The effect of V on the morphology of TiB2 particles in as-cast aluminum composites

This study presents the modification effect of trace vanadium on the in-situ formed TiB2 particles in as-cast aluminum composites. With 0.2 wt.% V addition the morphology of TiB2 was modified from hexagonal platelet or irregular feather-like shape to hexagonal prism or rectangular prism with parallel growth steps along the c-axis. Meanwhile, V rich cores were detected in the center of TiB2 and the exposure of the high-index crystal plane (1101)TiB2 was detected in Al-0.2 wt.%V. Statistical analysis of the particle size and aspect distribution both in commercial Al and Al-0.2 wt.%V was conducted. The elemental distribution and scanning electron microscopy investigation revealed that VB2 may serve as the 2D-nucleus of TiB2 particles. The growth mechanism of TiB2 under the influence of V was explored.

Scanning Electron Microscopy Investigation of Surface Acoustic Wave Propagation in a 41° YX-Cut of a LiNbO3 Crystal/Si Layered Structure

The propagation process of the surface acoustic waves (SAW) and the pseudo-surface acoustic waves (PSAW) in a bonded layered structure of a 41° YX-cut of a LiNbO3 crystal/Si(100) crystal was investigated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) method,in the low-energy secondary electrons registration mode, made it possible to visualize the SAW and PSAW in the LiNbO3/Si layered structure. The process of the SAW and PSAW propagation in a LiNbO3/Si layered structure and in a bulk 41° YX-cut of a LiNbO3 crystal were compared. It was demonstrated that the SAW velocities in the layered LiNbO3/Si structure exceed the typical SAW velocities for LiNbO3 and Si single crystals. In the layered structure, the SAW and PSAW velocities were 4062 m/s, 4731 m/s, and 5871 m/s. It was also demonstrated that the PSAW velocities are the same in the LiNbO3/Si layered structure and in the bulk 41° YX-cut of a LiNbO3 crystal.

Sonophoretic acceleration of degradation process for vaterite particles delivered into the hair follicles

Intrafollicular drug delivery is beneficial in terms of both localized therapy of relevant skin disorders and systemic transportation of bioactive molecules. Vaterite particles are capable of loading and delivering various substances to hair follicles. Possibility to control the duration of their intrafollicular degradation can improve such a particulate delivery system. Here, we propose the use of sonophoresis (1 MHz, 1 W/cm2 ) to accelerate the resorption of vaterite carriers inside the hair follicles of rats in vivo. The effect of sonication is demonstrated utilizing optical coherence tomography monitoring of the skin and scanning electron microscopy investigation of the plucked hairs. A nine-minute post-treatment of skin in the site of particle delivery allowed us to almost halve the time of their degradation.

Microstructural Characterisation of Austenitic Heat Resistant Sanicro 25 Steel after Steam Oxidation

Microstructural and morphological observations of the surface scale on a high Cr and Ni austenitic heat resistant steel oxidised in water vapour at 700 °C are reported. Analysis of microstructure was carried out by analytical techniques of transmission- and scanning electron microscopy. Investigation of M23C6 nucleated at the interface between matrix and the Z-phase precipitates after exposing to high temperature showed semicoherency between M23C6 and the matrix and no coherency with the Z-phase. Plates developed on the oxide scale surface consist of Cr2O3 crystals separated by amorphous SiO2.

Imaging modification of colon carcinoma cells exposed to lipid based nanovectors for drug delivery: a scanning electron microscopy investigation

Imaging of soft nanostructure/cell interactions on surface cell membranes.