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Microstructural Observations (microstructural + observation)
Selected AbstractsDynamic rheological and morphological study of the compatibility of thermoplastic polyurethane/ethylene,octene copolymer blendsJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008Jin Yang Abstract Two grafted ethylene,octene copolymers [POEs; i.e., POE-g-maleic anhydried (MAH) and aminated POE (denoted by POE-g-NH2) were used as compatibilizers in immiscible blends of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and POE. The effects of the compatibilizers on the dynamic rheological properties and morphologies of the TPU/POE blends were investigated. The characteristic rheological behaviors of the blends indicated that the strong interactions between the two phases were due to the compatibilization. Microstructural observation confirmed that the compatibilizers were located at the interface in the blends and formed a stable interfacial layer and smaller dispersed phase particle size. Compared with POE- g -MAH, POE- g -NH2 exhibited a better compatibilization effect in the TPU/POE blends. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] GELLING BEHAVIOR OF RICE FLOUR DISPERSIONS AT DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS OF SOLIDS AND TIME OF HEATINGJOURNAL OF TEXTURE STUDIES, Issue 3 2008ALKA KAPRI ABSTRACT Rice flour dispersions, under suitable conditions of processing, can form a gel. The effect of concentration of solids (10,18%) and time (0,75 min) of processing on textural attributes, and viscoelasticity were investigated along with sensory attributes. The textural attribute determined is gel strength, while viscoelasticity was determined in terms of mechanical spectra like storage modulus (G,), loss modulus (G,), complex viscosity (,*) and loss factor (tan ,) during a frequency sweep varying from 0.01 to 40 Hz at a constant stress of 25 Pa. Microstructural observation indicates the swelling of starch granules in the beginning of heating, while damaged granule and leached-out materials are visible at the end of the gelling process. Desirability function analysis has been applied to obtain a rice gel with acceptable textural attributes; a solid concentration of 15.2% and a heating time of 75 min can lead to the development of a gel with a satisfaction level of 0.6. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Rice flour gels in the form of hard-set gels, porridges and spreads are popular in several parts of the world particularly for feeding of infants and children. The application of the present study lies in understanding the role of major processing variables on the quality attributes and viscoelasticity of a product, characterization of cooked gels and for developing rice flour-based food gels. The findings may also be extended for the development of other cereal-based gels. [source] Room-Temperature Freeze Casting for Ceramics with Nonaqueous Sublimable Vehicles in the Naphthalene,Camphor Eutectic SystemJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 11 2004Kiyoshi Araki Freeze casting for Al2O3 was accomplished at room temperature with nonaqueous sublimable vehicles in the naphthalene,camphor eutectic system with a eutectic temperature of 31°C. A fully dense sintered body (>99.5% of theoretical density (T.D.)) was obtained with a eutectic composition vehicle, whereas at most 90% T.D. was obtained with an off-eutectic (i.e., hypo- or hypereutectic) composition vehicle due to formation of large uniquely shaped voids. Microstructural observation suggested that growing pro-eutectic crystals rejected the suspended Al2O3 particles to form large voids during the solidification process. At the eutectic composition, formation of fine lamellar microstructure in a solidified vehicle is considered to inhibit particle rejection resulting in large voids. [source] The mechanism of fluid infiltration in peridotites at Almklovdalen, western NorwayGEOFLUIDS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2002O. Kostenko Abstract A major Alpine-type peridotite located at Almklovdalen in the Western Gneiss Region of Norway was infiltrated by aqueous fluids at several stages during late Caledonian uplift and retrogressive metamorphism. Following peak metamorphic conditions in the garnet,peridotite stability field, the peridotite experienced pervasive fluid infiltration and retrogression in the chlorite,peridotite stability field. Subsequently, the peridotite was infiltrated locally by nonreactive fluids along fracture networks forming pipe-like structures, typically on the order of 10 m wide. Fluid migration away from the fractures into the initially impermeable peridotite matrix was facilitated by pervasive dilation