Recording characteristics of coated disks having high coercivity powder

The recording characteristics of coated disks having high coercivity powder, in particular metal powder, are given. We manufactured various disks containing γ-Fe2O3(coercivity: 350 Oe), iron-cobalt metal powder (400 - 800 Oe) and iron metal powder (650 Oe), respectively. The recording characteristics of these disks were measured by using a Mn-Zn ferrite head whose saturation magnetization was 5,000 gauss. It was found that disks with higher coercivity showed a capacity for increased bit density, but at the same time, poor overwrite characteristics. The optimum coercivity proved to be about 650 Oe. The typical values for metal powder coated disks (650 Oe) were: critical bit density: 19,000 BPI reproduced output: 1 mV at 19,000 BPI overwrite: -30 dB.     

Toward facile synthesizing of diamond nanostructures via nanotechnological approach: Lonsdaleite carbon nanofibers by electrospinning

Low cost synthesis of the diamond is a dream for the scientists. In this study, different forms of carbon were obtained due to utilizing of different cobalt-based catalytic materials in the graphitization of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) electrospun nanofibers. The utilized cobalt-based catalysts were cobalt acetate tetrahydrate (CoAc), cobalt NPs, and CoAc/palladium NPs. Calcination in argon atmosphere of the polymeric nanofibers containing the aforementioned catalytic materials led to obtain different products. High yield and good nanofibrous morphology were obtained in case of CoAc-containing nanofibers, however cobalt nanoparticles destroyed the nanofibrous morphology and revealed low yield. Interestingly, diamond-like lonsdaleite carbon nanofibers were produced when CoAc–Pd NPs catalytic system was utilized; however normal graphite powder and nanofibers were obtained when Co NPs and CoAc have been used, respectively. The obtained Co-graphite and Co–Pd–lonsdaleite nanofibers could be also synthesized in the form of thin films supported on graphite disks when polyacrylonitrile disks were used as collectors. Calcination of the obtained disks with the attached electrospun nanofibers produced well affixed Co-graphite and Co–Pd–lonsdaleite nanofibers on graphite disks. Electrical properties study of the obtained films indicated that the Co–Pd–lonsdaleite nanofibers behave as semiconductor while Co-graphite nanofibers show ohmic conductivity. Magnetically, Pd has a negative impact on the magnetic properties of the cobalt.     

Effect of calcium carbonate particle size on formation and morphology of calcium hexaboride powder synthesized from condensed boric acid-poly(vinyl alcohol) product

Calcium hexaboride (CaB₆) powder was synthesized by carbothermal reduction via the transient boron carbide (B₄C) formation starting from a condensed boric acid (H₃BO₃)-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) product. The effect of the size of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) particles on the formation behavior of CaB₆ and the obtained particle morphology was investigated in this study. CaB₆ powder was prepared using CaCO₃ powders with microsize or nanosize particles. The CaB₆ formation reaction was accelerated at lower temperature and shorter heat treatment time when using nanosize CaCO₃ particles. The complete formation of CaB₆ was achieved at 1400?°C for 3?h in an Ar flow. Furthermore, CaB₆ powder with nanosize particles was obtained. The precursor powder obtained using nanosize CaCO₃ particles transiently formed fine B₄C and calcium borate particles, which are reactive species of CaB₆, leading to the facile formation of fine CaB₆ particles.     

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO2/graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels for pH-sensitive photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO₂/graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared using radical polymerization and condensation reaction for the photocatalytic treatment of waste water. Graphene oxide was used as an additive to improve the photocatalytic activity of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO₂ nanocomposite hydrogels. Both TiO₂ and graphene oxide were immobilized in poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel matrix for an easier recovery after the waste water treatment. The photocatalytic activity of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO₂/graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels was evaluated on the base of the degradation of pollutants by using UV spectrometer. The improved removal of pollutants was due to the two-step mechanism based on the adsorption of pollutants by nanocomposite hydrogel and the effective decomposition of pollutants by TiO₂ and graphene oxide. The highest swelling of nanocomposite hydrogel was observed at pH 10 indicating that poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO₂/graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels were suitable as a promising system for the treatment of basic waste water.     

Morphological changes of calcium hexaboride powder synthesized from condensed boric acid-polyol product

We previously reported a novel low-temperature synthesis method for calcium hexaboride (CaB₆) powder via the transient formation of boron carbide (B₄C) using a condensed boric acid (H₃BO₃)-polyol product. In this study, the effect of the type of polyol on the morphology of the CaB₆ powder was investigated. Three types of polyol, glycerin, mannitol, and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), were used for the preparation of condensed H₃BO₃-polyol products since the B₄C particles prepared from these polyols exhibit different morphologies. CaB₆ powder was successfully synthesized at a low temperature of 1400?°C regardless of the polyol used. The size of the obtained CaB₆ particles varied with the polyol used, which reflected the size of the B₄C particles prepared using the corresponding polyol. These results indicate that the morphology of the obtained CaB₆ powder is derived from that of the transiently formed B₄C particles.     

