Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We report a templated-synthetic approach based on apoferritin to prepare radionuclide nanoparticle (NP) conjugates. Non-radioactive yttrium (89Y) was used as model target and surrogate for radioyttrium (90Y) to prepare the nanoparticle conjugate. The center cavity and multiple channel structure of apoferritin offer a fast and facile method to precipitate yttrium phosphate by diffusing yttrium and phosphate ions into the cavity of apofrritin, resulting a core-shell nanocomposite. The yttrium phosphate/apoferritin nanoparticle was functionalized with biotin for further application. The synthesized nanoparticle was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We found that the resulting nanoparticles were uniform in size, with a diameter of around 8 nm. We tested the pre-targeting capability of the biotin-modified yttrium phosphate/apoferritin nanoparticle (yttrium ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract:- In recent years, the study of polymer/clay nanocomposites has attracted major research and commercial interests due to their superior mechanical and thermal properties to those of the neat polymers. Numerical modelling is an advantageous approach to understand the material behaviour. In this work a symmetric two dimensional finite element model is developed to simulate the fully exfoliated Polymer/Clay nanocomposite behaviour and evaluate its- before stress stress-strain curve. The Nylon 66/Clay in this study has a nonlinear elastic behaviour. The influence of volume fraction and aspect ratio of clay platelet (defined as the ratio of the particle length to the particle thickness) on the tensile behaviour of exfoliated Nylon 66/clay nanocomposite is investigated with the aid of n...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract A one step method was used to prepare stable aqueous nanocomposite dispersions based on cellulose whiskers extracted from the rachis of the date palm tree and a poly(styrene co 2 ethyl hexylacrylate) copolymer via miniemulsion polymerization. A reactive silane, i.e., methacryloxypropyl triethoxysilane was added to stabilize the dispersion and favor the anchoring of the whiskers on polymer particles. Dynamic light scattering was used to study the effect of the silane and whiskers contents on the average particle size of the polymer. Nanocomposites materials were prepared from these dispersions using a casting/evaporation method. The effect of the silane and whiskers contents on the thermal and mechanical properties were studied using differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic me...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thin films (1-10 ?m thickness) of nanocomposites (NC) based on organic coordinated compound (OCC) Eu(TTA)2(Ph3PO)2NO3 (where TTA is thenoyl trifluoroacetonate (C8H5F3O2S), Ph3PO - triphenylphosphine (C6H5PO) and polymer-polyvinylpyrrolidone ((C6H9NO)n) (PVP)) were obtained by chemical methods and with different molar ratios into organic polymer matrix. NC have been characterized by measurements of optical transmission, excitation spectra of photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence of NC at different concentrations of Eu(TTA)2(Ph3PO)2NO3 in NC. In the optical transmission of NC, the characteristic parameters of NC such as threshold absorbance, dependence on the concentration of the organic coordinated compound in NC, etc., have been determined The displacement of threshold absorption to infrared is observed with increasing of the concentration of the coordination material in NC. The excitation spectrum of ...

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Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were modified with poly(hexamethylene adipamide) (also known as Nylon 66) via a controlled polymer solution crystallization method. A 'nanohybrid shish kebab' (NHSK) structure was found wherein the MWNT resembled the shish while Nylon 66 lamellar crystals formed the kebabs. These Nylon 66-functionalized MWNTs were used as precursors to prepare polymer/MWNT nanocomposites. Excellent dispersion was revealed by optical and electron microscopies. Nitric acid etching of the nanocomposites showed that MWNT formed a robust network in Nylon 66. Non-isothermal DSC results showed multiple melting peaks, which can be attributed to lamellar thickness changes upon heating. The crystallite sizes L{sub 100} and L{sup 010} of Nylon 66, determined by WAXD, decreased with increasing MWNT contents. Isothermal DSC results showed that crystallization kinetics increased ...

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There has been considerable interest in producing and studying nanoparticle materials because of the effect of size on their structure, physical and chemical structure. Most studied nanoparticle semiconductors belong to the II-VI group, as they are relatively easy to synthesize and are generally prepared as particulates or in thin film form. Among II-VI compounds, CdS is one of the most studied materials. There are different ways to synthesize CdS nanoparticles such as colloidal particles, chemical decomposition, sol-gel, gas evaporation, magnetron sputtering, electrostatic deposition, and etc. {gamma}-irradiation is one of the effective methods for synthesis of nanomaterials. These nonomaterials have been extensively used in the preparation of nanocrystalline metals, metal oxides, and metal-polymer composites. However, The preparation of CdS nanoparticle and CdS/ polyacrylonitrile nanocomposite by {gamma}-irradiation method at room temperature ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Emeraldine base (EB) polymer?ZnO nanoparticles composite films has been synthesized by solution casting technique on ITO-coated glass substrate and characterized by XRD, FTIR and TEM for their structure and morphology. Dielectric behaviour of these composite films has been investigated in the very low frequency region to medium frequency region (1?kHz?1?MHz). The dielectric constant of the composite with 30% nanoparticles is almost one-tenth of the pure EB. The dielectric value becomes constant in the frequency region greater than 400?kHz. The change in dielectric behaviour of the composite is explained on the basis of multilayered interface formed between the ZnO nanoparticles and emeraldine chains. Nanoparticles have high energy surface which is responsible for the decrease of free volum...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Functionalizing nanoparticle surfaces is essential for achieving homogeneous dispersions of monodisperse particles in polymer nanocomposites for successful utilization in engineering applications. Functionalization reduces the surface energy of the nanoparticles, thereby limiting the tendency to agglomerate. Moreover, reactive groups on the surface can also participate in the polymerization, creating covalent bonds between the inorganic and organic phases. In this paper, a fluidized bed inductively coupled plasma (FB-ICP) reactor is used to break apart the agglomerates and functionalize commercial TiO2 nanoparticle powders in a batch of several grams. The fluidized bed could be implemented into a continuous flow reactor, potentially making this a viable method to treat larger quantities of commercial powders. The particles are treated with acrylic acid (AA) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) plasma and the functionalized particles were ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

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KoreaScience (Korea)

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International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Structure and magnetic properties of the thermal decomposition products of Fe(III(Co(II) acrylate complex were analysed. The crystalline phases, which were found in the fully processed material, at 643 K, were Fe_3O_4, CoFe_2O_4 and CoO and had a mean particle size of about 30 nm. In the intermediate stages of the thermolysis iron was present in a form of Fe"I"I"I (trivalent low-spin iron), Fe"2"+ (divalent high-spin iron), and Fe_3O_4. The coercivity and remanence were measured versus temperature in the range of 5-300 K, in 1.1 T applied field. Both _MH_c and M_r, decreased showing room temperature values of 0.038 T and 7.49 mT, for coercivity and remanence, respectively. At temperatures below 200 K the hysteresis loops were asymmetrical, opened and shifted towards negative field values. (author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Medium-density polyethylene/multiwall carbon nanotube (MDPE/MWCNT) nanocomposites were produced by a mechanical milling method using a high-energy ball mill. The MDPE and MWCNTs were added to the ball mill at a constant 20:1 weight ratio of ball/powders and milled for 10 h to obtain polyethylene matrix nanocomposites reinforced with 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5 weight percent of MWCNTs. To clarify the role of both MWCNT content and milling time on the morphology of MDPE, some nanocomposite samples were investigated by using a scanning electron microscope. To evaluate the role of milling on the microstructure of the nanocomposites, very thin films of MDPE/MWCNTs were prepared and studied by transmission electron microscopy. Thermal behavior of these nanocomposites was investigated by using differenti...

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nanocomposites containing polyethylene (PE) and montmorillonite clay organically modified (OMMT) with quaternary ammonium salts were obtained via direct melt intercalation. A montmorillonite sample from the Brazilian state of Paraiba was treated with four different types of quaternary ammonium salts. After the treatment, the powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The dispersion and morphologies of OMMT within PE were investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed the formation of intercalated montmorillonite layers in the PE matrix. The thermal stability and flammability of the PE/montmorillonite clay nanocomposites were measured by thermogravimetry and horizontal burning tests for HB classification, Underwrites Laboratories (UL 94), respectively. It was shown that the samples do not degrade at the processing temperature. By adding only 3 wt.% ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Novel fluoroalkyl end-capped vinyltrimethoxysilane oligomer/hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocomposites were prepared by the reaction of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and phosphoric acid in the presence of the corresponding oligomer. These fluorinated oligomer/HAp composites thus obtained are nanometer size-controlled fine particles (83-173 nm), and were found to exhibit good dispersibility in methanol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol. These fluorinated HAp nanocomposites were applied to the surface modification of glass and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to exhibit good hydro- and oleophobic characteristics imparted by fluorine on their surface. In addition, the surface structural changes of the modified polyethylene terephtalate and PMMA films treated with these fluorinated nanocomposites before...

Science.gov (United States)

... IDA DOCUMENT D- 1174 THE DARPA HIGH-PERFORMANCE POLYMER PROGRAM ... The DARPA High-Performance Polymer Program, Volume I: ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Effect of radiation dose and carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the mechanical properties of standard Malaysian rubber (SMR) was investigated in this study. SMR nanocomposites containing 1-7 phr CNT were prepared using the solvent casting method and the nanocomposites were radiated at doses of 50-200 kGy. The change in mechanical properties, especially, tensile strength (Ts), elongation at break (Eb), hardness and tensile modulus at 100% elongation (M{sub 100}) were studied as a function of radiation dose. The structure and morphology of reinforced natural rubber was investigated by FESEM, TEM and AFM in order to gain further evidence on the radiation-induced crosslinking. It was found that the Ts, M{sub 100} and the hardness of the SMR/CNT nanocomposites significantly increased with radiation dose; the elongation at break exhibited an increase up to 100 kGy, and a downward trend thereafter. Results on gel fraction further confirmed ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

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Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A piezoelectric biosensor substrate useful for immobilizing biomolecules in an oriented manner on the surface of a piezoelectric sensor has a ladder polymer of polyacrylonitrile. To make the substrate, a solution of an organic polymer, preferably polyacrylonitrile, is applied to the surface of a piezoelectric sensor. The organic polymer is modifying by heating the polymer in a controlled fashion in air such that a ladder polymer is produced which, in turn, forms the attachment point for the biomolecules comprising the piezoelectric biosensor. 3 figs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Alumina-reinforced carbon nanofiber nanocomposites were prepared using different routes; powders mixture, colloidal route and sol?gel process followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS). CNFs/xAl2O3 (x = 10?50 vol.%) were prepared through nanopowders mixing in a high-energy attrition milling. The main limitations in the preparation of this kind of nanocomposites are related to the difficulty in obtaining materials with a homogeneous distribution of both phases and the different chemical nature of CNFs and Al2O3, which causes poor interaction between them. A surface coating of CNFs by wet chemical routes with an alumina precursor is proposed as a very effective way to improve the interaction between CNFs and Al2O3. An improvement of 50% in fracture strength was found for similar nanocomposite ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Here, a general approach for the preparation of reduced graphite oxide (rGO)-silver nanocomposite has been investigated. Graphite oxide (GO) sheets are used as the nanoscale substrates for the formation of rGO-silver composite. GO sheets and Ag ions can be reduced at the same time, under a mild condition using l-ascorbic acid (l-AA) as reducing agent. This simple approach should find practical applications in the production of rGO-silver nanocomposite. The SEM analysis indicates that the silver particles are dispersed on graphene sheets. Raman signals of rGO in the composite are increased by the attached silver nanoparticles, displaying surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity. The degree of enhancement can be adjusted by varying the quantity of silver nanoparticles in the composite. In ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Ni-Co/SiC nanocomposite coatings were electrodeposited in a modified watt type of Ni-Co bath containing 20nm SiC particles to be codeposited. Potentiodynamic polarization tests were conducted to study the effect of the SiC particulates on the electrodeposition of Ni and Co. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the morphology of the Ni-Co alloy and Ni-Co/SiC nanocomposite coatings. The distribution of the particulates in the matrix was considered by means of transmission electron microscopy. Applying nanomechanical testing instruments coupled to atomic force microscopy, mechanical properties of the alloy and composite coatings were studied and compared. The presence of 11vol.% SiC in the Ni-Co matrix increased hardness more than 60%. The average depth of scratch in the mentioned ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Nanocomposites based on SnO2 with carbon scaffold were used as highly porous anode films on Ni substrates. The films were obtained by in situ deposition of the particles without any binder or excess carbon black avoiding any secondary treatment. Compared to similarly prepared uncoated SnO2 nanoparticles as well as conventionally prepared powder samples the capacity loss of the in situ deposited nanocomposite films is significantly reduced. Thus, this newly developed anode material combined with in situ film formation is a promising approach for high capacity anodes in Li-ion batteries. SEM-micrograph of a SnO2/C nanoparticle film.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A type of Si3N4-based nanocomposites ceramic cutting tool material was prepared by the addition of nano-scale Si3N4W whisker and nano-scale TiN particle. Cutting performance of the Si3N4/Si3N4W/TiN nanocomposite ceramic tool in machining of cast iron was investigated in comparison with a commercial sialon ceramic tool, and the tool wear mechanism was studied. The two types of cutting tools have similar cutting performance at relatively low cutting parameters, while Si3N4/Si3N4W/TiN nanocomposite tool exhibits a better wear resistance than sialon tool at the relatively high cutting parameters. The wear of sialon ceramic cutting tool is dominated by the plastic deformation, abrasive action, microcracking, pullout of grains and chemical action at the higher cutting parameters. The higher mech...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Methods of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the microstructure of dispersion-strengthened Cu-Al2O3 nanocomposites obtained by the method of simultaneous deposition of Cu and Al2O3 from the vapor phase. The effect of the size of particles of the oxide (Al2O3) and of their content on the electrical resistance of the composite has been considered. The results obtained make it possible to suppose that the main structural factor that determines the electrical resistance of the composite are nanodispersed particles of Al2O3 with a size of less than 20 nm.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The polymer industry is a young industry that has undergone tremendous growth and change over the last sixty years. Many important discoveries in polymer science have been accidental. Most of the learning has been by trial and error and most of the understanding is still basically empirical--make a polymer material or compound and then put it to the test to study what it is and how it performs. This article provides an overview of what polymers and polymer compounds are, why they behave as they do, and it discusses several examples of failures of rubber and plastic components.