of grain boundaries and the formation of intragranular hydrofractures. Microstructural observations of serpentine occupying the originally fluid-filled inclusion space indicate that the pervasively infiltrating fluid was characterized by a high dihedral angle (, > 60°) and ,curled up' into discontinuous channels and fluid inclusion arrays following the infiltration event. Re-equilibration of the fluid phase topology took place by growth and dissolution processes driven by the excess surface energy represented by the ,forcefully' introduced external fluid. Pervasive fluid introduction into the peridotite reduced local effective stresses, increased the effective grain boundary diffusion rates and caused extensive recrystallization and some grain coarsening of the infiltrated volumes. Grain boundary migration associated with this recrystallization swept off abundant intragranular fluid inclusions in the original chlorite peridotite, leading to a significant colour change of the rock. This colour change defines a relatively sharp front typically located 1,20 cm away from the fractures where the nonreactive fluids originally entered the peridotite. Our observations demonstrate how crustal rocks may be pervasively infiltrated by fluids with high dihedral angles (, > 60°) and emphasize the coupling between hydrofracturing and textural equilibration of the grain boundary networks and the fluid phase topology. [source] Influence of Wet Mechanical Mixing on Microstructure and Vickers Hardness of Nanocrystalline Ceramic,Metal CompositesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Tatsuo Kumagai Nanocrystalline (nc) ceramic,metal composite bulk samples have been fabricated by consolidation of mixture of attrition-milled (AM) amorphous base ceramic ((ZrO2,3 mol% Y2O3),20 mol% Al2O3) and AM amorphous base metallic (Ti,48 mol% Al) powders using a pulse-current pressure sintering system. Microstructural observations revealed that the ceramic and metallic colonies appear blocky in morphology in the composite bulk samples, and both the ceramic and the metallic colonies consist of a large number of equiaxed fine grains with the sizes of 78,82 and 81,86 nm, respectively. Mechanical mixing treatments by wet ball milling in ethanol before consolidation process are effective for refinement of the ceramic and metallic colonies. In all the obtained composite bulk samples, the ceramic colonies consist of the dominant phase of tetragonal (t) ZrO2 solid solution (ss) together with the minor phases of monoclinic (m) ZrO2ss and ,-Al2O3. On the other hand, the dominant phase in the metallic colonies changes from Ti3Al (,2) to Tiss (,) with an increase in the t -ZrO2ss volume fraction by abrasion of 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal polycrystalline zirconia balls during wet mechanical mixing treatments. Such a phase transformation from ,2 to , is considered to be due to the decrease in the aluminum content in the metallic colonies by combination of aluminum with oxygen (i.e., the formation of ,-Al2O3), which is probably taken from ethanol (C2H5OH) into the powders during wet mechanical mixing treatments. The obtained nc composite bulk samples show good Vickers hardness values, which are considerably higher than those estimated from the rule of mixture. [source] Lipid Addition to Improve Barrier Properties of Edible Starch-based Films and CoatingsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 6 2000M.A. García ABSTRACT: Effects of formulation (lipid presence, type of starch, and plasticizer) on microstructure, water vapor (WVP) and gas (GP) permeabilities of films and coatings were analyzed. Plasticizer was necessary to maintain film and coating integrity and to avoid pores and cracks. Films made from high amylose starch showed lower WVP and GP than regular corn starch films; permeabilities of films with sorbitol (20 g/L) were lower than those with glycerol. The addition of 2g/L sunflower oil to the formulations decreased WVP of starch-based films; X-ray diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry experiments demonstrated that films with plasticizer and lipid showed lower crystalline-amorphous ratio compared to films without additives. Microstructural observations helped explain the decrease of the film permeabilities during storage. [source] Microstructure and Texture Formation During Near Conventional Forging of an Intermetallic Ti,45Al,5Nb Alloy,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 12 2009Andreas Stark Abstract Texture formation was studied in an intermetallic Ti-45at%Al-5at%Nb alloy after uniaxial compression and near conventional forging. Depending on the deformation conditions the texture of the , -TiAl phase is formed by pure deformation