As a key material in fields such as aerospace, integrated circuits, and high-speed rail transportation, high-end copper alloys are increasingly gaining strategic importance. Despite China's copper semis production and consumption ranking first globally for consecutive years, with a self-sufficiency rate of 96% for general copper semis, high-end copper alloy products still heavily rely on imports. To address this "chokehold" challenge, SMM recently initiated an industry resource integration proposal, collaborating with upstream and downstream enterprises in the industry chain as well as research institutions to meticulously produce the "2026 China Copper Alloy Materials Sourcing Guide" , aiming to advance the localisation process of high-end copper alloy materials and facilitate the transition from a "major material producer" to a "powerful material producer". Ningbo Ouke Metal Materials Co., Ltd., as a partner, actively participated in the joint production of the sourcing guide, jointly promoting the healthy and rapid upgrading of China's copper alloy materials industry chain. Ningbo Ouke Metal Materials Co., Ltd. , established in 2018, spans 30 mu with a construction area of 12,000 square meters and an annual production capacity of 8,000 mt of copper alloy rods and wires. It is a producer specializing in the R&D and production of high-precision copper alloy materials. The company mainly engages in the production and processing of wire and rod materials for alloys such as tin bronze, red copper, tellurium copper, and brass, offering a comprehensive range of copper alloy series grades, advanced production and inspection equipment, and forming advantageous industrial layouts in multiple sectors. The straightness and tolerance of the company's products can meet the processing requirements of various types of automatic lathes and CNC turning machines, with straight bars available in specifications ranging from φ0.8 to φ100mm in diameter. The grades involved include: 1. Tellurium copper C14500, oxygen-free tellurium copper (new energy high-voltage fast charging series), red copper T2, oxygen-free copper TU1, TU2, etc., with coil stock used for cold heading terminal series (500 kg per single coil) 2. Lead-free copper HBi59-1.5 (conventional C6801), HBi59-2 (applied in easy-to-machine e-cigarette through-hole parts, spring pins, etc.) 3. Tin bronze QSn4-3 (military 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 2.0, etc., diameter stockpiling), C54400, QSn6.5-0.1, C5191, C51000, QSn10-1, C93200 4. Aluminum bronze QAl9-4, QAl10-4-4, C63000, C63200 5. Conventional brass and environmentally friendly national standard copper: 62, H65, H70 copper, HPb59-1, C3604, etc. 6. New-type elastic easy-to-machine materials: C19160, C31400, C18700, C14415, applied in NEV, military, and aerospace fields 7. Agency sales and polishing, beryllium copper C17300, C17200, QBe2, C17510, etc., can provide high-precision ground bars with a tolerance control of 0.005mm Contact Information Wu Yonglin, Deputy General Manager, 13685735155 (same as WeChat) Click here to receive the "2026 China Copper Alloy Materials Sourcing Guide" for free SMM Contact Person Lin Junfeng 183 2622 3112 linjunfeng@smm.cn

On April 22, at the CCIE 2025 SMM (20th) Copper Industry Conference & Copper Industry Expo – Copper Pipe and Billet Processing Industry Development Forum, Lao Xicai, General Manager of Guangdong Weiqiang Copper Technology Co., Ltd., shared insights on the impact of the metallurgical quality of brass ingots and brass bars on the microstructure and properties of sanitary ware products.

