Growth Texture Research Articles

An Evaluation of the Effects of Pepper (Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim.) Leaf Extract on the Physiochemical Properties and Water Distribution of Chinese Cured Meat (Larou) During Storage.

In this study, pepper (Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim.) leaf (ZL) extract was added to larou to investigate the improvement in the quality of physicochemical properties, texture, water distribution, and microorganism growth during storage for 20 days. Based on the results, the addition of ZL extract significantly retarded the increase in cooking loss, TBARS value, hardness, and microorganism growth. Moreover, the addition of ZL extract decreased the pH value, lightness, and microorganism counts, and increased the moisture content, total soluble protein content, a* value, b* value, and chewiness. The LF-NMR results showed that the addition of ZL extract shortened the T2 relaxation time and boosted the proportion of immobilized water, facilitating the validation of the improvement in water retention of larou during storage. The FT-IR results indicated that the addition of ZL extract influenced the protein secondary structure by inducing the conversion of α-helices to β-sheet structures. Accordingly, ZL extract has the potential to serve as a natural antioxidant, effectively helping to ameliorate the quality properties of cured meat products during storage.

Transport and material properties of doped BiSbX topological insulator films grown by physical vapor deposition

Abstract Topological insulator (TI) BiSb is a promising material for spin–orbit torque (SOT) devices because it has a high spin Hall angle, relatively higher electrical conductivity, and can be produced at RT by physical vapor deposition. In this work, we systematically investigate the effects of doping BiSb with several dopants. We found that doping with elemental dopants does not change the bulk conductivity, but doping with metal nitride or metal oxide molecular dopants can substantially increase or decrease BiSb’s bulk film conductivity with minor impacts on its TI properties. Furthermore, doping can significantly improve other TI film material properties, such as increased melting point and film hardness, producing smaller grain sizes with improved interfacial roughness, and enhanced (012) film growth texture, all of which can contribute to enhanced atomic migration resistance in and out of the BiSb layer. Thus, our results open a path for using doped BiSb in integrated SOT devices.

Evidence of Significant Intratumoral Transcriptomic Heterogeneity in Non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas Based on Location and Texture.

Introduction Surgical resection remains a standard treatment of non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA). These tumors have significant intratumoral variability of growth rates and texture hardness. This preliminary study aims to identify variations in gene expression of different locations and textures within the same tumor to better explain tumor pathophysiology. Methods NFPA tissue samples were collected from four non-consecutive surgical adult patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal resection and were sent for next-generation transcriptomics. Significantly differentially expressed (SDE) genes were analyzed and categorized using ontology within different locations of the tumor, tumor hardness, and across patients. Results Around 164 SDE genes were identified: 264 across tumor hardness and 68 across location marginality (core vs. edge). A total of 132 gene ontology annotations were matched to all SDE genes. Most of these annotations involved a combination of cell metabolism, cell-cell interactions, and cell division. Conclusions There was significant evidence of variations and uniqueness in intratumor genetic heterogeneity within different locations, tumor textures, and across patients. The tumor edge expressed higher cell-cell interaction genes such as cadherin-binding proteins. Soft portions of the tumor experienced an upregulation of anaerobic metabolism and cell division genes. The uniqueness of gene expressions can be tested for biological function, prospectively, with the potential targets for gene therapy.

In Situ Formation of Liquid Crystal Interphase for Aqueous Dual-Electrode-Free Batteries

