Elaboration and characterization of amorphous V2O5 thin films-silicon p-n junctions

Unusual p-n junctions have been obtained by vapour deposition of amorphous V₂O₅ thin films on monocrystalline p-type silicon wafers and their current-voltage characteristics have been studied. The efficiency of such diodes and the effect of illumination are shown to depend strongly on the parameters of the evaporation process. Results are discussed, with particular emphasis on the role of the electrical charge mobilities.     

Elaboration and electrical characterization of silicone-based anion-exchange materials

Ion exchange phenomena have been investigated in a polymeric anion-exchange membrane prepared from cross-linked silicone polymer grafted with cationic groups. The affinity of different anions towards the membrane was inferred from impedance measurements in a electrolyte/insulator/semiconductor (EIS) electrochemical set up, allowing the survey of the detection limit, flat band potential and capacity variations. The selectivity of ion-exchange for a series of anions having a the same electrical charge followed the Hofmeister series. It was found that the affinity of anions and the electrical potential variations were related because the anion exchange inside the bulk of the membrane was correlated with the adsorption of anions at its surface. Electrical capacity measurements gave supplementary information which was difficult to rationalize because they depended on several parameters.     

Elaboration and mechanical characterization of multi-phase alumina-based ultra-fine composites

Al₂O₃-10 vol.% YAG and Al₂O₃-10 vol.% ZrO₂ bi-phase composites as well as Al₂O₃-5 vol.% YAG-5 vol.% ZrO₂ tri-phase composite were developed by controlled surface modification of an alumina powder with inorganic precursors of the second phases. Green bodies were produced by dry pressing and slip casting and then sintered at 1500 °C. In particular, slip casting led to fully dense, defect-free, and highly homogenous samples, made of a fine dispersion of the second phases into the micronic alumina matrix, as observed by SEM. The mechanical characterization proved the predominant role of the final density on the Vickers hardness, while the elastic modulus was affected by the volume fraction of the constituent phases, in fairly good agreement with the rule of mixture prediction. The fracture toughness values of the bi- and tri-phase materials were similar, and their crack paths revealed the importance of the thermal residual stresses at the matrix-reinforcement interfaces, promoting inter-granular propagations.     

Elaboration and characterization of yttrium implanted low manganese steel.

Low manganese steel samples were yttrium implanted using ion implantation technique. Sample compositions and structures were investigated before and after yttrium implantations to determine the yttrium distribution in low manganese steel. Yttrium implantation depth profiles were characterized using conventional techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED), X-ray diffraction (XRD), glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD) and a nuclear analytical method: Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS). The aim of this study is to show that correlation between composition and structural analyses allows to understand the effect of implanting yttrium in low manganese steel.     

球形多孔木质素颗粒的制备及表征

以工业碱木质素为原料,变压油为分散相,添加分散剂十二烷基硫酸钠及交联剂环氧氯丙烷,采用"反相悬浮聚合法"制备出球形多孔木质素珠体.通过单因素及正交试验筛选制备木质素多孔珠体的影响因素并对球形木质素珠体进行了形貌、红外光谱、X衍射分析.结果分析表明,制备木质素珠体的最佳配比为:5g木质素溶于50mL水中,pH值为10～1...     

Elaboration and characterization of metallic foams based on tin–lead

This study is devoted to the fabrication of metallic foams based on tin–lead of various relative densities and pore sizes by means of the liquid alloy infiltration process and its characterization (mechanical behavior and microstructure). Room temperature uniaxial compression tests were carried out in order to study the influence of the size of cell and of the relative density on the behavior in compression and to interpret these relations within a framework. A characterization on a microscopic scale (metallography and hardness) is achieved in order to link the morphological and mechanical characteristics of the constitutive phases, the parameters of the process and the macroscopic mechanical behavior.     

