Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory

About: Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory is a facility organization based out in Hyderabad, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Microstructure & Alloy. The organization has 1208 authors who have published 2662 publications receiving 51663 citations.

Genotoxicity assessment of cerium oxide nanoparticles in female Wistar rats after acute oral exposure

Abstract: Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs; nanoceria) have demonstrated excellent potential for commercial use in various arenas, such as in biomedical industry in cosmetics and as a fuel additive. However, limited knowledge exists regarding their potential toxicity. In this study, acute oral toxicity of CeO2 NPs and their microparticles (MPs; bulk) was carried out in female albino Wistar rats. The CeO2 NPs and CeO2 MPs were characterized utilizing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) for the size, distribution and surface charge respectively. The genotoxicity studies were conducted using micronucleus test (MNT), comet and chromosomal aberration (CA) assays. Results revealed that at high dose (1000mg/kg bw) CeO2 NPs induced significant DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and liver cells, micronucleus formation in bone marrow and blood cells and total cytogenetic changes in bone marrow. However, significant genotoxicity was not observed at 500 and 100mg/kg bw of CeO2 NPs. The findings from biochemical assays depicted significant alterations in ALP and LDH activity in serum and GSH content in liver, kidneys and brain only at the high dose of CeO2 NPs. Tissue biodistribution of both particles was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Bioaccumulation of nanoceria in all tissues was significant and dose-, time- and organ-dependent. Moreover, CeO2 NPs exhibited higher tissue distribution along with greater clearance in large fractions through urine and feces than CeO2 bulk, whereas, maximum amount of micro-sized CeO2 got excreted in feces. The histopathological examination documented alterations in the liver due to exposure with CeO2 NPs only. Hence, the results suggest that bioaccumulation of CeO2 NPs may induce genotoxic effects. However, further research on long term fate and adverse effects of CeO2 NPs is warranted.

Stacking fault formation in γ′ phase during monotonic deformation of IN738LC at elevated temperatures

Abstract: Deformation behaviour of IN738LC in two γ′ morphologies under monotonic loading at elevated temperatures has been studied. Mechanisms of dislocation-γ′ precipitate interaction have been identified. Dislocation reactions leading to stacking fault formation within γ′ have been characterized.

Structural properties and impedance spectroscopy of excimer laser ablated Zr substituted BaTiO3 thin films

Abstract: BaZr0.15Ti0.85O3 thin films were deposited on Pt-coated Si substrates using the pulsed excimer laser ablation technique. X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscope techniques were used to study the structural characteristics of the films. Films with good crystalline quality, with an average grain size of 0.5 µm were obtained, under various oxygen background pressures. Ferroelectric hysteresis loops recorded on the films deposited at 26.66 Pa oxygen pressure showed the best properties. To gain a further understanding of the electrical properties of these films, impedance spectroscopy was used and data acquired at several different temperatures. AC conductivity plots showed the presence of space charge conduction at low frequencies; however, at high frequencies, all the curves merged and expectedly showed an almost dc conduction behaviour. The activation energy obtained from ac conductivity data may be attributed to oxygen vacancy motion.