Neural network-based model for prediction of permanent deformation of unbound granular materials

Several available mechanistic-empirical pavement design methods fail to include predictive model for permanent deformation (PD) of unbound granular materials (UGMs), which make these methods more conservative. In addition, there are limited regression models capable of predicting the PD under multi-stress levels, and these models have regression limitations and generally fail to cover the complexity of UGM behaviour. Recent researches are focused on using new methods of computational intelligence systems to address the problems, such as artificial neural network (ANN). In this context, we aim to develop an artificial neural model to predict the PD of UGMs exposed to repeated loads. Extensive repeated load triaxial tests (RLTTs) were conducted on base and subbase materials locally available in Victoria, Australia to investigate the PD properties of the tested materials and to prepare the database of the neural networks. Specimens were prepared over different moisture contents and gradations to cover a wide testing matrix. The ANN model consists of one input layer with five neurons, one hidden layer with twelve neurons, and one output layer with one neuron. The five inputs were the number of load cycles, deviatoric stress, moisture content, coefficient of uniformity, and coefficient of curvature. The sensitivity analysis showed that the most important indicator that impacts PD is the number of load cycles with influence factor of 41%. It shows that the ANN method is rapid and efficient to predict the PD, which could be implemented in the Austroads pavement design method.     

纳米铜润滑添加剂在四球机上的摩擦学性能研究及机理探讨

用MRS-10J四球摩擦磨损试验机考察了N68基础油和添加了自修复纳米铜润滑添加剂NT1的N68NT1的摩擦学性能,用扫描电子显微镜（SEM）、x射线能量色谱仪（EDS）分析了钢球表面的磨斑形貌和组成,同时初步分析了纳米铜润滑添加剂的润滑机理.结果表明：自修复纳米铜润滑油添加剂NT1能显著改善N68基础油的摩擦学性能;在载荷为296 N、392 N、490 N,试验时间为30 min的试验条件下,摩擦副的摩擦因数同基础油的相比分别下降了33.8%、39.4%和55.5%;钢球的磨斑直径分别下降了46.5%、45.6%和32.5%;同N68相比,N68NT1的pB值提高了33.3%;这可能同摩擦过程中钢球表面上沉积膜的协同作用有关.     

Synthesis of poly(vinyl benzal) from poly(vinyl alcohol) in nonaqueous medium

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is soluble only in water and so some important derivatives like esters cannot be prepared from PVA. The 100% conversion of PVA to acetal is also elusive as there is strong intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonding. However, PVA can be dissolved in a nonaqueous medium in the presence of a small amount of C₂H₅NO₃ · DMSO(EN · DMSO) and so a maximum extent of conversion may be possible. Here, we report the preparation of poly(vinyl benzal) (PVB) by acid-catalyzed homogeneous acetalization of PVA with benzaldehyde in a nonaqueous medium. The formation of PVB was confirmed by IR and ¹H-NMR spectra. The molecular mass of the polymer was determined by the GPC method. The PVB prepared had a degree of acetalization of 95 mol%. The glass transition temperature, T_g was measured from differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) thermograms. Thermal stabilities were checked by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG). A possible mechanism of three-step thermal decomposition of PVB is proposed. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Effect of tris(bathophenanthroline)iron(III) on the polymerization of styrene

The polymerization of styrene at 60°C initiated by 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) was studied in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of tris-(bathophenanthroline)iron(III) complex, [Fe(bathophen)₃]³⁺. The complex was prepared in situ by mixing hexakis(N,N-dimethylformamide)iron(III) perchlorate with bathophen-anthroline (systematic IUPAC nomenclature: 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) in the molar ratio of 1 : 3. The equilibrium constant for was 3.12×10³ L³ mol⁻³. The transfer constant for bathophenanthroline was found to be 0.38 ± 0.01 for the styrene/DMF system at 60°C. Mean velocity constant at 60°C for interaction of polystyryl radical with [Fe(bathophen)₃]³⁺ was 3.73× 10⁴ L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Nanostructured hematite for photoelectrochemical generation of hydrogen

With the advent of nanotechnology there has been a resurge of interest in α$\alpha$-Fe₂O₃, as suitable candidate for photoelectrochemical (PEC) splitting of water to generate hydrogen. This paper describes the enhanced PEC behaviour of nanostructured α$\alpha$-Fe₂O₃ thin films modified by various techniques. Nanostructured thin film/pellets of α$\alpha$-Fe₂O₃ prepared by various techniques and various dopants were investigated for their photoelectrochemical response. Thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis having particle size of 20–30 nm exhibited better photoresponse as compared to the films prepared by sol–gel methods, which further improved on doping with Zn. These films were further modified by (i) depositing Zn dots on the surface of α$\alpha$-Fe₂O₃ films using thermal evaporation method and (ii) irradiating it with 170 MeV Au¹³⁺${\mathrm{Au}}^{13+}$ ions. When used as electrode in photoelectrochemical cell, a significant increase in the photoresponse of these modified films were observed, details of which are discussed.     

