Solid phase compaction of polymeric powders: effects of compaction conditions on pressure and density variations

In a recent communication it was shown that the pressure losses during the solid phase compaction of a polymeric powder could be predicted from a simple relationship of the form:

$\text{P}{}_2\text{P}{}_1\text{=(K)}{}^{\mathrm{<mtext>h</mtext><mtext>d</mtext>}}$

where $\text{h}\text{D}$ is a function of the geometry of the compact. This has now been explored in more detail and it has been found that for PVdC and PVC the factor K is dependent on the rate of compaction and the die surface finish but is independent of compaction pressure and die diameter. To illustrate the effect of the pressure losses on the structural uniformity of the compacts, microhardness measurements were taken at a large number of points across a section of each sample. A computer plot of hardness contours provided a picture of the homogeneity of the sample which could be related to the compaction conditions and average density of the compact.     

A circuit design for a motor-speed controller of high precision

A design for a motor-speed controller of low cost and high precision, is presented. It makes possible the regulation of the rotation speed of a series-wound electric motor to an accuracy of ± 1.5 rpm over the range 15 to 5000 rpm. The design incorporates a digital display of the rotation speed, and provides for the programming of the speed by an external voltage source.     

Substrate-mediated interactions and intermolecular forces between molecules adsorbed on surfaces

Adsorbate interactions and reactions on metal surfaces have been investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy. The manners in which adsorbates perturb the surface electronic structure in their vicinity are discussed. The effects these perturbations have on other molecules are shown to be important in overlayer growth. Interactions of molecules with surface steps are addressed, and each molecule's electron affinity is shown to dictate its adsorption sites at step edges. Standing waves emanating from steps are demonstrated to effect transient molecular adsorption up to 40 A away from the step edge. Halobenzene derivatives are used to demonstrate how the surface is important in aligning reactive intermediates.     

Field response ofDendroctonus brevicomis toexo-brevicomin,frontalin, and myrcene released at two proportions and three levels

Racemicezo-brevicomin, racemic frontalin, and myrcene were released at two proportions (51400 and 111), each at three levels (1 ×, 10 ×, and 100 ×) in a ponderosa pine forest in central California. The 51400 mix was based on an estimate of the relative amounts released from a ponderosa pine under attack by the western pine beetle,Dendroctonus brevicomis. MoreD. brevicomis were trapped at a source of the three compounds released at 51400 than were trapped at a source released at 111, at all three levels, but this difference was statistically significant only at the 1 × and 10 × levels. Sex ratio of trapped beetles and distribution of catch at the source of attractant and 5 m away apparently did not differ between relative release rates.Coleoptera: Scolytidae.Trade names are mentioned solely for information. No endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is implied.     

Redox Reactions of Thallium Clusters in Aqueous Solution

The redox chemistry of thallium clusters in aqueous solution has been investigated by pulse radiolysis and γ-radiolysis. Using Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ as a redox indicator, it is shown that the redox potential of the Tl₄^2+/+ couple is more positive than −1.27 V NHE, and that the Tl⁺/Tl₂⁺ couple's redox potential is more negative than −1.27 V NHE. Ru(bpy)₃⁺ reduces Tl₄²⁺ with a second-order rate constant of 6±2 × 10⁸ M⁻¹s⁻¹. Metallic particles of thallium are predicted to have a surface plasmon absorption band at 205 nm in water. The reduced Tl content in a sol can be measured by air-free titration with CCl₄ or methylviologen.     

Phase behavior of blends of aliphatic polyesters with a vinylidene chloride/vinyl chloride copolymer

A series of aliphatic polyesters having CH₂/COO ratios from 2 to 14 in their repeat units were blended with a copolymer of vinylidene chloride containing 13.5% by weight of vinyl chloride. Blends of polyesters having CH₂/COO < 4 did not form completely miscible amorphous phases, whereas polyesters having CH₂/COO ≥ 4 did form completely homogeneous amorphous phases for all temperatures below the decomposition point except for the polyester with CH₂/COO = 14 which showed reversible phase separation on heating, i.e., lower critical solution temperature behavior. Interaction parameters were estimated by melting point depression and by analog calorimetry. The behavior reported here is qualitatively similar to that reported earlier for blends of aliphatic polyesters with poly(vinyl chloride), polyepichlorohydrin, polycarbonate, styrene–allyl alcohol copolymers, and the hydroxy ether of bisphenol A.     

Flow regime, hydrodynamics, floc size distribution and sludge properties in activated sludge bubble column, air-lift and aerated stirred reactors

This paper presents a comparative study how reactor configuration, sludge loading and air flowrate affect flow regimes, hydrodynamics, floc size distribution and sludge solids-liquid separation properties. Three reactor configurations were studied in bench scale activated sludge bubble column reactor (BCR), air-lift reactor (ALR) and aerated stirred reactor (ASR). The ASR demonstrated the highest capacity of gas holdup and resistance, and homogeneity in flow regimes and shearing forces, resulting in producing large numbers of small and compact flocs. The fluid dynamics in the ALR created regularly directed recirculation forces to enhance the gas holdup and sludge flocculation. The BCR distributed a high turbulent flow regime and non-homogeneity in gas holdup and mixing, and generated large numbers of larger and looser flocs. The sludge size distributions, compressibility and settleability were significantly influenced by the reactor configurations associated with the flow regimes and hydrodynamics.     

Chlorinated polyethylene modification of blends derived from waste plastics Part I: Mechanical behavior

Recycling of waste plastics as a blend of generic types is attractive since a difficult separations problem is avoided. However, blends of incompatible polymers are frequently very brittle and cannot be considered for many applications. Additives which modify the blend to give it ductility may provide a solution to this problem. Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) made by a slurry process has been suggested for this application by Schramm and Blanchard. Further documentation of the effectiveness of this approach is given here. Addition of CPE to such a blend generally increases the elongation at break and the energy to break very dramatically with ordinarily some loss in strength and modulus. This approach works most effectively in blends of high polyethylene and poly(vinyl chloride) content. Three grades of CPE were studied here which revealed that the specific structure of the CPE molecule is a factor. The effectiveness of CPE for blend modification is believed to derive from the graded molecular structure acquired during chlorination.     

A study of the methylolation of phenol using gel permeation chromatography

Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to investigate the course of the sodium hydroxide catalysed methylolation of phenol in dilute aqueous solution. At low concentrations, the initial rate of methylolation was directly proportional to the concentrations of sodium hydroxide and of formaldehyde. By computer integration of the rate equations for the methylolation of phenol, of 2-methylol phenol and of 4-methylol phenol, the experimental rate curves were simulated and optimal values for the rate constants of all the methylolation steps were obtained.