Effects of processing parameters on axial stiffness of self‐reinforced polyethylene composites

Self‐reinforced polyethylene composites have proven to be promising candidate materials for a number of wear‐resistance and bioimplant applications. In this study, we investigated the effects of processing parameters on the elastic modulus of self‐reinforced high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. The processing parameters investigated were the cooling rate, processing pressure, temperature, and duration. Our results showed an optimum processing temperature, pressure, and duration that were matrix‐dependent. In addition, for an HDPE matrix, the slower the composite cooling rate was, the higher the composite modulus was. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 1136–1141, 2001     

Multi-criteria fuzzy algorithm for energy management of a domestic photovoltaic panel

This paper presents a fuzzy algorithm which makes decision so as to connect domestic apparatus on either the electrical grid or a photovoltaic panel (PVP). The decision is made in real time with respect to multi-energy save criteria and upon the PVP maximum available power and apparatus states. The algorithm is validated on a 1 kW peak (kWp) PVP and domicile apparatus of different powers installed at the Energy and Thermal Research Centre (CRTEn) in the north of Tunisia. Criteria are verified on the system behaviour during days covering the different seasons of the year. The power audit, established using measures, confirms that the energy save during daylight reaches 90% of the PVP available energy.     

Performance characteristics of an elliptic hydrostatic bearing and comparative analysis based on Stokes’ conditions

The Stokesian motion of viscous fluid lubricants in a class of externally pressurized hydrostatic bearings due to a pressure source has been studied by complex potential theory and conformal mapping. The outer boundary of the bearing is a (2:1) ellipse, and the inner boundary is a concentric circle. The complex potential function that satisfies the boundary conditions of the bearing has been constructed by reducing the flow inside an annulus. Applying the Riemann’s mapping theorem and using Jacobian elliptic functions, the exact mapping transformation could be found. A two-dimensional pressure distribution has been determined analytically and is presented in graphical form. An approximate evaluation of the total thrust is also calculated. This research is done through the selected configuration of the “elliptic-circle” domain. The deduced results are compared with the results of the preceding investigations, and conformity is found excellent.     

Real-time polymerase chain reaction detection of bovine DNA in meat and bone meal samples

We describe a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of bovine DNA extracted from meat and bone meal (MBM) samples. PCR primers were used to amplify a 271-bp region of the mitochondrial ATPase 8-ATPase 6 gene, and a fluorogenic probe (BOV1) labeled with a 5' FAM reporter and a 3' TAMRA quencher was designed to specifically detect bovine PCR product. The specificity of the BOV1 probe for the detection of the bovine PCR product was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization analysis of the probe with PCR products generated from ovine, porcine, and bovine genomic DNA extracted from blood and with PCR products generated from genomic DNA extracted from single-species laboratory scale rendered MBM samples. The specificity of the BOV1 probe was also evaluated in real-time PCR reactions including these genomic targets. Both methods demonstrated that the BOV1 probe was specific for the detection of bovine PCR product. The BOV1 probe had a detection limit of 0.0001% bovine material by Southern blot DNA probe hybridization analysis and a detection limit of 0.001% bovine material in the real-time PCR assay. Application of the real-time PCR assay to six industrial samples that had previously tested positive for the presence of bovine material with a conventional PCR assay yielded positive results with the real-time PCR assay for four samples.     

Controlling J‐aggregate formation for increased short‐circuit current and power conversion efficiency with a squaraine donor

A squaraine dye is tested for novel application in a near‐infrared‐active organic photovoltaic cell that is subsequently optimized to obtain a power conversion efficiency of 2.4 ± 0.3%. The optimization utilizes an Alq3 buffer layer and macroscopic structure control through the addition of co‐solvents in the spin‐casting process. Co‐solvent addition increases the amount of aggregates present as measured through linear absorption spectroscopy, and there is a concurrent increase in both efficiency and short‐circuit current. An interpretation of the greatly increased current density is presented that describes how increased J‐aggregation likely increases hole mobility and, as a result, charge separation of the photogenerated excited state. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Full-Scale Testing for Composite Slab/Beam Systems Made with Extended Stud Spacing

Investigation of the background of the 610?mm (24?in.) spacing of stud shear connectors showed that this limit was set on the basis of a small amount of testing of beams with spacing greater than this limit. The literature search showed that some attempts have been recently made to extend this limit. One of the objectives of the NCHRP 12-65 research project was to investigate the possibility of extending this limit to 1,220?mm (48?in.) for cluster of studs used for precast concrete panels made composite with steel I-beams. The experimental investigation included testing of push-off specimens and full-scale composite beams. Results of the push-off specimens have shown that the fatigue loading has no detrimental effect on the load-slip relationship when the number of studs is doubled per cluster. This paper covers the second part of the experimental investigation, which is fatigue and ultimate testing of full-scale composite beams. The full-scale testing has proven that full-composite action between precast concrete panels and steel girders can be achieved when the spacing between the stud clusters is extended up to 1,220?mm (48?in.).     

Crosslinking of Starch Xanthate IV. Epoxy Resin and Diepoxide Thickeners for Xanthate and Starch

Aqueous solutions of starch xanthate (of varying degree of substitution), butanediol dixanthate or alkali-gelatinized starch were reacted with a diepoxide, such as butanediol diglycidyl ether to get viscous gels. Epoxy resins were likewise reacted with xanthate to form viscous media. Alkaligelatinized starch of varying alkali ratio content similarly produced gels with diepoxides. Solids were precipitated from the gels and their compositions were deduced from their elemental contents and infrared spectra.