Uniaxial orientation of β-chitin nanofibres used as an organic framework in the scales of a hot vent snail

Organisms use various forms and orientations of chitin nanofibres to make structures with a wide range of functions, from insect wings to mussel shells. Lophotrochozoan animals such as snails and annelid worms possess an ancient ‘biomineralization toolkit’, enabling them to flexibly and rapidly evolve unique hard parts. The scaly-foot snail is a gastropod endemic to deep-sea hydrothermal vents, unique in producing dermal sclerites used as sites of sulfur detoxification. Once considered to be strictly proteinaceous, recent data pointed to the presence of chitin in these sclerites, but direct evidence is still lacking. Here, we show that β-chitin fibres (approx. 5% of native weight) are indeed the building framework, through a combination of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. The fibres are uniaxially oriented, likely forming a structural basis for column-like channels into which the scaly-foot snail is known to actively secrete sulfur waste—expanding the known function of chitinous hard parts in animals. Our results add to the existing evidence that animals are capable of modifying and co-opting chitin synthesis pathways flexibly and rapidly, in order to serve novel functions during their evolution.     

Extraction of Ni (II) from Spent Hydrodesulfurization HDS Catalyst Through Leaching and Electroless Precipitation of Ni(OH)2

The extraction of nickel (II) from a spent hydro-desulfurization catalyst containing 11.6 pct Ni was carried out through sulfuric acid leaching. Variations of parameters such as the concentration of acid, temperature, and time, were studied and optimized. Nickel hydroxide was precipitated from the leach liquor via neutralization with 1 M sodium hydroxide up to pH 12 in three different methods: normal neutralization precipitation, and then neutralization precipitation followed by aging at 353 K (80 °C) for 4 hours and neutralization of the leach liquor with 10 pct (v/v) of 0.1 N sodium lauryl sulfate. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) microanalysis shows a difference in crystallinity with the method of precipitation. The nickel hydroxide contains Cu(II), Co(II), Zn(II), and Mn(II) as trace impurities. The discharge capacities of the precipitated nickel hydroxides were 120 mAhg^?1, 140.72 mAhg^?1, and 145.2 mAhg^–1 for aged sample, sample without surfactant, and with surfactant respectively.     

Thermodynamic assessment and experimental validation of clinker formation from blast furnace slag through lime addition

In the present study thermodynamic simulation of chemistry modification of blast furnace slag by lime addition to obtain clinker composition has been carried out. The effects of lime addition on each mineralogical phase under the equilibrium are simulated using FactSage 6.4 thermodynamic software. The critical value of lime addition in slag for each mineralogical phases and its effect on liquidus temperature of the slag has been reported. The desired cementitious phase namely belite has been observed beyond 14.4% of lime addition. A decreasing trend is observed in the liquidus temperature of the mixture from 1530?°C to 1497?°C for the lime addition of 15–24%. The simulation results were further validated by experiments conducted on blast furnace slag in the laboratory. Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy analysis were used to qualitatively estimate the mineralogical phases formed after melting of the slag mixtures in the laboratory followed by air cooling.     

Nanostructured bilayered thin films in photoelectrochemical water splitting – A review

In the quest for achieving the desired efficiency, balanced economics and prolonged durability of the photoelectrochemical (PEC) system for hydrogen generation, heterostructures consisting of two or more semiconductors are being looked upon as favourite material alternatives. This communication describes the basic principles involved and summarizes most of the work done in this domain. Band gap, electronic band edge alignment of the materials with each other and with the redox potential of water, lattice mismatch of the materials and optimization of thickness of each layer at the junction in the PEC devices appear to be crucial for attaining enhanced photoresponse and efficiency. Based on the studies reported in the literature and from our own studies, heterojunction systems are considered as effective tool towards extending the spectrum to the visible range and for effective separation of charge carriers leading to development of efficient solar hydrogen production system.