Formation of poly(octadecyl acrylate) brushes on a silicon wafer surface

To introduce an ultrahydrophobic polymeric phase onto a silicon wafer, an initiator‐modified silicon wafer was prepared with 2‐bromopropionyl bromide and then surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of octadecyl acrylate was carried out from the initiator‐grafted silicon wafer using CuBr and N,N,N′,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as catalyst precursors. The resultant poly(octadecyl acrylate) [poly(ODA)] brushes were characterized by ellipsometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, grazing angle Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, gel permeation chromatography and water contact angle measurements. Wettability of the poly(ODA) brushes was found to depend on the surface coverage (Γ) and the root mean square roughness. The most hydrophobic surface (Γ = 25.35 mg m^?2 and root mean square roughness 11.9 nm) exhibited a water contact angle of 171.1 ± 0.2°. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of bitumen composition and process water chemistry on model oilsands separation using a warm slurry extraction process simulation

Variability in ore composition and process parameters is known to affect bitumen recovery from natural oilsands. In this work, we extend our earlier studies with model oilsands (MOS) systems to investigate the effects caused by the presence of asphaltene and divalent cations on the interaction between bitumen and silica particles. The absence of both asphaltene and fines was found to have significant effects on bitumen recovery. With a typical oilsands, addition of small amounts of caustic improves recovery but overdosing causes a drastic loss of yield through bitumen emulsification. Without asphaltene and in the presence of fines, the typical drop in bitumen recovery above pH 10 did not occur, indicating that the source of emulsifying agents had been eliminated. With deasphalted bitumen, recovery in the absence of silica fines was very poor at all NaOH dosages. The strong, negative effect of divalent cations on “normal” bitumen recovery was almost completely eliminated when asphaltene was absent.     

POSS改性BMI树脂固化动力学及固化工艺研究

以双马来酰亚胺(BMI)、二烯丙基双酚A(BA)和七苯基倍半硅氧烷三硅醇(POSS-triol)为原料,采用非等温差示扫描量热(DSC)法研究了BMI/BA/POSS-triol体系的固化反应过程。运用Kissinger极值法、Crane法、Flynn-Wall-Ozawa(FWO)等转化率法和T-β(温度-升温速率)外推法确定了改性树脂体系的固化反应动力学参数和固化工艺参数。结果表明:改性树脂体系的固化反应活化能和反应级数(接近于1)均随POSS-triol用量增加而变化不大,说明POSS-triol的加入并没有明显改变BMI/BA体系的固化反应机理;改性树脂体系的凝胶温度为175.7℃,固化温度为226.9℃,后处理温度为271.7℃。     

Study on the stability of different refractories during the melting process of a K4169 Ni-based superalloy

The composition of the refractory strongly affects the cleanliness of the alloy. K4169 Ni-based superalloys were melted in different types of refractories in this study. The cleanliness of the Ni-based superalloy and phase transformation of the refractory were observed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‒EDS). The high-temperature stabilities of a Y₂O₃-based refractory, MgO-based refractory, and Al₂O₃-based refractory during melting with a Ni-based alloy were compared. The oxygen content was also lowest, and no Y₂O₃-containing inclusions were observed in the Ni-based alloy melted with the Y₂O₃-based refractory at 1823 K. Inclusions with 21%–29% MgO and a phase composed of Al, Mg and O with an area of approximately 1300 μm² were observed in the alloy. This indicates that the dissolution and erosion of the Y₂O₃-based refractory were weak, and obvious physical erosion and chemical dissolution of the MgO-based refractory occurred during the melting process of the Ni-based alloy. The width of the refractory phase adhered to the boundary of the Ni-based alloy increased in the order Y₂O₃-based refractory (15 μm- 23 μm)< Al₂O₃-based refractory (93 μm- 285 μm)< MgO-based refractory (3.5 mm–3.6 mm), indicating that the adhesive strength of the MgO-based refractory with the Ni-based alloy was strongest. The interaction between the refractory material, Ni-based alloy and inclusions was analyzed based on thermodynamic calculations by Factsage software. The effects of dissolution of the three refractory types on the formation and transformation of the new phases and inclusions were estimated. The thermodynamic results were in good agreement with the experimental results.     

