Abstract: A method for determining a consistency coefficient of a power-law cement grout includes: determining a water-cement ratio of the power-law cement grout; according to engineering practice requirements, determining a time required to determine the consistency coefficient of the power-law cement grout; and obtaining the consistency coefficient of the power-law cement grout. The method is accurate and reliable, requires less calculation, etc.; and has very high practical value and popularization value in environmental protection and ecological restoration.

Abstract: A method for determining a three-dimensional tortuosity of a loose and broken rock-soil mass, includes the following steps: a particle grading curve of the loose and broken rock-soil mass is obtained by utilizing a particle size analysis, and followed by calculating an equivalent particle size and an average particle size; a porosity of the loose and broken rock-soil mass is obtained by utilizing a moisture content test, a density test, and a specific gravity test; the three-dimensional tortuosity of the loose and broken rock-soil mass is obtained by utilizing the equivalent particle size, the average particle size and the porosity of the loose and broken rock-soil mass. The method has the advantages of simple logic, accuracy and reliability, simple and fast parameter determination, and has high practical value and promotion value in the field of environmental protection and ecological restoration technology.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate comprising the formation of a metal nitride/metal stack suitable for use as a barrier/liner for sub-0.18 &mgr;m device fabrication. After a metal nitride layer is deposited upon a metal layer, the metal nitride layer is exposed to a treatment step in a nitrogen-containing environment, e.g., a plasma. The plasma treatment modifies the entire metal nitride layer and a top portion of the underlying metal layer. The plasma adds nitrogen to the top portion of the metal layer, resulting in the formation of a nitrated-metal layer. Aside from reducing the microstructure mismatch across the nitride-metal interface, the plasma treatment also densifies and reduces impurities from the deposited nitride layer. The resulting nitride/metal stack exhibits improved film properties, including enhanced adhesion and barrier characteristics. A composite nitride layer of a desired thickness can also be formed by repeating the deposition and treatment cycles of thinner component nitride layers.