005220   Kaya Y;Kocatepe D (Fish Processing Technology Dep, Fisheries Faculty, Sinop Univ, 57000 Sinop-Turkey, Email: ykaya@sinop.edu.tr) : Chemical composition and nutritional quality of scorpion fish (Scorpaena porcus, Linnaeus 1758) muscle. Indian J Anim Res 2014, 48(1), 83-7.

Scorpion (Scorpaena porous Linnaeus 1758) fish contained moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate, 81.76,15.91, 0.20,1.57, 0.57%, respectively and energy 67.63 kcal/100g. The essential amino acids content of scorpion was approximately 52% of total amino acids. The dominant amino acids were lysine and glutamic acid. The ratio of essential/non-essential amino acids (E/NE) was calculated as 1.08. The fatty acid composition indicated 53.22% saturated (SFA), 35.07% monounsaturated (MUFA) and 1.75% polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids. Predominant SFA, MUFA and PUFA were palmitic acid, oleic acid and arachidonic acid, respectively. The major macro and micro elements were potassium, calcium and iron zinc, respectively.

2 tables, 39 ref

005219   Jitendra Kumar;Birendra Kumar;Sanjeev Kumar; Rajesh Kumar;Suryamani Kumar;Gupta V K (NO, Dairy Development Officer (Govt. of Bihar, Gopalganj, Bihar, Email: jitendragopalganj@gmail.com) : Effect of varying pH on sensory and textural characteristics of channa and rasogolla made from blends of sweet cream buttermilk and buffaloes milk. Indian J Dairy Sci 2012, 65(1), 29-33.

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of different pH of coagulation (5.8, 5.6, 5.4 and 5.2) on sensory and textural characteristics of chhana and rasogolla made from admixture of sweet cream buttermilk (SCBM) and buffalo milk. As the pH of coagulation increased, there was significant (p<60>0.05) increase in the yield of chhana. However, there was no significant difference observed with respect to flavour and colour and appearance score among chhana sample made at different pH, but as the pH of coagulation increased, there was significant (p<60>O.01) decrease in body and texture score of chhana. In addition to this, as the pH of coagulation increased, there was significant (p<60>O.01) decrease in hardness, gumminess and chewiness of chhana. There was no significant difference observed in flavour, colour and appearance and sweetness scores of different rasogolla sample prepared from chhana made with different pH of coagulation.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

005218   Harish M;Ahmed F;Urooj A (Studies in Food Science and Nutrition Dep, Manasagangotri, Mysore Univ, Mysore-570 006, Email: asnaurooj@foodsci.uni-mysore.ac.in) : In vitro hypoglycemic effects of Butea monosperma Lam. leaves and bark. J Fd Sci Technol 2014, 51(2), 308-14.

Study evaluated the antidiabetic potential of Butea monosperma Lam. Kuntze (Fabaceae) leaves and the stem bark using various in vitro techniques. The samples were studied for their effects on glucose adsorption, diffusion, amylolysis kinetics, enteric enzymes and glucose transport across yeast cells. Both the samples adsorbed glucose and the adsorption of glucose increased with increase in glucose concentration. The samples also inhibited movement of glucose across the dialysis membrane to varying degree in both glucose diffusion and amylolysis kinetic experiment models. B. monosperma leaves inhibited α-amylase, α-glucosidase and sucrase enzymes in succession to varying degrees, whereas the bark inhibited only α-amylase to a significant extent and slightly activated α-glucosidase and sucrase enzymes. The extracts of both leaves and bark promoted glucose uptake by yeast cells compared to control. Enhancement of glucose uptake was dependent on both the sample and glucose concentration. It was directly proportional to the sample concentration and inversely proportional to the molar concentration of the glucose. From the results of the study, it is inferred that, B. monosperma leaves and bark possesses antidiabetic activity. However, these effects need to be confirmed using in vivo models and clinical trials for its effective utilization as therapeutic agents.

3 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

005217   Dinc S;Javidipour I;Ozbas O O;Tekin A (Cumra Vocational High School, Selcuk Univ, Konya 42500, Turkey, Email: salihadinc@selcuk.edu.tr) : Utilization of zero-trans non-interesterified and interesterified shortenings in cookie production. J Fd Sci Technol 2014, 51(2), 365-70.

Effects of zero-trans chemically interesterified (in-es) and non-interesterified (non-in-es) cottonseed (CO), hazelnut (HO) and olive oil (OO) and their blends (25, 50 and 75%) with palm oil (PO) were studied in the production of cookies. All the experimental shortenings had zero-trans fatty acids (TFA) while the shortening contained 14.20% TFA. Incorporation of CO in PO considerably increased the linoleic acid content whereas the raising of HO and OO ratio in the blend increased the oleic acid content. Zero-TFA and lower saturated /unsaturated fatty acid ratio (SFA/UFA) of some of the experimental shortenings indicated an important in nutritional properties of cookies produced from these experimental shortenings. Cookies with in-es shortenings showed significantly higher (p<60>0.05) spread ratios and L Hunter color than their non-in-es shortenings added counterparts. It can be concluded that chemical interesterification is a promising method to produce cookie shortenings with zero-TFA.

1 illus, 4 tables, 33 ref

005216   Devendra Kumar;Yadav K K;Garg N;Muthukumar M; Singh A (Division of Post Harvest Management, Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera P.O. Kakori, Lucknow-226 101, Email: neelimagargg@rediffmail.com) : Clarification of mango juice by Aspergillus niger cellulase using response surface methodology. Int J Innovative Hort 2013, 2(1), 84-90.

Ripe mango juice is viscous and cloudy in nature, which warrants the use of commercial enzymes for clarification, a major factor that contributes for increase in production cost to the juice processing industry. Use of low cost substrate such as mango processing waste for enzyme production is a recent strategy to minimize the cost of juice production. Cellulase complex with specific activity 2.6 U/ml comprising of the isoforms, viz., CMCase and α-glucosidase, produced by Aspergillus niger using mango peel waste as the substrate in our earlier study, was used for mango juice clarification and the process parameters were optimized using response surface methodology. The dependent variables like colour, viscosity and juice yield were recorded. Based on the response surface plots, 0.1% enzyme concentration, 40 °C temperature and 30 min incubation period resulted in increased juice yield (from 8.935 to 14.135 ml), colour in terms of light transmittance (86.664 to 93.364 L) and reduced viscosity (5.766 m Pa.s to 0.328 m Pa.s). Under the proposed optimized conditions the determination coefficient (R^{2) for juice clarification was equal to 0.72 indicating that the model could explain 72% of the total variation as well as establish the relationship between the variables and the responses. The three dimensional plots confirmed the interactions among the parameters.}

