It has been shown that atomic and atomic cluster theories cannot be the basis for theories of crystallization and modification of metals and alloys. Based on thermodynamic calculations, a nanostructural theory of metal melts has been developed. In this theory, the main structural elements are not atoms, but nanocrystals. They are thermodynamically stable in the metal melt, so they determine its structure and properties. Crystallization centers consist of nanocrystals. The intensity of aggregation of nanocrystals is determined by the concentration of demodifying surface-active elements. The action of modifiers is explained by the process of linking these elements. Nanostructural theory of metal melts explains the mechanism of action of modifying non-metallic inclusions and intermetallics, the effect of re-modification, high crystallization rate with high cooling intensity of the metal melt. Nanostructural theory of metal melts is the basis for theories of crystallization and modification of metals and alloys.

Foundry is a multidisciplinary industry of engineering, providing cast blanks from various metals and alloys. The seriality of production has a great impact on the efficiency and quality of the castings being received. Single-unit and small-scale foundry production is an important part of modern engineering. Structural analysis of casting technology is presented in the article, individual technological changes are considered both in terms of impact on the efficiency of casting, and in terms of high quality assurance at minimal cost. Taking into account the need for a single-unit and small-scale casting in the fl xibility of the processes, schemes of organization of technological preparation of production and technological equipment are proposed. Examples of the equipment used are given.

The article presents modern data on the materials used to create model kits, the method of their installation for use on any foundries, specializing in the repair and creation of castings by experimental or small-scale batches. The analysis of the used materials, adhesive compositions for their fastening, as well as economic indicators of the costs necessary for their production was made. The properties of glued joints used for manufacturing components of model kits from plastics and its combinations with metal parts are shown.

Thermodynamic calculations of the structure of metal melts, processes of their crystallization and degassing in the eutectic reaction have been made. It is shown. That the main structural elements are nanocrystals, and hydrogen bubbles have a direct effect on the morphology of eutectic crystals and the phase structuring process. Physical and chemical principles and mechanisms for modifying the microstructure of silumins have been developed. It has been found that the main processes affecting the modification of phase crystals are the intensity of coagulation of nanocrystals, refining from adsorbed oxygen and hydrogen atoms, and preventing the release of hydrogen bubbles on eutectic crystals. Environmentally safe methods of casting silumins with highly dispersed inverted microstructure are developed, based on mixing of liquid metal and liquid-hard alloy, accelerated hardening and structural-hereditary modification. Antifriction silumin has been developed, which in terms of friction wear resistance exceeds and replaces industrial aluminium and tin bronzes, but is cheaper and lighter in 2–3 times. Universal silumin modifiers for steel, bronze, cast iron, brass have been developed. Devices and crystallizers with a flood-jet cooling system have been developed, which are 2–3 times more effective than normal ones. Experimental-industrial casting section for production of solid and hollow billets from silumins with highly dispersed inverted microstructure has been created. These pieces are supplied to more than 100 industrial enterprises of Belarus, Russia, Korea and Ukraine.

The article describes the requirements for the lubricant used in injection molding of non-ferrous alloys. A methodology for conducting research to determine the sedimentation stability of a prepared lubricant is presented, as well as the results of a study of the sedimentation stability of a lubricant used in non-ferrous alloy die casting. It was established that in order to significantly increase the sedimentation stability of the compositions of lubricants for casting silumin based on the selected components, it is necessary to pre-heat the initial components to a temperature of at least 80 °C and mix them at a rotational speed of the dispersant blades of at least 6000 min^–1. The optimal mode of lubrication with high sedimentation stability (more than 200 days) is observed at the following temperature and time indicators: the temperature of the heating of the starting components is at least 90 °C, the mixing time is 5 minutes, and the mixing frequency is 18000 min^–1.

