The study is devoted to structure and mechanical properties of a diamond composite used for manufacturing of cutting tools applied in a wide range of technological fields. The sample tools were fabricated by cold-pressing technology followed by hot-pressing in vacuum of the 51Fe–32Cu–9Ni–8Sn matrix mixture with diamond bits, both in absence and presence of nano-VN additives. It was demonstrated that without VN addition, the diamond–matrix interface contained voids and discontinuities. Nanodispersed VN added to the matrix resulted in the formation of a more fine-grained structure consisting of solid solutions composed of iron, copper, nickel, vanadium and tin in different ratios and the formation of a tight diamond–matrix zone with no visible voids, discontinuities and other defects. Optimal concentrations of VN in the CDM matrix were found achieving the maximum values of nanohardness H = 7.8 GPa, elastic modulus E = 213 GPa, resistance to elastic deformation expressed by ratio H/E = 0.0366, plastic deformation resistance H3/E2 = 10.46 MPa, ultimate flexural strength Rbm = 1110 MPa, and compressive strength Rcm = 1410 MPa. As-prepared Fe–Cu–Ni–Sn–VN composites with enhanced physical and mechanical properties are suitable for cutting tools of increased durability and improved performance. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Purpose. Scientific substantiation of the application of technology for the development of water wells in the conditions of the Tonirekshin field of the Mangystau Peninsula. Methodology. The tasks were solved by a complex research method, which includes a review and generalization of literary and patent sources, analytical studies on existing methods for the development of water wells and their interpretation in relation to the geological and technical conditions of the Tonirekshin groundwater field. Findings. The main exploitable aquifers that are part of the Tonirekshin groundwater field are considered and a critical analysis of information on the geological and hydrogeological features of the basin is made. The requirements for the process of development of water wells for the field conditions are formulated. Well-known advanced well development methods are analyzed. Their advantages, disadvantages and compliance with the requirements are revealed. The implosion method was chosen as the best method for the development of water wells in the conditions of the Tonirekshin field. Originality. For the first time, for the geological and technical conditions of the Tonirekshin groundwater field, using the method of expert assessments, the choice of the optimal method for the development of water wells has been scientifically substantiated, which ensures decolmatation of the near-wellbore zone and the maximum flow rate of high-quality water for domestic and drinking water supply. Practical value. For the specific geological and technical conditions of the Tonirekshin groundwater field, the most suitable method for the development of water wells was chosen – the implosion method. The application of this method will provide a significant increase in well flow rate and a solution to the problem of oasis irrigation of lands in the Beineu district of the Mangystau region (Kazakhstan). © Biletskiy M.T., Ratov B.T., Khomenko V.L., Borash A.R., Muratova S.K., 2024.

The present study deals with the synthesis and characterization of a polymer composite based on an unsaturated ester loaded with 5 wt.% triclosan, produced by co-mixing on an automated hardware system. The polymer composite’s non-porous structure and chemical composition make it an ideal material for surface disinfection and antimicrobial protection. According to the findings, the polymer composite effectively inhibited (100%) the growth of Staphylococcus aureus 6538-P under exposure to physicochemical factors, including pH, UV, and sunlight, over a 2-month period. In addition, the polymer composite demonstrated potent antiviral activity against human influenza virus strain A and the avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), with infectious activities of 99.99% and 90%, respectively. Thus, the resulting triclosan-loaded polymer composite is revealed to have a high potential as a surface-coating non-porous material with antimicrobial properties. © 2023 by the authors.

The application of genetic engineering in biofuel production has advanced significantly, driven by developments in genetic tools and omics technologies. These advancements have enhanced our understanding of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, opening new avenues for metabolic engineering to optimize biofuel production. This review explores genetic strategies to improve the lipid content and fatty acid profiles for biodiesel production, as well as innovations in engineering for one-step biobutanol synthesis using cyanobacteria. Strategies for carbohydrate accumulation are also examined, highlighting their role in biofuel production. Additionally, the review evaluates the environmental risks associated with large-scale fourth-generation biofuel production. The findings emphasize the potential of genetic engineering to transform microalgae into highly efficient biofuel platforms capable of producing biodiesel, biobutanol, and other liquid biofuels. By addressing critical challenges and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, this research contributes to the development of sustainable and economically viable biofuel production systems. © 2024 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC

