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Rapid prototypes formed using stereolithography (SL) method have to undergo post‐curing to increase their strength and rigidity. This study attempts to reduce, if not eliminate, post‐cure distortion by characterising curing behaviours. Curing (both heat and UV initiated) characteristics of an acrylic‐based photopolymer under actual fabrication conditions were studied using Raman spectroscopy as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and differential scanning photo‐calorimetry (DSP). Specimens of single photopolymer lines were created using a SL machine. Raman spectroscopy was used to quantify the curing percentage at different areas on the cross‐section of these lines. Curing percentages before and after post‐curing were also obtained from the experiments. Difference in percentage of post‐curing gave an indication of the distortions faced. It was found that uncured and partially cured resins trapped within the photopolymer resulted in inhomogeneity of curing in the specimens causing shrinkage and distortion.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the physical, chemical and thermal characteristics of paraffin-blended fuels to determine their suitability as fuel in hybrid rockets.

Wax fuels are viable and efficient alternatives to conventional rocket fuels, having excellent structural strength and thermal and mechanical properties. The authors report a study of the morphological, chemical and thermal properties of paraffin wax with and without additives for use as fuels in hybrid rockets. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for the morphological and chemical characterizations of the fuel blends. The thermal stability and combustion characteristics were assessed under an atmosphere of nitrogen by the simultaneous application of thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry techniques.

The melting temperatures for pure paraffin and other formulations were around 61°C as seen in differential scanning calorimetry experiments. Variations in the compositions of monoesters, n-alkanes, fatty acids, carboxylic acids methyl and hydroxyl esters in the fuel samples were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The assessment criterion was chosen as the relative content of carbonyl groups, and the ratio of the stretching vibration of the C–C bonds to the deformation vibration of the aliphatic carbon–hydrogen bonds was taken as the basis for the quantitative calibration. The crystal phases identified by X-ray diffraction were used to identify nonlinear chemicals and alkane lengths. Scanning electron microscopy validated homogeneity in the paraffin-blended samples.

This study presents the thermal stability and other relevant characteristics of fuel formulations comprising unconventional blends.

The purpose of this paper is to study the electrochemical, mechanical and thermal characteristics of polyester – epoxy coating systems using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), pull-off test and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These are very important properties to evaluate the performance of a coating system. Proper measurement and analysis techniques are needed for a proper evaluation of these properties to ensure the coating performance.

Different ratios of polyester and epoxy resins have been blended to formulate good anticorrosive, mechanically strong and thermally stable binder coating system. EIS, pull-off test and DSC were used to evaluate these properties.

The sample containing 90 wt.% polyester exhibited the best corrosion resistance from the beginning until the end of exposure time. The value of corrosion resistance (R_c) obtained on the 30th day of exposure was found to be 2.89 × 108 ohm cm⁻². The glass transition temperature (T_g) was found to be increasing with the incorporation of epoxy to the binder system. The result from pull-off test showed the best adhesion with the sample containing 90 wt.% polyester which also has the lowest T_g promoted better adhesion properties.

The curing time must be reduced for practical applications.

Hybrid coatings systems have been formulated. This paper discusses on the highest coating resistance obtained polymer-substrate mechanical properties and thermal characteristic of the polyester/epoxy binder resin using DSC.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is an ideal technique for characterising polymeric materials such as the epoxy resin in epoxy glass prepregs and laminates, the technique having evolved from the older qualitative method of Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). In DSC the heat flow to or from the sample is measured as a function of temperature or time. Epoxy glass prepregs are used as the bonding/insulating layer in multilayer printed circuit boards. When a sample of the epoxy resin in prepreg is heated, the heat flow that results from the exothermic curing reaction is measured and used to calculate the enthalpy ΔH of the reaction. ΔH is related to the degree of B stage curing and the flow achievable in the laminating press. Methods are given for calculating ΔH and the differences found in two manufacturers' prepreg material are discussed. The effect of ageing on ΔH, which has been found to decrease with time and with the extent of cure, is examined at room temperature and under refrigeration. The difference in the ageing properties of the two prepregs is explained by reference to a plot of the degree of conversion with time. This plot also enables the curing time required in the lamination press and the shelf life of the prepreg at room temperature to be calculated. Monitoring the degree of cure of laminates and cured prepreg using the glass transition temperature of the resin is examined. Insufficient cure may lead to problems of resin smear in multilayer printed circuit boards. Thermochemical analysis is used as a routine quality control method in the Microcircuit Assembly Techniques Facility at Marconi Research Centre for testing incoming prepreg and laminates used in multilayer printed circuit board manufacture.

This paper aims to better control the mechanical properties and functional properties of NiTi alloy.

NiTi alloy samples with equal atomic ratio were formed by selective laser melting (SLM). X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy and tensile testing methods were used to study the effects of different laser power and scanning speed on the densification behavior, phase transformation characteristics and mechanical properties of NiTi alloy.

Compared with the laser power, the variation of the keyhole effect caused by the change of scanning speed is more intense, which has a greater effect on the densification behavior of SLM NiTi alloy. The effect of the laser power on the phase transition temperature is small. The increase of scanning speed weakens the burning degree of Ni element, so phase transition temperature decreases. The results of DSC test and tensile test show that the scanning velocity can significantly change the phase transition temperature, martensite twins reorientation and stress–strain behavior of SLM NiTi alloy.

