Sardine Scales: A Promising Source of Marine Biomaterials

The current paper highlighted the physicochemical characteristics of sardine scales (S.pilchardus), which are considered hitherto as solid marine litter despite their richness on biomaterials of high added value. The collected fish scales were washed thoroughly, dried, and grounded into a powder. The prepared samples were characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The findings of (FT-IR); (XRD); and (EDS) show that sardine scales contain both organic and inorganic phases. The (SEM) analysis has revealed that sardine scales have a porous and fibrous structure. The physicochemical results confirm that S.pilchardus scales are a pioneering source of marine biomaterials.

Green Synthesis of Bioactive CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut Shell Nanocomposite Using Crataegus azarolus Var. aronia L. Extract and its Antivasoconstrictive Action on Rat’s Aortic Smooth Muscle

The antioxidant potential of Crataegus azarolus Var. aronia aqueous extract was used as reducing and stabilizing media to the green synthesis of bioactive CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell nanocomposite (NCs). The ability of the plant extract as bioreducing medium was proved using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. While, the structural identification of synthesized CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell NCs was proved using the scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy, elemental mapping, and point analysis. Then, the antivasoconstriction effects of CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell NCs (5*10−2 mg/ml) and (1*10−1 mg/ml) on rats isolated thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells were studied. Green synthesized CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell NCs showed effective antivasoconstriction activity against norepinephrine (NE) (1*10−9–10−4 M) induced contraction in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rats aortic smooth muscle. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of C. aronia acts as potential reducing and stabilizing media to the green synthesis of bioactive CuO@Fe3O4@Walnut shell NCs and the NCs play an important role against contractile effects of NE on rats’ aortic smooth muscle.

Study of the Influence of Temperature on the Optical and Structural Properties of Dolomite

The present work reports the results of structural and optical investigations in samples of natural dolomite, subjected to thermal treatment at different temperatures (500 ℃ to 700 ℃) and times (one up to three hours). The motivation is the evaluation of the changes that may occur in carbonaceous asteroids and meteorites, respectively, subjected to the action of the solar radiation and heated during the fall in the atmosphere. We carried out scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, optical reflectance and photoluminescence measurements

Investigation of Biomaterial Characteristics of Chitosan Produced from Crab Shells

Chitosan is a biomaterial that can be obtained from certain parts of aquatic fauna like scales and shells. They are cheap, readily available and environment-friendly complexing agents for heavy metals. In this study, crab shell was used as a source of chitosan and compared with commercial chitosan. The yield was 22.75% and 71% degree of de-acetylation. Solubility test showed that it will dissolve within 30 minutes in 0.1 M HCl. The FTIR indicated the presence of –OH functional group at wavelength 1350 cm-1and R-NH2 at 3450 cm-1. SEM revealed that the locally developed chitosan has a rough surface characterized with holes, and has a porous spongy structure. Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) was used to examine the presence of elements on the chitosan. Results showed the presence of C, N, O and Na. Usually, Hydrogen is usually present in organic materials but EDS cannot detect its’ presence. XRD revealed a low crystallinity of the chitosan obtained.

Identifying the Original Colour of the Paintwork on the Artistic and Industrial Recreation Pavilion Designed by Antonio Palacios for the Galician Regional Exhibition Held in 1909

The former Artistic and Industrial Recreation Pavilion, which was designed by Antonio Palacios (1874–1945) and built for the Galician Regional Exhibition held in 1909 in Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, north-western Spain), and which currently houses a nursery school, was completely restored in 2018. The main purpose of the restoration was to recover the original exterior colour of the building. For this purpose, a study was undertaken to identify the original colour of the paintwork by first consulting historical archives and then conducting a micromorphological analysis of stratigraphic paint samples by stereomicroscopic examination and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Three reformations of the building are documented: one carried out in 1926, when the metal roof was replaced with a tile roof; another conducted between 1967 (when the old pavilion was described as a "destroyed building") and the mid-1970s (when it began to be used as a nursery); and finally, another in 1981, when the building was repainted. The analytical results revealed layers of white or yellow ochre (vanilla) paint corresponding to different periods. The presence of titanium (Ti) in the paint was used as a marker of its age, as titanium white was first formulated in 1921. The original layers include Zn in their composition, indicating that zinc oxide (ZnO) was the pigment used in the “snow” white paint probably used on the building in its first years of existence. In all cases, the pigment base is lime mixed with silicates, kaolin and other clays.

