One of the important problems of practical application of high-strength plasma surfacing of high-speed steels in a nitrogen environment is the analysis of the damping properties and adhesion of the surfacing and the substrate, since these properties largely determine the premature nucleation of brittle microcracks in the contact zone. Such results can be obtained only using highly informative methods of modern materials science, such as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In the article, surfacing of tungsten-molybdenum steel P2M9 has recently found wide application instead of well-known tungsten (type P18, P9) and tungsten-molybdenum steels with increased tungsten content (type P6M5, P6F2K8M6, etc.). This is due to the need to replace expensive and scarce tungsten with molybdenum, which, being in the same group of the Periodic Table of Elements with W, has a similar effect on the structure and properties of high-speed steels. The structural-phase states, morphology and elemental composition of the transition zone of the contact of the system "deposited high-speed steel R2M9-substrate (steel 30KhGSA)" in the initial state and after triple high-temperature tempering were studied. In the initial state, the transition zone has a martensitic structure with layers of residual austenite along the boundaries of martensite plates. Particles of the second phase of the nanosized (2 ‒ 60 nm) range were revealed – vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten and iron carbides localized at dislocations, at the boundaries and in the volume of martensite plates. Triple high-temperature tempering does not change the morphology of the carbide phase particles of the transition zone. Possible physical causes of the observed patterns are discussed.

Polymer self-adhesive materials are widely used in various industries (construction, medicine, packaging, automotive, advertising, electronics and consumer goods). Their popularity is due to their operational characteristics: resistance to external influences and ease of use. The results of studies of the surface properties of polypropylene (PP) films modified using low-temperature plasma of atmospheric pressure glow discharge are presented. The treatment time was 3, 5, 10, and 15 seconds, and the plasma was initiated in technical argon, air, and mixtures thereof in the proportions of 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70. The study shows that the plasma modification significantly improves the adhesive properties of polypropylene, doubling them compared to the original sample. The maximum adhesion performance (135.5 MJ/m²) of PP was achieved with modification in argon for 15 seconds, which doubled the adhesion properties compared to the initial sample. An increase in the processing time of more than 15 seconds does not affect the adhesive properties and the wetting edge angle. A mixture of argon and air was used to reduce argon consumption. The optimal 50:50 ratio ensured an edge wetting angle of 42 ± 1° and an adhesion of 127.9 MJ/m² (close to the values of pure argon). An increase in the surface roughness of modified PP films was noted from 52.6 to 199.4 nm in argon, to 133.1 nm in an argon‒air mixture (50:50). Increasing the roughness facilitates the application of glue and strengthens the adhesive bond. The study investigated the kinetics of changes in the electret properties of PP films and their effect on adhesive properties. The results obtained during the study are recommended for the development of basic materials for self-adhesive products with improved performance properties.

A study of the microstructure and properties of a titanium alloy formed during electron beam printing with VT6cw wire after treatment with a pulsed ion beam has been carried out. The samples were obtained at a laboratory facility for electron beam additive manufacturing developed at IFPM SB RAS. The process of forming the samples was carried out by fusing titanium welding wire of the VT6sv brand with a diameter of 1.6 mm under vacuum conditions at a pressure of 10^‒3 ‒ 10^‒2 Pa. The energy effect using pulsed ion treatment was carried out on a TEMP-4M accelerator at an accelerating voltage of 200 kV, a pulse duration at half the maximum of 100 ns and an energy density of 2 J/cm². Transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and microhardness measurements have shown that exposure to a pulsed ion beam leads to significant changes in the microstructure of the surface: the transformation of the β-phase into the α-phase is observed, as well as the formation of nanoparticles of the Al₃v intermetallic compound. The thickness of the modified layer is about 5.5 microns. A slight increase in microhardness was revealed (from 254.39 to 261.37 HV), while a more uniform distribution of hardness values was achieved. Ion beam treatment can help improve the biocompatibility of titanium implants by eliminating sharp edges that occur during machining and reducing roughness. In comparison with traditional methods of thermal treatment, ion treatment demonstrates a high degree of controllability and adaptability, which makes it promising for use in biomedical systems. The results obtained open up new possibilities for the functionalization of the surface of titanium alloys and have high application potential.