Aqueous Zn/MnO₂ batteries have emerged as a promising solution in energy storage due to their inherent safety and environmental benefits. Over the past few decades, significant research efforts have been dedicated to enhancing their energy density and cycle life. However, challenges still remain in pushing these limits further, particularly with respect to simplifying battery design while maintaining performance and cost-efficiency. Traditional designs rely on separate anode and cathode materials, but a more streamlined approach could lead to breakthroughs in energy density and production costs.In this work, we present a transformative strategy aimed at creating an ultra-simplified Zn/MnO₂ battery, consisting only of current collectors and electrolyte, with no anode or cathode at the initial stage—what we call a dual-electrode-free battery (DEFB)1. This design achieves impressive energy densities of up to ~213 Wh/kg, setting new benchmarks for cost-effectiveness and energy storage potential. However, the irreversible deposition of Zn and MnO₂ has previously resulted in short battery lifespans, preventing practical applications of such batteries.Here we show that by leveraging soft template strategies, commonly used in material synthesis, we can overcome this limitation. We introduce trace amounts of surfactants into the electrolyte, triggering the in-situ formation of a liquid crystal interphase1. This novel interphase directs the deposition of Zn and MnO₂ along the c-axis, significantly enhancing the reversibility of deposition and stripping. As a result, we observe a substantial improvement in cycle life, with 80% capacity retention after 950 cycles—an unprecedented achievement for dual-electrode-free Zn/MnO₂ batteries. Our research highlights the innovative use of liquid crystals as an interphase, a concept rarely applied in the field of batteries. Traditionally, liquid crystals have been used as bulk electrolyte materials to enhance ionic transport, but their potential as a dynamic interphase layer has been untapped. By controlling the in-situ self-assembly processes of surfactant molecules into liquid crystal structures, we create a soft templating effect that enables highly reversible, patterned deposition. This process, confirmed through advanced soft matter characterizations such as cryo-TEM, marks a significant departure from traditional battery approaches, allowing for textured Zn and MnO₂ growth with minimal degradation. Moreover, this liquid crystal interphase chemistry holds promise for other electrode systems, such as cubic Cu, through the customization of liquid crystal phase structures. This opens up new possibilities for improving energy storage solutions2,3 beyond Zn/MnO₂ systems. Our method not only enhances the cycling stability of batteries but also provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly pathway for advancing high-energy-density, long-cycle-life aqueous batteries.

Photodegradation of mixed organic dyes and ciprofloxacin antibiotic using spray pyrolyzed Li-Nb co-doped SnO2 thin films

Immobilized photocatalysts are emerging in prominence for photocatalytic degradation of various kinds of harmful pollutants. In order to tune SnO2 thin films as an effective transparent conducting photoelectrode towards photocatalytic degradation, the effects of lithium and niobium co-doping are examined for their structural, morphological, and optoelectronic characteristics. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal successful doping of ‘Nb’ and ‘Li’ into the SnO2 lattice rendering highly textured growth along (110), (200), (310), and (220) plane directions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the charge states of Sn4+, Nb5+, O2-, and Li1+ elements to be present in the co-doped SnO2 films. FESEM micrographs reveal that the tetragonal shaped particles (0 - 1 wt.% Li doped Nb(2 wt.%):SnO2) undergo a mild agglomeration by forming more slender grains (2 - 4 wt.% Li doped Nb(2 wt.%):SnO2). The wettability nature by contact angle measurement indicates all the films to be hydrophilic in nature. Nb and Li codoping into the SnO2 lattice enhances the transmittance from 53 % for pure to 72 % for 4 wt.% Li and 2 wt.% Nb codoped SnO2 thin film. Photoluminescence emission intensity has been suppressed by the substitution of Nb and Li into the SnO2 films. Linear four-probe and Hall effect revealed sheet resistance and electrical transport properties with a minimum sheet resistance of 56 Ω/□ and with highest mobility of 34.75 cm2 V-1s-1 for 4 wt. % Li and 2 wt.% Nb doped SnO2 thin film, respectively. Based on the determined optoelectronic properties, the photocatalytic activity for solely methyl violet, mixed dyes (methyl orange, malachite green, and methylene blue), and ciprofloxacin antibiotic degradation was carried out using optimal film (1 wt.% Li: 2 wt.% Nb co-doped SnO2), and a significant degradation efficiency was achieved in both Sunlight and LED light illumination.

Colloidal gold dispersions in orogenic gold from the Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa

The mechanisms of gold grain growth, as a necessary precursor to gold hyper-accumulation and the formation of high-grade ore deposits, remain equivocal. This is particularly true for orogenic gold deposits where primary growth textures may be poorly preserved due to episodic fault re-activations during successive seismic events. A sample collected from the Fairview Mine in the Barberton Greenstone Belt (South Africa) and subjected to non-destructive SELFRAG sample preparation and subsequent scanning electron microscopy provides rare capture of images of millimeter-scale gold grains associated with dispersed spheroidal gold colloids and nanoparticles (<5 nm to >1 µm diameter). Although the ultimate provenance of these gold spheroids remains equivocal, textural evidence suggests a net addition of mass to the adjacent gold grains. We suggest that Ostwald ripening (a process of particle growth or coarsening by diffusion) and coalescence may contribute to gold grain growth in this sample.

