Plant materials, texture

Methods were discussed to reveal texture in plant materials in situ by X-ray diffraction. A uniform texture in plant materials is generally confined to areas of microscopic dimensions, and the oriented materials are normally of poor crystallinity. Special methods are therefore needed to obtain fibre diffraction from such areas. They may be distinguished as microbeam techniques, artificial orientation of micro-areas, chemical methods improving crystallinity in oriented but poorly crystalline materials, and combinations of these possibilities. 

Evaluations of various soil and sediment samplers have been reported [56, 57]. The sediment shovel proved highly practical, but was limited because small particles tend to be lost when the shovel is lifted [56]. A cryogenic sediment sampler was less convenient to use, but allowed the collection of almost undisturbed samples. Houba described a different device for the automatic subsampling of soil, sediment and plant material for proficiency testing [57]. In another study, Thoms showed that freeze-sampling collects representative sediment samples, whereas grab-sampling introduces a bias into the textural composition of the 120 mesh fraction, due to washout and elutriation of the finer fractions [58]. 

Marinading can also transform texture. In animal tissues, dilute acid (e.g., acetic or citric) or salt solution destroys collagen-collagen interactions and so softens the fibres. Presumably in plant material, for which this treatment is also effective, it is the pectins that are altered, since the cellulose crystallites are too tightly bonded to be affected. 

Botanical identification involves both macroscopical and microscopical inspection of the raw material. According to WHO, the macroscopical identity of plant materials is based on the shape, size, colour, surface characteristics, texture, fracture and appearance of the cut surface of leaves, herbs, seeds, fruits, barks, stolons, rhizomes and roots. Literature reports of poisonings and deaths resulting from the consumption of Digitalis collected by mistake for Comfrey (Symphytum) and of Oleander instead of Eucalyptus leaf tea highlights the importance of this simple and basic part of the quality procedure. 

Soybean fibers (manmade textile materials) Textured fibers and yams, noncellulosic made in chemical plants Vinyl fibers Vinylidene chloride fibers Zein fibers... 

The technology applied to extract, purify and crystallize sucrose and thus finally the overall economy of the process is governed to a large extent by the sucrose companion compounds and the physical texture of the plant material. 

Humus The dark organic material in soils, produced by the decomposition of soils. The matter that remains after the bulk of detritus has beenconsumed (leaves, roots). Humus mixes with top layers of soil (rock particles), supplies some of the nutrients needed by plants -increases acidity of soil inorganic nutrients more soluble under acidic conditions, become more available, EX. wheat grows best at pH 5.5-7.0. Humus modifies soil texture, creates loose, crumbly texture, that allows water to soak in and nutrients retained permits air to be incorporated into soil. 

The properties of the materials were evaluated by textural and structural techniques, while the final catalysts are compared on the basis of their N20-decomposition under simulated industrial conditions for nitric acid plants. This reaction is known to be activated by Fe-species [151, 152]. 

Mohsenin, N. N. (1970). Rheology and texture of food materials. In N. N. Mohsenin (Ed.), Physical properties of plant and animal materials (p. 309). Gordon and Breaeh Seience Publishers, New York. 

Municipal waste products have been considered for surface-mine reclamation. Waste applications could improve soil texture, add essential plant nutrients, and provide mulch for seed and seedlings. Shredded or composited waste could be applied to the surface, and mechanical methods could be used to incorporate it into the spoil, Sewage sludge can be applied in watei slimy or in dried form. Mixtures of shredded or composted waste and sewage sludge offer another possibility, Thus far, use of these materials has been restricted to relatively small demonstration areas for public health reasons. 

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