Hybrid thermosets from polyisocyanate/water glass/emulsifier systems: Effects of melamine‐formaldehyde resin

Melamine‐formaldehyde resin (MF) was selected as potential reactive emulsifier for polyurea‐based thermoset resins produced from polyisocyanate/water glass (WG)/emulsifier systems. As emulsifier tricresylphosphate and/or MF served for the initial water‐in‐oil type (“water” = WG; “oil” = polyisocyanate + emulsifier) emulsions. The MF content of the systems has been varied (≤15 wt %) and its effect on the structure, mechanical, thermal and flammability properties of the final polyurea‐based thermosets studied. It was found that MF is a suitable emulsifier, which can fully replace the phosphate without negatively affecting the properties of the resulting hybrid thermosets. Moreover, hybridization with MF was often accompanied with pronounced improvements in fracture mechanical and static flexural properties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Assessment of Bitumen Re c overy from the Athabasca Oil Sands Using a Laboratory Denver Flotation Cell

A methodology was developed in this study to evaluate the effect of operating parameters on the processability of oil sands using small‐scale laboratory experimental devices. By subtracting bitumen recovered to the froth by entrainment with water, the concept of “true flotation recovery” is proposed to describe bitumen recovery resulting from bitumenbubble attachment. The experimental results indicated that “true flotation recovery” is a more sensitive and meaningful marker than overall bitumen recovery to evaluate the processability of oil sands using small‐scale laboratory test units.     

A 3D Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method with Reactive Flow Model for the Simulation of ANFO

ANFO (ammonium nitrate/fuel oil) is a widely used bulk industrial explosive mixture that is considered to be highly “non‐ideal” with long reaction zones, low detonation energies, and large failure diameters. Thus, its detonation poses great challenge for accurate numerical modeling. Herein, we present a numerical model to simulate ANFO based on improved smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method, which is a mesh‐free Lagrangian method performing well in simulating situations consist of moving interface and large deformation, as happened in high‐velocity impact and explosion. The improved three‐dimensional SPH method incorporated with JWL++ model is used to simulate the detonation of ANFO. Good agreement is observed between simulation and experiment, which indicates that the proposed method performs well in prediction of behavior of ANFO.     

The marangoni effect and enhanced oil recovery Part 1. Porous media studies

The use of partitionable solutes, e.g., aliphatic alcohols, to enhance the recovery of trapped oil in reservoir rock, has been simulated using a ballotini-packed column initially flooded with kerosene, and subsequently lowered to an irreducible value by a water drive. Introduction of a “slug” of an alcohol effected an increased recovery, with n-propanol and sec-butanol giving the highest yields. Previous workers attributed such increased recovery to the formation of a “soluble front”, in which both oil and connate water are completely dissolved. However, we obtained similar recoveries using slugs with initial compositions lying on the miscibility boundary, which could not form soluble fronts. It was therefore concluded that Marangoni-induced oscillation of the trapped drops is the more likely explanation of the enhanced recovery.     

Improvement of the Durability of Zinc-Coated Steel/Epoxy Bonded Joints

The durability properties of bonded lap shear joints made from an epoxy/dicyandiamide adhesive and hot-dipped galvanized (G2F) or electroplated-phosphated (EZ2) steel have been investigated. The degradation mechanisms have been studied after three accelerated ageing tests: the “cataplasme humide” (“C.H.T.”), immersion (“I.T.”), and salt spray (“S.S.T.”) tests. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of fracture surfaces after ageing have shown that anodic dissolution of the zinc-coating is responsible for debonding in all cases and that intergranular corrosion phenomena account for poorer performances of the hot-dipped galvanized substrate during “C.H.T.” and “I.T.” Silane coupling agents were successfully used as primers on both substrates to increase the hydrolytic stability of the metal/adhesive interface. XPS results indicate that both the interfacial dissolution of the phosphate coating of EZ2 and intergranular corrosion of G2F are delayed for silane-primed specimens. The observed improvements do not appear to depend on the nature of the silane coupling agents. Alkylsilanes have been found to perform as well as silanes having a group capable of reacting with the epoxy/dicyandiamide system.

Additional tests were carried out in view of the possible application of organosilane reagents as additives in corrosion-protective oils. Good durability properties have been obtained by priming the metal coupons with a standard oil/silane mixture prior to bonding.

When corrosion was the controlling degradation mechanism as is the case during the salt spray test, silane treated specimens did not generally perform better than control specimens.     

