Investigating the surface properties of polyurethane based anti‐graffiti coatings against UV exposure

A permanent anti‐graffiti coating based on a polyurethane resin was prepared by incorporating different levels of an OH‐functional silicone modified polyacrylate additive. Static contact angle measurements and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were employed to evaluate surface free energy and mechanical properties of the coating specimens, respectively. Effect of ageing condition on the graffiti properties of the coating samples was evaluated utilizing an accelerated weathering test. Color changes, surface morphology, and variations in the mechanical properties were also examined prior to and after being exposed to UV irradiation for 864 h in a QUV chamber. Results showed that surface free energy of the samples decreased with replacement of polyol with additive up to 5 mol %. A Scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X‐ray detector revealed that for the samples containing more than 5 mol % additive, there was an enrichment of silicone at the interface of films and air. At long exposure times and higher concentrations of additive, depreciation of graffiti properties was seen. DMTA and attenuated total reflectance‐fourier transform infra‐red studies before and after ageing showed that the silicone additive tended to degrade while it could cause an increase in crosslinking density. Water contact angles and atomic force microscopy images after ageing revealed that the cause of the depletion in anti‐graffiti properties was attributed to the deterioration of the silicone additive. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Product Design – The Interaction between Chemistry,Technology and Marketing to Meet Customer Needs

During the 1990s the job profile of the process engineer in the chemical industry went through some lasting changes. Interdisciplinary project cooperation became established, aiming at competitive and thus rapid innovative leadership. The development of new or improved products must focus on customer needs. Besides production performance the customer mainly needs good handling properties and aesthetics. Product design includes both these considerations. We describe the career of a product, beginning with the initial idea and ending with the product being launched onto the market. A methodology for establishing and evaluating customers needs plays a key role in this process. Process engineering enables the technical realization while considering economic as well as time restrictions. This requires some creativity – and often the development of new technologies. Moreover, the successful completion of a project requires the staff involved to appreciate and accept their colleagues who come from the fields of either chemistry or business management (marketing and market research.)     

Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Coatings Based on Polyfunctional Silanols as New Monomers in Sol‐Gel Processing

Organic‐inorganic hybrid materials offer the opportunity to combine the desirable properties of organic polymers (toughness, elasticity) with those of inorganic solids (hardness, chemical resistance). Since improved mechanical and chemical resistance is an increasing demand for various coating applications, hybrid materials were developed based on polyfunctional silanols as new monomers in sol‐gel processing. After hydrolysis and condensation with different co‐reactants, coatings with superior optical and mechanical properties are obtained at ambient temperature. Such hybrid coatings show excellent chemical resistance and high UV stability. Although the adhesion to many substrates is good without additional pretreatment, the hybrid coatings exhibit a very anti‐adhesive surface. Due to these properties potential applications include automotive clear coats, hard coats for plastics, anti‐graffiti coatings and biocide‐free fouling‐release coatings.     

The relationship between container colors and the beauty benefits of skin care products

This study explored the best color selections to match the benefits of beauty products based on rankings obtained from an experimental perception of different skin care product containers. Gender (64 males, 75 females) and cultural (76 Taiwanese, 63 Malaysians) differences were also compared, aiming to explore color associations and emotional bonding by using psychophysical testing methods. A survey of 205 market samples showed that nearly half of the existing skin care product containers had a white body color. White appeared frequently on containers for skin whitening, firming, exfoliating, antiaging, and antiacne products. However, skin moisturizing products used an equal amount of white and blue on their containers. The psychophysical experiment results showed that participants felt that white best matched skin whitening products, red matched skin firming and antiaging products, blue matched skin moisturizing products, black matched exfoliating products, and green matched antiacne products. Neither gender nor cultural differences were found to be significant. Comparing the results with color emotion studies, it was found that (1) for color emotion weight, firming products were related to heaviness, whereas whitening products were connected to lightness; (2) for color emotion heat, whitening, moisturizing, exfoliating and antiacne products were aligned with coolness; and (3) for color emotion activity, product container colors were not related, except slightly for firming products. These findings suggest that psychological responses to color meaning are context‐ and experience‐dependent, meaning that selection of colors to match beauty benefits is based more on people's expectations of the products than their color emotion response.     

