Aluminum agglomeration involving the second mergence of agglomerates on the solid propellants burning surface: Experiments and modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ao, Wen; Liu, Xin; Rezaiguia, Hichem; Liu, Huan; Wang, Zhixin; Liu, Peijin

2017-07-01

The agglomeration of aluminum particles usually occurs on the burning surface of aluminized composite propellants. It leads to low propellant combustion efficiency and high two-phase flow losses. To reach a thorough understanding of aluminum agglomeration behaviors, agglomeration processes, and particles size distribution of Al/AP/RDX/GAP propellants were studied by using a cinephotomicrography experimental technique, under 5 MPa. Accumulation, aggregation, and agglomeration phenomena of aluminum particles have been inspected, as well as the flame asymmetry of burning agglomerates. Results reveals that the dependency of the mean and the maximum agglomeration diameter to the burning rate and the virgin aluminum size have the same trend. A second-time mergence of multiple agglomerates on the burning surface is unveiled. Two typical modes of second mergence are concluded, based upon vertical and level movement of agglomerates, respectively. The latter mode is found to be dominant and sometimes a combination of the two modes may occur. A new model of aluminum agglomeration on the burning surface of composite propellants is derived to predict the particulates size distribution with a low computational amount. The basic idea is inspired from the well-known pocket models. The pocket size of the region formed by adjacent AP particles is obtained through scanning electron microscopy of the propellant cross-section coupled to an image processing method. The second mergence mechanism, as well as the effect of the burning rate on the agglomeration processes, are included in the present model. The mergence of two agglomerates is prescribed to occur only if their separation distance is less than a critical value. The agglomerates size distribution resulting from this original model match reasonably with the experimental data. Moreover, the present model gives superior results for mean agglomeration diameter compared to common empirical and pocket models. The average prediction error is lower than 5% for the four propellants tested. Results of this study are expected to provide better insight and enrich in the theoretical frame of aluminum agglomeration.

Hierarchical image feature extraction by an irregular pyramid of polygonal partitions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Skurikhin, Alexei N

2008-01-01

We present an algorithmic framework for hierarchical image segmentation and feature extraction. We build a successive fine-to-coarse hierarchy of irregular polygonal partitions of the original image. This multiscale hierarchy forms the basis for object-oriented image analysis. The framework incorporates the Gestalt principles of visual perception, such as proximity and closure, and exploits spectral and textural similarities of polygonal partitions, while iteratively grouping them until dissimilarity criteria are exceeded. Seed polygons are built upon a triangular mesh composed of irregular sized triangles, whose spatial arrangement is adapted to the image content. This is achieved by building the triangular mesh on themore » top of detected spectral discontinuities (such as edges), which form a network of constraints for the Delaunay triangulation. The image is then represented as a spatial network in the form of a graph with vertices corresponding to the polygonal partitions and edges reflecting their relations. The iterative agglomeration of partitions into object-oriented segments is formulated as Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) construction. An important characteristic of the approach is that the agglomeration of polygonal partitions is constrained by the detected edges; thus the shapes of agglomerated partitions are more likely to correspond to the outlines of real-world objects. The constructed partitions and their spatial relations are characterized using spectral, textural and structural features based on proximity graphs. The framework allows searching for object-oriented features of interest across multiple levels of details of the built hierarchy and can be generalized to the multi-criteria MST to account for multiple criteria important for an application.« less

Effect of Brownian motion on reduced agglomeration of nanostructured metal oxide towards development of efficient cancer biosensor.

PubMed

Kumar, Suveen; Ashish; Kumar, Saurabh; Augustine, Shine; Yadav, Santosh; Yadav, Birendra Kumar; Chauhan, Rishi Pal; Dewan, Ajay Kumar; Malhotra, Bansi Dhar

2018-04-15

We report results of the studies relating to fabrication of nanostructured metal oxide (NMO) based cancer biosensor. With the help of 2D electroactive reduced graphene oxide (RGO), we successfully inhibited the Brownian motion of NMO that led to reduced agglomeration of NMO. The nanostructured hafnium oxide (nHfO 2 ) was used as a model NMO. The reduced agglomeration of nHfO 2 was achieved through controlled hydrothermal synthesis and investigated via nanoparticles tracking analysis (NTA). X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques were used for phase identification as well as morphological analysis of the synthesized nanohybrid (nHfO 2 @RGO) material. The 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) was used for the functionalization of nHfO 2 @RGO and electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique was used for its deposition onto ITO coated glass electrode. Further, antibodies of cancer biomarker (anti-CYFRA-21-1) were immobilized via EDC-NHS chemistry and Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used for blocking of the non-specific binding sites. The electrochemical response studies of fabricated immunoelectrode (BSA/anti-CYFRA-21-1/APTES/nHfO 2 @RGO/ITO) revealed higher sensitivity (18.24µAmLng -1 ), wide linear detection range (0 to 30ngmL -1 ), with remarkable lower detection limit (0.16ngmL -1 ). The obtained results showed good agreement with the concentration of CYFRA-21-1 obtained through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in saliva samples of oral cancer patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a fluidized bed agglomeration modeling methodology to include particle-level heterogeneities in ash chemistry and granular physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khadilkar, Aditi B.

The utility of fluidized bed reactors for combustion and gasification can be enhanced if operational issues such as agglomeration are mitigated. The monetary and efficiency losses could be avoided through a mechanistic understanding of the agglomeration process and prediction of operational conditions that promote agglomeration. Pilot-scale experimentation prior to operation for each specific condition can be cumbersome and expensive. So the development of a mathematical model would aid predictions. With this motivation, the study comprised of the following model development stages- 1) development of an agglomeration modeling methodology based on binary particle collisions, 2) study of heterogeneities in ash chemical composition and gaseous atmosphere, 3) computation of a distribution of particle collision frequencies based on granular physics for a poly-disperse particle size distribution, 4) combining the ash chemistry and granular physics inputs to obtain agglomerate growth probabilities and 5) validation of the modeling methodology. The modeling methodology comprised of testing every binary particle collision in the system for sticking, based on the extent of dissipation of the particles' kinetic energy through viscous dissipation by slag-liquid (molten ash) covering the particles. In the modeling methodology developed in this study, thermodynamic equilibrium calculations are used to estimate the amount of slag-liquid in the system, and the changes in particle collision frequencies are accounted for by continuously tracking the number density of the various particle sizes. In this study, the heterogeneities in chemical composition of fuel ash were studied by separating the bulk fuel into particle classes that are rich in specific minerals. FactSage simulations were performed on two bituminous coals and an anthracite to understand the effect of particle-level heterogeneities on agglomeration. The mineral matter behavior of these constituent classes was studied. Each particle class undergoes distinct transformations of mineral matter at fluidized bed operating temperatures, as determined by using high temperature X-ray diffraction, thermo-mechanical analysis and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). For the incorporation of a particle size distribution, bottom ash from an operating plant was divided into four size intervals and the system granular temperatures and dynamic bed height were computed using MFIX, a CFD simulation software. The kinetic theory of granular flow was used to obtain a distribution of binary collision frequencies for the entire particle size distribution. With this distribution of collision frequencies, which is computed based on hydrodynamics and granular physics of the poly-disperse system, as the particles grow, defluidize and decrease in number, the collision frequency also decreases. Under the conditions studied, the growth rate in the latter half of the run decreased to almost 1/5th the initial rate, with this decrease in collision frequency. This interdependent effect of chemistry and physics-based parameters, at the particle-level, was used to predict the agglomerate growth probabilities of Pittsburgh No. 8, Illinois No. 6 and Skidmore anthracite coals in this study, to illustrate the utility of the modeling methodology. The study also showed that agglomerate growth probability significantly increased above 15 to 20 wt. % slag. It was limited by ash chemistry at levels below this amount. Ash agglomerates were generated in a laboratory-scale fluidized bed combustor at Penn State to support the proposed agglomerate growth mechanism. This study also attempted to gain a mechanistic understanding of agglomerate growth with particle-level initiation occurring at the relatively low operating temperatures of about 950 °C, found in some fluidized beds. The results of this study indicated that, for the materials examined, agglomerate growth in fluidized bed combustors and gasifiers is initiated at the particle-level by low-melting components rich in iron- and calcium-based minerals. Although the bulk ash chemical composition does not indicate potential for agglomeration, study of particle-level heterogeneities revealed that agglomeration can begin at lower temperatures than the fluidized bed operating temperatures of 850 °C. After initiation at the particle-level, more slag is observed to form from alumino-silicate components at about 50 to 100 °C higher temperatures caused by changes in the system, and agglomerate growth propagates in the bed. A post-mortem study of ash agglomerates using SEM-EDX helped to identify stages of agglomerate growth. Additionally, the modeling methodology developed was used to simulate agglomerate growth in a laboratory-scale fluidized bed combustor firing palm shells (biomass), reported in the literature. A comparison of the defluidization time obtained by simulations to the experimental values reported in the case-study was made for the different operating conditions studied. This indicated that although the simulation results were comparable to those reported in the case study, modifications such as inclusion of heat transfer calculations to determine particle temperature resulting from carbon conversion would improve the predictive capabilities. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

PM2.5, Population Exposure and Economic Effects in Urban Agglomerations of China Using Ground-Based Monitoring Data

PubMed Central

Shen, Yonglin

2017-01-01

This paper adopts the PM2.5 concentration data obtained from 1497 station-based monitoring sites, population and gross domestic product (GDP) census data, revealing population exposure and economic effects of PM2.5 in four typical urban agglomerations of China, i.e., Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), the Yangtze River delta (YRD), the Pearl River delta (PRD), and Chengdu-Chongqing (CC). The Cokriging interpolation method was used to estimate the PM2.5 concentration from station-level to grid-level. Next, an evaluation was conducted mainly at the grid-level with a cell size of 1 × 1 km, assisted by the urban agglomeration scale. Criteria including the population-weighted mean, the cumulative percent distribution and the correlation coefficient were applied in our evaluation. The results showed that the spatial pattern of population exposure in BTH was consistent with that of PM2.5 concentration, as well as changes in elevation. The topography was also an important factor in the accumulation of PM2.5 in CC. Moreover, the most polluted urban agglomeration based on the population-weighted mean was BTH, while the least was PRD. In terms of the cumulative percent distribution, only 0.51% of the population who lived in the four urban agglomerations, and 2.33% of the GDP that was produced in the four urban agglomerations, were associated with an annual PM2.5 concentration smaller than the Chinese National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 35 µg/m3. This indicates that the majority of people live in the high air polluted areas, and economic development contributes to air pollution. Our results are supported by the high correlation between population exposure and the corresponding GDP in each urban agglomeration. PMID:28671643

Ion Pairing and Diffusion in Magnesium Electrolytes Based on Magnesium Borohydride.

PubMed

Samuel, Devon; Steinhauser, Carl; Smith, Jeffrey G; Kaufman, Aaron; Radin, Maxwell D; Naruse, Junichi; Hiramatsu, Hidehiko; Siegel, Donald J

2017-12-20

One obstacle to realizing a practical, rechargeable magnesium-ion battery is the development of efficient Mg electrolytes. Electrolytes based on simple Mg(BH 4 ) 2 salts suffer from poor salt solubility and/or low conductivity, presumably due to strong ion pairing. Understanding the molecular-scale processes occurring in these electrolytes would aid in overcoming these performance limitations. Toward this goal, the present study examines the solvation, agglomeration, and transport properties of a family of Mg electrolytes based on the Mg(BH 4 ) 2 salt using classical molecular dynamics. These properties were examined across five different solvents (tetrahydrofuran and the glymes G1-G4) and at four salt concentrations ranging from the dilute limit up to 0.4 M. Significant and irreversible salt agglomeration was observed in all solvents at all nondilute Mg(BH 4 ) 2 concentrations. The degree of clustering observed in these divalent Mg systems is much larger than that reported for electrolytes containing monovalent cations, such as Li. The salt agglomeration rate and diffusivity of Mg 2+ were both observed to correlate with solvent self-diffusivity: electrolytes using longer- (shorter-) chain solvents had the lowest (highest) Mg 2+ diffusivity and agglomeration rates. Incorporation of Mg 2+ into Mg 2+ -BH 4 - clusters significantly reduces the diffusivity of Mg 2+ by restricting displacements to localized motion within largely immobile agglomerates. Consequently, diffusion is increasingly impeded with increasing Mg(BH 4 ) 2 concentration. These data are consistent with the solubility limitations observed experimentally for Mg(BH 4 ) 2 -based electrolytes and highlight the need for strategies that minimize salt agglomeration in electrolytes containing divalent cations.

Effects of Al(OH)O nanoparticle agglomerate size in epoxy resin on tension, bending, and fracture properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jux, Maximilian; Finke, Benedikt; Mahrholz, Thorsten; Sinapius, Michael; Kwade, Arno; Schilde, Carsten

2017-04-01

Several epoxy Al(OH)O (boehmite) dispersions in an epoxy resin are produced in a kneader to study the mechanistic correlation between the nanoparticle size and mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposites. The agglomerate size is set by a targeted variation in solid content and temperature during dispersion, resulting in a different level of stress intensity and thus a different final agglomerate size during the process. The suspension viscosity was used for the estimation of stress energy in laminar shear flow. Agglomerate size measurements are executed via dynamic light scattering to ensure the quality of the produced dispersions. Furthermore, various nanocomposite samples are prepared for three-point bending, tension, and fracture toughness tests. The screening of the size effect is executed with at least seven samples per agglomerate size and test method. The variation of solid content is found to be a reliable method to adjust the agglomerate size between 138-354 nm during dispersion. The size effect on the Young's modulus and the critical stress intensity is only marginal. Nevertheless, there is a statistically relevant trend showing a linear increase with a decrease in agglomerate size. In contrast, the size effect is more dominant to the sample's strain and stress at failure. Unlike microscaled agglomerates or particles, which lead to embrittlement of the composite material, nanoscaled agglomerates or particles cause the composite elongation to be nearly of the same level as the base material. The observed effect is valid for agglomerate sizes between 138-354 nm and a particle mass fraction of 10 wt%.

Urban Planning Problems of Agglomerations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olenkov, V. D.; Tazeev, N. T.

2017-11-01

The article explores the state of the air basin of the Chelyabinsk agglomeration and gives the examples of solutions for the pollution problems from the point of view of city planning. The main features and structure of the modern urban agglomerations are considered, the methods for determining their boundaries are studied and the main problems are identified. The study of the boundaries and territorial structure of the Chelyabinsk urban agglomeration is conducted, and a general description of the territory is given. The data on the change in the volume of pollutant emissions into the atmosphere and the index of atmospheric pollution for the period 2003-2015 are given basing on the annual comprehensive reports regarding the state of the environment. The review of the world experience of city-planning actions on the decision of ecological problems is carried out. The most suitable ways for the ecological problems solving in the Chelyabinsk agglomeration are considered. The authors give recommendations for the ecological situation improving in the territory of the Chelyabinsk agglomeration.

Engineering development of selective agglomeration: Task 5, Bench- scale process testing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1991-09-01

Under the overall objectives of DOE Contract ``Engineering Development of Selective Agglomeration,`` there were a number of specific objectives in the Task 5 program. The prime objectives of Task 5 are highlighted below: (1) Maximize process performance in pyritic sulfur rejection and BTU recovery, (2) Produce a low ash product, (3) Compare the performance of the heavy agglomerant process based on diesel and the light agglomerant process using heptane, (4) Define optimum processing conditions for engineering design, (5) Provide first-level evaluation of product handleability, and (6) Explore and investigate process options/ideas which may enhance process performance and/or product handleability.

Engineering development of selective agglomeration: Task 5, Bench- scale process testing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1991-09-01

Under the overall objectives of DOE Contract Engineering Development of Selective Agglomeration,'' there were a number of specific objectives in the Task 5 program. The prime objectives of Task 5 are highlighted below: (1) Maximize process performance in pyritic sulfur rejection and BTU recovery, (2) Produce a low ash product, (3) Compare the performance of the heavy agglomerant process based on diesel and the light agglomerant process using heptane, (4) Define optimum processing conditions for engineering design, (5) Provide first-level evaluation of product handleability, and (6) Explore and investigate process options/ideas which may enhance process performance and/or product handleability.

Problems of Research, Projects and Mechanisms for Their Implementation in Chelyabinsk City Agglomeration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolshakov, V. V.

2017-11-01

The article analyzes the research and design methods of urban agglomerations in the context of the Chelyabinsk agglomeration from the point of view of correctness, objectivity and consistency of the results obtained. The completed and approved project of the Chelyabinsk agglomeration is analysed to provide architectural and planning solutions for sustainable social and economic development according to the theories that have been formed to date. The possibility of effectuation and implementation of the approved project of the Chelyabinsk agglomeration taking in account existing specific natural, historical and socio-economic factors characteristic for the territory under consideration is examined. The authors draw the conclusions the project of the Chelyabinsk agglomeration has been developed in line with the town-planning solutions that do not reflect modern approaches based on the competitive advantages of territories and do not form a space providing transition to a modernized and innovative economy. Specific town-planning decisions have a weak justification and an undeveloped methodology for pre-project analysis and methodology for designing urban agglomerations because of absence of a full study of the phenomenon of urban agglomeration and processes occurring in it today. It is necessary to continue research in the field of development of the Chelyabinsk agglomeration with the use of a logical and objective methodology to analyze the territory and design which can lead to the formation of an urban-planning information model that reflects all the system processes and allows for predicting project solutions.

Modeling of Particle Agglomeration in Nanofluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanagala, Hari Krishna

Nanofluids are colloidal dispersions of nano sized particles (<100nm in diameter) in dispersion mediums. They are of great interest in industrial applications as heat transfer fluids owing to their enhanced thermal conductivities. Stability of nanofluids is a major problem hindering their industrial application. Agglomeration and then sedimentation are some reasons, which drastically decrease the shelf life of these nanofluids. Current research addresses the agglomeration effect and how it can affect the shelf life of a nanofluid. The reasons for agglomeration in nanofluids are attributable to the interparticle interactions which are quantified by the various theories. By altering the governing properties like volume fraction, pH and electrolyte concentration different nanofluids with instant agglomeration, slow agglomeration and no agglomeration can be produced. A numerical model is created based on the discretized population balance equations which analyses the particle size distribution at different times. Agglomeration effects have been analyzed for alumina nanoparticles with average particle size of 150nm dispersed in de-ionized water. As the pH was moved towards the isoelectric point of alumina nanofluids, the particle size distribution became broader and moved to bigger sizes rapidly with time. Particle size distributions became broader and moved to bigger sizes more quickly with time with increase in the electrolyte concentration. The two effects together can be used to create different temporal trends in the particle size distributions. Faster agglomeration is attributed to the decrease in the electrostatic double layer repulsion forces which is due to decrease in the induced charge and the double layer thickness around the particle. Bigger particle clusters show lesser agglomeration due to reaching the equilibrium size. The procedures and processes described in this work can be used to generate more stable nanofluids.

The IEEE International Conference on Data Mining (10th) Held in Sydney, Australia on 14-17 December 2010

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-17

Approach to Modeling Personalized Contexts of Mobile Users Tengfei Bao, Happia Cao, Enhong Chen, Jilei Tian, and Hui Xiong q Fast and Flexible...Kutsuna q Detecting Blackhole and Volcano Patterns in Directed Networks Zhongmou Li, Hui Xiong , Yanchi Liu, and Aoying Zhou q Exploiting Local Data...Density-Based Network Clustering via Structure-Connected Tree Division or Agglomeration Heli Sun, Jianbin Huang, Jiawei Han, Hongbo Deng, Peixiang Zhao

Transport characteristics of nanoparticle-based ferrofluids in a gel model of the brain

PubMed Central

Basak, Soubir; Brogan, David; Dietrich, Hans; Ritter, Rogers; Dacey, Ralph G; Biswas, Pratim

2009-01-01

A current advance in nanotechnology is the selective targeting of therapeutics by external magnetic field-guided delivery. This is an important area of research in medicine. The use of magnetic forces results in the formation of agglomerated structures in the field region. The transport characteristics of these agglomerated structures are explored. A nonintrusive method based on in situ light-scattering techniques is used to characterize the velocity of such particles in a magnetic field gradient. A transport model for the chain-like agglomerates is developed based on these experimental observations. The transport characteristics of magnetic nanoparticle drug carriers are then explored in gel-based simulated models of the brain. Results of such measurements demonstrate decreased diffusion of magnetic nanoparticles when placed in a high magnetic field gradient. PMID:19421367

High thermally stable Ni /Ag(Al) alloy contacts on p-GaN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chou, C. H.; Lin, C. L.; Chuang, Y. C.; Bor, H. Y.; Liu, C. Y.

2007-01-01

Ag agglomeration was found to occur at Ni /Ag to p-GaN contacts after annealing at 500°C. This Ag agglomeration led to the poor thermal stability showed by the Ni /Ag contacts in relation to the reflectivity and electrical properties. However, after alloying with 10at.% Al by e-gun deposition, the Ni /Ag(Al) p-GaN contacts were found to effectively retard Ag agglomeration thereby greatly enhancing the thermal stability. Based on the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, the authors believe that the key for the retardation of Ag agglomeration was the formation of ternary Al-Ni-O layer at p-GaN interface.

High thermally stable Ni/Ag(Al) alloy contacts on p-GaN

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chou, C. H.; Lin, C. L.; Chuang, Y. C.

2007-01-08

Ag agglomeration was found to occur at Ni/Ag to p-GaN contacts after annealing at 500 degree sign C. This Ag agglomeration led to the poor thermal stability showed by the Ni/Ag contacts in relation to the reflectivity and electrical properties. However, after alloying with 10 at. % Al by e-gun deposition, the Ni/Ag(Al) p-GaN contacts were found to effectively retard Ag agglomeration thereby greatly enhancing the thermal stability. Based on the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, the authors believe that the key for the retardation of Ag agglomeration was the formation of ternary Al-Ni-O layer at p-GaN interface.

Utilization of microparticles in next-generation assays for microflow cytometers.

PubMed

Kim, Jason S; Ligler, Frances S

2010-11-01

Micron-sized particles have primarily been used in microfabricated flow cytometers for calibration purposes and proof-of-concept experiments. With increasing frequency, microparticles are serving as a platform for assays measured in these small analytical devices. Light scattering has been used to measure the agglomeration of antibody-coated particles in the presence of an antigen. Impedance detection is another technology being integrated into microflow cytometers for microparticle-based assays. Fluorescence is the most popular detection method in flow cytometry, enabling highly sensitive multiplexed assays. Finally, magnetic particles have also been used to measure antigen levels using a magnetophoretic micro-device. We review the progress of microparticle-based assays in microflow cytometry in terms of the advantages and limitations of each approach.

Friction Stir Welding of Al Alloy 2219-T8: Part II-Mechanical and Corrosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Ju; Feng, Zhi-Cao; Li, Ji-Chao; Frankel, G. S.; Wang, Guo-Qing; Wu, Ai-Ping

2016-09-01

In Part I of this series, abnormal agglomerations of θ particles with size of about 100 to 1000 µm were observed in friction stir welded AA2219-T8 joints. In this work, the effects of these agglomerated θ particles on the mechanical and corrosion properties of the joints are studied. Tensile testing with in situ SEM imaging was utilized to monitor crack initiation and propagation in base metal and weld nugget zone (WNZ) samples. These tests showed that cracks initiated in the θ particles and at the θ/matrix interfaces, but not in the matrix. The WNZ samples containing abnormal agglomerated θ particles had a similar ultimate tensile stress but 3 pct less elongation than other WNZ samples with only normal θ particles. Measurements using the microcell technique indicated that the agglomerated θ particles acted as a cathode causing the dissolution of adjacent matrix. The abnormal θ particle agglomerations led to more severe localized attack due to the large cathode/anode ratio. Al preferential dissolution occurred in the abnormal θ particle agglomerations, which was different from the corrosion behavior of normal size θ particles.

Uniformly Dispersed and Re-Agglomerated Graphene Oxide-Based Cement Pastes: A Comparison of Rheological Properties, Mechanical Properties and Microstructure.

PubMed

Long, Wu-Jian; Li, Hao-Dao; Fang, Chang-Le; Xing, Feng

2018-01-09

The properties of graphene oxide (GO)-based cement paste can be significantly affected by the state of GO dispersion. In this study, the effects of uniformly dispersed and re-agglomerated GO on the rheological, mechanical properties and microstructure of cement paste were systematically investigated. Two distinct dispersion states can be achieved by altering the mixing sequence: Polycarboxylate-ether (PCE) mixed with GO-cement or cement mixed with GO-PCE. The experimental results showed that the yield stress and plastic viscosity increased with the uniformly dispersed GO when compared to those of re-agglomerated GO cement paste. Moreover, the 3-day compressive and flexural strengths of uniformly dispersed GO paste were 8% and 27%, respectively, higher than those of re-agglomerated GO pastes. The results of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses demonstrated that uniformly dispersed GO more effectively promotes the formation of hydration products in hardened cement paste. Furthermore, a porosity analysis using mercury intrusion porosimetry revealed that the homogeneous dispersion of GO can better inhibit the formation of large-size pores and optimize the pore size distribution at 3 and 7 days than the re-agglomerated GO.

Investigation of nanoparticle agglomeration on the effective thermal conductivity of a composite material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webb, Anthony J.

Phase Change Materials (PCMs), like paraffin wax, can be used for passive thermal management of portable electronics if their overall bulk thermal conductivity is increased through the addition of highly conducting nanoparticles. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used to investigate the influence of nanoparticle agglomeration on the overall conductive thermal transport in a nanoenhanced composite by dictating the thermal conductivity of individual elements according to their local inclusion volume fraction and characteristics inside a low conducting PCM matrix. The inclusion density distribution is dictated by an agglomeration factor, and the effective thermal conductivity of each element is calculated from the nanoparticle volume fraction using a method similar to the Representative Volume Element (RVE) methodology. FEA studies are performed for 2-D and 3-D models. In the 2-D model, the grain boundary is fixed at x = 0 for simplicity. For the 3-D model, the grain boundary geometry is randomly varied. A negligible 2-D effect on thermal transport in the 2-D model is seen, so a 1-D thermal resistance network is created for comparison, and the results agree within 4%.The influence of the agglomeration factor and contact Biot number on the overall bulk thermal conductivity is determined by applying Fourier's Law on the entire simulated composite. For the 2-D and 3-D models with a contact Biot number above 1, the overall bulk thermal conductivity decreases prior to the percolation threshold being met and then increases with increasing agglomeration. Finally, a MatlabRTM based image processing tool is created to estimate the agglomeration factor based on an experimental image of a nanoparticle distribution, with a calculated approximate agglomeration value of Beta*L = 5 which results in a bulk thermal conductivity of 0.278 W/(m-K).

Development of the fine-particle agglomerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Feldman, P.; Balasic, P.

1999-07-01

This paper presents the current status of the commercial development of a new technology to more efficiently control fine particulate emissions. The technology is based on an invention by Environmental Elements Corporation (EEC) which utilizes laminar flow to promote contact of fine submicron particles with larger particles to form agglomerates prior to their removal in a conventional particulate control device, such as an ESP. As agglomerates the particles are easily captured in the control device, whereas a substantial amount would pass through if allowed to remain as fine particles. EEC has developed the laminar-flow agglomerator technology through the laboratory proof-of-conceptmore » stage, which was funded by a DOE SBIR grant, to pilot-scale and full-scale demonstrations.« less

Heterogeneous UO2 fuel irradiated up to a high burn-up: Investigation of the HBS and of fission product releases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noirot, J.; Lamontagne, J.; Nakae, N.; Kitagawa, T.; Kosaka, Y.; Tverberg, T.

2013-11-01

A UO2 fuel with a heterogeneous distribution of 235U was irradiated up to a high burn-up in the Halden Boiling Water Reactor (HBWR). The last 100 days of irradiation were performed with an increased level of linear power. The effect of the heterogeneous fissile isotope distribution on the formation of the HBS was studied free of the possible influence of Pu which exists in heterogeneous MOX fuels. The HBS formed in 235U-rich agglomerates and its main characteristics were very similar to those of the HBS formed in Pu-rich agglomerates of heterogeneous MOX fuels. The maximum local contents of Nd and Xe before HBS formation were studied in this fuel. In addition to a Pu effect that promotes the HBS phenomenon, comparison with previous results for heterogeneous MOX fuels showed that the local fission product concentration was not the only parameter that has to be taken into consideration. It appears that the local actinide depletion by fission and/or the energy locally deposited through electronic interactions in the fission fragment recoils also have an effect on the HBS formation threshold. Moreover, a major release of fission gases from the peripheral 235U-rich agglomerates of HBS bubbles and a Cs radial movement are also evidenced in this heterogeneous UO2. Cs deposits on the peripheral grain boundaries, including the HBS grain boundaries, are considered to reveal the release paths. SUP>235U-rich agglomerates, SUP>235U-poor areas, an intermediate phase with intermediate 235U concentrations. Short fuel rods were fabricated with these pellets. The main characteristics of these fuel rods are shown in Table 1.These rods were irradiated to high burn-ups in the IFA-609/626 of the HBWR and then one was irradiated in the IFA-702 for 100 days. Fig. 2 shows the irradiation history of this fuel. The final average burn-up of the rod was 69 GWd/tU. Due to the flux differences along the rod, however, the average burn-up of the cross section examined was 63 GWd/tU. This fuel experienced high linear powers during the first year of irradiation, but at the end of the IFA-609/626 period, the average linear power of the rod was around 12 kW/m. In the IFA-702, the power was gradually increased over 7 days from 12 kW/m to 22.5 kW/m before it was decreased again to reach ˜19 kW/m at the end of the 100 days forming this part of the irradiation. A LEICA (DM RXA2) optical microscope. A shielded electronic microprobe (EPMA) SX-100R by CAMECA. A shielded scanning electron microscope (SEM): the Philips XL30. Image acquisitions were performed using the ADDA "SIS" system with the AnalySIS software for image analysis. A shielded secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS): the CAMECA IMS 6f was capable of analysing the same samples as the SEM and EPMA [16-22]. In the central part of the pellet for all three phases, Xe precipitated into bubbles with very little Xe remaining outside the bubbles. Some Xe-filled bubbles were detected under the surface in this area. They appear as bright spots. Around mid-radius on the periphery of the 235U-poor areas and in the intermediate phase, Xe was depleted on the periphery of the grains. This depletion was not associated with Xe-filled bubbles that would be detected under the polished surface. Moreover, no large intergranular open bubbles were visible. Therefore, this missing gas must have been released. In the 235U-rich agglomerates all over the section, Xe precipitated into bubbles with very little Xe remaining outside the bubbles. The Xe quantitative analyses through 235U-rich agglomerates on the pellet periphery (Fig. 9) confirmed the low quantity of Xe remaining outside the bubbles. This Xe content was around 0.1 wt%. Fig. 10 shows the Xe and Nd EPMA quantitative measurements along a radius of the cross section. In this figure and in Fig. 9, the weight percentage scales were set so that the two profiles would be almost identical without Xe release or precipitation. Along the Xe axis, the Nd profile can be considered as the local Xe production. Fig. 10 shows that the Xe measurement all through the central part is low except for a few points corresponding to unopened but close to the polished surface and detected by EPMA. These points correspond to the bright spots detected in the central part in Fig. 8. High concentrations were detected locally all over the radius on the Nd profile. They correspond to the 235U-rich agglomerates or their surroundings. Outside the central part, these high Nd concentrations correspond to low Xe concentrations, consistent with the maps in Fig. 8 and the detailed analyses across large 235U-rich agglomerates (Fig. 9).Fig. 11 shows a set of Xe (wt%) and (145Nd + 146Nd)/heavy metal radial profiles both acquired by SIMS. Three profiles are show for each set: one in the 235U-rich agglomerates, one in the 235U-poor areas and one in the intermediate phase. The three phases are not homogeneous themselves. This induces differences between (145Nd + 146Nd)/HM SIMS measurement points of a given phase. The (145Nd + 146Nd)/HM results are a reference for the Xe measurements, giving an estimation of the relative Xe local production. The (145Nd + 146Nd)/HM was high in the 235U-rich agglomerates, lower in the intermediate phase and even lower in the 235U-poor areas. Differences similar to those obtained herein between the phases would have been found in the Xe measurements if no release had occurred in any of those phases. The Xe (wt%) results show that this is not the case. The Xe measurements were quite similar in the intermediate phase and in the 235U-poor areas; they would have been higher in the intermediate phase if no release had occurred. The Xe measurements in the 235U-rich agglomerates were very low and lower than in the two other phases. For the 235U-rich agglomerates, there was a very big difference, across the entire radius, between the Xe measured and the Xe local production.In the SIMS Xe measurements, local depth profiles show peaks on a base line [19]. The base line corresponds to the solid solution Xe and to the nano-bubbles. The peaks correspond to Xe in larger bubbles opened by ion beam fuel sputtering. The SIMS total values correspond to the Xe outside these bubbles plus the Xe trapped in these bubbles.Fig. 12 shows the total Xe SIMS results (already shown in Fig. 11) together with the base line measurements for each measurement point and in separate graphs for each phase. The Xe EPMA quantitative measurements used as a background for these three graphs are the same as those in Fig. 10 and are the same for the three graphs, without any phase distinction. The SIMS Xe relative measurements were calibrated through a correspondence between the SIMS base line results and the EPMA measurements [20]. As expected, the SIMS base line profile was consistent with the EPMA all along the profile for each corresponding phase. For example, the SIMS base line in the 235U-rich agglomerates corresponds to the low EPMA measurement points of the Xe in this zone, i.e. the points of the EPMA profile in the 235U-rich agglomerates. By way of comparison between the Xe and the Nd measurements (the latter being rescaled to be representative of the creation level of Xe), Fig. 11 made it possible to identify two main parts on the Xe SIMS radius: The central part 0R to ˜0.5R: In the intermediate phase and the 235U-poor areas, the SIMS total was used to identify this part as a release area. The average fraction of gas measured in the bubbles (the ratio between the gas in the bubbles and the total measurement) was between 60% and 90%. The Xe content outside the bubbles was very low. In the 235U-rich agglomerates, the SIMS total represents only a small fraction of the produced Xe, which means that a large fraction of the Xe is released or not detected by SIMS due to the large size of some agglomerate bubbles compared with the volume of the crater analysed. sim;0.5R to ˜1R: The 235U-poor areas are not release areas. The fraction of gas in bubbles measured in these areas remained low, ˜5%. The intermediate phase is a release area with moderate release. The average fraction of gas measured in the bubbles was around 20%. In the 235U-rich agglomerates, the Xe SIMS total was very low. This part is a release area. Sharp transitions between initial microstructure and the HBS, often inside one grain. Increase in the resulting grain size with increasing distance from the pellet periphery. The grain sizes are in fact consistent with the MOX measurements [2]. Increase in the bubble size with the increasing distance from the pellet periphery, consistent with the MOX measurements. Smaller bubbles tend to be found in the peripheral part of the 235U-rich agglomerates rather than in their central part. Sharp transition, around 0.5R, between the peripheral area where the conventional form of HBS forms in the 235U-rich agglomerates and the central part where much larger bubbles form and where the grain size is also clearly larger. Xe concentration of 0.1 wt% outside the bubbles in the HBS areas is consistent with the [2] MOX measurements at equivalent local burn-ups. The heterogeneous MOX fuels examinations have firmly established that the HBS can extend outside the Pu-rich agglomerates due to the implantation of fission products around these agglomerates. Similarly, it has been shown that the small Pu-rich agglomerates can remain with the initial microstructure even if there is a similar actual local burn-up, a large rate of fission products being implanted outside the agglomerates themselves so that the local fission product concentration remains low.In this 235U heterogeneous UO2, the Xe and Nd concentration levels reached at the HBS formation limit ranged between 0.8 wt% and 1.1 wt% for Xe and between 0.63 wt% and 0.83 wt% for Nd. These ranges are similar to what was reported in [23] for the UO2 rim. These limits are, however, slightly higher than those found for Pu-rich agglomerates in heterogeneous MOX fuels in [2] or in [24]. Nonetheless, they are clearly lower than the concentrations reached without HBS in the special Pu-poor spots in [2]. In these spots, UO2 particles in heterogeneous MOX were really close or even surrounded by Pu-rich areas. As a result, their fission product content, due to recoil, was almost the same as that in the surrounding Pu-rich agglomerates themselves despite a very low actual local burn-up. In these special UO2 spots in MOX fuel, 1.4 wt% was reached for Xe and no HBS formed.If these high Xe concentrations without HBS in the special spots in [2] were made possible by the very low Pu local concentration only, very high Xe concentrations should have been common around the heterogeneous UO2 fuel 235U-rich agglomerates, since the Pu level was low everywhere in this fuel. This is not what was observed.Even if this effect due to a high fission product level reached without the formation of a HBS (as reported in [2] for heterogeneous MOX fuels in the special spots) is partially due to the very low local Pu level, it does not seem to be the only reason. It also seems to be partly due to the very low level of actual fissions occurring there. Between a rich agglomerate and such a highly implanted area there is: The same local fission product build-up and associated damage (due to cascades from the nuclei interactions during the last part of the fission fragment recoil). A large difference in the actinide isotope depletion to the extent that a difference in chemical composition exists between the two. A difference in the electronic excitation level at the beginning of the fission fragment recoil, higher in Pu agglomerates and in 235U-rich agglomerates than in the low fissile content areas, even surrounded by rich areas. The last two points may have an effect on the formation of a HBS though this paper cannot say which one is the most significant.The highest levels reached for Xe and Nd without HBS in the 235U heterogeneous fuel are very likely to correspond to places where the initial 235U content was particularly low but where fission recoil led to these high levels. The maximum concentrations of fission products reached before the formation of a HBS in the 235U heterogeneous fuel are lower than for the heterogeneous MOX special Pu-poor spots. This is most certainly due to the local 235U initial concentration in the 235U-poor areas which is nonetheless high when compared with the initial Pu concentrations in the Pu-poor areas in the MOX fuel. Consequently, there are more fission reactions there in the heterogeneous UO2 fuel than in the MOX fuel.This fission and/or fission spike effect has in fact little impact on the overall fuel behaviour, be it homogeneous or heterogeneous, but it has to be taken into account in the separate-effect experiments where unirradiated UO2 is submitted to ion irradiation to simulate the irradiation effects [9,25-30]. The depletion of the actinide isotopes cannot be simulated in these experiments. The IFA-702 re-irradiation, with the high power during the last period of the irradiation most certainly having played a role. The other major difference between this fuel was irradiated under BWR conditions, whereas those used in [2] were all PWR fuels. The images of the IFA-702 heterogeneous UO2 fuel on the periphery show that an internal zirconia layer was formed during the irradiation, which is a sign of gap closure under hot conditions, though a thin gap was still measured at room temperature. Therefore, the stress field in the pellet of this fuel must have been significantly different from that of the fuel used in [2]. The resulting release is all the more interesting since the release path is more or less revealed by the Cs deposits. This Cs is released from the hot central part of the pellet and is not only in the fuel-cladding gap and along the obvious radial cracks, but also in: All the grain boundaries around those radial cracks. The HBS 235U-rich agglomerates around those radial cracks. Like for Xe, the general trend for Cs was a release from the 235U peripheral agglomerates. The higher Cs measurement in the 235U-rich agglomerates close to the radial cracks results from both this release and the deposition of the Cs released from the hot central part.This singular release of Xe from the HBS bubbles of the 235U-rich agglomerates on the fuel periphery is all the more surprising that the Pu-rich agglomerates of the MIMAS MOX fuel irradiated under the same conditions [15] retained their fission gases in these areas. We found no definitive reason for that difference. the fission product implantation level has an effect. the local Pu content has also an effect. the actual local burn-up has an effect. This effect may be linked to fission through the local depletion of the fissile isotopes which changes the local chemical composition, as well as to the higher energy deposited there by electronic interactions at the beginning of the fission fragment recoils when compared with implanted areas with a low actual burn-up. Moreover, the major release of fission gases from the peripheral 235U-rich agglomerate HBS bubbles was evidenced in this heterogeneous UO2 fuel.The radial movement of Cs from the central part of the pellet towards its periphery was shown. This involved a deposition at the grain boundaries, including the HBS ones, around the radial cracks in the periphery. This showed the intergranular paths existing for the release of fission gases and Cs all through the fuel periphery. Grain Equivalent Circular Diameter (ECD) for which half of the surface is made of smaller grains and half of larger grains

Agglomerates, smoke oxide particles, and carbon inclusions in condensed combustion products of an aluminized GAP-based propellant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ao, Wen; Liu, Peijin; Yang, Wenjing

2016-12-01

In solid propellants, aluminum is widely used to improve the performance, however the condensed combustion products especially the large agglomerates generated from aluminum combustion significantly affect the combustion and internal flow inside the solid rocket motor. To clarify the properties of the condensed combustion products of aluminized propellants, a constant-pressure quench vessel was adopted to collect the combustion products. The morphology and chemical compositions of the collected products, were then studied by using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive (SEM-EDS) method. Various structures have been observed in the condensed combustion products. Apart from the typical agglomerates or smoke oxide particles observed before, new structures including the smoke oxide clusters, irregular agglomerates and carbon-inclusions are discovered and investigated. Smoke oxide particles have the highest amount in the products. The highly dispersed oxide particle is spherical with very smooth surface and is on the order of 1-2 μm, but due to the high temperature and long residence time, these small particles will aggregate into smoke oxide clusters which are much larger than the initial particles. Three types of spherical agglomerates have been found. As the ambient gas temperature is much higher than the boiling point of Al2O3, the condensation layer inside which the aluminum drop is burning would evaporate quickly, which result in the fact that few "hollow agglomerates" has been found compared to "cap agglomerates" and "solid agglomerates". Irregular agglomerates usually larger than spherical agglomerates. The formation of irregular agglomerates likely happens by three stages: deformation of spherical aluminum drops; combination of particles with various shape; finally production of irregular agglomerates. EDS results show the ratio of O to Al on the surface of agglomerates is lower in comparison to smoke oxide particles. C and O account for most element compositions for all the carbon inclusions. The rough, spherical, strip shape and flake shape carbon-inclusions are believed to be derived from the degradation products of the binder or oxidizer, while the fiber silk is possibly the combustion product of fiber inside the heat insulation layer of the propellants. Images of products at different pressures reveal high pressure reduces the degree of agglomeration. The chemical compositions, size range and content of all the observed structures are given in this paper. Results of our study are expected to provide better insight in the working process of solid rocket motor.

