Increase In Crystal Size Research Articles

Mg-C-O isotopes and elements reveal the origin of dolostone in the Middle Jurassic Buqu Formation

The origin of dolostone in the Middle Jurassic Buqu Formation of the Plateau Basin has been a subject of prolonged debate. This study combines detailed petrological observations with analyses of Mg-C-O isotopes and elements to constrain the origin of dolostones in the Buqu Formation. Petrography and cathodoluminescence (CL) examination identified three types of matrix dolostones: very finely to finely crystalline dolostone (D1), finely to medium crystalline dolostone (D2), and medium to coarsely crystalline dolostone (D3). The analysis of the diagenesis sequence reveals that D1 originated from the dolomitization of grainstone in the early diagenetic phase, whereas D2 and D3 resulted from the recrystallization of D1 during the later burial phase. The presence of high Na (>100 ppm), low Fe (<1000 ppm), low Mn (<250 ppm), positive Ce anomaly, LREE enrichment, stable δ26Mg (−2.28‰ to −2.04‰), and δ13C (1.02‰ to 2.95‰) indicates that the early dolomitization fluid was oxidized seawater. As the crystal size increases (D1→D2→D3), the progressively rising Mn content and significantly negative δ18O (−10.72‰ to −7.81‰) suggest that the dolostone has experienced modification and alteration by buried pore water in the later stages. The fluctuations in relative sea level during the sedimentary deposition of the Buqu Formation were reconstructed through the utilization of Na, Sr/Cu, Sr/Ba, Rb/Sr, ∑REE, and δ13C. It was observed that the δ26Mg of dolostone closely mirrored the variations in sea level. The consistent trend of change confirms that sea level fluctuations control the formation and distribution of early dolostone. Frequent sea level rise and fall prompted the limestone deposited on the carbonate platform to be continuously transformed into dolostone, which accumulates over a long period to form large-scale thick dolostone. After the formation entered the burial stage, under the combined action of high Mg/Ca ratio pore water, high temperature, and high pressure, the early dolostone experienced the adjustment of burial dolomitization. This research offers a typical case study on the application of Mg-C-O isotope and elements to determine the origin of dolostone. This will aid in a more comprehensive understanding of the formation process of dolostone in ancient rock records.

Heterogeneous precipitation behavior and mechanism during the adsorption of cationic heavy metals by biochar: Roles of inorganic components

Heavy metals are commonly adsorbed by biochar in contaminated water and soil. However, the behaviour and underlying mechanisms of heterogeneous precipitation between the inorganic components of biochar and cationic heavy metals remain poorly understood. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the nucleation, growth, and aggregation of precipitates, ion exchange-coupled precipitation behaviour, adsorption-precipitation correlation, and the influence of environmental factors (e.g., anion content, pH, initial concentration, type of heavy metals, and biochar size). The kinetic results indicated that the generation of precipitates was accompanied by an adsorption reaction with a gradual increase in crystal size and aggregation behaviour. Moreover, precipitation includes both surface and solution precipitation. The increasing local concentration of Pb(II) around the biochar at high initial concentrations increased the supersaturation of the nucleating substance, which decreased the potential for heterogeneous nucleation and facilitated heterogeneous precipitation. Correlation analysis revealed the presence of a coupling mechanism between precipitation and cation exchange. The enhanced electrostatic attraction at high pH could lower the heterogeneous nucleation potential barrier, thus promoting heterogeneous precipitation. The small biochar size extended the induction time, which was unfavourable for heterogeneous nucleation. This study provides a deeper understanding of the heterogeneous precipitation behaviour of the inorganic components of biochar and cationic heavy metals.

Investigation of the Annealing and Cu Doping Effect on Structural and Optical Properties of CdZnS Nanomaterial Deposited by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

This study investigates doped CdZnS thin films synthesized through the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique, followed by annealing at temperatures of 400 and 500 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that both undoped CdZnS and Cu-doped CdZnS thin films exhibit cubic crystal structures, with a preferred orientation along the (111) plane. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements indicated that the CdZnS thin film has a smooth surface, whereas the Cu-doped CdZnS film shows clustered particles, attributed to the effect of copper doping acting as an activator metal ion. Electron dispersive scanning (EDS) analysis confirmed that the Cd, Zn, and S elements are present in acceptable chemical stoichiometry (Cd + Zn/S = 1:1), with a ratio of 3:1, consistent with the molar amounts used in the precursor solutions. The band gap of the CdZnS thin film decreased from 3.12 to 2.56 eV after annealing at 500 °C, attributed to an increase in crystal size. In contrast, the band gap of the Cu-doped CdZnS thin film decreased from 2.51 to 2.22 eV, lower than that of pure CdZnS, due to the formation of additional phases such as zinc oxide and copper oxide within the CdZnS host structure during annealing.

