Photovoltaic characterization of amorphous hydrogenated and chlorinated silicon films

Hydrogenated and chlorinated silicon films were used to deposit Schottky barrier solar cells. Photovoltaic characterization, together with the results of electronic transport measurements, led to the conclusion that the presence of chlorine is detrimental to the properties of this kind of device.     

Microwave-Assisted Reaction Sintering of Bismuth Titanate-Based Ceramics

Bismuth titanate-based ceramics, pure and doped with 5 mol% WO₃, were prepared by reaction-sintering using a microwave oven. High densities, ≥96% of theoretical density were achieved with very short thermal treatments, with soaking time ranging from 5 to 15 min. Relatively small platelet-like grains were formed, and microstructure seemed not to be strongly affected by doping nor soaking time. Electrical measurements were performed and, as expected, a decrease of electrical conductivity was observed in WO₃-doped materials. The results of reaction-sintered samples, both conventional as well as microwave sintered, are compared with those of samples prepared with previously calcined powders and sintered using microwaves as well as a conventional electric furnace.     

Infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopic studies of silica, [(Cp)2ZrCl2] and trimethylaluminum interactions

Infrared and UV–vis studies of metallocene immobilization on silica are reported here. The results have indicated changes in the Zr coordination sphere of metallocene depending on the immobilization route used. The reaction of [(Cp)₂ZrCl₂] with silica formed [(Cp)₂ZrCl]⁺[SiO]⁻ species. The same metallocene, reacting with TMA modified silica, formed monomethylated and dimethylated species by the substitution of chloro for methyl ligands, stabilized on the surface by interaction with “MAO-like” species (methylaluminoxane, MAO). These monomethylated and dimethylated cationic zirconium species are the active centers for the polymerization reaction. Different order of TMA addition in the silica modification step generated surface species of a similar nature, differing in their relative quantities. The highest amount of these active species was obtained when the support was added to the TMA solution rather than adding the TMA solution to the silica support. This was the most significant parameter affecting catalytic activity in ethylene polymerization.     

Activity of two lignin biosynthesis enzymes during development of a maize internode

To ascertain the temporal relationships of phcnylpropanoid and lignin pathway enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and cinnamyl alcohol- NADPH dehydrogenase(CAD), with lignin concentration, PAL and CAD activities and lignin concentrations were assessed during progressive development of the 10th internode in maize (Zea mays L). Enzyme activities were quantified and lignin concentrations were determined by the detergent system of fiber fractiona- tion from lower, middle, and upper sections of the elongating internode harvested 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 days after the internode had reached 10 mm in length. Over 15 days, a coordinated, sequential, and basipetal pattern of enzyme activities and lignin accumulation evolved through the internode, spanning the stages of rapid elongation, cellular differentiation, and secondary cell wall formation. PAL activity was initiated first, rising to peak activity in elongating tissue, and falling basipetally in tissues as they matured. CAD activity rose in fully elongated, maturing internode tissue where PAL activity was waning following its peak activity. Lignin accumulated in tissues with high CAD activity. CAD activity and lignin deposition patterns were similar: simultaneously increasing in activity and deposition over time while activity and deposition also shifting basipetally through the internode, keeping pace with secondary cell wall formation. Lignin concentration correlated significantly with CAD, but not with PAL.     

The risk of seroconversion in surgeons of the hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency viruses (in a specific surgical population)

The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) and antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was determined in the serum specimens of 288 patients treated surgically in the orthopaedic department of an urban public teaching hospital. The cumulative risk of HBV, HCV and HIV seroconversion for an orthopaedic surgeon during the surgical career span was calculated. We found that 1.4%, 3.1% and 1.7% of patients were seropositive for HBsAg, HCV antibody and HIV antibody, respectively. Seropositivity was neither associated with age nor with trauma, whereas male patients had a greater likelihood of seropositivity. Risk factor assessment did not prove to be discriminating in identifying which patients may pose a potential exposure risk. This study supports the concept of universal infection control precautions for orthopaedic surgeons regardless of the patients' risk factor or serologic status.     

Thermal shock acoustic emission and microstructure of refractories I. High Alumina refractories (60–90% Al2O3)

Acoustic emission generated on thermal shocks makes it possible to investigate the processes of cracking that take place in high alumina refractories separately at heating and cooling stages, as well as on successive thermal shocks. It is dependent on the raw material type, technological process and the microstructure of products (i.e. number, size and shape of pores and cracks). The damage present after 20 thermal shocks in the material tested was illustrated by the microstructure examinations.     

Catalytic wet air oxidation of butyric acid solutions using carbon-supported iridium catalysts

Aqueous solutions of butyric acid were treated by catalytic wet air oxidation using carbon-supported iridium catalysts in a stirred reactor. Under the operating conditions of 6.9 bar of oxygen partial pressure and 200 °C of temperature, conversions up to 52.9% after 2 h were obtained depending on the type of catalyst used. The effects of butyric acid initial concentration, loading of catalyst, oxygen partial pressure and temperature were investigated and the empirical rate law for acid conversion is presented. Oxidation intermediates such as propionic and acetic acid were identified. The heterogeneous catalyzed free-radical oxidation of butyric acid is discussed.     

Influence of the amount of ferromagnetic addition on the rheological properties of spinning solutions,the structure,the strength,and thermal properties of polyacrylonitrile fibres

The rheological properties of spinning solutions of polyacrylonitrile in dimethyl formamide (DMF) containing various amounts of a ferromagnetic nanoaddition were investigated. The porous structure, the strength and thermal properties of fibers obtained from these solutions were assessed, as well as the uniformity of the nanoaddition distribution on the fiber surface was estimated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Electrochemical behaviour of phenylethanolamine at gold in aqueous solution

The electrooxidation of phenylethanolamine (2-amino-1-phenylethanol) at a gold electrode in alkaline electrolyte has been studied. Measurement of the differential capacitance of the electric double layer versus the electrode potential has shown that the adsorption of phenylethanolamine at the gold-solution interface plays a significant role in the oxidation mechanism. The effect of amine concentration, electrolyte pH and potential scan rate on the electrooxidation is analysed.