Texture Size Research Articles

Microstructural evolution and corrosion behavior of GH3536 superalloy fabricated by laser metal deposition following different aging heat treatments

The influences of aging heat treatment on the microstructures, passive films, and corrosion behavior of LMD-processed and wrought GH3536 alloy were investigated through electrochemical tests and surface characterization methods. The research results show that samples produced by LMD processing exhibit lower corrosion resistance than those produced by wrought processing. This is largely due to differences in texture and grain size resulting from the different fabrication methods. In particular, the LMD-processed sample, with its (200) orientation texture, promote the formation of porous Ni-oxides at the cost of compact Cr-oxides in the passive films. Fortunately, as the aging temperature increases, the corrosion resistance of LMD-processed samples significantly is significantly improved (Corrosion resistance: LMD-processed-HT3 > wrought-HT1). This improvement is closely linked to the solid solution of Cr23C6 and σ phases in the matrix, which also results in enhanced stability and integrity of passive films.

The Biochemical, Microbiological, Antioxidant and Sensory Characterization of Fermented Skimmed Milk Drinks Supplemented with Probiotics Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus.

A variety of foods fermented with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) serve as dietary staples in many countries. The incorporation of health-promoting probiotics into fermented milk products can have profound effects on human health. Considering the health benefits of Yakult, the current study was undertaken to develop an enriched Yakult-like fermented skimmed milk drink by the addition of two probiotic strains, namely Lacticaseibacillus casei (Lc) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (Lr). The prepared drinks were compared in terms of various parameters, including their physicochemical properties, proximate chemical composition, mineral estimation, microbial viable count, antioxidant activity, and sensory evaluation. Each strain was employed at five different concentrations, including 1% (T1), 1.5% (T2), 2% (T3), 2.5% (T4), and 3% (T5). The prepared Yakult samples were stored at 4 °C and analyzed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 to evaluate biochemical changes. The findings revealed that the concentration of the starter culture had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) impact on the pH value and moisture and protein contents, but had no marked impact on the fat or ash content of the developed product. With the Lc strain, Yakult's moisture content ranged from 84.25 ± 0.09 to 85.65 ± 0.13%, whereas with the Lr strain, it was from 84.24 ± 0.08 to 88.75 ± 0.13%. Protein levels reached their highest values with T5 (3% concentration). The acidity of all treatments increased significantly due to fermentation and, subsequently, pH showed a downward trend (p ≤ 0.05). The total soluble solids (TSS) content decreased during storage with Lc as compared to Lr, but the presence of carbohydrates had no appreciable impact. The drink with Lc exhibited a more uniform texture and smaller pore size than Yakult with Lr. Except for the iron values, which showed an increasing trend, the contents of other minerals decreased in increasing order of the added probiotic concentration used: 1% (T1), 1.5% (T2), 2% (T3), 2.5% (T4), and 3% (T5). The highest lactobacilli viable count of 8.69 ± 0.43 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL was observed with the T1 Lr-containing drink at the end of the storage period. Regarding the storage stability of the drink, the highest value for DPPH (88.75 ± 0.13%) was found with the T1 Lc drink on day 15, while the highest values for FRAP (4.86 ± 2.80 mmol Fe2+/L), TPC (5.97 ± 0.29 mg GAE/mL), and TFC (3.59 ± 0.17 mg GAE/mL) were found with the T5 Lr drink on day 28 of storage. However, the maximum value for ABTS (3.59 ± 0.17%) was noted with the T5 Lr drink on the first day of storage. The results of this study prove that Lc and Lr can be used in dairy-based fermented products and stored at refrigerated temperatures.

The kinetic Ising model encapsulates essential dynamics of land pattern change.

