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The purpose of this study/paper is regarding analysis of electrical discontinuity in penultimate layer of a few batches of Multilayer Boards (MLB) fabricated and supplied by a vendor. The ever-increasing demand of miniaturization in launch vehicle and spacecraft electronics systems has led to the usage of multilayer printed circuit boards (PCBs) for realizing high-performance electronics circuitry. Multilayer boards (MLBs) fabricated by qualified agencies based on the customer requirement are being used in the critical launch vehicle/spacecraft systems after evaluating the preliminary test results supplied by the vendor. However, a few batches of MLBs fabricated and supplied by a particular vendor (“A”) showed a discontinuity problem in a few PCB tracks connected by soldering pads. As these MLBs are part of Flight critical systems of both launch vehicle and spacecraft, a malfunction in the board may lead to fatal errors during fight or on-orbit, thereby jeopardizing the mission.

A systematic approach was followed to have a thorough understanding of the problem, and major tests such as inspection, continuity measurement, microsection of the plated through hole (PTH) and Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis tests were conducted on identified test boards based on Ishikawa model. Emphasis was given for horizontal microsection, as it has got a clear edge in detecting defects at any point of PTH barrel to inner-layer copper interface.

Systematic testing and evaluation on specimen revealed the presence of unwanted material at the bonding area of inner-layer copper and PTH copper due to inadequate fabrication process. The un-cleaned epoxy materials present at the bonding area creates a weak bond between barrel and inner-layer copper. Electrical strength of the MLB is the strength of this link. This weaker interconnection leads to electrical discontinuity of inner-layer tracks.

MLBs are part of Flight critical systems of both Launch Vehicle and Spacecraft; a malfunction in the board may lead to fatal errors during fight or on-orbit, thereby jeopardizing the mission. Case study of an original failure observed in MLBs helped to achieve normal functioning of systems and avoided failures at later stage of mission.

This paper offers a brief review of the present use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in concrete studies, from the perspective of how research in materials science is translated into applications in construction engineering. It describes the scope of present use of the method, and attempts a prospective for the near future in areas where more work could make productive use of the technology. Selected case studies have also been discussed. The electron microscope has been used as a research tool in understanding the root cause of the differing performance of various types of concrete under various conditions, a development tool in making better concrete, and a diagnosis tool on problems like cracking of concrete. The paper also explains how sample preparation affects the type and quality of information which the SEM can produce.

This paper outlines the inclusions in laminates that can cause the false rejection in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacture. Laminate inclusions are now becoming prevalent because of the higher resolution required for the inspection of reduced track and gap widths. Visual methods have been used to identify four main types of inclusions; these are: tadpoles, resin burnt, metal, and others. Tadpoles have been identified for the first time, and are small black‐tailed formations. Metal inclusions contain three main metallic components: chromium, iron and titanium. The paper also outlines the possible sources of these inclusions. For tadpole inclusions, the paper discusses the use of Scanning Electron‐Microscope Energy Disperse X‐Ray analysis to identify their constituent elements. Other methods of analysis are also discussed, such as Fourier Transform Infra‐Red analysis.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological properties of poly-alpha-olefin (PAO) with nano/microstructure core-shell lanthanum borate-SiO₂ composites (OCLS).

Oleic acid-capped core-shell lanthanum borate-SiO₂ composites were synthesized by an easy way. The composites were characterized by means of Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The friction and wear behaviors of the quenched AISI 1045 steel specimens sliding against AISI 52100 steel under the lubrication of PAO containing OCLS were comparatively investigated with PAO containing SiO₂ additive on an Optimol SRV reciprocating friction and wear tester. On the other hand, the tribological properties of the PAO containing OCLS were also investigated on four-ball tester.

The diameter of OCLS was about 20 nm, and the thickness of the SiO₂ shell was less than 5 nm. The ratio of oleic acid (OA) is about 15 percent. The PAO containing OCLS possesses much better tribological properties than that of pure PAO and PAO containing SiO₂ additive.

The PAO+OCLS possess a better friction reducing and antiwear properties than pure PAO. The new additive can improve the tribological ability of machinery.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological properties of carbonized polydopamine/reduced graphene oxide (CPDA/rGO) composite coatings.

CPDA/rGO composite coatings were prepared using the spray technique and subsequent pyrolysis under argon. The transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy revealed the conversion of PDA and GO into CPDA and rGO, respectively.

The results of tribological investigations show that the CPDA/rGO composite coatings with heat treatment at 300°C possess much better friction-reduction and anti-wear properties.

The worn surfaces of the PDA/GO composite films after heat treatment at 300°C were much smoother than that of the copper substrate. The tribofilms containing C, N, O and Cu played an important role on reducing friction and increasing wear resistance.