AI_4C_3 Hydration Thermochemical Analysis for Burned Carbon-containing Refractories with Al

In this paper, X-ray diffractogram analysis and SEM observation of Al$ C$ formed at high temperature from carbon-containing refractories ivith Al have been carried out. Aluminum added to carbon-containing refractories reacts with C（s） to form Al^ C^（s） gradually during heating from 600 ’C to 1200^0 . It is considered that the interlocked structure of Al^ C-$ plate crystals promotes the outstanding increase of hot modulus of rupture of carbon-containing refractories with Al. The HMOR of carbon-containing refractories added with Al additive from 0 to 5wt% increases by 2.8 times being from 6.5MPa to 18.2MPa. After a thermochemical calculation for hydration reaction processes ofAl^C^ and H^O （g）, the equilibrium partial pressure chart ofH^O （g） in H^O-A^C^-Al^ OH)} system vs various temperatures has been attained . The H2 0 （g） partial pressure in the air needed for the Al^ C3 hydration reaction is no more than 10;18 atm at the temperature below 120t . It is considered that the burned carbon-containing re

Effect of One/Two-dimensional Bonding Phases on Strength and Toughness of Carbon-containing Refractories

Gaseous phases of carbon-containing and metastable oxides will be resulted from the carbonization of phenolic resin binders and the reduced reactions between C and oxides at high temperatures in carbon-containing refractories. With the in-situ catalysis technique, these gaseous phases can be transformed to one-or two-dimensional bonding phases by deposition,which is favorable for the improvement on strength and toughness of carboncontaining refractories,especially low carbon refractories. The research results reveal that：（ 1） the amorphous carbon resulted from phenolic resin can be transformed to carbon nanotubes,thus,the oxidation peak temperature is raised from 506 to 664. 6 ℃;（ 2） onedimensional whiskers of MgO or Mg Al2 O4 can be in-situ formed in MgO-C refractories, and their CMOR,CCS,rupture displacement and residual CCS（ two water quenching cycles,1 100 ℃） are increased by 66%,47%,13% and 26%,respectively;（ 3） two-dimensional array structure of flake β-SiAlON can be in-situ formed in Al2 O3-C refractories,which improves the material strength by 60% and decreases the residual strength after thermal shock by only 4. 5 MPa. It is believed that the in-situ formation of one-or two-dimensional bonding phases at high temperatures can improvethe comprehensive thermal physical properties of carboncontaining refractories,and will be the developing trend of the strengthening and toughening of low carbon-containing refractories.

Carbon-containing electrospun nanofibers for lithium-sulfur battery:Current status and future directions

Lithium-sulfur batteries(LSBs)have become promising next-generation energy storage technologies for electric vehicles and portable electronics,due to its excellent theoretical specific energy.However,the low conductivity of sulfur species,notorious lithium dendrites,the severe"shuttle effect"of polysulfides(LiPSs)and the inferior kinetic reaction for LiPSs/Li_(2)S conversion during discharge-charge have seriously hindered their practical application,and also pose potential safety hazards.Owing to their superior porous architectures,high specific surface areas,excellent structural designability,functional modifiability,abundant active sites and flexibility of carbon-containing electrospun nanofibers(CENFs),they exhibited the superior characteristics that can simultaneously solve the above issues.In this review,we summarize the recent progress and application of CENFs in LSBs.First,we provide a brief introduction to the structure and composition controlled of carbon nanofibers by electrospinning.We then review progress in recent developments of CENFs for LSBs including cathodes,anodes,separators,and interlayers.We focus on how to solve practical issues that arise when the CENFs are applied to various parts of LSBs,and the relevant working mechanisms are described,from high sulfur loading and Li dendrites suppression to LiPSs’confinement and conversion.Finally,we summarize and propose the existing challenges and future prospects of CENFs,for the design and architecture of electrochemical components in Li-S energy storage systems.

Study on the volatilization kinetics of zinc in carbon-containing pellets made of Zn-bearing dusts

A study was carried out on the volatilization kinetics of Zn in the pellets made of Zn-bearing dusts mixed with coal powder in a nitrogen atmosphere and within the temperature range between 1 100℃and 1 300℃. The study shows that the reduction temperature has a significant effect on the volatilization rate of zinc and that either the coal particle size or the excess carbon content has no effect on the volatilization rate. The obtained activation energy for the volatilization of zinc is 79.42 kJ/mol. The volatilization rate of zinc is controlled by the reaction between the zinc oxides and CO.

Sample Preparation for Monolithic Refractories Part 1:Refractory Castables

1 Scope This standard specifies the definition and test methods of flowability of dense and insulating refractory castables, and moulding equipment, moulding methods, curing and drying conditions of castables samples.