A land pattern change represents a globally significant trend with implications for the environment, climate and societal well-being. While various methods have been developed to predict land change, our understanding of the underlying change processes remains inadequate. To address this issue, we investigate the suitability of the two-dimensional kinetic Ising model (IM), an idealized model from statistical mechanics, for simulating land change dynamics. We test the IM on a variety of patterns, each with different focus land type. Specifically, we investigate four sites characterized by distinct patterns, presumably driven by different physical processes. Each site is observed on eight occasions between 2001 and 2019. Given the observed pattern at the time ti we find two parameters of the IM such that the model-evolved land pattern at ti+1 resembles the observed land pattern at that time. The data support simulating seven such transitions per site. Our findings indicate that the IM produces approximate matches to the observed patterns in terms of layout, composition, texture and patch size distributions. Notably, the IM simulations even achieve a high degree of cell-scale pattern accuracy in two of the sites. Nevertheless, the IM has certain limitations, including its inability to model linear features, account for the formation of new large patches and handle pattern shifts.

Development of an Emulsion Gel Containing Peanut Sprout Oil as a Fat Replacer in Muffins: Physicochemical, Tomographic, and Texture Properties.

Peanut sprouts are known to increase their resveratrol content during germination, leading to cultivation in smart farms. Recently, peanut sprout oil extraction and sales have gained traction; however, processed foods utilizing peanut sprout oil have yet to be developed. In this study, water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion gels were structured with water, peanut sprout oil (PSO), sorbitan monostearate (SMS), and candelilla wax (CW) in different ratios, and their potential as shortening substitutes in muffins was evaluated on physicochemical and sensory properties. PSO comprised 67% unsaturated fatty acids and had higher phospholipid (17.97%) and resveratrol (15.95 µg/L) contents and antioxidant activity (71.52%) compared to peanut oil. The PSO emulsion gels were physically structured without changing their chemical compositions. The SMS and CW ratios were found to have a significant influence on the textural properties, solid fat content, rheology, and crystallization of the emulsion gels. The viscoelastic properties of the emulsion gels showed a higher storage modulus than loss modulus and increased with increasing gelator content. Muffins prepared with emulsion gels were characterized by a harder texture and larger pore size, while in the case of muffins mixed with a ratio of 25% SMS and 75% CW, there was no significant difference in overall preference of sensory evaluation compared to shortening muffins. Thus, these findings reveal the potential utility of PSO as a fat substitute and indicate that W/O emulsion gels are suitable for producing muffins without a loss of quality.

Nanoscale Size Control of Si Pyramid Texture for Perovskite/Si Tandem Solar Cells Enabling Solution‐Based Perovskite Top‐Cell Fabrication and Improved Si Bottom‐Cell Response

AbstractA monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell architecture is employed to surpass the single‐junction efficiency limit. Recently, there is an increasing need for the double‐sided textures in the Si bottom cell to be compatible with the solution‐processed perovskite top cell from an industrial perspective. Herein, a silver‐assisted alkaline etching method is applied to fabricate nanoscale Si pyramid textures, and the influence of varying pyramid size (400–900 nm) on the interface morphology and the performance of perovskite/Si tandem cells is investigated. It is demonstrated that electrical shunting starts to increase, and the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) decreases when the texture size exceeds the perovskite thickness (~500nm) due to the non‐uniform top‐cell formation on a rough Si surface. However, when the texture size is reduced to 400–500 nm, all spin‐coated perovskite top‐cell component layers exhibit an even form over the nanopyramid Si, resulting in a high VOC and an enhanced Si bottom cell current (≈1.0 mA cm−2) due to the suppressed reflectance at the top/bottom cell interface without using optical couplers. The double‐sided nanopyramid Si texture offers opportunities to increase tandem cell efficiency while reducing its production cost compared with the commonly used single‐sided textured Si.

Fabrication of FeMnSi-based shape memory alloy components with graded-microstructures by laser powder bed fusion

This work demonstrates the tailoring of the microstructure of two FeMnSi-based shape memory alloys during laser powder bed fusion. Significant variations in the microstructure of the parts can be induced by modifying the scanning speed or the scanning strategy during the process. Specifically, the volume phase fractions, texture, and grain size and morphology change with the applied processing parameters as the thermal history experienced by the material is modified. Additionally, the generally undesired Mn evaporation during laser melting can be deliberately exploited to manipulate the phase composition in the final microstructure. Taking advantage of this, graded-microstructure samples with tailored amounts of the two phases (bcc-δ and fcc-γ) and distinct microstructure at different locations can be fabricated. A good combination of pronounced shape memory effect and ultrahigh strength can be achieved in this way. The findings of this study offer valuable insights that can drive future research and advancements in additive manufacturing, opening exciting opportunities for the fabrication of multifunctional and high performance materials.

