Typical Texture Research Articles

Microstructure evolution and springback behavior in single-pass roll bending of magnesium alloy plates

Using magnesium alloy plates instead of high-strength steel and titanium alloys in roll-formed parts significantly improves the lightweight, damping, and heat dissipation properties of automotive components. This paper employs finite element simulation combined with experimental methods to perform single-pass roll bending of AZ31B magnesium alloy plates at angles of 0°-15°, 0°-25°, and 0°-35°. Measured the springback angle and microhardness at the bends, and used optical microscopy (OM) and electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) to analyze the microstructural characteristics, texture, and orientation evolution at the bend during the roll bending process. The results indicate that during roll bending, the inner bend area has significantly more twins than the outer area, with more pronounced grain refinement on the inner side. {10−12} tensile twins mainly coordinate plastic deformation, with some {10−12}-{10−12} tensile twin variants present. The inner bend area's texture shifts from ND to TD direction, strengthening the TD direction texture, while the outer area retains typical rolling texture. The prismatic slip in the inner region of the bend changes from hard to soft orientation. The inner region is mainly coordinated plastic deformation by prismatic slip, while the outer region is mainly coordinated by basal slip. As single-pass roll bending angles increase, the increase in twin boundaries and low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) significantly reduces the springback angle. Additionally, grain refinement and increased geometric necessary dislocation density lead to higher microhardness.

Watershed-scale spatial prediction of agricultural land phosphorus mass balance and soil phosphorus metrics: A bottom-up approach.

Analysis of nutrient balance at the watershed scale, including for phosphorus (P), is typically accomplished using aggregate input datasets, resulting in an inability to capture the variability of P status across the study region. This study presents a set of methods to predict and visualize partial P mass balance, soil P saturation ratio (PSR), and soil test P for agricultural parcels across a watershed in the Lake Champlain Basin (Vermont, USA) using granular, field-level data. K-means cluster analyses were used to group agricultural parcels by soil texture, average slope, and crop type. Using a set of parcels accounting for ∼21% of the watershed's agricultural land and having known soil test and nutrient management parameters, predictions of partial P mass balance, PSR, and soil test P for agricultural land across the watershed were made by cluster, incorporating uncertainty. This resulted in an average partial P balance of 5.5±0.2kg P ha-1year-1 and an average PSR of 0.0399±0.0002. Furthermore, approximately 30% of agricultural land had predicted soil test P values above optimum levels. Results were used to visualize areas with high P loss potential. Such data and visualizations can inform watershed P modeling and assist practitioners in nutrient management decision making. These techniques can also serve as a framework for bottom-up modeling of nutrient mass balance and soil metrics in other regions.

Synergy of S doping and defect construction in holey ultra-thin g-C3N4 nanosheets for improved photocatalytic hydrogen production from water

Combining the advantages of multiple strategies including morphology control, atom doping, and defect construction, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) may be boosted significantly. Herein, holey ultra-thin g-C3N4 nanosheets (CNS-x, x = H, O, N) modified with structural vacancies and sulfur (S) dopant are synthesized through a straightforward method involving the pyrolysis of thiocyanuric acid under various gas atmospheres. The textural properties, type and concentration of structural defect, and S doping level are significantly influenced by the gas atmosphere. Remarkably, CNS-H with C, N dual defects and S-dopant exhibits the HER rate of 46.59 mmol·g−1·h−1, which is 16.68 times higher than that of bulk g-C3N4. The corresponding apparent quantum yields are 17.24 % at 420 nm and 1.90 % at 520 nm. The enhanced HER performance of CNS-H can be attributed to the combined effect of improved charge separation, extended photoabsorption, and optimized properties of the platinum cocatalyst.

Study on the transient performance of textured water-lubricated bearings considering different acceleration conditions

This study analyses the transient friction dynamics behavior of water-lubricated bearings (WLBs) with a textured structure, which explains the mechanism of texture structure influencing the hydrodynamic effect of WLB in the physical aspect. A comparison of experimental and numerical data is carried out to validate the proposed mixed lubrication model with a textured structure for WLBs. The effects of texture type, texture angle, acceleration mode, and acceleration time on the nonlinear friction dynamics properties of WLBs are investigated. The result shows that various texture structures exhibit distinct pumping effects and that the optimal friction dynamics performance of WLBs can be achieved by adopting the right herringbone texture and an acceptable texture angle. It is advisable to utilize the reverse S-shaped acceleration mode, as it may efficiently mitigate hydrodynamic shock, minimize frictional contact at the initial startup stage, and control the rotor's vibration in later stages. The brief acceleration time may result in a transient shock that hampers proper lubrication, consequently affecting the stable operation of WLBs. The study's findings offer helpful suggestions for the enhanced design of WLB structures and the mitigation of wear and vibration.

Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability to Pollution in the Metro Hilir Watershed Using the SINTACS Method

Abstract Assessment of groundwater vulnerability in the Metro Hilir watershed is necessary because most people use well water to meet basic needs. Identification and spatial analysis are the first steps to determine the potential for groundwater pollution in the area. The SINTACS method was used to assess the intrinsic vulnerability of groundwater using the parameters of groundwater table depth, effective infiltration, material in the unsaturated zone, soil texture type, aquifer media, hydraulic conductivity, and slope. Data processing was carried out by using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Weight scenarios was used based on the hydrological conditions of the study area, namely “Normal Impact” and “Drainage/seepage”. The SINTACS index results was classified into several levels of vulnerability. The high vulnerability class is spread across the east to the south side, while the low vulnerability class is more dominant in the western area. The results of Sensitivity Analysis using the Map Removal technique showed that in both scenarios, soil texture parameters have the highest variation index value of 1.73% in the “Normal Impact” scenario and 2.13% in the “Drainage/Seepage” scenario. Parameters with high variation index values have a sensitive influence on vulnerability class values.

Soil texture analysis using controlled image processing

Soil texture analysis is crucial for crop selection, fertilizer recommendation, and production. Traditional soil testing in the lab using chemicals is highly time-consuming, expensive, and risky harmful chemicals; proper equipment and trained professionals are required to get the readings and to conduct the analysis. These issues can be resolved using image processing. In this study, we proposed a Blackbox prototype machine to take images in a controlled environment under the fixed intensity of light, distance, and standard dry conditions to analyze soil texture. This innovative machine, with its efficient and precise image processing capabilities, has the potential to revolutionize soil texture analysis. Also, we marked the center points of each type of soil texture as defined in the USDA texture triangle. Hundreds of soil samples were prepared for each type according to the center point's sand, silt, and clay ratio. The image processing-based model is trained for texture analysis. This research aims to reduce the soil texture analysis time and provide a system that can do extensive analyses automatically and with accuracy. The proposed Blackbox prototype machine has proven effective in providing a controlled environment for taking images. Also, the proposed model detects soil texture with a maximum accuracy of 99.5 %. A proposed model trained on the soil samples of different texture classes available in the USDA texture triangle accurately performed texture analysis. The results benefit the recommendation of appropriate crops and fertilizers based on a given soil sample in a very short time and cost-effectively.

Effect of aging treatment on the microstructure, cracking type and crystallographic texture of IN939 fabricated by powder bed fusion-laser beam

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how aging treatments (namely, HT1 and HT2) affect the microstructure, cracking behavior, and crystallographic texture of IN939 fabricated by powder bed fusion-laser beam (PBF-LB) method. Although both aged samples demonstrated similar grain structure and recrystallization behavior according to the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis, as well as the precipitation of bimodal γ′ phase and MC- and M23C6-type carbides, notable differences were observed in the size and morphology, particularly the γ′ phase. The HT1 sample displayed coarsened primary γ′ phase, with sizes reaching up to 2 μm and exhibiting varied morphologies, including irregular and cuboidal shapes. Additionally, this treatment led to the formation of some γ′-γ eutectic regions and plate-like η phase, along with the decomposition of MC-type carbides into M23C6-type carbides. In contrast, the HT2 sample displayed uniformly distributed spherical primary γ′ phase with sizes ranging from 70 to 120 nm, accompanied by very fine secondary γ′ phase. Furthermore, it was found that changes in both aged sample microstructures could result in the formation of strain-age cracks due to the γ′ phase formation and liquation cracks due to the partial remelting of lower melting point phases. The findings also revealed that with the application of aging treatments, the hardness of the as-fabricated sample (339.8 ± 3.4 HV) increased to 440.2 ± 5.6 HV and 508.1 ± 4.8 HV for the heat treatment of HT1 and HT2, respectively.

