Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethylbenzene over Cu1-x Co x Fe2O4 Catalyst System: Influence of Acid–Base Property

A series of Cu–Co ferrites with the general formula Cu_1-x Co _x Fe₂O₄ (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0) was prepared by a low-temperature hydroxide coprecipitation route. The catalyst systems were characterized by adopting various physicochemical techniques. The acid–base properties were studied in detail, and the catalytic activity as well as the selectivity for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene was compared for various compositions. FTIR adsorption of pyridine is carried out to understand the relative acidity of various compositions of the systems. IR studies of spinel surface with adsorbed CO₂ and adsorption studies of electron acceptors such as 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane, 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1-4-benzoquinone and p-dinitrobenzene are carried out to evaluate the nature of basic sites and the strength and distribution of electron donor sites present on the spinel surface. It is found that acidity (basicity) of the Cu_1-x Co _x Fe₂O₄ spinel system increases (decreases) from x = 0 to 1. A good correlation was found between the activity for this reaction and the surface acid–base properties of the catalysts. Intermediate compositions show better catalytic performance, among which x = 0.50 is superior and demonstrates an intermediate acid–base character. It was observed that dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene proceeds mainly on an acid–base pair site.     

The Structure and Properties of Squeeze-cast Eutectic Al-Si Plates

Abstract

Squeeze casting combines the merits of both casting and forging processes and produces near net shape components of forging quality at casting costs in metals, alloys and composites. This investigation is aimed at studying the effects of various processing parameters used during squeeze casting, such as melt treatments (fluxing, degassing, etc) pouring temperature (680 to 740°C) and squeeze pressure (0 to 75 MPa) on the density, mechanical properties and microstructure of a commercially-important eutectic Al-Si alloy. It was found that while density varied by only 1 to 1.5% with increasing pouring temperatures, an overall improvement of up to 3.4% in density was observed with increasing squeeze pressure, irrespective of melt treatments and pouring temperature. Similarly, little change in UTS and percentage elongation for increasing pouring temperature and 63% improvement in UTS, 2.6% increase in percentage elongation and 50% increase in hardness for increasing squeeze pressure were observed. These variations in properties are explained in terms of observed structural changes in the alloy, namely refined primary-alpha-phase and modification of eutectic Si resulting from pressurised solidification.     

Analysis of the torsion angle distribution of poly(vinylidene fluoride) in the melt

Analysis of the torsion angle distribution of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) structures at temperatures above its melting point is addressed by combining first principles methods, atomistic simulations and laboratory experiments. Amorphous, α- and β-conformations of PVDF structures have been considered. The results from the atomistic simulations as well as the experiments show that there is a larger probability of the PVDF torsions to be near ±180° at temperatures above the melting point, which is associated more with the β-conformation than the α-conformation.     

Molecular dynamics simulations of α- to β-poly(vinylidene fluoride) phase change by stretching and poling

The mechanism of inducing a phase change from α-poly(vinylidene fluoride) (α-PVDF) to β-PVDF is addressed using molecular dynamics simulations based on a molecular mechanics force field. The effect of applying a strain to the α-PVDF crystal along the axis of the molecules is investigated, as well as poling the crystal before or after stretching. Rather large (at least 10¹⁰ V/m) electric fields that are perpendicular to the axis of the PVDF molecules are required to induce α- to β-PVDF phase change when no strain is applied to the α-PVDF crystal. However, at a strain of 1.0475 (i.e., when the crystal is stretched by 4.75%) α-PVDF changes to a β-PVDF like structure, where the β-PVDF molecules orientate anti-parallel relative to each other. Transformation of the anti-parallel β-PVDF to β-PVDF can be induced by poling (even at the lowest electric field of 10⁵ V/m studied here) or by thermal annealing.     

Density of micro-quantity liquids by the method of rise of drops in immiscible liquids

The conventional methods such as specific gravity bottle method, pyknometer method, and the Westphal-balance method or the capillary tube method where accurate weighing is a problem cannot be employed when liquids are available in micro-quantities. The method described may be employed to determine the density of micro-quantity liquids (even up to 0·5μl) and it is found to be simple and rapid. The method also allows the analyst to retrieve the sample for further analysis.     

