Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Research Articles

The Influence of Beverages on Resin Composites: An In Vitro Study.

Dental composites, through their structural diversity, represent the biomaterials frequently used in dental reconstructive therapy. The aim of our study was to observe the influence of different beverage environment conditions on seven types of obturation dental materials with different compositions. Our research focused on the surface modification analysis of the materials after the immersion in the different beverages; in this regard, we used the EDAX technique correlated with the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The pH of the drinks and that of the simulated saliva solution were determined by the titrimetric method, a sodium hydroxide solution 0.1 mol/dm3 was prepared and used for the titration. An amount of 5 mL of each analyzed solution was added to 15 mL of distilled water to obtain a dilution, to which 3 drops of phenolphthalein (as a color indicator-Phenolphthalein, 3,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, C20H14O4 Mw: 318.32, purchased from Merck) were added for each analysis. For each solution, the experiment was repeated three times in order to obtain accurate results. The results of our study materialized into a real plea for modifying the patients' behavior in terms of diet and preferences for acidic drinks, so that their quality-of-life valence can be improved by keeping the composite materials in a long-term unalterable state on the one hand; on the other hand, systemic damage can be prevented as well.

An augmented approach for the determination of the particle size effect on energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis outcomes for alumina-based refractory materials

The chemical compositions of refractory materials, such as high-alumina concrete, bricks, and putty, were analyzed using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDXRF). An improved methodology for investigating the effect of particle size on the outcomes of EDXRF chemical analysis is presented. Eight independent refractory samples (refractory concrete, brick, and putty) were pulverized utilizing seven milling times (30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 s) and compared to non-pulverized samples. Thus, sixty-four refractory samples were obtained and analyzed using EDXRF. The method for measuring the fundamental EDXRF characteristics was then tested with ten certified reference materials. The acquired data were compared using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Univariate and multivariate statistics are used to evaluate EDXRF data. The particle size of the tested samples affected the z-scores of SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, TiO2, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O, and P2O5 concentration measurements. Grinding times for refractory concrete, brick, and putty samples were determined in order to validate the robustness of the EDXRF technique and provide reliable chemical analyses. The ideal milling times for the samples studied ranged from 180 to 360 s, depending on the type of refractory material.

Numerical Simulation, Preparation, and Evaluation of Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) Thin-Film Solar Cells

This study presents the numerical simulation, optimization, preparation, and characterization of Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin-film solar cells (TFSCs). Different cell parameters were investigated, including Ga/(Ga+In) (GGI) ratios, the thicknesses of CIGS absorption layers, the fill factor (FF), the open-circuit voltage (Voc), and the short-circuit current (Isc). The effects of the simulated parameters on the power conversion efficiency (η) of each prototype CIGS cells were investigated. The optimal GGI ratio was approximately 0.6. Using COMSOL Multiphysics software, a CIGS layer thickness of 2 μm and an η of 17% was calculated, assuming constant operating temperatures. Moreover, prototype CIGS solar cells with various compositions were prepared via a simple and cost-effective method based on sol–gel, sonication, and spin-coating techniques. The microstructures and electrical and optical properties of the CIGS-based solar cells were evaluated using current–voltage (I-V) characteristics, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV-vis spectroscopy. The elemental compositions of the solar cell layers were evaluated via energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The obtained results were compared with the experimental results. For example, in a prototype cell with a CIGS absorption layer thickness of 2 μm and a GGI ratio of 0.6, the experimental value of η was about 15%. Our results revealed that the agreement between the simulation results and the experimental findings for most of the simulated parameters is quite good. These findings indicate that a non-destructive analysis based on EDXRF is a versatile tool for evaluating CIGS solar cells in a very short time with excellent repeatability for both layer composition and thickness.