Effect of frozen storage on the quality of frozen instant soup rice noodles: From the moisture and starch characteristics

This study aimed to simulate frozen instant soup rice noodles (FISRN) and investigate the effects of long-term frozen storage (−18 °C, 180 days) on the quality characteristics, moisture status, and starch retrogradation of FISRN. The findings indicated that the extent of starch retrogradation gradually increased over 90 days, which elevated the RS rate and inhibited starch digestibility. However, recrystallization resulted in a gradual increase in ice crystal size after 90 days, which disrupted the ordered structure formed by starch retrogradation, reduced the degree of starch order, and accelerated the rate of starch digestion. Furthermore, a longer relaxation time (T24) was detected by NMR with increasing storage time. The weakly bound water in FISRN was gradually converted to free water. Texture results suggested that the hardness of FISRN experienced a general decrease. The cooking loss increased progressively from 3.66 % to 8.10 %. Scanning electron microscope demonstrated that the internal porous network structure of FISRN became inhomogeneous, and a significant number of apertures were formed on the surface. Overall, starch retrogradation and ice recrystallization significantly impact the quality of FISRN during long-term frozen storage. The findings may potentially influence the consumption and market circulation of FISRN positively.

Investigation of magnetic and electric properties of bismuth ferrite nanoparticles at different temperatures

Multiferroic bismuth ferrite shows a massive interest in its potential application in magnetic and electronic devices however maintaining high purity in bismuth ferrite nanoparticles at different temperatures is a difficult task for researchers. Several samples are prepared with different annealing temperatures and investigated in different atmospheres to recognize magnetic and electrical properties. A xerogel powder of bismuth ferrite is synthesized by the sol-gel route. The powder then anneals at 500, 600, 700, and 800 °C to form a nanostructure. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that the annealed samples are in rhombohedral structure with R3c space symmetry and show a significant increase in crystal size and reduction in lattice strain with increasing annealing temperature. FESEM reveals the microstructural features of annealed nanoparticles which represent the conversion of spherical to cubic morphology with annealing temperature. Vibrating sample magnetometer investigations were conducted as a function of annealing and surface (300, 200, 80 K) temperatures. Insignificant variations of saturation magnetization are detected with surface temperature, but considerable degradation is observed with increasing annealing temperatures. The band-gap energy of bismuth ferrite nanoparticles annealed at 500, 600, 700, and 800 ºC is measured and significant escalation is observed from 1.93 to 2.06 eV. Electrical property analyses have been investigated as a function of frequency at different surface temperatures of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 °C. Remarkable variations are established in the electric and magnetic properties. Bismuth ferrite has been widely investigated due to its promising multifunctional device applications such as memory devices, spintronics, sensors, actuators, and photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications.

Effects of heating media on microstructure and chemical composition of heat-treated Pometia pinnata

Changes of microstructure, crystallization, chemical composition, and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of heat-treated wood (HTW) were investigated to explore the effects of heating media (saturated steam, superheated steam, air) and heat treatment (HT) temperature on HTWs. The results showed that the saturated steam induced more severe cell wall destruction than the other two media. Although the porosity slightly increased with the increasing HT temperature, superheated steam and air HT still decreased the porosity compared to that of control, whereas saturated steam HT increased the porosity. The HT increased both relative crystallinity and crystal size of HTWs. The increasing HT temperature slightly increased the relative crystallinity but decreased the crystal size. The highest crystallinity (55.0%) was observed after saturated steam HT. Leaching led to the increase of crystal size of HTW treated in saturated steam (about 0.15 nm), while those treated in unsaturated steam and air decreased. The increase in relative amount of lignin and cellulose due to the hemicellulose degradation were the main chemical changes of HTWs. Further lignin condensation reaction only occurred after saturated steam HT. Although saturated steam HT induced increased porosity, its lowest EMC (5.91%) indicated the decrease of hydroxyl groups.

