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.

The effect of anisotropic surface tension on the morphological stability of planar interface during directional solidification

This paper considers the effect of the anisotropic surface tension on the morphological stability of the planar interface during directional solidification. When the expression exhibiting the four-fold symmetry is included, the modified absolute stability criterion is obtained by employing the multi-variable expansion method. The linear stability analysis reveals that for the given temperature gradient, as the anisotropic surface tension parameter increases, the stability zone tends to decrease.

A 3D In-vitro model of the human dentine interface shows long-range osteoinduction from the dentine surface

Emerging regenerative cell therapies for alveolar bone loss have begun to explore the use of cell laden hydrogels for minimally invasive surgery to treat small and spatially complex maxilla-oral defects.However,the oral cavity presents a unique and challenging environment for in vivo bone tissue engineering,exhibiting both hard and soft periodontal tissue as well as acting as key biocenosis for many distinct microbial communities that interact with both the external environment and internal body systems,which will impact on cell fate and subsequent treatment efficacy.Herein,we design and bioprint a facile 3D in vitro model of a human dentine interface to probe the effect of the dentine surface on human mesenchymal stem cells(hMSCs)encapsulated in a microporous hydrogel bioink.We demonstrate that the dentine substrate induces osteogenic differentiation of encapsulated hMSCs,and that both dentine andβ-tricalcium phosphate substrates stimulate extracellular matrix production and maturation at the gel-media interface,which is distal to the gel-substrate interface.Our findings demonstrate the potential for long-range effects on stem cells by mineralized surfaces during bone tissue engineering and provide a framework for the rapid development of 3D dentine-bone interface models.

Impact of ethanol on the flotation efficiency of imidazolium ionic liquids as collectors:Insights from dynamic surface tension and solvation analysis

To conduct extensive research on the application of ionic liquids as collectors in mineral flotation,ethanol(EtOH)was used as a solvent to dissolve hydrophobic ionic liquids(ILs)to simplify the reagent regime.Interesting phenomena were observed in which EtOH exerted different effects on the flotation efficiency of two ILs with similar structures.When EtOH was used to dissolve 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride(C12[mim]Cl)and as a collector for pure quartz flotation tests at a concentration of 1×10^(−5)mol·L^(−1),quartz recovery increased from 23.77%to 77.91%compared with ILs dissolved in water.However,quartz recovery of 1-dodecyl-3-methylim-idazolium hexafluorophosphate(C12[mim]PF6)decreased from 60.45%to 24.52%under the same conditions.The conditional experi-ments under 1×10^(−5)mol·L^(−1)ILs for EtOH concentration and under 2vol%EtOH for ILs concentration confirmed this difference.After being affected by EtOH,the mixed ore flotation tests of quartz and hematite showed a decrease in the hematite concentrate grade and re-covery for the C12[mim]Cl collector,whereas the hematite concentrate grade and recovery for the C12[mim]PF6 collector increased.On the basis of these differences and observations of flotation foam,two-phase bubble observation tests were carried out.The EtOH promoted the foam height of two ILs during aeration.It accelerated static froth defoaming after aeration stopped,and the foam of C12[mim]PF6 de-foaming especially quickly.In the discussion of flotation tests and foam observation,an attempt was made to explain the reasons and mechanisms behind the diverse phenomena using the dynamic surface tension effect and solvation effect results from EtOH.The solva-tion effect was verified through Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),and Zeta potential tests.Al-though EtOH affects the adsorption of ILs on the ore surface during flotation negatively,it holds an positive value of inhibiting foam mer-ging during flotation aeration and accelerating the defoaming of static foam.And induce more robust secondary enrichment in the mixed ore flotation of the C12[mim]PF6 collector,facilitating effective mixed ore separation even under inhibitor-free conditions.

Analyzing the surface passivity effect of germanium oxynitride:a comprehensive approach through first principles simulation and interface state density

High-purity germanium(HPGe)detectors,which are used for direct dark matter detection,have the advantages of a low threshold and excellent energy resolution.The surface passivation of HPGe has become crucial for achieving an extremely low energy threshold.In this study,first-principles simulations,passivation film preparation,and metal oxide semiconductor(MOS)capacitor characterization were combined to study surface passivation.Theoretical calculations of the energy band structure of the -H,-OH,and -NH_(2) passivation groups on the surface of Ge were performed,and the interface state density and potential with five different passivation groups with N/O atomic ratios were accurately analyzed to obtain a stable surface state.Based on the theoretical calculation results,the surface passivation layers of the Ge_(2)ON_(2) film were prepared via magnetron sputtering in accordance with the optimum atomic ratio structure.The microstructure,C-V,and I-V electrical properties of the layers,and the passivation effect of the Al/Ge_(2)ON_(2)/Ge MOS were characterized to test the interface state density.The mean interface state density obtained by the Terman method was 8.4×10^(11) cm^(-2) eV^(-1).The processing of germanium oxynitrogen passivation films is expected to be used in direct dark matter detection of the HPGe detector surface passivation technology to reduce the detector leakage currents.

