Establishment of a novel surface-imprinting system for melamine recognition and mechanism of template–matrix interactions

A surface molecular-imprinting system was developed on polypropylene (PP) fiber for melamine (Mel) as an N-containing template. In this article, acrylic acid was introduced onto the surface of PP for template binding. Subsequently, binding sites on PP were stabilized by crosslinking with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether in the presence of Mel. The imprinted fiber (MIF-Mel) prepared with the optimal 15 % crosslinking density showed best-imprinting effect, with an imprinting factor of 2.18 respect to nonimprinted fiber, and a relative selectivity coefficient k′ of 10.40 for Mel with respect to its structural analog 2,4-dinitroaniline. MIF-Mel showed higher affinity to Mel with the maximum adsorption capacity of 15.5 mg g^?1, while that on nonimprinted fiber was only 6.9 mg g^?1. Its adsorption isotherm was well described using Langmuir model. Kinetic studies showed a rapid-binding interaction and high affinity of the MIF-Mel for its template, with a 2.5 times higher in binding amount and 4.7 times faster in binding speed than those of granular molecular-imprinting polymer with the same chemical structure. High degree of fitness with pseudo-second-order model revealed chemisorption was the rate-controlling step in the template-binding process. Basic theory of matrix–template interaction in this imprinting system was clarified to be dominated by electrostatic force synergized by hydrogen bonding between deprotonated carboxyl groups and protonated N atom in the template. It suggests that extension of this novel approach or theory to other imprinting system involving nitrogenous templates is very likely.     

Reactive sintering mechanism of Ti + Mo<Subscript>2</Subscript>C and Ti + VC powder compacts

TiC reinforced Ti-matrix composites have been synthesized successfully by reactive sintering of Ti-1.5%Fe-2.25%Mo (wt%) powder compacts with addition of Mo₂C and VC particles. The reactions for the formation of TiC particles start at 600 °C, but the distribution of TiC particles and the densification behavior in the two compacts are significantly influenced by the metal carbides (Mo₂C or VC). The compact with addition of Mo₂C has a relative density of 98% after sintering at 1300 °C for 1.5 h, but TiC particles are agglomerated in the Ti matrix. The compact with addition of VC has a relative density of about 91% after sintering at 1300 °C for 1.5 h, but TiC particles distribute more homogenously in the Ti matrix. Different TiC particle distribution and densification behaviors are attributed to the reaction rates between Ti and metal carbides and the subsequent diffusion process.     

The static and cyclic strength of a bone–cement bond

Four-point bending static and fatigue tests were carried out on bone–cement bonds. The effects of the pressurization and the washing of the bone joint face on the bond strength were investigated. The results are summarized as follows. When the bond surface of cancellous bone is washed prior to the application of the bone cement, both the static and fatigue strengths of the bond are increased relative to the corresponding properties of unwashed bone–cement bonds. From observations of bone–cement interfaces as well as the fracture surfaces of bone–cement specimens, it has been determined that bone cement was able to infiltrate into fine holes present in washed cancellous bone. However, such infiltration occurred to a much lesser degree in the case of unwashed cancellous bone. Increasing the molding pressure during the time of cement application to the bone from 39200 to 117600 Pa had a beneficial effect on the bending strength and fatigue properties, particularly in the case of washed bone cement specimens. An increase in molding pressure also resulted in a reduction in the amount of scatter in test results.     

Biodegradable β-tricalcium phosphate cement with anti-washout property based on chelate-setting mechanism of inositol phosphate

Novel biodegradable β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) cements with anti-washout properties were created on the basis of chelate-setting mechanism of inositol phosphate (IP6) using β-TCP powders. The β-TCP powders were ball-milled using ZrO₂ beads for 0–6 h in the IP6 solutions with concentrations from 0 to 10,000 ppm. The chelate-setting β-TCP cement with anti-washout property was successfully fabricated by mixing the β-TCP powder ball-milled in 3,000 ppm IP6 solution for 3 h and 2.5 mass% Na₂HPO₄ solution, and compressive strength of the cement was 13.4 ± 0.8 MPa. An in vivo study revealed that the above cement was directly in contact with host and newly formed bones without fibrous tissue layers, and was resorbed by osteoclast-like cells on the surface of the cement. The chelate-setting β-TCP cement with anti-washout property is promising for application as a novel injectable artificial bone with both biodegradability and osteoconductivity.     

