Analysis of polymer blend morphology by transmission and reflection light scattering techniques

Optical inspection is a potentially powerful and practical tool to collect information on polymer blend morphology for on-line quality and process control. This paper describes two approaches for the characterization of polymer blend materials by multiple light scattering. A quantitative evaluation of spectral turbidimetry (scattering of transmitted light) is presented and an adaptation of this technique for monitoring particle size, independent of the volume fraction is demonstrated. Such a procedure is applicable to materials in film form. A different approach is presented for the analysis of nearly spherical particles in optically thick samples: the diffuse reflection pattern surrounding the position of incidence of a focused light beam on the surface of the turbid medium is scanned by a single side imaging system. A spectral pseudo-transmittance signal processing technique provides particle size information again independent of the volume fraction: Both techniques have been tested using well characterized polystyrene microspheres suspended in water as well as poly(methyl) (methacrylate)/polystyrene polymer blends.     

Strength after heating of unfired refractories containing chemical bonding agents

Conclusions Out of all the experimental bonding agents used in the production of unfired magnesite and magnesite-chromite refractories: SDW; MgSO₄,· 7H₂O; MgSO₄·7H₂O + H₃BO₃; (NaPO₃)_n, the greatest strength on heating is provided by the addition of 2% (NaPO₃)_n.An addition of boric acid to the refractories using the MgSO₄,·7H₂O bonding agent helps to strengthen the refractories in the 500–900°C interval; at a higher temperature the refractories with the magnesium sulfate plus boric acid bonding have no advantages in their strength properties over the articles with the magnesium sulfate bonding agent only.The magnesite-chromite articles with the chemical bonding agent have better strength in the 1000–1400°C interval than the magnesite articles. This is explained by the spinelformation reactions which occur at these temperatures.On the basis of these studies (NaPO₃)_n and also MgSO₄,· 7H₂O with an addition of H₃BO₃ can be recommended as chemical bonding agents for unfired magnesite-chromite refractories.Translated from Ogneupory, No. 1, pp. 48–52, January, 1979.     

Slag resistance of vibration-cast refractory concretes with an aluminosiliceous composition

The slag resistance of refractory concretes prepared from mechanically activated aluminosiliceous binding suspensions is investigated. The composition of the binding part of vibration-cast refractory mixtures strongly affects their slag resistance. A good effect is obtained by introducing finely milled corundum-, zircon- and chromium-containing additives. The concretes were tested in the lining of a heating well and in the lining of the doors of the charging gates of open-hearth furnaces.Translated from Ogneupory, No. 2, pp. 28 – 30, February, 1996.     

Lamellar thickening behaviour of nylon-6,6 crystal by annealing

Nylon-6,6 — a typical polyamide — was annealed in the swollen state in glycerol to promote the partial melting of the polymer crystal. The recrystallization or lamellar thickening of nylon-6,6 crystal following partial melting was easily induced by this annealing, and the lamellar thickness of the crystal increased stepwise by $\text{1}\text{2}$ monomer unit length with increasing annealing temperature or annealing time. In addition, another distinct layer-thickening mechanism was observed which led to approximately doubling (and frequently quadrupling) the straight stem length of the lamellar crystal for all samples annealed under adequate conditions. New melting endotherms corresponding to these layer thicknesses (range of long spacings 140–180Å) were obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.) at temperatures ranging from 270° to 282°C. The mechanism of lamellar thickening is discussed with reference to the experimental results.     

Simulation of catalytic fluidized bed reactors by a transient axial dispersion model with invariant physical properties and nonlinear chemical reactions

This paper presents a transient axial dispersion model for an isothermal, catalytic fluidized bed reactor, which is frequently employed in synthetic production processes including coal gasification and liquefaction. A non-linear chemical reaction is considered to occur in the reactor. This model of a fluidized bed reactor takes into account the axial dispersion in the three phases, bubble, cloud-wake and emulsion. The physical properties along the axial coordinate are invariant in the model. Transient characteristics of the gas reactant, and the length of the transient period have been examined based on the model. The model compares favorably with experimental data in the steady state condition.     

A comprehensive study on co2-interphase mass transfer in vertical cocurrent and countercurrent gas-liquid flow

Cocurrent and countercurrent absorption and desorption of CO₂ in water was investigated in tall bubble columns (length 440 and 720 cm, diameter 15 and 20 cm, respectively). Operating conditions were applied which provided for high interphase mass transfer rates. Under these circumstances the relative gas holdup varies considerably with axial position whereas the mean bubble diameter measured at two points was found to be approximately constant. The measured data permit the calculation of local values of interfacial areas, superficial gas velocities, and frequency factors for bubble coalescence and break up. A dispersion model which takes into account the hydrostatic head and a variable gas velocity was applied to describe the measured concentration profiles in both phases. If increased mass transfer coefficients at the column bottom and measured local values of the hold up were used a striking agreement between experimental and predicted profiles could be obtained. The findings lead to a more sophisticated picture of the complex behaviour of gas-liquid dispersions at high interphase mass transfer rates.     

Requirements for alumina refractories for growing leucosapphire crystals

Conclusions The conditions for melting alumina and the requirements for a raw material for the melting of single crystals of leucosapphire have been discussed. It is shown that impurities of Mn, Ti, and alkali metals lead to cracking and defects in the crystals; Mo, Cu, and V impurities accumulate in the crystals; and impurity Si, Cr, Mg, and Ga are removed. However, SiO₂ accumulates in the single crystals and scatters light.The effect of the composition of the alumina, the method of its preparation, and the firing conditions on the chemical composition and density of alumina articles have been studied.It is shown that the most promising material for growing leucosapphire single crystals with high transparency and without the boiling effect is an alumina ceramic based on alumina with an open porosity of 23–27% for the outlet of air and other gases and in which the alkali has been reduced to a very low level.Translated from Ogneupory, No. 7, pp. 9–15, July, 1984.