Silver monoliths and their applications in catalytic reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP and sensing against As3+

Journal of Porous Materials - Silver monoliths using non-ionic surfactant Triton X-102 as reducing agent with and without additives such as Dextran and Ludox (SiNPs) were synthesized by modified...     

Green composites based on high‐density polyethylene and Saccharum spontaneum: Effect of filler content on morphology,thermal, and mechanical properties

Here we report the preparation and characterization of a green composite based on high‐density polyethylene and Kaans grass (Saccharum spontaneum). The composites were prepared by conventional melt‐mixing method, using maximum loading of Kaans grass in powder form (KG‐filler) to achieve acceptable range of required properties. Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene was used as compatibilizer to achieve effective interaction for improved surface adhesion which was confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopy. Morphological studies revealed good interaction between the base polymer matrices and the KG‐fillers that improved the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites up to certain (10 phr) KG‐filler loading. Study on water absorption property revealed moderate increase in weight at higher KG‐filler loadings. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and melt flow index (MFI) studies indicated retention of thermal stability and flow property of the HDPE/KG‐filler composite at lower filler loadings. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:2157–2166, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Correlation between the milling time and hydrogen storage properties of ZrCrFe ternary alloy

Laves phases with AB₂ compositions are common type of topologically close packed structure. Furthermore, lave phases are capable of dissolving considerable amounts of ternary alloying additions. ZrCr₂ crystallized in the hexagonal C14 type of structure is one of interesting candidate among them, but it is not used as storage compound due to its excessive stability, at 323 K the equilibrium pressure is only 1.2 kPa. However the substitution of chromium by other elements can modify the crystal structure, the hydriding capacity and dissociation pressure of hydrogen. In this work Fe has been chosen as a substitute material for Cr and ZrCrFe ternary alloy is prepared using arc furnace. The mechanical alloying process has been introduced to produce nanocrystalline material. This paper presents comprehensive study on structural aspects of ball milled ZrCrFe alloy. On comparison of the XRD data, the broadening was found in the peak width with the increase of milling time which is clear indication of refinement of crystallite size. This refinement could also be confirmed from the SEM analysis also. PCT measurements were performed for a temperature range 303 K–373 K.     

Hydrogen storage properties of Mg2Ni affected by Cr catalyst

The effect of Cr as a catalyst in different proportions was investigated to monitor the hydrogen storage properties of Mg₂Ni including their thermodynamic aspects. The P–C–T isotherms for absorption/desorption were measured at 225 °C, 250 °C, 275 °C and 300 °C temperatures. A significant increment in the plateau pressures at different temperature was observed, which shows the positive impact of Cr content in the formation of less stable hydrides. The active sites produced by the ball milling may be the reason for the formation of less stable hydrides. Decrements in the storage capacity with the Cr content were attributed to the formation of MgNi₂ phase which does not absorb hydrogen at the employed temperature-pressure conditions. XRD and SEM technique were used to identify the structural and morphological changes induced by the hydrogenation cycles.     

Uncertainty Analysis of Conventional Water Treatment Plant Design for Suspended Solids Removal

An approach that links a Monte-Carlo simulation based reliability program with the water treatment process behavior and performance model is presented for uncertainty analysis of the conventional water treatment plant (WTP) design. The expected mass concentration of suspended solids (SS) in the effluent water is employed as a measurement of system reliability. The approach for uncertainty analysis of a WTP is illustrated with a hypothetical case study. The parameters contributing significantly to the variability of SS concentration in the effluent water are identified. From an operational viewpoint, the variability in effluent water quality resulting from uncertainty in the system parameters is investigated. Also, improvement in the reliability of WTP using modified design parameters is investigated along with its cost implications. From the results, a method to calculate a set of safety factors corresponding to various performance reliability levels is proposed.     

Autonomous Line Scanning for SPC Telephone Switching Systems

An Autonomous Line Scanning Unit (ALSU) for completely autonomous detection of call originations in the SPC Telephone Switching System is described. Through its own memories, ALSU maintains an up-to-date record of subscribers' statuses, detects call originations, performs 'hit timing check' and informs the Switching System of the identity of calling subscribers. The ALSU needs minimum interaction with the Central Processor, resulting in increased call handling capacity.     

Rapid Assessment Testing of Polymer Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors in Elevated Temperature–Humidity Environments

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors with polymer electrolytes were developed to obtain lower equivalent series resistance (ESR) than that is achievable with liquid electrolytes. Replacement of the liquid electrolyte with a solid conductive polymer also overcomes the propensity of the liquid to evaporate over time, which leads to a reduction in capacitance and an increase in ESR values. However, capacitor manufacturers acknowledge that humidity can degrade the polymer, thereby having an adverse effect on the reliability of polymer aluminum (PA) capacitors. In the current study, surface mount and thru-hole PA capacitors from two different manufacturers were subjected to highly accelerated stress testing (110 °C, 85% RH) and elevated temperature–humidity (85 °C, 85% RH) conditions for rapid assessment. The polymer electrolyte in the capacitors was poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). Failure analysis was performed to determine the observed failure modes and the underlying failure mechanisms. The dominant failure modes observed were an increase in leakage current and an increase in ESR.     

Contract-mediated interorganizational interactions

A mediation service for monitoring terms of service can facilitate collaboration in virtual organizations (VO) by ensuring secure, private access to service resources. The author envisions a VO requiring a mediation service for monitoring and enforcing terms and conditions as well as a QoS-monitoring service. One or more trusted third parties (TTPs) could provide these two services. Indeed, legal regulatory requirements might explicitly state that third parties must provide such services.