A hexane solution deposition of SnS2 films from tetrabutyltin via a solvothermal route at moderate temperature

SnS₂ films have been deposited on glass and alumina plate substrates by the reactions between an organotin precursor [tetrabuyltin, (CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃)₄Sn] and carbon disulfide in n-hexane at the temperature range 180-200 °C for 10-40 h. The reaction system was oxygen free and applied at a moderate temperature. The films so prepared were characterized by techniques of X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopies. The films deposited on glass as well as on alumina plate have an average thickness of 30 μm, but have different rose-like morphologies, which are influenced by both the anisotropic growths of crystals and the different substrate structures. Photoluminescence measurements show that the films have an emission peak at approximately 590 nm.     

The combustion of kerosene: Experimental results and kinetic modelling using 1- to 3-component surrogate model fuels

The oxidation of kerosene Jet-A1 and that of n-decane have been studied experimentally in a jet-stirred reactor at atmospheric pressure and constant residence time, over the high temperature range 900–1300 K, and for variable equivalence ratio (0.5≤ϕ≤2). Concentration profiles of the reactants, stable intermediates, and final products have been obtained by probe sampling followed by on-line and off-line GC analyses. The oxidation of neat n-decane and of kerosene in these conditions was modeled using a detailed kinetic reaction mechanism (209 species and 1673 reactions, most of them reversible). The present model was successfully used to simulate the structure of a fuel-rich premixed n-decane–oxygen–nitrogen flame. In the modelling, kerosene was represented by four surrogate model fuels: 100% n-decane, n-decane-n-propylbenzene (74%/26% mol), n-decane-n-propylcyclohexane (74%/26% mol), and n-decane-n-propylbenzene-n-propylcyclohexane (74%/15%/11% mol). The 3-component model fuel was the most appropriate for simulating the JSR experiments. It was also successfully used to simulate the structure of a fuel-rich premixed kerosene–oxygen–nitrogen flame.     

Self-assembly of highly oriented palladium-based nanowires on mica surface

The self-assembly of various nanostructures is recently attracting a great deal of research attention. In this paper, we demonstrate that a palladium chloride aqueous solution, mixed with a proper ammonia solution, can produce Tetra-amminepalladous chloride (Pd(NH₃)₄Cl₂·H₂O) nanowires. These nanowires can spontaneously form the two-dimensional hexagon-oriented Pd(NH₃)₄Cl₂·H₂O arrays on mica surfaces. We can control the length and height of these nanowires by adjusting their deposit time on the mica substrate. This method can be potentially used in making sensors or in making templates to wire and position nanodevices.     

Flammability ranking of foliage species by factor analysis of physical and chemical pyric properties

In this paper, factor analysis is introduced to evaluate the flammability of 55 foliage species that may be used in China for construction of the fuel break network of forest strips with lower flammability. Six pyric parameters, i.e. air dry moisture content, absolute dry moisture content, ignition point, ash content, caloric value and extractive content, are measured and used as variables for factor analysis. The covariance analysis shows that four principal factors can be extracted to reflect the flammability in different physical and chemical senses. In terms of the contributions of the four factors to the variances and the physical significance of the relevant parameters, the four factors are, respectively, termed as ‘flaming factor,’ ‘air dry factor,’ ‘ash factor’ and ‘absolute dry factor.’ The stability of the factor analysis method is examined by a different number of samples considered, and the variation degrees of the orderings indicate that the method has high reliability to measure the total flammability of foliage species. The results of the flammability evaluation are verified by comparison with the recommended tree species in the Chinese technology standard. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and properties of PDMS modified waterborne polyurethane–acrylic hybrid emulsion by solvent-free method

A new type of polysiloxane modified polyurethane–acrylic hybrid emulsion was synthesized by solvent-free method and the polysiloxane was introduced into the soft segment of polyurethane chains using dihydroxybutyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The formed film from the hybrid emulsion could provide obviously higher water-resistance property. The preparation technologies such as the content of carboxy group and acrylic monomer, the rate and the time of emulsification were discussed systematically. The chain structure and the particle size were confirmed by the analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The effect of PDMS content on the water resistance and the mechanical property were investigated by absorbed water ratio, water contact angle and dynamic mechanical measurement.     

Fouling study of silicon oxide pores exposed to tap water

We report on the fouling of Focused Ion Beam (FIB)-fabricated silicon oxide nanopores after exposure to tap water for two weeks. Pore clogging was monitored by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on both bare silicon oxide and chemically functionalized nanopores. While fouling occurred on hydrophilic silicon oxide pore walls, the hydrophobic nature of alkane chains prevented clogging on the chemically functionalized pore walls. These results have implications for nanopore sensing platform design.     

短脉冲激光与岩石相互作用机理初探

石油开采过程中，为增大原始岩体的渗流速度，一般采用水压致裂或射孔弹的方法来加以实现，但两种方法都存在一定缺陷。为探索一种新概念石油开采技术，即采用激光技术增大原始岩体的渗透率，对短脉冲激光辐照自然、饱水和饱油状态的花岗岩、大理岩和红砂岩的响应作了初步研究。得到了激光辐照下，岩石试样内烧蚀坑的三维形态以及烧蚀状态与脉冲数的初步关系。结果表明：脉冲激光可以在试样局部产生一定的裂纹；饱油试样的烧蚀情况较饱水和自然状态更严重。但对于产生的裂纹数量，尺寸以及方向等方面的控制尚需进一步的工作。