Effect of smectic polymers on cholesteric liquid crystals.

Composite materials made of polymers and liquid crystals have been widely employed in smart windows, optical filters, and bistable displays. However, it is often difficult to decipher the role of the polymer network architecture on the alignment and the texture of liquid crystals. In this study, we use a simple model system where a small amount of polymerizable liquid crystalline monomer is mixed in a liquid crystal that exhibits both a smectic phase and a cholesteric phase with a large helical pitch. By cross-linking the monomer in the smectic phase, the liquid crystal textures become significantly altered. The existence of a polymer network not only creates resistance to form a helix and therefore hinders the formation of cholesteric fingerprints but also modifies the structure of the cholesteric texture. We investigate the effects of changing the concentration of chiral dopant and monomer on the formation and growth of the cholesteric fingerprint texture during the phase transition and on the width of the fingerprints. We find that, within a certain parameter range, the cholesteric fingerprints do not depend on the concentration of the chiral dopant. We explain this phenomenon by hypothesizing that the polymer network acts as a bulk alignment field.

Influence of dietary replacement of soybean meal with crawfish shell meals on the growth, skin coloration and muscle texture of Oujiang color common carp (Cyprinus carpio var. color)

An 8-week growth experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of crawfish shell meals (Procambarus clarkii, CSM) replacement of soybean meal (SM) on growth, feed utilization, antioxidant response, body color and muscle quality of Oujiang color common carp (3.0 ± 0.5 g, Cyprinus carpio var. Color), and to assess the suitable range of CSM replacement of soybean meal and its effects on fish. Three isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets were formulated to replace SM by equal proportion (1:1, w: w) of CSM at 0, 25, or 50 % (designated as CSM0, CSM25, or CSM50, respectively). The results showed that weight gain (WG) as well as hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the CSM25 group compared to the CSM0 group. In addition, there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in growth performance, feed utilization, skin color, and muscle texture parameters between CSM50 and CSM0 groups, except for the overall ash content, which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in CSM50 than CSM0 group. Therefore, it was feasible to replace 50 % of SM with CSM in Oujiang color common carp diets without negative effects on serum biochemical indices, antioxidant and immune responses, skin color or muscle texture. These findings suggested that CSM could be a potential alternative protein source in diets of Oujiang color common carp.

Visible Light Driven Defect Mediated Photocatalytic Activity of Spray Pyrolyzed Ga and Al Doped ZnO Thin Film Electrodes

AbstractGa and Al doped ZnO thin film electrodes are spray deposited and explored for photocatalytic deterioration of methylene blue dye. X‐ray diffraction unveils both films to have highly textured growth along the (002) plane. The surface morphology is found to have near spherical and distorted rectangular particles for Ga and Al dopants, respectively. Photoluminescence emission study reveals that both films have visible light emissions in the violet, blue, and green regions due to oxygen vacancy defects. The deposited films exhibit a reasonably higher transmittance of 89 and 77 % with mobility of 30.5 and 29.6 cm2/Vs for Ga and Al doped ZnO, respectively. Cyclic test and photo‐corrosion studies performed for selected samples were indicating significant stability. Based on these findings the electrodes are explored for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye and are found to have significant efficiency upon LED and sunlight irradiation.

