Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) is a unique tool for studying the con-centration and types of open-volume defects. In this study, we performed depth-resolved PALS toinvestigate such defects and the properties of precipitates in differently (heat) treated AlCuMgAgsamples. Alloying AlCu with Ag has been shown to leverage the formation of the so-called Ω(Al2Cu)phase, known for its high strength and thermal stability. We present PALS measurements of Al-4Cu-0.3Mg-0.7Ag containing Ω phase precipitation after hot-rolling and subsequent T4-treatment. Ourfindings showcase the high thermal stability of the Ω phase and that positron annihilation studies helpin understading and optimizing the process of strength hardening AlCuMgAg alloys.

Determining interlayer shear modulus of composite materials by the method of three-point transverse bending is considered, and Timoshenko approaches to estimating the shear strains in this type of loading are assessed. It is shown that these approaches make it possible to determine the shear component of beam deflection with an accuracy acceptable for practice in testing them in three-point transverse bending, but only for isotropic materials. For anisotropic materials, they are unacceptable. These approaches are also unacceptable for determining the shear modulus of isotropic and anisotropic materials. Based on the data obtained as a result of the study, a simple and economical method for determining the shear moduli in the three-point transverse bending is proposed. This method was tested on both isotropic and composite materials with different reinforcement structures. Results showed a good agreement between the calculated and experimental values of the shear moduli for all the materials considered, which confirmed that the method proposed method can be used in practice.

Material abrasion is a critical consideration in product design, manufacturing, and maintenance because it has a high impact on several properties. When it comes to the abrasion of polymer yarns, insight into the behaviour of yarns due to constant abrasion is important for ensuring final product quality, performance, and customer satisfaction. For this study, a group of polymer yarns is selected. The yarns differ in raw material, as well as the yarn type. Within the experiment selected yarns in both single condition and within the fabric structure were conducted to different abrasion tests. The study findings reveal that yarn type, raw material composition, and additional treatments significantly influence abrasion resistance. Recycled polyester yarns demonstrate comparable, if not superior, abrasion resistance to conventional ones, making them viable for various applications.

In general, composite materials are widely used in many industries. A composite material is a material composed of two or more components. Such a composite material differs in its properties from the individual components of the entire composite. This contribution is aimed at evaluating the parameters of selected composite materials - wood fiber boards, carbon prepreg boards and epoxy boards. The measured quantities that were investigated on the given materials were the modulus of elasticity, the loss modulus and the tan delta angle. To evaluate the properties of the given composite materials, a dynamic-mechanical analysis using the DMA Q800 device from TA Instruments was used. Three samples were measured from each material. From the measured values, it is demonstrable for the modulus of elasticity that the greatest mechanical disturbance began to occur gradually due to the influence of temperature and frequency with three materials in this order: fiber board - carbon prepreg board - epoxy board. From the obtained values ​​of the loss modulus, it was proven that the sample - wood fiber board - had the lowest glass transition temperature. Finally, regarding the measured values ​​of the glass transition temperature for the loss angle (tan delta), it can be said that the wood fiber board also has the lowest damping ability.

This study investigates the effects of laser spot size and sizing threshold parameters in Surface Scanning Inspection Systems (SSIS) on defect cluster identification in 300 mm silicon wafers. Reducing the laser spot size enhances the detection of smaller point defects, increasing cluster counts by up to 45% depending on the scan mode. Similarly, lowering the sizing threshold improves point defect capture rates, raising cluster probability by over 30%. However, these optimizations involve trade-offs: smaller spot sizes limit the search distance, while lower thresholds encourage cluster merging, resulting in a net decrease in identified clusters by 10%-20% in some cases. These findings underscore the need for a precise balance between sensitivity and resolution in SSIS configurations to achieve effective defect management. This work offers critical insights for optimizing silicon wafer quality, an essential factor in advanced integrated circuit manufacturing. Furthermore, it establishes a foundation for integrating machine learning-based defect feature analysis, paving the way for next-generation automated and predictive inspection systems in semiconductor fabrication. By addressing the challenges of defect clustering and providing data-driven solutions, this study contributes to the advancement of more reliable and efficient inspection technologies for the evolving demands of the semiconductor industry.

The lithium aluminium titanium tantalum phosphates compounds Li1+xAlxT2-x-yTay(PO4)3 (LATTaP) with different compositions (x = 0.3; 0.02 ≤ y ≤ 0.05) were synthesized using a solid-state synthesis approach. The synthesized samples were characterized through various methods. TGA/DTG results indicate the thermal stability and complete breakdown of the stoichiometric compositions. This ensures LATTaP solid electrolytes remain stable under battery cycling, high-temperature environments, and battery applications. This was corroborated by the FTIR findings, which showed the total decomposition of volatile substances, including water molecules, CO2, and HN3; the wave bands associated with hydroxyl or carboxylic compounds were completely absent, with only the bands corresponding to the vibration of the PO4 ionic group detected. This identifies chemical bonding, confirming the stability of the phosphate framework which determines structural integrity for long-term battery cycling without material degradation. The samples were successfully produced with an R-3c space group for structural characterization, assuming a hexagonal crystal structure, as referenced in the ICSD database 98-006-9677. XRD analysis demonstrated the presence of a single-phase NASICON-type crystal structure, which is essential for high ionic conductivity. The findings showed that the thermal properties of the materials are important to identify proper applicability of the material as a solid electrolyte.

