12 May 2026, Volume 36 Issue 4

    

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MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
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  Mathematical modeling of grain fragmentation induced by flow shearing in high-pressure die casting of light alloys

  Jing-zhou LU, Kun DOU, Yi-jie ZHANG, Ewan LORDAN, Alain JACOT, Zhongyun FAN, Wan-lin WANG

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1015-1025. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67013-0

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  In the cold-chamber high-pressure die casting (CC-HPDC) process for light alloys, strong shear stress generated by the fast-flowing melt through narrow runners breaks externally solidified crystals (ESCs). Two runner configurations were applied in the CC-HPDC process of aluminum alloy to address this problem. A comprehensive finite element model was established to calculate shear stress in the runner regions during die filling, and a novel mathematical model of grain breakup was proposed to quantitatively analyze ESCs fragmentation through different runners. Particles ranging in size from 12.2 to 16.1 μm constitute a significant proportion of the ESCs and serve as the primary focus of subsequent shear fragmentation. Finally, HPDC test trials validate the mathematical model by characterizing grain morphology and size distribution in as-cast samples and the error of the model is less than 20%. The results demonstrate that the novel model is highly effective for the design of runner systems and the optimization of process parameters in the CC-HPDC process for light alloys.
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  Effects of (Al−Ti−La+Nd) modification and heat treatment on microstructure and properties of Al−7Si alloy

  Wan-wu DING, Jian-chao CHEN, Xu-dong TIAN, Jia-zhi AN, Hai-cun YU, Hai-xia ZHANG, Guo-li WEI

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1026-1038. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67014-2

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  The effects of adding a novel Al−3Ti−4.35La master alloy and Nd and heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al−7Si alloy were investigated. The results showed that the secondary dendrite arm spacing of α-Al in the as-cast Al−7Si alloy was refined from 18.3 to 11.9 μm after modification with 0.2 wt.% Al−Ti−La and 0.03 wt.% Nd, and the length of eutectic Si was reduced from 8.6 to 5.0 μm. After heat treatment at 535 °C for 3 h followed by 165 °C for 3 h, the morphology of the eutectic Si became more rounded, and the size decreased. The microhardness, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation were HV 66.1, 184.9 MPa, and 24.4%, respectively, which increased by 24.2%, 11.6%, and 194.0% compared to the as-cast state. The addition of Al−3Ti−4.35La master alloy and Nd can reduce the nucleation temperature of eutectic Si in Al−7Si, thereby suppressing its growth. Notably, the Ti₂(Al,Si)₂₀(La,Nd) phase formed in the Al−7Si alloy after the addition of Al−Ti−La and Nd adhered to or coexisted near the eutectic Si particles, inhibiting their growth.
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  6061 Al/Cu layered composites with high strength and well interfacial bonding prepared by accumulative roll bonding

  Ling OU, Yan-jun XIAO, Cai-he FAN, Jun-wei LIU, Wu-dan MA

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1039-1054. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67015-4

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  6061 Al/Cu layered composites were fabricated by accumulative roll bonding (ARB). The microstructural evolution was examined using scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. After seven ARB cycles, the tensile strength increased to 416 MPa, whereas the elongation decreased to 6.7%. The strength enhancement is mainly attributed to work hardening and grain refinement. No brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs) were detected at the interface, and interfacial bonding improved with additional ARB cycles. The small hardness difference between Al and Cu promoted uniform plastic deformation across layers, enhancing interfacial cohesion. However, strain localization due to different work hardening responses of Al and Cu led to pronounced shear band formation after seven ARB cycles, reducing the plasticity.
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  Achieving uniform microstructure and properties in large-sized seamless thin-walled cylindrical components with high-ribs using novel forward needle penetration extrusion process

  Hui LI, Cong CHANG, Hong-bang SHAO, Yuan-chun HUANG, Jun-hua CHENG

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1055-1073. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67016-6

