Plasma diagnostics by optical emission spectroscopy on manganese ore in conjunction with XRD,XRF and SEM-EDS

Manganese (Mn) is an important industrial mineral. Information about the chemical and phase constitution along with the concentration of impurities presented in Mn ore is compulsory in assessing its suitability for different applications. We performed the qualitative and quantitative analysis of low-grade Mn ore (LGMO) using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in conjunction with x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive x-ray electron spectroscopy (EDS). The optical emission spectra of the LGMO sample displayed the presence of Mn, Si, Ca, Fe, Al, Mg, V, Ti, Sr, Ni, Na, Ba and Li. The plasma parameters, electron temperature and number density were estimated using the Boltzmann plot and Stark broadening line profile methods and were found to be 7500 K±750 K and 8.18±0.8×10¹⁷ cm⁻³, respectively. Quantitative analysis was performed using the calibration-free LIBS (CF-LIBS) method and its outcome along with XRD, XRF and SEM-EDS data showed almost analogous elemental composition, while the LIBS method gave acceptably precise elemental analysis by detecting the low atomic number element Li besides V and Sr. The results obtained using LIBS for the LGMO exhibited its ability as a powerful analytical tool and XRF, XRD and SEM-EDS as complementary methods for the compositional analysis of complex low-grade mineral ore.     

Automated setup planning in CAPP: a modified particle swarm optimisation-based approach

Comprehensive process planning is the key technology for linking design and the manufacturing process and is a rather complex and difficult task. Setup planning has a basic role in computer-aided process planning (CAPP) and significantly affects the overall cost and quality of machined parts. This paper presents a generative system and particle swarm optimisation algorithm (PSO) approach to the setup planning of a given part. The proposed approach and optimisation methodology analyses constraints such as the TAD (tool approach direction), the tolerance relation between features and feature precedence relations, to generate all possible process plans using the workshop resource database. Tolerance relation analysis has a significant impact on setup planning to obtain part accuracy. Based on technological constraints, the PSO algorithm approach, which adopts the feature-based representation, optimises the setup planning using cost indices. To avoid becoming trapped in local optima and to explore the search space extensively, several new operators have been developed to improve the particles’ movements, combined into a modified PSO algorithm. A practical case study is illustrated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm in optimising the setup planning.     

HEAVY METALS REMOVAL FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING TiO2, MgO,AND Al2O3 NANOPARTICLES

This study investigated the removal of Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Pb²⁺ from aqueous solutions using nanoparticle sorbents (TiO₂, MgO, and Al₂O₃) with a range of experimental approaches. The maximum uptake values (sum of four metals) with multiple component solutions were 594.9, 114.6, and 49.4 mg g^?1, for MgO, Al₂O₃, and TiO₂, respectively. The sorption equilibrium isotherms were described using the Freundlich and Langmuir models. The best interpretation for experiment data was given by the Freundlich model for Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ni²⁺ in single- and multiple-component solutions. A first-order kinetic model adequately described the experimental data using MgO, Al₂O₃, and TiO₂. SEM-EDX both before and after metal sorption and soil solution saturation indices (SI) in MgO nanoparticles indicated that the main sorption mechanism for heavy metals was attributable to adsorption and precipitation, whereas heavy metal sorption by TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ adsorbents was due to adsorption. These nanoparticles may potentially be used as efficient sorbents for heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions. MgO nanoparticles were the most promising sorbents because of their high metal uptake.     

Experimental analysis and prediction of viscoelastic creep properties of PP/EVA/LDH nanocomposites using master curves based on time–temperature superposition

Prediction of viscoelastic behavior of polymers over a long‐term period is of vital importance for engineering applications. An attempt was made to uncover the interplay between the morphology and viscoelastic behavior of compatibilized polypropylene/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer blends in the presence of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoplatelets. The time–temperature superposition (TTS) principle and WLF equations were merged to obtain master curves of storage modulus at defined reference temperatures enabling prediction of storage modulus at high frequency ranges which are not experimentally measureable. Moreover, the creep compliance master curves were acquired for different reference temperatures to predict the creep compliance of nanocomposites over long period of times. It was found that the presence of LDH decreases the creep compliance at long period of times while it decreases the unrecoverable deformation of EVA domains. A simple mechanism was proposed to explain the creep and recovery behavior of samples blend at different temperatures. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46725.     

