Morphology and thermomechanical properties of recycled PET–organoclay nanocomposites

Recycled PET/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by melt intercalation process with several amounts (1, 3, and 5 wt %) of clay modified with quaternary ammonium salt (DELLITE 67G) dispersed in a recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) matrix. The resultant mechanical properties (modulus and yield strength) of the nanocomposites were found to be different from those of rPET. Wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) measurements have shown that although complete exfoliation was not achieved, delaminated clay platelets could be observed. Thermal analysis did not show significant changes in the thermal properties from those of recycled PET. Mechanical testing showed that nanocomposite properties were superior to the recycled PET in terms of strength and elasticity modulus. This improvement was attributed to nanoscale effects and strong interaction between the rPET matrix and the clay interface, as revealed by WAXS and TEM. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1839–1844, 2007     

Role of cognitive and functional performance in the interactions between elderly people with cognitive decline and an avatar on TV

The complexity of new information technologies (IT) may limit the access of elderly people to the information society, exacerbating what is known as “the digital divide,” as they appear to be too challenging for elderly citizens regardless of the integrity of their cognitive status. This study is an attempt to clarify how some cognitive functions (such as attention or verbal memory) may determine the interaction of cognitively impaired elderly people with technology. Twenty participants ranging from mild cognitive impairment to moderate Alzheimer’s disease were assessed by means of a neuropsychological and functional battery and were asked to follow simple commands from an avatar appearing on a TV by means of a remote control, such as asking the participant to confirm their presence or to respond Yes/No to a proposal to see a TV program. The number of correct answers and command repetitions required for the user to respond were registered. The results show that participants with a better cognitive and functional state in specific tests show a significantly better performance in the TV task. The derived conclusion is that neuropsychological assessment may be used as a useful complementary tool for assistive technology developers in the adaptation of IT to the elderly with different cognitive and functional profiles. Further studies with larger samples are required to determine to what extent cognitive functions can actually predict older users’ interaction with technology.     

Design recommendations for camera-based head-controlled interfaces that replace the mouse for motion-impaired users

This work focuses on camera-based systems that are designed for mouse replacement. Usually, these interfaces are based on computer vision techniques that capture the user’s face or head movements and are specifically designed for users with disabilities. The work identifies and reviews the key factors of these interfaces based on the lessons learnt by the authors’ experience and by a comprehensive analysis of the literature to describe the specific points to consider in their design. These factors are as follows: user features to track, initial user detection (calibration), position mapping, feedback, error recovery, event execution, profiles and ergonomics of the system. The work compiles the solutions offered by different systems to help new designers avoid problems already discussed by the others.     

Comparative study of homogeneous and heterogeneous styrene polymerizations with Ni(acac)2/MAO catalytic system

Styrene polymerization was carried out with Ni(acac)₂/MAO and Ni(acac)₂/SiO₂/MAO. The influence of reaction parameters (Al/Ni mole ratio, catalyst concentration, temperature and time polymerization) on styrene polymerization was evaluated. It was observed that both catalytic systems were affected by reaction parameters and that the heterogeneous catalyst presented higher activity than the homogeneous one. Polystyrenes with different molecular weight, stereoregularity and polydispersity were obtained. These results suggest that different active catalyst species could have been present. In addition, two types of methylaluminoxane (MAO) with different molecular weights were also evaluated as cocatalyst. As a result, the catalyst activity and stereospecificity were strongly affected by the MAO type.     