This study provides a potential method to regulate the mechanical properties and functional properties of NiTi shape memory alloy in the future and NiTi alloys formed by SLM with good elongation were obtained because the Supercellular crystal structure formed during the nonequilibrium solidification of SLM and the superfine precipitates dispersed in the alloy prevented the dislocation formation.

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a study of the evolution of the microstructure and the microhardness of Sn-Cu-Ag alloys from as-cast condition and under artificial isothermal aging at different temperatures (100ºC and 180ºC) for a treatment time up to 500 h. A comparison with Sn-37% Pb eutectic solder samples was also made.

Sn-3.5%Ag, Sn-0.7%Cu and Sn-3.5%Ag-0.9%Cu were poured in two different cooling rate conditions and then aged at 100ºC (373ºK) and 180 °C (453ºK) during 500 h. Microstructural changes were observed by optical microscopy, scanning electron micrograph and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Differential scanning calorimetry technique (DSC) was also used to confirm the obtained results.

A decrease up to 20% in microhardness respect to the value of the as-cast alloy was observed for both aging temperatures. These changes can be explained considering the coarsening and recrystallization of Sn dendrites present in the microstructures of all the systems studied.

There is no evidence of dissolution or precipitation of new phases in the range of studied temperatures that could be detected by DSC calorimetry technique. The acting mechanisms must be the result of coarsening of Sn dendrites and the residual stresses relaxation during the first stages of the isothermal aging.

To meet higher requirements on multilayer PCBs, good control of the prepreg parameters is essential. The standard prepreg tests of gel time and flow are insufficient. New test methods such as melt viscosity, scaled flow test and differential scanning calorimetry give the required information. The test methods are compared for different materials. Rheology testing using a melt viscosimeter is an important tool for both prepreg and PCB manufacturers.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of laser power on the electrochemical corrosion performance in 3.5% NaCl, 0.1 M H₂SO₄ and 0.1 M NaOH solutions, which provided an experimental basis for the application of Al–Ti–Ni amorphous coating in marine environment.

Amorphous Al–Ti–Ni coatings were fabricated on S355 structural steel by laser thermal spraying (LTS) at different laser powers. The surface and cross-section morphologies, chemical element distribution, phases and crystallization behaviors of obtained coatings were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The effects of laser power on the electrochemical corrosion performances of Al–Ti–Ni coatings in 3.5% NaCl, 0.1 M H₂SO₄ and 0.1 M NaOH solutions were investigated using an electrochemical workstation.

The crystallization temperature of Al–Ti–Ni coatings fabricated at the laser power of 1,300 and 1,700 W is ∼520°C, whereas that fabricated at the laser power of 1,500 W is ∼310°C. The coatings display excellent corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl and 0.1 M NaOH solutions, while a faster dissolution rate in 0.1 M H₂SO₄ solution. The coatings fabricated at the laser power of 1,300 and 1,700 W present the better electrochemical corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl and 0.1 M NaOH solutions, whereas that fabricated at the laser power of 1,500 W exhibits the better electrochemical corrosion resistance in 0.1 M H₂SO₄ solution.

In this work, Al-wire-cored Ti–Ni powder was first on S355 steel with the laser power of 1,300, 1,500 and 1,700 W, and the effects of laser power on the electrochemical corrosion performance in 3.5% NaCl, 0.1 M H₂SO₄ and 0.1 M NaOH solutions were investigated using an electrochemical workstation.

This study aims to comparatively reveal the physical, thermal and mechanical properties of horse tail and mane hairs, which have the potential to be used in many areas.

Physical properties of horsehairs such as diameter, density, moisture and water absorption were measured. Fourier transform infrared, field emission scanning electron microscopy and amino acid analyzes were applied to the hairs. Thermal stability of horsehair was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. In addition, breaking strength and elongation values of mane and tail hairs were measured.

As a result of morphological analysis of horsehair, it was observed that there are usually gaps in the internal structure of horsehair, but the size and continuity of these gaps vary. It has been determined that there is a significant difference between the tenacity values of tail and mane hairs as well as geometric characteristics. In addition, amino acid analysis has shown that the amino acid contents of horse tail and mane hairs are similar and not much different from sheep’s wool.

Horsehair has been used for various purposes such as clothing, accessories, brushes, upholstery and reinforcement material. To use horsehair in accordance with its application area and performance characteristics, it is necessary to know its physical, thermal and mechanical properties. It is considerable to reveal the similar and different aspects of tail and mane hairs to determine whether they are alternatives to each other. Therefore, revealing the characteristics of tail and mane hairs comparatively constitutes the originality of this study.

Three common glob top encapsulant materials, two epoxy‐based, and one silicone‐based, were characterized prior to temperature cycling using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical spectroscopy (DMS), gas chromatograph‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). After cycling between ‐55 to +125°C, for 1,000 cycles, the same samples were again analysed using DMS and FTIR. For the epoxy‐based samples, the DMS results indicated that temperature cycling in a humid environment can seriously affect the physical and mechanical properties of these samples. FTIR data also indicated that the molecular changes in the epoxy‐based samples appeared quite extensive after cycling, indicating a high level of degradation on the molecular scale. On the other hand, the silicon‐based glob top appeared to have survived the temperature cycling quite well.