Gravity Induced Absorption Changes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phycomyces blakesleanus</Emphasis> and Coleoptiles of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zea mays</Emphasis> as Measured on the Drop Tower in Bremen (FRG)

Various spectroscopic experiments performed on the AIRBUS ZERO G in the years 2002 to 2007 clearly exhibited optical reflection changes as a result of gravitational changes (GIAC = Gravity Induced Absorption Change) in Phycomyces sporangiophores and corn coleoptiles. GIACs that occurred during flight parabolas in response to hyper- and microgravity were detected by a micro dual wavelength spectrometer (MDWS) for wavelengths pairs in the visible and the near infrared. We assume that GIACs indicate redox-changes of electron transport components such as flavins and cytochromes. Because microgravity on the AIRBUS 300 ZERO G only amounts to moderate values of ±4 ×10^− 2 g, i.e. far below sensitivity of the MDWS, we performed an experiment on the drop tower in Bremen (Germany) that generates microgravity as low as 4 ×10^− 5 g for 4.7 s. We detected small but significant GIACs during the microgravity phase, different in various specimen.     

Processing maps for Fe–24Ni–11Cr–3Ti–1Mo superalloy

Hot deformation characteristics of a Fe-base superalloy were studied at various temperatures from 1000–1200°C under strain rates from 0·001–1 s^− 1 using hot compression tests. Processing maps for hot working are developed on the basis of the variations of efficiency of power dissipation with temperature and strain rate and interpreted by a dynamic materials model. Hot deformation equation was given to characterize the dependence of peak stress on deformation temperature and strain rate. Hot deformation apparent activation energy of the Fe–24Ni–11Cr–1Mo–3Ti superalloy was determined to be about 499 kJ/mol. The processing maps obtained in a strain range of 0·1–0·7 were essentially similar, indicating that strain has no significant influence on it. The processing maps exhibited a clear domain with a maximum of about 40–48% at about 1150°C and 0·001 s^− 1.     

Sessile Drop in Microgravity: Creation, Contact Angle and Interface

We present in this paper the results obtained from a parabolic flight campaign regarding the contact angle and the drop interface behavior of sessile drops created under terrestrial gravity (1g) or in microgravity (μg). This is a preliminary study before further investigations on sessile drops evaporation under microgravity. In this study, drops are created by the mean of a syringe pump by injection through the substrate. The created drops are recorded using a video camera to extract the drops contact angles. Three fluids have been used in this study : de-ionized water, HFE-7100 and FC-72 and two heating surfaces: aluminum and PTFE. The results obtained evidence the feasibility of sessile drop creation in microgravity even for low surface tension liquids (below 15 mN m^− 1) such as FC-72 and HFE-7100. We also evidence the contact angle behavior depending of the drop diameter and the gravity level. A second objective of this study is to analyze the drop interface shape in microgravity. The goal of the these experiments is to obtain reference data on the sessile drop behavior in microgravity for future experiments to be performed in an French-Chinese scientific instrument (IMPACHT).     

AC impedance and dielectric spectroscopic studies of Mg<Superscript>2 + </Superscript> ion conducting PVA–PEG blended polymer electrolytes

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–polyethylene glycol (PEG) based solid polymer blend electrolytes with magnesium nitrate have been prepared by the solution cast technique. Impedance spectroscopic technique has been used, to characterize these polymer electrolytes. Complex impedance analysis was used to calculate bulk resistance of the polymer electrolytes. The a.c.-impedance data reveal that the ionic conductivity of PVA–PEG–Mg(NO₃)₂ system is changed with the concentration of magnesium nitrate, maximum conductivity of 9·63 × 10^− 5 S/cm at room temperature was observed for the system of PVA–PEG–Mg(NO₃)₂ (35–35–30). However, ionic conductivity of the above system increased with the increase of temperature, and the highest conductivity of 1·71 × 10^− 3 S/cm was observed at 100°C. The effect of ionic conductivity of polymer blend electrolytes was measured by varying the temperature ranging from 303 to 373 K. The variation of imaginary and real parts of dielectric constant with frequency was studied.     

