Microstructures,corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of as-cast Mg-6Zn-2X(Fe/Cu/Ni)alloys for plugging tool applications

Mg-6Zn-2X(Fe/Cu/Ni)alloys were prepared through semi-continuous casting,with the aim of identifying a degradable magnesium(Mg)alloy suitable for use in fracturing balls.A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the impacts of adding Cu and Ni,which result in finer grains and the formation of galvanic corrosion sites.Scanner electronic microscopy examination revealed that precipitated phases concentrated at grain boundaries,forming a semi-continuous network structure that facilitated corrosion penetration in Mg-6Zn-2Cu and Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloys.Pitting corrosion was observed in Mg-6Zn-2Fe,while galvanic corrosion was identified as the primary mechanism in Mg-6Zn-2Cu and Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloys.Among the tests,the Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloy exhibited the highest corrosion rate(approximately 932.9 mm/a)due to its significant potential difference.Mechanical testing showed that Mg-6Zn-2Ni alloy possessed suitable ultimate compressive strength,making it a potential candidate material for degradable fracturing balls,effectively addressing the challenges of balancing strength and degradation rate in fracturing applications.

Effects of deformation temperatures on microstructures,aging behaviors and mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Er-Zr alloys fabricated by hard-plate rolling

In this investigation,a high-strength Mg-12Gd-1.0Er-0.5Zr(wt.%)alloy sheet was produced by hot extrusion(HE)and subsequent hard-plate rolling(HPR)at different temperatures.The results indicate that the microstructures of these final-rolled sheets are inhomogeneous,mainly including coarse deformed grains and dynamic recrystallized(DRXed)grains,and the volume fraction of these coarse deformed grains increases as the rolling temperature increases.Thus,more DRXed grains can be found in R-385℃sheet,resulting in a smaller average grain size and weaker basal texture,while the biggest grains and the highest strong basal texture are present in R-450℃sheet.Amounts of dynamic precipitation ofβphases which are mainly determined by the rolling temperature are present in these sheets,and its precipitation can consume the content of Gd solutes in the matrix.As a result,the lowest number density ofβphase in R-450℃sheet is beneficial to modify the age hardening response.Thus,the R-450℃sheet displays the best age hardening response because of a severe traditional precipitation ofβ’(more)andβH/βM(less)precipitates,resulting in a sharp improvement in strength,i.e.ultimate tensile strength(UTS)of∼518±17 MPa and yield strength(YS)of∼438±18 MPa.However,the elongation(EL)of this sheet reduces greatly,and its value is∼2.7±0.3%.By contrasting,the EL of the peak-aging R-385℃sheet keeps better,changing from∼4.9±1.2%to∼4.8±1.4%due to a novel dislocation-induced chain-like precipitate which is helpful to keep good balance between strength and ductility.

High-throughput calculations combining machine learning to investigate the corrosion properties of binary Mg alloys

Magnesium(Mg)alloys have shown great prospects as both structural and biomedical materials,while poor corrosion resistance limits their further application.In this work,to avoid the time-consuming and laborious experiment trial,a high-throughput computational strategy based on first-principles calculations is designed for screening corrosion-resistant binary Mg alloy with intermetallics,from both the thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives.The stable binary Mg intermetallics with low equilibrium potential difference with respect to the Mg matrix are firstly identified.Then,the hydrogen adsorption energies on the surfaces of these Mg intermetallics are calculated,and the corrosion exchange current density is further calculated by a hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)kinetic model.Several intermetallics,e.g.Y_(3)Mg,Y_(2)Mg and La_(5)Mg,are identified to be promising intermetallics which might effectively hinder the cathodic HER.Furthermore,machine learning(ML)models are developed to predict Mg intermetallics with proper hydrogen adsorption energy employing work function(W_(f))and weighted first ionization energy(WFIE).The generalization of the ML models is tested on five new binary Mg intermetallics with the average root mean square error(RMSE)of 0.11 eV.This study not only predicts some promising binary Mg intermetallics which may suppress the galvanic corrosion,but also provides a high-throughput screening strategy and ML models for the design of corrosion-resistant alloy,which can be extended to ternary Mg alloys or other alloy systems.