Complex lava tube networks developed within the 1792–93 lava flow field on Mount Etna (Italy): insights for hazard assessment

Lava tubes are powerful heat insulators, allowing lava to practically keep the initial temperature and travel longer distances than when freely flowing on the ground surface. It is thus extremely important to recognize how, when and where these structures form within a lava flow field for hazard assessment purposes, in order to plan possible interventions should a lava flow approach inhabited areas. Often being formed within thick and complex lava flow fields, lava tubes are difficult to detect, study and explore. In this study, we analyse the 1792–93 Etna lava flow field emplaced on a steep slope (&amp;gt;4°) which comprises several lava tubes located at different distances from the eruptive fissure, at different levels within the lava flow field, and showing various inner morphologies, with peculiar inner features related to their maturity and eruptive history. Our aim is to verify whether it is possible to connect the underground features with features observed on the lava flow surface in order to reconstruct the extension of the tube network and unravel the genetic processes. Our results show that, in the studied lava flow field, a clear correspondence is possible between shallow tubes emplaced late during the lava flow field growth and surface textures. In addition, vertical and horizontal tube capture is very widespread, and might be the primary process for lava tube persistence and long life. Our results might be applicable to other lava tubes on Earth and other rocky planets.

Effect of intermediate annealing temperature and cold rolling deformation on the texture of yttrium bearing oriented silicon steel

The cold rolling and intermediate annealing process, along with the incorporation of rare earth elements, play an important role in the microstructure, texture, and inhibitors of oriented silicon steel. Currently, there is limited research on the impact of rare earth yttrium on texture evolution during the cold rolling and intermediate annealing processes. Therefore, the effects of different cold rolling deformations and intermediate annealing temperatures on the microstructure and texture of Y bearing oriented silicon steel have been studied. The experimental results demonstrate that the average grain size of the intermediate annealed plate progressively decreases with increasing the cold rolling deformation. This is because the high cold rolling deformation brings more additional dislocations and distortions, consequently enhancing the driving force for recrystallization. Observing the microstructure with various cold rolling deformation, the results show that the annealed plate with a 72 % reduction rate exhibited the highest Goss texture percentage of 4.83 %. This is because the cold-rolled sheet with a reduction rate of 72 % exhibits an abundance of Goss oriented substructures. These substructures quickly dominate the {111}<112> deformed matrix during the initial recrystallization, and promote grains nucleation and growth. As the annealing temperature increases, the driving force for the growth of recrystallized grains also increases, leading to a gradual increase in grain size. The plate annealed at 940 °C exhibits the highest percentage (4.83 %) of Goss texture. The addition of rare earth Y can lead to an increase in grain size in the intermediate annealed plate and facilitate the formation of {411}<148> texture. This is advantageous for the abnormal growth of Goss texture. The results demonstrate that a cold rolling deformation rate of 72 % and an intermediate annealing temperature of 940 °C are good for promoting abnormal growth of Goss orientation. The study results on precipitation kinetics suggests that the grain boundary nucleation of AlN and dislocation nucleation of MnS are the most effective way of nucleation. The precipitates in oriented silicon steel without Y are Al2O3 and MnS, while those in the samples with Y are AlN, YS, and YOxSy. The addition of rare earth Y leads to a reduction in both the density and size of precipitates. Moreover, With the increase of annealing temperature, the size of precipitates decreases and the amount of precipitates increases. Additionally, the addition of Y makes the steel more clean, meanwhile, the pinning effect of inclusions on grain boundaries is weakened. Therefore, the grain size of the steel with Y is larger.

Adjusting Interface Dynamics: A New Insight into the Role of Electrolyte Additive in Facilitating Highly Reversible (002)‐Textured Zinc Anode at High Current and Areal Densities

AbstractFacilitating (002)‐textured zinc growth is crucial for achieving dendrite‐free zinc deposition in zinc‐ion batteries. Electrolyte engineering holds promise in directing zinc electrodeposition toward this desired orientation. However, despite the (002) plane's lower surface energy compared to other facets, it remains unclear why this plane does not dominate zinc crystal faces during electrodeposition under normal conditions. This knowledge gap underscores the need to better understand zinc electrodeposition behaviors and the influence of electrolyte compositions on its crystallographic texture. This study explores different tetraazamacrocycle derivatives as electrolyte additives. It reveals that achieving (002)‐textured zinc deposition is not solely dictated by thermodynamic equilibrium but also significantly influenced by interface dynamics. In typical ZnSO4 electrolytes, imbalanced kinetics among reduction, ion diffusion, and adatom diffusion processes lead to electroconvection and disorderly zinc accumulation, hindering proper zinc growth. In contrast, introducing specific tetraazamacrocycle derivative in the electrolyte regulates reduction rate, enhances limiting current density, and expedites adatom diffusion, mitigating hydrodynamic instability and dendrite growth. This regulation restores the thermodynamically favorable flat (002)‐textured zinc deposition, extending the zinc anode's lifespan to 1800 h at 5 mA cm−2 and 5 mAh cm−2, enabling the fabrication of a high‐performance zinc ion hybrid capacitor prototype capable of stable operation for 40 000 cycles.

