Silane treatment of magnetite filler and its effect on the properties of magnetite-filled epoxy thin-film composites

Surface modification of magnetite by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane coupling agent (3APTES) at different percentages (5, 10, and 20 wt%) with variable treatment times (3, 5, and 7 h) was performed. The effects of these two variables on the properties of magnetite-filled epoxy thin-film composite were investigated. Treated composites exhibited higher saturation magnetization, storage modulus and T _g than untreated composites. Increasing 3APTES amount associated with increasing treatment time improved both the interfacial adhesion of magnetite filler matrix and the properties of treated composites. However, using a comparison system at a fixed treatment time, the system treated with a higher concentration of 3APTES exhibited lower saturation magnetization than that treated with a lower concentration. This result can be attributed to the thick coating on the filler surface that acted as a non-magnetic mass to the total sample volume and subsequently reduced the magnetization efficiency.     

Drying dynamics of polymers films by an interferometric technique

We analyze a simple laser reflectivity measurement as a tool to monitor the drying kinetics of transparent polymer films. The reflectivity signal of a laser beam at normal incidence shows oscillations due to interference arising from multiple reflection of the laser light within the drying film. We develop a model to interpret the reflectivity curves in terms of time evolving refractive indices at the top and bottom of the film. We present results of the drying kinetics of transparent alkyd films on a glass substrate of high refractive index. Data shows a clear hallmark indicating the evolution of the crosslinking process. From the reflectivity curves, the time evolution of the refractive indices at the top and bottom is obtained. Assuming a linear-gradient of the refractive index along the depth of the film the average refractive index and consequently the film thickness as a function of time are estimated. Clear features in the time evolution of the refractive indices and thickness, correlate well with qualitative “dust”, “touch” and “fingerprint” drying times. Additionally, we present some preliminary results for water based latex binders, where scattering of light is present, showing that this simple optical technique could be extended for studying latex film formation.     

Mitigation of Soot Deposition in Exhaust Gas Recirculation Coolers Using a Spiral Insert

In diesel engines, the emission of nitrogen oxides can profoundly be controlled by using exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers. Nevertheless, the deposition of unwanted materials, in form of primarily particulate matter and hydrocarbons, causes a major hurdle to the durability of such devices. In this study, a novel technique, i.e., a spiral insert, has been developed to mitigate particulate fouling in tubular EGR coolers. It is made of a helical rotating blade which is inserted inside the tubes of EGR coolers, and it rotates around its axis under the force of entering gas flow. As the blade rotates, it wipes out the deposit. An EGR experimental setup has also been used to examine how effective the spiral insert is in suppressing particulate fouling for two different gas velocities with and without using the insert. With no insert, the deposition was severe, fast, and continuous. For the latter, though, it was first very slow, and second, the fouling resistance was four times lower to that of no insert. No sign of any deposit was also observed on the insert after fouling runs. Despite the promising results, the insert requires further development so it can rotate at the low gas velocities.

Copyright 2014 American Association for Aerosol Research     

Effect of the Inside Placement of Electrically Conductive Beads on Electric Field Uniformity in a Microwave Applicator

Non-uniform heating is a major issue in microwave applications, mainly due to inherently uneven distribution of electromagnetic energy in the microwave applicator. In this work, our aim is to improve electric field distribution uniformity by utilizing microwave reflection from electrically conductive beads placed in the microwave oven. The effects of position, size, and number of electrically conductive beads on the electric field distribution were numerically investigated, and validated through water-load experiments in the cavity. It is found that uniform electric field distribution was realized to some extent by appropriate placement of electrically conductive beads; meanwhile, average electric field intensity in the microwave oven was increased.     

Active Monitoring of Thermal Insulation Protection Status of Pipelines

Refractories and Industrial Ceramics - The article discusses the temperature regimes of transit pipelines for steam and hot water movement. A new device for thermal insulation of high-temperature...     

Correlation of Vibroacoustic Signal with Ceramic Component Wear During Frictional Interaction with a Steel Disc

Refractories and Industrial Ceramics - Complete correlation between dimensions of the wear area on specimens made of oxide-carbide ceramics and the root-mean-square value of vibration acceleration...     

Obtaining and Studying Films of Tungsten,Titanium and Their Oxides

Glass Physics and Chemistry - The initial polycrystalline films of tungsten and titanium, whose surface has predominantly ultrananodispersed morphology and a thickness of 50 to 100 nm, are obtained...     

Investigation of the Device Electrical Parameters for Homo and Hetero Junction Based TFETs

Silicon - This paper presents the analytical approximation of device physics of heterojunction based double gate (DG) Tunnel field effect transistors (TFETs) in terms of potential distribution,...     

Influence of Waste Glass Powder as an Aluminosilicate Precursor in Synthesizing Ternary Blended Alkali-Activated Binder

Silicon - The formation of alkali-activated binders from industrial end products and landfill materials attracts considerable interest in construction technology since it diminishes the waste...