Functionalization of cotton fabric orienting towards antibacterial activity

The primary objective of modifying cotton fabric was to impart bactericidal properties to attract various fields such as defence, space and textile industrial applications. Chemically initiated graft copolymerization of 4-vinyl pyridine (4-VP) and acrylonitrile (AN) onto cotton fabric was carried out using ceric ammonium nitrate as a redox initiator. Optimum conditions pertaining to maximum percentage of grafting were evaluated as a function of concentration of initiator [CAN], concentration of nitric acid, monomer concentration, water, temperature and reaction time. Maximum grafting of 4-VP (51.63%) and AN (69.23%) was obtained respectively at optimum [ \textCAN ] = 2.738 ×10 ^{- 2} \left[ {\text{CAN}} \right] = 2.738 \times {10^{ - 2}} and 2.19 × 10⁻² moles/L, [ 4 - \textVP ] = 47.55 ×10 ^{- 22}\textmoles/\textL \left[ {4 - {\text{VP}}} \right] = 47.55 \times {10^{ - 22}}{\text{moles}}/{\text{L}} , [ \textAN ] = 18.85 ×10 ^{- 22}\textmoles/\textL \left[ {\text{AN}} \right] = 18.85 \times {10^{ - 22}}{\text{moles}}/{\text{L}} , [ \textHN\textO₃ ] = 11.9 ×10 ^{- 2} \left[ {{\text{HN}}{{\text{O}}_3}} \right] = 11.9 \times {10^{ - 2}} and 89.5 × 10⁻²² moles/L in 20 and 25 ml of water at an optimum temperature 70 °C and 60 °C with in 180 and 120 min. Antibacterial properties were induced into the modified cotton fabric by treating the grafted fabric with benzyl chloride. The grafted and quaternized copolymer were characterized by FTIR and Thermogravimetrical analysis. The bactericidal action of cotton fabric was tested by filtration test and it was observed that fabric grafted with 4-VP was more effective and efficient antibacterial as compared to AN grafted cotton sample.     

Mixed Micellization Behavior of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> m</Emphasis>-2-<Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis> Gemini Surfactants with Some Conventional Surfactants at Different Temperatures

Mixed micellization behavior of dimeric cationic surfactants ethanediyl-1,2-bis(dimethyl alkyl ammonium bromide) (m-2-m where m = 10, 12) with conventional single chain cationic surfactants like cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), tetradecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C14BCl) and cetyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C16BCl) were studied in aqueous and aqueous polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions at 298.15, 308.15 and 318.15 K respectively using conductometric and viscometric methods. In aqueous solutions, all the combinations (except 12-2-12 + CTAB) were found to behave nonideally with mutual synergism which decreases with increase in temperature. Various thermodynamic parameters of micellization like \UpdeltaG_\textm^\texto {{\Updelta}}G_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} , \UpdeltaH_\textm^\texto {{\Updelta}}H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} and \UpdeltaS_\textm^\texto {{\Updelta}}S_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} were evaluated and discussed. Similarly in presence of PEG, the thermodynamic properties like \UpdeltaG_\textt^\texto {{\Updelta}}G_{\text{t}}^{\text{o}} , \UpdeltaH_\textt^\texto {{\Updelta}}H_{\text{t}}^{\text{o}} and \UpdeltaS_\textt^\texto {{\Updelta}}S_{\text{t}}^{\text{o}} associated with the transfer of surfactant monomers from the medium consisting of polymer-free mixed micelles to polymer-bound mixed micelles at various temperatures were also calculated. The negative values of \UpdeltaH_\textt^\texto {{\Updelta}}H_{\text{t}}^{\text{o}} show that aggregation process is more exothermic than micellization whereas the negative values of \UpdeltaS_\textt^\texto {{\Updelta}}S_{\text{t}}^{\text{o}} indicate that the presence of polymer bound mixed micelles decreases the degree of randomness of the system. Viscosity studies show that in aqueous solutions all the combinations of 10-2-10/12-2-12 display negative departure in the relative viscosity (η_r) from additivity rule which decreases with increase in temperature. Similarly in the presence of 5% PEG solutions the magnitude of the negative departure decreases for all the combinations and becomes positive in the case of C14BCl and CPC combinations with the studied gemini surfactants at higher temperatures.     