3 illus, 4 tables, 28 ref

005215   Deepak Kumar;Suresh Prasad;Murthy G S (Agricultural and Food Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Email: kumard@onid.orst.edu) : Optimization of microwave-assised hot air drying conditions of okra using response surface methodology. J Fd Sci Technol 2014, 51(2), 221-32.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) was dried to a moisture level of 0.1 g water/g dry matter using a microwave-assisted hot air dryer. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the drying conditions based on specific energy consumption and quality of dried okra. The drying experiments were performed using a central composite rotatable design for three variables: air temperature (40-70 °C), air velocity (1-2 m/s) and microwave power level (0.5-2.5 W/g). The quality of dried okra was determined in terms of color change, rehydration ratio and hardness of texture. A second-order polynomial model was well fitted to all responses and high R^{2 values (<62>0.8) were observed in all cases. The color change of dried okra was found higher at high microwave power and air temperatures. Rehydration properties were better for okra samples dried at higher microwave power levels. Specific energy consumption decreased with increase in microwave power due to decrease in drying time. The drying conditions of 1.51 m/s air velocity, 52.09 °C air temperature and 2.41 W/g microwave power were found optimum for product quality and minimum energy consumption for microwave-convective drying of okra.}

5 illus, 4 tables, 33 ref

005214   Chotimarkorn C (Agricultural Products Processing Technology Research Unit, Faculty of Science and Industrial Technology, Prince of Songkla Univ, Surat Thani Campus, Muang, Surat Thani 84100, Thailand, Email: chotimarkorn.c@hotmail.com) : Quality changes of anchovy (Stolephorus heterolobus) under refrigerated storage of different practical industrial methods in Thailand. J Fd Sci Technol 2014, 51(2), 285-93.

Quality changes of anchovy (Stolephorus heterolobus) muscle during 7 days of refrigerated storage with ice and without ice were studied using several indicators: changes of ATP degradation products, K-value, TVB-N, TMA-N, Lactic acid, biogenic amines, sensory and microbiological analysis. During 7-day of refrigerated storage with ice and without ice, K-value, TVB-N, TMA-N and D, L-lactic acids contents increased with longer storage time (p≤0.05). Major biogenic amines found in anchovy muscle during refrigerated storage were cadaverine, agmatine and tyramine, followed by putrescine and histamine. Skin and external odour by sensory evaluation, progressive decreases were observed as refrigeration time progressed. Storage of anchovy with ice resulted in a better maintenance of sensory quality, better control microbial activity, and the slowing down of biochemical degradation mechanisms. This result introduces the use of refrigerated storage with ice as a practical preliminary chilling for anchovy during industrial processing.

3 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

005213   Changade S P;Shendurse A M;Mishra S K; Bhandari P N (NO, College of Dairy Technology, Udgir, Maharashtra, Email: amshendurse@gmail.com) : Utilization of paneer whey for preparation of whey-based mungwadi. Indian J Dairy Sci 2012, 65(1), 23-8.

A study was carried out with the aim of utilization of paneer whey in preparation of whey based mungwadi. The paneer whey mungwadi (PWM) had found overall acceptability up to 100 per cent replacement of water with paneer whey. The product so prepared has shown the remarkable shelf life of 27O-285 days at room temperature in the cheaper LDPE bags. The compositional analysis of PWM showed higher protein, fat, carbohydrate and ash content than the control mungwadi. On microbiological evaluation, the mean values of yeast and mold count for PWM was 23 X.1O2, whereas the mean values of standard plate count was 65 x. 104 for the paneer whey mungwadi. The sensory scores revealed that mungwadi prepared from paneer whey was acceptable for different age groups of persons including male and female.

20 ref

005212   Balasubramanian S;Sharma R;Kaur J;Bhardwaj N (NO, Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: balaciphet@yahoo.com) : Characterization of modified pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) starch. J Fd Sci Technol 2014, 51(2), 294-300.

Pearl millet starch (Pennisetum typhoides) was isolated and subjected to hydrothermal, acidic and enzymatic modifications. Native and various modified starches were characterized in terms of yield, moisture, protein, ash, bulk density, swelling power, solubility, colour, sediment volume, gel consistency, water binding capacity, pasting properties, freeze thaw stability and paste clarity. Hydrothermal modification (HTMS) caused an increase in swelling power and solubility. L value was higher for acid and enzymatically modified starches (EMS). A significant reduction (p≤0.05) in sediment volume and water binding capacity was observed for acid modified starch (AMS) and EMS. Peak viscosity values declined for all modifications. However, EMS and AMS showed an improved freeze-thaw stability and paste clarity.

2 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

005211   Bajwa U;Sandhu K S (Food Science and Technology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: ushabajwa@rediffmail.com) : Effect of handling and processing on pesticide residues in food. J Fd Sci Technol 2014, 51(2), 201-30.

Pesticides are one of the major inputs used for increasing agricultural productivity of crops. The pesticide residues, left to variable extent in the food materials after harvesting, are beyond the control of consumer and have deleterious effect on human health. The presence of pesticide residues is a major bottleneck in the international trade of food commodities. The localization of pesticides in foods varies with the nature of pesticide molecule, type and portion of food material and environmental factors. The food crops treated with pesticides invariably contain unpredictable amount of these chemicals, therefore, it becomes imperative to find out some alternatives for decontamination of foods. The washing with water or soaking in solutions of salt and some chemicals e.g. chlorine, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, acetic acid, hydroxy peracetic acid, iprodione and detergents are reported to be highly effective in reducing the level of pesticides. Preparatory steps like peeling, trimming etc. remove the residues from outer portions. Various thermal processing treatments like pasteurization, blanching, boiling, cooking, steaming, canning, scrambling etc. have been found valuable in degradation of various pesticides depending upon the type of pesticide and length of treatment. Preservation techniques like drying or dehydration and concentration increase the pesticide content many folds due to concentration effect. Many other techniques like refining, fermentation and curing have been reported to affect the pesticide level in foods to varied extent. Milling, baking, wine making, malting and brewing resulted in lowering of pesticide residue level in the end products. Post harvest treatments and cold storage have also been found effective. Many of the decontamination techniques bring down the concentration of pesticides below MRL. However, the diminution effect depends upon the initial concentration at the time of harvest, substrate/food and type of pesticide. There is diversified information available in literature on the effect of preparation, processing and subsequent handling and storage of foods on pesticide residues which has been compiled in this article.

^iia1 tables, 165 ref

004189   Wong Y C;Hartina H (Faculty of Agro Based Industry, Univ Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli Campus, Locked Bag 100, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia, Email: yeeching@umk.edu.my) : Virgin coconut oil production by centrifugation method. Oriental J Chem 2014, 30(1), 237-45.

The virgin coconut oil (VCO) production by centrifugation method was studied. The production of VCO was studied by using various centrifugation speed, temperature and time intervals. The results showed that the yield of VCO was 13.53% at 12000rpm, at 120 minutes. The highest yield of VCO was 13.80% at centrifugation temperature of 40°C. The concentration of lauric acid present in the samples with variables of centrifugation temperatures, speed, and time intervals were 0.4543μg, 6.2367μg, and 6.4894μg respectively.

7 illus, 12 tables, 6 ref

004188   Wani T A;Sood M;Kaul R K;Gupta M (Post-Harvest Technology Div, FOA, SK Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technolgy-Jammu, Udheywalla, Jammu-180 002, Email: monikasoodpht@gmail.com) : Effect of incorporation of cauliflower leaf powder on quality attributes of malted wheat noodles. Indian J agric Biochem 2013, 26(2), 135-40.