Microstructural development of as-cast AM50 during Constrained Friction Processing: Grain refinement and influence of process parameters

Mg and its alloys have a wide range of structural applications despite the limitations regarding the workability and low ductility associated with its hexagonal closed-packed structure. The Constrained Friction Processing (CFP) is a novel processing technique, developed based on the refill friction stir spot welding process, that has been proposed as an interesting alternative that can help to overcome challenges associated with the processing of Mg and its alloys. This technique is shown to be able to produce homogenous fine-grained rods. Correlation between processing conditions and the evolved microstructure, i.e. texture and grain size, were established for AM50 rods. In the center, the produced rods present a strong B-fiber texture. As the distance from the center changes along the radial direction, there is a progressive outward tilt of the 〈0001〉 because of specific flow conditions during the processing. CFP is shown to be able to produce fine-grained rods with grain sizes comparable with other severe plastic deformation techniques, with advantages like no requirement of additional preheating and short processing times.

Analysis of neptunium oxides produced through modified direct denitration

Production of neptunium-237 (237Np) target materials for plutonium-238 (238Pu) radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for deep space exploration requires advanced chemistry and engineering development. Currently, the domestic Pu-238 Supply Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory produces neptunium dioxide (NpO2) for target material using a modified direct denitration (MDD) flowsheet. Although the chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and product characteristics of MDD are well understood for uranium, corresponding studies of the neptunium system are still needed to continue optimization of target material properties, production equipment design, and production flowsheets. The objective of this work is to characterize crystalline phases, morphology, surface texture, and particle size of NpO2 produced via MDD reactions. Solid-phase characterization techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), were employed to achieve this objective. Subsequent data processing using the Morphological Analysis for Material Attribution (MAMA) software was performed to analyze particle morphology and size. Broadly, the powders were found to contain a mixture of NpO2 and Np2O5 after denitration with a variety of morphologies. After high-firing, the product was found to be NpO2 with a typical polycrystalline oxide morphology and a grain size ranging from 0.72 to 0.94 µm. These analyses provide knowledge on the reaction pathway for a non-traditional NpO2 synthesis method and offer additional unique insight into production-scale environments for transuranic materials.

Trimethylplatinum(IV) Complexes for MOCVD Applications: A Physicochemical Study

The structure of trimethylplatinum(IV) iodide [(CH3)3PtI]4 (I) (CIF file CCDC no. 22330007) is refined. The structure of the synthesized for the first time trimethylplatinum(IV) complex with tridentate N,N,O-iminoketonate [(CH3)3Pt(C9H17N2O)] (II) is determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) (CIF file CCDC no. 22330008). The purity of the isolated phases is confirmed by elemental analysis and IR and NMR spectroscopy. The thermal behavior of complex II is studied by thermogravimetry. The energies of ionization and fragmentation of the molecules of complex II leading to the formation of the most stable fragment [(CH3)3Pt]+ are estimated by quantum-chemical calculations. Complex II is tested in the MOCVD processes. The Pt films with the pronounced (111) texture and particle sizes about 100 nm are prepared on Si plates in the presence of oxygen.

The Effect of Rolling Texture on the Plastic Deformation of Nano-Gradient Aluminum.

Creating alloys with a gradient microstructure in grain size has been shown to be a potential method to resolve the trade-off dilemma between strength and ductility. However, different textures developed with various processing methods cannot be fully eliminated, which can significantly affect the mechanical behavior of alloys. In this study, we use a multiscale framework based on dislocation theory to investigate how the combination of rolling texture and gradient in grain size affects the plastic deformation of nano-gradient aluminum during a tensile test. We found that specific rolling textures, such as {110} texture, can significantly enhance the strength and ductility of nano-gradient aluminum. This improvement is the result of the grain being reoriented and the redistribution of stress and strain, which are caused by the combined influence of texture and variation in grain size. These results provide new insights into developing high-performance aluminum by mediating texture and grain size gradient.