Two New Organic–Inorganic Hybrids Based on [SiW12O40]4? Anion: Hydrothermal Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Electrochemical Properties

Two new organic–inorganic hybrid compounds [\textCu^\textI ( \texten ) ₂ ( \textH ₂ \textO )] ₂ { ( \textSiW^\textVI _{1 1} \textW^\textV ₁\textO ₄₀ ) ₂ [ \textCu^\textII ( \texten ) ₂ ( \textH ₂ \textO )] ₂ [\textCu^\textII ( \texten ) ₂ ] ₂ }·6 \textH ₂ \textO [{\text{Cu}}^{\text{I}} \left( {\text{en}} \right)_{ 2} \left( {{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}} \right)]_{ 2} \left\{ {\left( {{\text{SiW}}^{\text{VI}}_{ 1 1} {\text{W}}^{\text{V}}_{ 1}{\text{O}}_{ 40} } \right)_{ 2} \left[ {{\text{Cu}}^{\text{II}} \left( {\text{en}} \right)_{ 2} \left( {{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}} \right)\left] {_{ 2} } \right[{\text{Cu}}^{\text{II}} \left( {\text{en}} \right)_{ 2} } \right]_{ 2} } \right\}{\cdot}6 {\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}} (1) and (H₂ L)₂[SiW₁₂O₄₀]·H₂O (2) [en = ethylenediamine, L = 1,4-bis(3-pyridinecarboxamido)benzene], have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analyses, TG analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural analyses indicate that compound 1 exhibits an interesting three-dimensional(3D) cross-like supramolecular network through arrangement of a 1D organic–inorganic hybrid chain { ( \textSiW^\textVI _{1 1} \textW^\textV ₁ \textO ₄₀ ) ₂ [ \textCu^\textII ( \texten ) ₂ ( \textH ₂ \textO )] ₂ [\textCu^\textII ( \texten ) ₂ ] ₂ } ^2- . \left\{ {\left( {{\text{SiW}}^{\text{VI}}_{ 1 1} {\text{W}}^{\text{V}}_{ 1} {\text{O}}_{ 40} } \right)_{ 2} \left[ {{\text{Cu}}^{\text{II}} \left( {\text{en}} \right)_{ 2} \left( {{\text{H}}_{ 2} {\text{O}}} \right)\left] {_{ 2} } \right[{\text{Cu}}^{\text{II}} \left( {\text{en}} \right)_{ 2} } \right]_{ 2} } \right\}^{ 2- } . The compound 2 consists of protonated L ligand and [SiW₁₂O₄₀]⁴⁻ anion. The protonated L ligands have been extended into a 2D network via hydrogen-bonding interactions. The guest [SiW₁₂O₄₀]⁴⁻ clusters have been incorporated into the square voids of the 2D host network as templates. The electrochemical behavior and electrocatalysis of compound 2 bulk-modified carbon paste electrode (2-CPE) have been studied.     

Structure and Spectral Characteristics of 3D-Supramolecular Coordination Polymers Based on Copper Cyanide and Dimethylquinoxaline