Unconventional spin textures emerging from a universal symmetry theory of spin-momentum locking

Spin textures, i.e., the distribution of spin polarization vectors in reciprocal space, exhibit diverse patterns determined by symmetry constraints, resulting in a variety of spintronic phenomena. Here, we propose a universal theory to comprehensively describe the nature of spin textures by incorporating three symmetry flavors of reciprocal wavevector, atomic orbital, and atomic site. Such an approach enables us to establish a complete classification of spin textures constrained by the little co-group and predict some exotic spin texture types, such as Zeeman-type spin splitting in antiferromagnets and quadratic spin texture. To illustrate the influence of atomic orbitals and sites on spin textures, we predict orbital-dependent spin texture and anisotropic spin-momentum-site locking effects, and corresponding material candidates validated through first-principles calculations. The comprehensive classification and the predicted new spin textures in realistic materials are expected to trigger future spin-based functionalities in electronics.

Global effects of livestock grazing on ecosystem functions vary with grazing management and environment

Grasslands support multiple ecosystem functions and services, and diverse biota, and are critical for human well-being. Grazing is the most pervasive land use in grasslands, but can have damaging effects when poorly managed. How grazing management and the environment interact to affect ecosystem functions globally is less well understood. Addressing this knowledge gap is important if we are to evaluate where (climate region, soil texture, and grassland type), what (livestock type), and how (grazing intensity, grazing regime, and duration) grazing might minimize grassland degradation and sustain healthy grassland functions. We used a systematic meta-analysis to explore the effects of grazing on ecosystem functions (primary production, carbon sequestration, water conservation, nutrient cycle, and decomposition) based on 3917 paired data from 148 studies across the globe. We found that grazing substantially reduced plant productivity (-26 %), followed by water conservation (-18 %) and carbon sequestration (-19 %). The value of most ecosystem functions declined with increasing grazing intensity, and more pronounced negative effects of grazing with mixed-herbivore than single species grazing. Grazing impacts also varied with environmental conditions, with light grazing increasing carbon sequestration in arid regions, but reducing it in semi-arid regions. Further, increasing aridity indirectly weakened the positive impacts of light grazing on ecosystem functions by suppressing grazing effects. Our study suggests that the interactions between grazing management and environmental conditions are critical when assessing the effects of grazing on grassland functions, and this will likely be more important as climates become hotter and drier.

Diagenetic and hydrothermal events revealed by an Ediacaran dolomite breccia from the Araras-Alto Paraguai basin, southern Amazon Craton

The establishment of extensive carbonate platforms characterized the Ediacaran period during CaCO3 oversaturation events and the exceptional creation of accommodation space associated with the aftermath of the Marinoan glaciation (∼635 Ma). Carbonate deposits in the Araras Group record the early Ediacaran period, stage 1, in the Amazon Craton. The Serra do Quilombo Formation is an intermediate unit characterized by heavily fractured and faulted dolomites, as well as the presence of dolomite-cemented breccias (CB) overlying thick limestone packages associated with diagenetic and hydrothermal modifications. These features are commonly attributed to structurally controlled hydrothermal dolomitization (HTD) and are of significant economic importance as hydrocarbon reservoirs and Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) lead-zinc mineralization hosts. This study aims to unravel the origin of cemented breccias and the diagenetic/burial processes within the unit, focusing on dolomitization processes. Dolomite samples were analyzed using petrographic, scanning electron microscopy, microprobe, micro-Raman, cathodoluminescence, and isotopic analyses (δ13C, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr) to unravel their burial history. CBs are sub-vertical to sub-horizontal bodies with complex geometries, generally cutting bedding at high angles, indicating hydrofracturing processes related to vertical flows of hydrothermal fluids (hydraulic breccia) and present the typical cockade texture of expansion breccias in dilatational faults. The substitutive matrix RD1 is the main constituent of the Serra Quilombo Formation, its low correlation between δ13C and δ18O (R2 = 0.009), the well-preserved fabric, and the similarity with the isotopic values (C and Sr) documented for Ediacaran carbonates, suggest that the syndepositional dolomitization. The first generation of dolomite cement (DC1) and the last phase of dolomitic cementation (saddle dolomite - SD) occur, filling pores, CBs, and fractures. The cockade texture of the breccias evidences a low precipitation rate or a pause in precipitation between DC1 and SD. Concurrently, DC1 has isotopic signals of δ18O = −4.34 ± 1.32‰ (n = 18) and 87Sr/86Sr = 0.708831 (n = 2), while SD has values of δ18O = −9.57 ± 2.51‰ (n = 15) and 87Sr/86Sr = 0.711464 (n = 3). The large isotopic fractionation between DC1 and SD suggests different dolomitizing fluids. This relationship shows an increase in 87Sr in the fluid as the temperature increases; moreover, the enrichment in 87Sr of the fluid is explained by the interaction of this fluid with rocks from the crystalline basement. Thus, the main conduit for the ascent of this radiogenic fluid would be faults with deep roots spatially close to tectonically active zones. Lastly, the presence of tectonic stylolites cutting cemented breccias and rotated zebra-like strata-bound structures suggests that brecciation occurred before the installation of fragile post-Ordovician transtensional structures, preceding the establishment of Paleozoic Basins on the South American Platform.

