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.

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.

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.

Microstructure and properties of Cu matrix composites reinforced with surface-modified Kovar particles

The thermal conductivity of Cu/Kovar composites was improved by suppressing element diffusion at the interfaces through the formation of FeWO_(4)coating on the Kovar particles via vacuum deposition.Cu matrix composites reinforced with unmodified(Cu/Kovar)and modified Kovar(Cu/Kovar@)particles were prepared by hot pressing.The results demonstrate that the interfaces of Cu/FeWO_(4)and FeWO_(4)/Kovar in the Cu/Kovar@composites exhibit strong bonding,and no secondary phase is generated.The presence of FeWO_(4)impedes interfacial diffusion within the composite,resulting in an increase in grain size and a decrease in dislocation density.After surface modification of the Kovar particle,the thermal conductivity of Cu/Kovar@composite is increased by 110%from 40.6 to 85.6 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1).Moreover,the thermal expansion coefficient of the Cu/Kovar@composite is 9.8×10^(-6)K^(-1),meeting the electronic packaging requirements.

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.

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.

Study of the Material Transfer Characteristics and Surface Morphology Due to Arc Erosion of PtIr Contact Materials

By means of breaking tests on PtIr contact materials via a JF04C contact material testing machine, it was attempted to elucidate the characteristics of the various surface morphology and material transfer after the arc erosion process caused by break arc. The material transfer characteristics appeared in the experiments were concluded and analyzed. Meanwhile, the morphology of the anode and cathode surface were observed and analyzed by SEM.

Comparison of the impact of nesofilcon A hydrogel contact lens on the ocular surface and the comfort of presbyopic and non-presbyopic wearers

AIM: To assess and compare the impact of a daily disposable contact lens(CL) with high water content on the ocular surface and comfort of the presbyopic and nonpresbyopic population after one day of use. METHODS: Totally 20 presbyopes and 30 non-presbyopes non-contact wearers were fitted with nesofilcon A CLs. CL thickness was measured to assess material stability during daily wear, and ocular surface parameters were also assessed. Optical quality was analyzed for all cases. In addition, CL comfort was rated.RESULTS: No significant differences were found in CL thickness, tear film osmolarity, average tear break-up time, bulbar redness, central corneal thickness, corneal volume, root-mean-square of higher-order aberrations(RMS of HOAs) and vertical and horizontal coma, either as a function of the group or time of use. A significant decrease in tear meniscus height and first break-up of the tear film was found in the presbyopic group(P=0.038; P=0.007 respectively). A decrease in spherical aberration coefficient was found after CL insertion(P=0.031 monofocal CL; P=0.023 low addition multifocal CL; P=0.016 high addition multifocal CL). Multifocal CL were thicker than monofocal CL(P=0.045). Comparison between groups showed more discomfort in presbyopes than non-presbyopes(P=0.003).CONCLUSION: This study evidence that the behavior of the daily disposable CL with high water content seems to be stable during the day of use. Ocular parameters measured during wear show that CL behavior is the same for presbyopes and non-presbyopes, being more uncomfortable for presbyopes.

On investigating the soda-lime shot blasting of AZ31 alloy:Effects on surface roughness,material removal rate,corrosion resistance,and bioactivity

In the present study,a novel method of surface finish improvement is proposed using shot blasting of soda lime(SBSL)beads on the Mg-AZ31 alloy.The effect of the soda blasting process parameters,such as blast pressure,stand-off distance,and blast duration,have been studied in-response of material removal rate(MRR)and surface roughness(SR)and corresponding statistical models have been obtained.The multi-objective optimization has also been performed to obtain parameters for maximum MRR and minimum SR.The corrosion behavior of the treated specimens has been performed to study their in-vitro biodegradability in simulated body fluid(SBF)for 1,3,7,10,15,and 21 days.The wettability study of the SBSL treated samples has been investigated using sessile drop methodology.Further,cell adhesion test has also been performed to study the biocompatibility characteristics of the SBSL treated samples using Huh7 liver cell lines.Based on obtained quantitative data as well as scanning electron microscopy analysis of treated samples,the SBSL treatment of the AZ31 alloy has been found highly useful in producing biocompatibility surfaces along with desirable morphological features.