The results of experimental studies to determine the effect of alloying and heat treatment on the mechanical properties of the high-chromium cast iron are described. When alloying the melt with nickel, molybdenum and manganese, as well as during heat treatment by quenching, specific wear, tensile strength in bending of the obtained samples, their hardness and microhardness were studied. A comparative analysis of the influence of alloying elements and heat treatment methods has been performed. When alloying Ni, Mo, and Mn, cast specimens that have not undergone heat treatment have the highest specific wear. It was established that the hardened Ni alloyed samples have the greatest bending strength. It was found that cast samples that were not subjected to heat treatment have much lower hardness and microhardness. The approximate composition of chromium cast iron was determined for further studies to increase its wear resistance. The research results are used in the manufacturing process of parts for crushing and grinding equipment.

This paper presents approaches to the computational analysis of solidification and cooling processes of continuously cast billets in order to improve and develop technological modes in the conditions of modern continuous casting machines using FEM.

The application of modern numerical methods for solidification and cooling of workpieces on continuous casting machines is considered. The use of the finite element method is justified when using computational and experimental data for the development and improvement of casting technology.

The basic principles of construction are formulated in the work and a description of the technological process of hot briquetting of ferrous metal waste as a way of converting fine metal particles into a dimensional semi-finished product of a given size and chemical composition is given. The description of equipment for the implementation of this process with highly efficient non-oxidizing heating and complete safe neutralization of flue gases is given. The results of melting of hot-pressed briquettes in various melting units are presented. It is shown that briquettes cleaned from coolant with a density of 6500–7100 kg/m3 are full-fledged substitutes for bulk scrap. Recommendations and a feasibility study on the feasibility of introducing the hot briquetting process into production at the enterprises of the bearing, machine-building and metallurgical industries, followed by the use of hotpressed briquettes to produce cast billets for their own purposes, are given.

Premature destruction of reinforced concrete structures exposed to aggressive environmental influences is a serious problem, both from a technical and economic point of view. Carbon steel reinforcing bar embedded in concrete is usually not subject to corrosion due to the formation of a protective ion-oxide film that passivates the steel under conditions of strong alkalis in the concrete pores. However, this passivity can be disrupted by chlorides penetrating the concrete, or by carbonation reaching the surface of the reinforcing bar. Then the corrosion begins.

An example of a solution to this problem is the replacement of conventional steel reinforcement with clad steel during construction. Through the closely spaced interface of two solid metals, the atoms diffuse with each other at different speeds, at a high temperature, and at a certain pressure. This creates a metallurgical bond between two solid metals, the integrity or «strength» of which depends on the «purity» of the interface between the two metals and on the atoms that make up this «transition zone» or bond.

The article investigates plated rebar, to determine the possibility of production in a mill 320 OJSC «BSW – Management Company of the Holding «BMC». To study the new type of reinforcing bars, special types of research were conducted as determining the chemical composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties. The main advantages of this type of product are defined in the article.

Since the appearance of the reinforcing material for automobile tires and rubber products, such as metal cord, you can observe its constant development. Tougher competition among the tire manufacturers makes it a priority to develop new and unique types of these products with improved technical characteristics. The article describes the development trend in the production of metal cord for large and super – large tires in Belarus since 2007 and up to the present.

The purpose of this project is to ensure the delivery of large – diameter metal cord to Belshina OJSC in the required volume. The solution to the problem of fulfilling the volume of deliveries of metal cord with a limited number of equipment while maintaining the quality of products is considered. In the process of work, an alternative scheme for manufacturing metal cord was developed, the selection of technological parameters for tuning and twisting was carried out, and the rope equipment was modernized.

A method of measuring the mass fraction of potassium and sodium oxides in the dust filters of electric arc furnaces by atomic emission  spectrometry  with  the  inductively  coupled  plasma  (AES-ICP)  was  developed.  Possibilities  of  atomic  emission spectrometers of iCAP series for determination of potassium and sodium in dust of filters of electric arc furnaces are investigated.

A method for converting potassium and sodium oxides into solution is proposed. Calibration of the spectrometer was carried out on aqueous solutions with a known concentration of potassium and sodium. For the preparation of calibration solutions, chemically pure potassium and sodium salts were used. Analytical lines of potassium and sodium free from spectral overlays are selected.