Investigation of the synergetic effect of oleophilic textured surfaces and MoS2 at different loads on the tribological performance of Ti64 alloy

In this research study, surface modification of Ti64 alloy was carried out using laser surface texturing (LST). The investigation aims to explore the effects of loads, oleophilic textured surfaces, and MoS2 as a solid lubricant on the friction and wear reduction of Ti64 alloy and AISI 52100 steel tribo-pairs. Three types of LST textures (Circular, triangular, and square textures) were created on the Ti64 alloy. Subsequently, tribological experiments were performed using a ball-on-disc universal tribometer at loads of 5, 10, and 15N with a 15 Hz frequency. The worn surface was analyzed using various methods, including optical microscopy, 3D-profilometer, FESEM, EDAX analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. The study compared the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear behavior of non-textured surfaces (NTS) with those of textured surfaces (TS) under both dry sliding conditions (DSC) and lubricated sliding conditions (LSC). The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the COF and wear coefficients on the TS. Specifically, the circular texture (CiT) exhibited a remarkable reduction of 39.3%, 63.83%, and 83.6% in wear coefficients compared to the NTS tested under DSC and LSC (using pure PAO-4 and PAO-4 + 1% wt MoS2) with sliding load of 15N. DSC showed abrasion, adhesion, and delamination wear, while LSC displayed mild adhesion, delamination, and tribo-layer formation on NTS and TS. The analysis indicated that the use of LST and solid lubricant nanoparticles on a Ti64 alloy would result in improved service life and better endurance in cutting tools and tribo-mating parts.

Texture Evolution of High-purity Tantalum during 90°Clock Rolling

Abstract When fabricating high-purity tantalum targets for the sputtering procedure of integrated circuit manufacturing, a through-thickness texture gradient can form in the rolled tantalum (Ta) plate. This texture gradient hinders the target sputtering performance, reducing chip reliability. This study investigated the texture evolution during the 90°clock rolling through experimental and simulation methods. Balancing the plane strain deformation with the surface shear strain deformation during fabrication and limiting the total rolling reduction to no more than 85% can weaken the through-thickness texture gradient in the Ta plate. A crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM) model was developed to simulate the 90°clock rolling procedure in the ABAQUS/Explicit software. The simulation and the experimental results are in agreement, with slight differences in texture type and intensity due to tantalum’s complex slip behaviors.

Germanium distribution in Mississippi Valley-Type systems from sulfide deposition to oxidative weathering: A perspective from Fule Pb-Zn(-Ge) deposit, South China

