BryCoat (United States)

An optimised sports nutrition formulation achieving the correct blend of electrolytes with antioxidants and vitamins is integral towards meeting the demanding performance in professional sports arena. In this work, we describe a pilot study carried out to understand the effect of a novel phytonutrient- and electrolyte-fortified sports nutrition composition, PerformLyte TM , developed in our laboratories, in boosting the performance of trained male cyclists. PerformLyte TM is a unique fortified formulation comprising of polyphenolic antioxidants, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, as well as carotenoids, sulforaphanes, exotic spices, sea water-derived electrolytes, and vitamin C, encapsulated in proprietary patent-pending Prodosome absorption technology, enabling sustained and targeted release. Consumption of this unique formulation of phytonutrients and electrolytes for a period of two weeks resulted in enhanced energy homeostasis, elevated production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and synergized nitric oxide production in trained cyclists which are key parameters for sports nutrition, endurance, and vitality. The formulation was devoid of L-arginine, a traditionally used ergogenic supplement in sports nutrition formulation and that is known to boost nitric oxide production in the body at the cost of several side-effects. The present work is believed to provide useful insights for developing optimised nutrient formulations to meet the needs of futuristic sports performances.

ABSTRACTMechanical and tribological properties of thin films draw special attention and differ from those of bulk materials due to the effects of interfaces, microstructure and thick underlying substrates. In this study hard wear resistant nitride coatings (TiN, ZrN, TiAlN, TiCN and CrN) were coated on high speed steel substrates using cathodic arc deposition method. Mechanical properties of the films were evaluated using nanoindentation technique. Continuous stiffness method was employed to evaluate the depth sensing hardness and modulus values. Studies of tribological properties were performed using ball-on-disk friction and wear test. We have also investigated the wear track using optical microscopy. Variation of coefficient of friction with time has been analyzed and coating endpoint was estimated. Nanoindentation evaluation of mechanical properties along with the measurement of tribological properties is very useful in order to use them as wear resistant hard coatings.

Mechanical properties of thin films differ significantly from those of bulk materials due to the effects of interfaces, microstructure and thick underlying substrates. In this study we will present the results of nanoindentation tests to evaluate mechanical properties of nitride (TiN, ZrN, CrN, TiCN and TiAlN) thin films. Films were coated on steel substrates using cathodic arc deposition technique. Surface morphology and roughness of the samples are investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Films were also characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Nanoindentation technique along with AFM and XRD methods are very useful for characterizing hard thin coatings.