Effect of Citrate-Based Bath pH on Properties of Electrodeposited Cu–Zn Coating on an Aluminum Substrate

In this study, Cu–Zn alloys were deposited in citrate-based electrolytes on aluminum substrate by electrodeposition method. The effect of bath pH variation on the properties of the obtained Cu–Zn alloy coatings was investigated. The electrochemical behavior of the citrate-based baths and the crystalline structure, surface morphology and elemental content, electrical resistivity and thermal behavior of the alloy coatings were analyzed. According to the results of cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis, increasing bath pH caused a negative shift in the cathodic deposition potential. In addition, the anodic dissolution peaks first shifted to the positive side with increasing pH and then shifted back to the negative direction. According to the results of XRD analysis, the phase structure of Cu–Zn alloys generally consists of α and β′ phases, but according to differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis, it is possible that there is a γ phase in the structure in addition to these phases. In addition, pH increase (4.5 to 6.5) caused a relative increase in crystal grain size (~14 to ~ 25 nm). The Zn content of Cu–Zn coatings first increased (~pct 15 to ~ pct 55) with pH increase, then followed a horizontal trend (~pct 55 to ~ pct 59) with further pH increase and then exhibited a slight decreasing trend (~pct 59 to ~ pct 52). The pH increase significantly affected the surface morphology of the coatings and denser coatings were obtained with increasing pH. While the electrical resistivity of Cu–Zn coatings first increased (0.0408 to 0.0696 µΩcm for 297 K) with increasing pH, it tended to decrease (0.0696 to 0.0479 µΩcm for 297 K) again at higher pH values. In addition, the electrical resistivity of the coatings increased with increasing measurement temperature. According to DSC analysis of the coatings, endothermic peaks were obtained, possibly representing the transformation from γ to β′ phase.Graphical

Synthesis of Cu2+ doped ZnO@ZnCdS thin film: Optical and electrochemical characterization

Doping strategies modify the optical and electrochemical characteristics of materials. In this research, we investigated the impact of Cu2⁺ doping in ZnO@ZnCdS nanocomposites synthesized via the co-precipitation approach. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical features of the samples using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Visible absorption, and photoluminescence (PL). Notably, Cu2⁺ doping induces changes in morphology, crystal size, absorption spectra, and band gap energy. Surface investigations reveal a flower-like structure, while XRD analysis indicates an increase in crystal size from 25.5 to 35.2 in thin films with copper content. The absorption spectra of UV–visible-doped ZnO@ZnCdS thin films exhibit reduced peak intensity upon Cu2⁺ addition. Also, optical absorption analysis shows a shift towards longer wavelengths in the emission of ZnO@ZnCdS due to Cu2⁺ inclusion during doping. Likewise, the band gap energy ranges from 1.37 eV to 2.22 eV for ZnO@ZnCdS and Cu2⁺ doped ZnO@ZnCdS, respectively, as determined using Tauc plots. PL spectrum of the Cu2⁺ doped ZnO@CdS nanocomposite indicates emissions in the blue and green regions. Specifically, under 325 nm excitation, the copper-doped material displays a prominent blue and a less intense red emission at 420 nm at 685 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the electrochemical analysis revealed that doping caused a reduction in Rct and an elevation in CSP. These results offer important considerations for the development of cutting-edge functional optoelectronic materials.

Visible-Light Spectroscopy and Rock Magnetic Analyses of Iron Oxides in Mixed-Mineral Assemblages

Iron oxide assemblages are central to many pursuits, ranging from Mars exploration to environmental remediation. Oxides and oxyhydroxides of iron both carry the special properties of color and magnetism. In this paper, we use visible-light spectroscopy and rock magnetic data collected at varying temperatures (~77–973 K) to analyze the concentrations and identities of iron oxides found in natural hematite-dominated samples that were obtained from a scientific drill core of Late Triassic red beds in the American Southwest. Our results suggest that hematite colorization of Earth materials varies from red to blue/purple as crystal size increases. Second-derivative analysis of the collected visible-light spectra allows this variation to be measured through the characteristic wavelength band position. Magnetic coercivity data indicate “hardness” differences that also may suggest smaller grain sizes are associated with redder colors. Yellowish maghemite and goethite have overlapping characteristic wavelength band positions that make it challenging to distinguish their contributions to mixed assemblages from visible-light data alone. Remanent magnetizations acquired at ~77 K and room temperature suggest the presence of hematite and a low-coercivity phase that may be maghemite and/or oxidized magnetite. However, we interpret this phase as maghemite in order to explain the changes in iron oxide concentrations indicated by visible-light intensities near ~425 nm and because the thermal demagnetization data suggest that goethite is absent from the samples. Future research that increases the resolution of hematite, maghemite, and goethite detection in experimental and natural samples will provide opportunities to refine the study of past climates and constrain soil iron availability under future changes in global moisture and temperature. Multimethod datasets improve understanding of environmental conditions that cause iron oxides assemblages to shift in phase dominance, grain size, and crystallinity.