Evolution of microstructure, microhardness, crystallographic texture, and grain size variation in dissimilar joints used in concentrated solar power plants application

High carbon stainless steel 347H (SS347H) and Inconel 625 (IN625) are high-strength alloys, commonly used in high-temperature applications. These metals are commonly used in the fabrication of concentrated solar power energy storage tanks and pipelines. Construction of such tanks involves dissimilar welding as the primary manufacturing process. The critical factor to consider when joining two different materials is the development of microstructure, as it directly impacts the mechanical characteristics of the joints. According to the available literature, an increase in the heat input (HI) promotes alloying element segregation and susceptibility to weld cracking. Traditional arc welding processes, such as metal inert gas (MIG) welding, produce a higher HI. Therefore, there is a need to develop welding techniques that result in reduced HI. In the present study, a pulse-current MIG (PC-MIG) welding method was employed, utilizing current pulsing to minimize HI during the welding process. The welding was followed by metallographic and mechanical characterization. The microstructural examination found variations in microstructure at different regions. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis shows the crystallographic orientation at different regions. Analysis shows that both SS347H and IN625 have a face-centred cubic austenite structure. The inverse pole figure discloses strong texture formation. The average tensile strength of dissimilar weldments was found to be 479 MPa, while the average hardness value of the fusion zone was measured to be 235 HV. The research indicates that the PC-MIG technique is suitable for joining dissimilar materials with reduced HI, effectively eliminating the risk of cracking and enhancing the efficiency of the joint.

Evaluation of Biochemical Properties and Sensory Parameters of Short Duration Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Hybrids and Varieties

In present investigation, 13 (6 hybrids and 7 controls) different short duration potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) hybrids and varieties were evaluated for biochemical, quality and sensory parameters grown at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute Research Station, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh during 2019-20. Variation in biochemical parameters viz., reducing sugar, Total Soluble Solids, starch content, phenols and total free amino acids were recorded. Variation was also recorded in terms of tuber and haulm dry matter in hybrids and varieties and none of the hybrid/ varieties gave higher tuber dry matter at 60 and 75 days hence found to be not suitable for processing at early days. Different parameters for judging of boiled potatoes includes- color, taste, texture size and overall acceptability in scale of 1-10. The result revealed that overall acceptability of boiled tuber of Kufri Lauvkar found superior followed by hybrid P-31/J/7-37, Kufri Mohan, P-36/J/8-91 & P-27/J/-05 as compared to other hybrids and varieties. Texture is one of the most important quality attributes of potato tubers. It not only affects consumer preference, but it also influences the release of volatile flavour components during chewing. These characteristics are very important for marketing of potatoes as well as tubers intended for processing. The information from this study can be utilized for further research work for value addition and processing.

Polymer Color Intelligence: Effect of Materials, Instruments, and Measurement Techniques - A Review.

Transparent polymers and plastics are used to create molded parts and films for many applications. The colors of these products are of great importance for the suppliers, manufacturers, and end-users. However, for simplicity of the processing, the plastics are produced in the form of small pellets or granules. The predictive measurement of the color of such materials is a challenging process and needs consideration of a complex set of factors. A combination of color measurement systems in transmittance and reflectance modes need to be used for such materials, along with the techniques for minimizing the artifacts based on surface texture and particle sizes. This article provides an extensive overview and discussion of the various factors that can affect the perceptive colors and the methods used for the characterization of the colors and minimizing the measuring artifacts.

