Measuring the bulk flow properties of PVC resins

The flow characteristics of PVC resin are often judged by measuring the time required for a given amount of dry resin to flow through a standard funnel. However, considerable variation in test results have been found between laboratories though the test is conducted well within the procedural limits of ASTM 1895-69, “Apparent Density, Bulk Factor and Pourability of Plastic Materials.” An examination has been made of the effects of funnel hole size, funnel alignment, its type metal and wall surface smoothness, filling technique, static generated, and degree of vibration. It was found that six of these seven variables need critical control, while one (alignment) has no measurable effect. It is suggested that the data presented be used for the development of an improved ASTM test for measuring the flowability of PVC resins.     

Occurrence of wax esters in the tissues of the organge roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus)

The skin, skeleton and a fat-filled swim bladder of the orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) each contained greater than 20% lipid by wet weight which was almost entirely wax esters. These had carbon numbers of 34–40 consistent with the major fatty acid being 18∶1 and the major fatty alcohols being 16∶0, 18∶1, 20∶1 and 22∶1. In contrast, the liver and the roe contained appreciable quantities of glycerolipids with 18∶1 and 22∶6 as the major fatty acids.     

Softening and melting mechanisms of polyamides interfering with sliding stability under adhesive conditions

The thermal stability of polymers is a main issue when used as friction elements under dry sliding. Cast polyamide grades processed with either natrium or magnesium catalysors are slid on a small-scale and a large-scale test configuration to reveal the effect of softening or degradation on the sliding stability and to investigate possibilities for extrapolation of friction and wear rates between both testing scales. The combination of softening and afterwards transition into the glassy state is detrimental for the sliding stability of natrium catalysed polyamides, characterised by heavy noise during sliding. A transfer film formed under continuous softening also provides high friction. Melting during initial sliding is necessary for stabilisation in both friction and wear, and eventual softening of a molten film near the end of the test then not deteriorates the sliding stability. Softening of magnesium catalysed polyamides is favourable for the formation of a coherent transfer film resulting in more stable sliding than natrium catalysed polyamides. The differences in softening mechanisms of both polyamide grades is correlated to structural changes investigated by thermal analysis and Raman spectroscopy: the γ crystalline structure prevails in magnesium catalysed samples and the α crystalline structure is predominant in natrium catalysed samples. For internal oil lubricated polyamides, a time dependent degradation of the polyamide bulk deteriorates the supply of internal oil lubricant to the sliding interface, resulting in high friction and wear under overload conditions. As the degradation mechanisms during sliding are strongly correlated to the test set-up, extrapolation is only possible for friction in a limited application range, while wear rates cannot be extrapolated.     

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.     

Relationship of peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid value to development of undesirable flavor characteristics in fats

The peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid value were compared with the flavor score for a series of different types of fats, with and without added monoglyceride and with and without different stabilizers. The data indicated that the flavor score cannot be estimated for any given fat from either the peroxide value or the thiobarbituric acid value. Either can be used to follow the development of off flavors in a given product or formulation but the relative level may vary from product to product. Presented at the AOCS Meeting in Minneapolis, 1963.     

Experimental research and prediction of the effect of chemical and biogenic sulfuric acid on different types of commercially produced concrete sewer pipes

New equipment and procedures for chemical and microbiological tests, simulating biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion in sewerage systems, are presented. Subsequent steps of immersion and drying, combined with mechanical abrasion, were applied to simulate events occurring in sewer systems. Both chemical and microbiological tests showed that the aggregate type had the largest effect on degradation. Concrete with limestone aggregates showed a smaller degradation depth than did the concrete with inert aggregates. The limestone aggregates locally created a buffering environment, protecting the cement paste. This was confirmed by microscopic analysis of the eroded surfaces. The production method of concrete pipes influenced durability through its effect on W/C ratio and water absorption values. In the microbiological tests, HSR Portland cement concrete performed slightly better than did the slag cement concrete. A possible explanation can be a more rapid colonisation by microorganisms of the surface of slag cement samples. A new method for degradation prediction was suggested based on the parameters alkalinity and water absorption (as a measure for concrete porosity).     

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.