Microstructure and damping properties of LPSO phase dominant Mg-Ni-Y and Mg-Zn-Ni-Y alloys

This work studied the microstructure,mechanical properties and damping properties of Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66) and Mg_(95.34)Zn_(1)Ni_(1)Y_(2.66)alloys systematically.The difference in the evolution of the long-period stacked ordered(LPSO)phase in the two alloys during heat treatment was the focus.The morphology of the as-cast Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66)presented a disordered network.After heat treatment at 773 K for 2 hours,the eutectic phase was integrated into the matrix,and the LPSO phase maintained the 18R structure.As Zn partially replaced Ni,the crystal grains became rounded in the cast alloy,and lamellar LPSO phases and more solid solution atoms were contained in the matrix after heat treatment of the Mg_(95.34)Zn_(1)Ni_(1)Y_(2.66)alloy.Both Zn and the heat treatment had a significant effect on damping.Obvious dislocation internal friction peaks and grain boundary internal friction peaks were found after temperature-dependent damping of the Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66)and Mg_(95.34)Zn_(1)Ni_(1)Y_(2.66)alloys.After heat treatment,the dislocation peak was significantly increased,especially in the alloy Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2).66.The annealed Mg_(95.34)Ni_(2)Y_(2.66)alloy with a rod-shaped LPSO phase exhibited a good damping performance of 0.14 atε=10^(−3),which was due to the difference between the second phase and solid solution atom content.These factors also affected the dynamic modulus of the alloy.The results of this study will help in further development of high-damping magnesium alloys.

A new insight into LPSO phase transformation and mechanical properties uniformity of large-scale Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy prepared by multi-pass friction stir processing

A large-scale fine-grained Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy plate with high strength and ductility was successfully prepared by multi-pass friction stir processing(MFSP)technology in this work.The structure of grains and long period stacking ordered(LPSO)phase were characterized,and the mechanical properties uniformity was investigated.Moreover,a quantitative relationship between the microstructure and tensile yield strength was established.The results showed that the grains in the processed zone(PZ)and interfacial zone(IZ)were refined from 50μm to 3μm and 4μm,respectively,and numerous original LPSO phases were broken.In IZ,some block-shaped 18R LPSO phases were transformed into needle-like 14H LPSO phases due to stacking faults and the short-range diffusion of solute atoms.The severe shear deformation in the form of kinetic energy caused profuse stacking fault to be generated and move rapidly,greatly increasing the transformation rate of LPSO phase.After MFSP,the ultimate tensile strength,yield strength and elongation to failure of the large-scale plate were 367 MPa,305 MPa and 18.0% respectively.Grain refinement and LPSO phase strengthening were the major strengthening mechanisms for the MFSP sample.In particularly,the strength of IZ was comparable to that of PZ because the strength contribution of the 14H LPSO phase offsets the lack of grain refinement strengthening in IZ.This result opposes the widely accepted notion that IZ is a weak region in MFSP-prepared large-scale fine-grained plate.

Evolution of microstructure and properties of a novel Ni-based superalloy during stress relief annealing

We discussed the decrease in residual stress,precipitation evolution,and mechanical properties of GH4151 alloy in different annealing temperatures,which were studied by the scanning electron microscope(SEM),high-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM),and electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD).The findings reveal that annealing processing has a significant impact on diminishing residual stresses.As the annealing temperature rose from 950 to 1150℃,the majority of the residual stresses were relieved from 60.1 MPa down to 10.9 MPa.Moreover,the stress relaxation mechanism transitioned from being mainly controlled by dislocation slip to a combination of dislocation slip and grain boundary migration.Meanwhile,the annealing treatment promotes the decomposition of the Laves,accompanied by the precipitation ofμ-(Mo_(6)Co_(7))starting at 950℃ and reaching a maximum value at 1050℃.The tensile strength and plasticity of the annealing alloy at 1150℃ reached the maximum(1394 MPa,56.1%)which was 131%,200%fold than those of the as-cast alloy(1060 MPa,26.6%),but the oxidation process in the alloy was accelerated at 1150℃.The enhancement in durability and flexibility is primarily due to the dissolution of the brittle phase,along with the shape and dispersal of theγ′phase.