High-resolution core data and machine learning schemes applied to rock facies classification

Abstract This paper presents core analysis practices developed to increase the value of cores in reservoir characterization workflows. Core analysis traditionally implies extensive rock testing programmes that require large numbers of plug samples. Numerous stakeholders compete for intact core material and often do not base sample selection criteria on objective and reliable information. As a consequence, samples dedicated to core analysis programmes consume a significant fraction of the material available, yet they are selected on the basis of very little a priori information and therefore do not necessarily capture the complexity of the targeted formations. In an attempt to change this paradigm, we promote a more integrated core analysis solution combining transdisciplinary, high-resolution, non-destructive measurements on whole cores, for an early yet objective description of cores and the rapid estimation of formation properties. The first section describes multidisciplinary and non-destructive tests designed to increase the value of information from cores while keeping a minimal footprint. Core samples are scanned along a fit-for-purpose surface, with a collection of sensors interfaced to the same table-top equipment. Technologies including ultra-high-resolution pictures, elemental composition and the direct measurements of geomechanical properties provide continuous and high-resolution profiles with a unique depth reference. Panoramic pictures are processed to extract textural and colour features and grain size distributions. Grain size distributions are backed up by analysis of topographical maps created with a laser scan. The results are combined under one unique format, thereby easing interdisciplinary work from the verification of standard tests (routine core analysis, rock mechanical test) to the construction of robust predictive rock models. The paper describes machine learning schemes applied to core datasets. Unsupervised schemes are designed to identify rock facies, while supervised schemes are used to classify tested rocks into predefined rock facies with known petrophysical properties. Case studies highlight the benefits of this approach of core analysis in conjunction with artificial intelligence for the automated identification and classification of rock facies. This novel approach to core analysis leverages a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the distributions of core properties, available under one unique format for all disciplines, which eases interdisciplinary work and significantly improves existing core analysis standards. It also provides a sound basis to train artificial intelligence rock reservoir property predictors linking well-log data to core-based lithofacies signatures.

Grain size and shape dependent crystal plasticity finite element model and its application to electron beam welded SS316L

Electron beam welding is an autogenous welding process that leads to microstructural heterogeneities; crystallographic texture, elongated and larger grain size relative to the surrounding parent material. The goal of this study is to predict the changes in mechanical response of the weld fusion zone as a function of grain morphology and texture by using the parent material properties to avoid extensive and costly experimental campaigns. For this reason, a crystal plasticity solver, “University of BRIstol cryStal plasTicity sOLver” (BRISTOL), is implemented in a finite element framework with new constitutive laws to account for the length-scale dependence considering the size and shape of the grains. It is found that the crystallographic texture governs the orientation specific elastic stiffness and yield stress having the most dominant effect on the macroscopic response of the weldment at the grain size scales considered. Crucially the length-scale dependent model allows accurate prediction of the yield strength of the weldment over a range of microstructures, also highlighting the presence of other factors such as prior strain hardening during the welding process and residual stresses.

Micromagnetic simulations of tetrataenite: A systematic study

The present work is a systematic study of tetrataenite's magnetic behavior based on micromagnetic simulations. Tetrataenite, a Fe50Ni50 intermetallic compound with L10 structure, is a chemically ordered alloy normally found in meteorites. In natural samples, like in meteorites, tetrataenite occurs as islands or clusters embedded in other Fe-Ni alloys. Its composition as well as its high magnetic anisotropy and magnetization make it a material of great technological application potential. Several properties of interest were studied in the simulations, such as the exchange coupling, magnetic texture, and particle size. The intention is to describe the tetrataenite's general magnetic behavior in order to assist the interpretation of experimental results and predict different scenarios which may occur in natural meteoritic samples. The results show the effects of the exchange magnetic coupling play an important role in the reversal of the magnetization, but they are less determinant for the coercivity than the effects of texture and island size. It is also concluded that the initial state is more decisive for the determination of the equilibrium state than the magnitude of the magnetic coupling between the islands and matrix.

Effect of special-shaped texture on tribological properties of PTFE-based friction material/CuSn6 friction pair

In this paper, special-shaped textures with different sizes and densities were fabricated on the surface of CuSn6 by laser, and the friction and wear properties were tested by a multifunctional friction and wear tester. The experimental results show that different friction coefficients can be obtained in the vertical and inclined planes of the special-shaped texture. When the special-shaped texture size is 600 μm, the friction coefficient ring increases gradually with the increase of special-shaped texture density. The wear loss of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based friction materials decreases gradually, effectively improving the wear resistance of PTFE-based friction materials.