Abstract Germanium (Ge) is a critical raw material for emerging high-tech and green industries, resulting in considerable recent interest in understanding its distribution and geochemical behavior in ore deposits. In this contribution, the distribution of Ge and related trace elements in the Fule Pb-Zn(-Ge) deposit, South China, is investigated to reveal the distribution of Ge in the hydrothermal ores and during sulfide weathering, using multiple microanalytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). In the Fule MVT deposit, sphalerite (ZnS) is the most significant Ge-carrier relative to other sulfides, though the five recognized textural types of sphalerite display progressive depletion in Ge from the first sphalerite generation to the late one. In the early stage, sphalerite with fine-grained chalcopyrite inclusions has the highest Ge concentrations, probably accounting for a significant proportion of the total Ge. We interpret that high Ge concentrations in the early sphalerite may be attributable to high Cu activity in the mineralizing fluids. During oxidative weathering, Ge was redistributed from its original host, sphalerite, to the weathering product willemite (Zn2SiO4) rather than smithsonite (ZnCO3), with high levels of Ge (up to 448 μg/g) present in the willemite. The formation of abundant willemite largely prevents the dispersion of Ge during weathering. In principle, willemite-hosted Ge should be fully recoverable, and the Zn-silicate ores may, therefore, be a potential target to meet future demand. This study provides new information on how Ge behaves from sulfide- to weathering-stage in MVT systems, which directly impacts Ge mobility and deportment changes and the development of metal-lurgical strategies for Ge recovery.

3D-printed surfaces of titanium implant: the fibroblasts response

Ti-6Al-4V (wt%) is the most widely used titanium alloy and its additive manufactured (or 3D printed) parts with near net-shape have provided great advantages for biomedical applications. While the impact of surface roughness on the biocompatibility of 3D-printed Ti-6Al-4V part is recognized, further exploration is needed to fully understand this complex relationship. Hence, this study presents a comprehensive evaluation of as-printed Ti-6Al-4V structures, both with and without surface texturing, with particular focus on the fibroblast response. Alongside a flat surface, or as-printed surface, two different types of surface textures: diamond texture and diamond crystal texture, were meticulously designed and printed through laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). The viability, cell adhesion, and morphology of human and murine fibroblasts seeded on the surface patterns was investigated, as well as the distribution of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (collagen I, fibronectin). The results demonstrated that the as-fabricated surface morphologies did not impact fibroblast viability, however, a reduced density of human fibroblasts was observed on the diamond texture surface, likely owing to the upright strut structure preventing cell adhesion. Interestingly, spreading of the human, but not murine, fibroblasts was limited by the remaining partially-sintered powders. The relative intensity of ECM protein signals was unaffected, however, ECM protein distribution across the surfaces was also altered. Thus, the as-printed substrates, particularly with diamond crystal struts, present a promising avenue for the cost-effective and efficient fabrication of Ti-6Al-4V components for medical applications in the future.

Understanding the mechanism of bimodal texture evolution and DRX behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy during shear deformation

Shear deformation in commercial magnesium alloys frequently resulted in an additional atypical texture where the basal plane aligned nearly parallel to the extrusion direction, affecting the alloy's mechanical anisotropy. This study prepared AZ31 magnesium alloys with both typical shear texture and atypical texture using a two-stage shear method at 250 °C, 290 °C, and 340 °C. The formation mechanism of the bimodal texture and their relationship with dynamic grain refinement and deformation parameters were comprehensively investigated. While temperature-dependent activation of <c+a> slip usually contributed to the atypical texture, this study identified a {101¯2} twin associated microstructure that reinforced the abnormal texture at lower processing temperature. It was found that the abundant nucleation of the multi-orientation {101¯2} twin bands in the initial stage and their differential slip activations facilitated the evolution of an alternating banded structures characterized by bimodal texture. These microstructures inherited the grain boundary rotation axis of {101¯2} twin and was potentially assimilated into specialized θ[112¯0] symmetric tilt grain boundaries with lower interface energy during continuous shear, stabilizing the bimodal texture. During shear deformation, grain nucleation strengthened the [101¯0]−[112¯0] fibers with bimodal texture by generating ∼30°[0001] grain boundaries through the preferential accumulation of prismatic dislocations. However, more continuous dynamic recrystallization, discontinuous dynamic recrystallization, and micro-shear bands facilitated the nucleation of grains with dispersed basal orientations via dominant non-prismatic dislocations, weakening the overall texture. Besides, the mechanical anisotropy of the alloys was comprehensively influenced by atypical texture and microstructure. At higher deformation temperatures, the reduction in twinning bands and the increase in dynamic recrystallization level relieved the alloy’s tension-compression asymmetry, but deprived its yield strength. This study supplemented the formation mechanisms of bimodal texture during shear deformation, providing valuable insights for optimizing wrought magnesium alloys with superior mechanical properties.

