The effect of rare earth on the solidification structure of 3.2%Si-0.9%Al non-oriented silicon steel was investigated using industrial trials. The outputs demonstrated that increasing rare earth content leads to a decrease in the average size of equiaxed crystals in the casting billets. In order to further understand the rare earth on the grain refinement of δ-ferrite, the conventional inclusion detection technology, was used to investigate the distribution characteristics of inclusions, together with theoretical calculation of the equilibrium partition coefficients, pinning forces and mismatch degrees. The detection results of inclusions and the calculation results of pinning force showed that the effect of rare earth on the pinning force of inclusions was marginal. Thermodynamic calculation indicated that Ce addition had negligible effect on the equilibrium partition coefficient of Si, Al and Mn. Combined with the calculation results of GRF model, it is reasonable to consider that the contribution of rare earth element to the refinement of equiaxed crystals can be ignored. Further, the outcomes obtained from the E2EM model calculations revealed that the principal mechanism responsible for the refinement of equiaxed crystals through rare earth treatment can be attributed to the heterogeneous nucleation effect of (La, Ce)2O2S.

With their rich historical, artistic, and scientific value, bronze artefacts form a significant part of our cultural heritage. These items, often found in museums around the world, offer a glimpse into past civilizations and their technological advancements. However, due to their prolonged burial and subsequent exposure to varying environmental conditions, these artefacts are prone to corrosion, necessitating meticulous preservation efforts. This review discusses the cultural significance and preservation challenges of bronze artefacts, which are emblematic of human civilization’s progression. This text highlights the historical and artistic value of ancient bronze artefacts, especially those from China, underscoring their intricate casting techniques and aesthetic richness. Despite their cultural importance, these bronze artefacts confront severe preservation issues, particularly the pervasive threat of corrosion, commonly referred to as “bronze disease”. This text also reviews the complex interplay between alloy composition, microstructure, and environmental factors that influence corrosion mechanisms. It requires an enhanced understanding of these factors to develop effective preservation strategies. This paper also emphasizes the need for innovative, eco-friendly technologies to prevent further degradation while maintaining the integrity of these precious artefacts. The applications of corrosion inhibitions, organic/inorganic coatings, as well as the newly developed strategies like the photo-induced passivation technique, 3D scanning and 3D printing techniques, and holographic projection/real and virtual technique for the direct or indirect protection and cultural transmission of the bronze artefacts were also introduced. This review concludes by underscoring the urgency of these research and development efforts to safeguard our cultural heritage for future generations.

Ancient bronzes are invaluable for studying the cultures and history of ancient societies around the world. However, corrosion can diminish their research and aesthetic value, as well as affect their longevity. Therefore, it is crucial to study the corrosion behavior and mechanisms of these artifacts using advanced characterization techniques. This article provides a systematic review of the corrosion behavior of bronze artifacts and the advanced characterization techniques employed in their study. It summarizes the corrosion mechanisms of bronze artifacts and the factors affecting corrosion, including composition, structure, and the external environment. It also describes advanced analytical techniques for characterizing corrosion products and mechanisms, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), laser ablation coupled to quadrupole mass spectrometry (LAMQS), X-ray tomography (CT), and neutron diffraction. Bronze corrosion studies can be enhanced by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Finally, it discusses potential future research directions in the field of bronze artifact corrosion and conservation.

Improving the efficiency of electric vehicle traction motors requires non-oriented silicon steels with low core loss and favorable magnetic induction. This study aims to clarify the influence of annealing temperature on the microstructure, texture, and magnetic properties of a 3.2%Si–0.9%Al steel, providing guidance for process optimization. Optical metallography, X-ray diffraction, and electron backscatter diffraction were employed to characterize the evolution. Recrystallization was completed between 620 °C and 720 °C, during which fine recrystallized grains replaced the deformed structure, accompanied by the nucleation of {111} and {114} grains. With further annealing from 850 °C to 1050 °C, grain growth occurred, resulting in an α*-fiber texture dominated by {114}. The fraction of high-angle {114} grains increased, while low-angle {111} grains decreased. This microstructural evolution significantly influenced the magnetic properties of non-oriented electrical steel. The P_1.5/50 and P_1.0/400 core losses reached minimum values of 2.02 W/kg and 16.48 W/kg at 1010 °C and 930 °C, respectively, while B₅₀ decreased slightly from 1.670 T to 1.652 T. These findings indicate that precise control of the annealing temperature is an effective strategy to tailor microstructure and texture, thereby optimizing the magnetic properties of non-oriented electrical steel.

Based on low-temperature high-permeability grain-oriented silicon steel designed with an initial nitrogen content of 0.0055% and produced by the thin slab casting and rolling process, the effect of total nitrogen content and nitriding temperature on primary recrystallization microstructure and texture were studied by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and electron backscatter diffraction. The nitriding temperature affects the primary recrystallization behaviors significantly, while the total nitrogen content has a small effect. As the nitriding temperature is 750–850 °C, the average primary grain size and its inhomogeneity factor are about 26.58–26.67 μm and 0.568–0.572, respectively. Moreover, the texture factor is mostly between 0.15 and 0.40. Because of the relatively sufficient inhibition ability of inherent inhibitors in a decarburized sheet, the nitriding temperature (750–850 °C) affects the primary recrystallization microstructure and texture slightly. However, as the nitriding temperature rises to 900–950 °C, the average primary grain size and its inhomogeneity factor increase to 27.75–28.26 μm and 0.575–0.578, respectively. Furthermore, because of the great increase on the area fraction of {112} grains, part of texture factor is increased sharply. Therefore, in order to obtain better primary grain size and homogeneity, better texture composition, and stability of the decarburized sheet, the optimal nitriding temperature is 750–850 °C.