Journal of Materials Science最新文献

In this study, machine learning techniques were applied to model and optimize the electrical conductivity of aluminum alloys through predictive analysis and compositional design. Based on 371 sets of actual industrial production data, four regression models, support vector regression (SVR), decision tree (DT), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and XGBoost, were developed. The results demonstrate that the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model outperforms the other models in terms of mean squared error (MSE) and coefficient of determination (R²). Furthermore, by integrating the Bayesian optimization algorithm, the inverse design of aluminum alloy conductivity was within a defined compositional range. The optimized component scheme, experimentally verified, achieved a conductivity of 30.4% International Annealed Copper Standard (% IACS), surpassing the highest conductivity of 28.08% IACS from the original dataset, thereby validating the effectiveness of this method. Additionally, by combining thermodynamic calculations (using Pandat® software) with microstructure analysis, the study revealed the mechanisms by which element solid solution states and precipitation behaviors affect conductivity performance. The findings indicate that the low solubility of elements like Zn and Cu reduces electron scattering, enhancing the feasibility of the “low-solute and high-precipitation” design strategy. This study has developed an integrated framework for designing the conductivity of aluminum alloys, incorporating machine learning, optimization design, and microstructure analysis, providing new insights into the intelligent development of high-conductivity aluminum alloys.

Water pollution exerts profound and far-reaching effects on human health and the global ecosystem, posing a critical challenge to sustainable development. Various methods have been developed to treat wastewater. However, traditional wastewater treatment methods fail to achieve advanced purification for organic pollutants. Therefore, photocatalysis, which represents a clean and sustainable technology with the potential to replace traditional methods, has been developed as a promising approach to treat wastewater. Nevertheless, its photocatalytic efficiency is impeded by the rapid recombination of photoinduced charges, which restricts its overall performance. Therefore, enhancing photocatalytic performance through construction of sustainable electric fields has become a key research focus. Recently, novel electric fields include triboelectric, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric fields, compensate for the drawbacks of traditional electric fields that are rely on electrodes and electrolytes, offering new pathways to improve photocatalytic efficiency. In this review, the interrelations between theoretical principles and photocatalytic activities within the framework of the three electric fields are systematically discussed, encompassing their influence factors, design strategies, and improving approaches. A comprehensive and in-depth analysis of high-efficiency photocatalytic systems enhanced by the electric fields is highlighted, especially nanogenerator (TENG) and contact-electro-catalysis (CEC), concentrating on the design of sustainable energy conversion devices, including structural inventions, material selections, mechanical forces, and other influencing factors. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for enhancing photocatalysis are summarized, which provide valuable theoretical supports and experimental guidance for researchers specializing in photocatalysis, triboelectrics, piezoelectrics, pyroelectrics, and relevant fields.

The N5 nickel-based single-crystal superalloy is critical for aero-engine blades, yet its high-temperature interdiffusion with NiCrAlY coatings promotes the formation of detrimental topologically close-packed (TCP) phases, which degrade the coating performance. To investigate this issue, a coupled finite-element and phase-field model was developed to simulate the interdiffusion process at 1050 °C for 300 h, comparing systems with and without a NiRe diffusion barrier. The results reveal a stark contrast: Without the barrier, severe interdiffusion leads to a 78.44-μm-thick TCP layer and interfacial stress up to 8 kPa. In contrast, the NiRe barrier reduces the Al/Cr diffusion fluxes by two orders of magnitude, cuts the TCP thickness by 68% to 24.6 μm, lowers the peak stress by 31% to 5.5 kPa, and better retains Al within the coating. These findings confirm that the NiRe layer acts as an effective physicochemical barrier, simultaneously suppressing interdiffusion and TCP phase precipitation.