Preparation and characterization of magnetic alginate-chitosan hydrogel beads loaded matrine

The aim of this study was to use alginate-chitosan (Alg-CS) hydrogel beads for developing an oral water-soluble drug delivery system, occupying pH-sensitive property and superparamagnetic. Matrine as a model drug was loaded in Alg-CS hydrogel beads to study the release character of the delivery system. The amount of matrine released from the beads was relatively low in pH 2.5 over 8?h (34.90%), but nearly all of the initial drug content was released in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 6.8) within 8?h. The results demonstrated that Alg-CS hydrogel beads possess unique pH-dependent swelling behaviors. In addition, the magnetic beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometry and vibrating-sample magnetometry. Magnetometer measurements data suggested that Alg-CS beads also had superparamagnetic property as well as fast magnetic response. It can be expected that the beads can deliver and release encapsulated anticancer agent at the tumor by the weak magnetic field, and hence could be potential candidates as an orally administered drug delivery system.     

Preparation and characterization of magnetic alginate-chitosan hydrogel beads loaded matrine

The aim of this study was to use alginate-chitosan (Alg-CS) hydrogel beads for developing an oral water-soluble drug delivery system, occupying pH-sensitive property and superparamagnetic. Matrine as a model drug was loaded in Alg-CS hydrogel beads to study the release character of the delivery system. The amount of matrine released from the beads was relatively low in pH 2.5 over 8?h (34.90%), but nearly all of the initial drug content was released in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 6.8) within 8?h. The results demonstrated that Alg-CS hydrogel beads possess unique pH-dependent swelling behaviors. In addition, the magnetic beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometry and vibrating-sample magnetometry. Magnetometer measurements data suggested that Alg-CS beads also had superparamagnetic property as well as fast magnetic response. It can be expected that the beads can deliver and release encapsulated anticancer agent at the tumor by the weak magnetic field, and hence could be potential candidates as an orally administered drug delivery system.     

Elaboration and hydriding behavior characterization of a magnesium matrix composite containing intermetallic particles

The AB₂ Laves phase intermetallic compounds, as well as magnesium metal (among a great variety of other metals and alloys) present hydriding properties of interest for practical applications in hydrogen storage devices through the formation of metallic hydrides. This fact has encouraged numerous experimental works concerning the characterization of materials by different available techniques. The application of internal friction measurements to study the hydriding processes of intermetallic compounds is precluded because of the fast decrepitation of the material upon few cycles of formation and decomposition of the hydrid phase. However, a composite where the intermetallic particles are included within a ductile magnesium matrix, is suitable to be studied by internal friction techniques, and possible of obtaining information about the interaction between hydrogen atoms, particles, and matrix. In the present work, it is described the elaboration of a composite material obtained by sintering a pellet prepared from a mixture of equal amounts in weight of Mg and Zr(Fe_0.7Cr_0.3)₂ particles, ranging in sizes up to 250 μm and 50 μm respectively. Details on some experimental procedures and discussion about the material composition are considered and correlated with morphological characteristics determined by SEM, and also assessed from the observed hydriding behavior and internal friction results. Received: 30 March 2000     

Synthesis,characterization and diffusion properties of biomimetic silica-coated gelatine beads

Several micro-organisms are able to coat their surface with a silica deposit exhibiting tailored diffusion properties. In a biomimetic approach, we studied the deposition of silica on gelatine beads. Gelatine capsules were obtained by polymer droplet gelation at low temperature. Soaking of these beads in sodium silicate dilute aqueous solutions leads to the formation of a mineral membrane consisting of close-packed silica nanoparticles. Studies of the diffusion of Rhodamine B and myoglobin indicate that the presence of the silica coating significantly modify the permeability of the beads, suggesting possible applications in controlled release systems.     

Elaboration and characterization of YBa2Cu3O7−x thick tapes

Thick tapes of YBa₂Cu₃O_7–x superconductor have been tape-cast by the Doctor Blade technique. Sintering at temperatures higher than 950 °C reveals a texturing with (001) planes preferentially aligned parallel to the tape surface. The transition temperature and width as well as the resistivity at onset temperature are related to the sintering parameters. Low-temperature specific heat measurements show the disappearance of the upturn at low temperature, usually observed for this material.     

