Doppler-broadened annihilation radiation spectra have been measured as a function of temperature from 77 K to 300 K, for several high temperature oxide superconductors viz single-phase YBCO, single- and mixed-phase Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O and Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O compounds. The temperature-dependent parameters extracted respond to a change at the onset of superconducting transition. The observations point to involvement of oxygen valence electrons at the onset of superconducting transition. Also a possible structural change and/or increase in electron density at the oxygen vacancy/defect sites seem to accompany the transition. In addition, the parameters derived are seen to be sensitive to the presence of more than one superconducting phases in mixed phase samples.

The martensitic stainless steel (termed as 13/4) is currently being used for fabrication of underwater parts in hydroelectric projects. There are, however, several maintenance problems associated with the use of this steel. A nitronic steel (termed as 21–4–N) has been developed as an alternative with the specific aim of overcoming these problems. A comparative study has been made on the erosion behaviour of 13/4 and 21–4–N steels by means of solid particle impingement using gas jet. The eroded surfaces after erosion tests were analysed by scanning electron microscopy. It is observed that the 21–4–N nitronic steel possesses better resistance to erosion in comparison to 13/4 martensitic stainless steel. The austenitic matrix of the nitronic steel possesses high hardness, high tensile toughness and work hardening ability, which results in higher erosion resistance.

The present paper deals with the characterization of a ferroelectric liquid crystal–nanoparticle (FLC–NP) composite system. The dielectric, electrical and polarization property of the FLC–NP composite system have been studied as a function of temperature and frequency. Ferroelectric Cu-doped ZnO (Cu–ZnO) nanoparticles have been added to the pure ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) Felix 17/100. The nanoparticles are bigger in size as compared to FLC molecules; therefore, they distort the existing geometry of FLC matrix and set up an antiparallel correlation with the dipole moments of the host FLC molecules. This antiparallel correlation of guest–host geometry reduces the net ferroelectricity of the composite system and modifies all the physical properties of the pure FLC. The change in properties has been analysed and explained in the light of guest–host interaction.