Noodle market is growing fast and is gaining popularity in the world market. Thus, the wheat flour in the traditional noodle formulation was replaced with 10, 15 and 20% cauliflower leaf powder. The flours were mixed with other ingredients and instant noodle samples were prepared through hand extruder using specific die using a standard method. The samples were evaluated for changes in rehydration ratio, water activity and sugar contents. The results revealed that the rehydration ratio, reducing sugars and total sugars increased with the increase in cauliflower leaf powder concentration, whereas, water activity decreased. Among the various treatments 90% malted wheat flour: 10% cauliflower leaf powder was found to the best. The results showed that cauliflower leaf powder can be incorporated up to 10% in noodles to improve the nutrient value without affecting the sensory properties.

1 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

004187   Utpat S S;Kinnige P T;Dhamole P B (Biotechnology Dep, Sinhgad College of Engineeering, Vadgaon (Bk), Pune-411 041, Email: pradipdhamole@gmail.com) : Effect of periodic water addition on citric acid production in solid state fermentation. J Instn Engrs : Ser E 2014, 94(2), 67-72.

Water addition is one of the methods used to control the moisture loss in solid state fermentation (SSF). However, none of the studies report the timing of water addition and amount of water to be added in SSF. Therefore, this work was undertaken with an objective to evaluate the performance of periodic water addition on citric acid production in SSF. Experiments were conducted at different moistures (50-80%) and temperatures (30-40 °C) to simulate the conditions in a fermenter. Citric acid production by Aspergillus niger (ATCC 9029) using sugarcane baggase was chosen as a model system. Based on the moisture profile, citric acid and sugar data, a strategy was designed for periodic addition of water. Water addition at 48, 96, 144 and 192 h enhanced the citric acid production by 62% whereas water addition at 72, 120, and 168 h increased the citric acid production by just 17%.

5 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

004186   Tripathi M K;Kaushik G;Unnikrishnan D;Gupta U (Agro Produce Processing Division, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, Email: tripathimanoj007@gmail.com ) : Comparative study of antioxidant activity of Indian soybean and the soy-products. Med Pl 2013, 5(4), 219-22.

This study has been aimed to determine the effect of processing of Indian soybean on proximate composition, total phenolic content, total flavanoid content and antioxidant activity. High protein content and low fat was found in germinated soybean. The total phenolic content varied with soybean samples (Soybean seeds: 27 mg of GAE/ g, soy flour: 23 mg of GAE/g, soymilk: 9 mg of GAE/g and germinated soybean seeds: 24 mg of GAE/g). Amongst the soybean and soy products, the total flavanoid content varied with samples. The antioxidant activity of soybean and soy products were directly related to the total phenolic and total flavanoid contents.

4 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

004185   Sushil Kumar (NO, Reliance Industries Limited, Dahej Manufacturing Division, Dahej-392 130, Email: sushil.kumar@ril.com) : Evolution of process safety management. Indian chem Engr 2014, 56(1), 61-70.

Process is any activity or combination of activities including any use, storage, manufacturing, handling or on-site movement of hazardous chemicals. Hazards include toxic, reactive, flammable or explosive properties of chemicals which are absolutely inherent. It has been observed that the majority of process safety incidents could have been avoided by practising strong and proper management controls such as: imparting adequate training and job knowledge to new staff under the supervision of experienced staff; adequate understanding of safety information, up-to-date operating conditions, emergency response and control plans; adequate inspection and maintenance programmes; and well supervised and adequately designed modification(s) of equipment(s). Process safety, however, needs strong integration with general safety principles which include influencing behaviour. By describing the evolution of process safety management (PSM) in industry over a period of time, this paper provides an insight into its implementation at one of the sites of Reliance Industries Limited. While describing how a comprehensive strategy was adopted to address all aspects of PSM, with a top-down approach of coaching all leaders and building strong systems of governance along with the bottom-up approach of involving all employees, the paper offers an understanding of how PSM can be implemented in an organization smoothly and successfully.

12 ref

004184   Suresh S;Murty M S N;Srinivas B;Ramesh K V (Chemical Engineering Dep, Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam-530 042, Email: kvramesh69@yahoo.com) : Wall-to-bulk mass transfer in co-current gas liquid upflow bubble column using hourglass promoters. J Instn Engrs : Ser E 2014, 94(2), 91-6.

Limiting current measurements made at the point electrodes fixed flush with the inner wall of outer cylinder of an electrochemical cell with co-current gas-liquid upflow. The mass transfer coefficients were computed from the measured limiting currents. The system chosen was an electrolyte as liquid phase and nitrogen as gaseous phase. An equimolar solution of 0.01 N of potassium ferricyanide and ferrocyanide with 0.5 N sodium hydroxide was used as the liquid electrolyte. Data were obtained in the presence of an hourglass promoter internal with varied characteristic length and pitch values. The rod diameter was chosen as 1 cm. A longitudinal variation of mass transfer coefficient has been observed along the length of the test section. Therefore, average values of the k_L were obtained and used. The k_L values were found to increase with increasing gas and liquid velocities. An increase in pitch decreased the mass transfer coefficient. The characteristic length had no effect of k_L. The data were correlated in terms of a j_D-Re format of equation using regression analysis.

5 illus, 11 ref

004183   Sivasankari C;Arulanantham A (Chemistry Dep, Government College Technology, Coimbatore-641 013, Email: sivasankarigct@gmail.com) : Evaluation of polymer-agglomerated granular tri-calcium phosphate for fluoride removal from drinking water. Indian J chem Technol 2014, 21(1), 70-1.

Powder and granular forms of tri-calcium phosphate have been used as adsorbents in batch studies for removal of fluoride from aqueous synthetic fluoride solutions. The effects of different operational parameters like pH, adsorbent dose, and contact time have been studied for their optimization. Results show that the fluoride removal is maximum and nearly constant in the pH range 3.0-8.0. The efficiency of fluoride removal increases with the increase in adsorbent dose and contact time. Surface morphology of the adsorbent has been examined with the scanning electron microscope. Experimental equilibrium adsorption data obtained is found to be fitted well with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Adsorption kinetic study reveals that the adsorption process follows pseudo second - order kinetics. Column experiments are performed using granular tri-calcium phosphate (GTCP) to find out the optimum flow rate, bed height and the effect of co-existing anions in water. The optimum fluoride removal capacity in column study is found to be 2.1005 mg of fluoride per gram of GTCP. Regeneration of the adsorbent for repeated use has also been studied in column operation and it is established that complete regeneration could be achieved with 0.5% aluminium sulphate solution for 8 cycles without loss of efficiency.

4 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

004182   Rayr N K;Ananthula V V (Chemical Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Warangal-506 021, Email: avv@nitw.ac.in) : Biodegradation of phenolic wastewater in a bubble colum bioreactor with internal draft tube. Indian J chem Technol 2014, 21(1), 44-8.

In the study, phenol present in synthetic wastewater has been biodegraded in a bubble column bioreactor using Pseudomonas putida (NCIM-2650). Experiments have been carried out at various feed flow rates of synthetic wastewater, at a feed concentration of 250 mg/L and air flow rate of 2 Lpm. The effect of internal draft tube height on biodegradation of phenol has also been studied. It is observed that with increase in draft tube height, better performance of the reactor is obtained. Volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient and gas holdup have been found to increase when draft tube is used.

6 illus, 28 ref

004181   Raju G M J;Ramesh K V;Sarma G V S (Chemical Engineering Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: gvssarma@yahoo.com) : Wall-to-bulk mass transfer in a gas liquid upflow bubble column. J Instn Engrs : Ser E 2014, 94(2), 85-90.

