Increasing Zn Content Research Articles

Observation of the magnetic entropy change in Zn doped MnFe2O4 common ceramic: Be cool being environmental friendly

We report the detail investigation on the magnetic and magnetocaloric behaviour of polycrystalline Mn1-xZnxFe2O4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) ferrite. The magnetization analysis shows that the increase of Zn concentration in the samples results in decrease of saturation magnetization. The maximum magnetic entropy change, |ΔSMmax| is evaluated through M-H isotherms measurements and takes values of 1.25, 1.11, 1.07, and 0.64 Jkg−1K−1 for x = 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7, respectively under a maximum applied magnetic field of 2.5 T. The corresponding relative cooling power (RCP) for these samples were found to be 102, 162, 96, and 89 Jkg-1 for x = 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7, respectively. After the comparison of the obtained values of |ΔSMmax| and RCP with those reported earlier for the other compounds, recommend to explore such common soft ferrites based materials for magnetic refrigeration.

Foliar Application of an Inositol-Based Plant Biostimulant Boosts Zinc Accumulation in Wheat Grains: A μ-X-Ray Fluorescence Case Study.

There has been much interest in the incorporation of organic molecules or biostimulants into foliar fertilizers with the rationalization that these compounds will enhance the uptake, or subsequent mobility of the applied nutrient. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of an inositol-based plant stimulant on the mobility and accumulation of foliar-applied zinc (Zn) in wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). High-resolution elemental imaging with micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) was utilized to examine Zn distribution within the vascular bundle of the leaf and whole grains. The inclusion of myo-inositol with Zinc sulfate, significantly increased Zn concentration in shoots in contrast to untreated controls and Zn sulfate applied alone. Foliar Zn treated plants increased Zn in grains by 5–25% with myo-inositol plus Zn treated plants significantly increasing grain Zn concentration compared to both Zn treated and non-treated controls. XRF imaging revealed Zn enrichment in the bran layer and germ, with a very low Zn concentration present in the endosperm. Plants treated with Zn plus myo-inositol showed an enhanced and uniform distribution of Zn throughout the bran layer and germ with an increased concentration in the endosperm. While our data suggest that foliar application of myo-inositol in combination with Zn may be a promising strategy to increase the absorption and mobility of Zn in the plant tissue and subsequently to enhance Zn accumulation in grains, further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms by which myo-inositol affects plant metabolism and nutrient mobility.

Water Hardness Can Reduce the Accumulation and Oxidative Stress of Zinc in Goldfish, Carassius auratus.

We investigated the changes in toxicity stress in goldfish, Carassius auratus, under exposure to different concentrations of Zn and water hardness for 14 days. We analyzed the changes in water hardness and Zn accumulation after exposure. To investigate the stress levels, the expression of metallothionein, caspase-3 activity, NO activity, and total antioxidant capacity were detected. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays were also performed to measure apoptosis in the liver. The results showed that compared to the control group, a more significant difference in the accumulation of Zn in body stress markers (metallothionein, caspase-3 activity, NO activity, and total antioxidant capacity) were observed with increasing Zn concentration and exposure time. Notably, at the same Zn concentration and exposure time, lower stress levels were discovered in the samples under harder water conditions. Finally, the TUNEL assay showed that Zn accumulation caused apoptosis and high water hardness could reduce the apoptosis. In conclusion, we found that high water hardness can influence the absorption of Zn, and alleviating the hardness levels can reduce the toxicity stress caused by Zn.

Zn-Doped Iron Oxide Thin Films Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis Technique and Characterized for Use as an Efficient Photocatalyst for Methyl Green Organic Dye

Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis (USP) technique was used to prepare undoped and (2, 4, 6 and 10 at. %) Zn-doped iron oxide (FexOy:Zn) thin films for use in photocatalytic applications. The effect of Zn ion substitution on structural, optical, and electrical properties was studied. The X-ray diffraction patterns showed that there are two different phases of iron oxide, a hematite phase (α‑Fe2O3) and a magnetite phase (Fe3O4) that crystallized in the prepared samples. The nominal fractions of α‑Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 phases changed from 74 % to 42 % for the hematite phase and from 26 % to 58 % for the magnetite phase and this confirmed that the Zn doping favored the growth of Fe3O4 phase. The crystallite size decreased from 15.43 nm to 8.99 nm, while the micro-strain changed from 0.0056 to 0.0215 and the dislocation density from 0.0099 nm‑2 to 0.0639 nm‑2. The unit cell parameters were also improved when the doping rate was changed. Optical measurements showed that the energy gap decreased from 2.26 eV to 2.16 eV, the film thickness changed from 569 nm to 479 nm while the refractive index increased from 2.99 to 3.51 and the Urbach energy from 544 meV to 558 meV. Electrical measurements performed by the two-point probe method showed that the electrical conductivity increased directly with increasing Zn concentration reaching 18.5 10‑15 (Ω.cm)‑1 with 10 at. % Zn concentration. The variation of the electrical conductivity curves versus the sample heating temperature as well as the activation energy showed a semiconductor behavior of the films. Zinc doped iron oxide thin films exhibit 51.85 % photocatalytic degradation efficiency for methyl green organic dye.

