Microstructural Aspect of Long Term Service of the Austenitic TP347HFG Steel / Wpływ Długotrwałej Eksploatacji Na Mikrostrukturę Stali TP347HFG

The paper presents the results of research on the microstructure of austenitic creep-resisting TP347HFG steel after longterm service. The tests of the microstructure were performed using SEM and TEM. The identification of precipitates was carried out using selective electron diffraction. It has been shown that long-term service mostly contributes to the processes of precipitation of secondary NbC carbides inside grains and M23C6 carbides on grain boundaries. In the microstructure of the examined steel, also the processes of polygonization and recrystallization of the matrix were revealed.

Microstructural Aspect of Ageing Process of GP91 Cast Steel

The microstructure of 9% Cr cast steel for advanced power plants, serviced at around 580 − 600°C, after ageing has been characterized. The investigated cast steel was subject to ageing at the temperature of 600°C for 6000 and 8000 hrs. Quantitative TEM analysis of the cast steel microstructure was performed to describe the dislocation density within subgrains, the width of martensite subgrains and the M23C6 carbides parameters (shape and mean diameter). Moreover, the phase identification was carried out using electron diffraction. The results have shown that an increase in ageing time at 600°C temperature is the reason for slight increase in the subgrain size, the size of M23C6 carbides and a decrease in dislocation density within subgrains. The MX particle size was not changed. The Laves phase was identified in the cast steel microstructure after 6000 hrs of ageing.

Optimisation of the Ceramic Phase for Ceramizable Silicone Rubber Based Composites – Microstructural Aspect

The paper presents results of investigation on composition of mineral components used for ceramizable silicone rubber-basing composites. Using different crystalline phase additives it is possible to assure the proper course of the composite degradation and its transformation during ceramization process. Three crystalline components were tested as an additive to silicone rubber – bentonite, kaolinite and wollastonite. They were added simultaneously with a glassy phase. These compounds during firing evolved (decomposed) and introduced into ceramized material polycrystalline structure, responsible for its properties. Characteristic of ceramized composite body created during heating was investigated by mercury porosimetry. The porosity evolution was described in the range of 600 – 1050°C.

Biocompatibility evaluation of a new bioresorbable pin for membrane fixation

The aim of this study was to morphometrically analyze the tissue response to a customized pin obtained from devitalized bovine cortical bone (DBCB-pin) implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of rats, as well as to assess its microstructural aspect by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pins were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of 20 rats, which were killed at 7, 14, 28 and 60 days (5 rats/period) after implantation. In the subcutaneous tissue, DBCB-pin promoted the formation of a fibrous capsule. At 7 days, capsule showed thickness of 70 ± 3.2 µm with higher density of newly formed capillaries and smaller density of collagen fibers. Between 14 and 60 days, more organized fibrous capsule exhibited smaller thickness (53 ± 5.5 µm) with higher density of fibroblasts and collagen fibers. In this period, a small and slow bioresorption of the DBCB-pin by macrophages and rare multinucleated giant cells without tissue damage was observed. The thickness of DBCB-pin resorbed was in mean only of 9.3 µm. During all experimental periods not occurred presence of immune reaction cells as lymphocytes and plasma cells. It was concluded that the pin derived from cortical bovine bone was well tolerated by subcutaneous tissue of rats and slowly resorbed could be an alternative material for membrane fixation in the guided tissue regeneration procedures.