Experiments have been earned out to investigate the effect of liquid and gas velocities, viscosity and gas hold-up on wall-to-bulk mass transfer coefficient in a gas-liquid upflow bubble column using limiting current technique. The system chosen was an electrolyte as liquid phase and inert nitrogen as gas phase. The electrolyte was an equimolar solution of potassium ferricyanide and potassium ferrocyanide of 0.01 N with 0.5 N sodium hydroxide as indifferent electrolyte. To vary the viscosity carboxy methyl cellulose sodium salt (CMC) in 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 wt% was added to the electrolyte. The reaction considered was the reduction of ferricyanide ion. The experiments were carried out at constant temperature of 25 °C at which the physical property values of the electrolyte were known from literature. The mass transfer coefficient was computed from the measured limiting current. It was found that the mass transfer coefficient was relatively independent of liquid velocity with in the range covered in the present experiment. The k_L increased with increasing gas velocity and gas holdup. The k_L was observed to decrease with increasing CMC concentration. The entire experimental data have been correlated in terms of Colburn j-factor, Reynolds number and modified Froude number.

5 illus, 17 ref

004180   Rahman M L;Yusoff M M;Malek M N F A;Samah N A (Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300 Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia, Email: lutfor73@gmail.com) : Synthesis of polymeric chelating ligands from sago starch for metal removal from electroplating wastewater. Indian J chem Technol 2014, 21(1), 30-7.

Polymeric chelating ligands containing hydroxamic acid and amidoxime ligands have been synthesized from poly(methyl acrylate-co-acrylonitrile) grafted sago starch. Batch adsorption has been performed to identify the binding property of metal ions. Maximum sorption capacity of copper is found to be 2.80 mmol g^{-1, however other transition metals has good sorption capacity with this ligands. The rate of exchange of some metals is found to be fast, i.e. t_1/2 6 min (average). Three types of wastewater containing chromium, zinc, nickel, copper, and iron have been used in this study. The metal recovery is found to be high, and more than 99% of the metals could be removed from the metal plating wastewater. Polymeric chelating ligands could be used to remove the metals from wastewater.}

6 illus, 22 ref

004179   Pramanik N K;Alam M S;Niyogi U K;Haldar R (NO, Shriram Institute for Industrial Research, Material Science Division, 19, Univ Road, Delhi-110 007, Email: rshaldar@shriraminstitute.org) : Radiation processing of nylon 6 by gamma rays and improvement of its physico-mechanical properties. J Polym Mater 2013, 30(3), 305-319.

The effect of gamma irradiation on nylon 6 molded articles has been investigated in this study. The injection molded specimens of virgin nylon 6 and various crosslinkers incorporated nylon 6 have been irradiated by gamma rays at different doses. The physico-mechanical properties of all the irradiated specimens have been evaluated and compared with their pristine unirradiated counterpart. A significant improvement in tensile properties, flexural properties and hardness was observed after irradiation. Water absorption of nylon 6 has reduced drastically when irradiated by gamma radiation. The improvement of properties is due to the crosslinked structures generated in the polymer matrix when processed by high-energy gamma rays. The radiation-induced crosslinkingwas verified by the determination of gel concentration in the irradiated specimens.

10 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

004178   Parimalavalli R (Food Science Dep, Periyar Univ, Salem) : Physical and chemical properties of maltodextrin. Indian J Nutr Diet 2013, 50(2), 63-7.

Maltodextrin, a starch hydrolysate is widely used in food industries as food additive, bulking agent and coating material. Cassava maitodextrin was varied from cassava starch in terms of its physical and chemical properties. Viscosity of maitodextrin had high degree positive and significant relation with hydration capacity. Furthermore degree of polymerization had high positive relation with swelling power and high degree negative relation with water binding capacity. Hence it may be concluded that application of cassava maitodextrin in food industries was based on its physical and chemical properties.

4 tables, 17 ref

004177   Nirmala G S;Muruganandam L (Chemical Engineering Division, School of Mechanical and Building Science, VIT Univ, Vellore-632 014, Email: gsnirmala@vit.ac.in) : Hydrodynamics studies in a liquid solid circulating fluidized bed of varying liquid viscosity. J Instn Engrs : Ser E 2014, 94(2), 73-8.

To design an industrial liquid solid circulating fluidized bed system properly, it is important that the hydrodynamics be studied first. So far investigations have been carried out in a liquid solid circulating fluidized bed (LSCFB) with tap water as the liquid phase. There is still limited understanding on how particles are circulated in LSCFB with viscous fluids. The aim of our work was to characterize the hydrodynamics in a LSCFB with varying viscosity. Experiments were conducted in a fluidized bed riser of 0.1 m diameter by 2.4 m height with different viscous liquids, to study its effects of operating parameters namely; primary velocity, secondary velocity, total velocity, on the hydrodynamics characteristics of the LSCFB in terms of solid holdup, solid circulation rate and particle velocity. Experiments were conducted using water and glycerol at different concentration. The solid particle resin of 0.5 mm diameter was used for the experiment. The results indicate that the solid hold up in the riser is axially uniform for viscous liquids and increases with increase in auxiliary velocity. The average solid holdup found to decrease with increase in total velocity and increases with increase in liquid viscosity as the critical transitional velocity decreases with the increase in viscosity. The solid circulation rate is found to increase with increase in total velocity and auxiliary velocity, and also increases with increasing viscosity.

6 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

004176   Nehra R;Sharma T;Dhuria R K (Animal Nutrition Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Rajasthan University f Veter, Bikaner-334 001) : Effect of live yeast culture supplementation and level of greengram straw in complete feed on in vitro fermentation. Vet Practnr 2013, 14(1), 173-9.

Objective of this study was to determine the effect of live yeast culture supplementation and optimum level of incorporation of green gram r straw in complete feed of goat by in vitro fermentation. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVDMD) was measured by procedure of Tilley and Terry (1963). The results of this experiment indicated that the IVDMD and IVOMD of green gram straw in complete feed with yeast supplementation was significantly (P<60>0.01) higher than yeast unsupplemented in all three combinations of complete feeds viz. T₁, T₂ and T₃, straw incorporated at 40,50 and 60 per cent, respectively. No adverse effect on both IVDMD and IVDMD with increase in level of roughage from 40 to 60% in complete feeds recorded for all the feeds included in the study. These findings of present investigation indicated an improvement in IVDMD and IVDMD on account of supplementation of live yeast culture and better in vitro utilization of greengram straw. Further, observation indicated that greengram straws can be optimally incorporated in the complete feed up to 60% level of incorporation without any adverse effect on IVDMD and IVDMD.

2 tables, 25 ref

004175   Kulkarni R M;Hanagadakar M S;Malladi R S; Gudaganatti M S;Biswal H S;Nandibewoor S T (Chemistry Dep, Gogte Institute of Technology, Belgaum-590 008, Email: ravirajmk@git.edu) : Transformation of linezolid during water treatment with chlorine-A kinetic study. Indian J chem Technol 2014, 21(1), 38-43.

