A noble and single source precursor for the synthesis of metal-rich sulphides embedded in an N-doped carbon framework for highly active OER electrocatalysts

Here, we demonstrate a green and environment-friendly pyrolysis route for the synthesis of metal-rich sulphide embedded in an N-doped carbon (NC) framework in the absence of sulphide ions (S2-). The metal-chelate complex (tris(ethylenediamine) metal(II) sulfate) serves as a new and single source precursor for the synthesis of earth abundant and non-precious hybrid structures such as metal-rich sulphides Co9S8@NC and Ni3S2@ NC when M-II = Co2+ and Ni2+ and counter sulphate (SO42-) ions are the source of S. Both the hybrids show superior OER activity as compared to commercial RuO2.

Size-dependent inelastic behavior of particle-reinforced metal-matrix composites

The strengthening behavior of particle-reinforced metal-matrix composites (MMCp) is primarily attributed to the dislocation strengthening effect and the load-transfer effect. To account for these two effects in a unified way, a new hybrid approach is developed in this paper by incorporating the geometrically necessary dislocation strengthening effect into the incremental micromechanical scheme. By making use of this hybrid approach, the particle-size-dependent inelastic deformation behavior of MMCp is given. Some comparisons with the available experimental results demonstrate that the present approach is satisfactory.

A Method Based on Digital Image Analysis for Measuring the Strain Field of Deformed Sheet

对薄板成形应变场传统的测量方法进行了研究,指出了其不足和误差的来源,提出了数字图像分析法测量薄板成形中的应变场,对测量原理、新的测量方法对传统方法的改进,以及如何降低误差进行了介绍,指出数字图像分析法的前景,提出了改进意见。

Flow Stress of Biomorphous Metal-Matrix Composites

For metal-matrix composites (MMCs), interfacial debonding between the ductile matrix and the reinforcing hard inclusions is an important failure mode. A fundamental approach to improving the properties of MMCs is to optimize their microstructure to achieve maximum strength and toughness. Here, we investigate the flow stress of a MMC with a nanoscale microstructure similar to that of bone. Such a 'biomorphous' MMC would be made of staggered hard and slender nanoparticles embedded in a ductile matrix. We show that the large aspect ratio and the nanometer size of inclusions in the biomorphous MMC lead to significantly improved properties with increased tolerance of interfacial damage. In this case, the partially debonded inclusions continue to carry mechanical load transferred via longitudinal shearing of the matrix material between neighboring inclusions. The larger the inclusion aspect ratio, the larger is the flow stress and work hardening rate for the composite. Increasing the volume concentration of inclusion also makes the biomorphous MMC more tolerant of interfacial damage.

Material response and failure mechanism of unidirectional metal matrix composites under impulsive shear loading

The material response and failure mechanism of unidirectional metal matrix composite under impulsive shear loading are investigated in this paper. Both experimental and analytical studies were performed. The shear strength of unidirectional C-f/A356.0 composite and A356.0 aluminum alloy at high strain rate were measured with a modified split Hopkinson torsional bar technique. The results indicated that the carbon fibers did not improve the shear strength of aluminum matrix if the fiber orientation aligned with the shear loading axis. The microscopic inspection of the fractured surface showed a multi-scale zigzag feature which implied a complicated shear failure mechanism in the composite. In addition to testing, the micromechanical stress field in the composite was analyzed by the generalized Eshelby equivalent method (GEEM). The influence of cracking in matrix on the micromechanical stress field was investigated as well. The results showed that the stress distribution in the composite is quite nonhomogeneous and very high shear stress concentrations are found in some regions in the matrix. The high shear stress concentration in the matrix induces tensile cracking at 45 degrees to the shear direction. This in turn aggravates the stress concentration at the fiber/matrix interface and finally leads to a catastrophic failure in the composite. From the correlation between the analysis and experimental results, the shear failure mechanism of unidirectional C-f/A356.0 composite can be elucidated qualitatively.