The reactions of K₃[Cu(CN)₄], R₃SnCl (R = Me or ph) and 2,3-dimethyl quinoxaline (dmqox) in H₂O/acetonitrile media at room temperature afford the 3D-supramolecular coordination polymers (SCP) ³_￥ [ \textCu ₂ ( \textCN ) ₂ \textdmqox ] ^{ 3}_{\infty } \left[ {{\text{Cu}}_{ 2} \left( {\text{CN}} \right)_{ 2} {\text{dmqox}}} \right] , 1 and ³_￥ [ \textCu ₂ ( \textCN ) ₄ ·( \textPh ₃ \textSn ) ₂ ·\textdmqox ] ^{ 3}_{\infty } \left[ {{\text{Cu}}_{ 2} \left( {\text{CN}} \right)_{ 4} \cdot \left( {{\text{Ph}}_{ 3} {\text{Sn}}} \right)_{ 2} \cdot {\text{dmqox}}} \right] , 2. The structure of the tin free 1 consists of parallel zigzag chains connected by dmqox to form 2D-sheets containing hexagonal 18-atom fused Cu₆(CN)₄(dmqox)₂ rings. The interwoven sheets along the a axis are close packed by extensive H-bonds developing 3D-network structure. The structures of 1 and 2 are investigated by elemental analysis IR, NMR and mass spectra. The ESI⁺ and ESI⁻ mass spectra of 2 support its polymeric nature while the ESI⁺ mass spectrum confirms the expected M. W. suggested by elemental analysis. The ¹³C-NMR spectrum of 2 supports the fact that the network structure of 2 contains the rhombic [Cu₂(μ₃-CN)₂] motif. The structure of 2 was compared with the structure of the reported prototype ³_￥ [ \textCu ₂ ( \textCN ) ₄ ·( \textPh ₃ \textSn ) ₂ ·\textqox ] ^{ 3}_{\infty } \left[ {{\text{Cu}}_{ 2} \left( {\text{CN}} \right)_{ 4} \cdot \left( {{\text{Ph}}_{ 3} {\text{Sn}}} \right)_{ 2} \cdot {\text{qox}}} \right] as well as the other related structures.     

Investigation on conductivity of mixed surfactants reverse microemulsion

P-octyl polyethylene glycol phenyl ether (Triton X-100) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were mixed to be used as surfactant for preparing reverse microemulsion with n-hexane, n-hexanol and water. Effects of weight ratio of the two surfactants, temperature, concentrations of water and cosurfactant on the conductivity were studied. The results indicate that the conductivity of the mixed surfactants reverse microemulsion is greatly higher than that of the single surfactant system. The reverse microemulsion has been modified to be with good conductivity. The weight ratio of the two surfactants, temperature, concentrations of water and cosurfactant have obvious effects on the conductivity of the reverse microemulsion. Furthermore, the electrochemical behavior of potassium ferricyanide [K₃Fe(CN)₆] in the mixed surfactants reverse microemulsion was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The result shows that the redox processes of \textFe( \textCN ) ₆ ^3- / \textFe( \textCN ) ₆ ^4- {{\text{Fe}}\left( {\text{CN}} \right)_{ 6}}^{ 3- } / {{\text{Fe}}\left( {\text{CN}} \right)_{ 6}}^{ 4-} present good reversibility and are controlled by diffusion in the system.     

PWA/montmorillonite K10 catalyst for synthesis of coumarins under solvent-free conditions

12-Tungstophosphoric acid supported on montmorillonite K10 (PWA/mont-K10) catalysed Pechmann condensation reaction was reported. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis DRS, surface area and pore size analysis, TGA and acidity by DRIFTS using pyridine. The morphology of the catalyst was studied by SEM. The activity of mont-K10, mont-KSF, \textSO ₄ ^{2 -} \mathord

The O<Subscript>2</Subscript> + NH<Subscript>3</Subscript> Reaction Over Rh(110): Steady State Kinetics and Oscillatory Behavior

Abstract  

The kinetics of ammonia oxidation with oxygen over a Rh(110) surface were studied in the pressure range 10⁻⁵–10⁻⁴ mbar. Nitrogen was found to be the preferred product at low partial pressures ratios \textp_{\texto 2} :\textp_{\textNH 3} {\text{p}}_{{{\text{o}}_{ 2} }} :{\text{p}}_{{{\text{NH}}_{ 3} }} , while the NO pathway was favored with oxygen rich gas mixtures and at high temperature. The reactive sticking coefficient of O₂ reaches up to 0.05 under steady state conditions. Pronounced hysteresis effects in the reaction rates were found in T-cycling experiments. Sustained oscillations in the reaction rates occurred under isothermal conditions at T = 620 K at a total pressure of 4 × 10⁻⁵ mbar.     