Microstructure-based three-dimensional characterization of chip formation and surface generation in the machining of particulate-reinforced metal matrix composites

Particulate-reinforced metal matrix composites(PRMMCs)are difficult to machine due to the inclusion of hard,brittle reinforcing particles.Existing experimental investigations rarely reveal the complex material removal mechanisms(MRMs)involved in the machining of PRMMCs.This paper develops a three-dimensional(3D)microstructure-based model for investigating the MRM and surface integrity of machined PRMMCs.To accurately mimic the actual microstructure of a PRMMC,polyhedrons were randomly distributed inside the matrix to represent irregular SiC particles.Particle fracture and matrix deformation and failure were taken into account.For the model’s capability comparison,a two-dimensional(2D)analysis was also conducted.Relevant cutting experiments showed that the established 3D model accurately predicted the material removal,chip morphology,machined surface finish,and cutting forces.It was found that the matrix-particle-tool interactions led to particle fractures,mainly in the primary shear and secondary deformation zones along the cutting path and beneath the machined surface.Particle fracture and dilodegment greatly influences the quality of a machined surface.It was also found that although a 2D model can reflect certain material removal features,its ability to predict microstructural variation is limited.

Electron spectroscopies and their use for materials characterization

We present here a general overview of electron spectroscopies from a practical point of view. The most frequently used ones are described and the type of structural information they can provide on materials is explained in relation to the physical processes on which they are based. Furthermore, we explore critically and in detail various tools that have been developed to allow a systematic solving of structures by these spectroscopies.

Evaluation of the Functional Impression Technique with Various Impression Materials on the Surface Topography of Dental Stone Casts and Their Effect on Retention

Background: The accuracy of the final prosthesis is affected by the final impression technique and master cast production. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the functional impression technique with various impression materials on the surface characteristic of dental stone casts and their clinical effect on the retention of complete dentures. Method: Specimens of three impression materials/stone casts were fabricated. The specimens of the impression materials/stone casts were divided into three equal groups (I, II, and III). The impression materials used were as follows: tissue conditioner group (I), zinc oxide (ZEO) (group II) and poly (vinyl siloxane) (PVS) (group III). Cylindrical split aluminium moulds were designed to receive the impression materials and the stone mixture. The surface roughness of the stone cast specimens of the three groups (I, II, and III) was measured with a surface profilometer and analyzed by a scanning electron microscope. A clinical study included five severely resorbed mandibular edentulous alveolar ridges and edentulous maxillary arches. Each subject received three heat-cured acrylic resin dentures, fabricated using the functional impression technique. The three dentures were identical except for the different impression materials used from Groups I, II and III. The retentive force of each denture for each subject was measured. Result: The results of this study revealed that the mean value of surface roughness of the stone cast surface of group I was higher than group II and group III. A statistically significant difference was observed in surface roughness and the retentive dislodging force between the three studied groups. Although using a tissue conditioner as a functional impression material led to a high level of surface roughness and good retention, it could not produce the same smooth surface quality of PVS or ZEO. These data were supported by SEM analysis. The complete dentures for these patients require important oral and denture hygiene care. Conclusion: Complete dentures made using functional impression technique with PVC as a final impression material are more comfortable, retentive and stable.

Non-Thermal Atmospheric Plasma:Can it Be Taken as a Common Solution for the Surface Treatment of Dental Materials?

This study aimed to evaluate the surface roughness and wetting properties of various dental prosthetic materials after different durations of non-thermal atmospheric plasma（NTAP）treatment.One hundred and sixty discs of titanium（Ti）（n：40）,cobalt chromium（Co-Cr）（n：40）,yttrium stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals（Y-TZP）（n：40）and polymethylmethacrylate（PMMA）（n：40）materials were machined and smoothed with silicon carbide papers.The surface roughness was evaluated in a control group and in groups with different plasma exposure times [1-3-5 s].The average surface roughness（Ra）and contact angle（CA）measurements were recorded via an atomic force microscope（AFM）and tensiometer,respectively.Surface changes were examined with a scanning electron microscope（SEM）.Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance（ANOVA）and the Tukey HSD test α=0.05）.According to the results,the NTAP surface treatment significantly affected the roughness and wettability properties（P 〈 0.05）.SEM images reveal that more grooves were present in the NTAP groups.With an increase in the NTAP application time,an apparent increment was observed for Ra,except in the PMMA group,and a remarkable reduction in CA was observed in all groups.It is concluded that the NTAP technology could enhance the roughening and wetting performance of various dental materials.

A review on machinability of carbon fiber reinforced polymer(CFRP)and glass fiber reinforced polymer(GFRP)composite materials

Fiber reinforced polymer(FRP) composite materials are heterogeneous and anisotropic materials that do not exhibit plastic deformation. They have been used in a wide range of contemporary applications particularly in space and aviation,automotive,maritime and manufacturing of sports equipment. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer(CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced polymer(GFRP) composite materials,among other fiber reinforced materials,have been increasingly replacing conventional materials with their excellent strength and low specific weight properties. Their manufacturability in varying combinations with customized strength properties,also their high fatigue,toughness and high temperature wear and oxidation resistance capabilities render these materials an excellent choice in engineering applications.In the present review study,a literature survey was conducted on the machinability properties and related approaches for CFRP and GFRP composite materials. As in the machining of all anisotropic and heterogeneous materials,failure mechanisms were also reported in the machining of CFRP and GFRP materials with both conventional and modern manufacturing methods and the results of these studies were obtained by use of variance analysis(ANOVA),artificial neural networks(ANN) model,fuzzy inference system(FIS),harmony search(HS) algorithm,genetic algorithm(GA),Taguchi's optimization technique,multi-criteria optimization,analytical modeling,stress analysis,finite elements method(FEM),data analysis,and linear regression technique. Failure mechanisms and surface quality is discussed with the help of optical and scanning electron microscopy,and profilometry. ANOVA,GA,FEM,etc. are used to analyze and generate predictive models.