Evaluating PM2.5 element concentration measurements for a nationwide monitoring network

ABSTRACT Particulate matter (PM) concentrations have decreased dramatically over the past 20 years, thus lower method detection limits (MDL) are required for these measurements. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is used to quantify multiple elements simultaneously in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chemical Speciation Network (CSN). Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is an alternative analysis with lower MDL for elements. Here, we present a side-by-side comparison of XRF and ICP-MS for elements in PM2.5 samples collected via the EPA’s CSN. For ICP-MS, a simple extraction and ICP-MS analysis technique was applied to a wide variety of samples to minimize effort and cost and serve as a feasibility test for a large monitoring network. Filter samples (N = 549) from various urban locations across the US were analyzed first analyzed via XRF at UC Davis and then ICP-MS at RTI International. Both methods measured 29 of the same elements out of the 33 usually reported to CSN. Of these 29, 14 elements (Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) were found to be frequently detected (i.e. had more than 10% of values above both XRF and ICP-MS MDL). ICP-MS was found to have lower MDL for 26 out of 29 elements, namely Na, Mg, Al, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Ce, Pb; conversely, XRF had lower MDL for 3 elements, namely, P, K, Zn. Intra-method quality checks using (1) inter-elemental inspection of scatter plots using a priori knowledge of element sources and (2) scatter plots of routine versus collocated measurements reveal that ICP-MS exhibits better measurement precision. Lower detection limits for element measurements in nationwide PM monitoring networks would benefit human-health and source apportionment research. Implications: We demonstrate that ICP-MS with adilute-acid digestion method would significantly improve the element detection rates and thus be avaluable addition to the current analysis techniques for airborne PM samples in anationwide monitoring network. In this paper, we show that a hybrid method of elemental analysis for airborne particulate matter (PM) would significantly improve the detection rates for elements in PM. This would be a valuable addition to the current analysis techniques for airborne PM samples in nationwide and other large-scale monitoring networks, such as the EPA’s Chemical Speciation Network (CSN). The techniques explored in this study (i.e., X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy or XRF and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry or ICP-MS) are relevant to the PM monitoring and regulatory community audience of JAWMA, especially agencies and states that are already involved in CSN. In addition, our results outline considerations that give insight on factors to consider for other large-scale and long-term ambient air monitoring efforts.

Controlling the size, shape, and stability of SeNPs by bromelain: Improved antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activities

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are of great interest due to their pharmaceutical importance. We describe an advanced procedure to prepare highly stable SeNPs with controllable size by utilizing stem bromelain (BR) as a capping agent in a redox system of ascorbic acid and sodium selenite. We characterized the bromelain capped SeNPs by a number of complementary techniques including dynamic light scattering (DLS), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The mean dimensions of SeNPs and BR-SeNPs observed are 50.8 nm, 40.6 nm, and a Zeta potential of −14.6 and −4.37 were observed respectively. Further, we observed that bromelain concentration and temperature are critical factors in controlling the dimensions of BR-SeNPs. It was found that bromelain modified the biological activity of SeNPs. BR-SeNPs exhibited higher DPPH scavenging than SeNPs and bromelain. The anticancerous activity of the nanoparticles was studied in two human cancer cell lines, colorectal SW-480 and breast cancer MDA-MB-231. Colorectal carcinoma exhibited more sensitivity to BR-SeNPs (11.61 μg/mL). The normal cell line studies showed that the BR-SeNPs have low toxicity. When tested against four human pathogenic bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Xanthomonas oryzae), BR-SeNPs exhibited a zone of inhibition that was approx. two times wider, at 5 mm when compared to native bromelain. Our study offers new insight into how bromelain capping can tune the size, shape, and stability of SeNPs and provides new bases for using distinct proteins to engineer nanoparticles with enhanced anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities.

Studies and Considerations on Forty-Three Gold and Silver Nose Ornaments from the Moche Tomb of the Lady of Cao

The authors studied forty-three beautiful nose ornaments from the Moche tomb of the Lady of Cao, located in the north of Peru, which has been dated to be around 300–400 d.C. Of these items, thirty-nine are composed of a sheet of gold alloy joined together in various manners to a silver alloy sheet, which provides a strong contrast at their interface. Two nose ornaments are on gold alloy and two on silver alloy. These nose ornaments were studied using the following methods: (i) Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF); (ii) Transmission of monoenergetic X-rays (XRT) and (iii) X-ray Radiography (RAD). The conclusion, deduced from all applied methods, was that two sheets of gold and silver alloys were joined together with various methods, including gluing, mechanically joining, soldering, smelting with the aid of heating or using mercury to create an amalgam. It cannot be excluded that a few areas, visibly appearing as silver, were obtained by depletion silvering from the base Au-Cu-Ag alloy. By analyzing a fragment from the silver area of a nose ornament and by studying a few other nose ornaments from the tomb of the Lady of Cao in situ, G. Ingo and co-workers concluded that a unique sheet of three-component alloy (Ag-Cu-Au), whichemployed and transformed the surface of the objects to appear to be gold and silver by depletion gilding and silvering.

