The paper presents the results of a study of linear wear of gas-flame and ion-plasma coatings of KNA-82 seals with an yttrium content of 0.5%, used in gas turbine engine assemblies, during physical modeling of their thermomechanical loading on small-sized samples. Tribotechnical tests were carried out in four stages, simulating the operating conditions of real gas turbine engines—from the first start-up with running-in of the coating cut-in areas to reaching a steady state with their service properties formed. The surface of the coatings was in contact with the ridges of triangular-shaped plates without heating (20 °C), at average heating (350–470 °C), after holding the samples at 1100 °C and average heating of 410–460 °C, and after grinding off the worn layer that had worn out after holding the samples at 1100 °C at average heating of 320–440 °C. Trends in the change in the linear ear of coatings and the formation of friction tracks caused by the uneven manifestation of the physical and mechanical properties of coatings, which are unevenly distributed throughout their body, were determined. It was found that both coatings tend to stabilize the wear process at certain mechanical pressures in the friction contact zone and only in the temperature range from 20 °C to 400 °C. These pressures range from 4 MPa to 6.7 MPa for gas-flame coatings and from 3 MPa to 4.2 MPa for ion-plasma coatings. It has been determined that within the depth range of 30–100 μm, the wear resistance (as assessed by linear wear) of ion-plasma coatings is higher than that of gas-flame coatings. This predetermines the fact that in the event of a catastrophic collision between the coatings and a blade, the geometry of the damage to the surface of the gas-flame coating will be greater than that of the ion-plasma coating. In the event of damage exceeding 75–100 μm in depth, both coatings become inoperable, since their wear characteristics are no longer maintained. This is indicated by a rapid decrease in their wear resistance under step loading. Moreover, the gas-flame coating is more prone to catastrophic failure than the ion-plasma coating.

This study presents the results of research on the use of Portland cement as a binder for producing semi-permanent molds intended for large-scale castings made from complex alloyed steels. Based on the conducted experiments, the optimal composition of a molding mixture based on Portland cement was determined to manufacture large molds with high operational performance. The technological properties of the mixtures were investigated, focusing on the flowability, sedimentation stability, and strength after curing. The recommended mixture composition is as follows: Portland cement—18.75%; sand—56.5%; quartz powder—25%; water—25%. To accelerate the hardening process, the use of curing accelerators is advised. The most effective additives are a 9% aluminum nitrate solution at 0.6–1.5% by weight or sodium aluminate at 3–4%. This composition ensures the required strength within a short curing time. A specific thermal treatment regime is also recommended to further stabilize the mold structure: heating to 450 °C at a rate of 75 °C per hour, holding for 2 h, followed by controlled cooling together with the furnace.

This study investigates the effect of complex nanomodification combined with the simultaneous application of magnetic fields and mechanical vibration on the structure formation and performance properties of medium-alloy steel 40CrNi3MoV. Improving the structural homogeneity and operational characteristics of such steels remains an important task due to their widespread use in components operating under severe loading and wear conditions. The introduction of the nanostructured modifier InSteel-7 at a concentration of 0.03%, together with simultaneous magnetic and vibrational treatment of the melt, resulted in pronounced structural homogenization and grain refinement. Quantitative metallographic analysis using Thixomet Pro image analyzer revealed a significant refinement of the dendritic structure, with the secondary dendrite arm spacing decreasing from 73.9 μm to 27.9 μm. X-ray phase analysis confirmed the preservation of phase composition while indicating increased structural uniformity of the BCC matrix. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy and elemental micro-mapping demonstrated high chemical purity of the alloy and a uniform distribution of the modifier components. The combined treatment significantly improved the mechanical and tribological characteristics of the material. The average hardness increased from 390 HV to 510 HV, while tribological tests showed a reduction in wear track depth from 5.16 μm to 0.87 μm and a decrease in surface roughness from Ra 2.13 μm to 0.20 μm, indicating enhanced wear resistance.

Steelmaking produces large volumes of slag, a by-product with environmental risks due to accumulation and possible contamination. This study explores its use as a mineralizing agent in chamotte refractories. Slag rich in clinoferrisilite was added up to 5 wt.% to partially replace fine chamotte. Samples were shaped by semi-dry pressing and fired at 1350 °C. Chemical and phase composition, thermal behavior, microstructure, and physico-mechanical properties were analyzed. Results showed slag addition increased mullite content to 68 wt.% and promoted secondary magnesium–aluminosilicate phases (indialite, cordierite), indicating activation of reactions in the MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ system. DSC and TGA revealed thermal effects between 1298 and 1325 °C, confirming slag’s fluxing role and lowering the liquid-phase sintering temperature. Optimal properties were achieved with 5% slag and 10% clay, yielding compressive strength of 24 MPa and apparent density of 2.30 g/cm³, meeting GOST 390-96 requirements for grade SHA. However, excess liquid-phase components reduce thermal stability. Thus, steelmaking slag is an effective secondary raw material, enhancing mullitization and refractory performance when used within controlled limits.

This study investigated the properties of a composite NiCrFeSiB coating with fine-dispersed WC additives, deposited by the HVOF method. The NiCrFeSiB powder alloy with WC additives was applied to a steel substrate. The WC content in the coating was 10, 15, and 20% by weight. The particle size distribution of the mixture ranged from 3 to 10 µm. The WC used was the WC8 alloy (92% WC, 8% Co). The levels of stress, phase composition, hardness, wear resistance, and coating structure were investigated. The studies revealed that the structure was primarily composed of the γ-Ni-Fe solid solution phase, with secondary phases including Ni₃B, Fe₃B, (Cr,)₂B, and carbides of the W₂C, WC, M₇C₃ type. A small amount of the initial WC particles was also present. The use of a fine-dispersed NiCrFeSiB powder mixture with WC particles resulted in a nearly twofold increase in hardness and wear resistance compared to the same parameters of the coating without WC. The coating with 20% WC exhibited the highest hardness. However, its wear resistance was lower than that of the coating with 15% WC. This fact could be explained by a slight difference in the phase composition and an increase in the proportion of the unsolidified WC phase in the structure. This led to the spalling of fine particles and a reduction in wear resistance. The study demonstrated the feasibility of using a fine-dispersed NiCrFeSiB coating with WC additives without additional remelting. Similar hardness and wear resistance results were achieved immediately after HVOF spraying when using a fine-dispersed NiCrFeSiB + 15% WC/Co mixture with a 92/8 composition. This simplification of the technology reduced the coating application process time. It also lowered production costs by eliminating the remelting stage.