Dehydration-Induced Loss of Corrosion Protection Properties in Chromate Conversion Coatings on Aluminum Alloy 2024-T3

It is well known that chromate conversion coatings (CCCs) exhibit a prompt loss in corrosion resistance when exposed to moderately elevated temperatures (60-100°C). They also suffer a gradual loss in corrosion resistance due to ambient temperature exposure. To better understand the origins of losses in corrosion resistance, CCCs were formed on 99.99% Al, 1100 Al [Al-1.0(Fe, Si, Cu)], and 2024-T3 (Al-4.4Cu-1.5Mg-0.6Mn), exposed to elevated and ambient temperature exposures for various lengths of time, and characterized using several different methods. The Cr(VI):total Cr ratio in CCCs was estimated by analysis of data derived from X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Corrosion resistance was measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The evolution of shrinkage cracking was examined by environmental scanning electron microscopy. Cr(VI) leaching experiments were also carried out to characterize the effect of thermal exposure on Cr(VI) release. Thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction were conducted to characterize the temperature-dependent changes in CCCs. Results show that CCCs degrade in several distinct steps over the temperature range of 20 to 500°C. Our findings support the longstanding notion that dehydration is the root cause for losses in corrosion resistance due to aging at ambient and low temperatures (<150°C). Extended X-ray fine structure measurements indicate a shortening in Cr(III)-Cr(III) nearest neighbor distances upon dehydration. This is interpreted as a consolidation in the Cr(OH)_3 backbone of the CCC which leads to shrinkage cracking and immobilization of Cr(VI). This finding is important because it links older observations of the effects of aging and heating on CCCs to newer interpretations of CCC formation based on inorganic polymerization. Overall, these results reveal CCCs to be highly dynamic coatings with corrosion resistance properties that vary considerably in both the short term and long term

Structural Analysis and Photocurrent Spectroscopy of CCCs on 99.99% Aluminum

A characterization of chromate conversion coatings (CCCs) formed in the presence and in the absence of accelerator (ferro-ferricyanide redox couple) has been performed by various techniques (transmission electron microscopy, TEM, glow discharge optical emission spectrometry, GDOES, X-ray absorption near-end structure, XANES, and photon correlation spectroscopy). The results of a detailed investigation on morphological, compositional, and solid-state properties of freshly converted aluminum samples at different immersion times (30 s-90 min) are reported. The TEM and GDOES data suggest the presence of iron-cyanide species only in the external layer of CCC of nearly constant thickness. The XANES data suggest the presence of both Cr(VI) and Cr(III) species with a ratio Cr(VI)/Cr(III) close to 1:2. This ratio remains constant with the conversion time and seems slightly affected by the composition of conversion solution. The photoelectrochemical study suggests an insulating or slightly p-type behavior for CCC layers. A bandgap value of about 2.55 eV has been estimated, regardless of the conversion solution, although some differences in the photocurrent spectra have been observed for coatings formed in the presence or absence of accelerator. The location of electronic energy levels of the Al/CCC/electrolyte interface has been derived which could account for the different kinetics of coating formation in the presence of accelerator

Influence of physical maturity status on sprinting speed among youth soccer players

The relative age effect is well documented with the maturation-selection hypothesis the most common explanation; however, conflicting evidence exists. We observed the birth date distribution within an elite junior soccer academy. The influence of physical maturity status on anthropometric variables and sprinting ability was also investigated. Annual fitness testing was conducted over an 8-year period with a total of 306 players (age: 12.5 ± 1.7 years [range: 9.7-16.6 years]; stature: 156.9 ± 12.9 cm; mass: 46.5 ± 12.5 kg) drawn from 6 age categories (under-11s to under-17s) who attended the same Scottish Premiership club academy. Measurements included mass, stature, maturity offset and 0-15 m sprint. Odds ratios revealed a clear bias toward recruitment of players born in quartile 1 compared with quartile 4. The overall effect (all squads combined) of birth quartile was very likely small for maturity offset (0.85 years; 90% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-1.26 years) and stature (6.2 cm; 90% CI, 2.8-9.6 cm), and likely small for mass (5.1 kg; 90% CI, 1.7-8.4 kg). The magnitude of the relationship between maturity offset and 15-m sprinting speed ranged from trivial for under-11s (r = 0.01; 90% CI,-0.14 to 0.16) to very likely large for under-15s (r =-0.62;-0.71 to-0.51). Making decisions about which players to retain and release should not be based on sprinting ability around the under-14 and under-15 age categories because any interindividual differences may be confounded by transient inequalities in maturity offset

Formation of Chromate Conversion Coatings on Aluminum and Its Alloys

In situ X-ray adsorption near-edge structure (XANES) has been used to investigate the formation of chromate conversion coatings on pure Al, commercial Al alloys (AA 1100, AA2024, and AA7075), and a series of binary Al–Cu alloys. The method employed cells designed to determine the growth of the total chromium [Cr(total)] and hexavalent chromate [Cr(VI)] in the chromate conversion coating (CCC) as a function of exposure time to a chromate solution. Three sets of data were obtained, where (i) the Al was exposed to only a limited amount of solution; (ii) the chromate solution was excluded after short periods of repeated exposures to the solution; and (iii) the Al was exposed continuously to the chromate solution. All the results showed a very rapid initial growth within the first seconds, followed by a continued increase in thickness for exposures up to 1 h. Measurements with Al–Cu binary alloys demonstrated that the difference observed in AA2024 and AA1100 may not be due to Cu alloying. The proportion of Cr(VI) in the coatings becomes approximately constant after 180 s of exposure for all the specimens examined, even though the coatings continued to grow

Interpreting physical performance in professional soccer match-play: Should we be more pragmatic in our approach?