components, components related to dynamic recrystallization, or transformation components. This changing corresponds with microstructural observations. The ,2 -Ti3Al and the , -Ti(Al) phase show a similar texture as it is known for Ti and Ti-base alloys after compressive deformation at elevated temperatures. In contrast to the , texture, no significant change of the ,/,2 texture was observed in the temperature range between 800,°C and just below the , -transus temperature (T,,=,1295,°C). [source] A fatigue and creep study in austenitic stainless steel 316L used in exhaust pipes of naval gas turbinesFATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 9 2004R. F. MARTINS ABSTRACT Exhaust pipes of naval gas turbines are made of thin wall tubing of stainless steel grade AISI 316L. The tubes are fabricated by butt welding of different sections with longitudinal and circumferential joints. The plate thickness is about 4.0 mm, and the working temperature varies between 600 °C and 400 °C in the critical zones of the pipe, in the lower and central areas, respectively. The loadings in the tube induce high-temperature fatigue and creep-fatigue cracks have nucleated and propagated in the tube near some welded joints. The paper presents FCGR data obtained in CT specimens of used material taken from the pipes and tested at RT, 335, 500 and 600 °C. Preliminary creep data obtained in tension, in thin-sheet specimens (about 4 mm thickness), also taken from the conduct wall and tested at 500, 550 and 600 °C are also given. These results are crucial to perform a fatigue-creep interaction life assessment of the critical parts of the structure in the near future. Finally, the paper presents results of research work to investigate carbide precipitation and formation in virgin thin-sheet specimens subjected to several types of thermal exposures. In some cases, 3,4 d was the time interval between exposures. Grain size measurements were carried out together with microstructural observations in the SEM. The influence of time, temperature and time interval between thermal exposures was assessed comparing the microstructures. [source] Composite Zirconium Silicides Through an In Situ ProcessINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Jérôme Canel Zirconium silicides are being investigated for use as neutron reflector materials for the next generation of nuclear power devices. Hot isostatically pressed monolithic Zr3Si2 and reactive sintered ZrXSiY composite are currently under development. The composite is obtained in situ and contains a ZrSi matrix embedding shell-like Zr, Zr2Si, and ZrSi2 domains with volume ratios depending on the initial Zr/Si ratio. Despite the lack of information on the mechanical properties of zirconium silicides, the composite structure is assumed to have enhanced fracture toughness; conditions to improve it further are discussed on the basis of microstructural observations of crack deflection. [source] P,T,t path of the Hercynian low-pressure rocks from the Mandatoriccio complex (Sila Massif, Calabria, Italy): new insights for crustal evolutionJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 2 2010A. LANGONE Abstract The tectono-metamorphic evolution of the Hercynian intermediate,upper crust outcropping in eastern Sila (Calabria, Italy) has been reconstructed, integrating microstructural analysis, P,T pseudosections, mineral isopleths and geochronological data. The studied rocks belong to a nearly complete crustal section that comprises granulite facies metamorphic rocks at the base and granitoids in the intermediate levels. Clockwise P,T paths have been constrained for metapelites of the basal level of the intermediate,upper crust (Umbriatico area). These rocks show noticeable porphyroblastic textures documenting the progressive change from medium- P metamorphic assemblages (garnet- and staurolite-bearing assemblages) towards low- P/high -T metamorphic assemblages (fibrolite- and cordierite-bearing assemblages). Peak-metamorphic conditions of ,590 °C and 0.35 GPa are estimated by integrating microstructural observations with P,T pseudosections calculated for bulk-rock and reaction-domain compositions. The top level of the intermediate,upper crust (Campana area) recorded only the major heating phase at low- P (,550 °C and 0.25 GPa), as documented by the static growth of biotite spots and of cordierite and andalusite porphyroblasts in metapelites. In situ U,Th,Pb dating of monazite from schists containing low -P/high -T metamorphic assemblages gave a weighted mean U,Pb concordia age of 299 ± 3 Ma, which has been interpreted as the timing of peak metamorphism. In the framework of the whole Hercynian crustal section the peak of low -P/high -T metamorphism in the