Re-examination of the β→γ transformation of Ca2SiO4

Dicalcium silicate finds applications in different fields (cement, bio-ceramics, refractories). In the case of Portland cement, its interest is its lower sintering temperature compared to tricalcium silicate and therefore an interesting compound for low CO₂ cements. Dicalcium silicate goes through different polymorphic forms, namely α, α'_H, α'_L, β and γ, as the temperature decreases. In theory, only the γ-phase is stable at room temperature. In a polycrystalline material, the different polymorphs can co-exist depending on several factors (sintering conditions, presence of impurities, grain size) and the interpretations given in the literature are sometimes contradictory. For cement applications, only the α, α' or β polymorphs react with water to give hydrates while γ does not. Therefore, this paper focuses specifically on the effect of grain size on the β to γ transformation. We also propose that the transformation is semi-reconstructive and not martensitic as suggested by some authors.     

Stem Cells-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Potential Therapeutics for Wound Healing in Chronic Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Endosome-derived small extracellular vesicles (EVs), often referred to as exosomes, are produced by almost all, if not all, cell types, and are critical for intercellular communication. They are composed of a lipid bilayer associated with membrane proteins and contain a payload of lipids, proteins and regulatory RNAs that depends on the parental cell physiological condition. By transferring their “cargo”, exosomes can modulate the phenotype of neighboring and distant cells. Stem cells (SC) were widely studied for therapeutic applications regarding their regenerative/reparative potential as well as their immunomodulatory properties. Whether from autologous or allogeneic source, SC beneficial effects in terms of repair and regeneration are largely attributed to their paracrine signaling notably through secreted EVs. Subsequently, SC-derived EVs have been investigated for the treatment of various diseases, including inflammatory skin disorders, and are today fast-track cell-free tools for regenerative/reparative strategies. Yet, their clinical application is still facing considerable challenges, including production and isolation procedures, and optimal cell source. Within the emerging concept of “allogeneic-driven benefit” for SC-based therapies, the use of EVs from allogeneic sources becomes the pragmatic choice although a universal allogeneic cell source is still needed. As a unique temporary organ that ensures the mutual coexistence of two allogeneic organisms, mother and fetus, the human placenta offers a persuasive allogeneic stem cell source for development of therapeutic EVs. Advancing cell-free therapeutics nurtures great hope and provides new perspectives for the development of safe and effective treatment in regenerative/reparative medicine and beyond. We will outline the current state of the art in regard of EVs, summarize their therapeutic potential in the context of skin inflammatory disorders, and discuss their translational advantages and hurdles.     

Mechanical Behavior of Carbide-free Medium Carbon Bainitic Steels

The effect of bainitic transformation time on the microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated in a steel containing 0.4 pct C-2.8 pct Mn-1.8 pct Si. The microstructure was characterized using optical and transmission electron microscopy; it consisted of bainitic ferrite, martensite, and retained austenite. The volume fraction of bainite increased from 0.4 for the shortest bainitic transformation time (30 minutes) to 0.9 at the longest time (120 minutes). The above microstructures exhibited an extended elasto-plastic transition leading to very high initial work-hardening rates. The work-hardening behavior was investigated in detail using strain-path reversals to measure the back stresses. These measurements point to a substantial kinematic hardening due to the mechanical contrast between the microstructural constituents. The onset of necking coincided with the saturation of kinematic hardening. Examination of the fracture surfaces indicated that the prior austenite grain boundaries play an important role in the fracture process.     

Laser Heating of a Material with Time-Dependent Laser Source

Hardening depths must be determined accurately when a material is subjected to laser heat treatment. In this paper, a semi-analytical method taking into account a time-dependent pulse shape is performed. A comparison between temporal temperatures is shown for five laser shapes. The distribution temperature and surface temperature during time processing are predicted based on a significant variety of material properties. The main result obtained is that an important time shift is observed from one temperature profile to another. It can be inferred that a hardened layer may be produced by using a time-dependent pulse shape instead of a time-independent pulse.     

Data collection and processing tools for naturalistic study of powered two-wheelers users’ behaviours

Instrumented vehicles are key tools for in-depth understanding of drivers’ behaviours, thus for the design of scientifically based countermeasures to reduce fatalities and injuries. The instrumentation of Powered Two-Wheelers (PTW) has been less widely implemented that for vehicles, in part due to the technical challenges involved. The last decade has seen the development in Europe of several tools and methodologies to study motorcycle riders’ behaviours and motorcycle dynamics for a range of situations, including crash events involving falls. Thanks to these tools, a broad-ranging research programme has been conducted, from the design and tuning of real-time falls detection to the study of riding training systems, as well as studies focusing on naturalistic riding situations such as filtering and line splitting.     

Effect of Cobalt and Nickel Doping on Structural and Magnetic Properties of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Two series samples of Iron Oxide nanoparticles doped with nickel and cobalt with different doping values (x?=?0.01; 0.03; 0.05 and 0.07), were successfully synthesized by using sol–gel method, and then they were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). X-ray diffraction analysis of two series samples showed the formation α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles, accompanied by two phases iron spinels, CoFe₂O₄ and NiFe₂O₄. In addition, the variations in grain size were observed for both two series. The observation by scanning electron microscopy reveals a change in the morphology of the grains of all the samples doped, which confirm the cobalt and nickel effect on the morphology of iron oxide nanoparticles. Magnetic measurements which were measured by VSM showed significant magnetic parameters such as coercivity and magnetization besides the ferromagnetic behavior of both two series doped with Cobalt and Nickel.

     

Reinforcement of polyolefins‐based nanocomposites: combination of compatibilizer with high shear extrusion process

The structure and properties of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene propylene copolymer (EPR) blends filled with nanosilica have been investigated. The nanocomposites were prepared via direct melt mixing using high shear corotating twin screw extruder. The effects of the process as well as adding amaleated‐Polyethylene MAPE compatibilizer were assessed by morphology studies, thermal analysis and mechanical testing. From SEM and TEM investigations, a separate dispersion of filler and rubber in the PP matrix prevails in the PP/EPR/SiO₂ systems. Encapsulation of the filler particles into the elastomer takes place when MAPE is used, promoting filler/polymer interactions and resulting in a simultaneous improvement in stiffness and toughness. Interestingly, the results indicated that high‐shear processing is an effective method to improve the dispersion of the EPR phase and fillers through the matrix. The dispersed phase droplet size was reduced with the increase of the shear rate by varying the screw rotation speed from 300 to 800 rpm, which induces a high shear stress exerted onthe materials. To sum up, what is expected from an efficient compatibilization‐process association is the reduction of the dispersed elastomer domains characteristic size, their stabilization by creation of an interphase and thus, enhanced mechanical properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2328–2338, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Structural integrity analysis of HDPE pipes for water supplying network

A problem of reliability of polymer pipes manufactured with the high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) for drinking water supply was considered. The safety of the pipelines network was analyzed with taking into account two main factors: arising of sudden overpressure (water hammer phenomenon) and presence of defects on pipe surface. Based on elastoplastic fracture mechanics and using of J‐integral approach, the numerical model of cracked pipe was developed and verified by direct experimental test. The formula for calculation of crack initiation pressure, which is the function of pipe size and size of external surface defect, was derived. The validity of this relation was proved for pipes of diameter 450 to 800 mm. It was also shown that the pressure peaks of the water hammer phenomenon are quickly damped because of the high deformability of the polyethylene pipes and the defect depth that is equivalent to 40% of pipe wall thickness can be considered as acceptable. The applicability of developed tools was demonstrated under analysis in the real state of South Tunisian water supply network.