Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy Analysis Research Articles

REPROGRAMMING FILAMENTOUS FD VIRUSES TO CAPTURE COPPER IONS.

C-terminal truncated variants (A, VA, NVA, ANVA, FANVA and GFANVA) of our recently identified Cu(II) specific peptide "HGFANVA" were displayed on filamentous fd phages. Wild type fd-tet and engineered virus variants were treated with 100 mM Cu(II) solution at a final phage concentration of 1011vir/ml and 1012vir/ml. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging before Cu(II) exposure showed»6-8 nm thick filamentous virus layer formation. Cu(II) treatment resulted in aggregated bundle-like assemblies with mineral deposition. HGFANVA phage formed aggregates with an excessive mineral coverage. As the virus concentration was 10-fold decreased, nanowire-like assemblies were observed for shorter peptide variants A, NVA and ANVA. Wild type fd phages did not show any mineral formation. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses revealed the presence of C and N peaks on phage organic material. Cu peak was only detected for engineered viruses. Metal ion binding of viruses was next investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses. Engineered viruses were able to bind Cu(II) forming mineralized intertwined structures although no His (H) unit was displayed. Such genetically reprogrammed virus based biological materials can be further applied for bioremediation studies to achieve a circular economy.

Usability of sand samples in TL Radiation Dosimetry.

This study investigated natural sand thermoluminescence (TL) response as a possible option for retrospective high-dose gamma dosimetry. The natural sand under investigation was collected from six locations with selection criteria for sampling sites covering the highest probability of exposure to unexpected radiation on the Egyptian coast. Dose-response, glow curve, chemical composition, linearity, and fading rate for different sand samples were studied. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analysis revealed differences in chemical composition among the various geological sites, leading to variations in TL glow curve intensity. Sand samples collected from Ras Sedr, Taba, Suez, and Enshas showed similar TL patterns, although with different TL intensities. Beach sands of Matrouh and North Coastal with a high calcite content did not show a clear linear response to the TL technique, in the dose range of 10Gy up to 30kGy. The results show that most sand samples are suitable as a radiation dosimeter at accidental levels of exposure. It is proposed here that for high-dose gamma dosimetry with doses ranging from 3 to 10kGy, a single calibration factor might be enough for TL measurements using sand samples. However, proper calibration might allow dose assessment for doses even up to 30kGy. Most of the investigated sand samples had nearly stable fading rates after seven days of storage. The Ras Sedr sands sample was the most reliable for retrospective dose reconstruction.

Green Synthesis of Silver doped Zinc Oxide/Magnesium Oxide Nanocomposite for Waste Water Treatment and Examination of their Cytotoxicity Properties

This research attempted to prepare silver-doped zinc oxide/magnesium oxide nanocomposite (Ag-doped ZnO/MgO-NCP) using Mentha pulegium plant extract. The synthesized NCP was investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Mapping, and UV-Visible analyses. The XRD data displayed cubic crystal structures for silver & magnesium oxide and a hexagonal framework for zinc oxide. Also, FESEM and PSA images of NCP pointed out, that the average size of the spherical morphology is about 10 to 16 nm, while the analysis of EDX confirmed the attendance of Zn, Mg, Ag, and O elements. Under UVA light, we tested the photocatalytic activity of NCP to the degradation of Methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes in various temperatures (400, 500, and 600 °C). The results of the photocatalytic test displayed that the degradation percentage of MB dye in pH = 9, nanocomposite amount ∼ 30 mg, and dye concentration ∼ 1×10 -5 M was about 98%. We also evaluated the cytotoxicity of nanocomposite on cancer CT-26 cell line through the MTT method and obtained an IC50 value of 250 μg/mL.

