Search

Magnetite films on carbon steel are known to reduce corrosion in high temperature aqueous medium. The magnetite films were modified in-situ by introducing Zn and Mg in autoclave by hydrothermal process at 250°C. The film developed in the presence of Zn were thinner with particle size 150 nm after 240 h exposure compared to that developed in the presence of Mg with particle size 223 nm. The depth distribution of Zn and Mg monitored by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry showed that Mg was present more at the top surface, whereas Zn were almost uniform across the depth of the film. Contact angle measurements and electrochemical studies of coated specimens showed an increased corrosion resistance in presence of Zn and Mg in comparison to known passive magnetite layer formed in their absence. It was shown that Zn is a better candidate for corrosion resistance of carbon steel in high temperature aqueous medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effect of seasonal heat stress on the physiological, behavioural and blood bio-chemical profile of adult Ghoongroo pigs (1.5–2 years of age) of different physiological groups. Thirty Ghoongroo pigs (10 boars, 10 non-pregnant sows and 10 pregnant sows) were allotted to individual pens. The study continued for 1 year covering three main seasons, i.e. summer (March–June), rainy (July–October) and winter (November–February) season. Temperature humidity index was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in summer (83.2 ± 0.47) followed by rainy (68.5 ± 1.13) and winter (66.8 ± 0.67) seasons, which indicated that pigs were exposed to heat stress during summer. Rectal temperature and pulse rate were not affected by group × season interaction but were affected by group (P = 0.002) and season (P < 0.001), which were usually greater during summer than during winter and in boars than in pregnant sows. Respiration rate was affected by group × season interaction (P = 0.002), which was greater in boars than in non-pregnant and pregnant sows during summer and rainy season but was similar in winter among the groups. Total erythrocytes, leucocytes counts, and cortisol levels were influenced by group (P < 0.001), season (P < 0.001) and group × season interaction (P < 0.001), which increased in summer compared with winter. Sodium and potassium concentrations in serum were not affected by group and group × season interaction but were affected by season (P < 0.001), which were lower in summer than in winter. All behaviour activities (standing, resting and roaming time, urination, fighting and drinking frequency) were affected by group (P < 0.001), season (P < 0.001) and group × season interaction (P < 0.001), except eating time that was only influenced by season. The present study suggested that Ghoongroo pigs experienced heat stress during summer, which was reflected in physiological, blood-biochemical and behavioural alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nano-crystalline Zirconia (ZrO 2) coatings of different thicknesses were grown on pre-oxidized stainless steel (SS) by hydrothermal method in a static autoclave. Hydrothermal deposition process was repeated multiple times in order to enhance the coating thickness. Four cycles of the deposition process led to the development of ~1 μm thick ZrO 2 coating on the pre-oxidized SS surface. Corrosion resistance properties of the pre-oxidized SS and ZrO 2 coated samples were studied by potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). First round of ZrO 2 deposition resulted in ~200 nm thick, continuous but porous ZrO 2 coating. Porosity in the coating reduced drastically after the second round of deposition. PDP and EIS analyses showed that the corrosion resistance of SS specimens improved with coating thickness. Growth of both tetragonal and monoclinic phases of ZrO 2 in the coating was observed after second round of deposition process. Intrinsic stresses due to change in the phases were accommodated at the grain boundaries when grain size was small (~ 200 nm), but it deteriorated the coating's corrosion resistance properties when the grain grew to the size of around 500–1000 nm. Highlights • Nano-ZrO 2 coatings of various thicknesses are deposited on pre-oxidized steel. • Tetragonal and monoclinic phases are formed at different stages of the growth. • Corrosion current reduces with the increase in coatings thickness. • Corrosion resistance of coating with grain size of ~1 μm reduces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fe-doped SnO 2 shows a decrease in band gap with increasing Fe content. • XPS and Raman studies elucidate Fe doping and surface –OH group. • Fe incorporation populated Sn2+ along with Sn4+ at the surface. • The major influence of surface defects rather than optical band gap and size effects in photocatalytic effect. Nanostructured SnO 2 emerged as an excellent photocatalytic material for wastewater treatment, but the limitation appears due to its high optical bandgap. Transition metal doping and composite are the common strategies to drag down its bandgap from UV to the visible region. In this manuscript, we highlight the surface defects induced photoreactivity of Fe-doped SnO 2 in dye degradation. The native surface defects and the charge carrier concentrations have been found to diminish with the Fe incorporation in SnO 2. The doping-induced surface hydroxyl groups are found to increase the charge transfer resistance. In subsequent, the combined effects of all decline the photoreactivity of Fe-doped SnO 2. In light of the above, we demonstrate for the first time the pivotal role of native surface defects and surface chemistry in the photocatalysis process. This demonstration holds promise for other nanostructures where defects play a significant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Dairy cattle health monitoring program becomes vital for detecting the febrile conditions to prevent the