Interpenetrating polymer networks of photocrosslinkable cellulose derivatives

A series of interpenetrating polymer networks has been prepared from two cellulose derivatives, one of which contains cinnamate groups and the other containing randomly substituted cinnamate and allyl groups. The latter derivative forms a crosslinked network in less than 5 min on exposure to ultraviolet radiation and can be used to make amorphous interpenetrating polymer networks containing 50% by weight loading level of crosslinked vinyl polymers. The syntheses of both derivatives and the thermal properties and film morphologies of their interpenetrating polymer networks are discussed. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Studies on morphology,mechanical, thermal,and rheological behavior of extrusion‐blended polypropylene and thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer

Polypropylene (PP) was melt‐blended in a single‐screw extruder with a thermotropic Vectra B‐950 liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) in different proportions. The mechanical properties of such blends were compared in respect of their Young's moduli, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), percent elongation at break, and toughness to those of pure PP. The thermal properties of these blends were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology was studied by using a polarizing light microscope (PLM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) while the rheological aspects of the blends and the pure PP were studied by a Haake Rheowin equipment. Mechanical analysis (tensile properties) of the blends showed pronounced improvement in the moduli and the UTS of the PP matrix in the presence of 2–10% of LCP incorporation. TGA of all the blends showed an increase in the thermal stability for all the blends with respect to the matrix polymer PP, even at a temperature of 410°C, while PP itself undergoes drastic degradation at this temperature. DSC studies indicated an increase in the softening range of the blends over that of PP. Morphological studies showed limited mixing and elongated fibril formation by the dispersed LCP phase within the base matrix (PP) at the lower ranges of LCP incorporation while exhibiting a tendency to undergo gross phase separation at higher concentrations of LCP, which forms mostly agglomerated fibrils and large droplets. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 767–774, 2003     

Natural gas viscosity estimation using density based models

Accurate value determination of natural gas viscosity plays a key role in its management as it is one of the most important parameters in natural gas engineering calculations. In this study, a comprehensive model is suggested for prediction of natural gas viscosity in a wide range of pressures, temperatures, densities and compositions. The new model can be applicable for gases containing heptane plus and non‐hydrocarbon components. It is validated by the 2011 viscosity data from 18 different gas mixtures. Compared to existing similar models and correlations, its results are quite satisfactory. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

Study of Optimal Adaptive Rule in Testing Composite Hypothesis

Abstract

In this article on sequential adaptive testing, we have studied the optimal allocation between two populations for testing a composite hypothesis involving the parameters, with the goal of decreasing allocation of one of the treatments to the order of the logarithm of the sample size while decreasing the probability of incorrect selection to zero. We have proved the result for large sample sizes both mathematically and by simulation studies.     

New observations in micro-pop-in issues in nanoindentation of coarse grain alumina

The present experiments were focused on nanoindentation behaviour and the attendant “micro-pop-in” in a dense (～95% of theoretical) coarse-grain (～20 μm) alumina ceramic as a function of loading rate variations at three constant peak loads in the range of 10⁵–10⁶ μN. Based on the experimental results here we report for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, an increase in intrinsic nano scale contact resistance as well as the nanohardness with the loading rate. These observations were explained in terms of the correlation between the nanoscale plasticity and shear stress active just underneath the nanoindenter.     

Synthesis of Cobalt Adhesion Promoters and Their Evaluation in a Passenger Radial-Belt Skim Compound

Cobalt adhesion promoters have gained considerable acceptance in the rubber industry during the past two decades and are considered the most important tool for the promotion of adhesion between the rubber compound and the brass-plated steel cord in the manufacture of steel-cord-reinforced radial tires. Most of the commercially available cobalt compounds are either higher fatty acid salts or cobalt-chelate complexes, e.g., cobalt octanoate, napthenate, stearate, and cobalt-boron complexes. Of the various cobalt salts and chelate complexes, cobalt-boron complexes are the most popular, and they form good bonding. Considering the availability, economics, and performance of this material, an attempt has been made in this study to synthesize different cobalt-chelate complexes, make a comparative evaluation of rubber compounds, and simulate field performance with laboratory tests.     

Multivalent Interactions between an Aromatic Helical Foldamer and a DNA G‐Quadruplex in the Solid State

Quinoline‐based oligoamide foldamers have been identified as a potent class of ligands for G‐quadruplex DNA. Their helical structure is thought to target G‐quadruplex loops or grooves and not G‐tetrads. We report a co‐crystal structure of the antiparallel hairpin dimeric DNA G‐quadruplex (G₄T₄G₄)₂ with tetramer 1 —a helically folded oligo‐quinolinecarboxamide bearing cationic side chains—that is consistent with this hypothesis. Multivalent foldamer–DNA interactions that modify the packing of (G₄T₄G₄)₂ in the solid state are observed.     

A Three-Phase AC-to-DC Power Transistor Converter-Controlled DC Motor Drive

A three-phase ac-to-dc power transistor converter that is suitable for speed control of a dc motor and for a variable dc power supply is investigated. The availability of power transistors of fairly high power rating has made the task of ac-to-dc conversion relatively easy due to simplification of the converter circuit configuration. The external performance characteristics of the power transistor converter-controlled separately excited dc motor are obtained by employing the equal pulsewidth modulation (EPWM) control technique with 18 pulses per half-cycle of the supply voltage and are verified experimentally. There is good agreement between experimental and theoretical results. The external performance is also evaluated under constant torque operation. The use of inductance-capacitance (LC) filters for reducing the effect of predominant supply harmonics is briefly discussed. Experimental oscillograms of some typical waveforms are illustrated to verify the basic principles of operation.     

Studies on the engineering properties of LCP‐Vectra B 950/PP blends with the variations of EAA content

Polypropylene (PP) was melt blended with Vectra B‐950 [a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (LCP)], in a single screw extruder in presence of different doses of ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) copolymer, as modifier. The effect of incorporation in different proportions of EAA at a fixed dose of 5% LCP, on mechanical, thermal, morphological, and rheological properties of such blends was studied and the same were compared with that of pure PP and amongst themselves. Mechanical analysis (tensile properties) of the prepared blends exhibited improvements in ultimate tensile strength (UTS), modulus, toughness, hardness, and impact strength of PP matrix with the incorporation of EAA. The improvement in mechanical properties is associated with the formation of LCP fibrils as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A strong interaction through H‐bonding between the segments of Vectra B‐950 and EAA was established by FTIR study. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies indicated substantial increase in melting point of the blends, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the thermal stability of PP was improved with the addition of LCP and EAA. Rheological properties showed that LCP and EAA drop down the melt viscosity of PP and thus facilitate processibility of blends. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Electron microscopy of shock deformation in alumina

Shock recovered samples of a coarse grain (10 μm), high density (>99.9% theoretical) alumina from asymmetric impact tests conducted at 6.5 GPa (e.g. 3.2 times its Hugoniot Elastic Limit) in a single stage gas gun and characterized by X-ray diffractometry, scanning and field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy showed prolific presence of reduced crystallite size, higher average microstrain, grain localized micro/nano-scale deformations, micro-cleavages, grain-boundary microcracks, micro-wing crack formation, extensive shear induced deformations and fractures localized at grains, grain boundaries and triple grain junctions, grain localized entanglement of dislocations and their pile up impeded at grain boundaries. A new qualitative model based on micro-shear and micro-twist induced deformation and fracture in single and/or multiple planes in suitably oriented grain and/or grain assembly was developed to explain the experimentally observed damage evolution process.