TREATMENT OF METALS, POLYMER FILMS, AND FABRICS WITHA ONE ATMOSPHERE UNIFORM GLOW DISCHARGE PLASMA(OAUGDP) FOR INCREASED SURFACE ENERGY AND DIRECTIONAL ETCHING

Direct exposure of samples to the active species of air generated by a One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP) has been used to etch and to increase the surface energy of metallic surfaces, photoresist, polymer films, and nonwoven fab- rics. The OAUGDP is a non-thermal plasma with the classical characteristics of a DC normal glow discharge that operates in air (and other gases) at atmospheric pres- sure. Neither a vacuum system nor batch processing is necessary. A wide range of applications to metals, photoresist, films, fabrics, and polymeric webs can be accom- modated by direct exposure of the workpiece to the plasma in parallel-plate reactors. This technolopy is simple, it produces effects that can be obtained in no other way at one atmosphere; it generates minimal pollutants or unwanted by-products; and it is suitable for individual sample or online treatment of metallic surfaces, wafers, films, and fabrics. Early exposures of solid materials to the OAUGDP required minutes to produce rela- tively small increases of surface energy. These durations appeared too long for com- mercial application to fast-moving webs. Recent improvements in OAUGDP gas com- position, power density, plasma quality, recireulating gas flow, and impedance match- ing of the power supply to the parallel plate plasma reactor have made it possible to raise the surface energy of a variety of polymeric webs (PP, PET PE etc.) to levels of 60 to 70 dynes/cm with one second of exposure. In air plasmas, the high surface ener- gies are not durable, and fall to 50 dynes/cm after periods of weeks to months. Here, we report the exposure of metallic surfaces, photoresist, polymeric films, and nonwo- ven fabrics made of PP and PET to an impedance matched parallel plate OAUGDP for durations ranging from one second to several tens of seconds. Data will be re- ported on the surface energy, wettability, wickability, and aging effect of polymeric films and fabrics as functions of time of exposure, and time after exposure; the rate and uniformity of photoresist etching; and the production of sub-micron structures by OAUGDP etching at one atmosphere.

Measurement of Atrazine Adsorption onto Surficial Sediments(Natural Surface Coatings)——New Evidence for the Importance of Fe Oxides

To reveal the relative contribution of the components, Fe, Mn oxides or organic materials（OMs） in the surficial sediments（SSs）, and the natural surface coating samples（NSCSs） to adsorbing atrazine（AT）, a selective chemical extraction technique was employed, to remove the different components, and the adsorption characteristics of AT on the SSs and the NSCSs were investigated. The observed adsorptions of AT on the original and extracted SSs and NSCSs were analyzed by nonlinear least squares fitting（NLSF） to estimate the relative contribution of the components. The results showed that the maximum adsorption of AT on the NSCSs was greater than that in the SSs, before and after extraction treatments, implying that the NSCSs were more dominant than the SSs for organic pollutant adsorption. It was also found that the Fe oxides, OMs, and residues in SSs（NSCSs） facilitated the adsorption of AT, but Mn oxides directly or indirectly restrained the interaction of AT with SSs（NSCSs） particles. The contribution of the Fe oxides to AT adsorption was more than that of OMs; the greatest contribution to AT adsorption on a molar basis was from the Fe oxides in the nonresidual fractions, indicating that the Fe oxides played an important role in controlling the environmental behavior of AT in an aquatic environment.

Modelling of spall damage in ductile materials and its application to the simulation of the plate impact on copper

A statistical model of dynamic spall damage due to void nucleation and growth is proposed for ductile materials under intense loading, which takes into account inertia, the elastic-plastic effect, and initial void size. To some extent, void interaction could be accounted for in this approach. Based on this model, the simulation of spall experiments for copper is performed by using the Lagrangian finite element method. The simulation results are in good agreement with experimental data for the free surface velocity profile, stress record behind copper target, final porosity, and void concentrations across the target. The influence of elastic-plastic effect upon the damage evolution is explored. The correlation between the damage evolution and the history of the stress near the spall plane is also analyzed.

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.