outbreak of the animal diseases as well as ensuring the fitness of the animals that are directly affecting the health of the consumers. The aim of this study was to validate real-time rectal temperature (RT) data of radio frequency based digital (RFD) thermometer with RT data of mercury bulb (MB) thermometer in dairy cattle. Materials and Methods: Two experiments were conducted. In experiment I, six female Jersey crossbred cattle with a mean (±standard error of the mean) body weight of 534.83±13.90 kg at the age of 12±0.52 years were used to record RT for 2 h on empty stomach and 2 h after feeding at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min using a RFD thermometer as well as a MB thermometer. In experiment II, six female Jersey crossbred cattle were further used to record RT for 2 h before exercise and 2 h after exercise at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc comparisons by Bonferroni test was done. Results: Real-time RT data recorded by RFD thermometer as well as MB thermometer did not differ (p>0.05) before and after feeding/exercise. An increase (p<0.05) in RT after feeding/exercise in experimental crossbred cattle was recorded by both RFD thermometer and MB thermometer. Conclusion: The results obtained in the present study suggest that the body temperature recordings from RFD thermometer would be acceptable and thus RFD thermometer could work well for monitoring real-time RT in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The livestock health monitoring programme becomes central not only for preventing outbreak of the animal diseases, but also for ensuring the fitness of the animals that directly affecting the health of the consumers. Thus, the aim of the current study was to validate the real-time rectal temperature (RT) data of radio frequency based digital (RFD) thermometer with RT data of mercury bulb (MB) thermometer by conducting three experiments in Black Bengal goats. In experiment I, six non-pregnant Black Bengal does with a mean (±SEM) body weight of 10.93 ± 1.33 at the age of 2.25 ± 0.11 years were used to record RT for 2 h on empty stomach and 2 h after feeding at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min using RFD thermometer as well as MB thermometer. In experiment II, previously selected six does were further used to record RT for 2 h before exercise and 2 h after exercise at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. In experiment III, twelve non-pregnant Black Bengal does with mean (±SEM) body weight of 15.83 ± 2.16 kg at the age of 3.61 ± 0.43 years were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) μg/kg body weight and RT was recorded at 15 min interval for 1 h prior to the administration of LPS at −60, −45, −30, 15 and 0 min (0 being the time of LPS administration) and then every 15 min interval for 5 h post LPS administration up to 300 min. Two way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc comparisons by Bonferroni test depicted that there was no significant difference ( P > 0.05) between real-time RT data recorded by RFD thermometer as well as MB thermometer before and after feeding/exercise/LPS administration. Both RFD thermometer and MB thermometer recorded increased ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.001) RT due to the effect of feeding/exercise/LPS administration in experimental goats. Hence, the body temperature recordings from RFD thermometer would be acceptable and thus RFD thermometer could be used for monitoring real-time RT in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZrO 2 coatings on pre-oxidized stainless steel (304L) surfaces have been developed by hydrothermal process and the coating adhesion and corrosion resistance properties of the coated specimens have been studied. The role of pre-oxidized SS surfaces composed of different oxides like spinels and α-Fe 2 O 3 with different morphologies has been studied. The thicknesses of the ZrO 2 coatings are in the range of 50 nm to 350 nm depending upon the compositions of the pre-oxidized layers. The coating is thick and compact when developed on α-Fe 2 O 3 with high surface roughness and shows the best corrosion resistance properties. ZrO 2 coatings developed on large size spinel oxides are thin and porous. The nano-mechanical properties and the local adhesion force have been studied by atomic force acoustic microscopy and force-distance spectroscopy. The adhesion force of ZrO 2 coating on α-Fe 2 O 3 is around 100 nN while for the coatings developed on other pre-oxidized surfaces are around 50 nN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin films of tetragonal ZrO 2 have been grown on α-Fe 2 O 3 coated stainless steel substrates by hydrothermal process using zirconyl nitrate and ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid disodium salt dihydrate. At the initial stage of the film formation, Na salt of Zr-EDTA interacts with α-Fe 2 O 3 to form an unstable surface complex. Subsequent to this complex formation, EDTA ions are released into the solution at high temperature leaving zirconium oxide on the surface of α-Fe 2 O 3 . This leads to the formation of interfacial states of Fe-O-Zr which provides the adhesion and initiates the nucleation of ZrO 2 . Formation of nano-crystalline ZrO 2 particles on α-Fe 2 O 3 has been seen by high resolution electron microscopy. It has been observed that islands of ZrO 2 coalesced to form thick tetragonal ZrO 2 coating on α-Fe 2 O 3 . Average size of ZrO 2 crystallites is around 15 nm and the coating thickness is around 0.25microns. The details of the mechanism of formation of interfacial states between ZrO 2 and α-Fe 2 O 3 have been explained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman analysis. Surface morphology and roughness have been studied by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Antimony(III) adsorption is observed on magnetite (Fe3O4) surface under acidic and reducing condition through surface