The influence of talc as a nucleation agent on the nonisothermal crystallization and morphology of isotactic polypropylene: The application of the Lauritzen–Hoffmann,Avrami, and Ozawa theories

A new method is proposed, which can be used to analyze the influence of different additives and fillers on the nonisothermal crystallization of polymers. The composites of talc in isotactic polypropylene (i‐PP) were prepared using a corotating twin‐screw extruder. The compounds were subsequently dried and injection molded. PP morphology and talc dispersion were visualized using optical microscopy and computed tomography. Wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements provided an insight into the crystal structure of PP. The data obtained from nonisothermal DSC measurements were fitted to the Avrami model for the nonisothermal case. The calculated Avrami's exponent (n), which takes into account the influence of talc on the nucleation and growth of the PP crystals, was used in the combination of Lauritzen–Hoffman and Ozawa models to calculate the nucleation parameter (K_g). A good agreement was found between the model predictions and literature values. The examination shows that the developed model extension gives an expected trend in the case of i‐PP filled with talcs from the same origin but with different particle sizes. Furthermore, it is shown that delaminated talc with a higher specific surface is more efficient in nucleation of i‐PP. Thus, the introduced model extension could be a useful tool for comparing of nucleation ability of different additives in the crystallization of polymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Piezotronic Tuning of Potential Barriers in ZnO Bicrystals

Coupling of magnetic, ferroelectric, or piezoelectric properties with charge transport at oxide interfaces provides the option to revolutionize classical electronics. Here, the modulation of electrostatic potential barriers at tailored ZnO bicrystal interfaces by stress‐induced piezoelectric polarization is reported. Specimen design by epitaxial solid‐state transformation allows for both optimal polarization vector alignment and tailoring of defect states at a semiconductor–semiconductor interface. Both quantities are probed by transmission electron microscopy. Consequently, uniaxial compressive stress affords a complete reduction of the potential barrier height at interfaces with head‐to‐head orientation of the piezoelectric polarization vectors and an increase in potential barrier height at interfaces with tail‐to‐tail orientation. The magnitude of this coupling between mechanical input and electrical transport opens pathways to the design of multifunctional electronic devices like strain triggered transistors, diodes, and stress sensors with feasible applications for human–computer interfacing.     

Electrospun PEO/rGO Scaffolds: The Influence of the Concentration of rGO on Overall Properties and Cytotoxicity

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is one of the graphene derivatives that can be employed to engineer bioactive and/or electroactive scaffolds. However, the influence of its low and especially high concentrations on scaffolds’ overall properties and cytotoxicity has yet to be explored. In this study, polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based scaffolds containing from 0.1 to 20 wt% rGO were obtained by electrospinning. Morphological, thermal and electrical properties of the scaffolds were characterized by SEM, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, DSC and electrical measurements. The diameter of the fibers decreased from 0.52 to 0.19 µm as the concentration of rGO increased from 0.1 wt% to 20 wt%. The presence of rGO above the percolation threshold (5.7 wt%) resulted in a significantly reduced electrical resistivity of the scaffolds. XRD and Raman analysis revealed delamination of the graphene layers (interlayer spacing increased from 0.36 nm to 0.40–0.41 nm), and exfoliation of rGO was detected for the samples with an rGO concentration lower than 1 wt%. In addition, an evident trend of increasing cell viability as a function of the rGO concentration was evidenced. The obtained results can serve as further guidance for the judicious selection of the rGO content incorporated into the PEO matrix for constructing electroactive scaffolds.     

Effect of gamma-ray irradiation on the fatty acid profile of irradiated beef meat

The effect of γ-ray irradiation on the fatty acid profile of beef meat was examined at doses of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0 kGy by means of ¹H NMR spectroscopy. NMR results revealed a clear trend toward an increase in the amount of saturated fatty acids and a decrease in the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the triacylglycerol composition of the irradiated samples compared to the unirradiated sample with increasing the irradiation dose.     

Cfd analysis and airflow measurements to approach large industrial halls energy efficiency: A case study of a cardboard mill hall

This paper deals with numerical methods for predicting air flow patterns in large industrial halls. Some major findings of the investigation of the airflow patterns in paper machine hall of Umka Cardboard Mill are presented in the paper. The main reason for the interest in this problem is to find optimal locations for extract air intake connections of the ventilation system connected to the exhausted air waste heat utilization. Previous studies have shown that the amount of heat released from the cardboard machine to the surrounding air in the hall and extracted by the series of ceiling mount axial fans was almost 30% of the total waste heat from the paper machine's drying section. These results have indicated the need for the waste heat utilization, but also for the optimization of the ventilation system. CFD simulation for predicting of air flow patterns was applied. The accuracy of the simulation was evaluated by comparing its results with the results of field measurements. Simulation results served well for qualitative analysis, gave better insight in general air movements inside the hall and indicated the extract air intake locations. By utilizing the waste heat from proposed optimal locations, fuel savings of 5% and reduction of 1140 t/year in CO₂ emissions can be achieved.     

The utilisation of grapeseed oil in improving the quality of dry fermented sausages

This study aims to examine the scope of changes in colour, texture and sensory characteristics of fermented sausages by substituting 20% of backfat with grapeseed oil prepared as liquid (GS), encapsulated (EGS) and pre‐emulsified [with soy protein isolate (GSI) and alginate (GSA)], and their stability during 30 days of refrigerated storage. Protein and fat contents, pH and TBA values were not significantly different between products after production and storage. Treatments with added oil had higher weight loss (1.5–2.5%), while moisture content was significantly lowest in GS. Internal product colour evaluation showed the highest values of L*, b* and hue angle in GSI. GSI had the highest hardness and chewiness. Storage affected more surface than internal product colour, hardness was significantly changed only in GSI (lower) and EGS (higher), and increasing of TBA did not lead to significant differences between treatments. The study showed that GSA was the most promising of all treatments investigated.     

Performance of a Thermoelectric Module Based on n-Type (La0.12Sr0.88)0.95TiO3−δ and p-Type Ca3Co4−xO9+δ

Here, we present the performance of a thermoelectric (TE) module consisting of n-type (La_0.12Sr_0.88)_0.95TiO₃ and p-type Ca₃Co_4?xO_9+δ materials. The main challenge in this investigation was operating the TE module in different atmospheric conditions, since n-type has optimum TE performance at reducing conditions, while p-type has optimum at oxidizing conditions. The TE module was exposed to two different atmospheres and demonstrated higher stability in N₂ atmosphere than in air. The maximum electrical power output decreased after 40 h when the hot side was exposed to N₂ at 600°C, while only 1 h at 400°C in ambient air was enough to oxidize (La_0.12Sr_0.88)_0.95TiO₃ followed by a reduced electrical power output. The module generated maximum electrical power of 0.9 mW (～?4.7 mW/cm²) at 600°C hot side and δT?～?570 K in N₂, and 0.15 mW (～?0.8 mW/cm²) at 400°C hot side and δT?～?370 K in air. A stability limit of Ca₃Co_3.93O_9+δ at ～?700°C in N₂ was determined by in situ high-temperature x-ray diffraction.

     

NEMCA—From discovery to technology

Serious research efforts of the last decades resulted in a profound understanding of the NEMCA effect and its demonstration in many reactions and electrolyte systems. Unfortunately, NEMCA has not been commercially applied yet. Reasons for the still missing commercial application are discussed in the paper. Furthermore, potential bottlenecks for industrial applications are identified and research directions indicated, which may open long-term opportunities for NEMCA applications.