Synthesis,characterization, and acoustic properties of new soluble polyurethanes based on 2,2′‐[1,4‐phenylenebis(nitrilomethylylidene)diphenol and 2,2′‐[4,4′‐methylene‐di‐2‐methylphenylene‐1,1′‐bis(nitrilomethylylidene)]diphenol

Eight novel polyurethanes based on 2,2′‐[1,4‐phenylenebis(nitrilomethylylidene)]diphenol and 2,2′‐[4,4′‐methylene‐di‐2‐methylphenylene‐1,1′‐bis(nitrilomethylylidene)]diphenol acting as hard segments with two aromatic and two aliphatic diisocyanates (4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate, toluene 2,4‐diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, and hexamethylene diisocyanate) were prepared and characterized with Fourier transform infrared, UV spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, ¹H‐NMR and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential thermal analysis. All the polyurethanes contained domains of semicrystalline and amorphous structures, as indicated by X‐ray diffraction. The acoustic properties and solubility parameters were calculated with the group contribution method. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Using maleic anhydride grafted poly(lactic acid) as a compatibilizer in poly(lactic acid)/layered‐silicate nanocomposites

The goal of this work was to prepare exfoliated poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/layered‐silicate nanocomposites with maleic anhydride grafted poly(lactic acid) (PLA–MA) as a compatibilizer. Two different layered silicates were used in the study: bentonite and hectorite. The nanocomposites were prepared by the incorporation of each layered silicate (5 wt %) into PLA via solution casting. X‐ray diffraction of the prepared nanocomposites indicated exfoliation of the silicates. However, micrographs from transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of intercalated and partially exfoliated areas. Tensile testing showed improvements in both the tensile modulus and yield strength for all the prepared nanocomposites. The results from the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed an improvement in the storage modulus over the entire temperature range for both layered silicates together with a shift in the tan δ peak to higher temperatures. The effect of using PLA–MA differed between the two layered silicates because of a difference in the organic treatment. The bentonite layered silicate showed a more distinct improvement in exfoliation and an increase in the mechanical properties because of the addition of PLA–MA in comparison with the hectorite layered silicate. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 1852–1862, 2006     

Role of thermal stability and vapor pressure of bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato)magnesium(II) and its triamine adduct in producing magnesium oxide thin film using a plasma-assisted LICVD process

Thin films of magnesia were deposited on various substrates using plasma-assisted liquid injection chemical vapor deposition with volatile Mg(tmhd)₂·2H₂O (1) (tmhd = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione). The precursor complexes, Mg₂(tmhd)₄·(2), and Mg(tmhd)₂·pmdien (3) (pmdien; N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) were prepared from Mg(tmhd)₂·2H₂O (1). The temperature dependence equilibrium vapor pressure (p_e)_T data yielded a straight line when log p_e was plotted against reciprocal temperature in the range of 360–475 K, leading to standard enthalpy of vaporization (Δ_vapH°) values of 59 ± 1 and 67 ± 2 kJ mol^− 1 for (2) and (3) respectively. Thin films of magnesium oxide were grown at 773 K using complex (1) on various substrate materials. These films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray for their composition and morphology.     

Subcutoff microwave driven plasma ion sources for multielemental focused ion beam systems

A compact microwave driven plasma ion source for focused ion beam applications has been developed. Several gas species have been experimented including argon, krypton, and hydrogen. The plasma, confined by a minimum B multicusp magnetic field, has good radial and axial uniformity. The octupole multicusp configuration shows a superior performance in terms of plasma density (~1.3 x 10(11) cm(-3)) and electron temperature (7-15 eV) at a power density of 5-10 Wcm(2). Ion current densities ranging from a few hundreds to over 1000 mA/cm(2) have been obtained with different plasma electrode apertures. The ion source will be combined with electrostatic Einzel lenses and should be capable of producing multielemental focused ion beams for nanostructuring and implantations. The initial simulation results for the focused beams have been presented.     

An experimental investigation on the machining characteristics of microscale end milling

This paper discusses an experimental approach to assess the machining characteristics in microscale end milling operation through a systematic experimentation procedure. Microchannels were machined on brass plates using a carbide end mill of 1?mm diameter to analyze the effect of chip load (feed per tooth) and cutting speed on the surface roughness, specific cutting pressure, and cutting forces during microend milling operation. The tangential and radial components of forces were analyzed with the help of a three-dimensional model using the force signals acquired through KISTLER dynamometer. Feed per tooth and the interaction of cutting speed and chip load were identified as the critical parameters affecting the surface roughness of microchannel. Applying the concept of elastic recovery on the side wall surface of microchannels, the minimum chip thickness during the above micromilling operation was evaluated as 0.97???m, and the result was validated by the drastic increase in specific cutting pressure and erratic behavior of cutting forces below a chip load of 1???m.     

Electrothermal theory approach for numerical approximation of the μ-EDM process

A fundamental study of microelectric discharge machining (μ-EDM) based on the physics of single spark and electrothermal theory has been carried out. The machining phenomena in the μ-EDM process are investigated through simulations using finite element method. By creating the single-discharge crater, the topography is measured using an atomic force microscope and the simulation results compared with the experimental result. A temperature distribution along the radius and depth of the workpiece is thus reported. For verification purpose, single-discharge experiments with RC pulse circuit are performed with tungsten carbide as the electrode and stainless steel as the workpiece. The diameter-to-depth ratios of the crater obtained by the simulation and the experiments are 2.92 and 2.67, respectively. The simulation results are found to be in close agreement with experimental results.     

Evaluation of Nd:YAG-pumped Raman shifter as a broad-spectrum light source

We have examined the utility of a gas-filled, Nd:YAG-laser-pumped Raman shifter as a possible broad-spectrum light source. Six to nine new output frequencies with pulse energies above 1 μJ are produced when a pure-hydrogen or pure-methane Raman shifter is pumped with 40 mJ of secondharmonic, 20 mJ of third-harmonic, or 11 mJ of fourth-harmonic pump pulse energy. Optimum output occurs at pressures of approximately 10 atm for the pure-gas experiments. We also report the output frequencies and pulse energies of a mixed hydrogen-methane Raman shifter pumped by 20 mJ of the third harmonic of the laser for various proportions of the two gases at pressures up to nearly 20 atm. Depending on composition and pressure, over a dozen new output lines with pulse energies over 1 μJ can be produced. We discuss the nonlinear processes involved, the optimum operating conditions, and the suitability of the source for our application of groundwater monitoring.     

Optimisation of maintenance strategy for rural road network using genetic algorithm

The objective of this paper is to develop an optimised maintenance strategy for the rural road network of Kerala state. This is accomplished with the development of a bi-objective deterministic optimisation model which simultaneously satisfies the objectives of both minimisation of total maintenance cost and maximisation of performance of the road network. The model is capable of planning the maintenance activities over a multi-year planning period. The performance of the road network is accounted using the composite index, namely Pavement Condition Index. The constraint-based genetic algorithm was used as the optimisation tool since it very well takes care of the combinatorial nature of the network-level pavement maintenance programming. The applicability of the model is illustrated using a case study for the rural road network of Kerala state in India. The effort made through this research work to develop a suitable Pavement Maintenance and Management System for rural road network can lead to the proper maintenance and upkeep of the rural roads, thereby triggering a positive impact on the Indian economy.