洗衣机内桶专用树脂HHP3的开发

根据用户对洗衣机内桶料HHPl使用的要求，通过与进口产品性能对比，研究了成核剂、爽滑剂、分子量对产品性能的影响，通过优化工艺操作，开发出综合性能优良的聚丙烯洗衣机内桶专用料HHP3，经用户使用、检测证明，该产品完全可替代同类进口产品。     

Burning characteristics of building products in the light of European harmonization

Countries in the EU are in the process of changing over to a harmonized reaction‐to‐fire classification based on the Construction Products Directive (CPD, 89/106/EC) relating to construction products. It aims to remove technical barriers to trade arising from national laws and regulations, thus enabling the creation of a single European market in construction products. To scrutinize scenario‐dependent effects on burning characteristics, representative building products have been tested using alternative test methods simulating more or less identical fire stages. The test methods were the SBI test and ISO 5658‐4. Comparison of the methods also allowed evaluation with regard to the valid risk assessment of the classification system to be expected. A correlation between different test procedures may be expected as far as the main fire parameters are concerned. The quantitative generation of smoke is, however, primarily a function of the burning rate. Qualitatively smoke density depends on the decomposition conditions — temperature and ventilation — so the time during which a product is involved in the fire is essential for the assessment of smoke density. To quantify the relevant parameters, systematic investigations were made with beech using test procedures ASTM E 662 and DIN 53436/7. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Production of protein and metabolites by yeast grown in solid state fermentation: present status and perspectives

Culture conditions for the generation of products using yeast have been optimized for fermentative processes in industry involving predominantly submerged medium (SmF). However, solid‐state fermentation (SSF) is now a realistic alternative system for the production of recombinant proteins and metabolites of interest in the market, with great potential in biofuels production, food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. One of the main advantages of SSF over SmF is the reduction of downstream expenses. Also, the use of artificial and very cheap solid supports for yeast SSF such as polyurethane foam or amberlite helps with study of the physiology of such systems. This mini‐review makes an overview of previous research and emphasizes the major physiological advantages of yeast SSF that can be used for new processes and product development and stresses the need for integrated approaches between adaptive evolution and high‐throughput genetic analysis. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and characterization of novel polyurethanes based on aminolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) wastes,and evaluation of their thermal and mechanical properties

BACKGROUND: Much research is currently directed towards recycling post‐consumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) products for both environmental and economic reasons. Aminolysis of PET wastes using different amines, such as allylamine, morpholine, hydrazine and polyamines, leads to different reaction products as diamides of terephthalic acid, which do not possess any potential for further chemical reactions. In the past, the use of ethanolamine has been investigated for the aminolytic degradation of PET waste in the presence of different simple chemicals such as sodium acetate as catalysts. The product obtained, bis(2‐hydroxyethylene) terephthalamide (BHETA), has potential for further reactions to obtain useful products. Nevertheless, there has been no report on using recycled BHETA from PET to synthesize polyurethanes. RESULTS: In this research the product of aminolysis of PET waste, BHETA, was prepared. Then novel polyurethanes were synthesized based on the BHETA prepared, 1,4‐butanediol, ether‐type polyol and various molar ratios of hexamethylene diisocyanate. To evaluate the effect of BHETA, the properties of the polyurethanes without and with BHETA were compared. Fourier transform infrared spectra, thermal transitions, degradation, swelling ratio and chemical resistance of the synthesized polyurethanes were investigated. Also, the polyurethanes were applied as adhesives on various substrates. Comparison of the maximum bond strength of the synthesized polyurethane to that of commercial adhesives shows an about 2.2‐fold increase. CONCLUSION: It is possible to synthesize new polyurethanes with interesting properties using BHETA as an aminolysis product of PET waste. These kinds of materials have potential for many applications, such as adhesives and coatings. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

New markets for tallow through research

It is postulated that expanded markets and a more stable price structure for rendered animal fats can be attained through research to develop new products and new uses for these commodities. An industry-supported research program to accomplish this must be designed to develop high volume, low cost products with a reasonable chance to fulfill a market need. Thus the technical research must be accompanied by, and integrated with, market research and careful estimates of production costs. The Fats and Proteins Research Foundation has used these guidelines in the research that it has supported for the past eight years. The following new uses and new products from inedible animal fats have been developed: (1) an air-entraining agent for concrete; (2) a water repellent coating for concrete; (3) a fat-containing admixture for concrete; and (4) a fat-coated urea for ruminant feeds. The estimated market potential for tallow and other animal fats for these new products is 200–400 million pounds annually in the United States by 1980.     