Science.gov (United States)

... Title : Wear Rate and Friction Coefficient in Liquid Nitrogen and Hydrogen of Steel Sliding on Polymer Laminates (Various Fabrics and Polymers. ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Synthetic polymers and nanomaterials display selective phenotypic effects in cells and in the body that affect signal transduction mechanisms involved in inflammation, differentiation, proliferation,...Full Text Available

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British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The effect of the moisture content in amorphous polymers (PS, PVC, PMMA) on their electro-physical properties is considered. Analytical relationships describing the inflence of the external-field frequency and environmental relative humidity on the conductivity of the polymers are given. For the use of these polymers as active elements of moisture sensors, the moisture-resistive effect is estimated.

KoreaScience (Korea)

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International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A wood-polymer composite has been produced by impregnating the wood with the monomer and subsequently polymerizing it by exposure to a gamma radiation source. To compare the improvement in creep deformation of the wood due to the polymer impregnation, a nonlinear Norton-Bailey isothermal mathematical function has been used to model the bending creep deformation of the wood-polymer composites. Results show that the impregnation significantly improves the creep resistance of the wood. The maximum creep resistance is obtained when the amount of polymer impregnation exceeds about 30%. An interfacial interaction between the wood cell wall and the polymer could explain the creep deformation improvement, as well as the maximum impregnation level beyond which little improvement occurs. The results indicate that polymer impregnation is a viable method for improving the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper presents the first results on formation and study of structure and properties of micro- and nanocomposite combined coatings. By means of modeling the deposition processes (deposition conditions, current density-discharge, plasma composition and density, voltage) we formed the three-layer nanocomposite coatings of Ti-Al-N/Ti-N/Al_2O_3. The coating composition, structure and properties were studied using physical and nuclear-physical methods. The Rutherford proton and helium ion backscattering, scanning electron microscopy with microanalysis, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, as well as nanohardness tests (hardness) were used. Measurements of wear resistance and corrosion resistance in NaCl, HCl and H_2SO_4 solutions were also performed. For testing mechanical properties such characteristics of layered structures as hardness H, elastic modulus E: H"3/E"2 etc. were measured. It is demonstrated that the formed three-layer ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Surface doping of conjugated polymers is realized by depositing a thin layer of graphene oxide (GO) on top of the polymers. The high proton density and the unique 2D structure of GO facilitate the protonic surface doping of conjugated polymers to achieve high conductivities. This finding represents a new strategy for improving charge transport across the metal/conjugated polymer interface to achieve much improved performance in organic solar cells. (Copyright copyright 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A wood/polymer composite was produced by impregnating Ramin wood with methyl methacrylate monomer and subsequently polymerizing it by gamma irradiation. To assess the improvement in compression strength of the wood caused by the polymer impregnation, a microbuckling compression failure mechanism was used to model the compression failure of the composite. Such a mechanism was found to predict a linear relationship between the compression strength and the percentage polymer impregnation (by weight). Uniaxial compression test results at 45({plus minus}5)% and 90({plus minus}5)% relative humidity levels, after being statistically analysed, showed that such a linear relationship was valid for up to 100% polymer impregnation. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The process of miniemulsification allows the generation of small, homogeneous, and stable droplets containing monomer or polymer precursors and magnetite which are then transferred by polymer reactions to the final polymer latexes, keeping their particular identity without serious exchange kinetics involved. It is shown that the miniemulsion process can excellently be used for the formulation of polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles which can further be used for biomedical applications. The use of high shear, appropriate surfactants, and the addition of a hydrophobe in order to suppress the influence of Ostwald ripening are key factors for the formation of the small and stable droplets in miniemulsion and will be discussed. Two different approaches based on miniemulsion processes for the encapsulation of magnetite into polymer particles will be presented in detail.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

SnO2/graphene nanocomposites have been fabricated by a simple chemical method. In the fabrication process, the control of surface charge causes echinoid-like SnO2 nanoparticles to be formed and uniformly decorated on the graphene. The electrostatic attraction between a graphene nanosheet (GNS) and the echinoid-like SnO2 particles under controlled pH creates a unique nanostructure in which extremely small SnO2 particles are uniformly dispersed on the GNS. The SnO2/graphene nanocomposite has been shown to perform as a high capacity anode with good cycling behavior in lithium rechargeable batteries. The anode retained a reversible capacity of 634 mA?h?g?1 with a coulombic efficiency of 98% after 50 cycles. The high reversibility can be attributed to the mechanical buffering by the GNS against...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Aims: To develop a new nano composite of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with enhanced antimicrobial activity. Methods and Results: A novel antimicrobial nanocomposite [MWNT epilson polylysine (MEPs)] was synthesized via covalent attachment of epilson polylysine on MWNTs with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as the coupling agent. UV visible spectra and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT IR) investigations indicate that MEPs is stable, with epilson polylysine leaching effectively eliminated. When compared to MWNTs, the new nano composite MEPs exhibits enhanced antimicrobial activities. In 20 mg l 1 suspensions, significant increases of 72 1, 64 5 and 69% against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus can be observed. The deposited film of MEPs...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study describes the effect of treatment of Bis(3-triethoxysilyl propyl)tetrasulfane (silane coupling agent, Si69, TESPT) on in situ sodium activated, organo modified bentonite clay - styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposite. transmission electron microscopy and Wide angle X-ray diffraction indicated the intercalation as well as partial exfoliation in both the organoclay and silane treated organoclay compound. It was found that about 5% of silane with respect to clay was the optimum dose for the treatment. Around 15% improvement in tensile and tear strength was observed due to silane treatment. Silane treated organoclay exhibited substantial improvement of the fatigue life, compression set, and rebound property. A detailed study of physical property was carried out. A comparison wi...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A superhydrophobic SiO2/nylon 6,6 nanocomposite coating was fabricated by a facile casting process. Compared with the intrinsically hydrophilic pure nylon 6,6, the as-prepared coating displayed a superhydrophobic property in the pH range from 1 to 14. It was also found that the resulting water contact angles of the as-prepared surface were always larger than 159?, but the sliding angles had an obvious decrease from about 33.4??1? as the content of SiO2 nanoparticles increased. In addition, a transition from the transitional superhydrophobic state between Wenzel?s and Cassie?s state to the Cassie?s state was observed.

Wastenet

...Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge Publications News Events Login Register Search Content type All Web pages Case studies Publications News Video Home ...Buildings Carbon capture & storage Combined heat & power Electricity transmission & distribution Energy storage Fuel cells Geothermal Hydroelectric Hydrogen Industry Lighting Marine Metering Nuclear Solar Transport Wind ...Home Emerging technologies Current focus areas Polymer Fuel Cell Challenge Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge The objective of the Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge is to develop,...prove and commercialise novel polymer fuel cell technologies that have the potential to deliver a step-change in overall system cost. What are ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The thermal stability of low-friction Me-C/a-C:H coatings is important for their potential applications in the tool and automotive industry. Recently we showed that CrC _x/a-C:H coatings prepared by unbalanced magnetron sputtering of a Cr target in Ar + CH_4 glow discharges exhibit a nanocomposite structure where metastable fcc CrC nanocrystals are encapsulated by an a-C:H phase. Here, we present the structural evolution of these nanocomposite CrC/a-C:H coatings during annealing. High-temperature X-ray diffraction in vacuum and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) combined with thermo-gravimetric analysis in Ar atmosphere indicate decomposition of the formed metastable fcc CrC phase and subsequent formation of Cr_3C_2 and Cr_7C_3 and structural transformation of the a-C:H matrix phase towards higher sp"2 bonding contents at temperatures above 450 deg. C. Combined DSC and mass spectrometer analysis as well as elemental profiling after ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The synthesis of a new kind of magnetic, fluorescent multifunctional nanoparticles (~30 nm in diameter) was demonstrated, where multiple fluorescent CdTe quantum dots (QDs) are covalently linked...Full Text Available

Environmental Research Database

DescriptionThe objective is to exploit the use of wheat as an industrial raw material and understand the effect of material variation in wheat starch and flour on final material properties for food packaging applications. The project will focus on property enhancement in terms of stiffness, strength, toughness, moisture barrier resistance, transparency, ageing resistance, microbial stability and biodegradability of starch-based packaging materials made by sheet extrusion and thermoforming processes, in ord [continued...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The main aim of the present study was to evaluate potential of ternary complexation (comprising of drug, cyclodextrin and polymer) as an approach for taste masking. For this purpose famotidine with...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A variety of albumin polymers were prepared and tested for binding with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): synthetic polymers cross-linked by either glutaraldehyde or carbodiimide; heat-aggregated...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

The present article studies the electret state of polymers when moving through an alternating-current corona discharge plasma and investigates means for the determination of the transition of the polymeric material from the initial state of the electret when the corona-displaying voltage is increased.

Science.gov (United States)

... spatially defined fashion. Many surface modification techniques require a sequential chemical treatment of the surface.6 ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

English 2006 2 p. Brazil Rocha, RM Centro Tecnico Aeroespacial, Sao

Medline Plus

... ever get in this slide. This is basically mechanical properties of the polyuretha urethane polymer called Bioflex versus ...

Science.gov (United States)

... Accession Number : ADA546034. Title : Fluoroalkyl Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (F-POSS) Based Monomers and Polymers. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The compressive and bending strengths of a local tropical wood (Kapur-Dryobalanop sp.) were improved significantly by suitable impregnation of polymeric monomers (methylmethacrylate, methylmethacrylate - 5% dioxane and vinyl acetate) into the wood cellular structure and subsequent irradiation to form a wood-polymer composite. Statistical analysis revealed a linear relationship between increase in the strengths and the percentage of polymer impregnated. Fractographic analysis of the impact fractured surfaces under the scanning electron microscope showed the nature of the wood-polymer interface, which could account for the increase in the compressive and bending strengths. (author).

Science.gov (United States)

... Descriptors : *Combustible cartridge cases, *Polymers, *Test equipment, *Patents, Combustion chambers, Breech mechanisms, Gas generating ...