Predicting the Agglomeration of Cohesive Particles in a Gas-Solid Flow and its Effect on the Solids Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kellogg, Kevin; Liu, Peiyuan; Lamarche, Casey; Hrenya, Christine

2017-11-01

In flows of cohesive particles, agglomerates will readily form and break. These agglomerates are expected to complicate how particles interact with the surrounding fluid in multiphase flows, and consequently how the solids flow. In this work, a dilute flow of particles driven by gas against gravity is studied. A continuum framework, composed of a population balance to predict the formation of agglomerates, and kinetic-theory-based balances, is used to predict the flow of particles. The closures utilized for the birth and death rates due to aggregation and breakage in the population balance take into account how the impact velocity (the granular temperature) affects the outcome of a collision as aggregation, rebound, or breakage. The agglomerate size distribution and solids velocity predicted by the continuum framework are compared to discrete element method (DEM) simulations, as well to experimental results of particles being entrained from the riser of a fluidized bed. Dow Corning Corporation.

Colorimetric detection of cholesterol based on enzyme modified gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nirala, Narsingh R.; Saxena, Preeti S.; Srivastava, Anchal

2018-02-01

We develop a simple colorimetric method for determination of free cholesterol in aqueous solution based on functionalized gold nanoparticles with cholesterol oxidase. Functionalized gold nanoparticles interact with free cholesterol to produce H2O2 in proportion to the level of cholesterol visually is being detected. The quenching in optical properties and agglomeration of functionalized gold nanoparticles play a key role in cholesterol sensing due to the electron accepting property of H2O2. While the lower ranges of cholesterol (lower detection limit i.e. 0.2 mg/dL) can be effectively detected using fluorescence study, the absorption study attests evident visual color change which becomes effective for detection of higher ranges of cholesterol (lower detection limit i.e. 19 mg/dL). The shades of red gradually change to blue/purple as the level of cholesterol detected (as evident at 100 mg/dL) using unaided eye without the use of expensive instruments. The potential of the proposed method to be applied in the field is shown by the proposed cholesterol measuring color wheel.

Experiment Investigation of the Influencing Factors on Bed Agglomeration During Fluidized-Bed Gasification of Biomass Fuels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y. Q.; Chen, H. P.; Yang, H. P.; Wang, X. H.; Zhang, S. H.

With the depleting of fossil fuel and environmental polluting increasing, the utilization of biomass resources caught increasing concern. Biomass gasification in fluidized bed, as one promising technology, developed quickly. However, serious agglomeration was displayed as biomass ash reacted with bed material (silica sand) at higher temperature. It hindered the wide utilization of CFB gasifier. The objective ofthis work is to investigate the agglomeration behavior between biomass ash and silica sand, and catch the inherent mechanism. Firstly, the influence of ash compounds on the agglomeration behavior was analyzed with biomass ash and synthesis ash compounds addition in fixed bed as ash sample mixed with bed material evenly before every trial. The reaction temperature was set 850°C that is the operated temperature for many fluidized bed gasificated biomass fuels. Then the influence of reaction time was analyzed. The characteristics of the agglomerated silica sand particles were analyzed by the XRD. Finally, it was simulated with HSC computer mode based on thermodynamic equilibrium. It was observed that when the ratio of the biomass ash to the silica sand was above 0.2, the agglomeration was observed. With the increase of the reaction time, more silica sand particles agglomerated with the biomass ash. There are two kinds of silicate eutecticum investigated by the XRD. It is of great significance for the running ofCFB biomass gasifier and the development ofbiomass utilization technology.

Ultrasonication effects on thermal and rheological properties of carbon nanotube suspensions

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

The preparation of nanofluids is very important to their thermophysical properties. Nanofluids with the same nanoparticles and base fluids can behave differently due to different nanofluid preparation methods. The agglomerate sizes in nanofluids can significantly impact the thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluids and lead to a different heat transfer performance. Ultrasonication is a common way to break up agglomerates and promote dispersion of nanoparticles into base fluids. However, research reports of sonication effects on nanofluid properties are limited in the open literature. In this work, sonication effects on thermal conductivity and viscosity of carbon nanotubes (0.5 wt%) in an ethylene glycol-based nanofluid are investigated. The corresponding effects on the agglomerate sizes and the carbon nanotube lengths are observed. It is found that with an increased sonication time/energy, the thermal conductivity of the nanofluids increases nonlinearly, with the maximum enhancement of 23% at sonication time of 1,355 min. However, the viscosity of nanofluids increases to the maximum at sonication time of 40 min, then decreases, finally approaching the viscosity of the pure base fluid at a sonication time of 1,355 min. It is also observed that the sonication process not only reduces the agglomerate sizes but also decreases the length of carbon nanotubes. Over the current experimental range, the reduction in agglomerate size is more significant than the reduction of the carbon nanotube length. Hence, the maximum thermal conductivity enhancement and minimum viscosity increase are obtained using a lengthy sonication, which may have implications on application. PMID:22333487

Hydrophobic agglomeration of apatite fines induced by sodium oleate in aqueous solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Bingqiao; Huang, Pengliang; Song, Shaoxian; Luo, Huihua; Zhang, Yi

2018-06-01

In this work, the hydrophobic agglomeration of apatite fines induced by sodium oleate in aqueous solutions has been investigated through the measurement of agglomeration degree and fractal dimension. The results showed that the agglomeration degree of apatite fines and agglomerates morphology was strongly depended on sodium oleate concentration, pH, stirring speed and time. Better agglomeration degree and more regular agglomerates were achieved at sodium oleate concentration of 5 × 10-5 mol/L under neutral condition. The critical stirring speed for agglomerates rupture was 1000 rev/min, above which, prolonged stirring time would cause breakage and restructure of the agglomerates after a certain stirring time, resulting in lower agglomeration degree and more regular agglomerates. The agglomeration degree of apatite fines could be greatly enhanced with the addition of emulsified kerosene, but only if the apatite surface was hydrophobic enough.

Degradation Mechanisms in Solid-Oxide Fuel and Electrolyzer Cells: Analytical Description of Nickel Agglomeration in a Ni /Y S Z Electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kröll, L.; de Haart, L. G. J.; Vinke, I.; Eichel, R.-A.

2017-04-01

The microstructural evolution of a porous electrode consisting of a metal-ceramic matrix, consisting of nickel and yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y S Z ), is one of the main degradation mechanisms in a solid-oxide cell (SOC), in either fuel cell or electrolyzer mode. In that respect, the agglomeration of nickel particles in a SOC electrode leads to a decrease in the electronic conductivity as well as in the active catalytic area for the oxidation-reduction reaction of the fuel-water steam. An analytical model of the agglomeration behavior of a Ni /Y S Z electrode is proposed that allows for a quantitative description of the nickel agglomeration. The accuracy of the model is validated in terms of a comparison with experimental degradation measurements. The model is based on contact probabilities of nickel clusters in a porous network of nickel and Y S Z , derived from an algorithm of the agglomeration process. The iterative algorithm is converted into an analytical function, which involves structural parameters of the electrode, such as the porosity and the nickel content. Furthermore, to describe the agglomeration mechanism, the influence of the steam content and the flux rate are taken into account via reactions on the nickel surface. In the next step, the developed agglomeration model is combined with the mechanism of the Ostwald ripening. The calculated grain-size growth is compared to measurements at different temperatures and under low flux rates and low steam content, as well as under high flux rates and high steam content. The results confirm the necessity of connecting the two mechanisms and clarify the circumstances in which the single processes occur and how they contribute to the total agglomeration of the particles in the electrode.

Study on GIS Visualization in Evaluation of the Human Living Environment in Shenyang-Dalian Urban Agglomeration

PubMed Central

Hou, Kang; Zhou, Jieting; Li, Xuxiang; Ge, Shengbin

2016-01-01

Analysis of human living environmental quality of Shenyang-Dalian urban agglomerations has important theoretical and practical significance in rapid development region. A lot of investigations have been carried for Shenyang-Dalian urban agglomerations, including 38 counties. Based on the carrying capacity of resources, natural and socioeconomic environmental factors and regional changes of human living environmental evaluation are analyzed with the application of geographic information systems (GIS) software. By using principal component analysis (PCA) model and natural breaks classification (NBC) method, the evaluation results are divided into five categories. The results show that the human living environmental evaluation (HLEE) indexes of Dalian, Shenyang, and Liaoyang are higher than other counties. Among these counties, the human living environmental evaluation (HLEE) indexes of coastal counties are significantly higher than inland counties. The range of the human living environmental evaluation index in most of the study area is at III, IV, and V levels, accounting for 80.01%. Based on these results, it could illustrate the human living environment is in relatively suitable condition in Shenyang-Dalian urban agglomeration. PMID:27200212

Cost-effectiveness of conservation payment schemes for species with different range sizes.

PubMed

Drechsler, Martin; Smith, Henrik G; Sturm, Astrid; Wätzold, Frank

2016-08-01

Payments to compensate landowners for carrying out costly land-use measures that benefit endangered biodiversity have become an important policy instrument. When designing such payments, it is important to take into account that spatially connected habitats are more valuable for many species than isolated ones. One way to incentivize provision of connected habitats is to offer landowners an agglomeration bonus, that is, a bonus on top of payments they are receiving to conserve land if the land is spatially connected. Researchers have compared the cost-effectiveness of the agglomeration bonus with 2 alternatives: an all-or-nothing, agglomeration payment, where landowners receive a payment only if the conserved land parcels have a certain level of spatial connectivity, and a spatially homogeneous payment, where landowners receive a payment for conserved land parcels irrespective of their location. Their results show the agglomeration bonus is rarely the most cost-effective option, and when it is, it is only slightly better than one of the alternatives. This suggests that the agglomeration bonus should not be given priority as a policy design option. However, this finding is based on consideration of only 1 species. We examined whether the same applied to 2 species, one for which the homogeneous payment is best and the other for which the agglomeration payment is most cost-effective. We modified a published conceptual model so that we were able to assess the cost-effectiveness of payment schemes for 2 species and applied it to a grassland bird and a grassland butterfly in Germany that require the same habitat but have different spatial-connectivity needs. When conserving both species, the agglomeration bonus was more cost-effective than the agglomeration and the homogeneous payment; thus, we showed that as a policy the agglomeration bonus is a useful conservation-payment option. © 2016 Society for Conservation Biology.

De-agglomeration Effect of the US Pharmacopeia and Alberta Throats on Carrier-Based Powders in Commercial Inhalation Products.

PubMed

Leung, Sharon Shui Yee; Tang, Patricia; Zhou, Qi Tony; Tong, Zhenbo; Leung, Cassandra; Decharaksa, Janwit; Yang, Runyu; Chan, Hak-Kim

2015-11-01

The US pharmacopeia (USP) and Alberta throats were recently reported to cause further de-agglomeration of carrier-free powders emitted from some dry powder inhalers (DPIs). This study assessed if they have similar influences on commercially available carrier-based DPIs. A straight tube, a USP throat, and an Alberta throat (non-coated and coated) were used for cascade impaction testing. Aerosol fine particle fraction (FPF ≤ 5 μm) was computed to evaluate throat-induced de-agglomeration. Computational fluid dynamics are employed to simulate airflow patterns and particle trajectories inside the USP and Alberta throats. For all tested products, no significant differences in the in vitro aerosol performance were observed between the USP throat and the straight tube. Using fine lactose carriers (<10 μm), Symbicort(®) and Oxis(™) showed minimal impaction inside the Alberta throat and resulted in similar FPF among all induction ports. For products using coarse lactose carriers (>10 μm), impaction frequency and energy inside the Alberta throat were significant. Further de-agglomeration was noted inside the non-coated Alberta throat for Seretide(®) and Spiriva(®), but agglomerates emitted from Relenza(®), Ventolin(®), and Foradil(®) did not further break up into smaller fractions. The coated Alberta throat considerably reduced the FPF values of these products due to the high throat retention, but they generally agreed better with the in vivo data. In conclusion, depending on the powder formulation (including carrier particle size), the inhaler, and the induction port, further de-agglomeration could happen ex-inhaler and create differences in the in vitro measurements.

Quantum dot agglomerates in biological media and their characterization by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation.

PubMed

Moquin, Alexandre; Neibert, Kevin D; Maysinger, Dusica; Winnik, Françoise M

2015-01-01

The molecular composition of the biological environment of nanoparticles influences their physical properties and changes their pristine physicochemical identity. In order to understand, or predict, the interactions of cells with specific nanoparticles, it is critical to know their size, shape, and agglomeration state not only in their nascent state but also in biological media. Here, we use asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) with on-line multiangle light scattering (MALS), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV-Visible absorption detections to determine the relative concentration of isolated nanoparticles and agglomerates in the case of three types of semi-conductor quantum dots (QDs) dispersed in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Media (DMEM) containing 10% of fetal bovine serum (DMEM-FBS). AF4 analysis also yielded the size and size distribution of the agglomerates as a function of the time of QDs incubation in DMEM-FBS. The preferred modes of internalization of the QDs are assessed for three cell-types, N9 microglia, human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) and human embryonic kidney cells (Hek293), by confocal fluorescence imaging of live cells, quantitative determination of the intracellular QD concentration, and flow cytometry. There is an excellent correlation between the agglomeration status of the three types of QDs in DMEM-FBS determined by AF4 analysis and their preferred mode of uptake by the three cell lines, which suggests that AF4 yields an accurate description of the nanoparticles as they encounter cells and advocates its use as a means to characterize particles under evaluation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reasons and remedies for the agglomeration of multilayered graphene and carbon nanotubes in polymers

PubMed Central

Atif, Rasheed

2016-01-01

Summary One of the main issues in the production of polymer nanocomposites is the dispersion state of filler as multilayered graphene (MLG) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) tend to agglomerate due to van der Waals forces. The agglomeration can be avoided by using organic solvents, selecting suitable dispersion and production methods, and functionalizing the fillers. Another proposed method is the use of hybrid fillers as synergistic effects can cause an improvement in the dispersion state of the fillers. In this review article, various aspects of each process that can help avoid filler agglomeration and improve dispersion state are discussed in detail. This review article would be helpful for both current and prospective researchers in the field of MLG- and CNT-based polymer nanocomposites to achieve maximum enhancement in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of produced polymer nanocomposites. PMID:27826492

Visualizing excipient composition and homogeneity of Compound Liquorice Tablets by near-infrared chemical imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhisheng; Tao, Ou; Cheng, Wei; Yu, Lu; Shi, Xinyuan; Qiao, Yanjiang

2012-02-01

This study demonstrated that near-infrared chemical imaging (NIR-CI) was a promising technology for visualizing the spatial distribution and homogeneity of Compound Liquorice Tablets. The starch distribution (indirectly, plant extraction) could be spatially determined using basic analysis of correlation between analytes (BACRA) method. The correlation coefficients between starch spectrum and spectrum of each sample were greater than 0.95. Depending on the accurate determination of starch distribution, a method to determine homogeneous distribution was proposed by histogram graph. The result demonstrated that starch distribution in sample 3 was relatively heterogeneous according to four statistical parameters. Furthermore, the agglomerates domain in each tablet was detected using score image layers of principal component analysis (PCA) method. Finally, a novel method named Standard Deviation of Macropixel Texture (SDMT) was introduced to detect agglomerates and heterogeneity based on binary image. Every binary image was divided into different sizes length of macropixel and the number of zero values in each macropixel was counted to calculate standard deviation. Additionally, a curve fitting graph was plotted on the relationship between standard deviation and the size length of macropixel. The result demonstrated the inter-tablet heterogeneity of both starch and total compounds distribution, simultaneously, the similarity of starch distribution and the inconsistency of total compounds distribution among intra-tablet were signified according to the value of slope and intercept parameters in the curve.

Effect of electrode manufacturing defects on electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries: Cognizance of the battery failure sources

DOE PAGES

Mohanty, D.; Hockaday, E.; Li, J.; ...

2016-02-21

During LIB electrode manufacturing, it is difficult to avoid the certain defects that diminish LIB performance and shorten the life span of the batteries. This study provides a systematic investigation correlating the different plausible defects (agglomeration/blisters, pinholes/divots, metal particle contamination, and non-uniform coating) in a LiNi 0.5Mn 0.3Co 0.2O 2 positive electrode with its electrochemical performance. Additionally, an infrared thermography technique was demonstrated as a nondestructive tool to detect these defects. The findings show that cathode agglomerates aggravated cycle efficiency, and resulted in faster capacity fading at high current density. Electrode pinholes showed substantially lower discharge capacities at higher currentmore » densities than baseline NMC 532 electrodes. Metal particle contaminants have an extremely negative effect on performance, at higher C-rates. The electrodes with more coated and uncoated interfaces (non-uniform coatings) showed poor cycle life compared with electrodes with fewer coated and uncoated interfaces. Further, microstructural investigation provided evidence of presence of carbon-rich region in the agglomerated region and uneven electrode coating thickness in the coated and uncoated interfacial regions that may lead to the inferior electrochemical performance. In conclusion, this study provides the importance of monitoring and early detection of the electrode defects during LIB manufacturing processes to minimize the cell rejection rate after fabrication and testing.« less

Do Universities Generate Agglomeration Spillovers? Evidence from Endowment Value Shocks. NBER Working Paper No. 15299

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kantor, Shawn; Whalley, Alexander

2009-01-01

In this paper we quantify the extent and magnitude of agglomeration spillovers from a formal institution whose sole mission is the creation and dissemination of knowledge--the research university. We use the fact that universities follow a fixed endowment spending policy based on the market value of their endowments to identify the causal effect…

How much drinking water can be saved by using rainwater harvesting on a large urban area? application to Paris agglomeration.

PubMed

Belmeziti, Ali; Coutard, Olivier; de Gouvello, Bernard

2014-01-01

This paper is based on a prospective scenario of development of rainwater harvesting (RWH) on a given large urban area (such as metropolitan area or region). In such a perspective, a new method is proposed to quantify the related potential of potable water savings (PPWS) indicator on this type of area by adapting the reference model usually used on the building level. The method is based on four setting-up principles: gathering (definition of buildings-types and municipalities-types), progressing (use of an intermediate level), increasing (choice of an upper estimation) and prioritizing (ranking the stakes of RWH). Its application to the Paris agglomeration shows that is possible to save up to 11% of the total current potable water through the use of RWH. It also shows that the residential sector offers the most important part because it holds two-thirds of the agglomeration PPWS.

Bending analysis of agglomerated carbon nanotube-reinforced beam resting on two parameters modified Vlasov model foundation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorbanpour Arani, A.; Zamani, M. H.

2018-06-01

The present work deals with bending behavior of nanocomposite beam resting on two parameters modified Vlasov model foundation (MVMF), with consideration of agglomeration and distribution of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in beam matrix. Equivalent fiber based on Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach is employed to determine influence of CNTs aggregation on elastic properties of CNT-reinforced beam. The governing equations are deduced using the principle of minimum potential energy under assumption of the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. The MVMF required the estimation of γ parameter; to this purpose, unique iterative technique based on variational principles is utilized to compute value of the γ and subsequently fourth-order differential equation is solved analytically. Eventually, the transverse displacements and bending stresses are obtained and compared for different agglomeration parameters, various boundary conditions simultaneously and variant elastic foundation without requirement to instate values for foundation parameters.

Detection of stiff nanoparticles within cellular structures by contact resonance atomic force microscopy subsurface nanomechanical imaging.

PubMed

Reggente, Melania; Passeri, Daniele; Angeloni, Livia; Scaramuzzo, Francesca Anna; Barteri, Mario; De Angelis, Francesca; Persiconi, Irene; De Stefano, Maria Egle; Rossi, Marco

2017-05-04

Detecting stiff nanoparticles buried in soft biological matrices by atomic force microscopy (AFM) based techniques represents a new frontier in the field of scanning probe microscopies, originally developed as surface characterization methods. Here we report the detection of stiff (magnetic) nanoparticles (NPs) internalized in cells by using contact resonance AFM (CR-AFM) employed as a potentially non-destructive subsurface characterization tool. Magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) NPs were internalized in microglial cells from cerebral cortices of mouse embryos of 18 days by phagocytosis. Nanomechanical imaging of cells was performed by detecting the contact resonance frequencies (CRFs) of an AFM cantilever held in contact with the sample. Agglomerates of NPs internalized in cells were visualized on the basis of the local increase in the contact stiffness with respect to the surrounding biological matrix. A second AFM-based technique for nanomechanical imaging, i.e., HarmoniX™, as well as magnetic force microscopy and light microscopy were used to confirm the CR-AFM results. Thus, CR-AFM was demonstrated as a promising technique for subsurface imaging of nanomaterials in biological samples.

Application of visible spectroscopy in waste sorting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spiga, Philippe; Bourely, Antoine

2011-10-01

Today, waste recycling, (bottles, papers...), is a mechanical operation: the waste are crushed, fused and agglomerated in order to obtain new manufactured products (e.g. new bottles, clothes ...). The plastics recycling is the main application in the color sorting process. The colorless plastics recovered are more valuable than the colored plastics. Other emergent applications are in the paper sorting, where the main goal is to sort dyed paper from white papers. Up to now, Pellenc Selective Technologies has manufactured color sorting machines based on RGB cameras. Three dimensions (red, green and blue) are no longer sufficient to detect low quantities of dye in the considered waste. In order to increase the efficiency of the color detection, a new sorting machine, based on visible spectroscopy, has been developed. This paper presents the principles of the two approaches and their difference in terms of sorting performance, making visible spectroscopy a clear winner.

Colorimetric determination of Timolol concentration based on localized surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amirjani, Amirmostafa; Bagheri, Mozhgan; Heydari, Mojgan; Hesaraki, Saeed

2016-09-01

In this work, a rapid and simple colorimetric method based on the surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was developed for the detection of the drug Timolol. The method used is based on the interaction of Timolol with the surface of the as-synthesized AgNPs, which promotes aggregation of the nanoparticles. This aggregation exploits the surface plasmon resonance through the electric dipole-dipole interaction and coupling among the agglomerated particles, hence bringing forth distinctive changes in the spectra as well as the color of colloidal silver. UV-vis spectrophotometery was used to monitor the changes of the localized surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs at wavelengths of 400 and 550 nm. The developed colorimetric sensor has a wide dynamic range of 1.0 × 10-7 M-1.0 × 10-3 M for detection of Timolol with a low detection limit of 1.2 × 10-6 M. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of Timolol concentration in ophthalmic eye-drop solution with a response time lower than 40 s.

A discrete element and ray framework for rapid simulation of acoustical dispersion of microscale particulate agglomerations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zohdi, T. I.

2016-03-01

In industry, particle-laden fluids, such as particle-functionalized inks, are constructed by adding fine-scale particles to a liquid solution, in order to achieve desired overall properties in both liquid and (cured) solid states. However, oftentimes undesirable particulate agglomerations arise due to some form of mutual-attraction stemming from near-field forces, stray electrostatic charges, process ionization and mechanical adhesion. For proper operation of industrial processes involving particle-laden fluids, it is important to carefully breakup and disperse these agglomerations. One approach is to target high-frequency acoustical pressure-pulses to breakup such agglomerations. The objective of this paper is to develop a computational model and corresponding solution algorithm to enable rapid simulation of the effect of acoustical pulses on an agglomeration composed of a collection of discrete particles. Because of the complex agglomeration microstructure, containing gaps and interfaces, this type of system is extremely difficult to mesh and simulate using continuum-based methods, such as the finite difference time domain or the finite element method. Accordingly, a computationally-amenable discrete element/discrete ray model is developed which captures the primary physical events in this process, such as the reflection and absorption of acoustical energy, and the induced forces on the particulate microstructure. The approach utilizes a staggered, iterative solution scheme to calculate the power transfer from the acoustical pulse to the particles and the subsequent changes (breakup) of the pulse due to the particles. Three-dimensional examples are provided to illustrate the approach.

Improving the de-agglomeration and dissolution of a poorly water soluble drug by decreasing the agglomerate strength of the cohesive powder.

PubMed

Allahham, Ayman; Stewart, Peter J; Das, Shyamal C

2013-11-30

Influence of ternary, poorly water-soluble components on the agglomerate strength of cohesive indomethacin mixtures during dissolution was studied to explore the relationship between agglomerate strength and extent of de-agglomeration and dissolution of indomethacin (Ind). Dissolution profiles of Ind from 20% Ind-lactose binary mixtures, and ternary mixtures containing additional dibasic calcium phosphate (1% or 10%; DCP), calcium sulphate (10%) and talc (10%) were determined. Agglomerate strength distributions were estimated by Monte Carlo simulation of particle size, work of cohesion and packing fraction distributions. The agglomerate strength of Ind decreased from 1.19 MPa for the binary Ind mixture to 0.84 MPa for 1DCP:20Ind mixture and to 0.42 MPa for 1DCP:2Ind mixture. Both extent of de-agglomeration, demonstrated by the concentration of the dispersed indomethacin distribution, and extent of dispersion, demonstrated by the particle size of the dispersed indomethacin, were in descending order of 1DCP:2Ind>1DCP:20Ind>binary Ind. The addition of calcium sulphate dihydrate and talc also reduced the agglomerate strength and improved de-agglomeration and dispersion of indomethacin. While not definitively causal, the improved de-agglomeration and dispersion of a poorly water soluble drug by poorly water soluble components was related to the agglomerate strength of the cohesive matrix during dissolution. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Assessment of morphological and functional changes in organs of rats after intramuscular introduction of iron nanoparticles and their agglomerates.

PubMed

Sizova, Elena; Miroshnikov, Sergey; Yausheva, Elena; Polyakova, Valentina

2015-01-01

The research was performed on male Wistar rats based on assumptions that new microelement preparations containing metal nanoparticles and their agglomerates had potential. Morphological and functional changes in tissues in the injection site and dynamics of chemical element metabolism (25 indicators) in body were assessed after repeated intramuscular injections (total, 7) with preparation containing agglomerate of iron nanoparticles. As a result, iron depot was formed in myosymplasts of injection sites. The quantity of muscle fibers having positive Perls' stain increased with increasing number of injections. However, the concentration of the most chemical elements and iron significantly decreased in the whole skeletal muscle system (injection sites are not included). Consequently, it increased up to the control level after the sixth and the seventh injections. Among the studied organs (liver, kidneys, and spleen), Caspase-3 expression was revealed only in spleen. The expression had a direct dependence on the number of injections. Processes of iron elimination from preparation containing nanoparticles and their agglomerates had different intensity.

Diamond-like-carbon nanoparticle production and agglomeration following UV multi-photon excitation of static naphthalene/helium gas mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walsh, A. J.; Tielens, A. G. G. M.; Ruth, A. A.

2016-07-01

We report the formation of nanoparticles with significant diamond character after UV multi-photon laser excitation of gaseous naphthalene, buffered in static helium gas, at room temperature. The nanoparticles are identified in situ by their absorption and scattering spectra between 400 and 850 nm, which are modeled using Mie theory. Comparisons of the particles' spectroscopic and optical properties with those of carbonaceous materials indicate a sp3/sp2 hybridization ratio of 8:1 of the particles formed. The particle extinction in the closed static (unstirred) gas-phase system exhibits a complex and quasi-oscillatory time dependence for the duration of up to several hours with periods ranging from seconds to many minutes. The extinction dynamics of the system is based on a combination of transport features and particle interaction, predominantly agglomeration. The relatively long period of agglomeration allows for a unique analysis of the agglomeration process of diamond-like carbon nanoparticles in situ.

Fuel agglomerates and method of agglomeration

DOEpatents

Wen, Wu-Wey

1986-01-01

Solid fuel agglomerates are prepared of particulate coal or other carbonaceous material with a binder having a high humic acid or humate salt content. The humic acid is extracted from oxidized carbonaceous material with a mild aqueous alkali solution of, for instance, ammonia. The particulate material is blended with the extract which serves as the binder for the agglomerates. The water-resistant agglomerates are formed such as by pelletizing, followed by drying to remove moisture and solidify the humic acid binder throughout the agglomerate.

Research approach and first results on agglomerate compaction in protoplanetary dust simulation in the Cloud Manipulation System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vedernikov, Andrei; Blum, Jurgen; Ingo Von Borstel, Olaf; Schraepler, Rainer; Balapanov, Daniyar; Cecere, Anselmo

2016-07-01

Nanometre and micrometre-sized solid particles are ubiquitous in space and on Earth - from galaxies, interstellar space, protoplanetary and debris disks to planetary rings and atmospheres, planetary surfaces, comets, interplanetary space, Earth's atmosphere. Apparently, the most intriguing problem in the picture of the formation of planets is the transition from individual microscopic dust grains to kilometre-sized planetesimals. Revealing the mechanisms of this transition is one of the main tasks of the European Space Agency's project Interaction in Cosmic and Atmospheric Particle Systems (ICAPS). It was found that Brownian motion driven agglomeration could not provide the transition within reasonable time scale. As a result, at this stage top scientific goals shifted towards forced agglomeration and concentration of particles, targeting revealing the onset of compaction, experimental study of the evolution of fractal dimensions, size and mass distribution, occurrence of bouncing. The main tasks comprise 1) development of the rapid agglomeration model 2) development of the experimental facilities creating big fractal-type agglomerates from 10 to 1000 μm from a cloud of micrometre-size grains; 3) experimental realization of the rapid agglomeration in microgravity and ground conditions; and 4) in situ investigation of the morphology, mobility, mechanical and optical properties of the free-floating agglomerates, including investigation of thermophoresis, photophoresis of the agglomerates and of the two-phase flow phenomena. To solve the experimental part of the tasks we developed a Cloud Manipulation System, realized as a breadboard (CMS BB) for long duration microgravity platforms and a simplified laboratory version (CMS LV) mostly oriented on short duration microgravity and ground tests. The new system is based on the use of thermophoresis, most favourable for cloud manipulation without creating additional particle-particle forces in the cloud with a possibility of growing single agglomerate out of the whole cloud. The cloud manipulation system additionally provides temperature stabilization or, on the contrary, high temperature variation in the observation volume; formation of controlled temperature gradients, intensive three-dimensional periodic shear flow or three-dimensional gas density pulsations of the contraction-expansion type; application of electrostatic gradients including electro dynamic balancing; imposing of photophoretic force, etc. Their choice and/or combination depend upon particular experimental task. Experiments on forced agglomeration in short duration microgravity conditions of the Bremen drop tower succeeded in rapid growth of extended agglomerates, formation of complex three-dimensional cloud patterns, allowed observing controlled cloud displacement, cloud trapping, particle separation with respect to their electrical charge. The breadboard (CMS BB) and the laboratory version of the Cloud Manipulation System (CMS LV) are new types of scientific instrument with high scientific potential. ESA PRODEX program, the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office, DLR project 50WM1223, ZARM Drop Tower Operation and Service Company Ltd. are greatly acknowledged.

Examining the effects of urban agglomeration polders on flood events in Qinhuai River basin, China with HEC-HMS model.

PubMed

Gao, Yuqin; Yuan, Yu; Wang, Huaizhi; Schmidt, Arthur R; Wang, Kexuan; Ye, Liu

2017-05-01

The urban agglomeration polders type of flood control pattern is a general flood control pattern in the eastern plain area and some of the secondary river basins in China. A HEC-HMS model of Qinhuai River basin based on the flood control pattern was established for simulating basin runoff, examining the impact of urban agglomeration polders on flood events, and estimating the effects of urbanization on hydrological processes of the urban agglomeration polders in Qinhuai River basin. The results indicate that the urban agglomeration polders could increase the peak flow and flood volume. The smaller the scale of the flood, the more significant the influence of the polder was to the flood volume. The distribution of the city circle polder has no obvious impact on the flood volume, but has effect on the peak flow. The closer the polder is to basin output, the smaller the influence it has on peak flows. As the level of urbanization gradually improving of city circle polder, flood volumes and peak flows gradually increase compared to those with the current level of urbanization (the impervious rate was 20%). The potential change in flood volume and peak flow with increasing impervious rate shows a linear relationship.

Coupling of Acoustic Cavitation with Dem-Based Particle Solvers for Modeling De-agglomeration of Particle Clusters in Liquid Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manoylov, Anton; Lebon, Bruno; Djambazov, Georgi; Pericleous, Koulis

2017-11-01

The aerospace and automotive industries are seeking advanced materials with low weight yet high strength and durability. Aluminum and magnesium-based metal matrix composites with ceramic micro- and nano-reinforcements promise the desirable properties. However, larger surface-area-to-volume ratio in micro- and especially nanoparticles gives rise to van der Waals and adhesion forces that cause the particles to agglomerate in clusters. Such clusters lead to adverse effects on final properties, no longer acting as dislocation anchors but instead becoming defects. Also, agglomeration causes the particle distribution to become uneven, leading to inconsistent properties. To break up clusters, ultrasonic processing may be used via an immersed sonotrode, or alternatively via electromagnetic vibration. This paper combines a fundamental study of acoustic cavitation in liquid aluminum with a study of the interaction forces causing particles to agglomerate, as well as mechanisms of cluster breakup. A non-linear acoustic cavitation model utilizing pressure waves produced by an immersed horn is presented, and then applied to cavitation in liquid aluminum. Physical quantities related to fluid flow and quantities specific to the cavitation solver are passed to a discrete element method particles model. The coupled system is then used for a detailed study of clusters' breakup by cavitation.

Microstickies agglomeration by electric field.

PubMed

Du, Xiaotang Tony; Hsieh, Jeffery S

2016-01-01

Microstickies deposits on both paper machine and paper products when it agglomerates under step change in ionic strength, pH, temperature and chemical additives. These stickies increase the down time of the paper mill and decrease the quality of paper. The key property of microstickies is its smaller size, which leads to low removal efficiency and difficulties in measurement. Thus the increase of microstickies size help improve both removal efficiency and reduce measurement difficulty. In this paper, a new agglomeration technology based on electric field was investigated. The electric treatment could also increase the size of stickies particles by around 100 times. The synergetic effect between electric field treatment and detacky chemicals/dispersants, including polyvinyl alcohol, poly(diallylmethylammonium chloride) and lignosulfonate, was also studied.

Mobility and settling rate of agglomerates of polydisperse nanoparticles.

PubMed

Spyrogianni, Anastasia; Karadima, Katerina S; Goudeli, Eirini; Mavrantzas, Vlasis G; Pratsinis, Sotiris E

2018-02-14

Agglomerate settling impacts nanotoxicology and nanomedicine as well as the stability of engineered nanofluids. Here, the mobility of nanostructured fractal-like SiO 2 agglomerates in water is investigated and their settling rate in infinitely dilute suspensions is calculated by a Brownian dynamics algorithm tracking the agglomerate translational and rotational motion. The corresponding friction matrices are obtained using the HYDRO++ algorithm [J. G. de la Torre, G. del Rio Echenique, and A. Ortega, J. Phys. Chem. B 111, 955 (2007)] from the Kirkwood-Riseman theory accounting for hydrodynamic interactions of primary particles (PPs) through the Rotne-Prager-Yamakawa tensor, properly modified for polydisperse PPs. Agglomerates are generated by an event-driven method and have constant mass fractal dimension but varying PP size distribution, mass, and relative shape anisotropy. The calculated diffusion coefficient from HYDRO++ is used to obtain the agglomerate mobility diameter d m and is compared with that from scaling laws for fractal-like agglomerates. The ratio d m /d g of the mobility diameter to the gyration diameter of the agglomerate decreases with increasing relative shape anisotropy. For constant d m and mean d p , the agglomerate settling rate, u s , increases with increasing PP geometric standard deviation σ p,g (polydispersity). A linear relationship between u s and agglomerate mass to d m ratio, m/d m , is revealed and attributed to the fast Brownian rotation of such small and light nanoparticle agglomerates. An analytical expression for the u s of agglomerates consisting of polydisperse PPs is then derived, u s =1-ρ f ρ p g3πμmd m (ρ f is the density of the fluid, ρ p is the density of PPs, μ is the viscosity of the fluid, and g is the acceleration of gravity), valid for agglomerates for which the characteristic rotational time is considerably shorter than their settling time. Our calculations demonstrate that the commonly made assumption of monodisperse PPs underestimates u s by a fraction depending on σ p,g and agglomerate mass mobility exponent. Simulations are in excellent agreement with deposition rate measurements of fumed SiO 2 agglomerates in water.

Mobility and settling rate of agglomerates of polydisperse nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spyrogianni, Anastasia; Karadima, Katerina S.; Goudeli, Eirini; Mavrantzas, Vlasis G.; Pratsinis, Sotiris E.

