Strain-induced crystallization,Part IV: Induction time analysis

The empirical equation, 1/t_i = Ae^Ei/RT, which expresses the exponential dependence of the reciprocal of crystallization induction time, t_i, has been analyzed and shown to be equivalent to the nucleation rate equations derived earlier in Part III (1). Consequently we have used the t_i measurements obtained earlier by Krueger and Yeh to calculate not only the nucleation rate enhancements but also the melting point elevations, the relative crystal thickness changes and molecular coil extension ratios of shear-crystallization polyethylene. It is shown that polyethylene when crystallized between 129 and 131°C at shear rates between 1.56 and 9.70 sec^?1 can have melting point increases of 4.2 to 7.2°C and crystal thickness decreases of 20 to 25 percent, when compared to those crystallized at 130°C in the quiescent state. The predicted “coil” extension in the melt just prior to shear-induced crystallization ranges between 21 and 36 percent. The results of these analyses as well as those on nucleation rates of polyethylene oxide are discussed in detail.     

Carbon Nanofibers: A New Ultrahigh-Strength Material for Chemical Technology

Carbon nanofibers are described as a new ultrahigh-strength material, which is superior to both ordinary carbon fibers and other high-strength materials. The place occupied by nanofibers in the classification of carbon materials is shown, and an analysis is made of the relationship between the structure of a fiber and its useful properties, in particular, the strength and tensile modulus. Studies on the synthesis of nanofibers are reviewed. It is shown that the practically important problem of producing nanofibers of maximum possible length must be solved by controlling the temperature conditions of the reaction. The prospects for introducing nanofibers into the market of high-strength and heat-resistant materials are analyzed. The most likely prospect seems to be the partial replacement of polyacrylonitrile-based fibers by nanofibers, first and foremost, in the fields where the requirements for high strength are particularly stringent due to safety reasons.     

Azo disperse dyes with polyfluoroalkyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom of the coupling component

A number of new azo disperse dyes with polyfluoroalkyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom of the coupling component have been prepared. The influence of polyfluoroalkyl groups on the colour and properties of azo dyes has been studied. The replacement of hydrogen atoms of the methyl group of the coupling component by polyfluoroalkyl radicals causes a hypsochromic shift of absorption maximum in a neutral solution and deepening of the dye colour in an acid solution. All tested dyes showed a high lightfastness on acetate and polyamide fibres.     

Facile preparation of amphiphilic oxyethylene-oxypropylene block copolymers by selective triazine coupling

A novel synthetic route for preparing high molecular weight poly(oxyalkylene) block copolymers has been developed by using 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (cyanuric chloride, cc) as the coupling core. The coupling reaction involves the selective substitutions of oligo(oxyalkylene)-amines onto three chlorides of the triazine ring in a stepwise manner at 0, 25 and 130 °C. By judiciously selecting the starting amines and reaction conditions, one can tailor the copolymer structures with different block configurations (tri-block, multi-block, random and alternating block). The prepared copolymers can have a high molecular weight, up to 25,600 g/mol (GPC polydispersity=1.48), and also high thermal stability due to the presence of triazine functionalities. The copolymers with hydrophilic and hydrophobic oligo(oxyalkylene) blocks are of versatile properties in solubility (water soluble or water insoluble) and morphology (crystalline or amorphous). With a specific structure of alternating oligo(oxyethylene)/oligo(oxypropylene) blocks (2000 g/mol each block), the copolymer exhibits the property of self-association. It reduces the interfacial tension of toluene/water as low as 0.5 dyne/cm at the critical micelle concentration of 0.01 wt%.     

Impregnation of X Zeolite with Alkaline Hydroxide During the Synthesis

Enhancement of the basic properties of the X zeolite with FAU framework has been carried out during synthesis, without further treatment such as ion-exchange or impregnation. Control of the washing stage enables retention of the optimum amount of alkaline hydroxides, which increases the basic catalytic activity of X zeolite in the alkylation of toluene. This alkaline hydroxides neither affect the FAU framework nor the silicon/aluminium molar ratio of the X zeolite. The optimum (Na + K)/Al molar ratio of the improved catalyst was 1.06 corresponding to a washing volume of 200 mL. This X zeolite presented better catalytic activity than a cesium-zeolite prepared by ion-exchange. The presence of hydroxysodalite impurity in the X zeolite increased the amount of impregnated alkaline hydroxides but not the catalytic activity. The present study shows that it is possible to increase the basic properties of the X zeolite directly in the synthesis process.     

Irradiation of poly(vinyl chloride) with H2 plasma. II

Poly(vinyl chloride) films blended with plasticizers, stabilizers, and fillers are irradiated with a beam of H₂ plasma. The polymer partially loses its solubility in cyclohexanone. The viscosity of the soluble part decreases in the initial stages and then increases on further irradiation. Crosslinking was followed by dehydrochlorination and discoloration of the polymer. The electrical conductivity was measured as a function of the irradiation dose and time. The plasticizers enhanced the action of plasma while the stabilizers and fillers reduced it.     

The manufacture of lightweight,heat-insulating refractory goods with an operating temperature up to 1750°C

Conclusions The possibility is shown of obtaining lightweight refractories with an operational temperature of 1750°C and having a wide range of properties. The use of these refractories depends on the particular requirements and the conditions of service.Translated from Ogneupory, No. 3, pp. 24–28, March, 1986.     

Metal recovery in a pilot-scale rotating cylindrical wiper-blade electrode system

The performance of an experimental pilot-scale electrochemical reactor using a rotating cylindrical electrode equipped with wiper blades is described. Data obtained from monopolar depositing and bipolar stripping—depositing of copper from dilute aqueous electrolytes are presented and certain economic aspects of metal recovery are discussed.     

Magnetoelectrolysis with rough cathode surfaces

In coupled electric/magnetic fields the upward drift of the apparent current density at a rough cathode is increased in proportion to the strength of the imposed magnetic field. The extent of enhancement becomes relatively less as the magnetohydrodynamic body force in the electrolyte becomes larger.