Thermotropic polyester: the influence of the spacer on the physical properties

Thermotropic polyesters prepared from series of 4,4-dihydroxy-,w-diphenoxy alkanes and 4,4-dichloroformyl-,w-diphenoxy alkanes are well known. The substitution of a methylenic spacer by an oxyethylenic spacer in the main chain of these polyesters drastically modifies their physical properties, particularly the mesogenic transition temperatures, as can be observed by DSC and thermooptical analysis. The thermal stability and the polymer solubility in common organic solvents of these polymers did not show a significant change. The physical properties of the two thermotropic polyesters prepared in diphenyl ether were evaluated.     

CO2‐assisted polymer processing: A new alternative for intractable polymers

CO₂‐assisted polymer processing is proposed as an alternative route for intractable and high molecular weight polymers based on the plasticization effects of CO₂ and its direct effect on the melting behavior of semicrystalline polymers. A modified processing system was used to process a variety of polymers in the presence of high‐pressure CO₂. The system includes an extruder that was modified to allow for high pressures created by the injection of CO₂. The new design includes a modified feed section that allows a given mass of polymer to interact with CO₂ before and during the extrusion process. The inherent shear mixing and the presence of CO₂ allow for a specific control over the extrudate morphology. Results suggest that this alternative design provides a new and easy route to melt process high melt viscosity polymers of commercial importance, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), and syndiotactic polystyrene (s‐PS). The increased processability of these systems in CO₂ is related to the plasticization effect of CO₂ that was quantified through a depression in the glass‐transition temperature according to the Chow model. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1501–1511, 2004     

When does personalization work on social media? a posteriori segmentation of consumers

The aim of this research is to find a segment of consumers of fashion products based on their personal visions of personalization of shoppable ads on mobile social media. To meet this objective, three operational objectives are defined. First, a theoretical model is evaluated based on the stimulus-organism-response framework (S–O–R). This examines, with a PLS-SEM approach, how the stimulation of personalization will affect consumers' internal cognitive state (perceived usefulness) and consequently generates a behavioral response (intention to buy). Second, we look for fashion consumer segments based on their perception of personalization through prediction-oriented segmentation (PLS-POS). Third, the segments are explained based on three constructs that were considered important in fashion consumption through mobile social networks: purchase intention, concern for privacy, and perception of trend. The inclusion of personalization and the perception of usefulness of advertisements can greatly help the intention to purchase clothing to be understood. The application of a posterior segmentation helps to better understand the different types of users exposed to shoppable ads on mobile social networks and their relationship with the purchase intention, concern for privacy and trend. While the measures and scales were tested in a context of mobile clothing trade, the methodology can be applied to other types of products or services.

     

Mit zweierlei Maß: Die mangelnde Verbindlichkeit von Patientenverfügungen bei untergebrachten Personen mit psychischen Störungen in der Schweiz

Definition of the problem

Full age patients with mental disorders and preserved decision-making capacity are increasingly interested in drafting advance directives. Whereas in Switzerland (as well as in Germany) advance directives are binding in principle, an advance directive is not binding and has only to be considered in case of involuntary admission due to a mental disorder. Thereby, the virtual aim of an advance directive – the anticipated self-determination – is questioned.

Arguments

From an ethical perspective, patients with mental disorders have the same rights as patients with somatic diseases. Therefore, the question arises if there are good reasons for this unequal treatment. In the present contribution, four possible reasons are analyzed: (1) persons with mental disorders are “different”; (2) protection from self-harm; (3) often not present end-of-life context; (4) reduced bindingness as the more appropriate standard in general.

Conclusion

The authors come to the conclusion that patients with mental disorders are often capable of composing a valid advance directive, and just as any other human being, they have a principal and binding right for self-determination, even though they are particularly vulnerable in crisis situations.

     

Biodegradability and improved mechanical performance of polyhydroxyalkanoates/agave fiber biocomposites compatibilized by different strategies

In this work, biocomposites made of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) with natural fibers were produced via compression molding. In particular, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) were reinforced with 20 wt% of agave fibers. Different compatibilization strategies were investigated to improve the fiber-matrix interaction: fiber surface treatment in PHA solution, fiber surface treatment in maleated PHA solution, fiber propionylation, and extrusion with maleated PHA. The biocomposites were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical properties, water absorption, and biodegradability by CO₂ production tracking. In general, fiber propionylation was the best strategy for mechanical properties enhancement and water uptake decreasing. Biocomposites with propionylated fibers showed improved flexural strength (170% for PHB and 84% for PHBV). The flexural modulus was also enhanced with propionylated fibers up to 19% and 18% compared to uncompatibilized biocomposites (PHB and PHBV, respectively). Tensile strength increased by 16% (PHB) and 14% (PHBV), and the water absorption was reduced using propionylated fibers going from 6.6% to 4.4% compared with biocomposites with untreated fibers. Most importantly, the impact strength was also improved for all biocomposites by up to 96% compared with the neat PHA matrices. Finally, it was found that the compatibilization did not negatively modify the PHA biodegradability.     

APPLICATION OF MAXIMUM ENTROPY METHOD TO CALCULATE RDF OF Ni-P AMORPHOUS ALLOY FROM X-RAY DIFFRACTION DATA

Experiments clarified that application of the maximum entropy method to calculate the RDF(radial distribution function)of the Ni-P amorphous alloy from fewer data of its X-raydiffraction data shows a higher resolution and good consistent with known results.It is be-lieved that this method is available for the analysis of amorphous structure.     

TIG焊熔池外激谐振与熔透的关系

薄板TIG 焊时,利用脉动电流引起熔池振荡,当脉动电流与一定尺寸熔池自然振荡频率相同时,则熔池产生谐振,造成电弧长度及电弧电压有较大的往复变化。对电弧电压变动部分进行滤波,放大并用计算机采样,发现当熔池谐振时,电弧电压变动部分达到最大幅值,谐振后幅值很快衰减。本文以熔池谐振信号做为熔透信息进行熔透控制,给出了脉动电流电源,计算机检测系统。研究了熔透信号的变化规律及影响因素,在定点电弧及对接焊时,熔池尺寸与熔池谐振频率有较好的对应关系;以焊接电弧做为传感器,用熔池谐振频率控制熔透及熔池尺寸,有很好的重复性及较高的精度,这对解决熔透闭环自适应控制有很大的实际意义。     

Nb_2O_5-MnO-SiO_2渣中Nb_2O_5和MnO活度的研究SCIEI

本文利用含NbFe液与Nb_2O_5-MnO-SiO_2渣之间平衡,在1828K温度下应用固体电解质浓差电池方法测定了Fe液中氧的活度,从而计算出渣中Nb_2O_5及MnO的活度,并绘制了Nb_2O_5-MnO-SiO_2三元系的等α_(Nb_2O_5)和等α_(MnO)图。     

Ti和V对Fe中氢与位错交互作用的影响

研究了Fe-0.5wt-%Ti和Fe-0.5wt-%V合金中由氢与位错交互作用所形成的氢致冷加工内耗峰(H-CWP)。实验结果表明:合金元素对H-CWP、对氢与位错之间的交互作用有显著的影响,与氢作用愈强的元素,对H-CWP的影响愈大,内耗实验结果与力学性能之间存在着一定的联系.     

THERMOGRAPHIC ASPECT ON LOADING A THIN-WALL PRESSURE VESSEL STEEL

The infrared emission of a high pressure vessel steel and two thin wall pressure vessel modelshave been investigated by use of vibro-thermography.The experimental infrared cracklengths were found to be agreed closely with the optical values during fatigue process.A possi-ble nondestructive testing method used to evaluate the pressure vessel has been given.