Synthesis and Some Properties of Fluorinated Cationic Surfactants

Three fluorinated cationic surfactants were prepared by condensing N-methyl diethanol amine pentafluoro benzoate with stoichiometric amounts of octyl, dodecyl or hexadecyl bromide. The surface properties and parameters were investigated to find the relationship between the structures of the hydrophobic portion of such compounds. The properties studied include surface tension, critical micelle concentration (CMC), effectiveness (Π_cmc), maximum surface excess (Γ_max) and minimum surface area (A_min) were investigated with respect to different concentrations at 25 °C. Standard free energies of micellization and adsorption of the prepared surfactants in the aqueous solution were studied. The values of Γ_max, standard free energies of micellization \Updelta \textG_\textmic^\texto \Updelta {\text{G}}_{\text{mic}}^{\text{o}} and adsorption \Updelta \textG_\textads^\texto \Updelta {\text{G}}_{\text{ads}}^{\text{o}} were found to increase with the chain length, while the cmc and minimum surface area occupied by one molecule A_min were found to decrease. The biocidal activity was determined through the inhibition zone diameter of prepared compounds which were measured against five strains of a representative group of microorganisms.     

Soil nitrogen response to coupling cover crops with manure injection

Coupling winter small grain cover crops (CC) with manure (M) application may increase retention of manure nitrogen (N) in corn (Zea mays L.), -soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr], cropping systems. The objective of this research was to quantify soil N changes after application of liquid swine M (Sus scrofa L.) at target N rates of 112, 224, and 336 kg N ha⁻¹ with and without a CC. A winter rye (Secale cereale L.)-oat (Avena sativa L.) CC was established prior to fall M injection. Surface soil (0–20 cm) inorganic N concentrations were quantified every week for up to 6 weeks after M application in 2005 and 2006. Soil profile (0–120 cm in 5, 20-cm depth increments) inorganic N, total N, total organic carbon and bulk density were quantified for each depth increment in the fall before M application and before the CC was killed the following spring. Surface soil inorganic N on the day of application averaged 318 \textmg  \textN  \textkg ^{- 1}_\textsoil 318\,{\text{mg}}\;{\text{N}}\;{\text{kg}}^{ - 1}{_{\text{soil}}} in 2005 and 186 \textmg  \textN  \textkg ^{- 1}_\textsoil 186\,{\text{mg}}\;{\text{N}}\;{\text{kg}}^{ - 1}{_{\text{soil}} } in 2006 and stabilized at 150 \textmg  \textN  \textkg ^{- 1}_\textsoil 150\,{\text{mg}}\;{\text{N}}\;{\text{kg}}^{ - 1}{_{\text{soil}}} in both years by mid-November. Surface soil NO₃-N concentrations in the M band were more than 30 times higher in the fall of 2005 than in 2006. The CC reduced surface soil NO₃-N concentrations after manure application by 32% and 67% in mid- November 2005 and 2006, respectively. Manure applied at 224 kg N ha⁻¹ without a CC had significantly more soil profile inorganic-N (480 kg N ha⁻¹) in the spring after M application than manured soils with a CC for the 112 (298 kg N ha⁻¹) and 224 (281 kg N ha⁻¹) N rates, and equivalent inorganic N to the 336 (433 kg N ha⁻¹) N rate. These results quantify the potential for cover crops to enhance manure N retention and reduce N leaching potential in farming systems utilizing manure.     

Catalytic, Luminescence Activities and Structure of Metal-Organic Frameworks Containing CuCN Building Blocks and Bipodal Bridging Ligands

The reactions of K₃[Cu(CN)₄], R₃SnCl and bipodal ligands, where R = (n-Bu)₃SnCl and L = quinoxaline (qox) and R = Me₃SnCl and L = quinazoline (qaz) afford the red needle crystals of _￥³ [ \textCu₂ ( \textCN )₂ m\text-(qox) ]₂ {}_{\infty }^{3} \left[ {{\text{Cu}}_{2} \left( {\text{CN}} \right)_{2} \mu {\text{-(qox)}}} \right]_{2} , 1 and the orange needle crystals of [Cu₂(CN)₂μ(qaz)]_n, 2. 1 was subjected to single crystals X-ray study while 2 was investigated by IR, ¹H NMR and mass spectra as well as TGA. The crystal structure of 1 exhibits puckered CuCN chains connected by qox molecules forming 2D-sheets. The 2D-sheets contain hexagonal nets stacked in A···A···A fashion. The paralleled sheets are close packed via extensive H-bonds, π–π stacking, strong Cu-Cu interaction and short Cu–C contacts which develop 3D-network. Unique rhombic [Cu₂(μ₃-CN)₂] motifs result as consequence of interwoven of the 2D-sheets. The structure of 2 exhibits different XRPD pattern than that of 1 although, the two structures have the same Cu:CN:L stoichiometric ratio. The emission spectra of 1 and 2 display bands around 390, 420 and 475 nm corresponding to MC transition, ¹(n,π*) → S_o and MLCT, respectively. Thus, 1 and 2 can be considered as examples of room-temperature luminescent Cu-containing polymers which can be used in applications as molecular sensing systems. Also, the oxidative degradation of Metanil Yellow (MY) dye has been investigated by hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by 1 or 2. The catalytic activity of 1 is more pronounced than that of 2.     

