Development of alternative technical systems

This paper considers the integration of alternative technical systems (TS) belonging to a wider class of competing TS, into a supersystem. The paper introduces the notion of alternative TS, shows the peculiarities of their incorporation into a supersystem, reveals the mechanisms used for such incorporation, and shows areas of application for the suggested method.     

Effect of pulse duration and size of interelectrode interval on electric-spark spraying. I. Effect of pulse duration and size of interelectrode interval on rate of electric-spark transfer

The influence exerted by electric-spark spraying on the kinetics of mass transfer and the physicomechanical properties of coatings is investigated. It is shown that electric-spark spraying is determined by the dynamic properties of the cathode jets, which depend on the electrical parameters of the spark discharge, the size of the interelectrode interval, and the physical properties of the coatings, which vary during spraying.     

Microstructure of aragonite grown at an air–liquid interface

Aragonite particles dispersed in a bioresorbable polymer matrix are considered to be a good candidate for bone prosthesis materials. It is important to characterize the microstructure of synthetic aragonite used for biomedical applications, since the microstructure may influence its integration, resorption and replacement by bone. We studied late stages of aragonite growth, at an air–liquid interface, from a solution not doped with additives. Comparison was made between the types of synthetic aragonite microstructure and that of aragonite which is found in nature (mollusc shells, gallstones, Earth's crust). The microstructure of natural aragonite is unique to certain classes of living organisms and the understanding of its structure/function relationships may help to select the types of synthetic aragonite for specific biomedical applications. Three types of synthetic aragonite were observed based on grain size and grain morphology. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Obtaining high-alumina cement at the semiluksk refractories factory

Conclusions We demonstrate that it is, in principle, possible to obtain refractory high-alumina cement on industrial equipment at the Semiluksk refractories factory. Technological parameters were developed for preparing raw mixtures, pressing the green articles and firing in a tunnel kiln. It was established that the mass percentage of SiO₂ in the raw mixture should not exceed 1.5%. For industrial production of high-alumina cement in department No. 1 it is necessary to implement measures on the mechanization of the production process.Translated from Ogneupory, No. 5, pp. 26–28, May, 1986.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of mixed phosphates of neodymium and alkaline metals (Me2O·Nd2O3·4P2O5)

The phase formation in the system Me₂O-Nd₂O₃-P₂O₅-H₂O (where Me = Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs) has been studied under hydrothermal conditions in the temperature and pressure range 300 to 700 C and 0.5 to 600 atm, respectively, using vitreous carbon glass liners. A composition diagram showing the possible fields of crystallization of different phases under equilibrium conditions is given. AB-diagrams of fields of crystallization of different phases in the system investigated are given. These diagrams are in correspondence with the theoretical composition diagram. The advantages and disadvantages of different methods employed in the growth of MeNd-phosphates are discussed. The crystals obtained were characterized by various methods.     

Graphene-based biosensors

Results of developing and testing graphene-based sensors capable of detecting protein molecules are presented. The biosensor operation was checked using an immunochemical system comprising fluorescein dye and monoclonal antifluorescein antibodies. The sensor detects fluorescein concentration on a level of 1–10 ng/mL and bovine serum albumin–fluorescein conjugate on a level of 1–5 ng/mL. The proposed device has good prospects for use for early diagnostics of various diseases.     

Investigation of the optical characteristics of laser plasma by photochronography methods

The results of photochronographic studies of spatiotemporal and spectral characteristics of laser plasma in the optical region, which were obtained at the Iskra-5 facility in different experiments, are presented. The plasma diagnostics was performed using a slit photochronographic streak camera, which is based on a PIM-112 streak tube with microsecond sweep durations.