Table of Content

31 October 2025, Volume 31 Issue 5

Previous Issue   

Materials Science

Research progress on nuclear radiation shielding materials: from traditional single-function to integrated structural and functional design

PAN Jie, LIU Ao, WANG Zixie, SUN Zeyuan, LI Jun, XIAO Xueshan

2025, 31(5):  757-773.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2694

Asbtract ( 46 )   PDF (671KB) ( 25 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Nuclear energy, in the course of its rapid development, also generates radiation hazards. To protect human health and the safety of the surrounding environment, it is necessary to equip nuclear shielding materials. As the demands for radiation protection continue to increase, traditional single-function shielding materials are no longer sufficient. It is essential to develop new-generation nuclear shielding materials that integrate structure and function, capable of addressing various complex scenarios, and to achieve the domestic production of shielding materials. This paper outlines the application range and design requirements for novel nuclear shielding materials, reviews the current mainstream shielding materials, and summarizes various metal-based nuclear shielding materials developed by our research group in recent years. It emphasizes that, in addition to structural applications, the integrated characteristics of neutron moderation and absorption in shielding materials will become a key focus for future research and development.

A novel Nb-free Zr-Sn-based zirconium alloy

XU Shitong, YAO Meiyi, ZHOU Bangxin

2025, 31(5):  774-788.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2708

Asbtract ( 26 )   PDF (873KB) ( 11 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

In certain small pressurized water reactors and large pressurized water reactors with higher single-unit power output, issues may arise with fuel cladding being exposed to oxygen-rich water conditions. Currently, the nuclear fuel cladding materials used in large nuclear power plants include various zirconium alloys, such as ZIRLO, E110, E635, M5, N36, etc., all of which are high-Nb zirconium alloys. The corrosion resistance of high-Nb zirconium alloys is highly sensitive to dissolved oxygen in water, and their corrosion resistance significantly deteriorates in oxygen-enriched water. Therefore, there is a need to develop a new type of zirconium alloy cladding material with both excellent corrosion resistance and insensitivity to dissolved oxygen. This paper provides an overview of a novel Nb-free Zr-Sn-based cladding material developed by our team, called JAZ zirconium alloy. Autoclave corrosion tests conducted out of pile show that the JAZ zirconium alloy exhibits superior corrosion resistance in various hydrochemical environments. The corrosion resistance of the JAZ zirconium alloy not only surpasses that of the Zr-4 alloy but also exceeds that of commercial Zr-Nb and Zr-Sn-Nb alloys, and it remains insensitive to the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water. The mechanism by which dissolved oxygen affects the corrosion behavior of zirconium alloys is elucidated through the analysis of the oxidation behavior of the second-phase particles, the evolution of the microstructure of the oxide film, and the stress evolution within the oxide film.

Influence of mesophase pitch based carbon flber on the properties of carbon/carbon-copper composites

YAO Yumin, LI Hong, RUAN Jiamiao, YANG Min, REN Musu, SUN Jinliang

2025, 31(5):  789-796.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2710

Asbtract ( 27 )   PDF (379KB) ( 11 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

To investigate the effect of introducing mesophase pitch based carbon fiber (MPCF) on the properties of carbon/carbon-copper(C/C-Cu) composites. Two types of needling preforms were prepared by MPCF and polyacrylonitrile based carbon fiber (PANCF). Two kinds of C/C-Cu composites were prepared by vacuum pressure impregnation after chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). By characterizing the microstructure, thermophysical properties and mechanical properties, the results showed that, comparing with PANCF needle punched preforms, the addition of MPCF could improve the $XY$ thermal conductivity and reduce the linear expansion coefficient of C/C-Cu composite. The bending strength, bending modulus and $Z$ compression strength of C/C-Cu composite increase 20.4%, 32.3% and 27.7%, respectively.