Synthesis and Properties of Novel Alkyl Sulfonate Gemini Surfactants

A series of novel dialkyl disulfonate gemini surfactants (2C_n-SCT where n is the carbon number of the hydrophobic chain) were synthesized from cyanuric chloride, aliphatic amine and taurine. The chemical structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR spectra, and ESI–MS. Their critical micelle concentrations (CMC) in the aqueous solutions at 25 °C were determined by surface tension and electrical conductivity methods. With the increasing length of the carbon chain, the values of their CMC initially decreased, and then increased with an alkyl chain length of 14. The surface tension measurements of 2C_n-SCT (except for n = 14) determined that there is a low CMC, a great efficiency in lowering the surface tension, and a strong adsorption at the air–water interface. In addition, adsorption and micellization behavior of 2C_n-SCT were estimated from pC ₂₀, the minimum average area per surfactant molecule (A _min), and standard free energy micellization and adsorption ( \Updelta G_\textmic^°  \textand \Updelta G_\textads^° \Updelta G_{\text{mic}}^{^\circ } \,{\text{and}}\,\Updelta G_{\text{ads}}^{^\circ } ). These properties are significantly influenced by the chain length n, and the adsorption is promoted more than the micellization.     

Elevated Carbon Dioxide and/or Ozone Concentrations Induce Hormonal Changes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus tabulaeformis</Emphasis>

We investigated endogenous plant hormones and needle growth in Pinus tabulaeformis plants grown in open-top chambers and exposed to ambient or elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and/or ozone (O₃). Exposure to elevated CO₂ for 100 days significantly increased the change in fresh needle weight, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), isopentenyl-adenosine (iPA), and dihydrozeatin riboside (DHZR) content. Abscisic acid (ABA) content decreased, and no effect was observed on zeatin riboside (ZR) content or changes in needle dry weight. The ratios of IAA/ABA and total cytokinins (CKs)/ABA ( \textZR + \textDHZR + \textiPA/\textABA ) \left( {{\text{ZR}} + {\text{DHZR}} + {\text{iPA}}/{\text{ABA}}} \right) were increased. Elevated O₃ significantly decreased IAA and ZR, and decreased the ratios of IAA/ABA and CKs/ABA. Ozone treatment increased ABA content but did not change iPA or DHZR content or change fresh or dry needle weights. The combination treatment significantly increased ABA content and the IAA/ABA ratio but decreased the total CKs/ABA ratio and had no effect on CKs or IAA content or change in fresh and dry needle weights. The results indicate that elevated CO₂ ameliorated the effects of elevated O₃ on tree growth.     

Conduction in Bi2O3-based oxide ion conductor under low oxygen pressure. II. Determination of the partial electronic conductivity

In order to investigate the partial electronic conduction in the high oxide ion conductor of the system Bi₂O₃-Y₂O₃ under low oxygen pressure, e.m.f. and polarization methods were employed. Although the electrolyte was decomposed when the \(P_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} }\) was lower than the equilibrium \(P_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} }\) of Bi, Bi₂O₃ mixture at each temperature, the ionic transport number was found to be close to unity above that \(P_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} }\) . The hole conductivity (σ _p) and the electron conductivity (σ _p) could be expressed as follows, $$\begin{gathered} \sigma _p \Omega cm = 5 \cdot 0 \times 10^2 \left( {P_{O_2 } atm^{ - 1} } \right)^{{1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 4}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 4}} \exp \left[ { - 106 kJ\left( {RT mol} \right)^{ - 1} } \right] \hfill \\ \sigma _p \Omega cm = 3 \cdot 4 \times 10^5 \left( {P_{O_2 } atm^{ - 1} } \right)^{ - {1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 4}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 4}} \exp \left[ { - 213 kJ\left( {RT mol} \right)^{ - 1} } \right] \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ These values were much lower than the oxide ion conductivity under ordinary oxygen pressure.     