Effect of Zn content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy with medium Zn content

The as-cast Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys with different Zn content were prepared by metal gravity casting. The microstructure and constituent phase of the different alloys were examined by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma spectrometer and X-ray diffraction. The increase of Zn content caused the changes of the morphology and size of α-Al matrix dendrites and the intergranular eutectic structure, but it did not affect the constituent phases of the alloys. The morphology changes of the α-Al matrix dendrite and strengthening phase lead to different changes in the mechanical properties of the alloy. With the increase of Zn content, the ultimate tensile strength gradually enhance to the maximum value of 248.05 MPa; the yield strength remained relative stable at 179.39 ± 6.81 MPa. The elongation obviously increases first and then decreases, but the Brinell hardness is the opposite. The alloy with a Zn 5.8 wt.% has a minimum Brinell hardness of 74.40 HBW and a maximum Elongation of 8.78%. The transformation of fracture mode caused by the change of Zn content leads to the change of plasticity.

Soil properties and grape yield of vineyard as affected by sawdust addition in a semi-arid region

Due to its high organic matter content, sawdust can be used for soil amendment. This study investigated the effect of sawdust obtained from a furniture industry (Yildiz Integre Akhisar flakeboard) on grape yield and loam texture soil (Typic Xerofluvent) properties of a vineyard located in Saruhanlı District, Manisa, Turkey. In the trial, three groups with dry sawdust (10 t ha-1, 20 t ha-1; 30 t ha-1) was added to plots of vineyard while 0 t ha-1 or without sawdust addition was set up as a control group. All the 4 treatments were replicated three times (4×3). Sawdust addition resulted in significant increase (p <0.05) of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, electrical conductivity (EC), available Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, P, K, and Mn contents, moisture, saturation percentage, field capacity, wilting point, available water and aggregation percentage values compared with control group. Also, the soil pH, bulk density, and dispersion percentage significantly decreased with sawdust addition. However, there was no significant change in lime, available Cu contents, structure stability index, aggregate stability of the soil with sawdust addition. Compared with control group, addition of 20 t ha-1 and 30 t ha-1 of dry sawdust significantly increased the grape yield of the vineyard. The highest yield of 4.23 t ha-1 was recorded with 30 t ha-1 sawdust addition. Sawdust can be used as a soil amendment given its positive effects on some soil properties and grape yield of the vineyard. It is suggested that nitrogen immobilization from the soil by microorganisms due to sawdust’s high C/N ratio is a key consideration for its future use.

Global analysis of nitrogen fertilization effects on grain zinc and iron of major cereal crops.

Human zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiencies can partly be alleviated by enhancing cereal concentrations of these micronutrients. Soil nitrogen (N) levels codetermine cereal grain yields and Zn and Fe nutrition of plants and grains. Grain Zn and Fe concentrations have been reported to be affected by both yield dilution and enhanced acquisition and grain allocation of Zn and Fe. A global meta-analysis of 100 publications concerning wheat, maize, and rice providing 785 records of Zn and 506 records of Fe allowed us to assess their relative importance and quantify the concentrations and bioavailability of Zn and Fe in major cereal grains over a wide range of N fertilization levels. Compared with the no N controls, N application significantly increased grain Zn and Fe concentrations in all crops except maize Zn. The increase in grain protein concentration correlated positively with the increases in Zn and Fe concentrations in all cereals except Zn in maize. In rice, the grain Zn and Fe concentration increase was independent of the rate of N applied. Grain concentrations of Zn and Fe in wheat and Fe in maize were positively correlated with N rate but were only higher than those in the controls above 40–60 kg N ha−1. At lower N rates, the dilution effect was thus stronger than the enhancement effect. N supply had a larger effect on Zn and Fe concentrations in loamy textured soils or at lower soil available N and phosphorus (P), or higher soil organic matter and available Zn contents or with P and Zn fertilization, but the effect sizes differed among crops. Reductions in phytic acid concentration after N fertilization occurred in wheat, potentially improving micronutrient bioavailability. Thus, our findings indicate that N fertilization could be managed in ways that simultaneously support high grain yields and enhance nutritional quality for major cereals.

