The nature and location of SEBS–MA compatibilizer in polyethylene–wood flour composites

A maleic-anhydride-grafted styrene–ethylene—butylene–styrene (SEBS–MA) triblock copolymer has been used as a compatibilizer in low-density polyethylene–wood flour (LDPE–WF) composite system. The location of compatibilizer was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The unsaturated parts of the copolymer were stained with osmium tetraoxide (OsO₄) to enhance contrast between the different phases. TEM micrographs indicated that part of the compatibilizer was located at the interface between the wood particles and PE matrix and that wood was also stained by the OsO₄. The nature of the interface between the wood surface and the SEBS–MA was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicated that MA reacts with wood through esterification and hydrogen bonding and also possibly through interaction between the styrene and wood. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 201–209, 1998     

Microscopic assessment of the effect of saw-texturedPinus radiata plywood surface on the distribution of a film-forming acrylic stain

The micro-morphology of the wood-coating interface of saw-texturedPinus radiata plywood panels, which had been coated with a film-forming stain, was examined using a range of microscopic techniques. The surface appearance and tissue deformation characteristics of saw-textured plywood and the pattern of distribution of the applied coating were observed by combined light, confocal, and scanning electron microscopy. The saw-textured surface was highly irregular, with surface tissues greatly distorted, being bent, twisted, and occasionally detached, and showing extensive cell wall cracking. The applied coating conformed closely to the contours of the saw-textured surface, resulting in a highly variable film thickness. The film was thickest in the grooves and thinnest over the ridges, and in places discontinuous, particularly where wood cells protruded out of the wood surface. These and other salient features of the surface of saw-textured plywood are discussed in relation to the pattern of the applied acrylic stain topcoat.     

Preparation of solar selective absorbing CuO coating for medium temperature application

A new method of preparing CuO solar selective absorbing coating for medium temperature is presented. After pretreatment, brass was overlaid with CuO by chemical plating. The effects of reactant concentration, reaction temperature and reaction time on the absorptivity of CuO coating were investigated. The optimized condition of preparing CuO coating was obtained. The CuO coating was analyzed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to prolong the period of use, the CuO coating was protected by TiO₂. The experiment shows that the TiO₂/CuO coating is more heat-resistant, acid-resistant, and wear resistant than CuO coating, without losing absorptivity markedly. The TiO₂ coating can reduce emissivity and protect the CuO coating. Translated from Journal of Tianjin University, 2006, 39(12): 1485–1489 [译自: 天津大学学报]     

FIRE PROTECTION PROPERTIES OF WOOD IN WATERBORNE EPOXY COATINGS CONTAINING FUNCTIONALIZED GRAPHENE OXIDE

Functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) modified by H₃BO₃ and (C₂H₅O)₃–Si–(CH₂)₃NH₂ was prepared and applied as an intumescent flame retardant (IFR) coating to reduce thermal transmission to a substrate and enhance fire resistance. Its structural features were tested using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). The IFR coating presented here is based on melamine pyrophosphate (MPP), pentaerythritol (PER), and melamine-formaldehyde resin (MF), with waterborne epoxy resin (WEP) used as an adhesive. The flame retardancy of the coatings was tested on a small scale using the “big panel method” and cone calorimeter test (CCT). The coatings structure and thermostability were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The results show that the addition of 0.083 phr FGO into the IFR system provided effective fire protection. The SEM results show that the char residues have better morphology, height, and structure, making them useful as a protective shield. Significantly, the IFR coating containing 0.05?g of FGO has proved effective in protecting plywood from fire.     

Improvement of interface between Al and short carbon fibers by α-Al2O3 coatings deposited by sol–gel technology

This paper describes an investigation on an improvement of the interface between Al and short carbon fibers (SCFs) with α-Al₂O₃ coating by sol–gel technology. The composites of Al/uncoated SCFs and Al/α-Al₂O₃-**coated SCFs were fabricated successfully by vacuum press infiltration. The formation of α-Al₂O₃ coating during calcination was analysed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to observe the coated SCFs and the interface of composites. The results showed that the average thickness of the α-Al₂O₃ coating was about 200–250 nm and the formation of Al₄C₃ at the interface between Al matrix and SCFs was controlled by the α-Al₂O₃ coatings.     