Experimental studies on transformation of emerging contaminant linezolid during water chlorination process have been carried out using UV-Visible spectrometer. The pseudo-first order rate constants of linezolid reaction with free available chlorine (FAC) at 5.0 - 8.8 pH have been determined. The second order rate constants are found to decrease with increase in pH (e.g. apparent second rate constant; k"_app=2.88 dm^{3 mol-1s-1 at pH 5.0 and k"_app = 0.076 dm3 mol-1 s-1 at pH 8.8 at 298K). Monochlorinated reaction product has been identified by LC/ESI/MS spectra under the experimental conditions. A mechanism involving electrophilic halogenation is proposed based on the kinetic data and LC/ESI/MS spectra. The effect of temperature on the rate of the reaction has been studied at four different temperatures. It is observed that rate constants increase with the increase in temperature and the thermodynamic activation parameters E_a, ΔH<35>, ΔS<35> and ΔG<35> are evaluated for the reaction and discussed. The product of the reaction between linezolid and FAC retains the antibacterial activity. The geometry optimization of the reactants and the products has been done using dispersion corrected density functional (DFT-D) method. All the DFT calculations are accomplished using the TurboMole-5.10 package.}

4 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

004174   Hariprasad D;Mohapatra M;Rao K S;Anand S (NO, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 013, Email: durgasi.hariprasad@gmail.com) : Self sustained autogenous dissolution of medium grade manganese ore of Gujarat in NH₃OHCl-H₂SO₄-H₂O medium. Indian J chem Technol 2014, 21(1), 63-9.

Leaching studies have been carried for dissolution of manganese from medium grade manganese ore in hydroxyl ammine hydrochloride-sulphuric acid medium. Due to exothermic nature of reaction no external heat is required for quantitative extraction of manganese confirming the self sustained autogenous nature of leaching process. Initially, the effects of individual parameters including time, sulphuric acid concentration, amount of reductant, pulp density, and particle size have been studied. One parameter has been changed at a time while keeping the other parameters constant. Per cent manganese extraction is found to be dependent on acid concentration and amount of reductant. Within 20 min, manganese could be quantitatively dissolved. A comparison of FTIR spectra of synthetic solution with actual leach solution indicates the formation of ClO₄^{- ions during leaching. The XRD pattern of the residue shows only quartz as the crystalline phase. Response surface methodology is adopted applying a central composite design for 24 factorial set of experiments. A statistical analysis is done to evaluate interactive effects. Using the model, optimised parameters in the range of pulp density 25 - 35% wt /v, acid concentration 6.5-7.5% v/v, amount of reductant 15-16 g and time 10 - 30 min have been considered for maximum desirability. The experimental data is found to be fitted well with the predicted ones.}

5 illus, 4 tables, 47 ref

004173   Devikavathi G;Suresh S;Rose C;Muralidharan C (Leather Process Technology Division, CSIR - Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai-600 020, Email: devikavathi@gmail.com) : Prevention of carcinogenic Cr (VI) formation in leather - a three pronged approach for leather products. Indian J chem Technol 2014, 21(1), 7-13.

Antioxidants, based on chemical, natural and bio origin, have been used for the prevention of hexavalent chromium formation in leather. Formation of Cr (VI) is monitored in the leathers after processing and after accelerated ageing. Gallic acid and ascorbic acid are found to be more effective in the pre tanning process in the prevention of oxidation of Cr (III) to Cr (VI). Myrobalan and tara play a effective role in the chrome tanning process and prevent the formation of hexavalent chromium. The study shows that chromium based leathers can be easily classified in to benign material for manufacturing of consumer products, if these strategies are used.

5 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

004172   Das B;Bhattacharjee S;Bhattacharjee C (Chemical Engineering Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032, Email: sangita.bhattacharjee@yahoo.co.in) : Recovery of whey proteins and enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose derived from casein whey using a tangential flow ultrafiltration module. J Instn Engrs : Ser E 2014, 94(2), 79-84.

Ultrafiltration (UF) of pretreated casein whey was carried out in a cross-flow module fitted with 5 kDa molecular weight cut-off polyethersulfone membrane to recover whey proteins in the retentate and lactose in the permeate. Effects of processing conditions, like transmembrane pressure and pH on permeate flux and rejection were investigated and reported. The polarised layer resistance was found to increase with time during UF even in this high shear device. The lactose concentration in the permeate was measured using dinitro salicylic acid method. Enzymatic kinetic study for lactose hydrolysis was carried out at three different temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °C using β-galactosidase enzyme. The glucose formed during lactose hydrolysis was analyzed using glucose oxidase-peroxidase method. Kinetics of enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose solution was found to follow Michaelis-Menten model and the model parameters were estimated by Lineweaver-Burk plot. The hydrolysis rate was found to be maximum (with V_max - 5.5091 mmol/L/ min) at 30 °C.

5 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

004171   Curkovic L;Bolanca T;Siljeg M;Foglar L (Materials Dep, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Nval Architecture, Zagreb Univ, Ivana Lucica 1, Zagreb, Croatia, Email: lfoglar@fkit.hr) : Kinetic modelling of Fe<. Indian J chem Technol 2014, 21(1), 56-62.

Ability of the natural clinoptilolite (Cp), and its Na-enriched form (Na-Cp) to remove iron ions from acid aqueous solutions has been investigated in the batch system at the initial concentration of 100 mg Fe^{3+/L, pH value of 1.90, and the equilibration time of 30-300 min. In order to establish the Fe3+ uptake behaviour, the rate controlling step of the process and to determine the coefficients, the ion exchange kinetics have been investigated and the different models usually applied are used for description of adsorption kinetics. The Fe3+ uptake by Cp and Na-Cp is evaluated based on the first-order kinetics, modified Freundlich and Elovich models, parabolic diffusion and heterogeneous diffusion models. Developed models can successfully describe the ion exchange processes between Fe3+:Cp and Fe3+:Na-Cp. In addition, the results show that the natural Croatian clinoptilolite enables efficient removal of iron from water.}

5 illus, 2 tables

004170   Bolanca T;Ukic S;Peternel I;Kusic H;Bozic A L (Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Zagreb Univ, Marulicev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Email: tomislav.bolanca@fkit.hr) : Artificial neural network models for advanced oxidation of organics in water matrix-comparison of applied methodologies. Indian J chem Technol 2014, 21(1), 21-9.

This study focuses on development, characterization and validation of an artificial neural network (ANN) model for prediction of advanced oxidation of organics in water matrix. The different ANNs, based on multilayer perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF) methodologies, have been applied for modeling of the behavior of complex system; zero-valent iron activated persulfate oxidation (Fe^{0/S₂O₈2--) of reactive azo dye C.I. Reactive Red 45 (RR45) in aqueous solution. The input variables for ANN modeling are corresponding to Fe0/S₂O₈2- process parameters such as pH, dosage of zero-valent iron and concentration of persulfate, while the system output is the mineralization extent of aqueous RR45 solution after the treatment by Fe0/S₂O₈2- at set conditions. The performance of developed ANN models has been compared and evaluated with regard the applied methodology, training algorithm, activation function and network topology. The results show that MLP methodology needs sinusoidal activation function to reveal the maximal capability. It is demonstrated that although ANN model based on RBF methodology offers good predictive ability, its capability to extrapolate is limited. The full potential of ANN modeling is reached using MLP methodology and scaled conjugate gradient training algorithm in combination with sinusoidal activation function, 6 hidden layer neurons and 8 experimental data points. Based on external validation set, it is demonstrated that the developed model is accurate with the average of relative error 1.70%, and there is no absolute or proportional systematic error.}

5 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

004169   Bhargaw H N;Sardana H K (NO, CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute, Bhopal-462 026, Email: bhargawhnb1@gmail.com) : Hand-held step-scanning (HHSS) device for reading by the blind. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(5), 313-17.