Structural regulation and interface design of high speciflc energy silicon-based anode

SHI Liyi, XU Yuefeng

2025, 31(5):  797-812.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2707

Asbtract ( 23 )   PDF (646KB) ( 7 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Silicon-based anode materials, as a highly potential candidate for the next-generation anode, exhibit a theoretical specific capacity of up to 4 200 mAh$\cdot$g$^{-1}$, significantly surpassing the current commercial graphite anode materials (with a specific capacity of only 372 mAh$\cdot$g$^{-1})$. However, inherent challenges such as poor intrinsic conductivity, severe volumetric expansion, and parasitic surface reactions critically impair their cycling stability and high-rate performance. Especially, t. he unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on silicon surfaces exacerbates internal polarization, accelerates capacity degradation, and significantly limited cycle life, which have become bottlenecks restricting the commercial application of silicon-based anodes. This review systematically addresses these limitations through structural engineering and interface modification strategies, presenting novel approaches for constructing high-capacity silicon-based anodes and anticipating future research directions. This discourse systematically outlines the design principles and construction methodologies for high-energy-density silicon-based anodes. Through rigorous exploration of material science and structural engineering, this review also demonstrate novel materials, innovative techniques, and advanced protocals on silicon anodes to resolve existing limitations, enhancing the development of silicon-based anodes toward enhanced rate capability, prolonged cycle life, superior safety performance, and broader temperature range.

Synthesis and properties of phosphorus-containing poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide)

ZHEN Xiao, LI Na, YU Junrong, HU Zuming, WANG Yan

2025, 31(5):  813-826.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2670

Asbtract ( 20 )   PDF (552KB) ( 4 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

A reactive phosphorus-containing flame-retardant monomer was synthesized by a one-step method and introduced into the molecular chain of poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide) by low-temperature solution polymerization to obtain the phosphorus-containing poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide), and its mechanical properties, thermal properties, and flame-retardant properties were investigated. The results show that when the addition of phosphorus-containing flame-retardant monomers in diamine reaches 5% (mole fraction), the tensile strength of the phosphorus-containing poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide) remains at 94.9 MPa; the modulus reaches 1 619.8 MPa, and the glass transition temperature reaches 270.4 ℃; the residual carbon rate increases to 69.3% in thermogravimetric tests, and the limiting oxygen index reaches 42.8%. Compared with the poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide), the heat release capacity decreases by 41.1%; the peak heat release rate decreases by 67.9%, and the total heat release decreases by 67.6%. Therefore, the method synthesizes a highly efficient reactive phosphorus-containing flame-retardant monomer and prepares the phosphorus-containing poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide) with excellent flame retardancy and high strength.

Enhancement efiect of carbon nanotube modifled phenolic resin composite carbon source on electrical properties of carbon ceramics

HU Taishan, HU Shangmao, LIU Gang, MEI Qi, REN Xin, YAO Zheng

2025, 31(5):  827-835.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2704

Asbtract ( 21 )   PDF (440KB) ( 5 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

This study investigates the role of carbon nanotube-modified phenolic resin as an organic carbon source in enhancing the electrical resistance properties of carbon ceramics. The microstructure of the carbon ceramic resistors was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the distribution of carbon elements within the ceramic was analyzed using energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The thermal stability was evaluated using a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) meter, and the voltage coefficient of resistance (VCR) and energy withstand capability were tested using a pulse voltage generator. The results indicate that the introduction of carbon nanotube-modified phenolic resin optimized the microstructure and properties of the composite material, improving both mechanical strength and thermal stability. The Young's modulus increased from 214 to 281 GPa, and the temperature coefficient of resistance decreased from $-2 252$$\times$10$^{-6}$ to $-873$$\times $10$^{-6}$/℃. The improved voltage coefficient of resistance decreased from $-1.06$ to $-0.32%$/(kV$\cdot$cm$^{-1}$), and the energy withstand capability increased from 200 to 450 J$\cdot$cm$^{-3}$.