2018-02-01

Agglomerate settling impacts nanotoxicology and nanomedicine as well as the stability of engineered nanofluids. Here, the mobility of nanostructured fractal-like SiO2 agglomerates in water is investigated and their settling rate in infinitely dilute suspensions is calculated by a Brownian dynamics algorithm tracking the agglomerate translational and rotational motion. The corresponding friction matrices are obtained using the HYDRO++ algorithm [J. G. de la Torre, G. del Rio Echenique, and A. Ortega, J. Phys. Chem. B 111, 955 (2007)] from the Kirkwood-Riseman theory accounting for hydrodynamic interactions of primary particles (PPs) through the Rotne-Prager-Yamakawa tensor, properly modified for polydisperse PPs. Agglomerates are generated by an event-driven method and have constant mass fractal dimension but varying PP size distribution, mass, and relative shape anisotropy. The calculated diffusion coefficient from HYDRO++ is used to obtain the agglomerate mobility diameter dm and is compared with that from scaling laws for fractal-like agglomerates. The ratio dm/dg of the mobility diameter to the gyration diameter of the agglomerate decreases with increasing relative shape anisotropy. For constant dm and mean dp, the agglomerate settling rate, us, increases with increasing PP geometric standard deviation σp,g (polydispersity). A linear relationship between us and agglomerate mass to dm ratio, m/dm, is revealed and attributed to the fast Brownian rotation of such small and light nanoparticle agglomerates. An analytical expression for the us of agglomerates consisting of polydisperse PPs is then derived, us=(1/-{ρf/ρp})g 3 π μ m/dm (ρf is the density of the fluid, ρp is the density of PPs, μ is the viscosity of the fluid, and g is the acceleration of gravity), valid for agglomerates for which the characteristic rotational time is considerably shorter than their settling time. Our calculations demonstrate that the commonly made assumption of monodisperse PPs underestimates us by a fraction depending on σp,g and agglomerate mass mobility exponent. Simulations are in excellent agreement with deposition rate measurements of fumed SiO2 agglomerates in water.

Steric stabilization of nonaqueous silicon slips. I - Control of particle agglomeration and packing. II - Pressure casting of powder compacts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerkar, Awdhoot V.; Henderson, Robert J. M.; Feke, Donald L.

1990-01-01

The application of steric stabilization to control particle agglomeration and packing of silicon powder in benzene and trichloroethylene is reported. The results provide useful guidelines for controlling unfavorable particle-particle interactions during nonaqueous processing of silicon-based ceramic materials. The application of steric stabilization to the control and improvement of green processing of nonaqueous silicon slips in pressure consolidation is also demonstrated.

Mixing of nanosize particles by magnetically assisted impaction techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scicolone, James V.

Nanoparticles and nanocomposites offer unique properties that arise from their small size, large surface area, and the interactions of phases at their interfaces, and are attractive for their potential to improve performance of drugs, biomaterials, catalysts and other high-value-added materials. However, a major problem in utilizing nanoparticles is that they often lose their high surface area due to grain growth. Creating nanostructured composites where two or more nanosized constituents are intimately mixed can prevent this loss in surface area, but in order to obtain homogeneous mixing, de-agglomeration of the individual nanoparticle constituents is necessary. Due to high surface area, nano-particles form very large, fractal agglomerates. The structure of these agglomerates can have a large agglomerate composed of sub-agglomerates (SA), which itself consists of primary agglomerates (PA), that contain chain or net like nano-particle structures; typically sub-micron size. Thus the final agglomerate has a hierarchical, fractal structure, and depending upon the forces applied, it could break down to a certain size scale. The agglomerates can be fairly porous and fragile or they could be quite dense, based on primary particle size and its surface energy. Thus depending upon the agglomerate strength at different length scales, one could achieve deagglomeration and subsequent mixing at varying length scale. A better understanding of this can have a major impact on the field of nano-structured materials; thus the long term objective of this project is to gain fundamental understanding of deagglomeration and mixing of nano-agglomerates. Dry mixing is in general not effective in achieving desired mixing at nanoscale, whereas wet mixing suffers from different disadvantages like nanomaterial of interest should be insoluble, has to wet the liquid, and involves additional steps of filtration and drying. This research examines the use of environmentally friendly a novel approach based on use of small magnetic particles as mixing media is introduced that achieves a high-degree of mixing at scales of about a micron. The method is tested for binary mixture of alumina/silica and silica/titania. Various parameters such as processing time, size of the magnets, and magnetic particle to powder mixed ratio are considered. Experiments are carried out in batch containers in liquid and dry mediums, as well as a fluidized bed set-up. Homogeneity of Mixing (HoM), defined as the compliment of the Intensity of Segregation, was evaluated at the micron scale through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and the energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Secondary electron images, along with elemental mappings, were used to visualize the change in agglomerate sizes. Compositional percent data of each element were obtained through an EDS spatial distribution point analysis and used to obtain quantitative analysis on the homogeneity of the mixture. The effect of magnet impaction on mixing quality was examined on the HoM of binary mixtures. The research shows that HoM improved with magnetically assisted impaction mixing techniques indicating that the HoM depends on the product of processing time with the number of magnets. In a fluidized bed set-up, MAIM not only improved dispersion, but it was also found that the magnetic particles served to break down the larger agglomerates, to reduce the minimum fluidization velocity, to delay the onset of bubbling, and to convert the fluidization behavior of ABF powder to APF. Thus MAIM techniques may be used to achieve mixing of nanopowders at a desired HoM through adjusting the number of magnets and processing time; and its inherent advantages are its simplicity, an environmentally benign operation, and reduced cost as compared with wet mixing techniques.

Magnetic Thermometer: Thermal effect on the Agglomeration of Magnetic Nanoparticles by Magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Daeseong; Kim, Hackjin

2018-03-01

We have investigated the agglomeration of magnetite nanoparticles in the aqueous solution under magnetic field by measuring temporal change of magnetic weight. The magnetic weight corresponds to the force due to the magnetization of magnetic materials. Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles are synthesized and used in this work. When the aqueous solution of magnetite nanoparticle is placed under magnetic field, the magnetic weight of the sample jumps instantaneously by Neel and Brown mechanisms and thereafter increases steadily following a stretched exponential function as the nanoparticles agglomerate, which results from the distribution of energy barriers involved in the dynamics. Thermal motions of nanoparticles in the agglomerate perturb the ordered structure of the agglomerate to reduce the magnetic weight. Fluctuation of the structural order of the agglomerate by temperature change is much faster than the formation of agglomerate and explained well with the Boltzmann distribution, which suggests that the magnetic weight of the agglomerate works as a magnetic thermometer.

Assessment of Morphological and Functional Changes in Organs of Rats after Intramuscular Introduction of Iron Nanoparticles and Their Agglomerates

PubMed Central

Sizova, Elena; Miroshnikov, Sergey; Yausheva, Elena; Polyakova, Valentina

2015-01-01

The research was performed on male Wistar rats based on assumptions that new microelement preparations containing metal nanoparticles and their agglomerates had potential. Morphological and functional changes in tissues in the injection site and dynamics of chemical element metabolism (25 indicators) in body were assessed after repeated intramuscular injections (total, 7) with preparation containing agglomerate of iron nanoparticles. As a result, iron depot was formed in myosymplasts of injection sites. The quantity of muscle fibers having positive Perls' stain increased with increasing number of injections. However, the concentration of the most chemical elements and iron significantly decreased in the whole skeletal muscle system (injection sites are not included). Consequently, it increased up to the control level after the sixth and the seventh injections. Among the studied organs (liver, kidneys, and spleen), Caspase-3 expression was revealed only in spleen. The expression had a direct dependence on the number of injections. Processes of iron elimination from preparation containing nanoparticles and their agglomerates had different intensity. PMID:25789310

A model to estimate the size of nanoparticle agglomerates in gas-solid fluidized beds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Martín, Lilian; van Ommen, J. Ruud

2013-11-01

The estimation of nanoparticle agglomerates' size in fluidized beds remains an open challenge, mainly due to the difficulty of characterizing the inter-agglomerate van der Waals force. The current approach is to describe micron-sized nanoparticle agglomerates as micron-sized particles with 0.1-0.2-μm asperities. This simplification does not capture the influence of the particle size on the van der Waals attraction between agglomerates. In this paper, we propose a new description where the agglomerates are micron-sized particles with nanoparticles on the surface, acting as asperities. As opposed to previous models, here the van der Waals force between agglomerates decreases with an increase in the particle size. We have also included an additional force due to the hydrogen bond formation between the surfaces of hydrophilic and dry nanoparticles. The average size of the fluidized agglomerates has been estimated equating the attractive force obtained from this method to the weight of the individual agglomerates. The results have been compared to 54 experimental values, most of them collected from the literature. Our model approximates without a systematic error the size of most of the nanopowders, both in conventional and centrifugal fluidized beds, outperforming current models. Although simple, the model is able to capture the influence of the nanoparticle size, particle density, and Hamaker coefficient on the inter-agglomerate forces.

How Does the Concentration of Determinants Affect Industrial Innovation Performance? - An Empirical Analysis of 23 Chinese Industrial Sectors.

PubMed

Huang, Shansong; Bai, Yang; Tan, Qingmei

2017-01-01

The agglomeration of innovation determinants has a significant influence on the innovation performance of industries and enterprises. Such an effect has received less attention in empirical research studies. This study involves a survey of the agglomeration effect of two important innovation determinants, R&D investment and R&D personnel, and its influence on innovation performance from the perspective of the industrial level. We analysed the agglomeration features based on the panel data of 23 Chinese industrial sectors from 2001~2013. An interpretation model is proposed to examine the agglomeration effect on innovation performance for 4 industrial groups: state-owned enterprises, individual enterprises, foreign-owned enterprises and enterprises as a whole. We found two main results. First, the agglomeration of determinants has a clear positive effect on the innovation performance of all 4 groups but affects individual enterprises more significantly, followed by state-owned and foreign-owned enterprises. Second, the state-owned enterprises show a much higher concentration of R&D investment and R&D personnel than other groups. However, the induced innovation efficiency in the state-owned enterprises is worse than in the individual enterprises. The advantage of resources and capital does not translate into corresponding innovation output. The privately owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) show a high capability of technological innovation and mercerization but have limited innovation resources.

How Does the Concentration of Determinants Affect Industrial Innovation Performance? – An Empirical Analysis of 23 Chinese Industrial Sectors

PubMed Central

Huang, Shansong; Bai, Yang; Tan, Qingmei

2017-01-01

The agglomeration of innovation determinants has a significant influence on the innovation performance of industries and enterprises. Such an effect has received less attention in empirical research studies. This study involves a survey of the agglomeration effect of two important innovation determinants, R&D investment and R&D personnel, and its influence on innovation performance from the perspective of the industrial level. We analysed the agglomeration features based on the panel data of 23 Chinese industrial sectors from 2001~2013. An interpretation model is proposed to examine the agglomeration effect on innovation performance for 4 industrial groups: state-owned enterprises, individual enterprises, foreign-owned enterprises and enterprises as a whole. We found two main results. First, the agglomeration of determinants has a clear positive effect on the innovation performance of all 4 groups but affects individual enterprises more significantly, followed by state-owned and foreign-owned enterprises. Second, the state-owned enterprises show a much higher concentration of R&D investment and R&D personnel than other groups. However, the induced innovation efficiency in the state-owned enterprises is worse than in the individual enterprises. The advantage of resources and capital does not translate into corresponding innovation output. The privately owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) show a high capability of technological innovation and mercerization but have limited innovation resources. PMID:28099452

Prediction of Agglomeration, Fouling, and Corrosion Tendency of Fuels in CFB Co-Combustion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barišć, Vesna; Zabetta, Edgardo Coda; Sarkki, Juha

Prediction of agglomeration, fouling, and corrosion tendency of fuels is essential to the design of any CFB boiler. During the years, tools have been successfully developed at Foster Wheeler to help with such predictions for the most commercial fuels. However, changes in fuel market and the ever-growing demand for co-combustion capabilities pose a continuous need for development. This paper presents results from recently upgraded models used at Foster Wheeler to predict agglomeration, fouling, and corrosion tendency of a variety of fuels and mixtures. The models, subject of this paper, are semi-empirical computer tools that combine the theoretical basics of agglomeration/fouling/corrosion phenomena with empirical correlations. Correlations are derived from Foster Wheeler's experience in fluidized beds, including nearly 10,000 fuel samples and over 1,000 tests in about 150 CFB units. In these models, fuels are evaluated based on their classification, their chemical and physical properties by standard analyses (proximate, ultimate, fuel ash composition, etc.;.) alongside with Foster Wheeler own characterization methods. Mixtures are then evaluated taking into account the component fuels. This paper presents the predictive capabilities of the agglomeration/fouling/corrosion probability models for selected fuels and mixtures fired in full-scale. The selected fuels include coals and different types of biomass. The models are capable to predict the behavior of most fuels and mixtures, but also offer possibilities for further improvements.

Process and apparatus for coal hydrogenation

DOEpatents

Ruether, John A.

1988-01-01

In a coal liquefaction process an aqueous slurry of coal is prepared containing a dissolved liquefaction catalyst. A small quantity of oil is added to the slurry and then coal-oil agglomerates are prepared by agitation of the slurry at atmospheric pressure. The resulting mixture of agglomerates, excess water, dissolved catalyst, and unagglomerated solids is pumped to reaction pressure and then passed through a drainage device where all but a small amount of surface water is removed from the agglomerates. Sufficient catalyst for the reaction is contained in surface water remaining on the agglomerates. The agglomerates fall into the liquefaction reactor countercurrently to a stream of hot gas which is utilized to dry and preheat the agglomerates as well as deposit catalyst on the agglomerates before they enter the reactor where they are converted to primarily liquid products under hydrogen pressure.

Bed material agglomeration during fluidized bed combustion. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, R.C.; Dawson, M.R.; Smeenk, J.L.

The purpose of this project is to determine the physical and chemical reactions which lead to the undesired agglomeration of bed material during fluidized bed combustion of coal and to relate these reactions to specific causes. A survey of agglomeration and deposit formation in industrial fluidized bed combustors (FBCs) indicate that at least five boilers were experiencing some form of bed material agglomeration. Deposit formation was reported at nine sites with deposits most commonly at coal feed locations and in cyclones. Other deposit locations included side walls and return loops. Three general types of mineralogic reactions were observed to occurmore » in the agglomerates and deposits. Although alkalies may play a role with some {open_quotes}high alkali{close_quotes} lignites, we found agglomeration was initiated due to fluxing reactions between iron (II) from pyrites and aluminosilicates from clays. This is indicated by the high amounts of iron, silica, and alumina in the agglomerates and the mineralogy of the agglomerates. Agglomeration likely originated in the dense phase of the FBC bed within the volatile plume which forms when coal is introduced to the boiler. Secondary mineral reactions appear to occur after the agglomerates have formed and tend to strengthen the agglomerates. When calcium is present in high amounts, most of the minerals in the resulting deposits are in the melilite group (gehlenite, melilite, and akermanite) and pyroxene group (diopside and augite). During these solid-phase reactions, the temperature of formation of the melilite minerals can be lowered by a reduction of the partial pressure of CO{sub 2} (Diopside + Calcite {r_arrow}Akermanite).« less

Investigation of the influence of humidity on the ultrasonic agglomeration of submicron particles in diesel exhausts.

PubMed

Riera-Franco de Sarabia, E; Elvira-Segura, L; González-Gómez, I; Rodríguez-Maroto, J J; Muñoz-Bueno, R; Dorronsoro-Areal, J L

2003-06-01

Removing very fine particles in the 0.01-1 micro m range generated in diesel combustion is important for air pollution abatement because of the impact such particles have on the environment. By forming larger particles, acoustic agglomeration of submicron particles is presented as a promising process for enhancing the efficiency of the current filtration systems for particle removal. Nevertheless, some authors have pointed out that acoustic agglomeration is much more efficient for larger particles than for smaller particles. This paper studies the effect of humidity on the acoustic agglomeration of diesel exhausts particles in the nanometer size range at 21 kHz. For the agglomeration tests, the experimental facility basically consists of a pilot scale plant with a diesel engine, an ultrasonic agglomeration chamber a dilution system, a nozzle atomizer, and an aerosol sampling and measuring station. The effect of the ultrasonic treatment, generated by a linear array of four high-power stepped-plate transducers on fumes at flow rates of 900 Nm(3)/h, was a small reduction in the number concentration of particles at the outlet of the chamber. However, the presence of humidity raised the agglomeration rate by decreasing the number particle concentration by up to 56%. A numerical study of the agglomeration process as a linear combination of the orthokinetic and hydrodynamic agglomeration coefficients resulting from mutual radiation pressure also found that acoustic agglomeration was enhanced by humidity. Both results confirm the benefit of using high-power ultrasound together with humidity to enhance the agglomeration of particles much smaller than 1 micro m.

Method for providing improved solid fuels from agglomerated subbituminous coal

DOEpatents

Janiak, Jerzy S.; Turak, Ali A.; Pawlak, Wanda; Ignasiak, Boleslaw L.

1989-01-01

A method is provided for separating agglomerated subbituminous coal and the heavy bridging liquid used to form the agglomerates. The separation is performed by contacting the agglomerates with inert gas or steam at a temperature in the range of 250.degree. to 350.degree. C. at substantially atmospheric pressure.

Determination of Carbonyl Compounds in Cork Agglomerates by GDME-HPLC-UV: Identification of the Extracted Compounds by HPLC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Brandão, Pedro Francisco; Ramos, Rui Miguel; Almeida, Paulo Joaquim; Rodrigues, José António

2017-02-08

A new approach is proposed for the extraction and determination of carbonyl compounds in solid samples, such as wood or cork materials. Cork products are used as building materials due to their singular characteristics; however, little is known about its aldehyde emission potential and content. Sample preparation was done by using a gas-diffusion microextraction (GDME) device for the direct extraction of volatile aldehydes and derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. Analytical determination of the extracts was done by HPLC-UV, with detection at 360 nm. The developed methodology proved to be a reliable tool for aldehyde determination in cork agglomerate samples with suitable method features. Mass spectrometry studies were performed for each sample, which enabled the identification, in the extracts, of the derivatization products of a total of 13 aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, furfural, propanal, 5-methylfurfural, butanal, benzaldehyde, pentanal, hexanal, trans-2-heptenal, heptanal, octanal, and trans-2-nonenal) and 4 ketones (3-hydroxy-2-butanone, acetone, cyclohexanone, and acetophenone). This new analytical methodology simultaneously proved to be consistent for the identification and determination of aldehydes in cork agglomerates and a very simple and straightforward procedure.

Modifying the properties of finely ground limestone by tumbling granulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macho, Oliver; Eckert, Maroš; Tomášová, Barbora; Peciar, Peter; Ščasný, Martin; Fekete, Roman; Peciar, Marián

2016-06-01

Calcium carbonate in the form of finely ground limestone is a material that has found its application in a wide range of industries, in the chemical, rubber, agricultural, and paper industries, is used for desulfurization of boilers and other. In civil engineering, ground limestone is used for the production of building materials, plaster and mortar mixtures, as a filler in concrete mixtures, in road construction, and as an essential component of mastic asphalt. This paper deals with examining the modification of the properties of finely ground limestone by the tumbling agglomeration method. It has been shown that the components of concrete with a round grain have a positive effect on the pumping of concrete in comparison with an elongated grain or the rough surface of crushed stone. The experiments will be carried out on a granulation plate using a variety of granulation liquid. The agglomerates and their properties were compared with untreated finely ground limestone, with a focus on detecting changes in compressibility, density and particle size. The output of this paper is a description and graphical representation of the changes in the properties of ground limestone before and after the agglomeration process.

Bed material agglomeration during fluidized bed combustion. Technical progress report, 1 July, 1993--30 September, 1993

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, R.C.; Dawson, M.R.; Noble, S.D.

Agglomerates formed in laboratory coal combustion tests were analyzed to determine the chemical and mineral reactions which lead to the cohesion of bed particles. Combustion tests were conducted at 75, 90, 100, and 120% theoretical air values. The test at 75% theoretical air resulted in the formation of bed agglomerates within 30 minutes. Agglomerates which formed at the lower theoretical air values were compared to unagglomerated bed samples by X-ray diffraction analyses. Polished thin sections of the agglomerates were made for optical and scanning electron microscopy. The results of these analyses indicate there were, in a broad sense, two typesmore » of mineralogic reactions which lead to the cohesion of bed particles in the agglomerates. One mechanism of cohesion resulted from the melting of bed particles to form a viscous material which bridged other bed particles. Based on the chemical composition of the glass (which resulted from the melt), this material was probably derived from aluminosilicate minerals in the sand bed or from clays within the coal. Because of the high iron content in these glasses (4 to 5 wt%), it is likely that iron pyrites in the coal were involved in fluxing reactions. In addition, MgO appears to be relatively high in the glasses. It is suspected that Ca-Mg carbonates (dolomite) from the bed sand are also involved in mineralogic reactions with the aluminosilicate melt. The second type of mineralogic reaction appears to be a reaction involving calcium and magnesium with other bed particles and with the aluminosilicate melt to form new mineral phases. Although the composition of these phases is somewhat variable, some resemble single-chain silicates or pyroxenes.« less

Powder agglomeration in a microgravity environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cawley, James D.

1994-01-01

This is the final report for NASA Grant NAG3-755 entitled 'Powder Agglomeration in a Microgravity Environment.' The research program included both two types of numerical models and two types of experiments. The numerical modeling included the use of Monte Carlo type simulations of agglomerate growth including hydrodynamic screening and molecular dynamics type simulations of the rearrangement of particles within an agglomerate under a gravitational field. Experiments included direct observation of the agglomeration of submicron alumina and indirect observation, using small angle light scattering, of the agglomeration of colloidal silica and aluminum monohydroxide. In the former class of experiments, the powders were constrained to move on a two-dimensional surface oriented to minimize the effect of gravity. In the latter, some experiments involved mixture of suspensions containing particles of opposite charge which resulted in agglomeration on a very short time scale relative to settling under gravity.

Emission Inventory Development and Application Based On an Atmospheric Emission Source Priority Control Classification Technology Method, a Case Study in the Middle Reaches of Yangtze River Urban Agglomerations, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, X.; Cheng, S.

2017-12-01

This paper presents the first attempt to investigate the emission source control of the Middle Reaches of Yangtze River Urban Agglomerations (MRYRUA), one of the national urban agglomerations in China. An emission inventory of the MRYRUA was the first time to be developed as inputs to the CAMx model based on county-level activity data obtained by full-coverage investigation and source-based spatial surrogates. The emission inventory was proved to be acceptable owing to the atmospheric modeling verification. A classification technology method for atmospheric pollution source priority control was the first time to be introduced and applied in the MRYRUA for the evaluation of the emission sources control on the region-scale and city-scale. MICAPS (Meteorological Information comprehensive Analysis and Processing System) was applied for the regional meteorological condition and sensitivity analysis. The results demonstrated that the emission sources in the Hefei-center Urban Agglomerations contributed biggest on the mean PM2.5 concentrations of the MRYRUA and should be taken the priority to control. The emission sources in the Ma'anshan city, Xiangtan city, Hefei city and Wuhan city were the bigger contributors on the mean PM2.5 concentrations of the MRYRUA among the cities and should be taken the priority to control. In addition, the cities along the Yangtze River and the tributary should be given the special attention for the regional air quality target attainments. This study provide a valuable preference for policy makers to develop effective air pollution control strategies.

Impact of agglomeration state of nano- and submicron sized gold particles on pulmonary inflammation

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Nanoparticle (NP) toxicity testing comes with many challenges. Characterization of the test substance is of crucial importance and in the case of NPs, agglomeration/aggregation state in physiological media needs to be considered. In this study, we have addressed the effect of agglomerated versus single particle suspensions of nano- and submicron sized gold on the inflammatory response in the lung. Rats were exposed to a single dose of 1.6 mg/kg body weight (bw) of spherical gold particles with geometric diameters of 50 nm or 250 nm diluted either by ultrapure water or by adding phosphate buffered saline (PBS). A single dose of 1.6 mg/kg bw DQ12 quartz was used as a positive control for pulmonary inflammation. Extensive characterization of the particle suspensions has been performed by determining the zetapotential, pH, gold concentration and particle size distribution. Primary particle size and particle purity has been verified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Pulmonary inflammation (total cell number, differential cell count and pro-inflammatory cytokines), cell damage (total protein and albumin) and cytotoxicity (alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase) were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and acute systemic effects in blood (total cell number, differential cell counts, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein) 3 and 24 hours post exposure. Uptake of gold particles in alveolar macrophages has been determined by TEM. Results Particles diluted in ultrapure water are well dispersed, while agglomerates are formed when diluting in PBS. The particle size of the 50 nm particles was confirmed, while the 250 nm particles appear to be 200 nm using tracking analysis and 210 nm using TEM. No major differences in pulmonary and systemic toxicity markers were observed after instillation of agglomerated versus single gold particles of different sizes. Both agglomerated as well as single nanoparticles were taken up by macrophages. Conclusion Primary particle size, gold concentration and particle purity are important features to check, since these characteristics may deviate from the manufacturer's description. Suspensions of well dispersed 50 nm and 250 nm particles as well as their agglomerates produced very mild pulmonary inflammation at the same mass based dose. We conclude that single 50 nm gold particles do not pose a greater acute hazard than their agglomerates or slightly larger gold particles when using pulmonary inflammation as a marker for toxicity. PMID:21126342

Transmission Electron Microscopy and Scanning Transmission X-Ray Microscopy Studies on the Bioaccumulation and Tissue Level Absorption of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Daphnia magna.

PubMed

Kwon, Dongwook; Nho, Hyun Woo; Yoon, Tae Hyun

2015-06-01

In this study, bioaccumulation and tissue-level absorption of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in freshwater invertebrates were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). The TiO2 NPs were used to test impacts of core sizes (i.e., 5 ± 2 nm and 23 ± 7 nm for TiO2(SYN) and TiO2(P25), respectively) and agglomerations (i.e., well dispersed vs. highly agglomerated) on the uptake of TiO2 NPs in Daphnia magna (D. magna). Highly agglomerated TiO2 NPs, regardless of their core sizes, were heavily taken up into the digestive tract of D. magna and no detectable penetration of both TiO2 NPs into the gut epithelial cells of D. magna was observed in TEM and STXM images. However, significant damages involving morphological changes in the microvilli and gut epithelial cells (e.g., irregular shaped microvilli, epithelial cell protrusion, and dilatation of cytoplasmic inclusion) were observed only with the commercial TiO2 NPs (TiO2(P25)) with larger core size and mixed crystalline phase, while the laboratory synthesized TiO2 NPs (TiO2(Syn)) with smaller core size and single crystalline phase showed slight morphological changes in the gut microvilli and epithelial cells. In the case of D. magna exposed to the well dispersed synthetic TiO2 NP ((Cit)TiO2(Syn)), only a negligible amount of TiO2 NPs were found within the digestive tract of the D. magna without any significant damages in the gut microvilli and epithelial cells and any detectable penetrations of TiO2 NPs into epithelial cells of D. magna gut. These TEM and STXM observations confirmed us that uptake of NP into D. magna are strongly dependent on their agglomeration (i.e., hydrodynamic sizes), rather than their core sizes, while direct penetration of NPs into tissues of digestive tract seems unlikely without significant morphological changes (e.g., collapse of the epithelial tissue) caused by high toxicity of NPs or released metal ions.

Microgravity Superagglomerates Produced By Silane And Acetylene

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gokoglu, Suleyman (Technical Monitor); Bundy, Matthew; Mulholland, George W.; Manzello, Samuel; Yang, Jiann; Scott, John Henry; Sivathanu, Yudaya

2003-01-01

The size of the agglomerates produced in the upper portion of a flame is important for a variety of applications. Soot particle size and density effect the amount of radiative heat transfer from a fire to its surroundings. Particle size determines the lifetime of smoke in a building or in the atmosphere, and exposure hazard for smoke inhaled and deposited in the lungs. The visibility through a smoke layer and dectectability of the smoke are also greatly affected by agglomerate size. Currently there is limited understanding of soot growth with an overall dimension of 10 m and larger. In the case of polystyrene, smoke agglomerates in excess of 1 mm have been observed raining out from large fires. Unlike hydrocarbon fuels, silane has the advantage that silica particles are the major combustion product resulting in a particle volume fraction a factor of ten greater than that for a carbonaceous smoke. There are two very desirable properties of silica aero-gels that are important for both space and earth based applications. The first important property is its inertness to most oxidizing and reducing atmospheres. Therefore, silica aero-gels make excellent fire ablatives and can be used in very demanding applications. The second important property is that silica aero-gels are expected to have very high porosity (greater than 0.999), making them lightweight and ideal for aerospace applications. The added benefit of the high porosity is that they can be used as extremely efficient filters for many earth based applications as well. Evidence of the formation of superagglomerates in a laminar acetylene/air diffusion flame was found by Sorensen et al. [1]. An interconnecting web of super-agglomerates was observed to span the width of the soot plume in the region just above the flame tip and described as a gel state. It was observed that this gel state immediately breaks up into agglomerates as larges as 100 m due to buoyancy induced turbulence. Large soot agglomerates were observed in microgravity butane jet diffusion flames by Ito et al.[2]. Several other works to date have studied the effect of flame structure on soot volume fraction and agglomeration size in a microgravity environment.[3-4]. In microgravity the absence of buoyant convective flows increases the residence time in the flame and causes a broadening of the high temperature region in the flame. Both of these factors play a significant role in gas phase radiation and soot formation

Development of advanced fluid-bed agglomeration and cyclonic incineration for simultaneous waste disposal and energy recovery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rehmat, A.; Khinkis, M.

The Institute of Gas Technology (IGT) is currently developing a two-stage fluidized-bed/cyclonic agglomerating incineration system for waste disposal that is based on combining the fluidized-bed agglomeration/incineration and cyclonic combustion techologies. Both technologies have been developed individually at IGT over many years. This combination has resulted in a unique and extremely flexible incinerator for solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes including municipal sludges. The system can operate over a wide range of conditions in the first stage, from low temperature (desorption) to high temperature (agglomeration), including gasification of wastes. In the combined system, solid, liquid, and gaseous organic wastes are incinerated withmore » ease and great efficiency (>99.99% destruction and removal efficiency (DRE)), while solid inorganic contaminants contained within a glassy matrix are rendered benign and suitable for disposal in an ordinary landfill. The heat generated within the incinerator can be recovered using the state-of-the-art boilers. The development of the two-stage incinerator is a culmination of extensive research and development efforts on each stage of the incinerator. The variety of data obtained with solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes for both stages includes agglomeration of ash, incineration and reclamation of used blast grit and foundry sand, partial combustion of carbonaceous fuels, in-situ desulfurization, combustion of low-Btu gases, incineration of industrial wastewater, and incineration of carbon tetrachloride. 5 refs., 7 figs., 12 tabs.« less

Low-rank coal oil agglomeration product and process

DOEpatents

Knudson, Curtis L.; Timpe, Ronald C.; Potas, Todd A.; DeWall, Raymond A.; Musich, Mark A.

1992-01-01

A selectively-sized, raw, low-rank coal is processed to produce a low ash and relative water-free agglomerate with an enhanced heating value and a hardness sufficient to produce a non-decrepitating, shippable fuel. The low-rank coal is treated, under high shear conditions, in the first stage to cause ash reduction and subsequent surface modification which is necessary to facilitate agglomerate formation. In the second stage the treated low-rank coal is contacted with bridging and binding oils under low shear conditions to produce agglomerates of selected size. The bridging and binding oils may be coal or petroleum derived. The process incorporates a thermal deoiling step whereby the bridging oil may be completely or partially recovered from the agglomerate; whereas, partial recovery of the bridging oil functions to leave as an agglomerate binder, the heavy constituents of the bridging oil. The recovered oil is suitable for recycling to the agglomeration step or can serve as a value-added product.

Low-rank coal oil agglomeration product and process

DOEpatents

Knudson, C.L.; Timpe, R.C.; Potas, T.A.; DeWall, R.A.; Musich, M.A.

1992-11-10

A selectively-sized, raw, low-rank coal is processed to produce a low ash and relative water-free agglomerate with an enhanced heating value and a hardness sufficient to produce a non-degradable, shippable fuel. The low-rank coal is treated, under high shear conditions, in the first stage to cause ash reduction and subsequent surface modification which is necessary to facilitate agglomerate formation. In the second stage the treated low-rank coal is contacted with bridging and binding oils under low shear conditions to produce agglomerates of selected size. The bridging and binding oils may be coal or petroleum derived. The process incorporates a thermal deoiling step whereby the bridging oil may be completely or partially recovered from the agglomerate; whereas, partial recovery of the bridging oil functions to leave as an agglomerate binder, the heavy constituents of the bridging oil. The recovered oil is suitable for recycling to the agglomeration step or can serve as a value-added product.

High concentration agglomerate dynamics at high temperatures.

PubMed

Heine, M C; Pratsinis, S E

2006-11-21

The dynamics of agglomerate aerosols are investigated at high solids concentrations that are typical in industrial scale manufacture of fine particles (precursor mole fraction larger than 10 mol %). In particular, formation and growth of fumed silica at such concentrations by chemical reaction, coagulation, and sintering is simulated at nonisothermal conditions and compared to limited experimental data and commercial product specifications. Using recent chemical kinetics for silica formation by SiCl4 hydrolysis and neglecting aerosol polydispersity, the evolution of the diameter of primary particles (specific surface area, SSA), hard- and soft-agglomerates, along with agglomerate effective volume fraction (volume occupied by agglomerate) is investigated. Classic Smoluchowski theory is fundamentally limited for description of soft-agglomerate Brownian coagulation at high solids concentrations. In fact, these high concentrations affect little the primary particle diameter (or SSA) but dominate the soft-agglomerate diameter, structure, and volume fraction, leading to gelation consistent with experimental data. This indicates that restructuring and fragmentation should affect product particle characteristics during high-temperature synthesis of nanostructured particles at high concentrations in aerosol flow reactors.

Multifrequency scanning probe microscopy study of nanodiamond agglomerates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aravind, Vasudeva; Lippold, Stephen; Li, Qian; Strelcov, Evgheny; Okatan, Baris; Legum, Benjamin; Kalinin, Sergei; Clarion University Team; Oak Ridge National Laboratory Team

Due to their rich surface chemistry and excellent mechanical properties and non-toxic nature, nanodiamond particles have found applications such as biomedicine, tribology and lubrication, targeted drug delivery systems, tissue scaffolds and surgical implants. Although single nanodiamond particles have diameters about 4-5nm, they tend to form agglomerates. While these agglomerates can be useful for some purposes, many applications of nanodiamonds require single particle, disaggregated nanodiamonds. This work is oriented towards studying forces and interactions that contribute to agglomeration in nanodiamonds. In this work, using multifrequency scanning probe microscopy techniques, we show that agglomerate sizes can vary between 50-100nm in raw nanodiamonds. Extremeties of particles and Interfaces between agglomerates show dissipative forces with scanning probe microscope tip, indicating agglomerates could act as points of increased adhesion, thus reducing lubricating efficiency when nanodiamonds are used as lubricant additives. This research was conducted at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, which is a DOE Office of Science User Facility.

Efficient solid rocket propulsion for access to space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maggi, Filippo; Bandera, Alessio; Galfetti, Luciano; De Luca, Luigi T.; Jackson, Thomas L.

2010-06-01

Space launch activity is expected to grow in the next few years in order to follow the current trend of space exploitation for business purpose. Granting high specific thrust and volumetric specific impulse, and counting on decades of intense development, solid rocket propulsion is a good candidate for commercial access to space, even with common propellant formulations. Yet, some drawbacks such as low theoretical specific impulse, losses as well as safety issues, suggest more efficient propulsion systems, digging into the enhancement of consolidated techniques. Focusing the attention on delivered specific impulse, a consistent fraction of losses can be ascribed to the multiphase medium inside the nozzle which, in turn, is related to agglomeration; a reduction of agglomerate size is likely. The present paper proposes a model based on heterogeneity characterization capable of describing the agglomeration trend for a standard aluminized solid propellant formulation. Material microstructure is characterized through the use of two statistical descriptors (pair correlation function and near-contact particles) looking at the mean metal pocket size inside the bulk. Given the real formulation and density of a propellant, a packing code generates the material representative which is then statistically analyzed. Agglomerate predictions are successfully contrasted to experimental data at 5 bar for four different formulations.

Method for recovering light hydrocarbons from coal agglomerates

DOEpatents

Huettenhain, Horst; Benz, August D.; Getsoian, John

1991-01-01

A method and apparatus for removing light hydrocarbons, such as heptane, from coal agglomerates includes an enclosed chamber having a substantially horizontal perforate surface therein. The coal agglomerates are introduced into a water bath within the chamber. The agglomerates are advanced over the surface while steam is substantially continuously introduced through the surface into the water bath. Steam heats the water and causes volatilization of the light hydrocarbons, which may be collected from the overhead of the chamber. The resulting agglomerates may be collected at the opposite end from the surface and subjected to final draining processes prior to transportation or use.

Development of emissions inventory and identification of sources for priority control in the middle reaches of Yangtze River Urban Agglomerations.

PubMed

Sun, Xiaowei; Cheng, Shuiyuan; Lang, Jianlei; Ren, Zhenhai; Sun, Chao

2018-06-01

This paper presents the first attempt to investigate the emission source control of the Middle Reaches of Yangtze River Urban Agglomerations (MRYRUA), one of the national urban agglomerations in China. An emission inventory of the MRYRUA was developed as inputs to the CAMx model based on county-level activity data obtained by full-coverage investigation and source-based spatial surrogates. A classification technology method for priority control of atmospheric emission sources was introduced and applied in the MRYRUA for the evaluation of the emission sources control on the region-scale and city-scale, respectively. The results demonstrated that the emission sources in the Hefei-centered urban agglomerations contributed the biggest on the mean PM 2.5 concentrations of the MRYRUA and should be taken the priority to control. The emission sources in the Ma'anshan city, Xiangtan city, Hefei city and Wuhan city were the bigger contributors on the mean PM 2.5 concentrations of the MRYRUA among the cities and should be taken the priority to control. In generally, emission sources in cities along the Yangtze River and the tributary should be given the special attention for the regional air quality target attainments. This study can give an understanding of Chinese emissions and provide a valuable preference to policy makers for finding effective mitigation measures and control strategies for reducing national and regional air pollution in China. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cinematographic investigations of the explosively driven dispersion and ignition of solid particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grégoire, Y.; Sturtzer, M.-O.; Khasainov, B. A.; Veyssière, B.

2014-07-01

We present results of an experimental study of blast wave propagation and particle dispersion induced by a free-field detonation of spherical charges made of a 125 g C-4 explosive surrounded by inert or reactive particles. Visualization of the flow was performed with a high-frame-rate video camera. Background oriented Schlieren (BOS) methods were adapted to process the images that allowed the detection of the shock waves. BOS analysis also revealed that particles form agglomerates, which may generate precursor perturbations on the recorded pressure signals. While inert glass particles notably delay the shock, the combustion of aluminium particles can accelerate it, especially if they are small atomized or flaked particles. When a mixture of inert glass particles with reactive particles is dispersed, the agglomerates are formed by coalescence of both materials.

