[en] This study was to investigate the formation of network defects that appeared on a phosphated low alloy steel rod containing 1.1% Si. Laboratory oxidation, pickling, annealing, and phosphating were performed. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) was employed to analyze the surface morphology and the elemental distribution of the specimen from each stage. From the results, a mechanism of formation of network defects has been proposed. Fast finish rolling produced fragments of Si-containing iron oxides, which were not removed completely through primary pickling → annealing → secondary pickling. Then, small pits occurred on the substrate near the interface of the substrate and the residual scale. After phosphating, small pits grew to large pits and propagated along the grain boundaries. Some grains spalled off eventually and looked like a network by human naked eyes.

[en] Highlights: ► Rare earth element Ce can retard the formation of the Al₂₀Cu₂Mn₃ twin phase in an Al–Cu–Mn casting alloy. ► Patterns of the particles of the Al₂₀Cu₂Mn₃ phase in Al–Cu–Mn free Ce alloy are more diverse. ► The symmetry of neighboring components of twins is characterized by glide reflection and reflection. ► The twins of Al₂₀Cu₂Mn₃ phase can enhance the mechanical properties of the Al–Cu–Mn casting alloys. - Abstract: Effects of Ce addition on microstructure of Al₂₀Cu₂Mn₃ twin phase and mechanical properties of an Al–Cu–Mn casting alloy were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and tensile test. The results show that rare earth element Ce can retard the formation of the Al₂₀Cu₂Mn₃ phase in the Al–Cu–Mn alloy. Compared with the Ce containing alloy, patterns of particles of the Al₂₀Cu₂Mn₃ phase in the Al–Cu–Mn free Ce alloy are more diverse. The symmetry of neighboring components of twins is characterized by glide reflection and reflection. In addition, twins of the Al₂₀Cu₂Mn₃ phase can enhance the mechanical properties of the Al–Cu–Mn alloy.

[en] Highlights: • Tetraethyl orthosilicate sol was roll coated on hot-dip galvanized steels. • Organosilane doping eliminated cracks on tetraethyl orthosilicate coating. • Organosilane doping improved the corrosion resistance of tetraethyl orthosilicate coating. • The hybrid sol–gel doped with cerium salts exhibited self-healing capability. - Abstract: An inorganic sol–gel coating and an inorganic/organic hybrid sol–gel coating without and with cerium nitrate were made on hot-dip galvanized steel via a roll coating process. Results showed that the corrosion resistance of the hot-dip galvanized steel was improved with the inorganic coating; however, cracks were present in the coating. Cracks were effectively eliminated and paintability of the sol–gel coating was enhanced while doped with organic precursor. The corrosion resistance and self-healing capability were further enhanced when cerium cation was doped. Finally, the corrosion protection mechanism of the various coatings was discussed in detail.

[en] Highlights: • It gave predictive cutoff values of PM2.5 and NO₂ for AECOPD. • The cumulative effects were analysed by seasonal. Epidemiologic studies have shown the effect of air pollutants on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, little is known regarding the dose-response relationship. This study aimed to investigate the cumulative effect of air pollutants on AECOPD.