hydroxyl (SOH) groups bonding on Fe3O4 surface. Desorption of adsorbed Sb(III) is observed from Fe3O4 surface along with iron release in organic acid at 85°C after 5h of experiment. Tartaric acid (TA) shows minimum Sb(III) adsorption on Fe3O4 among the organic acid studied. The reason is TA having two sets of adjacent functional groups viz. Oh name="sbnd" />OH and Care responsible for the formation of five-membered bidendate chelate with Sb(III). Other oxyanions, cations or complexing agents along with TA influences the Sb(III) adsorption on Fe3O4. The surface of magnetite is modified by the addition of fatty acids viz. Lauric acid, benzoic acid to bind the S present on the surface. This results in delaying the process of adsorption without changing the quantity of saturation adsorption of Sb(III) on Fe3O4 surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ZnO nanorods prepared through chemical vapor deposition technique are characterized by microscopic and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques to correlate the effects of size on the binding energy of Zn 2p3/2 photoelectrons. A positive shift in Zn 2p3/2-binding energy as compared to that in bulk ZnO is assumed to be the effect of size of ZnO tips. The shift in binding energy has been explained in terms of relaxation energy in the photoemission process. Simultaneously, Auger parameter of the nanorods is evaluated for stoichiometric composition. The extra peak in O1s spectrum of nanorods is explained as adsorbed O-bearing species or surface contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sorption of Sb(III) on carbon steel surface in aqueous medium (pH 2.8) in presence of different oxyanions like molybdate and selenite has been studied. It is observed that the presence of molybdate or selenite in solution reduced Sb(III) adsorption and surface precipitation to a great extent. The solution at different stages of the adsorption experiment has been analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy technique. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques have been used to characterize the precipitate layer and the adsorbed layer. A detailed analysis of the XPS data reveals the mechanism involved in the two cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The chemical states of U and Ce in the solid solutions of UO2 and CeO2 are studied using the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A detailed analyses on U 4f and Ce 3d photoelectron peaks revealed the presence of Ce3+ and U5+/U6+ states in the mixed oxides. The oxygen to metal ratios in different compositions of mixed oxides were estimated from the quantity of different chemical states of U and Ce present in mixed oxides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Attempts were made to improve the corrosion resistance of carbon steel by developing an additional barrier layer of magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) on magnetite (Fe3O4) film formed at high temperature in aqueous medium. The magnetite film was developed by exposing the carbon steel specimen in LiOH solution at 265°C for 10days. Subsequently, the magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) film was deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. X-ray diffraction analysis of the film revealed the formation of spinel phase of MgFe2O4. Relative atomic ratio of Mg and Fe estimated from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy further confirmed the spinel phase of MgFe2O4. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy techniques were used to analyze the film surface morphology. The corrosion behavior of the coated specimens was studied electrochemically. Impedance measurements showed an increase in impedance by more than two times in PLD coated samples compared to the Fe3O4 coated carbon-steel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Silver ion-exchanged soda-glass samples as well as various postannealed samples were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to find out the chemical states of silver in these samples. The analysis by XPS seems to be not enough to distinguish various chemical states of silver, where, shift in binding energies due to oxidation are less or, comparable to that of overall spectrometer resolutions. To overcome this experimental constraint, here we propose a complete and novel method of chemical analysis making use of the associated Auger transitions and finding the modified Auger parameters of concerned samples. Detail lineshape analysis of the Auger transitions in silver helps further to differentiate the minute variances in the local electronic structure. The analysis seems to provide means to identify intricate chemical phases, which are quite tricky to conclude from other analytical experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Single-phase magnesium–nickel ferrites with varying amounts of nickel and magnesium were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. A plot of lattice parameter versus composition of the ferrites (MgxNi(1-x)Fe2O4, x⩽1) showed an abrupt deviation of lattice parameter linearity near MgFeO4. The deviation was explained in terms of the distribution of Mg2+ in the octahedral and tetrahedral sites of the oxygen lattice. In XPS spectra, a broadening of the Mg 1s peak in Ni rich Mg–Ni ferrites from that observed in pure MgFe2O4, was explained by changes in the distribution of Mg2+ ion in tetrahedral and octahedral sites. A depth distribution of Mg in Ni0.5Mg0.5Fe2O4 showed an enrichment of Mg on surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

