The duplex stainless steel UNS S32205 was plasma nitrided at 380 °C for 10 h using a gas mixture of 25% N₂-75% H₂. The thickness of the nitrided layer was 4.5 ± 0.5 μm, composed mainly of nitrogen-expanded austenite and iron nitrides precipitates. There was an increase in surface hardness around 2.6 and 3.8 times in the nitrided layer formed on the austenite and the ferrite phases, respectively, in relation to the untreated samples. The surface texture parameters skewness (S_sk), maximum peak height (S_p) and texture aspect ratio (S_tr) were the most appropriate parameters for studying the topography changes after treatment. An improvement in the localized corrosion properties after the nitriding treatment was revealed by the cyclic polarization curves. The nitrided samples showed higher pitting corrosion and repassivation potentials compared to the untreated material. The ferritic phases and grain boundaries were more susceptible to corrosion in the nitrided samples. The potentiodynamic curves of the nitrided samples exhibited a hillside on the passive-to-transpassive transition. This feature was already observed by other researchers, but it has not been well investigated. Potentiostatic studies demonstrated that metastable pitting took place on this transition.

Purpose: This study aims to assess the performance of SAF 2205 duplex stainless steel against pure wear, tribo-corrosion, corrosion and the synergism between wear and corrosion. The effect of plasma nitriding conducted at low temperature (380°C) on SAF 2205 steel was analyzed. Design/methodology/approach: Three systems were used for assessing the synergism between wear and corrosion: tribo-corrosion – wear tests conducted using the micro-scale abrasion test, performed under a slurry of alumina particles containing 3.5% NaCl; pure wear – tests conducted using the previous system but isolated in a glovebox with a 99% N2 atmosphere; and cyclic polarization under 3.5% NaCl solution. A hard nitrided layer of 3 µm thickness was characterized using X-ray diffraction, presenting expanded austenite. Findings: The wear mode after micro-scale abrasion tests changed in the absence of an oxygen atmosphere. During pure wear, a mixed mode was identified (rolling + grooving), with the grooving mode more intense for the untreated steel. For tribo-corrosion tests, only rolling wear was identified. For all cases, the nitrided samples presented less wear. The corrosion results indicated a higher repassivation potential for the nitrided condition. Practical implications: The synergism was more positive for the nitrided sample than for the untreated one, which can be considered for surface treatments of duplex stainless steels in practical applications. Originality/value: A detailed description of wear mechanisms showed a significant change in the presence of oxygen atmosphere, a new approach for isolating pure wear.

The use of biopolymers like Xanthan Gum (XG) for soil stabilization offers an eco-friendly alternative, enhancing soil properties while reducing CO₂ emissions, gaining attention in sustainable engineering. This study investigated the interaction and geotechnical improvements of clay mixed with XG and polypropylene fibers (PPF). Biopolymer was used in proportions of 1%, 3%, and 5%, while the PPF percentage was kept constant at 0.5% by weight. Additionally, the molding density was varied at 1.65 g/cm³, 1.70 g/cm³, and 1.76 g/cm³. A total of 108 specimens were prepared using two curing times (28 and 90 days), and the samples were subjected to unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrate that the addition of XG and PPF in the specified proportions provides significant mechanical improvements to the stabilized soil. The curing time had a notable impact on these improvements; a curing time of 90 days resulted in strength increases of up to 37% compared to 28 days, while the maximum dry density improved this property by up to 87% compared to the minimum density. The incorporation of PPF enhanced strength by 53.93%, while stiffness increased by 63.55%. Additionally, the strength ($q_{\mathrm{u}}$) and stiffness ($G_o$) results were successfully correlated using the porosity/binder index $\eta /B_{iv}$, achieving determination coefficients (R²) greater than 0.90 and 0.80, respectively.

The porosity-to-cement index ($\mathsf{\eta }$/C_iv) has been extensively applied to study the evolution of different types of soil stabilization. However, this index has still not been used to characterize soils cemented with crushed limestone waste (CLW). In this sense, this paper sought to analyze the applicability of the porosity-to-cement index over the unconfined compressive strength (${\mathrm{q}}_{\mathrm{u}}$) and initial stiffness at small deformations ($G_{\mathrm{o}}$) of clayey soil improved with CLW and Portland cement. In addition, a microstructural analysis (SEM and EDX tests) was also conducted. CLW addition increased soil strength and stiffness over time. Moreover, ${\mathrm{q}}_{\mathrm{u}}$ and $G_{\mathrm{o}}$ compacted mixtures containing CLW have established a distinctive correlation. Chemical microanalyses have uncovered a complex interfacial interaction between the soil, cement, and fine CLW particles, leading to a notable reduction in porosity.

The unconfined compressive strength (q_u) weakness of low-compressibility clay (CL) reduces its structural safety. As part of the present study, waste glass powder (WGP) was mixed with Portland cement to improve the geotechnical properties of clayey soil, thus contributing to sustainability through the recycling of municipal waste. Based on the stiffness and chemical composite of WGP and cement, the adopted mixing ratio of the mixed soil was 10% and 20% WGP and 3% and 6% cement. The soil mixing ratio was selected and tested considering the percentage of the cement, WGP, water/cement ratio, dry unit weight, porosity of the specimen, and curing times of 7 days and 28 days. SEM-EDS tests were conducted to examine the impact of raw materials on the microstructural mixed soil. The results from SEM-EDS show that the cement–WGP–CL mixture caused different degrees of cementation and bonding products. Modifying multiple layers of water in the particle of the clay surface led to the enhancement of the interaction of the interlayer of hydrated clay, achieving the best unconfined compressive strength and stiffness of the designed specimen. From the viewpoint of unconfined compressive strength and stiffness enhancement, blending content of 20% WGP and 6% cement and dry unit weights compaction was recommended for stabilizing CL. The process of q_u and stiffness improving CL involved an optimized mixing ratio and particle densification reaction efficiency. The soil’s q_u and stiffness were predicted using ANN (artificial neural networks) and the porosity/cement index was predicted based on the experimental results.