Effect of Poly-Alkylene-Glycol Quenchant on the Distortion,Hardness, and Microstructure of 65Mn Steel

Currently, the 65Mn steel is quenched mainly by oil media. Even though the lower cooling rate of oil compared to water reduces the hardness of steel post quenching, the deforming and cracking of parts are often minimized. On the other hand, the oil media also has the disadvantage of being flammable, creating smoke that adversely affects the media. The poly alkylene glycol (PAG) polymer quenchant is commonly used for quenching a variety of steels based on its advantages such as non-flammability and flexible cooling rate subjected to varying concentration and stirring speed. This article examines the effect of PAG polymer quenching solution (with concentrations of 10% and 20%) on deformation, hardness, and microstructure of C-ring samples made of 65Mn steel. Furthermore, the performance of PAG polymer quenchant is also compared with those of two common quenching solutions: Water and oil. When cooling in water, the C-ring samples had the largest deformation and 2 times higher than the results obtained when a 10% PAG solution was used. In particular, similar levels of deformation on the C-ring samples were observed in both cases of 20% PAG solution and oil as the primary quenching media. Furthermore, the hardness level measured between the sampled parts quenched in the 20% PAG solution appeared to be more uniform than that obtained from the oil-quenched sample. The study of the microscopic structure of steel by optical microscopy combined with X-ray diffraction showed that the water hardened sample exhibited cracks and comprised of two phases, martensite and retained austenite. According to the results of Electron Back Scattering Diffraction (EBSD) analysis and backscattering electronic image (BSE), the content of austenite residue in the sample when the sample was cooled in PAG 10 and 20% solution was 3.21% and 4.73%, respectively and smaller than the measurements obtained from oil quenching solution. Thus, the 65Mn steel is cooled in 20% PAG solution for high hardness and more evenly distributed than when it is quenched in oil while still ensuring a small level of deformation. Therefore, the PAG 20% solution can completely replace oil as the main media used to quench the 65Mn steel.     

Styrene–butadiene rubber/graphite powder composites: Rheometrical,physicomechanical, and morphological properties

The physicomechanical properties, curing characteristics, and morphological behaviors of styrene–butadiene rubber/graphite powder composites were evaluated. Different weight fractions and particle sizes of graphite powder were used. An increase in the graphite content increased the maximum torque, reinforcing factor, and tensile strength and decreased the elongation at break and equilibrium swelling. Also, a decrease in the particle size of the graphite increased the tensile strength and decreased the equilibrium swelling. Moreover, the dielectric properties were measured at about 30°C and 100 Hz. The values of permittivity and dielectric loss were found to increase with increasing graphite content. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Plasma clearance of cholyl-lysyl-fluorescein: a pilot study in humans

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cholyl-lysyl-fluorescein is a fluorescent analogue of the natural bile acid, cholyl glycine. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that this analogue has many biological characteristics similar to cholyl glycine. In this study we analysed cholyl-lysyl-fluorescein plasma clearance in six healthy volunteers as a potential quantitative liver function test. METHODS: The compound in water for injection was administered as an i.v. bolus in the dose of 0.02 mg/kg b.w. RESULTS: The plasma elimination curve showed rapid, intermediate and slow phases of clearance. Half-life (T1/2 time) for the first (t1/2 1st phase), second (t1/2 2nd phase) and third (t1/2 3rd phase) phases of elimination was 1.7+/-0.9 min, 6.7+/-1.6 min and 68+/-17 min, respectively. Ninety-minute plasma retention (% dose/l plasma) was 2.2%. Cholyl-lysyl-fluorescein volume of distribution and residual fluorescence after 60 min were similar to the data obtained by others for natural or radiolabelled bile acids. In five out of six healthy volunteers a 25-fold higher dose of cholyl-lysyl-fluorescein (0.5 mg/kg b.w.) was injected to estimate the safety margins of the compound. This dose was eliminated at a disappearance rate similar to that of the dose of 0.02 mg/kg b.w. and did not cause any adverse reactions. Serum liver tests measured before and after injection did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that cholyl-lysyl-fluorescein clearance is similar to the clearance of endogenous natural bile acids and may potentially offer a new, dynamic test of liver function.     

Performance of direct contact latent heat storage units with two hydrated salts

The performance of a direct contact latent heat storage unit, that consists of two columns with differnet hydrated salts, has been investigated. Na₂CO₃·10H₂O (sodium carbonate decahydrate) and Na₂S₂O₃·5H₂O (sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate) were contained in separate columns both having an inside diameter and total length of 0.184 m and 1.0 m, respectively. During heat charge, the hot kerosene as a heat transfer fluid was bubbled through the sodium thiosulfate solution first. The partially cooled kerosene was then pumped to the second column containing the sodium carbonate solution, discharging most of its heat content. Flow direction was reversed during heat discharge. The continuous phase temperature in the two columns, as well as kerosene inlet and outlet temperatures, were measured continuously. Results showed significant improvement in heat transfer rates by using two separate columns containing similar or different salts. The use of a combination of two different salts, having different crystallization temperatures, and contained in different columns connected in series, may provide better means of heat storage by allowing the system to operate as a phase change storage for longer periods of operation. This is particularly suitable for solar energy applications in which the collector temperature may vary significantly during the day.     