Microstructural investigation of a silica fume–cement–lime mortar

Several additions, minerals and organic, are used in mortars, such as pozzolanic materials, cementicious materials and polymers. Literature about the use of additions in masonry mortars (cement/lime/sand mixes) is scarce; usually, studies are about concrete mortars. The purpose of this work is to study the microstructural effects of the substitution of 10% of Portland cement by silica fume in a 1:1:6 (cement/lime/sand mix proportion by volume) masonry mortar. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-rays analysis (SEM/EDX) shows that, with silica fume, the C–S–H formed is type III at early ages and that type III and type I coexist at later ages. Silica fume lowers the total porosity and increases compressive strength only at later age and, as expected, the pore structure of mortar with silica fume is found to be finer than of non-silica fume mortar.     

Initial in vitro biocompatibility of a bone cement composite containing a poly-ε-caprolactone microspheres

The biocompatibility of a reinforced calcium phosphate injectable bone substitute (CPC-IBS) containing 30% poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) microspheres was evaluated. The IBS consisted of a solution of chitosan and citric acid as the liquid phase and tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) powder as the solid phase with 30% PCL microspheres. The surface of the CPC-IBS was observed by SEM, and analyzed by EDX profiles. The initial setting of the sample was lower in the IBS containing 0% citric acid than in the IBS containing 10 or 20% citric acid. The compressive strength of the PCL-incorporated CPC-IBS was measured using a Universal Testing Machine. The 20% citric acid samples had the highest mechanical strength at day 12, which was dependent on both time and the citric acid concentration. The in vitro bioactivity experiments with simulated body fluid (SBF) confirmed the formation of apatite on the sample surfaces after 2, 7, and 14 days of incubation in SBF. Ca and P ion release profile by ICP method also confirmed apatite nucleation on the CPC-IBS surfaces. The in vitro biocompatibility of the CPC-IBS was evaluated by using MTT, cellular adhesion, and spreading studies. In vitro cytotoxicity tests by MTT assay showed that the 0 and 10% CPC-IBS was cytocompatible for fibroblast L-929 cells. The SEM micrograph confirmed that MG-63 cells maintained their phenotype on all of the CPC-IBS surfaces although cellular attachment was better in 0 and 10% CPC-IBS than 20% samples.     

Radon atoms — a probe of the evolution of the hardened cement paste structure

A new method of investigating the evolution of the hardened cement paste structure is proposed, based on the application of radon atoms as radioactive indicators. The application of this method (called the radiometric emanation method, REM) enabled us to follow continuously changes in the surface area and gel porosity directly during the setting and hardening of the cement paste, under conditions of required temperature and humidity. The advantage of the REM application in studying cement paste samples prepared of portland cement and slag cement (water to cement ratio = 0.3) at various temperatures from 20 up to 85° C is shown in comparison with commonly used methods.     

Characterisation of a metallic foam–cement composite under selected loading conditions

An open-cell metallic foam was employed as an analogue material for human trabecular bone to interface with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement to produce composite foam–cement interface specimens. The stress-displacement curves of the specimens were obtained experimentally under tension, shear, mixed tension and shear (mixed-mode), and step-wise compression loadings. In addition, under step-wise compression, an image-guided failure assessment (IGFA) was used to monitor the evolution of micro-damage of the interface. Microcomputed tomography (µCT) images were used to build a subject-specific model, which was then used to perform finite element (FE) analysis under tension, shear and compression. For tension–shear loading conditions, the strengths of the interface specimens were found to increase with the increase of the loading angle reaching the maximum under shear loading condition, and the results compare reasonably well with those from bone–cement interface. Under compression, however, the mechanical strength measured from the foam–cement interface is much lower than that from bone–cement interface. Furthermore, load transfer between the foam and the cement appears to be poor under both tension and compression, hence the use of the foam should be discouraged as a bone analogue material for cement fixation studies in joint replacements.     