Effect of Salinity on Growth, Ion Accumulation and Mineral Nutrition of Different Accessions of a Crop Wild Relative Legume Species, Trifolium fragiferum.

Crop wild relatives represent a valuable resource for the breeding of new crop varieties suitable for sustainable productivity in conditions of climate change. The aim of the present study was to assess salt tolerance of several wild accessions of T. fragiferum from habitats with different salinity levels in controlled conditions. Decrease of plant biomass and changes in partitioning between different organs was a characteristic response of plants with increasing substrate salinity, but these responses were genotype-specific. In several accessions, salinity stimulated reproductive development. The major differences in salinity responses between various T. fragiferum genotypes were at the level of dry biomass accumulation as well as water accumulation in plant tissues, resulting in relatively more similar effect on fresh mass. Na+ and Cl− accumulation capacity were organ-specific, with leaf petioles accumulating more, followed by leaf blades and stolons. Responses of mineral nutrition clearly were both genotype- and organ-specific, but several elements showed a relatively general pattern, such as increase in Zn concentration in all plant parts, and decrease in Ca and Mg concentration. Alterations in mineralome possibly reflect a reprogramming of the metabolism to adapt to changes in growth, morphology and ion accumulation resulting from effect of NaCl. High intraspecies morphological and physiological variability in responses of T. fragiferum accessions to salinity allow to describe them as ecotypes.

Agronomic biofortification increases concentrations of zinc and storage proteins in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grains

Zinc (Zn) is an essential element for plants and mammals and its deficiency affects billions of people worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of soil Zn fertilization and foliar Zn sprays in different phenological stages of the plant on the grain nutritional quality of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Field experiments were carried out in two consecutive harvest years under no-till system in an Oxisol. Two commercial common bean cultivars were used: BRS Esteio (black bean) and IPR Campos Gerais (Carioca bean). Total concentration of Zn, amino acids, sucrose, total sugars and storage proteins (albumin, globulin, glutelin and prolamin) in grains were evaluated. The cultivar BRS Esteio exhibited higher grain enrichment with Zn than the cultivar IPR Campos Gerais, showing genotypic variation. Single foliar Zn spray of 600 g ha−1 at the initial grain filling stage was shown to be the best way to improve the grain Zn concentration, without affecting grain yield. Foliar Zn spray at the final stage of grain filling favored the increase of Zn concentration in the pods over the Zn concentration in the grains. Agronomic biofortification of bean grains with Zn was more efficient with foliar Zn spraying than with the soil Zn fertilization, however, the soil Zn application favored the increase of concentrations of total amino acids and storage proteins (albumin, globulin and glutelin) in the grains. Agronomic biofortification proved to be efficient in increasing concentrations of Zn and storage proteins in common bean grains.

Genome-Wide Investigation and Functional Verification of the ZIP Family Transporters in Wild Emmer Wheat.

The zinc/iron-regulated transporter-like protein (ZIP) family has a crucial role in Zn homeostasis of plants. Although the ZIP genes have been systematically studied in many plant species, the significance of this family in wild emmer wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides) is not yet well understood. In this study, a genome-wide investigation of ZIPs genes based on the wild emmer reference genome was conducted, and 33 TdZIP genes were identified. Protein structure analysis revealed that TdZIP proteins had 1 to 13 transmembrane (TM) domains and most of them were predicted to be located on the plasma membrane. These TdZIPs can be classified into three clades in a phylogenetic tree. They were annotated as being involved in inorganic ion transport and metabolism. Cis-acting analysis showed that several elements were involved in hormone, stresses, grain-filling, and plant development. Expression pattern analysis indicated that TdZIP genes were highly expressed in different tissues. TdZIP genes showed different expression patterns in response to Zn deficiency and that 11 genes were significantly induced in either roots or both roots and shoots of Zn-deficient plants. Yeast complementation analysis showed that TdZIP1A-3, TdZIP6B-1, TdZIP6B-2, TdZIP7A-3, and TdZIP7B-2 have the capacity to transport Zn. Overexpression of TdZIP6B-1 in rice showed increased Zn concentration in roots compared with wild-type plants. The expression levels of TdZIP6B-1 in transgenic rice were upregulated in normal Zn concentration compared to that of no Zn. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the ZIP gene family in wild emmer wheat and paves the way for future functional analysis and genetic improvement of Zn deficiency tolerance in wheat.

