Advances in Modeling and Simulation of Grinding Processes

In the last decade the relevance of modeling and simulation of grinding processes has significantly risen which is caused by industrial needs and is indicated by the number of publications and research activities in this area. This keynote paper results from a collaborative work within the STC G and gives an overview of the current state of the art in modeling and simulation of grinding processes: Physical process models (analytical and numerical models) and empirical process models (regression analysis, artificial neural net models) as well as heuristic process models (rule based models) are taken into account, and outlined with respect to their achievements in this paper. The models are characterized by the process parameters such as grinding force, grinding temperature, etc. as well as work results including surface topography and surface integrity. Furthermore, the capabilities and the limitations of the presented model types and simulation approaches will be exemplified.     

Surface chemistry and mechanical property changes of wood‐flour/high‐density‐polyethylene composites after accelerated weathering

Although wood–plastic composites have become more accepted and used in recent years and are promoted as low‐maintenance, high‐durability building products, they do experience a color change and a loss in mechanical properties with accelerated weathering. In this study, we attempted to characterize the modulus‐of‐elasticity (MOE) loss of photostabilized high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and composites of wood flour and high‐density polyethylene (WF/HDPE) with accelerated weathering. We then examined how weathering changed the surface chemistry of the composites and looked at whether or not the surface changes were related to the MOE loss. By examining surface chemistry changes, we hoped to begin to understand what caused the weathering changes. The materials were left unstabilized or were stabilized with either an ultraviolet absorber or pigment. After 1000 and 2000 h of accelerated weathering, the samples were tested for MOE loss. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to monitor carbonyl and vinyl group formation at the surface. Changes in the HDPE crystallinity were also determined with FTIR techniques. It was determined that structural changes in the samples (carbonyl group formation, terminal vinyl group formation, and crystallinity changes) could not be reliably used to predict changes in MOE with a simple linear relationship. This indicated that the effects of crosslinking, chain scission, and crystallinity changes due to ultraviolet exposure and interfacial degradation due to moisture exposure were interrelated factors for the weathering of HDPE and WF/HDPE composites. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2263–2273, 2004     

Partial degrees of substitution in cellulose nitrates determined by means of 13C magnetic resonance studies

High resolution ¹³C n.m.r. proton noise decoupled (75.5 MHz) spectra have been recorded for a series of nitrated celluloses and denitrated cellulose nitrates. From the detailed spectral assignments an analysis of the partial degrees of substitution and distribution of nitrate groups in the β-D-glucopyranose residues is presented. The data are compared with the predictions of a model based on the constancy of ratio of three equilibrium constants for nitration—denitration at the C2, C3 and C6 positions for differently substituted β-D-glucopyranose residues and it is shown that the situation is considerably more complex than provided for by the model. Analysis of the anomeric ¹³C carbon region produces some sequence information which indicates non-random distribution of nitrate ester groups.     

New phospholipid fatty acids from the marine spongeCinachyrella alloclada uliczka

The fatty acid composition of phospholipids from the Senegalese spongeCinachyrella alloclada was examined. Two new fatty acids not hitherto found in nature, namely 10,13-octadecadienoic acid and 16-tricosenoic acid, were identified. 8-Hexadecenoic, 13-nonadecenoic and 5,9,13-trimethyltretradecanoic fatty acids were also found for the first time in sponges. The latter compound (1.4% of the total fatty acid mixture), an isoprenoid fatty acid, accompanies the major fatty acid 4,8,12-trimethyltridecanoic acid (19.7%). The monomethyl branched fatty acids (22%) identified include 23-methylpentacosanoic acid (anteiso-26∶0), not previously observed in sponged. The major long-chain fatty acids encountered were the known 17-tetracosenoic 19-heptacosadienoic and 5,9,23-tricontatrienoic acid. Some sixty fatty acids were identified as methyl esters andN-acyl pyrrolidides by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.     

The far infra-red spectrum of poly(vinyl chloride)

The far infra-red spectrum of a poly(vinyl chloride) sample prepared by the urea clathrate (UC) route has been measured at various temperatures in the range 60 to 320 K. The results, taken in conjunction with those for two less highly ordered polymers, indicate that a revision of the assignments of earlier workers, based on normal coordinate calculations and on the measured spectra of secondary alkyl chlorides such as 2-chlorobutane, is required. The band at 65 cm^?1 is attributed to a lattice mode and is not indicative of weak hydrogen bonds of the type CH…ClC. However, it is suggested that the band at 185 cm^?1, which is particularly clear and sharp with the UC polymer, probably originates from an interaction of this type, occurring specifically at tight chain folds.     