Upadacitinib for refractory ulcerative colitis with primary nonresponse to infliximab and vedolizumab:A case report

BACKGROUND Many patients with ulcerative colitis(UC)do not respond well to,or tolerate conventional and biological therapies.There is currently no consensus on the treatment of refractory UC.Studies have demonstrated that the selective Janus kinase 1 inhibitor upadacitinib,a small-molecule drug,is effective and safe for treating UC.However,no studies have revealed that upadacitinib is effective in treating refractory UC with primary nonresponse to infliximab and vedolizumab.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 44-year-old male patient with a chief complaint of bloody diarrhoea with mucus and pus,in addition to dizziness.The patient had recurrent disease after receiving mesalazine,prednisone,azathioprine,infliximab and vedolizumab over four years.Based on the endoscopic findings and pathological biopsy,the patient was diagnosed with refractory UC.In particular,the patient showed primary nonresponse to infliximab and vedolizumab.Based on the patient’s history and recurrent disease,we decided to administer upadacitinib.During hospitalisation,the patient was received upadacitinib under our guidance.Eight weeks after the initiation of upadacitinib treatment,the patient’s symptoms and endoscopic findings improved significantly.No notable adverse reactions have been reported to date.CONCLUSION Our case report suggests that upadacitinib may represent a valuable strategy for treating refractory UC with primary nonresponse.

Risk stratification for radioactive iodine refractoriness using molecular alterations in distant metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer

Objective: Patients with radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer(RAIR-DTC) are often diagnosed with delay and constrained to limited treatment options. The correlation between RAI refractoriness and the underlying genetic characteristics has not been extensively studied.Methods: Adult patients with distant metastatic DTC were enrolled and assigned to undergo next-generation sequencing of a customized 26-gene panel(Thyro Lead). Patients were classified into RAIR-DTC or non-RAIR groups to determine the differences in clinicopathological and molecular characteristics. Molecular risk stratification(MRS) was constructed based on the association between molecular alterations identified and RAI refractoriness, and the results were classified as high, intermediate or low MRS.Results: A total of 220 patients with distant metastases were included, 63.2% of whom were identified as RAIRDTC. Genetic alterations were identified in 90% of all the patients, with BRAF(59.7% vs. 17.3%), TERT promoter(43.9% vs. 7.4%), and TP53 mutations(11.5% vs. 3.7%) being more prevalent in the RAIR-DTC group than in the non-RAIR group, except for RET fusions(15.8% vs. 39.5%), which had the opposite pattern. BRAF and TERT promoter are independent predictors of RAIR-DTC, accounting for 67.6% of patients with RAIR-DTC. MRS was strongly associated with RAI refractoriness(P<0.001), with an odds ratio(OR) of high to low MRS of 7.52 [95%confidence interval(95% CI), 3.96-14.28;P<0.001] and an OR of intermediate to low MRS of 3.20(95% CI,1.01-10.14;P=0.041).Conclusions: Molecular alterations were associated with RAI refractoriness, with BRAF and TERT promoter mutations being the predominant contributors, followed by TP53 and DICER1 mutations. MRS might serve as a valuable tool for both prognosticating clinical outcomes and directing precision-based therapeutic interventions.

Spark plasma sintering of tungsten-based WTaVCr refractory high entropy alloys for nuclear fusion applications

W-based WTaVCr refractory high entropy alloys (RHEA) may be novel and promising candidate materials for plasma facing components in the first wall and diverter in fusion reactors. This alloy has been developed by a powder metallurgy process combining mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The SPSed samples contained two phases, in which the matrix is RHEA with a body-centered cubic structure, while the oxide phase was most likely Ta2VO6through a combined analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD),energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The higher oxygen affinity of Ta and V may explain the preferential formation of their oxide phases based on thermodynamic calculations. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) revealed an average grain size of 6.2μm. WTaVCr RHEA showed a peak compressive strength of 2997 MPa at room temperature and much higher micro-and nano-hardness than W and other W-based RHEAs in the literature. Their high Rockwell hardness can be retained to at least 1000°C.

Sulfi de ore prospecting in carbon-containing stratum using comprehensive time-domain induced polarization and controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics

Carbon-bearing stratum normally features low resistance and high polarization.If the lithostratigraphy of the exploration area contains large amounts of carbon,the induced polarization anomaly caused by metal sulfide ore bodies will be inundated by the high polarization of carbon-containing wall rock.In this work,we adopted time-domain induced polarization(TDIP)and controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics(CSAMT)on deep prospecting of the carbon-bearing stratum of the Ar Horqin Banner,Inner Mongolia.The underground medium is divided into target geologic bodies according to the geological information within the known exploration line borehole,and the physical properties of various target geologic bodies are calculated using weighted averages to build a geologic-geophysical model that can fit the observation data.Consequently,we can determine the range and morphological characteristics of the electrical properties of the ore-bearing geologic bodies in the inversion results in the study area.Then we can use the characteristics summarized from the known exploration line to interpret unknown exploration line.Results indicated that,when the diff erence in physical properties between the ore body and interference wall rock is not clear,the geologic body can be classifi ed via the paragenetic(associated)assemblage relations of the underground medium.Geological interpretation is guided by the comprehensive physical properties of ore-bearing geologic bodies to avoid interferences.

