Percent Aluminum Research Articles

Protective immune-response of aluminium hydroxide gel adjuvanted phage lysate of Brucella abortus S19 in mice against direct virulent challenge with B. abortus 544

The prophylactic efficacies of plain and alum adsorbed lysate were evaluated by direct virulent challenge in mice model. A recently isolated brucellaphage ‘ϕLd’ was used for generation of lysates. Twenty four h incubated Brucella abortus S19 broth cultures standardized to contain approximately 108 CFU/ml were found suitable for generation of lysates. Three lysate batches produced through separate cycles did not show any significant variation with respect to protein and polysaccharide contents, endotoxin level and phage counts, indicating that compositionally stable lysate preparations can be generated through an optimized production process. Three polypeptides of ∼16, 19 and 23 kDa could be identified as immuno-dominant antigens of the lysate which induced both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in a dose dependent manner. Results of efficacy evaluation trial confirmed dose-dependent protective potencies of lysate preparation. The lysate with an antigenic dose of 0.52 μg protein and 60 μg CHO adsorbed on aluminium gel (0.1 percent aluminium concentration) exhibited the highest protective potency which was greater than that induced by standard S19 vaccine. Phage lysate methodology provides a very viable option through which an improved immunizing preparation with all desirable traits can be developed against brucellosis, and integrated with immunization programmes in a more efficient manner.

Effects of Thermal and Cryogenic Conditionings on Flexural Behavior of Thermally Shocked Cu-Al2O3 Micro and NanoComposites

This investigation has used flexural test to explore the effects of thermal treatments, i.e., high-temperature and cryogenic environments on the mechanical property of alumina particulate-reinforced Cu metal matrix micro and nanocomposites in ex-situ and in-situ conditions. Cu-5 vol. pct alumina micro (10 micron)- and nanocomposites (<50 nm) fabricated by powder metallurgy route were subjected to up-thermal shock cycle [193 K to 353 K (-80C to 80C)] and down-thermal shock cycle [193 K to 353 K (from 80C to -80C)] for different time periods followed by 3-point bend test. One batch of specimens (micro and nanocomposites) was conditioned at [193 K to 353 K (from 80C to -80C)] separately followed by 3-point flexural test. High-temperature flexural test was performed at [373 K to 523 K (100C to 250C)] on the micro and nanocomposites. All the fractured samples obtained after various thermal treatments were studied under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The development of thermal stresses quite often results in concentration of residual stresses at the particle/matrix interface eventually weakening it. Enhancement of flexural strength was recorded for down- as well as for up-thermal shock in microcomposites. The high-temperature flexural strengths of micro and nanocomposites are lower than those at ambient temperature. The amelioration and declination in mechanical properties as a consequence of thermal shock, thermal conditioning, and high-temperature flexural testing have been discussed in the light of fractography.

Effects of antiperspirant aluminum percent composition and mode of application on mock microcalcifications in mammography

ObjectiveActive ingredients in antiperspirants – namely, aluminum-based complexes – can produce radiopaque particles on mammography, mimicking microcalcifications. The present study was designed to investigate whether the appearance of antiperspirant induced radiopaque particles observed on mammograms is dependent on the percentage of aluminum-based complexes in antiperspirants and/or on their mode of application. MethodsA total of 43 antiperspirants with aluminum-based complex percentages ranging between 16% and 25% were tested. Each antiperspirant was applied to a single use plastic shield and then placed on an ultrasound gel pad, simulating breast tissue. Two experiments were performed, comparing antiperspirants based on (1) their percentage of aluminum-based complexes (20 antiperspirants) and (2) their mode of applications (solid, gel, and roll-on) (26 antiperspirants). Two experienced, blinded radiologists read images produced in consensus and assessed the appearance of radiopaque particles based on their density and shape. ResultsIn experiment 1, there was no statistically significant association between the percent aluminum composition of invisible solid antiperspirants and the density or shape of the radiopaque particles (p-values>0.05). In experiment 2, there was a statistically significant association between the shape of the radiopaque particles and the mode of application of the antiperspirant (p-value=0.0015). ConclusionsOur study suggests that the mammographic appearance of the radiopaque antiperspirant particles is not related to their percent composition of aluminum complexes. However, their mode of application appears to influence the shape of radiopaque particles, solid antiperspirants mimicking microcalcifications the most and roll-on antiperspirants the least.