Modification of the surface layers of products made of metallic materials is accompanied by a change in performance characteristics: hardness, wear resistance, and heat resistance increase. Currently, laser processing, electron beam and plasma alloying, including electro-explosive alloying, are used to modify the surface. The application of modern methods of surface hardening using concentrated energy flows (such as electro-explosive alloying and electron beam treatment) is especially relevant for local effects on titanium and titanium alloy products. The aim of the work was to identify the formation of structural and phase states during electro-explosive alloying and electron beam surface treatment of technically pure titanium grade VT1-0 from the point of view of increasing functional properties for practical use. The developed method for hardening the titanium surface includes electro-explosive carburization and subsequent electron beam treatment of the alloying zone. The features of each method determine the choice of processing modes. The thermal processes during these treatments have been studied, taking into account the specifics of each method, which makes it possible to reasonably choose the treatment modes. The effect of electron beam processing modes on the microhardness of the surface layers, the formation of maxima in the depth of the alloying zone, and a multiple increase in the microhardness of the surface layers has been established. The features of the structural and phase states and the mechanisms of hardening of the surface layers of technically pure titanium during electroexplosion carburization and subsequent electron beam treatment are revealed. A gradient multiphase structure is formed in the treatment area, the thickness of the layers of which correlates with the depth distribution of microhardness. Based on the experimental data obtained, it is concluded that the combined surface treatment of technically pure titanium grade VT1-0, combining electro-explosive carburization and subsequent electron beam treatment of the alloying zone, provides an increase in microhardness and depth of the hardening zone.

Using the direct laser cultivation method at the ILIST-L installation, samples of stainless steel grade 12X18H10T were obtained at a laser radiation power of 1100 ‒ 1500 W with a wall thickness of 10 mm for the case of horizontal and vertical directions of growing samples relative to the larger side. The hardness and microhardness of the samples were studied, and their dependences on the growing regime were revealed. It has been established that the most rational mode, in which uniformity and a high level of properties are achieved, is the mode with a power of 1400 watts. The vertical growing direction, which causes more intense cooling of the samples, allows for an average of 5 to 15 % higher microhardness than the horizontal growing direction. An increase in power from 1100 to 1400 W reduces this difference to zero, but a further increase in power to 1500 W increases the differences by up to 15 % due to a decrease in the microhardness of horizontally grown samples. Regardless of the direction of cultivation, in the entire range of power values (from 1100 to 1500 W), the hardness of 12X18H10T grade steel in the near‒surface areas has values reduced by 15 ‒ 17 % compared to the central region of the samples. The study of the effect of the parameters of the layer deposition mode on the hardness and microhardness of manufactured products made of 12X18H10T grade steel by direct laser cultivation provides the basis for choosing the laser power and understanding its effect on the mechanical properties of stainless steel in different growing directions.

One of the ways to increase the efficiency of steelmaking is to increase the service life of refractory lining. The durability of the lining is determined by the composition and properties of the refractories, the conditions of its execution and subsequent operation. The influence of steel smelting parameters on the resistance of the refractory lining of flexible modular furnaces (GMP) operated in the conditions of the Ural Steel electric steelmaking plant (ESPC) since 2019 has been studied. A special feature of the GMP is the ability to operate both in the mode of an arc steelmaking furnace (chipboard) and in a mode without the use of electric energy, that is, using converter melting technology with an increased proportion of cast iron. The durability of the GMP lining during the studied campaigns varied widely from 270 to 450 heats, with an average of 328 heats. The results of a study of the influence of the main technological parameters of steel smelting in a flexible modular furnace on the stability of the lining of walls and hearths are presented. It is shown that the main technological factors determining the durability of the lining and the duration of the GMP campaign are the duration of downtime (inter-melting periods), the oxidation of slag and the content of MgO oxide in it. Quantitative dependences of the influence of the studied technological parameters of melting on the resistance of the refractory lining are obtained. Technological recommendations have been developed to extend the service life of the refractory lining: reducing the duration of inter-melting periods, reducing overoxidation of metal and slag as a result of stopping purging at a given carbon content (in accordance with the grade of steel being smelted), increasing the content of MgO oxide in the slag to 8 ‒ 10 %. The implementation of technological recommendations will increase the resistance of refractory lining by at least 25 % with a corresponding reduction in costs for refractories and repairs.