GERT analysis of a single conveyor system†

Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique (GERT) has been applied to the analysis of the discrete conveyor model for service time distributions which are general but bounded and where there is no storage at work stations and no recirculation. The model is described by states with the Markovian property. The GERT analysis gives a visual representation of the conveyor system and useful information in the conveyor system design.     

Degradative and mechanical properties of a novel resorbable plating system during a 3-year follow-up in vivo and in vitro

We tested the tissue reactions and mechanical strength of a novel biodegradable craniomaxillofacial plating system, Inion CPS™, in the course of degradation. Plates and screws composed of l-lactide, d-lactide and trimethylene carbonate were implanted to the mandible and dorsal subcutis of 12 sheep. The animals were sacrificed at 6–156 weeks. Histological evaluation was done using paraffin and methylmetacrylate techniques. Degradative and mechanical properties during the follow-up were measured both of in vivo and in vitro implants. In light microscopy, the in vivo implant material began to fragment at 52 weeks and could not be detected at 104 weeks. No significant foreign body reactions were seen in the mandibles. The dorsal subcutis disclosed mild reactions, which were, however, not of clinical significance. The implants in vitro maintained their entire mass for 26 weeks and lost 63–80% of the mass by week 104. The inherent viscosity of the implants in vitro and in vivo diminished uniformly. The screws retained their shear strength for 12–16 weeks. The plates maintained their tensile strength for at least 6 weeks. The maximum capacity of the plates in 3-point bending tests diminished gradually by 87% in 26 weeks. In conclusion, the plates and screws examined maintain adequate strength for the healing period of a bone fracture or osteotomy, producing no harmful foreign body reactions. Dr Nieminen is a consultant for Inion Ltd., while the other co-authors do not have any conflicts of interest. Inion Ltd. has financed the costs related to the study sheep, including their housing.     

Thermodynamic analysis and optimization of a novel N2O–CO2 cascade system for refrigeration and heating

In this study, a natural refrigerant based cascaded system, with nitrous oxide as the low temperature fluid and carbon dioxide as the high temperature fluid, is analyzed for simultaneous cooling and heating applications. Effects of significant design and operating parameters on system performance are studied. Optimization of intermediate pressure for maximum COP for various design and operating parameters are presented as well. Results show that use of internal heat exchanger has marginal influence on system performance. Due to similar thermodynamic properties of nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide, the optimized intermediate temperature turns out to be independent of the performance of gas cooler and evaporator for a given operating condition. Due to the same reason, N₂O as low temperature fluid and CO₂ as high temperature fluid in a cascade arrangement exhibit similar behavioural trends in a system where the fluids are swapped.     

The activation of 〈c + a〉 non-basal slip in Magnesium alloys

The activation of 〈c + a〉 non-basal slip system can help to improving the mechanical properties of Magnesium alloys. The activation conditions of 〈c + a〉 non-basal slip system in Mg alloys are reviewed, such as the addition of lithium elements, increasing temperatures, and regions of stress concentration, and so on. Moreover, the article summarizes our results from the work on Mg alloys using equal channel angle pressing with back pressure, and points out that 〈c + a〉 non-basal slip systems also become active much easier under hydrostatic pressure, which will help to open new window to explore the basic physics of the activation of non-basal slip.     