Synthesis of mullite powders using precipitated silica and tetraethoxy silane and aluminium-formate as precursor materials in aqueous medium

Mullite (3Al₂O₃-2SiO₂) powder was prepared by using an aqueous sol-gel method where aluminium formate and tetraethoxy silane (TEOS) and precipitated silica were used as the precursor compounds and water was used as reaction medium instead of the conventionally used solvent alcohol. The gels were calcined at 1000°C, 1200°C and 1300°C for 1 h and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry analysis and transmission electron microscopy. This method is shown to provide homogeneous, reactive amorphous powder at comparatively low temperatures.     

Synthesis of nano-particles of anatase-TiO2 and preparation of its optically transparent film in PVA

Anatase-TiO₂ nano-particles have been synthesized by using long-carbon chain carboxylic acid and titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄). As-prepared powder has been calcined at 500 °C to obtain highly crystalline TiO₂. Broad X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of as-prepared as well as calcined powder showed all prominent peaks for tetragonal crystal structure representing anatase-TiO₂. The particle diameter by applying Scherrer formula was found to be about 20 nm. It was possible to load as-prepared particles in poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) for optical studies. Optically transparent film showed sharp absorption band for TiO₂ nano-particles at ∼ 300 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) studies of the solution showed emission wavelength at about 330 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) revealed that the particles in the film have uniform distribution and even for the powder no agglomeration was observed. Thermal analysis (TGA) showed that the stability of host polymer is enhanced. FTIR spectra showed presence of carboxylate functional group in the powder.     

Structure and properties of EVOH/organoclay nanocomposites

The nanocomposites of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) with organoclay were prepared by a solution-precipitation method. The structures of nanocomposites were examined by X-ray diffraction. The exfoliation of organoclay was more evident in the nanocomposites of the EVOH containing 18 mol% vinyl alcohol (EVOH18), compared to the EVOH containing 5 mol% vinyl alcohol (EVOH5). Some of the bilayer alkylammonium structures at the clay gallery changed to monolayer structures in the nanocomposites. The thermal properties measured by differential scanning calorimetry showed the organoclay enhanced the crystallization of EVOH, however, it retarded crystallization when there was too much. The modulus of EVOH18 showed about a 2-fold increase of pristine polymer when using 7% of reinforcing organoclay.     

Preparation of soluble polypyrrole composites and their uptake properties for anionic compounds

Soluble composite particles consisting of polypyrrole-poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and polypyrrole-poly(vinyl alcohol) were prepared, and their stabilities and ion exchange properties were compared with those for polyaniline-poly(vinyl alcohol) composites. The dispersions of the polypyrrole-based composites were more stable in solution than those for the polyaniline-based ones but extracted organic molecules less rapidly and quantitatively. However, EPR investigation indicated that the polypyrrole composites had substantially greater numbers of cationic sites than the polyaniline composites at pH greater than 6. Enantioseparation of amino acids was attempted by using a polypyrrole-poly(vinyl alcohol) composite doped with N-carbobenzoxy-l-aspartic acid as a chiral selector.     

形貌可控的Cr_2O_3纳米颗粒的制备与表征

室温下,将三氧化铬(CrO_3)和聚乙烯醇(PVA)在水溶液中反应合成聚合物前驱体,退火处理得到不同形貌的Cr_2O_3纳米颗粒。采用热重-差热分析仪(TG-DTA)、傅里叶红外光谱仪(FT-IR)、粉末X射线衍射仪(XRD)和扫描电镜(SEM)对所得样品进行了分析。结果表明,750℃退火后获得纯的单相Cr_2O_2纳米颗粒;通过控制PVA和CrO_3的初始反应比例,得到了球形和片状的Cr_2O_3纳米颗粒。     

Synthesis of boron nitride from boron containing poly(vinyl alcohol) as ceramic precursor

A ceramic precursor, prepared by condensation reaction from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and boric acid (H₃BO₃) in 1:1, 2:1 and 4:1 molar ratios, was synthesized as low temperature synthesis route for boron nitride ceramic. Samples were pyrolyzed at 850°C in nitrogen atmosphere followed by characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).     