L-asparagine functionalized gold nanoparticles (Asp-AuNPs), have been synthesized by reducing HAuCl 4 in presence of L-asparagine at 70 °C for 8 h. Asp-AuNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); the nanoparticles formed were spherical in shape with average size of 13.5 ± 3.7 nm. Synthesized Asp-AuNPs were found to exhibit excellent catalytic properties for the degradation of different organic dyes viz. Rhodamine B (RB), methyl orange (MO), acid red 27 (amaranth) and xylenol orange (XO) in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH 4). Asp-AuNPs acts as electron relay system and serve as effective catalyst for complete degradation of all the tested dyes. Rate kinetic investigations suggested that catalysed degradation reactions follow pseudo-first order reaction kinetics with rate constant of 0.904 min−1, 0.314 min−1, 0.228 min−1 and 0.1 min−1 for RB, MO, amaranth and XO respectively. Unlabelled Image • L-asparagine functionalized gold nanoparticles (Asp-AuNPs) are prepared for catalytic applications. • Asp-AuNPs are found to be an excellent catalyst for reductive degradation of organic dyes. • Dye degradation follows pseudo first-order reaction kinetics. • Asp-AuNPs acts as electron relay system for electron transfer reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylenol orange functionalized gold nanoparticles (XO-AuNPs), prepared by reducing HAuCl 4 in presence of xylenol orange were found to be selective and sensitive for optical sensing of Al3+ in water. XO-AuNPs nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); the nanoparticles formed were of spherical shape and of uniform size of 3–12 nm. The interaction between Al3+ and XO-AuNPs at pH ~3 was studied by XPS analysis. XPS and TEM studies revealed that aggregation of XO-AuNPs in the presence of Al3+ takes place through analyte induced cross-linkage mechanism. Al3+ induced selective aggregation of the XO-AuNPs lead to a visual change in color of the colloidal solution from deep red to blue. The changes in characteristic absorption peak of XO-AuNPs were monitored; the ratio of A 550nm /A 515nm was used to quantify the concentration of Al3+ in water samples. The method gave a linear response from 50−300 ppb (R2 = 0.985) of Al3+ in drinking water with a detection limit of 12 ppb. The proposed method did not suffer any major interference from concomitant transition metal ions and anions. The developed method was simple, rapid and useful for determination of Al3+ in drinking water samples. Image 1 • Xylenol orange functionalized gold nanoparticles (XO-AuNPs) are prepared for SPR based optical sensing. • XO-AuNPs exhibits selectivity & sensitivity for rapid determination of Al3+ with a detection limit of 6.5 ppb. • XO-AuNPs aggregate through analyte induced cross-linkage mechanism for recognition of Al3+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presently, the piezoelectric materials are finding tremendous applications in the micro-mechanical actuators, sensors, and self-powered devices. In this context, the studies pertaining to piezoelectric properties of materials in the different size ranges are very important for the scientific community. The III-nitrides are exceptionally important, not only for optoelectronic but also for their piezoelectric applications. In the present study, we synthesized AlGaN via self-catalytic vapor-solid mechanism by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition technique on AlN base layer over intrinsic Si(100) substrate. The growth process is substantiated using X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Raman and photoluminescence studies reveal the formation of AlGaN microrods in the wurtzite phase and ensure the high optical quality of the crystalline material. The single crystalline, direct wide band gap and hexagonally shaped AlGaN microrods are studied for understanding the behavior of the crystallites under the application of constant external electric field using the piezoresponse force microscopy. The present study is mainly focused on understanding the behavior of induced polarization for the determination of piezoelectric coefficient of AlGaN microrod along the c-axis and imaging of piezoelectric domains in the sample originating because of the angular inclination of AlGaN microrods with respect to its AlN base layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adaptive physiological functions of black Bengal goats (Capra hircus) of coastal regions were compared with goats from the plains during winter, spring, and summer seasons. Goats in the coastal zone had significantly (P < 0.01) higher plasma electrolytes levels. Goats in the plains zone had significantly (P < 0.01) higher haemoglobin, PCV, TEC, and erythrocyte indices and lower TLC values. Glucose, total protein, and creatinine were significantly (P < 0.01) lower, whereas cholesterol, BUN, and SGPT were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in goats of coastal zone. Regardless of zones, glucose, total protein, and creatinine levels were higher in winter, cholesterol and SGOT levels were higher in spring, and BUN was higher in summer. Goats from coastal areas had significantly (P < 0.05) higher urinary pH and urea levels. Goats in the coastal zone had significantly (P < 0.05) higher cortisol concentrations. From the above study, we can conclude that salinity of feed, soil and water does not significantly affect the homeostasis of black Bengal goats reared in coastal areas, indicating their adaptability to saline coastal environments and their potential for reproduction in a climate-resilient livestock system. The fodder, water and soil of coastal areas contain higher amounts of sodium, zinc, and iron in the compared to plain areas. Black Bengal goats raised in coastal regions are able to maintain their homeostasis without much altering hemato-biochemical and endocrine profiles. Black Bengal goats can be a good option for climate resilient animal husbandry system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editors discuss various research papers within the issue on topics including spectral characteristics of nanomaterials, semiconductor nanocrystals, and the estimation of the size and stoichiometry of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods.