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  An innovative forward needle penetration extrusion die assembly was designed, which enabled precision manufacturing of large-sized seamless Al−Zn−Mg alloy thin-walled cylindrical components with high-ribs. Through systematic numerical simulation and experimental validation, optimal process parameters were established (billet temperature of 465 °C, die temperature of 460 °C, container temperature of 420 °C, and extrusion speed of 1.5 mm/s), achieving exceptional material flow uniformity with a low standard deviation of the velocity field (SDV) of 0.478 at the bearing cross-section. The developed method produces seamless components exhibiting superior microstructural homogeneity compared to conventional porthole extrusion. Coarse secondary-phase particles are significantly fragmented after extrusion deformation, and grains are flattened into fibrous shapes, with the predominant recrystallization mechanisms being geometric dynamic recrystallization (GDRX) and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX). Mechanical property variations across different regions are controlled within 7%, with the rib head region showing the highest tensile strength and yield strength, reaching 360 MPa and 215 MPa, respectively. Additionally, all regions exhibit elongation values exceeding 22%, indicating consistent ductility throughout the structure.
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  Fatigue behavior of dissimilar AA6013/Ti−6Al−4V friction-stir lap welds produced under zero-penetration condition

  Alexander KALINENKO, Pavel DOLZHENKO, Yuliya BORISOVA, Sergey MALOPHEYEV, Sergey MIRONOV, Ivan SHISHOV, Vasiliy MISHIN, Guo-qiang HUANG, Yi-fu SHEN, Rustam KAIBYSHEV

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1074-1087. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67017-8

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  The fatigue performance of dissimilar AA6013/Ti−6Al−4V friction-stir lap welds produced under a zero-penetration condition was evaluated. The welded joints were assembled by placing the aluminum alloy workpiece on the upper part of the dissimilar joints and plunging the welding tool solely into the aluminum alloy part, with the distance between the probe tip and dissimilar interface kept at about 50 μm. The fatigue strength of the welded joints was essentially lower than that of the aluminum base material. This observation was attributed to the easy nucleation of the fatigue crack at the end section of the unwelded interface. Accordingly, the weld fatigue behavior was governed by crack propagation. Nevertheless, the welds typically failed through the aluminum part, and thus the intermetallic layer evolved at the dissimilar interface was not a critical issue. Therefore, it was concluded that the zero-penetration approach is feasible for dissimilar welding.
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  High strength−ductility WE43 alloy by inducing nanoscale precipitates and I₁ stacking faults

  Rong-guang LI, Yu BAO, Bo-shu LIU, Di WU, Hang ZHANG, Shan-shan LI, Sha SHA

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1088-1101. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67018-X

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  A bimodal structure in the WE43 alloy was constructed through traditional extrusion. The results suggest that the dominant dynamic recrystallization (DRX) mechanism in the alloy extruded at 300 °C (E300) is twin-induced DRX (TDRX), while the discontinuous DRX (DDRX) prevails when extruded at 330 °C (E330) and 370 °C (E370). For all three kinds of alloys, a decrease in extrusion temperature results in enhanced strength without a significant loss of ductility. Notably, the E300 alloy demonstrates outstanding comprehensive mechanical properties, with a yield strength of 325 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 365 MPa, and an elongation of 10.2%. Numerous blocky Mg₁₄Nd₂Y with size of ~100 nm is formed within elongated grains, which contributes to the increased strength of E300 alloy. Additionally, the high-density of I₁ stacking faults and fine blocky precipitates within elongated grains enhance ductility.
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  Achieving high strength WE43 alloy with homogeneous corrosion and improved biological properties by high-pressure torsion

  Bo DENG, De-chuang ZHANG, Yi-long DAI, Zhi-nan YANG, Yun-cang LI, Cui-e WEN

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1102-1119. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67019-1

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  The corrosion resistance, tensile yield strength, elongation, and biocompatibility of the WE43 Mg alloy were significantly improved by high-pressure torsion (HPT) processing. The microstructure of WE43 changed through three distinct stages: deformation strengthening, dynamic recovery, and dynamic recrystallization during HPT. WE43 nanocrystals with an average grain size of (105±5) nm were successfully prepared after 7 or 10 revolutions of HPT processing. The HPT-7R WE43 samples showed the highest yield strength of (330.9±2.2) MPa, the highest tensile strength of (374.2±1.9) MPa, and an elongation of (13.2±1.1)%. The HPT-10R WE43 samples exhibited the lowest degradation rate of (0.401±0.031) mm/a; furthermore, it revealed cell viability greater than that of pure Mg and solution-treated WE43 toward MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. Overall, the WE43 alloy after HPT processing for 7 or more revolutions demonstrates great potential as a highly desirable bone-implant material.
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  Influence of existence mode of silicide and α₂ phase on creep behavior of TC25G alloy at 550−600 °C