Novel Binders and Methods for Agglomeration of Ore

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

S. K. Kawatra; T. C. Eisele; K. A. Lewandowski

2006-09-30

Heap leaching is one of the methods being used to recover metal from low grade ore deposits. The main problem faced during heap leaching is the migration of fine grained particles through the heap, forming impermeable beds which result in poor solution flow. The poor solution flow leads to less contact between the leach solution and the ore, resulting in low recovery rates. Agglomeration of ore into coarse, porous masses prevents fine particles from migrating and clogging the spaces and channels between the larger ore particles. Currently, there is one facility in the United States which uses agglomeration. This operationmore » agglomerates their ore using leach solution (raffinate), but is still experiencing undesirable metal recovery from the heaps due to agglomerate breakdown. The use of a binder, in addition to the leach solution, during agglomeration would help to produce stronger agglomerates that did not break down during processing. However, there are no known binders that will work satisfactorily in the acidic environment of a heap, at a reasonable cost. As a result, operators of many facilities see a large loss of process efficiency due to their inability to take advantage of agglomeration. Increasing copper recovery in heap leaching by the use of binders and agglomeration would result in a significant decrease in the amount of energy consumed. Assuming that 70% of all the leaching heaps would convert to using agglomeration technology, as much as 1.64*10{sup 12} BTU per year would be able to be saved if a 25% increase in copper recovery was experienced, which is equivalent to saving approximately 18% of the energy currently being used in leaching heaps. For every week a leach cycle was decreased, a savings of as much as 1.23*10{sup 11} BTU per week would result. This project has identified several acid-resistant binders and agglomeration procedures. These binders and experimental procedures will be able to be used for use in improving the energy efficiency of heap leaching.« less

Fragmentation and bond strength of airborne diesel soot agglomerates

PubMed Central

Rothenbacher, Sonja; Messerer, Armin; Kasper, Gerhard

2008-01-01

Background The potential of diesel soot aerosol particles to break up into smaller units under mechanical stress was investigated by a direct impaction technique which measures the degree of fragmentation of individual agglomerates vs. impact energy. Diesel aerosol was generated by an idling diesel engine used for passenger vehicles. Both the aerosol emitted directly and aerosol that had undergone additional growth by Brownian coagulation ("aging") was investigated. Optionally a thermo-desoption technique at 280°C was used to remove all high-volatility and the majority of low-volatility HC adsorbates from the aerosol before aging. Results It was found that the primary soot agglomerates emitted directly from the engine could not be fragmented at all. Soot agglomerates permitted to grow additionally by Brownian coagulation of the primary emitted particles could be fragmented to a maximum of 75% and 60% respectively, depending on whether adsorbates were removed from their surface prior to aging or not. At most, these aged agglomerates could be broken down to roughly the size of the agglomerates from the primary emission. The energy required for a 50% fragmentation probability of all bonds within an agglomerate was reduced by roughly a factor of 2 when aging "dry" agglomerates. Average bond energies derived from the data were 0.52*10-16 and 1.2*10-16 J, respectively. This is about 2 orders of magnitude higher than estimates for pure van-der-Waals agglomerates, but agrees quite well with other observations. Conclusion Although direct conclusions regarding the behavior of inhaled diesel aerosol in contact with body fluids cannot be drawn from such measurements, the results imply that highly agglomerated soot aerosol particles are unlikely to break up into units smaller than roughly the size distribution emitted as tail pipe soot. PMID:18533015

On the Morphology of a Growing City: A Heuristic Experiment Merging Static Economics with Dynamic Geography.

PubMed

Delloye, Justin; Peeters, Dominique; Thomas, Isabelle

2015-01-01

In this paper, we aim at exploring how individual location decisions affect the shape of a growing city and, more precisely, how they may add up to a configuration that diverges from equilibrium configurations formulated ex-ante. To do so, we provide a two-sector city model merging a static equilibrium analysis with agent-based simulations. Results show that under strong agglomeration effects, urban development is monotonic and ends up with circular, monocentric long-term configurations. For low agglomeration effects however, elongated and multicentric urban configurations may emerge. The occurrence and underlying dynamics of these configurations are also discussed regarding commuting costs and the distance-decay of agglomeration economies between firms. To sum up, our paper warns urban planning policy makers against the difference that may stand between appropriate long-term perspectives, represented here by analytic equilibrium configurations, and short-term urban configurations, simulated here by a multi-agent system.

Research on the Spatial-Temporal Distribution Pattern of the Network Attention of Fog and Haze in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weng, Lingyan; Han, Xugao

2018-01-01

Understanding the spatial-temporal distribution pattern of fog and haze is the base to deal with them by adjusting measures to local conditions. Taking 31 provinces in China mainland as the research areas, this paper collected data from Baidu index on the network attention of fog and haze in relevant areas from 2011 to 2016, and conducted an analysis of their spatial-temporal distribution pattern by using autocorrelation analysis. The results show that the network attention of fog and haze has an overall spatial distribution pattern of “higher in the eastern and central, lower in the western China”. There are regional differences in different provinces in terms of network attention. Network attention of fog and haze indicates an obvious geographical agglomeration phenomenon, which is a gradual enlargement of the agglomeration area of higher value with a slight shrinking of those lower value agglomeration areas.

Investigation of light scattering as a technique for detecting discrete soot particles in a luminous flame

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The practicability of using a classical light-scattering technique, involving comparison of angular scattering intensity patterns with theoretically determined Mie and Rayleight patterns, to detect discrete soot particles (diameter less than 50 nm) in premixed propane/air and propane/oxygen-helium flames is considered. The experimental apparatus employed in this investigation included a laser light source, a flat-flame burner, specially coated optics, a cooled photomultiplier detector, and a lock-in voltmeter readout. Although large, agglomerated soot particles were detected and sized, it was not possible to detect small, discrete particles. The limiting factor appears to be background scattering by the system's optics.

Hydrothermal carbon nanosphere-based agglomerated anion exchanger for ion chromatography.

PubMed

Zhao, Qiming; Wu, Shuchao; Zhang, Kai; Lou, Chaoyan; Zhang, Peiming; Zhu, Yan

2016-10-14

This work reports the application of hydrothermal carbon nanospheres (HCNSs) as stationary phases in ion chromatography. HCNSs were facilely quaternized through polycondensation of methylamine and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether. The quaternization was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Owing to the electrostatic interaction, quaternized HCNSs were equably attached onto the surface of sulfonated polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) beads to construct the anion exchangers. The aggregation was verified by scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. Common anions, aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, polarizable anions, and aromatic acids were well separated on the stationary phases with good stability and symmetry. The prepared column was further applied to detect phosphate content in Cola drink samples. The limit of detection (S/N=3) was 0.09mg/L, and the relative standard deviation (n=10) of retention time was 0.31%. The average recovery was 99.58%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Acoustic agglomeration of fine particles based on a high intensity acoustical resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yun; Zeng, Xinwu; Tian, Zhangfu

2015-10-01

Acoustic agglomeration (AA) is considered to be a promising method for reducing the air pollution caused by fine aerosol particles. Removal efficiency and energy consuming are primary parameters and generally have a conflict with each other for the industry applications. It was proved that removal efficiency is increased with sound intensity and optimal frequency is presented for certain polydisperse aerosol. As a result, a high efficiency and low energy cost removal system was constructed using acoustical resonance. High intensity standing wave is generated by a tube system with abrupt section driven by four loudspeakers. Numerical model of the tube system was built base on the finite element method, and the resonance condition and SPL increase were confirmd. Extensive tests were carried out to investigate the acoustic field in the agglomeration chamber. Removal efficiency of fine particles was tested by the comparison of filter paper mass and particle size distribution at different operating conditions including sound pressure level (SPL), and frequency. The experimental study has demonstrated that agglomeration increases with sound pressure level. Sound pressure level in the agglomeration chamber is between 145 dB and 165 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz. The resonance frequency can be predicted with the quarter tube theory. Sound pressure level gain of more than 10 dB is gained at resonance frequency. With the help of high intensity sound waves, fine particles are reduced greatly, and the AA effect is enhanced at high SPL condition. The optimal frequency is 1.1kHz for aerosol generated by coal ash. In the resonace tube, higher resonance frequencies are not the integral multiplies of the first one. As a result, Strong nonlinearity is avoided by the dissonant characteristic and shock wave is not found in the testing results. The mechanism and testing system can be used effectively in industrial processes in the future.

Growth and form of planetary seedlings: results from a sounding rocket microgravity aggregation experiment.

PubMed

Krause, Maya; Blum, Jürgen

2004-07-09

In a second microgravity experiment on the formation of dust agglomerates by Brownian motion-induced collisions we find that the agglomerates have fractal dimensions as low as 1.4. Because of much better data, we are now able to derive the diffusion constant of the agglomerates as a function of mass, to show that a power law with an exponent of 1.7 describes the temporal evolution of the mean agglomerate mass very well and to prove that the collision cross section is proportional to the geometrical cross section. In addition to that we derived the universal mass-distribution function of the agglomerates.

Development and Application of Agglomerated Multigrid Methods for Complex Geometries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nishikawa, Hiroaki; Diskin, Boris; Thomas, James L.

2010-01-01

We report progress in the development of agglomerated multigrid techniques for fully un- structured grids in three dimensions, building upon two previous studies focused on efficiently solving a model diffusion equation. We demonstrate a robust fully-coarsened agglomerated multigrid technique for 3D complex geometries, incorporating the following key developments: consistent and stable coarse-grid discretizations, a hierarchical agglomeration scheme, and line-agglomeration/relaxation using prismatic-cell discretizations in the highly-stretched grid regions. A signi cant speed-up in computer time is demonstrated for a model diffusion problem, the Euler equations, and the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for 3D realistic complex geometries.

Communication — Modeling polymer-electrolyte fuel-cell agglomerates with double-trap kinetics

DOE PAGES

Pant, Lalit M.; Weber, Adam Z.

2017-04-14

A new semi-analytical agglomerate model is presented for polymer-electrolyte fuel-cell cathodes. The model uses double-trap kinetics for the oxygen-reduction reaction, which can capture the observed potential-dependent coverage and Tafel-slope changes. An iterative semi-analytical approach is used to obtain reaction rate constants from the double-trap kinetics, oxygen concentration at the agglomerate surface, and overall agglomerate reaction rate. The analytical method can predict reaction rates within 2% of the numerically simulated values for a wide range of oxygen concentrations, overpotentials, and agglomerate sizes, while saving simulation time compared to a fully numerical approach.

Experimental study of acoustic agglomeration and fragmentation on coal-fired ash

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Guoqing; Huang, Xiaoyu; He, Chunlong; Zhang, Shiping; An, Liansuo; Wang, Liang; Chen, Yanqiao; Li, Yongsheng

2018-02-01

As the major part of air pollution, inhalable particles, especially fine particles are doing great harm to human body due to smaller particle size and absorption of hazardous components. However, the removal efficiency of current particles filtering devices is low. Acoustic agglomeration is considered as a very effective pretreatment technique for removing particles. Fine particles collide, agglomerate and grow up in the sound field and the fine particles can be removed by conventional particles devices easily. In this paper, the agglomeration and fragmentation of 3 different kinds of particles with different size distributions are studied experimentally in the sound field. It is found that there exists an optimal frequency at 1200 Hz for different particles. The agglomeration efficiency of inhalable particles increases with SPL increasing for the unimodal particles with particle diameter less than 10 μm. For the bimodal particles, the optimal SPLs are 115 and 120 dB with the agglomeration efficiencies of 25% and 55%. A considerable effectiveness of agglomeration could only be obtained in a narrow SPL range and it decreases significantly over the range for the particles fragmentation.

Quasi-two-dimensional complex plasma containing spherical particles and their binary agglomerates.

PubMed

Chaudhuri, M; Semenov, I; Nosenko, V; Thomas, H M

2016-05-01

A unique type of quasi-two-dimensional complex plasma system was observed which consisted of monodisperse microspheres and their binary agglomerations (dimers). The particles and their dimers levitated in a plasma sheath at slightly different heights and formed two distinct sublayers. The system did not crystallize and may be characterized as a disordered solid. The dimers were identified based on their characteristic appearance in defocused images, i.e., rotating interference fringe patterns. The in-plane and interplane particle separations exhibit nonmonotonic dependence on the discharge pressure.

Influence of temperature and aging time on HA synthesized by the hydrothermal method.

PubMed

Kothapalli, C R; Wei, M; Legeros, R Z; Shaw, M T

2005-05-01

The influence of temperature and aging time on the morphology and mechanical properties of nano-sized hydroxyapatite (HA) synthesized by a hydrothermal method is reported here. The pre-mixed reactants were poured into a stirred autoclave and reacted at temperatures between 25-250 degrees C for 2-10 h. HA powders thus obtained were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and a particle size analyzer. It was found that the aspect ratio of the particles increased with the reaction temperature. The length of the HA particles increased with the reaction temperature below 170 degrees C, but it decreased when the temperature was raised above 170 degrees C. The agglomerates of HA particles were formed during synthesis, and their sizes were strongly dependent on reaction temperatures. As the reaction temperature increased, the agglomerate size decreased (p = 0.008). The density of the discs pressed from these samples reached 85-90% of the theoretical density after sintering at 1200 degrees C for 1 h. No decomposition to other calcium phosphates was detected at this sintering temperature. A correlation existed (p = 0.05) between the agglomerate sizes of HA particles synthesized at various conditions and their sintered densities. With the increase of the agglomerate size, the sintered density of the HA compact decreased. It was found that both the sintered density and flexural strength increased with increasing aging time and reaction temperature. A maximum flexural strength of 78 MPa was observed for the samples synthesized at 170 degrees C for 5 h with the predicted average at these conditions being 65 MPa. These samples attained an average sintered density of 88%.

Low-rank coal oil agglomeration

DOEpatents

Knudson, Curtis L.; Timpe, Ronald C.

1991-01-01

A low-rank coal oil agglomeration process. High mineral content, a high ash content subbituminous coals are effectively agglomerated with a bridging oil which is partially water soluble and capable of entering the pore structure, and usually coal derived.

The Magnet Cove Rutile Company mine, Hot Spring County, Arkansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kinney, Douglas M.

1949-01-01

The Magnet Cove Rutile Company mine was mapped by the U.S. Geological Survey in November 1944. The pits are on the northern edge of Magnet Cove and have been excavated in the oxidized zone of highly weathered and altered volcanic agglomerate. The agglomerate is composed of altered mafic igneous rocks in a matrix of white to gray clay, a highly altered tuff. The agglomerate appears layered and is composed of tuffaceous clay material below and igneous blocks above. The agglomerate is cut by aplite and lamprophyre dikes. Alkalic syenite dikes crop out on the ridge north of the pits. At the present stage of mine development the rutile seems to be concentrated in a narrow zone beneath the igneous blocks of the agglomerate. Rutile, associated with calcite and pyrite, occurs as disseminated acicular crystals and discontinuous vein-like masses in the altered tuff. Thin veins of rutile locally penetrate the mafic igneous blocks of the agglomerate.

A novel adsorbent obtained by inserting carbon nanotubes into cavities of diatomite and applications for organic dye elimination from contaminated water.

PubMed

Yu, Hongwen; Fugetsu, Bunshi

2010-05-15

A novel approach is described for establishing adsorbents for elimination of water-soluble organic dyes by using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the adsorptive sites. Agglomerates of MWCNTs were dispersed into individual tubes (dispersed-MWCNTs) using sodium n-dodecyl itaconate mixed with 3-(N,N-dimethylmyristylammonio)-propanesulfonate as the dispersants. The resultant dispersed-MWCNTs were inserted into cavities of diatomite to form composites of diatomite/MWCNTs. These composites were finally immobilized onto the cell walls of flexible polyurethane foams (PUF) through an in situ PUF formation process to produce the foam-like CNT-based adsorbent. Ethidium bromide, acridine orange, methylene blue, eosin B, and eosin Y were chosen to represent typical water-soluble organic dyes for studying the adsorptive capabilities of the foam-like CNT-based adsorbent. For comparisons, adsorptive experiments were also carried out by using agglomerates of the sole MWCNTs as adsorbents. The foam-like CNT-based adsorbents were found to have higher adsorptive capacities than the CNT agglomerates for all five dyes; in addition, they are macro-sized, durable, flexible, hydrophilic and easy to use. Adsorption isotherms plotted based on the Langmuir equation gave linear results, suggesting that the foam-like CNT-based adsorbent functioned in the Langmuir adsorption manner. The foam-like CNT-based adsorbents are reusable after regeneration with aqueous ethanol solution. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Composites Strengthened with Graphene Platelets and Formed in Semisolid State Based on α and α/β MgLiAl Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutkiewicz, Jan; Rogal, Łukasz; Fima, Przemyslaw; Ozga, Piotr

2018-04-01

MgLiAl base composites strengthened with graphene platelets were prepared by semisolid processing of ball-milled alloy chips with 2% of graphene platelets. Composites strengthened with graphene platelets show higher hardness and yield stress than the cast alloys, i.e., 160 MPa as compared to 90 MPa for as-cast alloy MgLi9Al1.5. Mechanical properties for MgLiAl-based composites were similar or higher than for composites based on conventional AZ91 or WE43 alloys. The strengthening however was not only due to the presence of graphene, but also phases resulting from the reaction between carbon and lithium, i.e., Li2C2 carbide. Graphene platelets were located at globules boundaries resulting from semisolid processing for all investigated composites. Graphene platelets were in agglomerates forming continuous layers at grain boundaries in the composite based on the alloy MgLi4.5Al1.5. The shape of agglomerates was more complex and wavy in the composite based on MgLi9Al1.5 alloy most probably due to lithium-graphene reaction. Electron diffraction from the two-phase region α + β in MgLi9Al1.5 indicated that [001]α and [110]β directions are rotated about 4° from the ideal relationship [001] hex || [110] bcc phases. It showed higher lattice rotation than in earlier studies what is most probably caused by lattice slip and rotation during semisolid pressing causing substantial deformation particularly within the β phase. Raman spectroscopy studies confirmed the presence of graphene platelets within agglomerates and in addition the presence mainly of Li2C2 carbides in composites based on MgLi4.5Al1.5 and Mg9Li1.5Al alloys. From the character of Raman spectra refinement of graphene platelets was found in comparison with their initial size. The graphene areas without carbides contain graphene nanoplatelets with lateral dimension close to initial graphene sample. Electron diffraction allowed to confirm the presence of Li2C2 carbide at the surface of agglomerates found from Raman spectroscopy results.

Composites Strengthened with Graphene Platelets and Formed in Semisolid State Based on α and α/β MgLiAl Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutkiewicz, Jan; Rogal, Łukasz; Fima, Przemyslaw; Ozga, Piotr

2018-05-01

MgLiAl base composites strengthened with graphene platelets were prepared by semisolid processing of ball-milled alloy chips with 2% of graphene platelets. Composites strengthened with graphene platelets show higher hardness and yield stress than the cast alloys, i.e., 160 MPa as compared to 90 MPa for as-cast alloy MgLi9Al1.5. Mechanical properties for MgLiAl-based composites were similar or higher than for composites based on conventional AZ91 or WE43 alloys. The strengthening however was not only due to the presence of graphene, but also phases resulting from the reaction between carbon and lithium, i.e., Li2C2 carbide. Graphene platelets were located at globules boundaries resulting from semisolid processing for all investigated composites. Graphene platelets were in agglomerates forming continuous layers at grain boundaries in the composite based on the alloy MgLi4.5Al1.5. The shape of agglomerates was more complex and wavy in the composite based on MgLi9Al1.5 alloy most probably due to lithium-graphene reaction. Electron diffraction from the two-phase region α + β in MgLi9Al1.5 indicated that [001]α and [110]β directions are rotated about 4° from the ideal relationship [001] hex || [110] bcc phases. It showed higher lattice rotation than in earlier studies what is most probably caused by lattice slip and rotation during semisolid pressing causing substantial deformation particularly within the β phase. Raman spectroscopy studies confirmed the presence of graphene platelets within agglomerates and in addition the presence mainly of Li2C2 carbides in composites based on MgLi4.5Al1.5 and Mg9Li1.5Al alloys. From the character of Raman spectra refinement of graphene platelets was found in comparison with their initial size. The graphene areas without carbides contain graphene nanoplatelets with lateral dimension close to initial graphene sample. Electron diffraction allowed to confirm the presence of Li2C2 carbide at the surface of agglomerates found from Raman spectroscopy results.

Composite propellant combustion with low aluminum agglomeration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mullen, Jessica Christine

Aluminum behavior---accumulation, agglomeration and ignition---is studied in a unique, wide-distribution, ammonium perchlorate/hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (AP/HTPB) propellant formulation that results in low Al agglomeration, even at low pressures (1--30 atm). Variations in formulation---such as fine-AP/binder ratio, Al particle size, Al loading, coarse-AP size---are also examined. A fuel-rich, oxygenated binder matrix highly loaded with fine (2-mum) AP (FAP) at 75/25:FAP/binder (by mass) is found to have premixed flame conditions that produce minimal agglomeration (without ignition) of 15-mum Al. Coarse AP (CAP) is added to the system in the form of either particles (200 or 400 mum) or pressed-AP laminates (simulated CAP). In the 2-D laminate system the CAP/oxyfuel-matrix flame structure is seen to be similar to that previously described for non-aluminized laminates with split (diffusion) and merged (partially-premixed) flame regimes, depending on pressure and fuel-matrix thickness. Both laminate and particulate systems show that with CAP present, Al can agglomerate more extensively on CAP via lateral surface migration from fuel matrix to the CAP region. The particulate CAP system also shows that Al can accumulate/agglomerate via settling on CAP from above (in the direction of burning). Both systems, but more clearly the 2-D laminates, show that with CAP present, Al is ignited by the outer CAP/fuel-matrix canopy flames. Thus, a propellant formulation is proposed for reducing overall Al agglomeration through intrinsically reduced agglomeration in the fuel-matrix and a reduced number of CAP-particle agglomerates via higher FAP/CAP ratio.

Low-rank coal oil agglomeration

DOEpatents

Knudson, C.L.; Timpe, R.C.

1991-07-16

A low-rank coal oil agglomeration process is described. High mineral content, a high ash content subbituminous coals are effectively agglomerated with a bridging oil which is partially water soluble and capable of entering the pore structure, and is usually coal-derived.

Modeling of particle agglomeration in nanofluids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Krishna, K. Hari; Neti, S.; Oztekin, A.

2015-03-07

Agglomeration strongly influences the stability or shelf life of nanofluid. The present computational and experimental study investigates the rate of agglomeration quantitatively. Agglomeration in nanofluids is attributed to the net effect of various inter-particle interaction forces. For the nanofluid considered here, a net inter-particle force depends on the particle size, volume fraction, pH, and electrolyte concentration. A solution of the discretized and coupled population balance equations can yield particle sizes as a function of time. Nanofluid prepared here consists of alumina nanoparticles with the average particle size of 150 nm dispersed in de-ionized water. As the pH of the colloid wasmore » moved towards the isoelectric point of alumina nanofluids, the rate of increase of average particle size increased with time due to lower net positive charge on particles. The rate at which the average particle size is increased is predicted and measured for different electrolyte concentration and volume fraction. The higher rate of agglomeration is attributed to the decrease in the electrostatic double layer repulsion forces. The rate of agglomeration decreases due to increase in the size of nano-particle clusters thus approaching zero rate of agglomeration when all the clusters are nearly uniform in size. Predicted rates of agglomeration agree adequate enough with the measured values; validating the mathematical model and numerical approach is employed.« less

Spatial Linkage and Urban Expansion: AN Urban Agglomeration View

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, L. M.; Tang, X.; Liu, X. P.

2017-09-01

Urban expansion displays different characteristics in each period. From the perspective of the urban agglomeration, studying the spatial and temporal characteristics of urban expansion plays an important role in understanding the complex relationship between urban expansion and network structure of urban agglomeration. We analyze urban expansion in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration (YRD) through accessibility to and spatial interaction intensity from core cities as well as accessibility of road network. Results show that: (1) Correlation between urban expansion intensity and spatial indicators such as location and space syntax variables is remarkable and positive, while it decreases after rapid expansion. (2) Urban expansion velocity displays a positive correlation with spatial indicators mentioned above in the first (1980-1990) and second (1990-2000) period. However, it exhibits a negative relationship in the third period (2000-2010), i.e., cities located in the periphery of urban agglomeration developing more quickly. Consequently, the hypothesis of convergence of urban expansion in rapid expansion stage is put forward. (3) Results of Zipf's law and Gibrat's law show urban expansion in YRD displays a convergent trend in rapid expansion stage, small and medium-sized cities growing faster. This study shows that spatial linkage plays an important but evolving role in urban expansion within the urban agglomeration. In addition, it serves as a reference to the planning of Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration and regulation of urban expansion of other urban agglomerations.

Kinetics of Polymer-Fullerene Phase Separation during Solvent Annealing Studied by Table-Top X-ray Scattering.

PubMed

Vegso, Karol; Siffalovic, Peter; Jergel, Matej; Nadazdy, Peter; Nadazdy, Vojtech; Majkova, Eva

2017-03-08

Solvent annealing is an efficient way of phase separation in polymer-fullerene blends to optimize bulk heterojunction morphology of active layer in polymer solar cells. To track the process in real time across all relevant stages of solvent evaporation, laboratory-based in situ small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements were applied simultaneously to a model P3HT:PCBM blend dissolved in dichlorobenzene. The PCBM molecule agglomeration starts at ∼7 wt % concentration of solid content of the blend in solvent. Although PCBM agglomeration is slowed-down at ∼10 wt % of solid content, the rate constant of phase separation is not changed, suggesting agglomeration and reordering of P3HT molecular chains. Having the longest duration, this stage most affects BHJ morphology. Phase separation is accelerated rapidly at concentration of ∼25 wt %, having the same rate constant as the growth of P3HT crystals. P3HT crystallization is driving force for phase separation at final stages before a complete solvent evaporation, having no visible temporal overlap with PCBM agglomeration. For the first time, such a study was done in laboratory demonstrating potential of the latest generation table-top high-brilliance X-ray source as a viable alternative before more sophisticated X-ray scattering experiments at synchrotron facilities are performed.

Comments on an Analytical Thermal Agglomeration for Problems with Surface Growth

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hodge, N. E.

2017-03-22

Up until Dec 2016, the thermal agglomeration was very heuristic, and as such, difficult to define. The lack of predictability became problematic, and the current notes represent the first real attempt to systematize the specification of the agglomerated process parameters.

Molecular dynamics simulations of the effect of waviness and agglomeration of CNTs on interface strength of thermoset nanocomposites.

PubMed

Alian, A R; Meguid, S A

2017-02-08

Most existing molecular dynamics simulations in nanoreinforced composites assume carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to be straight and uniformly dispersed within thermoplastics. In reality, however, CNTs are typically curved, agglomerated and aggregated as a result of van der Waal interactions and electrostatic forces. In this paper, we account for both curvature and agglomeration of CNTs in extensive molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. The purpose of these simulations is to evaluate the influence of waviness and agglomeration of these curved and agglomerated CNTs on the interfacial strength of thermoset nanocomposite and upon their load transfer capability. Two aspects of the work were accordingly examined. In the first, realistic carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of the same length but varied curvatures were embedded in thermoset polymer composites and simulations of pull-out tests were conducted to evaluate the corresponding interfacial shear strength (ISS). In the second, the effect of the agglomerate size upon the ISS was determined using bundles of CNTs of different diameters. The results of our MD simulations revealed the following. The pull-out force of the curved CNTs is significantly higher than its straight counterpart and increases further with the increase in the waviness of the CNTs. This is attributed to the added pull-out energy dissipated in straightening the CNTs during the pull-out process. It also reveals that agglomeration of CNTs leads to a reduction in the ISS and poor load transferability, and that this reduction is governed by the size of the agglomerate. The simulation results were also used to develop a generalized relation for the ISS that takes into consideration the effect of waviness and agglomeration of CNTs of CNT-polymer composites.

Successfully use agglomeration for size enlargement

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pietsch, W.

1996-04-01

The processing of fine and ultrafine particles by size enlargement finds an ever increasing application. At the same time, undesirable agglomeration such as buildup, caking, bridging, and uncontrolled aggregation of fine particles can occur during processing and handling of these particulate solids. This article will provide a survey of the phenomena of agglomeration and discuss the unit operation of size enlargement by agglomeration. This article is also an invitation, particularly to young engineers, to become interested in agglomeration. Considering that mechanical process technologies are requiring more energy every year than any other group of consumers and efficiencies are typically inmore » the single digits or teens at best, considerable rewards can be expected from the development of scientifically modified, more energy-efficient methods and equipment.« less

A MODEL FOR FINE PARTICLE AGGLOMERATION IN CIRCULATING FLUIDIZED BED ABSORBERS

EPA Science Inventory

A model for fine particle agglomeration in circulating fluidized bed absorbers (CFBAS) has been developed. It can model the influence of different factors on agglomeration, such as the geometry of CFBAs, superficial gas velocity, initial particle size distribution, and type of ag...

Nanoparticle agglomeration in an evaporating levitated droplet for different acoustic amplitudes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tijerino, Erick; Basu, Saptarshi; Kumar, Ranganathan

2013-01-01

Radiatively heated levitated functional droplets with nanosilica suspensions exhibit three distinct stages namely pure evaporation, agglomeration, and finally structure formation. The temporal history of the droplet surface temperature shows two inflection points. One inflection point corresponds to a local maximum and demarcates the end of transient heating of the droplet and domination of vaporization. The second inflection point is a local minimum and indicates slowing down of the evaporation rate due to surface accumulation of nanoparticles. Morphology and final precipitation structures of levitated droplets are due to competing mechanisms of particle agglomeration, evaporation, and shape deformation. In this work, we provide a detailed analysis for each process and propose two important timescales for evaporation and agglomeration that determine the final diameter of the structure formed. It is seen that both agglomeration and evaporation timescales are similar functions of acoustic amplitude (sound pressure level), droplet size, viscosity, and density. However, we show that while the agglomeration timescale decreases with initial particle concentration, the evaporation timescale shows the opposite trend. The final normalized diameter can be shown to be dependent solely on the ratio of agglomeration to evaporation timescales for all concentrations and acoustic amplitudes. The structures also exhibit various aspect ratios (bowls, rings, spheroids) which depend on the ratio of the deformation timescale (tdef) and the agglomeration timescale (tg). For tdef

Novel Binders and Methods for Agglomeration of Ore

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

S. K. Kawatra; T. C. Eisele; K. A. Lewandowski

2006-03-31

Many metal extraction operations, such as leaching of copper, leaching of precious metals, and reduction of metal oxides to metal in high-temperature furnaces, require agglomeration of ore to ensure that reactive liquids or gases are evenly distributed throughout the ore being processed. Agglomeration of ore into coarse, porous masses achieves this even distribution of fluids by preventing fine particles from migrating and clogging the spaces and channels between the larger ore particles. Binders are critically necessary to produce agglomerates that will not break down during processing. However, for many important metal extraction processes there are no binders known that willmore » work satisfactorily at a reasonable cost. A primary example of this is copper heap leaching, where there are no binders currently encountered in this acidic environment process. As a result, operators of many facilities see a large loss of process efficiency due to their inability to take advantage of agglomeration. The large quantities of ore that must be handled in metal extraction processes also means that the binder must be inexpensive and useful at low dosages to be economical. The acid-resistant binders and agglomeration procedures developed in this project will also be adapted for use in improving the energy efficiency and performance of a broad range of mineral agglomeration applications, particularly heap leaching. The active involvement of our industrial partners will help to ensure rapid commercialization of any agglomeration technologies developed by this project.« less

Novel Binders and Methods for Agglomeration of Ore

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

S. K. Kawatra; T. C. Eisele; J. A. Gurtler

2005-09-30

Many metal extraction operations, such as leaching of copper, leaching of precious metals, and reduction of metal oxides to metal in high-temperature furnaces, require agglomeration of ore to ensure that reactive liquids or gases are evenly distributed throughout the ore being processed. Agglomeration of ore into coarse, porous masses achieves this even distribution of fluids by preventing fine particles from migrating and clogging the spaces and channels between the larger ore particles. Binders are critically necessary to produce agglomerates that will not break down during processing. However, for many important metal extraction processes there are no binders known that willmore » work satisfactorily at a reasonable cost. A primary example of this is copper heap leaching, where there are no binders currently encountered in this acidic environment process. As a result, operators of many facilities see a large loss of process efficiency due to their inability to take advantage of agglomeration. The large quantities of ore that must be handled in metal extraction processes also means that the binder must be inexpensive and useful at low dosages to be economical. The acid-resistant binders and agglomeration procedures developed in this project will also be adapted for use in improving the energy efficiency and performance of a broad range of mineral agglomeration applications, particularly heap leaching. The active involvement of our industrial partners will help to ensure rapid commercialization of any agglomeration technologies developed by this project.« less

Monitoring of Batch Industrial Crystallization with Growth, Nucleation, and Agglomeration. Part 1: Modeling with Method of Characteristics.

PubMed

Porru, Marcella; Özkan, Leyla

2017-05-24

This paper develops a new simulation model for crystal size distribution dynamics in industrial batch crystallization. The work is motivated by the necessity of accurate prediction models for online monitoring purposes. The proposed numerical scheme is able to handle growth, nucleation, and agglomeration kinetics by means of the population balance equation and the method of characteristics. The former offers a detailed description of the solid phase evolution, while the latter provides an accurate and efficient numerical solution. In particular, the accuracy of the prediction of the agglomeration kinetics, which cannot be ignored in industrial crystallization, has been assessed by comparing it with solutions in the literature. The efficiency of the solution has been tested on a simulation of a seeded flash cooling batch process. Since the proposed numerical scheme can accurately simulate the system behavior more than hundred times faster than the batch duration, it is suitable for online applications such as process monitoring tools based on state estimators.

Consolidation of Partially Stabilized ZrO2 in the Presence of a Noncontacting Electric Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majidi, Hasti; van Benthem, Klaus

2015-05-01

Electric field-assisted sintering techniques demonstrate accelerated densification at lower temperatures than the conventional sintering methods. However, it is still debated whether the applied field and/or resulting currents are responsible for the densification enhancement. To distinguish the effects of an applied field from current flow, in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy experiments with soft agglomerates of partially stabilized yttria-doped zirconia particles are carried out. A new microelectromechanical system-based sample support is used to heat particle agglomerates while simultaneously exposing them to an externally applied noncontacting electric field. Under isothermal condition at 900 °C , an electric field strength of 500 V /cm shows a sudden threefold enhancement in the shrinkage of the agglomerates. The applied electrostatic potential lowers the activation energy for point defect formation within the space charge zone and therefore promotes consolidation. Obtaining similar magnitudes of shrinkage in the absence of any electric field requires a higher temperature and longer time.

Monitoring of Batch Industrial Crystallization with Growth, Nucleation, and Agglomeration. Part 1: Modeling with Method of Characteristics

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

This paper develops a new simulation model for crystal size distribution dynamics in industrial batch crystallization. The work is motivated by the necessity of accurate prediction models for online monitoring purposes. The proposed numerical scheme is able to handle growth, nucleation, and agglomeration kinetics by means of the population balance equation and the method of characteristics. The former offers a detailed description of the solid phase evolution, while the latter provides an accurate and efficient numerical solution. In particular, the accuracy of the prediction of the agglomeration kinetics, which cannot be ignored in industrial crystallization, has been assessed by comparing it with solutions in the literature. The efficiency of the solution has been tested on a simulation of a seeded flash cooling batch process. Since the proposed numerical scheme can accurately simulate the system behavior more than hundred times faster than the batch duration, it is suitable for online applications such as process monitoring tools based on state estimators. PMID:28603342

Weakly-agglomerated nanocrystalline (ZrO 2) 0.9(Yb 2O 3) 0.1 powders hydrothermally synthesized at low temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dell'Agli, Gianfranco; Mascolo, Giuseppe; Mascolo, Maria Cristina; Pagliuca, Concetta

2006-09-01

Nanocrystalline ytterbia (10 mol%)-doped cubic zirconia powders were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of either an amorphous co-precipitate of hydrated ytterbia-zirconia or of zirconia xerogel in mixture with crystalline Yb 2O 3. The treatments were performed at 110 °C in the presence of diluted (0.2 M) or concentrated (2.0 M) solution of (K 2CO 3 + KOH) mineralizer and for different reaction times. The reaction times for the full crystallization of cubic-YbSZ-based products were determined for both the employed precursors and for each mineralizer solution. The various fully crystallized products were characterized in their degree of agglomeration and sintered at 1500 °C for 2 h. The best performance on sintering was achieved with the less agglomerated powder synthesized from the mechanical mixture and in the presence of the diluted solution of the mineralizer. The resulting density was the highest achieved with materials having the same composition.

On the Morphology of a Growing City: A Heuristic Experiment Merging Static Economics with Dynamic Geography

PubMed Central

Delloye, Justin; Peeters, Dominique; Thomas, Isabelle

2015-01-01

In this paper, we aim at exploring how individual location decisions affect the shape of a growing city and, more precisely, how they may add up to a configuration that diverges from equilibrium configurations formulated ex-ante. To do so, we provide a two-sector city model merging a static equilibrium analysis with agent-based simulations. Results show that under strong agglomeration effects, urban development is monotonic and ends up with circular, monocentric long-term configurations. For low agglomeration effects however, elongated and multicentric urban configurations may emerge. The occurrence and underlying dynamics of these configurations are also discussed regarding commuting costs and the distance-decay of agglomeration economies between firms. To sum up, our paper warns urban planning policy makers against the difference that may stand between appropriate long-term perspectives, represented here by analytic equilibrium configurations, and short-term urban configurations, simulated here by a multi-agent system. PMID:26308858

Rock geochemistry in the Mahd adh Dhahab district, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Worl, R.G.; Doebrich, J.L.; Allen, M.S.; Afifi, A.M.; Ebens, R.J.

1987-01-01

Anomalous values of gold, silver, lead, and to a lesser extent copper and zinc in surface rock samples clearly delineated the northern mineralized zone in the upper agglomerate, and an east-vein area and west-vein area of the southern mineralized zone in the lower agglomerate. A third geochemically anomalous area occurs farther to the west in the lower agglomerate, suggesting that mineralization may have extended at least to this area along the lower agglomerate-lower tuff contact, and possibly even further to the west.

Centrifugal air-assisted melt agglomeration for fast-release "granulet" design.

PubMed

Wong, Tin Wui; Musa, Nafisah

2012-07-01

Conventional melt pelletization and granulation processes produce round and dense, and irregularly shaped but porous agglomerates respectively. This study aimed to design centrifugal air-assisted melt agglomeration technology for manufacture of spherical and yet porous "granulets" for ease of downstream manufacturing and enhancing drug release. A bladeless agglomerator, which utilized shear-free air stream to mass the powder mixture of lactose filler, polyethylene glycol binder and poorly water-soluble tolbutamide drug into "granulets", was developed. The inclination angle and number of vane, air-impermeable surface area of air guide, processing temperature, binder content and molecular weight were investigated with reference to "granulet" size, shape, texture and drug release properties. Unlike fluid-bed melt agglomeration with vertical processing air flow, the air stream in the present technology moved centrifugally to roll the processing mass into spherical but porous "granulets" with a drug release propensity higher than physical powder mixture, unprocessed drug and dense pellets prepared using high shear mixer. The fast-release attribute of "granulets" was ascribed to porous matrix formed with a high level of polyethylene glycol as solubilizer. The agglomeration and drug release outcomes of centrifugal air-assisted technology are unmet by the existing high shear and fluid-bed melt agglomeration techniques. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Light scattering by low-density agglomerates of micron-sized grains with the PROGRA2 experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadamcik, E.; Renard, J.-B.; Lasue, J.; Levasseur-Regourd, A. C.; Blum, J.; Schraepler, R.

2007-07-01

This work was carried out with the PROGRA2 experiment, specifically developed to measure the angular dependence of the polarization of light scattered by dust particles. The samples are small agglomerates of micron-sized grains and huge, low number density agglomerates of the same grains. The constituent grains (spherical or irregularly shaped) are made of different non-absorbing and absorbing materials. The small agglomerates, in a size range of a few microns, are lifted by an air draught. The huge centimeter-sized agglomerates, produced by random ballistic deposition of the grains, are deposited on a flat surface. The phase curves obtained for monodisperse, micron-sized spheres in agglomerates are obviously not comparable to the ‘smooth’ phase curves obtained by remote observations of cometary dust or asteroidal regoliths but they are used for comparison with numerical calculations to a better understanding of the light scattering processes. The phase curves obtained for irregular grains in agglomerates are similar to those obtained by remote observations, with a negative branch at phase angles smaller than 20° and a maximum polarization decreasing with increasing albedo. These results, coupled with remote observations in the solar system, should provide a better understanding of the physical properties of solid particles and their variation in cometary comae and asteroidal regoliths.

Characterization of Propylene Glycol-Mitigated Freeze/Thaw Agglomeration of a Frozen Liquid nOMV Vaccine Formulation by Static Light Scattering and Micro-Flow Imaging.

