Graphite Oxide and Aromatic Amines: Size Matters

Experimental and theoretical studies are performed in order to illuminate, for first time, the intercalation mechanism of polycyclic aromatic molecules into graphite oxide. Two representative molecules of this family, aniline and naphthalene amine are investigated. After intercalation, aniline molecules prefer to covalently connect to the graphene oxide matrix via chemical grafting, while napthalene amine molecules bind with the graphene oxide surface through π–π interactions. The presence of intercalated aromatic molecules between the graphene oxide layers is demonstrated by X‐ray diffraction, while the type of interaction between graphene oxide and polycyclic organic molecules is elucidated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical calculations describe the intercalation mechanism and the aniline grafting, rationalizing the experimental data. The present work opens new perspectives for the interaction of various aromatic molecules with graphite oxide and the so‐called “intercalation chemistry”.     

Time and cost securing in complex large-scale projects

Meeting time and cost objectives in complex projects involves specific problems and risks. An attempt is made to analyse the components of total cost increase of a project caused by time delay. An outline is given as to how these considerations can be used to estimate cost increases in investors' decision situations as well as to ascertain fair contractual penalties and claims for compensation and for the evaluation of justified project acceleration costs.     

Operation of an experimental facility for fabrication of fuel elements and fuel assemblies of the bor-60 containing vibrocompacted fuel

Translated from Atomnaya Énergiya, Vol. 67, No. 5, pp. 320–323, November, 1989.     

Analysis of real-time properties and rules for setting protocol parameters of MAP networks

This paper reports on an evaluation of real-time properties of MAP (Manufacturing Automation Protocol) networks by analytical considerations and measurements. Based on a model of the time schedule of a communication cycle figures for response times (transport system) and message delays (MAC layer) are given. The influence of some options for handling acknowledgments within the transport layer is shown. The message delay at MAC layer is separated into an implementation-dependent and a protocol-dependent protion, and an upper bound is derived. Rules for selecting protocol parameters affecting real time behavior are given. Aspects for improved implementations of communication controllers for MAP networks are discussed.     

Health and safety precautions in the relining of aluminum electrolysis cells

The risk of accidents when handling liquid metal and bath, the potential for explosions through reactions of gases, and electrical hazards all highlight the vital importance of safety in the cathode repair and cell restart processes. With respect to hygiene, refractory materials and reaction products must be handled carefully when repairing cathodes and when welding. Personnel therefore require appropriate clothing and protective equipment. This article reviews various procedures—short circuiting a cell, digging out the spent potlining, preparing the empty steel shell, fixing the steel bars to the cathode blocks, and general relining and start-up—in the context of both safety and health.