Evaluation of mechanical properties of a dense SiC/SiCN composite produced via PIP process

The material behavior of Polymer Infiltration and Pyrolysis based SiC/SiCN composites is studied and the characteristic thermal and mechanical properties in on- (0/90 °) and off-axis (±45 °) direction are summarized. The tensile properties are determined at room temperature and 1300 °C. Based on the ratio of Young’s modulus and strength between on- and off-axis loading, a new approach for the classification of Weak Matrix Composites (WMC) and Weak Interface Composites (WIC) is proposed, which seems to be reasonable for various CMCs. Even without fibre coating mechanical behavior of SiC/SiCN is similar to that of WIC. In order to explain this, a microstructure model is developed and confirmed by analysis of fracture surface. The effect of temperature on the tensile properties is investigated through analysis of residual thermal stresses. Even though at 1300 °C the strength is slightly lower, the fracture strain increased significantly from RT to 1300 °C.     

黄钠铁矾渣制备透明铁黄的晶种研究

以黄钠铁矾渣为原料，用滴加法来制备透明铁黄时，首先要得到纯净的硫酸亚铁溶液，然后以氨水为沉淀剂制备晶种。本文介绍了晶种制备过程，考察了硫酸亚铁浓度、碱比、温度、通气量和搅拌速度等因素对晶种质量的影响。     

Performance enhancement of dye-sensitized solar cells using nanostructural TiO2 films prepared by a graft polymerization and sol–gel process

Nanostructural TiO₂ films with large surface areas were prepared by the combined process of graft polymerization and sol–gel for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The surface of the TiO₂ nanoparticles was first graft polymerized with photodegradable poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), after which the particles were deposited onto a conducting glass. The PMMA chains were removed from the TiO₂ films by UV irradiation to generate secondary pores, into which titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) was infiltrated. The TTIP was then converted into small TiO₂ particles by calcination at 450 °C, as characterized by energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy (EF-TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The nanostructural TiO₂ films were used as a photoelectrode in solid-state DSSCs; the energy conversion efficiency was 5.1% at 100 mW/cm², which was higher than the values achieved by the pristine TiO₂ (3.8%) and nongrafted TiO₂/TTIP photoelectrodes (3.3%). This performance enhancement is primarily due to the increased surface area and pore volume of TiO₂ films, as revealed by the N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherm.     

改性硅酸钙用于养殖废水厌氧处理过程中除磷研究

为了实现在养殖废水厌氧处理的过程中同时除磷,自行制备改性硅酸钙(MCS),并对其物相和微观进行了表征;随后将其投加到正在运行的厌氧反应装置中,以考察其对养殖废水厌氧处理过程中除磷效果的影响。结果表明:制备的MCS纯度高、粒径小,为半结晶低有序度的水合硅酸钙单相,磷吸附量高达111.04 mg/g。重要的是,MCS的投入不仅未对UASB反应的运行和处理效果产生不良影响,而且可以提高反应器中污泥的活性,并可大幅提高反应器中磷去除率到99.5%,而未投加MCS的对照组中磷去除率仅为50%。     

Effect of process water chemistry and particulate mineralogy on model oilsands separation using a warm slurry extraction process simulation

Variability in ore composition and process parameters is known to affect bitumen recovery from natural oilsands. In this work, we extend our earlier investigations with model oilsands systems (MOS) to determine the effects of calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate ion concentrations in the process water and their interactions with ‘active’ solids such as: kaolinite, montmorillonite and ultra-fine silica. Our results demonstrate that solids mineralogy and decreasing particle size produce negative outcomes on bitumen recovery related to concomitant effects on bitumen droplet size during flotation. In some cases, certain process water chemistries were found to restore recovery, but clay concentration was the key factor.Naturally acidic oilsands are known to give poor bitumen recoveries. An MOS prepared with connate water at pH 2 responded in the same way. Comparison with a typical oilsands showed no significant differences in middlings pH and the large, negative effect on bitumen recovery was not reversed by higher caustic loading during separation. This result may be caused by irreversible co-flocculation of bitumen and mineral particles during preparation of the MOS and may reflect similar behavior in comparable natural samples.     