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of a novel thiocyanate–ruthenium(II) complex

The cis-[Ru(dppb)(Me-bipy)(NCS)₂], dppb = 1,4-bis (diphenylphosphino)butane, Me-bipy = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, and NCS = thiocyanate, was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques and its structure was determined by crystal X-ray analysis. The crystal structure reveals that the coordination geometry around the Ru(II) center is distorted octahedron where two molecules of thiocyanate are bonded to the ruthenium through nitrogen atom in cis orientation. The half-wave formal potential value E_1/2 = 0.8 V (versus Ag/AgCl) observed is considerable higher than that for the cis-[RuCl₂(dppb)(Me-bipy)] complex, E_1/2 = 0.6 V (versus Ag/AgCl), well illustrating the strong π-acceptor effect the NCS ligand toward the backbonding interaction with the Ru(II) metal center. The MLCT absorption bands of the thiocyanate complex present a higher molar absorptivity (about 12%) compared with the cis-[RuCl₂(dppb)(Me-bipy)] complex, in the same experimental conditions. These properties make the complex potentially promising for the photosensitization process.     

Study of operating variables in the transformation of aqueous ethanol into hydrocarbons on an HZSM‐5 zeolite

With the aim of determining the possibilities of directly upgrading the liquid obtained from carbohydrate fermentation, the effect of operating conditions (temperature, space time, water content in the feed) has been studied in the catalytic transformation of aqueous ethanol into hydrocarbons on an HZSM‐5 zeolite in an isothermal fixed bed reactor. Special attention has been paid to the effect of water content on the yield, product distribution and catalyst deactivation. Although deactivation by coke decreases as the water content is increased, this content must be limited at 450 °C and higher temperatures in order to avoid irreversible deactivation of the catalyst by dealumination. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Crosslink reaction of natural rubber with thiuram sulphur donors in the presence of a thiuram monosulfide

The vulcanization of natural rubber was studied with the sulfurating agents dipentamethylene thiuram tetrasulfide (DPTT) and tetramethylene thiuram disulfide (TMTD) in the presence of tetramethyl thiuram monosulfide (TMTM). This last accelerant affects the rate and efficiency of the vulcanization as well as the structures of crosslinks formed by the two sulphur donors. It may give rise to a polymerization between adjacent double bonds and generate a inhomogeneous crosslink distribution with an adverse effect on physical properties. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 491–499, 2002     

Mechanistic peculiarities of the N2O reduction by CH4 over Fe-silicalite

Transient isotopic studies in the temporal analysis of products (TAP) reactor evidenced the importance of the lifetime of oxygen species generated upon N₂O decomposition on extraframework iron sites of Fe-silicalite for methane oxidation at 723 K. Fe-silicalite effectively activates CH₄ when N₂O and CH₄ are pulsed together in the reactor. However, these oxygen species gradually become inactive for methane oxidation as the time delay between the N₂O and CH₄ pulses is increased from 0 to 2 s.     

Prospects of N2O emission regulations in the European fertilizer industry

European authorities consider that N₂O emissions from nitric acid plants can be reduced to a large extent at a relatively low cost. Two regulation approaches can have major implications for the fertilizer industry in Europe. The EU integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC) directive will be effective from October 2007 for existing plants. In this, emission permits will be based on best available techniques (BAT). Additionally, the EU commission will shortly consider whether the emission trading directive should be applicable to cover other greenhouse gases besides CO₂. This paper discusses advantages and drawbacks of these approaches, with emphasis on how emission trading with N₂O can be turned into a win–win situation both for European governments and for the fertilizer industry.     

Lithium disilicate glass produced at high pressure: Characterization of structural,thermal and mechanical properties

In this work, high-density lithium disilicate (LS₂) vitreous systems were produced by melting and quenching under high pressure (7.7 GPa) following two distinct experimental routes. In the first case, LS₂ glass was remelted at 7.7 GPa and 1600°C and, then, quenched. In the second case, a stoichiometric mixture of precursor oxides (Li₂O and SiO₂) was melted at 1600°C and 7.7 GPa before quenching. A reference LS₂ glass sample was produced at atmospheric pressure using conventional melting and quenching procedure. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and instrumented ultramicro hardness measurements. X-ray diffraction confirmed that all samples were amorphous and thermal analysis suggests that different glassy structures were produced depending on the route of synthesis. Hardness and elastic modulus of the glasses produced under high pressure were higher than those of the reference glass, reflecting the irreversible densification effect induced by the high-pressure processing.