Formation mechanism and improved remedy of thermal property of cold shut surface defects in Vortex Flow Meters: Numerical simulation and experimental verification in investment casting of 316 L stainless steel

The purpose of this study aims to investigate the leading causes of CS (Cold Shut) defects in VFM (Vortex Flow Meters) of intricate geometric configuration and propose improvement strategies to leverage the thermal property in the vicinity of thin-walled regions, such as insulation-enhanced uniformly distributed temperature via ceramic core embedment. First, penetrant testing reveals whether the defect is a penetrating-type defect. Second, several extensive material characterization techniques such as optical microscopy (OM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, and charge-coupled device (CCD) were employed to provide deeper insights into the formation and morphology of defects. Third, numerical simulations and experimental verifications were utilized to further analyze the causes of CS defects in vortex flowmeters. Fourth, effective preventive measures were designed after identifying the causes of defects, which involved using ceramic cores to replace the shell at deep and thin-walled locations. A virtual thermo-dynamic sensor (VTDS) was used to analyze the temperature distribution in the area before and after the installation of ceramic cores. The results indicate that the temperature in the defect area increased by >40 degrees during the filling period from 2.5 s to 5 s. Additionally, adequate thermal uniformity was achieved through the high thermal conductivity of the ceramic material, thereby reducing the cooling rate and the coefficient of kinematic viscosity in that area, leading to improved fluidity of the molten iron. Ultimately, the occurrence rate of CS defects decreased from 42.6 % to 0 %.

The production of $B_{4}C$ reinforced metal matrix composite from waste $AZ91$ magnesium alloy using the ball milling method

In this study, the Mg/$B_4$C composite reinforced with boron carbide particles was produced by mechanical milling method using waste AZ91 magnesium alloy chips. The mechanical and tribological properties of the produced composites were investigated through hardness and wear tests. A mixture of AZ91 magnesium alloy chips, aluminum, and $B_4$C powders was milled at a rotation speed of 300 rpm with a ball-to-powder ratio of 20:1 for 3 hours. The milled powders were first cold pressed and then sintered at 550 °C for 3 hours. In density measurement, it was observed that the sample reinforced with B4C exhibited an increase in density. In X-ray diffraction analysis, peaks corresponding to Mg, $Mg_{17}Al_{12}$, and MgO were detected, while the $B_4$C phase could not be identified. On the other hand, $B_4$C particles in the microstructure were revealed in the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that the Mg/$B_4$C composite had lower porosity, consistent with density measurements. It was found that the hardness and wear resistance of the Mg/B4C composite were higher than those of the Mg alloy, which can be attributed to the presence of homogenously distributed hard B4C particles within the microstructure.

Biofabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Using Green Seaweed: Characterisation and Antibacterial Evaluation

This study investigates the Chaetomorpha antennina (CA) seaweed-mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesis process of silver nanoparticles was monitored over time with the help of an Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer and further characterisation studies were also performed. Differential Light Scattering (DLS) measurements revealed a mean particle size of approximately 103.5nm and a mean zeta potential value of -57.5mV for AgNPs. The spherical shape and size of the AgNPs were confirmed through High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) imaging, while Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX) analysis provided insights into the elemental composition. The concentration of AgNPs was estimated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The antibacterial potential of AgNPs was evaluated against both gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and gram-negative bacterial strains (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Shigella dysentriae, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis) using the agar well diffusion method. From the results, AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and S. typhi among all the tested concentration levels (25, 50, 75 and 100μl).

Surface modification of TiO2 with MPS and its effects on the wettability and physical properties of Kawayan Kiling (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad ex. Wendl) handsheets

The need for hydrophobic papers has steadily increased over past years. These papers are often sought after as packaging materials and have high demand in the food industry and medicine. In this study, various concentrations of surface-modified TiO2-MPS were added to Kawayan Kiling (B. vulgaris) pulp at the wet-end section of handsheet formation. Surface-modified TiO2-MPS was made from nano-titanium (IV) oxide using 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate as a coupling agent. The wettability of handsheets and physical properties were tested using various standard methods. Results reveal that the handsheets without surface-modified TiO2-MPS had the lowest water contact angle (WCA), while the handsheet with 12.34% (w/w) surface-modified TiO2-MPS had the highest WCA. At 17% (w/w) surface-modified TiO2-MPS, the WCA rapidly declined. Handsheets with surface-modified TiO2-MPS have a rougher surface compared to the handsheets without chemicals and handsheets with unmodified TiO2. This roughness made the handsheet hydrophobic. The handsheet with 12.34% (w/w) unmodified TiO2 has a smoother surface than the control handsheet. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis shows that the handsheet with 12.34% (w/w) unmodified TiO2 contained titanium, while the handsheet with 12.34% (w/w) surface-modified TiO2-MPS contained both titanium and silicon. Generally, the physical properties of handsheets improved with surface-modified TiO2-MPS, especially grammage, bulk thickness, tensile index, and water absorptiveness, which showed statistically sig-nificant differences across treatments. The tear index did not differ between treatments.