Preparation and characterization of 5-fluorouracil pH-sensitive niosome and its tumor-targeted evaluation: in vitro and in vivo

The purpose of this study was to investigate preparation, characterization and tumor-targeted effect of pH-sensitive niosomes, composed of a nonionic surfactant mixed with cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHEMS), a derivative of cholesterol (CHOL), as a pH-sensitive molecule. CHEMS was synthesized with CHOL and succinic acid, the structure of which was analyzed by Mass spectrometry (MS) and (1)H Nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) spectrum. Niosomes were prepared via film hydration-probe ultrasound method. Both normal niosomes and pH-sensitive niosomes showed spherical morphology under transmission electron microscope (TEM) with a average particle sizes of 172 ± 6.2 nm and 153 ± 4.7 nm, respectively. The thermotropic behavior, structure changes and interaction of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) with other materials were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the disappearance of the melting peak of drug revealed the fact that drug was encapsulated in niosomes. Bulk-equilibrium reverse-dialysis method was chosen to investigate the behavior of drug release from normal niosomes and pH-sensitive niosomes in different pH medium, and the results showed that the noisome containing CHEMS had a pH-sensitive property. Tumor-targeted effect was proved by the fact that pH-sensitive niosomes showed a remarkable high concentration in tumor site of the mice transplanted with tumor cell.     

Preparation and characterization of 5-fluorouracil pH-sensitive niosome and its tumor-targeted evaluation: in vitro and in vivo

The purpose of this study was to investigate preparation, characterization and tumor-targeted effect of pH-sensitive niosomes, composed of a nonionic surfactant mixed with cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHEMS), a derivative of cholesterol (CHOL), as a pH-sensitive molecule.

CHEMS was synthesized with CHOL and succinic acid, the structure of which was analyzed by Mass spectrometry (MS) and ¹H Nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectrum. Niosomes were prepared via film hydration-probe ultrasound method. Both normal niosomes and pH-sensitive niosomes showed spherical morphology under transmission electron microscope (TEM) with a average particle sizes of 172?±?6.2?nm and 153?±?4.7?nm, respectively. The thermotropic behavior, structure changes and interaction of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) with other materials were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the disappearance of the melting peak of drug revealed the fact that drug was encapsulated in niosomes. Bulk-equilibrium reverse-dialysis method was chosen to investigate the behavior of drug release from normal niosomes and pH-sensitive niosomes in different pH medium, and the results showed that the noisome containing CHEMS had a pH-sensitive property. Tumor-targeted effect was proved by the fact that pH-sensitive niosomes showed a remarkable high concentration in tumor site of the mice transplanted with tumor cell.     

Elaboration and characterization of spatially controlled assemblies of complementary polyphenol oxidase-alkaline phosphatase activities on electrodes

The electrooxidation of a biotin pyrrole has allowed the formation of biotinylated polypyrrole films. Gravimetric measurements based on a quartz crystal microbalance demonstrate the efficient coupling of avidin, biotinylated polyphenol oxidase (PPO-B) and avidin-labeled alkaline phosphatase (AP-A) with the underlying biotinylated polymer film. The estimated mass increase corresponds to the anchoring of 1.6-1.8 equivalent layer of proteins. A step-by-step construction of bienzyme multilayers composed of PPO-B and AP-A was carried out on the electrode surface modified by the biotinylated polypyrrole film through avidin-biotin bridges. A spatially controlled distribution of the two enzymes was performed by the formation of one AP-A layer on 1, 5, and 10 PPO-B layers. The resulting bienzyme electrodes were applied to the determination of phenyl phosphate on the basis of amperometric detection of enzymically generated o-quinone at -0.2 V. Their analytical performances were analyzed in relation to the design of the enzyme architectures and in comparison with the amperometric behavior of the monoenzymatic electrodes (PPO-B electrode and AP-A electrode). It appears that at the 10-layer-PPO-B polypyrrole electrode only 4% of phenol is transformed, whereas 42-69% of phenyl phosphate is enzymatically consumed and detected at the AP-A polypyrrole electrode, depending on the enzyme activity. For the bienzymatic AP-A/PPO-B polypyrrole electrodes, the activity of each immobilized enzyme clearly affects the biosensor performance, the main limiting factor being the very low efficiency of PPO-B at pH 8.8.     