Physical and mechanical properties and microstructures of submarine soils in the Yellow Sea

In recent years,the exploration of seabed has been intensified,but the submarine soils of silt and sand in the Yellow Sea area have not been well investigated so far.In this study,the physical and mechanical properties of silt and sand from the Yellow Sea were measured using a direct shear apparatus and their microstructures were observed using a scanning electron microscope.The test results suggest that the shear strength of silt and sand increases linearly with the increase of normal stress.Based on the direct shear test,the scanning electron microscope was used to observe the section surface of sand.It is observed that the section surface becomes rough,with many“V”‐shaped cracks.Many particles appear on the surface of the silt structure and tend to be disintegrated.The X‐ray diffraction experiment reveals that the sand and silt have different compositions.The shear strength of sand is slightly greater than that of silt under high stress,which is related to the shape of soil particles and the mineral composition.These results can be a reference for further study of other soils in the Yellow Sea;meanwhile,they can serve as soil parameters for the stability and durability analyses of offshore infrastructure construction.

Toward understanding the microstructure characteristics,phase selection and magnetic properties of laser additive manufactured Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets

Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets play a crucial role in energy conversion and electronic devices.The essential magnetic properties of Nd-Fe-B magnets,particularly coercivity and remanent magnetization,are significantly infuenced by the phase characteristics and microstructure.In this work,Nd-Fe-B magnets were manufactured using vacuum induction melting(VIM),laser directed energy deposition(LDED)and laser powder bed fusion(LPBF)technologies.Themicrostructure evolution and phase selection of Nd-Fe-B magnets were then clarified in detail.The results indicated that the solidification velocity(V)and cooling rate(R)are key factors in the phase selection.In terms of the VIM-casting Nd-Fe-B magnet,a large volume fraction of theα-Fe soft magnetic phase(39.7 vol.%)and Nd2Fe17Bxmetastable phase(34.7 vol.%)areformed due to the low R(2.3×10-1?C s-1),whereas only a minor fraction of the Nd2Fe14B hard magnetic phase(5.15 vol.%)is presented.For the LDED-processed Nd-Fe-B deposit,although the Nd2Fe14B hard magnetic phase also had a low value(3.4 vol.%)as the values of V(<10-2m s-1)and R(5.06×103?C s-1)increased,part of theα-Fe soft magnetic phase(31.7vol.%)is suppressed,and a higher volume of Nd2Fe17Bxmetastable phases(47.5 vol.%)areformed.As a result,both the VIM-casting and LDED-processed Nd-Fe-B deposits exhibited poor magnetic properties.In contrast,employing the high values of V(>10-2m s-1)and R(1.45×106?C s-1)in the LPBF process resulted in the substantial formation of the Nd2Fe14B hard magnetic phase(55.8 vol.%)directly from the liquid,while theα-Fe soft magnetic phase and Nd2Fe17Bxmetastable phase precipitation are suppressed in the LPBF-processed Nd-Fe-B magnet.Additionally,crystallographic texture analysis reveals that the LPBF-processedNd-Fe-B magnets exhibit isotropic magnetic characteristics.Consequently,the LPBF-processed Nd-Fe-B deposit,exhibiting a coercivity of 656 k A m-1,remanence of 0.79 T and maximum energy product of 71.5 k J m-3,achieved an acceptable magnetic performance,comparable to other additive manufacturing processed Nd-Fe-B magnets from MQP(Nd-lean)Nd-Fe-Bpowder.

