Densification and Phase Transformation in Multi-Layered Graded SiN-TiN Components Produced by Field-Assisted Sintering.

The structural and/or functional design of multiphase ceramics, along with their processing, are timely research topics in the area of field-assisted sintering techniques, such as spark plasma sintering, especially for systems containing both electrically insulating and conductive phases. In the present study, spark plasma sintering of SiN-TiN composites was investigated by changing the TiN particle size and electrical current waveform. Their combined effects on both the densification behavior and α-to-β phase conversion of the SiN matrix was studied and compared by means of a thermodynamic approach and dilatometric measurements.

New insight into agarose gel mechanical properties.

The current study focuses on the effects of the molecular weight on the mechanical behavior of agarose gels. The small strain rheology and large strain deformation/failure behavior of three different molecular weight agarose gels have been examined, with the results expressed in term of molar concentration. For small deformation strains, the gelation temperature at low concentrations and the critical concentration for gel formation are strongly affected by the molecular weight.

Dynamic experimentation on the confocal laser scanning microscope: application to soft-solid, composite food materials.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is used to follow the dynamic structural evolution of several phase-separated mixed biopolymer gel composites. Two protein/polysaccharide mixed gel systems were examined: gelatin/maltodextrin and gelatin/agarose. These materials exhibit 'emulsion-like' structures, with included spherical particles of one phase (i.

Influence of thermal history on the structural and mechanical properties of agarose gels.

Using a multitechnique approach, two temperature domains have been identified in agarose gelation. Below 35 degrees C, fast gelation results in strong, homogeneous and weakly turbid networks. The correlation length, evaluated from the wavelength dependence of the turbidity, is close to values of pore size reported in the literature.

Dynamic experimentation on the confocal laser scanning microscope: application to soft-solid, composite food materials.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is used to follow the dynamic structural evolution of several phase-separated mixed biopolymer gel composites. Two protein/polysaccharide mixed gel systems were examined: gelatin/maltodextrin and gelatin/agarose. These materials exhibit 'emulsion-like' structures, with included spherical particles of one phase (i.