A good correlation of calibration graphs is obtained. The developed technique is used to determine the mass fraction of potassium and sodium oxides in the dust filters of electric furnaces. Validation of the methodology was carried out. The repeatability of the results was compared with the repeatability of the standardized methodology. iCAP series spectrometers can be used to determine the mass of potassium and sodium oxides in gas cleaning dust.

s cleaning dust.

To achieve accuracy and stability in measuring the length of the metal cord at the stage of its manufacture, it is necessary to modernize the existing rope-twisting equipment. The upgrade introduced a new algorithm for rope-twisting equipment, changed the length accounting system of the steel cord, used the latest equipment and technology. A contactless electric power transmission system and a wireless data transmission system based on an infrared channel have been introduced.

The use of the latest technologies and our own innovations allowed us to obtain a completely new type of rope-twisting machine that can produce metal cord according to the requirements of the consumer’s specification.

The article deals with the issues of obtaining high-strength steels. A conclusion about the effect of the temperature on the steel was drawn based on the research of the microstructure. To check the effect of the welding process on the steel under study, the hardness of the weld and the zone of thermal influence were measured. The weld was checked by X-ray television control for defects in the weld joint.

To analyze the possibility of free bending with local heating experiments on tempering samples were conducted in order to identify its optimum temperature at which no cracking occurs in the steels after bending. Bending experiments were carried out after local heating.

A comparison of the results of measuring the hardness of the weld, as well as samples obtained after tempering and local heating of the bending line were made. Graphs of the drop in hardness of the studied steel depending on the tempering temperature, as well as the drop in hardness as it moves away from the local heating line, are constructed. Bending experiments with compression of high-strength steels were performed using a substrate material.

The samples obtained during the experiments were examined by X-ray for defects in the bending line. The value of compressive stresses acting on bent sample is calculated.

The morphology of the surface, the magnetic resonance and antistatic properties of the 07C11-KV blended fabric manufactured by Mogotex LLC with a carbon coating doped with metal clusters are studied.

The coating was applied by pulsed cathodic-arc deposition in vacuum of 3.5 · 10^–3 Pa. It is established that during the coating

a droplet phase is formed. The size of the drops reaches 20 – 25 microns. The result of measuring the surface resistivity on fabric 1 side / 2 side is 3.2 · 10⁷ and 1.9 · 10⁷ Om, respectively. On the EPR spectrum are recorded two lines. The first line is a broad spectral line with an effective g-factor of 2.27 ± 0.01 and a width of 94.4 mT. The second line is narrow spectral line with an effective g-factor of 2.04 ± 0.01 and a width of 4.3 mT. This is corresponds to carbon coating clusters.

From the ratio of the signal intensities of the filled resonator and the calibration sample, it follows that the non-resonant absorption of the microwave electromagnetic field in the system is slightly attenuated.

The regularities of the formation of plasma coatings obtained from powders based on the Fe-Al system synthesized by the reaction mechanical alloying method are established. The influence of the processing modes of the compositions in the mechanoreactor on the properties of coatings is revealed. An effective method for controlling the porosity of coatings from developed powders based on a change in the power consumed by the installation is proposed.

Plasma coatings have a nonequilibrium phase composition, which, in contrast to the equilibrium one, contains a wide range of metal oxides of the base and alloying elements formed during the spraying. The coating retains submicra – microcrystalline type of structure of powders with a highly developed grain and subgrain boundary. The basis of the coating is intermetallic FeAl. The role of hardening phases is played by ultrafine compounds of intermetallics and oxides.

Powder annealing has a significant effect on the structure and properties of coatings and, first of all, on layers from compositions with complex alloying with oxides. Heat treatment increases the density and hardness of coatings and reduces porosity. The study of coating samples after high temperature indicates high heat resistance and the preservation of the microcrystalline type of structure of their bases.

The article discusses the identification of dust particles on the surface of metallographic samples. It is noted that the volume of literature on metallographic artifacts is very small one. This is due to the fact that the Russian – language literature of the metallographic direction was wtitten long ago when the structure was fixed using the photographic method on photographic plates or film. The complexity of the process and the lack of photographic materials excluded the generation of information about metallographic artifacts.