基于故障树方法的机动车燃油大气环境风险评价：以杭州市为例

由于城市化、工业化和机动车数量的快速增长,灰霾天气已成为中国许多大城市亟待解决的严重环境污染问题。大量石油燃料消耗产生的机动车尾气排放可能是引起城市灰霾污染的一个关键因素。以长江三角洲的代表性城市杭州市为具体案例,探索将安全工程领域的故障树方法应用在机动车燃油尾气排放大气环境风险评价和与灰霾天气的致因机理分析上。通过辨识导致城市机动车尾气过量排放的关键风险因子,构建了杭州市“灰霾天气–机动车尾气过量排放”的故障树。另外采用结构、概率以及临界重要度分析,对关键风险因子对顶上事件“灰霾天气–机动车尾气过量排放”的贡献和影响程度进行了定性和定量分析。分析结果表明,过量机动车使用,严重的交通堵塞、高污染机动车的不当使用以及监管不严是对杭州市机动车尾气过量排放影响较大的关键风险因子。可为城市机动车燃油环境风险因子评价以及管理提供一种简洁有效的方法和思路。     

The fracture behaviors of carbon nanotube and nanoscroll reinforced silicon matrix composites

Fracture properties of both carbon nanotube (CNT) and carbon nanoscroll (CNS) reinforced silicon (Si) matrix composites under tension are investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that either a single-wall CNT or a multi-wall one (MWCNT) will be pulled out if the length of the CNT is short, while brittle fracture of CNT will happen for a relatively long one. It is interesting to find that the “sword-in-sheath” fracture mode observed experimentally in a long MWCNT reinforced alumina matrix composite is verified well by our simulations. Furthermore, comparing to a CNT reinforced Si matrix composite, fracture toughness of a CNS reinforced one can be significantly enhanced by both the length and the layer of the CNS. Crack in CNS propagates along its circumference and moves inward layer by layer so that large parts of the fracture energy are dissipated. The results provide a direct understanding of the fracture strength observed experimentally and an insight for improving the fracture toughness of some novel composites.     

Experimental study on cold press workability of aluminum-polyethylene sandwich laminates

The cold press workability of aluminum-polyethylene sandwich laminates is experimentally investigated by a deep drawing process with a conical die. “Planium” of 2 mm thickness, in which the core layer, high density polyethylene, is sandwich-laminated between two aluminum sheets, is used as a test specimen. Soybean oil is employed as a lubricant. The dimensions of the drawing die set are determined for a circular, blank so that the tensile fracture of the drawn.cup occurs at the top corner of the punch. The limiting draw ratio (LDR) is experimentally explored by using many blanks of various initial diameters. In general the maximum punch load in successful drawing increases linearly with increasing draw ratio. Because of the sandwich structure, the fracture of the drawn cup occurs twice. The initial fracture (LDR_s) corresponds to a fine bending fracture at the aluminum surface. The second fracture (LDR_B) is the complete fracture of the whole laminate. The effect of punch corner radius, working velocity and thickness fraction of aluminum and polyethylene on LDR_S and LDR_B are studied. The strain distributions of deep drawn cup in three orthogonal directions are analyzed experimentally.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of silicon nitride with tri-laminate structures

Silicon nitride ceramics with tri-laminate structures were prepared using two kinds of layers; layer with the aligned silicon nitride whisker seeds (named as “S” layer) and layer without the seed (“N” layer). The fracture toughness values on the casting surface of N layer of sample with a tri-laminate structure (N–S–N structure) showed an anisotropy, and this is contrary to the isotropic fracture toughness observed from the casting surface of sample consisting of only N layers. The fracture toughness anisotropy observed from N layer of the former sample is explained in terms of the microstructural anisotropy induced by the sintering shrinkage anisotropy within the casting plane.     

Material Balance and Physical Characterization of the Various Streams in the Clarification Station of a Palm Oil Mill

Abstract

The main function of the clarification station of a palm oil mill is to separate the pure oil from the other undesirable constituents like non-oil solids (N.O.S.) and water. The aim is to achieve minimal oil loss in the sludge discharge through optimal utilization of all machineries involved. The efficiency of the station depends on the performance of the clarification tank and the type of centrifuges used. This can be determined by measuring the flow rates of and applying the “material balance” principle to the various streams in the station. The constituents of the various streams can be characterized by centrifugation and optical microscopy. Results show that for the mill under study, a 78% efficiency in oil separation for the clarification tank could be achieved. A comparison of the Alfa Laval separator and the Stork centrifuge revealed that the former was more efficient in removal of N.O.S. and water from the underflow, while the latter was better for oil recovery. The constituents of the recycles from these two machines were different. Much optimization is needed for efficient operation. Two main types of N.O.S. were identified. The “middle layer,” obtained by centrifugation, consisted of plant cells bloated with oil whereas the heavier sediments were plant cells either containing very fine oil droplets or completely devoid of oil. The “middle layer” constituted about 20-25% of the recycle streams. The nature of the oil from the separator was mainly of Type II whereas that from the centrifuge was of Type III.     