  Zhuo-meng LIU, She-wei XIN, Yong-qing ZHAO, Kun QIAN, Chi-cheng LUO, Si-yuan ZHANG

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1120-1139. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67020-8

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  In TC25G alloy, Ti₃Al (α₂ phase) and silicide were precipitated during long-term aging. To access the effect of precipitates, three heat treatment processes were designed. The effects of these heat treatments on the creep behavior of alloy were compared and analyzed. The results show that the creep resistance of HT2 exceeds that of HT3, highlighting a significant precipitation strengthening effect of α₂ phase. Furthermore, at temperatures and stresses lower than or equal to 570 °C and 200 MPa, respectively, the creep resistance of HT1 is close to that of HT3, suggesting that silicide precipitated before creep attenuates the strengthening of creep deformation caused by the coarsening of α_s phase. At 600 °C and 250 MPa, the creep resistance of HT1 is significantly higher than that of HT3, indicating that when the dynamic precipitation of silicide in HT1 is adequate, it also resists the creep deformation of the alloy. The stress exponent for HT1, HT2 and HT3 ranges 1.7−1.9 (550 °C) and 3.7−4.4 (600 °C), indicating that the amount of silicide and α₂ phase doesn’t affect the creep mechanism. The increase in creep activation energy is attributed to the enhanced inhibition caused by lots of precipitates on phase boundary migration and dislocations motion.
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  Fabrication, microstructure and high-temperature strengthening mechanism of multi-scale Ti₂AlC/TiAl composite

  Zhe DENG, Pei LIU, Zhi-yong ZHANG, Ai-qin WANG, Jing-pei XIE, Zhen-bo WANG

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1140-1151. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67021-X

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  The multi-scale Ti₂AlC/TiAl composites were fabricated. Micro-Ti₂AlC particles are obtained in-situ at the grain boundaries of the full lamellar TiAl matrix by vacuum arc melting. The targeted precipitation of submicro-Ti₂AlC at the lamellae TiAl/Ti₃Al phase boundary and directional precipitation of nano-Ti₂AlC within TiAl crystals are achieved by heat treatment. And the best high-temperature tensile properties are obtained when the graphite powder is added at 2 at.%, resulting in a tensile strength of 561 MPa and an elongation of 3.6%. These findings underscore the multifaceted role played by the multi-scale Ti₂AlC: micro-Ti₂AlC effectively inhibits grain boundary softening and hinders dislocation motion, while submicro-Ti₂AlC prevents twin propagation and obstructs dislocation motion. Nano-Ti₂AlC, on the other hand, not only hinders dislocation movement but also fine-tunes the lamellar microstructure.
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  Influence of porous structures with small unit cell on mechanical properties of porous titanium dental implants fabricated by selective laser melting

  Lu-man LIAO, Rui-min TANG, Kai WANG, Li YI, Yi-long DAI, Xiao-yong ZHANG, Liang-jian CHEN

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1152-1165. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67022-1

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  Based on the application requirements for porous dental implants, four porous structures of gyroid, RD (rhombic dodecahedron), cubic, and CHC (three identical cylinders hollow cubic) for porous titanium implants have been designed and fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) technology. Typically, the unit cell dimensions range from 0.5 to 1.6 mm, with pore diameters between 300 and 900 µm, achieving porosities of 60%−80%. The influence of porous structures with small unit cell on scaffold formability and mechanical properties was investigated through compression, torsion tests as well as finite element simulations. Consequently, gyroid scaffolds exhibit optimal formability with the lowest porosity and pore deviation. With the same porosity, gyroid and RD scaffolds exhibit lower compressive strength than cubic and CHC scaffolds, yet their torsional properties show an inverse relationship. Moreover, gyroid scaffolds possess the highest torque but the lowest compressive strength and elastic modulus. The gyroid scaffold with 60% porosity shows a modulus of 3.96 GPa, matching bone modulus of 0−30 GPa. Its compressive strength reaches 176.3 MPa, exceeding that of bone by 100 MPa. Additionally, the torque for the d4.0 mm implant is 2.22 N·m, approaching the FDA safe torque of 2.3 N·m. Therefore, the gyroid represents the most ideal structure for porous dental implants.
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  Microstructure and tribological behavior of gradient nanostructured Inconel 625 alloy treated via plate surface mechanical rolling

