Improvement of carbon nanotube dispersion in electrospun polyacrylonitrile fiber through plasma surface modification

In this study, surfaces of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were functionalized with poly(hexafluorobutyl acrylate) (PHFBA) thin film using a rotating-bed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method without imparting any defects on their surfaces. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospun polymer fiber mats and composite fiber mats with CNTs and functionalized CNTs (f-CNTs) were prepared. The wettability and chemical and morphological properties of the synthesized fiber mats were investigated, and the dispersion of CNTs and f-CNTs in the polymer matrix was compared according to the contact angle results of electrospun polymer mats. According to the chemical and morphological characterization results, PHFBA-coated CNTs were dispersed more uniformly in the polymer matrix than the uncoated CNTs. The f-CNTs/PAN composite fiber mat exhibits a lower surface energy than the pristine CNTs/PAN fiber mat. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47768.     

Drying of grape pomace with a double pass solar collector

This study aims to analyze the performance of a novel design of the double pass solar air collector (DPSAC)-assisted drying system and investigate the drying kinetics of grape pomace which is an agricultural by-product. The samples were dried to a moisture content of 0.01?g water/g dry matter between 100 and 250?min depending on the weather conditions. The average thermal efficiencies of DPSAC were calculated as 79.77, 79.85, and 69.46%. Average values of the coefficient of performance of DPSAC were determined as 5.32, 5.13, and 4.32. The highest specific moisture extraction rate value was achieved as 617.18?g water/kWh. Whereas the mass transfer coefficient (h_m) values ranged from 9.15E?11 to 1.04E?7?m/s, the effective moisture diffusivity (D_e) values were obtained between 3.04E?13 and 1.02E?10?m²/s. The qualitative analysis showed that the drying using DPSAC may be an alternative for drying applications in terms of short drying time and energy usage. Nevertheless, these results clearly suggest a complex and effective interplay between thermal performance and drying kinetics.     

Genetic algorithms for the optimisation of the Schwartz–Smith two-factor model: a case study on a copper deposit

Mining companies typically seek ways to hedge risks affecting their production. One useful instrument to mitigate the financial risk is the futures contracts on commodity prices. Information from the transactions in futures markets is publicly available and can be analysed with the Schwartz–Smith two-factor model (SSTF). However, finding the parameters governing this model can be very challenging. This step is done using a deterministic optimisation approach called the Expectation–Maximisation algorithm (EM). The starting values of the model will have a significant effect on the convergence of the EM. To ensure the solution does not get stuck in a local maximum, the EM algorithm is performed multiple times with different starting values. This paper assesses the value of genetic algorithms (GA) to optimise the parameters of the SWTF model. Although they are slower than EM algorithms because they use random number generators to search for the optimal solution, GA optimise a population of solutions instead of working on only one solution at the time. Moreover, a constraint on the range parameter can be applied to ensure the parameter has a sound economic meaning. Once the SWTF parameters have been calibrated on the observation of futures contracts, the model can be used for the simulation of spot and futures prices. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach, a case study was conducted on a copper deposit. The simulations based on the SWTF model whose parameters are determined by GA are used. An active management strategy of the stockpile, dependent on discrepancies in commodity futures prices is tested. Results show that the active management strategy produces positive returns over the passive investment approach.     

Diffusion bonding of TiAl using Ni/Al multilayers

With the stimulus of temperature and pressure Ni and Al can quickly react and produce the intermetallic compound NiAl. This reaction is highly exothermic and high temperatures can be attained in the surroundings. These characteristics make Ni/Al multilayers very attractive to technological applications as localised heat sources. In this study, Ni/Al multilayer thin films are used to promote bonding between TiAl intermetallic alloys. Ni and Al alternated nanolayers were deposited by d.c. magnetron sputtering onto TiAl samples, with periods of 5, 14 and 30 nm. Joining experiments were performed at 900 °C for 60 or 30 min, in a vertical furnace with a vacuum level better than 10⁻² Pa. Applied pressures of 5 MPa were tested. The microstructure of the cross-sections of the bond interface was analysed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and characterised by scanning electron microscopy. The observation of the microstructure for 14 and 30 nm period multilayers revealed sound bonding, while for 5 nm period porosity and cracks within the interlayer thin film were observed. The interface is divided into three distinct zones: one with columnar grains, another with very small equiaxed grains and the third with larger equiaxed grains. The joining process appears to depend on the diffusion of Ni and Ti across the interface and is assisted by the nucleation of nanometric grains at the interface. The mechanical strength of the joints was evaluated by shear tests. The bonds produced at 900 °C/5 MPa/60 min/14 nm exhibited the highest shear strength of 314 MPa.     