The effect of poly(ethylene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) on the reduction crystallisation behaviour of nickel powder

The effect of poly(ethylene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) (EMA), an additive used in nickel powder precipitation, has been studied using sodium hypophosphite as a reducing agent. Reduction experiments were conducted using a 10 L stainless steel batch reactor. The effect of EMA was investigated by studying the evolution of the particle size distribution (PSD) and its derived moments, specific surface area, rate of reduction, pH–redox potential and elemental composition of the powder product. EMA has been found to act as a reduction catalyst and anti‐agglomerating agent. The major particulate processes identified were size dependent aggregation, molecular growth and breakage. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

Nitrooxyacyl derivatives of salicylic acid: aspirin-like molecules that covalently inactivate cyclooxygenase-1

A recently described series of nitrooxyacyl derivatives of salicylic acid, displaying aspirin‐like anti‐inflammatory and platelet anti‐aggregatory properties, were evaluated for their abilities to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX). A number of these compounds irreversibly inhibited both COX‐1 and COX‐2 isoforms when tested in isolated human platelets and monocytes. Further studies using COX‐1 expressed in human HEK293T cells showed that this inhibition mechanism is similar to that of aspirin; namely, the products are able to covalently bind to the Ser 530 residue present in the active cleft of the enzyme. Molecular modeling enabled us to rationalize this behavior. Because these products were previously found to display NO‐dependent properties in rat animal models, particularly as they decreased in vivo gastrotoxicity and induced in vitro vasodilation, they represent a new and interesting class of potential aspirin‐like antithrombotic agents worthy of further study.     

Forecast of Performance Parameters of Automotive Fuel Cell Systems – Delphi Study Results

Fuel cells are a promising propulsion technology option in sustainable and zero‐emission drivetrain strategies as they offer a high potential to significantly reduce well‐to‐wheel greenhouse gas emissions and the dependency on fossil energy resources. At the same time, the current technological performance of automotive fuel cell systems is not yet sufficient to meet market demands. Therefore, the technical development of fuel cells is a critical factor for a successful market introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). This paper describes the methodology and results of a two‐round Delphi Survey conducted by the Institut für Kraftfahrzeuge of RWTH Aachen University to assess the technological potential of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems in automotive applications by 2030. The analysis of the current and future performance level of key performance indicators (KPI) of automotive fuel cell systems helps to identify critical performance parameters and to prioritize research and development demands. KPI analyzed in the Delphi Survey as forecast parameters include system efficiency, durability, power density, and specific power.     

Produkt‐Design – Zusammenwirken von Chemie,Technik und Marketing im Dienste des Kunden

Product Design – Teaming up Chemistry and Engineering with Marketing towards Customer Orientation The job profile of the process engineer in chemical industry has gone through a lasting change in the 1990s. Thus, interdisciplinary team work in projects has been established with the aim to create an innovation leadership of the company that is competitive and fast. Developing unique and improved products has brought the consumer’s needs into focus. Besides the product performance, the user‐friendliness as well as the aesthetics are important aspects that should be taken into account during product design. The history of a product, starting from the idea and ending with its market launch, is described. In this connection, the methodology of the determination and evaluation of consumer needs is a main issue. Process engineering enables the technical execution, whereby the economic as well as the time targets is considered. Hence, creativity are required – and not seldom the creation of novel technologies. Bringing a project to a successful conclusion implies understanding for and appreciation of the colleagues involved from other departments, such as chemistry and business administration (marketing and market research).     

SBS改性沥青技改项目可行性研究

SBS改性沥青产品是国内公路建设中使用的一种新型节能环保材料,是国家2005年高新技术产品名录中推荐发展的高新技术产品。通过技术经济分析,SBS改性沥青技改项目采用成熟先进工艺技术,降低能耗物耗,保证环保、消防、职业卫生符合国家和行业规范,产品质量先进、稳定、可靠,还具有一定的延展性,具有较强的市场竞争能力和抗风险能力,项目建设可实现当年建设、当年投产、当年收回投资,是一个较为合理的技改项目。     

Characterization of Feed Properties for Conceptual Process Design Involving Complex Mixtures

The market for products made by biotechnology is diverse and has significantly grown in recent years. Despite this growing demand, the first proposal of product purification processes for these complex mixtures remains purely experimentally based and is not methodically targeted. The present work represents an initial study to demonstrate the benefits of a systematic approach. The study focuses on the adaptation of established methods for process development to these so‐called complex mixtures. It also assesses the suitability of these methods for complex mixtures, given the current state of research. Based on the described adaption, the most efficient method for the conceptual process development is identified and is subsequently developed. The resulting methodology consists of model‐based cost accounting with a miniaturized experimental determination of model parameters, accompanied by a comprehensive error analysis. The developed approaches are successfully validated by using a protein mixture.     

