Improvement of wear resistance of wire drawing rolls with Cr-Ni-B-Si + WC thermal spraying powders

In wire drawing process, wear of rolls must be considered because of wear that influences the economics of the forming process. In this study, a nickel based matrix reinforced with WC was deposited by low cost powder welding method on low carbon steel substrates in order to determine the wear resistance of wire drawing rolls. Powder welding method includes, contrary to plasma and high velocity oxyfuel (HVOF) spraying methods, the advantages such as the single operation of powder application-fusion, simplicity, cheapness, and the ease of application. Blends of NiCrBSi and WC powders were prepared in weight proportions of WC of 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, and 60%, respectively. Wear performance of these coatings was investigated by the dry sliding wear experiments. The wear resistance of the metal matrix composite coatings is dependent on the amount of WC. From 40% to 60%, the increase of WC is very effective on the wear resistance. The coatings with 55% and 60% of WC were worn less than the other coatings. From 55% to 60%, further increase of WC was found not to be effective for the best wear resistance. The microscopic studies of WC particles and Ni-based matrix were characterized by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM analysis on the worn surface of coated samples shows that the matrix is considerably worn while WC particles are not considerably worn at the beginning of the wear testing. Additionally, WC particles effectively provide protection for achievement of the wear resistance at advanced periods of the wear testing.     

Decarboxylation of rosin acids in fusion synthesis of Ca‐resinates—Thermogravimetric studies

Fusion synthesis of Ca‐resinates was studied in a laboratory reactor and in a thermobalance. In the syntheses, the resination reaction takes place at 235°C and it is followed by the thermal decarboxylation of rosin acids at 265°C. The kinetics of the thermal decarboxylation was modelled in the synthesis reactor using calcium contents corresponding to the theoretical target acid values 50 to 90 mg(KOH)/g. In the thermobalance, the kinetics of the decarboxylation reaction could be continuously followed and accurate kinetic results were thus obtained in different reaction conditions. The oxidative and thermal decarboxylation were separately studied in the thermobalance at the reaction temperature range of 245°C to 275°C and in different atmospheres (air, N₂, CO₂) at 260°C. The oxidative decarboxylation was observed to be faster than the thermal decarboxylation during the first 2 h. After that, however, the oxidative decarboxylation was restricted by the apparent reaction equilibrium.     

Structure–property relationship in epoxy‐silica hybrid nanocomposites: The role of organic solvent in achieving silica domains

The thermo‐mechanical properties of a series of epoxy‐silica hybrid composites prepared through sol–gel process are evaluated in a manner that the effect of organic solvent on the formation of silica domains is highlighted. By means of infrared spectroscopy, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, scanning electron microscope, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and thermo‐gravimetric analyzer, the specimens were morphologically studied varying the type of organic solvent. Among polar and nonpolar solvents incorporated by the organic–inorganic hybrid system, a mixture of xylene and ethanol (3:1) was properly comparable with tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent regarding appearance and thermo‐mechanical characteristics. Enhanced thermal stability and modulus was observed upon increasing solvent content. Also, a proper dispersion of silica domains throughout the epoxy was seen in the case that the xylene/ethanol mixture or THF served as solvent. It is to be emphasized that the assigned mixture is environmentally better than that of THF. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:305–313, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Nanocellulose-based fibres derived from palm oil by-products and their in vitro biocompatibility analysis

Abstract

Fibres with nanocellulose isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFBs) were produced. Nanocellulose and PVA-nanocellulose fibres were prepared by wet spinning in an acetone coagulation bath without drawing. The addition of nanocellulose was varied from 10% to 30%, to reveal the beneficial effects of nanocellulose content on the properties of produced spun-fibres. Higher concentration of nanocellulose increased the stiffness of spun-fibres. PVA and PVA-bacterial cellulose fibres were also produced as a control and for comparison, respectively. The nanocellulose fibre formed a compact structure, while PVA fibres had hollow structures. The effect of the produced spun-fibres on the biocompatibility of calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells was assayed by an MTT test. Based on the MTT assay the addition of nanocellulose increased the percentage of cell viability of the obtained spun-fibres slightly. These results point towards the use of sustainable sources of nanocellulose as a beneficial and biocompatible fibre material.     

Effects of cooking methods on chlorophylls, pheophytins and colour of selected green vegetables

The effect of microwave and conventional cooking methods on chlorophyll pigments and colour properties of squash, green beans, peas, leek, broccoli and spinach were studied, by HPLC and colorimetry, respectively. In five of six vegetables, chlorophyll a was found more heat resistant compared with chlorophyll b, except in peas. Chlorophylls in peas were retained to the 80–90%, the highest in all vegetables evaluated. Chlorophylls were retained to 19–100%, depending on the vegetable type and cooking method. Pheophytins increased in all vegetables after cooking. Highest chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b losses were observed in boiled leek while microwaved peas and boiled peas retained the most chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, respectively. Pheophytin a and pheophytin b formation was highest at boiled squash and boiled green beans, which were fifty‐ninefold and twenty‐onefold compared with fresh ones, respectively. Most of the pheophytin formations occurred in boiled and the least in microwaved vegetables. Surface colour changed depending on the type of vegetable and cooking method.     

Traumatic brain injury, polytrauma, and pain: Challenges and treatment strategies for the polytrauma rehabilitation.

Problem: Chronic pain conditions are common sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Unfortunately, the incidence of TBI among personnel deployed for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) is significant, and there is growing evidence that ongoing pain, particularly headaches, will be a primary concern for these individuals. Objective: This article synthesizes empirical data from civilian and veteran populations and clinical experience with OEF/OIF personnel with polytrauma to provide recommendations for the assessment and treatment of chronic pain among those with TBI. Conclusions: The available data signal the need for the incorporation of early and aggressive pain management strategies into existing treatment models. Challenges to providing effective pain management for OEF/OIF veterans are numerous and include comorbid cognitive, medical, and emotional impairments that complicate readjustment to civilian life. It is likely that the problem of polytrauma pain and associated comorbid conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder and postconcussive syndrome will require the development of integrated approaches to clinical care which bridge traditional subspecialty divisions. A proposed model of treatment is presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Al Hoceima (Morocco) earthquake of 24 February 2004, analysis and interpretation of data from ENVISAT ASAR and SPOT5 validated by ground-based observations

The magnitude M_w = 6.3 earthquake in Al Hoceima, Morocco of 24 February, 2004 occurred in the active plate boundary accommodating the oblique convergence between Africa and Eurasia. Three different sets of estimates of its source parameters have already been published. We try to resolve the discrepancies between them by using additional data including two remote sensing satellite systems (ENVISAT and SPOT5). Using a model with a dislocation in an elastic half-space, we constrain the source parameters. The hypothesis of two subevents on distinct faults as inferred from seismological inversions is confirmed here by adopting a cross-fault mechanism. The rupture began on a left-lateral strike-slip fault striking at N10° azimuth with 90 cm of horizontal slip and then transferred to a right-lateral strike-slip fault striking at N312° azimuth with 85 cm of horizontal slip. The first fault is at 500 m depth from the free surface and the second fault is at 3 km depth. This model is consistent with ground-based observations, including GPS, seismology, and mapped surface fissures. The pair of faults activated in 2004 appears to constitute part of a complex seismogenic structure striking NNE-SSW that separates the Rif tectonic blocks.