In this investigation, Copper Matrix Surface Composites (CMSCs) were reinforced with various ceramic particles like Aluminum Nitrate (AlN), Titanium diboride (TiB2), and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) are used to increase the metallurgical and mechanical properties by Friction Stir Processing (FSP). The Design of the Experiment (DOE) Taguchi L9 orthogonal array method was used. The process parameters considered were groove width and various types of reinforcement particles. The fabrication of CMSCs was achieved by using optimized process parameters, such as the tool transverse speed of 40 mm/min, rotational tool speed of 1000 rpm, and an axial load of 10 kN with one pass. The influence of FSP process parameters on CMSCs in the stir zone is observed through Optical Microscope (OM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Mechanical properties such as microhardness and wear rate are studied and compared. It reveals that good interfacial bonding was produced between ceramic particles in CMSCs. TiB2 reinforced with copper matrix surface composites enhance microhardness and had a lesser wear rate.

Palynological investigation of the Vrabchov dol locality (Western Bulgaria) which recently yielded fragmentary dinosaur bones attributed to the clade Titanosauria, reveals well-preserved sporomorph assemblages dominated by angiosperm pollen from the Normapolles group, spores and rare gymnosperms. The age assessment of the studied sequence is based on the diagnostic Normapolles species, such as Oculopollis orbicularis Góczán, 1964, Oculopollis zaklinskaiae Góczán, 1964, Krutzschipollis spatiosus Góczán in Góczán et al., 1967 and Krutzschipollis crassus (Góczán, 1964) Góczán in Góczán et al., 1967. The concurrent presence of these pollen species suggests a late Santonian–early Campanian age for the succession. The sporomorph association is encountered in a palynofacies dominated by continental elements, including translucent phytoclasts (tissues, wood remains and plant cuticles). The sedimentary succession shows no evidence of marine elements and a very low proportion of AOM that attests to deposition within a lagoonal to foreshore marine environment, with high continental input and short transportation. The vegetation in the studied area was primarily composed of a range of Normapolles-producing angiosperms and secondarily of pteridophyte spore-producing plants. Gymnosperms were rare. Such a vegetation pattern reflects a warm, seasonally dry climate during the late Santonian–earliest Campanian in the studied area. The dinosaurs inhabited a wet lowland area, probably rich in herbaceous plants.