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Corrosion evaluation of Al-Cu-Mn-Zr cast alloys in 3.5% NaCl solution

Corrosion behavior of cast Al-Cu-Mn-Zr (ACMZ) and RR350 alloys was compared to a cast 319 alloy in 3.5 wt.% NaCl. After 168 h immersion, ACMZ and RR350 alloys suffered from preferential attack adjacent to intermetallic particles decorated at grain boundaries while the attack in 319 occurred in eutectic Al-Si dendritic boundaries. Electrochemical data allowed semiquantitative comparison of alloy resistance to corrosion initiation, and ACMZ type alloys, including RR350 and three alloys with higher Cu, were considered more resistant than 319 due to the absence of deleterious Si particles. In case of 319, such Si particles presumably drove higher micro-galvanic influence to initiate and sustain Al corrosion. With lower susceptibility to corrosion initiation, ACMZ alloys should exhibit higher or at minimum similar resistance compared to cast 319.

Curiosity shapes spatial exploration and cognitive map formation in humans

Cognitive maps are thought to arise, at least in part, from our intrinsic curiosity to explore unknown places. However, it remains untested how curiosity shapes aspects of spatial exploration in humans. Combining a virtual reality task with indices of exploration complexity, we found that pre-exploration curiosity states predicted how much individuals spatially explored environments, whereas markers of visual exploration determined post-exploration feelings of interest. Moreover, individual differences in curiosity traits, particularly Stress Tolerance, modulated the relationship between curiosity and spatial exploration, suggesting the capacity to cope with uncertainty enhances the curiosity-exploration link. Furthermore, both curiosity and spatial exploration predicted how precisely participants could recall spatial-relational details of the environment, as measured by a sketch map task. These results provide new evidence for a link between curiosity and exploratory behaviour, and how curiosity might shape cognitive map formation.

Recent advances in high-entropy superconductors

High-entropy materials (HEMs) exhibit significant potential for diverse applications owing to their tunable properties, which can be precisely engineered through the selection of specific elements and the modification of stoichiometric ratios. The discovery of superconductivity in HEMs has garnered considerable interest, leading to accelerated advancements in this field in recent years. This review provides an overview of various high-entropy superconductors, highlighting their distinct features, such as disordered crystal structure, factors affecting the critical temperature (Tc), unconventional superconductivity, and topological bands. A perspective on this field is subsequently proposed, drawing upon insights from recently published academic literature. The objective is to provide researchers with a comprehensive and clear understanding of the newly developed high-entropy superconductivity, thereby catalyzing further advancements in this domain.

First-principles and machine-learning approaches for interpreting and predicting the properties of MXenes

MXenes are a versatile family of 2D inorganic materials with applications in energy storage, shielding, sensing, and catalysis. This review highlights computational studies using density functional theory and machine-learning approaches to explore their structure (stacking, functionalization, doping), properties (electronic, mechanical, magnetic), and application potential. Key advances and challenges are critically examined, offering insights into applying computational research to transition these materials from the lab to practical use.

Metal organic frameworks for wastewater treatment, renewable energy and circular economy contributions

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are versatile materials with tailorable structures, high surface areas, and controlled pore sizes, making them ideal for gas storage, separation, catalysis, and notably wastewater treatment by removing pollutants like antibiotics and heavy metals. Functionalization enhances their applications in energy conversion and environmental remediation. Despite challenges like stability and cost, ongoing innovation in MOFs contributes to the circular economy and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals.

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