Impacts of a lead smelter in East Java, Indonesia: degree of contamination, spatial distribution, ecological risk, and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in soils.

This study investigates the characteristics of potentially toxic elements in soils collected from the vicinity of a lead smelter in East Java, Indonesia. The objective is to assess the impact of the lead smelter on the surrounding soil. The study involves chemical composition analysis, spatial distribution mapping, and potential ecological and health risk assessments. Soil samples were collected from the surface area (0-10cm) and subsurface (15-30cm) within radii of 1.5km, 3km, and 5km from the lead smelter. The samples were analyzed for As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify the sources of potentially toxic elements in the soil. The results indicate severe Pb contamination within a 1.5km radius of the smelter, with an average contamination factor (Cf) value of 22.0, posing a high potential health risk. The contamination factor indicated that the soils were heavily polluted by As and Pb and moderately polluted by Cu, Ni, and Zn. The results of PCA showed that smelter releases are the main source of potentially toxic element contamination in the soil, accounting for 66.2%. The health risk assessment suggested that the children and adults in the study region were exposed to non-carcinogenic risks caused by As and Pb. Oral ingestion was identified as the primary exposure route impacting health risks. The carcinogenic risk from potentially toxic elements in soil was found to exceed the acceptable level for children and adults in the study region. Therefore, it is necessary for the government to take effective measures, including designing regulations and interventions, and improving lead smelter management to mitigate potential contamination and minimize the impact of lead smelter releases on the surrounding environment, especially to protect human health, particularly that of children.

Effect of welding parameters on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of dissimilar AISI 304/AISI 430 thin plates welded by gas Tungsten arc welding

In this work, the microstructure and mechanical behavior of dissimilar AISI 430 and AISI 304 thin sheets welded by Gas Tungsten Arc Welding using AISI 304 and AISI 316L as filler metals were studied. The obtained joints were characterized by optical and scanning electronic microscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and fluorescence, tensile tests and the Vickers microhardness test. Measurements carried out by energy dispersion X-ray spectrometry in the melting zone indicated a slightly heterogeneous distribution of nickel and iron. It was observed that the beginning of solidification of the zone fusion occurred through epitaxial growth. The WM solidification morphology was basically cellular influenced by temperature gradient, solidification rate and chemical composition. Variations in chemical composition and solidification morphology did not significantly alter the Vickers microhardness values in the melting zone. Results obtained in tensile tests indicated adequate mechanical behavior for the joints using AISI 304 as filler rod; those exhibited a ductile fracture behavior with the presence of dimples. However, the AISI 316L joints failure prematurely resulting in a fragile behavior.

Effect of curing media on the performance of clay bricks partially stabilised with pulverised cow bone ash

Purpose The purpose of this study is to advance the application of pulverised cow bone ash (PCBA) as a partial replacement of cement in soil stabilisation for the production of bricks. The study investigated the impact of PCBA substitution on the characteristic strength of clay bricks under variant curing media. Design/methodology/approach Dried cow bones were pulverised, and an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence test was conducted on PCBA samples to determine the chemical constituents and ascertain the pozzolanic characteristics. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and PCBA were blended at 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 0% of cement substitution by mass to stabilise lateritic clay at 10% total binder content for the production of bricks. The binder-to-lateritic clay matrixes were used to produce clay bricks and cylinders for compressive and splitting tensile strength tests, respectively. Findings The study found that PCBA and OPC have similar chemical compositions. The strength of the clay bricks increased with curing age, and the thermal curing of clay bricks positively impacted the strength development. The study established that PCBA is a suitable substitute for cement, up to 25% for stabilisation in clay brick production. Practical implications Construction stakeholders can successfully use a PCBA-OPC binder blend of 1:3 to stabilise clay at 10% total binder content for the production of bricks. The stabilised clay bricks should be cured at an elevated temperature of approximately 90°C for 48 h to achieve satisfactory performance. Originality/value The PCBA-OPC binder blend provides adequate soil stabilisation for the production of clay bricks and curing the clay bricks at elevated temperature. This aspect of the biomass/OPC binder blend has not been explored for brick production, and this is important for the reduction of the environmental impacts of cement production and waste from abattoirs.