Enhanced graphitization and reduced radial heterogeneity of carbon fibers inheriting from irradiated/thermo-chemically stabilized PAN-fibers

The cross-section of carbon fibers (CFs) possessed radial heterostructure, which restricted its mechanical properties. In this paper, heating and γ-irradiation were integrated during PAN fibers stabilization process to improve the radial structure of CFs. The synergy between irradiation and heating during stabilization caused the decrease of ID/IG, increase of crystal size, and reduction of pore fractal dimension in whole CFs. Through Raman spectra along fibers cross-section, a radial heterogeneity was found during the whole carbonization process. The combination of γ-irradiation and heating reduced the ID/IG of core part more significantly compared to the skin part of CFs, which weakened radial heterogeneity of CFs. At the same time, it significantly enhanced the tensile strength of CFs. Subsequently, a hierarchy model with three zones containing outer-surface, sub-surface and core parts was presented to explain the evolution of tensile strength for CFs. The γ-irradiation during stabilization enhanced the structure of each part in CFs by generating more cross-linked structures.

Insights into pyrolysis product characteristics and carbon structure evolution of bituminous coal under high-temperature thermal shock

The current investigation aims to reveal the pyrolysis characteristics and particle microstructure evolution of bituminous coal under the high-temperature thermal shock. In the experimental temperatures, the purification of carbon matrix in the coal char is a successive process linear on temperature. In contrast, the graphitization process of carbon structure existed a transition temperature (1600 ℃). Specifically, the range of 1000–1500 ℃ is critical for the transformation of amorphous carbon to disordered graphite, but the growth of graphite microcrystals was minimally affected. While the range of 1600–1900 ℃ is critical for the formation of the graphite-like carbon structure. It is characterized by the release of defective structures such as oxygen-containing functional groups, and a significant increase in crystal size. Although beneficial for the subsequent study of carbon materials, the ordered graphite transformation led to the deactivation of char. The pyrolysis behavior study under thermal shock insight into the thermal behavior of coal char in high-temperature furnaces, as well as a new idea for the clean utilization of coal resources.

The Rise in Tubular pH during Hypercalciuria Exacerbates Calcium Stone Formation.

In calcium nephrolithiasis (CaNL), most calcium kidney stones are identified as calcium oxalate (CaOx) with variable amounts of calcium phosphate (CaP), where CaP is found as the core component. The nucleation of CaP could be the first step of CaP+CaOx (mixed) stone formation. High urinary supersaturation of CaP due to hypercalciuria and an elevated urine pH have been described as the two main factors in the nucleation of CaP crystals. Our previous in vivo findings (in mice) show that transient receptor potential canonical type 3 (TRPC3)-mediated Ca2+ entry triggers a transepithelial Ca2+ flux to regulate proximal tubular (PT) luminal [Ca2+], and TRPC3-knockout (KO; -/-) mice exhibited moderate hypercalciuria and microcrystal formation at the loop of Henle (LOH). Therefore, we utilized TRPC3 KO mice and exposed them to both hypercalciuric [2% calcium gluconate (CaG) treatment] and alkalineuric conditions [0.08% acetazolamide (ACZ) treatment] to generate a CaNL phenotype. Our results revealed a significant CaP and mixed crystal formation in those treated KO mice (KOT) compared to their WT counterparts (WTT). Importantly, prolonged exposure to CaG and ACZ resulted in a further increase in crystal size for both treated groups (WTT and KOT), but the KOT mice crystal sizes were markedly larger. Moreover, kidney tissue sections of the KOT mice displayed a greater CaP and mixed microcrystal formation than the kidney sections of the WTT group, specifically in the outer and inner medullary and calyceal region; thus, a higher degree of calcifications and mixed calcium lithiasis in the kidneys of the KOT group was displayed. In our effort to find the Ca2+ signaling pathophysiology of PT cells, we found that PT cells from both treated groups (WTT and KOT) elicited a larger Ca2+ entry compared to the WT counterparts because of significant inhibition by the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) inhibitor, Pyr6. In the presence of both SOCE (Pyr6) and ROCE (receptor-operated Ca2+ entry) inhibitors (Pyr10), Ca2+ entry by WTT cells was moderately inhibited, suggesting that the Ca2+ and pH levels exerted sensitivity changes in response to ROCE and SOCE. An assessment of the gene expression profiles in the PT cells of WTT and KOT mice revealed a safeguarding effect of TRPC3 against detrimental processes (calcification, fibrosis, inflammation, and apoptosis) in the presence of higher pH and hypercalciuric conditions in mice. Together, these findings show that compromise in both the ROCE and SOCE mechanisms in the absence of TRPC3 under hypercalciuric plus higher tubular pH conditions results in higher CaP and mixed crystal formation and that TRPC3 is protective against those adverse effects.