PubMed

Mensch, Christopher D; Davis, Harrison B; Blue, Jeffrey T

2015-01-01

The purpose of this work was to investigate the susceptibility of an aluminum adjuvant and an aluminum-adjuvanted native outer membrane vesicle (nOMV) vaccine formulation to freeze/thaw-induced agglomeration using static light scattering and micro-flow Imaging analysis; and to evaluate the use of propylene glycol as a vaccine formulation excipient by which freeze/thaw-induced agglomeration of a nOMV vaccine formulation could be mitigated. Our results indicate that including 7% v/v propylene glycol in an nOMV containing aluminum adjuvanted vaccine formulation, mitigates freeze/thaw-induced agglomeration. We evaluated the effect of freeze-thawing on an aluminum adjuvant and an aluminum adjuvanted native outer membrane vesicle (nOMV) vaccine formulation. Specifically, we characterized the freeze/thaw-induced agglomeration through the use of static light scattering, micro-flow imaging, and cryo-electron microscopy analysis. Further, we evaluated the use of 0-9% v/v propylene glycol as an excipient which could be included in the formulation for the purpose of mitigating the agglomeration induced by freeze/thaw. The results indicate that using 7% v/v propylene glycol as a formulation excipient is effective at mitigating agglomeration of the nOMV vaccine formulation, otherwise induced by freeze-thawing. © PDA, Inc. 2015.

NOVEL BINDERS AND METHODS FOR AGGLOMERATION OF ORE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

S.K. Kawatra; T.C. Eisele; J.A. Gurtler

2005-04-01

Many metal extraction operations, such as leaching of copper, leaching of precious metals, and reduction of metal oxides to metal in high-temperature furnaces, require agglomeration of ore to ensure that reactive liquids or gases are evenly distributed throughout the ore being processed. Agglomeration of ore into coarse, porous masses achieves this even distribution of fluids by preventing fine particles from migrating and clogging the spaces and channels between the larger ore particles. Binders are critically necessary to produce agglomerates that will not breakdown during processing. However, for many important metal extraction processes there are no binders known that will workmore » satisfactorily. Primary examples of this are copper heap leaching, where there are no binders that will work in the acidic environment encountered in this process. As a result, operators of many facilities see large loss of process efficiency due to their inability to take advantage of agglomeration. The large quantities of ore that must be handled in metal extraction processes also means that the binder must be inexpensive and useful at low dosages to be economical. The acid-resistant binders and agglomeration procedures developed in this project will also be adapted for use in improving the energy efficiency and performance of a broad range of mineral agglomeration applications, particularly heap leaching.« less

Novel Binders and Methods for Agglomeration of Ore

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

S. K. Kawatra; T. C. Eisele; J. A. Gurtler

2004-03-31

Many metal extraction operations, such as leaching of copper, leaching of precious metals, and reduction of metal oxides to metal in high-temperature furnaces, require agglomeration of ore to ensure that reactive liquids or gases are evenly distributed throughout the ore being processed. Agglomeration of ore into coarse, porous masses achieves this even distribution of fluids by preventing fine particles from migrating and clogging the spaces and channels between the larger ore particles. Binders are critically necessary to produce agglomerates that will not break down during processing. However, for many important metal extraction processes there are no binders known that willmore » work satisfactorily. A primary example of this is copper heap leaching, where there are no binders that will work in the acidic environment encountered in this process. As a result, operators of acidic heap-leach facilities see a large loss of process efficiency due to their inability to take advantage of agglomeration. The large quantities of ore that must be handled in metal extraction processes also means that the binder must be inexpensive and useful at low dosages to be economical. The acid-resistant binders and agglomeration procedures developed in this project will also be adapted for use in improving the energy efficiency and performance of other agglomeration applications, particularly advanced primary ironmaking.« less

Structural, chemical and optical properties of SnO2 NPs obtained by three different synthesis routes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drzymała, Elżbieta; Gruzeł, Grzegorz; Depciuch, Joanna; Budziak, Andrzej; Kowal, Andrzej; Parlinska-Wojtan, Magdalena

2017-08-01

Polyol (P), chemical precipitation (C) and microwave-assisted (M) syntheses were chosen to produce SnO2 nanoparticles with uniform size and minimum agglomeration. Their structural, chemical and optical properties were investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), Raman, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) using the Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) technique and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopies. STEM observations showed that the SnO2(P) and SnO2(C) nanoparticles (NPs) are combined into larger agglomerates with heterogeneous thickness, while the microwave-assisted NPs form a uniform thin layer across the TEM grid. The strongest agglomeration of the SnO2(C) NPs, observed by DLS, STEM and UV-Vis is explained by the very moderate amount of water present on the surface of the NPs identified by FTIR spectroscopy. High resolution STEM combined with SAED and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the crystalline character of the NPs. In the nanoparticles from polyol synthesis, chlorine from the remains of metal precursors during reduction was detected by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), contrary to the NPs obtained by the chemical precipitation and microwave-assisted methods. All three syntheses routes lead to small, 2-10 nm SnO2 NPs, which were the result of the low concentration of Cl ions in the solutions.

Effect of the solvent on the size of clay nanoparticles in solution as determined using an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy methodology.

PubMed

Alin, Jonas; Rubino, Maria; Auras, Rafael

2015-06-01

Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy methodology was developed and utilized for the in situ nanoscale measurement of the size of mineral clay agglomerates in various liquid suspensions. The clays studied were organomodified and unmodified montmorillonite clays (I.44p, Cloisite 93a, and PGN). The methodology was compared and validated against dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The method was able to measure clay agglomerates in solvents in situations where DLS analysis was unsuccessful due to the shapes, polydispersity, and high aspect ratios of the clay particles and the complexity of the aggregates, or dispersion medium. The measured clay agglomerates in suspension were found to be in the nanometer range in the more compatible solvents, and their sizes correlated with the Hansen solubility parameter space distance between the clay modifiers and the solvents. Mass detection limits for size determination were in the range from 1 to 9 mg/L. The methodology thus provides simple, rapid, and inexpensive characterization of clays or particles in the nano- or microsize range in low concentrations in various liquid media, including complex mixtures or highly viscous fluids that are difficult to analyze with DLS. In addition, by combining UV-VIS spectroscopy with DLS it was possible to discern flocculation behavior in liquids, which otherwise could result in false size measurements by DLS alone.

Observational Data Analysis and Numerical Model Assessment of the Seafloor Interaction and Mobility of Sand and Weathered Oil Agglomerates (Surface Residual Balls) in the Surf Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalyander, S.; Long, J.; Plant, N. G.; Penko, A.; Calantoni, J.; Thompson, D.; Mclaughlin, M. K.

2014-12-01

When weathered oil is transported ashore, such as during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, it can mix with suspended sediment in the surf zone to create heavier-than-water sand and oil agglomerates in the form of mats several centimeters thick and tens of meters long. Broken off pieces of these mats and smaller agglomerates formed in situ (called Surface Residual Balls, SRBs) can cause beach re-oiling months to years after the initial spill. The physical dynamics of these SRBs in the nearshore, where they are larger (cm-scale) and less dense than natural sediment, are poorly understood. In the current study, SRB mobility and seafloor interaction is investigated through a combination of laboratory and field experiments with pseudo-SRBs developed to be physically stable proxies for genuine agglomerates. Formulations for mobility prediction based on comparing estimated shear stress to the critical Shields and modified Shields parameters developed for mixed sediment beds are assessed against observations. Processes such as burial, exhumation, and interaction with bedforms (e.g., migrating ripples) are also explored. The observations suggest that incipient motion estimates based on a modified Shields parameter have some skill in predicting SRB movement, but that other forcing mechanisms such as pressure gradients may be important under some conditions. Additionally, burial and exhumation due to the relatively high mobility of sand grains are confirmed as key processes controlling SRB dynamics in the surf zone. This work has broad implications for understanding surf zone sediment transport at the short timescale associated with mobilizing sand grains and SRBs as well as at the longer timescales associated with net transport patterns, sediment budgets, and bed elevation changes.

Programmed temperature gasification study. Final report, October 1, 1979-November 30, 1980

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Spoon, M.J.; Gardner, M.P.; Starkovich, J.A.

An experimental, modeling and conceptual engineering analysis study has been performed to assess the feasibility of TRW's Programmed Temperature Gasification (PTG) concept for carbonizing caking coals without severe agglomeration. The concept involves control of carbonizing heating rate to maintain metaplast concentration at a level equal to or slightly below that which causes agglomeration. The experimental studies required the contruction of a novel programmed temperature, elevated pressure, hot stage video microscope for observation of coal particle changes during heating. This system was used to develop a minimum-time heating schedule capable of carbonizing the coal at elevated pressures in the presence ofmore » hydrogen without severe agglomeration. Isothermal fixed heating rate data for a series of coals were subsequently used to calibrate and verify the mathematical model for the PTG process. These results showed good correlation between experimental data and mathematical predictions. Commercial application of the PTG concept to batch, moving bed and fluid bed processing schemes was then evaluated. Based on the calibrated model programmed temperature gasification of the coal without severe agglomeration could be carried out on a commercial batch reaction in 4 to 12 minutes. The next step in development of the PTG concept for commercial application would require testing on a bench scale (3-inch diameter) gasifier coupled with a full commercial assessment to determine size and cost of various gasification units.« less

A Critical Study of Agglomerated Multigrid Methods for Diffusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nishikawa, Hiroaki; Diskin, Boris; Thomas, James L.

2011-01-01

Agglomerated multigrid techniques used in unstructured-grid methods are studied critically for a model problem representative of laminar diffusion in the incompressible limit. The studied target-grid discretizations and discretizations used on agglomerated grids are typical of current node-centered formulations. Agglomerated multigrid convergence rates are presented using a range of two- and three-dimensional randomly perturbed unstructured grids for simple geometries with isotropic and stretched grids. Two agglomeration techniques are used within an overall topology-preserving agglomeration framework. The results show that multigrid with an inconsistent coarse-grid scheme using only the edge terms (also referred to in the literature as a thin-layer formulation) provides considerable speedup over single-grid methods but its convergence deteriorates on finer grids. Multigrid with a Galerkin coarse-grid discretization using piecewise-constant prolongation and a heuristic correction factor is slower and also grid-dependent. In contrast, grid-independent convergence rates are demonstrated for multigrid with consistent coarse-grid discretizations. Convergence rates of multigrid cycles are verified with quantitative analysis methods in which parts of the two-grid cycle are replaced by their idealized counterparts.

A Critical Study of Agglomerated Multigrid Methods for Diffusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, James L.; Nishikawa, Hiroaki; Diskin, Boris

2009-01-01

Agglomerated multigrid techniques used in unstructured-grid methods are studied critically for a model problem representative of laminar diffusion in the incompressible limit. The studied target-grid discretizations and discretizations used on agglomerated grids are typical of current node-centered formulations. Agglomerated multigrid convergence rates are presented using a range of two- and three-dimensional randomly perturbed unstructured grids for simple geometries with isotropic and highly stretched grids. Two agglomeration techniques are used within an overall topology-preserving agglomeration framework. The results show that multigrid with an inconsistent coarse-grid scheme using only the edge terms (also referred to in the literature as a thin-layer formulation) provides considerable speedup over single-grid methods but its convergence deteriorates on finer grids. Multigrid with a Galerkin coarse-grid discretization using piecewise-constant prolongation and a heuristic correction factor is slower and also grid-dependent. In contrast, grid-independent convergence rates are demonstrated for multigrid with consistent coarse-grid discretizations. Actual cycle results are verified using quantitative analysis methods in which parts of the cycle are replaced by their idealized counterparts.

Dynamic forces on agglomerated particles caused by high-intensity ultrasound.

PubMed

Knoop, Claas; Fritsching, Udo

2014-03-01

In this paper the acoustic forces on particles and agglomerates caused by high-intensity ultrasound in gaseous atmosphere are derived by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Sound induced forces cause an oscillating stress scenario where the primary particles of an agglomerate are alternatingly pressed together and torn apart with the frequency of the applied wave. A comparison of the calculated acoustic forces with respect to the inter particle adhesion forces from Van-der-Waals and liquid bridge interactions reveals that the separation forces may reach the same order of magnitude for 80 μm sized SiO2-particles. Hence, with finite probability acoustically agitated gases may de-agglomerate/disperse solid agglomerate structures. This effect is confirmed by dispersion experiments in an acoustic particle levitation setup. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detecting reciprocity at a global scale

PubMed Central

Frank, Morgan R.; Obradovich, Nick; Sun, Lijun; Woon, Wei Lee; LeVeck, Brad L.; Rahwan, Iyad

2018-01-01

Reciprocity stabilizes cooperation from the level of microbes all the way up to humans interacting in small groups, but does reciprocity also underlie stable cooperation between larger human agglomerations, such as nation states? Famously, evolutionary models show that reciprocity could emerge as a widespread strategy for achieving international cooperation. However, existing studies have only detected reciprocity-driven cooperation in a small number of country pairs. We apply a new method for detecting mutual influence in dynamical systems to a new large-scale data set that records state interactions with high temporal resolution. Doing so, we detect reciprocity between many country pairs in the international system and find that these reciprocating country pairs exhibit qualitatively different cooperative dynamics when compared to nonreciprocating pairs. Consistent with evolutionary theories of cooperation, reciprocating country pairs exhibit higher levels of stable cooperation and are more likely to punish instances of noncooperation. However, countries in reciprocity-based relationships are also quicker to forgive single acts of noncooperation by eventually returning to previous levels of mutual cooperation. By contrast, nonreciprocating pairs are more likely to exploit each other’s cooperation via higher rates of defection. Together, these findings provide the strongest evidence to date that reciprocity is a widespread mechanism for achieving international cooperation. PMID:29326983

Detecting reciprocity at a global scale.

PubMed

Frank, Morgan R; Obradovich, Nick; Sun, Lijun; Woon, Wei Lee; LeVeck, Brad L; Rahwan, Iyad

2018-01-01

Reciprocity stabilizes cooperation from the level of microbes all the way up to humans interacting in small groups, but does reciprocity also underlie stable cooperation between larger human agglomerations, such as nation states? Famously, evolutionary models show that reciprocity could emerge as a widespread strategy for achieving international cooperation. However, existing studies have only detected reciprocity-driven cooperation in a small number of country pairs. We apply a new method for detecting mutual influence in dynamical systems to a new large-scale data set that records state interactions with high temporal resolution. Doing so, we detect reciprocity between many country pairs in the international system and find that these reciprocating country pairs exhibit qualitatively different cooperative dynamics when compared to nonreciprocating pairs. Consistent with evolutionary theories of cooperation, reciprocating country pairs exhibit higher levels of stable cooperation and are more likely to punish instances of noncooperation. However, countries in reciprocity-based relationships are also quicker to forgive single acts of noncooperation by eventually returning to previous levels of mutual cooperation. By contrast, nonreciprocating pairs are more likely to exploit each other's cooperation via higher rates of defection. Together, these findings provide the strongest evidence to date that reciprocity is a widespread mechanism for achieving international cooperation.

Ultrasensitive quantum dot fluorescence quenching assay for selective detection of mercury ions in drinking water.

PubMed

Ke, Jun; Li, Xinyong; Zhao, Qidong; Hou, Yang; Chen, Junhong

2014-07-09

Mercury is one of the most acutely toxic substances at trace level to human health and living thing. Developing a rapid, cheap and water soluble metal sensor for detecting mercury ions at ppb level remains a challenge. Herein, a metal sensor consisting of MPA coated Mn doped ZnSe/ZnS colloidal nanoparticles was utilized to ultrasensitively and selectively detect Hg(2+) ions with a low detection limit (0.1 nM) over a dynamic range from 0 to 20 nM. According to strong interaction between thiol(s) and mercury ions, mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) was used as a highly unique acceptor for mercury ions in the as-obtained ultrasensitive sensor. In the presence of mercury ions, colloidal nanoparticles rapidly agglomerated due to changes of surface chemical properties, which results in severe quenching of fluorescent intensity. Meanwhile, we find that the original ligands are separated from the surface of colloidal nanoparticles involving strongly chelation between mercury ion and thiol(s) proved by controlled IR analysis. The result shows that the QD-based metal ions sensor possesses satisfactory precision, high sensitivity and selectivity, and could be applied for the quantification analysis of real samples.

Ultrasensitive Quantum Dot Fluorescence quenching Assay for Selective Detection of Mercury Ions in Drinking Water

PubMed Central

Ke, Jun; Li, Xinyong; Zhao, Qidong; Hou, Yang; Chen, Junhong

2014-01-01

Mercury is one of the most acutely toxic substances at trace level to human health and living thing. Developing a rapid, cheap and water soluble metal sensor for detecting mercury ions at ppb level remains a challenge. Herein, a metal sensor consisting of MPA coated Mn doped ZnSe/ZnS colloidal nanoparticles was utilized to ultrasensitively and selectively detect Hg2+ ions with a low detection limit (0.1 nM) over a dynamic range from 0 to 20 nM. According to strong interaction between thiol(s) and mercury ions, mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) was used as a highly unique acceptor for mercury ions in the as-obtained ultrasensitive sensor. In the presence of mercury ions, colloidal nanoparticles rapidly agglomerated due to changes of surface chemical properties, which results in severe quenching of fluorescent intensity. Meanwhile, we find that the original ligands are separated from the surface of colloidal nanoparticles involving strongly chelation between mercury ion and thiol(s) proved by controlled IR analysis. The result shows that the QD-based metal ions sensor possesses satisfactory precision, high sensitivity and selectivity, and could be applied for the quantification analysis of real samples. PMID:25005836

Investigation of Aerosol Surface Area Estimation from Number and Mass Concentration Measurements: Particle Density Effect

PubMed Central

Ku, Bon Ki; Evans, Douglas E.

2015-01-01

For nanoparticles with nonspherical morphologies, e.g., open agglomerates or fibrous particles, it is expected that the actual density of agglomerates may be significantly different from the bulk material density. It is further expected that using the material density may upset the relationship between surface area and mass when a method for estimating aerosol surface area from number and mass concentrations (referred to as “Maynard’s estimation method”) is used. Therefore, it is necessary to quantitatively investigate how much the Maynard’s estimation method depends on particle morphology and density. In this study, aerosol surface area estimated from number and mass concentration measurements was evaluated and compared with values from two reference methods: a method proposed by Lall and Friedlander for agglomerates and a mobility based method for compact nonspherical particles using well-defined polydisperse aerosols with known particle densities. Polydisperse silver aerosol particles were generated by an aerosol generation facility. Generated aerosols had a range of morphologies, count median diameters (CMD) between 25 and 50 nm, and geometric standard deviations (GSD) between 1.5 and 1.8. The surface area estimates from number and mass concentration measurements correlated well with the two reference values when gravimetric mass was used. The aerosol surface area estimates from the Maynard’s estimation method were comparable to the reference method for all particle morphologies within the surface area ratios of 3.31 and 0.19 for assumed GSDs 1.5 and 1.8, respectively, when the bulk material density of silver was used. The difference between the Maynard’s estimation method and surface area measured by the reference method for fractal-like agglomerates decreased from 79% to 23% when the measured effective particle density was used, while the difference for nearly spherical particles decreased from 30% to 24%. The results indicate that the use of particle density of agglomerates improves the accuracy of the Maynard’s estimation method and that an effective density should be taken into account, when known, when estimating aerosol surface area of nonspherical aerosol such as open agglomerates and fibrous particles. PMID:26526560

Investigation of Aerosol Surface Area Estimation from Number and Mass Concentration Measurements: Particle Density Effect.

PubMed

Ku, Bon Ki; Evans, Douglas E

2012-04-01

For nanoparticles with nonspherical morphologies, e.g., open agglomerates or fibrous particles, it is expected that the actual density of agglomerates may be significantly different from the bulk material density. It is further expected that using the material density may upset the relationship between surface area and mass when a method for estimating aerosol surface area from number and mass concentrations (referred to as "Maynard's estimation method") is used. Therefore, it is necessary to quantitatively investigate how much the Maynard's estimation method depends on particle morphology and density. In this study, aerosol surface area estimated from number and mass concentration measurements was evaluated and compared with values from two reference methods: a method proposed by Lall and Friedlander for agglomerates and a mobility based method for compact nonspherical particles using well-defined polydisperse aerosols with known particle densities. Polydisperse silver aerosol particles were generated by an aerosol generation facility. Generated aerosols had a range of morphologies, count median diameters (CMD) between 25 and 50 nm, and geometric standard deviations (GSD) between 1.5 and 1.8. The surface area estimates from number and mass concentration measurements correlated well with the two reference values when gravimetric mass was used. The aerosol surface area estimates from the Maynard's estimation method were comparable to the reference method for all particle morphologies within the surface area ratios of 3.31 and 0.19 for assumed GSDs 1.5 and 1.8, respectively, when the bulk material density of silver was used. The difference between the Maynard's estimation method and surface area measured by the reference method for fractal-like agglomerates decreased from 79% to 23% when the measured effective particle density was used, while the difference for nearly spherical particles decreased from 30% to 24%. The results indicate that the use of particle density of agglomerates improves the accuracy of the Maynard's estimation method and that an effective density should be taken into account, when known, when estimating aerosol surface area of nonspherical aerosol such as open agglomerates and fibrous particles.

Electrostatic formation of liquid marbles and agglomerates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liyanaarachchi, K. R.; Ireland, P. M.; Webber, G. B.; Galvin, K. P.

2013-07-01

We report observations of a sudden, explosive release of electrostatically charged 100 μm glass beads from a particle bed. These cross an air gap of several millimeters, are engulfed by an approaching pendant water drop, and form a metastable spherical agglomerate on the bed surface. The stability transition of the particle bed is explained by promotion of internal friction by in-plane electrostatic stresses. The novel agglomerates formed this way resemble the "liquid marbles" formed by coating a drop with hydrophobic particles. Complex multi-layered agglomerates may also be produced by this method, with potential industrial, pharmaceutical, environmental, and biological applications.

Mechanical particle coating using polymethacrylate nanoparticle agglomerates for the preparation of controlled release fine particles: The relationship between coating performance and the characteristics of various polymethacrylates.

PubMed

Kondo, Keita; Kato, Shinsuke; Niwa, Toshiyuki

2017-10-30

We aimed to understand the factors controlling mechanical particle coating using polymethacrylate. The relationship between coating performance and the characteristics of polymethacrylate powders was investigated. First, theophylline crystals were treated using a mechanical powder processor to obtain theophylline spheres (<100μm). Second, five polymethacrylate latexes were powdered by spray freeze drying to produce colloidal agglomerates. Finally, mechanical particle coating was performed by mixing theophylline spheres and polymethacrylate agglomerates using the processor. The agglomerates were broken under mechanical stress to coat the spheres effectively. The coating performance of polymethacrylate agglomerates tended to increase as their pulverization progressed. Differences in the grindability of the agglomerates were attributed to differences in particle structure, resulting from consolidation between colloidal particles. High-grindability agglomerates exhibited higher pulverization as their glass transition temperature (T g ) increased and the further pulverization promoted coating. We therefore conclude that the minimization of polymethacrylate powder by pulverization is an important factor in mechanical particle coating using polymethacrylate with low deformability. Meanwhile, when product temperature during coating approaches T g of polymer, polymethacrylate was soften to show high coating performance by plastic deformation. The effective coating by this mechanism may be accomplished by adjusting the temperature in the processor to the T g . Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Method of separating and de-watering fine particles

DOEpatents

Yoon, Roe-Hoan

2016-12-13

A process for cleaning and dewatering hydrophobic particulate materials is presented. The process is performed in two steps: 1) agglomeration of the hydrophobic particles in a first hydrophobic liquid/aqueous mixture; followed by 2) dispersion of the agglomerates in a second hydrophobic liquid to release the water trapped within the agglomerates along with the entrained hydrophilic particles.

Overpopulated, Underdeveloped Urban Agglomerations: Tomorrow’s Unstable Operating Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-08

DATES COVERED (From - To) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Overpopulated , Underdeveloped Urban Agglomerations: Tomorrow’s 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER...ABSTRACT This paper asserts that a unique future operational environment is developing: overpopulated , underdeveloped urban agglomerations. A...proposed definition for this operating environment is (or would be) an overpopulated urban area which is located within a developing or underdeveloped

Assessment and prediction of land ecological environment quality change based on remote sensing-a case study of the Dongting lake area in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Wenmin; Wang, Zhongcheng; Li, Chunhua; Zhao, Jin; Li, Yi

2018-02-01

Multi-source remote sensing data is rarely used for the comprehensive assessment of land ecologic environment quality. In this study, a digital environmental model was proposed with the inversion algorithm of land and environmental factors based on the multi-source remote sensing data, and a comprehensive index (Ecoindex) was applied to reconstruct and predict the land environment quality of the Dongting Lake Area to assess the effect of human activities on the environment. The main finding was that with the decrease of Grade I and Grade II quality had a decreasing tendency in the lake area, mostly in suburbs and wetlands. Atmospheric water vapour, land use intensity, surface temperature, vegetation coverage, and soil water content were the main driving factors. The cause of degradation was the interference of multi-factor combinations, which led to positive and negative environmental agglomeration effects. Positive agglomeration, such as increased rainfall and vegetation coverage and reduced land use intensity, could increase environmental quality, while negative agglomeration resulted in the opposite. Therefore, reasonable ecological restoration measures should be beneficial to limit the negative effects and decreasing tendency, improve the land ecological environment quality and provide references for macroscopic planning by the government.

Stability of GO Modified by Different Dispersants in Cement Paste and Its Related Mechanism.

PubMed

Long, Wu-Jian; Fang, Changle; Wei, Jingjie; Li, Haodao

2018-05-18

Graphene oxide (GO) is a potential material to be used as a nano-reinforcement in cement matrix. However, a prerequisite for GO to fulfill its function in the cement matrix is homogeneous dispersion. In this study, the effects of three different dispersing agents (DAs), including polycarboxylate-based high range water reducer (P-HRWR), naphthalene-based high range water reducer (N-HRWR), and air entraining agent (AEA) on the dispersion of GO in aqueous solution, simulated concrete pore solution (SCPS), and suspension of cement pastes were sequentially investigated. Results showed that the dispersion effect of GO in aqueous solutions was improved with different DAs. However, the homogeneous dispersion of GO in aqueous solution re-agglomerated in SCPS and suspension of cement pastes. It was concluded that as the cement content and pH of aqueous solutions increased, GOs re-agglomerated and precipitated in an alkaline solution. A possible mechanism was proposed in this study and it was believed that electrostatic interactions and steric hindrance provided by the P-HRWR further made GOs stable in aqueous solutions. The ions and pH of cement pastes increased with the increasing amount of cement, which caused the separation of P-HRWR from GOs. Therefore, GOs were re-agglomerated and absorbed on the surface of the cement particles, resulting in GOs sedimentation.

Explore the influence of agglomeration on electrochemical performance of an amorphous MnO2/C composite by controlling drying process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Mangwei; Kang, Litao; Shi, Mingjie; Xie, Lingli; Wang, Xiaomin; Zhao, Zhe; Yun, Shan; Liang, Wei

2017-09-01

Amorphous MnO2/C composite is prepared by a facile redox reaction between potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and commercial black pen ink. Afterwards, two different drying processes, air drying or freeze drying, are employed to adjust the agglomeration state of particles in samples and explore its influence on capacitive performance. Experimental results indicate that the air-dried sample demonstrates much better cycling stability than the freeze-dried one (capacity retention at 5000 cycles: 70.9 vs. 60.7%), probably because of the relatively strong agglomeration between particles in this sample. Nevertheless, strong agglomeration seems to deteriorate the specific capacitance (from 492 down to 440.5 F/g at 1 A/g) due to the decrease of porosity and specific surface area. This study suggests that agglomeration of primary particles plays an important role to balance the specific capacitance and cycling stability for electrode materials.

Process and apparatus for coal hydrogenation

DOEpatents

Ruether, John A.; Simpson, Theodore B.

1991-01-01

In a coal liquefaction process an aqueous slurry of coal is prepared containing a dissolved liquefaction catalyst. A small quantity of oil is added to the slurry and then coal-oil agglomerates are prepared by agitation of the slurry at atmospheric pressure. The resulting mixture is drained of excess water and dried at atmospheric pressure leaving catalyst deposited on the agglomerates. The agglomerates then are fed to an extrusion device where they are formed into a continuous ribbon of extrudate and fed into a hydrogenation reactor at elevated pressure and temperature. The catalytic hydrogenation converts the extrudate primarily to liquid hydrocarbons in the reactor. The liquid drained in recovering the agglomerates is recycled.

In Situ Observations of Agglomeration of Non-metallic Inclusions at Steel/Ar and Steel/Slag Interfaces by High-Temperature Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope: A Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Wangzhong; Dogan, Neslihan; Coley, Kenneth S.

2018-05-01

The agglomeration behavior of non-metallic inclusions in the steelmaking process is important for controlling the cleanliness of the steel. In this work, the observation of agglomeration behaviors of inclusions at steel/Ar and steel/slag interfaces using a high-temperature confocal laser scanning microscope (HT-CLSM) is summarized. This HT-CLSM technique has been applied to observe phase transformation during solidification and heat treatment and the engulfment and pushing behavior of inclusions in front of the solidified interface. In the current work, the inclusion agglomeration behavior at steel/Ar and steel/slag interfaces is summarized and discussed. Subsequently, the development of the theoretical work investigating inclusion agglomeration at steel/Ar and steel/slag interfaces including the initial capillary force model and Kralchevsky-Paunov model is described. Finally, the Kralchevsky-Paunov model is applied to investigating nitride inclusion agglomeration at high-manganese steel/Ar interfaces. This work aims to give a critical review of the application of HT-CLSM in secondary refining as well as a better control of inclusion elimination for clean steel production.

Influences of Different Components on Agglomeration Behavior of MoS2 During Oxidation Roasting Process in Air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lu; Zhang, Guo-Hua; Wang, Jing-Song; Chou, Kuo-Chih

2016-08-01

An agglomeration of the furnace charge always takes place during the oxidation roasting process of molybdenite concentrate (with the main component of MoS2) in multiple hearth furnaces, which greatly affects the production process and furnace service life. In the present work, a preliminary study about the influence of various components on the agglomeration phenomenon of pure MoS2 have been carried out. The results show that reaction temperature, impurity content, and air flow rate have significant effects on the agglomeration extent. Meanwhile, the impurity type added into the pure MoS2 plays a crucial role. It was found that CaO and MgO have a stronger sulfur-fixing effect and that the desulphurization of the roasted product was uncompleted. It was also concluded that the agglomeration is due to the formation of low-melting-point eutectics, including that between MoO3 and impurities and that between MoO3 and Mo4O11. It is suggested that decreasing the impurities contents, especially K, Cu, Pb, and Fe, is an effective method for reducing the extent of agglomeration.

Effect of binder liquid type on spherical crystallization.

PubMed

Maghsoodi, Maryam; Hajipour, Ali

2014-11-01

Spherical crystallization is a process of formation of agglomerates of crystals held together by binder liquid. This research focused on understanding the effect of type of solvents used as binder liquid on the agglomeration of crystals. Carbamazepine and ethanol/water were used respectively as a model drug and crystallization system. Eight solvents as binder liquid including chloroform, dichloromethane, isopropyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, dimethyl aniline, benzene and toluene were examined to better understand the relationship between the physical properties of the binder liquid and its ability to bring about the formation of the agglomerates. Moreover, the agglomerates obtained from effective solvents as binder liquid were evaluated in term of size, apparent particle density and compressive strength. In this study the clear trend was observed experimentally in the agglomerate formation as a function of physical properties of the binder liquid such as miscibility with crystallization system. Furthermore, the properties of obtained agglomerates such as size, apparent particle density and compressive strength were directly related to physical properties of effective binder liquids. RESULTS of this study offer a useful starting point for a conceptual framework to guide the selection of solvent systems for spherical crystallization.

Theranostic potential of gold nanoparticle-protein agglomerates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanpui, Pallab; Paul, Anumita; Chattopadhyay, Arun

2015-11-01

Owing to the ever-increasing applications, glittered with astonishing success of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in biomedical research as diagnostic and therapeutic agents, the study of Au NP-protein interaction seems critical for maximizing their theranostic efficiency, and thus demands comprehensive understanding. The mutual interaction of Au NPs and proteins at physiological conditions may result in the aggregation of protein, which can ultimately lead to the formation of Au NP-protein agglomerates. In the present article, we try to appreciate the plausible steps involved in the Au NP-induced aggregation of proteins and also the importance of the proteins' three-dimensional structures in the process. The Au NP-protein agglomerates can potentially be exploited for efficient loading and subsequent release of various therapeutically important molecules, including anticancer drugs, with the unique opportunity of incorporating hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic drugs in the same nanocarrier system. Moreover, the Au NP-protein agglomerates can act as `self-diagnostic' systems, allowing investigation of the conformational state of the associated protein(s) as well as the protein-protein or protein-Au NP interaction within the agglomerates. Furthermore, the potential of these Au NP-protein agglomerates as a novel platform for multifunctional theranostic application along with exciting future-possibilities is highlighted here.

NOVEL BINDERS AND METHODS FOR AGGLOMERATION OF ORE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

S.K. Kawatra; T.C. Eisele; J.A. Gurtler

2004-04-01

Many metal extraction operations, such as leaching of copper, leaching of precious metals, and reduction of metal oxides to metal in high-temperature furnaces, require agglomeration of ore to ensure that reactive liquids or gases are evenly distributed throughout the ore being processed. Agglomeration of ore into coarse, porous masses achieves this even distribution of fluids by preventing fine particles from migrating and clogging the spaces and channels between the larger ore particles. Binders are critically necessary to produce agglomerates that will not break down during processing. However, for many important metal extraction processes there are no binders known that willmore » work satisfactorily. Primary examples of this are copper heap leaching, where there are no binders that will work in the acidic environment encountered in this process, and advanced ironmaking processes, where binders must function satisfactorily over an extraordinarily large range of temperatures (from room temperature up to over 1200 C). As a result, operators of many facilities see a large loss of process efficiency due to their inability to take advantage of agglomeration. The large quantities of ore that must be handled in metal extraction processes also means that the binder must be inexpensive and useful at low dosages to be economical. The acid-resistant binders and agglomeration procedures developed in this project will also be adapted for use in improving the energy efficiency and performance of a broad range of mineral agglomeration applications, particularly heap leaching and advanced primary ironmaking.« less

The agglomeration state of nanoparticles can influence the mechanism of their cellular internalisation.

PubMed

Halamoda-Kenzaoui, Blanka; Ceridono, Mara; Urbán, Patricia; Bogni, Alessia; Ponti, Jessica; Gioria, Sabrina; Kinsner-Ovaskainen, Agnieszka

2017-06-26

Significant progress of nanotechnology, including in particular biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, has resulted in a high number of studies describing the biological effects of nanomaterials. Moreover, a determination of so-called "critical quality attributes", that is specific physicochemical properties of nanomaterials triggering the observed biological response, has been recognised as crucial for the evaluation and design of novel safe and efficacious therapeutics. In the context of in vitro studies, a thorough physicochemical characterisation of nanoparticles (NPs), also in the biological medium, is necessary to allow a correlation with a cellular response. Following this concept, we examined whether the main and frequently reported characteristics of NPs such as size and the agglomeration state can influence the level and the mechanism of NP cellular internalization. We employed fluorescently-labelled 30 and 80 nm silicon dioxide NPs, both in agglomerated and non-agglomerated form. Using flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, the inhibitors of endocytosis and gene silencing we determined the most probable routes of cellular uptake for each form of tested silica NPs. We observed differences in cellular uptake depending on the size and the agglomeration state of NPs. Caveolae-mediated endocytosis was implicated particularly in the internalisation of well dispersed silica NPs but with an increase of the agglomeration state of NPs a combination of endocytic pathways with a predominant role of macropinocytosis was noted. We demonstrated that the agglomeration state of NPs is an important factor influencing the level of cell uptake and the mechanism of endocytosis of silica NPs.

Electrospray-assisted ultraviolet aerodynamic particle sizer spectrometer for real-time characterization of bacterial particles.

PubMed

Jung, Jae Hee; Lee, Jung Eun; Hwang, Gi Byoung; Lee, Byung Uk; Lee, Seung Bok; Jurng, Jong Soo; Bae, Gwi Nam

2010-01-15

The ultraviolet aerodynamic particle sizer (UVAPS) spectrometer is a novel, commercially available aerosol counter for real-time, continuous monitoring of viable bioaerosols based on the fluorescence induced from living microorganisms. For aerosolization of liquid-based microorganisms, general aerosolization methods such as atomization or nebulization may not be adequate for an accurate and quantitative characterization of the microorganisms because of the formation of agglomerated particles. In such cases, biological electrospray techniques have an advantage because they generate nonagglomerated particles, attributable to the repulsive electrical forces among particles with unipolar charges. Biological electrosprays are quickly gaining potential for the detection and control of living organisms in applications ranging from mass spectrometry to developmental microbiology. In this study, we investigated the size distribution, total concentration, and fluorescence percentage of bacterial particles in a real-time manner by electrospray-assisted UVAPS. A suspension containing Escherichia coli as a test microorganism was sprayed in a steady cone-jet mode using a specially designed electrospray system with a point-to-orifice-plate configuration based on charge-reduced electrospray size spectrometry. With the electrospray process, 98% of the total E. coli particle number concentration had a size of <1 mum and the geometric mean diameter was 0.779 mum, as compared with the respective values of 78% and 0.907 mum after nebulization. The fractions of fluorescence responsive particles and of particles that contained viable organisms in culture were 12% and 7%, respectively, from the electrospray process and 34% and 24% from nebulization. These results demonstrate that (1) the presence of agglomerated particles can lead to markedly overestimated fluorescence and culturability percentages compared with the values obtained from nonagglomerated particles, and (2) electrospray-assisted UVAPS can provide more accurate and quantitative real-time characterization of liquid-based microorganisms, owing to the generation of nonagglomerated particles.

Dose-dependent biodistribution of prenatal exposure to rutile-type titanium dioxide nanoparticles on mouse testis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubo-Irie, Miyoko; Uchida, Hiroki; Mastuzawa, Shotaro; Yoshida, Yasuko; Shinkai, Yusuke; Suzuki, Kenichiro; Yokota, Satoshi; Oshio, Shigeru; Takeda, Ken

2014-02-01

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2), believed to be inert and safe, are used in many products especially rutile-type in cosmetics. Detection, localization, and count of nanoparticles in tissue sections are of considerable current interest. Here, we evaluate the dose-dependent biodistribution of rutile-type nano-TiO2 exposure during pregnancy on offspring testes. Pregnant mice were subcutaneously injected five times with 0.1 ml of sequentially diluted of nano-TiO2 powder, 35 nm with primary diameter, suspensions (1, 10, 100, or 1,000 μg/ml), and received total doses of 0.5, 5, 50, and 500 μg, respectively. Prior to injection, the size distribution of nano-TiO2 was analyzed by dynamic light scattering measurement. The average diameter was increased in a dose-dependent manner. The most diluted concentration, 1 μg/ml suspension, contained small agglomerates averaging 193.3 ± 5.4 nm in diameter. The offspring testes were examined at 12 weeks postpartum. Individual particle analysis in testicular sections under scanning and transmission electron microscopy enabled us to understand the biodistribution. The correlation between nano-TiO2 doses injected to pregnant mice, and the number of agglomerates in the offspring testes was demonstrated to be dose-dependent by semiquantitative evaluation. However, the agglomerate size was below 200 nm in the testicular sections of all recipient groups, independent from the injected dose during pregnancy.

Evaluation of Hydrodynamic Chromatography Coupled with UV-Visible, Fluorescence and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Detectors for Sizing and Quantifying Colloids in Environmental Media

PubMed Central

Philippe, Allan; Schaumann, Gabriele E.