This study investigates an enhancement of carbon-based materials, including multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphite, through Ion Assisted Reaction (IAR) and metal nanoparticle deposition using Physical Vapor Deposition. The IAR process employed Ar+ ion beams in reactive gas environments, effectively introducing hydrophilic functional groups such as hydroxyl (-OH) and carboxyl (-COOH) on the MWCNT surfaces. This modification significantly improved dispersion behavior of the treated MWCNTs, particularly in non-polar solvents like N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Results indicated that the treated MWCNTs demonstrated a slower sedimentation rate compared to untreated samples, with enhanced stability over 120 minutes in NMP. Graphite was modified with copper nanoparticles on its surface using magnetron sputtering in PVD system, leading to a uniform distribution of the modified graphite in matrix. SEM analysis revealed that this modification enhanced the surface roughness of the graphite, facilitating stronger interfacial adhesion with polymer epoxy resin. Composites incorporating these nanoparticle-coated graphite fillers (NPP graphite) exhibited superior thermal and mechanical properties. For instance, a 15% increment in thermal conductivity was observed in epoxy resin composites containing NPP graphite compared to those with untreated graphite. This improvement was attributed to the metallic Cu nanoparticles acting as thermal bridges, effectively transferring heat within the composite matrix. Mechanical properties were evaluated by blending modified fillers into polymer matrices, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE), with filler concentrations varying from 5 vol% to 15 vol%. Tensile testing and SEM analysis of the fractured surfaces indicated that NPP graphite composites achieved uniform dispersion, reduced agglomeration, and improved interfacial bonding. This study demonstrates that physical surface modification techniques such as IAR and PVD effectively overcome limitations associated with conventional chemical methods. This approach not only improves the dispersion and interfacial adhesion of carbon-based fillers but also enhances their thermal and mechanical performance.

This research assesses the anticorrosive activity of Musa Paradisiaca (plantain peel extract) on AA6063 aluminum alloy when immersed in a 1M HCl solution. The plantain extract was tested in concentrations of 0.2g, 0.4g, 0.6g, and 0.8g and is considered a natural green corrosion inhibitor. The corrosion studies on AA6063 were carried out by the techniques of potentiodynamic polarization, optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, and XRD analysis. Also, tests were done in the range of 30°C to investigate the inhibition efficiency. It was observed from results that the plantain extract acts as a mixed-type inhibitor and it helps in reducing the corrosion rate by depositing a protective coating on the surface of the alloy. It was found from the Tafel plots that as the concentration of extract was increased, there was a decrease in corrosion current density (jcorr) and an increase in Polarisation Resistance (Rp). The adsorption mechanism agreed with the Langmuir isotherm suggesting that only monolayer adsorption took place. Analysis of the protective film by SEM/EDS and XRD revealed the presence of Fe2O3, CaO, Mg, SiO2, and Zn components. Maximum inhibition efficiency of 82% was recorded at the extract concentration of 0.8g. The study highlights the potential of plantain extract to serve as a viable green inhibitor for aluminium in acidic medium.

Technological advancements and changing global needs drive deposition techniques, widely used for altering surface properties of components. The crosswinds from global technological advancements in the mobility and power sectors have piqued the interest in sustainable renewable energy tapping devices. Thin aluminium oxide (Al2O3) films are highly valued for various applications in the manufacturing industry, such as cutting tool coatings, optics, energy, and microelectronics. A novel and facile approach has been adopted in the present work to fabricate an oxide-based thin film on a BK7 glass substrate. The aluminium oxide film is deposited by reactive radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering by impinging adequate argon to oxygen ratio in a high vacuum environment. Furthermore, Al2O3 is deposited by an alumina target with the same deposition technique, and the results were compared. A digital thickness monitor (DTM) is used to assess the thickness of the deposited film for both processes. The films were first characterized by X-ray diffraction and then analysed by other characterization methods, including Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, Tribometer and Nanoindentation, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The results indicated that Al2O3 deposited by reactive RF magnetron sputtering performed better in terms of surface morphology, UV-absorbance, nanohardness, and wear resistance and is therefore, more reliable and sustainable when compared with non-reactive RF magnetron sputtering.

Hydro turbines are the key features of the developing globe for utilizing one of the important renewable energies, namely hydro power. The longevity of these hydro machineries links directly to the surface properties of critical component like impellers, as these components are exposed to slurry and cavitation erosion during their use and should be addressed by the properly designed material surfaces for consistent efficiency. The surface properties can be altered and improved by developing coating in conventional steels that are used for impellers. A recommended hard coating for such applications involves titanium carbide (TiC) with Ni and Cr binders. Along with hardness, an increase in surface hydrophobicity can also reduce wear. High velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying process comes under the umbrella of thermal spray process that utilizes melting of powders via burning of fuel and these molten powders were bombarded on the surface with supersonic velocity to generate a coating. In this paper, HVOF thermal sprayed coating consisting of TiC and NiCr has been utilized for SS410 steel. In addition, a thin layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has also been investigated on the HVOF sprayed surface to enhance its hydrophobicity. The developed surface has been characterized by static contact angle, hardness, porosity, surface roughness, and coating thickness. Variable impingement parameters, namely sand concentration (20000 & 40000 ppm), angle of impingement (45 & 90°) for slurry testing, stand-off-distance (4 & 8 cm), and flow velocity (15 and 30 m/sec) for cavitation testing were opted for analysis the wear resistance of candidate specimens. From the results, it has been observed that the implementation of a PTFE layer leads to super hydrophobicity. However, the hardness and surface roughness have been reduced with the assistance of PTFE layer. Meanwhile, the slurry and cavitation erosion resistance were also found to be improved by the PTFE layer due to the increase in static contact angle. In the case of cavitation erosion, maximum jet velocity and stand-off distance contribute to more wear, owing to sufficient bubble generation. Next, in case of slurry erosion testing, mixed aspect of erosion wear with respect of influence of parameters was observed for coated and uncoated samples. Ductile mode of failure was observed for SS410, and PTFE sprayed specimens, on the other side, HVOF sprayed TiC+50%NiCr coating showed mixed mode of erosion.