With the rapid advancement of technology, tin solder, as an indispensable basic material in the field of electronic manufacturing, has become increasingly important. From precision PCB circuit boards to dazzling LED lighting, from cutting-edge semiconductor packaging to the booming PV industry, the application of tin solder is ubiquitous, playing a crucial role in the stability and enhancement of product quality. At the same time, we should also recognize that the rise of the manufacturing industry in Southeast Asia has brought new growth points to the tin solder market. This region is rich in labor resources, has relatively low costs, and enjoys strong government policy support, attracting numerous international electronics companies to establish operations. As these companies continue to grow and expand, the demand for tin solder will also continue to increase. To provide a more comprehensive display of the distribution pattern of tin solder enterprises in China and Southeast Asia, and to more accurately meet market demands, Haoyu Electronic Materials Co., Ltd. has partnered with SMM to initiate the creation of "2025 China and Southeast Asia Tin Solder Procurement Guide (Bilingual Edition)" . Through this map, the industry can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the current application status of tin solder in China and Southeast Asia, empowering enterprises in their layout and industrial development. Haoyu Electronic Materials Co., Ltd. was established in 2019 and is a high-tech manufacturing enterprise integrating production, sales, and service. The company is located in the manufacturing hub of Ho Chi Minh City, near the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park, with convenient transportation. To better serve customers, the company opened a new factory in Long An Province in 2021. Over the past few years, we have understood that technical requirements, product quality, and service capabilities are the keys to building strong trust with our customers. For many years, we have been committed to the research and development of lead-free solder materials, with solder wire, solder paste, and solder bars as our main products. Our years of product research and development have increased our market share by five times. Among them, the Sn-Cu-Ag series solder bars have received widespread recognition from customers. Contact +86 18820312160 (China) Factory: 184, DT825 Road, Binh Tien 2, Duc Hoa Ha Hamlet, Duc Hoa District, Long An Province, Vietnam Office: 111, 15A Road, District 6, Phuoc Long B Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 》》Click the link to immediately receive the "2025 China and Southeast Asia Tin Solder Procurement Guide (Bilingual Edition)"《《 Map Cooperation Contact Ge Zhang 13564141216 zhangge@smm.cn

On April 21, 2025, at CATL's first Super Technology Day event, the highly anticipated sodium-ion battery was officially unveiled. The newly released sodium-ion battery includes two major product types: a sodium-ion power battery for new passenger vehicles and a sodium-ion 24V integrated start-stop battery for heavy-duty trucks. Their debut sparked strong reactions within the industry, becoming a focal point of attention.

On April 22, at the CCIE 2025 SMM (20th) Copper Industry Conference & Copper Industry Expo – Copper Pipe and Billet Processing Industry Development Forum, hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., SMM Metal Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., Zhou Mingliang, Executive Director of the Advanced Basic Materials Application Research Center of the Shenzhen Connector Industry Association, shared insights on the topic of "Development Trends of Copper Alloy Materials for Connectors."

On April 22, at the CCIE 2025 SMM (20th) Copper Industry Conference & Copper Industry Expo - Copper Pipe and Billet Processing Industry Development Forum, Huang Yutong, Senior Copper Analyst at SMM, shared insights on the supply-demand pattern and development of copper billets in 2025.

On April 22, at the CCIE-2025SMM (20th) Copper Industry Conference and Copper Industry Expo—Copper Pipe & Tube and Billet Processing Industry Development Forum , organized by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), Shanghai Nonferrous Metals Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., with Jiangxi Copper Corporation and Yingtan Inland Port Holding Co., Ltd. as the main sponsors, Shandong Humon Smelting Co., Ltd. as a special co-organizer, and Xinhuang Group and Zhongtiaoshan Nonferrous Metals Group Co., Ltd. as co-organizers , Mr. Xicai Lao, General Manager of Guangdong Weiqiang Copper Technology Co., Ltd., shared insights on the impact of brass ingot and brass billet metallurgical quality on the structure and performance of sanitary products. 01 Influence of Metallurgical Quality on Structural Characteristics Impact on Structural Characteristics 01 Grain Size and Shape Grain size directly affects the strength and toughness of materials, while grain shape significantly influences the fatigue life of materials. The quantity and distribution of grain boundaries play a critical role in determining material performance. 02 Micro Defect Analysis Casting Defects: Shrinkage porosity, looseness, gas porosity, and inclusions have a significant impact on the mechanical, processing, and physical properties of materials. Comprehensive control is required in raw material purity, alloy composition design, melting and refining processes, and casting crystallization. 