Objective: Iris pattern recognition system is well developed and practiced in human, however, there is a scarcity of information on application of iris recognition system in animals at the field conditions where the major challenge is to capture a high-quality iris image from a constantly moving non-cooperative animal even when restrained properly. The aim of the study was to validate and identify Black Bengal goat biometrically to improve animal management in its traceability system. Methods: Forty-nine healthy, disease free, 3 months±6 days old female Black Bengal goats were randomly selected at the farmer's field. Eye images were captured from the left eye of an individual goat at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age using a specialized camera made for human iris scanning. iGoat software was used for matching the same individual goats at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of ages. Resnet152V2 deep learning algorithm was further applied on same image sets to predict matching percentages using only captured eye images without extracting their iris features. Results: The matching threshold computed within and between goats was 55%. The accuracies of template matching of goats at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of ages were recorded as 81.63%, 90.24%, 44.44%, and 16.66%, respectively. As the accuracies of matching the goats at 9 and 12 months of ages were low and below the minimum threshold matching percentage, this process of iris pattern matching was not acceptable. The validation accuracies of resnet152V2 deep learning model were found 82.49%, 92.68%, 77.17%, and 87.76% for identification of goat at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of ages, respectively after training the model. Conclusion: This study strongly supported that deep learning method using eye images could be used as a signature for biometric identification of an individual goat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major structural material employed in the primary coolant system of pressurized heavy water reactors is carbon steel. The formation of corrosion products on the structural material surfaces, transportation to the core by the coolant and deposition of activated corrosion products on the out-of-core surfaces are controlled by several factors. Magnetite is the major corrosion product formed on carbon steel. The nickel released from other structural materials viz., nickel based steam generator tubes, partially converts the magnetite to nickel ferrite. These oxides, if modified to nano size, could improve the protectiveness of the interfacial film. Nickel ferrite synthesized by co-precipitation method was deposited on magnetite coated carbon steel by pulsed laser deposition technique and characterized by laser Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the deposited nickel ferrite film was nanocrystalline and in single phase. The corrosion resistance and the electronic properties of the deposited film were evaluated by electrochemical techniques and the results are discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the chemical bonding of carbon with tantalum (Ta) using Auger electron spectroscopy and slow electron energy loss spectroscopy (SEELS). Effect of carbide formation in Ta[sub 2]O[sub 5] films; Distinction of the SEELS of the Ta with graphitic carbon; Detection of carbide formation.

The structural materials in water-cooled nuclear power reactors are mainly iron and nickel based alloys. Continuous operation of these nuclear reactors at high temperature and high pressure aqueous environment leads to the formation of various oxides due to corrosion of the structural materials. Since the corrosion process is mainly interfacial and electrochemical in nature, the interfaces formed between the alloys/oxide and oxide/solution plays a crucial role in deciding the overall corrosion resistance of the structural materials. In this context, efforts are being made to modify the size of the oxide particles (surface morphology) to nano size and/or change the composition of the oxides by the addition of an external metal ion (Metal Ion Passivation) both of which are likely to improve the adherence and protectiveness of the interfacial film. In this paper, attempts were made to form an additional nano zinc ferrite (ZnFe 2 O 4 ) coating by pulsed laser deposition technique on the magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) layer formed on carbon steel for improving the corrosion resistance of the base metal. The ZnFe 2 O 4 was synthesized by co-precipitation method and its phase purity was confirmed by Raman Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction studies. 10 mm diameter ferrite targets were prepared and a thin film of ZnFe 2 O 4 was deposited on the Fe 3 O 4 coated carbon steel specimens using pulsed laser deposition technique. Characterization of this deposited ferrite film was carried out by Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Secondary Electron Microscopy. The semiconductor properties of these oxides were investigated by Mott-Schottky plots. The mechanism of corrosion resistance/improvement in the deposited layer was studied by electrochemical techniques and the results are presented in detail in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Thin films of ZrO2 have been developed by hydrothermal process on pre-oxidized stainless steel (SS) surfaces composed of different oxides like spinels or α-Fe2O3. Variations in thicknesses and uniformity of ZrO2 films have been observed on different pre-oxidized SS surfaces. Raman scattering spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques have been used to explain mechanisms of formation of ZrO2 films on various pre-oxidized SS surfaces. A pre-oxidized layer of α-Fe2O3 seems to be an ideal oxide on the SS surface for uniform coating of ZrO2. This may be attributed to close match of lattice parameters of ZrO2 with that of α-Fe2O3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanocrystalline ZrO2 has been prepared by using ZrO(NO3)2·6H2O through direct precipitation followed by calcination. Transmission