Preparation and thermoelectric properties of BP films on SOI and sapphire substrates

The chemical vapor deposited (CVD) BP films on Si(100) (190 nm)/SiO _x (370 nm)/Si(100) (625 μm) (SOI) and sapphire (R-plane) (600 μm) substrates were prepared by the thermal decomposition of the B₂H₆–PH₃–H₂ system in the temperature range of 800–1050 °C for the deposition time of 1.5 h. The BP films were epitaxially grown on the SOI substrate, but a two-step growth method, i.e., a buffer layer at lower temperature and sequent CVD process at 1000 °C for 1.5 h was effective for obtaining a smooth film on the sapphire substrate. The electrical conduction types and electrical properties of these films depended on the growth temperature, gases flow rates and substrates. The thermal conductivity of the film could be replaced by the substrate, so that the calculated thermoelectric figure-of-merit (Z) for the BP films on the SOI substrate was 10⁻⁴–10⁻³/K at 700–1000 K. Those on the sapphire substrate were 10⁻⁶–10⁻⁵/K for the direct growth and 10⁻⁵–10⁻⁴/K for the two-step growth at 700–900 K, indicating that the film on a sapphire by two-step growth would reduce the defect concentrations and promote the electrical conductivity.     

Effects of Steam Environment on Creep Behavior of Nextel™610/Monazite/Alumina Composite at 1,100°C

The tensile creep behavior of a N610™/LaPO₄/Al₂O₃ composite was investigated at 1,100°C in laboratory air and in steam. The composite consists of a porous alumina matrix reinforced with Nextel 610 fibers woven in an eight-harness satin weave fabric and coated with monazite. The tensile stress-strain behavior was investigated and the tensile properties measured at 1,100°C. The addition of monazite coating resulted in ~33% improvement in ultimate tensile strength (UTS) at 1,100°C. Tensile creep behavior was examined for creep stresses in the 32–72 MPa range. Primary and secondary creep regimes were observed in all tests. Minimum creep rate was reached in all tests. In air, creep strains remained below 0.8% and creep strain rates approached 2 × 10⁻⁸ s⁻¹. Creep run-out defined as 100 h at creep stress was achieved in all tests conducted in air. The presence of steam accelerated creep rates and significantly reduced creep lifetimes. In steam, creep strain reached 2.25%, and creep strain rate approached 2.6 × 10⁻⁶ s⁻¹. In steam, creep run-out was not achieved. The retained strength and modulus of all specimens that achieved run-out were characterized. Comparison with results obtained for N610™/Al₂O₃ (control) specimens revealed that the use of the monazite coating resulted in considerable improvement in creep resistance at 1,100°C both in air and in steam. Composite microstructure, as well as damage and failure mechanisms were investigated.     

Ferromagnetic Resonance and Hall Effect Characterization of GaMnSb Layers

The electrical and magnetic properties of GaSb:Mn layers deposited on (100)GaAs substrates from a laser plasma in vacuum have been studied. It is shown that the films deposited at 200–440 °C are mosaic single crystalline and epitaxial to the substrate, with p-type conduction. Manganese-doped layers had a hole concentration higher than 1×10¹⁹ cm⁻³ and fairly high values of mobility (up to 40 cm²/V s at 300 K). The layers grown at 200 °C exhibited an anomalous Hall effect up to approximately room temperature. On the contrary, a normal Hall effect was observed in the layers grown at 440 °C. Ferromagnetic resonance measurements have revealed the existence of ferromagnetism in the sample grown at 200 °C. The transition temperature is close to room temperature, in full agreement with the Hall data. In the sample grown at 440 °C, the formation of ferromagnetic clusters has tentatively been concluded.     

Characterization of dynamic recrystallisation in as-homogenized Mg–Zn–Y–Zr alloy using processing map

The hot working behavior of a as-homogenized Mg–Zn–Y–Zr alloy has been investigated in the temperature range 200–400°C and strain rate range 0.0015–7.5 s⁻¹ using processing map. The power dissipation map reveals that a domain of dynamic recrystallisation (DRX) in the temperature range 300–400°C and strain rate range 0.0015–0.15 s⁻¹, with its peak efficiency of 38% at 350°C and 0.0015 s⁻¹, which are the optimum hot working parameters. The apparent activation energy in the hot deformation process is 148 ± 3 KJ/mol that is larger than that of ZK60 alloy because of the obstruction of Y atoms for diffusion. DRX model indicates that DRX of Mg–Zn–Y–Zr alloy is controlled by the rate of nucleation, which is lower one order of magnitude than growth. And the rate of nucleation depends on the process of mechanical recovery by cross-slip of screw dislocations.     