Effect of CeO2 Doping on Properties of PCrNi-4 Piezoelectric Ceramics

The piezoelectric ceramic Pb_0.94Sr_0.06(Zr_0.53Ti_0.47)O₃ + 0.1 wt% (Ni₂O₃ + Cr₂O₃) + x wt%CeO₂ (PCrNi-4) was prepared using a traditional solid state sintered method. The effects of CeO₂ doping on phase structure, microstructure, piezoelectric, and dielectric properties were analyzed by means of XRD, SEM, and electrical property measurements. The results indicate that when CeO₂ doping content is 0.3 wt% and sintering temperature is 1,280 °C, the dielectric loss value of the ceramic is the least with a value of 0.00238, and the dielectric factor e₃₃^\textT \varepsilon_{33}^{\text{T}} , piezoelectric strain factor d ₃₃, planar electromechanical coupling coefficient K _p and mechanical quality factor Q _m of the ceramic is 1400, 375 pCN⁻¹, 0.68, and 460, respectively.     

Kinetics of dispersion polymerization of dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride and acrylamide

Dispersion copolymerization of dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride with acrylamide has been investigated by the dilatometer technique using the mixture of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and poly(dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride) as the composite stabilizer and 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionconidine)dihydro chloride as the initiator. Monomer reactivity ratios of AM and DMDAAC were determined by the application of Fineman-Ross methods. The analysis of reactivity ratios revealed that DMDAAC is less reactive than AM, and copolymers formed are statistically in nature. The influences of the molar ratio of AM to DMDAAC, concentrations of monomers, stabilizer and initiator, etc. on polymerization rate and intrinsic viscosity of polymer have been examined. The rate of polymerization (R_p) can be represented by R_p μ [M]^1.44,R_p μ [S]^0.39,R_p μ [I]^0.60 {R_{\rm{p}}} \propto {[M]^{1.44}},{R_{\rm{p}}} \propto {[S]^{0.39}},{R_{\rm{p}}} \propto {[I]^{0.60}} . The overall activation energy for the rate of polymerization is 37.38 kJ/mol over the temperature range 35–55°C.Based on the experimental results, the polymerization mechanisms were discussed.     

Atom transfer radical polymerization of monomers containing amide and ester moieties monitored by dilatometric method

The kinetics of atom transfer radical polymerization of N-(S)-α-methylbenzylmethacryloylamine (S-(-)-α-MBMA) and α-methylbenzylmethacrylate (α-MBM) monomers, as assessed by % conversion, were determined at 48 °C in a toluene/ethanol mixture (60:40) by a dilatometry method. The effect of the presence of — CONH- or — COOR- moieties on the ATRP polymerization of such monomers was investigated. Controlled polymerizations were performed with the catalyst system [ M ]/[ R - X ]/[ Mtⁿ - Y ]/[ L ] \left[ {\hbox{M}} \right]/\left[ {{\hbox{R}} - {\hbox{X}}} \right]/\left[ {{\hbox{M}}{{\hbox{t}}^{\rm{n}}} - {\hbox{Y}}} \right]/\left[ {\hbox{L}} \right] at molar ratios of 100:15:15:15; 200:15:15:15; 300:15:15:15; and 400:15:15:15, where R-X was EBIB or MCP, M_tⁿ-Y(CuBr or CuCl) and L (Me₆TREN). Also with N-S-(-)-α-MBMA, some studies used ATCA and ABPA as R-X. Plots of the ln[M]₀/[M] vs t as well as from the log Rp vs log [M] showed that the ATRP processes followed a pseudo first-order kinetics with respect to the monomer concentration and that the molecular weight of the resulting polymers increased with the conversion. The ATRP results for both monomers showed a similar trend and revealed that the presence of N-S-(-)-α-MBMA (amide group) affects the polymerization, i.e. it did not react when the EBIB/CuBr/Me₆TREN catalyst system was used. The M_n and M_w were determined by ¹H-NMR and GPC. PDI values fell between 1.19 and 1.5, and indicated that the majority of the systems showed good control of polymerization.     

