Copper corrosion in sodium dodecyl sulphate solutions and carbon nanotube nanofluids: A modified Koutecky–Levich equation to model the agitation effect

Copper corrosion in sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) solutions and carbon nanotube (CNT) nanofluids were studied by potentiodynamic polarization. For the corrosion current densities calculations, Koutecky–Levich equation was modified to model the combined charge and mass transport. 0.005 M SDS reduced the copper corrosion current density by 81%. Higher SDS concentrations enhanced corrosion. Stirring SDS solutions increased the corrosion current density by ∼75%. By adding CNT to SDS solution, the corrosion current density first decreased and then remained constant. Stirring CNT nanofluids didn’t change the corrosion current density. An adsorbed CNT layer on copper controlled the corrosion process in CNT nanofluids.     

A Multi-objective Optimization for Sizing and Placement of Voltage-controlled Distributed Generation Using Supervised Big Bang–Big Crunch Method

Abstract—This article presents an efficient multi-objective optimization approach based on the supervised big bang–big crunch method for optimal planning of dispatchable distributed generator. The proposed approach aims to enhance the system performance indices by optimal sizing and placement of distributed generators connected to balanced/unbalanced distribution networks. The distributed generation units in the proposed algorithms are modeled as a voltage-controlled node with the flexibility to be converted to a constant power node in the case of reactive power limit violation. The proposed algorithm is implemented in the MATLAB (The MathWorks, Natick, Massachusetts, USA) environment, and the simulation studies are performed on IEEE 69-bus and IEEE 123-node distribution test systems. Validation of the proposed method is done by comparing the results with published results obtained from other competing methods, and the consequent discussions prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

Water filtration properties of novel composite membranes combining solution electrospinning and needleless melt electrospinning methods

New composite polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polypropylene (PP) membranes were prepared by combining both solution electrospinning and melt electrospinning methods. Self‐designed and made needleless melt electrospinning device was used to fabricate PP membranes which acted as the support layer. PVA membrane on the surface was fabricated via solution electrospinning. The electrospun PVA/PP composite membranes were characterized by the pore size distribution, pure water flux, and rejection ratio, then compared with general composite membranes. Characterizations revealed that the fiber diameter of solution electrospun PVA membrane and melt electrospun PP membrane were 0.171 ± 0.027 and 2.24 ± 0.33 μm, respectively, and the average pore size was 0.832 μm and 27.29 μm, which was much smaller than the nonwoven membrane. The rejection ratio to the 500 nm particles of the PVA/PP composite membrane could reach more than 96%, which was much larger than that of the PVA/non‐woven substrate of 90%, and the melt electrospun PP membrane of 80%, and still maintained high permeate flux of 32,346 L/m²h under the pressure of 0.24 bar. This approach of compositing the solution electrospun membranes and melt electrospun membranes could be useful in designing novel microfiltration membrane owning both higher flux and higher rejection ratio. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41601.     

Enhanced separation and extraction of cadmium and lead by a novel magnetite-immobilized-gelatin nano-sorbent

A novel magnetic nano-sorbent was synthesized by Schiff’s base formation via covalent bonding of gelatin to the surface of nano-magnetite-immobilized-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (Nano-Fe₃O₄-Si-N=Gelatin). The structure was confirmed by the FT-IR, TGA, and SEM. The maximum capacity of Cd(II) and Pb(II) were identified as 440 and 400 µmol g^?1, respectively. The separation characteristics were evaluated in presence of various controlling factors. The sorption processes of Cd(II) and Pb(II) were found to follow the postulates of Langmuir, Brunauer-Emmer-Teller, and Dubinin Radushkevich isotherm models. The potential applications of Nano-Fe₃O₄-Si-N=Gelatin in water treatment of Cd(II) and Pb(II) were successfully accomplished using a micro-column technique.     

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of the Flexible Iron-based MIL-88B Metal–Organic Framework for Advanced Energetic Systems

The 3D metal–organic framework (MOF), MIL-88B, built from the trivalent metal ions and the ditopic 1,4-Benzene dicarboxylic acid linker (H₂BDC), distinguishes itself from the other MOFs for its flexibility and high thermal stability. MIL-88B was synthesized by a rapid microwave-assisted solvothermal method at high power (850 W). The iron-based MIL-88B [Fe₃.O.Cl.(O₂C–C₆H₄–CO₂)₃] exposed oxygen and iron content of 29% and 24%, respectively, which offers unique properties as an oxygen-rich catalyst for energetic systems. Upon dispersion in an organic solvent and integration into ammonium perchlorate (AP) (the universal oxidizer for energetic systems), the dispersion of the MOF particles into the AP energetic matrix was uniform (investigated via elemental mapping using an EDX detector). Therefore, MIL-88B(Fe) could probe AP decomposition with the exclusive formation of mono-dispersed Fe₂O₃ nanocatalyst during the AP decomposition. The evolved nanocatalyst can offer superior combustion characteristics. XRD pattern for the MIL-88B(Fe) framework TGA residuals confirmed the formation of α-Fe₂O₃ nanocatalyst as a final product. The catalytic efficiency of MIL-88B(Fe) on AP thermal behavior was assessed via DSC and TGA. AP solely demonstrated a decomposition enthalpy of 733 J g^?1, while AP/MIL-88B(Fe) showed a 66% higher decomposition enthalpy of 1218 J g^?1; the main exothermic decomposition temperature was decreased by 71 °C. Besides, MIL-88B(Fe) resulted in a decrease in AP decomposition activation energy by 23% and 25% using Kissinger and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) models, respectively.