The Influence of Biologically Synthesized Copper Nanoparticles on the Biofilm Produced by Staphylococcus haemolyticus 1solated from Seminal Fluid

     Staphylococcus haemolyticus is one of the most frequently isolated coagulase-negative staphylococci. The ability to form biofilm is considered as one of the most important virulence factors of coagulase negative staphylococci. There is only limited knowledge of the nature of S. haemolyticus biofilms. This study was aimed at evaluating the ability of S. haemolyticus strains to produce biofilm in the presence of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs). The biological synthesis of nanoparticles is an environmentally friendly approach for large-scale production of nanoparticles. Copper oxide nanoparticles were produced in the current study from the S. haemolyticus viable cell filtrate. UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and zeta potential (ZP) analysis were used to analyze the newly synthesized CuONPs. Our findings revealed that at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), CuONPs showed remarkable inhibition on the biofilms produced by multidrug resistant (MDR) S. haemolyticus isolates.

Shaping of thermal protective properties of basalt fabric-based composites by direct surface modification using magnetron sputtering technique

Abstract A direct modification of the surface of the basalt fabric was carried out by using magnetron sputtering to obtain composites intended for effective protection against contact and radiant heat. One-layer composite with a coating of aluminum (Al) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), two-layer composite with a coating of Al/ZrO2, and two-layer composite with a coating of Al/(ZrO2 + titanium dioxide [TiO2]) were deposited on the fabric surface. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis was used to assess the coating on basalt fabrics and determine their chemical composition. Parameters such as thermal conductivity coefficient, resistance to radiant heat, and resistance to contact heat for a contact temperature of 250°C were determined for assessment of the composites from the point of view of protective properties. The similarity analysis of composites was performed to state the impact of coating components’ content and coating thickness on chosen parameters. It was found that a two-layer composite in which the outer layer is Al and the inner layer is a mixture of ZrO2 and TiO2 provides good thermal insulation properties. The composites capable of protecting against contact heat at the first efficiency level and against radiant heat at the second efficiency level were obtained.

Influence of electrical field on the susceptibility of gallium nitride transistors to proton irradiation

Radiation susceptibility of electronic devices is commonly studied as a function of radiation energetics and device physics. Often overlooked is the presence or magnitude of the electrical field, which we hypothesize to play an influential role in low energy radiation. Accordingly, we present a comprehensive study of low-energy proton irradiation on gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), turning the transistor ON or OFF during irradiation. Commercially available GaN HEMTs were exposed to 300 keV proton irradiation at fluences varying from 3.76 × 1012 to 3.76 × 1014 cm2, and the electrical performance was evaluated in terms of forward saturation current, transconductance, and threshold voltage. The results demonstrate that the presence of an electrical field makes it more susceptible to proton irradiation. The decrease of 12.4% in forward saturation and 19% in transconductance at the lowest fluence in ON mode suggests that both carrier density and mobility are reduced after irradiation. Additionally, a positive shift in threshold voltage (0.32 V and 0.09 V in ON and OFF mode, respectively) indicates the generation of acceptor-like traps due to proton bombardment. high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis reveal significant defects introduction and atom intermixing near AlGaN/GaN interfaces and within the GaN layer after the highest irradiation dose employed in this study. According to in-situ Raman spectroscopy, defects caused by irradiation can lead to a rise in self-heating and a considerable increase in (∼750 times) thermoelastic stress in the GaN layer during device operation. The findings indicate device engineering or electrical biasing protocol must be employed to compensate for radiation-induced defects formed during proton irradiation to improve device durability and reliability.