Behavior of Steel–Concrete–Steel sandwich structures with lightweight cement composite and novel shear connectors

In Steel–Concrete–Steel (SCS) sandwich structure, mechanical shear connectors are commonly used to transfer longitudinal shear forces across the steel–concrete interface. In this paper, novel shear connectors such as J-hook and cable shear connectors are proposed and their performance to achieve composite strength of SCS sandwich structures is investigated. The use of these connectors together with ultra-lightweight cement composite core reduces the overall weight of SCS sandwich system making it suitable for the construction of marine and offshore structures. Static tests were carried out on SCS sandwich beams with J-hook, cable shear connectors and headed studs. Their ultimate strengths were reported and their respective failure modes were discussed. An analytical method to predict the ultimate strength of the Steel–Concrete–Steel sandwich beams with various types of shear connectors was developed and its accuracy was ascertained by comparing with the test results. Deign recommendations are made on minimum connector spacing to prevent shear cracking of concrete core and local buckling of face plates.     

Phosphoserine – a convenient compound for modification of calcium phosphate bone cement collagen composites

Temporary bone replacement materials on the basis of calcium phosphates and hydroxyapatite (HAP) are used in surgery for filling bone defects. Components which are able to control the nucleation and crystal growth of HAP through their functional groups and which can additionally activate bone cells may be helpful in the development of materials with enhanced remodelling in vivo. In this study, the influence of O-phospho-L-serine (PS) on the materials properties of calcium phosphate bone cement composites was investigated. For up to an addition of 25 mg/g PS a strong increase in the stability of the cements under load was determined. The material was studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A more dense microstructure and a plate-like morphology of the HAP-crystals were detected in the modified composites compared with the non-modified samples. By X-ray powder diffraction an inhibition of the dissolution of alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) and dicalciumphosphate anhydrous (DCPA) particles was found. alpha-TCP and DCPA are the main constituents of the cement precursor. The results of cell culture studies using rat calvaria osteoblasts demonstrate a good viability of the cells on the PS-modified material. Furthermore, the proliferation and differentiation were found to be enhanced on the PS-modified material.     

Cooling effect characteristics of a ½ cycle refrigeration system on an LPG fuel system

This paper presents a new concept for air-conditioning systems in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuelled vehicles, a ½ cycle refrigeration system. Prior to being used in an engine as a fuel, LPG serves as a refrigerant. Harvesting of cooling from LPG was carried out by an auxiliary evaporator. Initially, to evaporate LPG in an Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) vaporizer, water coolant is used. In these systems, the thermal energy to evaporate LPG is obtained from air driven by an electric blower. Cold air exiting from the evaporator may then be supplied to the cabin. The test results show that the actual cooling effect produced is as high as 1.2 kW for an LPG flow rate of more than 3 g/s and an air mass flow rate of 16 g/s. In conclusion, the ½ cycle air conditioning system is a promising application for LPG-fuelled vehicles to reduce the load on air-conditioning systems.     

Vorticity evolution mechanism in near‐field of a transverse jet

Abstract

Flow structure and vorticity evolution processes in the near field of an elevated jet in a crossflow are experimentally studied in a wind tunnel. The instantaneous and time‐averaged flow field characteristics are observed and measured by using a flow visualization technique and a high‐speed Particle Image Velocimeter (PIV). Time histories of the instantaneous velocity of the vortical flows in the shear‐layer are recorded by a hot‐wire anemometer and a high‐speed data acquisition system in order to analyze the frequency characteristics of the traveling coherent structure in the shear‐layer. Experiments are performed between two different jet‐to‐crossflow momentum flux ratios R = 0.08 and 0.56, which are selected from two regimes with different kinds of flow patterns at a fixed crossflow Reynolds number 2051. The behaviors and mechanisms of the vortical flow structure and the vorticity evolution mechanisms appear to be distinct in different flow regimes. By analyzing the pictures of the smoke flow visualization and the instantaneous vorticity contour maps, two kinds of vorticity evolution mechanisms, “shear‐induced vortices” and “swing‐induced vortices”, can be identified in the shear‐layer evolving from the jet exit. The time‐averaged velocity field and vorticity properties are also discussed in this paper.     

