Crystalline Zones Research Articles

Enhanced lithological mapping in arid crystalline regions using explainable AI and multi-spectral remote sensing data

Lithological classification is essential for understanding the spatial distribution of rocks, especially in arid crystalline areas. Artificial intelligence (AI) recent advancements with multi-spectral satellite imagery have been utilized to enhance lithological mapping in these areas. Here we employed different AI models namely, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest Classification (RFC), Logistic Regression, XGBoost, and K-nearest neighbors (KNN) for lithological mapping. This was followed by the application of explainable AI (XAI) for lithological discrimination (LD) which is still not widely explored. Based on the highest accuracy and F1 score of the previously mentioned models, RFC model outperformed all of them, and hence, it was integrated with XAI, using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method.This approach successfully identified critical multi-spectral features for LD in arid crystalline zones when applied on the Landsat-8, Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), and SRTM-DEM datasets covering the Hammash and the Wadi Fatimah areas in Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, respectively. Field validation in the Hammash area confirmed the RFC model's efficacy, achieving a satisfactory 94% overall accuracy for 18 features. SHAP was able to identify the top ten features for proper LD over the Hammash area with 90.3% accuracy despite the complex nature of the ophiolitic mélange. For validation purposes, RCF was then utilized in the Wadi Fatimah region, using only the top 10 critical features rendered from the SHAP analysis. It performed well and had 93% accuracy. Notably, XAI/SHAP results indicated that elevation data, Landsat-8's Green Band (B3), and the two ASTER SWIR bands (B5 and B6) were essential and significant for identifying island arc rocks. Moreover, the SHAP model effectively delineated complex mélange matrices, primarily using ASTER SWIR band (B8). Our findings highlight the successful combination of RFC with XAI for LD and its potential utilization in similar arid crystalline environments worldwide.

Relationship between internal structure and in vitro digestibility of A- and B-type wheat starch revealed by chemical surface gelatinization

In this study, the properties of remaining starch granules obtained with different degrees of exfoliation were explored by removing the outer layers of A- and B-type wheat starch (AWS and BWS) granules with chemical surface gelatinization. SEM images revealed significant morphological variations with increasing exfoliation. CLSM and amylose content analysis indicated a predominance of lipid complexes in the outer granule layers, particularly in BWS. The structural characteristics of AWS and BWS were analyzed using PLM, XRD, FT-IR and DSC, verifying the conclusion of the alternation of starch crystalline and amorphous zone. And the amorphous regions are proportionally higher in the inner starch layer. Moreover, raw AWS and BWS granules were more easily digested from the outside in, with the RS content decreasing from 80.65 % to 66.92 % and 49.06 % to 45.01 %, respectively. The RS content of cooked WS were affected by the internally structures, particularly lipid content (11.46 % – 19.09 %) in BWS outer layers and amylose content (13.59 % – 19.43 %) in the inner layers. These results revealed the internal radial structural differences and digestibility patterns of AWS and BWS granules.

Non-Destructive Analysis of Pb-Acid Battery Positive Plates, Based on Neutron Tomography