Impacts of forest canopy heterogeneity on plot-scale hydrometeorological variables - Insights from an experiment in the humid boreal forest with the Canadian Land Surface Scheme

High latitude regions, including the circumpolar boreal biome, are experiencing important changes in the availability of usable surface water because of climate change. In this context, an adequate representation of the land-atmosphere interaction is critical to ensure optimal management of current and future water resources, forest management, and climate prediction. However, the task is particularly intricate in high-latitude boreal forest, as land surface model faces several challenges due to the unique environmental conditions and ecological characteristics. The objective of this study is to quantify the impact of forest landscape heterogeneity, specifically stand leaf-area index (LAI), soil texture, and drainage regime, on surface water and energy balance in a small boreal high-latitude sub-catchment. To this end, hydrometeorological conditions at seventeen 20×20 m plots in a 1-km2 boreal forest sub-basin are simulated using the Canadian Land Surface Scheme (CLASS), a land surface model, at the point scale. The subplot-scale soil texture, drainage regime, and vegetation characteristics and type are based as closely as possible on field measurements and observations for the 17 plots. The model-driven experiment comprises two sets of simulations using CLASS, each employing the same model setup and run for the 17 experimental plots. The main set employs meteorological forcing from a local micrometeorological tower within the sub-basin to investigate the plot-to-plot variability of albedo, energy fluxes, and soil state variables. A second set of simulations is conducted using meteorological forcing from the ERA5-Land reanalysis, which spans from 1986 to 2022. This data provides a longer time series, enabling a more accurate representation of the interannual climatic variability in the sub-basin. The results of the main and secondary sets of CLASS simulations are used to assess the plot-to-plot and temporal variability of several key hydrometeorological variables by calculating a monthly spread. In brief, the following conclusions and broader implications can be drawn from the findings: i) The simulated total annual evapotranspiration remains relatively uniform between plots despite notable variation in its partitioning from plot to plot. ii) In the presence of a full snowpack, the albedo exhibits substantial heterogeneity at the subplot scale, linked to the canopy's LAI. iii) Local soil properties, drainage regime, and vegetation structure and type exhibit substantial influence on the plot-to-plot variability in soil water content. iv) When parameterized with localized observations and measurements, CLASS can represent and be responsive to the complex dynamics of energy and water fluxes at the plot scale within the heterogeneous surface of boreal forests.

Modeling of moisture content during baking with different approaches for effective diffusivity and evaluation of quality variables in baked potato slices.

Baking is a healthier alternative to frying, since texture, color, smell, and flavor are developed, without adding oil. The objective was to estimate the moisture content in potato slices, during baking using Fick's law of diffusion to model internal moisture transport and to assess the impact on quality attributes. Moisture transport kinetics were examined at three baking temperatures of 120, 130, and 140°C. Fick's law was employed to estimate average moisture content using different methods: considering both a constant (method of slopes by subperiods, MSS; and method of successive approximations, MSA) and a variable (represented as a quadratic function of time, QFT) behavior of effective diffusivity (De). Three quality variables were analyzed: water activity (aw, dew point hygrometry), total color difference (∆E, colorimetry), and fracturability (F, universal testing machine). The diffusivity estimated with the time-varying De method provided a more realistic description of moisture migration during baking. The aw, ∆E, and F for baked potato slices ranged from 0.234 to 0.276, 17.9 to 24.6, and 5.20 to 5.49 N, respectively. These attributes imply improved stability and extended shelf life, showing typical colors and texture changes for baked snacks. These changes are linked to variations in diffusivity, influenced by the size and quantity of micropores within the food structure. This study could allow an accurate prediction of mass transfer by considering variable De, facilitating the optimization of baking conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The analysis of the moisture content using Fick's law, considering a time-varying diffusivity, enables the optimization of the baking process for foods. This helps minimize the occurrence of defective products.