The structural and phase state, durometry, and metallography of samples cut from flat rolled steel of grade 20 subjected to plastic tensile deformation are considered. Some of the samples were subjected to surface hardening by chemical heat treatment (CTO) before stretching, the second part was subjected to heat treatment (TO). Both treatment methods were carried out at the same temperature regime (850 C with 180 min exposure). At the same time, the task of changing the mechanical properties during heat treatment was not set for the material in question. The microstructure was studied in the directions along and along the rivers of the rolling direction. The effect of thermal and chemical-thermal treatments on the static strength and impact strength of the samples after the corresponding processes was investigated. During plastic stretching deformation, the thickness of the diffusion layer does not change, except for the area located in the fracture zone: the thickness of the diffusion layer increases slightly, but the layer itself is already a conglomerate of fragmented fragments of boride needles, nevertheless, quite firmly connected to the matrix material. It is shown that plastic deformation leads to an increase in the anisotropy of the grain in the direction of the forces, and during plastic deformation, it is crushed by crushing excessively elongated inclusions into smaller fragments in the direction perpendicular to the action of the deforming force. The measurements of grain anisotropy show that in both cases it is close to unity (0.99 for CTO and 1.02 for TO), which suggests that in both cases equi-axial grains are observed, which are close to globular in shape. A comparison of the microstructure of the core of both samples (borated and non-borated), which underwent identical thermal treatment, showed that the microstructure of the core of the samples under consideration is absolutely identical: both the phase composition and the structural state coincide.

The working space of the converter is considered as a set of separate reaction zones, which contributes to the study of the mechanism of physico-chemical phenomena in each zone and in the oxygen jets – metal – slag – exhaust gas system as a whole. The fulfillment of similarity conditions allows high-temperature modeling to be qualitatively implemented in a certain range, and a partial violation of one or another of the considered similarity conditions will lead to the implementation of only approximate modeling. The analysis and substantiation of the main provisions of the methodology of high-temperature modeling of the converter process with combined purging of the converter bath has been performed. The basic conditions of aerohydrodynamic and dynamic similarity are formed when using multi-pulse gas flows for purging a melt, which, together with the conditions of geometric and physical similarity, make it possible to transfer the results obtained from the model to the sample with greater reliability. A technological map is developed preliminarily for each experiment, providing the specified parameters of blast and slag melting modes using fractional lime and fluorspar additives. The considered conditions and the basic dimensionless similarity criteria make it possible to transfer the results obtained to industrial designs. A set of laboratory facilities and techniques has been developed and improved that make it possible to visualize the interaction of gas jets with a slag-metal emulsion in a converter using photo and video recordings, to obtain information about the parameters of the reaction zones formed and the gases escaping to the surface of a metal bath.

Due to the increase in product quality requirements in the metallurgical and machine building industries, it is necessary to introduce modern technologies for automatic quality control. Surface defects of metal products (cracks, scratches and inclusions) directly affect the reliability and durability of products. Traditional methods of visual and optical control require significant time and labor costs, are subject to the influence of the human factor and do not always provide sufficient accuracy. Within the framework of the study, a review of modern publications was conducted, which consider approaches to automatic defect classification, as well as discuss the possibilities and limitations of neural network architectures. The analysis of the sources made it possible to identify development trends in the field under consideration and justify the choice of the model architecture. An approach to the detection of defects in images of metal surfaces using convolutional neural networks is proposed. The architecture of the model has been developed, which includes three convolutional layers and fully connected neurons optimized using the ReLU activation function, the Dropout layer and the Softmax output layer. To train the model, we used an open dataset containing 1800 black and white images with six different types of defects. The classification accuracy was 95.83 %, and the value of the loss function was 0.0862. When tested on a test sample, the model correctly recognized 70 out of 72 images. The conducted research confirms the effectiveness of neural networks in the task of detecting visual defects. The presented model can be used in automated quality control systems and additionally adapted to various industrial conditions. In the future, optimization of the model architecture is planned to increase noise tolerance and data variability.

Research into the selective laser melting (SLM) process has led to a significant improvement in the quality of synthesized objects. With incorrect selection of process modes during the production of heat-resistant steel products, various defects (pores, cracks, lack of fusion) may occur, which significantly reduce the mechanical properties of the material. Elimination of defects in selective laser melting can be achieved by optimizing the laser beam processing mode. As such a processing strategy, it is proposed to re-melt the formed roller or heat-treat it with laser radiation without melting the metal during a second laser pass without powder feed. The study of the influence of repeated laser remelting of crystallized tracks on the microstructure and mechanical properties of parts made from powders of corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant steels is currently relevant. This article presents studies of the influence of growth modes of heat-resistant steel 15X25T samples on the structure and mechanical properties. The mechanical properties, heat resistance and corrosion resistance of 15Kh25T steel samples obtained by SLM with additional remelting of previously recrystallized tracks were investigated. It was shown that the obtained material surpasses the deformed semi-finished product made of 15Kh25T steel in a set of mechanical properties. Significant residual stresses at a level of 236 MPa were revealed in 15Kh25T steel samples. The use of additional remelting allows this level to be reduced to 108 MPa. The results of microstructural analysis of the surface layer of 15X25T steel samples obtained by SLM with additional laser remelting of recrystallized tracks (laser power 135 W and scanning speed 450 mm/s) revealed a decrease in the surface roughness of the sample Rz from 62 to 12 – 15 μm.