Lead-acid batteries (LABs) are one of the first rechargeable batteries. Historically used for backup power during the early public electricity network, LABs now hold a global market share of approximately 50%, mainly in automotive applications and energy reserves for telecommunication and data networks. Their low energy density and high surge current make them suitable for high-current, in-time applications. The LAB electrochemical cell consists of PbO2 as the positive electrode, metallic Pb as the negative electrode, and H2SO4 as the electrolyte.The composition of the positive electrode active material (PAM) involves mixtures of α- and β-PbO2 and an amorphous gel phase of Pb(IV) oxy-hydroxides, determining the PAM's functional properties. The hydrated Pb(IV) oxy-hydroxide is the electrochemically active phase, conducting ions but not electrons. The mechanical consistency of the PAM relies on α-PbO2, acting as a structural binder, while β-PbO2 provides electronic conductivity. LAB performance is influenced by the proportions of α and β crystalline zones. Jointly, α - and β -PbO2 act as a Pb(IV) reservoir for reduction, occurring through the gel phase during discharge. Together, α- and β-PbO2 function as a reservoir for Pb(IV) reduction, a process that takes place through the gel phase during discharge in lead-acid batteries (LABs). These two crystalline phases, α- and β-PbO2, reform from the gel phase during charging, and their proportions depend on the specifics of the charging process and the material state. Consequently, the relative amounts and distribution of α and β crystalline zones play a crucial role in influencing the overall performance of LABs.In the present investigation, we propose, for the first time, an ex situ NT investigation of intact PPs, endeavouring to assess the internal structure of the PAM (pore formation) and spine/PAM decohesion of real battery electrodes – fabricated with two alternative metallurgical methods (punching P and gravity casting G) – subjected to harsh electrochemical testing conditions, representative of recharge abuse. Our study is complemented by X-ray radiography - aimed at pinpointing spine and PAM cracking – and cross-sectional SEM imaging aimed at disclosing details with spine/PAM interface: grid shape variation, corrosion depth, mode and mechanism, corrosion layer nature and thickness.The synergic effect of these measurments enable a complete understanding and tracking of the PPs degradation mechanism : (i) NT offered a 3D quantitative and qualitative assessment of PAM porosity ,spine/PAM decohesions, and highly attenuating regions. Aging led to pore growth, with G electrodes displaying more extensive cracking. Variations in porosity distribution between P and G electrodes is observed. Hydrogenated gel distribution differed between electrode types and with aging. (ii) XR provided a non-destructive grid-scale overview. P electrodes exhibited limited defects, while G electrodes showed extensive spine issues. Corrosion progression differed from local SEM observations (iii) in which corrosion is explored at the spine/PAM interface, revealing no clear correlation between current density and corrosion. Representative micrographs for P and G electrodes were shared.The combination of these technique enable a complete characterization of positive plate degradation,.The methodical use of NT holds the potential to establish a comprehensive morpho chemical knowledge base for comprehending the manufacturing and aging processes of lead-acid battery electrodes directly visualization of the 3D arrangement of the hydrogen-containing electroactive amorphous phase, is a crucial metric for assessing the state of health (SOH) that is typically challenging to access experimentally This approach, coupled with in operando capabilities, relies on the quantitative examination of functionally significant features and their changes throughout the aging process. Figure 1

Presence and implications of petrogenic organic carbon in High Himalayan Crystalline lake sediment

AbstractTwelve lacustrine sediment samples from a relict lake in the Kalla Glacier valley were co-dated using AMS radiocarbon (14C) and infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) dating methods. In general, the radiocarbon ages of bulk organic matter were older by a minimum of 1500 years compared to (age depth) modeled luminescence ages after fading corrections. This is observed for the first time in the lake sediments of High Himalayan Crystalline zone. A combination of lipid n-alkane data, Raman spectra and geochemical proxies suggested that this was due to ancient organic carbon (OCancient) that is a mixture of pre-aged (OCpre-aged) and petrogenic (OCpetro) organic carbon within older glacial moraine debris that served as sediment source to the lake. Raman spectra suggest the presence of moderate to highly graphitized OCpetro in all the profile samples. The OCpetro contributed 0.064 ± 0.032% to the sediment and the lake stored 2.5 ± 0.7 Gg OCpetro at variable rates during the last 16 kyr, with the mean burial flux 160 kg OCpetro yr−1. This study implies (1) employing another independent dating method in addition to radiocarbon method using bulk sediment organic matter, if the carbon content is low, to observe any discrepancy, and (2) a need to investigate on the fate of OCpetro as many such small lakes become relict in this region.

Multi-scale structural deterioration analysis of archaeological wood from the Shahe Ancient Bridge site in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

ABSTRACT Due to the unstable variations in moisture content, the wood piles near the ground surface at Shahe Ancient Bridge site have undergone more severe degradation. In this study, two representative wood piles from the site were selected as samples to analyze their deterioration from a multi-scale perspective. The findings suggested that the primary microorganisms of the wood piles contained not only white rot and brown rot fungi commonly found in dry archaeological wood, but also soft rot fungi and erosive bacteria commonly found in waterlogged archaeological wood. The hemicellulose and non-crystalline cellulose were almost completely degraded, and even the cellulose in the crystalline zone underwent some degradation. The microfibrils were fragmented and disoriented. The β-O-4 and β-β bonds in lignin were partially broken, resulting in a decrease in the molecular weight of the lignin. Compared to G-type lignin, S-type lignin demonstrated a higher susceptibility to degradation, potentially explaining why Phoebe sp. wood underwent more extensive degradation than Abies sp. wood. Archaeological wood was not rich in mesopores compared to the reference wood. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the deterioration state of the Shahe Ancient Bridge site and provide a fundamental understanding for its subsequent protection.