Chinese Standards on Refractories Dimensions of Refractory Bricks-Part 1:Specification for General Bricks

1 Scope This standard specifies the terms, definition, di-mension series, size designation representation, dimen-sion standard representation, brick dimension, and di- mension characteristics of general refractory bricks.

Test Method for Refractoriness Under Load of Refractory Products(Non-differential,with Rising Temperature)

This standard specifies the definitions, theory, apparatus, specimens, procedures, test results and disposal, test error and report of test method for refractoriness under load of refractory products （non-differential, with rising temperature）.

Chinese Standards on Refractories Refractory Products-Determination of Abrasion Resistance at Ambient Temperature GB/T 18301-2012

This standard specifies the terms and definitions, theory, apparatus, specimens, test procedures, calcu- lation results, apparatus check and test reports, etc. of abrasion resistance at ambient temperature of refractory products.

Chinese Standards an Refractories Refractory-Ceramic Fiber and the Products

1 Scope This standard specifies the terms, definitions, classifications, brands, technical requirements, test methods, quality appraisal procedure, packing, marking, transportation, storage and quality certificate of ceramic fiher and the products.

Corrosion behavior of co-gasification slag of furfural residue and coal on alumina-silica refractories

Gasification of furfural residue with coal can realize its efficient and clean utilization.But the high alkali metal content in furfural slag is easy to cause the corrosion of gasifier refractory.Two gasification coals with different silica alumina ratio and a furfural residue were selected in the study.The effects of furfural residue additions on corrosion of silica brick,corundum brick,high alumina brick and mullite brick were investigated by using XRD,SEM-EDS and Factsage Software,and the corrosion mechanism was analyzed.With increasing furfural residue addition,the permeability of the slags to high-aluminium-bearing refractories first decreases and then increases,while the permeability on silica brick shows a slight decrease trend.Leucite(KAlSi_(2)O_(6))with high-melting temperature is generated from the reaction of K_(2)O and SiO_(2)in slag with Al_(2)O_(3)in refractories after furfural residue is added,which hinders the infiltration of slag in refractories.Kaliophilite(KAlSiO_(4))of low-melting point is formed when K_(2)O content increases,and this contributes to the infiltration of slag in refractories.The acid-base reaction between slag and silica brick is distinctly occurred,more slag reacts with SiO_(2)in the silicon brick,resulting in a decrease in the amount of slag infiltrating into the silicon brick as furfural residue is added.The corrosion of silica brick is mainly caused by the acid-base reaction,while the corrosion of three alumina based refractory bricks of corundum,mullite and high alumina brick is determined by slag infiltration.A linear correlation between the percolation rate and slag viscosity is established,the slag permeability increases with decreasing viscosity,resulting in stronger permeability for the high Si/Al ratio slag with lower viscosity.

Investigation of Microstructure and Phase Composition of Chromic Oxide, AZS/Cr and High-alumina Refractories after Exposure of Basalt and Aluminaboronsilicate Glasses Melts

The microstructure and phase composition of high-alumina,chromic oxide,and AZS/Cr refractories containing 30%and 60%(by mass)Cr_(2)O_(3) after exposure to aluminaboronsilicate glasses and basalt melts depending on the type of melts and temperature have been studied.The mechanisms of refractory corrosion by the used melts and the factors contributing to the inhibition of corrosion development have been investigated by the method of petrographic analysis.On the basis of obtained results,the use of high-alumina,chromic oxide,and AZS/Cr refractories in the sections of glass furnace linings,experiencing the intensive impact of aluminaboronsilicate glasses and basalt melts,has been confirmed and scientifically substantiated.

Refractory ulcerative colitis:Upadacitinib versus other biologics

In this editorial we comment on an article published in World Journal of Clinical Cases in 2024,in which a case of refractory ulcerative colitis(UC)was discussed based on the response to different lines of biologics.Different studies showed that different classes of biologics have their advantages and disadvantages in the treatment of refractory UC.Certain classes are superior to others and if tried earlier on would lead to a possible change in the outcome.