Influence of Axle Speed and Transverse Speed in Alloys Distribution of Friction Stir Welded Aluminum Alloy 6082

In numerous auxiliary applications, steels are predominantly supplanted by aluminium alloys on account of its great quality weight proportion. One noteworthy issue emerges in this material is a reduction of mechanical properties during the joining process. To wipe out shortages of mechanical properties, it is essential to discover a superior method of metal exchange. In this analysis, a comparative joint of grating friction stir welds 6082-T6 was created by changing the axle speeds between 800 rpm to 1800 rpm and the welding speeds between 30 mm/min to 120mm/min. An imperfection free welding was acquired at 1400 rpm axle speed and 65 mm/min welding speed with the most extreme tensile strength of 158.61 MPa. Examining electron microscopy (SEM) and Electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) test were directed to explore the molecule dissemination of the weld tests for optimum weld. From the results, presents of porosity are higher in optimum weld. In order to reduce the porosities, major elements were added and repeated the tests again.

The Impact of Different Polydimethylsiloxane Core Materials on the Properties of Melamine Formaldehyde Microcapsules

Three different functionalized polydimethylsiloxane based probable self-healing materials were encapsulated by oil-in-water emulsion polymerization melamine-formaldehyde (MF) microcapsules for future applications in self-healing composites systems. The diameter and morphology, thermal properties, and structural analysis of the synthesized microcapsules were determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that nature of core material plays an important role in the morphology and thermal stability of the microcapsules.

The Effect of ZnO Addition on Microstructure, Phase and Color Developments of Copper Reduction Glaze

In this research, the effects of Zn on microstructure and color developments of the copper reduction glaze were investigated. Structural and colorimetric characteristics of the glaze surface are examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Telespectrophotometery. Results indicate in samples consisted of more than 7 % of zinc amount, crystalline structures containing Willemite and synthesized copper. XRD indicate that, 14 wt% of zinc oxide is enough to form Willemite. In all samples, duration of process was sufficient to form the metallic particles. SEM images confirm presence of copper nanosphere-laths of Willemite and surrounding glaze.

Characterization of LSCO|BCZY|LSCO for Potential Application in IT-SOFC

A high purity of strontium-doped lanthanum cobaltite with formula of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ (LSCO) was synthesized via a combined citrate-EDTA route. LSCO slurry was prepared by mixing LSCO and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) in ethanol solution. This slurry was manually painted onto both surfaces of yttrium-doped cerate-zirconate, BaCe0.54Zr0.36Y0.1O2.95 (BCZY) electrolyte to fabricate a symmetrical cell of LSCO|BCZY|LSCO. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis result revealed that the LSCO was well adhered onto the BCZY electrolyte with no formation of crack or air gap/hole at the LSCO|BCZY interface. Elemental composition of LSCO cathode and BCZY electrolyte elements such as lanthanum (La), barium (Ba) and cerium (Ce) at the interface region was confirmed by electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The electrochemical performance of the fired cell was analyzed in air by an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as a function of temperature ranging from 500 – 800°C. It is found that the fabricated cell exhibits low polarization resistance (Rp) at the operating temperatures and the values are comparable with those reported in literature. This significant result indicates that LSCO is a promising candidate to be used as a cathode material for BCZY electrolyte at intermediate temperatures.

Contact Formation at Interface of LSCO|BCZY|LSCO Symmetrical Cell: Effect of LSCO to PVP Ratio

Symmetrical cells of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ (LSCO) cathode and BaCe0.54Zr0.36Y0.1O2.95 (BCZY) electrolyte (LSCO|BCZY|LSCO) were fabricated by manually painting the respective LSCO cathode slurries onto pellet surfaces of BCZY. The slurries were prepared with different ratios of LSCO to polyvinyl pyrrolidone, PVP as electrode binder (LSCO:PVP). The fabricated cells were denoted as S#1 (5:1/2), S#2 (5:1), S#3 (5:3/2), S#4 (5:2) and S#5 (5:5/2). The contact formation at LSCO|BCZY interface at different ratios of LSCO:PVP was examined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM images revealed that the LSCO cathode was well adhered onto BCZY electrolyte in all samples without formation of air gap/hole at the interface, except for S#4 and S#5. The elemental composition percentage and formation of air gap/hole at the interface were confirmed by electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The optimum ratio in obtaining a good adhesion between LSCO cathode and BCZY electrolyte is PVP:LSCO = 1/2 – 2 : 5. The polarization resistance (Rp) for the S#1 measured by an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is 0.29 Ωcm2 at 700 °C.