Investigating Surgical Mask Thermal Degradation via X‐Ray Techniques for Efficient Reuse

AbstractThe Covid‐19 crisis has led to a massive surge in the use of surgical masks worldwide, causing risks of shortages and high pollution. Reusing the masks may be promising to reduce such risks, especially since various decontamination techniques are being investigated. In this study, the thermal degradation of surgical masks was investigated using X‐ray‐based techniques such as XRD and XPS. Additional characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. XRD experiments reveal an increase in both crystal size and crystallinity of the mask with temperature until it is destroyed at 160 °C. However, XPS results show that there was no significant change in the surface chemistry of the mask, as no other chemical element has been detected in the mask heated up. Breathability has been proven compliant with standards until 150 °C.

The Effect Analysis of ZnO Variations on Corn Starch and Cellulose Biocomposites toward Impact Strength

Biocomposites made from renewable resources make biocomposites a more viable and promising alternative for the manufacture of metal replacement materials. The use of polyester resin as a matrix in composites does have good mechanical properties. However, it needs development to improve the mechanical properties better, namely by adding corn starch to help the polyester resin matrix. The addition of ZnO and cellulose to strengthen the mechanical properties of the biocomposite. This research was conducted using an experimental method, namely by varying the percentage of 100% Polyester Resin, 2.5% ZnO, 5% ZnO, and 7.5% ZnO to determine the difference in the impact value of the biocomposite. From the impact test results, the specimen with the best mechanical properties will be continued with X-Ray Diffraction testing, to determine the crystallinity index and crystal size. Based on data analysis and discussion, the average impact value of biocomposite 100% Polyester Resin, 2.5% ZnO, 5% ZnO, 7.5% ZnO respectively 0.0139 J/mm2 0.0188 J/mm2 0.0241 J/mm2 0.0168 J/mm2. The best impact value was obtained on biocomposite specimens with a percentage of 5% ZnO. The average impact value obtained is 0.0241 J/mm2. The results of the calculation of the crystallinity index on the specimens with a percentage of 2.5% ZnO, 5% ZnO, and 7.5% ZnO respectively 70.58%, 73.43%, 81.16%, with a crystal size of 28.53 nm, 42.80 nm, 52.21 nm. It can be seen that as the percentage of ZnO increases, the crystallinity index and crystal size increase.

Pemanfaatan Ekstrak Daun Sirih Hijau (Piper Betle Linn.) sebagai Capping Agent dalam Green Synthesis Spinel Ferit ZnFe2O4 untuk Remediasi Fenol dalam Air dan sebagai Anti Bakteri

The spinel ferrite material ZnFe2O4 was synthesized using a green synthesis approach by the hydrothermal method. In the synthesis, 2M NaOH was used as a mineralizer and betel leaf extract with varying volumes of 1, 3, 5, and 7 mL as a capping agent, then continued with calcination at 500, 600, and 700°C. Several devices, such as XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, DRS-UV-Vis, and VSM, were used to characterize the synthesized ZnFe2O4 material. The pattern of XRD indicated that the ZnFe2O4 material has a cubic structure, where the increase in crystal size was after calcination. The Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectrum shows the Fe-O interaction at wave numbers 427-417 cm-1, which is located on the octahedral side, while the Zn-O interaction at wave numbers 534-510 cm-1, which is located on the tetrahedral side in spinel ferrite structure. From the DRS UV-Vis spectrum pattern and band gap values, it was found that the material absorbs light in the visible region. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images show that the morphology of the synthesized material is circular. The Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) hysteresis curve shows that the synthesized ZnFe2O4 has paramagnetic properties. The synthesized ZnFe2O4 material has photocatalytic activity towards phenolic compounds with a degradation percentage reaching 62.2%, and this material is active as an antibacterial with an inhibition area of 14.4 for S. aereus bacteria.

