The alkaline extraction of hemicelluloses from a mixture of three varieties of wheat straw (containing 40.1% cellulose, 20.23% xylan, and 26.2% hemicellulose) was analyzed considering the following complementary pre-treatments: freeze–thaw cycles, microwaves, and ultrasounds. The two cycles freeze–thaw approach was selected based on simplicity and energy savings for further analysis and optimization. Experiments planned with Design Expert were performed. The regression model determined through the response surface methodology based on the severity factor (defined as a function of time and temperature) and alkali concentration as variables was then used to optimize the process in a multi-objective case considering the possibility of further use for pulping. To show the properties and chemical structure of the separated hemicelluloses, several analytical methods were used: high-performance chromatography (HPLC), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR), thermogravimetry and derivative thermogravimetry analysis (TG, DTG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The verified experimental optimization result indicated the possibility of obtaining hemicelluloses material containing 3.40% glucan, 85.51% xylan, and 7.89% arabinan. The association of hot alkaline extraction with two freeze–thaw cycles allows the partial preservation of the hemicellulose polymeric structure.

In this paper we present the results tribological obtained in the course of dry wear tests on samples coated with three types of coatings produced from self-fluxing Ni-based powders. In this purpose were used three commercial NiCrBSi powders produced by various manufacturers, which have been sprayed against a low alloyed steel substrate using the flame spray thermal deposition method followed by flame remelting, resulting three different samples, denoted as: A, M and P. The first test was conducted on an Amsler type machine, with rolling motion between tribological contacts of third class. The analysed coating was deposited on the generator of the low alloy steel disc and the shoe was realized from a grindstone. The test was conducted for two situations: (a) constant load of 10 kg and 6 kg applied for 5 hours; (b) progressive load starting from 2 to 10 kg for two different speeds of rotation of the disc. The second test was the one of sliding wear and it was conducted on the UMTR 2M-CTR tribometer. The analysed layers were deposited on the flat surface of a low alloy steel lamella, and the friction was achieved with a conical grinding stone. The working parameters were as follows: 20N constant load, constant speed of 10 mm / s, sliding linear length of 30mm, the test duration being 45 minutes. After conducting the tests and after analysing the results, the following conclusions are drawn: a) during the first test has been obtained a global friction coefficient between 0.3 and 0.4 - typical for dry friction, highlighting some lower values in the case of sample A, in which case there were recorded smaller mass losses; b) at the second test was recorded an approximately linear behaviour of the three samples, with a gradual increase of the friction coefficient and a superficial wear mark revealed both by SEM microscopy and by profilometry.

Due to the development of thermal spray deposition technologies, thus obtained layers have more applications and fields of use. One of the coatings with increased application is the one produced from Ni-based self-fluxing alloys, which besides the good wear resistance, shows a satisfactory corrosion resistance. In this study it was observed the behavior of three types of coatings produced by Flame Spray method, both at wear and especially corrosion in the environment simulating acid rain. As a result of the experiments it was found that these layers became compact enough after applying the self-fluxing heat treatment, so in their structure are not present defects such as pores and micro-cracks, unmelted particles etc., which could be points of corrosion initiation.

Ceramic materials as coatings are known to have very good corrosion resistance properties compared to metallic or organic coatings, regardless of environmental conditions. The following samples were used for the experiments: an initial steel substrate and Al₂O₃ + YSZ (12.5%; 25% and 37.5% wt) atmospheric plasma spray-coated samples. The open circuit potential showed similar average values for all samples coated with ceramic layers, which were slightly higher than the potential of the original uncoated sample. The corrosion current densities (i_corr) of all plasma jet sputter-coated systems were very similar and significantly lower than those of the original material. Corrosion rates were much lower in the coated systems due to the chemical inertness of the ceramic coatings, particularly alumina- and zirconia-based coatings. It was observed that ceramic layers improve the corrosion resistance of the metallic material, especially at higher percentages of YSZ in the plasma spray-deposited complex layer. The porosity of the sputter-deposited layers reduced their corrosion resistance due to the contact between the electrolyte solution and the metal substrate created by the interconnection of the pores. The complex equivalent electrical circuit chosen for the analysis of the values led to results in accordance with the experimental parameters.

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the application of thermal spraying techniques to enhance the durability and wear resistance of agricultural machinery components, with a particular focus on disc harrow assemblies. Given the harsh conditions under which tillage tools operate—characterized by abrasive wear, impact stresses, and chemical exposure from various soil types—thermal sprayed coatings have emerged as a viable solution to extend the service life of these components. The study discusses various deposition methods, particularly Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS), and evaluates their effectiveness in creating high-performance surface layers that resist wear, corrosion, and mechanical degradation. The review also summarizes experimental and field test results for coatings based on materials such as NiCrBSi, WC-Co-Cr, TiO₂, Al₂O₃, Cr₂O_3, and ceramic–metal composites, highlighting their significant improvements in hardness, friction reduction, and resistance to delamination and oxidation. The paper highlights research using thermal spraying techniques, especially APS for agricultural applications, with emphasis mostly on components intended for soil processing and requiring good resistance to abrasive wear.

Because the surface engineering is becoming an increasingly viable alternative to the constructive changes made to improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines, have been proposed and tested various types of coatings of some organs of internal combustion engines. One vital organ is the engine valves, which is subjected during operation to combined thermal, mechanical, corrosion and wear solicitations, which are leading to severe corrosion and complete breakdown. In this paper were analyzed aspects of valves wear and the active surfaces were coated using the atmospheric plasma spraying method (APS) with two commercial powders: Ni-Al and YSZ. Microstructural analyzes were made on these layers and also observations regarding the possibility of using them as thermal barrier and anti-oxidant coatings.