2014-01-01

In this study, we evaluated hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the analysis of nanoparticles in environmental samples. Using two commercially available columns (Polymer Labs-PDSA type 1 and 2), a set of well characterised calibrants and a new external time marking method, we showed that flow rate and eluent composition have few influence on the size resolution and, therefore, can be adapted to the sample particularity. Monitoring the agglomeration of polystyrene nanoparticles over time succeeded without observable disagglomeration suggesting that even weak agglomerates can be measured using HDC. Simultaneous determination of gold colloid concentration and size using ICP-MS detection was validated for elemental concentrations in the ppb range. HDC-ICP-MS was successfully applied to samples containing a high organic and ionic background. Indeed, online combination of UV-visible, fluorescence and ICP-MS detectors allowed distinguishing between organic molecules and inorganic colloids during the analysis of Ag nanoparticles in synthetic surface waters and TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles in commercial sunscreens. Taken together, our results demonstrate that HDC-ICP-MS is a flexible, sensitive and reliable method to measure the size and the concentration of inorganic colloids in complex media and suggest that there may be a promising future for the application of HDC in environmental science. Nonetheless the rigorous measurements of agglomerates and of matrices containing natural colloids still need to be studied in detail. PMID:24587393

Evaluation of hydrodynamic chromatography coupled with UV-visible, fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry detectors for sizing and quantifying colloids in environmental media.

PubMed

Philippe, Allan; Schaumann, Gabriele E

2014-01-01

In this study, we evaluated hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the analysis of nanoparticles in environmental samples. Using two commercially available columns (Polymer Labs-PDSA type 1 and 2), a set of well characterised calibrants and a new external time marking method, we showed that flow rate and eluent composition have few influence on the size resolution and, therefore, can be adapted to the sample particularity. Monitoring the agglomeration of polystyrene nanoparticles over time succeeded without observable disagglomeration suggesting that even weak agglomerates can be measured using HDC. Simultaneous determination of gold colloid concentration and size using ICP-MS detection was validated for elemental concentrations in the ppb range. HDC-ICP-MS was successfully applied to samples containing a high organic and ionic background. Indeed, online combination of UV-visible, fluorescence and ICP-MS detectors allowed distinguishing between organic molecules and inorganic colloids during the analysis of Ag nanoparticles in synthetic surface waters and TiO₂ and ZnO nanoparticles in commercial sunscreens. Taken together, our results demonstrate that HDC-ICP-MS is a flexible, sensitive and reliable method to measure the size and the concentration of inorganic colloids in complex media and suggest that there may be a promising future for the application of HDC in environmental science. Nonetheless the rigorous measurements of agglomerates and of matrices containing natural colloids still need to be studied in detail.

Post-Plasma SiOx Coatings of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Thermal Stability and Tunable Photoactivity Applications

PubMed Central

Post, Patrick; Jidenko, Nicolas; Weber, Alfred P.; Borra, Jean-Pascal

2016-01-01

The plasma-based aerosol process developed for the direct coating of particles in gases with silicon oxide in a continuous chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process is presented. It is shown that non-thermal plasma filaments induced in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) at atmospheric pressure trigger post-DBD gas phase reactions. DBD operating conditions are first scanned to produce ozone and dinitrogen pentoxide. In the selected conditions, these plasma species react with gaseous tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) precursor downstream of the DBD. The gaseous intermediates then condense on the surface of nanoparticles and self-reactions lead to homogeneous solid SiOx coatings, with thickness from nanometer to micrometer. This confirms the interest of post-DBD injection of the organo-silicon precursor to achieve stable production of actives species with subsequent controlled thickness of SiOx coatings. SiOx coatings of spherical and agglomerated metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (Pt, CuO, TiO2) are achieved. In the selected DBD operating conditions, the thickness of homogeneous nanometer sized coatings of spherical nanoparticles depends on the reaction duration and on the precursor concentration. For agglomerates, operating conditions can be tuned to cover preferentially the interparticle contact zones between primary particles, shifting the sintering of platinum agglomerates to much higher temperatures than the usual sintering temperature. Potential applications for enhanced thermal stability and tunable photoactivity of coated agglomerates are presented. PMID:28335219

Magnetic agglomeration method for size control in the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles

DOEpatents

Huber, Dale L [Albuquerque, NM

2011-07-05

A method for controlling the size of chemically synthesized magnetic nanoparticles that employs magnetic interaction between particles to control particle size and does not rely on conventional kinetic control of the reaction to control particle size. The particles are caused to reversibly agglomerate and precipitate from solution; the size at which this occurs can be well controlled to provide a very narrow particle size distribution. The size of particles is controllable by the size of the surfactant employed in the process; controlling the size of the surfactant allows magnetic control of the agglomeration and precipitation processes. Agglomeration is used to effectively stop particle growth to provide a very narrow range of particle sizes.

Agglomeration of nano- and microplastic particles in seawater by autochthonous and de novo-produced sources of exopolymeric substances.

PubMed

Summers, Stephen; Henry, Theodore; Gutierrez, Tony

2018-05-01

Microplastics (<5 mm) have often been studied under in-vitro conditions where plastics have been investigated in isolation. However, in the natural environment microplastics readily form agglomerates conferring the particles with properties different to their pristine counterparts. Here, we examined the interaction of exopolymers with polystyrene nanoplastics and microplastics. Formation of plastic agglomerates was examined using simulated sea surface conditions. Flow cytometry coupled with microscopy revealed that nano- and microplastic particle spheres form agglomerates in seawater with a mucilagenous material and an associated microbial community. To characterise this material, differential staining methods revealed it to be glycoprotein in composition. Exposing increasing concentrations of a marine bacterial glycoprotein EPS to nano- or microplastics revealed that these types of polymers contribute to the formation and abundance of plastic agglomerates. This work highlights the importance of EPS on the fate of plastic and future research should take this into account when evaluating the impact of plastics. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of a Dispersant Agent in Fine Coal Recovery from Washery Tailings by Oil Agglomeration (Preliminary Study)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasar, Özüm; Uslu, Tuncay

2017-12-01

Among the fine coal cleaning methods, the oil agglomeration process has important advantages such as high process recovery, more clean product, simple dewatering stage. Several coal agglomeration studies have been undertaken recently and effects of different variables on the process performance have been investigated. However, unlike flotation studies, most of the previous agglomeration studies have not used dispersing agents to minimize slime coating effects of clays. In this study, agglomeration process was applied for recovery of fine coals from coal washery tailings containing remarkable amount of fine coal. Negative effect of fine clays during recovery was tried to be eliminated by using dispersing agent instead of de-sliming. Although ash reductions over 90 % were achieved, performance remained below expectations in terms of combustible matter recovery. However, this study is a preliminary one. It is considered that more satisfied results will be obtained in the next studies by changing the variables such as solid ratio, oil dosage, dispersant type and dosage.

Agglomeration of dust in convective clouds initialized by nuclear bursts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bacon, D. P.; Sarma, R. A.

Convective clouds initialized by nuclear bursts are modeled using a two-dimensional axisymmetric cloud model. Dust transport through the atmosphere is studied using five different sizes ranging from 1 to 10,000 μm in diameter. Dust is transported in the model domain by advection and sedimentation. Water is allowed to condense onto dust particles in regions of supersaturation in the cloud. The agglomeration of dust particles resulting from the collision of different size dust particles is modeled. The evolution of the dust mass spectrum due to agglomeration is modeled using a numerical scheme which is mass conserving and has low implicit diffusion. Agglomeration moves mass from the small particles with very small fall velocity to the larger sizes which fall to the ground more readily. Results indicate that the dust fallout can be increased significantly due to this process. In preliminary runs using stable and unstable environmental soundings, at 30 min after detonation the total dust in the domain was 11 and 30%, respectively, less than a control case without agglomeration.

Nanoparticle agglomerates of fluticasone propionate in combination with albuterol sulfate as dry powder aerosols

PubMed Central

El-Gendy, Nashwa; Pornputtapitak, Warangkana; Berkland, Cory

2015-01-01

Particle engineering strategies remain at the forefront of aerosol research for localized treatment of lung diseases and represent an alternative for systemic drug therapy. With the hastily growing popularity and complexity of inhalation therapy, there is a rising demand for tailor-made inhalable drug particles capable of affording the most proficient delivery to the lungs and the most advantageous therapeutic outcomes. To address this formulation demand, nanoparticle agglomeration was used to develop aerosols of the asthma therapeutics, fluticasone or albuterol. In addition, a combination aerosol was formed by drying agglomerates of fluticasone nanoparticles in the presence of albuterol in solution. Powders of the single drug nanoparticle agglomerates or of the combined therapeutics possessed desirable aerodynamic properties for inhalation. Powders were efficiently aerosolized (~75% deposition determined by cascade impaction) with high fine particle fraction and rapid dissolution. Nanoparticle agglomeration offers a unique approach to obtain high performance aerosols from combinations of asthma therapeutics. PMID:21964203

Role of Solvents in Improvement of Dissolution Rate of Drugs: Crystal Habit and Crystal Agglomeration

PubMed Central

Maghsoodi, Maryam

2015-01-01

Crystallization is often used for manufacturing drug substances. Advances of crystallization have achieved control over drug identity and purity, but control over the physical form remains poor. This review discusses the influence of solvents used in crystallization process on crystal habit and agglomeration of crystals with potential implication for dissolution. According to literature it has been known that habit modification of crystals by use of proper solvents may enhance the dissolution properties by changing the size, number and the nature of crystal faces exposed to the dissolution medium. Also, the faster dissolution rate of drug from the agglomerates of crystals compared with the single crystals may be related to porous structure of the agglomerates and consequently their better wettability. It is concluded from this review that in-depth understanding of role of the solvents in crystallization process can be applied to engineering of crystal habit or crystal agglomeration, and predictably dissolution improvement in poorly soluble drugs. PMID:25789214

Flotation of oil-agglomerated coal for ash and pyrite removal -- Simultaneous grinding and agglomeration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Song, S.; Perkson, A.; Trass, O.

1996-12-31

Oil agglomeration is an excellent technique for the beneficiation of fine coal. For separation of the spherical agglomerates by screening, a high level of oil must be used, however. When the subsequent separation is done by flotation, this disadvantage is eliminated. Better pyrite removal is also possible. In this paper, such a fine coal beneficiation process, also called hydrophobic flocculation-flotation (HFF), is described. It features low non-polar oil consumption, intensive mechanical energy input, and smaller agglomerates or looser flocs. This process can be simplified by grinding the coal in water with small amounts of oil added. The excess grinding energymore » is then used for agglomerating the coal. The Prince coal from Nova Scotia contained 13.3% ash and 3.3% total sulfur, 1.4% pyritic. After four stages of flotation, ash and pyrite removal were 93% and 66% respectively, with 87% combustibles recovery. The parameters affecting the HFF process, such as particle size, dosage of non-polar oil, pH value of the slurry and duration of agitation, were investigated. Simultaneous grinding and agglomeration (SGA) utilizing the Szego Mill was also explored at the very low oil levels used. The intensive agitation/preconditioning step prior to flotation was eliminated. When the other parameters established from the sequential process were used with the SGA process, virtually identical beneficiation results were obtained, but with slightly lower combustibles recovery. While further testing is required to properly optimize the SGA process conditions, significant equipment simplification and energy savings are possible.« less

Investigation of a 2-step agglomeration process performed in a rotary processor using polyethylene glycol solutions as the primary binder liquid.

PubMed

Kristensen, Jakob

2006-10-27

The purpose of this research was to investigate the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions as the primary binder liquid in a 2-step agglomeration process performed in a rotary processor and characterize the resulting granules and their tableting characteristics. This was done by granulation of binary mixtures of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and either lactose, calcium phosphate, acetaminophen, or theophylline, in a 1:3 ratio, using a 50% (wt/wt) aqueous solution of PEG and water as the binder liquid. Formulations containing lactose were agglomerated using 5 different amounts of the PEG binder solution, giving rise to a PEG content in the range of 6% to 43% (wt/wt). The process outcome was characterized according to adhesion, yield, and water requirement, and the prepared granules were characterized according to size, size distribution, and flow properties as well as tableting properties. The agglomeration of all mixtures resulted in high yields of free-flowing agglomerates and gave rise to good reproducibility of the investigated agglomerate characteristics. The process allowed for the incorporation of 42.5% (wt/wt) PEG, which is higher than the percentage of PEG reported for other equipment. Tablets of sufficient strength could be prepared with all investigated excipients using 20% wt/wt PEG; higher PEG contents gave rise to adhesion and prolonged disintegration. In conclusion, agglomeration in a torque-controlled rotary processor using solutions of PEG as the primary binder liquid was found to be a robust process, suitable for the incorporation of high contents of PEG and/or drug compounds.

The Physics of Protoplanetesimal Dust Agglomerates. VIII. Microgravity Collisions between Porous SiO{sub 2} Aggregates and Loosely Bound Agglomerates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Whizin, Akbar D.; Colwell, Joshua E.; Blum, Jürgen, E-mail: Akbar.Whizin@ucf.edu

2017-02-10

We performed laboratory experiments colliding 0.8–1.0 mm and 1.0–1.6 mm SiO{sub 2} dust aggregates with loosely bound centimeter-sized agglomerates of those aggregates in microgravity. This work builds on previous microgravity laboratory experiments examining the collisional properties of porous loosely bound dust aggregates. In centimeter-sized aggregates, surface forces dominate self-gravity and may play a large role in aggregate growth beyond this size range. We characterize the properties of protoplanetary aggregate analogs to help place constraints on initial formation mechanisms and environments. We determined several important physical characteristics of these aggregates in a large number of low-velocity collisions. We observed low coefficientsmore » of restitution and fragmentation thresholds near 1 m s{sup −1} for 1–2 cm agglomerates, which are in good agreement with previous findings in the literature. We find the accretion efficiency for agglomerates of loosely bound aggregates to be higher than that for just aggregates themselves. We find sticking thresholds of 6.6 ± 2 cm s{sup −1}, somewhat higher than those in similar studies, which have observed few aggregates stick at speeds of under 3 cm s{sup −1}. Even with highly dissipative collisions, loosely bound agglomerates have difficulty accreting beyond centimeter-sized bodies at typical collision speeds in the disk. Our results indicate agglomerates of porous aggregates have slightly higher sticking thresholds than previously thought, allowing possible growth to decimeter-sized bodies if velocities are low enough.« less

Novel Binders and Methods for Agglomeration of Ore

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

S. K. Kawatra; T. C. Eisele; K. A. Lewandowski

2006-12-31

Many metal extraction operations, such as leaching of copper, leaching of precious metals, and reduction of metal oxides to metal in high-temperature furnaces, require agglomeration of ore to ensure that reactive liquids or gases are evenly distributed throughout the ore being processed. Agglomeration of ore into coarse, porous masses achieves this even distribution of fluids by preventing fine particles from migrating and clogging the spaces and channels between the larger ore particles. Binders are critically necessary to produce agglomerates that will not break down during processing. However, for many important metal extraction processes there are no binders known that willmore » work satisfactorily. Primary examples of this are copper heap leaching, where there are no binders that will work in the acidic environment encountered in this process, and advanced ironmaking processes, where binders must function satisfactorily over an extraordinarily large range of temperatures (from room temperature up to over 1200 C). As a result, operators of many facilities see a large loss of process efficiency due to their inability to take advantage of agglomeration. The large quantities of ore that must be handled in metal extraction processes also means that the binder must be inexpensive and useful at low dosages to be economical. The acid-resistant binders and agglomeration procedures developed in this project will also be adapted for use in improving the energy efficiency and performance of a broad range of mineral agglomeration applications, particularly heap leaching and advanced primary ironmaking. This project has identified several acid-resistant binders and agglomeration procedures that can be used for improving the energy efficiency of heap leaching, by preventing the ''ponding'' and ''channeling'' effects that currently cause reduced recovery and extended leaching cycle times. Methods have also been developed for iron ore processing which are intended to improve the performance of pellet binders, and have directly saved energy by increasing filtration rates of the pelletization feed by as much as 23%.« less

Recent Advances in Agglomerated Multigrid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nishikawa, Hiroaki; Diskin, Boris; Thomas, James L.; Hammond, Dana P.

2013-01-01

We report recent advancements of the agglomerated multigrid methodology for complex flow simulations on fully unstructured grids. An agglomerated multigrid solver is applied to a wide range of test problems from simple two-dimensional geometries to realistic three- dimensional configurations. The solver is evaluated against a single-grid solver and, in some cases, against a structured-grid multigrid solver. Grid and solver issues are identified and overcome, leading to significant improvements over single-grid solvers.

Effect of composition on physical properties of food powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szulc, Karolina; Lenart, Andrzej

2016-04-01

The paper presents an influence of raw material composition and technological process applied on selected physical properties of food powders. Powdered multi-component nutrients were subjected to the process of mixing, agglomeration, coating, and drying. Wetting liquids ie water and a 15% water lactose solution, were used in agglomeration and coating. The analyzed food powders were characterized by differentiated physical properties, including especially: particle size, bulk density, wettability, and dispersibility. The raw material composition of the studied nutrients exerted a statistically significant influence on their physical properties. Agglomeration as well as coating of food powders caused a significant increase in particle size, decreased bulk density, increased apparent density and porosity, and deterioration in flowability in comparison with non-agglomerated nutrients.

Integrated ultrasonic particle positioning and low excitation light fluorescence imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernassau, A. L.; Al-Rawhani, M.; Beeley, J.; Cumming, D. R. S.

2013-12-01

A compact hybrid system has been developed to position and detect fluorescent micro-particles by combining a Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) imager with an acoustic manipulator. The detector comprises a SPAD array, light-emitting diode (LED), lenses, and optical filters. The acoustic device is formed of multiple transducers surrounding an octagonal cavity. By stimulating pairs of transducers simultaneously, an acoustic landscape is created causing fluorescent micro-particles to agglomerate into lines. The fluorescent pattern is excited by a low power LED and detected by the SPAD imager. Our technique combines particle manipulation and visualization in a compact, low power, portable setup.

An Agent-Based Model of New Venture Creation: Conceptual Design for Simulating Entrepreneurship

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Provance, Mike; Collins, Andrew; Carayannis, Elias

2012-01-01

There is a growing debate over the means by which regions can foster the growth of entrepreneurial activity in order to stimulate recovery and growth of their economies. On one side, agglomeration theory suggests the regions grow because of strong clusters that foster knowledge spillover locally; on the other side, the entrepreneurial action camp argues that innovative business models are generated by entrepreneurs with unique market perspectives who draw on knowledge from more distant domains. We will show you the design for a novel agent-based model of new venture creation that will demonstrate the relationship between agglomeration and action. The primary focus of this model is information exchange as the medium for these agent interactions. Our modeling and simulation study proposes to reveal interesting relationships in these perspectives, offer a foundation on which these disparate theories from economics and sociology can find common ground, and expand the use of agent-based modeling into entrepreneurship research.

Use of mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria for the improvement of copper extraction from a low-grade ore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darezereshki, E.; Schaffie, M.; Lotfalian, M.; Seiedbaghery, S. A.; Ranjbar, M.

2011-04-01

Bioleaching was examined for copper extraction from a low grade ore using mesophilic and moderate thermophilic bacteria. Five equal size columns were used for the leaching of the ore. Sulfuric acid solution with a flow rate of 3.12 L·m-2·h-1 and pH 1.5 passed through each column continuously for 90 d. In the first and the second column, bioleaching was performed without agglomeration of the ore and on the agglomerated ore, respectively. 28wt% of the copper was extracted in the first column after 40 d, while this figure was 38wt% in the second column. After 90 d, however, the overall extractions were almost the same for both of them. Bioleaching with mesophilic bacteria was performed in the third column without agglomeration of the ore and in the fourth column on the agglomerated ore. After 40 d, copper extractions in the third and the fourth columns were 62wt% and 70wt%, respectively. Copper extractions were 75wt% for both the columns after 90 d. For the last column, bioleaching was performed with moderate thermophilic bacteria and agglomerated ore. Copper extractions were 80wt% and 85wt% after 40 and 90 d, respectively. It was concluded that crushing and agglomeration of the ore using bacteria could enhance the copper extraction considerably.

Temperature-Switchable Agglomeration of Magnetic Particles Designed for Continuous Separation Processes in Biotechnology.

PubMed

Paulus, Anja S; Heinzler, Raphael; Ooi, Huey Wen; Franzreb, Matthias

2015-07-08

The purpose of this work was the synthesis and characterization of thermally switchable magnetic particles for use in biotechnological applications such as protein purification and enzymatic conversions. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization was employed to synthesize poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) brushes via a "graft-from" approach on the surface of magnetic microparticles. The resulting particles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis and their temperature-dependent agglomeration behavior was assessed. The influence of several factors on particle agglomeration (pH, temperature, salt type, and particle concentration) was evaluated. The results showed that a low pH value (pH 3-4), a kosmotropic salt (ammonium sulfate), and a high particle concentration (4 g/L) resulted in improved agglomeration at elevated temperature (40 °C). Recycling of particles and reversibility of the temperature-switchable agglomeration were successfully demonstrated for ten heating-cooling cycles. Additionally, enhanced magnetic separation was observed for the modified particles. Ionic monomers were integrated into the polymer chain to create end-group functionalized particles as well as two- and three-block copolymer particles for protein binding. The adsorption of lactoferrin, bovine serum albumin, and lysozyme to these ion exchange particles was evaluated and showed a binding capacity of up to 135 mg/g. The dual-responsive particles combined magnetic and thermoresponsive properties for switchable agglomeration, easy separability, and efficient protein adsorption.

Agglomeration of Non-metallic Inclusions at Steel/Ar Interface: In- Situ Observation Experiments and Model Validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Wangzhong; Dogan, Neslihan; Coley, Kenneth S.

2017-10-01

Better understanding of agglomeration behavior of nonmetallic inclusions in the steelmaking process is important to control the cleanliness of the steel. In this work, a revision on the Paunov simplified model has been made according to the original Kralchevsky-Paunov model. Thus, this model has been applied to quantitatively calculate the attractive capillary force on inclusions agglomerating at the liquid steel/gas interface. Moreover, the agglomeration behavior of Al2O3 inclusions at a low carbon steel/Ar interface has been observed in situ by high-temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The velocity and acceleration of inclusions and attractive forces between Al2O3 inclusions of various sizes were calculated based on the CLSM video. The results calculated using the revised model offered a reasonable fit with the present experimental data for different inclusion sizes. Moreover, a quantitative comparison was made between calculations using the equivalent radius of a circle and those using the effective radius. It was found that the calculated capillary force using equivalent radius offered a better fit with the present experimental data because of the inclusion characteristics. Comparing these results with other studies in the literature allowed the authors to conclude that when applied in capillary force calculations, the equivalent radius is more suitable for inclusions with large size and irregular shape, and the effective radius is more appropriate for inclusions with small size or a large shape factor. Using this model, the effect of inclusion size on attractive capillary force has been investigated, demonstrating that larger inclusions are more strongly attracted.

Directional Agglomeration Multigrid Techniques for High Reynolds Number Viscous Flow Solvers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

A preconditioned directional-implicit agglomeration algorithm is developed for solving two- and three-dimensional viscous flows on highly anisotropic unstructured meshes of mixed-element types. The multigrid smoother consists of a pre-conditioned point- or line-implicit solver which operates on lines constructed in the unstructured mesh using a weighted graph algorithm. Directional coarsening or agglomeration is achieved using a similar weighted graph algorithm. A tight coupling of the line construction and directional agglomeration algorithms enables the use of aggressive coarsening ratios in the multigrid algorithm, which in turn reduces the cost of a multigrid cycle. Convergence rates which are independent of the degree of grid stretching are demonstrated in both two and three dimensions. Further improvement of the three-dimensional convergence rates through a GMRES technique is also demonstrated.

Directional Agglomeration Multigrid Techniques for High-Reynolds Number Viscous Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mavriplis, Dimitri J.

1998-01-01

A preconditioned directional-implicit agglomeration algorithm is developed for solving two- and three-dimensional viscous flows on highly anisotropic unstructured meshes of mixed-element types. The multigrid smoother consists of a pre-conditioned point- or line-implicit solver which operates on lines constructed in the unstructured mesh using a weighted graph algorithm. Directional coarsening or agglomeration is achieved using a similar weighted graph algorithm. A tight coupling of the line construction and directional agglomeration algorithms enables the use of aggressive coarsening ratios in the multigrid algorithm, which in turn reduces the cost of a multigrid cycle. Convergence rates which are independent of the degree of grid stretching are demonstrated in both two and three dimensions. Further improvement of the three-dimensional convergence rates through a GMRES technique is also demonstrated.

Preparation and Characterization of Ato Nanoparticles by Coprecipitation with Modified Drying Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shimin; Liang, Dongdong; Liu, Jindong; Jiang, Weiwei; Liu, Chaoqian; Ding, Wanyu; Wang, Hualin; Wang, Nan

Antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles were prepared by coprecipitation by packing drying and traditional direct drying (for comparison) methods. The as-prepared ATO nanoparticles were characterized by TG, XRD, EDS, TEM, HRTEM, BET, bulk density and electrical resistivity measurements. Results indicated that the ATO nanoparticles obtained by coprecipitation with direct drying method featured hard-agglomerated morphology, high bulk density, low surface area and low electrical resistivity, probably due to the direct liquid evaporation during drying, the fast shrinkage of the precipitate, the poor removal efficiency of liquid molecules and the hard agglomerate formation after calcination. Very differently, the ATO product obtained by the packing and drying method featured free-agglomerated morphology, low bulk density, high surface area and high electrical resistivity ascribed probably to the formed vapor cyclone environment and liquid evaporation-resistance, avoiding fast liquid removal and improving the removal efficiency of liquid molecules. The intrinsic formation mechanism of ATO nanoparticles from different drying methods was illustrated based on the dehydration process of ATO precipitates. Additionally, the packing and drying time played key roles in determining the bulk density, morphology and electrical conductivity of ATO nanoparticles.

Numerical study on the thermal behavior of graphene nanoplatelets/epoxy composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Wenkai; Zhai, Xian; Ma, Pengfei; Fan, Taotao; Li, Xiaotuo

2018-06-01

A three-dimensional computational model was developed using the finite element method (FEM) to evaluate the thermal behavior of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)/epoxy composites based on continuum mechanics. The model was validated with experimental data. The effects of the ratio of radius to thickness (Rrt) of GNPs, the interfacial thermal conductivity between GNPs and the matrix (Cgm), the contact thermal conductivity between GNPs (Cgg) and the agglomeration degree of GNPs on the thermal conductivity of composites (Kc) were quantified using this model. The results show that a larger Rrt is beneficial to Kc. GNPs could increase Kc only when the Cgm is greater than a critical value. A percolation phenomenon will occur when Cgg is larger than 1.0E8 W/(m2k) in randomly distributed GNPs/epoxy composites. The percolation effects become more obvious with the increase of Cgg and the volume fraction of GNPs. The agglomeration of GNPs has negative effects on the Kc. The higher the agglomeration degree of GNPs is, the lower Kc is. This is attributed to less beneficial interfacial areas, more inefficient contact areas, smaller Rrt and less effective connection/contact between GNPs.

Containerless processing of beryllium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wouch, G.; Keith, G. H.; Frost, R. T.; Pinto, N. P.

1977-01-01

Melting and solidification of a beryllium alloy containing 1.5% BeO by weight in the weightless environment of space has produced cast beryllium with a relatively uniform dispersion of BeO throughout. Examination of the cast material shows that it is coarse grained, although the BeO is not heavily agglomerated in the flight specimen. Ground based comparison experiments show extreme agglomeration and segregation of BeO, resulting in large zones which are practically free of the oxide. Several postulated hypotheses for the failure to grain refine the beryllium are formulated. These are: (1) spherodization of the BeO particles during specimen preparation and during the molten phase of the experiment; (2) loss of nucleation potency through aging in the molten phase; and (3) inability of BeO to act as a grain refiner for beryllium. Further investigation with non spherodized particles and shorter dwell times molten may delineate which of these hypotheses are valid. The results of this flight experiment indicate that the weightless environment of space is an important asset in conducting research to find grain refiners for beryllium and other metals for which cast dispersions of grain refining agents cannot be prepared terrestrially due to gravitationally driven settling and agglomeration.

Effect of the fat globule sizes on the meltdown of ice cream.

PubMed

Koxholt, M M; Eisenmann, B; Hinrichs, J

2001-01-01

The meltdown of ice cream is influenced by its composition and additives and by fat globule size. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of fat globule size and fat agglomerate size on the meltdown stability of ice cream. Therefore, an ice cream mix (10% milk fat) was homogenized at pressures ranging from 0 to 30 MPa in single-stage, double-stage, and selective homogenization processes. The ice cream, produced on a continuous ice cream freezer, was characterized by an optimized meltdown test while, in addition, the fat globule sizes and the free fat content were determined in the mix and the molten ice cream. The meltdown was dependent on the fat agglomerate sizes in the unfrozen serum phase. Agglomerates smaller than a critical diameter led to significantly higher meltdown rates. Homogenization pressures of at least 10 MPa were sufficient to produce a stable ice cream. Furthermore, proof was provided that double-stage homogenization is not necessary for fat contents up to 10% and that selective homogenization is possible to produce stable ice creams. Based on these results a model was deduced describing the stabilizing mechanisms during the meltdown process.

Effect of annealing on microstructure evolution in CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB heterostructures by positron annihilation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Chong-Jun; Lu, Xiang-An; Zhao, Zhi-Duo; Li, Ming-Hua; Zhang, Peng; Wang, Bao-Yi; Cao, Xing-Zhong; Zhang, Jing-Yan; Yu, Guang-Hua

2013-09-01

As one of the most powerful tools for investigation of defects of materials, positron annihilation spectroscopy was employed to explore the thermal effects on the film microstructure evolution in CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB heterostructures. It is found that high annealing temperature can drive vacancy defects agglomeration and ordering acceleration in the MgO barrier. Meanwhile, another important type of defects, vacancy clusters, which are formed via the agglomeration of vacancy defects in the MgO barrier after annealing, still exists inside the MgO barrier. All these behaviors in the MgO barrier could potentially impact the overall performance in MgO based magnetic tunnel junctions.

Investigation of the interaction of ferromagnetic fluids with proteins by dynamic light scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velichko, Elena; Nepomnyashchaya, Elina; Dudina, Alina; Pleshakov, Ivan; Aksenov, Evgenii

2018-04-01

In this article the interaction between ionically stabilized magnetic nanoparticles and blood serum albumin proteins in liquid medium are discussed. Some distributions of nanoparticles' agglomerate sizes in solutions of albumin molecules, magnetic nanoparticles and their mixtures both under the influence of magnetic field and free from it are presented. It is shown that magnetic nanoparticles interact with albumin molecules, forming agglomerates. It is also shown that at the influence of magnetic field sizes of agglomerates increase proportionally to the magnetic field density.

Transport and Deposition of Welding Fume Agglomerates in a Realistic Human Nasal Airway.

PubMed

Tian, Lin; Inthavong, Kiao; Lidén, Göran; Shang, Yidan; Tu, Jiyuan

2016-07-01

Welding fume is a complex mixture containing ultra-fine particles in the nanometer range. Rather than being in the form of a singular sphere, due to the high particle concentration, welding fume particles agglomerate into long straight chains, branches, or other forms of compact shapes. Understanding the transport and deposition of these nano-agglomerates in human respiratory systems is of great interest as welding fumes are a known health hazard. The neurotoxin manganese (Mn) is a common element in welding fumes. Particulate Mn, either as soluble salts or oxides, that has deposited on the olfactory mucosa in human nasal airway is transported along the olfactory nerve to the olfactory bulb within the brain. If this Mn is further transported to the basal ganglia of the brain, it could accumulate at the part of the brain that is the focal point of its neurotoxicity. Accounting for various dynamic shape factors due to particle agglomeration, the current computational study is focused on the exposure route, the deposition pattern, and the deposition efficiency of the inhaled welding fume particles in a realistic human nasal cavity. Particular attention is given to the deposition pattern and deposition efficiency of inhaled welding fume agglomerates in the nasal olfactory region. For particles in the nanoscale, molecular diffusion is the dominant transport mechanism. Therefore, Brownian diffusion, hydrodynamic drag, Saffman lift force, and gravitational force are included in the model study. The deposition efficiencies for single spherical particles, two kinds of agglomerates of primary particles, two-dimensional planar and straight chains, are investigated for a range of primary particle sizes and a range of number of primary particles per agglomerate. A small fraction of the inhaled welding fume agglomerates is deposited on the olfactory mucosa, approximately in the range 0.1-1%, and depends on particle size and morphology. The strong size dependence of the deposition in olfactory mucosa on particle size implies that the occupation deposition of welding fume manganese can be expected to vary with welding method. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

Optical properties of randomly distributed soot: improved polarimetric and intensity scattering functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renard, Jean-Baptiste; Daugeron, Daniel; Personne, Pascal; Legros, Guillaume; Baillargeat, Jacques; Hadamcik, Edith; Worms, Jean-Claude

2005-02-01

Reference scattering curves for polarization and intensity produced by aggregates and agglomerates of ethylene and kerosene soot are obtained for scattering angles in the 10-170° range. The polarization measurements were obtained with the Propriétés Optiques des Grains Astronomiques et Atmosphèriques instrument for particles that levitate in microgravity during parabolic flights and on the ground by an air draught technique. The intensity measurements were obtained also on the ground with a Laboratoire de Metéorologie Physique nephelometer. The maximum polarization is of the order of 80% at a scattering angle of 80° at lambda = 632.8 nm and approximately 75% at an angle of 90° at lambda = 543.5 nm. The polarization increases by approximately 10% when the size of the agglomerate increases from 10 μm to a few hundred micrometers. The intensity curve exhibits a strong increase at small scattering angles. These reference curves will be used in the near future for the detection of stratospheric soot by remote-sensing measurement techniques.

Polymer Nanocomposite Materials with High Dielectric Permittivity and Low Dielectric Loss Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toor, Anju

Materials with high dielectric permittivity have drawn increasing interests in recent years for their important applications in capacitors, actuators, and high energy density pulsed power. Particularly, polymer-based dielectrics are excellent candidates, owing to their properties such as high breakdown strength, low dielectric loss, flexibility and easy processing. To enhance the dielectric permittivity of polymer materials, typically, high dielectric constant filler materials are added to the polymer. Previously, ferroelectric and conductive fillers have been mainly used. However, such systems suffered from various limitations. For example, composites based on ferroelectric materials like barium titanate, exhibited high dielectric loss, and poor saturation voltages. Conductive fillers are used in the form of powder aggregates, and they may show 10-100 times enhancement in dielectric constant, however these nanoparticle aggregates cause the dielectric loss to be significant. Also, agglomerates limit the volume fraction of fillers in polymer and hence, the ability to achieve superior dielectric constants. Thus, the aggregation of nanoparticles is a significant challenge to their use to improve the dielectric permittivity. We propose the use of ligand-coated metal nanoparticle fillers to enhance the dielectric properties of the host polymer while minimizing dielectric loss by preventing nanoparticle agglomeration. The focus is on obtaining uniform dispersion of nanoparticles with no agglomeration by utilizing appropriate ligands/surface functionalizations on the gold nanoparticle surface. Use of ligand coated metal nanoparticles will enhance the dielectric constant while minimizing dielectric loss, even with the particles closely packed in the polymer matrix. Novel combinations of materials, which use 5 nm diameter metal nanoparticles embedded inside high breakdown strength polymer materials are evaluated. High breakdown strength polymer materials are chosen to allow further exploration of these materials for energy storage applications. In summary, two novel nanocomposite materials are designed and synthesized, one involving polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the host polymer for potential applications in energy storage and the other with SU-8 for microelectronic applications. Scanning elec- tron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and ultramicrotoming techniques were used for the material characterization of the nanocomposite materials. A homogeneous dispersion of gold nanoparticles with low particle agglomeration has been achieved. Fabricated nanoparticle polymer composite films showed the absence of voids and cracks. Also, no evidence of macro-phase separation of nanoparticles from the polymer phase was observed. This is important because nanoparticle agglomeration and phase separation from the polymer usually results in poor processability of films and a high defect density. Dielectric characterization of the nanocomposite materials showed enhancement in the dielectric constant over the base polymer values and low dielectric loss values were observed.

Acoustic agglomeration methods and apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barmatz, M. B. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

Methods are described for using acoustic energy to agglomerate fine particles on the order of one micron diameter that are suspended in gas, to provide agglomerates large enough for efficient removal by other techniques. The gas with suspended particles, is passed through the length of a chamber while acoustic energy at a resonant chamber mode is applied to set up one or more acoustic standing wave patterns that vibrate the suspended particles to bring them together so they agglomerate. Several widely different frequencies can be applied to efficiently vibrate particles of widely differing sizes. The standing wave pattern can be applied along directions transversed to the flow of the gas. The particles can be made to move in circles by applying acoustic energy in perpendicular directions with the energy in both directions being of the same wavelength but 90 deg out of phase.

A comparison of dispersing media for various engineered carbon nanoparticles.

PubMed

Buford, Mary C; Hamilton, Raymond F; Holian, Andrij

2007-07-27

With the increased manufacture and use of carbon nanoparticles (CNP) there has been increasing concern about the potential toxicity of fugitive CNP in the workplace and ambient environment. To address this matter a number of investigators have conducted in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments. However, a variety of different approaches for suspension of these particles (culture media, Tween 80, dimethyl sulfoxide, phosphate-buffered saline, fetal calf serum, and others), and different sources of materials have generated potentially conflicting outcomes. The quality of the dispersion of nanoparticles is very dependent on the medium used to suspend them, and this then will most likely affect the biological outcomes. In this work, the distributions of different CNP (sources and types) have been characterized in various media. Furthermore, the outcome of instilling the different agglomerates, or size distributions, was examined in mouse lungs after one and seven days. Our results demonstrated that CNP suspended in serum produced particle suspensions with the fewest large agglomerates, and the most uniform distribution in mouse lungs. In addition, no apparent clearance of instilled CNP took place from lungs even after seven days. This work demonstrates that CNP agglomerates are present in all dispersing vehicles to some degree. The vehicle that contains some protein, lipid or protein/lipid component disperses the CNP best, producing fewer large CNP agglomerates. In contrast, vehicles absent of lipid and protein produce the largest CNP agglomerates. The source of the CNP is also a factor in the degree of particle agglomeration within the same vehicle.

Particle agglomeration and fuel decomposition in burning slurry droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhury, P. Roy; Gerstein, Melvin

In a burning slurry droplet the particles tend to agglomerate and produce large clusters which are difficult to burn. As a consequence, the combustion efficiency is drastically reduced. For such a droplet the nonlinear D2- t behavior associated with the formation of hard to burn agglomerates can be explained if the fuel decomposes on the surface of the particles. This paper deals with analysis and experiments with JP-10 and Diesel #2 slurries prepared with inert SiC and Al 2O 3 particles. It provides direct evidence of decomposed fuel residue on the surface of the particles heated by flame radiation. These decomposed fuel residues act as bonding agents and appear to be responsible for the observed agglomeration of particles in a slurry. Chemical analysis, scanning electron microscope photographs and finally micro-analysis by electron scattering clearly show the presence of decomposed fuel residue on the surface of the particles. Diesel #2 is decomposed relatively easily and therefore leaves a thicker deposit on SiC and forms larger agglomerates than the more stable JP-10. A surface reaction model with particles heated by flame radiation is able to describe the observed trend of the diameter history of the slurry fuel. Additional experiments with particles of lower emissivity (Al 2O 3) and radiation absorbing dye validate the theoretical model of the role of flame radiation in fuel decomposition and the formation of agglomerates in burning slurry droplets.

Characterisation of the de-agglomeration effects of bovine serum albumin on nanoparticles in aqueous suspension.

