Progress in Materials and Processes

Review from Ringgold Inc., ProtoView: This three-volume set collects peer-reviewed papers from a September 2012 conference. Volume 1 compiles work on composites, micro /nano materials and technology, steel and iron technology, ceramics, metal alloy materials, and polymer materials technology. Specific paper topics include preparation and characterization of nano-Ni/B composite particles, and application of nano materials in sports engineering. Volume 2 presents papers on physics and chemistry of materials, building materials, energy and fuel technology, environmentally friendly materials and waste recycling, biomaterials, chemical processes, and thin films. Topics include the effect of quartz powder on the strength and shrinkage of alkali-activated slag cement, and carbonized rice husks for wound healing. Volume 3 collects work on earthquake resistant structures, surface engineering, materials forming and machining, welding and joining, mechanical behavior and fracture, and testing and evaluation. Some subjects addressed include the behavior of shearwalls with slabs and openings, and a homotopy-inspired cat swarm algorithm for global optimization. The book includes b&w photos and images. Shi is affiliated with Inner Mongolia University of Technology, China.