Science.gov (United States)

FEP polyethylene mechanical properties affected by UV. " Siloxane-modified materials resist AO. " Nonsilicone polymers attacked by AO ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents ionic conductivity results obtained with polymer electrolytes and also with propylene carbonate solutions. The domain of electrochemical activity of this salt has been determined using cycle volt-amperometry in propylene carbonate. Preliminary experiments on the stability of the polymer electrolyte with respect to the lithium electrode have been carried out for a possible subsequent use in lithium batteries. (J.S.) 4 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Interpenetrated lattices (IPL) are combinations of reticulated polymers linked together by permanent crisscross. This structure is well-adapted to combined highly incompatible pairs of polymers. The in-situ sequential method has been applied successfully to the synthesis of ethylene poly-oxides / poly-siloxanes IPLs. The results concerning the preparation of such lattices and their behaviour as solid polymer electrolytes are presented in this paper. (J.S.) 24 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The dual characteristics in the performance of polymers in wood-polymer composites systems have been pursued with regard to the resolution of mechanical anisotropy of wood and the improvement in dimensional stability. The objective of the present study is to pursue the polymerization mechanism in wood under electron beam irradiation and the temperature dependence of polymer-wood interactions induced at various levels of higher order structure of wood in order to understand the polymer performance. Veneers used in the study were of rotary-cut beech (Fagus crenata Blume) 0.65 mm thick. All samples were oven-dried in vacuo at 80/sup 0/C for 30 hr. The monomers used in the study were methyl methacrylate, styrene, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, and unsaturated polyester. Experimental details are given. Results are given and discussed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This is the final report of a three-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The primary aim of this project is to obtain a basic scientific understanding of electrical transport processes at interfaces that contain an organic electronic material. Because of their processing advantages and the tunability of their electronic properties, organic electronic materials are revolutionizing major technological areas such as information display. We completed an investigation of the fundamental electronic excitation energies in the prototype conjugated polymer MEH-PPV. We completed a combined theoretical/experimental study of the energy relation between charged excitations in a conjugated polymer and the metal at a polymer/metal interface. We developed a theoretical model that explains injection currents at polymer/metal interfaces. We have made ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Step-scan Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with impulse stress on polymer films has been used to monitor dynamic rheological responses in real time. A novel piezo-electrically-driven polymer microrheometer was employed to apply repetitive impulses to the polymer sample while time-domain spectra were recorded. Recent results include the study of both semi-crystalline polymers such as isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and elastomers such as Estane polyester/polyurethane copolymer and Kraton tri-block copolymer. The spectral changes of iPP are consistent with frequency-domain results. For iPP at room temperature, large differences in the response times of different absorption bands are not seen. However, the orientation response of the CH{sub 3} rocking mode is slightly slower than the responses of the backbone modes. To the authors` knowledge, this is the first reported successful ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silver silica nanocomposites were obtained by the sol-gel technique using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and silver nitrate (AgNO{sub 3}) as precursors. The silver nitrate concentration was varied for obtaining composites with different nanoparticle sizes. The structural and microstructural properties were determined by x-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) studies were done for determining the chemical states of silver in the silica matrix. For the lowest AgNO{sub 3} concentration, monodispersed and spherical Ag crystallites, with an average diameter of 5 nm, were obtained. Grain growth and an increase in size distribution was observed for higher concentrations. The occurrence of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) bands and their evolution in the size range 5-10 nm is studied. For decreasing nanoparticle size, a redshift and broadening of the ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Electrodeposition of tertiary alumina/yttria/carbon nanotube (Al2O3/Y2O3/CNT) nanocomposite by using pulsed current has been studied in this investigation. Coating process has been performed on nickel sulphate bath and nanostructure of obtained compound layer is examined with high precision figure analysis of SEM nanographs. The effects of process variables, i.e., Y2O3 concentration, treatment time, frequency and duty cycle, have been experimentally studied. Statistical methods are used to achieve the minimum of corrosion rate and average size of nanoparticles. Finally the contribution percentage of different effective factors is revealed and confirmation run shows the validity of obtained results. Also it has been revealed that by changing the size of nanoparticles, corrosion properties o...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method of kinetic analysis applicable to non-isothermal oxidation processes of ceramic nanocomposites is presented using Ti-Si-C-N powder as the substrate. The nanoparticle size and phase composition were determined using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thermogravimetric measurements were carried out for powder samples in dry air in the temperature range 298-1770 K. The following heating rates were applied: 3, 5, 10, 20 K min{sup -1}. Mass spectrometry was used to analyze gaseous oxidation products and solid products were identified by the XRD technique. The Coats-Redfern equation was applied for the kinetic analysis. For each stage of the oxidation kinetic models, the best accuracy was achieved using a series of criteria, and then the A and E parameters of the Arrhenius equations were estimated. Both linear regression and artificial neural networks were applied in testing kinetic models.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of catalase (Cat) was studied based on a nano-composite film consisting of amine functionalized graphene and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified glassy carbon electrode. Graphene was synthesized chemically by Hummers and Offeman method and then was functionalized with amino groups via chemical modification of carboxyl groups introduced on the graphene surface. The nano-composite film showed an obvious promotion of the direct electron transfer between Cat and the underlying electrode, which attributed to the synergistic effect of graphene-NH2 and AuNPs. The resultant bioelectrode retained its biocatalytic activity and offered fast and sensitive H2O2 quantification. Under the optimized experimental conditions, hydrogen peroxide was detected in the concentration range from 0.3 to 600 ?M with a detection limit of 50 nM at S/N = 3. The biosensor exhibited some advantages, such as short time respond (2 s), ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper reports the presence of face centered cubic cobalt precipitates inside tungsten carbide in nanocomposite of WC-Co synthesized by spray conversion processing. EDS was used to identify the presence and micro-diffraction was employed to determine the nature of the precipitates. There is entrapment of cobalt in tungsten carbide during the spray conversion process used to form WC/Co powder. During consolidation, at high temperatures, the cobalt attains enough mobility to precipitate inside WC. A vanadium containing compound was seen at the interfaces in samples which incorporated VC as a grain growth inhibitor. (orig.)

Science.gov (United States)

We describe the synthesis of metal-chelating polymers (MCPs) with four different pendant polyaminocarboxylate ligands (EDTA, DTPA, TTHA, DOTA) and an orthogonal end-group, either a fluorescein molecule or a bismaleimide linker for antibody attachment. Polymer characterization by a combination of (1)H NMR, UV/vis absorption measurements, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that each chain of the fluorescein-terminated polymers contained one dye molecule. These polymer samples were loaded with three different types of lanthanide ions as well as palladium and platinum ions. The numbers of metal atoms per chain were determined by a combination of UV/vis and conventional ICP-MS measurements. The experiments with lanthanide ions demonstrated that a net anionic charge on the polymer is important for water solubility. These experiments also showed that at least one type of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Industrial applications of thermoplastic polymers are often limited by their poor adhesion properties. In this work the effect of surface oxyfluorination on the adhesion properties was investigated for polyethylene (PE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyamide 6 (PA6). The adhesive joint strength was quantified using lap-shear tests. These results were correlated with the changes in the chemical composition of the surface, determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), in the surface free energy, measured by the contact angle method, and in the topography, using white-light confocal microscopy. The adhesive strength is strongly improved for all four polymers, but the degree of this increase depends on the polymer type. The surface free energy shows a similar trend for all four polymers. A high surface free energy exceeding 50 mN/m was observed after ...

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This invention pertains to passivation-free solid-state rechargeable batteries composed of Li.sub.4 Ti.sub.5 O.sub.12 anode, a solid polymer electrolyte and a high voltage cathode. The solid polymer electrolyte comprises a polymer host, such as polyacrylonitrile, poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinyl sulfone), and poly(vinylidene fluoride), plasticized by a solution of a Li salt in an organic solvent. The high voltage cathode includes LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4, LiCoO.sub.2, LiNiO.sub.2 and LiV.sub.2 O.sub.5 and their derivatives.

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Researchers are developing polymer-based coating systems to reduce scaling and corrosion of air-cooled condensers that use a geothermal fluid spray for heat transfer augmentation. These coating systems act as barriers to corrosion to protect aluminum fins and steel tubing; they are formulated to resist the strong attachment of scale. Field tests have been done to determine the corrosion and scaling issues related to brine spraying and a promising organometallic polymer has been evaluated in salt spray tests.

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Fractal dimensional analysis was employed to obtain a quantitative measure of the morphology of polymer networks formed by UV irradiation induced polymerization of photo-reactive mesogenic monomers dissolved in a liquid crystal host medium. The fractal dimensions obtained, may be interpreted by polymer network growth following a percolation-like model for monomer concentrations well below the solubility limit. On passing the solubility limit, the polymerization process changes from a (radical chain) solution polymerization to a dispersion polymerization, with fractal dimensions decreasing and suggesting a cluster-cluster aggregation process for monomer concentrations above the solubility limit, similar to the aggregation of colloidal particles.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect of additives on the grafting of a monomer, butylmethacrylate (BA), into simul (a soft wood) has been studied using "6"0Co source at 3 Mrad. The enhancement of polymer loading (grafting) by the addition of minute amounts (1%) of oligomers and of polyfunctional monomers into simul + BA system has been further increased in the presence of acid and urea. The synergistic polymer loading yields by acid addition cause substantial decrease of tensile strength values of wood-plastic composite; but urea increases both polymer loading and tensile strength values synergistically in these systems. (author).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Axon outgrowth and guidance to the proper target requires the coordination of filamentous (F)-actin and microtubules (MTs), the dynamic cytoskeletal polymers that promote shape change and locomotion....Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The rejection thresholds of Phormia regina Meigen for twenty-four glycols have been determined. A definite relationship between the concentration of the test material and the distribution...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The research carried out in Canada in the design of containers for the disposal of radioactive waste has focussed on spent nuclear fuel, even though the quantities of other currently stored radioactive wastes are substantially greater. Research carried out at the Royal Military College of Canada on the effects of mixed fields of radiation on high polymer adhesives and composite materials has shown that some polymers are quite resistant to radiation and could well serve in the fabrication of radioactive waste disposal containers. The purpose of this research was to determine if thermoplastic polymers could be used as superior materials to replace metals in the application of low and intermediate level radioactive waste disposal containers. Polymers have the advantage that they do not corrode like metals. The experimental methods, used in this research, focused on the effects of radiation on the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The use of solvating polymers of polyether type is an interesting solution for the manufacturing of high capacity lithium batteries with lithium metal anodes and which can operate at T > 50 deg. C. These operating conditions are perfectly compatible with electric-powered vehicle and stationary battery applications. In order to improve the ionic conductivity of polymer electrolytes, new aprotic and amorphous polyether lattices have been synthesized having a good conductivity but also good thermal, mechanical and electrochemical stabilities. Two type of 3-D polyether lattices obtained by reticulation of linear pre-polymers have been selected as host polymers: unsaturated poly-condensate and unsaturated co-polyethers. (J.S.) 18 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A polymer-based additive that permanently reduces hardness in wood electrical transmission poles treated with a chromated copper arsenate (CCA) preservative, has been developed by a team of IREQ researchers. A three-phase project is being funded by Hydro-Quebec to evaluate the additive's effect on full-size hydro poles subjected to actual climatic conditions. The evaluation project is designed to test the CCA and the additive's degree of retention by analyzing the hardness measurements against climbing tests, and the washing resistance of the chromium, copper and arsenate in the CCA/polymer-additive treatment. CCA-treated poles will be used for reference. Accelerated aging tests to characterize the polymer's resistance to UV rays will also be part of the validation program.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The development of 'Green Chemistry' requires new materials to replace the conventional organic chemistry by biological catalysts, to produce fine chemicals in an environmentally friendly manner. Microbial whole cells can be directly used as biocatalysts, providing a simple and cheap methodology since enzyme isolation and purification are avoided. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a very stable polymer though it can be activated by gamma radiation to induce grafting. Glycidyl methacrylate was grafted onto macroporous HDPE and PP in the range of 1-6%, proportional to the initial monomer concentration. Grafted polymers were further chemically modified with ethylenediamine to generate a cationic hydrogel of micron-size thickness onto the internal polymer surfaces. Modified polymers were able to immobilize Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that can catalyze a chemical reaction as ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The formation of nanoparticles during the radiation-induced chemical reduction of silver ions, copper ions, and nickel ions in films based on poly(acrylic acid)-poly(ethylenimine) complexes are studied via electron microscopy. This approach allows preparation of composites containing nanoparticles that are randomly distributed in the polymer matrix and materials with a regular spatial distribution of nanoparticles across the film thickness and in subsurface layers. The structure of metal-polymer hybrid materials is dependent on the irradiation conditions, the type of reduced metal ions, and their initial content in polymer matrices. The ratio between the rate of nucleation and the rate of growth of nanoparticles in the matrices of interpolyelectrolyte complexes depends on the intensity of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Portuguese 1998 p. 47 Brazil Silva, Edemilson P. Universidade Federal,

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Solar cells consisting of polymer layers sandwiched between a transparent electrode on glass and a metal top electrode are studied using dynamic time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) in dual-beam mode. Because depth profiling of polymers and polymer-metal stacks is a relatively new field the craters were thoroughly investigated by environmental SEM (ESEM), interferometry, surface profilometry and tapping mode AFM. A huge increase in crater bottom roughness was observed when starting from the aluminum top layer going in depth, resulting in a loss of depth resolution. It is shown that layer-to-layer diffusion and contaminants at buried interfaces can be extracted from the depth profiles when taking into account the loss of depth resolution.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Although some polymer conductors of electricity (ex. Polyanilines) are materials known for more than 100 years, only recently have the interesting chemical, electrical and optic properties of their insulating and conducting forms been recognized. Advances made in the chemistry of polymer conductors have also led to improvements in processing them. This work studies a practical application of these materials: the use of polymer conductors for the remote welding of insulating thermoplastic polymers, using energy from microwaves for the local heating of the union. Many thermoplastics (for ex. Polyethylene) do not absorb, or absorb very little, energy from microwaves. Different conductor materials (conductor polymers, carbon nanotubes), however, heavily absorb energy from microwaves with the resulting heating. In this way the welding zone can be heated without affecting the rest of the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In earlier works, the inelastic mean free path (IMFP) of electrons was determined by elastic peak electron spectroscopy (EPES) using Ni and Ag reference standard samples, but fully neglecting surface excitation. Surface excitation that is characterized by the surface excitation parameter (SEP), and may affect considerably the elastic peak for the sample and the reference material. The SEP parameters of selected conducting polymers (polythiophenes, polyaniline and polyethylene) were determined by EPES using Si and Ge reference samples. Experiments were made with a hemispherical analyzer of energy resolution 100-200 meV in the E = 0.2-2.0 keV energy range. The composition of the sample surfaces was determined by in situ XPS, their surface roughness by AFM. The experimental SEP parameter data of eight polymer samples were determined by our new procedure, using the formulae of Chen and Werner et al. in the E = 0.2-2.0 keV energy range. The trial ...

