Use of the Cone Calorimeter and ConeTools software for development of innovative intumescing graphite systems

The Cone Calorimeter test method has been one of the most used small‐scale fire test method for years now and is at present widely spread over the world. In contrast to many other fire test methods, the Cone Calorimeter provides a range of data with sound scientific basis, which allows a wide range of applications. It can be used for modelling and also for enhanced product development. This paper describes the use of the Cone Calorimeter for the development of new innovative materials in combination with a mathematical model. As example, the cost effective development of an innovative intumescing graphite system for protecting particle board is explained. The performance goal of the project is to obtain the threshold values for a B class in the Single Burning Item (SBI) test method used for the newly developed Euroclass system. The focus of this paper is on the development tools and not on the chemical development of the protective system. During the research it was necessary to develop a new sample holder for the Cone Calorimeter. The results from the project show that the industry can save development time and resources by using the Cone Calorimeter in combination with a simple mathematical model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of glow‐discharge–treated cellulose acetate membrane surfaces for single‐layer enzyme electrode studies

Cellulose acetate membranes (CA) were modified by means of plasma polymerization of ethylene diamine (EDA) and n‐butylamine (n‐BA). The motivation for this work was the application of a modified membrane for the single‐layer enzyme electrode. A tubular reactor with the external radiofrequency (13.56 MHz) excitation was used. Surface modification was performed at 5, 10, and 15 W power (at 27 Pa working pressure) for 5, 10, 15 min. Modified surfaces were characterized in detail by FTIR–ATR, XPS (ESCA), contact angle, and enzyme immobilization activity. The best treatment results were obtained for EDA with 5 W and 30 min and 15 W and 10 min. These results are discussed using surface analysis data. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 1341–1352, 2001     

The influence of discharge time on post-partial discharge gassing of zinc powder

Gas evolution in primary alkaline cells depends on discharge time. This dependence can be so strong that acceptable volumes of gas are evolved in cells when discharged over relatively long periods, whereas shorter times may lead to gassing beyond the limits of the cell design. The dependency of gassing on discharge time was investigated for a number of commercial cells and for different zinc-alloy powders. An indication of a relation between certain alloying elements and the gas evolution at short discharge times was found. The most important result of the investigations, however, was the development of a modified zinc powder production process which leads to zinc powders with reduced gas evolution rates for both short and long discharge times.     

Effects of skim milk concentrate dry matter and spray drying air temperature on formation of capsules with varying particle size and the survival microbial cultures in a microcapsule matrix

The impact of total solid (TS) content in combination with the feed rate and air inlet temperature on the survival of Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 after spray drying in a skim milk matrix has been investigated and correlated with the capsule size. Depending on the experimental conditions, the survival rates ranged from 64 to 0.2%. The higher the air inlet temperature, the lower was the survival rate and an inversely correlation between the TS content and particle size has been determined. These results clearly indicate that process stress analyses and product-related characteristics must not be regarded separately.     

The German Molecular Register Project

Currently, the Bundesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit (BVL) is running the project ”Development of a German Molecular Register as a web-based software application”. The Molecular Register shall integrate regulatory, phenotypic and molecular information on GMO, and allow the use of established bioinformatics tools in support of the Competent Authorities in their responsibilities according to Directive 2001/18/EC and Regulations (EC) No 1829/2003 and (EC) No 1830/2003.     

Functional recovery of respiratory behavior during axonal regeneration in snails (Lymnaea stagnalis) is experience dependent.

This study investigated the role of experience in recovery of pulmonary respiration during axonal regeneration in Lymnaea stagnalis. Pulmonary respiration occurs when snails break the water surface and open the lung orifice, the pneumostome. It was shown that axotomy of all the axons innervating the pneumostome and surrounding area prevents the occurrence of lung respiration in 69% of snails. In the remaining 31%, lung respiration persisted, indicating that peripheral components alone are capable of initiating pneumostome openings and closures. Five weeks postsurgery, all snails with previous nerve crushes showed opening of the pneumostome with normal latency after breaking the water surface. However, prevention of pulmonary respiration during the recovery period dramatically changed the recovered behavior. Thus, experience in pulmonary respiration during axonal regeneration plays a role in the recovery of this behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Design of a Research Performance Measurement System: The Case of NIAB

At NIAB, a UK based company that provides research, services and information to the agricultural and food sector, a system has been designed that helps to assess and manage the growing research programme of the company. Since the company was ‘privatised’ four years ago, research activities have increased and moved away from solely applied research to a mix of applied and more fundamental research. Being a key element of the new developed company strategy, research now plays an increasing important role in broadening the scope of the company and keeping current services competitive by driving innovation. All research at NIAB is externally funded. In this paper we report on the process to design NIAB’s performance measurement system, for which the Performance measurement system Systematic Design Approach was used. The design process was started with an elaborate structured problem analysis of the research process and its inter and extra–organisational context. Based upon this analysis, firstly a conceptual and secondly a detail design of a performance measurement system was made. To maximise the leverage from research, the system has been designed to optimise the value delivered to the funder as well as the value delivered to internal customers in the form of knowledge that drives innovation.