TiO_2修饰空心玻璃微珠隔热涂料的制备及其性能表征

基于核-壳材料设计原理,以Ti(SO4)2为钛源,通过非均相沉淀法制备TiO2修饰空心玻璃微珠,并以其为隔热填料配制隔热涂料;借助XRD和SEM对TiO2改性空心玻璃微珠的相组成和微结构进行了表征;系统研究了隔热涂料的热反射效果以及光催化降解甲醛的性能。当水解反应温度为60℃,pH值为7,煅烧温度为600℃,锐钛矿型TiO2壳层实现了在空心玻璃微珠表面的均匀淀积,利用其制备的隔热涂料的热反射比高达97.76%;该隔热涂料同时具有良好的光催化性能,其降解甲醛反应的半衰期为156.82min。     

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic application of silver nanoshell coated functionalized polystyrene beads

Silver nanoshell coated cationic polystyrene beads have been synthesized at room temperature through immobilization of specific silver precursor ions followed by wet chemical reduction technique. Electrostatic field force has been taken into consideration for the immobilization of precursor ions onto the resin beads. The as-synthesized particles were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, EDX, and FTIR studies. The silver coated resin beads have been exploited as a solid phase catalyst to reduce 4-nitrophenol in presence of sodium borohydride. The detailed kinetics of the reduction process was monitored under varied experimental conditions. At the end of the reaction, the catalyst particles remain active, get separated from the product, 4-aminophenol and can be recycled for a number of times after the quantitative reduction of 4-nitrophenol. The activity of the solid-catalyst particles has been examined towards the reduction of other nitrophenols e.g., o-, m-nitrophenol and also for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol. The synthesis of anthranilic acid from o-nitrobenzoic acid has also been achieved using the composite materials as catalyst. The synthesis of the solid phase catalyst particles, their application and detailed kinetic aspects of the reduction of 4-nitrophenol have been reported.     

Preparation and characterization of chitosan/cashew gum beads loaded with Lippia sidoides essential oil

Beads based on chitosan (CH) and cashew gum (CG), were prepared and loaded with an essential oil with larvicide activity (Lippia sidoides – Ls). CH and CH–CG beads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared and UV–VIS spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), as well as, regarding their larvicide loading, swelling, in vitro and in vivo release kinetics. The oil encapsulation was evidenced by FTIR analysis and LS loading ranges from 2.4% to 4.4%. CH beads duly showed swelling degree (Q) values from 4.0 to 6.7, reaching equilibrium after 30 min, whereas crosslinked CH–CG beads showed lower swelling values, from 0.4 to 3.8, exhibiting a longer equilibrium time. Liquid transport parameters have revealed diffusion coefficient for CH–CG beads, as low as 2 × 10^? 15 m²/s. TGA and DSC revealed that CH:CG crosslinked beads are more thermally stable than CH beads. In vitro release follows a non-Fickian diffusion profile for both bead types, however, and a prolonged release being achieved only after beads crosslinking. In vivo release showed that both CH and CH–CG presented a prolonged larvicide effect. These aforesaid results, indicate that CH–CG beads loaded with LS are efficient for A. aegypti larval control.     

Elaboration and characterization of Fe1-xO thin films sputter deposited from magnetite target

Majority of the authors report elaboration of iron oxide thin films by reactive magnetron sputtering from an iron target with Ar-O₂ gas mixture. Instead of using the reactive sputtering of a metallic target we report here the preparation of Fe_1-xO thin films, directly sputtered from a magnetite target in a pure argon gas flow with a bias power applied. This oxide is generally obtained at very low partial oxygen pressure and high temperature. We showed that bias sputtering which can be controlled very easily can lead to reducing conditions during deposition of oxide thin film on simple glass substrates. The proportion of wustite was directly adjusted by modifying the power of the substrate polarization. Atomic force microscopy was used to observe these nanostructured layers. Mössbauer measurements and electrical properties versus bias polarization and annealing temperature are also reported.