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The use of WPC as an important insulating material is studied by determining its dielectric constant. The variation of dielectric constant with moisture content is also investigated. Preliminary results show that all untreated woods studied have a higher dielectric constant than their polymer composites with the exception of Kapur and Keruing. It is therefore postulated that the presence of polymers has led to a decrease in the number of polarizable units. Such a material may be useful commercially.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The feasibility of using a thermoplastic-powder metallurgy technique for the fabrication of porous niobium rods was investigated. Some early problems were overcome to successfully extrude the polymer coated niobium powder into long lengths. The effects of certain process variables were investigated. Residual porosity and extrusion pressure were found to be regulated by the polymer fraction. The procedures for taking the extruded polystyrene--niobium rods through the heat treatments to the final, tin infiltrated stage are explained.

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This thesis is concerned with the crystallisation behaviour of polymers near to a free surface or a buried interface. The properties of polymers are expected to differ significantly near to an interface (either with air or another polymer), due to the contributions of (a) chain configurations induced at the interface, and (b) different mobilities between interfacial regions and the bulk of the sample. For a semi-crystalline polymer, properties such as the degree of crystallinity and the crystallisation kinetics may be enhanced near to a free surface. Grazing incidence x--ray diffraction (GIXD) is used to investigate such effects in poly(ethylene terphthalate) (PET), showing that a lower crystallisation temperature is obtained at the surface, and the crystallisation kinetics are faster at the surface for all temperatures. It is proposed that in thin films of PET, this surface-induced ordering provides ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We have measured, by {sup 1}H and {sup 13}C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the percent deuteration, the tacticity and the purity of several polymers and one solvent used in the preparation of microcellular foams. The percent deuteration was measured for polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile and polyethylene. The tacticities of polystyrene and polyacrylonitrile were determined. The purity and degradation products of polyacrylonitrile and maleic anhydride were examined. This report documents the experimental procedures and results of these measurements.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The use of WPC as an important insulating material is studied by determining its dielectric constant. The variation of dielectric constant with moisture content is also investigated. Preliminary results show that all untreated woods studied have a higher dielectric constant than their polymer composites with the exception of Kapur and Keruing. It is therefore postulated that the presence of polymers has led to a decrease in the number of polarizable units. Such a material may be useful commercially. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Composites based on pure gypsum and polyester-styrene resin have been prepared using various doses of gamma radiation. Some physical properties of the prepared composites and the influence of irradiation dose on it have been studied as: compression strength, hardness, thermal decomposition temperature in nitrogen or oxygen, and the change in weight in aqueous solutions with different pH values. The glass transition temperature of the pure polymer and the composites increases with increasing the irradiation dose up to a plateau, and the glass transition temperature of the pure polymer is lower than that of the composites. The irradiation dose does not seem to affect the decomposition temperature of the pure polymer or the composites significantly and the decomposition temperature in presence of nitrogen is higher than that in presence of oxygen. Increasing the irradiation dose leads to an enhancement of the compression ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The adverse effect of moisture diffusion on the properties of wood has been one of the main weaknesses of wood. Using a gamma irradiation method, wood-polymer composites have been produced which exhibit significant improvement in mechanical properties like compression, creep deformation and creep rupture particularly at high humidity. It has been thought that the impregnation of polymer into the wood has affected the moisture diffusion in the wood, so that its adverse effects on the mechanical properties has been reduced. In this report the apparent diffusion coefficients of a Ramin wood impregnated with varying amounts of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were determined using a Fick's law approach. An initial linear relationship was found for impregnation of up to 70% PMMA, after which the diffusion coefficient levels off to a maximum value, for the three environmental relative humidity levels of 40, 60 and 90(#+-#5)%. The phenomenon could be ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A non-synthetic polymer material, polyterpenol, was fabricated using a dry polymerization process namely RF plasma polymerization from an environmentally friendly monomer and its surface, optical and electrical properties investigated. Polyterpenol films were found to be transparent over the visible wavelength range, with a smooth surface with an average roughness of less than 0.4 nm and hardness of 0.4 GPa. The dielectric constant of 3.4 for polyterpenol was higher than that of the conventional polymer materials used in the organic electronic devices. The non-synthetic polymer material was then implemented as a surface modification of the gate insulator in field effect transistor (OFET) and the properties of the device were examined. In comparison to the similar device without the polymer insulating layer, the polyterpenol based OFET device showed significant improvements. The addition of the ...

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This is the final report of a two-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Functionally graded material is an enabling technology for lightweight body armor improvements. The objective was to demonstrate the ability to produce functionally graded ceramic-polymer and ceramic-metal lightweight armor materials. This objective involved two aspects. The first and key aspect was the development of graded-porosity boron-carbide ceramic microstructures. The second aspect was the development of techniques for liquid infiltration of lightweight metals and polymers into the graded-porosity ceramic. The authors were successful in synthesizing boron-carbide ceramic microstructures with graded porosity. These graded-porosity boron-carbide hot-pressed pieces were then successfully liquid-infiltrated in vacuum with molten aluminum at 1,300 C, and with liquid polymers at ...

Scientific Electronic Library Online (English)

Abstract in english Structural characterisations using the SAXS technique in a number of nanoheterogeneous materials and liquid solutions are reviewed. The studied systems are protein (lysozyme)/water solutions, colloidal ZnO particles/water sols, nanoporous NiO-based xerogels, hybrid organic-inorganic siloxane-PEG and PPG nanocomposites and PbTe semiconductor nanocrystals embedded in a glass matrix. These investigations also focus on the transformations of time-varying structures and on str (more) uctural changes related to variations in temperature and composition. The reviewed investigations aim at explaining the unusual and often interesting properties of nanostructured materials and solutions. Most of the reported studies were carried out using the SAXS beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), Campinas, Brazil.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Several compatibilising systems were added to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyamide 6 (PA6) blends in the presence of an organically modified montmorillonite (OMM). All the blends were prepared by using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and characterized by SEM, TEM and XRD analyses. In addition, the rheological behaviour and the mechanical properties - tensile and impact - were evaluated. The presence of OMM affects the dimensions of the polymeric phases in the blend but not their mutual adhesion, granted only by the compatibilisers. TEM, SEM and XRD analyses indicated that there is a strict correlation between the compatibilisation level and the final interlayer distance achieved by OMM. Even if some filled compatibilised blends showed a fairly good morphology - in terms of phas...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

By means of an audio frequency plasma polymerisation ultra-thin gradient plasma polymer layers were deposited on zinc and zinc-coated iron. The aim was to generate an interfacial polymeric layer which bonds to an oxidised metal as well as to a subsequently applied organic coating and acts as an interfacial barrier layer for ions and water. Surface modifications were done in an in situ plasma cell with infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS). The zinc surface was first activated by an oxygen plasma to provide a freshly oxidised and contamination free oxide surface. The intermediate stages of the surface reactions could be revealed. Carbon dioxide molecules as oxidation products adsorbed on the growing zinc oxide and were desorbed at a later stage. An organosilicon plasma polymer was deposited directly on top of the oxide layer from a hexamethyldisilane (HMDS) plasma. Afterwards a cyclohexene (CHEX)/hexamethyldisilane co-plasma ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This process for the preparation of nonaqueous dispersions of water-soluble polymerisates concerns compounds obtained by polymerization of water-soluble unsaturated ethylenic monomers in an emulsion of water in oil. The product is then dewatered to a maximum residual water content of 5% by means of microwaves. The process is azeotropic. The polymer has a molecular weight between 100,000 and 50,000,000, preferably between one and 10 million. Before treating with microwaves, the mixture is concentrated by conventional means until it has a polymer concentration between 20 and 65%, preferably between 40 and 60%. The microwaves have a wavelength between 0.1 and 30 cm. These polymer dispersions can be used in drilling fluids and as additives in tertiary oil recovery. 4 claims.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

All-atom molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the morphology of polymer/inorganic composite particles prepared by heterocoagulation. The results were also compared to those of our previous study of the preparation of TiO2/poly(acrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) and Fe3O4/polystyrene composite particles. In the simulation system, polymer or inorganic particles were simulated by surface-charge-modified C60 or Na atoms. Through a combination of analysis of the radial distribution functions of charged atoms and snapshots of the equilibrated structure, three kinds of particle distributions were observed under different conditions. When the polymer and inorganic particles had opposite surface charges and their sizes were very different, the composite morphology showed a core-shell...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The BT-EdF-CEA consortium for the development and the performance improvement of lithium/polymer batteries has carried out a safety analysis of the industrial risk and the risk for users linked with this new technology. The process chosen for the manufacturing of lithium/polymer batteries does not generate any particular risk of personnel or environmental contamination. Security tests have permitted to observe and analyze the behaviour of 4 Ah elements during thermal shocks, perforation and crushing, and during external short-circuit on 20 Ah elements. These tests demonstrate the great thermal stability and the excellent behaviour of batteries in the case of partial destruction. (J.S.) 2 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Considerable interest has focused recently on the use of lignocellulosic fibers as a reinforcement for thermoplastic polymers. The combination of these dissimilar materials, however, is characterized by a widespread incompatibility that leads to a weak fiber/polymer interface and poor performance properties for the composite. In an effort to improve compatibility a number of fiber surface modification approaches have been investigated including plasma, ozone, and polymer grafting treatments. Evaluation of adhesion improvements has been complicated by processing variables that are difficult to control. This paper will discuss the use of the-micro-debond test in quantifying the interfacial shear strength (ISS) in wood fiber/polystyrene composites. Wood fibers were modified to different degrees with styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers that varied in their composition. The effect of fiber modification on surface energetics was ...

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The performance of different polymers used to flocculate red mud particulate materials in the Bayer process can be evaluated on the basis of their efficiency to achieve adequate settling velocities and turbidity levels. In this study, three commercially available flocculants are evaluated under typical conditions found in the last washer of a Bayer plant. The different shear levels are produced by using a modified Couette flow system. Great differences are noticed in the performance of the polymers when they are compared at different dosages and at different shear rate levels. The data collected also suggests that conventional cylinder settling tests may not be adequate to measure the performance of certain types of polymers. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We demonstrate control and improvement of charge injection in organic electronic devices by utilizing self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to manipulate the Schottky energy barrier between a metal electrode and the organic electronic material. Hole injection from Cu electrodes into the electroluminescent conjugated polymer poly[2-methoxy,5-(2{sup {prime}}-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] was varied by using two conjugated-thiol based SAMs. The chemically modified electrodes were incorporated in organic diode structures and changes in the metal/polymer Schottky energy barriers and current{endash}voltage characteristics were measured. Decreasing (increasing) the Schottky energy barrier improves (degrades) charge injection into the polymer. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this work, a water-soluble polymer, polyethylenimine (PEI) was used for the simultaneous separation and preconcentration of trace Cu and Mn prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. For this purpose, the sample and the PEI solution were mixed and the metal-bound polymer was precipitated by adding acetone. The precipitate was separated and dissolved in a minimum amounts of water and aspirated into a flame AAS. By increasing the ratio of the volumes of sample to water used in dissolving the precipitate, the analyte elements were concentrated as needed. The sorption is quantitative in the pH ?6. Detection limits were 5.2 ?g/L for Cu and 5.4 ?g/L for Mn. This method is simple, fast and precise.