intermediate-to-upper crust took place concurrently with granulite facies metamorphism in the lower crust and with emplacement of the granitoids in the intermediate levels. In addition, decompression is a distinctive trait of the P,T evolution both in the lower and upper crust. It is proposed that post,collisional extension, together with exhumation, is the most suitable tectonic setting in which magmatic and metamorphic processes can be active simultaneously in different levels of the continental crust. [source] Phlogopite and quartz lamellae in diamond-bearing diopside from marbles of the Kokchetav massif, Kazakhstan: exsolution or replacement reaction?JOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 9 2009L. F. DOBRZHINETSKAYA Abstract Exsolution lamellae of pyroxene in garnet (grt), coesite in titanite and omphacite from UHPM terranes are widely accepted as products of decompression. However, interpretation of oriented lamellae of phyllosilicates, framework silicates and oxides as a product of decompression of pyroxene is very often under debate. Results are presented here of FIB-TEM, FEG-EMP and synchrotron-assisted infrared (IR) spectroscopy studies of phlogopite (Phlog) and phlogopite + quartz (Qtz) lamellae in diamond-bearing clinopyroxene (Cpx) from ultra-high pressure (UHP) marble. These techniques allowed collection of three-dimensional information from the grain boundaries of both the single (phlogopite), two-phase lamellae (phlogopite + quartz), and fluid inclusions inside of diamond included in K-rich Cpx and understanding their relationships and mechanisms of formation. The Cpx grains contain in their cores lamellae-I, which are represented by topotactically oriented extremely thin lamellae of phlogopite (that generally are two units cell wide but locally can be seen to be somewhat broader) and microdiamond. The core composition is: (Ca0.94K0.04Na0.02) (Al0.06Fe0.08Mg0.88) (Si1.98Al0.02)O6.00. Fluid inclusions rich in K and Si are recognized in the core of the Cpx, having no visible connections to the lamellae-I. Lamellar-II inclusions consist of micron-size single laths of phlogopite and lens-like quartz or slightly elongated phlogopite + quartz intergrowths; all are situated in the rim zone of the Cpx. The composition of the rim is (Ca0.95Fe0.03Na0.02) (Al0.05Fe0.05Mg0.90)Si2O6, and the rim contains more Ca, Mg then the core, with no K there. Such chemical tests support our microstructural observations and conclusion that the phlogopite lamellae-I are exsolved from the K-rich Cpx-precursor during decompression. It is assumed that Cpx-precursor was also enriched in H2O, because diamond included in the core of this Cpx contains fluid inclusions. The synchrotron IR spectra of such diamond record the presence of OH, stretching and H2O bending motion regions. Lamellar-II inclusions are interpreted as forming partly because of modification of the lamellae-I in the presence of fluid enriched in K, Fe and Si during deformation of the host diopside; the latter is probably related to the shallower stage of exhumation of the UHP marble. This study emphasizes that in each case to understand the mechanism of lamellar inclusion formation more detailed studies are needed combining both compositional, structural and three-dimensional textural features of lamellar inclusions and their host. [source] Metamorphism and microstructures along a high-temperature metamorphic field gradient: the north,eastern boundary of the Královský hvozd unit (Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic)JOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 4 2002D. Scheuvens Abstract A metamorphic field gradient has been investigated in the Moldanubian zone of the central European Variscides encompassing, from base to the top, a staurolite,kyanite zone, a muscovite,sillimanite zone, a K-feldspar,sillimanite zone, and a K-feldspar,cordierite zone, respectively. The observed reaction textures in the anatectic metapsammopelites of the higher grade zones are fully compatible with experimental data and petrogenetic grids that are based on fluid-absent melting reactions. From structural and microstructural observations it can be concluded that the boundary between the kyanite,staurolite zone and the muscovite- and K-feldspar,sillimanite zones coincides with an important switch in deformation mechanism(s). Besides minor syn-anatectic shearing (melt-enhanced deformation), microstructural criteria point (a) to a switch in deformation mechanism from rotation recrystallization (climb-accommodated dislocation creep) to prism Isograds and P,T evolution in the eastern Lepontine Alps (Graubünden, Switzerland)JOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 3 2002T. Nagel Abstract Reactions producing