Formation of nanoscale tungsten oxide structures and colouration characteristics

In this work, pH dependent evolution of tungsten oxide (WO₃) nanostructures is being reported along with physical characteristics. The synthesis was carried out via an inexpensive solvothermal cum chemical reduction route, with sodium tungstate (Na₂WO₄) and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (C₁₉H₄₂NBr) as main reactants. The X-ray diffraction, together with transmission electron microscopic studies have revealed formation of regular polyhedral nanocrystalline structures and fractals as one goes from higher pH (= 5·5) to lower pH (= 2) values. The average crystallite size, as calculated through Williamson–Hall plots, was varied within 2·8–6·8 nm for different pH samples. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveals in-plane bending vibration δ (W–OH), observable at ∼1630 cm^− 1 and strong stretching ν (W–O–W) located at ∼814 cm^− 1. Raman spectroscopy has divulged WO₃ Raman active optical phonon modes positioned at ∼717 and 805 cm^− 1. The thermochromic and photochromic properties of the nanoscale WO₃ sample prepared at pH = 5·5, are also highlighted.     

Effect of cobalt substitution on magnetic and transport properties of Nd0·5Sr0·5Mn1?xCoxO3 (x = 0·1, 0·3 and 0·5)

The magnetic and transport properties of the compounds Nd_0·5Sr_0·5Mn_1-x_{{\rm 1}-{x}}Co_x_{{x}}O₃ (x = 0·1, 0·3 and 0·5), synthesized by citrate–gel route have been investigated. The spin transition in cobaltates at low temperatures affects the magnetic as well as transport properties. The irreversibility behaviour between the zero-field cooled (ZFC) and field cooled (FC) magnetization as a function of temperature becomes stronger with increasing Co content. This is understood on the basis of glassy behaviour, which becomes more robust with increasing Co substitution. The non-saturating M–H behaviour indicates strong magnetic inhomogeneities which may cause the magnetic phase separation at the nanoscopic length scale. The double exchange interaction is stronger between Mn^3 +–O^2 −–Mn^4 + as compared to Co^3 +–O^2 −–Co^4 + pairs. Co-substitution suppresses the double exchange which will lead to cluster/spin glass like behaviour as well as semiconducting features due to localization of charge carriers (mobile e_g{e}_{\rm g} electrons).     

Effect of Firing Temperature on the Structure and Superconducting Properties of YBa<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>7−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript> Films

YBa₂Cu₃O_7−x (YBCO) films were prepared on LaAlO₃ single crystal substrate under various firing temperatures (750–800 °C) in the crystallization process by metalorganic deposition (MOD) method. The coating solution was made by mixing the fluorine-free precursor solution containing Y and Cu with Ba–fluorine precursor solution (Ba-TFA). The effect of firing temperature on the structure and superconducting properties of YBCO films was systematically investigated. The results indicated that YBCO-films were smooth, crack-free, exhibited good textures and retain high oxygen content according to the XRD and SEM images. Sample of YBCO-film fired at 780 °C showed highest superconducting properties including high critical transition temperature T _c=89 K, sharp transition temperature ΔT _c<1 K, and critical current density J _c=2.8 MA cm⁻², which are attributable to excellent in-plane textures and dense microstructures with good connectivity between the grains.     