Corrosion of Zinc Cold Spray Coatings in a Wet Sweet and Sour Gas Environment.

ABSTRACT Internal corrosion is a problem for steel pipelines transporting natural gas or CO2 containing water and partial pressures of H2S higher than 0.3 kPa (0.05 psi). This work aims to mitigate internal corrosion in steel pipelines transporting natural gas containing H2S using cold spray coatings. Two types of the cold spray binary metallic coatings (zinc chromium (ZnCr), zinc niobium (ZnNb)) were studied using electrochemical techniques: potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), linear polarization resistance (LPR), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The corrosion resistance of cold spray coatings (ZnCr, ZnNb) was evaluated in an environment containing 4 bar CO2 pressure, simulating the partial pressures found in gas transmission lines over a solution of 3.5 wt.% NaCl heated to 40 °C. A concentration of 0.003 M Na2S2O3.5H2O, which corresponds to H2S partial pressures around 0.079 bar (1.146 psi), was used to simulate sour conditions. Post-corrosion surface characterization was performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The data showed that the presence of 0.003 M Na2S2O3.5H2O shifted the corrosion potential to more anodic values and decreased the corrosion current density. Both coatings showed similar behavior after 1 hour of exposure in the CO2/H2S environment, indicating that similar electrochemical reactions were occurring on ZnNb and ZnCr. SEM images and EDS surface analyses for specimens showed a significant change in the surface chemical composition of carbon steel coated with ZnNb and ZnCr after 24 hours of immersion. In the presence of thiosulfate (under sour conditions), the formation of corrosion product layers (ZnCO3 and ZnS) on top of ZnNb and ZnCr coatings increased their corrosion resistance, which helped to reduce their corrosion by a factor of 2. Under a sweet environment. The corrosion rates for steel coated with cold spray coatings after 14 days of exposure are lower than that for galvanized steel by a factor of 5 due to the ZnCO3 layer formed on top of the coatings. The ZnCO3 layer formed on the steel surface acts as a physical barrier against corrosion by blocking the diffusion of corrosive species to the surface. No localized attack was observed. ZnCr Cold spray coating with defect showed promising corrosion protection against CO2 corrosion (sweet corrosion) after 14 days of exposure to a CO2 environment. The scratch on the coating simulated damage created in service, and it was deep enough to expose the substrate material (steel). The formation of zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc carbonate (ZnCO3) on the scratch confirmed the cathodic protection of the steel by ZnCr and ZnNb coatings.

Influence of TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Physical, Mechanical, and Structural Characteristics of Cementitious Composites with Recycled Aggregates

The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles (NTs) on the physical and mechanical properties, as well as the microstructural changes, of cementitious composites containing partially substituted natural aggregates (NAs) with aggregates derived from the following four recycled materials: glass (RGA), brick (RGB), blast-furnace slag (GBA), and recycled textolite waste with WEEE (waste from electrical and electronic equipment) as the primary source (RTA), in line with sustainable construction practices. The research methodology included the following phases: selection and characterization of raw materials, formulation design, experimental preparation and testing of specimens using standardized methods specific to cementitious composite mortars (including determination of apparent density in the hardened state, mechanical strength in compression, flexure, and abrasion, and water absorption by capillarity), and structural analysis using specialized techniques (scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)). The analysis and interpretation of the results focused primarily on identifying the effects of NT addition on the composites. Results show a decrease in density resulting from replacing NAs with recycled aggregates, particularly in the case of RGB and RTA. Conversely, the introduction of TiO2 nanoparticles resulted in a slight increase in density, ranging from 0.2% for RTA to 7.4% for samples containing NAs. Additionally, the introduction of TiO2 contributes to improved compressive strength, especially in samples containing RTA, while flexural strength benefits from a 3–4% TiO2 addition in all composites. The compressive strength ranged from 35.19 to 70.13 N/mm2, while the flexural strength ranged from 8.4 to 10.47 N/mm2. The abrasion loss varied between 2.4% and 5.71%, and the water absorption coefficient varied between 0.03 and 0.37 kg/m2m0.5, the variations being influenced by both the nature of the aggregates and the amount of NTs added. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis showed that TiO2 nanoparticles are uniformly distributed in the cementitious composites, mainly forming CSH gel. TiO2 nanoparticles act as nucleating agents during early hydration, as confirmed by EDS spectra after curing.