Microstructure and Properties of AlCoCrFeNiTi High-Entropy Alloy Coatings Prepared by Laser Cladding

21-4N(5Cr21Mn9Ni4N)is extensively employed in the production of engine valves,operating under severe conditions.Apart from withstanding high-temperature gas corrosion,it must also endure the impact of cylinder explosion pressure.The predominant failure mode of 21-4N valves is abrasive wear.Surface coatings serve as an effective approach to prevent such failures.In this investigation,Laser cladding technology was utilized to fabricate AlCoCrFeNiTi high entropy alloy coatings onto the surfaces of 21-4N valves.According to the findings,the cladding zone has a normal dendritic microstructure,a good substrate-to-cladding layer interaction,and no obvious flaws.In terms of hardness,the cladding demonstrates an average hardness of 620 HV.The hardness has increased by 140%compared to the substrate.The average hardness of the cladding remains at approximately 520 HV even at elevated temperatures.Regarding frictional wear performance,between 400℃and 800℃,the cladding layer exhibits an average friction coefficient of 0.4,with the primary wear mechanisms being abrasive wear,adhesive wear,and a minor degree of plastic deformation.

A Polyvinyl Alcohol/Acrylamide Hydrogel with Enhanced Mechanical Properties Promotes Full-Thickness Skin Defect Healing by Regulating Immunomodulation and Angiogenesis Through Paracrine Secretion

Hydrogel-based tissue-engineered skin has attracted increased attention due to its potential to restore the structural integrity and functionality of skin.However,the mechanical properties of hydrogel scaffolds and natural skin are substantially different.Here,we developed a polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)/acrylamide based interpenetrating network(IPN)hydrogel that was surface modified with polydopamine(PDA)and termed Dopa-gel.The Dopa-gel exhibited mechanical properties similar to native skin tissue and a superior ability to modulate paracrine functions.Furthermore,a tough scaffold with tensile resistance was fabricated using this hydrogel by three-dimensional printing.The results showed that the interpenetration of PVA,alginate,and polyacrylamide networks notably enhanced the mechanical properties of the hydrogel.Surface modification with PDA endowed the hydrogels with increased secretion of immunomodulatory and proangiogenic factors.In an in vivo model,Dopa-gel treatment accelerated wound closure,increased vascularization,and promoted a shift in macrophages from a proinflammatory M1 phenotype to a prohealing and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype within the wound area.Mechanistically,the focal adhesion kinase(FAK)/extracellular signal-related kinase(ERK)signaling pathway may mediate the promotion of skin defect healing by increasing paracrine secretion via the Dopa-gel.Additionally,proangiogenic factors can be induced through Rho-associated kinase-2(ROCK-2)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-mediated paracrine secretion under tensile stress conditions.Taken together,these findings suggest that the multifunctional Dopa-gel,which has good mechanical properties similar to those of native skin tissue and enhanced immunomodulatory and angiogenic properties,is a promising scaffold for skin tissue regeneration.

Properties and Characteristics of Regolith-Based Materials for Extraterrestrial Construction

The construction of extraterrestrial bases has become a new goal in the active exploration of deep space.Among the construction techniques,in situ resource-based construction is one of the most promising because of its good sustainability and acceptable economic cost,triggering the development of various types of extraterrestrial construction materials.A comprehensive survey and comparison of materials from the perspective of performance was conducted to provide suggestions for material selection and optimization.Thirteen types of typical construction materials are discussed in terms of their reliability and applicability in extreme extraterrestrial environment.Mechanical,thermal and optical,and radiation-shielding properties are considered.The influencing factors and optimization methods for these properties are analyzed.From the perspective of material properties,the existing challenges lie in the comprehensive,long-term,and real characterization of regolith-based construction materials.Correspondingly,the suggested future directions include the application of high-throughput characterization methods,accelerated durability tests,and conducting extraterrestrial experiments.

Hydration Behavior and Cementitious Properties of Calcium Carbonate-aluminate Minerals Composite

The purpose of this research is to investigate the hydration behavior and cementitious properties of the mixture of calcium carbonate and aluminate, and to explore whether it can be adopted as a new low-carbon cementitious material. The composite system of calcium carbonate and aluminate minerals is studied by measuring the component of hydration products, the hydration heat, setting time and compressive strength.The results prove that the composite system has certain cementitious properties and is feasible to prepare new low-carbon cement.

