Preparation of flat-polished specimens for SEM-backscattered electron imaging and X-ray microanalysis—importance of epoxy impregnation

Representative and quantitative microstructural information of cement-based materials can be obtained in the backscattered electron and X-ray modes of the scanning electron microscope (SEM). One prerequisite, of several, is to use flat specimens. Microstructures that are minimally affected by the grinding and polishing necessary to produce the flat surface can be obtained. It is essential to fill the pores of the specimen with epoxy resin prior to grinding and polishing. After hardening, the epoxy stabilizes the microstructure and enables it to withstand the stresses of grinding and polishing without alteration. In the present paper, we describe a preparation technique that we consider to have produced excellent polished specimens. The importance of epoxy impregnation is demonstrated.     

Growth of ZnSe∶Mn Nanocrystals from Vapour Phase

ZnSe∶Mn nanocrystals were grown by chemical vapour transport method using the matrix of SiO2 aerogels. The cubic structure of the nanocrystals was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron diffraction (ED) studies. The size of the crystals was observed using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The oxidation state of Mn in ZnSe nanocrystal was found using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum. The room temperature luminescence measurements show the peaks corresponding to both bandgap of the material and Mn in ZnSe.     

Effects of thermal oxidation conditions of silicon electrodes on cathodic electrochemiluminescence of Ru(bpy)3 chelate

Hot electrons emitted from thin oxide film-coated heavily doped silicon electrodes by cathodic pulse polarization can induce electrochemiluminescence from luminophores. The intensity of electrochemiluminescence produced at the electrode surface is dependent on the features of thin oxide films formed by thermal oxidation. As a preliminary study, we investigated the effect of thermal oxide growth conditions on the intensity of electrochemiluminescence produced at these electrodes, such as oxidation atmospheres, oxidation temperature, oxidation time and pre-treatment of wafers, using ruthenium(II) tris-(2,2′-bipyridine) chelate as a model luminophore. Optimal oxidation conditions of heavily doped silicon electrodes were obtained for the generation of intense electrochemiluminescence at this kind of silicon electrodes.     

An Electron Spin Resonance Study of Evolution of Organic Free Radicals in Irradiated Pepper During Heat Treatment

ABSTRACT: The thermal evolution behavior of the organic free radicals induced in irradiated black pepper was studied by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. To analyze the time-dependent evolution process, we used the theory of transient phenomena, that is, an ordinal differential equation, as well as the nonlinear least squares numerical method. We found that the radical evolution that occurred in the irradiated pepper obeys a single exponential function and yields a unique time constant. The evolution of the organic free radical undergoes a simple reaction process of a single radical species.     

Photodegradation mechanism and stabilization of polyphenylene oxide and rigid‐rod polymers

Poly(2,4‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO), poly(benzo[1,2‐d:5,4‐d′]bisoxazole‐2,6‐diyl‐1,4‐phenylene) (PBO) and poly(benzo[1,2‐d:4,5‐d′]bisthiazole‐2,6‐diyl‐1,4‐phenylene) (PBZT), which are polymers with extended conjugated structures, undergo a self‐sensitized photo‐induced electron‐transfer reaction. A second component is not required. This article presents many similar observations on these polymers when they are exposed to light and evidence to support the proposed photo‐induced electron‐transfer mechanism. Methods to stabilize these polymers against photo‐oxidation are also described. Workers investigating other conjugated polymeric systems may find the experimental methods, observations and polymer stabilization approaches discussed in this review useful. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Cover Picture: Programmable Motion and Separation of Single Magnetic Particles on Patterned Magnetic Surfaces (Adv. Mater. 14/2005)

Structured magnetic surfaces enabling programmable motion of single micrometer‐sized magnetic particles are reported on p. 1730 by Gunnarsson and co‐workers. Patterns of thin‐film magnetic elements are tailored to form transport lines with junctions for the separation of individual particles. This method has the potential to improve and generate new applications in biotechnology. The cover shows a schematic of the transportation and separation of magnetic particles functionalized with antibodies capable of selectively capturing the corresponding analytes from a sample.     

Electrooptic studies on polymer‐dispersed liquid‐crystal composite films. III. Poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate)/E7 and poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate)/E8 composites

Composite films composed of poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate) (PMMABA) and nematic‐type liquid crystals E7 and E8 (commercial products from E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) were prepared through solvent casting in chloroform. The morphology and electrooptic responses were studied. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the liquid‐crystal phase (E7 or E8), as larger, elongated, interconnected cavities, was continuously embedded in a spongelike PMMABA matrix. At a specific level of the liquid‐crystal (E7 or E8) loading (30/70 wt %), the effects of the voltage, temperature, and frequency of an applied alternating‐current electric field on the transmittance of the composite films were measured with a He–Ne laser (wavelength = 632.8 nm). The results were interpreted in terms of the aggregation structure, interfacial interaction, and solubility of the liquid crystal in the matrix polymer. The results indicated that, under these experimental conditions, the output could be controlled to a desired level by the selection of suitable liquid crystals to prepare polymer‐dispersed liquid‐crystal, electrooptic, active composite films with a response time of the order of only milliseconds or less. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008     

Effect of temperature on the optical and electro-optical properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/E7 polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composites

Experiments on the effect of temperature on the optical and electro-optical behaviors of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) are considered. Composite films composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and the nematic-type liquid crystal (LC) E7 were prepared by solvent casting in chloroform. The PDLC film contained droplets of E7 from 10 to 80 wt % in a PMMA matrix. Morphological studies illustrated the formation of isolated droplets of LC due to phase separation, and their homogeneous distribution increased with increasing E7 content. Thermo-optical studies showed an increase in the nematic–isotropic transition temperature of composites, which indicated preferential solvation during the phase-separation process. The electro-optical characteristics were studied under the conditions of an externally applied square wave electric field with a He–Ne laser (λ = 632.8 nm) as a light source. The responses improved as the E7 content in PMMA increased. Semipermanent memory effects were noticed in composites at higher temperatures. Changes in the transmittance due to thermal variations provided the possibility of using such a device as a temperature sensor. The results obtained indicate that under these experimental conditions, the output can be controlled to the desired level by the selection of a suitable loading of LC to prepare PDLC electro-optically active composite films with a response time on the order of only a few milliseconds. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

伴随内转换电子发射的俄歇电子能量及强度计算

简要介绍了伴随内转换电子发射产生的俄歇电子能量与强度的计算方法、计算程序及工作流程，并以^129Iβ^-衰变为例说明其具体应用。