The manipulation of intermetallic phases, particularly quasicrystalline approximants, offers a promising pathway to enhance the mechanical performance of aluminum alloys. This study characterizes the crystallographic orientation relationship (OR) and nucleation behavior of the Al₄Mn approximant phase in a suction-cast Al–8Mn–2Ni (wt.%) alloy. Combined SEM, EBSD, and TEM analyses reveal a distinct orientation relationship (OR), demonstrating that the Al₄Mn phase promotes twin formation in the α-Al matrix. Crucially, calculations based on the edge-to-edge matching (E2EM) model reveal a specific low mismatch planar relationship of {020}_α-Al // {55—100}_Al4Mn with an inter-planar spacing mismatch of only 1.33%. This exceptionally low mismatch value quantitatively validates the high potency of the Al₄Mn phase as a heterogeneous nucleation substrate for α-Al grains. These findings provide a theoretical basis for utilizing Al₄Mn approximants as effective grain refiners, suggesting a novel microstructural design strategy for developing high-strength lightweight Al–Mn–Ni alloys with optimized ductility.

In numerous engineering domains such as aerospace, mechanical manufacturing, and the automotive industry, many components rely on surface coatings to withstand service damage under harsh operating conditions. Owing to the precise configuration design of components, non-contact post-treatment approaches are among the crucial means to ameliorate the fatigue failure of coatings. Among them, a high-intensity pulsed magnetic field post-treatment has been widely applied due to its advantages such as non-contact, high energy, and high efficiency. Therefore, this paper adopts a combination of simulation and experiment to evaluate the influence of this technology on the microstructure and magnetic domain distribution, mechanical properties, and service performance of the coating. After post-treatment with a gradient high-intensity pulsed magnetic field, the tribological coefficient of the coating decreased from 0.57 to 0.46. The wear resistance improved positively with the change of the gradient magnetic field. The fatigue performance showed the same trend, and the optimal post-treatment process increased the fatigue life of the coating by 128.78%. The main mechanism is as follows: Post-treatment with pulsed magnetic fields improves the distribution of magnetic domains within the coating, causing many dislocations to be generated and concentrated at the grain boundaries, which inhibits crack propagation and promotes the transformation of residual compressive stress. Ultimately, it enhances the comprehensive service performance of the sample.

Graphical abstract

WC-Co cemented carbide is a critical material in industrial applications due to its exceptional mechanical properties. In this work, the effects of trace Cr₃C₂ addition (0–0.5 wt.%) on the microstructural evolution and property enhancement of WC-8.5Co cemented carbides were systematically investigated. The effect of Cr₃C₂ additives on the microstructural, mechanical, and magnetic behaviors of WC-Co cemented carbides are investigated in a comparative manner. The addition of Cr₃C₂ significantly refines the WC grain size and suppresses abnormal grain growth primarily through the formation of Cr-rich interfacial layers and the pinning of grain boundaries, which leads to the evidently enhancement of hardness, bending strength, and compressive strength of the alloy as expected. These results demonstrate that Cr₃C₂ additives are highly effective in optimizing the performance of WC-Co cemented carbides, making them suitable for demanding industrial applications. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of grain refinement and property enhancement in WC-Co alloys, offering a pathway for the development of advanced cemented carbides.

Graphical abstract

A multiscale numerical model integrating the Cellular Automaton (CA) and Finite Element Method (FEM) has been developed to investigate the microstructure evolution of Mg–Y–Sm–Zn–Zr rare-earth Mg alloys during Selective Laser Melting (SLM). This approach comprehensively accounts for heat conduction, nucleation behavior, solute redistribution, and dendritic growth kinetics. The influence of laser power and scanning speed on molten pool thermal behavior, geometry, and resulting microstructure was systematically examined. The simulation results reveal that an increase in laser power or a reduction in scanning speed leads to an enlarged molten pool, enhanced columnar grain growth, and diminished solute accumulation at the solid–liquid interface. Specifically, as the laser power increases from 50 to 80 W, the Primary Dendrite Arm Spacing (PDAS) rises from 1.02 to 1.4 µm. In contrast, increasing the scanning speed from 200 to 400 mm/s reduces the PDAS from 1.56 to 1.12 µm. Comparative analysis demonstrates a relative deviation of approximately 7% between simulated and experimental results, indicating a strong consistency in microstructure distribution. These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing SLM process parameters and offer a cost-effective alternative to extensive experimental trials in the fabrication of rare-earth Mg alloys.