03 Analysis of Structural Uniformity A uniform structure can enhance the overall performance of materials, while structural non-uniformity can lead to stress concentration and performance degradation. Uniformity is crucial for the corrosion resistance of sanitary products. Grain Size and Shape ► Impact of Grain Size Coarse grains have less total grain boundary area, weaker grain cohesion, and reduced strength and toughness, as well as decreased corrosion resistance and weldability. Conversely, relatively fine grains can achieve better mechanical, physical, and processing properties. ► Impact of Grain Shape Equiaxed Grains in Casting: Good isotropy, suitable for deformation processing. During the process, the addition of modifiers is required to suppress the growth of columnar grains. Columnar Grains: Arranged in a specific direction, with good axial strength but reduced transverse plasticity and fatigue resistance, prone to defects such as shrinkage porosity and cracks. Grain size and shape directly determine mechanical properties, processing performance, and environmental resistance by influencing dislocation movement, grain boundary characteristics, and structural uniformity. Through the synergistic optimization of composition design (e.g., microalloying) and process control (e.g., rapid solidification, cold working rate, and heat treatment regimes), grain structure control can be achieved, thereby improving metallurgical quality. Phase Composition and Distribution Microstructural characteristics of the a+β phase: The a+β phase exhibits excellent comprehensive properties; the a phase, with a face-centered cubic crystal structure, demonstrates superior plasticity and is suitable for cold working; the β phase, with a body-centered cubic crystal structure, exhibits high hardness and low plasticity, making it suitable for hot working. Microstructural characteristics of the Pb phase: The Pb phase is distributed in the form of fine particles at grain boundaries or phase boundaries, playing a role in chip breaking and self-lubrication during machining, reducing tool wear, improving surface finish, and enhancing machining efficiency. Influence of phase interface distribution: Uniform phase composition and distribution significantly impact the mechanical properties, machinability, and surface treatment of the material; segregation of the β phase and Pb phase can lead to local stress concentration, significantly reducing strength, corrosion resistance, and fatigue resistance, as well as causing unstable adhesion to coatings, affecting aesthetics and long-term corrosion resistance. 02 Influence of Metallurgical Quality on Physical Properties Influence of Brass Ingots and Brass Bars on the Performance of Sanitary Ware Products ► Influence on the microstructure of brass products Density and uniformity of the microstructure: During the solidification process of high-temperature molten metal, volume shrinkage occurs. If not promptly supplemented, shrinkage cavities (porosity) will appear at the last solidified areas. Non-uniform solidification leads to the presence of coarse columnar grains and dendritic crystals in the crystalline structure, often accompanied by looseness, pores, and inclusions between grains, which will affect the forging and machinability of the material. ► Influence on the performance of sanitary ware products Strength and toughness: High-quality brass provides better mechanical properties. Corrosion resistance: Brass with good metallurgical quality exhibits superior corrosion resistance. Machinability: Good brass materials offer high machining efficiency, reducing production costs. ► Influence on the durability of sanitary ware products Wear resistance: High-quality brass demonstrates better wear resistance, making the product more durable. Fatigue resistance: Good brass materials perform better under repeated stress. Weldability: The welding performance of brass affects the durability of the product. ► Changes in Machinability 1. Surface treatment performance (electroplating and corrosion resistance) An excellent copper semis substrate ensures good polishing performance, freedom from impurities and pores, perfect adhesion to coatings, and aesthetic durability. 2. Formability (cold/hot working performance) Microstructure affects formability; a uniform microstructure facilitates various forming processes; an uneven microstructure can easily lead to fracture and affect dimensional accuracy. 3. Optimization of welding performance Welding methods influence welding performance; optimizing welding parameters improves welding performance; appropriate welding materials can enhance welding performance. 03 Impact of Metallurgical Quality on Alloy Trace Elements ►Microalloying Effect 04 Opportunities and Challenges for Brass Bars and Copper Ingots in the Sanitary Ware Industry ►Application Prospects of Brass and New Materials in Sanitary Ware Products Application of Brass Bars in Sanitary Ware Products: In 2024, brass bars, with their excellent corrosion resistance and good processing and forging properties, have broad application prospects in sanitary ware products. Their unique color and texture after polishing and electroplating make sanitary ware products appear more high-end and elegant, and they also exhibit excellent performance in terms of environmental protection and durability. Potential of Copper Ingots in the Sanitary Ware Industry: Copper ingots, due to their excellent casting properties and durable stability after polishing and electroplating, are widely used in the manufacture of high-end sanitary ware bodies. With the improvement of living standards and the segmentation of high-end customized markets, the application areas of copper ingots will become more concentrated in the mid-to-high-end range, bringing new development opportunities to the sanitary ware industry. Impact of New Materials on Sanitary Ware Products: The emergence of new materials, such as stainless steel and zinc alloys, will have transformative impacts on the cost, design, function, and performance of sanitary ware products. The application of these new materials will drive a new round of reshuffling in the market segments of the sanitary ware industry. 