Electron Microscopic characterization of the powder shows the particle size dominantly of the order of 10nm. The X-ray diffraction pattern shows the formation of both tetragonal and monoclinic phases where the tetragonal phase is dominant. The estimation of tetragonal phase has been carried out using the Raman scattering spectroscopy. Zeta potential of suspended ZrO2 in aqueous medium with surfactant has been measured at varying pH and temperature to understand the effects of temperature at the interface of nanocrystalline ZrO2 in water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Indium oxide films prepared by thermal oxidation of In metal films acquire high electrical conductivity and optical transmission on annealing in vacuum. These films, by virtue of their high figure of merit (1.3×103 Ω−1 cm−1), can function as transparent conducting oxides. Deposition of smooth In metal films is essential for realizing good figure of merit in oxide films. Roughness existing in metallic films persists in oxide films and impairs their properties, in particular, optical transmission. Analyses by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and 16O(α,α)16O resonant scattering suggest that vacuum annealing brings about a subtle oxygen deficiency in films and also causes a reduction in their thicknesses. The deficiency of oxygen results from the loss of lattice oxygen and desorption of chemisorbed oxygen, and is responsible for the enhanced electrical conductivity of the films. The reduction in thickness, on the other hand, occurs due to the volatilization of In2O formed under the reducing environment of vacuum. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies show that vacuum annealing renders films reactive towards oxygen bearing species. These films, as a result, tend to regain the nominal oxide composition on prolonged storage in ambient air, however, their TCO properties remain largely unaffected. The nature of oxygen absorbed in the process is seemingly different from that in air-annealed oxide films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bengal Goat is a precious germplasm of West Bengal. Mostly the women (91.3%) of the farming families in West Bengal rear goat. Goat rearing is a subsidiary income source to rural poor along with agriculture. In majority of cases the flock size ranges from 1 to 4 (56%). Male female ratio in adult flock is observed as 1:8 in field condition. The animals are mostly housed along with residential housing (67.1%); houses are mostly kachha type (82.63%) with earthen floor (86.47%) and straw roof (91.33%). All most all the farmers used to graze their goats for feeding. Ponds water is the major source for drinking water (58.14%) of goats. Black Bengal Goats have natural resistant power to many diseases but are vulnerable to cold, water logging situation, diarrhoea, ecto and entro parasitic infestation and respiratory diseases. Under field condition mortality rate is 9.63%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the search for silicon technology compatible substrate for III-nitride epitaxy, we present a proof-of-concept for forming epitaxial SiC layer on Si(111). A C/Si interface formed by ion sputtering is exposed to 100–1500eV Ar+ ions, inducing a chemical reaction to form SiC, as observed by core-level X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Angle dependent XPS studies shows forward scattering feature that manifest the epitaxial SiC layer formation, while the valence band depicts the metal to insulator phase change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) studies were carried out on wet-chemically synthesized cubic BaTiO3, Ba0.9Nd0.1TiO3 and BaTi0.9Fe0.1O3−δ powders. The compounds were prepared by hydrothermal and gel to crystallite conversion technique; and phases formed readily at 420K. The phase purity of the powders was confirmed from X-ray diffractometry. Chemical state and chemical environment of the constituent elements in the compositions were examined by XPS. Ba2+ was found to exist in two different chemical environments in these titanates. The Ti 2p3/2 photoelectron peak in BaTi0.9Fe0.1O3−δ was found to be broadened after Fe3+ substitution. Any resolvable broadening was not observed distinctly in the Ti 2p peak for Ba0.9Nd0.1TiO3, unsintered BaTiO3 and BaTiO3 annealed in hydrogen (8% H2 +Ar) at 1000K. The prevalence of mixed-valent titanium and iron in BaTi0.9Fe0.1O3−δ composition was evident from the XPS results and was further supported by the enhanced electrical conductivity at 298–550K for BaTi0.9Fe0.1O3−δ in comparison to BaTiO3 and Ba0.9Nd0.1TiO3. Hydroxyl incorporation was facilitated by substituting Nd3+ in Ba-sublattice. The presence of hydroxyls was observed from the broadening of the O 1s peak in XPS studies of the compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ni–Mg ferrites, synthesized by solid-state route, were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Mössbauer spectroscopy to find the distribution of Mg2+ in tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) sites of the spinel. In Ni x Mg1−x Fe2O4, Ni2+ enters in B site resulting in a reduction in the availability of B sites for the distribution of Mg2+ and Fe3+ and thereby influences the distribution of Mg2+. It was observed through both techniques that higher percentage of Mg2+ occupied the tetrahedral sites of Ni rich spinel systems. Thermodynamic considerations showed that entropy played significant role in the distribution of Mg2+ in Ni x Mg1−x Fe2O4, in addition the difference in site preference energy between Fe3+ and Mg2+ was too small to cause any influence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes investigations on atomic composition and chemical states of sintered calcium manganites discs in surface and near surface regions. The atomic composition was determined by 3.05MeV 16O(α,α)16O resonance elastic scattering while the chemical states by, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The specimens examined included undoped and donor (Y3+, Bi3+) doped CaMnO3, and Ca-excess and Mn-excess manganites namely Ca2MnO4 and CaMn2O4 respectively. Calcium