Enhanced susceptibility of high-strength fastener nuts to hydrogen-induced stress corrosion cracking

Abstract High-strength HV-fastener sets of dimensions M48 and M64 with property class 10.9 were employed in offshore wind turbine frameworks. The M64 were used in coupling flanges within monopiles. The M48 were employed in another offshore wind farm and encountered natural weathering. In both installations, time-delayed fractures of the nuts were observed. Owing to the presence of macroscopically visible corrosion products, hydrogen-induced stress corrosion cracking (Hi-SCC) was established as the probable cause of failure. However, a nut fracture in a properly pre-tensioned bolt assembly is atypical since the stresses in the bolt threads are higher than those in the nuts. Based on the Hi-SCC theory, the fracture should occur at the most stressed component, which is the bolt. During the root cause analysis, extensive examinations were conducted to determine the cause of the nut fractures. The focus was on investigating whether the nut material was more prone to Hi-SCC than the bolt material. The examination program included scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis of the fracture surfaces, optical microscopy of microspecimens, mechanical tests, and stress rupture tests of hydrogen-charged specimens. While the results suggest that the tested nuts comply with the requirements of the applicable standards regarding material properties, they also reveal that the nut material is, despite its lower tensile strength, significantly more susceptible to Hi-SCC than the bolt material. Therefore, a direct relationship between material susceptibility to Hi-SCC and the tensile strength, as standards and guidelines imply, is not given.

Residual stress and subsurface damage in sapphire ultra-precision grinding

This study conducted experiments on ultra-precision grinding of sapphire using various strategies. It evaluated surface and subsurface characteristics across multiple dimensions, including morphology, scale, mechanical properties, residual stresses, lattice distortions, in-service properties, and chemical components. The research aimed to explore the intrinsic relationship between these behaviours. The findings revealed that both semi-finish grinding and ultra-precision grinding achieved ductile and low-roughness surfaces, with surface hardness enhancement near the grinding surface. Additionally, Raman spectra wave shifts were able to distinguish residual stresses at different grinding strategies, with larger stresses observed in ultra-precision grinding compared to semi-finish grinding and rough grinding. Furthermore, dense etching dislocation pits were observed on the ultra-precision grinding surface, responding to the scale of residual stress. The presence of larger subsurface cracks in semi-finish grinding and rough grinding was found to contribute to the release of residual stress. Moreover, ultra-precision grinding significantly reduced subsurface damage compared to rough grinding, with a reduction from 23.8 μm to 4.3 μm. Photothermal absorption during rough grinding was noted to be over 10 times higher than in ultra-precision grinding. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that subsurface damage included microcrack-induced line defects and uniform plastic deformation areas. This damage involved lattice aberrations, dislocations, stacking faults, and thin amorphous layers. The hardness and modulus of the subsurface damage layer were observed to decrease. Additionally, Raman spectra wave shifts were able to distinguish the subsurface damage layer in ultra-precision grinding. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis showed no change in the chemical components of the subsurface damage layer. Furthermore, a model was proposed to evaluate subsurface damage based on residual stress, and the mechanism of residual stress inducing damage in ultra-precision grinding was further analysed.

New Insights in Metallurgical Manufacturing in the Caucasian Area: The Case Study of Artefacts from the Samshvilde Citadel Ruins (South Georgia)

An archaeometric approach was applied to the study of the hoard found in the Samshvilde fortress, one of the richest areas of archaeological artefacts in Caucasian Georgia, since it is representative of the historical events from the Neolithic period until the most recent epochs. In this context, four coins dated back to the 12th–13th centuries AD to the reign of King Giorgi III, Queen Tamar, and King Giorgi IV of Georgia underwent different analytical methods to collect information about the technological production process, the probable forge location, and their conservation state. Optical microscope observations provided details about the decorations, the stylistic aspects, and a preliminary evaluation of the conservation state. Portable X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed a composition consisting almost exclusively of copper with a lower amount of tin, lead, and silver. Moreover, degradation products (copper chlorides and sulphates) and cuprite patina were identified. The metal-supplying areas could be related to the nearby Bolnisi Mining District, and the forge location could coincide with the hoard location in Samshvilde, but further data and analyses are necessary.

