Effects of Al2O3 on the properties and densification of 8YSZ after pulsed current activated sintering

Dense 8YSZ was subjected to pulsed current activated sintering (PCAS) within 1 min of 8YSZ nanopowder preparation using a co-precipitation method. Sintering was accomplished by combining a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense 8YSZ with a relative density of up to 99% was produced under simultaneous application of a pressure of 80 MPa and the pulsed current. The effects of the addition of Al₂O₃ on the sintering behavior, mechanical properties, and ionic conductivities of 8YSZ were investigated.     

Fabrication and characterization of a Ni-YSZ anode support using high-frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS)

Ni-YSZ cermet anode supports solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) were fabricated by high-frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS) under 60 MPa pressure with powders synthesized by the glycine nitrate process (GNP) as well as mechanically mixed commercial powders. The HFIHS method created a uniformly porous microstructure without abnormal grain growth compared to the conventional sintering method. Samples sintered by HFIHS show higher strength and electrical conductivity than conventionally sintered samples, even though they have similar porosity.     

Pulsed current activated combustion synthesis and consolidation of ultrafine NbSi2 from mechanically activated powders

Dense ultrafine NbSi₂ was synthesized using the pulsed current activated combustion synthesis (PCACS) method within 2 min and in one step from mechanically activated powders of Nb and 2Si. Simultaneous combustion synthesis and densification were accomplished under the combined effects of a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense NbSi₂ with a relative density of up to 98 % was produced under simultaneous application of a 60 MPa pressure and a pulsed current. The average grain size and mechanical properties (hardness and fracture toughness) of the compound were investigated.     

The relationships between interfacial friction and the conformational order of organic thin films

This report describes studies of the relationships between the structures of organic monolayers and their molecular-scale frictional properties. Several distinct self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were formed by the adsorption of a series of spiroalkanedithiols and a single structurally related normal alkanethiol. Measurements of hexadecane wettability, infrared vibrational spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the films possessed a wide range of interfacial structures and conformational orders. Atomic force microscopy was used to measure the frictional properties of the well-characterized SAMs on the molecular scale. Comparison of the frictional data with structural information derived from complementary analytical techniques revealed a high correlation between the conformational order of the films and the observed frictional response.     

Biomimetic micropatterning of silica by surface-initiated polymerization and microcontact printing

Micropatterns of silica on a gold substrate were generated by a biomimetic approach, namely, the biosilicification of silicic acids. The procedure consists of three simple steps: pattern generation of a polymerization initiator, (BrC(CH(3))(2)COO(CH(2))(11)S)(2), by microcontact printing; surface-initiated, atom-transfer radical polymerization of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) from the patterned area; and polycondensation of silicic acids. The tertiary amine-containing polymer, pDMAEMA, aided in the spatially controlled polycondensation of silicic acids on surfaces in the presence of phosphate ions, and micropatterns of silica on a gold substrate were successfully generated in combination with the technique of microcontact printing. The procedure could be extended to the controlled fabrication of silica patterns with any size, shape, or thickness.     

Texas Medication Algorithm Project: definitions, rationale, and methods to develop medication algorithms

BACKGROUND: The Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP), a public-academic collaborative effort, is a 3-phase project to develop, implement, and evaluate medication treatment algorithms for public sector patients with schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, or bipolar disorders. DISCUSSION: This paper, the first in a series describing the activities of the TMAP, focuses on the various definitions and reasons why guidelines have gained popularity. Also discussed are their strengths, the limitations of the various methods used to develop them, and potential barriers to their implementation.     

The thermal environment in an earth-sheltered home in Korea

A number of Korea's climatological, geographical and social features make earth-sheltered construction an attractive option. This paper compares the thermal performance of an earth-sheltered house (specially designed to accommodate the conditions in Korea) with the thermal performance of a conventional residence. The researchers conclude that, except for the high humidity levels in the earth-sheltered house, the thermal environment of the earth-sheltered house is superior to that of the conventional residence. In light of these findings, the authors recommend that research be aimed at improving waterproofing and condensation control measures in earth-sheltered houses.     

Reactivity of bio-sorbent prepared by waste shells of shellfish in acid gas cleaning reaction

Acid gas cleaning activity of bio-adsorbent prepared by waste shell of different shellfish species was investigated in a fixed bed reactor to evaluate its feasibility as an acid gas cleaning agent. The physicochemical properties of prepared adsorbents were measured using ICP, BET, SEM-EDX and XRD. The results showed that active chemical species of bio-sorbent are comparable to that of commercial limestone and lime. SO2/NOx removal capacity of waste shell of shellfish was higher than that of commercial limestone due to the enhanced physical properties. In particular, the desulfurization activity of clam based adsorbent was the best among the tested waste shells because of both higher calcium content and more specific surface area. These lead to the conclusion that commercial limestone can be substituted for bio-sorbent prepared by waste shell of clam.     

Modification of polystyrene by reactive extrusion with peroxide and trimethylolpropane triacrylate

Polystyrene (PS) was modified by reactive extrusion with trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The coupling reaction caused by TMPTA increased the molecular weight of PS, and this coupling reaction was enhanced in the presence of DCP at high TMPTA/DCP ratio. The rheological properties of the extrudate were examined. The impact strength of PS improved as the molecular weight increased by the coupling reaction. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 1672–1679, 2004     

A novel secure key paring protocol for RF4CE ubiquitous smart home systems

The Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics (RF4CE) is developed to support the rapid increasing demand of bi-directional communication and remote control functionalities in CE market such as TV, home theater . However, current security model in RF4CE standard has potential weakness that transmission of initial key seeds is operated via unencrypted air interface. In this paper, we propose a secure key agreement protocol that uses pre-shared information between consumer devices and manufacturers and controllers receive the information by communication with manufacturers.