Struktur und Eigenschaften von ABS-Polymeren. IV. Teilchengrößenbestimmungen an Butadien-Homo- und Pfropfpolymerisat-latices mit dem Elektronenmikroskop

A summary of the different electron-microscopic preparation methods for latices (hardening and contrasting by addition of OsO₄, Br₂, uranyl acetate etc.; addition of monomeric styrene, followed by γ-ray or X-ray radiation; electron curing, taking of surface replicas after low temperature shock etc.) is followed by a discussion of the customary methods for interpretation of electron micrographs of latices. Particular attention is drawn to the possibilities for errors in measurement of the particle size distribution of polybutadiene latices after fixation with OsO₄. Series of measurements corresponding to increasing fixation times and/or rising concentrations of the fixation solution show that low fixation results in flattening, while high fixation (owing to incorporation of OsO₄) rasults in swelling of the spherical particles; in both cases excessive particle diameters are obtained. Determinations of mass with an integration photometer are used as controls. In connection with measurements to find the particle sizes of butadiene homopolymer and graft polymer latices the ratio between the volume of the grafting stock and that of the graft polymer is determined and satisfactory agreement with the starting ratio is found.     

A Novel Chemoentrapment Approach for Supportless Recycling of a Catalyst: Catalytic Asymmetric Dihydroxylation

A simple method of recycling a metal catalyst through chemoentrapment in an aqueous layer using ethyl vinyl ether has been developed. Using this new methodology, a highly efficient, filtration‐free recycling of osmium for catalytic asymmetric dihydroxylation was accomplished. By means of the formation of a water‐soluble OsO₄²⁻ using EVE, AD reactions of mono‐ and disubstituted olefins with 1 mol % of OsO₄ proceeded for up to 9 cycles without any loss of yields and enantioselectivities.     

Biodegradable magnesium alloy coated with TiO2/MgO two-layer composite via magnetic sputtering for orthopedic applications: A study on the surface characterization,corrosion, and biocompatibility

In this study, a coating of thin TiO₂ layer and a TiO₂/MgO double layer were created on the surface of AZ91D alloy by magnetic sputtering method in order to improve the corrosion and biocompatibility properties of this alloy. The microstructural studies by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that coatings were formed continuously and homogeneously on the alloy surface. In the double-layer coating, MgTiO₃ and Mg₂TiO₄ compounds were formed at the coating/substrate interface in addition to TiO₂ and MgO phases as the main phases in the coating structure. The results of corrosion test showed that in general, coating improves the corrosion of AZ91D alloy in simulated-body fluid (SBF). The double-layer coating showed the best corrosion resistance at a corrosion current of 5.743 × 10^?7 μA/cm² and a corrosion potential of ?1.513 V due to its cathodic protection of the substrate and blockage of the path of the corrosive solution towards the substrate. In vitro tests showed that considering the good match between the used materials as the coating and body, no toxic material exits which results in improvement in biocompatibility, adhesion, and bone-cell multiplication.     

Thermal degradation and fire performance of plywood treated with expanded vermiculite

The new flame‐retardant plywood was manufactured by adding expanded vermiculite (EVMT) in the adhesive and by surface treatment as a flame‐retardant coating. The study discussed the effect of EVMT to the limited oxygen index values of samples. The thermal degradation process of plywood samples has been investigated by thermal analysis. The result showed that EVMT increased all the limited oxygen index values of the treated samples and decreased the thermal activation energy at a high degree of degradation. Scanning electron microscope (FEI, Holland, The Netherlands) images showed that EVMT could form a protective coating, which improved the flame retardancy of plywood. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization and adhesion strength study of detonation-sprayed MoB–CoCr alloy coatings on 2Cr13 stainless steel substrate