As promising high-temperature materials, γ-TiAl alloys encounter application challenges due to their limited room-temperature ductility, insufficient high-temperature strength, and poor oxidation resistance. TiAl-4822 (Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb at. %) addresses these limitations via controlling Cr and Nb alloying additions to optimize the mechanical and microstructural characteristics. This study investigated the optimal doping positions of Cr and Nb in the γ phase of TiAl-4822 alloy and their impacts on the microstructure and mechanical performance by integrating Density Functional Theory (DFT), XRD (X-ray Diffraction) Rietveld refinement, and additive manufacturing technology. The results suggest that the Nb and Cr atoms preferentially substitute Ti sites, uniformly distributed in the γ phase of the second deposited layer, forming a (Ti_0.92Nb_0.04Cr_0.04)Al structure. This lattice configuration exhibits the optimal structural and thermodynamic stability. The mechanical tests demonstrated significant enhancements in Young’s modulus across all directions compared to binary γ-TiAl, indicating improved mechanical performance. This work provides theoretical support for the study on microstructure and mechanical properties of TiAl-4822 by revealing the most stable configurations of Cr and Nb and their effects on the mechanical properties of TiAl alloy.

Glucose detection is pivotal in healthcare, the food sector, and bioprocess monitoring. Developing low-cost, robust, highly selective, sensitive, and wide-linear-range catalytic materials is key to lowering the detection threshold. Non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensors have emerged as a research focus due to their enzyme-free operation, high stability, and cost-effectiveness. Among various catalytic materials for non-enzyme sensors, nickel-based materials stand out for their abundant supply, favorable catalytic activity, and structural tunability, making them widely used in non-enzymatic glucose sensor construction. This review systematically examines the impact of synthesis methods (e.g., hydrothermal and solvothermal, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electrochemical deposition, acoustic chemical method, pyrolysis, calcination, microwave-assisted, and plasma-based synthesis) on nickel-based materials and their performance, and it also analyzes the sensing performance variations across various systems, such as nickel-based compounds, complexes, and derivatives. Optimizing material composition and nanostructures can markedly improve sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and linear range. Furthermore, device-oriented innovations, such as integrating flexible electrodes with smart monitoring systems, have proven viable for real-world sample detection. Future research should tackle challenges such as catalytic efficiency under neutral conditions, long-term stability, and anti-interference capabilities to facilitate the commercialization of nickel-based non-enzymatic glucose sensors.

Graphical abstract

Nanotechnology is rapidly expanding, driving advancements across various scientific domains. Specifically, progress in nanoscience has notably enhanced the quality of nanotechnology-based products, seamlessly integrating them into our daily lives. Customers have long found the cosmetics industry to be mysterious. The focus is on how the integration of nanotechnology has transformed cosmetic products by improving their stability, transparency, controlled release, and skin penetration capabilities. Furthermore, the study review various nanomaterials widely employed in skincare formulations, encompassing niosomes, silver and gold nanoparticles, nanocapsules, liposomes, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, and solid lipid nanoparticles. A concise description is provided on how these materials contribute unique features, sustained effects, and enhanced performance in cosmetic applications. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the necessity for rigorous safety assessments to ensure the secure integration of nanotechnology in cosmetic products. The review concludes that nano-based carriers exhibit advanced properties, augmenting the efficacy of skincare products, including sunscreens, moisturizers, skin cleansers, nail and hair formulations, antiaging products, antioxidants, perfumes, and fragrances. Thus, this comprehensive survey aims to contribute to the understanding of pivotal role nanotechnology plays in shaping the future landscape of the cosmetics industry.

Graphical abstract