Comparison of sorption domains in molecular weight fractions of a soil humic acid using solid-state 19F NMR

Humic acid was fractionated into eight different molecular size components using ultrafiltration. Solid-state CPMAS 13C NMR demonstrated that fractions larger than 100,000 Daltons were primarily aliphatic in character, while fractions smaller than 30,000 Daltons were predominantly aromatic in character. Solid-state 19F NMR examination of the sorptive uptake of hexafluorobenzene (HFB) by HA and each of the fractions gave spectroscopic evidence for the existence of at least three sorption sites in the smaller molecular size fractions, while two predominant sorption sites could be established in the larger molecular size fractions. Sorbed HFB displayed higher mobility in the smaller, more aromatic fractions while HFB in the larger, more aliphatic fractions displayed lower mobility. The relative mobilities of HFB in each sorption domain suggest that the rigid domain may be composed of aliphatic carbon rather than aromatic carbon moieties. In larger size fractions, this domain may be the result of rigid, glassy regions composed of aliphatic molecules or side chains.     

Compatibility study in natural rubber and maize starch blends

Blends containing various ratios of natural rubber (NR) and maize starch (MS) were prepared on a two roll mill. The effect of starch contents on physico-mechanical properties and curing characteristics of the prepared blend vulcanizates was investigated. The data indicate poor mechanical properties, delayed cure rate index, and decreased maximum torque with increasing starch content in the blend formulation. This indicates that the interfacial interaction between the blend components was poor. Various contents of the compatibilizers, maleic acid anhydride (MAH) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), were mixed with the blend NR/MS (90/10). The effect of the compatibilizer contents on the physico-mechanical properties and curing characteristics of the binary blend was investigated. Compatibilized blends with GMA (1 phr) showed an improvement in the physico-mechanical properties in comparison with uncompatibilized blend samples. Blends with MAH exhibited higher modulus and hardness values with respect to GMA blends. The efficiency of the compatibilizers was also evaluated by studies of phase morphology (scanning electron microscope), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal stability (thermogravimetric analysis). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Preparation and evaluation of a new anti-corrosive coating based on asphalt cement blended with polyesteramide resin for steel protection

Asphalt cement is a material commonly used in coating applications due to its good adhesion properties and relatively low cost. Unfortunately it has the drawback of being slow to dry. Long polyesteramide resin (PEA) is predominantly used for air-dry and force-dry industrial coatings onto metal surfaces, yet is considered to be a relatively weak material. This paper focuses on the potential synergy of mixing asphalt cement, of penetration grade 60/70, with polyesteramide resin to produce industrial coatings for steel applications, with the aim of overcoming the slow drying time of the asphalt cement and the relative weakness of PEA resin. To achieve this aim, PEA resin was mixed with asphalt cement in a range of concentrations from 3 to 12% (w/w). The prepared coating blends were characterised physically using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the performance of the coatings were evaluated for mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in selective chemical reagents, following complete immersion for the duration of 84 days. The results obtained concluded that generally, a blend of asphalt cement and polyesteramide resin produces an effective material for industrial coating applications. Also, 9% and 12% PEA resin content produced high-quality anti-corrosive material as compared to virgin asphalt cement. The degree of modification depends upon the properties of the asphalt and the content level of the polyesteramide.     

Active Control of a Piezoelectric Actuated Four-Bar Mechanism Deployed in Robotics Applications

This work presents a new micro-positioning system that is implemented in an inchworm robot to move into desired locations. The system consists of four-bar mechanism; one link is fixed, and each one of the remaining links carries a piezoelectric actuator (PZT). PZTs are specifically chosen since they provide fast response and small displacements; up to ±30 µm for ±100 Volts. The system’s mathematical model is derived and is numerically simulated by MATLAB. Three fuzzy PI controllers, which are tuned automatically by genetic algorithm, are designed to control the system. Results indicate an error of less than 1% although disturbances present.     

Incorporation of Essential Oils and Nanoparticles in Pullulan Films to Control Foodborne Pathogens on Meat and Poultry Products

The incorporation of essential oils and nanotechnology into edible films has the potential to improve the microbiological safety of foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pullulan films containing essential oils and nanoparticles against 4 foodborne pathogens. Initial experiments using plate overlay assays demonstrated that 2% oregano essential oil was active against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium, whereas Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 were not inhibited. Two percent rosemary essential oil was active against S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and S. Typhimurium, when compared with 1%. Zinc oxide nanoparticles at 110 nm were active against S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and S. Typhimurium, when compared with 100 or 130 nm. Conversely, 100 nm silver (Ag) nanoparticles were more active against S. aureus than L. monocytogenes. Using the results from these experiments, the compounds exhibiting the greatest activity were incorporated into pullulan films and found to inhibit all or some of the 4 pathogens in plate overlay assays. In challenge studies, pullulan films containing the compounds effectively inhibited the pathogens associated with vacuum packaged meat and poultry products stored at 4 °C for up to 3 wk, as compared to control films. Additionally, the structure and cross‐section of the films were evaluated using electron microscopy. The results from this study demonstrate that edible films made from pullulan and incorporated with essential oils or nanoparticles may improve the safety of refrigerated, fresh or further processed meat and poultry products.