Effect of chitosan-gluconic acid conjugate/poly(vinyl alcohol) cryogels as wound dressing on partial-thickness wounds in diabetic rats

We previously developed chitosan cryogels from chitosan-gluconic acid conjugate without using toxic additives for wound care. In this study, we improved physiological characteristics of the previous cryogels by incorporating poly(vinyl alcohol) that also form cryogels. Mechanical strength of the cryogels was more than two times higher than that of the previous cryogels. Furthermore, the incorporation of poly(vinyl alcohol) enhanced water retention and resistance to degradation of the gels by lysozyme. The cryogels retained the favorable biological properties of the previous cryogels that they accelerate infiltration of inflammatory cells into wound sites. Time period for repairing 50 % of initial area of partial-thickness skin wound treated with the cryogels (4.0 ± 1.1 days) was shorter than those with gauze (6.5 ± 0.3 days) or a commercial hydrogel dressing (5.7 ± 0.3 days). Finally, we confirmed that incorporation of basic fibroblast growth factor into the cryogels was effective to further accelerate wound healing (2.7 ± 1.0 days). These results demonstrate that the cryogels in this study are promising for wound care.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of composites of well-crystallized hydroxyapatite and poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel

Composites of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel were fabricated by the hydrothermal treatment of calcium phosphate powder. Alpha-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) or beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) powder was dispersed in PVA hydrogel and exposed to water vapor at 120 °C, 140 °C or 160 °C for 6 h. Low crystallinity HAp was formed in specimens prepared from α-TCP and PVA hydrogel prior to hydrothermal treatment, which was caused by hydrolysis of α-TCP. This allowed specimen shape to be retained after hydrothermal treatment. β-TCP showed less reactivity in forming HAp in the PVA hydrogel, which led to the formation of large rod-shaped crystals approximately 15 μm in length. Specimens from β-TCP and PVA were too soft to retain their shape after hydrothermal treatment. HAp with controlled morphology was prepared using different types of tricalcium phosphate precursor. The application of α-TCP allowed the in situ fabrication of HAp/PVA composites.     

In-doped zinc oxide dodecagonal nanometer thick disks

In-doped ZnO nanometer thick disks were successfully fabricated by thermal evaporation of a powder mixture of Zn, In₂O₃ and graphite without catalyst. SEM images show that some ZnO disks have perfect dodecagon shape. These disks are about 1∼3 μm in size and 40∼100 nm in thickness. XRD, TEM and EDS observations show that the disks are single-crystalline ZnO with wurtzite structure. The disks grow mainly along the twelve symmetric directions of <21¯1¯0> and <101¯0>, while the growth along [0001] is suppressed. The In content of the disks reaches 27.4 at.%. Room temperature photoluminescence spectra show that the UV emission peak blueshifts and become broader after doping.     

Preparation and characterization of gold/poly(vinyl alcohol)/MoS2 intercalation nanocomposite

Gold-molybdenum disulfide nanocomposites were prepared by means of exfoliation of a layered host and subsequent in situ oxidation–reduction of the intercalated auric compounds, using the interlayer of MoS₂ as the nanoreactor and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) molecules as the dispersant. The nanocomposites were characterized by means of powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrical conductivity of the Au/PVA/MoS₂ nanocomposites at various temperatures was investigated. Results indicated that Au and PVA were intercalated in the layered MoS₂, at an interlayer distance of 2.072 and 0.928 nm. The intercalation of Au and PVA led to a significant increase in the electrical conductivity value of MoS₂, while the electrical conductivity value of the intercalation nanocomposites decreased with decreasing temperature.     

相扩散阻挡法制备铁酸钴/改性钛酸铋钠0-3复合多铁性陶瓷

通过溶胶-凝胶工艺在CoFe₂O₄(简称CFO)粉体表面包覆二氧化锆陶瓷层来阻挡烧结过程中铁磁相与铁电相之间的离子扩散. 包覆后的CFO与0.92(Bi_0.5Na_0.5)TiO3-0.02(Bi_0.5K_0.5)TO₃-0.06BaTiO₃(简称BNBT) 陶瓷粉体分别按照xCFO/(1-x) BNKLABT (质量分数x = 0.05、0.10、0.15、0.20、0.25、0.30)混合均匀, 并用聚乙烯醇为粘结剂模压成圆片; 再经过1050℃烧结制备了铁磁/铁电0-3型复合材料. XRD分析表明: 二氧化锆在高温烧结过程中对离子扩散具有良好的阻挡作用. 复合陶瓷的耐击穿电压大于75kV/cm. 测量结果表明: 复合陶瓷的压电应变常数、机电耦合系数、介电常数和剩余极化随CFO含量的增加而降低; 磁电耦合系数、介电损耗随CFO含量的增加而有所增大. -35mm×1.5mm的复合陶瓷样品(x=0.05)在谐振频率(90kHz)和199kA/m 偏置磁场下的磁电系数为1.39V/A.     