  Yan-jiang WANG, Zhi JIA, Jin-jin JI, Luen-chow CHAN, Chi-ping LAI, Xian-zheng LU, De-xue LIU

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1166-1182. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67023-3

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  The effects of plate surface mechanical rolling treatment (P-SMRT) on the microstructure and tribological behavior of Inconel 625 alloy were investigated. The results reveal that P-SMRT induced the formation of a gradient nanostructure (GNS) strengthening layer with a thickness of 700 μm on the surface of Inconel 625 alloy. The GNS formation was driven by the interaction between deformation twins and dislocations, leading to the development of shear bands that transformed into ultrafine grains and nanograins. The hardness of the samples with GNS was 192.7% higher than that of the untreated samples. In addition, the tribological properties of the P-SMRT and untreated samples were investigated through dry sliding friction and wear tests. These findings indicate that the P-SMRT induced GNS accommodated greater strain, reduced strain localization, and inhibited surface material exfoliation and transfer, thereby significantly enhancing the wear resistance of Inconel 625 alloy.
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  Optimization of microstructure and properties of directionally solidified Cu−15Ni−8Sn alloy by multi-stage thermomechanical treatment

  Yu-fan SHI, Cheng-jun GUO, Ming-quan YUAN, Xi-ming YANG, Xiang-peng XIAO, Hang WANG, Bin YANG

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1183-1198. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67024-5

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  The Cu−15Ni−8Sn alloy wire with a nano-layered structure was fabricated using directional solidification techniques and a multi-stage thermomechanical treatment. A systematic investigation was conducted on microstructure evolution and its impact on mechanical properties. After aging at 400 °C for 0.25 h, the ultimate tensile strength of the alloy reaches 1509 MPa, >200 MPa higher than that of the alloy after single thermomechanical treatment. Furthermore, grain refinement and heightened á111ñ fiber texture are identified as key factors contributing to the enhancement of the mechanical properties of the alloy. These findings highlight the importance of multi-stage thermomechanical treatment on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Cu−15Ni−8Sn alloy.
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  Achieving outstanding strength−ductility matching in dual-phase high- entropy alloys via modulation of BCC phase

  Xu YANG, De-zhi CHEN, Li FENG, Gang QIN, Qi WANG, Rui-run CHEN

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1199-1212. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67025-7

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  The impact of Mo on the microstructure, phase constitution, and tensile properties of Al_1.25CoCrFeNi_3−xMo_x (x=0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) was explored systematically through phase diagram simulation and experimental validation. The findings indicate that Mo addition transforms the microstructure from eutectic to hypereutectic and eventually to dendritic. Mo promotes the nucleation of the body-centered cubic phase by reducing the nucleation barrier and altering the valence electron concentration. As Mo content increases, yield strength rises, while the tensile strength and plasticity increase first and then decrease. Notably, the Al_1.25CoCrFeNi_2.8Mo_0.2 HEA achieves an impressive tensile strength of 1234.80 MPa and a fracture strain of 19.33%. Key strengthening mechanisms include solid solution strengthening, grain boundary strengthening, and heterogeneous interface strengthening.
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  Synergistic enhancement of strength−ductility in Sn1.0Ag0.5Cu composite solder via surface-modified nano-sized ZrO₂ and micro-sized T-ZnO_w hybrid reinforcements

  Fu-peng HUO, Chuan-tong CHEN, Zhi JIN, Xun-da LIU, Ke-ke ZHANG, Hiroshi NISHIKAWA

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1213-1228. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67026-9