Size-Dependent Deformation and Competition H-Bond Site-Induced Individual Fluorescence Response of a Single-Crystal Three-Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework.

Understanding the individual fluorescence response mechanism of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) at a single-crystal level is of great significance for the rational design of COF-based microsensors but unreachable because all previous COF-based sensors are performed with average fluorescence response behavior of various sized polycrystalline COFs. Herein, we design to explore the fluorescence response of a monodisperse single-crystal COF and further reveal the individual heterogeneity of the response mechanism. Three-dimensional single-crystal COF-301 (SCOF-301) with an intramolecular H-bond-induced excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer effect is selected as a proof-of-concept SCOF. With ethanol, benzene, and ammonia as model analytes, three different deformation and competition H-bond site-induced fluorescence response mechanisms related to crystal size are revealed. Small single particles of SCOF-301 (SSCOF-301) exhibit a more flexible structure, leading to the dominant role of deformation in the fluorescence response of small-sized SSCOF-301. The decreasing flexibility of SSCOF-301 with the increase of crystal size results in involvement of competition of the H-bond site to the fluorescence response besides deformation. Further increase of the crystal size makes the large-sized SSCOF-301 difficult to deform; thus, the competition of the H-bond site dominates the fluorescence response. This work provides a deep understanding of the individual fluorescence response mechanism of COFs to guide the design of a functional COF sensor with suitable size and mechanism for different structural analytes.

Characterization of Kinetics-Controlled Morphologies in the Growth of Silver Crystals from a Primary Lead Melt

Silver, a precious metal, can be recovered as a by-product of the processing of non-ferrous metals such as lead. In this work, silver crystals grown from the controlled cooling of a 10% silver–90% lead melt have been examined to quantify crystal morphologies developed under industrial conditions. X-ray tomography (XCT) is adapted to quantify the size and morphology of silver crystal structures grown from the Ag-Pb melt. The examination utilized high X-ray energies and small sample sizes to mitigate attenuation and enhance image quality. Examination of single crystal dendrites under high magnification demonstrates that silver crystals, even those grown under commercial conditions, yield a Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) crystalline lattice, which could be important for the practical extension of this work to the commercial production of Ag nano-crystals and crystalline supra-molecular structures. The crystals observed are composed of multiple twinned euhedral grains in a variety of dendritic to acicular arrangements, yielding a substantial heterogeneity of crystalline forms. XCT data were used to generate size and shape descriptors for the individual crystals. The results were compared to an equivalent set of descriptors generated from laser sizing examination of a sample of unconsolidated crystals from the same experimental run. The correspondence to within 9% of the crystal equivalent diameters determined independently by the XCT and laser sizing demonstrates a favorable outcome in particle sizing as achieved by visual inspection of XCT results. XCT examination of crystal assemblages identifies small octahedral crystals and larger triangular platelets. The structures expected for FCC crystals grown at thermodynamically controlled conditions are not observed in our systems, suggesting the possibility of the first crystal nuclei form at such conditions, but their growth transition to kinetically controlled mechanisms occurs as their size increases above a threshold cutoff. Based on literature observations, this size threshold is much smaller than the resolution of the XCT instrumentation employed herein. Our characterization data are in fact consistent with thermodynamics/kinetics—and then kinetics-controlled mechanisms—as the crystal size increases. This observation is important because the systems considered here are representative of commercial processes. As such, this work extends prior crystal growth concepts, which were explored in aqueous systems often probed by electrodeposition.