Molecular dynamics simulation of electrochemical performance of covalent organic frameworks/graphyne composite

XU Yi, XU Shabei, WANG Jinlong, YAN Taixiang, ZHOU Ziheng, YUAN Bin

2025, 31(5):  836-847.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2705

Asbtract ( 16 )   PDF (488KB) ( 7 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

The electrochemical performance of the covalent organic frameworks/graphyne (GY) composite (COF@GY) has been investigated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. First, electronic property analysis determined that COF@GY is an excellent semiconductor, and lithium ions (Li$^{+}$) tend to be more readily adsorbed by COF. On this basis, the adsorption sites and sequence of Li$^{+}$ were identified, along with the influence of Li$^{+}$ adsorption quantity on its adsorption energy. Additionally, changes in the apparent morphology of COF@GY and the corresponding COF-GY spacing were observed during the lithiation process. When Li$^{+}$ adsorption reached saturation, the volume of COF@GY increased by only 29.06%, and the average voltage dropped to 1.02 V, indicating that COF@GY is suitable as a negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries. Under the same conditions, the ion conductivity between COF and GY is the highest. These results indicate that such substances exhibit excellent electrochemical performance.

Phase Lab based on phase-fleld-flow-fleld coupling model: a simulation of microstructure evolution in multiphase growth and nucleation

HU Zuhui, KUANG Wangwang, YANG Mengyuan, GUO Pan, ZHANG Hui, WANG Yin, REN Wei

2025, 31(5):  848-859.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2690

Asbtract ( 18 )   PDF (461KB) ( 6 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Simulation technologies for material microstructure evolution at the mesoscale are crucial for understanding the relationship between material microstructures and properties, and have become a prominent research direction in the fields of material processing and property studies. When metallic materials undergo processes such as casting, additive manufacturing, and welding, convection significantly influences the transformation of microstructures, such as dendrites and eutectics. Therefore, it is essential to consider multiphase nucleation and growth under convection in solidification microstructure simulations. This paper extends the solidification phase-field simulation capabilities of Phase Lab software by developing multi-parameter phase-field equations. The Navier-Stokes (N-S) equation is incorporated to describe the evolution of the flow field, and the governing equations for the flow and phase-field are coupled, enabling the simulation of solidification microstructure evolution under convection. Furthermore, by utilizing stochastic nucleation theory, the spontaneous multiphase, multi-site nucleation process during solidification is described, successfully simulating complex solidification processes. The model has been successfully applied to simulate typical phenomena, including homogeneous nucleation and dendritic growth of alloys under supercooling, the lamellar eutectic formation resulting from two-solid-phase competitive growth, and the movement of the solid phase in flow.

A new cyclic immersion method for the conservation of waterlogged wood

XU Qingmeng, ZHU Jinmeng, DONG Wenqiang, LUO Hongjie

2025, 31(5):  860-871.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2703

Asbtract ( 22 )   PDF (399KB) ( 6 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

A new cyclic immersion method (CIM) is developed to enhance the penetration efficiency of conservation materials into waterlogged wood. CIM involves the controlled dehydration of wood followed by immersion into a conservation material, with the cycle repeated to enhance penetration. Three conservation materials, commonly used polyethylene glycol (PEG), natural particulate cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and water-soluble chitooligosaccharide (COS), are tested. CIM's effectiveness is assessed through visual morphology, weight percent gain, volume shrinkage and color change, combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) analyses. Results show CIM significantly enhances material penetration, especially for PEG, which achieved a 102% weight gain, more than double that of TSM, with minimal shrinkage and an acceptable color change. CIM might promotes the formation of hydrogen bonds between conservation materials and wood, offering an efficient method for conservation material penetration.

Conformal flve-axis 3D printing process for continuous carbon flber reinforced composites on curved surfaces

ZHANG Zhiming, LI Mao, HU Qingxi, ZHANG Haiguang

2025, 31(5):  872-884.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2701

Asbtract ( 25 )   PDF (695KB) ( 3 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

To enhance the comprehensive performance and forming quality of 3D printed parts, a conformal five-axis 3D printing process was proposed for continuous carbon fiber reinforced composites on curved surfaces. Utilizing a self-designed and constructed five-axis dual-nozzle 3D printing platform and print path planning, typical specimens with a sandwich structure format and curved surface specimens were printed using continuous carbon fiber as the reinforcement material, polylactic acid (PLA) as the matrix material, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the support material. Mechanical performance tests were conducted on the printed typical specimens and curved surface specimens, and comparisons were made with specimens lacking the sandwich structure format. The experimental results indicated that both the mechanical properties and surface quality of the typical specimens and curved surface specimens printed using this process were enhanced. In conclusion, it is demonstrated that the conformal five-axis 3D printing process for continuous carbon fiber reinforced composites, realized through this five-axis dual-nozzle printing platform, could effectively improve the comprehensive performance and forming quality of 3D printed parts.