(Invited) Electrodeposition of Manganese Arsenides (MnxAs) as Promising Candidates in Spintronics

Spintronics is a new branch of electronics in which the spin of the electrons as well as their charge is manipulated to produce a desired outcome. Spintronic devices are particularly attractive for memory storage and magnetic sensor applications, and potentially for quantum computing where the electron spin would represent a bit of information. Nowadays many efforts are made to increase the efficiency and lower the production costs of these materials, among others the use of molecular inorganic compounds and cheap preparation techniques [1].Most of these layers are synthesized with physical and/or vapor phase techniques [2] which allow to obtain materials with a very few defects, but which are complex to manage and typically very expensive. For this reason, in this study we have searched for a way to electrochemically deposit a compound with interesting spintronic properties in the aqueous medium. In fact, electrodeposition is notoriously a very cheap, versatile and easily scalable technique.With this purpose Mn-As system was selected thanks to its good magnetic and transport properties to be used as building blocks for spin valve [3]. MnAs has potential applications in spintronics, for electrical spin injection into GaAs and Si based devices [4] and DFT simulations predict that Mn2As and Mn3As have a low magnetization saturation and a high spin polarization at the Fermi-level [5]. Starting from MnSO4 and NaAsO2 precursors solutions with various concentrations, supporting electrolytes and pH were tested.The electrochemical behaviour of the precursors was investigated with cyclic voltammetries and both potentiostatic as well as galvanostatic deposition were carried out. The deposits obtained were morphologically and compositional characterised with scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), the chemical states were analysed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the crystalline structure was investigated with X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD). The preliminary magnetic and transport measurements evidence the promising properties of this deposition process to provide spinfiltering materials.The authors acknowledge Regione Toscana POR CreO FESR 2014-2020 – azione 1.1.5 sub-azione A1 – Bando 1 “Progetti Strategici di ricerca e sviluppo” which made possible the project “RAM-PVD” (CUP 3647.04032020.157000057_1225).

DETERMINATION OF THE LEACHING TENDENCIES OF VARIOUS ROOFING SHEETS MODELLED AS RAIN WATER HARVESTERS IN IMO STATE NIGERIA

Runoff rain water from roofing materials is a predominant channel for obtaining drinking water for most inhabitants in Imo State Nigeria as such water is even kept in storage tanks for later usage.. Analysis of four different roofing materials used in the area- Zinc, Aluminum Metro tiles and Galvanized iron roofing sheets (Zinc) was carried out to determine their chemical content and leaching abilities. 5gms of each sheet was separately ground to powder and elemental analysis using a compact multi-element bench top Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescent (EDXRF) EDX3600B by Skyray Instrument (precision: 0.0% deviation; detection limit: 0.0001% (1ppm) - 99.99%) was carried out. The research showed the metro tile roofing sheet contains toxic metals like lead; Pb(0.0962 mg/kg), Al (2.1380 mg/kg), Cr (0.1988 mg/kg) and Mn(0.2163 mg/kg) unlike the rest which roughly contain Al (1.0407 mg/kg), Zn (0.9000 mg/kg), Mn(0.1057 mg/kg) and Fe (1.0008 mg/kg). Leaching capability of the four sheets was determined.Rainwater was harvested into clean plastic container previously washed and rinsed severally. Simple leaching experiment was carried out. The sheets were cut into sizes of (4 by 4)cm and the surface areas measured. Each was introduced into a separate beaker with 150ml rainwater (mentioned) for 24 hours. The sheets were then removed from the rainwater and their surface areas re-measured. The resultant waters and the unused rainwater- the control, were analysed using Agilent 240 AA Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The result detected that the metro tile roofing sheet decreased by 0.01cm in its surface area and was observed to have leached out Al (0.028mg/kg) and Pb(0.0060mg/kg) into the water. This can be hazardous by accumulation if proven.More work on this is still in the pipeline.