Polysaccharide-Controlled Crystallization of Lactose in Sweetened Condensed Milk

Introduction: One of the main problems when storing sweetened condensed milk is the formation of organoleptically perceptible lactose crystals larger than 10 microns. To prevent this defect, the technology of introducing a fine-crystalline lactose seed has widely proven itself, ensuring the production of a high-quality product. However, this traditional technology is energy-intensive, requires large production areas and metal-intensive equipment in the form of vacuum crystallizers. In this regard, research into alternative approaches that prevent spontaneous crystallization of lactose during the production of sweetened condensed milk remains relevant.Purpose: The purpose of this study is to create a composition of polysaccharides to prevent the formation of organoleptically perceptible lactose crystals in sweetened condensed milkMaterials and Methods: The materials used were commercial samples of skimmed milk powder, sugar, polysaccharides and whey protein hydrolyzate powder. The work used the methods of rotational viscometry, electron microscopy and the method of sorption-capacitance determination of bound waterResults: The paper presents data on the influence of individual polysaccharides, as well as their complexes on the process of crystallization of lactose in concentrated milk systems with sugar on the formation of a stable structure of matrices, reflecting the ability to have both positive and negative effects of hydrocolloids on the process of crystallization of lactose and changes in dynamic viscosity. For multicomponent complex systems containing carboxymethylcellulose, sodium alginate, tara gum, locust bean gum and gum arabic, both a synergistic effect, consisting in the intermolecular interaction of polysaccharides and slowing down the spontaneous crystallization of lactose, and an antagonism effect, manifested in an increase in crystal size, have been establishedConclusion: The composition containing tara gum, carboxymethylcellulose and gum arabic showed the most pronounced properties for inhibiting the growth of lactose crystals, as well as high thixotropic properties. In practical terms, the use of this complex additive for the production of condensed milk products with sugar by the method of restoring dry components can replace the classical process of seeding fine-crystalline lactose, and, accordingly, reduce the energy and metal consumption of the process of crystallization of lactose in the product

Pengaruh Variasi Temperatur Tempering Terhadap Struktur Mikro Dan Struktur Kristal Pada Baja Karbon Sebagai Bahan Mandrill

This writing begins with a mandrill that cannot be modified in a company, so the author wants to know the crystal structure and microstructure of the steel, as well as explain the composition contained in the steel being tested. Tests were carried out by observing the crystal structure using an X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), observing the microstructure and material composition using Scanning Electron Microscopy – Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). The results show that the crystal structure and microstructure are strongly influenced by the quenching and tempering processes. The increase in crystal size occurred after the tempering process at 425° C from 34.33 nm to 52.31 nm. There was a decrease in dislocation density after tempering at 425° C from 0.00085 lines/mm2 to 0.00085 lines/mm2. Likewise, the micro strain after the tempering process at 425°C decreased from 0.25 (ε) to 0.19 (ε). The test material has several compositions such as iron (Fe), oxygen (O), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca) and carbon (C). Microstructure testing showed a decrease in iron Fe atoms after the tempering process from 65.79% to 42.96%, a decrease in atoms also occurred in manganese from 0.51% to 0.34% after the tempering process. There was an increase in oxygen atoms after the tempering process from 33.31% to 54.23%, an increase in the atomic presentation also occurred in sodium (Na) from 0.33% to 2.46% after the tempering process

Hardness and tribological behaviour of annealed electroless nickel phosphorus composite layers with incorporated boron particles

In this study, a possible alternative to hard chromium coatings is investigated. Amorphous boron particles have been incorporated in electroless nickel‑phosphorus (NiP) deposits, yielding a dispersion coating. The distribution of the particles is homogenous and the maximum mass fraction of particles embedded in the coating is 6.2 ± 0.2 wt%. Measurements of the zeta potential and particle size of amorphous boron particles in a diluted electrolyte showed that the particles withstood agglomeration until 120 days. Primary and secondary hardness maxima are observed after thermal annealing at 400 °C and 860 °C due to the formation of nickel phosphide, nickel boride and nickel boride phosphide phases. X-ray diffractometry shows an increase in nickel and nickel phosphide crystal size at 400 °C before levelling off at 600 °C. The annealing duration should be kept between 30 and 60 min for optimal hardness. The wear resistance increases when the coating is annealed at 400 °C. DSC measurements on nickel phosphorus incorporated with boron particles, Ni-P-B, bulk material with P-content (9.6 ± 0,6 wt%) and B-content (4.5 ± 0.8 wt%) showed that the solidus line lies at 926 °C, which is why a maximum annealing temperature of 860 °C was chosen to avoid melting of the material. The relative texture and phase coefficients, RTC and RPC, showed that the nickel phase is preferred in the NiP system at 400 °C and 600 °C while the Ni3P phase is preferred in the Ni-P-B system at the same annealing temperature. REM and EDX area analyses are used to show the areal distribution of nickel, phosphorus, and boron before and after the annealing process along the thickness of the coating. A diffusion layer between substrate and coating that contains iron nickel boride and iron nickel phosphide lamellar structure is observed.