A novel MoB–CoCr alloy coating was deposited onto stainless steel (2Cr13) substrate using a detonation gun (D-gun) spraying technique. Microstructures of the powder and coating were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning election microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a quantitative determination of the adhesion strength of the coating was calculated by combination of modified four-point bending (4PB) test and finite element analysis (FEA) simulation. The results show that the coating mainly consists of ternary transition metal boride matrix phases (CoMo₂B₂, MoCoB) and binary borides (MoB and CrB). Nanocrystalline grains with a size of 50–100 nm were observed in the coating. The average energy release rate and phase angle are 191.2 J m⁻² and 41.7o, respectively, which show strong bond strength compared to other reported values.     

Fabrication of PMMA/PANI/Fe3O4 as a Novel Conducting Hybrid Coating

In this paper, an excellent new hybrid coating including poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyaniline (PANI), and magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) was obtained. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized using coprecipitation method, and then magnetite nanoparticles have been dispersed into the PANI to increase compatibility with PMMA. Also, PANI/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites were synthesized through in situ emulsion polymerization, and then PMMA/PANI/Fe₃O₄ hybrid coating was successfully synthesized using batch emulsion polymerization method. Structure, morphology and thermal stability of the samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The synthesized samples were well distributed with an average diameter smaller than 20?nm. Microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results illustrated a great dispersion of magnetite nanoparticles in hybrid matrix. Moreover, the TGA results demonstrated that the PMMA/PANI/Fe₃O₄ hybrid coating nanoparticle is an excellent hybrid coating with high thermal resistance.     

TiO2/TNO homojunction introduced in a dye‐sensitized solar cell with a novel TNO transparent conductive oxide film

In this study, niobium‐doped titanium oxide (TNO) was employed for a novel transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film to construct a porous‐TiO₂/TNO homojunction in a dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC). However, considering a balance between the electrical and optical properties of the TCO film, the sheet resistance in TNO was tuned to be higher than that in a typical fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO). The photovoltaic performance of the cell with the TNO film (TNO cell) was optimized to be almost comparable to that with a conventional FTO film (FTO cell) by coating the surface of the porous‐TiO₂ layer with a thin alumina or magnesia film to block a back reaction within the cell. An electrochemical impedance measurement was conducted to determine the detailed photovoltaic performance from the viewpoint of electron transportation in the cell. R₁, the real part of ω₁, indicated that electron transportation at the porous‐TiO₂/TNO interface was more favorable than that at the porous‐TiO₂/FTO interface, which was supported by AC phase change in the cell at a high‐frequency range. We found that the homojunction newly introduced in the cell is one of the key concepts for developing a DSSC into a high‐performance photovoltaic device.     

SmPO4-coated Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 as a cathode material with enhanced cycling stability for lithium ion batteries

SmPO₄ coated Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ cathode materials were prepared by the precipitation method and calcined at 450 °C. The crystal structures and electrochemical properties of the pristine and coated samples are studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction spectroscopy, galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It has been found that the electrochemical performances of the Li-rich cathode material have been substantially improved by SmPO₄ surface coating. Especially, the 2 wt% SmPO₄-coated sample demonstrates the best cycling performance, with capacity retention of 88.4% at 1 C rate after 100 cycles, which is much better than that of 72.3% in the pristine sample. The improved electrochemical properties have been ascribed to the SmPO₄ coating layer, which not only stabilizes the cathode structure by decreasing the loss of oxygen, but also protects the Li-rich cathode material from side reaction with the electrolyte and increases the Li⁺ migration rate at the cathode interface.     