Integration of ground geophysical methods to characterize near‐surface aquifer zones within an active mine

AbstractUnderstanding near‐surface groundwater storage, flow patterns, surface and groundwater interactions in mining areas can assist in making mining more efficient and profitable. This is especially important in opencast mines affected by water inflows that may negatively affect production and increase mining costs. We map and characterize the near‐surface aquifer zones at the opencast site of Tharisa Minerals, located in the southwestern region of the Bushveld Complex (South Africa). The main goal is to infer pit water inflow at the mine site and determine how it may be better controlled. The Bushveld Complex hosts partially connected and unconfined alluvial, shallow‐weathered and crystalline bedrock aquifers, which are often connected by small‐scale permeable zones. Seismic refraction tomography, multichannel analysis of surface waves, electrical resistivity tomography and borehole data are used to map and understand the different aquifer zones in the vicinity of the mine, as well as infer their relation to water inflow in the mine pits. The geophysical surveys map the overburden, weathered bedrock aquifer zone, and the top of the crystalline aquifer rock zone reasonably well. They reveal extensive and deep weathering, and possible high hydraulic conductivity in the vicinity of the mine. The results provide a better understanding of the mine's near‐surface environment, which could be used to implement effective and targeted dewatering techniques, thus enabling better pit inflow water control to improve mine working conditions and production.

Kinetic analysis of PA4 thermal degradation: Thermal stability with respect to crystallinity

Polyamide 4 (PA4) has garnered considerable attention due to its fully bio-based origin and biodegradability as a high-performance polyamide. Nevertheless, thermal degradation during the melting process impedes thermal processing, thereby constraining its potential for engineering plastics applications. To clarify the thermal degradation reactions of PA4 amidst intricate physical and chemical transformations, establishing a theoretical foundation for the thermal stability modification, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of PA4 thermal degradation coupled with crystallization, considering kinetics and reaction mechanisms. Calculation of reaction activation energies and mechanism functions revealed that PA4 pyrolysis is a two-stage compound process, with distinct degradation mechanisms attributed to the crystalline and amorphous regions. Additionally, the thermal degradation mechanism of the PA4-CaCl2 composite system at varying crystallinity levels was illustrated. The incorporation of Ca strengthens intermolecular forces in the samples, leading to an increased overall stability. Simultaneously, a notable alteration in the reaction mechanism was observed in the crystalline zone lacking the Ca phase.

Xenoliths of the bode dike system: evidence for early Devonian arc-type magmatism and late Carboniferous–Permian crust reworking beneath the eastern Harz Mountains (Germany)

Xenoliths recovered from the post-Variscan Bode dike system of the eastern Harz Mountains provide evidence for the existence of an Early Devonian magmatic arc system hidden beneath very low-grade metasedimentary rocks of the Rhenohercynian Zone, but also for Late Carboniferous–Early Permian crust reworking. This interpretation is based on petrographic observations and whole-rock geochemical analyses of granite xenoliths, in addition to results of zircon U–Pb dating and Hf isotope analyses. Zircon grains recovered from variably deformed granite xenoliths yield ages between 419 and 393 Ma, interpreted to reflect the timing of granite intrusion. Rare zircon xenocrysts of Archean (ca. 2.92–2.65 Ga) and Proterozoic age (ca. 1.5 to 0.56 Ga), all with subchondritic εHf420 Ma values (− 0.8 to − 5.5) indicate reworking of older crust. Compilation of age-Hf isotope data further suggests that the pre-Variscan granitoids beneath the Harz Mountains belong to the same magmatic arc system exposed widespread in the adjacent Mid-German Crystalline Zone, and interpreted to result from NW-ward subduction of the Rheic Ocean beneath Avalonia-Baltica. Zircon in xenoliths with granophyric texture yields ages at 400 Ma and 295–310 Ma, indicating re-melting of Devonian granitoid basement during post-Variscan rift-related magmatism, immediately prior to Bode dike intrusion.Graphical abstractLeft: Late Devonian intrusion of magmatic arc granites during NW-ward subduction of the Rheic ocean beneath Avalonia-Baltica. Right: Formation of the Bode dike system and Harz granites during Late Carboniferous-Permian extension.

