Self-assembly through hydrogen-bonding and C–Hπ interactions in metal complexes of N-functionalised glycine

The complex [Ni(L1)₂(py)₂]. toluene (L1 is N-phthaloylglycinato and py is pyridine) was prepared from solid state reaction whereas co-crystals having composition 2[Ni(L1)₂(py)₃(H₂O)] · [Ni(L1)₂(py)₂(H₂O)₂] · 2py · 2H₂O was obtained from solution state reaction.     

Potential of Sr4Al14O25: Eu2+,Dy3+ inorganic oxide-based nanophosphor in Latent fingermark detection

In this paper, the potential of the Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅: Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ fluorescent nanophosphor is explored to visualize the latent fingermarks. The nanophosphor has been synthesized using self-propagating high temperature synthesis and shows intense luminescence and strong long after glow properties. These nano particles have been characterized for their particle size, crystalline phase, and photoluminescent properties. The calculated PL CIE co-ordinates (0.138, 0.359) correspond to the blue–green shade. Different porous, non-porous, as well as slightly non-smooth surfaces are taken and successfully tested for latent fingerprints development with the prepared Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅: Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ fluorescent nanophosphor powder. Present nano powder is advantageous to use on luminescent or multicolored surfaces as it gives greater contrast and also eliminates the problem of background interferences with the friction ridges due to its strong long after glow property. The results are very good when latent fingerprints were developed on the currency notes with optical variable ink and highly fluorescent pattern areas.     

Pulse Reverse Electrodeposition of Cu-SiC Nanocomposite Coating: Effects of Surfactants and Deposition Parameters

Cu-SiC nanocomposite coatings have been deposited from an aqueous sulfate electrolyte using the technique of pulse reverse electrodeposition both in the absence and presence of three different types of surfactants, anionic, cationic, or nonionic. The effects of different electrodeposition parameters on some properties of the coatings have been studied. In all cases, it has been observed that the surface roughness, hardness, and resistivity increase with the increase in cathodic current density. However, they have been observed to decrease with the increase in anodic current density and the anodic current time. The variation in the amount of incorporated reinforcement with different deposition parameters has been observed to be dependent on the nature of the surfactant used. In the presence of cationic and nonionic surfactant, a noticeable increase in the amount of incorporated reinforcement and hardness has been observed. Samples prepared under higher anodic current density have been observed to possess lower stress, but intense texture. An increase in cathodic current density has been observed to decrease the extent of texturing.     

Thermodynamic studies with silver—silver thiocyanate electrodes: transfer of (H+ SCN−) from aqueous to dioxane—water solutions

Electromotive force measurements of the cell:

have been made at 15, 25, 35 and 45°C for solvent compositions X = 10, 20, 30 and 40% (w/w) of dioxane. These have been used to evaluate the standard potentials of the cell and various thermodynamic functions for the transfer of (H⁺ SCN^?) from water to the respective dioxane—water media. The standard free energy of transfer values along with those for halogen acids are briefly discussed in relation to ion solvation.     

The quantitative characterization of sintering of urania powders

This paper presents a unified approach towards characterization of the sintering behaviour of UO₂ powders in terms of their extrinsic properties. Empirical equations connecting the sintering index with various powder parameters have been set up. The influence of various powder parameters, either individually or as dimensionless/dimensional groups, on the sintering behaviour has been studied. The relative importance of these factors has also been analysed. A good polynomial fit has been obtained for variation of sintering index with some of the powder parameters and dimensionless/dimensional groups. The equations are expected to provide a good basis for assessing the sinterability of UO₂ powders.     

Interaction of chitosan capped ZnO nanorods with Escherichia coli

ZnO nanorods of around 80 nm length and 30–60 nm diameter, encapsulated in chitosan were synthesized through co-precipitation technique and was characterized by XRD, UV–VIS, SEM, HRTEM, AFM and FTIR. The aim of the study was to investigate the attachment of chitosan capped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) with Escherichia coli bacterial outermost cell membrane and their mode of action against these bacteria. The detailed characterization studies were carried out to develop insight into the process of influence of these nanostructures on bacterial cells. Antibiotic characteristics of chitosan capped ZnO nanoparticles have been compared with Amoxicillin by zone of inhibition through cup plate method.     

Effect of modified MWCNT on the properties of PPO/LCP blend

In this work we have coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with SiC by solgel process and these modified MWCNTs are dispersed in PPO/LCP blend. The dispersion of these modified MWCNTs are analyzed by FESEM and found to be improved compared to pure MWCNTs. Thermal and mechanical properties of the modified MWCNTs added nanocomposites are higher than that of the pure MWCNTs added nanocomposites. PPO/LCP forms an incompatible blend while addition of unmodified and modified MWCNTs improves the compatibility between the blend partners.     

Taylor’s Slope Stability Charts Revisited

Two design charts for computing the safety factor of soil slopes are presented here. The first one is for an undrained (?u = 0) soil slope, similar to the one proposed by Taylor, but with significant differences. Taylor’s work is based on three types of failure circles: toe circle, slope circle, and midpoint circle. It appears that there can also be compound circles that are made of two circular arcs separated by a straight line at the interface with the stiff stratum. These are incorporated in the proposed design chart. The second chart is for drained (c′-?′) soil slope that enables the users to compute the safety factor of the slope without any iterative procedures that are required with the Taylor’s chart. In c′-?′ soils, Taylor assumed that the failure occurs along toe circles. The analysis presented herein shows that when the slope is very shallow, it is possible to have midpoint circles. Both charts are quite simple and straightforward to use in engineering analysis of homogeneous slopes. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the use of the two design charts.