The main part of the cost of machine-building products is the cost of the metal used to manufacture the part. In order to reduce the amount of metal waste and improve the quality of stamped forgings, new technologies have been developed for the production of standard machine-building parts such as "hub" and "flange" based on the integrated technology of semi-hot stamping from a ball blank. According to the factory technology, the parts in question are produced by hot-dip stamping: metal is divided into cylindrical blanks for subsequent stamping by cutting on press shears, the weight spread of such blanks is 10 ‒ 12 %; metal is heated for stamping to a temperature of 1150 – 1200 °C, when heated to such temperatures, scale forms on the surface of the workpiece; stamping in open dies with pre-laying of a cylindrical billet and clipping of a chip. According to the developed technologies, the initial blank is an accurate ball blank obtained by separation in cross-screw rolling mills, the mass spread of which does not exceed 8 %. The heating temperature for stamping is reduced and is in the range of 850 ‒ 900 °C, when heated to temperatures of semi-hot stamping, scale does not form on the surface of the blank; stamping is carried out in one the transition is in a closed stamp. Comparative schemes of manufacturing parts according to factory and developed technologies are presented. The conducted studies have shown that the use of integrated technology allows to obtain accurate forgings by weight with minimal allowances for subsequent machining in fewer operations and save up to 25 % of the metal from the initial mass of the workpiece.

Despite the high cost of aluminum alloys compared to cast irons and steels, they find wide application in various branches of mechanical engineering due to the significantly lower weight of castings and the reduction in the labor intensity of their mechanical processing. To date, a large number of works have been published on the study of the microstructural parameters of aluminum alloys. Numerous studies of melt crystallization processes are associated with the fact that there are methods of influencing such key characteristics of the alloy as strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity. Forecasting the quality of products obtained from aluminum alloys is one of the most important scientific and technical tasks at the intersection of the theory and technology of foundry production and the adjacent field of materials science. This article provides an overview of existing methods and methods for modifying aluminum and its alloys. The main theories, types of modification, and processes occurring under the action of modifying additives on the melt are described. The methods of introducing modifying elements into the melt are considered. The technologies for obtaining powder mixtures and master alloys with the greatest modifying effect are presented. Methods of cavitation and laser exposure to the melt, enhancing the effect of the modifier, are given. The informational and genetic approaches to the modification process are considered. The main effective modifying additives are summarized and listed: rare earth metals, diamond powder, carbon nanotubes, as well as refractory ceramic compounds: AlN, Si₃N₄, SiC, TiC, B₄C, TiB₂. The described methods are promising solutions that can make this light and strong metal even more versatile and high-performance material for various industries.

Traditionally, the analysis of the development of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector in the Russian Federation is based on Rosstat data, which has a time lag (at least two years), which does not allow tracking dynamic changes in the considered sector of the economy. Due to the scale of the business, SMEs are most susceptible to changes in the external environment, and this needs to be monitored over time. The need to monitor changes in the SME sector, which is conditioned by its significant role in the economic development of the regions, is justified. The data from the Federal State Statistics Service was initially used for the study, but their two-year lag in displaying the current state of small and medium-sized businesses in the Russian Federation required the formation of an up-to-date database, which was done on the basis of the Unified Register of SMEs. Current data for the analysis of the SME sector by region and type of activity were generated through the implementation of the scientific volunteering project "Regional Economy: a Step towards Development" on the Dobro.rf platform. The project collected statistical data on the dynamics of the number of SME entities in 85 regions and 19 groups of activities over four years. A special parser in PHP has been developed for automated data collection. The main results of the study were the identification of heterogeneity in the development of SMEs, the detection of cases of fictitious migration of businesses to regions with preferential tax conditions, as well as the creation of a database for further research on the development of small and medium-sized businesses in the regional context. Monitoring changes in the SME sector in real time will allow adjusting government support measures and adapting to local conditions, preventing negative economic consequences.