Hand-held step-scanning device with interactive media controls for reading by the blind is developed. It uses an array of identical imaging modules with close focus lenses, all fitted in a chamber for convenient handling to suit panoramic imaging of a book or document. The step-scanning technique works in a language independent manner by, permitting continuity of multiple image-snaps with a minimum necessary step-overlap by automatic removal to provide seamless output. The continuity of scanning is achieved evolving two techniques for removing the overlapping using image or text based pattern searching. The results indicate that the device is suitable for reading by blind by integrating text-to-speech/Braille.

3 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

004168   Alshaibani A;Yaakob Z;Ghaleb A (Chemical and Process Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia-43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Malaysia, Email: majeedsh70@yahoo.com) : Optimization of sunflower oil hydrogenation on Pd-B/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst. Oriental J Chem 2014, 30(1), 167-80.

Hydrogenation of vegetable oils is a heterogeneous process where the process factors influence the conversion and selectivity. A Statistical study was performed on a sunflower oil (SFO) hydrogenation process using Pd-B/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst to study the effect of the process factors, including temperature, hydrogen pressure, agitation, catalyst dose and reaction time on the iodine value and trans fatty acid content of hydrogenated SFO. It was found that each factor has a noticeable effect on the iodine value and trans fatty acid content of hydrogenated SFO. The study was also aimed to find out the optimum values for the hydrogenation factors which are capable to decline the IV to 70 (g iodine per 100 g oil) as well as produce a minimum trans fatty acid content of the hydrogenated SFO. The optimum values were found to be 431 K, 1000 kPa, 1000 kPa, 0.29% and 42.2 min for the temperature, hydrogen pressure, agitation, catalyst dose and reaction time respectively.

10 illus, 8 tables, 30 ref

004167   Abbasi M;Taheri A (Chemical Engineering Dep, Lamerd Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Lamerd, Iran, Email: abbasim@shirazu.ac.ir) : Modeling of permeation flux decline during oily wastewaters treatment by MF-PAC hybrid process using mullite ceramic membranes. Indian J chem Technol 2014, 21(1), 49-55.

Modeling of an experimental study on the fouling mechanisms of mullite ceramic membranes for treatment of oily wastewaters in a hybrid microfiltration - powdered activated carbon process (MF-PAC) has been presented. Hermia's models for cross flow filtration have been employed to investigate the fouling mechanisms of membranes at different time intervals with different PAC concentrations. Results show that cake filtration model can be applied for prediction of permeation flux decline for MF and MF-PAC process up to 800 ppm PAC concentration. Intermediate pore blocking model can be applied for MF-PAC with 1200 ppm PAC concentration. Average error for prediction of permeation flux with cake filtration model for MF process is found to be 0.11% and for MF-PAC process with 100, 200, 400 and 800 ppm PAC concentration the errors are equal to 3.67, 2.89, 5.73 and 4.75% respectively. Additionally, for MF-PAC process with 1200 ppm PAC, average error for prediction of permeation flux with intermediate pore blocking model is 1.34%.

6 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

003140   Zhenhua M;Hua Q;Chunxu L U (Chemical Engineering School, Nanjing Univ of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, Jiangsu, China, Email: jyqianhua@yahoo.com.cn) : Nitration of TAIW to synthesize CL-20 using N₂O₅/HNO₃ as nitrating agent. Rasayan J Chem 2013, 6(1), 29-33.

CL-20 is usually prepared via nitration with the concentrated mineral acid as catalyst, but this technique is one of the most environmentally harmful processes. In this article, CL-20 was synthesized in a nitration of tetraacetylhexaazaisowurtzitane (TAIW) by using N₂O₅/HNO₃ as the nitrating agent. The product yield can reach 86.1% and the purity is 99%. The structure of the compound was characterized by NMR, IR and MS. Meanwhile, the effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, and the molar ratio of reagents on the yield were also investigated. The experimental results showed the optimal reaction conditions are reaction temperature 40 °, reaction time 1h, and the molar ratio of TAIW: N₂O₅: HNO₃ being 1 :4:36. Meanwhile, the crystal formation and nitration mechanism were also discussed.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

003139   Yildiz Y;Gunes A;Yalcin B;Karadag R (NO, Gibraltar Laboratories, Inc. 122 Fairfield Road, 07004 Fairfield, New Jersey, USA, Email: sayatoglu@yahoo.com) : Natural pigments from the gall oak (Quercus infectoria olivier) shellac. Asian J Chem 2013, 25(12), 6881-4.

In this study, the extract that contains the tannins of gall oak plants (Quercus infectoria Olivier) shellac (gallic acid, ellagic acid, tannic acid) and its derivatives were obtained separately. The natural organic pigments were obtained by supplementing aluminum(III) and iron(II) metals into these extracts. 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mL solutions of each metal were created by adding to the extract obtained from plants. Qualitative analyses were done with reserved-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC-DAD) of pigments. Gallic acid and ellagic acid constituting pigment with metals in aluminum tannin and iron tannin were determined by comparing their standards. Reversed-phase HPLC with diode-array UV-visible spectroscopic detection has been used in this identification. The extraction of dyestuffs from the natural pigments were carried out HCl/methanol/water (2:1:1; v/v/v) solution. From the results of the HPLC analysis of the gall-oak shellac pigments, it was determined that gallic acid and ellagic acid present in the natural pigments were precipitated by Al(III) and Fe(II).

13 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

003138   Yadav P;Garg N;Sanjay Kumar (NO, Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, P.O. Kakori, Lucknow-226 101, Email: priti_june10@rediffmail.com) : Improved shelf stability of mulberry juice by combination of preservatives. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2014, 5(1), 62-6.

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit is rich in sugar and has high nutritional value. Commercial mulberry juice is available in China but not readily available in India. In India the mulberry fruit trees are generally grown for rearing silkworms and to a small extent for its fruits sold in local markets. This study was carried out to standardize the preservation protocol for shelf stable mulberry fruit juice using low cost technology so that small scale entrepreneurship may be developed in this area. Effect of chemical preservatives, viz. potassium meta bisulphite (KMS) and sodium benzoate (SB) treatment (alone or in combination) followed by pasteurization, on physico-chemical, microbial and sensory qualities of stored juice (9 months) was studied. The results revealed that among all the treatments, combination of KMS and SB (0.05% each) followed by pasteurization of bottles at 100°C for 20 min. resulted in shelf stable juice with least physicochemical changes in terms of TSS, acidity, vitamin C, antioxidants, anthocyanin content, reducing and total sugars. No microbial contamination could be detected after 9 months of storage with maximum sensory acceptability.

1 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

003137   Wang Y;Cui P;Wang D (College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao Univ of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China, Email: yinglongw@126.com) : Kinetics of the microwave-accelerated corrosion of aluminium in sodium hydroxide solution. J Indian Chem Soc 2013, 90(8), 1263-8.

