MIDNet:Deblurring Network for Material Microstructure Images

Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)is a crucial tool in the field of materials science,providing valuable insightsinto the microstructural characteristics of materials.Unfortunately,SEM images often suffer from blurrinesscaused by improper hardware calibration or imaging automation errors,which present challenges in analyzingand interpretingmaterial characteristics.Consequently,rectifying the blurring of these images assumes paramountsignificance to enable subsequent analysis.To address this issue,we introduce a Material Images DeblurringNetwork(MIDNet)built upon the foundation of the Nonlinear Activation Free Network(NAFNet).MIDNetis meticulously tailored to address the blurring in images capturing the microstructure of materials.The keycontributions include enhancing the NAFNet architecture for better feature extraction and representation,integratinga novel soft attention mechanism to uncover important correlations between encoder and decoder,andintroducing newmulti-loss functions to improve training effectiveness and overallmodel performance.We conducta comprehensive set of experiments utilizing the material blurry dataset and compare them to several state-of-theartdeblurring methods.The experimental results demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of MIDNet in thedomain of deblurring material microstructure images,with a PSNR(Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio)reaching 35.26 dBand an SSIM(Structural Similarity)of 0.946.Our dataset is available at:https://github.com/woshigui/MIDNet.

Laguerre Simulation and Visualization for Microstructure of Metal Materials

Simulation method was designed to divide Laguerre diagram for right circle group with different weight; out-of-core incremental algorithm for Laguerre diagram was constructed; simulation program development and visualization was done and simulation was realized in user-specified arbitrary area for simulation of metal materials microstructure, which facilitated the practical application and secondary development of Laguerre diagram in the field of material science engineering. Finally, the utilization of a developed software package exemplified the simulation application of microstructure about metal materials and proved its validity.

Analysis of Hydration Mechanism and Microstructure of Composite Cementitious Materials for Filling Mining

To obtain the compositions and microstructure of hydration products of cementitious material in different hydration ages and its growth law of filling strength, the optimal proportion of composite cementitious material was determined according to the chemical composition of cement clinker which was composed of the Portland cement 32.5R, CSA 42.5 sulphoaluminate cement and two gypsum（CS）. The characterization of composite cementitious materials in different hydration ages was conducted by NMR, XRD and SEM techniques. The mechanism of hydration was explored. It is shown that the compressive strength of the test block increases gradually with the increase of hydration age. The microstructure of composite cementitious material can be changed from Al-O octahedron into Al-O tetrahedron in the hydration process. The hydrated alkali alumi niumsilicate formed with Si-O tetrahedron and Al-O tetrahedron. The degree of polymerization of Si-O tetrahedron gradually increased, and the structural strength of cementitious materials continued to increase. The diffraction peak of clinker minerals gradually decreased with the extension of hydration age. The CaSO4 completely hydrated to produce Aft during hydration which resulted in high early strength of cementitious material. The early hydration product of composite cementitious materials was Aft with a needle bar structure. The main middle and last hydration products were CSH gel and CH gel with dense prismatic shape. The microscopic pore of composite cementitious material gradually decreased and improved the later strength of filling block. The strong support was provided for mined-out area.

Multi-scale elastoplastic mechanical model and microstructure damage analysis of solid expandable tubular

We present an in-depth study of the failure phenomenon of solid expandable tubular (SET) due to large expansion ratio in open holes of deep and ultra-deep wells. By examining the post-expansion SET, lots of microcracks are found on the inner surface of SET. Their morphology and parameters such as length and depth are investigated by use of metallographic microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, the Voronoi cell technique is adopted to characterize the multi-phase material microstructure of the SET. By using the anisotropic elastoplastic material constitutive model and macro/microscopic multi-dimensional cross-scale coupled boundary conditions, a sophisticated and multi-scale finite element model (FEM) of the SET is built successfully to simulate the material microstructure damage for different expansion ratios. The microcrack initiation and growth is simulated, and the structural integrity of the SET is discussed. It is concluded that this multi-scale finite element modeling method could effectively predict the elastoplastic deformation and the microscopic damage initiation and evolution of the SET. It is of great significance as a theoretical analysis tool to optimize the selection of appropriate tubular materials and it could be also used to substantially reduce costly failures of expandable tubulars in the field. This numerical analysis is not only beneficial for understanding the damage process of tubular materials but also effectively guides the engineering application of the SET technology.

Microstructure Morphologies of Asphalt Binders using Atomic Force Microscopy

We investigated microstructure morphologies of three asphalts（SK, Karamay, and Esso） used in China using atomic force microscopy（AFM）. The topography and phase contrast images were obtained. Topographic profile and three dimensional images were described. Roughnesses of microstructure were calculated. And the chemical compositions of asphalt were tested to explain the microstructural mechanism of the asphalt. The results show that the topography and phase image in atomic force microscopy are appropriate to evaluate the microstructure of the asphalt binder. There are significant differences in microstructural morphologies including bee-like structure, topographic profile, 3D image, and roughness for three asphalts in this study. There are three different phases in microstructure of asphalt binder. The oil source and chemical composition of asphalt, especially asphaltenes content have a great influence on the microstructure.

Mechanical Properties with High Temperature and the Microstructure of Carbon/Phenolic Ablative Composites

Carbon fiber reinforced phenolic based composites were prepared by laminating molding. The variation in mechanical characteristics of composites was evaluated with heating temperature and procedure. The microstructures of composites at different temperatures were observed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The results showed that the main weight loss range of carbon/phenolic is from 300 to 800 ℃, before 700 ℃ the weight loss was resulted from pyrolysis and after that the weight loss was mainly by oxidation in the fiber phase; with the heat treatment temperature rising, the bonding at the interface of carbon fibers and resin matrix weakened; in the pyrolysis temperature range, the interlaminar shear strength（ILSS） of carbon/phenolic showed a rapid drop with temperature rising, and then decrease in the rate of ILSS became relatively slower; the fiber oxidation had little influence on the ILSS.

Charge dynamic characteristics in corona-charged polytetrafluoroethylene film electrets

In this work, the charge dynamics characteristics of injection, transport and decay in porous and non-porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film electrets were investigated by means of corona charging, isothermal and thermal stimulating surface-potential decay measurements. The results showed that the initial surface potential, whether positively or negatively charging, is much higher in non-porous PTFE than in porous PTFE. For porous film the value of initial sur-face potentials increases with increase of film thickness. Higher charging temperature can remarkably improve charge stability. The charge dynamics are correlated to materials microstructure according to their scanning electron micrographs.For non-porous PTFE films, polarizability change of C-F bonds is the main origin of electret charges; but for porous PTFE film a large number of bulk and interface type traps are expected because of the greater area of interface and higher crys-tallinity.

Hot compressive deformation of eutectic Al-17at%Cu alloy on the interface of the Cu-Al composite plate produced by horizontal continuous casting

On the interface of the Cu-Al composite plate from horizontal continuous casting,the eutectic microstructure layer thickness ac-counts for more than 90%of the total interface thickness,and the deformation in rolling forming plays an important role in the quality of the composite plate.The eutectic microstructure material on the interface of the Cu-Al composite plate was prepared by changing the cooling rate of ingot solidification and the deformation in hot compression was investigated.The results show that when the deformation temperature is over 300℃,the softening effect of dynamic recrystallization ofα-Al is greater than the hardening effect,and uniform plastic deformation of eutectic microstructure is caused.The constitutive equation of flow stress in the eutectic microstructure layer was established by Arrhenius hy-perbolic-sine mathematics model,providing a reliable theoretical basis for the deformation of the Cu-Al composite plate.