Enzyme activity test paper with high wet strength and anion adsorption properties fabricated from whole cationized softwood chemical fiber

Paper-based test film material is widely used in a variety of test instruments for different applications. The enzyme activity test paper sheet is one of the most popularly used test papers. Here we present a novel fabrication of paper-based enzyme activity test paper without cationic resin added in. The chemical pulping fibers were first beaten to different degrees (from 14.6 to 41.5°SR) with a PFI beater. After that, the fibers were modified with a cationic agent (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) under the system of alkali and water solution. Finally, the test papers were made with the modified fiber by a regular paper former in lab. The results showed that beating is beneficial for the improvement of the cationization reaction which is indicated by the Zeta potential, FTIR and EDS. The main mechanisms involved are the destruction of crystalline zone, increase of free hydroxyl group and defibrillation. This hypothesis was supported by the SEM, XRD and fiber analyzer. Beating under the optimized condition, the wet strength and liquid absorbability of test paper can meet the application requirement, and the test results of enzyme activity are quite close to those of commercial test papers.

Molecular mechanism for the influence of yam starch multiscale structure on the sensory texture of cooked yam

Yam is a dual-purpose crop as both medicine and food. However, the mechanism controlling the eating quality of yam remains to be elucidated. This study explored the influence of starch multiscale structure on the texture of yam. The results indicated that FS and RC yam have higher hardness and chewiness, while BZ, XM, and PL yam possess waxiness, Fineness, and Stickiness. Statistically, high amylose (AM) can increase hardness, chewiness, and compactness; and average molecular size (Rh) is positively correlated with stickiness, fineness, and waxiness. Specifically, medium- and long-chain amylose (1000 < X ≤ 10,000) and amylopectin (24 < X ≤ 100), particularly medium-chain amylose (1000 < X ≤ 5000) and long-chain amylopectin (24 < X ≤ 36), primarily affect sensory and rheological stickiness. The long chains of amylose form a straight chain interspersed in the crystalline and amorphous regions to support the entire lamellar structure. Higher proportion of amylose long chains, promoting the starch's structural rigidity, which in turn enhanced its hardness-related attributes. Moreover, a higher ratio of long chains within amylopectin results in tightly intertwined adjacent outer chains, forming double helix crystalline zones. This consequently augmenting the texture quality linked to stickiness-related attributes.

Experimental re-melting of a continental crust: probing the deep storage zone of Campi Flegrei and Vesuvius magmas

Mantle magmas interact with surrounding rocks during their ascent and storage in the continental crust, leading to open system processes as wall rock partial melting. In this study, we have experimentally investigated the reactions between a leucosome depleted migmatite and a primitive K-basaltic of Campi Flegrei (Italy). Experiments were carried out at pressure of 0.8 GPa temperatures from 1250 °C to 1050 °C and constant temperature and thermal gradient conditions. The experimental products consist of biotite-free migmatite, glass and crystals of clinopyroxene, olivine, plagioclase and Cr-spinel with proportions that vary as a function of temperature. Open system isothermal experiments indicate that the chemistry of melts and phase relationships are controlled by the high Al2O3 content of leucosome depleted migmatite with the glass composition shifting from K-trachybasalt towards shoshonite as the temperature decreases from 1200 °C to 1125 °C. At temperatures \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\le$$\\end{document}1150°C, migmatite assimilation is not exclusively due to the assimilation fractional crystallization process because evidence of mingling and mixing is observed. T-gradient experiment shows melt composition ranging from shoshonite to phono-tephrite moving from the slightly crystalline zone (T = 1250 –1210 °C) at the bottom of the capsule towards the highly crystalline zone (T = 1160 –1140 °C). This SiO2-constant trend indicates that at temperature below the basalt solidus, the assimilation of leucosome depleted crust is represented almost exclusively by the biotite breakdown, leading to the increase in Al, Mg, Fe, Ti, and K activities in the system. The shoshonitic composition obtained in our experiments could represent the parental magma for both Campi Flegrei volcanic district and Vesuvius magmatic systems, indicating modification in a deep storage zone through mixing with the partial melts derived from restitic continental crust.

Mineralization and physicochemical characteristics of Lycium barbarum L. leaf cellulose detected using the basic alkali/acid extraction

This study aimed to depict the mineral deposition on the cellulose extracted from mineral-rich Lycium barbarum L. leaves by the basic base/acid treatment. Alkali treatment made the cellulose fluffy, and the leaf phytoliths changed to liquid silicon, depositing onto the fluffy cellulose in crystalline forms, with the mineral content (mainly Si, Ca, and Al) reaching 9.41 % in cellulose after 24 h alkali treatment. Acid treatment decreased the deposited minerals affecting the cellulose crystallinity. Sulfuric acid (SA) mainly eroded the cellulosic amorphous zone and the attached minerals, and crystallized minerals (mainly quartz-SiO2) remained in the crystalline zone, increasing the cellulose crystallinity (66.8 %). Hydrofluoric acid (HF) indiscriminately removed nearly all minerals regardless of crystalline and amorphous zones, thus lowering the crystallinity. Further application research showed that the ability of the SA-refining cellulose to stabilize emulsion (89.8 %) was much stronger than that of the HF counterpart (62.6 %), and the mineral-relevant cellulose crystallinity determined the emulsion stability. These findings might help in understanding the impact of the basic extraction on cellulosic mineralization and quality and shed light on the development of novel functional cellulose.