Regulating the inner Helmholtz plane with an electrophilic cation additive enabled stacked stratiform growth for highly reversible Zn anodes

Achieving consecutive flattening and dendrite-free deposition for the zinc anodes is essential to avoid internal short circuits or premature failure in the Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitor (ZHSC), which largely depends on the crystal growth during the electrocrystallization process. Herein, the tetrapropyl ammonium bromide additive was employed to reconstruct the inner Helmholtz plane (IHP) structure for manipulating the Zn deposition behavior and stabilizing the interfacial electrochemistry. Joint experimental and theoretical results show that electrophilic quaternary ammonium cations (TPA+) provoke the linkage effect after the specifical adsorption at IHP of the Zn electrode, which includes the molecular/ion distribution regulation, electrostatic shielding effect, crystallographic optimization, and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer formation. The adsorbed TPA+ cations at IHP expel SO42− anions, bringing a reconfiguration of the ion/molecule distribution, which leads to a relatively uniform Zn2+ions distribution at electrode/electrolyte interface and a sluggish electroreduction reaction kinetics. Meanwhile, the electrostatic shielding effect regulates the crystallographic energetic preference of Zn deposits and induces the stratiform Zn growth and dominant Zn (002) texture. Concomitantly, the partial interfacial adsorbed TPA+ cations were electrochemically reduced to form the inorganic-organic hybrid SEI layer to further enhance the corrosion resistance and stability of the Zn electrode. Consequently, TPA+ cations mediated electrolyte enables Zn||Zn cells to exhibit a reversible plating/stripping performance for more than 2800 h. Additionally, a long-term cycling life can be obtained in the Zn||activated carbon ZHSC with this electrolyte. The electrolyte mediation strategy to realize the complementary interface effect and crystalline optimization provides promising feasibility on highly reversible Zn anodes.

Thickness-dependent structure and properties in zirconium carbide ceramic via orientated deposition

The fine-tuning of controlled structure and property evolution of zirconium carbide (ZrC) ceramic is essential for its functional applications, especially with insufficient understanding of the size effect mechanisms. In this investigation, the physically vapor-deposited ZrC (PVD-ZrC) ceramic was fabricated through magnetron sputtering, with a specific focus on its thickness-dependent growth and evolution of composition, microstructure, growth texture and mechanical properties. As prepared PVD-ZrC presents a hybrid structure characterized by amorphous carbon and nanocrystalline ZrC, with diversity in crystallinity, crystallite size, and growth pattern determined by target power, gas-flow pressure and substrate temperature. Moreover, the PVD-ZrC ceramic deposited by directional deposition, exhibits a structure transition from equiaxed crystals to dense columnar fiber crystals and an isotropy-toward texture. As the thickness increases, the stress gradually shifts towards tensile stress with a weaker fracture toughness. Through the First-principle calculation, it is illustrated that the mechanical properties of bulk polycrystalline ZrC are evidently different from low-dimensional polycrystalline ZrC film. This mechanism of thickness-dependent structure and properties is dominant by the surface effect, size effect, grain boundary effect, and stress effects.

Timing of multiple fluid pulses recorded by garnet and accessory minerals in metarodingites