First-principles thermodynamics of metal-oxide surfaces andinterfaces:A case study review

An important step for achieving the knowledge-based design freedom on nano-and interfacial materials is attained by elucidating the related surface and interface thermodynamics from the first principles so as to allow engineering the microstructures for desired properties through smartly designing fabrication processing parameters.This is demonstrated for SnO2 nano-particle surfaces and also a technologically important Ag-SnO2 interface fabricated by in-situ internal oxidation.Based on defect thermodynamics,we first modeled and calculated the equilibrium surface and interface structures,and as well corresponding properties,as a function of the ambient temperature and oxygen partial pressure.A series of first principles energetics calculations were then performed to construct the equilibrium surface and interface phase diagrams,to describe the environment dependence of the microstructures and properties of the surfaces and interfaces during fabrication and service conditions.The use and potential application of these phase diagrams as a process design tool were suggested and discussed.

Calculating models on surface tension of RE_2O_3-Mg O-SiO_2(RE=La, Nd, Sm, Gd and Y) melts

A thermodynamic model was developed for determining the surface tension of RE2O3-MgO-SiO2(RE=La, Nd, Sm, Gd and Y) melts considering the ionic radii of the components and Butler's equation. The temperature and composition dependence of the surface tensions in molten RE2O3-MgO-SiO2 slag systems was reproduced by the present model using surface tensions and molar volumes of pure oxides, as well as the anionic and cationic radii of the melt components. The iso-surface tension lines of La2O3-MgO-SiO2 slag melt at 1873 K were calculated and the effects of slag composition on the surface tension were also investigated. The surface tensions of La2O3, Gd2O3, Nd2O3 and Y2O3 at 1873 K were evaluated as 686, 677, 664 and 541 m N/m, respectively. The surface tension of pure rare earth oxide melts linearly decreases with increasing cationic field strength, except for Y2O3 oxide, while Y2O3 has a much weaker surface tension. The evaluated results of the surface tension show good agreements with literature data, and the mean deviation of the present model is found to be 1.05% at 1873 K.

AFM and XPS Study on the Surface and Interface States of CuPc and SiO_2 Films

A CuPc/SiO2 sample is fabricated. Its morphology is characterized by atomic force microscopy, and the electron states are investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In order to investigate these spectra in detail, all of these spectra are normalized to the height of the most intense peak,and each component is fitted with a single Gaussian function. Analysis shows that the O element has great bearing on the electron states and that SiO2 layers produced by spurting technology are better than those produced by oxidation technology.

Calculation Model for Surface Tension of Slag Melt

Based on the coexistence theory of slag melt structure and Butler’s equation,a new calculation model has been proposed for the calculation of surface tension of slag melt.This model establishes a specific correlation between surface tension and mass action concentrations(activities) in the melt and on its surface on the basis of inner and surficial structures of slag melt.Calculated surface tensions of CaO-SiOand MnO-SiOslag melts are consistent with those measured.Furthermore,iso-surface tension lines of CaO-MnO-SiOslag melt have also been calculated.

Modeling bubble column reactor with the volume of fluid approach:Comparison of surface tension models

This work aims at comparing surface tension models in VOF(Volume of Fluid) modeling and investigating the effects of gas distributor and gas velocity. Hydrodynamics of a continuous chain of bubbles inside a bubble column reactor was simulated. The grid independence study was first conducted and a grid size of 1.0 mm was adopted in order to minimize the computing time without compromising the accuracy of the results. The predictions were validated by comparing the experimental studies reported in the literature. It was found that all surface tension models can describe the bubble rise and bubble plume in a column with slight deviations.