PubMed

Tantra, Ratna; Tompkins, Jordan; Quincey, Paul

2010-01-01

This paper describes the use of nanoparticle characterisation tools to evaluate the interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and dispersed nanoparticles in aqueous media. Dynamic light scattering, zeta-potential measurements and scanning electron microscopy were used to probe the state of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) nanoparticles in the presence of various concentrations of BSA, throughout a three-day period. BSA was shown to adhere to ZnO but not to TiO(2). The adsorption of BSA led to subsequent de-agglomeration of the sub-micron ZnO clusters into smaller fragments, even breaking them up into individual isolated nanoparticles. We propose that certain factors, such as adsorption kinetics of BSA on to the surface of ZnO, as well as the initial agglomerated state of the ZnO, prior to BSA addition, are responsible for promoting the de-agglomeration process. Hence, in the case of TiO(2) we see no de-agglomeration because: (a) the nanoparticles are more highly agglomerated to begin with and (b) BSA does not adsorb effectively on the surface of the nanoparticles. The zeta-potential results show that, for either ZnO or TiO(2), the presence of BSA resulted in enhanced stability. In the case of ZnO, the enhanced stability is limited to BSA concentrations below 0.5 wt.%. Steric and electrostatic repulsion are thought to be responsible for improved stability of the dispersion.

Water-extractable and water-unextractable arabinoxylans affect gluten agglomeration behavior during wheat flour gluten-starch separation.

PubMed

Frederix, Sofie A; Van Hoeymissen, Klaartje E; Courtin, Christophe M; Delcour, Jan A

2004-12-29

Water-extractable arabinoxylan (WE-AX) of variable molecular weight (MW) and water-unextractable arabinoxylan (WU-AX) were added to wheat flour to study their effect on gluten agglomeration in a dough and batter gluten-starch separation process with recovery of gluten from the batter with a set of vibrating sieves (400, 250, and 125 microm). Low MW WE-AX had almost no impact on the distribution of the gluten on the different sieves. High MW WE-AX decreased yields of the largest (400 microm sieve) gluten aggregates, more than their medium MW counterparts, indicating the importance of AX MW for their effect on gluten interactions. Correlations between the total level of gluten protein recovered on the three sieves and the batter extract viscosity as well as between the proportion of gluten protein recovered on the 400 microm sieve to that on the three sieves and the batter extract viscosity pointed to the importance of viscosity as an indicator for gluten agglomeration, as did the fact that another viscosity increasing plant polysaccharide (guar gum) also negatively influenced gluten agglomeration. However, the obtained data cannot rule out that AX and guar gum also exert steric effects on gluten agglomeration. WU-AX, present as discrete cell wall fragments, had a negative impact on the level of large gluten aggregates. Taken together, the results show that both native WE-AX and WU-AX detrimentally impact gluten agglomeration.

Analysis of nanoparticle–protein coronas formed in vitro between nanosized welding particles and nasal lavage proteins

PubMed Central

Ali, Neserin; Mattsson, Karin; Rissler, Jenny; Karlsson, Helen Marg; Svensson, Christian R.; Gudmundsson, Anders; Lindh, Christian H.; Jönsson, Bo A. G.; Cedervall, Tommy; Kåredal, Monica

2016-01-01

Abstract Welding fumes include agglomerated particles built up of primary nanoparticles. Particles inhaled through the nose will to some extent be deposited in the protein-rich nasal mucosa, and a protein corona will be formed around the particles. The aim was to identify the protein corona formed between nasal lavage proteins and four types of particles with different parameters. Two of the particles were formed and collected during welding and two were manufactured iron oxides. When nasal lavage proteins were added to the particles, differences were observed in the sizes of the aggregates that were formed. Measurements showed that the amount of protein bound to particles correlated with the relative size increase of the aggregates, suggesting that the surface area was associated with the binding capacity. However, differences in aggregate sizes were detected when nasal proteins were added to UFWF and Fe2O3 particles (having similar agglomerated size) suggesting that yet parameters other than size determine the binding. Relative quantitative mass spectrometric and gel-based analyses showed differences in the protein content of the coronas. High-affinity proteins were further assessed for network interactions. Additional experiments showed that the inhibitory function of secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor, a highly abundant nasal protein, was influenced by particle binding suggesting that an understanding of protein function following particle binding is necessary to properly evaluate pathophysiological events. Our results underscore the importance of including particles collected from real working environments when studying the toxic effects of particles because these effects might be mediated by the protein corona. PMID:26186033

Two-stage agglomeration of fine-grained herbal nettle waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obidziński, Sławomir; Joka, Magdalena; Fijoł, Olga

2017-10-01

This paper compares the densification work necessary for the pressure agglomeration of fine-grained dusty nettle waste, with the densification work involved in two-stage agglomeration of the same material. In the first stage, the material was pre-densified through coating with a binder material in the form of a 5% potato starch solution, and then subjected to pressure agglomeration. A number of tests were conducted to determine the effect of the moisture content in the nettle waste (15, 18 and 21%), as well as the process temperature (50, 70, 90°C) on the values of densification work and the density of the obtained pellets. For pre-densified pellets from a mixture of nettle waste and a starch solution, the conducted tests determined the effect of pellet particle size (1, 2, and 3 mm) and the process temperature (50, 70, 90°C) on the same values. On the basis of the tests, we concluded that the introduction of a binder material and the use of two-stage agglomeration in nettle waste densification resulted in increased densification work (as compared to the densification of nettle waste alone) and increased pellet density.

Leukocyte Agglomeration Reaction in Diagnosis of Allergy Reactions from Antibiotics,

DTIC Science & Technology

tested in a clinic on 80 patients with serious allergic anamnesis . The results of the studies indicate that the leukocyte agglomeration reaction is a highly sensitive immunological indicator of hypersensitivity to antibiotics.

Non-contact evaluation of milk-based products using air-coupled ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, S.; Hindle, S. A.; Sandoz, J.-P.; Gan, T. H.; Hutchins, D. A.

2006-07-01

An air-coupled ultrasonic technique has been developed and used to detect physicochemical changes of liquid beverages within a glass container. This made use of two wide-bandwidth capacitive transducers, combined with pulse-compression techniques. The use of a glass container to house samples enabled visual inspection, helping to verify the results of some of the ultrasonic measurements. The non-contact pulse-compression system was used to evaluate agglomeration processes in milk-based products. It is shown that the amplitude of the signal varied with time after the samples had been treated with lactic acid, thus promoting sample destabilization. Non-contact imaging was also performed to follow destabilization of samples by scanning in various directions across the container. The obtained ultrasonic images were also compared to those from a digital camera. Coagulation with glucono-delta-lactone of skim milk poured into this container could be monitored within a precision of a pH of 0.15. This rapid, non-contact and non-destructive technique has shown itself to be a feasible method for investigating the quality of milk-based beverages, and possibly other food products.

Chemical Characterization of Bed Material Coatingsby LA-ICP-MS and SEM-EDS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piispanen, M. H.; Mustonen, A. J.; Tiainen, M. S.; Laitinen, R. S.

Bed material coatings and the consequent agglomeration of bed material are main ash-related problems in FB-boilers. The bed agglomeration is a particular problem when combusting biofuels and waste materials. Whereas SEM-EDS together with automated image processing has proven to be a convenient method to study compositional distribution in coating layers and agglomerates, it is a relatively expensive technique and is not necessarily widely available. In this contribution, we explore the suitability of LA-ICP-MS to provide analogous information of the bed.

A pocket model for aluminum agglomeration in composite propellants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, N. S.

1981-01-01

This paper presents a model for the purpose of estimating the fraction of aluminum powder that will form agglomerates at the surface of deflagrating composite propellants. The basic idea is that the fraction agglomerated depends upon the amount of aluminum that melts within effective binder pocket volumes framed by oxidizer particles. The effective pocket depends upon the ability of ammonium perchlorate modals to encapsulate the aluminum and provide a local temperature sufficient to ignite the aluminum. Model results are discussed in the light of data showing effects of propellant formulation variables and pressure.

Statistical prediction of nanoparticle delivery: from culture media to cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowan Brown, M.; Hondow, Nicole; Brydson, Rik; Rees, Paul; Brown, Andrew P.; Summers, Huw D.

2015-04-01

The application of nanoparticles (NPs) within medicine is of great interest; their innate physicochemical characteristics provide the potential to enhance current technology, diagnostics and therapeutics. Recently a number of NP-based diagnostic and therapeutic agents have been developed for treatment of various diseases, where judicious surface functionalization is exploited to increase efficacy of administered therapeutic dose. However, quantification of heterogeneity associated with absolute dose of a nanotherapeutic (NP number), how this is trafficked across biological barriers has proven difficult to achieve. The main issue being the quantitative assessment of NP number at the spatial scale of the individual NP, data which is essential for the continued growth and development of the next generation of nanotherapeutics. Recent advances in sample preparation and the imaging fidelity of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) platforms provide information at the required spatial scale, where individual NPs can be individually identified. High spatial resolution however reduces the sample frequency and as a result dynamic biological features or processes become opaque. However, the combination of TEM data with appropriate probabilistic models provide a means to extract biophysical information that imaging alone cannot. Previously, we demonstrated that limited cell sampling via TEM can be statistically coupled to large population flow cytometry measurements to quantify exact NP dose. Here we extended this concept to link TEM measurements of NP agglomerates in cell culture media to that encapsulated within vesicles in human osteosarcoma cells. By construction and validation of a data-driven transfer function, we are able to investigate the dynamic properties of NP agglomeration through endocytosis. In particular, we statistically predict how NP agglomerates may traverse a biological barrier, detailing inter-agglomerate merging events providing the basis for predictive modelling of nanopharmacology.

Recent Advances in the Development and Application of Power Plate Transducers in Dense Gas Extraction and Aerosol Agglomeration Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riera, E.; Cardoni, A.; Gallego-Juárez, J. A.; Acosta, V. M.; Blanco, A.; Rodríguez, G.; Blasco, M.; Herranz, L. E.

Power ultrasound (PU) is an emerging, innovative, energy saving and environmental friendly technology that is generating a great interest in sectors such as food and pharmaceutical industries, green chemistry, environmental pollution, and other processes, where sustainable and energy efficient methods are required to improve and/or produce specific effects. Two typical effects of PU are the enhancement of mass transfer in gases and liquids, and the induction of particle agglomeration in aerosols. These effects are activated by a variety of mechanisms associated to the nonlinear propagation of high amplitude ultrasonic waves such as diffusion, agitation, entrainment, turbulence, etc. During the last years a great effort has been jointly made by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the company Pusonics towards introducing novel processes into the market based on airborne ultrasonic plate transducers. This technology was specifically developed for the treatment of gas and multiphasic media characterized by low specific acoustic impedance and high acoustic absorption. Different strategies have been developed to mitigate the effects of the nonlinear dynamic behavior of such ultrasonic piezoelectric transducers in order to enhance and stabilize their response at operational power conditions. This work deals with the latter advances in the mitigation of nonlinear problems found in power transducers; besides it describes two applications assisted by ultrasound developed at semi-industrial and laboratory scales and consisting in extraction via dense gases and particle agglomeration. Dense Gas Extraction (DGE) assisted by PU is a new process with a potential to enhance the extraction kinetics with supercritical CO2. Acoustic agglomeration of fine aerosol particles has a great potential for the treatment of air pollution problems generated by particulate materials. Experimental and numerical results in both processes will be shown and discussed.

Water resources management in the urban agglomeration of the Lake Biwa region, Japan: An ecosystem services-based sustainability assessment.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaochen; Chen, Yuqing; Shimizu, Toshiyuki; Niu, Jia; Nakagami, Ken'ichi; Qian, Xuepeng; Jia, Baoju; Nakajima, Jun; Han, Ji; Li, Jianhua

2017-05-15

An innovative ecosystem services-based sustainability assessment was conducted in the important urban agglomeration of the Lake Biwa region, Japan, covering the time period from 1950 to 2014. A 22-indicator system was established that was based on the major ecosystem services of Lake Biwa and its water courses, i.e., provisioning services regarding aquatic products and water; regulating services regarding floods and water quality; cultural services regarding recreation and tourism, scientific research, and environmental education; and supporting services regarding biodiversity. First, changes in the eight ecosystem services were discussed together with the considerable experience and difficult lessons that can be drawn from the development trajectory. Next, with the indicators rearranged according to sustainability principles, the regional sustainability over the past six-plus decades was assessed. In general, this urban agglomeration has been progressing in terms of its sustainability, although economic and social development was achieved at the cost of environmental degradation in the past, and the current economic downturn is hurting the balanced development and integrated benefits. The results lead directly to recommendations for regional development, especially in terms of economic rejuvenation, from the perspective of improving management of Lake Biwa's water resources. Moreover, the relevant knowledge is educational and inspirational for other places in the world that are facing similar development issues. For example, the effective and even pioneering countermeasures that have been taken against environmental degradation, as well as the participation and collaboration of multiple stakeholders, could be useful as a model. Moreover, the study invites increased understanding of ecosystem vulnerability to anthropogenic devastation and emphasizes the priority of precautionary measures over countermeasures in the context of holistic urban planning and sustainable urban development. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spatial Econometric Research on the Relationship between Highway Construction and Regional Economic Growth in China: Evidence from the Nationwide Panel Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, N. J.; Li, W. J.; Li, Y.; Bai, Y. F.

2017-12-01

Based on spatial panel data from 2010 to 2016 in China, this paper makes an empirical analysis on the relationship between highway construction and regional economic growth by means of spatial econometric model. The results show that there is positive spatial correlation on regional economic growth in China, and strong spatial dependences between some provinces and cities appear, specifically, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Zhejiang and other eastern coastal areas show high-high agglomeration trend, the Pearl River Delta region presents high-low agglomeration trend; In terms of nationwide provinces and municipalities, a province’s highway construction investment for their own province and the neighboring provinces has pulling effect on economic growth to a certain extent, and the direct effect is more obvious.

Pt based PEMFC catalysts prepared from colloidal particle suspensions--a toolbox for model studies.

PubMed

Speder, Jozsef; Altmann, Lena; Roefzaad, Melanie; Bäumer, Marcus; Kirkensgaard, Jacob J K; Mortensen, Kell; Arenz, Matthias

2013-03-14

A colloidal synthesis approach is presented that allows systematic studies of the properties of supported proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) catalysts. The applied synthesis route is based on the preparation of monodisperse nanoparticles in the absence of strong binding organic stabilizing agents. No temperature post-treatment of the catalyst is required rendering the synthesis route ideally suitable for comparative studies. We report work concerning a series of catalysts based on the same colloidal Pt nanoparticle (NP) suspension, but with different high surface area (HSA) carbon supports. It is shown that for the prepared catalysts the carbon support has no catalytic co-function, but carbon pre-treatment leads to enhanced sticking of the Pt NPs on the support. An unwanted side effect, however, is NP agglomeration during synthesis. By contrast, enhanced NP sticking without agglomeration can be accomplished by the addition of an ionomer to the NP suspension. The catalytic activity of the prepared catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction is comparable to industrial catalysts and no influence of the particle size is found in the range of 2-5 nm.

A comparison of dispersing media for various engineered carbon nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Buford, Mary C; Hamilton, Raymond F; Holian, Andrij

2007-01-01

Background With the increased manufacture and use of carbon nanoparticles (CNP) there has been increasing concern about the potential toxicity of fugitive CNP in the workplace and ambient environment. To address this matter a number of investigators have conducted in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments. However, a variety of different approaches for suspension of these particles (culture media, Tween 80, dimethyl sulfoxide, phosphate-buffered saline, fetal calf serum, and others), and different sources of materials have generated potentially conflicting outcomes. The quality of the dispersion of nanoparticles is very dependent on the medium used to suspend them, and this then will most likely affect the biological outcomes. Results In this work, the distributions of different CNP (sources and types) have been characterized in various media. Furthermore, the outcome of instilling the different agglomerates, or size distributions, was examined in mouse lungs after one and seven days. Our results demonstrated that CNP suspended in serum produced particle suspensions with the fewest large agglomerates, and the most uniform distribution in mouse lungs. In addition, no apparent clearance of instilled CNP took place from lungs even after seven days. Conclusion This work demonstrates that CNP agglomerates are present in all dispersing vehicles to some degree. The vehicle that contains some protein, lipid or protein/lipid component disperses the CNP best, producing fewer large CNP agglomerates. In contrast, vehicles absent of lipid and protein produce the largest CNP agglomerates. The source of the CNP is also a factor in the degree of particle agglomeration within the same vehicle. PMID:17655771

Comparing effectiveness of rhamnolipid biosurfactant with a quaternary ammonium salt surfactant for hydrate anti-agglomeration.

PubMed

York, J Dalton; Firoozabadi, Abbas

2008-01-24

Natural gas is projected to be the premium fuel of the 21st century because of availability, as well as economical and environmental considerations. Natural gas is coproduced with water from the subsurface forming gas hydrates. Hydrate formation may result in shutdown of onshore and offshore operations. Industry practice has been usage of alcohols--which have undesirable environmental impacts--to affect bulk-phase properties and inhibit hydrate formation. An alternative to alcohols is changing the surface properties through usage of polymers and surfactants, effective at 0.5-3 wt % of coproduced water. One group of low-dosage hydrate inhibitors (LDHI) are kinetic inhibitors, which affect nucleation rate and growth. A second group of LDHI are anti-agglomerants, which prevent agglomeration of small hydrate crystallites. Despite great potential, reported work on hydrate anti-agglomeration is very limited. In this paper, our focus is on the use of two vastly different surfactants as anti-agglomerants. We use a model oil, water, and tetrahydrofuran as a hydrate-forming species. We examine the effectiveness of a quaternary ammonium salt (i.e., quat). Visual observation measurements show that a small concentration of the quat (0.01%) can prevent agglomeration. However, a quat is not a green chemical and therefore may be undesirable. We show that a rhamnolipid biosurfactant can be effective to a concentration of 0.05 wt %. One difference between the two surfactants is the stability of the water-in-oil emulsions created. The biosurfactant forms a less stable emulsion, which makes it very desirable for hydrate application.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Induce Pulmonary and Vascular Response Following Intratracheal Instillation

EPA Science Inventory

Carbon-based nanotubes have been shown to induce varying degrees of pulmonary response in rodents influenced by the dose, the extent of agglomeration, the chemistry of the suspension solution, and the functional properties. We hypothesized that low concentrations of non-modified ...

Room Temperature Co-Precipitation Synthesis of Magnetite Nanoparticles in a Large pH Window with Different Bases.

PubMed

Mascolo, Maria Cristina; Pei, Yongbing; Ring, Terry A

2013-11-28

Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) represent the most promising materials in medical applications. To favor high-drug or enzyme loading on the nanoparticles, they are incorporated into mesoporous materials to form a hybrid support with the consequent reduction of magnetization saturation. The direct synthesis of mesoporous structures appears to be of interest. To this end, magnetite nanoparticles have been synthesized using a one pot co-precipitation reaction at room temperature in the presence of different bases, such as NaOH, KOH or (C₂H₅)₄NOH. Magnetite shows characteristics of superparamagnetism at room temperature and a saturation magnetization (Ms) value depending on both the crystal size and the degree of agglomeration of individual nanoparticles. Such agglomeration appears to be responsible for the formation of mesoporous structures, which are affected by the pH, the nature of alkali, the slow or fast addition of alkaline solution and the drying modality of synthesized powders.

Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of nano-SiCp/AZ91 composite processed by extrusion and equal channel angular pressing (ECAP)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Qiao, X.G.; Ying, T.

Nano-SiCp/AZ91 magnesium matrix composite was fabricated by stir casting. The as-cast ingots were extruded at 350 °C, then processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at various temperatures (250 °C, 300 °C and 350 °C). Grains are significantly refined after the extrusion and the ECAP. A basal fibre texture was detected by neutron diffraction after the extrusion, which inclines about 45° to the extrusion direction (ED) after the ECAP. Nano-scaled SiC particles agglomerate in the as-cast composite. After the extrusion, the agglomeration tends to form continuous or discontinuous strips along the extrusion direction. By application of the ECAP, the agglomeratedmore » SiC particles are partly dispersed and the strips formed during the extrusion tend to be thinner and broken with the increasing pass number. The yield tensile strength (YTS) and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the composite are dramatically increased after the extrusion. ECAP for one pass at various temperatures further increases the strength, however, the YTS decreases with the increasing ECAP temperature and the pass number. The Orowan equations predict the maximum YTS of the composite may be up to 400 MPa providing SiC particles are homogenously distributed in the matrix. - Highlights: •Nano-scaled SiC particles were successfully added into AZ91 by stirring casting. •Agglomeration of nano-particles were improved by extrusion and ECAP. •Yield strength of the composite is 328 MPa after one pass of ECAP. •Further ECAP process with optimized parameters may fully disperse nano-particles. •Yield strength is predicted to up to 400 MPa when particles are fully dispersed.« less

Synthesis and characterization of cellulose and hydroxyapatite-carbon electrode composite for trace plumbum ions detection and its validation in blood serum.

PubMed

Ajab, Huma; Dennis, John Ojur; Abdullah, Mohd Azmuddin

2018-07-01

A novel synthesis and characterization of cellulose, hydroxyapatite and chemically-modified carbon electrode (Cellulose-HAp-CME) composite was reported for the analysis of trace Pb(II) ions detection and its validation in blood serum. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analyses showed that the composite retained the orderly porous structure but with scattered particle size agglomeration. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra suggested the presence of functional groups associated with the bending and stretching of carbon bonds and intermolecular H-bonding. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses further elucidated that the crystallite size could have influenced the properties of the electrode. Based on Thermo-gravimetric Analysis (TGA/DTG), the composites showed thermal stability with more than 60% residual content at 700°C. The sensor was successfully developed for trace Pb(II) ions detection in complex medium such as blood serum, in the physiologically relevant range of 10-60ppb, with resulting Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.11±0.36ppb and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) of 0.36±0.36ppb. The newly fabricated electrode could be advantageous as a sensing platform with favourable electrochemical characteristics for robust, in situ and rapid environmental and clinical analyses of heavy metal ions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of the Critical Parameters of the Spherical Agglomeration Crystallization Method by the Application of the Quality by Design Approach.

PubMed

Gyulai, Orsolya; Kovács, Anita; Sovány, Tamás; Csóka, Ildikó; Aigner, Zoltán

2018-04-20

This research work presents the use of the Quality by Design (QbD) concept for optimization of the spherical agglomeration crystallization method in the case of the active agent, ambroxol hydrochloride (AMB HCl). AMB HCl spherical crystals were formulated by the spherical agglomeration method, which was applied as an antisolvent technique. Spherical crystals have good flowing properties, which makes the direct compression tableting method applicable. This means that the amount of additives used can be reduced and smaller tablets can be formed. For the risk assessment, LeanQbD Software was used. According to its results, four independent variables (mixing type and time, dT (temperature difference between solvent and antisolvent), and composition (solvent/antisolvent volume ratio)) and three dependent variables (mean particle size, aspect ratio, and roundness) were selected. Based on these, a 2⁻3 mixed-level factorial design was constructed, crystallization was accomplished, and the results were evaluated using Statistica for Windows 13 program. Product assay was performed and it was revealed that improvements in the mean particle size (from ~13 to ~200 µm), roundness (from ~2.4 to ~1.5), aspect ratio (from ~1.7 to ~1.4), and flow properties were observed while polymorphic transitions were avoided.

Agglomeration of Luminescent Porous Silicon Nanoparticles in Colloidal Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herynková, Kateřina; Šlechta, Miroslav; Šimáková, Petra; Fučíková, Anna; Cibulka, Ondřej

2016-08-01

We have prepared colloidal solutions of clusters composed from porous silicon nanoparticles in methanol, water and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Even if the size of the nanoclusters is between 60 and 500 nm, due to their highly porous "cauliflower"-like structure, the porous silicon nanoparticles are composed of interconnected nanocrystals having around 2.5 nm in size and showing strong visible luminescence in the orange-red spectral region (centred at 600-700 nm). Hydrophilic behaviour and good solubility of the nanoclusters in water and water-based solutions were obtained by adding hydrogen peroxide into the etching solution during preparation and 16 min long after-bath in hydrogen peroxide. By simple filtration of the solutions with syringe filters, we have extracted smaller nanoclusters with sizes of approx. 60-70 nm; however, these nanoclusters in water and PBS solution (pH neutral) are prone to agglomeration, as was confirmed by zeta potential measurements. When the samples were left at ambient conditions for several weeks, the typical nanocluster size increased to approx. 330-400 nm and then remained stable. However, both freshly filtered and aged samples (with agglomerated porous silicon nanoparticles) of porous silicon in water and PBS solutions can be further used for biological studies or as luminescent markers in living cells.

Assessment of agglomeration, co-sedimentation and trophic transfer of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in a laboratory-scale predator-prey model system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Govind Sharan; Kumar, Ashutosh; Shanker, Rishi; Dhawan, Alok

2016-08-01

Nano titanium dioxide (nTiO2) is the most abundantly released engineered nanomaterial (ENM) in aquatic environments. Therefore, it is prudent to assess its fate and its effects on lower trophic-level organisms in the aquatic food chain. A predator-and-prey-based laboratory microcosm was established using Paramecium caudatum and Escherichia coli to evaluate the effects of nTiO2. The surface interaction of nTiO2 with E. coli significantly increased after the addition of Paramecium into the microcosm. This interaction favoured the hetero-agglomeration and co-sedimentation of nTiO2. The extent of nTiO2 agglomeration under experimental conditions was as follows: combined E. coli and Paramecium > Paramecium only > E. coli only > without E. coli or Paramecium. An increase in nTiO2 internalisation in Paramecium cells was also observed in the presence or absence of E. coli cells. These interactions and nTiO2 internalisation in Paramecium cells induced statistically significant (p < 0.05) effects on growth and the bacterial ingestion rate at 24 h. These findings provide new insights into the fate of nTiO2 in the presence of bacterial-ciliate interactions in the aquatic environment.

Assessment of agglomeration, co-sedimentation and trophic transfer of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in a laboratory-scale predator-prey model system

PubMed Central

Gupta, Govind Sharan; Kumar, Ashutosh; Shanker, Rishi; Dhawan, Alok

2016-01-01

Nano titanium dioxide (nTiO2) is the most abundantly released engineered nanomaterial (ENM) in aquatic environments. Therefore, it is prudent to assess its fate and its effects on lower trophic-level organisms in the aquatic food chain. A predator-and-prey-based laboratory microcosm was established using Paramecium caudatum and Escherichia coli to evaluate the effects of nTiO2. The surface interaction of nTiO2 with E. coli significantly increased after the addition of Paramecium into the microcosm. This interaction favoured the hetero-agglomeration and co-sedimentation of nTiO2. The extent of nTiO2 agglomeration under experimental conditions was as follows: combined E. coli and Paramecium > Paramecium only > E. coli only > without E. coli or Paramecium. An increase in nTiO2 internalisation in Paramecium cells was also observed in the presence or absence of E. coli cells. These interactions and nTiO2 internalisation in Paramecium cells induced statistically significant (p < 0.05) effects on growth and the bacterial ingestion rate at 24 h. These findings provide new insights into the fate of nTiO2 in the presence of bacterial-ciliate interactions in the aquatic environment. PMID:27530102

High-rise construction in the Saint Petersburg agglomeration in 1703-1950s

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sementsov, Sergey; Akulova, Nadezhda; Kurakina, Severina

2018-03-01

Regularities of high-rise construction (implemented projects and developments) in Saint Petersburg and the Saint Petersburg agglomeration since the foundation of the city in 1703 till the 1950s are considered. Based on these regularities, a single spatially developed system of vertical dominants is formed. High-rise construction in the city and its suburbs started in the 1710s and continues up to the present time. In the considered decades (1703-1950s), high-rise construction mostly performed urban-planning functions (with vertical and symbolic dominants), relying on patterns of the visual perception of man-made landscapes under development. Since the 1710s, the construction of vertical dominants (mainly temples, spires of towers, lighthouses, etc.) of five ranks (depending on the altitude range and in relation to the background development) was conducted in territories of the entire agglomeration. These dominants were arranged in landscapes of the city and suburbs with almost mathematically precise accuracy and according to special regulations. Such dominants obtained particular descriptive and silhouette characteristics in accordance with the conditions of spatial perception. In some periods of city development, attempts were made to create monuments (symbolic dominants) of specific height and include those in the spatial system of high-rise dominants as significant elements of the city silhouette.

Agglomeration of Luminescent Porous Silicon Nanoparticles in Colloidal Solutions.

PubMed

Herynková, Kateřina; Šlechta, Miroslav; Šimáková, Petra; Fučíková, Anna; Cibulka, Ondřej

2016-12-01

We have prepared colloidal solutions of clusters composed from porous silicon nanoparticles in methanol, water and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Even if the size of the nanoclusters is between 60 and 500 nm, due to their highly porous "cauliflower"-like structure, the porous silicon nanoparticles are composed of interconnected nanocrystals having around 2.5 nm in size and showing strong visible luminescence in the orange-red spectral region (centred at 600-700 nm). Hydrophilic behaviour and good solubility of the nanoclusters in water and water-based solutions were obtained by adding hydrogen peroxide into the etching solution during preparation and 16 min long after-bath in hydrogen peroxide. By simple filtration of the solutions with syringe filters, we have extracted smaller nanoclusters with sizes of approx. 60-70 nm; however, these nanoclusters in water and PBS solution (pH neutral) are prone to agglomeration, as was confirmed by zeta potential measurements. When the samples were left at ambient conditions for several weeks, the typical nanocluster size increased to approx. 330-400 nm and then remained stable. However, both freshly filtered and aged samples (with agglomerated porous silicon nanoparticles) of porous silicon in water and PBS solutions can be further used for biological studies or as luminescent markers in living cells.

Resistance to Rolling in the Adhesive Contact of Two Elastic Spheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dominik, C.; Tielens, A. G. G. M.

1995-01-01

For the stability of agglomerates of micron sized particles it is of considerable importance to study the effects of tangential forces on the contact of two particles. If the particles can slide or roll easily over each other, fractal structures of these agglomerates will not be stable. We use the description of contact forces by Johnson, Kendall and Roberts, along with arguments based on the atomic structure of the surfaces in contact, in order to calculate the resistance to rolling in such a contact. It is shown that the contact reacts elastically to torque forces up to a critical bending angle. Beyond that, irreversible rolling occurs. In the elastic regime, the moment opposing the attempt to roll is proportional to the bending angle and to the pull-off force P(sub c). Young's modulus of the involved materials has hardly any influence on the results. We show that agglomerates of sub-micron sized particles will in general be quite rigid and even long chains of particles cannot be bent easily. For very small particles, the contact will rather break than allow for rolling. We further discuss dynamic properties such as the possibility of vibrations in this degree of freedom and the typical amount of rolling during a collision of two particles.

Particle agglomerated 3-d nanostructures for photon absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivayoganathan, Mugunthan

The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the photon absorption properties of particle agglomerated 3-D structures that are synthesized through femtosecond laser ablation of solids. The size and morphology of these particle agglomerated 3-D structures, which can be tailored through adjusting laser parameters, determine the photon absorption property. A systematic theoretical and experimental study was performed to identify the effect of lasers on the size of the formed particles. The literature survey showed that the amount of supersaturation influences the growth rate as well as the nucleation rate of vapour condensed nanoparticles. Based on this theory, a mechanism was formed to explain the control of laser parameters over the size of formed particles. Further, a theoretical explanation was proposed from the experimental results for the transition of particle size distribution modals. These proposed mechanisms and explanations show the variation in particle size in the particle agglomerated 3-D nanostructures with laser parameters. The effect of laser parameters on the formed ring size was studied. Based on the previous studies, a mechanism was proposed for the formation of ring nanoclusters. The laser pulse intensity dependent ponderomotive force was the key force to define the formation of ring nanoclusters. Then the effect of laser parameters on ring size was studied. Structures fabricated on several materials such as graphite, aluminosilicate ceramic, zinc ingot, gold, and titanium were analyzed to show the influence of material properties, laser parameters, and the environmental conditions on the size of ring formed. The studies performed on the structures showed a minimum absorption of 0.75 A.U. in the bandwidth from UV to IR. The absorption spectrum is much wider compared to existing nanomaterials, such as silicon nanostructures and titanium dioxide nanostructures. To the best of the author's knowledge, it is a very competitive absorption rate when compared with the previous nanostructures used in photovoltaic conversion. Several features of nanostructures contribute to the enhancement of this light absorption. The special feature of the structure is that ease to fabricate and modify the properties by varying the laser parameters could make it competitive among other nanostructures available for solar cells.

The structure of hydrophobic gas diffusion electrodes.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giner, J.

1972-01-01

The 'flooded agglomerate' model of the Teflon-bonded gas diffusion electrode is discussed. A mathematical treatment of the 'flooded agglomerate' model is given; it can be used to predict the performance of the electrode as a function of measurable physical parameters.

Growth and form of planetary seedlings: results from a microgravity aggregation experiment.

PubMed

Blum, J; Wurm, G; Kempf, S; Poppe, T; Klahr, H; Kozasa, T; Rott, M; Henning, T; Dorschner, J; Schräpler, R; Keller, H U; Markiewicz, W J; Mann, I; Gustafson, B A; Giovane, F; Neuhaus, D; Fechtig, H; Grün, E; Feuerbacher, B; Kochan, H; Ratke, L; El Goresy, A; Morfill, G; Weidenschilling, S J; Schwehm, G; Metzler, K; Ip, W H

2000-09-18

The outcome of the first stage of planetary formation, which is characterized by ballistic agglomeration of preplanetary dust grains due to Brownian motion in the free molecular flow regime of the solar nebula, is still somewhat speculative. We performed a microgravity experiment flown onboard the space shuttle in which we simulated, for the first time, the onset of free preplanetary dust accumulation and revealed the structures and growth rates of the first dust agglomerates in the young solar system. We find that a thermally aggregating swarm of dust particles evolves very rapidly and forms unexpected open-structured agglomerates.

Quantitative characterization of nanoparticle agglomeration within biological media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hondow, Nicole; Brydson, Rik; Wang, Peiyi; Holton, Mark D.; Brown, M. Rowan; Rees, Paul; Summers, Huw D.; Brown, Andy

2012-07-01

Quantitative analysis of nanoparticle dispersion state within biological media is essential to understanding cellular uptake and the roles of diffusion, sedimentation, and endocytosis in determining nanoparticle dose. The dispersion of polymer-coated CdTe/ZnS quantum dots in water and cell growth medium with and without fetal bovine serum was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. Characterization by TEM of samples prepared by plunge freezing the blotted solutions into liquid ethane was sensitive to the dispersion state of the quantum dots and enabled measurement of agglomerate size distributions even in the presence of serum proteins where DLS failed. In addition, TEM showed a reduced packing fraction of quantum dots per agglomerate when dispersed in biological media and serum compared to just water, highlighting the effect of interactions between the media, serum proteins, and the quantum dots. The identification of a heterogeneous distribution of quantum dots and quantum dot agglomerates in cell growth medium and serum by TEM will enable correlation with the previously reported optical metrology of in vitro cellular uptake of this quantum dot dispersion. In this paper, we present a comparative study of TEM and DLS and show that plunge-freeze TEM provides a robust assessment of nanoparticle agglomeration state.

Comparison of the agglomeration behavior of thin metallic films on SiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gadkari, P. R.; Warren, A. P.; Todi, R. M.; Petrova, R. V.; Coffey, K. R.

2005-07-01

The stability of continuous metallic thin films on insulating oxide surfaces is of interest to applications such as semiconductor interconnections and gate engineering. In this work, we report the study of the formation of voids and agglomeration of initially continuous Cu, Au, Ru and Pt thin films deposited on amorphous thermally grown SiO2 surfaces. Polycrystalline thin films having thicknesses in the range of 10-100 nm were ultrahigh vacuum sputter deposited on thermally grown SiO2 surfaces. The films were annealed at temperatures in the range of 150-800 °C in argon and argon+3% hydrogen gases. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the agglomeration behavior, and transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the microstructure of the as-deposited and annealed films. The agglomeration sequence in all of the films is found to follow a two step process of void nucleation and void growth. However, void growth in Au and Pt thin films is different from Cu and Ru thin films. Residual stress and adhesion were observed to play an important part in deciding the mode of void growth in Au and Pt thin films. Last, it is also observed that the tendency for agglomeration can be reduced by encapsulating the metal film with an oxide overlayer.

Direct numerical simulations of agglomeration of circular colloidal particles in two-dimensional shear flow

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, Young Joon, E-mail: yjchoi@uvic.ca; Djilali, Ned, E-mail: ndjilali@uvic.ca

2016-01-15

Colloidal agglomeration of nanoparticles in shear flow is investigated by solving the fluid-particle and particle-particle interactions in a 2D system. We use an extended finite element method in which the dynamics of the particles is solved in a fully coupled manner with the flow, allowing an accurate description of the fluid-particle interfaces without the need of boundary-fitted meshes or of empirical correlations to account for the hydrodynamic interactions between the particles. Adaptive local mesh refinement using a grid deformation method is incorporated with the fluid-structure interaction algorithm, and the particle-particle interaction at the microscopic level is modeled using the Lennard-Jonesmore » potential. Motivated by the process used in fabricating fuel cell catalysts from a colloidal ink, the model is applied to investigate agglomeration of colloidal particles under external shear flow in a sliding bi-periodic Lees-Edwards frame with varying shear rates and particle fraction ratios. Both external shear and particle fraction are found to have a crucial impact on the structure formation of colloidal particles in a suspension. Segregation intensity and graph theory are used to analyze the underlying agglomeration patterns and structures, and three agglomeration regimes are identified.« less

GIS based spatial pattern analysis: Children with Hepatitis A in Turkey.

PubMed

Dogru, Ahmet Ozgur; David, Ruusa Magano; Ulugtekin, Necla; Goksel, Cigdem; Seker, Dursun Zafer; Sözen, Seval

2017-07-01

This study aimed to provide an insight into the geographic distribution of Hepatitis A incidence considering their temporal distribution, spatial patterns, hot spots and clusters identification in three different age-group (0-4, 5-9 and 10-14) in Turkey. Province based tabular data, including monthly numbers of Hepatitis A cases in children, and the populations from 2001 to 2011 were used as the basic input of the study. Time series maps were created using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to introduce the temporal changes in the morbidity rates of Hepatitis A. The spatial variation of Hepatitis A was measured using Moran's I at the global level and the local indicators of spatial associations (LISAs) Moran's I and Getis-Ord G i *(d) in order to identify influential locations through clusters and hot spots detection of Hepatitis A cases. The morbidity rates in children under the age of 5 were found significantly lower than the other age-groups, whereas the age-group 5-9 revealed the highest morbidity rates in the study area. The morbidity of Hepatitis A was detected very high for the years 2001, and 2005-2007. The identification of the highly vulnerable provinces was conducted using local Moran's I and local Getis-Ord G i *(d). The majority of clusters and hot spots were detected to be agglomerated in the Eastern Mediterranean and South-Eastern Anatolian Regions and Ceyhan, Asi and Southeast part of Firat-Dicle river basins in Turkey. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Potential for Inhalation Exposure to Engineered Nanoparticles from Nanotechnology-Based Cosmetic Powders

PubMed Central

Nazarenko, Yevgen; Zhen, Huajun; Han, Taewon; Lioy, Paul J.

2012-01-01

Background: The market of nanotechnology-based consumer products is rapidly expanding, and the lack of scientific evidence describing the accompanying exposure and health risks stalls the discussion regarding its guidance and regulation. Objectives: We investigated the potential for human contact and inhalation exposure to nanomaterials when using nanotechnology-based cosmetic powders and compare them with analogous products not marketed as nanotechnology based. Methods: We characterized the products using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and laser diffraction spectroscopy and found nanoparticles in five of six tested products. TEM photomicrographs showed highly agglomerated states of nanoparticles in the products. We realistically simulated the use of cosmetic powders by applying them to the face of a human mannequin head while simultaneously sampling the released airborne particles through the ports installed in the mannequin’s nostrils. Results: We found that a user would be exposed to nanomaterial predominantly through nanoparticle-containing agglomerates larger than the 1–100-nm aerosol fraction. Conclusions: Predominant deposition of nanomaterial(s) will occur in the tracheobronchial and head airways—not in the alveolar region as would be expected based on the size of primary nanoparticles. This could potentially lead to different health effects than expected based on the current understanding of nanoparticle behavior and toxicology studies for the alveolar region. PMID:22394622

COMPARISON OF MERCURY CAPTURE EFFICIENCIES OF THREE DIFFERENT IN SITU GENERATED SORBENTS

EPA Science Inventory

Three different sorbent materials (Ti, Si and Ca based) were compared for their mercury capture efficiencies in an entrained flow reactor. Agglomerated particles with a high specific surface area were generated in situ by injecting gas phase sorbent precursors into a high tempera...