Estimation of chromium(VI) sorption efficiency of novel regenerable p-tert-butylcalix[8]areneoctamide impregnated Amberlite resin

The article describes a convenient synthesis and Cr(VI) extraction efficiency of a novel p-tert-butylcalix[8]areneoctamide impregnated Amberlite (XAD-4) resin. Using p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene macrocyclic building block, two strategies have been developed; i.e., derivatization of p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene framework with sophisticated ionophoric groups having efficiency to extract oxoanions from aqueous media and, impregnation of p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene derivative onto the polymeric support. Liquid-liquid and solid-liquid extraction experiments have been performed to evaluate the Cr(VI) extraction efficiency of both p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene derivative and the impregnated resin. From the results, it has been deduced that solid-phase extraction method is more convenient and efficient than liquid-liquid extraction process. The impregnated XAD-4 resin has been found regenerable with better extracting efficiency as compared to the simple p-tert-butylcalix[8]areneoctamide ionophore.     

Power quality assessment of grid-connected wind farms considering regulations in turkey

This paper presents measurement system and detailed analysis of power quality at the substation of two different wind farm sites which are of low and high power rate. Measurement system has been designed using a data acquisition board (DAQ), Labview software, Matlab programming and a portable PC. The system has been installed at medium voltage level at substation of both wind farms. The real measurement results at substations are compared to current regulations in Turkey.     

Halogenated volatile organic compounds from the use of chlorine-bleach-containing household products

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and many organic chemicals contained in household cleaning products may react to generate halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Halogenated VOC emissions from eight different chlorine bleach containing household products (pure and diluted) were investigated by headspace experiments. Chloroform and carbon tetrachloride were the leading compounds along with several halogenated compounds in the headspace of chlorine bleach products. One of the most surprising results was the presence of carbon tetrachloride (a probable human carcinogen and a powerful greenhouse gas that was banned for household use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in very high concentrations (up to 101 mg m(-3)). By mixing surfactants or soap with NaOCl, it was shown that the formation of carbon tetrachloride and several other halogenated VOCs is possible. In addition to quantitatively determined halogenated VOCs (n = 15), several nitrogen-containing (n = 4), chlorinated (n = 10), oxygenated compounds (n = 22), and hydrocarbons (n = 14) were identified in the headspace of bleach products. Among these, 1,1-dichlorobutane and 2-chloro-2-nitropropane were the most abundant chlorinated VOCs, whereas trichloronitromethane and hexachloroethane were the most frequently detected ones. Indoor air halogenated VOC concentrations resulting from the use of four selected household products were also measured before, during, and 30 min after bathroom, kitchen, and floor cleaning applications. Chloroform (2.9-24.6 microg m(-3)) and carbon tetrachloride (0.25-459 microg m(-3)) concentrations significantly increased during the use of bleach containing products. During/ before concentration ratios ranged between 8 and 52 (25 +/- 14, average +/- SD) for chloroform and 1-1170 (146 +/- 367, average +/- SD) for carbon tetrachloride, respectively. These results indicated that the bleach use can be important in terms of inhalation exposure to carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and several other halogenated VOCs.     

Determination of silver release from antibacterial finished cotton and polyester fabrics into water

Silver compounds have extensive use among the antimicrobial agents in textiles. Silver particles are released into the water during washing processes in particular and they are released from the textile in time due to use. In this work, silver ion release from cotton and polyester antimicrobial fabrics which are the most widely used textiles have been studied. Two well-known silver-based commercial agents and silver-doped calcium phosphate powder-based antibacterial finishing agent which was developed in our previous work were applied to the fabric samples. The release of silver from the fabric samples during washing and incubation was determined by ICP-OES. The effects of fabric composition, time and laundering process on the silver release were studied. It was found that significant amount of silver was released from textile fabrics during washing due to the mechanical forces exerted on the fabrics. The total released silver varied from 73.43 to 92.27% for cotton fabrics and 76.49 to 89.70% for PES fabrics after 20 washing cycles. Results also showed that calcium phosphate can reduce the amount of silver release significantly. It was also found that even a smaller quantity of nanosilver particles was sufficient for strong antibacterial activity.