05 Quality Requirements for Brass Materials in High-End Sanitary Ware Products ►Special Requirements of the Sanitary Ware Industry for Brass Materials 1. Control of Gas and Non-Metallic Inclusions During the melting process, various metallic compounds that are insoluble in the matrix metal may be present, whether from the raw materials or from tools, furnace linings, or fluxes, leading to the formation of granular, flaky, or blocky inclusions in the material. These inclusions seriously affect the polishing and electroplating performance of sanitary ware products. Weiqiang's Solution: Adopting ultra-cold crystallisers and a grain refinement refining process to ensure that the metallographic grains of the casting ingots are fine, uniform, and dense. 2. Control of Harmful Impurities Elements such as S, Sb, and Te are harmful during the melting process. These elements are almost insoluble in copper and form high-melting-point brittle compounds with copper at the grain boundaries, increasing the brittleness of the material and affecting its processability. Based on European and American regulations regarding the control of harmful elements to human health, it is necessary to verify and control these harmful elements during the smelting of raw materials. Weiqiang's Solution: Implementing strict selection, impurity removal, and classification processes for raw materials; and employing multiple unique degassing and slag removal refining processes during the melting process to ensure quality. 3. Casting Liquidity High-quality copper ingots possess good casting liquidity, which is particularly important for the manufacture of sanitary ware products. Good liquidity ensures that the copper alloy can fully flow within the mould, filling every detail of the mould, thereby guaranteeing the shape and dimensional accuracy of the product. Weiqiang's proposal: In terms of casting liquidity, precise control is exercised over melt purification, grain refinement, and the control of various elements. ►The significance of brass in enhancing the quality of high-end bathroom products • Improving product performance and reliability Lead is slightly soluble in copper in a solid state, with the majority existing in copper in a granular form. This enhances chip formation and wear resistance. However, during the smelting process, it is necessary to control the lead content, particle size, and distribution to achieve good chip formation and wear resistance. Bathroom products have high requirements for the corrosion resistance of copper alloys, such as resistance to dezincification corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. This necessitates control over the metallurgical microstructure and the alloying of special elements. Obtaining more equiaxed grains and adding elements (such as As, Sn, etc.) can achieve better corrosion resistance. • Enhancing the surface quality of brass bathroom products The performance of materials, in turn, affects the service life and applicability of products, especially in humid environments. The design requirements of bathroom products are closely related to the performance of brass materials, influencing the feasibility and innovation of product design. The durability and oxidation resistance of electroplated products directly impact brand reputation and customer perception. • Green, environmentally friendly, and sustainable development The metallurgical quality of copper alloys, particularly the control of harmful element content, is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of bathroom products. Developed countries and regions have imposed strict limits on lead content in drinking water systems to reduce health risks to humans. The metallurgical quality of copper billets also relates to environmental protection issues. After discarded, lead-containing brass can easily release lead into the soil and atmosphere, causing environmental pollution. Therefore, the use of low-lead or lead-free copper alloy materials is of great significance for reducing environmental pollution. The development of environmentally friendly copper alloys reduces the use of harmful substances and is more friendly to the environment and human health. The use of such materials enhances the safety and market competitiveness of bathroom products. In addition, it introduces the high-end brass products of Guangdong Weiqiang Copper Industry. 》Click to view the special report on the 20th CCIE-2025SMM Copper Industry Conference & Copper Industry Expo

[SMM Analysis: CATL Launches New Generation Sodium-Ion Battery, What's the Future of Sodium-Ion Battery?] SMM, April 22: On April 21, 2025, at CATL's first Super Technology Day event, the highly anticipated sodium-ion battery was officially unveiled. The released sodium-ion battery includes two major product types: a sodium-ion power battery for new passenger vehicles and a sodium-ion 24V integrated start-stop battery for heavy-duty trucks. Their debut sparked strong reactions within the industry, becoming the focus of attention from all sides...