Influence of Zn Injection on Corrosion of 304SS Under PWR Primary Side Conditions

The structural materials in nuclear power plants experience corrosion under high temperature water chemistry environments, which could result in serious safety issues. Zinc injection to the primary side chemistry has been demonstrated to reduce corrosion rate of the structural materials and radiation dose rate by modifying the oxide film formed on the structural materials. The purpose of this work is to investigate the effect of Zn addition at different concentrations on 304SS under PWR primary side conditions by SEM, GIXRD, Raman spectrum, XPS, electrochemical method and thermodynamic calculation. When Zn concentration is increased, the number and size of Fe-based spinel oxide particles in the outer layer decreases while Cr-based spinel oxide in the inner layer remains unchanged. The corrosion current density of 304SS and defect density of the oxide film decrease with increasing Zn concentration. These results conclude that corrosion resistance of 304SS is enhanced in the presence of Zn. In addition, the thermodynamic analyses on the spinel oxides of surface were performed and the results are in good agreement with the experimental observations presented in this work.

Soil and foliar application of zinc-methionine and zinc sulfate effects on growth and micronutrients enrichment in maize cultivated in lime-rich and poor soils

Less uptake of zinc (Zn) in maize is a serious issue when cultivated in lime soils. The higher concentration of lime significantly affects soil pH. It also minimized the phyto-available pool of micronutrients, i.e., Zn, iron (Fe), copper (Cu), in soil. In these micronutrients, the balance uptake of Zn and its enrichment in maize has prime importance. Application methods and sources of Zn application can overcome this problem. The current study was conducted to assess soil and foliar application's efficacious functioning toward improvement in Zn uptake and dry matter production of maize Two sources of Zn (zinc-methionine and zinc sulfate) were applied at the rate of 5 mg Zn kg−1, 0,2% Zn. Results showed that soil + foliar Zn methionine performed significantly better than all other treatments for increase in dry weight of maize in lime-rich and poor soils. A significant increase in Zn concentration of maize signified soil + foliar Zn methionine's imperative functioning over all the treatments in lime-rich and poor soils. However, results also showed that both sources of Zn application via soil and foliar caused a significant decline in Fe, Cu and Mn concentration in maize in lime-rich and poor soils. On an average, in lime-rich and poor soils, performance was better in lime-poor soils over lime-rich soils. In conclusion, soil + foliar Zn methionine is an effective amendment for improving maize dry matter and Zn enrichment in maize when cultivated in lime-rich and poor soils.

Apoplastic and symplastic zinc concentration of intact leaves of field onion (Allisum cepa) as affected by foliar application of ZnSO4 and Zn-amino chelates

A better understanding of the physiological mechanisms by which zinc (Zn) is absorbed by plant leaves may provide additional basic information to help in the improvement of Zn foliar application programs. In this two-year field experiment, apoplastic and symplastic distribution of Zn in the leaves and re-translocation from the leaves to the bulb of onion (Allisum cepa L. cv. Behbahan) as affected by foliar application of different Zn fertilizer sources was investigated. Four Zn fertilizer sources, i.e., ZnSO4 and Zn-lysine (Zn-Lys), Zn-methionine (Zn-Met), and Zn-threonine (Zn-Thr) were applied as foliar spray at a concentration of 0.5% Zn. Free amino acids (i.e., Lys, Met, and Thr) were used to separate the effect of Zn and accompanying amino acids. A free of Zn and amino acid treatment was also considered as control. The Zn-form revealed significant influence on apoplastic Zn concentration. Foliar application of Zn-amino chelates particularly Zn-Lys increased contribution of symplastic to apoplastic Zn in onion leaves by decreasing the Zn retention on the apoplastic spaces. Higher leaf symplastic Zn in the plants supplied with the Zn-Lys in comparison with those supplied with the other Zn fertilizer sources was accompanied with higher bulb Zn accumulation. This was probably due to larger re-translocation of Zn from the leaves to the bulb at the Zn-Lys treatment. Spraying Zn and amino acids either free or complexed with Zn produced an increase in Zn concentration provoking a decrease of nitrate concentration in the bulbs and the highest effect was observed at the Zn-Lys treatment. According to the results, Zn-Lys was more effective than ZnSO4 in enhancing the symplastic to apoplastic Zn ratio in the leaves and resulted higher accumulation of Zn in the bulbs.