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  A novel SnAgCu composite solder with multi-phase and multi-scale hybrid reinforcement was developed. Initially, surface modification of nano-sized ZrO₂ and micro-sized tetra-needle-like ZnO whisker (T-ZnO_w) was performed using pyrolysis method. Subsequently, the modified ZrO₂ and T-ZnO_w were incorporated into Sn1.0Ag0.5Cu composite solders using an ultrasonic-assisted casting method. The microstructure evolution, interface between solder matrix and reinforcements, and mechanical properties were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the composite solder exhibited a high proportion of eutectic structures with minimal coarse intermetallic compounds. Furthermore, at the interface between the reinforcements and Sn1.0Ag0.5Cu, no gaps, micropores, or new phases were observed, while atomic inter-diffusion was detected. When the Zn/Zr molar ratio was set to be 2꞉3, the composite solder achieved an ultimate tensile strength of 35.9 MPa and an elongation of 31.4%, representing improvements of 30.5% and 47.4%, respectively, compared to plain Sn1.0Ag0.5Cu solder.
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  Enhancing adhesion in columnar crystal Ni coatings via interface-pinning structure optimization

  Shi-yu CUI, Hua-wei CHENG, Jun HUANG, Wen-ping LIANG, Luis Saucedo MORA, Joseph P. DOMBLESKY, Jun-ming LUO

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1229-1244. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67027-0

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  Double glow plasma surface alloying was utilized to synthesize a nickel coating with controlled columnar crystalline architecture. The deposition process was systematically regulated with a fixed source electrode bias of −990 V and precisely controlled deposition temperatures (750, 800, and 850 °C) through cathode bias modulation. Plasma characteristics were quantitatively analyzed through argon emission spectroscopy, enabling precise determination of electron density and temperature. Elemental interdiffusion behavior was comprehensively characterized using electron probe microanalysis, revealing significant interface-pinning effects achieved through strategic manipulation of layer-by-layer and island growth mechanisms. Critical analysis of diffusion coefficients demonstrated comparable magnitudes between the primary diffusion coefficients, along with their cross-diffusion coefficient, suggesting substantial involvement of Inconel718 re-sputtering phenomena in the diffusion dynamics. The coating exhibited exceptional adhesion performance, maintaining structural integrity through 200 rigorous thermal cycling tests without observable delamination.
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  Mechanism of tuning thermal stability and enhancing quality factor in CaWO₄-based ceramics with scheelite−fergusonite structure evolution

  Rui-heng XIANG, Jie LI, Huai-cheng XIANG, Ying TANG, Di ZHOU, Dou ZHANG, Liang FANG

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1245-1257. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67028-2

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  To modify the near-zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) of CaWO₄-based materials and explore their structure–property relationships, Ca_1−xNd_xW_1−xNb_xO₄ (CWNNx) ceramics were prepared. Phase evolution occurred in the system from tetragonal-scheelite to monoclinic-fergusonite at x=0.7. Relative permittivity (ε_r) increased from 11.28 to 16.84, influenced by the polarizability per unit molar volume (α/V_m), whereas the negative deviations between ε_r,corr and e_r,C−M (Δε_r≈−3.39% to −12.50%) resulted from the compression effect of Ca²⁺ and Nd³⁺ coupled with Nb⁵⁺ at the B site. The quality factor (Q) rose by 52%, attributed to the decreased Raman full width at half-maximum and increased lattice energy (U). The τ_f values changed from −27.6×10⁻⁶ to 72.1×10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹, governed by the increased temperature coefficient of ionic polarizability (τ_αm), decreased coefficient of thermal expansion (α_L), and weakened A-site compression. CWNN0.3 ceramic demonstrated superior properties (ε_r=13.00, Q×f=60170 GHz, and τ_f=−1.9×10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹), suggesting potential applications in sub-6 GHz antennas.
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  Enhanced furfural hydrogenation via Ru nanoparticles supported on CeO₂−Mg(OH)₂ composite nanosheet

  Xiao-jun ZHAO, Li-qiang WANG, Guang-ji ZHANG, Yin FANG, You-nian LIU, Tie-chui YUAN

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1258-1268. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67029-4