Hosted by Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), CLNB 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Expo will be held from April 16 to 18, 2025 at Suzhou International Expo Center . During the exhibition, 1 main forum and 11 sub-forums will be held, with government leaders, academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, domestic and overseas scientists, foreign guests from dozens of countries, and leading entrepreneurs from various industries attending the event! Witness the gathering of industry leaders, explore core technologies, listen to experts' insights, interpret market trends, and gather in Suzhou to focus on key issues, inviting you to jointly analyze industry development. This exhibition covers 6 major exhibition areas , with 1,300+ domestic and overseas exhibiting and participating companies showcasing the entire industry chain of batteries, including power batteries, consumer batteries, ESS, raw materials, materials, equipment, battery recycling, and the new energy vehicle, power tool, electric drive, and low-altitude economy sectors in the power exhibition area, providing you with a one-stop exhibition experience. Click to fill out the registration form and register immediately to discuss the future development of the new energy industry with industry elites. We look forward to your arrival and joining SMM in opening this feast of the new energy industry. At this New Energy Industry Expo , Qingdao Yintai Tin Technology Co., Ltd. will make a grand appearance, discussing industry cooperation, sharing development opportunities, and jointly painting a bright blueprint for the new energy industry with peers. Qingdao Yintai Tin Technology Co., Ltd. Booth No.: F41 F42 cordially invites you to visit the CLNB 2025 New Energy Industry Expo About • Yintai Qingdao Yintai Tin Technology Co., Ltd. Give the battery a "B" ultrasound Qingdao Yintai Tin Technology Co., Ltd. is one of the most powerful producers of electronic soldering and high-tech lead products in northern China. In its 40-year entrepreneurial journey, the company has always taken technology as its main development line, with technological innovation as the foundation of its development. "Hongyan" and "Yintai" are the company's registered trademarks, belonging to high-tech enterprises and "specialized, refined, and innovative" enterprises, with eight invention patents and several utility model patents, automatic production lines for anode plates, cathode plates, lead bricks, copper and aluminum busbars, US-imported copper foil rolling machines, various copper and aluminum product production lines, and long-term exports to Japan, America, and Australia markets. Yintai Tin's main products include electronic industrial soldering wire, soldering bars, flux, aluminum flux, nuclear radiation protection lead products, submarine cable alloy lead, battery alloy lead, lead-tin alloy plates, lead-antimony alloy plates, anode plates, anode rods, lead pipes, lead plates, lead foil, lead wire, lead bricks, extruded lead bricks, lead particles, lead-free soldering wire, lead-free aluminum-tin wire, copper foil, aluminum foil, etc. The subsidiary Qingdao Yintai Environmental Protection Equipment Co., Ltd. has a registered capital of 20 million yuan and mainly operates environmental protection equipment parts, cathode lines, hammers, Hastelloy, and environmental protection equipment installation projects. The company always adheres to the concept of innovative development, with high-quality products and good service, earning high praise from industry professionals and customers. Qingdao Yunneng Sodium Lithium Battery New Materials Co., Ltd. focuses on the R&D of electronic special materials; battery manufacturing; battery sales; metal material manufacturing; metal material sales; non-ferrous metal rolling processing; non-ferrous metal alloy sales. Lithium Battery Technology: Technical Advantages: High energy density, suitable for applications requiring high driving range. Long cycle life, meeting long-term usage needs. Mature technology, complete industry chain, and gradually decreasing production costs. Application Fields: Providing power batteries with high driving range. Used in household ESS, industrial and commercial ESS, and grid ESS to improve energy utilization efficiency. Providing stable and reliable power supplies for mobile phones, laptops, etc. Sodium-ion Battery Technology: The mesoporous technology of hard carbon anode materials has won the highest national award, and the company provides tolling business for many well-known enterprises in the industry. Application Fields: Suitable for large-scale ESS power stations, ensuring stable grid operation. Meeting the cost and safety requirements of e-bikes, electric three-wheelers, etc. Serving as backup power for communication base stations, data centers, etc., providing reliable power supply. Professional Research Team Team members mostly hold doctoral and master's degrees, with solid theoretical foundations. Covering talents in materials science, chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, and other disciplines, promoting technological innovation. Core members have years of battery R&D experience, familiar with industry development trends and technical challenges. Established long-term cooperation with renowned universities and research institutes, sharing resources and jointly tackling technical problems. Actively participating in international academic conferences and technical exchanges, cooperating with global leading enterprises and institutions. Core members have years of battery R&D experience, familiar with industry development trends and technical challenges. Possessing multiple core patents and technological achievements in the lithium battery and sodium-ion battery fields. 【CLNB 2025—Hot Registration】 CLNB 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Expo April 16 to 18, 2025 Suzhou International Expo Center