Pre-Variscan (Lower Devonian) deformation of the Silurian magmatic arc of the East Odenwald (Mid-German Crystalline Zone, Variscides)

Pre-Variscan (Lower Devonian) deformation of the Silurian magmatic arc of the East Odenwald (Mid-German Crystalline Zone, Variscides)

Understanding the spatio-temporal evolution of fractures in pillow basalt

We investigated the origin and spatio-temporal evolution of cooling fractures in pillow basalt which undergo thermal contraction after their eruption in an aqueous environment. Through a computer-based simulation using Fourier transformation, the thermo elastic stress displacement profiles within individual pillow units are determined. The scaled model (pillow diameter - 1 meter) generated radial, linear fractures perpendicular to pillow margin and irregular discrete flaws in the pillow interior like the ones observed in natural examples. Radial linear fractures of 3–5 centimetre in length have been measured in pillows of average one-metre diameter from the Maradihalli region, in the Chitradurga Schist Belt, India. An estimated time of 94–118 minutes was required to get radial fractures of similar length in the simulation. Our model efficiently replicated the generation and distribution of thermal fractures and allowed an estimation of cooling time for the peripheral glassy zone but has limitations in deciphering the formation of fracture networks in progressively crystalline inner zone of pillows.

From Transparent to Opaque: A Route towards Multifunctional Parts Injected with a Single Material.

The technological, social and economic development observed in recent decades brought an exponential increase in consumption and inherent new challenges. Recycling is one of the best solutions to minimize the environmental impact of raw materials. However, multi-material components are difficult or even impossible to recycle. The present work focuses on the reduction in the number of different materials used in multifunctional components. In particular, it intends to assess the potential of injecting molding grades of polypropylene (PP) to produce parts with transparency (haze) gradients. Firstly, several polypropylene grades of different types were identified and injected under various thermal processing conditions, i.e., injection temperature and mold temperature, in order to vary the cooling rate, influencing the growth rate of the spherulites and eventually the presence/absence of α and β crystalline zones. The injected parts' optical properties were then characterized, and the most promising PP grades were identified and selected for subsequent work, namely grade DR 7037.01, showing the widest range of haze (from 29.2 to 68.7%). and PP070G2M, presenting the highest haze value (75.3%). Finally, in an attempt to understand the origin of the haze variations observed, the parts injected with the selected PP grades were further characterized through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized light microscopy. It was concluded that the main factor causing the observed haze difference was, apart from the size of the spherulites, the presence of internal layers with different birefringence and, therefore, different refractive indices.

Necessity of Different Lignocellulose on Exopolysaccharide Synthesis and Its Hypoglycemic Activity In Vitro of Inonotus obliquus.

Current work proposes elm sawdust, poplar sawdust, pine sawdust, and cotton straw with different lignocellulose compositions and structures as the research objects to investigate the relationship between the hypoglycemic activity of mycelium polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus and lignocellulose biodegradation. Four kinds of lignocellulosic materials could significantly increase the exopolysaccharide content and α-glucosidase inhibition rate and advance the occurrence time of α-glucosidase inhibition activity. Among all groups, the polysaccharide synthesis promotion effect of the cotton straw group was the best, which exopolysaccharide yield was 92.05% higher than that of the control group after 11-day fermentation. Meanwhile, the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was found in the elm sawdust group on the 11th day (30.99%, which was 137.47% higher than control), and the exopolysaccharide in the elm sawdust group showed its effectiveness on glucose consumption of insulin resistant HepG2 cells at the concentration of 20 µg/mL, significantly higher than that of the metformin group (P < 0.05). The cellulose in the non-crystalline region of elm and pine and the hemicellulose of poplar were mainly used in the fermentation of I. obliquus, while the cellulose in the crystalline zone and amorphous zone of cotton straw was degraded to improve the exopolysaccharide content of I. obliquus. This paper revealed the necessity of different kinds of lignocellulose for the synthesis of active polysaccharide from I. obliquus and provided a new idea for the regulation of polysaccharide synthesis pathway.