The Effect of CO2 and H2O on the Kinetics of NO Reduction by CH4 Over Sr-Promoted La2O3

The influence of CO₂ and H₂O on the activity of 4% Sr-La₂O₃ mimics that observed with pure La₂O₃, and a reversible inhibition of the rate is observed. CO₂ causes a greater effect, with decreases in rate of about 65% with O₂ present and 90% in its absence, while with H₂O in the feed, the rate decreased around 35-40% with O₂ present or absent. The influence of these two reaction products on kinetic behavior can be described by assuming competitive adsorption on the surface, incorporating adsorbed CO₂ and H₂O in the site balance, and using rate expressions previously proposed for this reaction over Sr-promoted La₂O₃. In the absence of O₂, the rate expression is $$r_{N_2 } = \frac{{k'P_{{\text{NO}}} P_{{\text{CH}}_{\text{4}} } }}{{{\text{(1 + }}K_{{\text{NO}}} P_{{\text{NO}}} {\text{ + }}K_{{\text{CH}}_{\text{4}} } P_{{\text{CH}}_{\text{4}} } {\text{ + }}K_{{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}} } P_{{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}} } {\text{ + }}K_{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}} P_{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}} {\text{)}}^{\text{2}} }},$$ which yields a good fit to the experimental data and gives optimized equilibrium adsorption constants that demonstrate thermodynamic consistency. With O₂ in the feed, nondifferential changes in reactant concentrations through the reactor bed were accounted for by assuming integral reactor behavior and simultaneously considering both CH₄ combustion and CH₄ reduction of NO, which provided the following rate law for total CH₄ disappearance: $$(r_{{\text{CH}}_{\text{4}} } )_{\text{T}} = \frac{{k'_{{\text{com}}} P_{{\text{CH}}_{\text{4}} } P_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} }^{{\text{0}}{\text{.5}}} + k'_{{\text{NO}}} P_{{\text{NO}}} P_{{\text{CH}}_{\text{4}} } P_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} }^{{\text{0}}{\text{.5}}} }}{{{\text{(1 + }}K_{{\text{NO}}} P_{{\text{NO}}} {\text{ + }}K_{{\text{CH}}_{\text{4}} } P_{{\text{CH}}_{\text{4}} } {\text{ + }}K_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} }^{{\text{0}}{\text{.5}}} P_{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}} }^{{\text{0}}{\text{.5}}} {\text{ + }}K_{{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}} } P_{{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}} } {\text{ + }}K_{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}} P_{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}} {\text{)}}^{\text{2}} }}.$$ The second term of this expression represents N₂ formation, and it again fit the experimental data well. The fitting constants in the denominator, which correspond to equilibrium adsorption constants, were not only thermodynamically consistent but also provided entropies and enthalpies of adsorption that were similar to values obtained with other La₂O₃-based catalysts. Apparent activation energies typically ranged from 23 to 28 kcal/mol with O₂ absent and 31-36 kcal/mol with O₂ in the feed. With CO₂ in the feed, but no O₂, the activation energy for the formation of a methyl group via interaction of CH₄ with adsorbed NO was determined to be 35 kcal/mol.     