Immobilization of biologically active species on PA‐6 foils treated by a dielectric barrier discharge

In the field of biomaterials and biomedical devices, surface activation has been focused on creating functional groups capable of preferential adsorption of biologically active species (proteins, enzymes, cells, drugs, etc.). In this way an interface can be created between the synthetic material and the biological medium, with the aim of increasing the compatibility of the implant with the human organism. In our experiments a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), in helium at atmospheric pressure, was used as the source of energy capable of creating active centers that render the functionalized surface favorable to immobilization of biological molecules. Retention of immunoglobulin (IgG) and heparin biomolecules on polyamide‐6 (PA‐6) surfaces after treatment by the DBD was analyzed by atomic force microscopy, adhesion evaluation, and measurement of the contact angle titration in order to assess this incorporation on the treated surfaces. The marked adsorption of the biomolecules on the active sites created by DBD on the exposed surfaces also was related to a complex set of processes, such as enhanced roughness, increased surface wettability, and modified distribution of cationic and anionic groups on the treated surfaces. All these factors could promote interfacial interactions between the specific groups of the biomolecules existing in the biological medium and the type of cationic and/or anionic groups present on the surface. The efficiency of the DBD treatment showed that the DBD technique is useful for preactivation of the polymer surface for immobilization of other biologically active species (such as drugs and enzymes). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1985–1990, 2003     

Experimental and Theoretical Study of O-Substituent Effect on the Fluorescence of 8-Hydroxyquinoline

The synthesis and characterization of different ether and ester derivatives of 8-hydroxyquinoline have been made. UV-visible and fluorescence spectra of these compounds have revealed spectral dependence on both solvent and O-substituent. The fluorescence intensity of ether derivatives revealed higher intensity for 8-octyloxyquinoline compared with 8-methoxyquinoline, whereas those of ester derivatives had less fluorescence than 8-hydroxyquinoline. Theoretical calculations based on Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) were carried out for the quinolin-8-yl benzoate(8-OateQ) compound to understand the effect of O-substituent on the electronic absorption of 8-hydroxyquinaline (8-HQ). The calculations revealed comparable results with those obtained from the experimental data. Optimized geometrical structure was calculated with DFT at B3LYP/6-311++G** level of theory. The results indicated that 8-OateQ is not a coplanar structure. The absorption spectra of the compound were computed in gas-phase and solvent using B3LYP and CAM-B3LYP methods with 6-311++G ** basis set. The agreement between calculated and experimental wavelengths was very good at CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G** level of theory.     

Preparation of a poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) copolymer using a novel tin(II) alkoxide initiator and its fiber processing for potential use as an absorbable monofilament surgical suture

A poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) copolymer, P(LL-co-CL), of composition 75:25 mol% was synthesized via the bulk ring-opening copolymerization of L-lactide and ε-caprolactone using a novel bis[tin(II) monooctoate] diethylene glycol coordination-insertion initiator, OctSn-OCH₂CH₂OCH₂CH₂O-SnOct. The P(LL-co-CL) copolymer obtained was characterized by a combination of analytical techniques, namely nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, dilute-solution viscometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. For processing into a monofilament fiber, the copolymer was melt spun with minimal draw to give a largely amorphous and unoriented as-spun fiber. The fiber's oriented semicrystalline morphology, necessary to give the required balance of mechanical properties, was then developed via a sequence of controlled offline hot-drawing and annealing steps. Depending on the final draw ratio, the fibers obtained had tensile strengths in the region of 200–400 MPa.     

Influence of 2,6 (N-pyrazolyl)isonicotinic acid on the photovoltaic properties of a dye-sensitized solar cell fabricated using poly(vinylidene fluoride) blended with poly(ethylene oxide) polymer electrolyte

A novel method of introducing a synthesized organic nitrogenous compound 2,6 (N-pyrazolyl)isonicotinic acid (BNIN) and its effect on the conduction behavior of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF)–poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) polymer-blend electrolyte with potassium iodide (KI) and iodine (I₂) and the corresponding performance of the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were studied. A systematic investigation of the blends using FTIR provides evidence of interaction of BNIN with the polymer. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study proves the miscibility of these polymers. Due to the coordinating and plasticizing effects of BNIN, the ionic conductivity of polymer blend electrolytes is enhanced. The efficiency of DSSC using BNIN doped polymer blend electrolyte was 7.3% under an illumination of 60 mW cm⁻² were observed for the best performance of a solar cell in this work.     