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  Ru nanoparticles (NPs) supported on CeO₂−Mg(OH)₂ composite nanosheets, donated as Ru/CeO₂−Mg(OH)₂, are developed as the highly active catalyst for selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol. Characterization results demonstrate that Ru NPs are adsorbed on the surface of the polyhedra of CeO₂, which are scattered on the surface of the thin Mg(OH)₂ nanosheets. Ru/CeO₂−Mg(OH)₂-0.2 achieves 92.6% conversion of furfural and 96.3% selectivity to furfuryl alcohol. Ru/CeO₂−Mg(OH)₂-0.2 retains high activity after six cycles, due to the introduction of CeO₂ to form composite support that effectively prevents the leaching of Ru NPs. The strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) between Ru NPs and the CeO₂−Mg(OH)₂ composite support can tune the electronic structure of Ru NPs, which facilitates the H₂ activation. Moreover, the CeO₂−Mg(OH)₂ interface exhibits specific adsorption of C=O bonds compared to the CeO₂ alone. The composite-supported nanoparticles provide a valuable strategy for constructing highly efficient hydrogenation catalysts.
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  Realizing stable zinc anodes via three-dimensional passivation layer

  Shi LI, Xin-wei DAI, Rui-bo JIANG, Yan-ting CAI, Lan-yan LI, Zhong-min WAN, Xi CHEN, Xiang-zhong KONG, Guo-zhao FANG

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1269-1280. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67030-0

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  A porous three-dimensional (3D) structure was created on the Zn surface by an electrostripping activation process under high current density, which could suppress the non-uniform Zn²⁺ deposition induced by the “tip effect.” Moreover, a functional CeO₄H₄/Ce(OH)₃ passivation layer was introduced to prevent electrochemical corrosion and facilitate electrolyte infiltration. Benefiting from the ingenious 3D structure and passivation layer, the assembled symmetric cell delivers a long lifespan of over 1500 h at 5 mA/cm². Even at 20 mA/cm², the electrode can still operate for over 300 h. The R-Zn@Ce‖MnO₂ full cell exhibits a capacity of 205.3 mA·h/g after 300 cycles at a current density of 0.3 A/g.
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  Stable interfaces in lithium metal batteries constructed via in-situ electrolyte reformulation

  Kuan DAI, Feng-jing WU, Mu-lan QIN, Chang-wei SU, Wan-min LIU, Xin-ye LUO

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1281-1293. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67031-2

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  Li₂CO₃ was introduced into LiPF₆-based electrolytes and the electrolytes were stored at 40 °C. Nuclear magnetic analysis of electrolytes and X-ray diffraction characterization of reaction residues demonstrate the formation of LiPO₂F₂ and LiF during storage. This reformulated electrolyte boosts lifespan and Coulombic efficiency (CE) in Li||Li and Li||Cu cells, with Li||Li cells stably cycling for >800 h and 300 h at 0.5 mA/cm² and 1.0 mA/cm², respectively. Moreover, with the optimal content of Li₂CO₃, the CE of the reformulated electrolyte (91.56%) is greatly improved compared to that of the standard electrolyte (81.99%). The compatibility and enhanced rate performance of the reformulated electrolyte are also exhibited in Li||NCM full cells with a moderately high mass loading of 9.6 mg/cm².
Mining, Minerals Processing and Metallurgical Engineering
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  Thiosulfate leaching of gold: An review on novel catalytic systems

  Qian LI, Yue-hong ZHU, Yan ZHANG, Xiao-liang LIU, Shu-yi QIAO, Yong-bin YANG, Tao JIANG

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1294-1319. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67032-4

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  Eco-friendly thiosulfate is a promising alternative to the high-toxic cyanide for gold extraction with copper− ammonia catalytic system being the most popular. However, the copper−ammonia catalysis causes the issues of high thiosulfate consumption, complex gold recovery process and ammonia pollution. An effective strategy to tackle these issues is to improve or replace the copper−ammonia system with a novel catalytic system (NCS). Various NCSs are classified and their current status and future prospectives are reviewed. The critical constituent factors of NCSs are summarized. The noteworthy developing trends of potential NCSs are also discussed. Furthermore, besides resin adsorption, other recovery methods such as solvent extraction deserve more attention to achieve selective gold recovery. Crucial insights into developing suitable NCSs to solve the existing challenges in the current thiosulfate leaching technology once and for all are offered, thus promoting its large-scale industrial application.
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  Phase composition of slag−iron interface and elemental distribution behavior between hot metal and Ti-bearing electric furnace slags