Steady- and transient-state effects during the biological oxidation of gas-phase benzene in a continuously operated biofilter

Biofiltration is an aerobic degradation process in which a well-humidified contaminated air stream is passed through a porous packed medium that supports a thriving population of microbes. The removal of benzene vapor was investigated in a laboratory-scale biofilter packed with compost, inoculated with a mixed microbial consortium. This biofilter was operated continuously in six different phases for a period of 8 months at different flow rates, 0.024–0.144 m³ h⁻¹ with benzene concentrations ranging up to 1.7 g m⁻³. Under steady-state conditions, the removal efficiencies (REs) in the biofilter was consistently greater than 78% when benzene loading was less than 20 g m⁻³ h⁻¹. The maximum elimination capacity (EC) achieved in this study is 64 g m⁻³ h⁻¹ at an inlet loading rate of 128 g m⁻³ h⁻¹. The response of the biofilter to shutdown, restart operations and fluctuations in inlet concentration, and flow rate was determined by subjecting the biofilter to inlet loads of up to 120 g m⁻³ h⁻¹. The biofilter responded effectively to these loading conditions and was found to recover rapidly. The results from this study suggest that a compost biofilter is effective in treating benzene vapor under steady- and transient-conditions.     

Effect of Firing Temperature on the Structure and Properties of YBa2Cu3O7−x Films by TFA-MOD Method

YBa₂Cu₃O_7−x (YBCO) films were fabricated on LaAlO₃ (LAO) substrate under various firing temperatures (760–870 °C) in the crystallization process by metalorganic deposition (MOD) method using trifluoroacetates. The effect of firing temperature on the structure and properties of YBCO films was systematically investigated. According to the XRD and SEM images, the films fired at low temperature (760–800 °C) showed poor electrical performance due to rough surfaces and impurity phases. However, the films fired at 850 °C showed the highest critical temperature of 90 K and the highest J _c of 3.1 MA/cm² which attribute to the formation of a purer YBCO phase, fewer pores, and stronger biaxial texture.     

Degradation of trichloroethylene and related compounds by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycobacterium</Emphasis> spp. isolated from soil

 Mycobacterium spp. strains TA5 and TA27 (ethane-utilizing bacteria), which can degrade trichloroethylene (TCE) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), were isolated from soil. Both bacteria could cometabolically degrade dichloromethane, chloroform, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1-TCA, 1,1,2-TCA, 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, and TCE with ethane as a carbon source. They could not degrade carbon tetrachloride, freon 113, or tetrachloroethylene. The TCE degradation characteristics of strain TA27 were determined. Under a head-space gas containing 3% ethane, strain TA27 degraded more than 95% of TCE at an initial concentration of 1 mg l^–1 within 3 days. We observed good growth and TCE degradation between 25 and 35  °C. At an initial TCE concentration of 30 mg l^–1, it degraded 30% of TCE within 7 days. Although growth was inhibited for more than 50 mg l^–1 TCE at 3% ethane concentration, good growth and 50% degradation of TCE were observed at 12% ethane concentration within 14 days. High ethane concentration may mitigate the toxicity of TCE. Received: 24 January 2000 / Accepted: 10 March 2000     

Tensile deformation of a Mg–2.54Nd–0.26Zn–0.32Zr alloy at elevated temperature

The engineering stress versus engineering strain curves for a Mg–2.54Nd–0.26Zn–0.32Zr cast alloy were measured by Gleeble-1500D thermo-simulation machine in the temperature range of room temperature to 400 °C at initial strain rates of 10⁻⁴–10⁻² s⁻¹. The effects of strain rate on stress, elongation to facture, and section shrinkage were analyzed. The fractograph morphologies were investigated by using SEM. It was found that strain rate has little effect on engineering stress for the Mg–2.54Nd–0.26Zn–0.32Zr alloy when tested at below 250 °C. When tested at above 250 °C, low strain rate resulted in decreased engineering stress, increased elongation to fracture, and section shrinkage. The fracture mode is cleavage fracture with elongated dimple below 250 °C and changes to typical ductile failure when tested above 250 °C.     

Low-temperature cyclic crack resistance of steels of railroad wheels

We have established that the steels of high-and medium-strength railroad wheels in the presence of fatigue-crack-type defects are susceptible to low-temperature (up to −60°C) embrittlement only for high amplitudes of cyclic loading, when the growth rate of a fatigue crack exceeds 10⁻⁷ m/cycle. Here, the temperature of cyclic ductile-brittle transition for these steels constitutes −20 and −40°C, respectively. We have shown that the permissible and temperature-independent (within the range from 20 to −60°C ) size of a fatigue crack on the rim surface of the wheels under study does not exceed 1.9–2.5 mm for a hoop stress range of 400 MPa and 0.6–0.8 mm for 700 MPa. These results enable us to conclude that, for high-strength railroad wheels working at low climatic temperatures, it is necessary to carry out their flaw inspection with sensitivity to surface cracks of millimeter size. __________ Translated from Fizyko-Khimichna Mekhanika Materialiv, Vol. 44, No. 4, pp. 52–57, July–August, 2008.     