The present work is based on the effects of microwave heating and water bath heating on the corrosion rate of aluminium in sodium hydroxide solution. The kinetic laws of the aluminium corrosion process were explored using the weight-loss method with different concentrations of alkaline solution at different reaction temperatures. The kinetic parameters obtained under the two sets of conditions were compared. The kinetic laws were regardless of mode of heating. The rate constant and pre-exponential factor obtained in case of microwave heating were significantly greater. The apparent activation energy in case of microwave heating was smaller. It has been concluded that microwave radiation shortened the time required for corrosion.

6 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

003136   Tola N D;Peter A;Shetti P;Jingade P;Gowda P H R (Plant Biotechnology Dep, USA (B), GKVK, Banglore-65) : Propagation of cucumber mosaic virus in cucumber of tobacco callus. Bioinfolet 2014, 11(1A), 58-62.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. Green Long was used for callus regeneration from cotyledon and leaf explants. Significantly high amount of callus (1.418g) was obtained from cotyledon explants in a combination of 1microM 2, 4-D and 4microM BAP, which was green, compact and better than that in all treatments of leaf explants. Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) was successfully multiplied in cucumber callus which was confirmed through Dot-Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Calli derived from both explants of cucumber were transformed with gus gene using gene gun.

32 ref

003135   Temuujin J;Minjigmaa A;Zolzaya T;Davaabal B (Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 51, Monglia, Email: jtemuujin@yahoo.com) : Geopolymer type paste and concrete from high calcium Mongolian fly ashes. Trans Indian Ceramic Soc 2014, 73(2), 157-60.

Geopolymer type paste and concrete have been prepared by alkali activation of Mongolian fly ashes. Ash residues of Baganuur and Shivee ovoo lignite coals used by 4th thermal power plant of Ulaanbaatar city were used. Fly ashes were characterized by chemical and mineralogical compositions, granulometrical test, porosity measurement and FE-SEM as belonging to ASTM Type C. Both fly ashes contain up to 30% calcium oxide and up to 11% iron oxide by mass. Particle size distribution revealed that the average d₅₀ particle size of the Shivee ovoo fly ash is 14.5 μm while for Baganuur fly ash it is 20 μm. Initially geopolymer pastes were prepared by addition of sodium hydroxide solution to ash and curing at 70°C for different durations. After optimizing the preparation conditions of geopolymer pastes, concretes were made by mixing paste with 75% coarse aggregates. The geopolymer products were characterized by XRD, FTIR, compressive strength testing and freeze-thaw resistance method. Baganuur fly ash based geopolymer type paste and concretes showed compressive strength over 30 MPa and freeze-thaw resistance of more than 40 cycles.

4 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

003134   Sujith S S;Arun Kumar S L;Mahesh K V;Mohamed A P;Ananthakumar S (Material Science and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Trivandrum-695 019, Email: ananthakumar70@gmail.com) : Sintering and thermal shock resistance properties of LaPO₄ based composite refractories. Trans Indian Ceramic Soc 2014, 73(2), 161-4.

Monazite type rare earth phosphates (REPs) are low thermal conducting (<60>5 W.m^{-1.K-1) high temperature stable polycrystalline ceramics showing unique `damage tolerant property' due to its layered structure and ductile nature. Lanthanum phosphate (LaPO<sub>4</sub>) is a candidate `thermal ceramics' among many REPs due to its low reactivity with Al₂O₃ and ZrO₂. Unfortunately phase pure LaPO₄ has poor creep resistance, low mechanical strength at elevated temperatures and low micro hardness (<60>4 GPa). These undesirable engineering properties limit the potential use of LaPO₄ as refractories. Therefore composite approach is suggested in recent days. In this work, we report the conventional sintering of Al₂O₃-LaPO₄ thermal ceramics and the role of LaPO₄ on the thermal shock resistance of Al₂O₃ ceramic nano composites.}

7 illus, 6 ref

003133   Sinha D K;Kumar A;Sanjay Kumar (Applied Science and Humanities Dep, National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, (Environmental Engineering) Hatia, Ranchi, Email: deepe9dra@gmail.com) : Development of geopolymer concrete from fly ash and bottom ash mixture. Trans Indian Ceramic Soc 2014, 73(2), 143-8.

Fly ash and bottom ash, the two main by-products of thermal power plant, have been used synergistically to develop geopolymer concrete. Fly ash has been used as active constituent for geopolymerization whereas bottom ash has been used as replacement of sand. Geopolymerization studies were carried out at ambient (27°C) and elevated (55°C) temperatures using isothermal conduction calorimetry. The reaction product was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The geopolymer concrete prepared at 60°C showed compressive strength in the range of 4-35 MPa. Strength development was studied as a function of alkali concentration and Si/Al ratio. It was observed that strength got improved significantly with higher alkali concentration and Si/Al ratio. Attempt has been made to correlate the structure with properties.

9 illus, 6 tables, 16 ref

003132   Singh R;Bhattacharyya S (Ceramic Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela-769 008, Email: rupali18feb@gmail.com) : Synthesis of mullite precursor powder in diphasic gel form. Trans Indian Ceramic Soc 2014, 73(2), 98-101.

Mullite powder precursor in the form of diphasic Al₂O₃-SiO₂ gel was prepared by sol-gel route following reverse addition technique using fume silica and aluminium nitrate nonahydrate as starting materials. The precursor powder prepared was calcined at different temperatures and thoroughly characterized. Thermal decomposition behaviour of produced mullite powder precursor was studied by means of TG-DSC analysis. Phase analysis of calcined powder at different temperatures was done by XRD study. Nature of different bonds present in the precursor powder and calcined powders were analysed by FTIR study. Finally the morphology of the powder precursors and their modification during heat treatment was observed by SEM. Here the desired mullite phase is formed at 1300°C through the formation of alumina intermediate phases.

6 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

003131   Shamim M;Molla A R;Mukhopadhyay T K;Dana K (Refractory Division, CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, CSIR, Kolkata-700 032, Email: kdana@cgcri.res.in) : Non-isothermal kinetic evaluation of pyrophyllite dehydroxylation. Trans Indian Ceramic Soc 2014, 73(2), 181-6.

Dehydroxylation of clay minerals is an important process with several applications. Despite the industrial use of several well defined clay minerals, only the dehydroxylation kinetics of kaolinite has been reported. Still, the kinetics of these solid state reactions is yet to be understood using unambiguous model. In the present work, we have performed detailed kinetic analysis of dehydroxylation of pyrophyllite clay using non-isothermal kinetics by thermogravimetry (TG) at different heating rates. The TG data has been analysed initially with model-free methods (ASTM E 698, ASTM 1641, Friedman analysis and Ozawa-Flynn-Wall method). Interestingly, both the model-free methods of analysis have unequivocally indicated that activation energy (E_act) changes very marginally with progress of reaction and a single activation energy barrier is present. This surmises that the dehydroxylation process is a single stage process. A multivariate non-linear regression on the dynamic thermal data at different heating rates has been performed to determine the most probable kinetic model based on statistical fit. It has been found that, TG data provides best fit with regression coefficient (r^{2) value of 0.994, when a single stage Avrami type diffusion reaction model is assumed, and an activation energy of 159 kJ.mol-1.}

8 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

003130   Sarkar R;Das S (Ceramic Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela-760 998, Email: ritwiksarkar@rediffmail.com) : Auto combustion synthesis for magnesium aluminate spinel using glycine as fuel and its sintering study. Trans Indian Ceramic Soc 2014, 73(2), 172-6.