Interfacial phase formation of Al-Cu bimetal by solid-liquid casting method

The solid-liquid method was used to prepare the continuous casting of copper cladding aluminium by liquid aluminum alloy and solid copper, and the interfacial phase formation of Al-Cu bimetal at different pouring temperatures(700, 750, 800 oC) was investigated by means of metallograph, scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry(EDS) methods. The results showed that the pouring temperature of aluminum melt had an important influence on the element diffusion of Cu from the solid Cu to Al alloy melt and the reactions between Al and Cu, as well as the morphology of the Al-Cu interface. When the pouring temperature was 800 oC, there were abundant Al-Cu intermetallic compounds(IMCs) near the interface. However, a lower pouring temperature(700 oC) resulted in the formation of cavities which was detrimental to the bonding and mechanical properties. Under the conditions in this study, the good metallurgical bonding of Al-Cu was achieved at a pouring temperature of 750 oC.

Infrared Emissivity of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 with Three Different Structures

La_（0.8）Sr_（0.2）MnO_3 samples with rhombohedral, orthohombic and monoclinic structures were prepared by solid state reaction, sol-gel and co-precipitation methods, respectively. Lattice parameters, grain size, morphology, infrared absorption and emissivity of samples were investigated. The results indicated that the average crystallite size calculated from XRD result and particle size of orthohombic sample were smaller than those of the other two samples, and honeycomb shape grains were observed in orthohombic sample. Due to lower crystal symmetry, Mn-O stretching vibration peaks of the three samples shifted to higher infrared wavenumber. According to the theory of wave optics and Kirchhoff law, bigger rhombohedral sample showed higher emissivity than monoclinic one. However, due to the honeycomb structure of orthohombic sample, repeated reflection and scattering led to the increase of absorption, and orthohombic sample exhibited the highest emissivity.

Fabrication of Fe–TiC–Al_2O_3 composites on the surface of steel using a TiO_2–Al–C–Fe combustion reaction induced by gas tungsten arc cladding

The aim of the present study was to fabricate Fe-TiC-Al2O3 composites on the surface of medium carbon steel.For this purpose,TiO2-3C and 3TiO2-4Al-3C-xFe（0 ≤ x ≤ 4.6 by mole） mixtures were pre-placed on the surface of a medium carbon steel plate.The mixtures and substrate were then melted using a gas tungsten arc cladding process.The results show that the martensite forms in the layer produced by the TiO2-3C mixture.However,ferrite-Fe3C-TiC phases are the main phases in the microstructure of the clad layer produced by the 3TiO2-4Al-3C mixture.The addition of Fe to the TiO2-4Al-3C reactants with the content from 0 to 20wt%increases the volume fraction of particles,and a composite containing approximately 9vol%TiC and A12O3 particles forms.This composite substantially improves the substrate hardness.The mechanism by which Fe particles enhance the TiC ＋ A12O3 volume fraction in the composite is determined.

Material analysis of the fatigue mechanism of rollers in tapered roller bearings

Rolling contact fatigue is the main failure mechanism of tapered roller bearings. This study investigated the fatigue mechanism of rollers in a tapered roller bearing that failed in a run-to-failure test. Roller microstructure and crack morphology were investigated through scanning electron microscopy. A microhardness test was performed to investigate the strain hardening of the roller material induced by rolling contact fatigue. Results showed that microcavities and holes are important influential factors of crack initiation and propagation. Crack propagation angle affects crack morphology and propagation mode. Material strain hardening accelerates crack growth. Furthermore, roller misalignment causes uneven hardenability and severe damage to roller ends.

Carbonate-salt-based composite materials for medium- and high-temperature thermal energy storage

This paper discusses composite materials based on inorganic salts for medium- and high-temperature thermal energy storage application. The composites consist of a phase change material （PCM）, a ceramic material, and a high thermal conductivity material. The ceramic material forms a microstructural skeleton for encapsulation of the PCM and structural stability of the composites; the high thermal conductivity material enhances the overall thermal conductivity of the composites. Using a eutectic salt of lithium and sodium carbonates as the PCM, magnesium oxide as the ceramic skeleton, and either graphite flakes or carbon nanotubes as the thermal conductivity enhancer, we produced composites with good physical and chemical stability and high thermal conductivity. We found that the wettability of the molten salt on the ceramic and carbon materials significantly affects the microstructure of the composites.