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A bottom-up approach is used here to combine carbon nanotubes synthesized by CVD and organically capped platinum nanoparticles electrocatalyst exhibiting a direct electrochemical activity towards oxygen reduction. Both nano-objects are handled in liquid suspension and are associated together in a controlled way. The nanocomposite liquid dispersions can be precisely controlled in terms of platinum nanoparticles to carbon nanotubes weight ratios (NP/NT) which correspond to different coverages of nanotubes by nanoparticles. Electrodes with low to ultra-low platinum loadings can then be prepared on porous fuel cell carbon supports by filtration. The direct electrochemical activity towards aqueous oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of electrodes with platinum loadings ranging from about 1 to 60 {mu}g/cm{sup 2} is reported without any activation step in order to keep the features of the nanoparticles intact. Before that, we studied the responses obtained when impregnating ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A method for the study of conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) photophysics in solution at the single-molecule level is described. Extended observation times of single polymer molecules are enabled by the...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) was prepared with simul (soft wood, density = 0.4g/cc) and butylmethacrylate (BMA) monomer using 10% methanol as the swelling agent. Effect of additives including (i) multifunctional acrylates such as tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA), trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA) (ii) oligomer acrylates like the urethane (UA), epoxy (EA) and polyester (PEA) acrylates and (iii) N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) was investigated using 1 to 3 Mrad dose at 0.8 Mrad/h. Synergistic increases in polymer loading yields was achieved in presence of the additives, particularly with the trifunctional acrylate (TMPTA). In addition, acid as well as urea were also used as co-additives and synergistic enhancement in yields of polymer loading were obtained. The synergistic polymer loading by acid addition causes substantial decrease in tensile strength of the composite; but other additives and co-additives increase both ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

We describe the interactions of two benzimidazole derivatives, astemizole (AST) and lansoprazole (LNS), with anomalous aggregates of tau protein (neurofibrillary tangles). Interestingly, these...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In this study, we report the physico-chemical and biological properties of a novel biodegradable composite scaffold made of nano-hydroxyapatite and natural derived polymers of chitosan and carboxymethyl...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Polysaccharides like cellulose and chitosan are known for their filmic properties. This paper concerns the synthesis and the study of chitosan-based polymer electrolytes. A preliminary work concerns the study of glucosamine reactivity. The poly-condensation of chitosan ethers (obtained by reaction with ethylene oxide or propylene oxide) with bifunctional and monofunctional oligo-ethers leads to the formation of thin lattices (10 {mu}m) having excellent mechanical properties. The presence of grafted polyether chains along the polysaccharide skeleton allows to modify the vitreous transition temperature and the molecular disorder of the system. Two type of polymer electrolytes have been synthesized: electrolytes carrying a dissolved alkaline metal salt and ionomers. The analysis of their thermal, dynamical mechanical, nuclear magnetic relaxation, electrical, and electrochemical properties shows that this new class of polymer ...

Science.gov (United States)

Kusy,. R. P. and. Corneliussen,. R. D.,. Polym. Eng. Sci.,. 15,. 1975 pp. 107. DeAraujo,. F. T. and. Rostenberg,. H. M.,. Jour. Phys.,. Sec. D,. Appl. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the synthesis of the peptidyl-polymer corresponding to the sequence (57-100) of the ..beta.. chain of human hemoglobin on Teflon with radiationally grafted polystyrene a comparative study was made of different methods of fragment condensation. It was shown that the most effective methods are azide condensation and condensation with the use of complex F.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundVascular stents are small tubular scaffolds used in the treatment of arterial stenosis (narrowing of the vessel). Most vascular stents are metallic and are deployed either...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nanoporous materials have become indispensable in many fields ranging from photonics, catalysis and semiconductor processing to biosensor infrastructure. Rapid and energy efficient process fabrication of these materials is, however, nontrivial. In this communication, we describe a simple method for the rapid fabrication of these materials from colloidal dispersions of Polymethyl Silsesquioxane nanoparticles. Nanoparticle-polymer composites above the decomposition temperature of the polymer are examined and the entropic gain experienced by the nanoparticles in this rubric is harnessed to fabricate novel highly porous films composed of nanoparticles. Optically smooth, hydrophobic films with low refractive indices (as low as 1.048) and high surface areas (as high as 1325 m2 g-1) have been achieved with this approach. In this communication we address the behavior of such systems that are both temperature and substrate surface energy dependent. The ...

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This patent describes a delayed acrylamide containing polymer crosslinker having stability in an aqueous solution at high temperatures. It comprises: a combination of an aldehyde and a salicylic acid derivative selected from salicylamide and acetysalicylic acid.

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A 300 W fuel cell power pack has been developed for educational purposes in close collaboration with the Fachhochschule Solothurn Nordwestschweiz. The project was initiated and financed by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. The outlay and the performance of the power pack are described. (author) 3 figs.

CERN Document Server

The scattering and recombination processes between two triplet excitons in conjugated polymers are investigated by using a nonadiabatic evolution method, based on an extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model including interchain interactions. Due to the interchain coupling, the electron and/or hole in the two triplet excitons can exchange. The results show that the recombination induces the formation of singlet excitons, excited polarons and biexcitons. Moreover, we also find the yields of these products, which can contribute to the emission, increase with the interchain coupling strength, in good agreement with results from experiments.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The lithium-polymer energy storage technology requires the production of thin films of huge surface. The BT-EdF-CEA consortium has studied the various manufacturing techniques of these films and their assembly. The process was chosen according to its productivity, low expensiveness, ecological impact and energy performances with capacities reaching 40 Ah. This paper explains: the objectives and specifications of the project, the advantage of the consortium and the role of the different partners, the results (coating, dry extrusion and battery element manufacturing techniques), and the electrochemical performances of the elements. (J.S.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Atmospheric pressure plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition system is built. The electrical and optical characteristics of the APPECVD system is given. The system is used to deposit conductive polymers and nano composites onto glass and metal surfaces. The morphological, optical, chemical and electrical characteristics of deposited surfaces are investigated using SEM, AFM four probe deposition purposes. The photovoltaic applications of plasma deposited polymers and nonconsumption are compared with deposited with electrochemical methods show different results. The electrical, chemical and morphological structures of the samples will be given.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Recently, organic semiconducting materials have gained a broad interest due to their potential for organic electronic devices such as organic light emitting diode (OLED), organic photovoltaic devices and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). Optical properties of organic semiconducting materials are important for practical application. For example, the power conversion efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices is mainly affected by absorption properties of organic materials. Proton irradiation is one of the efficient methods to change the optical properties of organic materials. In this paper, we investigate the changes of optical properties of various polymers using the proton irradiation.

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This paper describes the experimental results of accelerated aging tests conducted on three different types of polymer materials. Salt fog chamber tests were used to study the surface degradation modes for all materials. The work presented here was performed using a newly constructed fog chamber system that was able to control both chamber humidity and UV radiation. The changes in the surface morphology, material structure and leakage current were examined to study the influence of environmental humidity.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wood-plastic composites (WPC) have been prepared with five low-grade woods, native to Syria, using three monomer systems; acrylamide, butylmethacrylate, and styrene, with methanol as the swelling solvent. Polymerization was induced at various radiation doses (10, 20, and 30 kGy) at a dose rate of 3.5 kGy/h using a {sup 60}Co gamma radiation source. Some physical properties of WPC, namely polymer loading and compression strength have been measured. The polymer loading decreases approximately with increasing density of the wood species used.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wood-plastic composites (WPC) have been prepared with five low-grade woods, native to Syria, using three monomer systems; acrylamide, butylmethacrylate, and styrene, with methanol as the swelling solvent. Polymerization was induced at various radiation doses (10, 20, and 30 kGy) at a dose rate of 3.5 kGy/h using a "6"0Co gamma radiation source. Some physical properties of WPC, namely polymer loading and compression strength have been measured. The polymer loading decreases approximately with increasing density of the wood species used. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Polymer composites are used in numerous applications. In spite of this fact, new developments are still under way to explore in other field of application of these materials and to tailor their properties for more extreme condition. A particular emphasis is focused on fillers content is summarized. Some steps towards the functionally graded materials are illustrated. The FT-IR spectroscopic studies revealed the information about curing of epoxy with fillers. It was observed that mechanical properties like tensile strength, hardness etc get enhanced up with filler contents. The effect of the different formulations were investigated and discussed for optimum process condition. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The currently available propellants achieve about 95% of the combustion performance which can be expected theoretically at this time, consequently a technological breakthrough concerning new propellants have been demanded. Among high energy substances which are being studied, polymer azide which can continue combustion without relying on the oxidation reaction is a typical high energy substance to be used for a propellant of the next generation. The composite propellant which has polymer azide as fuel component and ammonium nitrate as oxidizer is considered to be the extremely promising propellant, since it provides no combution product which causes the environmental destruction. (6 figs, 4 refs)

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An apparatus was designed and built for the purpose of exposing samples of solid polymers to varying temperatures, atmospheres and stress levels while quantitatively recording the resulting chemiluminescence. Preliminary data were acquired with this apparatus that show a correlation between an enhanced chemiluminescence signal at a low level of applied stress and a decrease in tensile strength for the most commonly used epoxy resin in high performance fiber composites, TGMDA DDS. The studies with cellular silicone cushions (which are used to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction) have defined the temperature regimes in which accelerated aging tests are valid for extrapolation to ambient temperature. Preliminary data on Kevlar fibers is also discussed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thermoplastic encapsulation has been extensively studied at Brookhaven National Laboratory`s (BNL) Environmental and Waste Technology Center (EWTC) as a waste encapsulation technology applicable to a wide range of waste types including radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes. Encapsulation involves processing thermoplastic and waste materials into a waste form product by heating and mixing both materials into a homogeneous molten mixture. Cooling of the melt results in a solid monolithic waste form in which contaminants have been completely surrounded by a polymer matrix. Heating and mixing requirements for successful waste encapsulation can be met using proven technologies available in various types of commercial equipment. Processing techniques for thermoplastic materials, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), are well established within the plastics industry. The majority of commercial polymer processing is accomplished using extruders, ...

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Thermoplastic polymer materials and the compounds made with them are being used more frequently for industrial components and for general use. However, the application of these materials for the production of complex shaped or relatively large pieces is limited, because of the difficulty and cost of making the necessary tool kit for the job. One solution is the use of the welding process. But the safe and reliable union of different thermoplastic material parts is not a simple process, even less so in the case of unions of large components. Welding by microwaves using polymer conductors can help, since the large scale equipment is available, and methods for continuous processes by microwave have been developed, that can be used to weld large and small components. Many thermoplastics (ex. polyethylene) do not absorb, or absorb very little, energy from microwaves. Polymer conductors, however, heavily absorb from microwaves ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

There has been a growing interest in new laser systems for use at mid-infra-red wavelengths, driven by requirements for a number of diverse applications. Developments in mid-IR coating technology are following three major thrusts. In the first, the potential of ion-assisted process is being exploited and the technology is already becoming well established in the optical coating industry. In the second, the benefits of using gas-phase precursors are being explored, driven by the potential of avoiding the generation of second phase inclusion in the coatings with associated reduction in laser damage threshold. Research is also addressing the use of nanocomposite materials with an engineered microstructure to produce coatings with dielectric properties of choice. This paper presents a review of progress in some of these areas with special emphasis on the comparison of the properties of materials at DF laser wavelengths. Evidence is presented which suggests that laser ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In the present study, new light weight nano-composites (AZ31B-3.3Al2O3-Cu) based on magnesium alloy AZ31B are developed using disintegrated melt deposition technique. Microstructural characterization studies revealed grain refinement and significant increase in amount of second phases as a result of increasing presence of copper. All the samples exhibited minimal porosity and good matrix-second phase interfacial integrity. The results also showed that addition of both nano-Al2O3 and Cu led to a simultaneous improvement in 0.2% yield compressive strength (0.2%YCS), ultimate compressive strength (UCS) and work of fracture (WoF) of the AZ31B magnesium alloy while failure strain was marginally affected. The results of this study clearly illustrate the capability of AZ31B-Al2O3-Cu formulations ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The nanocomposite WC-Co powders were prepared through planetary ball milling method. Effects of grain growth inhibitor addition and the vacuum sintering parameters on the microstructure and properties of ultrafine WC-10Co cemented carbides were investigated using X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope and mechanical property tester. The results show that VC and NbC additions can refine the WC grains, decrease the volume fraction of Co3W3C phase in ultrafine WC-10Co cemented carbides, and increase the hardness and fracture toughness of the base alloys. After sintering for 60 min at 1400 degreeC, the average grain size and hardness of ultrafine-grained WC-10Co-1VC cemented carbide are 470 nm and HRA 91.5, respectively. The fracture toughness of cemented carbide WC-10Co-1NbC alloy...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A tri-functional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) based silane precursor R_xR_yR_z(SiO_3_/_2)_n (x + y + z = n = 6, 8, 10, ...) bearing 3-(N-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)ureido)propyl, isooctyl and perfluoropropyl groups was synthesized and investigated as corrosion protective coating for AA 2024 alloy. Infrared reflection-absorption (IR RA) combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy provided information about partial self-assembling of coatings having a fluorine enriched upper layer with a low surface energy (#gamma#"t"o"t = 12.37 mN/m). The structural changes that accompanied corrosion produced under chronocoulometrical conditions were assessed from ex-situ IR RA spectra. A new band at 1690-1700 cm"-"1 appeared above the corrosion potential, and was assigned to the formation of amidonium ions and consequent relaxation of urea-urea associations.