Academic and practitioner interest in the physical performance of male professional soccer players in the competition setting determined via time-motion analyses has grown substantially over the last four decades leading to a substantial body of published research and aiding development of a more systematic evidence-based framework for physical conditioning. Findings have forcibly shaped contemporary opinions in the sport with researchers and practitioners frequently emphasising the important role that physical performance plays in match outcomes. Time-motion analyses have also influenced practice as player conditioning programmes can be tailored according to the different physical demands identified across individual playing positions. Yet despite a more systematic approach to physical conditioning, data indicate that even at the very highest standards of competition, the contemporary player is still susceptible to transient and end-game fatigue. Over the course of this article, the author suggests that a more pragmatic approach to interpreting the current body of time-motion analysis data and its application in the practical setting is nevertheless required. Examples of this are addressed using findings in the literature to examine: a) the association between competitive physical performance and ‘success’ in professional soccer, b) current approaches to interpreting differences in time-motion analysis data across playing positions and, c) whether data can realistically be used to demonstrate the occurrence of fatigue in match-play. Gaps in the current literature and directions for future research are also identified

Species identification of European forest pathogens of the genus Milesina (Pucciniales) using urediniospore morphology and molecular barcoding including M. woodwardiana sp. nov

Species of rust fungi of the genus Milesina (Pucciniastraceae, Pucciniales) are distributed mainly in northern temperate regions. They host-alternate between needles of fir (Abies spp.) and fronds of ferns (species of Polypodiales). Milesina species are distinguished based on host taxonomy and urediniospore morphology. In this study, 12 species of Milesina from Europe were revised. Specimens were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy for urediniospore morphology with a focus on visualising germ pores (number, size and position) and echinulation. In addition, barcode loci (ITS, nad6, 28S) were used for species delimitation and for molecular phylogenetic analyses. Barcodes of 72 Milesina specimens were provided, including 11 of the 12 species. Whereas urediniospore morphology features were sufficient to distinguish all 12 Milesina species except for 2 (M. blechni and M. kriegeriana), ITS sequences separated only 4 of 11 species. Sequencing with 28S and nad6 did not improve species resolution. Phylogenetic analysis, however, revealed four phylogenetic groups within Milesina that also correlate with specific urediniospore characters (germ pore number and position and echinulation). These groups are proposed as new sections within Milesina (sections Milesina, Vogesiacae M. Scholler & Bubner, sect. nov., Scolopendriorum M. Scholler & Bubner, sect. nov. and Carpaticae M. Scholler & Bubner, sect. nov.). In addition, Milesina woodwardiana Buchheit & M. Scholler, sp. nov. on Woodwardia radicans, a member of the type section Milesina, is newly described. An identification key for European Milesina species, based on urediniospore features, is provided

Temperature Evolution of Sodium Nitrite Structure in a Restricted Geometry

The NaNO$_{2}$ nanocomposite ferroelectric material in porous glass was studied by neutron diffraction. For the first time the details of the crystal structure including positions and anisotropic thermal parameters were determined for the solid material, embedded in a porous matrix, in ferro- and paraelectric phases. It is demonstrated that in the ferroelectric phase the structure is consistent with bulk data but above transition temperature the giant growth of amplitudes of thermal vibrations is observed, resulting in the formation of a "premelted state". Such a conclusion is in a good agreement with the results of dielectric measurements published earlier.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Muscle Oxygen Changes following Sprint Interval Cycling Training in Elite Field Hockey Players

This study examined the effects of Sprint Interval Cycling (SIT) on muscle oxygenation kinetics and performance during the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (IFT). Twenty-five women hockey players of Olympic standard were randomly selected into an experimental group (EXP) and a control group (CON). The EXP group performed six additional SIT sessions over six weeks in addition to their normal training program. To explore the potential training-induced change, EXP subjects additionally completed 5 x 30s maximal intensity cycle testing before and after training. During these tests near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measured parameters; oxyhaemoglobin + oxymyoglobin (HbO2+ MbO2), tissue deoxyhaemoglobin + deoxymyoglobin (HHb+HMb), total tissue haemoglobin (tHb) and tissue oxygenation (TSI %) were taken. In the EXP group (5.34±0.14 to 5.50±0.14m.s-1) but not the CON group (pre = 5.37± 0.27 to 5.39±0.30m.s-1) significant changes were seen in the 30-15IFTperformance. EXP group also displayed significant post-training increases during the sprint cycling: ΔTSI (-7.59±0.91 to -12.16±2.70%); ΔHHb+HMb (35.68±6.67 to 69.44 ±26.48μM.cm); and ΔHbO2+ MbO2 (-74.29±13.82 to -109.36±22.61μM.cm). No significant differences were seen in ΔtHb (-45.81±15.23 to -42.93±16.24). NIRS is able to detect positive peripheral muscle oxygenation changes when used during a SIT protocol which has been shown to be an effective training modality within elite athletes