Virgin Olive Oils from Super-High-Density Orchards in California: Impact of Cultivar,Harvest Time,and Crop Season on Quality and Chemical Composition

The impact of cultivar, harvest time, and crop season on olive fruit characteristics and olive oil quality and minor components composition is assessed for super-high-density “Arbequina”, “Arbosana”, and “Koroneiki” in California, United States, during 2016, 2017, and 2018. Fruit oil content reaches a plateau in November for “Arbequina” and “Arbosana,” while the accumulation rate keeps constant until early December for “Koroneiki.” Free fatty acids, diacylglycerols, pyropheophytins, and ΔK are not affected by any of the considered factors. Peroxide value, K_232, and K₂₇₀ decreases with harvest time. Chlorophylls content decreases with harvest time, more rapidly in “Arbequina” and “Arbosana” than in “Koroneiki”. Cultivar is the main factor affecting the fatty acid profile. “Koroneiki” has the highest oleic acid content, followed by “Arbosana” and “Arbequina.” Phenolic and volatile compounds are profoundly affected by cultivars and crop seasons, suggesting the relevance of these factors on the sensory and nutritional properties of virgin olive oil from super-high-density cultivars. Stepwise linear discriminant analysis allows selecting suitable markers among fatty acids, phenolic, and volatile compounds for cultivar, crop season, and harvest time discrimination. Practical Application: This paper constitutes the first report of a multiyear study considering quality and composition in bioactive compounds of super-high-density “Arbequina,” “Arbosana,” and “Koroneiki,” planted in California, USA. This information helps processors understand the differences in oil made from the most common super-high-density cultivars along harvest times and for growers to make planting and harvesting decisions.     

Toughening mechanism of rubber reinforced epoxy composites by thermal and microwave curing

The carboxyl terminated polybutadiene (CTBN) is utilized to improve the toughness of diglycidylether of bisphenol A epoxy cured by heat and microwave. The change of viscosity, chemical groups, and the glass transition temperature (T_g) of system are analyzed. The impact performance is characterized to evaluate the fracture toughness, and tensile properties also are investigated. The fracture morphologies are observed by the scanning electron microscopy for exploring toughening mechanism. The viscosity results indicate that viscosity of system increases with increasing of CTBN, demonstrating the formation of precrosslinking and interpenetrating network structure of two phases. The Fourier transform infrared spectrometer results show that effective chemical bonds are formed between CTBN and epoxy resins. The T_g decreases with introducing CTBN, indicating the decline of crosslinking density, which further suggests inherent three‐dimensional structure have been changed. The impact strength and energy increase with increasing of CTBN, and reach a maximum value of 5.92 kJ/m² and 0.13 kJ at 15% for thermal curing, respectively, increased by 36.8% and 23.1% relative to microwave curing system, while tensile strength and modulus reach the optimum at 5%. Scanning electron microscopy observation finds that “plastic tensile” and “microvoid” deriving from “sea‐island” structure exist, presenting the ductile fracture features. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45767.     

FIVE-SPOT INJECTION/PRODUCTION WELL LOCATION DESIGN BASED ON FRACTURE GEOMETRICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN HEAVY OIL FRACTURED RESERVOIRS DURING MISCIBLE DISPLACEMENT: AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Mapping fracture characteristics by using seismic acquisition and processing is important not only to identify sweet spots, but also to optimize production, especially for unconventional heavy oil reservoirs. In this experimental work we used five-spot micromodels initially saturated with heavy oil to find the optimum well locations during first-contact miscible displacement. The experiments were performed at a fixed injection rate on fractured micromodels with various patterns. The optimum location for injection/production wells was found in the pattern where fractures make an angle of 45° with the mean flow direction. Moreover, oil recovery was increased with the density, length, level of scattering, and discontinuity of fractures. The analysis of the experimentally measured recovery curve revealed that there are three distinct stages for each displacement. The efficiency of the first stage was found to be dominated by dispersion and diffusion. However, the recovery of the second stage was significantly affected by the fracture orientation. The displacement efficiency of the third stage was controlled by solvent dispersion, which is at maximum for the pattern with higher density, length, scattering, and discontinuity of fractures. Saturation monitoring showed that the fracture geometrical characteristics strongly affected the splitting, spreading, and shielding of the produced fingers and solvent front shape and consequently affected the recovery factor. As a result, five-spot micromodels can be used to investigate the optimum location of injection/production wells during miscible displacements in fractured heavy oil reservoirs.     