Dexamethasone implant in naive versus refractory patients with diabetic macular edema:a Meta-analysis

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intravitreal dexamethasone implant in naive and refractory patients with diabetic macular edema(DME).METHODS:PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and Medline databases were searched.The main outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and central retinal thickness(CRT).The secondary outcomes included mean number of injections,intraoperative or postoperative complications including intraocular pressure(IOP)elevation and cataract.RESULTS:Ten comparative studies involving a total of 1000 DME eyes including 402 naive eyes and 598 refractory eyes were selected.The postoperative BCVA in the naive group was significantly better than in the refractory group[mean difference(MD)-0.11,95% confidence interval(CI)-0.17 to-0.05,P=0.0003;MD 8.69,95%CI 5.08 to 12.30,P<0.00001].Additionally,the naive group got greater improvement of BCVA change as well as more gains of BCVA letters than the refractory group[MD 7.71,95%CI 2.02 to 13.40,P=0.008;odds ratio(OR)2.99,95%CI 2.05 to 4.37,P<0.00001].The subgroup analysis revealed that the naive group had significantly higher BCVA gains of≥5,≥10,and≥15 letters compared to the refractory group(P=0.002,0.0001,0.003,respectively).No significant difference was detected between the two groups in either postoperative CRT(MD-22.36,95%CI-46.39 to 1.66,P=0.07)or the overall mean number of injections(MD-0.08,95%CI-0.38 to 0.22,P=0.61).Intraoperative and postoperative complications including the elevation of IOP(OR 0.47,95%CI 0.20 to 1.13,P=0.09)and cataract(OR 1.78,95%CI 0.97 to 3.24,P=0.06)showed no significant differences between the two groups during the follow-up time.CONCLUSION:Intravitreal dexamethasone implants for DME can improve anatomical and functional outcomes in both naive and refractory eyes and have a well-acceptable safety profile.Moreover,naive eyes maintain better visual outcomes than refractory eyes.It provides further evidence of better visual response when used for naive eyes as firstline therapy.

Investigation of Refractory Bricks and Oxide Materials Heated in Hydrogen Reduction Conditions

This study aims to provide the basic knowledge for furnace refractory design by investigating refractory property changes occurred in a hydrogen atmosphere.Since refractory bricks are thermodynamically stable in a hydrogen atmosphere at 1100°C,we tried to find out the minute changes.In this experiment,a refractory brick was prepared by andalusite,mullite chamotte,and clay as raw materials and heated to 1100°C in a 100%hydrogen atmosphere for 72 h.It was found that the strength of the brick was decreased and the color was changed to black by the reduction of impurities.And in addition,this study covered research on the slaking risk of MgO raw materials because the minimum temperature is expected to 400°C in fluidized reduction furnaces unlike shaft furnaces.

The 9^(th) International Symposium on Refractories

Organizedby The Chinese Society for Metals The Chinese Ceramic Society Sinosteel Luoyang Institute of Refractories Research Co.,Ltd.Sponsored by Refractories Committee of The Chinese Society for Metals Sinosteel Luonai Materials Technology Corporation Co-Sponsoredby State Key Laboratory of Advanced Refractories The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy Refractories Press Indian Refractory Makers Association The Federation for International Refractory Research and Education.

Glaucoma drainage device implantation and cyclophotocoagulation in the management of refractory glaucoma after Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty

AIM:To compare the surgical outcomes of glaucoma drainage device implantation(GDI)and trans-scleral neodymium:YAG cyclophotocoagulation(CPC)in the management of refractory glaucoma after Descemetstripping automated endothelial keratoplasty(DSAEK).METHODS:This retrospective study on observational case series enrolled 29 patients who underwent DSAEK and posterior anti-glaucoma surgery(15 with GDI and 14 with CPC).The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure(IOP),glaucoma surgery success rate(defined as IOP of 6–21 mm Hg without additional anti-glaucoma operation),number of glaucoma medications,endothelial graft status,and best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA).RESULTS:The mean follow-up time was 34.1 and 21.0mo for DSAEK or glaucoma surgeries,both for the GDI and CPC groups.Both groups showed significant IOP reduction after glaucoma surgery.The GDI group presented a significantly higher success rate in IOP control than the CPC group(60%vs 21.4%,P=0.03).Both procedures significantly decreased the number of glaucoma medications(P=0.03).Forty percent and 57%of cases in the GDI and the CPC group,respectively,experienced endothelial graft failure during follow-up(P=0.36).Significantly worse BCVA after surgery was observed in the CPC group but not in the GDI group.CONCLUSION:Both GDI and CPC significantly decrease IOP in eyes with glaucoma after DSAEK.GDI is preferable to CPC in refractory glaucoma cases after DSAEK,as it manifests a significantly higher success rate for IOP control,similar endothelial graft failure rate,and relatively preserves BCVA than CPC.