One of the important areas of research in the energy sector is the study of the prospects for using new types of nuclear fuel, including tritium, which is one of the most promising types of fuel for thermonuclear energy. At the same time, for the production of tritium in the required quantities, the one that is the most optimal is the use of blanket materials based on lithium-containing ceramics. This is where tritium is released from lithium under the influence of neutron irradiation. The paper presents the results of an investigation of the influence of two-phase ceramics based on Li4SiO4–Li2TiO3 compounds on the resistance to external influences (mechanical loads) during the accumulation of hydrogen and helium (He2+) in the near-surface layer. The interest in such studies is primarily related to the search for solutions in the field of creating high-strength materials for tritium generation for its further use as nuclear fuel for thermonuclear fusion, as well as to the study of the mechanisms of the influence of different phases on the changes in the strength properties of ceramics, which provides an opportunity to expand fundamental knowledge in this area. The proposed method of obtaining two-phase ceramics by mechanical-chemical mixing and subsequent sintering into spherical particles enables the production of well-structured, high-strength ceramics of specified geometric dimensions (limited only by the dimensions of the mold) with a controlled phase ratio. During the experiments, it was found that increasing the content of Li4SiO4 phase in ceramics leads to an increase in strength characteristics (hardness, resistance to cracking) by 15–20% compared to single-phase ceramics. The most optimal composition of two-phase ceramics with high resistance to destructive embrittlement is the ratio of phases 0.75Li4SiO4–0.25Li2TiO3. One of the factors explaining the increase in resistance to destructive embrittlement under high-dose irradiation for two-phase ceramics is the increased dislocation density and the presence of interphase or intergranular boundaries, the high concentration of which leads to the creation of additional obstacles to the agglomeration of hydrogen and helium in the near-surface layer. © 2023 by the authors.

Beryllium-based intermetallics are promising materials for the blankets of future fusion reactors and have potential applications in other areas of the nuclear industry, such as fission reactor reflectors and space technology. Understanding the high-temperature corrosion behavior of these materials in a noble gas medium containing chemically active impurities is essential for evaluating their suitability and guiding their application. This study investigates the high-temperature corrosion of titanium beryllide Be12Ti in the form of plate and grinded samples, produced by JSC “Ulba Metallurgical Plant” (Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan). The corrosion tests were conducted under non-isothermal vapor-gas mixture (Ar + D2O or Ar + H2O flowing atmospheres) purging conditions using thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mass-spectrometry of the gas phase. As a result of the corrosion tests, new experimental data on thermal effects have been obtained, describing the corrosion processes of Be12Ti samples across a wide range of temperatures and various heating rates in the presence of water vapor in the purge gas. The dependencies of sample mass change under heating conditions have been determined, and the characterization results of the samples before and after high-temperature corrosion tests are presented. Corrosion of titanium beryllides, both for Be12Ti plate and grinded samples, follows similar mechanisms. At around 500 °C, the mass of the samples begins to increase, and hydrogen isotopes are released. The test results indicate that corrosion of titanium beryllides with varying surface inhomogeneities proceeds similarly within the temperature range of 500–900 °C, showing a linear dependence on temperature. The results revealed significant insights into the oxidation mechanisms and the formation of corrosion products, which are crucial for optimizing the material's performance in fusion reactor environments. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.

Various toxic pollutants such as dyes, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), substituted phenols, and pharmaceutical waste were discharged into the water bodies and impose serious health hazards to humans as well as to the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to identify sustainable treatment methods for the removal of these harmful pollutants. The reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) based composites have demonstrated improved strength, durability, flexibility, resistance to heat, UV radiation, fire, and electrical and thermal conductivity. Therefore, function as an efficient electron acceptor, enhancing photo induced charge transfer, impeding charge carrier recombination, boosting photocatalytic activity and increasing specific surface area for photocatalytic degradation and adsorption of wastewater pollutants. This review article summarizes the unique properties and green synthesis of r-GO based engineered nanomaterials to lessen toxic organic wastewater pollutants along with their environmental risk assessment for understanding the urgent need for their removal. The previous research and study in this enormous field has been evaluated scientifically and analyzed for finding research gaps. Photocatalysis, an eco-friendly and sustainable method was assessed as an effective method with detailed mechanism by employing solar-activated synthetic nanocomposite of r-GO@metal oxides (CaO, ZnO, Fe2O3, SnO2, TiO2, MgO) with characteristics of low-cost, fast, and efficient for improved adsorption and degradation. This research further assesses degradation routes for various toxic pollutants and active species involved in breakdown into safer metabolites along with the sustainability of r-GO based composites. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd

Kazakhstan's solar energy sector is rapidly advancing due to its vast territory and high solar radiation levels in its regions. The progress achieved to date has been primarily driven by large-scale solar power plants. However, further growth in solar energy also requires the development of small-scale projects. Therefore, this study explores the feasibility of deploying rooftop PV panels in the country. It analyses the current situation of solar sector and examines the impact of solar radiation intensity on panel temperature. The analysis is based on field measurements and simulations using PVsyst software. The innovation of the research is in assessing solar activity in the selected region, analysing the effect of solar radiation intensity on the efficiency of rooftop PV installations and studying the influence of panel characteristics on heating. Results show that in summer, solar irradiance reaches 786 W/m2, and ambient temperature rises to 33 °C, causing panel surfaces to heat up to 46 °C. Total energy loss is 17 %, with 7 % attributed to overheating. System efficiency decreases by 5–10 % due to high radiation. The study concludes the need for panel cooling technologies, higher-efficiency PV modules, and highlights the importance of policy and technological advancements to support small-scale solar installations. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd

The Turkestan lynx (Lynx lynx isabellina Blyth, 1847) is a rare and understudied subspecies of the Eurasian lynx occupying the mountains of Central and South Asia. This elusive felid’s northwestern range includes the Tien Shan and Zhetisu Alatau mountains in the border region of Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. As the first step to conserve this vulnerable carnivore, we have conducted the first full-scale research from 2013 until 2022 on its distribution in this region. Using 132 environmental predictors of 359 lynx sightings, we have created species habitat distribution models across the lynx’s northwestern range using machine learning approaches (Maximum Entropy—MaxEnt). Additionally, we created species distribution forecasts based on seven bio-climatic environmental predictors with each three different future global climate model scenarios. To validate these forecasts, we have calculated the changes in the lynx distribution range for the year 2100, making the first species distribution forecast for the Turkestan lynx in the area. Additionally, it provides insight into the possible effects of global climate change on this lynx population. Based on these distribution models, the lynx population in the Northern and Western Tien Shan and Zhetisu Alatau plays a significant role in maintaining the stability of the whole subspecies in its northwestern and global range, while the distribution forecast shows that most lynx distribution ranges will reduce in all future climate scenarios, and we might face the Turkestan lynx’s significant distribution range decline under the ongoing and advancing climate change conditions. For a future (year 2100) warming scenario of 3 deg. C (GCM IPSL), we observe a decrease of 35% in Kazakhstan, 40% in Kyrgyzstan, and 30% in China as the three countries with the highest current predicted distribution range. For a milder temperature increase of 1.5–2 deg. C. (GCM MRI), we observe an increase of 17% Kazakhstan, decrease of 10% in Kyrgyzstan, and 57% in China. For a cooling scenario of approx. 1–1.5 deg. C (GCM MIROC), we observe a decrease of 14% Kazakhstan, increase of 11% in Kyrgyzstan, and a decrease of 13% in China. These modeled declines indicate the necessity to create new and expand the existing protected areas and establish ecological corridors between the countries in Central and South Asia. © 2022 by the authors.

This article discusses the construction of a dynamic model for controlling the position of the blades of a vertical-axis wind generator using an automatic approach; a method is presented that relates the rotation of the motor to the position of the blades, which allows the optimization of the operation of the control system. In the research process, an automatic approach is used, which makes it possible to carry out numerical calculations that predict the behavior of the system at various values of motor rotation. The model allows us to analyze the dependence of the position of the blades on the rotation of the motor and determine the optimal parameters of the mathematical control model. The main goal of our study is to develop a mathematical model of the mechanism for further adjustment of the wind turbine blade position control system depending on the wind speed. © 2023 by the authors.