Parabolic Flights @ Home

We developed an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) suitable for small parabolic-flight experiments. The flight speed of 100 m s^− 1 is sufficient for zero-gravity parabolas of 16 s duration. The flight path’s length of slightly more than 1 km and 400 m difference in altitude is suitable for ground controlled or supervised flights. Since this fits within the limits set for model aircraft, no additional clearance is required for operation. Our UAV provides a cost-effective platform readily available for low-g experiments, which can be performed locally without major preparation. A payload with a size of up to 0.9 ×0.3 ×0.3 m³ and a mass of ∼5 kg can be exposed to 0 g ₀–5 g ₀, with g ₀ being the gravitational acceleration of the Earth. Flight-duration depends on the desired acceleration level, e.g. 17 s at 0.17 g ₀ (lunar surface level) or 21 s at 0.38 g ₀ (Martian surface level). The aircraft has a mass of 25 kg (including payload) and a wingspan of 2 m. It is powered by a jet engine with an exhaust speed of 450 m s^− 1 providing a thrust of 180 N. The parabolic-flight curves are automated by exploiting the advantages of sophisticated micro-electronics to minimize acceleration errors.     

Sol–gel derived Co<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> thin films: effect of annealing on structural,morphological and optoelectronic properties

Nanocrystalline Co₃O₄ thin films were prepared on glass substrates by using sol–gel spin coating technique. The effect of annealing temperature (400–700 °C) on structural, morphological, electrical and optical properties of Co₃O₄ thin films were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy, Electrical conductivity and UV–visible Spectroscopy. XRD measurements show that all the films are nanocrystallized in the cubic spinel structure and present a random orientation. The crystallite size increases with increasing annealing temperature (53–69 nm). These modifications influence the optical properties. The morphology of the sol–gel derived Co₃O₄ shows nanocrystalline grains with some overgrown clusters and it varies with annealing temperature. The optical band gap has been determined from the absorption coefficient. We found that the optical band gap energy decreases from 2.58 to 2.07 eV with increasing annealing temperature between 400 and 700 °C. These mean that the optical quality of Co₃O₄ films is improved by annealing. The dc electrical conductivity of Co₃O₄ thin films were increased from 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻² (Ω cm)⁻¹ with increase in annealing temperature. The electron carrier concentration (n) and mobility (μ) of Co₃O₄ films annealed at 400–700 °C were estimated to be of the order of 2.4–4.5 × 10¹⁹ cm⁻³ and 5.2–7.0 × 10⁻⁵ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ respectively. It is observed that Co₃O₄ thin film annealing at 700 °C after deposition provide a smooth and flat texture suited for optoelectronic applications.     

Combustion synthesis and structural characterization of Li–Ti mixed nanoferrites

Polycrystalline samples of the mixed nanoferrites, Li_{0·5 + 0·5x} Ti _x Fe_{2·5 − 1·5x} O₄ (0·02 ≤ x ≤ 0·1), were prepared by combustion method at lower temperatures compared to the conventional high temperature sintering for the first time at low temperatures, using PEG which acts as a new fuel and oxidant. XRD patterns reveal a single-phase cubic spinel structure. The as synthesized Li–Ti ferrites are in nanocrystalline phase. The crystallite size was found to be in the range 16–27 nm. SEM images reveal rod-like morphology in all the samples with a discontinuous grain growth. The B–H loops have been traced using VSM technique, for all the compositions, at room temperature and the hysteresis parameters are calculated. Saturation magnetization decreases with increase in Ti content due to the fact that the Ti^4 + ion, which is a non-magnetic ion, replaces a magnetic Fe^3 + ion. The hysteresis loops show clear saturation at an applied field of ±10 kOe and the loops are highly symmetric in nature. The cation distribution is known indirectly by using saturation magnetization values.