Optimal design of a four‐zone simulated moving bed process for separation of homoharringtonine and harringtonine

A simulated moving bed (SMB) technology was applied to the separation of homoharringtonine (HHT) and harringtonine (HT), which were known to have the potentiality of being used as anti‐cancer agents. First, a series of pulse injection experiments were performed for estimation of the adsorption isotherm and mass‐transfer parameters of HHT and HT. The estimated parameters were utilised in the SMB optimisation tool based on the standing wave design method. From the optimisation tool prepared, the SMB operating parameters (zone flow rates and step time) that led to the highest throughput were obtained under the constraints of product purities (=99.0%) and pressure drop (≤1000 psi). Such an optimisation work was then extended to determine an optimal size of the adsorbent particle for the SMB of interest. The results showed that a particle size of 29 µm was the optimal one for maximising the SMB throughput under the conditions that the column configuration was 2–2–2–2 and the length of each column was 25 cm. If the SMB had the particle size other than 29 µm, its throughput was limited by either the maximum operating pressure or the mass‐transfer efficiency. Finally, an efficient procedure of removing a mobile‐phase additive (ammonium formate) from the product stream of the aforementioned SMB system was developed using a liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) technique. From the results of this study, it was confirmed that the SMB process coupled with a LLE procedure could be highly effective in separating HHT and HT with high throughout and high purity.     

Pressurized Nozzle‐Based Solvent/Anti‐Solvent Process for Making Ultrafine ϵ‐CL‐20 Explosive

CL‐20 explosive is one of the most recent and powerful explosives. It has very high potential in futuristic applications but at present it has limitations of sensitivity to mechanical stimuli. Among the four different polymorphs (α, β, γ, and ϵ), ϵ‐polymorph has better stability and shock/detonics properties. However, preparation of pure ϵ‐polymorph is a challenging task particularly in terms of repeatability and polymorphism. In our research work, pressurized nozzle based solvent/anti‐solvent process (PNSAP) was developed for the preparation of ultrafine ϵ‐CL‐20 explosives with high repeatability, purity, and yield. To get ultrafine particle size, shape, distribution and yield, various process parameters/ variables such as solvent type, anti‐solvent type, dosing rate, stirring rate, ultra‐sonication, and temperature were identified and prioritized using the weighted average method of Analytical Network Process (ANP) techniques. It was observed that ultrafine ϵ‐CL‐20 particle size in the range of 2 to 3 μm can be obtained using this process. The ϵ‐polymorph was confirmed by FT‐IR characterization. The main feature of this PNSAP process is that it is a laboratory scale table‐top pilot plant which is simple, cost‐effective, safe and repeatable for continuous batch production of ultrafine ϵ‐CL‐20 at the rate of 100 grams per hour.     

苯乙烯产品的浙江制造质量标准研究

浙江省为推动制造业转型升级，正在大力实施“浙江制造”品牌团体标准的制定和认证工作。进几年来，浙江地区的苯乙烯产能和下游产业应用得到快速发展，已经成为国内重要的苯乙烯生产基地，与此同时，作为乙烯产业下游重要的基础有机化工产品，苯乙烯产品的国家质量标准仍然落后于国际市场的行业水平。基于快速发展的苯乙烯产能和市场竞争态势，本文根据“浙江制造”品牌标准的总体框架要求，从工艺路线、创新能力、技术装备、质量承诺等基本要求和产品纯度及杂质含量、下游应用需求和安全属性等技术要求等方面对苯乙烯产品的质量标准进行优选，探讨了建立“浙江制造”品牌标准的苯乙烯产品质量指标方案，用于指导企业生产和市场推广，并形成具有“浙江制造”品牌地位的优质苯乙烯产品质量标准。     

VC工业生产结晶控制研究

分析了工业生产中影响VC结晶控制过程的主要因素,结合结晶理论,在实际生产中进行了全方位的研究,分析了实际生产操作中的各项关键因素,找出了最终成品粒度最佳的结晶控制方法,建立了完善的结晶控制操作,根据客户需求差异进行分类,合理规划产品并设计了专门的类型,并以此分析了当前VC市场环境,阐述了对市场及用户需求。     

Improving the Safety of a Pyrotechnic Igniter through a controlled experiment

One of the important goals of quality management in today's competitive marketplace is to build quality into products and processes at the development stage. The use of statistically controlled experiments, in which several parameters are studied simultaneously, can help accomplish this goal efficiently. This paper describes a case study that illustrates the utility of controlled experiments in product development. The customer required improvements in the safety of a pyrotechnic igniter used in one of the products they purchased. The safety improvements could be met by replacing the “match-head” initiator by a type IA/IW no fire initiator. However, there was concern that changing the initiator might degrade other important product performance characteristics. A controlled experiment was designed to compare three different initiators, the booster charge and the main charge. The experiment quickly and efficiently pointed to a superior initiator and the optimal charges to maintain high performance with enhanced product safety.