Behavior of&lt;i&gt; β&lt;/i&gt;(Mg&lt;sub&gt;17&lt;/sub&gt;Al&lt;sub&gt;12&lt;/sub&gt;) Phases in Mg-Al Alloy Subject to Cycling Cryogenic Treatment

In Mg-Al alloy β (Mg17Al12) phase is the main precipitate and reinforced phase. The microstructure and performance of alloy are strongly dependent on the morphology and behavior of β phases. In this paper, a kind of Mg-Al alloy is chosen as the research object with 8.92 weight percent aluminum element. The alloy is subjected to cycling cryogenic treatment. The microstructure evolution and thermodynamic balance are analyzed by scanning electronic microscope and Thermo-CALC software. The results show that after two cryogenic treatments the quantity of the precipitate hardening β phase increases and the sizes of the precipitates are refined from 8~10 μm to 2~4μm. This is expected to be due to the decreased solubility of aluminum in the matrix at low temperatures and the significant plastic deformation due to internal differences in thermal contraction between phases and grains.

Al-W Alloy Deposition from Lewis Acidic Room-Temperature Chloroaluminate Ionic Liquid

The electrochemistry of binuclear tungsten salt, K3[W2Cl9], was examined in the Lewis acidic 66.7-33.3 mole percent (m/o) aluminum chloride-1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AlCl3-[EtMeIm]Cl) room-temperature ionic liquid as it pertains to the electrodeposition of the Al-W alloy. We revealed that Al-W alloy without chloride contamination can be electrodeposited from the 66.7 m/o AlCl3−[EtMeIm]Cl with the K3[W2Cl9]. Interestingly Al-W alloy having an amorphous phase as well as W-rich Al alloy over 96 atomic present (a/o) W were successfully produced. However the Al-W alloy became covered with powdery deposits with increasing the W content in the alloy. The resulting Al-W alloy showed a favorable chloride-induced pitting potential comparable to that produced by a usual sputtering method if the W content was less than ca. 3 a/o W.

Preparation and Certification of Hydrogen in Titanium Alloy Standard Reference Materials

A series of three hydrogen in titanium alloy Standard Reference Materials (SRMs 2452, 2453, and 2454) was prepared with hydrogen mass fractions bracketing the hydrogen specification limit of 125 mg/kg. Commercial titanium alloy Ti6Al4V (6 pct aluminum and 4 pct vanadium) was heated under vacuum in a furnace to remove native hydrogen, then it was doped with a measured quantity of hydrogen. Prompt gamma-ray activation analysis was used to determine hydrogen in the degassed material and finished SRMs. A combination of preparation data and PGAA measurement was used to certify the hydrogen mass fraction of each. The certified hydrogen mass fractions are 62.5 mg/kg ± 1.6 mg/kg for SRM 2452, 114 mg/kg ± 5 mg/kg for SRM 2453, and 211 mg/kg ± 4 mg/kg for SRM 2454.

A Study of the Effect of Nanosized Particles on Transient Liquid Phase Diffusion Bonding Al6061 Metal–Matrix Composite (MMC) Using Ni/Al2O3 Nanocomposite Interlayer

Transient liquid phase (TLP) diffusion bonding of Al-6061 containing 15 vol pct alumina particles was carried out at 873 K (600 °C) using electrodeposited nanocomposite coatings as the interlayer. Joint formation was attributed to the solid-state diffusion of Ni into the Al-6061 alloy followed by eutectic formation and isothermal solidification of the joint region. An examination of the joint region using an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy (WDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the formation of intermetallic phases such as Al3Ni, Al9FeNi, and Ni3Si within the joint zone. The result indicated that the incorporation of 50 nm Al2O3 dispersions into the interlayer can be used to improve the joint significantly.