     

Correction to: Recent advances in the design of metal–organic frameworks for methane storage and delivery

Journal of Porous Materials -     

Use of FIB to Study ZDDP Tribofilms

Focussed ion beam milling (FIB) followed by TEM has been used to study ZDDP tribofilms on rubbed steel surfaces. It has been found that the impact of high energy platinum and gallium ions during FIB causes significant morphological and structural changes to the uppermost 30–50 nm of a ZDDP tribofilm. This can be prevented by the low energy deposition of a quite thick gold layer prior to installation of the sample in the FIB facility. This problem, and its solution, have been quite widely reported in the non-tribology literature but have not previously been highlighted in the application of FIB to study tribological surfaces. It has also been found, using this gold pre-deposition method, that the bulk of the ZDDP tribofilm studied has a polycrystalline structure.     

Vapor-liquid equilibrium of ethanol/ethyl acetate mixture in ultrasonic intensified environment

A vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) study was conducted on ethanol/ethylacetate mixture as a preliminary step towards developing an ultrasonic-assisted distillation process for separating azeotropic mixtures. The influence of ultrasonic intensity and frequency on the vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) of the mixture was examined using a combination of four ultrasonic intensities in range of 100–400W/cm² and three frequencies ranging from 25–68 kHz. The sonication was found to have significant impacts on the VLE of the system as it alters both the relative volatility and azeotrope point, with preference to lower frequency operation. A maximum relative volatility of 2.32 was obtained at an intensity of 300 W/cm2 and a frequency of 25 kHz coupled with complete elimination of ethanol-ethyl acetate azeotrope. Results from this work were also congruent with some experimental and theoretical works presented in the literature. These findings set a good beginning towards the development of an ultrasonic assisted distillation that is currently in progress.     

Synthesis and characterization of coumarin thiazole derivative 2-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-3H-benzo[f]chromen-3-one with anti-microbial activity and its potential application in antimicrobial polyurethane coating

Coumarin, thiazole and their respective derivative products are some of the oldest and most commonly known class of nitrogen and sulphur containing compounds. In recent years there has been considerable interest in this coumarin–thiazole derivatives, which have been reported to exhibit significant biological activity and are widely used as pharmaceuticals. They are capable of imparting anti-microbial activity properties when incorporated into polymers and polymer composites. In this research, coumarin–thiazole derivative 2-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-3H benzo[f]chromen-3-one (compound III), was prepared and its structure was confirmed by means of its spectra data. It was also screened for its anti-microbial activity against eight different micro-organisms when physically incorporated into a polyurethane varnish formula. Experimental coatings were manufactured on a laboratory scale and applied by means of a brush on both glass and steel panels. The results of the biological activity indicated that the polyurethane varnishes containing the 2-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-3H-benzo[f]chromen-3-one (compound III) derivative, exhibit a very good antimicrobial effect. The molecular modeling study revealed that it is biologically safe, it is active and it fulfills Lipinski's rule of five. The physical and mechanical resistances of the polyurethane varnish formulations were also studied to evaluate any drawbacks associated with the addition of the derivative. The studies indicate that the physical incorporation of compound III actually enhances slightly both the physical and mechanical properties.     

Synthesis and reactions of 2-(p-chloroanilino)-5- (D-galacto-1,2,3,4,5-pentahydroxypentyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole

Oxidative cyclization of D -galactose (p-chlorophenyl)thiosemicarbazone gave 2-(p-chloroanilino)-5-( D -galacto-1,2,3,4,5-pentahydroxypentyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole ( 1 ), whose acetylation afforded 2-[N-acetyl-N-(p-chlorophenyl)]-amino-5-( D -galacto-1,2,3,4,5-pentacetoxypentyl)- 1,3,4-thiadiazole ( 3 ). Its periodate oxidation of the glycol groups gave 2-(p-chloroanilino)-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-carboxaldehyde ( 4 ), which can be transformed into 1,2-[2-(p-chloroanilino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-5-yl]-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethane. A number of hydrazones of the formyl thiadiazole was prepared and its reduction with sodium borohydride gave 2-(p-chloroanilino)-5-hydroxymethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole ( 6 ), whose acetylation gave a mono-O-acetyl derivative ( 7 ). Oxidation of the formyl thiadiazole gave 2-(p-chloroanilino)-1,3,4-thiadiazole ( 9 ). The spectral data of the compounds were discussed.