Prediction of surface and interfacial tension based on thermodynamic data and CALPHAD approach

In this article, following a brief introduction concerning experimental measurements of surface and interfacial tensions, methods for calculating surface tension and surface segregation for binary, ternary, and multicomponent high-temperature melts based on Bulter＇s original treatment [ 1] and on available physical properties and thermodynamic data, especially excess Gibbs free energies of bulk phase and surface phase versus temperature obtained from thermodynamic databases using the calculation of phase diagram （CALPHAD） approach, with special attention to the model parameter β, have been described. In addition, the geometric models can be extended to predict surface tensions of multicom- ponent systems from those of sub-binary systems. For illustration, some calculated examples, including Pb-free soldering systems and phase-diagram evaluation of binary alloys in nanoparticle systems are given. On the basis of surface tensions of high-temperature melts, interracial tensions between liquid alloy and molten slag as well as molten slag and molten matter can be calculated using the Girifalco-Good equation [2]. Modifications are suggested in the Nishizawa＇s model [3] for estimation of interracial tension in liquid metal （A）/ceramics （MX） systems so that the calculations can be carried out based on the sublattice model and thermodynamic data, without deliberately differentiating the phase of MX at high temperature. Finally, the derivation of an approximate expression for predicting interfacial tension between the high-temperature multicomponent melts, employing Becker＇s model [4] in conjunction with Bulter＇s equation and inteffacial tension data of the simple systems is described, and some examples concerning pyrometallurgical systems are given for better understanding.

Surface tension of lithium bromide aqueous solution/ammonia with additives and nano-particles

In order to investigate the effect of additives and nano-particle on the surface tensions of lithium bromide(Li Br) aqueous solution/ammonia, many experiments were carried out based on Wilhelmy plate method. Firstly, the surface tension of Li Br aqueous solution with 1-octanol was measured and then the comparison between the measured results and previous experimental results was given to verify the measuring accuracy. Some new additives, such as cationic surfactants cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride(CTAC), and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide(CTAB) were chosen in the experiments. The experimental results show that CTAC and CTAB can obviously reduce the surface tension of Li Br aqueous solution/ammonia. In addition, it is found that nano-particles cannot remarkably decrease the surface tension of Li Br aqueous solution/ammonia. However, the mixed addition of additives and nano-particles can remarkably affect the surface tension of Li Br aqueous solution/ammonia. That is to say, additives play more important role in reducing the surface tension of Li Br aqueous solution/ammonia. But nano-particles may enhance the heat transfer in the absorption refrigeration process.

Phase field investigation on the initial planar instability with surface tension anisotropy during directional solidification of binary alloys

Phase field investigation reveals that the stability of the planar interface is related to the anisotropic intensity of surface tension and the misorientation of preferred crystallographic orientation with respect to the heat flow direction. The large anisotropic intensity may compete to determine the stability of the planar interface. The destabilizing effect or the stabilizing effect depends on the misorientation. Moreover, the interface morphology of initial instability is also affected by the surface tension anisotropy.

A Simple Weighted Integration Method for Calculating Surface Tension Force to Suppress Parasitic Flow in the Level Set Approach

Parasitic flows may occur in the numerical simulation of incompressible multiphase flow due to errors in the calculation of surface tension terms, specifically for the curvature and unit normal vector. An improved method for calculating the surface tension based on the level set approach is proposed, in which the contribution of not only the center node but also the rest area of a control volume to the calculation of surface tension is considered in a balanced manner. The weighted integration method (WIM) is more consistent with the concept of a banded interface in the level set method. It is applied to the temporal evolution of a two-dimensional neutrally buoyant liquid drop and a buoyancy driven deformable bubble in an immiscible fluid for the validation of WIM. The results show that the parasitic flows are evidently suppressed by the weighted integration method. The weight factors for WIM in 3-D cases are also suggested.

Blast furnace ironmaking process with super high TiO_(2) in the slag:Density and surface tension of the slag

Aiming at the process of smelting ultra-high(>80%)or even full vanadium titanomagnetite in blast furnace,we are conducting a series of works on physics character of high TiO_(2) bearing blast furnace slag(BFS)for slag optimization.This work discussed the density and surface tension of high TiO_(2) bearing BFS using the Archimedean principle and the maximum bubble pressure method,respectively.The influence of TiO_(2) content and the MgO/CaO mass ratio on the density and surface tension of CaO-SiO_(2)-TiO_(2)-MgO-Al_(2)O_(3)slags were investigated Results indicated that the density of slags decreased with the TiO_(2) content increasing from 20wt%to 30wt%,but it increased slightly with the MgO/CaO mass ratio increasing from 0.32 to 0.73.In view of silicate network structure,the density and the degree of polymerization(DOP)of network structure have a consistent trend.The addition of TiO_(2) reduced(Q^(3))^(2)/(Q^(2)) ratio(Q^(2) and Q^(3) represent structural unit with bridge oxygen number of 2 and 3,respectively)and then decreased DOP,which led to the decrease of slag density.The surface tension of CaO-SiO_(2)-TiO_(2)-MgO-Al_(2)O_(3) slags decreased dramatically with the TiO_(2) content increasing from 20wt%to 30wt%.Conversely,it increased with the MgO/CaO mass ratio increasing from 0.32 to 0.73.Furthermore,the iso-surface tension lines were obtained under 1723 K using the Tanaka developed model in view of Butler formula.It may be useful for slag optimization of ultra-high proportion(>80%)or even full vanadium titanomagnetite under BF smelting.