Modern metallographic complexes capture structure images digitally. Therefore, in addition to images of the structure, it is possible to record sample preparation artifacts without restrictions. Dust particles on the surface of metallographic sections and their difference from non-metallic inclusions are illustrated. The use of dark-field illumination and polarized light to identify artifacts is considered. Some effects arising from metallographic etching are illustrated.

High-temperature aluminum composite materials with special physical and mechanical properties produced by mechanical alloying. The study is aimed at making high-temperature aluminum composite materials with special physical and mechanical properties. An effective way to solve the problem is to use a technology based on reactive mechanical alloying. The processes of phase composition formation, the structure and properties that occur at all stages of the technology implementation and the effect of alloying components on these processes have been analyzed, and the composition «aluminum (PA4) – surfactant (С17Н35СООН – 0.7 %)» has been found to be the most appropriate. The microcrystalline structure of its base, regardless of the composition of constituent materials, is preserved at subsequent stages of production of materials and determines high values of high-temperature strength, which are significantly higher than those of analogue materials. The microcrystalline structure of the base is characterized by a well-developed surface of grain and subgrain boundaries and is stabilized by nanosized inclusions of aluminum oxides and carbides formed during mechanical alloying. Additional alloying, which provides special properties, does not change the «structural phase» type of the developed materials. They are considered to be dispersion hardened composite microcrystalline materials.

The article considers the possibility of contamination of the surface of steel samples with abrasive materials when preparing samples for determining the chemical composition on optical emission spectrometers.

The standards for sample preparation methods describe in detail the methods of surface treatment, the materials used, and the requirements for the quality of the analyzed surface. The sample surface can be milled or sanded using various abrasive materials. In practice, the laboratory found that the surface of samples during sample preparation is contaminated with aluminum and calcium.

In order to determine how the contamination of analytical surfaces occurs, the chemical composition of all materials used in the preparation of samples was studied, and an experiment was conducted to establish a method for preparing the sample surface that does not lead to contamination of the surface with aluminum and calcium. For the experiment, three standard samples of steel composition were selected with certified values of the mass fraction of aluminum and calcium in different ranges. The surface of each sample was processed in three ways and optical emission spectral analysis was performed on each analytical surface at five points to determine the value of the mass fraction of aluminum and calcium and to estimate the spread of the results obtained.

As a result of tests it was found that by grinding the sample surface by using abrasive white corundum and abrasive paper grit P40 is the surface contamination of the analyzed sample in aluminum and calcium, therefore, when determining the mass fraction of aluminium and calcium in steel are required for surface preparation to use the method of milling.

We live in a non-inertial world. In non-inertial systems, the classical laws of mechanics and the postulates of the special theory of relativity do not work. To work the laws of mechanics, you need to take into account the forces of inertia. They should be considered the real forces of space. It has the material and field properties. It is shown that mechanism of action of space on elements (bodies) of system is similar to mechanism of action of magnetic field on free electrons of conductor in this field. Three laws of translation dynamics for a non-inertial system have been proposed. With the help of space forces it is possible to explain reactive motion, weightlessness, tornado action, modifying effect of shaking or vibration of metal melt on microstructure of casting when it is solidified. It is shown that the forces of gravity and space are not equivalent.

The European Union is one of the main trade partners of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. This article analyzes the level of export deliveries from these countries and some other countries to the EU over 10 years (2010–2019) of foundry and metallurgical products in accordance with the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS Nomenclature) for group 72 «Iron and steel». Data is taken from official statistical reports of the European Union.

The first part of the article provides information on exports from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine of products by commodity items 7201–7218,7224, 7228 of group 72, with the list of the three largest exporting countries to the EU by these item and total world exports to the EU. There are 29 commodity items in the group 72, and 20 items have been selected where the role of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine is more significant. If you take all the 29 items, the article is very cumbersome.

The second part provides data on exports to the EU from Belarus, Russia and Ukraine and 11 other countries in whole group 72 «Iron and Steel» for 2010–2019 according to HS Nomenclature. A brief analysis of supply trends is made, and some conclusions on exports to the EU of the selected commodity items and group 72 as a whole are presented.