Facial and axillary apocrine chromhidrosis

Apocrine chromhidrosis is a rare, chronic, idiopathic disorder, characterized by the excretion of pigmented sweat. A 26-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of dark blue secretions on bilateral malar cheeks. On examination, upon pressure on the cheeks, a dark blue fluid was expressed, which appeared to arise primarily from the follicle. The patient had not appreciated it, but on examination of her axillae, a very subtle blue coloring was observed. Histopathologic examination revealed apocrine glands in the deep reticular dermis. Bluish cytoplasmic granules were observed in the apocrine epithelium lining, which correspond to lipofuscin granules. The diagnosis of apocrine cromhidrosis was made. We began treatment with 20 percent aluminum chloride hexahydrate solution and capsaicin cream with poor tolerance. Finally, we treated with botulinum toxin type A with a successful response. We report a case of facial and axillary apocrine cromhidrosis with good response to botulinum toxin type A.

Experimental Determination of the Liquidus in the High-Basicity Region in the Al2O3(25 mass pct)-CaO-MgO-SiO2 and Al2O3(35 mass pct)-CaO-MgO-SiO2 Systems

Liquidus in the Al2O3(25 mass pct)-CaO-MgO-SiO2(<20 mass pct) and Al2O3(35 mass pct)-CaO-MgO-SiO2(<20 mass pct) systems were determined experimentally in the high-CaO-containing region at 1873 K (1600 °C). For the Al2O3(35 mass pct)-CaO-MgO-SiO2(<20 mass pct) system, liquidus data were also determined for 1773 K (1500 °C). The equilibrating and quenching technique with subsequent electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) microanalysis were employed. Based on the data, liquidus lines were constructed for the 25 and 35 mass pct alumina planes at silica contents generally below 20 mass pct. The current results showed a slightly lower solubility of CaO and a higher solubility of MgO at 1873 K (1600 °C) for the 25 mass pct Al2O3 section compared with the existing phase diagram. At 1773 K (1500 °C), the result showed a slightly lower solubility of both CaO and MgO in the 35 mass pct Al2O3 section compared with the existing phase diagram. In addition, the activities of MgO, CaO, and Al2O3 were estimated at 1773 K and 1873 K (1500 °C and 1600 °C) using the phase diagram information.

Corrosion Behavior of Alumina Reinforced Aluminium (6063) Metal Matrix Composites

The influence of alumina volume percent and solution heat-treatment on the corrosion behaviour of Al (6063) composites and its monolithic alloy in salt water, basic and acidic environments is investigated. Al (6063) – Al 2O3 particulate composites containing 6, 9, 15, and 18 volume percent alumina were produced by adopting two step stir casting. Mass loss and corrosion rate measurements were utilized as criteria for evaluating the corrosion behaviour of the composites. It is observed that Al (6063) – Al 2O3 composites exhibited excellent corrosion resistance in NaCl medium than in the NaOH and H 2SO 4 media. The unreinforced alloy exhibited slightly superior corrosion resistance than the composites in NaCl and NaOH media but the composites had better corrosion resistance in H 2SO 4 medium. Furthermore, solution heat-treatment resulted in improved corrosion resistance for both the composites and the unreinforced alloy while the effect of volume percent alumina on corrosion resistance did not follow a consistent trend.