Olive Oil from “Sikitita” under Super-High-Density Planting System in California: Impact of Harvest Time and Crop Season

“Sikitita” is a relatively new olive cultivar obtained from crossbreeding between “Picual” and “Arbequina” that can be trained into the super-high-density orchard system. The impact of harvest time and crop season (2017 and 2018) on fruit parameters, oil quality, and minor compounds was assessed for super-high-density “Sikitita” in California, USA. Maximum olive fruit oil content (~49% on a dry basis) was reached between the first and second weeks of November. Quality parameters were within limits for extra virgin classification for all harvest times during both crop seasons. While total phenols were affected by harvest time, crop year, and their interaction, total volatile content was mainly influenced by harvest time. Both phenolic and volatile compounds reached a maximum concentration by the first week of October, suggesting that harvesting at the beginning of October would lead to a richer oil in terms of minor components. However, oil yield can be maximized if the harvest takes place in November. Our results demonstrated fruit parameters, oil quality, and minor compounds of super-high-density “Sikitita” followed a similar pattern and reached comparable values in both years, despite an earlier maturation in 2018. “Sikitita” has potential as a viable cultivar for growers and processors who are looking to expand on the traditional super-high-density cultivars.     

Some structural aspects of sisal fibers

A critical account has been presented of the recent investigation on the chemical modification of lignocellulosic sisal fibers. The molecular structure of the paracrystalline cellulose, which forms the major constituent of the fiber, was studied by x-ray diffraction technique. Scanning electron microscope examination of the multicellular structure, surface topology, and fracture morphology of the fiber was carried out. The mechanical properties of the sisal ultimate cell and the “technical” fiber have been investigated by means of a microextensometer and an Instron tensile tester, respectively.     

Fracture testing and toughening of epoxy resins

The tapered cantilever cleavage and the single-edge-notch tension fracture toughness tests have been shown to give similar results for several cured epoxy resin systems. Methods for the calculation of fracture energy and critical stress intensity factors are described and discussed. These tests have been used to study the influence of rubber modifiers (“Hycar” CTBN and “Blendex” 311) on the toughness of a conventional epoxy resin (“Epikote” 828) reacted with anhydride curing agents. The modifiers used increase fracture energies and stress intensity factors by factors of approximately 5 and 2 respectively.     

A novel method for fabricating brick-mortar structured alumina-zirconia ceramics with high toughness

The present work reports a novel and simple approach to prepare alumina-zirconia composites with superior toughness. Alumina microspheres were innovatively used as the raw materials, followed by coating zirconia and hot-pressing sintering to fabricate alumina-zirconia ceramics. The resultant ceramics are given a unique brick-mortar microstructure, in which the zirconia “mortar” layers continuously distribute around the alumina “brick” matrix, leading to outstanding fracture toughness of 7.34 MPa·m^1/2 and high strength of 635.84 MPa when prepared with zirconia contents of 10 wt%. The major explanation could be ascribed to that crack tips in sintered samples tend to propagate along the zirconia “mortar” layer, accompanied by deflection and branching, which effectively improve the fracture toughness of composites. The uniformity and integrity of the brick-mortar structure could be well tuned by varying the amount of zirconia. This method has reference significance for the preparation of high toughness alumina-based multiphase ceramics.     

A comparison of torsional and capillary rheometry for polymer melts: The Cox-Merz rule revisited

Rheological properties of high and low density polyethylene melts (HOPE and LDPE) were measured under two different deformation modes: sinusoidal strain (“dynamic”) and constant rate-of-strain (“steady-state”). For the sinusoidal measurements, a torsional geometry was used, whereas the “steady-state” measurements were carried out in both torsional and capillary flow. The complex and “viscous” components of the “dynamic” viscosity were compared with the “steady-state” viscosities, corrected for both non-Newtonian and end effects. For the HDPEs, the Cox-Merz rule was found to be not valid. The corrected viscosity is closer in magnitude to the “viscous” component, and not to the complex viscosity. However, for the LDPEs, the corrected viscosity is equivalent to the complex viscosity. These results are compared to other correlations found by various authors.     

Fracture surface characteristics of unfilled thermosets

Many of the features that cause the great complexity of the fracture surfaces of thermosets are suggested to have a simple explanation. These features include the “basic longitudinal texture,” “steps,” “welts,” “arrays of skewed cracks,” and the “stacked lamellar texture.” The explanation for their occurrence is based on the hypothesis of an instability of the propagating crack front that produces a “fingering” ahead of the crack.     

The thermal decomposition of pure and doped cadmium carbonate: II. Surface and pore structure studies

Specific surface areas and pore structure studies were carried out on pure and doped cadmium carbonate heated at different temperatures. Doping with a different valency cation than the host ion was found to influence appreciably both the extent and location of the surface. Results could be interpreted in terms of anion vacancy mechanism, in which these vacancies could be created in the case of Li⁺ doping and could be annealed in the case of Al³⁺ doping, thus affecting “material” transport which in turn is reflected in changes in the extent and location of the surface. In this respect Al³⁺ ions might act as “inhibitors” for material transport and thus lead to a “stabilised” pore structure. The results implicitly suggest that “material” transport is more significant in affecting the pore structure than changes in the rates of isothermal decomposition.