Pigment Identification and Depth Profile in Pictorial Artworks by Non-Invasive Hybrid XRD-XRF Portable System

A non-invasive XRD-XRF portable system for Archaeometry based on Angle and Energy Dispersive XRD (Hybrid XRD) plus XRF has been previously proposed by the authors. It gathers an attractive compromise between analytical performance and measurement time, as well as a higher energy penetration with respect to conventional Angle Dispersive XRD (ADXRD). Penetration to inside layers, usually perceived as an inconvenient for non-invasive portable XRF or XRD analyzer, can instead be informative for the proposed hybrid XRD-XRF system to perform depth profiling analysis. This hybrid configuration harness from the redundancy of the data, in the sense that a single XRF or XRD specimen, taken at the same sample point, appears in multiple spectrograms to account for data counting statistics. On this work, the performance of the system on standard reference material, as well as the identification of pigments in the surface layer of paintings is evaluated. Specific Hybrid data processing was conceived to examine the layer structure of the painting, by distinguishing signal patterns of the exposed and the under layers. The system is ventured for the first time to the study of pictorial artworks in coffin and cartonnage samples from ancient Egyptian sarcophagi. Prussian blue pigment in a modeled painting is also discussed.

Use of elemental profiles determined by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence and multivariate analyses to detect adulteration in Ceylon cinnamon.

The price of Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) is around twice as high as that of the other cinnamon varieties commonly grouped under the name cassia cinnamon, making the former spice an attractive target for fraudsters. This work demonstrates that elemental profiles obtained by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence in combination with multivariate analyses can be used as a screening method to detect Ceylon cinnamon adulteration. Thirty-six elements were analysed in 52 commercially available cinnamon samples, 29 Ceylon, 8 cassia, and 15 for which no indication about variety was provided. Fifty-eight percent of the samples were either adulterated or did not meet international quality criteria. Four of the ground cinnamon samples labelled as Ceylon cinnamon were found to be pure cassia or a mixture with a high cassia content, and 26 samples were suspected of other types of adulteration including replacement of bark with other parts of the cinnamon tree. Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and ash determination by thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the conclusions reached by elemental analysis. Only one sample labelled as Ceylon cinnamon and that according to its volatile composition was cassia cinnamon was not flagged as suspicious by elemental analysis.

Enhanced immune responses in dexamethasone immunosuppressed male rats supplemented with herbal extracts, chitosan nanoparticles, and their conjugates

Nowadays, the world is challenged with highly contagious diseases, one of their preliminary virulence mechanisms is the suppression of innate immunity. Therefore, promoting natural immunity is a good precautionary strategy. we investigated and compared the effects of several natural herbal extracts -Moringa oleifera, Ziziphus spina christi, and Saussurea costus, and chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs)- as well as conjugated extracts with CS NPs on the immunological parameters of dexamethasone immunosuppressed (IS) male rats. The plant extracts were assessed for total flavonoids, phenolics, and antioxidant activity. The CS NPs and their conjugates were characterized using particles size, zeta potentials, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The chemical analysis of the plant extracts, CS NPs, and their conjugates was performed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, and their cytotoxicity was evaluated in human lung fibroblast (WI-38) and human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cell lines. For in vivo evaluations, 72 adult male rats were divided into 9 groups: control, IS, three plant extracts, CS, and conjugates of the three plant extracts and CS NPs. Oral supplementation (day after day) lasted for 28 days. Liver, kidney, and spleen tissue samples were collected for histopathology and Ki-67 expression analyses. The results revealed that the plant extracts and CS improved the total leukocyte counts, complement 3, complement 4, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor levels at day 28. However, the plant extract-CS NPs conjugates faster and have higher immunostimulatory effects at day 14. Furthermore, the atrophied white pulp of the spleen induced by dexamethasone was alleviated, and Ki-67 expression was elevated in all the treated groups. Conclusively, the conjugates of Moringa oleifera, Ziziphus spina christi, and Saussurea costus extract with CS NPs demonstrated more potent and rapid immune responses at lower doses and concentrations compared to the plant extracts or CS NPs alone, without causing liver or kidney injuries. Thus, supplementation of these conjugated plant extracts at lower doses and concentrations is recommended to improve immunity while considering safety considerations.