Thiourea modulated supercapacitive behavior of reduced graphene oxide

In this report, we investigated the role of the concentration of nitrogen and sulfur containing thiourea in modulating the electrochemical properties of reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) by controlling the percentage of heteroatoms on the rGO surface. The synthesis route involved the preparation of Graphene Oxide (GO) using an improved method of synthesis in an economical way by reducing the volume of concentrated acids used. Furthermore, GO is reduced by using different mass proportions of thiourea via a simple reflux method. Characterization of the rGO samples by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDAX) and elemental analysis through CHNS analyzer exhibited successful doping and impact of nitrogen and sulfur atoms on the graphene framework. The comparative electrochemical performance from Cyclic Voltammograms (CV), Galvanostatic Charge Discharge (GCD) profiles and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements on the various rGO samples revealed the superiority of 1:8rGO having 15.190 wt% of nitrogen and 26.849 wt% of sulfur and S/N ratio of 1.768, in delivering highest specific capacitance of 465.21 F·g−1 at 1 mV·s−1 scan rate with a remarkable cyclic stability exhibiting a capacitive retention of 119 % and offering lowest charge transfer resistance and diffusion resistance. The study also demonstrated detrimental effect of excess thiourea on electrochemical properties of rGO. This work suggests an effective and simple approach for optimizing the nitrogen and sulfur content in rGO to enhance its electronic properties using thiourea.

Facile and Bioinspired Approach from Gallic Acid for the Synthesis of Biobased Flame Retardant Coatings of Basalt Fibers.

A sustainable, bioinspired approach to functionalize basalt fibers with an innovative gallic acid (GA)-iron phenyl phosphonate complex (BF-GA-FeP), for the purpose of improving the flame retardancy in composite materials, is developed. BFs were at first pretreated with O3, obtaining surface free hydroxyl groups that allowed the subsequent covalent immobilization of biosourced GA units on the fiber through ester linkages. Phenolic -OH groups of the GA units were then exploited for the complexation of iron phenyl phosphonate, resulting in the target-complex-coated BF fiber (BF-GA-FeP). Microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses of BF-GA-FeP highlighted an increase in iron content, modification of fiber morphology, and occurrence of phosphorus, respectively. BFs, modified with a low amount of the developed complex, were used to reinforce a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix in the production of a biocomposite (PLA/BF-FeP). PLA/BF-FeP showed a higher thermal stability than neat PLA and PLA reinforced with untreated BFs (PLA/BF), as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. The cone calorimeter test highlighted several advantages for PLA/BF-FeP, including a prolonged time to ignition, a reduced time to flame out, an 8% decrease in the peak heat release rate, and a 15% reduced fire propagating index compared to PLA/BF.

Suppression of Root Rot Fungal Diseases in Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) through the Application of Biologically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles.

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts has become a safe replacement for conventional chemical synthesis methods to fight plant pathogens. In this study, the antifungal activity of biosynthesized AgNPs was evaluated both in vitro and under greenhouse conditions against root rot fungi of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), including Macrophomina phaseolina, Pythium graminicola, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotium rolfsii. Among the eleven biosynthesized AgNPs, those synthesized using Alhagi graecorum plant extract displayed the highest efficacy in suppressing those fungi. The findings showed that using AgNPs made with A. graecorum at a concentration of 100 μg/mL greatly slowed down the growth of mycelium for R. solani, P. graminicola, S. rolfsii, and M. phaseolina by 92.60%, 94.44%, 75.93%, and 79.63%, respectively. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (75 μg/mL) of AgNPs synthesized by A. graecorum was very effective against all of these fungi, lowering the pre-emergence damping-off, post-emergence damping-off, and disease percent and severity in vitro and greenhouse conditions. Additionally, the treatment with AgNPs led to increased root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and vigor index of bean seedlings compared to the control group. The synthesis of nanoparticles using A. graecorum was confirmed using various physicochemical techniques, including UV spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Collectively, the findings of this study highlight the potential of AgNPs as an effective and environmentally sustainable approach for controlling root rot fungi in beans.