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The chemical fixation of tritium in stearic acid followed by embedding the tritiated stearic acid into an epoxy resin proved to be a good method for permanent waste disposal of tritium gas. Tc-126 and Tc-136 hardener were used for this purpose. The polymerization temperature of the polymer products was found to be highly decreased by adding stearic acid and slightly decreased by adding stearic acid or by raising the temperature of the leachant medium and slightly decreased by irradiation. On the other hand, small improvement in the compressive strength of the polymer products was achieved by adding silica powder. The polymer product showed high flame points above 573 K although it contains stearic acid. DTA and TG analysis indicate that the thermal stability of polymer products containing stearic acid and silica powder is better than samples containing only stearic acid. Stearic acid was found to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Two sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation with peak wavelengths in the UV-C or UV-B ranges were compared for their ability to sterilize contact lenses infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acanthamoeba castellani, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Also examined was the effect of prolonged UV light exposure on soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. The UV-C lamp (253.7 nm, 250 mW/cm2 at 1 cm) was germicidal for all organisms within 20 minutes but caused destruction of the soft lens polymers within 6 hours of cumulative exposure. UV-C caused damage to RGP lenses in less than 100 hours. The UV-B lamp (290-310 nm, 500 mW/cm2 at 1 cm) was germicidal for all organisms tested (except Aspergillus) with a 180-minute exposure and caused less severe changes in the soft lens polymers than did the UV-C lamp, although cumulative exposure of 300 hours did substantially weaken the soft lens material. RGP materials ...

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Poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, Acrigel, a Brazilian polymer, is used in the manufacture of medical supplies sterelizable by ionizing radiation. However, when PMMA is gamma-irradiated it undergoes main chain scissions, which promote molecular degradation causing reduction in its mechanical properties. Therefore, radiolytic of PMMA is important for it to become commercially radiosterizable. In this work some commercial additives, originally used in photo-and thermo-oxidate stabilization of polymers, were tested. Only two additives, type HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer), denoted Scavenger, showed a good protective quality. The investigation of radiation-induced main scissions was carried out by viscosimetric method. The most effective additive, added to the polymer system at 0.3 w/w%, promotes a great molecular radioprotection of 93%. That means a reduction of G-value (scissions/100 eV) from 0.611 to 0.053. In ...

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The ink jet printing technology is a relatively novel technique in development of organic electronic devices. The technique consists of working out depositions of organic layers by a piezo-based ink jet printer. In this work polymer conducting films deposited by ink jet printing technique on different plastic substrates has been demonstrated. The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiofene)/poly(4-styrenesulfonate) [PEDOT/PSS] and glycerol-modified PEDOT/PSS [G-PEDOT/PSS] were used like conducting inks to be applied on polyester and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. By means of the change of substrate associated to the deposition number or type of polymer ink used for printing of the conducting films, the sheet resistance can be modified. Such a behavior suggests that plastic substrate fulfills an important role for the changing of sheet resistance of the PEDOT/PSS and G-PEDOT/PSS films made by ink jet printing technique. Films obtained from this ...

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Samples of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and nylon 66, of grades suitable for use in medical prostheses, were subjected to irradiation using a /sup 60/Co source. The effects of a 10 Mrad dose on percentage crystallinity, tensile behaviour and dynamic mechanical response were established 3 days after irradiation at intervals over a one year period. Crystallinity in UHMWPE was found to increase progressively during this period with consequent changes in mechanical behaviour. It is proposed that the observed ageing process arises from the breakdown of metastable groups in the polymer, which are formed on irradiation, with consequent release of long inter-lamella tie chains. This removes an inhibition to crystal perfection processes, which can occur at room temperature in polyethylene. Infra-red spectroscopic evidence supports the proposal that the metastable species is peroxy or hydroperoxy and that this decomposes on ageing to a carbonyl group, ...

Environmental Research Database

Objectives1. To develop new photoactive materials and fabricate demonstration QD (quantum dot) solar cells. This will be achieved by:~%~1.1. Materials preparation and characterisation of QD/polymer systems~%~1.2. Optimising structures of QDs, nanorods and polymer for quantum yield and charge transfer~%~1.3 Fabricating demonstration QD/polymer solar cells and measuring power conversion efficiencies~%~2. To demonstrate multiexciton generation (MEG) and harvesting within nanostructured QDs. This will involv [continued...]DescriptionWidespread implementation of photovoltaic electricity to meet changing energy demands requires a step-change in the cost of photovoltaic power. This proposal assembles a consortium of chemists, physicists, materials scientists and electrical engineers from The University of Manchester and Imperial College London to address this need through the development of new low-cost, high-efficiency, ...

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For the purpose of proposing it to ISO, the R and D were conducted of a new evaluation method of thermal properties of polymer materials. The FY 1999 results were summarized. In this fiscal year, the development of the ac Joule heating equipment was proceeded with based on the study at the technical committee, and the measuring device was installed. In the comparative measurement with conventional methods, study was proceeded with of the laser flash method, AC calorimetry method and specific heat measurement. In the technical survey, the developmental state of the ac method, especially, was examined as a testing method of thermal properties of polymer materials. It is in the stage of the basic research by keyword selection, and the search for literature is to be made in full scale. As to the needs in the industrial circle, as a result of the questionnaire survey made, it was found out that there were a wide variety of the needs for ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Decommissioning of radiological and nuclear installations is for this century the new challenge. One of the performance criteria is the reduction of total quantities of radioactive materials (liquid or solid) arising from dismantling and decontamination of radiological and nuclear installations. In this work we present a new application of the water soluble polymers used as: - flocculation agents in treatment and conditioning process within the management of radioactive liquid materials; - strippable coatings on solid materials based on the water soluble polymers. The parameters of water soluble polymers made in our Institute by radiation processing have been analysed, namely the molecular average weight, composition, and efficiency of utilization of these polymeric materials as well as the content of ash, additives, decontamination factor, consumption per surfaces/liter, corrosion aspects, compatibility with various ...

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The fundamental mechanisms underlying the chemical degradation of polymers can change as a function of environmental stress level. When this occurs, it greatly complicates any attempt to use accelerated tests for predicting long-term material degradation behaviors. Understanding how degradation mechanisms can change at different stress levels facilitates both the design and the interpretation of aging tests. Oxidative degradation is a predominant mechanism for many polymers exposed to a variety of different environments in the presence of air, and there are two mechanistic considerations which are widely applicable to material oxidation. One involves a physical process, oxygen diffusion, as a rate-limiting step. This mechanism can predominate at high stress levels. The second is a chemical process, the time-dependent decomposition of peroxide species. This leads to chain branching and can become a rate-controlling factor at lower stress levels ...

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The production of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the recognition of C-terminal cholecystokinin pentapeptide (CCK-5) in the presence of metal ion is reported. The MIPs were produced under the same molar ratio of template to monomers (acrylamide, N,N'-methylene bisacrylamide) in the presence or absence of nitrilotriacetic acid-nickel (Ni-NTA) complex. Scanning electron microscopy images of MIPs were obtained in an attempt to correlate the adsorption characteristics with polymer's morphology. Subsequently Ni2+ was removed and substituted by other divalent ions such as Mg2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, Co2+ and Cu2+. It was found that polymers containing the metal ion complex with the order Fe-NTA, Ni-NTA and Cu-NTA presented lower dissociation constant values than the rest thus exhibiting stronger guest binding activity. The percentage of theoretical maximum binding sites Bmax was almost the same for these ions, indicating that the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The physical properties of polymer blends consisting of one or more crystallizable components are affected by the microstructure of these materials. In particular, the degree of crystallinity can be influenced by processing parameters, and the crystallinity, as well as the phase distribution, may vary as a function of depth through an injection molded part Conventional x-ray diffraction techniques can provide information regarding both phase composition and degree of crystallinity, but, because of the relative transparency of these materials to wavelengths generally available in the laboratory, these techniques provide information representative of only the bulk. By employing parallel beam optics at varying grazing incidence angles, the x-ray sampling depth can be varied without loss of resolution. This technique can be used to vary the effective analysis depth from the top several hundred angstroms for low razing incidence to centimeters for transmission ...

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A range of additives has been developed for enhancing grafting yields in a variety of systems initiated by ionizing radiation. Cellulose has been adopted as the predominant naturally occurring model backbone polymer in these studies because of its structural relationship to wood which is the reference substrate for the work reported in the related second part of this paper concerning composites. Some experiments have been performed with the other major naturally occurring polymer, wool. For comparison purposes with synthetic materials, some studies have also been performed with polypropylene as trunk polymer. Styrene has been used as a predominant monomer in grafting with some experiments utilizing the acrulates like methyl methacrylate. The role of solvent in grafting has been evaluated. UV has been used as initiator to replace ionizing radiation for certain experiments. The additives used were mineral acids, lithium ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The immune system modulates many key biological processes in humans. However, the exact role of the immune system in particle-associated periprosthetic osteolysis is controversial. Human tissue retrieval studies, in vivo and in vitro experiments suggest that the immune response to polymer particles is non-specific and macrophage-mediated. Lymphocytes may modulate this response. However direct lymphocyte activation by polymer particle-protein complexes seems unlikely. However, metallic byproducts may complex with serum proteins and lead to a Type IV, lymphocyte-mediated immune reaction. In predisposed individuals, this reaction may rarely lead to persistent painful joint effusions, necessitating debridement and excision of the bearing surfaces of the prosthesis. In these patients, retrieved...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Utilization of microwaves for heating purposes began in the 1940`s. This new form of energy transfer offers many distinct advantages over conventional heating, such as volumetric, fast, direct, selective, instantaneous, and controllable heating. Studies of microwave processing of polymeric materials in the early 1960`s led to a successful industrial application in the rubber industry. Since the mid-1980`s, there has been a great deal of interest in microwave processing of polymeric materials. Technical issues, such as temperature uniformity and control of thermal runaway during processing, were investigated and many successful laboratory scale results were obtained from both fundamental and processing studies. This paper presents a historical perspective of microwave heating in the processing of polymer composites and discusses possible future directions for technology commercialization.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Thermomechanical behavior of membranes based on blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with different weight percentage (wt %) of glycerol has been studied. Solid-state PVA/Glycerol polymer membranes were prepared by a solution casting method. The films were studied for thermal characteristics by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis and for the mechanical properties including hardness and modulus by nanoindentation method. The dispersion of glycerol within the polymer matrix was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of hydrogen bonding between the plasticizer and PVA in their blends and also to provide information on compatibility and physical interactions between the gl...

