Synthesis,characterization and corrosion performance evaluation of DDR membrane for H2 separation from HI decomposition reaction

An all silica DDR (deca dodecasil rhombohedral) zeolite membrane with dense, interlocked structure has been developed for separation of H₂ from HI/I₂ mixture of HI decomposition reaction. In this work, the DDR zeolite membrane was synthesized on the seeded clay-alumina substrate within 5 days. The seeds were synthesized by sonication mediated hydrothermal process within short crystallization time which enhanced the nucleation for the membrane growth. The synthesized membranes along with seed crystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The selectivity of hydrogen with respect to CO₂ and Ar was evaluated by single gas permeation studies at room temperature. The tests for corrosion resistance were carried out upto 120 h with both support and DDR membrane at 130 °C which confirmed the stability of membrane under the harsh HI/I₂ environment.     

Formation of Nanodimensional 3C-SiC Structuresfrom Rice Husks

We have demonstrated that large quantities of β-SiC nanostructures can be obtained from rice husk agricultural waste by using controlled conditions in a thermogravimetric setup. This simple and inexpensive method of producing these structures on a large scale is critical for applications in nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and biotechnology. The temperature and atmosphere are two critical elements in forming either α-cristobalite (SiO₂) or β-SiC. Using different characterization methods (x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy), we have shown that pyrolysis of rice husks in argon atmosphere at 1375°C results in simultaneous formation of carbon nanotubes, β-SiC nanowires/nanorods, and β-SiC powder.     

Stabilized soil in brickmaking

This article from the Central Building Research Institute, at Roorkee, India, reviews experiences from several countries in the use of stabilized soil for building, pointing out that results from this technique in road works could be extended to the production of bricks and blocks made from stabilized soil. However, there are many different kinds of soil, each requiring careful examination before deciding on the appropriate method of stabilization.     

In situ generated diphenylsiloxane‐polyimide adduct‐based nanocomposites

Arylsiloxane was incorporated into polyimide (PI) via electronic interaction with polyamic acid (PAA)/PI, and a wide spectrum of properties were evaluated for different compositions. The samples prepared with relatively low concentrations (0.0001–0.1%) of oligomers showed unusual synergism, which is attributed to the generation of nanostructures dispersed in the continuous PI matrix. The incorporation of siloxane with bulky phenyl groups contributed to enhanced thermal stability as determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Water uptake and methanol absorption by these composites were evaluated and correlated with the underlying micro‐ and nanostructures. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to elucidate the probable reaction mechanism (including in situ polymerization of arylsilanol), and to study the synthetic aspects associated with the molecular composites and nanocomposites formation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 45:142–152, 2005. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Structural and electrical properties of TlLiWO4 ceramics

Abstracts are not published in this journal This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.