Removal of boron compounds in the course of pressure-driven demineralization

The paper has investigated the possibilities of ESPA-1 and OPMN-P membranes for born removal in the course of pressure-driven purification of natural waters. We have developed an effective method of processing regeneration solutions containing boron, which are formed in the course of selective removal of boron from permeates of reverse-osmosis units.     

Bioplastics of Native Starches Reinforced with Passion Fruit Peel

Industrial passion fruit juice production generates a large amount of passion fruit waste, which contains about 60% of fibers when dried and could be used as reinforcement of thermoplastic starch. This study aimed to develop an extruded starchy bioplastic reinforced with passion fruit peel (Pfp) (0, 4, 10, 16, and 20%), glycerol (60, 64, 70, 76, and 80 wt%), and starch mix (55% corn and 45% cassava) that were processed at varied screw speeds (66, 80, 100, 120, and 134 rpm). The response surface methodology was applied to analyze the effects of Pfp, glycerol, and screw speed. Mechanical properties, contact angle, and water permeability and solubility were the response variables. Addition of Pfp, up to 4%, improved the bioplastic mechanical properties. High addition of Pfp (16 and 20%) combined with the lowest screw speed (66 rpm) reduced bioplastic water solubility. Water vapor permeability slightly increased with the combination of increasing glycerol content and screw speed. Contact angle was not statically affected by the independent variables. The extrusion showed as an interesting tool that provided greater homogeneity of Pfp incorporated in starch bioplastic, though the mix would benefit from finer Pfp particle size distribution.     

A semicountercurrent extraction generator of <Superscript>90</Superscript>Y

A semicountercurrent extraction generator of 90Y whose operation is based on separation of the equilibrium ⁹⁰Sr-⁹⁰Y mixture is described. The results of experiments on 90Y isolation and the characteristics of the final product are given.     

Factors that influence <Emphasis Type="Italic">CSR</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">CRI</Emphasis>

The influence of various factors on CSR and CRI in the production of metallurgical coke at OAO MMK is evaluated.     

Monitoring the activity of claus catalysts in the byproduct shop

A new method of determining the current activity of the Claus catalyst permits monitoring without shutdown of the industrial system (on-line monitoring)     

On the approximate estimation of the surface tension of chalcogenide glass melts

The surface tension coefficients of chalcogenide glasses are estimated. It is demonstrated that, to a first approximation, the results of the existing techniques for estimating the surface tension coefficients of chalcogenide glasses are in satisfactory agreement. The energies of formation of fluctuation microvoids in chalcogenide glasses according to the calculations from data on the surface tension and the density agree with the results obtained by the conventional method from data on the glass transition temperature and the fraction of the fluctuation free volume.     

The effect of sizes of particles of furnace charge on magnetic characteristics of a sintered iron powder

The results of studies of the effect of particle sizes of iron powder on magnetic and electric characteristics of iron sintered materials are discussed. The contributions from different stages of producing specimens to formation of pore sizes are considered, and the results of metallographic studies are discussed.     

Specific features of intrinsic photoconductivity spectra of copper-compensated indium phosphide

The intrinsic photoconductivity of copper-compensated indium phosphide has been studied. It is found that mechanical polishing of a sample surface gives rise to an additional photoconductivity peak in the region of the fundamental absorption edge. This peak disappears upon storage of the sample. The dependence of the shape of the photoconductivity spectrum on the storage time, electric-field strength, and position of the light spot with respect to the contacts was determined. The results are explained in terms of variation in the lifetime of nonequilibrium carriers across the sample thickness. An expression qualitatively describing the photoconductivity spectra is presented.