Microbial Beneficiation of Salem Iron Ore Using Penicillium purpurogenum

High alumina and silica content in the iron ore affects coke rate, reducibility, and productivity in a blast furnace. Iron ore is being beneficiated all around the world to meet the quality requirement of iron and steel industries. Choosing a beneficiation treatment depends on the nature of the gangue present and its association with the ore structure. The advanced physicochemical methods used for the beneficiation of iron ore are generally unfriendly to the environment. Biobeneficiation is considered to be ecofriendly, promising, and revolutionary solutions to these problems. A characterization study of Salem iron ore indicates that the major iron-bearing minerals are hematite, magnetite, and goethite. Samples on average contains (pct) Fe2O3-84.40, Fe (total)-59.02, Al2O3-7.18, and SiO2-7.53. Penicillium purpurogenum (MTCC 7356) was used for the experiment. It removed 35.22 pct alumina and 39.41 pct silica in 30 days in a shake flask at 10 pct pulp density, 308 K (35 °C), and 150 rpm. In a bioreactor experiment at 2 kg scale using the same organism, it removed 23.33 pct alumina and 30.54 pct silica in 30 days at 300 rpm agitation and 2 to 3 l/min aeration. Alumina and silica dissolution follow the shrinking core model for both shake flask and bioreactor experiments.

Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms: A case report and literature review

Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms (AWP) is a condition that results in pain and edema of the hands after exposure to water. We describe a 32-year-old woman who presented with a several-year history of AWP. She was unable to tolerate a 20 percent aluminum chloride solution because of irritation, but a gel formulation of 15 percent aluminum chloride controlled her symptoms without side effects.

Study of Grain-Growth Kinetics in Delta-Ferrite and Austenite with Application to Thin-Slab Cast Direct-Rolling Microalloyed Steels

The high-temperature grain-growth kinetics in delta-ferrite and austenite is investigated. The delta-ferrite growth kinetics was observed directly on a model alloy that contained 2.5 wt pct aluminum in order to stabilize delta-ferrite down to room temperature. The gamma grain-growth kinetics was by etching the former austenite grain boundaries in a precipitate-free variant of APIX60 steel. At high temperatures and in the absence of precipitation, the growth kinetics in both delta-ferrite and austenite appeared to follow a simple parabolic growth law. The findings are applied to the problem of grain-size control during the process of thin-slab casting direct rolling (TSCDR).

Effect of Aluminum Content on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hypereutectoid Steels

Hypereutectoid steels with 0, 0.69, 1.29, and 1.95 wt pct aluminum were prepared. The samples were hot rolled at 1100 °C followed by cooling in air. The microstructure of the as-rolled samples was characterized using field emission–scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) technique was used to identify the grain boundary phases. The steels have a pearlitic microstructure with different amounts of grain boundary cementite. A continuous grain boundary cementite network is present in the 0 wt pct Al steel. Grain boundary cementite formation is completely suppressed in the 1.29 wt pct Al steel. Phase diagram calculations show that aluminum increases the eutectoid temperature. However, the interlamellar spacing and pearlite colony size decrease with increase in aluminum content. Dilatometry measurements show that aluminum addition increases the undercooling below the eutectoid temperature. The yield strength increases with the decrease in interlamellar spacing and colony size. Very high ultimate tensile strengths (1200 to 1400 MPa) and improved elongations to failure (7 to 9 pct) are achieved in the as-rolled condition.

Brillouin spectroscopy of YAG-derived optical fibers

We present Brillouin spectroscopy of YAG-derived optical fibers. It is found that the addition of yttria and alumina both tend to raise the acoustic velocity when added to silica, with the change due to yttria being much weaker. The temperature-dependence of the Stokes's shift in the YAG-derived fibers is also measured, disclosing a lesser temperature dependence than conventional Ge-doped fibers. These fibers are found experimentally to have a substantially larger acoustic attenuation coefficient relative to that of bulk silica, and assuming a photoelastic constant of amorphous YAG similar to that of pure crystalline YAG, a much-reduced Brillouin gain coefficient as a result. A 40 weight percent yttria and alumina fiber has a Brillouin gain coefficient estimated to be roughly one sixth of pure silica. We also show that the addition of Er to the YAG-derived system decreases the acoustic velocity and broadens the Brillouin spectrum.