Integration of a Gas Fired Steam Power Plant with a Total Site Utility Using a New Cogeneration Targeting Procedure

A steam power plant can work as a dual purpose plant for simultaneous production of steam and elec-trical power. In this paper we seek the optimum integration of a steam power plant as a source and a site utility sys-tem as a sink of steam and power. Estimation for the cogeneration potential prior to the design of a central utility system for site utility systems is vital to the targets for site fuel demand as well as heat and power production. In this regard, a new cogeneration targeting procedure is proposed for integration of a steam power plant and a site utility consisting of a process plant. The new methodology seeks the optimal integration based on a new cogenera-tion targeting scheme. In addition, a modified site utility grand composite curve （SUGCC） diagram is proposed and compared to the original SUGCC. A gas fired steam power plant and a process site utility is considered in a case study. The applicability of the developed procedure is tested against other design methods （STAR？ and Thermoflex software） through a case study. The proposed method gives comparable results, and the targeting method is used for optimal integration of steam levels. Identifying optimal conditions of steam levels for integration is important in the design of utility systems, as the selection of steam levels in a steam power plant and site utility for integration greatly influences the potential for cogeneration and energy recovery. The integration of steam levels of the steam power plant and the site utility system in the case study demonstrates the usefulness of the method for reducing the overall energy consumption for the site.     

A simple model for the derivation of illuminance values from global solar radiation data

This paper presents a new simple luminous efficacy model for global horizontal irradiance. The objective is to derive values of outdoor global horizontal illuminance data from typical local weather station data including global horizontal irradiance and Humidity Ratio of outdoor air. The proposed luminous efficacy model incorporates, as the main influencing variable, the Clearness Factor, which is an original derivative from the Clearness Index. Two further variables are included in the model formulation. These are the Humidity Ratio and the solar altitude. Moreover, the model includes a location-dependent variable, which may be derived from the latitude information. The paper includes the result of the statistical analysis of the relationship between the model predictions and the measured data. The results of this analysis display a good agreement between predictions and measurements.     

Commercial,high-impact polypropylenes: Composition and chain structure as revealed by temperature-gradient extraction fractionation

Four different grades of commercial, high-impact polypropylene (hiPP) were fractionated by temperature-gradient extraction fractionation, and the chain structure and melting behavior of the fractions were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Furthermore, the morphology of the disperse phase in the resins was characterized by scanning electron microscopy of the microtome-cut etched and original samples. The results show that there was a strong relation between the chain structure, content, and distribution of the dispersed phase and the mechanical properties of hiPP. These parameters of the elastomeric phase are really critical in reaching the best rigidity-impact balance in hiPP. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

The effect of process parameters on the size and morphology of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) micro/nanoparticles prepared by an oil in oil emulsion/solvent evaporation technique

For the past few decades, there has been a considerable research interest in the area of biodegradable polymeric micro‐ and nanoparticles for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, implants, stents, medical devices, and drug delivery systems. Poly(D,L ‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) is well‐known by its safety in biomedical preparations which has been approved for human use by the FDA. The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of process parameters on size characteristics of PLGA microparticles prepared by oil in oil (o/o) solvent evaporation technique. This method has been introduced as one of the most appropriate methods for hydrophilic agents. Scanning electron microscopy showed that prepared particles were spherical with smooth surface without aggregation. Particle size varied from 570 nm to 29 μm in different experimental conditions. Stirring speed, polymer concentration, impeller type, and dropping size had a significant effect on the particle size. The polydispersity index of particles showed a strong relationship with the surfactant concentration, impeller type, and dropping size. It was concluded that increasing in temperature up to 50°C or changing in dropping rate has a little effect on reducing the size of PLGA particles. The residual solvent content in the final suspension was less than 0.1 ppm that is in appropriate range for biomedical application. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Fabrication and electrical characterization of p-Cu2O/n-ZnO heterojunction

The conducting metal oxide (ZnO, Cu2O) films were used for fabrication of p-n heterojunction by rf sputtering and electrodeposition techniques respectively. The as synthesized films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV spectroscopy and electrical techniques. The electrical properties of the p-Cu2O/n-ZnO heterojunction were examined using the current-voltage measurements. The current-voltage (I-V) result showed that potential barrier was higher than the turn-on voltage, which was attributed to the presence of the interface defect states. The PN junction parameters such as ideality factor, barrier height, and series resistance were determined using conventional forward bias current-voltage characteristics. The annealing of Cu2O increase the crystallinity size and which enhance the photo current from 1.6 mA/cm2 to 3.7 mA/cm2. The annealing of respective film resulted in a decrease of these parameters with an increase in efficiency of solar cell from 0.14% to 0.3% at 350 degrees C.