A hybrid intumescent fire retardant coating from cake- and eggshell-type IFRC

In this study the applicability of flame retardant mixed with a carbon source (such as pentaerythritol) for the intumescent fire retardant coating (IFRC) daubed on the top of a piece of plywood was investigated. There are three kinds of flame retardants used in this study: (1) artificial mesophase graphite powder (MGP), (2) sericite (Al₄(OH)₄(KAlSi₃O₁₀)₂), and (3) graphite. The desirable sizes of graphite, MGP and sericite were obtained by sieving. The graphite, MGP and sericite were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy dispersive spectrum (EDS). The IFRC, which consisted of 19.8% of flame retardant (or flame retardant mixed with carbon source), 15% of dehydrate agent, 18% of foaming agent, 7.2% of resin binder, and 40% of solvent, was prepared and daubed on the top of plywood. The fire protection capability of IFRC was tested using a flammability 45° tester. A conventional IFRC (with the carbon source) was also prepared to study the effect of adding the mixture of flame retardant and carbon source on the fire protection capability of IFRC. The microstructures of the conventional IFRC, the IFRC with flame retardant, and the hybrid IFRC (with flame retardant and carbon source) were inferred and demonstrated using SEM micrographs of the cross-section of three kinds of burnt IFRC. Most interestingly, the fire protection capability of the hybrid IFRC exceeds that of the conventional IFRC even though the percentage of carbon in the burnt hybrid IFRC is less than that in the burnt conventional IFRC.     

An alternative method for in vitro fire smoke toxicity assessment of polymers and composites using human lung cells

An alternative method for in vitro fire smoke toxicity assessment of polymers and composites using human lung cells has been investigated. A range of building and train interiors including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methachrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fiberglass‐reinforced polymer (FRP), and melamine‐faced plywood (MFP) were studied. The exposure of combustion toxicants to human lung cells (A549) at the air/liquid interface was acquired using a Harvard Navicyte Chamber. Cytotoxic effects on human cells were assessed based on cell viability using the MTS assay (Promega). Cytotoxicity results were expressed as no observable adverse effect concentration (NOAEC), 10% inhibitory concentration (IC₁₀), 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀), and total lethal concentration (TLC) values (mg/l). Mass loss data and toxic product yield were also determined. Results suggested that PVC (IC₅₀ 1.99 mg/l) was the most toxic materials followed by PP, FRP‐16, PC, PMMA, FRP‐10, PE, and melamine plywood. Some materials revealed to be more toxic under flaming combustion (PP, PC, FRP‐16, and FRP‐10), while others (PVC, PMMA, PE, and melamine plywood) appeared more toxic under non‐flaming combustion. The method developed can be used to screen the toxicity of materials which would be important information in building and mass transport material selection. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermodynamics of chromate replacements by various homologous transition metal oxyanions

The free energy change is calculated for the interaction of 19 different oxyanions (metalates) with iron (steel) or aluminum surfaces. The oxyanions considered here are those of the transition metals in the fourth through sixth periods of the periodic table. The oxyanions which produce more negative values of ΔG ^o (per mole of oxyanion) than that of chromate (CrO₄ ⁻²) are permanganate (MnO₄ ⁻), nickelate (NiO₄ ⁻²), ruthenate (RuO₄ ⁻ or RuO₄ ⁻²), and rhodate (RhO₄ ⁻²). The oxyanions which produce values of ΔG ^o (per mole of oxyanion) similar to CrO₄ ⁻² are osmate (OsO₄ ⁻²), and iridate (IrO₄ ⁻²).     

Effect of Ti content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of laser clad Ti/B4C/dr40-based composite coatings on shaft parts surface

As a transmission part, the service life of the shaft parts directly affects the machining efficiency and economic benefit, and requires higher surface hardness and wear resistance. In this study, the Ti/B₄C/dr40 composite powder was cladded on the shaft part surface via laser cladding to improve the microhardness and wear resistance. The microstructure evolution and phase structure were analyzed to reveal the strengthening mechanism of Ti and B₄C on dr40 coating. The Ti/B₄C/dr40 composite coating with low defects and good interface metallurgical bonding quality between coating and substrate was prepared on the 45# steel shaft part. The results show that the main phase in the Ti/B₄C/dr40 composite coating is TiC, TiB₂, Cr₂C₃, (Ti, Cr) C, (Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni) (C, B). With the addition content of Ti increasing, the grain densifies, the sieve-reticular structure and small strip phase at grain boundary and intergranular area change as massive phase. Moreover, the microhardness improves up to 2.05 times than that of dr40 coating. The in-situ synthesis of carbides and borides are evenly distributed in the coating, which improves the deformation resistance of the coating. In addition, the precipitation and solid solution strengthening caused by reinforcement phase also enhanced matrix strength for supporting reinforcement phases, improving the coating wear resistance.     