Influences of divalent ion substitution on the magnetic and dielectric properties of W-type barium ferrite

Saturation magnetization,magneto-crystalline anisotropy field,and dielectric properties are closely related to microwave devices applied at different frequencies.For regulating the magnetic and dielectric properties of W-type barium ferrites,single-phase BaMe_(2)Fe_(16)O_(27)(Me=Fe,Mn,Zn,Ni,Co) with different Me ions were synthesized by the high-temperature solid-state method.The saturation magnetization(Ms) range from 47.77 emu/g to 95.34 emu/g and the magnetic anisotropy field(H_a) range from 10700.60 Oe(1 Oe=79.5775 A·m^(-1)) to 13739.57 Oe,depending on the type of cation substitution in the hexagonal lattice.The dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss decrease with increasing frequency of the AC electric field in the low-frequency region,while they almost remain constant in the high-frequency region.The charac teristics of easy regulation and preparation make it a potential candidate for use in microwave device applications.

The Economics of Competing Water Uses under a FERC Licensing Agreement: Estimation of Property Value, Recreation, and Hydroelectric Impacts

Reservoirs provide a variety of services with economic values across multiple sectors. As demands for reservoir services continue to grow and precipitation patterns evolve, it becomes ever more important to consider the integrated suite of values and tradeoffs that attend changes in water uses and availability. Section 316 (b) of the Clean Water Act requires that owners of certain water cooled power plants evaluate technologies and operational measures that can reduce their impacts to aquatic organisms. The studies must discuss the social costs and benefits of alternative technologies including cooling towers (79 Fed. Reg. 158, 48300 - 48439). Cooling towers achieve their effect through evaporation. This manuscript estimates the property value, recreation, and hydroelectric generation impacts that could result from the evaporative water loss associated with installing cooling towers at the McGuire Nuclear Generating Station (McGuire) located on Lake Norman, North Carolina. Although this study specifically evaluates the effects of evaporative water loss from cooling towers, its methods are applicable to estimating the economic benefits and costs of a new water user or reduced water input in any complex reservoir system that supports steam electric generation, hydroelectric generation, residential properties, recreation, irrigation, and municipal water use.

A review on the multi-scaled structures and mechanical/thermal properties of tool steels fabricated by laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing

The laser powder bed fusion(LPBF) process can integrally form geometrically complex and high-performance metallic parts that have attracted much interest,especially in the molds industry.The appearance of the LPBF makes it possible to design and produce complex conformal cooling channel systems in molds.Thus,LPBF-processed tool steels have attracted more and more attention.The complex thermal history in the LPBF process makes the microstructural characteristics and properties different from those of conventional manufactured tool steels.This paper provides an overview of LPBF-processed tool steels by describing the physical phenomena,the microstructural characteristics,and the mechanical/thermal properties,including tensile properties,wear resistance,and thermal properties.The microstructural characteristics are presented through a multiscale perspective,ranging from densification,meso-structure,microstructure,substructure in grains,to nanoprecipitates.Finally,a summary of tool steels and their challenges and outlooks are introduced.

Impact of scandium and terbium on the mechanical properties,corrosion behavior,and biocompatibility of biodegradable Mg-Zn-Zr-Mn alloys

