Finite bases for full power semirings of finite nilpotent semigroups

Abstract: We investigate finite equational bases for full power semirings of finite semigroups, including the empty set, in the constant-free signature with addition and multiplication. For a nontrivial finite nilpotent semigroup, we associate a finite relational structure recording the ordered products that are nonzero. We prove that the full power semiring is finitely based if and only if this structure has finite duality, and relate this condition to first-order definability and dismantling of the square of its core. Quantitative bounds connect obstruction size with the number of variables required in an identity basis. In the commutative case of nilpotency index $d$, the criterion reduces to the existence of an element with nonzero $(d-1)$st power. We also establish a nonfinite-basis obstruction for semigroups with a two-element group ideal and prove a finite lifting theorem. These results yield a direct-product criterion and a five-element counterexample to sufficiency of the identity-fibre condition. The arguments use equational logic, finite relational duality, and explicit algebraic constructions.