Tribological behaviour of multi-shape photochemical textured surfaces

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of multi-shape photochemical textured (PCT) steel surfaces on tribological performance. The textured surface with specific arrangement was fabricated by photochemical texturing, a common technique implemented in the microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) industry. It involves photolithography and chemical etching processes. The multi-shape studied were circle with line (CL) and circle with wavy (CW). Fabricated samples’ surfaces were characterized by using a 3D optical profiler to check the produced texture’s dimension. The effect of six different etching times on the texture’s dimension was observed. Then, only two sizes of both multi-shape textures were considered for tribological characterization. It was conducted by using ball-on-disk tribo-tester under lubricated conditions. The results obtained are compared with the reference untextured (UT) surface. From the results, it is found that appropriate size and shape of texture could lead to good friction reduction and anti-wear behaviour. The smaller size, size A, of CL multi-shape presented a lower friction coefficient compared to size B. However, different size of CW multi-shape has no effect on the friction behaviour. This is believed due to higher area density of CW compared to CL resulting in detrimental effect on friction for both CW’s size. Additionally, CL(size A) textured surface shows improved tribological behaviour compared to UT surface as lower friction coefficient and better wear resistance is obtained. This is maybe due to effective lubricating layer formation, good debris trapping effect and lower contact stress of the CL(size A) textured surface. These beneficial effects were achieved under lubricating condition through an increase in applied load.

High-Performance Hexaferrite Ceramic Magnets Made from Nanoplatelets of Ferrihydrite by High-Temperature Calcination for Permanent Magnet Applications

Highly aligned ceramic hexaferrite magnets with high-energy products (BH)max and a density exceeding 90% of theoretical density have been fabricated. The precursors were an antiferromagnetic powder, a six-line ferrihydrite mixed with SrCO3, and a grain growth inhibitor SiO2. Conventional cold compaction of the precursor powders was employed prior to calcination at temperatures of 1050, 1150, and 1250 °C. The influence of calcination temperature and magnetic properties has been systematically studied in the produced ceramic magnets. Conventional cold compaction is a favorable route for industrial production when compared with other compaction techniques like spark plasma sintering, hot compaction, or electroforging. A high (BH)max of 25.2 kJ/m3 was obtained for the best magnet along with an appreciable coercivity, Hc, of 187 kA m–1, a high squareness ratio, Mr/Ms, of 0.84, and a saturation magnetization, Ms, of 73 A m2/kg. Texture and crystallite size analysis were extracted from 2D synchrotron transmission powder diffraction measurements. We have demonstrated that high-performance bulk magnets for permanent magnet applications can be produced from nonmagnetic interacting crystallites mixed with a grain growth inhibitor without applying a magnetic field for alignment.

Influence of Aggregate Size and Shape on the Compressive Strength of Concrete

This paper investigates the effect of the size and shape of coarse aggregates on the compressive strength of concrete. Concrete strength is affected by the surface texture, grading and maximum aggregate size. Six different sizes of coarse aggregate have been selected for both angular and rounded coarse aggregate. The coarse aggregates were used in the production of concrete and tested for workability, density and compressive strength. The specimen was cured for 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days by full water immersion. The results indicated that under the same curing conditions and water-cement ratio, the compressive strength of concrete produced with both angular and rounded aggregates increased with increasing aggregate size, up to an aggregate size of 14 mm. The optimum compressive strength of 27.58 N/mm2 and 25.88 N/mm2 were achieved at 28 days curing and 14 mm aggregate size for concrete with angular and rounded aggregates respectively. Coarse aggregates with angular shape result in concretes with better compressive strength than coarse aggregates with a rounded shape. The model equation developed to predict the compressive strength of rounded aggregate has R2 value of 95.66%, and the higher the value of R2, the better the model fits the data.