Currently, the issue of choosing a bankruptcy forecasting methodology for enterprises remains relevant. The relevance of the topic under study is due to the fact that in order to respond in a timely manner to signs of deterioration in the financial condition of an organization, crisis managers need effective forecasting methods that not only identify the risk of bankruptcy, but also determine a set of measures to prevent the realization of this risk or minimize its consequences. Despite the availability of a large number of techniques that make it possible to predict the onset of bankruptcy, many problems remain in this area. The existing methods of analyzing financial statements to identify signs of bankruptcy differ from each other in the goals and objectives of the analysis, the information base, the amount of work, the complexity of calculations, the speed of solving analytical and managerial tasks, and other conditions. In addition, as the experience of practical calculations shows, not all currently existing methods for predicting possible bankruptcy of an enterprise are trustworthy. Practical experience shows that not every technique allows you to get adequate results: the same enterprise can simultaneously be recognized as a hopeless bankrupt, as a steadily developing enterprise, and as an enterprise in a pre-crisis state. This article presents the advantages and disadvantages of various bankruptcy forecasting methods, both governmental and proprietary. In addition, within the framework of this study, a comparative analysis of K-forecast models for assessing the probability of bankruptcy was carried out, and the most significant indicators of the financial condition used in predicting bankruptcy were identified.

The study is devoted to the quantitative assessment of labor productivity in an organization. The relevance of the topic is determined by several key factors: firstly, in the context of global competition in the metallurgical industry and a rapidly changing external economic environment, the efficiency of using labor resources is becoming a particularly important factor for ensuring sustainable growth and increasing the competitiveness of the enterprise.; Secondly, the introduction of modern production management technologies based on digitalization and automation of production processes affects the effectiveness of employees' work. This requires the organization to constantly analyze current labor productivity in order to identify reserves for improving the efficiency of using labor resources. The dynamics were assessed and the directions for increasing the productivity of a large metallurgical enterprise were determined. Statistical data was analyzed, quantitative and comparative analyses were carried out, information was generalized and systematized. The analysis of the dynamics of labor productivity at JSC EVRAZ ZSMK for the period 2020 ‒ 2025 is presented. The main indicators reflecting the level of efficiency of using the enterprise's labor resources are considered. Conclusions are drawn about a steady positive change in the organization of processes and optimization of the work of employees. The impact of internal and external factors on changes in labor productivity has been assessed. The key factors allowing to increase production volumes and improve the quality of products, including modernization of production, introduction of digital technologies and a change in the organizational structure, have been identified. Based on statistical data, current trends have been identified and directions for increasing labor productivity at the enterprise have been proposed. The need to continue investing in innovation and developing a results-oriented corporate culture was emphasized.

Siberian State Industrial University (SibSIU) celebrates an important date in its history - an anniversary symbolizing the outstanding path of development and achievements in the field of education and science in Siberia. This holiday is not only an opportunity to remember glorious traditions, but also to highlight the prospects for further growth and innovation. In June 2025, Siberian State Industrial University turns 95 years old. 

On May 17, 2025, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Rector of the Siberian State Industrial University, member of the editorial board of the journal Aleksey Borisovich Yuryev turned 60. 

The features of pulsed methods of hardening and protecting the surface of metals and alloys based on the use of the physical phenomenon of an electrical explosion of conductors are considered. Two main areas of research in this area are identified: electro-explosive alloying and electro-explosive spraying. Electro-explosive alloying is a process in which, during an electric explosion of conductors, a pulsed heterogeneous plasma jet with high pressure and temperature is formed, its interaction with the reinforced surface of a metal or alloy leads to the formation of a shock-compressed layer. This leads to melting of the surface and saturation of its components with jet, promotes the formation of solid solutions, the formation of new structural and phase states and microstructural changes. For example, during electroexplosion of titanium, due to the formation of new phases, the hardness and heat resistance of the surface increase. Electro-explosive spraying is a process in which finely dispersed particles of a substance introduced into the explosion area during the formation of a jet are accelerated to high speeds and applied to the surface of the workpiece, forming coatings with a metallurgical bond on it. This method makes it possible to create protective coatings that enhance, in particular, the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of parts. For example, spraying nickel onto steel parts using an electric explosion can significantly increase their service life in aggressive environments. The information about the main results obtained, presented in the form of defended candidate's and doctoral dissertations, is given. These works have not only expanded the understanding of the processes occurring during electrical explosive treatments, but have also opened up new perspectives for the application of these technologies in various fields of industry. In general, electro-explosive methods of hardening and protecting metals and alloys remain an urgent research topic, contributing to the improvement of modern materials and technologies.