manganite powder used in the preparation of discs was synthesized by a wet chemical method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated that all the discs are monophasic except CaMn2O4, which contained ∼98% requisite manganite. The atomic compositions of undoped specimens are close to the stoichiometric value while Y3+ and Bi3+ doped specimens are deficient in Mn and O respectively. The O deficiency may be responsible for comparatively higher electrical conductivity of Bi3+ doped specimen. Some of the specimens were also examined subsequent to their annealing in low atmosphere. This treatment produced significant compositional and structural modifications in the near surface regions. Mn(2p) electrons have identical binding energies in the sintered discs; therefore the valence states of Mn could not be discerned. However lesser binding energies of these electrons in annealed CaMnO3 indicated the existence of Mn(II)/Mn(III) in the specimen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The passive oxide film formed on the carbon steel surface in lithiated water was modified by the incorporation of nickel ions by hydrothermal deposition at 250°C. The aim was to verify to what extent the in-situ oxide films grown in presence of nickel ions improved the corrosion resistance of the carbon steel substrate in comparison to the films formed in the absence of nickel ions at different exposure times. Grazing incidence-X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the formation of the spinel phase in the passive oxide film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the presence of the nickel ions in the oxide lattice. The electrochemical behavior of the oxide films formed on the carbon steel surface was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic anodic polarization methods. Tafel plot extrapolations from the potentiodynamic anodic polarization plots revealed a substantial difference in the corrosion resistance of the films formed on carbon steel substrate in the presence of nickel ions. The oxides grown in the absence and in the presence of nickel ions exhibited similar corrosion current densities but showed a higher polarization resistance value in the presence of nickel ions. The semiconductor properties of these oxides were characterized by Mott Schottky measurements and the results are presented in detail in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modified sodium borosilicate glass was synthesized by incorporating CaO, TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 to the primary glass forming constituents (SiO 2 , B 2 O 3 and Na 2 O) and on melting the mixture at 1373–1473K/3h by melt quench method. Uranium loaded analogues were synthesized by adding varying amounts of UO 3 (2,4,6 and 8 mol %) to the borosilicate glass forming reagents then on melting at 1373–1473K. The U-loaded matrices were characterized by XRD to ensure the formation of glass matrices. Solubility of uranium in sodium borosilicate glass has been investigated. Further, the glasses were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to unravel the oxidation states of uranium in the modified glass composition. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS) revealed the chemical environment of uranium in the glass matrix indicating the coordination number of U in glass. Image 1 • Modified borosilicate glass 47SiO 2 -24B 2 O 3 -17Na 2 O-9.5CaO-1.0Al 2 O 3 -1.5 TiO 2 was prepared. • 2–8 mol% of UO 3 in the form of U 3 O 8 was loaded to the modified borosilicate glass. • Above 6 mol% of UO 3 loading, Na 2 U 2 O 7 separated out from the glass unravelled by XRD studies. • XPS studies show the presence of U in two different oxidation states (U6+ and U4+). • EXAFS studies reveal a decrease in coordination of uranium in glass matrix on increasing uranium loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of gamma radiation on the physico-chemical and functional properties of strong cationic ion exchange resins with varying microstructures i.e., gel and macro-porous type, used in purification systems of water-cooled nuclear reactors. The effect of metal ion loading on degradation behavior was probed to simulate the in-situ irradiation scenario in used resin. The resins are expected to undergo physico-chemical and functional degradation due to different oxidizing and reducing species from water radiolysis. Nevertheless, evaluating the extent of degradation based on the morphological and structural differences was of interest. The extent of resin degradation was estimated by analyzing the change in pH, conductivity, total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the extent of reactive site loss from the leached ions. Leaching of SO 4 2− ions and the formation of lower organic acids resulted in decreased pH and increased conductivity, TOC and COD values. The change in exchange capacity and physical and structural changes in the irradiated resin's surface was probed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Gel resin showed more significant functional group loss, while hydrogen generation was more from macroporous resin due to its more rigid and dense structure. • Role of resin's microstructure on the extent of radiolytic degradation was assessed. • The degradation was evident from change in pH, conductivity, TOC and COD values. • Though both macro and gel-type resins lost ion exchange capacity, higher SO 4 2− ion loss occurred in gel-type. • H 2 yield was higher in macro-type resin with bulging features due to possible gas accumulation. • Substitution of metal ions lowered the degradation in resins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal annealing of Ag-Cu bi-layer thin films on silica-glass substrates either in air or in oxygen environment has led to the formation of novel composite materials (Ag nanoparticles in compound metal oxide semiconductors). Optical absorption and electron microscopy results have confirmed the presence of Ag nanoparticles in oxide semiconductor materials upon annealing. Drastic reductions of the optical absorption intensity in samples annealed at higher temperatures in different