  Jian-fa JING, Yu-feng GUO, Shuai WANG, Feng CHEN, Ling-zhi YANG, Guan-zhou QIU

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1320-1334. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67033-6

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  The phase composition at the slag−iron interface and the distribution behavior of titanium, vanadium, chromium and silicon between hot metal and Ti-bearing electric furnace slag were thoroughly explored. The basicity range for the anosovite phase region was defined by using a phase diagram and a minimum smelting temperature was set at 1540 °C. Thermodynamic calculations demonstrate that the activities of TiO₂ and SiO₂ in the slag decrease with increasing basicity, while those of V₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃ increase. Similarly, the activities of [Ti] and [Si] in the molten metal decrease, while those of [V] and [Cr] rise with increasing basicity. As basicity increases, the distribution ratios, L_Ti and L_Si decrease, whereas L_V and L_Cr increase. Significantly, the recovery efficiencies of vanadium and titanium are improved with higher basicity. The primary phases identified in the slag include anosovite, diopside, and titanium spinel. However, when the basicity exceeds 0.8, the formation of the perovskite phase becomes less favorable, suggesting that basicity should be maintained at or below 0.8.
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  Preparation of ammonium paratungstate via adding (NH₄)₂CO₃ or NH₄HCO₃ to ammonium metatungstate solution

  Li-ming ZHANG, Lei-ting SHEN, Qiu-sheng ZHOU, Tian-gui QI, Zhi-hong PENG, Gui-hua LIU, Yi-lin WANG, Xiao-bin LI

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1335-1347. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67034-8

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  A new technology was proposed to produce ammonium paratungstate (APT) from ammonium metatungstate (AMT) solution by adding (NH₄)₂CO₃ or NH₄HCO₃ in order to reduce energy consumption and subsequent ammonia recovery burden in crystallization step. Specifically, the effects of ammonium source dosage, temperature, reaction time and stirring speed on crystallization yield, crystalline phase and morphology of APT products were systematically investigated. The results showed that crystallization yields under optional conditions with (NH₄)₂CO₃ and NH₄HCO₃ as ammonium sources could reach 85.4% and 86.9% with particle size (D₅₀) of 358.8 μm and 441.3 μm, respectively. The crystallization mechanism could be identified as  first transforming to  and finally to , resulting in the APT precipitation by  combining with  (NH₄)₆[H₆W₁₂O₄₂]·10H₂O played as an intermediate in the crystallization, which could also react with ammonium sources to form APT crystals. Compared to NH₃·H₂O as an ammonium resource, the corresponding maximum crystallization yields under the same optimal conditions were in order of NH₄HCO₃>(NH₄)₂CO₃>NH₃·H₂O, while different ammonium sources affect the morphology of crystallization product.

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  Recovery of mixed cathode active powder using deep eutectic solvent as sustainable method

  Elif GÜLOĞLU , Mert ZORAĞA, Gökhan ORHAN

  Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China. 2026, 36(4): 1348-1364. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67035-X

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  The recovery of metallic values from spent cathode active powders in lithium-ion battery was investigated in a deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on choline chloride (ChCl) and ethylene glycol (EG). The recovery yields of Li, Co, Mn and Ni metals were 97.2%, 99.2%, 97.6% and 100%, respectively, in the leaching process carried out at 180 °C, under 375 r/min magnetic stirring speed and at 10 g/L pulp density for 24 h using CC꞉EG 1꞉2 as solvent. Leaching yields very close to these results were also obtained after 12 h leaching using 200 W ultrasonic support (US) instead of magnetic stirring under the same conditions. 2 mol/L Na₂CO₃ was used for co-precipitation of metals from metal loaded solutions. The precipitation efficiencies for Li, Co, Mn and Ni after co-precipitation at pH (11.6±0.05), 40 °C for 3 h are 85.7%, 95.8%, 99.8% and 89.9%, respectively. Furthermore, multiple utilization of DES was investigated, and three cycles were completed without loss of yield in both extraction and stripping stages. The precipitation product was calcined and characterized by XRD and SEM techniques.