Young’s modulus of cast HMS 2112-C f composite—prediction and ultrasonic evaluation

Various models for the prediction of strengthening mechanism of metal matrix composites (MMCs) containing either fibres or particulates are analysed. Assuming that the matrix strengthening by dislocations could be treated as equivalent to the effect of different volume fraction of dispersoids, as well as by considering the effect of morphology of reinforcement on the Young’s modulus, an expression for Young’s modulus for MMCs has been derived. The Young’s modulus values thus predicted, using this model, have been validated by ultrasonically-derived values of Young’s modulus of an Al-alloy matrix composite containing 5, 8 and 12 wt% chopped carbon fibre (C _f) dispersoids, in as cast and extruded conditions. Further, the theoretically- and ultrasonically-derived Young’s modulus of cast Al-alloy-C _f composites with 5 and 8 wt%C _f have been found to be comparable with the reported values of Young’s modulus for these weight fractions.     

Characterization of the large (L) RNA of peanut bud necrosis tospovirus

The nucleocapsids purified from peanut plants systemically infected with peanut bud necrosis virus (PBNV), a member of the genus Tospovirus, contained both viral(v) and viral complementary(vc) sense L RNAs. Defective forms of L RNA containing 'core polymerase region' were observed. The full length L RNA of PBNV was sequenced using overlapping cDNA clones. The 8911 nucleotide L RNA contains a single open reading frame (ORF) in the vc strand, and encodes a protein of 330 kDa. At the 5' and 3' termini of the v sense RNA there were 247 and 32 nt untranslated regions, respectively, containing an 18 nt complementary sequence with one mismatch. Comparisons of the predicted amino acid sequence of the L protein of PBNV with other members of Bunyaviridae suggest that the L protein of PBNV is a viral polymerase. The L protein had highest identity in the 'core-polymerase domain' with the corresponding regions of other tospoviruses, tomato spotted wilt virus and impatiens necrotic spot virus.     

One dimensional nanostructured materials

The quest for materials with molecular scale properties that can satisfy the demands of the 21st century has led to the development of one dimensional nanostructures, ODNS. Nearly, every class of traditional material has an ODNS counterpart. ODNS has a profound impact in nanoelectronics, nanodevices and systems, nanocomposite materials, alternative energy resources and national security. The interface of nanoscience and technology with biological and therapeutic sciences is expected to radically improve the ability to provide efficient treatments in otherwise impossible situations. Ironically, the huge investment in the past few years across the globe is yet to bring the real benefit of nanotechnology in day to day life. While scientists and engineers are working towards this goal, concerns about the possible harmful effects of the high aspect ratio materials are increasing every day. Following is an effort to assimilate most of the aforementioned aspects including the entire gamut of ODNS, i.e., elements, ceramics, polymers and composites, with a brief discussion on CNT and toxicology. The focus of this article is mainly on the science behind the synthesis and properties of the ODNS rather than the device fabrication. However, a few challenges in the field of device fabrication are mentioned in appropriate contexts. Possible mechanisms of the ODNS evolution from various methods, such as vapor liquid solid (VLS), template based and electrochemically induced growth, have been discussed in detail. Electron microscopy analysis has received special focus in determining the unique structural features. The article concludes by discussing current research related to environment and toxicology effects and current challenges in this rapidly evolving field.     

Capsaicin and gastric ulcers

In recent years, infection of the stomach with the organism Helicobacter Pylori has been found to be the main cause of gastric ulcers, one of the common ailments afflicting humans. Excessive acid secretion in the stomach, reduction in gastric mucosal blood flow, constant intake of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), ethanol, smoking, stress etc. are also considered responsible for ulcer formation.The prevalent notion among sections of population in this country and perhaps in others is that "red pepper" popularly known as "Chilli," a common spice consumed in excessive amounts leads to "gastric ulcers" in view of its irritant and likely acid secreting nature. Persons with ulcers are advised either to limit or avoid its use. However, investigations carried out in recent years have revealed that chilli or its active principle "capsaicin" is not the cause for ulcer formation but a "benefactor." Capsaicin does not stimulate but inhibits acid secretion, stimulates alkali, mucus secretions and particularly gastric mucosal blood flow which help in prevention and healing of ulcers. Capsaicin acts by stimulating afferent neurons in the stomach and signals for protection against injury causing agents. Epidemiologic surveys in Singapore have shown that gastric ulcers are three times more common in the "Chinese" than among Malaysians and Indians who are in the habit of consuming more chillis.Ulcers are common among people who are in the habit of taking NSAIDS and are infected with the organism "Helicobacter Pylori," responsible for excessive acid secretion and erosion of the mucosal layer. Eradication of the bacteria by antibiotic treatment and avoiding the NSAIDS eliminates ulcers and restores normal acid secretion.