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In this work it is made a study of the structure and electric properties of chlorate polyethylene (PE-CI) with double and simple bonds obtained by continuous plasma with resistive coupling to 13.5 MHz. The synthesis conditions are power between 10 and 14 W and pressure of (6-7) x 10{sup -2} Torr. The synthesized PE-Cl in that way is soluble in acetone what indicates that probably is formed of short chains and not it shows the generalized inter crossing that is presented in some syntheses by plasma and that it can degrade the electric properties of these polymers. The IR and XPS analysis show the vibration of the C-C, C=C and C-CI bonds. The morphology of the polymer after being dissolved shows a compact and flat configuration. The electric conductivity has an approximately lineal behavior in an interval of 35 to 90% of relative humidity. (Author)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Coordination of CoCl2 solutions to the silica polyamine composite, WP-1, made with the branched polymer polyethylenimine (PEI) shows irreversible binding resulting from surface oxidation of the Co2+-Co3+. This is not the case for the silica polyamine composite BP-1 made with the linear polymer polyallylamine where reversible binding and no oxidation is observed. These observations suggested that oxidation of the cobalt was related to the greater coordination number available with the branched polyamine relative to the linear polyamine. A study of the kinetics of cobalt binding to WP-1 indicated initial loading of Co2+ at relatively low coordination number followed by desorption of Co2+ leading to oxidation and irreversible binding. Exclusion of oxygen from the composite-cobalt solution mix...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary: The surface coverage of amorphous silica gels used in the synthesis of silica polyamine composites has been investigated by 29Si NMR. By diluting the polyamine anchor silane, chloropropyl trichlorosilane, with methyl trichlorosilane it was found that surface coverage could be markedly improved for a range of amine polymers after grafting to the silica surface. The commensurate decrease in the number of anchor points and increase in the number of free amines results in an increase in metal capacity and/or an improvement in capture kinetics. Solid state CPMAS-13C NMR has been employed to investigate the structure and metal ion binding of a series of these composite materials. It is reported that the highly branched polymer, poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) exhibits much broader 13C NMR res...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

An effective rehabilitation strategy is proposed to enhance the strength and stiffness of the beam-column joint in this study. An analytical model is proposed to predict the column shear of the joints strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). Three full scale interior beam-column joints, including two specimens strengthened with CFRP and one prototype specimen, are tested in this study. The specimens are designed to represent the pre-seismic code design construction in which there is no transverse reinforcement. A new optical non-contact technique, digital image correlation (DIC), which can measure the full strain field of specimen, is used to measure and observe the full strain field of the joint. The experimental results show that the beam-column joints strengthened with ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Effects of #gamma#-irradiation on synthetic polymers and paper used as packaging materials for irradiated food have been studied by NMR. Polystyrene, polybutadiene and some copolymers were studied before and after the #gamma#-irradiation treatment and in the presence or absence of antioxidants and stabilisers. In the absence of additives, the effect of #gamma#-irradiation on polystyrene is negligible even irradiating at high doses. In turn, the role of antioxidants and stabilisers is crucial in polybutadiene and butadiene-containing copolymers. Wood pulp paper was also studied by NMR. Preliminary measurements on #gamma#-irradiated wood pulp sheets show a shortening in the T_2 relaxation time component due to the bound water, i.e. some of the bound water is lost. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aluminium AA5182 coupons covered by a polyaniline film in the emeraldine base (EB) form showed increasing corrosion potential and decreasing corrosion current as a function of the thickness of the polymer layer. The cathodic reaction was proved not limited by diffusion of species inside the electrolyte solution and oxygen had no effect on the electrochemical behaviour of the coated samples. An EB coating on indium tin oxide conducting layer appeared slightly electroactive in neutral media. The IR spectra of aluminium coated samples, before and after heating in argon atmosphere, confirmed a redox reaction between the polymer film and the metal. This galvanic coupling can explain the good protective behaviour of emeraldine base against corrosion of aluminium.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Contents: recent trend of battery technologies; alkaline manganese battery with no mercury addition; high capacity zinc-air battery series for hearing aids; characteristics of vanadium-niobium-lithium rechargeable battery; high-energy density lithium-ion rechargeable battery; lithium polymer rechargeable battery: polymer gel electrolyte and electrode; high-capacity ni-cd battery sm120; high-capacity nickel-metal hydride battery; sealed-type batteries for electric vehicles; high-temperature-durable calcium-type battery for automobiles; sealed lead acid batteries for upss; solar cell power unit; solid oxide fuel cell (1); battery management system.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) technology the reducing of volume and mass of the fuel cell stack and the improvement of catalyst utilization are of great interest. These parameters affect applicability and system cost. In this work we present an alternative way for reducing the stack volume by combining gas distribution and catalytic active area in one plate. Micro machined glassy carbon electrodes serve as support material for the platinum catalyst, as well as gas distributor at the same time. A comparison of these electrodes with conventional platinum-black gas diffusion electrodes under fuel cell conditions shows that the new system is a promising electrode type for enhanced power density and catalyst utilization. (author) 3 figs., 5 refs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The results of following the oxidative degradation of a plastic-bonded explosive (PBX 9501) are reported. Into over 1100 sealed containers were placed samples of PBX 9501 and combinations of its components and aged at relatively low temperatures to induce oxidative degradation of the samples. One of the components of the explosive is a poly(ester urethane) polymer and the oxidative degradation of the samples were following by measuring the molecular weight change of the polymer by gel permeation chromatography (coupled with both differential refractive index and multiangle laser light scattering detectors). Multiple temperatures between 40 and 64 degreeC were used to accelerate the aging of the samples. Interesting induction period behavior, along with both molecular weight increasing (cro...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stress chemiluminescence (SCL) is a novel technique for monitoring aging reactions of polymeric materials under stress. A special apparatus for detecting the chemiluminescence of solid polymers has been designed and built. There is a correlation between an enhanced chemiluminescence signal at low levels of applied stress and subsequent premature mechanical failure of samples of tetraglycidyl-4,4'-methylenedianiline (TGMDA) cured with 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) the most commonly used epoxy in high performance fiber composites. Chemiluminescence data from silicone cushions is used to validate accelerated aging tests and preliminary results from Kevlar fibers are reported. The technique will be extended to other polymeric materials including fiber composites. 22 references, 7 figures, 1 table.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Natural rubber (NR) and its derivatives as renewable and biodegradable materials have attracted considerable attention because of the serious pollution problems caused by synthetic materials and a shortage of resources. A new semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) based on epoxidised natural rubber and polyvinyl alcohol containing maleic acid as a crosslinking reagent was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, swelling ratio in both distilled water and toluene, and mechanical properties. The curing time and dose of maleic acid were varied from 10 to 60min, and from 10 to 60% (w/w), respectively. An IR spectroscopic study indicated the presence of an ester linkage at 1730cm-1 in maleic acid crosslinked with PVA in semi-IPN films. In addition, the crystalline content of P...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The microstructure of the interphase in semicrystalline polymer matrix composites has a dramatic influence on their mechanical properties. Studies have been performed to alter this region and to correlate various interphase morphologies with changes in fiber-matrix adhesion. A reinforced nylon 66 composite, when subjected to specific thermal histories, contains an interphase composed of transcrystallinity. This region has been altered by coating fibers with a diluent, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and/or adding the diluent to the matrix material in very small quantities. Interphase morphology was investigated with optical microscopy, and adhesion was measured using a modified fiber pull-out test. It was found that transcrystallinity increases the interfacial shear strength. The effect different interphase morphologies have on the durability of bulk composite samples is currently under investigation.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chitosan was acetylated during 2, 5 and 10 h and physical gels were obtained at different polymer concentrations in N,N-dimethylacetamide containing 5% of LiCl. Acetylation was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and "1"3C NMR, and degrees of acetylation in the range of 0.82-0.91 were determined by NMR. The O-acetylation degree (0.12-0.15) was exclusively determined by a volumetric method. Rheological studies showed that the storage modulus values were smaller for the more acetylated samples and increased with the temperature and the polymer concentration. All the gels presented storage modulus superior to loss modulus, evidencing more elastic than viscous characteristics. The results obtained in this work suggest a gelation process based on a balance between O and N-acetylation and intermolecular bonds. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Most surface-acoustic-wave and thin-film optical devices are made by the planar fabrication process. The exposure of the pattern in the polymer film is the first and most crucial step in ensuring desired device geometry, dimensional control, and freedom from pattern distortion. The methods of exposing the polymer film include: optical projection, conventional contact printing, conformable photomask contact printing, holographic recording, scanning electron beam lithography, projection electron lithography, and x-ray lithography. In this paper scanning electron beam lithography, conformable photomask contact printing, holographic recording, and x-ray lithography are discussed. In the last section, ion beam etching of relief structures is discussed.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Synthetic chemistry originally developed for the manufacture of chemically stable silica polyamine composites was adapted for the modification of fused silica capillaries for application in CE. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyallylamine (PAA) were covalently bonded to the interior surface of fused silica capillaries utilizing 3-chloropropyltrichlorosilane (CPTCS) or 3-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) to anchor the polymers to the surface. The surface-bound polymers were subsequently quaternized using methyl iodide (MeI). The resulting modified capillaries were studied using CE, and were shown to provide reproducible, stable, and robust anodic EOF throughout the pH range of 2-10. Surface modifications utilizing CPTCS could be rinsed with up to 6 M HCL or 1 M NaOH without significant...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The phase separation of (water + salt + polyethylene glycol 15000) systems was studied by cloud-point measurements using the particle counting method. The effect of three kinds of sulphate salt (Na2SO4, K2SO4, (NH4)2SO4) concentration, polyethylene glycol 15000 concentration, mass ratio of polymer to salt on the cloud-point temperature of these systems have been investigated. The results obtained indicate that the cloud-point temperatures decrease linearly with increase in polyethylene glycol concentrations for different salts. Also, the cloud points decrease with an increase in mass ratio of salt to polymer.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Composite materials of synthetics (based on monomers, oligomers and thermoplastics) and of natural polymers (wood and other fibrous cellulosics) prepared by radiation processing, offer valuable structural materials with enhanced coupling forces between the components. The applied polymer chemistry of such composites shows several common features with that of radiation grafting, e.g. the polymerization rate of oligomer-monomer mixtures in wood remains in most cases proportional to the square-root of the initiating dose-rate, just as in the simultaneous grafting, demonstrating that the chain termination kinetics remain regularly bimolecular in the corresponding dose-rate ranges. In the processing experiences of such composites, low dose requirement, easy process-control, and good technical feasibility have been found for composites of wood with oligomer-monomer mixtures, for coconut fibres with unsaturated polyesters and for pretreated wood fibre ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract:- Significant interest has emerged in the introduction of food packaging materials manufactured from biodegradable polymers that have the potential to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional packaging materials. Current technologies in active packaging enable effective antimicrobial (AM) packaging films to be prepared from biodegradable materials that have been modified and/or blended with different compatible materials and/or plasticisers. A wide range of AM films prepared from modified biodegradable materials have the potential to be used for packaging of various food products. This review examines biodegradable polymers derived from polysaccharides and protein-based materials for their potential use in packaging systems designed for the protection of food ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fibre-reinforced-polymer-composite material has been suggested as a bearing material to overcome tribological problems witnessed during the testing of Ram assembly of the 540 MWe fuelling machine at RTD. After successful trials at B-Ram the composite material has been adapted for B-RAM, C-Ram and RDB head at fuelling machines being tested at RTD, Hall 7 and at Tarapur. Laboratory evaluations were also carried out at Tribology Lab RTD to study effect of radiation on the composite. Paper deals with the various aspects of life prediction of this material in term of wear and radiation damage. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A variable gene delivery system has been developed based on conjugating chitosan to biotin through a functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) spacer, which can be used to further bind different molecules on the outer layer of a polymer/DNA complex by streptavidin (SA)-biotin linkage. In this study, TAT-conjugated SA was used as the model molecule to prove the conjugation function of the prepared complex. In addition, low-molecular-weight poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) was added into the polymer/DNA complex to increase the transfection efficiency. The results of the luciferase assay show that the transfection efficiency of the prepared complex was significantly correlated with the amount of PEI and was further enhanced when TAT was conjugated to the complex by SA-biotin linkage. Considered to have negligible cytotoxic effects, the variable gene delivery complex prepared in this study would be of considerable potential as carriers for in vitro ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The diffusion characteristics of water in polymer materials have been studied for a few decades. Several methods have been developed to provide water diffusion characteristics as a function of time, temperature, pressure, or thickness of polymer. Unfortunately, most of these methods give the amount of water absorbed as a function of weight versus time at given environmental conditions. Concentration profiles of the water diffusion through the polymer have been unobtainable by these established methods. Neutron radiography is a method of non-destructive testing that has grown rapidly over the past ten years and is capable of giving these concentration profiles. Epoxy is one of the most commonly used polymers for which water diffusion information is important. In the automotive industry, epoxy is used both as a sealant and a bonder to prevent water from getting inside structures and causing corrosion. To ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Polyamide is a modifier which introduces flexibility and toughness to phenolic foam by non reactive approach. Phenol formaldehyde resin was physically modified by the addition of polyamide in different percentages ranging from 0.05% to 0.2% which introduced toughness to modified resole. The resultant polymers were characterized by thermal and mechanical analysis using Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), Instron machine and Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA). (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The equilibrium dynamic capacity of polymer materials based on 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine has been determined. The possibility of their application as absorbents of sulfur dioxide from exhaust gases has been shown.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stress relaxation was studied at 408 K on AZ31 reinforced by ceramic foam produced by in situ foaming of filler loaded preceramic polymer melt. Reinforcement causes significant enhancement of the resistance against stress relaxation compared to AZ91. It is correlated with hardening by the ceramic skeleton as well as ceramic particles formed in the AZ31-matrix. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The pace of development and fielding of electric vehicles is briefly described and the principal advanced battery chemistries expected to be used in the EV application are identified as Ni/MH in the near term and Li-ion/Li-polymer in the intermediate to long term. The status of recycling process development is reviewed for each of the two chemistries and future research needs are discussed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, Acrigel, a Brazilian polymer, is used in the manufacture of medical supplies sterilisable by ionizing radiation. However, when PMMA is gamma-irradiated it undergoes main chain scissions, which promote molecular degradation causing reduction in its physical properties. Therefore, radiolytic stabilization of PMMA is important for to become it commercially radio sterilisable. In this work we investigated the radiolytic stabilization of PMMA by using HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer) additive, commercially used for photo and thermo oxidative stabilization of polymers. The investigation of the radiation-induced main chain scissions was carried out by viscometric method. The additive added to the polymer system at 0.3 % w/w promotes a molecular radioprotection of 61%. That means a reduction of G value (scissions/100 eV) from 2.6 to 1.0. In addition, the glassy transition temperature (Tg) of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report forms part of a joint study on a PEFC propulsion system for surface ships, summarized in a presentation to this Seminar, entitled {open_quotes}Study on a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) Propulsion System for Surface Ships{close_quotes}, and which envisages application to a 1,500 DWT cargo vessel. The aspect treated here concerns an experiment in reducing by methanation to a level below 10 ppm the CO that is contained to around 1% in reformate gas.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The use of polymer matrix composites in aerospace propulsion applications is currently limited by insufficient resistance to erosion by abrasive media. Erosion resistant coatings may provide necessary protection; however, adhesion to many high temperature polymer matrix composite (PMC) materials is poor. A low pressure oxygen plasma treatment process was developed to improve adhesion of CN_x coatings to a carbon reinforced, fluorinated polymer matrix composite. Fullerene-like CN_x was selected as an erosion resistant coating for its high hardness-to-elastic modulus ratio and elastic resilience which were expected to reduce erosion from media incident at different angles (normal or glancing) relative to the surface. In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to evaluate the effect of the plasma treatment on surface chemistry, and electron microscopy was used to identify changes in the surface morphology of the PMC ...