Magnesium(Mg)-based bone implants degrade rapidly in the physiological environment of the human body which affects their structural integrity and biocompatibility before adequate bone repair.Rare earth elements(REEs)have demonstrated their effectiveness in tailoring the corrosion and mechanical behavior of Mg alloys.This study methodically investigated the impacts of scandium(Sc)and terbium(Tb)in tailoring the corrosion resistance,mechanical properties,and biocompatibility of Mg–0.5Zn–0.35Zr–0.15Mn(MZZM)alloys fabricated via casting and hot extrusion.Results indicate that addition of Sc and Tb improved the strength of MZZM alloys via grain size reduction and solid solution strengthening mechanisms.The extruded MZZM–(1–2)Sc–(1–2)Tb(wt.%)alloys exhibit compressive strengths within the range of 336–405 MPa,surpassing the minimum required strength of 200 MPa for bone implants by a significant margin.Potentiodynamic polarization tests revealed low corrosion rates of as–cast MZZM(0.25 mm/y),MZZM–2Tb(0.45 mm/y),MZZM–1Sc–1Tb(0.18 mm/y),and MZZM–1Sc–2Tb(0.64 mm/y),and extruded MZZM(0.17 mm/y),MZZM–1Sc(0.15 mm/y),MZZM-2Sc(0.45 mm/y),MZZM-1Tb(0.17 mm/y),MZZM-2Tb(0.10 mm/y),MZZM–1Sc-1Tb(0.14 mm/y),MZZM-1Sc-2Tb(0.40 mm/y),and MZZM–2Sc–2Tb(0.51 mm/y)alloys,which were found lower compared to corrosion rate of high-purity Mg(~1.0 mm/y)reported in the literature.Furthermore,addition of Sc,or Tb,or Sc and Tb to MZZM alloys did not adversely affect the viability of SaOS2 cells,but enhanced their initial cell attachment,proliferation,and spreading shown via polygonal shapes and filipodia.This study emphasizes the benefits of incorporating Sc and Tb elements in MZZM alloys,as they effectively enhance corrosion resistance,mechanical properties,and biocompatibility simultaneously.

Physico-Chemical, and Sensory Properties of Mayonnaise Substitute Prepared from Chia Mucilage (Salvia hispanica L.) and Gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis

Gum Arabic (GA) from Acacia senegal var. kerensis has been approved as an emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, and encapsulator in food processing industry. Chia mucilage, on the other hand, has been approved to be used as a fat and egg yolk mimic. However, both chia mucilage and gum Arabic are underutilized locally in Kenya;thus, marginal reports have been published despite their potential to alter functional properties in food products. In this study, the potential use of chia mucilage and gum Arabic was evaluated in the development of an eggless fat-reduced mayonnaise (FRM). The mayonnaise substitute was prepared by replacing eggs and partially substituting sunflower oil with chia mucilage at 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% levels and gum Arabic at 3% while reducing the oil levels to 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%. The effect of different concentrations of oil and chia mucilage on the physicochemical properties, for example, pH, emulsion stability, moisture content, protein, carbohydrate, fats, calories, ash, and titratable acidity using AOAC methods and sensory properties for both consumer acceptability and quantitative descriptive analysis of mayonnaise were evaluated and compared to the control with eggs and 75% sunflower oil. The results indicated that all fat-reduced mayonnaises had significantly lower energy to 493 kcal/100g and 20% fat content but higher water content of 0.74 than the control with 784 Kcal/100g calories, 77% fat and 0.39 moisture. These differences increased with increasing substitution levels of chia mucilage, as impacted on pH, carbohydrate, and protein. There was no significant difference between ash content for both fat-reduced mayonnaise and control. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that mayonnaises substituted with chia seeds mucilage and gum Arabic were accepted. All the parameters are positively correlated to overall acceptability, with flavor having the strongest correlation of r = 0.78. Loadings from principal component analysis (PCA) of 16 sensory attributes of mayonnaise showed that approximately over 66% of the variations in sensory attributes were explained by the first six principal components. This study shows good potential for chia mucilage and gum Arabic to be used as fat and egg mimetics and stabilizers, respectively, in mayonnaise with functional properties.

Influences of shale microstructure on mechanical properties and bedding fractures distribution

