Morphology and properties of poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐para‐phenylene vinylene]/silica nanoparticle hybrid films

Poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐para‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH‐PPV)/silica nanoparticle hybrid films were prepared and characterised. Three kinds of materials were compared: parent MEH‐PPV, MEH‐PPV/silica (hybrid A films), and MEH‐PPV/coupling agent MSMA/silica (hybrid B films), in which MSMA is 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate. It was found that the hybrid B films could significantly prevent macrophase separation, as evidenced by scanning electron and fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the thermal characteristics of the hybrid films were largely improved in comparison with the parent MEH‐PPV. The UV‐visible absorption spectra suggested that the incorporation of MSMA‐modified silica into MEH‐PPV could confine the polymer chain between nanoparticles and thus increase the conjugation length. The photoluminescence (PL) studies also indicated enhancement of the PL intensity and quantum efficiency by incorporating just 2 wt% of MSMA‐modified silica into MEH‐PPV. However, hybrid A films did not show such enhancement of optoelectronic properties as the hybrid B films. The present study suggests the importance of the interface between the luminescent organic polymers and the inorganic silica on morphology and optoelectronic properties. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

软β核素内部样品塑料闪烁探测器

本文评价了塑料闪烁片用作软β核素探测器时的计数效率、β谱、本底谱和康普顿电子谱的特征。文中强调:采用胶合光导剂构成的系统是一种新型探测器(软β核素内部样品塑料闪烁探测器)。本文提出内部样品固体探测器、胶合光导剂和胶合闪烁光导剂的新概念。     

Amorphous diffusion bonding of steel pipe and its impact toughness

An iron-based amorphous foil (FeNiCrSiB) was used as an interlayer for the amorphous diffusion bonding of low carbon steel pipes under argon flux. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the joint were analyzed using an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), tensile test, bending test and impact test. The results show that the joint microstructure resembles that of the base metal and no precipitates form at the joint. Melting point depressants (B, Si) diffuse far away from the joint and the base metal element is homogenous across the joint. The joint impact toughness is greater than the base metal toughness and the mechanical properties of the joint are similar around the pipe.     

Preparation and photochromism of nanocomposite thin film based on polyoxometalate and polyethyleneglycol

A photochromic nanocomposite based on Keggin structure phosphomolybdic acid (PMoA) well dispersed in polyethyleneglycol (PEG) was fabricated. TEM image showed that PMoA nanoparticles with narrow size distribution were finely dispersed in polymer matrix. FT-IR results showed that the Keggin geometry of polyoxometalates was still preserved inside the composites and strong coulombic interaction was built between PMoA and polymer matrix. Under UV irradiation, the film was reduced photochemically to yield a blue species, which was in accordance with a charge-transfer mechanism.     

A comparative study of numerical solutions to non-linear discrete crack modelling of concrete beams involving sharp snap-back

Numerical problems are often encountered in modelling crack propagation in concrete beams using non-linear finite element (FE) analysis, especially when sharp snap-back behaviour in load-displacement relations occurs. This paper firstly identifies 16 arc-length control based numerical strategies based on extensive literature review. They are then used to carefully model the structural behaviour of a four-point single notched shear beam using discrete crack modelling approach in which cracks are represented by interface elements with bilinear softening constitutive laws. Based on extensive FE analyses, detailed comparisons of the merits and demerits of these numerical algorithms are then made. The results indicate that the effectiveness and efficiency of different algorithms may vary considerably from one to another, with the local arc-length based procedures in conjunction with tangential stiffness strategy and reversible unloading model being the most robust.     

Development of polyurethane elastomer composite materials by addition of milled fiberglass with coupling agent

Polyurethane elastomer composites were developed using milled fiberglass and their mechanical properties were studied. In particular, the organically chemical treatment of the milled fiberglass was investigated in detail. It was demonstrated that both strength and toughness of the resulting elastomer composites were improved considerably with the addition content of fiberglass. Furthermore, it was indicated that the optimal properties can be achieved by the proper addition of milled fiberglass that was chemically treated using coupling agent.     

Enhanced light output in nitride-based light-emitting diodes by roughening the mesa sidewall

In this letter, we will report on a nitride-based light emitting diode with a mesa sidewall roughening process that increases light output power. The fabricated GaN-based light-emitting diode (LED) wafers were first treated through a photoelectrochemical (PEC) process. The Ga/sub 2/O/sub 3/ layers then formed around the GaN : Si n-type mesa sidewalls and the bottoms mesa etching regions. Selective wet oxidation occurred at the mesa sidewall between the p- and the n-type GaN interface. The light output power of the PEC treated LED was seen to increase by about 82% which was caused by a reduced index reflectance of GaN-Ga/sub 2/O/sub 3/-air layers, by a rough Ga/sub 2/O/sub 3/ surface, by a microroughening of the GaN sidewall surface, and by a selective oxidation step profile of the mesa sidewall that increases the light-extraction efficiency from the mesa sidewall direction. Consequently, this wet PEC treated process is suitable for high powered nitride-based LEDs lighting applications.