Influence of Grain Boundary Precipitates on Intergranular Corrosion Behavior of 7050 Al Alloys

The effects of the grain boundary precipitation on intergranular corrosion behavior were investigated by exfoliation tests and complementary techniques like scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical profilometry (OP), transmission electron microscope together with energy dispersive spectroscopy (TEM-EDS), and atomic force microscope (AFM). The results reveal the influencing mechanism of intergranular corrosion behavior from grain boundary precipitates (GBPs). The potential discrepancy between GBPs and adjacent areas induces corrosion cavity germination along the grain boundary. Furthermore, the increase of both active Mg and Zn content in GBPs improve the potential difference, which aggravates the intergranular corrosion cavity germination. However, the increment of noble Cu content in GBP is beneficial to reduce the potential difference. On the other side, the distribution of the continuous precipitates in the grain boundary region helps the initial corrosion cavities to connect, which improves the growth of intergranular corrosion cracks. Additionally, discontinuous GBPs and precipitation free zone (PFZ) hinder the spread and connection of intergranular corrosion cavities. Therefore, 7050 aluminum alloy forming different grain boundary precipitation characteristics after different aging treatments shows different resistance to intergranular corrosion: peak-aging &lt; under-aging &lt; over-aging.

A 600 years sediment record of heavy metal pollution history in the Danube Delta

Heavy metal pollution in the Danube Delta (in sediments, water and living organisms) has recently received increasing attention due to its impact on ecosystems health and water quality. However, long term records of heavy metal contamination are not available to date. In this study radiometric dating and geochemical analyses for major elements (Al, Fe, Ca and S) and metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr and Cd) were performed on the top 4 m of a 9-m sediment core retrieved from the alluvial plain of Sulina distributary channel aiming to reconstruct the heavy metal geological background and contamination history and discuss the possible origins (natural vs. anthropogenic) of metals and the main factors driving their temporal variation. Chronological analysis revealed that the top 4 m of the core span the last ~600 years. Three distinct sediment units (U1: 400–200, U2: 200–140, U3: 140–15) were identified based on the downcore element concentration variation. The lower unit (400–200 cm, ~1450–1700 CE) shows an upward increase of Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr and Cd metal contents, which are strongly correlated with Al. Enrichment factor (EF) analysis indicates that metals detected in this unit are derived primarily from natural sources. In contrast, metals show elevated EF values within the middle (200–140 cm, ~1700–1770 CE) and upper unit (140–15 cm, ~1770 CE to present). The highest degrees of enrichment of Cu, Zn and Cd occur in the peat layer of the middle unit (U2) which displays higher organic carbon and sulfur contents, indicating that diagenetic enrichment of detected metals occurs under reducing condition. Overall, sediment contamination is moderate while the level increases with time. This study provides new insights into the metal contamination history of deltaic environments and yields baseline values for heavy metal contents in pristine sediments deposited prior to the onset of anthropogenic impact.

Mineral biofortification of vegetables through soil-applied poultry mortality compost.

Intensive agricultural practices lower soil fertility, particularly micronutrients which are rarely applied to soils as chemical fertilizers. Micronutrient deficiency in soils results in inferior product quality and micronutrient malnutrition in humans. Application of compost to soil may improve crop yields and quality by enhancing macro- and micronutrients availability, enhancing soil microbial population, and improving soil physicochemical properties. Poultry mortality compost (PMC) was prepared by decomposing dead poultry birds with poultry litter in an aerated bin through indigenous microbial populations. The prepared PMC was used as an amendment in three field experiments during 2017–18 and 2018–19 to investigate the effect on yield and nutritional quality of potato, carrot, and radish. In these field trials, two compost levels, i.e., 1250 kg ha-1 (PMC1) and 1850 kg ha-1 (PMC2) were compared with the control (no compost application). The results revealed a 10–25% increase in root or tuber yield at PMC2 compared to that in the control. A substantial increase in Zn, Fe, and Mn concentrations in vegetable root/tubers was also observed. Organic matter content and microbial biomass were improved in the soil with PMC application leading to better soil health and better nutrient availability. These studies led us to conclude that the application of PMC not only enhances the vegetable yield but also biofortifies vegetables with micronutrients such as Zn, Fe, and Mn extending agricultural sustainability and eliminating micronutrient malnutrition in humans.