Al-rich index minerals in the south-eastern part of the Lepontine Dome (Central Alps, Switzerland) are investigated using mineral distribution maps, microstructural observations and equilibrium phase diagrams. The apparent staurolite mineral zone boundary corresponds to the paragonite breakdown reaction Pg + Grt + Qtz = Pl + Al2O3 + W. Equilibrium phase diagrams show that most natural metapelites do not contain staurolite or alumosilicates as long as univalent cations are predominantly accommodated in white mica. For a wide range of metapelitic compositions the paragonite breakdown releases sufficient Al for the formation of these minerals. Rare occurrences of staurolite and kyanite, north of the formerly mapped mineral zone boundaries, coexist with paragonite and are restricted to extremely Al-rich bulk compositions. The stable branch of the kyanite-forming paragonite breakdown reaction above 660 °C yields an additional mapable isograd. The second set of Al-releasing reactions is biotite-producing phengite breakdown. However, these reactions are less suitable to produce well defined reaction isograds in the field as they are more continuous and their progress is strongly dependent on bulk composition. Well developed fibrolite in metapelites does not appear until staurolite starts to breakdown. We conclude that amphibolite facies conditions in the study area were attained by decompression, without substantial heating at low pressures. [source] Formation and Densification Behavior of MgAl2O4 Spinel: The Influence of Processing ParametersJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 6 2008Ibram Ganesh Different types of dense stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) spinel (MAS) ceramics were prepared following a conventional double-stage firing process using different commercially available alumina and magnesia raw materials. Stoichiometric, magnesia-rich, and alumina-rich spinels were sintered at 1500°,1800°C for 1,2.5 h. The influence of the different processing parameters (average particle size, degree of spinel phase, green density, mass of the powder compact, sintering temperature, holding time at the peak temperature, and starting composition) on the densification behavior of MAS was assessed by measuring the bulk density, apparent porosity, and water absorption capacity, and microstructural observations. Most of the MAS compositions tested exhibited excellent sintering properties. [source] Laminar Ceramics Utilizing the Zirconia Tetragonal-to-Monoclinic Phase Transformation to Obtain a Threshold StrengthJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 12 2002Michael G. Pontin Ceramic laminates have been fabricated with thin layers, containing a mixture of unstabilized zirconia (MZ-ZrO2) and alumina (Al2O3), sandwiched between thicker layers of alumina that contain a small fraction of Y2O3 -stabilized tetragonal ZrO2 to inhibit grain growth. The MZ-ZrO2 undergoes a tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation during cooling to produce biaxial compressive stresses in the thin layers. Cracks that extend within the thicker alumina layers can be arrested by the compressive layers to produce a threshold strength, i.e., a strength below which the probability of failure is zero. Laminates composed of Al2O3 layers 315 ± 15 ,m thick and Al2O3/MZ-ZrO2 layers 29 ± 3 ,m thick exhibit a threshold strength of 507 ± 36 MPa, regardless of the MZ-ZrO2 content, for volume fractions ,0.35. These results, piezospectroscopic stress measurements, and microstructural observations suggest that microcracking produced during the transformation reduces the magnitude of the compressive stresses achieved, which in turn limits the magnitude of the threshold strength. [source] PROVENANCE OF MARBLES FROM NAXOS BASED ON MICROSTRUCTURAL AND GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATIONARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 2 2010A. EBERT A detailed quantitative microstructural study coupled with cathodoluminescence and geochemical analyses on marbles from Naxos demonstrates that the analysis of microstructures is the most sensitive method to define the origin of marbles within, and between, different regions. Microstructure examination can only be used as an accurate provenance tool if a correction for the second-phase content is considered. If second phases are not considered, a large spread of different microstructures occurs within sample sites, making a separation between neighbouring outcrops difficult or impossible. Moreover, this study shows that the origin of a marble is defined more precisely if the microstructural observations are coupled with cathodoluminescence data. [source]
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