In the upcoming year of 2025, we anticipate that the global economy will face a series of complex and volatile challenges. With the US presidential election concluded, the uncertainty in global trade policies is expected to further increase, presenting new issues for international trade cooperation. In the realm of geopolitics, ongoing conflicts and tensions show no significant signs of easing, posing threats not only to global security but also significantly impacting resource allocation and industrial layout. Against this macro backdrop, industrial transfer and supply chain restructuring have become key topics that we must closely monitor. At the industrial level, the trend of protectionism in mineral resources is on the rise, directly affecting the stability of global copper concentrate TCs. With the rapid expansion of global smelting capacity, the profit margins of copper smelters are further compressed, and the challenges faced by the industry are becoming increasingly severe. In the field of secondary copper raw materials, the advancement of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and the "dual carbon" goals have significantly increased market attention to secondary copper. However, the "reverse invoicing" policy implemented in 2024 and the "Fair Competition Regulations" have had a profound impact on the secondary copper industry. Looking ahead to 2025, the changes in the landscape of the secondary copper industry will have a critical impact on the entire copper industry chain. Additionally, with the cancellation of tax subsidies and other incentive measures, the space for copper cathode trade is expected to further narrow. We predict that the procurement ratio of copper semis between traders and smelters will show a more pronounced differentiation. In this context, the "CCIE 2025 SMM (20th) Copper Industry Conference and Copper Industry Expo," hosted by SMM, will be held in Nanchang, Jiangxi, from April 22-25, 2025. Ningbo Xing'ao Da Metal New Material Co., Ltd. is honored to participate in this conference. We will adhere to our original intention of learning and exchange, closely follow the pulse of industry development, and continue to explore the path of technological innovation and industrial upgrading. We look forward to discussing development and planning the future with industry peers. We sincerely invite you to join us in Nanchang for discussions and exchanges. Click the registration form to sign up immediately, and we look forward to meeting you at the conference. Booth number: D14. "Melting Ingenuity in Copper Materials, Casting China's Intelligent Manufacturing." Ningbo Xing'ao Da Metal New Material Co., Ltd., established in 1992, is an expert enterprise engaged in the production, R&D, and sales of copper-based new materials. After more than 30 years of accumulation and development, the company has formed a unique core competitiveness. The company covers an area of 100 mu, with a construction area of over 50,000 m²; the annual output value is 1 billion yuan, and the production is over 20,000 mt. Xing'ao Da has always adhered to its professionalism, focusing on innovative R&D, possessing exquisite production and manufacturing processes, a comprehensive product quality control, and continuous improvement system. The company has made rod and wire products its core varieties. Copper alloy materials include: precision brass, lead-free free-cutting brass, bronze (tellurium bronze, iron bronze, tin bronze, lead bronze, etc.), and red copper (TU2, TP2, etc.). The company has more than 60 national authorized patents and has become an enterprise with independent R&D advantages in the industry. The company's products serve the mid-to-high-end market and have a good reputation in industries such as aerospace, NEV, communication optoelectronics, bathroom valves, electronic appliances, auto parts, electronic connectors, and gas cutting torch industries. Xing'ao Da leads or participates in the compilation of multiple national and industry standards for non-ferrous alloy rods and wires in China. We will firmly seize the opportunity of industrial transformation, commit to energy saving and consumption reduction, green environmental protection, innovative development, and lean management; commit to building the enterprise into a genuine, efficient, and fast copper processing enterprise; commit to becoming the preferred brand for high-end copper materials. Contact Information: Jiebo Han, 13777040423. SMM Conference Contact: Jinyong Bao, 13159338158, baojinyong@smm.cn.