Modification of structure and conductivity of nanohorns by toluene addition in carbon arc

Abstract

In the present work, we compare the structure and transport properties of carbon nanohorns (CNHs) synthesized by arc evaporation of graphite alone and with the addition of some portion of toluene. The materials have been investigated using transmission electron microscopy, Raman and infrared spectroscopies, thermogravimetric and BET analyses. The addition of a small amount of toluene during the evaporation of graphitic rod increases the length of CNHs, affects their hierarchical arrangement in aggregates and results in surface functionalization. All these features significantly enhance the conductivity of CNHs obtained with toluene additive in comparison with the pristine CNHs.     

On the anisotropic character of material hardening during loading with partial unloading

Mining Institute, Siberian Branch, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Novosibirsk. Translated from Fiziko-Tekhnicheskie Problemy Razrabotki Poleznykh Iskopaemykh, No. 6, pp. 57-64, November-December, 1991.     

Experience and perspectives of application of gasdynamic coatings in space technology

The given work deals with the results of the research carried out by the “Salute“ DB of the Khrunichev State research-and-production space center concerning the development of special equipment and improvement of the technique of the “cold“ gasdynamic method of application of coating for the accomplishment of several specific tasks: (1) development of the technique of application of a fireproof heat-radiating coating to screens made from stainless steel with coefficient of thermal radiation ε≥0.7; (2) development of technique of sealing (“curing“) of microleaks on the weld joints of the propellant tanks made of aluminum alloys; (3) study of the opportunity of sealing of joints of parts made from heterogeneous materials; (4) development of process for copper and nickel coating application for aluminium heat exchangers soldering.……     

Minimierung der Umbauzeiten bei Stahlwerksmodernisierungen am Beispiel eines Stranggießanlagen-Umbaues

In November 2000 the Belgian stainless steel producer UGINE & ALZ Belgium nv, a company of the Arcelor Group, awarded VAI a contract for the upgrading and expansion of their steelmaking plant. The overall project included the revamping and supply of new equipment and systems for the steelmaking, continuous casting and environmental protection facilities. An essential part of this ambitious modernization program was the upgrading and expansion of the existing single-strand slab caster, with an output of 600 000 t/a, to a combined single- or twin-strand slab caster with a nominal production capacity of 1.2 million tons — the world’s largest stainless steel slab caster. All upgrading and installation activities had to be carried out within an extremely tight caster shut-down period of 21 days only in order to minimize production losses. This paper discusses the innovative project management solutions implemented in combination with extensive preassembly activities and workshop testing to assure the successful outcome of this project.     

Indoor air quality in the 21st century: search for excellence

Field studies demonstrate that there are substantial numbers of dissatisfied people in many buildings, among them those suffering from sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms, even though existing standards and guidelines are met. The reason is that the requirements specified in these standards are rather low, allowing a substantial group of people to become dissatisfied and to be adversely affected. A paradigm shift from rather mediocre to excellent indoor environments is foreseen in the 21st century. Based on existing information and on new research results, five principles are suggested as elements behind a new philosophy of excellence: 1) better indoor air quality increases productivity and decreases SBS symptoms; 2) unnecessary indoor pollution sources should be avoided; 3) the air should be served cool and dry to the occupants; 4) "personalized air", i.e. a small amount of clean air, should be served gently, close to the breathing zone of each individual; and 5) individual control of the thermal environment should be provided. These principles of excellence are compatible with energy efficiency and sustainability.     

Levels of copper in the urine of women from nonpolluted farming regions of Japan.

Nearly 1500 spot urine samples were collected in the winter of 1987-1988 from women of seven farming prefectures located throughout Japan. Samples were analyzed for copper by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. The copper content of the urine samples (Cu-U) distributed log-normally with a geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) of 36.9 (1.47) micrograms/l after adjustment for the specific gravity of urine of 1.016. The 95% confidence range was 17.1-79.7 micrograms/l. Neither alcohol consumption nor smoking habit affected the Cu-U. A literature survey showed that the observed level appears to be somewhat higher than previously reported values.     

Stable lead isotopes and lake sediments--a useful combination for the study of atmospheric lead pollution history

Analysis of stable lead isotopes and lead concentrations in lake-sediment deposits, not least in varved (annually-laminated) sediments, is a useful method to study lead pollution history. This paper presents details from a study of 31 lakes in Sweden. Using a strong acid digestion of sediment samples and ICP-MS analyses, we have found that Swedish lake sediments have a high natural (pre-pollution) 206[Pb]207[Pb] ratio (mean 1.52+/-0.18, range 1.28-2.01, n=31 lakes). In contrast, atmospheric lead pollution derived from metal smelting processes, coal burning and from alkyl-lead added to petrol has a lower ratio (< 1.2). Consequently, when pollution lead deposition began approximately 3500 years ago, the lead isotope ratio of the sediments started to decline, and in modern sediments it is typically < 1.2. Using the isotope and concentration values and a mixing model, the relative contribution of pollution and natural lead in sediment samples can be calculated. The pollution lead records of the Swedish lake sediments show a consistent picture of the atmospheric lead pollution history. Some noticeable features are the Roman peak (approx. 0 AD), the large and permanent Medieval increase (approx. 1000 AD), peaks at approximately 1200 and 1530 AD, the rapid increase after World War II, the peak in the 1970s, and the large modern decline.