In the present research work, the effect of several process parameters on the machining characteristics of pure titanium (ASTM Grade-I) has been reported. The machining characteristics that are being investigated are tool wear rate and the quality of the machined surface in terms of the surface finish. The mechanism of material removal was has also been correlated with the machining conditions. Four different process parameters were undertaken for this study; Tool material, abrasive material, grit size of the slurry used and power rating of the machine. The optimal settings of parameters are determined through experiments planned, conducted and analyzed using Taguchi method. The significant parameters are also identified and their effect on tool wear rate and surface roughness is studied. The results obtained have been validated by conducting the confirmation experiments.

This study reports the purification and characterization of ß-glucosidase from a newly isolated thermophilic fungus, Melanocarpus sp. Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) 3922. The molecular weight of ß-glucosidase was determined to be ~ 92 and 102 kDa with SDS PAGE and gel filtration, respectively, and pI of ~ 4.1. It was optimally active at 60ºC and pH 6.0, though was stable at 50ºC and pH 5.0 - 6.0. The presence of DTT, mercaptoethanol and metal ions such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+and Zn2+ positively influenced the activity of ß-glucosidase but the activity was inhibited in the presence of CuSO4. ß-Glucosidase recognized pNP- ß-glucopyranoside (pNPG) as the preferred substrate, and showed very low affinity for pNP- ß-D-cellobioside. Km and Vmax for the hydrolysis of pNPG by ß-glucosidase was calculated as 3.3 mM and 43.68 µmolmin-1mg protein-1, respectively and k cat was quantified as 4 x 10³ min-1. ß-Glucosidase activity was enhanced appreciably in the presence of alcohols (methanol and ethanol) moreover, purified ß-glucosidase showed putative transglycosylation activity that was positively catalyzed in presence of methanol as an acceptor molecule