Metarodingites are commonly garnet-bearing metasomatized mafic dykes within serpentinized mantle rocks. Garnet in metarodingites has the potential to preserve compositional and chronological information about the entire metamorphic-metasomatic evolution, from ocean floor formation to deep subduction. In this study, we investigate the chemical and chronological record of garnet, titanite, and zircon from metarodingites and garnet veins in chloritized blackwall, from the Zermatt-Saas zone in the Western European Alps. Garnet in the chlorite-rich metasomatic rind (blackwall) displays re-crystallization and new growth textures and therefore represents a second generation of garnet (Grt2), after the one in the metarodingite core (Grt1). Major and trace element mapping shows that Grt2 is richer in andradite and Ti-andradite components compared to the more grossular-rich Grt1 in the metarodingite. Moreover, we found that in both Grt1 and Grt2, Ti and U content are positively correlated, with U abundances up to 1.5 μg⋅g−1. Grt2 does not show rare earth element (REE) zonation, suggesting that REE transport was facilitaed by the presence of a fluid phase. We propose that the metasomatizing fluids from which Grt2 precipitated, were serpentinite-derived high-temperature brines capable of transporting Fe3+, Ti and REE.LA-ICPMS U–Pb dating of metarodingite garnet Grt1 samples yielded overlapping ages between 43.6 ± 0.9 and 44.1 ± 1.3 Ma, which are consistent with previous estimates of peak metamorphic conditions. Our data indicate that the metarodingite Grt1 grew within <2 Myr, suggesting a rapid burial rate of the unit or fast and pulsed garnet growth aided by the presence of fluids in the intergranular medium. Titanite from the blackwall sample yields an age of 45.0 ± 1.7 Ma and zircon rim an age of 48.0 ± 1.1 Ma, indicating that fluid release and chloritization occurred at peak conditions. U–Pb ages of garnet in the blackwall samples (Grt2) are significantly younger, yielding ages of 40.1 ± 0.9 Ma and 38.4 ± 0.8 Ma, respectively. The presence of multiple generations of metasomatic garnet in the blackwall suggests that periods of increased rock permeability occurred repeatedly, plausibily aided by deformation, as supported by the consistency of our multi-mineral geochronology. We show how garnet from metarodingites and blackwalls records the metamorphic-metasomatic history and can be used to obtain information on (de)hydration reactions and fluid flow during subduction.

Effects of normalizing process on microstructure, texture, and precipitates of Sn bearing oriented silicon steel

Low temperature heating process of the slab has become the mainstream process for producing high quality oriented silicon steel due to its environmental protection, low cost, and high yield. For this process, the number of inhibitors is less and the size is large, resulting in insufficient inhibition, coarsen grains during primary recrystallization, and insufficient driving force for secondary recrystallization, which reduces the magnetic properties of the product. These shortcomings can be improved by optimizing the inhibitors and normalizing processes. The effects of normalizing processes on the microstructure, texture, and precipitations of low-temperature oriented silicon steel containing Sn were studied by OM, SEM, TEM, and EBSD with Fe–3%Si hot-rolled plate as initial material. The experimental results show that the sample has the best performance in terms of microstructure, texture, and precipitations with the two-stage boiling water cooling normalizing process that the heating temperature is 1150 °C, and the normalizing intermediate temperature is 850 °C. With the above parameters, the microstructure is inhomogeneous along thickness. There are more {111}<112> textures, which are favorable to the growth of Goss texture. The proportion of high energy grain boundary reached 54.2%. The precipitates are significantly refined, which enhances the ability to inhibit primary recrystallization. The sub-surface thickness of the hot rolled plate increases from 40.6% to 62.1% with increasing Sn content from 0.01% to 0.11%. The degree of tin segregation at grain boundary increases with the increase of normalizing temperature and the decrease of medium soaking temperature.

Structural evolution, wear and corrosion failure mechanisms of CrN coating synthesized by applying gradient voltage and arc-enhanced glow discharge

A detailed characterization was conducted to investigate the mechanical, wear and corrosion properties of CrN coatings deposited using a duplex technique combining gradient voltage (GV) and arc-enhanced glow discharge (AEGD). The absence of GV+AEGD resulted in the formation of large particles embedded in CrN coating, which adversely affected its toughness, density, and resistance to wear and corrosion. Remarkably, the implementation of GV+AEGD effectively mitigated particle agglomeration and promoted a compact growth texture in CrN coating. Consequently, besides exhibiting exceptional toughness and wear resistance, the CrN coating demonstrated outstanding corrosion resistance. The structural evolution, wear and corrosion failure mechanisms of CrN coatings with or without GV+AEGD were comprehensively discussed.