Effect of Zn content on hot tearing susceptibility of LPSO enhanced Mg–Znx–Y2–Zr0.06 alloys with different initial mold temperatures

The critical temperature (Thci) corresponding to the load relaxation measured during the solidification of alloy in a ‘T′-shaped mold is introduced into the Clyne-Davies’ model, so that it can be used to predict the hot tearing susceptibility (HTS) of alloy under non-equilibrium cooling. Then, the improved model is applied to study the HTS of Mg–Znx–Y2–Zr0.06 (x = 0.5, 1 and 1.5 at%) alloys under two initial mold temperatures, i.e., two cooling rates. It is found that HTS is very sensitive to both Zn content and initial mold temperature, and the increase in Zn content or initial mold temperature can reduce HTS of the alloy. However, their micro mechanisms are different. The reason for the decrease in HTS with the increase in Zn content is the decrease in the dendrite coherency temperature. Specifically, the ratio of unconstrained feeding stage to intergranular feeding stage increases, and the intergranular liquid phase with eutectic composition increases in the later stage of solidification. The HTS decreases with the increase in the initial mold temperature because the solidification shrinkage stress is relieved. Consequently, the residual liquid phase between the grains can be fed in a more timely manner.

Structure and Fragility of Zn-phosphate glasses: Results from multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and calorimetry

The structure of (ZnO)x(P2O5)100-x glasses with 35≤x ≤ 67 is investigated using 31P and ultra-high field 67Zn NMR spectroscopy. The 31P NMR results confirm a nearly binary Q-species distribution. The progressive decrease in the connectivity of the phosphate network upon addition of ZnO is manifested in a monotonic drop in Tg in the composition range 35≤x ≤ 55. The 67Zn NMR spectra indicate that the average Zn-O coordination number varies between 4 and 6 and increases progressively with increasing Zn content. The resulting increase in the connectivity of the Zn-O-P network compensates for the depolymerization of the P-O-P network, which is reflected in a reversal in the compositional trend in Tg for x > 55. In contrast to Tg, the fragility index m shows negligible composition dependence until x∼50, beyond which it increases rapidly with increasing Zn content in response to the progressive shortening of the Q2 chains.

Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behaviors of Al-Li-Cu-Mg-Ag-Zn Alloys.

Combined with microstructure characterization and properties tests, the effects of Zn contents on the mechanical properties, corrosion behaviors, and microstructural evolution of extruded Al–Li–Cu–Mg–Ag alloys were investigated. The results show that the increase in Zn contents can accelerate hardening kinetics and improve the hardness of peak-aged alloys. The Zn-added alloys present non-recrystallization characteristics combined with partially small recrystallized grains along the grain boundaries, while the T1 phase with finer dimension and higher number density could explain the constantly increasing tensile strength. In addition, increasing Zn contents led to a lower corrosion current density and a shallower maximum intergranular corrosion depth, thus improving the corrosion resistance of the alloys. Zn addition, distributed in the central layer of T1 phases, not only facilitates the precipitation of more T1 phases but also reduces the corrosion potential difference between the T1 phase and the matrix. Therefore, adding 0.57 wt.% Zn to the alloy has an excellent combination of tensile strength and corrosion resistance. The properties induced by Zn under the T8 temper (solid solution treatment + water quenching + 5% pre-strain+ isothermal aging), however, are not as apparent as the T6 temper (solid solution treatment + water quenching + isothermal aging).

Study of dipole polarization in Zn doped barium hexaferrite

The BaFe12O19 is a ferrimagnetic ordering material, but well known as ferromagnetic material. Also, it exhibits high dielectric constant which motivate to explore the multiferroic properties in this material. Hence, researchers are interested to explore its electrical properties in the recent era. Hence, in the present report, the sol–gel prepared Zn doped barium hexaferrite has been considered to explore its electrical properties. The spontaneous polarization is observed for Zn doped barium hexaferrite. The presence of dipole polarization in barium hexaferrite could be due to presence of non-centrosymmetric P63mc (no. 186) space group. The increase in dipole polarization is observed with the increase in Zn concentration in BaFe12O19. The enhanced ferroelectric parameters like Pm, Pr and Ec are found to be 0.275 µC/cm2, 0.254 µC/cm2 and 29.0 kV/cm for BaFe11.4Zn0.6O19 sample, respectively.