Achiral Dihydroxylation of Olefins by Osmate (OsO42−) Stabilised on Nanocrystalline Magnesium Oxide

A recoverable and reusable new heterogeneous AP‐Mg‐OsO₄ catalyst was designed and developed for the first time via a counterionic stabilisation of OsO₄²⁻ with Mg²⁺ present on the corner or edge of nanocrystalline MgO. AP‐Mg‐OsO₄ catalysed the dihydroxylation of olefins to afford diols with excellent yields in the presence of N‐methylmorpholine N‐oxide for the first time. The absence of osmium and no progress of the dihydroxylation reaction with the filtrate samples withdrawn periodically during the reaction rule out the leaching of osmium unambiguously and provide evidence for the heterogeneity of the reaction. Identification of surface intermediate species by XPS and TGA‐DTA‐mass thermography gives an insight into the mechanism of the dihydroxylation reaction.     

Study on toughening mechanisms of pyrolytic carbon interface layer in Cf/ZrB2-SiC composites using in-situ tensile experimental and numerical methods

The toughening mechanism in continuous fiber toughened ZrB₂-SiC ceramic matrix (C_f/ZrB₂-SiC) composites was studied upon introduction of pyrolytic carbon coating at the fiber/matrix interface. The real-time deformation behavior, surface crack initiation and evolution of C_f/ZrB₂-SiC composites under tensile load were studied using in-situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the typical damage modes and toughening mechanisms. A refined microscopic representative volume element (RVE) inserting the cohesive zone elements was established to study the PyC interface layer damage by using finite element method. It was found that PyC interface layer damage induced by thermal residual stress (TRS) was one of critical factors affecting the mechanical performance of the C_f/ZrB₂-SiC composites. The critical thickness of the interface layer was also further determined by analyzing the effect of interface layer thickness on the distribution of TRS, which can guide the design of PyC interface layer for manufacturing the C_f/ZrB₂-SiC composites.     

Preparation and Characterization of Silica-Coated Magnetic–Fluorescent Bifunctional Microspheres

Bifunctional magnetic–fluorescent composite nanoparticles (MPQDs) with Fe₃O₄ MPs and Mn:ZnS/ZnS core–shell quantum dots (QDs) encapsulated in silica spheres were synthesized through reverse microemulsion method and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibration sample magnetometer, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Our strategy could offer the following features: (1) the formation of Mn:ZnS/ZnS core/shell QDs resulted in enhancement of the PL intensity with respect to that of bare Mn:ZnS nanocrystals due to the effective elimination of the surface defects; (2) the magnetic nanoparticles were coated with silica, in order to reduce any detrimental effects on the QD PL by the magnetic cores; and (3) both Fe₃O₄ MPs and Mn:ZnS/ZnS core–shell QDs were encapsulated in silica spheres, and the obtained MPQDs became water soluble. The experimental conditions for the silica coating on the surface of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, such as the ratio of water to surfactant (R), the amount of ammonia, and the amount of tetraethoxysilane, on the photoluminescence properties of MPQDs were studied. It was found that the silica coating on the surface of Fe₃O₄ could effectively suppress the interaction between the Fe₃O₄ and the QDs under the most optimal parameters, and the emission intensity of MPQDs showed a maximum. The bifunctional MPQDs prepared under the most optimal parameters have a typical diameter of 35 nm and a saturation magnetization of 4.35 emu/g at room temperature and exhibit strong photoluminescence intensity.