Fabrication of single-step novel synthesis of ZnCd(S0.5Se0.5)2 thin films for photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell application

In our study, we use a new method called the arrested precipitation technique (APT) to create CdZn(SSe)2 (CZSS) thin films. We obtain samples at different deposition times, ranging from 2.5 to 4 h, and analyze the effects of deposition time on the opto-structural, morphological, compositional, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar cell properties. As a result, we find that the band gap energy increases from 2.366 to 2.60 eV with prolonged growth time, as shown by UV–Vis spectra. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms that the crystal structure is hexagonal, with the crystallite size increasing from 76 to 93 nm. The dislocation density and microstrain, determined by the Scherrer formula, decrease from 1.72 to 1.14 lines m−2 and from 4.75 × 10−3 to 3.87 × 10−3 (lines m−2), respectively. These results are validated using the Williamson-Hall (WH) plot and size-strain plot. The average grain size, evaluated using the standard scale bar method in scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ranges from 80 to 150 nm across CZ1 to CZ4 samples. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of CZ4 and CZ2 reveal particle sizes of 101 nm and 87 nm, respectively, while selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns confirm the polycrystalline nature of the material. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirm the presence of Cd, Zn, S, and Se elements in their intended stoichiometry. Notably, CZSS photoelectrodes deposited over 4 h show better performance in Photoelectrochemical cells (PEC), achieving the highest photoconversion efficiency (ɳ) at 2.33 %, as evidenced by J-V measurements.

Comparative Analysis of Endodontic ISO Size 06, 08, and 10 Stainless Steel K-Files Used for Glide Path Procedures.

Small-sized stainless steel hand files are conventionally employed in root canal treatment procedures for canal scouting and for glide path establishment, owing to their superior flexibility and proficiency in navigating confined spaces. Given the diversity of brands available in the market, there exists potential variability in their physical characteristics, thereby influencing clinical performance. Consequently, this study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the design, metallurgy, and mechanical characteristics among seven stainless steel hand file brands across ISO sizes 06, 08, and 10. A total of 315 new 25 mm length stainless steel hand files with apical sizes of 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10 from seven distinct brands were included in the study. A meticulous inspection of all instruments was undertaken to identify any structural deformations that might render them ineligible for the study. The design inspection involved the random selection of instruments from each group, which were examined under various microscopes, including a dental operating microscope, optical microscope, and scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, two instruments from each group underwent energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis for elemental composition documentation. Mechanical tests were conducted to evaluate the instruments' resistance to lateral deformation (buckling) and their microhardness. Statistical analysis was executed using the nonparametric Mood's median test, with a predetermined significance level of 0.05. Regarding the instruments design, all files exhibited an active blade length ranging from 16 to 17 mm. However, variations were observed in the number of spirals, tip designs, and sizes, with the API K-File notably larger in sizes 0.06 and 0.08 compared to the other instruments. Despite uniform elements composition, differences in geometric features and mechanical properties were evident. Concerning buckling strength, the API K-File demonstrated superior performance across all tested sizes, while the Dentsply ReadySteel, SybronEndo, and Mani K-Files exhibited lower results (p < 0.05). In microhardness assessments, both the API and Oro K-Files displayed the lowest outcomes, with medians of 531 HVN and 532 HVN, respectively, whereas the SybronEndo K-File exhibited the highest microhardness (657 HVN). Despite similar metallurgical composition, the observed distinctions in geometric features and mechanical properties underscore the impact of the manufacturing process on the characteristics of glide path stainless steel endodontic files. These disparities may ultimately influence their clinical performance.