Wastenet

...of Mixing Sections 9 Interacting Rotor/Stator Mixers 10 Floating Ring Mixing Devices 11 Static (or Motionless) Mixers 12 Incorporation of Liquid Additives and Dispersions by Direct Addition 13 Dispersive Mixing of Fillers and Pigments 14 Dispersive Mixing Applied to Polymer Blending 15 Compounding with Single Screw Extruders Appendix - Preparation of Microtome Sections for Assessment of Dispersive In order to get a feel for this book, you can view Chapter 1 now, simply follow the link ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The bibliography contains citations concerning industrial uses and design of microwave heating equipment. Included are heating and drying of paper, industrial process heat, vulcanization, textile processing, metallurgical heat for sintering and ceramic manufacturing, food processing, and curing of polymers.(Contains 50-250 citations and includes a subject term index and title list.) (Copyright NERAC, Inc. 1995)

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

European phosphorus derivatives manufacturer Italmatch Chemicals SpA has expanded its Phoslite range of fully colourable flame retardants for polymers with the addition of Phoslite B85AX. The company reports that its Phoslite technology is already `successfully consolidated' in polypropylene (PP) applications and, with introduction of the new product, is now starting to expand into polyamide PA6 and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) applications.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radiation sterilization has several merits that it is a positively effective sterilization method, it can be used to sterilize low heat-resistant containers and high gas barrier films, and there is no possibility of residual chemicals being left in the packages. It has been commercially used in 'Bag in a Box' and some food containers. The #gamma# ray and an electron beam are commonly used in radiation sterilization. The #gamma# ray can sterilize large size containers and containers with complex shapes or sealed containers due to its strong transmission capability. However, since the equipment tends to be large and expensive, it is generally used in off production lines. On the other hand, it is possible to install and electron beam system on food production lines since the food can be processed in a short time due to its high beam coefficient and its ease of maintenance, even though an electron beam has limited usage such as sterilizing relatively thin materials and surface ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The method of surface acoustic waves is employed to determine the frequency and temperature dependences of the molar heat capacity of poly(vinyl chloride) on the contribution of Rayleigh local components of the longitudinal and transverse vibrations of structural units of the polymer. The calculated and experimental data are compared in terms of their dependence on the relaxation state of the system.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A solid electrolyte for lithium batteries requires several properties: a good ionic conductivity of about 10{sup -3} S/cm at 298 deg. K, a high cationic transport number (greater than 0.5), a redox stability window higher than 4.5 V, a good stability of the interface with the lithium electrode, and a sufficient mechanical stability. The family of gelled or hybrid electrolytes seems to meet all these requirements. Thus, a systematic study of the gelling of an ethylene carbonate and lithium bistrifluorosulfonimide (LiTFSI) based electrolyte has been carried out. The polymers used for gel or pseudo-gel synthesis are POE, PMMA and PAN which represent 3 different cases of interaction with the electrolyte. All the properties mentioned above have been studied according to the nature of the polymer and to the concentration of lithium salt, showing the advantages and drawbacks of each polymer. The possibility of using some of these ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Deposition of CN-based films by a novel version of active screen plasma nitriding, aiming at surface modification of polymers, is reported. The approach relies on the use of pure graphite as the grid material, which was found to act both as an active screen and as a dry source of carbon atoms for the synthesis of thin films consisting mainly of a stoichiometric CN layer with columnar-type structure and dome-like nanostructured morphology.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Analysis of damages done by the radiation in a polymer characterized by optic properties of polished surfaces, of uniformity and chemical resistance that the acrylic; resistant until the 150 centigrade grades of temperature, and with an approximate weight of half of the glass. An objective of this work is the development of a method that analyze in automated form the superficial damages induced by radiation in plastic materials means an images analyst. (Author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method is proposed for making a drilling mud, which includes mixing of an aqueous solution of a water soluble acrylic polymer with clay. It is distinguished by the fact that in order to reduce the corrosion activity of the clay solution, the dry clay is slaked in an aqueous solution of partially hydrolized polyacrylonitrile with the following component relationship (in percent by mass): clay, 3 to 10; hydrolized polyacrylonitrile, 3 to 5 and water, the remainder.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The sol-gel-immobilized Tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) [Ru(bpy)_3 "2"+] electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was applied to the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determination of phenothiazine derivatives (promazine, chlorpromazine, triflupromazine, thioridazine, and trifluoperazine) and erythromycin in human urine samples. In this method, Ru(bpy)_3 "2"+ was immobilized in sol-gel-derived titania (TiO_2)-Nafion nanocomposite films coated on a dual platinum electrode. This method eliminates an extra pump needed for the delivery of Ru(bpy)_3 "2"+ reagent into a reaction/observation zone in front of photomultiplier tube because the immobilized-Ru(bpy)_3 "2"+ is recycled on the electrode surface by an applied potential at +1.3 V versus Ag/AgCl (3 M NaCl) reference electrode. The resulting analytical performances such as detection limit, working range, sensitivity, and measurement precision were slightly worse than those obtained ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Individual nanoscale building blocks exhibit a wide range of size-dependent properties, since their size can be tuned over known characteristic length scales of bulk materials. In the last several years, the possibility of combining different materials in the form of two and three component nanoparticles (NPs) has been extensively explored. Also multi-component materials can be obtained via self-assembly of NPs from their binary colloidal mixtures. These new nanocrystal solids may possess tunable collective properties that originate from interactions between size and composition controlled building blocks. Exchange coupling between neighboring NPs of magnetically soft and hard materials enhances the magnetic energy product of the nanocomposite material. Randomly mixed solids of small and large semiconducting CdSe NPs revealed enhancement of photoluminescence intensity of large semiconductor particles accompanied by quenching of photoluminescence of the small ...

Science.gov (United States)

In the present work, a new kind of myoglobin (Mb)/Au nanoparticles composite film was fabricated on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes. Oppositely charged chitosan (CS) and silica (SiO(2)) nanoparticles were alternately adsorbed on the PG surface by the electrostatic interaction between them, forming {CS/SiO(2)}(5) layer-by-layer films. Mb and HAuCl(4) in solution were then simultaneously loaded into {CS/SiO(2)}(5) films. The loaded Au(III) in the films were electrochemically reduced into Au nanoparticles, forming nanocomposite films, designated as {CS/SiO(2)}(5)-Mb-Au. Various techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to characterize the films. Compared with {CS/SiO(2)}(5)-Mb films without Au nanoparticles inside, the {CS/SiO(2)}(5)-Mb-Au films exhibited much ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Porous carbon with high surface area and pore volume was prepared by a reverse replication process and its toluene equilibrium adsorption behavior was investigated. The preparation process of the porous carbon was composed of following sub-processes in series: synthesis and template preparation of silica gel, impregnation and polymerization of DVB monomer in silica template, carbonization of DVB polymer in a silica-polymer composite, and HF-assisted selective etching of silica in carbon-silica composite, The prepared porous carbon was nano porous and had ultrahigh specific surface area (2007 m{sup 2}/g) and large pore volume (3.07cm{sup 3}/g). The nanoporous carbon showed rapid toluene adsorption rate and good toluene adsorption capacity, compared with a commercial Y-type zeolite, In the present study, a reverse replication process to prepare nanoporous carbons will be introduced and its application potential as a gas adsorbent will be ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Propylene polymerizations were carried out with #phi#_2C(Flu)(Cp)ZrCl_2 and SiMe_2(Ind)2ZrCl_2 catalysts supported on silica, zeolite sodic mordenite (NaM) and acid mordenite (HM). The polymerizations were performed at different temperatures and varying aluminium/zirconium molar ratios ([Al]/[Zr]). The effect of these reaction parameters on the catalyst activity was investigated using a proposed statistical experimental planning. In the case of f_2C(Flu)(Cp)ZrCl_2, SiO_2 and NaM were used as support and the catalyst performance evaluated using toluene and pentane as polymerization solvent. The molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, melting point and crystallinity of the polymers were examined. The results indicate very high activities for the syndiospecific heterogeneous system. Also, the polymers obtained had superior Mw and stereo regularity. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The phenomenology of wire chamber aging is discussed and fundamentals of proportional counters are presented. Free-radical polymerization and plasma polymerization are discussed. The chemistry of wire aging is reviewed. Similarities between wire chamber plasma (>1 atm dc-discharge) and low-pressure rf-discharge plasmas, which have been more widely studied, are suggested. Construction and use of a system to allow study of the plasma reactions occurring in wire chambers is reported. A proportional tube irradiated by an {sup 55}Fe source is used as a model wire chamber. Condensable species in the proportional tube effluent are concentrated in a cryotrap and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Several different wire chamber gases (methane, argon/methane, ethane, argon/ethane, propane, argon/isobutane) are tested and their reaction products qualitatively identified. For all gases tested except those containing methane, use of hygroscopic filters to remove trace water and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The deposition of platinum on various carbon blacks was carried out by forming active functional groups on the surface of the carbon support, and exchanging these active groups with different platinum complexes. Using H{sub 2}PtCl{sub 6} solution, an impregnation rather than an exchange takes place. However, using divalent platinum complexes [Pt(NH{sub 3}){sub 4}]{sup 2+}, a fast exchange takes place which leads to extremely small platinum particles highly dispersed on the surface of carbon black. A comparison of the catalytic activities of platinum supported on various carbon blacks was also carried out. The performances of PEFC (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell) based on the process of the ion exchange are reported. (authors) 3 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Coded imaging techniques using thick, micro-Fresnel zone plates as coded apertures have been used to image x-ray emission (2--20 keV) and 3.5 MeV Alpha particle emissions from laser driven micro-implosions. Image resolution in these experiments was 3--8 ..mu..m. Extension of this coded imaging capability to higher energy x rays (approx.100 KeV) and more penetrating charged particles (e.g., approx.15 MeV protons) requires the fabrication of very thick (50--200 ..mu..m), high aspect ratio (10:1), gold Fresnel zone plates with narrow linewidths (5--25 ..mu..m) for use as coded apertures. A reactive ion etch technique in oxygen has been used to produce thick zone plate patterns in polymer films. The polymer patterns serve as electroplating molds for the subsequent fabrication of the free-standing gold zone plate structures.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Some kind of one-dimensional (1D) peanut-shaped fullerene polymers (PSFPs) exhibit metallic properties, but their occurrence conditions are not yet clarified. By using the VASP (Vienna ab-initio simulation package) with density functional theory (DFT) and projector augmented wave (PAW) method, we have performed first-principles electronic structure calculations of four basic 1D PSFPs, T1, T2, T6, and T7 (the name of T1-T6 is the same as that of Wang et al. [9]) and two associated 1D PSFPs, T1SW1 and T6SW that are created by generalized Stone-Wales transformation (GSW) from T1 and T6. We found that almost regular six-membered rings connected throughout the tube are necessary to get metallic properties for the 1D PSFPs, although there may be several other conditions to expect metallic proper...