PEB/St-AN悬浮接枝共聚反应机理的研究

研究了乙烯-1-丁烯共聚物（PEB）与苯乙烯-丙烯腈（St-AN）悬浮接枝共聚体系的反应行为随反应时间的延长而变化的规律。核磁共振氢谱（1 H-NMR）分析表明反应产物由未接枝PEB、接枝共聚物PEB-g-SAN和非接枝共聚物SAN构成,无交联产物存在。体系在反应的最初阶段接枝共聚反应速率高于非接枝共聚反应速率。凝胶渗透色谱（GPC）分析表明,在整个反应过程中发生了未接枝PEB和PEB-g-SAN主链的降解反应。共聚反应在反应时间为240min时结束,此后发生少量未接枝PEB和PEB-g-SAN结合的反应,导致产物的橡胶接枝率逐渐提高、产物与SAN树脂共混物的缺口冲击强度逐渐上升、以及用SEM分析证实的共混物增韧机理由空穴化的脆性断裂向高度剪切屈服的韧性断裂转变。     

Nutrient removal performance of an anaerobic–anoxic–aerobic process as a function of influent C/P ratio

The laboratory scale anaerobic–anoxic–aerobic (A²O) process fed with synthetic brewage wastewater was designed to investigate the effects of changing feed C/P ratio on the performance of biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes. In the experiment, the influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration was kept at approximately 300 mg L^?1 while the total phosphorus concentration was varied to obtain the desired C/P ratio. Results showed that when the C/P ratio was lower than 32, phosphorus removal efficiency increased as C/P ratio increased linearly, while when the C/P ratio was higher than 32, the P removal efficiency was maintained at 90–98%, and effluent P concentration was lower than 0.5 mg L^?1. However, regardless of the C/P ratio, excellent COD removal (90% or higher) and good total nitrogen removal (75–84%) were maintained throughout the experiments. It was also found that very good linear correlation was obtained between COD uptake per unit P released in the anaerobic zone and C/P ratio. In addition, the P content in the wasted activated sludge increased with the decrease in the C/P ratio. Based on the results, it was recommended that the wastewater C/P ratio and its effects be incorporated into BNR design and operational procedures, appropriate C/P ratios were used to achieve the effluent treatment goals. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Coagulation process for tannery industry effluent treatment using Moringa oleifera seeds protein: Kinetic study,pH effect on floc characteristics and design of a thickener unit

The kinetics of coagulation process for turbidity removal from tannery industry effluent using NaCl solution extracted Moringa oleifera protein is reported here. The effect of initial pH of effluent on floc size and strength was analysed. Floc size decrease with increase in velocity gradient and hierarchy of floc size exponent at different pH was: acidic > neutral > basic. It was observed based on the half-life period data that the process follows a second-order kinetic model with 0.000862 (L/mg min) as the rate constant. The Talmadge–Fitch method is used to analyse batch sedimentation data for the calculation of area for the clarifier-thickener unit to treat 5 m³/h of tannery wastewater.     

Detection of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Virus Using a Polydiacetylene Immunosensor on Solid‐Liquid Phase

The rapid detection of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV) is vital for the prevention of foot‐and‐mouth disease outbreaks. In this study, a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF)‐supported polydiacetylene (PDA) immunosensor is developed to detect FMDV, in which a polyclonal antibody against the FMDV VP1 antigen is conjugated as a specific virus‐binding module without a linker. First, a liposome‐based immunosensor is generated for the FMDV VP1 protein in the form of photopolymerized PDA colloids. Then, the VP1‐specific PDA immunosensors are modified onto PVDF strip to enable the rapid and portable detection of FMDV. Detailed analyses are performed using ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. A blue‐to‐red color transition is observed in the presence of FMDV particles, indicating the potential applications of FMDV‐specific PDA immunosensors for use in solid‐phase detection as well as via liquid‐phase liposome platforms. Thus, this work provides a rapid and simple detection for FMDV.