Macroscopic and crystallographic density of solid-state extruded polyethylene

Summary The influence of draw ratio on macroscopic and crystallographic density of polyethylene with different initial morphologies, has been investigated by solid-state extrusion. An initial drop followed by an increase in macroscopic density as a function of draw ratio has been observed. Since precision X-ray measurements of unit cell parameters showed no variation of crystallographic density, it was concluded that plastic deformation of polyethylene upon drawing proceeds with a decrease of the degree of crystallinity. This was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry.     

Study of the morphology and mechanical properties of polypropylene composites with silica or rice‐husk

The mechanical, morphological behavior and water absorption characteristics of polypropylene (PP) and silica, or PP and rice‐husk, composites have been studied. The silica used in this study as filler was a commercial type produced from soluble glass or rice husks. The compatibilizing effect of PP grafted with monomethyl itaconate (PP‐g‐MMI) and/or with vinyltriethoxysilane (PP‐g‐VTES) as polar monomers on the mechanical properties and water absorption was also investigated. In general, a high loading of the studied fillers in the polymer matrix increases the stiffness and the water absorption capacity. This effect is more noticeable in the tensile modulus of the PP/silica composite with PP‐g‐VTES as compatibilizer. However, the increase of the rice‐husk charge as a natural filler in the PP matrix decreases the stiffness, and in the presence of PP‐g‐MMI as compatibilizer in PP/rice‐husk, the tensile modulus and water absorption of the composite were improved. The better adhesion and phase continuity in the PP/silica and PP/rice‐husk composites with different compatibilizers was confirmed by the morphological study. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Cytotoxicity versus antibacterial activity of some antiseptics in vitro

The relationship between endometriosis and infertility is observed frequently. Patients with both conditions require a conservative approach to their management. Since hormonal therapy is one of those approaches, we sought to compare the efficacy of Danazol and Gestrinone in 80 infertile patients (48 and 32, respectively). Therapy lasted 6 months in both treatment groups, and all patients studied had laboratory tests performed and were clinically evaluated and classified through laparoscopy before and after therapy. The improvement of symptoms and favorable follow-up were similar with both treatments. The reestablishment of menstrual patterns and fertility were also nearly alike in both groups. However, Gestrinone was associated with fewer secondary effects and is easier to administer than Danazol. We conclude that Gestrinone is a useful medication in the management of the infertile patient with endometriosis.     

Dielectric barrier discharge treatments at atmospheric pressure for wood surface modification

In this research, the effect of dielectric barrier discharge on mechanically manufactured (sawn, planed or polished) wood surfaces is investigated. The experiments have shown that the best hydrophilia is obtained with a cold plasma discharge in air under atmospheric pressure. Other gases such as helium, nitrogen, and argon have been tested, too. Changes of the wood surface properties were determined by absorption of water and contact angle measurements. As a result of a 1 to 20 seconds long exposure to plasma, wood surfaces became hydrophilic. The absorption of water in wood can be changed up to 22 times higher after plasma treatment in air for 20 seconds duration. The fracture strength of glued wood has been increased by 68% after this plasma pretreatment. Using plasma treatment in methane or acetylene wood surfaces are changed to hydrophobic properties. After plasma treatment for 1 min. in a Ar:CH₄=80:20 gas mixture under atmospheric pressure, the absorption of water in wood is 32 times lower than without plasma treatment. As mentioned before, plasma treatment can produce hydrophobic and hydrophilic wood surfaces. But a good homogeneity of the gas discharge is necessary for the plasma treatment of wood. Zusammenfassung Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit werden die Auswirkungen der dielektrisch behinderten Entladung bei Atmosphärendruck auf mechanisch bearbeitete Holzoberflächen (gesägt, gehobelt oder geschliffen) untersucht. Die Experimente haben gezeigt, dass die höchste Hydrophilität bei einem in Luftatmosphäre gezündetem Plasma erreicht wird. Es werden auch andere Gase verwendet, wie z.B. Helium, Stickstoff und Argon. Zur Untersuchung der veränderten mechanischen und energetischen Eigenschaften der Holzoberflächen werden der Tropfen-Versuch und die Kontaktwinkelmessung verwendet. Durch eine 1 bis 20 Sekunden lange Plasmabehandlung können die Oberflächen hydrophil gestaltet werden. So kann die Eindringzeit von Wasser um Faktor 22 gesteigert werden durch eine 20 Sekunden lange Plasmabehandlung in Umgebungsluft. Die Bruchfestigkeit von Leimholz wird durch die gleiche Plasmavorbehandlung um 68% gesteigert. Werden als Plasmabehandlungsgas Methan oder Acetylen eingesetzt, so wird die Holzoberfläche hydrophob. Durch eine 60 Sekunden lange Plasmabehandlung in einem Ar:CH₄=80:20 Gasgemisch bei Atmosphärendruck wird die Eindringszeit von Wasser um den Faktor 32 gesenkt. Mit Hilfe der Plasmabehandlung können also sowohl hydrophobe als auch hydrophile Holzoberflächen erzeugt werden. Jedoch wird für die Plasmabehandlung von Holz eine sehr homogene Gasentladung benötigt.     

Pressure effects on flow and fracture of Be-Al alloys

The flow and fracture behavior of Be-Al alloys were determined in tension with different levels of superimposed pressure. The Be-Al alloys were prepared by Brush Wellman, Inc. (Cleveland, OH) from prealloyed powders processed to either a hot isostatically pressed (“hipped”) or cold isostatically pressed and extruded condition. Significant effects of pressure on both the flow and ductility have been observed at room temperature, with implications on the formability of these materials. The effects of changes in processing conditions and stress state on the flow and fracture behavior are summarized in addition to both optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination of the fracture surfaces. Separate other studies on the alloy constituents (e.g., Al and Be) are also reported. The results are also compared to previous works on monolithic materials and composites tested with high pressure.     

Survival of Yersinia enterocolitica and Escherichia coli in spring water

Survival of pure and mixed cultures of Yersinia enterocolitica and Escherichia coli in sterile spring water stored at 4 degrees C was evaluated. Y. enterocolitica increased two or three logs during the first 3 weeks of incubation, and at the end of 64 weeks viable cells in numbers corresponding to the initial inoculum level were still detectable. However, after 1 week of incubation, the number of E. coli in water started to decrease and in 13 weeks time no E. coli was detected. More rapid decrease of E. coli was observed in mixed cultures.