Editorial: the March 2022 cover paper

Journal of Materials Science -     

Growth and physiochemical characterization studies on 4-chloro-2-nitroaniline nonlinear optical single crystals

The non-centrosymmetric space group organic nonlinear optical single crystal of 4-chloro-2-nitroaniline (4Cl2NA) was developed by slow evaporation method at 40 °C. Grown 4Cl2NA was monoclinic structure with Pc space group which was recognized by single-crystal XRD analysis. An intermolecular contact of 4Cl2NA was visually analysed by Hirshfeld surface analysis. Active functional groups and their respective vibrations were identified by FTIR and FT-Raman spectral analysis. Optical properties were evaluated by UV–Visible spectral analysis. Thermal TG/DTA thermogram analysis and mechanical Vickers hardness analysis revealed that the synthesis material was thermally stable up to 115 °C and mechanical work hardness coefficient (n?=?2.98) confirmed the grown crystal was soft material. Laser beam-irradiated LDT analysis expressed the laser utility limitation of the 4Cl2NA crystal. The NLO second harmonic generation efficiency was tested by Kurtz Perry powder method.

     

Effects of red-wine grape pomace on the quality and sensory attributes of beef hamburger patty

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of red-wine grape pomaces on the quality and sensory attributes of beef hamburger patties. Both phenolic content and antioxidant activity were assessed using Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon pomaces. Following the assessment, hamburger patties were prepared with Merlot pomace at 0%, 2% and 4% for the patty quality and sensory attributes. Grape seeds possessed significantly higher phenolics and antioxidant activities over the seedless pomace (P < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was found for phenolics and antioxidant activities within the seeds and seedless pomaces. The patty pH decreased as the pomace was added for 2% and 4%. Colour values (L*, a* and b*) of patties lowered as the pomace was added. Allo-Kramer shear force and hardness values increased while cooking yield decreased (P < 0.05) with the addition of pomace. No significant difference between control and Merlot patties was found for flavour, juiciness and colour, whereas lower sensory attributes were observed for texture, taste and overall acceptability. It is observed that the addition of fermented red-wine grape pomace provides hamburger patties with health promoting factors such as antioxidant and other functional components, but it also provided darker, sourer and lower cooking yield.     

Analytical methods for superresolution dislocation identification in dark-field X-ray microscopy

Journal of Materials Science - We develop several inference methods to estimate the position of dislocations from images generated using dark-field X-ray microscopy (DFXM)—achieving...     

Research on the Failure Characteristics of a Spherical Bearing

Strength of Materials - In order to study the failure process of a large-scale spherical bearing, the finite element simulation method was used to establish the full-scale finite element model of...     

Applications of analytical electron microscopy to guide the design of boron carbide

Compositional analysis of boron carbide on nanometer length scales to examine or interpret atomic mechanisms, for example, solid-state amorphization or grain-boundary segregation, is challenging. This work reviews advancements in high-resolution microanalysis to characterize multiple generations of boron carbide. First, ζ-factor microanalysis will be introduced as a powerful (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) analytical framework to accurately characterize boron carbide. Three case studies involving the application of ζ-factor microanalysis will then be presented: (1) accurate stoichiometry determination of B-doped boron carbide using ζ-factor microanalysis and electron energy loss spectroscopy, (2) normalized quantification of silicon grain-boundary segregation in Si-doped boron carbide, and (3) calibration of a scanning electron microscope X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS) system to measure compositional homogeneity differences of B/Si-doped arc-melted boron carbides in the as-melted and annealed conditions. Overall, the improvement and application of advanced analytical tools have helped better understand processing–microstructure–property relationships and successfully manufacture high-performance ceramics.     

Gluten-free cakes with walnut flour: a technological,sensory, and microstructural approach

Walnut flour (WF), a by-product of walnut oil production, is characterised by high polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, and fibre contents and presents suitability for bakery products. However, when using non-traditional ingredients, it is essential to evaluate the effect on the quality properties of the final product. So, this work aimed to assess the impact of WF on the technological, physicochemical, and sensory properties of gluten-free (GF) cakes. WF was added at a flour blend (cassava (CS) and maize (MS) starches and rice flour) at 0, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The results showed that WF modified starch gelatinisation, increased amylose–lipid complex (ALC) content, and made crumbs easier to chew. Besides, the total dietary fibre (TDF) and protein content significantly increased. Cakes with 15% WF presented the highest specific volume (SV) and no differences in overall acceptability with respect to control. Hence, WF is a suitable ingredient for gluten-free bakery products.