Composites of sodium manganese oxides with enhanced electrochemical performance for sodium-ion batteries: Tailoring properties via controlling microstructure

Composites of Na_(0.44)Mn O_2, Na_(0.7)Mn O_(2.05), and Na_(0.91) Mn O_2 were synthesized by facile solid-state reaction, ball milling, and annealing methods. Two different composites of identical overall composition but drastically different morphologies and microstructures were synthesized. A composite of a hierarchical porous microstructure with primary and secondary particles(i.e., a "meatball-like" microstructure) achieved an excellent stable capacity of 126 m A h g^(-1) after 100 cycles. The rate capability of the composite could be dramatically enhanced by another round of high-energy ball milling and reannealing; subsequently, a composite that was made up of irregular rods was obtained, for which the capacity was improved by more than 230% to achieve ~53 m A h g^(-1) at a particularly high discharge rate of 50 C. This study demonstrated the feasibility of tailoring the electrochemical performance of electrode materials by simply changing their microstructures via facile ball milling and heat treatments, which can be particularly useful for optimizing composite electrodes for sodium-ion batteries.

Mixed-solvent thermal synthesis and magnetic properties of flower-like microstructured nickel

Flower-like microstructured nickel was synthesized by a facile mixed-solvent thermal process. The structure, morphology, and magnetic properties of the reaction products were investigated, respectively, by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, and vibrating sample magnetometry （VSM）. The results showed that the products consisted of a face-centered cubic （fcc） structure with lattice constant of u=3.524A. The average diameter of flower-like microstructured nickel was about 5 um and the thickness of a single flake was about 100nm. Magnetic measurement showed that these powders exhibited ferromagnetic characteristics.

Effect of Oxygen on Microstructure Evolution and Glass Formation of Zr-based Metallic Glasses

The effect of oxygen on the microstructure evolution and glass formation of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses（BMGs）was studied in detail.It was found that oxygen did not form oxides or dissolve in glass matrix,but induced the precipitation ofα-Zr which has the high affinity and solubility of oxygen in the Zr-based bulk metallic glass（ZrBMG）.With the precipitation ofα-Zr,the remaining melts contain much lower oxygen content and have strong glass formation,resulting in the formation ofα-Zr/BMG composite.The findings provide an important insight into the mechanism of the oxygen on glass formation,and give us a useful guideline to avoid the oxygen detrimental for designing new BMGs.

Electron Beam Melted Beta-type Ti–24Nb–4Zr–8Sn Porous Structures With High Strength-to-Modulus Ratio

Electron beam melting （EBM） has been used to manufacture β-type Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn porous compo- nents with 70% porosity, EBM-produced components have favorable structural features （i.e. smooth strut surfaces, fewer defects） and an （α ＋ β）-type microstructure, similar to that subjected to aging treat- ment. EBM-produced components exhibit more than twice the strength-to-modulus ratio of porous Ti- 6A1-4V components having the same porosity. The processing-microstructure-property relationship and deformation behavior of EBM-produced components are discussed in detail. Such porous titanium com- ponents composed of non-toxic elements and having high strength-to-modulus ratio are highly attractive for biomedical applications.

Improving weld formability by a novel dual-rotation bobbin tool friction stir welding

A novel dual-rotation bobbin tool friction stir welding （DBT-FSW） was developed, in which the upper shoulder （US） and lower shoulder （LS） have different rotational speeds. This process was tried to weld 3.2 mm thick alunlinum-lithium alloy sheets. The metallographic analysis and torque measurement were carried out to characterize the weld formabiliW. Experimental results show that compared to conven- tional bobbin tool friction stir welding, the DBT-FSW has an excellent process stability, and can produce the defect-free joints in a wider range of welding parameters. These can be attributed to the significant improvement of material flow caused by the formation of a staggered layer structure and the unbalanced force between the US and LS during the DBT-FSW process.