Reaction Scheme and Liquidus Surface of the Ternary System Aluminum-Chromium-Titanium

The constitution of the ternary system Al-Cr-Ti is investigated over the entire composition range using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), differential thermal analysis (DTA) up to 1500 °C, and metallography. Solid-state phase equilibria at 900 °C are determined for alloys containing ≤75 at. pct aluminum and at 600 °C for alloys containing >75 at. pct Al. A reaction scheme linking these solid-state equilibria with the liquidus surface is presented. The liquidus surface for ≤50 at. pct aluminum is dominated by the primary crystallization field of bcc β(Ti,Cr,Al). In the region >50 at. pct Al, the ternary L12-type phase τ forms in a peritectic reaction pmax at 1393 °C from L + TiAl. Furthermore, with the addition of chromium, the binary peritectic L + α(Ti,Al) = TiAl changes into an eutectic L = α(Ti,Al) + TiAl. This eutectic trough descends monotonously through a series of transition reactions and ternary peritectics to end in the binary eutectic L = Cr7Al45 + (Al).

Crystallographic Texture in the Friction-Stir-Welded Metal Matrix Composite Al6061 with 10 Vol Pct Al2O3

Friction stir welding (FSW) is an important, relatively new joining technology particularly for aluminum alloys and metal matrix composites (MMCs). Metal matrix composites are light weight and have good stiffness and strength—perfect for aerospace and other modern industrial applications. However, MMCs are difficult to join by traditional fusion welding processes due to welding defects and poor joint strength. To better understand the joining process in friction-stir-welded MMCs, investigation of the crystallographic texture of the weld and of the interface between the metal matrix and reinforcing particles is needed. The crystallographic texture and particle-matrix interaction of FSW Al6061-10 vol pct alumina have been studied in this article. Using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), the texture gradient of the FSW MMC has been shown to have similar trends to that of an unreinforced Al alloy, but with significantly larger grain size in general. Fracture and redistribution of the reinforcing alumina particles in the weld nugget were also observed.

Microstructural Evolution of a Low-Carbon Steel during Application of Quenching and Partitioning Heat Treatments after Partial Austenitization

The “quenching and partitioning” (Q&P) process has been studied in a low-carbon steel containing 1.1 wt pct aluminum by heat treatments consisting of partial austenitization at 900 °C and subsequent rapid cooling to a quenching temperature in the range between 125 °C and 175 °C, followed by an isothermal treatment (partitioning step) at 250 °C and 350 °C for different times. Characterization by means of optical and scanning electron microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), magnetization measurements, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) has shown a multiphase microstructure formed by intercritical ferrite, epitaxial ferrite, retained austenite, bainite, and martensite after different stages of tempering. A considerable amount of retained austenite has been obtained in the specimens partitioned at 350 °C for 100 seconds. Experimental results have been interpreted based on concepts of the martensite tempering, bainite transformation, and kinetics calculations of the carbon partitioning from martensite to austenite.

Dissolution of carbon from alumina-carbon mixtures into liquid iron: Influence of carbonaceous materials

Due to their excellent thermal shock and wear resistance at high temperatures, alumina-carbon based refractories are used extensively in the steel industry. A clear understanding of factors affecting the dissolution of carbon from refractories is of crucial importance, as carbon depletion from the refractory can significantly deteriorate refractory performance and metal quality. Atomistic simulations on the alumina-graphite/liquid iron system have shown that nonwetting between alumina and liquid iron is an important factor inhibiting the penetration of liquid metal in the refractory matrix and limiting carbon dissolution. This study investigates the role played by the carbonaceous material in the dissolution of carbon from the refractory composite. Two carbonaceous materials, namely, petroleum coke and natural graphite, respectively, containing 0.35 and 5.26 pct ash, were used in this study. Substrates were prepared from mixtures of alumina and carbon over a wide concentration range. Using a sessile drop arrangement, carbon pickup by liquid iron from alumina-carbon mixtures was measured at 1550 °C and was compared with the carbon pickup from alumina-synthetic graphite mixtures. These studies were supplemented with wettability measurements and microscopic investigations on the interfacial region. For high alumina concentrations (>40 wt pct), carbon dissolution from refractory mixtures was found to be negligible for all carbonaceous materials under investigation. Significant differences however were observed at lower alumina concentrations. Carbon dissolution from alumina-petroleum coke mixtures was much lower than the corresponding dissolution from alumina synthetic graphite-mixtures and was attributed to poor wettability of petroleum coke with liquid iron, its structural disorder, and the presence of sulfur. Very high levels of carbon dissolution, however, were observed from alumina-natural graphite mixtures, with carbon pickup by liquid iron from mixtures with up to 30 wt pct alumina reaching saturation. A sharp reduction to near zero levels was observed in the 30 to 40 wt pct alumina range. Along with implications for commercial refractory applications, these results are discussed in terms of material characteristics, interactions between ash impurities and alumina, and formation of complexes in the interfacial region.