atmospheres are explained as a result of thermal growth of the compound metal oxide semiconductor phases. In particular, X-ray diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal the phases of mixed oxides in the annealed samples. Various experimental measurements discussed here corroborate well with the observed optical results. • Facile synthesis of composite of Ag nanoparticles and metal-oxide semiconductors. • Compound metal oxides grow with increase of annealing temperature. • Size of Ag nanoparticles reduces with increase of annealing temperature. • Oxygen annealing results in larger amount of compound metal oxides and finer Ag nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective removal of radioactive Sb is a major concern during decontamination of structural materials in nuclear reactors. Galvanostatic deposition under different pH conditions was used to simulate Sb deposit on carbon steel. The difference in nucleation, growth and type of Sb species on carbon steel under different deposition conditions were studied by morphological, structural, compositional and electrochemical characterizations. Electrochemical nucleation over-potential and pH at the electrode interface were found to play dominant roles in deciding the growth pattern and the type of deposition. At low pH, elemental Sb was dominant, whereas the oxide form dominated at higher pH. Open circuit potential measurements and dissolution experiments on the deposits formed with complexing agents used in decontamination showed a difference in surface modification. This results in, incomplete removal of Sb from carbon steel surface, revealing the inadequacy in Sb decontamination using only chelants and the need for employing oxidizing agents in tandem. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Heat capacity measurements were carried out on (U1−y La y )O2±x (y =0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) in the temperature range 298–800K. Enthalpy increment measurements were carried out on the above solid solutions using high temperature drop calorimetry in the temperature range 800–1800K. Chemical states of U and La in the solid solutions of mixed oxides were determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Oxygen to metal ratios of (U1−y La y )O2±x were estimated from the ratios of different chemical states of U present in the sample. Anomalous increase in the heat capacity is observed for (U1−y La y )O2±x (y =0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) with onset temperatures in the range of 1000–1200K. The anomalous increase in the heat capacity is attributed to certain thermal excitation process, namely, Frenkel pair defect of oxygen. The heat capacity value of (U1−y La y )O2±x (y =0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) at 298K are 65.3, 64.1, 57.7, 51.9JK−1 mol−1, respectively. From the XPS investigations, it was observed that the O/M ratios at the surface are higher than that in the bulk. In uranium rich mixed oxide samples, the surface O/M ratios are greater than 2 whereas that in La rich mixed oxides, they are less than 2, though the bulk O/M in all the samples are less than 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work we demonstrate the preparation of highly catalytically active Pt formed by the galvanic replacement of the copper adlayer on Au substrates, modified by the self-assembly of fourth generation amine terminated PAMAM dendrimer (G4NH2). The copper adlayer was formed on the dendrimer-modified gold substrate by chemical preconcentration of copper ions followed by electrochemical reduction. The Pt overlayer was characterized by SEM, XPS and by cyclic voltammetry. The catalytic efficiency of the modified film thus prepared through soft route was evaluated by the electro catalytic oxidation of methanol using cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and AC impedance techniques. This work also demonstrates that the copper adlayer formed on the dendrimer-modified electrode can undergo galvanic replacement by nobler metals like Au and Ag, besides Pt. An elegant soft route involving a new three-step protocol to build the concentration of active Pt on the Au surface has been developed. Concentration of the same metal (Pt) or two different metals (Pt–Au) can be built at the interface in a stepwise manner at ambient temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: AISI type 316LN stainless steel was exposed to flowing sodium in mass transfer loop (MTL) at 823K for 16000h and then examined for changes in the tensile properties due to the mass transfer and corrosion effects. Comparisons in microstructural and mechanical properties were made between annealed, thermally aged and sodium exposed materials. Microstructural examination of thermally aged and sodium exposed materials revealed precipitation of carbides at the grain boundaries. The sodium exposed samples contained a degraded layer at the surface up to a depth of around 10μm and a surface carburized layer of about 30μm. There was about 15% increase in yield strength and a decrease of about 20% in ductility for the sodium exposed material vis-a-vis thermally aged material and this was attributed to carburization effects and microstructural changes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The evolution of surface morphology and chemical composition of vacuum-annealed titanium films deposited on Si(111) substrate with native oxide is investigated. We show that changes in topography and chemical composition of the surface are related to the simultaneous transport of Si and oxygen. The elucidation of this process is done through a combined use of atomic force microscopy, scanning spreading resistance imaging, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and secondary ion mass spectrometry depth profiling. Coalescence of TiO2 columnar grains formed on the silicide surface results in the coarsening of the surface. Variations in root-mean-square roughness of the surface oxide in the presence of the silicide is compared with that of pure titanium oxide for similar heat-treatment conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]