Neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnets are sintered anisotropic materials. They were commercially introduced in the early 1980s, and since have been used in different applications owing to their superior properties. Herein, we investigated the influence of 0.5 to 8 h of milling time on the morphological, structural, and magnetic performance of Nd_9.6Fe_80.3Zr_3.7B_6.4 powders produced using surfactant-assisted high-energy ball milling (SA-HEBM). The results revealed that the relationship between coercivity (H _ci ) and milling time had a non-monotonous character reaching a maximum value of H _ci = 8.92 kOe after 1 h of milling. The effect of the volume ratio of various magnetic phases (Nd₂Fe₁₄B and α-Fe) on microstructure and magnetic properties was also reported. The highest specific saturation magnetization (σ _s = 120 emu g⁻¹) was attained after 8 h of milling for powders with volume fraction: Nd₂Fe₁₄B–81 ± 2% and α-Fe–12 ± 2%. The expected value of Nd₂Fe₁₄B specific saturation magnetization was estimated (σ _N = 108 ± 2.5 emu g⁻¹) using the experimental value of σ _s and magnetic phase volume fractions. The ratio of remanence to saturation magnetization of the Nd₂Fe₁₄B with milling time was also determined and analyzed.

Novel nanomaterials used for wound healing should have many beneficial properties, including high biological and antibacterial activity. Immobilization of proteins can stimulate cell migration and viability, and implanted Ag ions provide an antimicrobial effect. However, the ion implantation method, often used to introduce a bactericidal element into the surface, can lead to the degradation of vital proteins. To analyze the surface structure of nanofibers coated with a layer of plasma COOH polymer, fibronectin/gentamicin, and implanted with Ag ions, a new X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) fitting method is used for the first time, allowing for a quantitative assessment of surface biomolecules. The results demonstrated noticeable changes in the composition of fibronectin- and gentamicin-modified nanofibers upon the introduction of Ag ions. Approximately 60% of the surface chemistry has changed, mainly due to an increase in hydrocarbon content and the introduction of up to 0.3 at.% Ag. Despite the significant degradation of fibronectin molecules, the biological activity of Ag-implanted nanofibers remained high, which is explained by the positive effect of Ag ions inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. The PCL nanofibers with immobilized gentamicin and implanted silver ions exhibited very significant antipathogen activity to a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Thus, the results of this work not only make a significant contribution to the development of new hybrid fiber materials for wound dressings but also demonstrate the capabilities of a new XPS fitting methodology for quantitative analysis of surface-related proteins and antibiotics.

Soft TiB₂-BN-C hetero-modulus ceramics were sintered with the assistance of in-situ reactions during the hot pressing of TiN-B₄C precursors. TiB₂ formation was observed already after the hot pressing at 1100 °C, remaining the only phase identifiable by XRD even after sintering at 1500 °C. Analysis of reaction kinetics allows us to assume that the most probable reaction controlling stage is boron atoms sublimation and gas phase transfer from B₄C to TiN. Reactive sintering route allows almost full densification of TiB₂-BN-C composite ceramics at 1900 °C. The processes enable the formation of multilayer h-BN nanosheets inside the TiB₂ matrix. The manufactured TiB₂-33BN-13C ceramic with K_1C = 5.3 MPa·m^1/2 and H_V = 1.6 GPa is extremely thermal shock-resistant at least up to quenching temperature differential of 800 °C. The sintered UHTC composite can be machined into complex geometry components.

This study investigates the feasibility of producing low-carbon FeCr via metallothermic smelting of Cr concentrate and chromite spinel powder using a complex FeAlSiCa alloy as the reductant in an induction furnace. The proposed approach offers an alternative to conventional carbothermic and oxygen-blown technologies, reducing both the carbon footprint and airborne emissions. Three charge compositions were tested with varying FeAlSiCa additions (12, 14, and 16 kg per 100 kg of Cr source) and partial replacement of Cr concentrate with up to 20% CSP. Thermodynamic and microstructural analyses were conducted, and the effects of the slag basicity, temperature profiles, and holding time were assessed. In optimal conditions, Cr recovery reached up to 80% with minimal Cr₂O₃ losses in slag, and the resulting alloys met ISO 5448-81 requirements for nitrogen-containing low-carbon FeCr. Microstructural examination revealed the formation of Fe-Cr solid solutions and CrN phases, with V incorporation from the FeAlSiCa alloy. The process proved stable and energy-efficient, producing compact, non-disintegrating slag. This study highlights the potential of induction furnace smelting and chromite spinel powder valorization as a sustainable path for FeCr production.