Fluorite solubility in hydrous haplogranitic melts at 100 MPa

Fluorite is the most common fluoride mineral in magmatic silicic systems and its crystallization can moderate or buffer fluorine concentrations in these settings. We have experimentally determined fluorite solubility and speciation mechanisms in haplogranitic melts at 800–950 °C, 100 MPa and aqueous-fluid saturation. The starting haplogranite compositions: peraluminous (alumina saturation index, ASI = 1.2), subaluminous (ASI = 1.0) and peralkaline (ASI = 0.8) were variably doped with CaO or F 2O −1 in the form of stoichiometric mineral or glass mixtures. The solubility of fluorite along the fluorite–hydrous haplogranite binaries is low: 1.054 ± 0.085 wt.% CaF 2 (peralkaline), 0.822 ± 0.076 wt.% (subaluminous) and 1.92 ± 0.15 wt.% (peraluminous) at 800 °C, 100 MPa and 10 wt.% H 2O, and exhibits a minimum at ASI ∼ 1. Fluorite saturation isotherms are strongly hyperbolic in the CaO–F 2O −1 space, suggesting that fluorite saturation is controlled by the activity product of CaO and F 2O −1, i.e., these components are partially decoupled in the melt structure. The form of fluorite liquidus isotherms implies distinct roles of fluorite crystallization: in Ca-dominant systems, fluorite crystallization is controlled by the fluorine concentration in the melt only and remains nearly independent of calcium contents; in F-rich systems, the crystallization of fluorite is determined by CaO contents and it does not buffer fluorine concentration in the melt. The apparent equilibrium constant, K, for the equilibrium CaO + cF 2O −1 = CaF 2 (+ associates) is log K= − (2.449 ± 0.085)·Al 2O 3 exc + (4.902 ± 0.066); the reaction-stoichiometry parameter varies as follows: c= − (0.92 ± 0.11)·Al 2O 3 exc + (1.042 ± 0.084) at 800 °C, 100 MPa and fluid saturation where Al 2O 3 exc are molar percent alumina in excess over alkali oxides. The reaction stoichiometry, c, changes at subaluminous composition: in peralkaline melts, competition of other network modifiers for excess fluorine anions leads to the preferential alkali–F short-range order, whereas in peraluminous compositions, excess alumina associates with calcium cations to form calcioaluminate tetrahedra. The temperature dependence of fluorite solubility is described by the binary symmetric Margules parameter, W = 36.0 ± 1.4 kJ (peralkaline), 39.7 ± 0.5 kJ (subaluminous) and 32.8 ± 0.7 kJ (peraluminous). The strong positive deviations from ideal mixing imply the occurrence of CaF 2–granite liquid–liquid immiscibility at temperatures above 1258 °C, which is consistent with previous experimental data. These experimental results suggest very low solubilities of fluorite in Ca-rich melts, consistent with the lack of fluorine enrichment in peralkaline rhyolites and calc-alkaline batholiths. On the other hand, high CaO concentrations necessary to crystallize fluorite in F-rich peraluminous melts are not observed in nature and thus magmatic crystallization of fluorite in topaz-bearing silicic suites is suppressed. A procedure for calculating fluorite solubility and the liquidus isotherms for a whole-rock composition and temperature of interest is provided.