Isolation, Purification and Pathogenicity Assessment of Fusarium oxysporum Schl. f.sp. ciceris Inciting Wilt Disease in Chickpea

The present study was conducted during rabi (November–March, 2022–23) at the Department of Plant Pathology and Central Instrumentation Cell, College of Agriculture, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India to isolate, purify and pathogenicity assessment of Fusarium oxysporum Schl. f.sp. ciceris inciting wilt disease in chickpea. The pathogen was isolated from infected chickpea and purified, with its cultural and morphological characteristics utilized for identification. The analysis revealed that pathogen grown on potato dextrose agar media exhibited traits consistent with Fusarium oxysporum Schl. f.sp. ciceris, appearing as mycelium colour, texture, pigmentation, type and speed of growth as cultural characteristics and Fusarium oxysporum Schl. f.sp. ciceris as possessing macroconidia, microconidia and chlamydospore as morphological characteristics. Furthermore, a pathogenicity test was conducted on the chickpea cultivar JG-62, cultivated in pots under controlled conditions within a net house was successfully satisfying Koch’s postulates. Because of its great nutritious content, chickpeas have risen to prominence. where it plays a significant role in ensuring food security and sustainability. However, wilt disease in chickpea remains a persistent threat, leading to substantial losses in both quantity and quality. To address this issue the investigation provided valuable insights into understanding the pathogen, thereby contributing to the development of cost-effective solutions for managing wilt disease in chickpea which helps in increasing crop yield to the chickpea growing farmers of Telangana.

Toughness enhancement in TiN/Zr0.37Al0.63N1.09 multilayer films

The hardness and fracture toughness of high-temperature wear-resistant transition metal aluminum nitride multilayer films depend largely on the constituting layer's structure, compositional modulation, morphology, and interface coherency. We present a study on 1-micron thick multilayered films consisting of stacked layers of TiN and Zr0.37Al0.63N1.09, each layer being 10 nm thick. The films were grown using ion-assisted reactive magnetron sputtering on MgO(001) and Si(001) at substrate temperatures ranging from ambient to 900°C. By increasing growth temperature, we found that the ZrAlN layers transition from near amorphous to nanocrystalline wurtzite to decomposed c-ZrN and w-AlN domains. Concurrently, the TiN layers exhibit strong fiber texture, polycrystallinity, and epitaxial growth carried by the ZrN domains. Both hardness and fracture stress, evaluated by nanoindentation and micromechanical tests, increase with temperature from H=24 GPaMgO, 23 GPaSi to 36 GPaMgO, 30 GPaSi, and σFSi= 6.1-7.7 GPa, respectively. An improved fracture toughness of KIC=2.4-2.8 MPa√m is related to different toughening mechanisms for the various microstructures. The difference in hardness between the substrates is related to compressive stress due to the deposition conditions and thermal contraction. The superior fracture stress is attributed to dense multilayers, free from macroscopic defects due to ion-assisted growth. After being deposited at 200°C, the multilayers remained thermally stable when vacuum annealed for 15 hours at 900°C, with no significant change in phase composition or hardness. The improved hardness, toughness, and temperature stability of the otherwise brittle nitrides are promising for industrial applications.

Quasi-in-situ observing unusual grain orientation rotation during the process of static recrystallization grain growth in Mg–Zn-Gd alloy

The orientation (including the c axis orientation and crystal direction parallel to rolling direction) evolution of grown recrystallization grains during annealing at 250 °C for 45–180 min in Mg–Zn-Gd alloy was characterized by quasi-in-situ electron backscatter diffraction method. An unusual grain orientation rotation during the process of static recrystallization grain growth, rather than common plastic deformation or recrystallization nucleation process, was observed. Due to the higher storage energy, the growth size in the early stage of annealing (1.41 μm) is larger than that in the late stage of annealing (0.73 μm) for most (∼76%) grains, and corresponding average c-axis rotation angles are 3.65° and 1.39°, respectively, indicating that the larger the increase in grain size, the greater the changing degree in grain orientation. It is speculated that the orientation rotation during grain growth process is mediated by the interaction between dislocations and grain boundaries. The results reported in the current paper can provide a new insight into the study on the relationship between preferential grain growth and non-basal texture formation in rare earth contained Mg alloys.