectively. The results indicated that hydrosulfide group content modified on the surface of up-conversion luminescence material reached to 0.1430 mmol/g,and this modified up-conversion luminescence material could be widely used in the study of structure of protein and the property of microenvironment.

A Simulation Study on Effect of Surface Film-Forming Material on Water Evaporation

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of surface film-forming material (SFFM), a mixture of 16-18-octadecanols by emulsification, on water evaporation. Air-dried soil with distilled water was incubated firstly for 7 days to reestablish soil biological activity and then for another 7 days after treated with SFFM at rates of 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 g m-2, respectively. Everyday during the 7-day incubation after addition of SFFM, water losses due to evaporation were ~measured by an electronic balance. The rate of water evaporation with the addition of SFFM was reduced significantly compared with the control treatment and the effectiveness of SFFM on water evaporation reduced with time. According to the equation expressions of the effect of SFFM on water evaporation, the half-life of electiveness of SFFM on water evaporation was introduced and calculated to analyze quantitative relationship between the effectiveness of SFFM on water evaporation and the addition rate of SFFM. The calculated half-life increased with the addition rate of SFFM and the confidence of the calculated values of the half-life was high, suggesting that the half-life of effectiveness of SFFM on water evaporation could be described quantitatively and may be helpful for ameliorating application method of SFFM and screening surface-film forming materials in order to improve nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency in flooded rice fields.

Enhanced microwave absorption property of silver decorated biomass ordered porous carbon composite materials with frequency selective surface incorporation

Porous carbon(PC)is a promising electromagnetic(EM)wave absorbing material thanks to its light weight,large specific surface area as well as good dissipating capacity.To further improve its microwave absorbing performance,silver coated porous carbon(Ag@PC)is synthesized by one-step hydro-thermal synthesis process making use of fir as a biomass formwork.Phase compositions,morphological structure,and microwave absorption capability of the Ag@PC has been explored.Research results show that the metallic Ag was successfully reduced and the particles are evenly distributed inward the pores of the carbon formwork,which accelerates graphitization process of the amorphous carbon.The Ag@PC composite without adding polyvinyl pyrrolidone(PVP)exhibits higher dielectric constant and better EM wave dissipating capability.This is because the larger particles of Ag give rise to higher electric conductivity.After combing with frequency selective surface(FSS),the EM wave absorbing performance is further improved and the frequency region below-10 d B is located in8.20-11.75 GHz,and the minimal reflection loss value is-22.5 dB.This work indicates that incorporating metallic Ag particles and FSS provides a valid way to strengthen EM wave absorbing capacity of PC material.

New double yield surface model for coarse granular materials incorporating nonlinear unified failure criterion

A new double-yield-sarface （DYS） model was developed to characterize the strength and deformation behaviors of coarse granular materials （CGMs）. Two kinds of deformation mechanisms, including the shear and compressive plastic deformation, were taken into account in this model, These two deformation mechanisms were described by the shear and compressive yield functions, respectively. The Lode angle dependent formulations of proposed model were deduced by incorporating a 3D nonlinear unified failure criterion. Some comparisons were presented between the numerical predictions of proposed model and test data of true triaxial tests on the modeled rockfills. The model predictions are in good agreement with the test data and capture the strain hardening and plastic volumetric dilation of CGMs. These findings verify the reasonability of current DYS model, and indicate that this model is well suited to reproduce the stress-strain-volume change behavior of CGMs in general.