Nonlinear Rheology of Unentangled Polymer Melts Reinforced with High Concentration of Rigid Nanoparticles

A scaling model is presented to analyze the nonlinear rheology of unentangled polymer melts filled with high concentration of small spherical particles. Assuming the majority of chains to be reversibly adsorbed to the surface of the particles, we show that the emergence of nonlinearity in the viscoelastic response of the composite system subjected to a 2D shear flow results from stretching of the adsorbed chains and increasing desorption rate of the adsorbed segments due to the imposed deformation. The steady-state shear viscosity of the mixture in nonlinear shear thinning regime follows the power law h ~ [(g)\dot] ^{- 1/2} , \eta \sim \dot{\gamma }^{ - 1/2} , where [(g)\dot] \dot{\gamma } is the applied shear rate. At large strain amplitude γ_0, the storage and loss moduli in strain sweep tests scale as G^￠ ~ g₀ ^{- 1} G^{\prime}\sim \gamma_{0}^{ - 1} and G^￠￠ ~ g₀ ^{- 1/2} , G^{\prime\prime}\sim \gamma_{0}^{ - 1/2} , respectively.     

Temperature programmed desorption of oxygen from Pd films interfaced with Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-doped ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The origin of the effect of non-faradaic electrochemical modification of catalytic activity (NEMCA) or Electrochemical Promotion was investigated via temperature-programmed-desorption (TPD) of oxygen, from polycrystalline Pd films deposited on 8 mol%Y₂O₃–stabilized–ZrO₂ (YSZ), an O²⁻ conductor, under high-vacuum conditions and temperatures between 50 and 250 °C. Oxygen was adsorbed both via the gas phase and electrochemically, as O²⁻, via electrical current application between the Pd catalyst film and a Au counter electrode. Gaseous oxygen adsorption gives two adsorbed atomic oxygen species desorbing at about 300 °C (state β₁) and 340–500 °C (state β₂). The creation of the low temperature peak is favored at high exposure times (exposure >1 kL) and low adsorption temperatures (T_ads < 200 °C). The decrease of the open circuit potential (or catalyst work function) during the adsorption at high exposure times, indicates the formation of subsurface oxygen species which desorbs at higher temperatures (above 450 °C). The desorption peak of this subsurface oxygen is not clear due to the wide peaks of the TPD spectra. The TPD spectra after electrochemical O²⁻ pumping to the Pd catalyst film show two peaks (at 350 and 430 °C) corresponding to spillover O_ads and according to the reaction:

Thermodynamic characterization of poly (caprolactonediol) by inverse gas chromatography

Specific retention volumes, V _g ⁰, were determined for 21 solute probes on poly (caprolactonediol) (PCLD) in the temperature range 323.15–403.15 K by inverse gas chromatography. The retention diagrams drawn between ln V _g ⁰ versus 1/T are linear for all the solutes since PCLD with ten repeating units in its chain behaving like a non polymeric material under the conditions applied. The stationary phase with melting temperature ~321 K is in the liquid state in the GC column over the temperature range studied and hence found to be suitable to determine infinite dilution partial molar thermodynamic properties of mixing for solutes on PCLD. The V _g ⁰ values have been used to calculate weight fraction activity coefficients Ω^∞ and Flory–Huggins interaction parameters, χ ₁₂^∞. The average partial molar enthalpy of solution, [`(\Updelta H)]<sub>1</sub><sup>S</sup> , \overline{\Updelta H}_{1}^{S} , and partial molar enthalpy of mixing, [`(\Updelta H)]₁^￥ , \overline{\Updelta H}_{1}^{\infty } , are calculated using V _g ⁰ and Ω^∞ respectively. The average molar enthalpy of vaporization ΔH ₁ ^V for solutes have been calculated using [`(\Updelta H)]<sub>1</sub><sup>￥</sup> \overline{\Updelta H}_{1}^{\infty } and [`(\Updelta H)]₁^S \overline{\Updelta H}_{1}^{S} values and compared with the literature values at 363.15 K which is the average column temperature. The partial molar entropy of mixing, [`(\Updelta S)]<sub>1</sub><sup>￥</sup> \overline{\Updelta S}_{1}^{\infty } calculated at 363.15 K are in good correlation with the average [`(\Updelta H)]₁^￥ \overline{\Updelta H}_{1}^{\infty } values. The total solubility parameter due to Guillet and the Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) are calculated for PCLD using χ ₁₂^∞ values. In the present work the Hansen solubility parameters have been calculated using a new method following the Hansen theory and Huang method with less weight on polar and hydrogen bonding components. The errors in the solubility HSP are lower and the correlation coefficients are better in both the methods compared to unweighted three dimensional model.