The Compressive Strength and Microstructure of Alkali-Activated Mortars Utilizing By-Product-Based Binary-Blended Precursors

Researchers have investigated the feasibility of using ultrafine palm oil fuel ash (u-POFA) as a cement replacement material because of its potential to reduce the environmental impact of concrete production. u-POFA, a by-product of palm oil fuel combustion, is a suitable replacement for Portland cement in concrete mixes because of its sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This study investigated the microstructural and compressive strengths of alkali-activated mortars (AAMs) based on fly ash (FA) and granulated blast-furnace slag (GBFS) being added with varying percentages of u-POFA. The mixture samples were prepared in eighteen mortars using sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3) as the source material and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the alkaline activator. This study used field-emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to characterize the binary-blended mortars after 28 days of curing and determined the strength of the FA+GBFS (87.80 MPa), u-POFA+GBFS (88.87 MPa), and u-POFA+FA mortars (54.82 MPa). The mortars’ compressive strength was influenced by the CaO/SiO2 and SiO2/Al2O3 ratios in the mixture, which was directly due to the formation rate of geopolymer products of the calcium–alumina–silicate–hydrate (C–(A)–S–H), aluminosilicate (N–A–S–H), and calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) phases. Based on the contents of FA and GBFS, u-POFA significantly enhanced concrete strength; therefore, u-POFA used in a suitable proportion could enhance binary-blended AAMs’ microstructure.

Morphological and structural analysis of iron-rich porcelains excavated from the Jian kiln site of Song dynasty.

Iron-rich porcelains generally embrace relatively high iron concentration in the glaze and body, which have an important position in the history of ancient Chinese high-temperature ceramics. The colour and lustre of glaze patterns are closely related to the orientation and order of crystallisation. In this work, three representative types of iron-rich porcelains (persimmon red-glazed sample, oil spot-glazed sample and mirror black-glazed sample) were analysed by portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (PXRF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and laser Raman spectroscopy (RS) to determine the morphology, chemical composition and microstructure. Results showed that layered structure was observed in both persimmon red and oil spot glazes, however with respective thickness. Besides, iron-enriched crystals mostly precipitated on glaze surface. For the persimmon red sample, multilayer microstructure consisting of three sublayers beneath glaze surface was identified. Crystals and dark red substrates were all made of ε-Fe2 O3 , implying that it was fired at a strong reducing atmosphere. But for the oil spot sample, large-scale leaf-shaped crystals were well characteristic of ε-Fe2 O3 , while small snowflake-shaped crystals were assigned to α-Fe2 O3 , indicating that the firing environment was partially reduced. In addition, there was no crystalline layer existing on surface of mirror black-glazed porcelain, and plain black glaze layer was featured by a glassy matrix. The Jian kiln is a famous ancient folk kiln in the southern China that is currently located in Jianyang county of Fujian province. Its production of black-glazed porcelain began in the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), became prosperous in the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279 AD), and declined and ended in the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368 AD). Black-glazed Jian tea bowls were perfect for highlighting the rich white tea decoction. The thick and lustrous black glaze of Jian bowls sometimes were featured by streaked or mottled patterns, usually recognised by 'hare's fur (HF)', 'oil spot (OS)', 'partridge spot (PS)' and so on, which were the crystalline markings of iron oxide precipitated during firing in the dragon kiln. Iron oxide acted as a colorant for black-glazed porcelain and, thus, was called as iron-rich porcelain. The unique patterns originated from local iron-enrichment raw materials and firing process, and the locally iron-enriched areas generated due to the supersaturated crystallisation of different iron oxide in the cooling period. It was generally believed that research studies on the crystallographic nature and growth mechanism of surface crystals would provide help for the manufacturing of ancient Chinese glazes. With this aim, three types of iron-rich porcelain excavated from the Jian kiln were selected to further study the forming cause and growth process of glaze patterns using a series of characterisation methods, like portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (PXRF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and laser Raman spectroscopy (RS).