PVC Formulation of Anastrepha suspensa Pheromones Suitable for Field Studies

Tephritid flies threaten the production of fruits around the world. In the Americas, populations of the genus Anastrepha are monitored with trapping networks as part of pest management programs. Here, we report the formulation of male Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) pheromones, (±)-anastrephin and (±)-epianastrephin, into a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) polymer-based lure ready for trap deployment. The PVC polymer disks (100 mg) contain 10% by weight of (±)-epianastrephin and (±)-anastrephin in a naturally occurring 7:3 diastereomeric ratio, respectively. Emission of the pheromones from the disks into an airstream was evaluated as a function of the abiotic environmental parameters, absolute humidity and temperature. Kinetic data supports a diffusion-controlled mechanism of release from the matrix with first-order rate constants that decreased about ten-fold as the temperature was lowered from 30 to 15 °C. As such, the emission of volatile pheromones from the disks is suitable to last for several weeks in the field. This kinetic approach, which can be easily extended to the diffusion-controlled release of other attractants from polymeric matrices, yields laboratory predictions of the potential for environmental loss prior to conducting field bioassays.     

Multiwalled carbon nanotube-poly(vinyl alcohol)-glucose oxidase nanobiocomposites for amperometric sensing

Novel nanobiocomposites multiwalled carbon nanotube-poly(vinyl alcohol)-glucose oxidase have been successfully prepared by a simple solution-evaporation method. The morphology and performance of the multiwalled carbon nanotube-poly(vinyl alcohol)-glucose oxidase film have been characterized by atomic force microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and amperometry. The multiwalled carbon nanotube and glucose oxidase were observed to be homogeneously dispersed throughout the poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix. When compared with bare glassy carbon electrode, the sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide is greatly improved by about 115 times at multiwalled carbon nanotubepoly(vinyl alcohol) modified glassy carbon electrode. The glucose biosensor sensitivity was strongly influenced by the glucose oxidase concentration within the multiwalled carbon nanotube-poly(vinyl alcohol)-glucose oxidase composite.     

Analysis of friction between articular cartilage and polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel artificial cartilage

Many biomaterials are being used to repair damaged articular cartilage. In particular, poly vinyl alcohol hydrogel has similar mechanical properties to natural cartilage under compressive and shearing loading. Here, three-factor and two-level friction experiments and long-term tests were conducted to better evaluate its tribological properties. The friction coefficient between articular cartilage and the poly vinyl alcohol hydrogel depended primarily on the three factors of load, speed, and lubrication. When the speed increased from 10 to 20 mm/s under a load of 10 N, the friction coefficient increased from 0.12 to 0.147. When the lubricant was changed from Ringer’s solution to a hyaluronic acid solution, the friction coefficient decreased to 0.084 with loads as high as 22 N. The poly vinyl alcohol hydrogel was severely damaged and lost its top surface layers, which were transferred to the articular cartilage surface. Wear was observed in the surface morphologies, which indicated the occurrence of surface adhesion of bovine cartilage. Surface fatigue and adhesive wear was the dominant wear mechanism.     

The effect of high‐pressure food processing on the sorption behaviour of selected packaging materials

The sorption behaviour and flavour‐scalping potential of selected packaging films in contact with food simulant liquids (FSLs) (ethanol and acetic acid solutions) were evaluated after high‐pressure processing (HPP). The films used were monolayer polypropylene (PP), a multilayer (polyethylene/nylon/ethylene vinyl alcohol/polyethylene: PE/nylon/EVOH/PE), film and a metallized (polyethylene terephthalate/ethylene–vinyl acetate/linear low‐density polyethylene: metallized PET/EVA/LLDPE) material. D‐limonene was used as the sorbate and was added to each of the FSLs. After HPP treatment at 800 MPa, 10 min, 60°C, the amount of D‐limonene sorbed by the packaging materials and the amount remaining in the FSL was measured. Untreated controls (1 atm, 60°C and 40°C) were also prepared. Extraction of the D‐limonene from the films was performed using a purge/trap method. D‐limonene was quantified in both the films and the FSL, using gas chromatography (GC). The results showed that D‐limonene concentration, in both the films and the food simulants, was not significantly affected by HPP, except for the metallized PET/EVA/LLDPE. Significant differences in D‐limonene sorption were found in comparison with the control pouches. The results also showed that changes in temperature significantly affected the sorption behaviour of all films. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.