Evaluation of chitosan/β-tricalcium phosphate microspheres as a constituent to PMMA cement

Two methods, a traditional emulsion technique and a high voltage electrostatically modified encapsulation system, were used to fabricate degradable chitosan/ -tricalcium phosphate (-TCP) microspheres. The two distinct kinds of microspheres both exhibited good sphericity and the -TCP was trapped well inside the chitosan gel. The microspheres prepared by high voltage electrostatic system exhibited a rougher outer surface and narrower size distribution. These microspheres were then used as an added constituent to commercially available PMMA bone cement. Four modified cement composites that were prepared with different composition ratios of the two kinds of chitosan/-TCP microspheres that were made from emulsion technique (C1P1 and C2P1) and from a process by a high voltage electrostatic system (EC1P1 and EC2P1) were compared with the PMMA cement (Pure P). The characteristics of these materials indicate that with the addition of chitosan/ -TCP microspheres as a constituent into the PMMA cement significantly decreases the curing peak temperature. Furthermore, the setting time increases from 3.5-min to 9-min, as compared to the PMMA cement. These changes could be beneficial for the handling of the bone cement paste and causing less damage to the surrounding tissues. Understandably, the presence of chitosan/ -TCP microspheres in the prepared composites reduced the ultimate compressive strength and bending strength. From the degradation test and SEM observations, the modified chitosan/ -TCP/PMMA composites could be degraded gradually and create rougher surfaces that would be beneficial to cell adherence and growth.     

Fabrication and properties of novel composites in the system Al–Zr–C

Composite bodies in the system Al–Zr–C, with about 95% relative density, were obtained by heating the compact body of powder mixture consisting of Al and ZrC (5 : 1 mol %) in Ar at 1100–1500°C for various lengths of time. Components of the material heated at more than 1200°C were Al, Al3Zr, ZrC and AlZrC2. The Al3Zr exhibited plate-like aggregation, and its size increased with increasing temperature. In the material heated at 1500°C for 1 h, the largest plate-like Al3Zr aggregation was 2000 m long and 133 m thick. Then the AlZrC2 was present as well-proportioned hexagonal platelet particles with a 8–9 m diameter and a 1–2 m thickness in the interior of the plate-like Al3Zr aggregation and Al matrix phase. The average three-point bending strength of the bodies was 140–190 MPa, and the maximum strength was 203 MPa in the body heated at 1300°C for 1 h. The body heated at 1500°C for 1 h showed high oxidation resistivity to air up to 1000°C.     

In vitro studies of novel CaO–SiO2–MgO system composite bioceramics

In this study, a series of CaO–SiO₂–MgO composites with different β-CaSiO₃ (CS)/Mg₂SiO₄ (M₂S) composite ratios were prepared to produce new bioactive and biodegradable biomaterials for potential bone repair. The mechanical properties of CS–M₂S composites increased steadily with the increase of M₂S ratios in composites. Dissolution tests in Tris–HCl buffer solution showed obvious differences with different CS initial composite ratio in composites. The dissolution rate increased with the increase of CS composite ratio, which suggested that the solubility of composites could be tailored by adjusting the initial CS/M₂S composite ratio. Formation of bone-like apatite on a range of CS–M₂S composites with CS weight percentage ranging from 0 to 100 has been investigated in simulated body fluid (SBF). The presence of bone-like apatite layer on the composite surface after soaking in SBF was demonstrated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results showed that the apatite formation ability of the CS–M₂S composite with 70% CS was detected after 10 days immersion. In vitro cell experiments showed that the 50 and 70% CS composites supported greater osteoblast-like cell proliferation as compared with pure M₂S (p < 0.05). The results of this study suggested that the CS–M₂S composites with 50 and 70% initial CS composite amount might be more suitable for preparation of bone repair materials.