Biochar and soil contributions to crop lodging and yield performance - A meta-analysis

Applying biochar has beneficial effects on regulating plant growth by providing water and nutrient availability for plants due to its physicochemical characteristics. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how soil and biochar interactions strengthen crop lodging resistance. The objective of the current study was to find out how soil physicochemical conditions and alterations in biochar affect lodging resistance and crop productivity in cereals. To do this, a meta-analysis was carried out using nine groups of effective variables including type of feedstock, pyrolysis temperature, application rate, soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium, organic matter (OM), and soil texture. Results showed that straw-derived biochar caused the highest positive effect size in the dry weight of biomass (20.5%) and grain yield (19.9%). Also, the lowest lodging index was observed from straw (−8.3%) and wood-based (−5.6%) biochars. Besides, the high application rate of biochar results in the highest positive effect sizes of plant cellulose (8.1%) and lignin content (7.6%). Soils that contain >20 g kg−1 OM, resulted in the highest positive effect size in dry biomass (27.9%), grain yield (30.2%), and plant height (4.7%). Also, fine-textured soil plays an important role in increasing polymers in the anatomical structure of plants. Overall, the strong connection between biochar and soil processes, particularly the availability of OM, could strengthen plants' ability to tolerate lodging stress and contribute to high nutrient efficiency in terms of crop output and cell wall thickening.

Zircon U-Pb geochronology, major, trace elemental, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic geochemistry: constraints on the age and magmatic origin of Mesozoic mafic dykes in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China

ABSTRACT As a direct product of lithospheric extension, the mafic dyke group have become an ideal object for studying the formation, evolution and dynamics of both the crust and continental orogenic belts. Given the scientific significance of mafic dykes and their utility in addressing outstanding questions concerning the origin and development mafic dyke swarms Mesozoic age with-in the South China Plate, in this study, 54 representative mafic dykes within the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China, were examined. Research methods include laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb age-dating, whole rock geochemistry, and the Sr-Nd-Pb isotope geochemistry of the studied mafic dykes. The results indicate that these rocks formed between 139 Ma and 113 Ma and have typical doleritic and lamellar textures. They fall into the alkaline and shoshonitic series, are characterized by enrichment of light rare earth elements, some large ion lithophile elements (Rb, Ba, and Sr), Th, U, and Pb, and have depleted Nb, Ta, Hf, and Ti. Moreover, the mafic dykes studied have high initial87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7055–0.7057), negative εNd(t) values (from −15.2 to −11.4), and relatively constant initial Pb isotopic ratios (that are Enriched Mantle-1 (EM I)-like; 206Pb/204Pb = 16.765–16.816, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.429–15.476, and208Pb/204Pb = 36.882–37.144). The above results indicate that the group of dolerites and lamprophyres studied herein were likely derived from magma generated via low-degree partial melting (1.0%–10%) of an EM1-like garnet-lherzolite mantle source. The parental magmas to these fractionated olivine-, clinopyroxene-, plagioclase, and Ti-bearing phases, with negligible crustal contamination during ascent and dyke emplacement. On the basis of existing research and evidence from this study, we propose a reasonable model for the origin of the mafic dykes: the ancient Pacific Plate subducting below the South China plate led to extension of the lithosphere, an upsurge of the asthenosphere, which triggered partial melting of the lower mantle lithosphere in the Early Cretaceous, and the formation of the parent magma to the Mesozoic mafic dykes in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region study area. The involvement of slab-derived fluids from the subduction of the ancient Pacific Plate was responsible for metasomatism of the mantle source to these mafic magmas.

Texture development of pure Ti by rolling at various temperatures and its effect on sheet formability

This work investigated the effect of rolling temperature (25–800 °C) on rolling-texture development and sheet formability of pure Ti. The rolling temperature significantly affected the development of the typical transverse-direction (TD)-split basal texture in pure Ti sheet by altering the tilting angle of (0001) basal poles. Notably, a normal-direction (ND) basal texture, where the tilting angle of (0001) basal poles was approximately 0°, developed at an intermediate rolling temperature of 400 °C. This result is remarkable because the ND basal texture is rare in pure Ti. Formation of this unusual ND basal texture was attributed to significant activation of basal <a> slip. In contrast, a typical TD-split basal texture was dominant at the other rolling temperatures. Formation of this typical texture was attributed to pyramidal <c+a> slip. After subsequent recrystallization annealing, sheet formability was examined. Despite their different textures, the sheets previously rolled at the different rolling temperatures showed similar formability. This similarity occurred because any given texture could not simultaneously provide in-plane stretching uniformity and thinning capability during sheet forming. The present study suggests an important guidance for modifying texture of pure Ti sheets to effectively increase their formability.