How to effectively and greenly prepare multi-scale structural starch nanoparticles for strengthening gelatin film (ultrasound-Fenton system)

Ultrasound (US) assisted with Fenton (US-Fenton) reaction was developed to efficiently and greenly prepare starch nanoparticles (SNPs) that were employed as nanofillers to enhance gelatin (G) film properties. Compared to Fenton reaction alone, US-Fenton reaction significantly improved preparation efficiency and dispersion of SNPs (p < 0.05). An optimal US-Fenton reaction parameter (300 mM H2O2, ascorbic acid 55 mM, US 45 min) was found to prepare SNPs with uniform sizes (50–90 nm) and low molecular weight (Mn 7.91 × 105 Da). The XRD, FT-IR, and SAXS analysis revealed that the US-Fenton reaction degraded the amorphous and crystalline zones of starch from top to down, leading to the collapse of the original layered structure starch and the progressive formation of SNPs. The different sizes of SNPs were selected to prepare the composite films. The G-SNP3 film (with 50–90 nm SNPs) showed the most outstanding UV blocking, tensile, and barrier properties. Especially, the tensile strength of G-5%SNP3 film (containing 5 % SNPs) increased by 156 % and 6 % over that of G film and G-5%SNP2 film (containing 5%SNPs with 100–180 nm), respectively. Therefore, the nanomaterial was promisingly prepared by the US-Fenton system and provided a strategy for designing and producing nanocomposite films.

High-Frequency Ultrasonic Spectroscopy of Structure Gradients in Injection-Molded PEEK Using a Focusing Transducer.

For high-performance thermoplastic materials, material behavior results from the degree of crystallization and the distribution of crystalline phases. Due to the less stiff amorphous and the stiffer and anisotropic crystalline phases, the microstructural properties are inhomogeneous. Thus, imaging of the microstructure is an important tool to characterize the process-induced morphology and the resulting properties. Using focusing ultrasonic transducers with high frequency (25 MHz nominal center frequency) enables the imaging of specimens with high lateral resolution, while wave propagation is related to the elastic modulus, density and damping of the medium. The present work shows experimental results of high-frequency ultrasonic spectroscopy (HF-US) applied to injection-molded polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) tensile specimens with different process-related morphologies. This work presents different analysis procedures, e.g., backwall echo, time of flight and Fourier-transformed time signals, facilitating the mapping of gradual mechanical properties and assigning them to different crystalline content and morphological zones.

Functionality and characterization of modified starch films with pineapple leaf fibers

The objective of this work was to modify banana starch with pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) and its production of biodegradable films. The reaction conditions of the starch modification were a Starch/PALF mass ratio of 50, a time of 1 h and a temperature of 140 °C, to obtain a yield of 41.18 %. Characterization by FTIR and NMR confirmed that the chemical reaction was carried out. XRD and TGA analysis showed that the crystalline zones of the starch were affected during the modification and the product obtained is thermally less stable compared to unmodified starch. The modified starch showed a lower pasting profile compared to the native starch; however, the modified starch showed the ability to form a film. The starch-PALF films were obtained by the casting method and partially characterized. These films presented better mechanical properties compared to the unmodified films. Also, these films could compete with conventional non-biodegradable plastics.

Tensile behavior of large size Zr−based bulk metallic glass composites prepared by selective laser melting

A Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 (Zr55) bulk metallic glass composite (BMGC) with a size of 37 × 37 × 10 mm3 was fabricated by using selective laser melting (SLM) additive manufacturing technology with argon gas atomized (GAed) powder. The microstructure and tensile deformation behavior of SLMed Zr55 BMGCs are investigated. The microstructure evolution perpendicular to the laser scan direction exhibits a periodic microstructure with three different zones (amorphous, nanocrystal + amorphous and dendritic eutectic + nanocrystal zones). The stepwise tensile fracture behavior, mixing ductility with a sharp stress drop after the failure of amorphous layers is shown for the Zr55 BMGC. The nanocrystal + amorphous crystalline zone has a lower hardness and elastic modulus than the amorphous zone via the nanoindentation test, therefore, the stress drops obviously when the hard amorphous layers fail and then stress recovery follows as the soft crystalline layers pick up the load, resulting in a final failure strain of 9%. The results further verified the feasibility of SLM technology for the development of high−performance BMGCs for industrial applications.