Magnesium aluminate spinel was prepared by auto combustion process using nitrate precursors as oxidizers and glycine as fuel. Different nitrate:glycine ratios were used to study the effect of amount of fuel on the spinel formation. Resultant products were calcined between 600° and 800°C and then characterized for phase analysis. Phase pure Mag-Al spinel was formed at 700°C, for all the compositions. 700°C calcined powders of all the three nitrate:glycine ratios were studied for sintering between 1500° and 1600°C and also the effect of Cr₂O₃ on sintering behaviour of all compositions were studied.

8 illus, 1 table, 52 ref

003129   Sanfui B K;Parya T K (Chemical Technology Dep, (Ceramic Engineering Div), Calcutta Univ, Kolkata-700 009, Email: mailme.tapan@gmail.com) : Development of aluminium oxychloride boned fused magnesia based basic refractory castable. Trans Indian Ceramic Soc 2014, 73(2), 165-71.

The exclusive demand for super quality basic refractory castable in the lining of steel making furnaces for the manufacture of inclusion free steel has posed a real challenge towards its innovative development. The present study demonstrated the formation of a new generation cementless basic refractory castable using Al-oxychloride as non-conventional binder and fused magnesia as aggregate. The basic castable body showed a distinct improvement in thermomechanical properties and dense advance matrix microstructure at low, intermediate as well as high temperature. The powder XRD pattern of fused magnesia based basic castable on sintering at 1500°C revealed the existence of well crystalline periclase as major along with magnesium aluminate as minor crystalline phases. The SEM images of cement free basic castable on sintering at 1500°C exhibited an advance matrix microstructure with uniform distribution of normal size periclase grains surrounded by MgAl₂O₄ and Al₂O₃ layers at the grain boundaries with occasional presence of micro porosity.

9 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

003128   Sajjan A S;Jolli R B;Balikai R A (Seed Science and Technology Dep, College of Agriculture, Bijapur-586 101) : Containers and seed treatments of seed quality in sunflower during storage. Agric Sci Dig 2013, 33(2), 150-3.

Seed storage experiment was conducted during 2008 and 2009 to assess the influence of Imidacloprid 70 ws on the quality of sunflower seeds during storage. The experiment consisting of four factors such as Seed storage, Varieties, Packing's and Chemicals. The results revealed that sunflower seeds treated with imidacloprid 70 ws @ 5 g/ kg of seed and packed in cloth bag retained germination up to 14 months and polythene bag was 18 months only. Among the varieties NSP-92-1(E) has good storability as compared to KBSH-1 without deleterious effect on seed quality.

3 tables, 8 ref

003127   Sahoo N;Rauta P R;Padhi L N;Basir Md S K;Das S P;Tiwari J N (NO, Dalmia Institute of Scientific & Industrial Research, Rajgangpur-770 017, Email: nsahoo@dalmiainstitute.in) : Effect of nano Mgo addition on the properties and performance of precast seating blocks. Trans Indian Ceramic Soc 2014, 73(2), 177-80.

A process has been developed to produce nano MgO from natural raw magnesite through spray pyrolyser route. The nano MgO particles obtained have been comprehensively characterized by X-ray diffraction, particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis. The developed nano MgO has 99% MgO content and its average particle size is 80 nm. The nano MgO has been used as an additive for manufacture of precast high alumina castable refractory. The physical, chemical, thermo-mechanical and mineralogical properties of the castable products with and without nano MgO addition have been compared. It has been observed that addition of nano MgO enhances the thermo-mechanical, corrosion and erosion resistance of the precast high alumina products.

8 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

003126   Saha R;Roychowdhury A;Steele I M;Biswas S; Sanjay Kumar (Physics Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700 032, Email: kumars@phys.jdvu.ac.in) : {[Mn₂(L-tartrate)₂(H₂O)].3H₂O}_n - a chiral MOF : adsorption and guest dependent magnetism. J Indian Chem Soc 2013, 90(8), 1043-52.

A 3D nano-porous chiral metal-organic framework (CMOF), namely, {[Mn₂(tartrate)₂(H₂O)].3H₂O}_n has been synthesized at room temperature by stirring method from mixture of MnCl₂.6H₂O with chiral L( + )-tartrate ligand. X-Ray single crystal structure analysis indicates that complex 1 crystallizes in chiral P2₁ space group. Complex 1 forms only left handed helical coordination chains along crystallographic c-axis and becomes homochiral. During formation of 3D coordination framework, 1D porous channel is created along crystallographic c-axis where guest water molecules get stability through hydrogen bonding interactions. The framework remains crystalline after loss of guest water molecules and adsorption study was done with this evacuated framework. The evacuated framework shows nano-porosity and adsorbs 22 ml g^{-1 N₂ at 77 K with type III adsorption isotherm. Guest dependent magnetic study has been carried out. Both complex 1 and the evacuated complex exhibit antiferromagnetic behavior.}

11 illus, 3 tables, 45 ref

003125   Saha N;Chakraborty S;Dey P P;Das P K (Mechanical Engineering Dep, BESU, Shibpur-711 103, Email: nibedi@gmail.com) : Machining of ZrB₂-SiC composites by wire-EDM technique. Trans Indian Ceramic Soc 2014, 73(2), 94-7.

Wire-EDM has evolved as one of the latest machining techniques for fabrication of micro-components of advanced structural ultra high temperature ceramics. Hot-pressed zirconium diboride (ZrB₂) based composites containing 5-20 wt% silicon carbide (SiC) have been sintered and investigated to determine the effect of the amount of SiC addition in ZrB₂ on the electrical properties and machining parameters. Keeping the input parameters fixed, the machining performance in terms of material removal rate and surface roughness has been studied. As expected, it has been observed that with the increase in percentage weight of SiC, material removal rate decreases because the resistivity of the composite increases.

7 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

003124   Pushpa Priya;Munishamanna K B (Agricultural Microbiology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bangalore-560 065, Email: priyavenkatachala@gmail.com) : Microbial fermentation of blended tomato juice by yeast and lactice acid bacteria for nutritional improvement. Envir Ecol 2013, 31(1), 181-6.

This study was undertaken to determine the suitability of tomato juice as a raw material for production of fermented juice by lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plant arum MTCC 6161) and yeast (Saccharomyces cereviceae UCD 522). Tomato juice blended with 5% honey was inoculated with a 24 hold culture and incubated at 26-28°C. Changes in pH, TSS, acidity, vitamin C, lycopene and alcohol during fermentation under ambient conditions were analyzed. The results indicated that the blended tomato juice fermented by yeast culture reduced the pH to 3.35 or below and enhanced the acidity (0.66%), vitamin C (12.56 mg/100 ml), lycopene (0.42 mg/100 ml) and alcohol (5.76%) content and organoleptic scores with respect to overall acceptability (16.2 out of 20) compared to lactic acid fermentation. A protocol has been standardized for the production of fermented tomato beverage using yeast and lactic acid bacteria.

3 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref