“Influence of Si, Sb and Sr Additions on the Microstructure ...

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lt is indeed very much overwhelming feeling when a sailor in a deep sea
senses the end <strong>of</strong> a tiringjoumey. He forgets all the obstacles that he has come across
during the course <strong>of</strong> his joumey. He would like to express his sincere gratitude <strong>and</strong>
thanks to all the crews who have been his source inspiration <strong>and</strong> given enough
strength <strong>and</strong> perseverance since the beginning. While doing this, he is bit wordless.
l like to express my deep sense <strong>of</strong> respect <strong>and</strong> gratitude to my mentor,
Dr. U. T. S. Pillai Scientist, Materials <strong>and</strong> Minerals Division, National lnstitute for
Interdisciplinary Science <strong>and</strong> Technology (NllST), Triv<strong>and</strong>rum, for his invaluable
<strong>and</strong> fruitful constructive suggestions <strong>and</strong> guidance that have enabled me to overcome
all the problems <strong>and</strong> difficulties while carrying out multi-functionaries <strong>of</strong> the present
investigation. He stayed along with me <strong>and</strong> motivated constantly <strong>and</strong> stimulated me to
the fullest extent. l feel fortunate for the support, involvement <strong>and</strong> well wishes <strong>of</strong> my
mentor <strong>and</strong> this is virtually impossible to express them in words.
l wish to thank my well wishers Dr. B.C. Pai, Senior Deputy Director, NIIST,
Triv<strong>and</strong>rum <strong>and</strong> Dr. U. Kamachi Mudali, Head, Corrosion Science <strong>and</strong> Technology
Section, Indira G<strong>and</strong>hi Center for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam for their persistent
encouragement <strong>and</strong> advice during the course <strong>of</strong> this work.
l thank Dr. R. M. Pillai Senior Deputy Director, Head, Materials <strong>and</strong> Minerals
Division for his valuable advice <strong>and</strong> encouragement.
l am grateful to Pr<strong>of</strong>. T.K. Ch<strong>and</strong>rashekar, Director, National lnstitute for
lnterdisciplinary Science <strong>and</strong> Technology, Triv<strong>and</strong>rum <strong>and</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>. S. P. Mehrotra,
Director, National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur for the support
during the course <strong>of</strong> this research work.
l am thankful to the Council <strong>of</strong> Scientific <strong>and</strong> Industrial Research (CSIR),
New Delhi for granting Senior Research Fellowship to carry out this research work.
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