New, non-discoid M(II) complexes [MCl2(L)] {M = Mn, Zn; L = 2,6-diformyl-4methylphenolbis[30,40,50-tris(hexadecyloxy)phenylimine]} have been prepared and shown to exhibit columnar mesophases, the nature of which was found to be metal-dependent. As analysed by DSC and small-angle X-ray diffraction experiments, the complex [ZnCl2(L)] exhibits a single mesophase with rectangular symmetry (Colr) be...

In this work, we review single mode SiO₂ fiber Bragg grating techniques for dilatometry studies of small single-crystalline samples in the extreme environments of very high, continuous, and pulsed magnetic fields of up to 150 T and at cryogenic temperatures down to <1 K. Distinct millimeter-long materials are measured as part of the technique development, including metallic, insulating, and rad...

Pitfalls and standardization need for metallic Li testing: On the road to high energy density batteries, enabling lithium as anode seems be straightest way success, with many scientists striving find solutions. Therefore, of testing protocols result reporting is paramount importance achieve common understanding in community. We present a study often neglected parameters both long-term tests com...

The influence of the free surface on martensitic transformation was examined by comparing the highest temperature at which martensite forms (MS), as measured using dilatometry, with surface–observations using confocal laser scanning microscopy. It is found that the proximity of the surface during confocal microscopy permits martensitic transformation to occur at a higher temperature, with a red...

The phenomenological characterization of binding reactions is described by the amount of chemical ligand bound along with concomitant and physical effects of heat and volume change. Binding measurements, calorimetry, and dilatometry provide a direct route for the evaluation of relevant reaction parameters. Indirectly the study of the response to temperature, pressure, and ligand chemical potent...

A dilatometer cell that can detect sub angstrom changes in the length of solid specimens in the temperature range 5 K<T<350 K is described. It is constructed entirely from fused quartz (silica). This is a capacitive-based technique, where the spacing between two metallized plates allows detection of changes in length. It is also a relative measurement in the sense that the capacitor plate spaci...

Using metallurgical models, three steels were designed to obtain carbide-free bainitic structures in the as-rolled condition. Experimental castings were hot-rolled in a pilot mill and their austenite decomposition kinetics were measured using dilatometry. Tensile and Charpy impact properties were measured and the microstructures were characterised using X-ray diffractometry, optical and scannin...

Metastable Fe-Mn alloys exhibit a non-thermoelastic martensitic transformation which is accompanied by a significant thermal effect (ca. 20 J/g). Among Fe-Mn alloys, the highest value of latent heat was registered in alloys with 17-18 wt. % Mn. In this work we investigate effects of carbon (up to 0.4 wt. %) and cold rolling (5-25% of thickness reduction) on the latent heat and the temperature h...

Ease of fabrication and design flexibility are two attractive features of low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology for fabrication of complex micro-fluidic devices. Such structures are designed and processed using different shaping methods, the extent and complexity of which depends on the final device specifications (dimensions, mechanical and functional properties). In this work, w...