Feeding rats with liposomes or fish oil differently affects their lipid metabolism

Two n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)‐rich diets differing in their chemical and physical forms were given to rats during 2 wk. Liposomes [phospholipids (PL) organized in bilayer structures] made from a natural marine lipid extract or a mixture of fats containing fish oil [similar fatty acids esterified in triacylglycerols (TAG)] were used. The influence of n‐3 PUFA dietary sources on plasma parameters, i.e. TAG, cholesterol and PL concentrations, was investigated. A similar hypotriglyceridemic effect of n‐3 PUFA from liposomes or fish oil was observed. In contrast, feeding rats with liposomes led to different PL and cholesterol patterns. In the plasma of rats fed liposomes, total cholesterol amounts were positively correlated with PL levels. Liposome and fish oil feedings caused a marked increase in the amounts of n‐3 PUFA, which occurred mainly at the expense of n‐6 PUFA. However, the enrichment in n‐3 PUFA in the different plasma lipid classes differed substantially when ingested in the form of fish oil or liposomes. These results were interpreted in terms of different lipid bioavailability and metabolic fate during the digestive steps and in the liver, with the dietary source.     

A biomarker of n−3 compliance in patients taking fish oil for rheumatoid arthritis

Dietary fish oil supplements have been shown to have benefits in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), other inflammatory diseases, and in cardiovascular disease. As with any medical advice, variability will exist with regard to adherence and consequent biochemical or pharmacophysiologic effects. The aim was to explore the utility of plasma phospholipid EPA as a measure of n−3 PUFA intake and response to standardized therapeutic advice given in an outpatient or office practice setting, to increase dietary n−3 PUFA, including a fish oil supplement. Patients with early RA were given verbal and written advice to alter their dietary n−3 PUFA intake, including ingestion of 20 mL of bottled fish oil on juice daily. The advice included instructions to increase n−3 PUFA and to avoid foods rich in n−6 PUFA. Every 3 mon, blood samples were obtained for analysis of plasma phospholipid FA. Plasma phospholipid EPA was used as the primary index of n−3 PUFA intake. A diverse response was seen, with about one-third of patients achieving a substantial elevation of plasma phospholipid EPA over the 12-mon study period. A third had little change, with the remainder achieving intermediate levels. Data obtained longitudinally from individual patients indicated that substantial elevations of EPA (>5% total plasma phospholipid FA) could be maintained for more than 3 yr. Plasma phospholipid EPA is a convenient measure of adherence to advice to take a dietary n−3 PUFA-rich fish oil supplement. This measure may prove a useful adjunct to intention to treat analyses in determining the effect of dietary fish oil supplements on long-term outcomes in arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases. It may also provide a guide to the effectiveness of therapeutic and preventive messages designed to increase n−3 PUFA intake.     

Polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers obtained by electrospinning and blowspinning: Electrospinning enhances the piezoelectric β-phase – myth or reality?

Considerable effort has been devoted to improving the properties of PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), arguably the most technologically important piezoelectric polymer. Electrospinning has been found to be a particularly effective method of producing PVDF nanofibers with superior piezoelectric properties due to the resulting exceptionally high fraction of the piezoelectrically active crystalline β-phase. It is typically assumed that the high external electric fields applied during electrospinning enhance the formation of this β-phase, with the confused literature offering various unsatisfactory mechanistic explanations. However, by comparing PVDF nanofibers produced by two different processes (electrospinning and blowspinning), we show that the electric field is entirely unnecessary; indeed, the crystallization dynamics are principally driven by the applied mechanical stress, as evidenced by structurally identical 200 nm diameter PVDF fibers produced with and without external electric fields.     

Thermal spray vitrification process for the removal of lead-based paint from steel structures: An applications note

Lead-based paints and primers have long been used to protect steel structures from corrosion, but are now recognized as environmental hazards. During lead-based paint removal via abrasive blasting, federal, state and local environmental requirements mandate the use of containment structures to prevent contamination of air, soil, or water. The thermal spray vitrification (TSV) process was developed and optimized in laboratory experiments to remove hazardous lead-based paint. TSV consists of thermal spraying a molten glass onto the painted surface. As the glass strikes the substrate, it reacts with the paint, and organic components are pyrolyzed, while lead ions are trapped on the glass surface. Quenching stresses in the glass cause it to crack and spall off the substrate. The resulting glass fragments are collected, and further remelted to completely immobilize lead (Pb) ions in the glassy iron (Fe) silicate matrix. The glass waste is thus rendered non-hazardous, as determined by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). The TSV process was field tested on a fire hydrant, using minimal personal protective equipment and without using a containment structure. The lead-containing paint was removed, without producing hazardous waste, leaving de-painted surfaces suitable for repainting.