Spatial orientation of a magnetically coupled resonant wireless power transmission system based on YBCO superconducting coils

YAN Zhichao, GUO Yanqun, WANG Dongxu, ZHOU Difan, CHEN Mingyue, ZHAO Suchuan, CAI Chuanbing

2025, 31(5):  885-894.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2509

Asbtract ( 20 )   PDF (445KB) ( 5 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

When the wireless charging of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) relay stations and that of the submarine base stations of underwater unmanned submarines (UUSs) were used, the spatial orientation deflection of electromagnetic coils often occured. To solve this problem, a magnetically coupled resonant wireless power transmission (MCR-WPT) system was built based on superconducting coils and copper coils. Firstly, the quality factor and resistance of superconducting coils and copper coils were measured. Secondly, the variation law of the transmission efficiencies of the high-temperature superconducting(HTS) MCR-WPT system and the copper experimental system were studied and analyzed when the spatial deflection was superimposed on the spatial orientation deflection. The results showed that the spatial azimuthal deflection under different lateral spatial deviations had different effects on the transmission efficiencies of the wireless transmission system. The application of superconducting coils for the full spatial misalignment interval under the MCR-WPT system resulted in a transmission efficiencies growth rate of 15.6%$\sim $35.5%. These advantages and laws created good application prospects for the provision of high efficiency and stability of wireless charging under strong spatial misalignment for devices such as UAVs and UUSs.

Environmental-adaptable high energy density lithium-fluorinated carbon batteries enabled by electrolytes with high donor number

ZHU Delun, YUAN Jingchao, DAI Yang, PENG Yuqing, LI Wenrong, LI Aijun

2025, 31(5):  895-906.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2538

Asbtract ( 19 )   PDF (480KB) ( 6 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

To improve the low-temperature performance and voltage plateau of lithium-fluorinated carbon (Li/CF$_{x}$) batteries, a novel electrolyte with a high donor number (DN) solvent 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI) was designed to enhance environmental adaptability and energy density. Research results demonstrated that the environmental adaptable electrolyte exhibited low viscosity, high ionic conductivity, and wettability. Furthermore, DMI possessed a high DN, high nucleophilicity, and strong solvation ability with Li$^{+}$, which reduced the energy barrier for C-F covalent bond cleavage. The Li/CF$_{x}$ batteries with the environmental adaptable electrolyte exhibited a discharge voltage plateau of 2.34, 2.61, and 2.75 V at $-30$, 25 and 45 ℃, respectively. Meanwhile, an ultra-high energy density of 1 632, 1 938 and 2 155 W$\cdot $h/kg was achieved.

Efiect of thioacetamide on the microstructure and catalytic performance of gold plated fllter membrane

XIA Minqiang, LI Tuo, MO Qingsheng, WANG Yu, LI Yunbo

2025, 31(5):  907-914.  doi:10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2709

Asbtract ( 15 )   PDF (354KB) ( 6 )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

This work presents a simple and efficient preparation of gold-plated filter membranes using thioacetamide as a pretreatment for gold colloids, and investigates the catalytic degradation of nitrophenol. The results showed that gold nanoparticles treated with thioacetamide underwent significant changes in morphology, improved stability, and increased available specific surface area, which is beneficial for enhancing their catalytic degradation activity. The catalytic performance of gold nanoparticles varies with different concentrations of thioacetamide. When the concentration is 30 μg/mL, the catalytic efficiency is highest and the catalytic time is shortest, only requiring 210 s. Cyclic service life revealed that gold nanoparticles treated with thioacetamide at a concentration of 30 μg/mL maintained 90% catalytic activity after 7 cycles of testing. This provides a feasible basis for a new type of membrane catalyst that is green, environmentally friendly, simple, and fast.