Direct analysis of algae for determination of major and minor elements using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF)

The current study aimed to determine the major and minor elements in different algal species using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Eight microalgae were isolated, and the dry powder of biomass was pressed for EDXRF. The results showed all chemical compositions in each of the isolates. The major elements were detected as Ca, K, Cl, Si, Mg, and Mn, respectively, with high concentrations in percentages for most algal species including Chara hispida, Chara spp, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella spp, Chlorella spp, and Spirogyra turfosa. The minor elements with low percentages were detected as Mn, S, Fe, Al, P and Sr. Whereas the major elements for Spirulina platensis and Nostoc punctiforme were detected as Fe, K, S, the minor elements were seen to include Ca, Cl, Si, Mg, and Mn. There are very few studies that determine the elements in microalgae with EDXRF, which is a rapid, easy method to determine what components and in what quantities they are contained to be used (no chemical pre-treatments are required). Algae contain elements like iron, and calcium, which are vital microelements for dietary intake and metabolism in humans. Algae could be useful if further studies are done on the efficiency of microalgae for calcium and iron absorption in human subjects.

Study of Micro-Samples from the Open-Air Rock Art Site of Cueva de la Vieja (Alpera, Albacete, Spain) for Assessing the Performance of a Desalination Treatment.

In this work, some micro-samples belonging to the open-air rock art site of Cueva de la Vieja (Alpera, Albacete, Spain) were analysed. These samples were collected after and before a desalination treatment was carried out, with the aim of removing a whitish layer of concretion that affected the painted panel. The diagnostic study was performed to study the conservation state of the panel, and to then confirm the effectiveness of the treatment. Micro energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were employed for the characterization of the degradation product as well as that of the mineral substrate and pigments. The micro-samples analysis demonstrated that the painted layer was settled on a dolomitic limestone with silicon aggregates and aluminosilicates as well as iron oxides. The whitish crust was composed by sulfate compounds such as gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) with a minor amount of epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O). An extensive phenomenon of biological activity has been demonstrated since then in almost all of the samples that have been analysed, and the presence of calcium oxalates monohydrate (CaC2O4·H2O) and dehydrate (CaC2O4·2H2O) were found. The presence of both calcium oxalates probably favoured the conservation of the pictographs. In addition, some carotenoids pigments, scytonemin (C36H20N2O4), and astaxanthin (C40H52O4) were characterized both by Raman spectroscopy and by X-ray diffraction. Hematite was found as a pigment voluntarily used for the painting of the panels used in a mixture with hydroxyapatite and amorphous carbon. The results of the analyses of the samples taken after the cleaning treatment confirmed a substantial decrease in sulphate formation on the panel surface.

Magnetically Induced Binary Ferrocene with Oxidized Iron.

Ferrocene is perhaps the most popular and well-studied organometallic molecule, but our understanding of its structure and electronic properties has not changed for more than 70 years. In particular, all previous attempts of chemically oxidizing pure ferrocene by binding directly to the iron center have been unsuccessful, and no significant change in structure or magnetism has been reported. Using a metal organic framework host material, we were able to fundamentally change the electronic and magnetic structure of ferrocene to take on a never-before observed physically stretched/bent high-spin Fe(II) state, which readily accepts O2 from air, chemically oxidizing the iron from Fe(II) to Fe(III). We also show that the binding of oxygen is reversible through temperature swing experiments. Our analysis is based on combining Mößbauer spectroscopy, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, in situ infrared, SQUID, thermal gravimetric analysis, and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy measurements with ab initio modeling.

Art and technique of Cuojinyin: Two belt hooks from luoyang of eastern zhou dynasty

Cuojinyin is an inlay technique for delicately decorating the surface of bronze and iron wares. It takes advantage of the ductility of gold and silver to perfectly embed them into prepared grooves on the surface of bronze and iron wares without traces of using adhesives. This paper presents preliminary analyses of two belt hooks with cuojinyin decoration excavated from Luoyang, the capital of Eastern Zhou, dated to the Warring States Period. Non-destructive analytical methods including Ultra-Depth Three-Dimensional Microscope and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) were conducted to obtain analytical data and reconstruct the manufacturing process. Several interesting technical features were observed such as the secondary casting of tin–lead alloy, the elemental composition of which is totally different from the bronze surface, and the chasing marks inside the casted grooves for gold and silver inlay. The aesthetic orientation and technical details of cuojinyin not only indicate inspirations from the nomadic world and the long distance interaction across the Eurasia, but also reflect the long developed local tradition in ancient China laid in bronze mold casting technology and turquoise inlay.