The difference in microstructure leads to the diversity of shale mechanical properties and bedding fractures distribution patterns.In this paper,the microstructure and mechanical properties of Longmaxi marine shale and Qingshankou continental shale were studied by X-ray diffractometer(XRD),field emission scanning electron microscope(FE-SEM)with mineral analysis system,and nanoindentation.Additionally,the typical bedding layers area was properly stratified using Focused Ion Beam(FIB),and the effects of microstructure and mechanical properties on the distribution patterns of bedding fractures were analyzed.The results show that the Longmaxi marine shale sample contains more clay mineral grains,while the Qingshankou continental shale sample contains more hard brittle mineral grains such as feldspar.For Longmaxi marine shale sample,hard brittle minerals with grain sizes larger than 20μm is18.24%and those with grain sizes smaller than 20μm is 16.22%.For Qingshankou continental shale sample,hard brittle minerals with grain sizes larger than 20μm is 40.7%and those with grain sizes smaller than 20μm is 11.82%.In comparison to the Qingshankou continental shale sample,the Longmaxi marine shale sample has a lower modulus,hardness,and heterogeneity.Laminated shales are formed by alternating coarse-grained and fine-grained layers during deposition.The average single-layer thickness of Longmaxi marine shale sample is greater than Qingshankou continental shale sample.The two types of shale have similar bedding fractures distribution patterns and fractures tend to occur in the transition zone from coarse-grained to fine-grained deposition.The orientation of the fracture is usually parallel to the bedding plane and detour occurs in the presence of hard brittle grains.The fracture distribution density of the Longmaxi marine shale sample is lower than that of the Qingshankou continental shale sample due to the strong heterogeneity of the Qingshankou continental shale.The current research provides guidelines for the effective development of shale reservoirs in various sedimentary environments.

Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Properties of a Food Broth Based on Nere (Parkia biglobosa)

Purpose: Diet and eating habits are major risk factors for the health and the development of disease, such as, for example, metabolic disorder leading to cardiovascular pathology and cancer, decreased immunity exposing to infections. This study of the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of a soumara-based food broth was carried out with the aim of promoting the consumption of organic broth made from nere seeds (soumara). That is to alleviate certain metabolic diseases, which is a matter of food safety, and also to limit the risk for the health about the consumption of some cooking stocks on the market. Methods: Several natural ingredients such as nere seeds (soumara), ginger, black pepper, parsley and garlic were used to create a nere-based stock. All these ingredients were freeze-dried and the powder obtained was used to make the broth, regarding their physical and chemical properties. Results: The broth had a good protein content of 17.41 ± 0.367 g/100g, a lipid content of 16.80 ± 0.08 g/100g and a fiber content of 8.66 ± 0.04 g/100g. In terms of nutritional values, the broth showed good levels of calcium 184.21 ± 0.09 mg/100g, potassium 50.04 ± 1.45 mg/100g and iron and zinc. In terms of antioxidant activity, the broth also showed good antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Regarding the properties of our food broth, whose composition is based on natural ingredients, could be recommended for consumption and, its properties, could play an important role in preventing and combating certain metabolic diseases.

Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Different Altitudes Affect Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Abundance and Colonization in Cacao Plantations of Cameroon

This study aims to investigate the abundance of AMF according to soil properties and altitudes in different cacao plantations of Cameroon. Physico-chemical analyses were made on soil samples collected from three agro-ecological zones. Soil samples were also used to evaluate directly the AMF abundance following the various altitudes and after trapping by sorghum plant. The results showed that soil properties, AMF spore abundances and colonization fluctuated significantly at different altitudes. The most represented texture was sandy loam. The bimodal zone presented a homogeneous texture (sandy loam) in all its localities. Cacao soil chemical characteristics showed that, the highest nitrogen rate (0.47%;p 0.05, Scott-Knott test) was recorded at Melong in a monomodal zone while Tonga in the Western highlands displayed the lowest rate (0.13%). Soil P concentration was significantly high in monomodal zones (Mbanga and Melong). Soil pH level indicated that the soil from Tonga in the Western highlands was neutral (pH = 6.67), and soils of other localities under study were acidic with the lowest (4.75) pH level recorded at Melong in a monomodal zone. In soil samples, the highest spore density (1.03 spores/g soil) was observed at Ntui in Bimodal zone, while the lowest spore density (0.26 spores/g soil) was observed at Bafang in the Western highlands. Root colonization showed that the sample from Bokito in a bimodal zone displayed the best frequency of mycorrhization (86.11%) while the sample from Bafang in the Western highlands recorded the lowest (27.11%). The PCA analysis highlighted that available phosphorus, pH and altitude all strongly correlated with AMF root colonization ability and can be used as a predictor of AMF colonization ability in cacao rhizosphere.