CALCULATION MODEL OF SURFACE TENSION FOR ALLOY MELTS

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Densities and surface tensions of ionic liquids/sulfuric acid binary mixtures

The densities and surface tensions of [Bmim][TFO]/H2SO4, [Hmim][TFO]/H2SO4 and [Omim][TFO]/H2SO4 binary mixtures were measured by pycnometer and Wilhelmy plate method respectively. The results show that densities and surface tensions of the mixtures decreased monotonously with increasing temperatures and increasing ionic liquid （IL） molar fraction. IL with longer alkyl side-chain length brings a lower density and a smaller surface tension to the ILs/H2SO4 binary mixtures. The densities and surface tensions of the mixtures are fitted well by Jouyban-Acree （JAM） model and LWW model respectively. Redlich-Kister （R-K）equation and modified Redlich-Kister （R-K） equation describe the excess molar volumes and excess surface tensions of the mixtures well respectively. Adding a small amount of ILs （XIL 〈 0.1 ） into sulfuric acid brings an obvious decrease to the density and the surface tension. The results imply that the densities and surface tensions of IL5/H2SO4 binary mixtures can be modulated by changing the IL dosage or tailoring the IL structure.

Caffeine Crystallization Induction Time Measurements Using Laser Scattering Technique and Correlation to Surface Tension in Water and Ethanol

Caffeine nucleation induction times were measured at 30 °C and 40 °C in water and ethanol solvents employing laser light absorption technique. Supersaturation concentrations and liquid/solid phase surface tensions were calculated from crystallization induction times using classic homogeneous nucleation theory. Induction time and surface tension decreased at higher temperature.

Surface/interface engineering of high-efficiency noble metal-free electrocatalysts for energy-related electrochemical reactions

To date,much efforts have been devoted to the high-efficiency noble metal-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen-and oxygen-involving energy conversion reactions,due to their abundance,low cost and nultifunctionally.Surface/interface engineering is found to be effective in achieving novel physicochemical properties and synergistic effects in nanomaterials for electrocatalysis.Among various engineering strategies,heteroatom-doping has been regarded as a most promising method to improve the electrocatalytic performance via the regulation of electronic structure of catalysts,and numerous works were reported on the synthesis method and mechanism investigation of heteroatom-doping electrocatalysts,though the heteroatom-doping can only provide limited active sites.Engineering of other defects such as vacancies and edge sites and construction of heterostructure have shown to open up a potential avenue for the development of noble metal-free electrocatalysts.In addition,surface functionalization can attach various molecules onto the surface of materials to easily modify their physical or chemical properties,being as a promising complement or substitute for offering materials with catalytic properties.This paper gives the insights into the diverse strategies of surface/interface engineering of the highefficiency noble metal-free electrocatalysts for energy-related electrochemical reactions.The significant advances are summarized.The unique advantages and mechanisms for specific applications are highlighted.The current challenges and outlook of this growing field are also discussed.

SURFACE TENSION OF MOLTEN IF STEEL CONTAINING Ti AND ITS INTERFACIAL PROPERTIES WITH SOLID ALUMINA

Surface tension of molten IF steel containing Ti and contact angle between the liquid steel and solid alumina were measured with sessile droplet method under Ar gas atmosphere at 1500, 1575 and 1600°C. The results show that titanium decreases the surface tension of the molten IF steel and the contact angle. The interfacial tension between the molten IF steel containing Ti and solid alumina decreases with increase in titanium content. The work of adhesion between molten IF steel containing Ti and solid alumina decreases slightly at 1550°C, but increases at 1600°C with increasing titanium content. It can be deduced that fine bubbles and fine alumina inclusions are easily entrapped in solidifying interface for IF steel containing Ti.