About the relevance of waviness, agglomeration, and strain on the electrical behavior of polymer composites filled with carbon nanotubes evaluated by a Monte-Carlo simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Román, Sebastián; Lund, Fernando; Bustos, Javier; Palza, Humberto

2018-01-01

In several technological applications, carbon nanotubes (CNT) are added to a polymer matrix in order to develop electrically conductive composite materials upon percolation of the CNT network. This percolation state depends on several parameters such as particle characteristics, degree of dispersion, and filler orientation. For instance, CNT aggregation is currently avoided because it is thought that it will have a negative effect on the electrical behavior despite some experimental evidence showing the contrary. In this study, the effect of CNT waviness, degree of agglomeration, and external strain, on the electrical percolation of polymer composites is studied by a three dimensional Monte-Carlo simulation. The simulation shows that the percolation threshold of CNT depends on the particle waviness, with rigid particles displaying the lowest values. Regarding the effect of CNT dispersion, our numerical results confirm that low levels of agglomeration reduce the percolation threshold of the composite. However, the threshold is shifted to larger values at high agglomeration states because of the appearance of isolated areas of high CNT concentrations. These results imply, therefore, an optimum of agglomeration that further depends on the waviness and concentration of CNT. Significantly, CNT agglomeration can further explain the broad percolation transition found in these systems. When an external strain is applied to the composites, the percolation concentration shifts to higher values because CNT alignment increases the inter-particle distances. The strain sensitivity of the composites is affected by the percolation state of CNT showing a maximum value at certain filler concentration. These results open up the discussion about the relevance in polymer composites of the dispersion state of CNT and filler flexibility towards electrically conductive composites.

Size-segregated urban aerosol characterization by electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering and influence of sample preparation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marvanová, Soňa; Kulich, Pavel; Skoupý, Radim; Hubatka, František; Ciganek, Miroslav; Bendl, Jan; Hovorka, Jan; Machala, Miroslav

2018-04-01

Size-segregated particulate matter (PM) is frequently used in chemical and toxicological studies. Nevertheless, toxicological in vitro studies working with the whole particles often lack a proper evaluation of PM real size distribution and characterization of agglomeration under the experimental conditions. In this study, changes in particle size distributions during the PM sample manipulation and also semiquantitative elemental composition of single particles were evaluated. Coarse (1-10 μm), upper accumulation (0.5-1 μm), lower accumulation (0.17-0.5 μm), and ultrafine (<0.17 μm) PM fractions were collected by high volume cascade impactor in Prague city center. Particles were examined using electron microscopy and their elemental composition was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Larger or smaller particles, not corresponding to the impaction cut points, were found in all fractions, as they occur in agglomerates and are impacted according to their aerodynamic diameter. Elemental composition of particles in size-segregated fractions varied significantly. Ns-soot occurred in all size fractions. Metallic nanospheres were found in accumulation fractions, but not in ultrafine fraction where ns-soot, carbonaceous particles, and inorganic salts were identified. Dynamic light scattering was used to measure particle size distribution in water and in cell culture media. PM suspension of lower accumulation fraction in water agglomerated after freezing/thawing the sample, and the agglomerates were disrupted by subsequent sonication. Ultrafine fraction did not agglomerate after freezing/thawing the sample. Both lower accumulation and ultrafine fractions were stable in cell culture media with fetal bovine serum, while high agglomeration occurred in media without fetal bovine serum as measured during 24 h.

a Case Study: Exploring Industrial Agglomeration of Manufacturing Industries in Shanghai Using Duranton and Overman's K-Density Function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, S.; Wang, J.; Gui, Z.; Wu, H.; Wang, Y.

2017-09-01

There has wide academic and policy attention on the issue of scale economy and industrial agglomeration, with most of the attention paid to industrial geography concentration. This paper adopted a scale-independent and distance-based measurement method, K-density function or known as Duranton and Overman (DO) index, to study the manufacturing industries localization in Shanghai, which is the most representative economic development zone in China and East Asia. The result indicates the industry has a growing tendency of localization, and various spatial distribution patterns in different distances. Furthermore, the class of industry also show significant influence on the concentration pattern. Besides, the method has been coded and published on GeoCommerce, a visualization and analysis portal for industrial big data, to provide geoprocessing and spatial decision support.

Investigation of methods to produce a uniform cloud of fuel particles in a flame tube

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siegert, Clifford E.; Pla, Frederic G.; Rubinstein, Robert; Niezgoda, Thomas F.; Burns, Robert J.; Johnson, Jerome A.

1990-01-01

The combustion of a uniform, quiescent cloud of 30-micron fuel particles in a flame tube was proposed as a space-based, low-gravity experiment. The subject is the normal- and low-gravity testing of several methods to produce such a cloud, including telescoping propeller fans, air pumps, axial and quadrature acoustical speakers, and combinations of these devices. When operated in steady state, none of the methods produced an acceptably uniform cloud (+ or - 5 percent of the mean concentration), and voids in the cloud were clearly visible. In some cases, severe particle agglomeration was observed; however, these clusters could be broken apart by a short acoustic burst from an axially in-line speaker. Analyses and experiments reported elsewhere suggest that transient, acoustic mixing methods can enhance cloud uniformity while minimizing particle agglomeration.

Surface functionalization of WS2 fullerene-like nanoparticles.

PubMed

Shahar, Chen; Zbaida, David; Rapoport, Lev; Cohen, Hagai; Bendikov, Tatyana; Tannous, Johny; Dassenoy, Fabrice; Tenne, Reshef

2010-03-16

WS(2) belongs to a family of layered metal dichalcogenide compounds that are known to form cylindrical (inorganic nanotubes-INT) and polyhedral nanostructures--onion or nested fullerene-like (IF) particles. The outermost layers of these IF nanoparticles can be peeled under shear stress, thus IF nanoparticles have been studied for their use as solid lubricants. However, the IF nanoparticles tend to agglomerate, presumably because of surface structural defects induced by elastic strain and curvature, a fact that has a deleterious effect on their tribological properties. In the present work, chemical modification of the IF-WS(2) surface with alkyl-silane molecules is reported. The surface-modified IF nanoparticles display improved dispersion in oil-based suspensions. The alkyl-silane coating reduces the IF-WS(2) nanoparticles' tendency to agglomerate and consequently improves the long-term tribological behavior of oil formulated with the IF additive.

The influence of growth environment on the crystallization of nortriptyline hydrochloride, a tricyclic antidepressant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacCalman, M. L.; Roberts, K. J.; Hendriksen, B. A.

1993-03-01

The preparation of the nortriptyline hydrochloride, an important pharmaceutical product, by crystallization from both alcohol and aqueous solutions is presented. At low temperatures this material shows a higher solubility in absolute alcohol compared to aqueous solutions in a trend which reverses at higher temperatures. Examination of crystals prepared from alcohol solutions reveal essentially a needle-like crystal habit which is in excellent agreement with morphological predictions based on the bulk crystallographic structure. In contrast crystals prepared from aqueous solution at high temperatures reveal a particulate structure dominated by heavily agglomerated crystallites with plate-like morphology. When this material is crystallized at the lower temperatures, where the solubility curve is steep, X-ray and thermal analysis appear to show that crystallization results in a new polymorphic structure associated with a less agglomerated product.

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND LIPID MEDIATORS INDUCED IN ALVEOLAR MACHROPHAGES BY ULTRAFINE PARTICLES

EPA Science Inventory

In ambient aerosols, ultrafine particles (UFP) and their agglomerates are considered to be major factors contributing to adverse health effects. Reactivity of agglomerated UFP of elemental carbon (EC), Printex 90, Printex G, and diesel exhaust particles (DEP) was evaluated by the...

Effect of whey protein agglomeration on spray dried microcapsules containing Saccharomyces boulardii.

PubMed

Duongthingoc, Diep; George, Paul; Katopo, Lita; Gorczyca, Elizabeth; Kasapis, Stefan

2013-12-01

This work investigates the effect of whey protein agglomeration on the survivability of Saccharomyces boulardii within spray dried microcapsules. It attempts to go beyond phenomenological observations by establishing a relationship between physicochemical characteristics of the polymeric matrix and its effect on probiotic endurance upon spray drying. It is well known that this type of thermal shock has lethal consequences on the yeast cells. To avoid such undesirable outcome, we take advantage of the early agglomeration phenomenon observed for whey protein by adjusting the pH value of preparations close to isoelectric point (pH 4-5). During the subsequent process of spray drying, development of whey protein agglomerates induces formation of an early crust, and the protein in this molten globular state creates a cohesive network encapsulating the yeast cells. It appears that the early crust formation at a given sample pH and temperature regime during spray drying benefits the survivability of S. boulardii within microcapsules. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Experiment and simulation study on alkalis transfer characteristic during direct combustion utilization of bagasse.

PubMed

Liao, Yanfen; Cao, Yawen; Chen, Tuo; Ma, Xiaoqian

2015-10-01

Bagasse is utilized as fuel in the biggest biomass power plant of China, however, alkalis in the fuel created severe agglomeration and slagging problems. Alkalis transfer characteristic, agglomeration causes in engineering practice, additive improvement effects and mechanism during bagasse combustion were investigated via experiments and simulations. Only slight agglomeration occurs in ash higher than 800°C. Serious agglomeration in practical operation should be attributed to the gaseous alkalis evaporating at high temperature and condensing on the cooler grain surfaces in CFB. It can be speculated that ash caking can be avoided with temperature lower than 750°C and heating surface corrosion caused by alkali metal vapor can be alleviated with temperature lower than 850°C. Kaolin added into the bagasse has an apparent advantage over CaO additive both in enhancing ash fusion point and relieving alkali-chloride corrosion by locking alkalis in dystectic solid compounds over the whole temperature range. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Morphology of single inhalable particle inside public transit biodiesel fueled bus.

PubMed

Shandilya, Kaushik K; Kumar, Ashok

2010-01-01

In an urban-transit bus, fueled by biodiesel in Toledo, Ohio, single inhalable particle samples in October 2008 were collected and detected by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS). Particle size analysis found bimodal distribution at 0.2 and 0.5 microm. The particle morphology was characterized by 14 different shape clusters: square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, agglomerate, sphere, triangle, oblong, strip, line or stick, and unknown, by quantitative order. The square particles were common in the samples. Round and triangle particles are more, and pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, strip, line or sticks are less. Agglomerate particles were found in abundance. The surface of most particles was coarse with a fractal edge that can provide a suitable chemical reaction bed in the polluted atmospheric environment. The three sorts of surface patterns of squares were smooth, semi-smooth, and coarse. The three sorts of square surface patterns represented the morphological characteristics of single inhalable particles in the air inside the bus in Toledo. The size and shape distribution results were compared to those obtained for a bus using ultra low sulfur diesel.

X-ray photoemission spectromicroscopy of titanium silicide formation in patterned microstructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Singh, S.; Solak, H.; Cerrina, F.

1997-04-01

Titanium silicide has the lowest resistivity of all the refractory metal silicides and has good thermal stability as well as excellent compatibility with Al metallization. It is used as an intermediate buffer layer between W vias and the Si substrate to provide good electrical contact in ULSI technology, whose submicron patterned features form the basis of the integrated circuits of today and tomorrow, in the self aligned silicide (salicide) formation process. TiSi{sub 2} exists in two phases: a metastable C49 base-centered orthorhombic phase with specific resistivity of 60-90 {mu}{Omega}-cm that is formed at a lower temperature (formation anneal) and themore » stable 12-15 {mu}{Omega}-cm resistivity face-centered orthorhombic C54 phase into which C49 is transformed with a higher temperature (conversion anneal) step. C54 is clearly the target for low resistivity VLSI interconnects. However, it has been observed that when dimensions shrink below 1/mic (or when the Ti thickness drops below several hundred angstroms), the transformation of C49 into C54 is inhibited and agglomeration often occurs in fine lines at high temperatures. This results in a rise in resistivity due to incomplete transformation to C54 and because of discontinuities in the interconnect line resulting from agglomeration. Spectromicroscopy is an appropriate tool to study the evolution of the TiSi2 formation process because of its high resolution chemical imaging ability which can detect bonding changes even in the absence of changes in the relative amounts of species and because of the capability of studying thick {open_quotes}as is{close_quotes} industrial samples.« less

High volume production of nanostructured materials

DOEpatents

Ripley, Edward B [Knoxville, TN; Morrell, Jonathan S [Knoxville, TN; Seals, Roland D [Oak Ridge, TN; Ludtka, Gerard M [Oak Ridge, TN

2009-10-13

A system and method for high volume production of nanoparticles, nanotubes, and items incorporating nanoparticles and nanotubes. Microwave, radio frequency, or infrared energy vaporizes a metal catalyst which, as it condenses, is contacted by carbon or other elements such as silicon, germanium, or boron to form agglomerates. The agglomerates may be annealed to accelerate the production of nanotubes. Magnetic or electric fields may be used to align the nanotubes during their production. The nanotubes may be separated from the production byproducts in aligned or non-aligned configurations. The agglomerates may be formed directly into tools, optionally in compositions that incorporate other materials such as abrasives, binders, carbon-carbon composites, and cermets.

Methods for high volume production of nanostructured materials

DOEpatents

Ripley, Edward B [Knoxville, TN; Morrell, Jonathan S [Knoxville, TN; Seals, Roland D [Oak Ridge, TN; Ludtka, Gerald M [Oak Ridge, TN

2011-03-22

A system and method for high volume production of nanoparticles, nanotubes, and items incorporating nanoparticles and nanotubes. Microwave, radio frequency, or infrared energy vaporizes a metal catalyst which, as it condenses, is contacted by carbon or other elements such as silicon, germanium, or boron to form agglomerates. The agglomerates may be annealed to accelerate the production of nanotubes. Magnetic or electric fields may be used to align the nanotubes during their production. The nanotubes may be separated from the production byproducts in aligned or non-aligned configurations. The agglomerates may be formed directly into tools, optionally in compositions that incorporate other materials such as abrasives, binders, carbon-carbon composites, and cermets.

Universities' Entrepreneurial Performance: The Role of Agglomeration Economies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Ping Penny

2011-01-01

In spite of the extensive research on universities' entrepreneurship, whether research strength fosters or dampens their entrepreneurial performance remains controversial. Much research claims an influential role of research universities in regional economy, however, little has been said about what a part that the agglomeration economies may play…

Molten salt based nanofluids based on solar salt and alumina nanoparticles: An industrial approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muñoz-Sánchez, Belén; Nieto-Maestre, Javier; Guerreiro, Luis; Julia, José Enrique; Collares-Pereira, Manuel; García-Romero, Ana

2017-06-01

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) and its associated dispatchability is extremely important in Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants since it represents the main advantage of CSP technology in relation to other renewable energy sources like photovoltaic (PV). Molten salts are used in CSP plants as a TES material because of their high operational temperature and stability of up to 600°C. Their main problems are their relative poor thermal properties and energy storage density. A simple cost-effective way to improve the thermal properties of molten salts is to dope them with nanoparticles, thus obtaining the so-called salt-based nanofluids. Additionally, the use of molten salt based nanofluids as TES materials and Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) has been attracting great interest in recent years. The addition of tiny amounts of nanoparticles to the base salt can improve its specific heat as shown by different authors1-3. The application of these nano-enhanced materials can lead to important savings on the investment costs in new TES systems for CSP plants. However, there is still a long way to go in order to achieve a commercial product. In this sense, the improvement of the stability of the nanofluids is a key factor. The stability of nanofluids will depend on the nature and size of the nanoparticles, the base salt and the interactions between them. In this work, Solar Salt (SS) commonly used in CSP plants (60% NaNO3 + 40% KNO3 wt.) was doped with alumina nanoparticles (ANPs) at a solid mass concentration of 1% wt. at laboratory scale. The tendency of nanoparticles to agglomeration and sedimentation is tested in the molten state by analyzing their size and concentration through the time. The specific heat of the nanofluid at 396 °C (molten state) is measured at different times (30 min, 1 h, 5 h). Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of agglomeration. A good understanding of the interactions between the nanoparticle surface and the ionic media would provide the tools to avoid agglomeration and sedimentation.

Nanoparticle growth and surface chemistry changes in cell-conditioned culture medium.

PubMed

Kendall, Michaela; Hodges, Nikolas J; Whitwell, Harry; Tyrrell, Jess; Cangul, Hakan

2015-02-05

When biomolecules attach to engineered nanoparticle (ENP) surfaces, they confer the particles with a new biological identity. Physical format may also radically alter, changing ENP stability and agglomeration state within seconds. In order to measure which biomolecules are associated with early ENP growth, we studied ENPs in conditioned medium from A549 cell culture, using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and linear trap quadrupole electron transfer dissociation mass spectrometry. Two types of 100 nm polystyrene particles (one uncoated and one with an amine functionalized surface) were used to measure the influence of surface type. In identically prepared conditioned medium, agglomeration was visible in all samples after 1 h, but was variable, indicating inter-sample variability in secretion rates and extracellular medium conditions. In samples conditioned for 1 h or more, ENP agglomeration rates varied significantly. Agglomerate size measured by DLS was well correlated with surface sequestered peptide number for uncoated but not for amine coated polystyrene ENPs. Amine-coated ENPs grew much faster and into larger agglomerates associated with fewer sequestered peptides, but including significant sequestered lactose dehydrogenase. We conclude that interference with extracellular peptide balance and oxidoreductase activity via sequestration is worthy of further study, as increased oxidative stress via this new mechanism may be important for cell toxicity. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Colloidal properties and stability of aqueous suspensions of few-layer graphene: Importance of graphene concentration

PubMed Central

Su, Yu; Yang, Guoqing; Lu, Kun; Petersen, Elijah J.; Mao, Liang

2017-01-01

Understanding the colloidal stability of graphene is essential for predicting its transport and ecological risks in aquatic environments. We investigated the agglomeration of 14C-labeled few-layer graphene (FLG) at concentrations spanning nearly four orders of magnitude (2 μg/L to 10 mg/L) using dynamic light scattering and sedimentation measurements. FLG agglomerates formed rapidly in deionized water at concentrations > 3 mg/L. From 1 mg/L to 3 mg/L, salt-induced agglomeration was decreased with dilution of FLG suspensions; the critical coagulation concentration of the more concentrated suspension (3 mg/L) was significantly lower than the dilute suspension (1 mg/L) in the presence of NaCl (1.6 mmol/L and 10 mmol/L, respectively). In contrast, FLG underwent slow agglomeration and settling at concentrations ≤ 0.1 mg/L in NaCl solutions and ambient waters with low ionic strength (< 10 mmol/L). Although salt-induced agglomeration led to 67 % reduction in number of small FLG (25 nm to 50 nm) according to atomic force microscopy characterization, transition from concentrated to dilute suspension retarded the removal of the small FLG. Additionally, the small FLG exhibited greater bioaccumulation in zebrafish embryo and stronger chorion penetration ability than larger ones. These findings suggest that FLG at more environmentally relevant concentration is relatively stable and may have implications for exposure of small FLG to ecological receptors. PMID:27720543

Agglomeration of Celecoxib by Quasi Emulsion Solvent Diffusion Method: Effect of Stabilizer.

PubMed

Maghsoodi, Maryam; Nokhodchi, Ali

2016-12-01

Purpose: The quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion (QESD) has evolved into an effective technique to manufacture agglomerates of API crystals. Although, the proposed technique showed benefits, such as cost effectiveness, that is considerably sensitive to the choice of a stabilizer, which agonizes from a absence of systemic understanding in this field. In the present study, the combination of different solvents and stabilizers were compared to investigate any connections between the solvents and stabilizers. Methods: Agglomerates of celecoxib were prepared by QESD method using four different stabilizers (Tween 80, HPMC, PVP and SLS) and three different solvents (methyl acetate, ethyl acetate and isopropyl acetate). The solid state of obtained particles was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The agglomerated were also evaluated in term of production yield, distribution of particles and dissolution behavior. Results: The results showed that the effectiveness of stabilizer in terms of particle size and particle size distribution is specific to each solvent candidate. A stabilizer with a lower HLB value is preferred which actually increased its effectiveness with the solvent candidates with higher lipophilicity. HPMC appeared to be the most versatile stabilizer because it showed a better stabilizing effect compared to other stabilizers in all solvents used. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the efficiency of stabilizers in forming the celecoxib agglomerates by QESD was influenced by the HLB of the stabilizer and lipophilicity of the solvents.

ZrO2 nanoparticles labeled via a native protein corona: detection by fluorescence microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy in rat lungs.

PubMed

Silge, Anja; Bräutigam, Katharina; Bocklitz, Thomas; Rösch, Petra; Vennemann, Antje; Schmitz, Inge; Popp, Jürgen; Wiemann, Martin

2015-08-07

ZrO2 nanoparticles are frequently used in composite materials such as dental fillers from where they may be released and inhaled upon polishing and grinding. Since the overall distribution of ZrO2 NP inside the lung parenchyma can hardly be observed by routine histology, here a labeling with a fluorphore was used secondary to the adsorption of serum proteins. Particles were then intratracheally instilled into rat lungs. After 3 h fluorescent structures consisted of agglomerates scattered throughout the lung parenchyma, which were mainly concentrated in alveolar macrophages after 3 d. A detection method based on Raman microspectroscopy was established to investigate the chemical composition of those fluorescent structures in detail. Raman measurements were arranged such that no spectral interference with the protein-bound fluorescence label was evident. Applying chemometrical methods, Raman signals of the ZrO2 nanomaterial were co-localized with the fluorescence label, indicating the stability of the nanomaterial-protein-dye complex inside the rat lung. The combination of Raman microspectroscopy and adsorptive fluorescence labeling may, therefore, become a useful tool for studying the localization of protein-coated nanomaterials in cells and tissues.

Role of refractory inclusions in the radiation-induced microstructure of APMT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Dalong; Briggs, Samuel A.; Field, Kevin G.

2018-07-01

Kanthal APMT is a promising FeCrAl-based alloy for accident-tolerant fuel cladding because of its excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance. In this study, powder metallurgy Kanthal APMT alloy, neutron irradiated to 1.8 dpa at nominally 382 °C, was characterized. On-zone STEM imaging revealed that radiation-induced dislocation loops with Burgers vectors of a/2<111> or a < 100 > and black dots tended to agglomerate in the vicinity of refractory inclusions. The densities and sizes of these loops decreased with distance from the inclusion-matrix interfaces. In addition, high-resolution energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping was used to determine the inclusions to be either yttrium- or silicon-rich, as well as to detect the radial distribution of radiation-enhanced α‧ phase near these inclusions. A high density of randomly distributed Cr-rich α‧ phase was found, regardless of the presence of inclusions. Results from this study provide insights into how microstructural features can locally tailor the radiation-induced defects in FeCrAl-based alloys.

Modeling multi-source flooding disaster and developing simulation framework in Delta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Y.; Cui, X.; Zhang, W.

2016-12-01

Most Delta regions of the world are densely populated and with advanced economies. However, due to impact of the multi-source flooding (upstream flood, rainstorm waterlogging, storm surge flood), the Delta regions is very vulnerable. The academic circles attach great importance to the multi-source flooding disaster in these areas. The Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration in south China is selected as the research area. Based on analysis of natural and environmental characteristics data of the Delta urban agglomeration(remote sensing data, land use data, topographic map, etc.), hydrological monitoring data, research of the uneven distribution and process of regional rainfall, the relationship between the underlying surface and the parameters of runoff, effect of flood storage pattern, we use an automatic or semi-automatic method for dividing spatial units to reflect the runoff characteristics in urban agglomeration, and develop an Multi-model Ensemble System in changing environment, including urban hydrologic model, parallel computational 1D&2D hydrodynamic model, storm surge forecast model and other professional models, the system will have the abilities like real-time setting a variety of boundary conditions, fast and real-time calculation, dynamic presentation of results, powerful statistical analysis function. The model could be optimized and improved by a variety of verification methods. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41471427); Special Basic Research Key Fund for Central Public Scientific Research Institutes.

Morphological evolution of various fungal species in the presence and absence of aluminum oxide microparticles: Comparative and quantitative insights into microparticle-enhanced cultivation (MPEC).

PubMed

Kowalska, Anna; Boruta, Tomasz; Bizukojć, Marcin

2018-03-05

The application of microparticle-enhanced cultivation (MPEC) is an attractive method to control mycelial morphology, and thus enhance the production of metabolites and enzymes in the submerged cultivations of filamentous fungi. Unfortunately, most literature data deals with the spore-agglomerating species like aspergilli. Therefore, the detailed quantitative study of the morphological evolution of four different fungal species (Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium rubens, Chaetomium globosum, and Mucor racemosus) based on the digital analysis of microscopic images was presented in this paper. In accordance with the current knowledge, these species exhibit different mechanisms of agglomerates formation. The standard submerged shake flask cultivations (as a reference) and MPEC involving 10 μm aluminum oxide microparticles (6 g·L -1 ) were performed. The morphological parameters, including mean projected area, elongation, roughness, and morphology number were determined for the mycelial objects within the first 24 hr of growth. It occurred that heretofore observed and widely discussed effect of microparticles on fungi, namely the decrease in pellet size, was not observed for the species whose pellet formation mechanism is different from spore agglomeration. In the MPEC, C. globosum developed core-shell pellets, and M. racemosus, a nonagglomerative species, formed the relatively larger, compared to standard cultures, pellets with distinct cores. © 2018 The Authors. MicrobiologyOpen published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Catalytic Growth of Macroscopic Carbon Nanofibers Bodies with Activated Carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullah, N.; Rinaldi, A.; Muhammad, I. S.; Hamid, S. B. Abd.; Su, D. S.; Schlogl, R.

2009-06-01

Carbon-carbon composite of activated carbon and carbon nanofibers have been synthesized by growing Carbon nanofiber (CNF) on Palm shell-based Activated carbon (AC) with Ni catalyst. The composites are in an agglomerated shape due to the entanglement of the defective CNF between the AC particles forming a macroscopic body. The macroscopic size will allow the composite to be used as a stabile catalyst support and liquid adsorbent. The preparation of CNT/AC nanocarbon was initiated by pre-treating the activated carbon with nitric acid, followed by impregnation of 1 wt% loading of nickel (II) nitrate solutions in acetone. The catalyst precursor was calcined and reduced at 300° C for an hour in each step. The catalytic growth of nanocarbon in C2H4/H2 was carried out at temperature of 550° C for 2 hrs with different rotating angle in the fluidization system. SEM and N2 isotherms show the level of agglomeration which is a function of growth density and fluidization of the system. The effect of fluidization by rotating the reactor during growth with different speed give a significant impact on the agglomeration of the final CNF/AC composite and thus the amount of CNFs produced. The macrostructure body produced in this work of CNF/AC composite will have advantages in the adsorbent and catalyst support application, due to the mechanical and chemical properties of the material.

Transformation of CuO Nanoparticles in the Aquatic Environment: Influence of pH, Electrolytes and Natural Organic Matter

PubMed Central

Peng, Cheng; Shen, Chensi; Zheng, Siyuan; Yang, Weiling; Hu, Hang; Liu, Jianshe; Shi, Jiyan

2017-01-01

Many studies have shown the effect of solution chemistry on the environmental behavior of metal-based nanoparticles (NPs), except CuO NPs. Here, we investigated the agglomeration, sedimentation, dissolution, and speciation of CuO NPs by varying pH, ionic strength, ionic valence, and natural organic matter (NOM). The results showed that as the pH moved away from 6, the size of CuO agglomerates decreased, along with the enhanced NP suspension stabilization, due to the increase of electrostatic repulsive force. Increasing ionic strength and valence intensified the agglomeration and sedimentation of CuO NPs because of the compression of electrical double layers. The presence of humic acid and citric acid enhanced the dispersion and stabilization of CuO NP suspension, but l-cysteine showed a different impact. Decreasing pH, increasing ionic strength and all NOM improved the dissolution of CuO NPs, but the divalent electrolyte (CaCl2) inhibited the Cu2+ release from CuO NPs compared to the monovalent electrolyte (NaCl). In addition, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis demonstrated that the presence of l-cysteine transformed more than 30% of CuO NPs to Cu(I)-cysteine by coordinating with thiol group. This study can give us an in-depth understanding on the environmental behavior and fate of CuO NPs in the aquatic environment. PMID:29036921

A model-based 'varimax' sampling strategy for a heterogeneous population.

PubMed

Akram, Nuzhat A; Farooqi, Shakeel R

2014-01-01

Sampling strategies are planned to enhance the homogeneity of a sample, hence to minimize confounding errors. A sampling strategy was developed to minimize the variation within population groups. Karachi, the largest urban agglomeration in Pakistan, was used as a model population. Blood groups ABO and Rh factor were determined for 3000 unrelated individuals selected through simple random sampling. Among them five population groups, namely Balochi, Muhajir, Pathan, Punjabi and Sindhi, based on paternal ethnicity were identified. An index was designed to measure the proportion of admixture at parental and grandparental levels. Population models based on index score were proposed. For validation, 175 individuals selected through stratified random sampling were genotyped for the three STR loci CSF1PO, TPOX and TH01. ANOVA showed significant differences across the population groups for blood groups and STR loci distribution. Gene diversity was higher across the sub-population model than in the agglomerated population. At parental level gene diversities are significantly higher across No admixture models than Admixture models. At grandparental level the difference was not significant. A sub-population model with no admixture at parental level was justified for sampling the heterogeneous population of Karachi.

Metal-based nanoparticles in soil: fate, behavior, and effects on soil invertebrates.

PubMed

Tourinho, Paula S; van Gestel, Cornelis A M; Lofts, Stephen; Svendsen, Claus; Soares, Amadeu M V M; Loureiro, Susana

2012-08-01

Metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) (e.g., silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide) are being widely used in the nanotechnology industry. Because of the release of particles from NP-containing products, it is likely that NPs will enter the soil compartment, especially through land application of sewage sludge derived from wastewater treatment. This review presents an overview of the literature dealing with the fate and effects of metal-based NPs in soil. In the environment, the characteristics of NPs (e.g., size, shape, surface charge) and soil (e.g., pH, ionic strength, organic matter, and clay content) will affect physical and chemical processes, resulting in NP dissolution, agglomeration, and aggregation. The behavior of NPs in soil will control their mobility and their bioavailability to soil organisms. Consequently, exposure characterization in ecotoxicological studies should obtain as much information as possible about dissolution, agglomeration, and aggregation processes. Comparing existing studies is a challenging task, because no standards exist for toxicity tests with NPs. In many cases, the reporting of associated characterization data is sparse, or missing, making it impossible to interpret and explain observed differences in results among studies. Copyright © 2012 SETAC.

Characterization of sintered SiC by using NDE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baaklini, George Y.

1988-01-01

Capabilities of projection microfocus X-radiography and of ultrasonic velocity and attenuation for characterizing silicon carbide specimens were assessed. Silicon carbide batches covered a range of densities and different microstructural characteristics. Room-temperature, four-point flexural strength tests were conducted. Fractography was used to identify types, sizes, and locations of fracture origins. Fracture toughness values were calculated from fracture strength and flaw characterization data. Detection capabilities of radiography for fracture-causing flaws were evaluated. Applicability of ultrasonics for verifying material strength and toughness was examined. Radiography proved useful in detecting high-density inclusions and isolated voids, but failed in detecting surface and subsurface agglomerates and large grains as fracture origins. Ultrasonic velocity dependency on density was evident. Attenuation dependency on density and mean pore size was clearly demonstrated. Understanding attenuation as a function of toughness was limited by shortcomings in K sub IC determination.

Non invasive radiofrequency diagnostics of cancer. The Bioscanner — Trimprob technology and clinical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vedruccio, Clarbruno; Ricci Vedruccio, Carla

2011-12-01

A new paper by Pokorny, Vedruccio, Cifra, Kucera, titled Cancer physics: Diagnostics based on damped cellular elasto-electrical vibrations in microtubules, recently available on Eur. Biophys. J., discloses the mechanism of active grown cancer tissues interaction with a Non- Linear Resonance Interaction (NLRI) Bioscanner Trimprob diagnostic device that is certified and ready to be used to investigate suspected cases of disease and cancer. This technology spreads early capabilities of cancer detection by means of low level radiofrequency oscillations in UHF band. The system is based on an unique and extremely innovative non- linear radiofrequency oscillator working on 462-465 MHz plus the harmonics. The diseased tissues suspected of cancer, are irradiated by means of a handy probe near field emission, while a spectrum analyzer placed in the far field detects by means of a small antenna, the oscillator interaction within the tissues. The Bioscanner is characterized by a high dynamic range, in the order of 30 or more decibel, and is useful for detection of small cancer agglomerates, if used by a well trained operator. At the resonance, the free running oscillator locks-in on the specific interaction frequency, in a sharp frequency window centered on 462 MHz; the resulting effect is evidenced by a deep decrease of the 462 MHz spectral line propagation in the far field around the oscillator probe. The NLRI provides a selective characterization, like a sort of a electronic biopsy response of biologic tissues in support of modern imaging diagnostics. Further to existing literature describing methods for cancer detections by means of electromagnetic fields this paper shows this innovative in vivo medical diagnostic equipment and some clinical applications.

Quality index of the surface water of Amazonian rivers in industrial areas in Pará, Brazil.

PubMed

Medeiros, Adaelson Campelo; Faial, Kleber Raimundo Freitas; do Carmo Freitas Faial, Kelson; da Silva Lopes, Iris Danielly; de Oliveira Lima, Marcelo; Guimarães, Raphael Mendonça; Mendonça, Neyson Martins

2017-10-15

In this study was to evaluate the waters quality of the Murucupi River, located in urban agglomerate area and intense industrial activity in Barcarena City, Pará State. The Arapiranga River in Abaetetuba City was used as control area (Background), next to Barcarena. Was used the Water Quality Index (WQI) based on nine variables analized. Waters quality of the Arapiranga and Murucupi rivers were regular to good and bad to good, respectively. Anthropogenic influence on the Murucupi River was higher, mainly by the disposal of domestic effluents from the urban agglomerate and of the industrial waste tailing basins upstream of this river. Due to its less inhabited environment and further away from the area urban and industrial, the Arapiranga River was more preserved. Waters pollution of around these area is increasingly intense, and restricted its uses for various purposes. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Nearshore dynamics of artificial sand and oil agglomerates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dalyander, P. Soupy; Plant, Nathaniel G.; Long, Joseph W.; McLaughlin, Molly R.

2015-01-01

Weathered oil can mix with sediment to form heavier-than-water sand and oil agglomerates (SOAs) that can cause beach re-oiling for years after a spill. Few studies have focused on the physical dynamics of SOAs. In this study, artificial SOAs (aSOAs) were created and deployed in the nearshore, and shear stress-based mobility formulations were assessed to predict SOA response. Prediction sensitivity to uncertainty in hydrodynamic conditions and shear stress parameterizations were explored. Critical stress estimates accounting for large particle exposure in a mixed bed gave the best predictions of mobility under shoaling and breaking waves. In the surf zone, the 10-cm aSOA was immobile and began to bury in the seafloor while smaller size classes dispersed alongshore. aSOAs up to 5 cm in diameter were frequently mobilized in the swash zone. The uncertainty in predicting aSOA dynamics reflects a broader uncertainty in applying mobility and transport formulations to cm-sized particles.

Acousto-Optical Evaluation Of Fiber Size In Wood Pulp

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dion, J. L.; Garceau, J. J.; Morissette, J. C.

1986-10-01

In the pulp and paper industry, the problem of regular and fast evaluation of wood fiber characteristics such as length and specific area is an important one. With this in view, we have been studying an acousto-optical technique based on the acoustic agglomeration of fibers in a water suspension, where a stationary ultrasonic field is created at about 150 kHz. Under the influence of radiation forces, fibers re-orient themselves parallel to the nodal planes of acoustic pressure, and regroup or agglomerate in these planes in different characteristic times. These are mesured by means of the light scattered at small angles. We have found that these times depend on the size distribution of fibers, particularly length. We present results obtained with an assortment of fiber types, under various experimental conditions which indicate eventual applications in the automatic control of pulp production.

Suspension characterization as important key for toxicological investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meißner, Tobias; Potthoff, Annegret; Richter, Volkmar

2009-05-01

To assess potential health risks of nanoparticles by means of in vitro or in vivo assays and to determine dose-action curves a defined and reproducible method of particle administration is required. The interpretation of the toxicological results should be based on a comprehensive chemical-physical characterization of the particles used. Therefore, we developed a method to suspend nanoparticles stably and homogenously in physiological media. Our approach consist of three steps: (1) physical-chemical characterisation of the powders as delivered, (2) preparation and characterization of a non-physiological electro-statically stabilized nanoparticle suspension and (3) assessment of the nanoparticles behaviour in physiological media with or without proteins. This approach is demonstrated on a titanium dioxide and a tungsten carbide nanopowder. Results showed that particles agglomerate in protein-free medium within minutes, whereas in the presence of bovine serum albumin or foetal bovine serum an agglomeration is hindered.

Coal beneficiation by gas agglomeration

DOEpatents

Wheelock, Thomas D.; Meiyu, Shen

2003-10-14

Coal beneficiation is achieved by suspending coal fines in a colloidal suspension of microscopic gas bubbles in water under atmospheric conditions to form small agglomerates of the fines adhered by the gas bubbles. The agglomerates are separated, recovered and resuspended in water. Thereafter, the pressure on the suspension is increased above atmospheric to deagglomerate, since the gas bubbles are then re-dissolved in the water. During the deagglomeration step, the mineral matter is dispersed, and when the pressure is released, the coal portion of the deagglomerated gas-saturated water mixture reagglomerates, with the small bubbles now coming out of the solution. The reagglomerate can then be separated to provide purified coal fines without the mineral matter.

Continuous air agglomeration method for high carbon fly ash beneficiation

DOEpatents

Gray, McMahon L.; Champagne, Kenneth J.; Finseth, Dennis H.

2000-01-01

The carbon and mineral components of fly ash are effectively separated by a continuous air agglomeration method, resulting in a substantially carboree mineral stream and a highly concentrated carbon product. The method involves mixing the fly ash comprised of carbon and inorganic mineral matter with a liquid hydrocarbon to form a slurry, contacting the slurry with an aqueous solution, dispersing the hydrocarbon slurry into small droplets within the aqueous solution by mechanical mixing and/or aeration, concentrating the inorganic mineral matter in the aqueous solution, agglomerating the carbon and hydrocarbon in the form of droplets, collecting the droplets, separating the hydrocarbon from the concentrated carbon product, and recycling the hydrocarbon.

Factoring-in agglomeration of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers for better prediction of their toxicity versus asbestos.

PubMed

Murray, Ashley R; Kisin, Elena R; Tkach, Alexey V; Yanamala, Naveena; Mercer, Robert; Young, Shih-Houng; Fadeel, Bengt; Kagan, Valerian E; Shvedova, Anna A

2012-04-10

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon nanofibers (CNF) are allotropes of carbon featuring fibrous morphology. The dimensions and high aspect ratio of CNT and CNF have prompted the comparison with naturally occurring asbestos fibers which are known to be extremely pathogenic. While the toxicity and hazardous outcomes elicited by airborne exposure to single-walled CNT or asbestos have been widely reported, very limited data are currently available describing adverse effects of respirable CNF. Here, we assessed pulmonary inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress markers and systemic immune responses to respirable CNF in comparison to single-walled CNT (SWCNT) and asbestos. Pulmonary inflammatory and fibrogenic responses to CNF, SWCNT and asbestos varied depending upon the agglomeration state of the particles/fibers. Foci of granulomatous lesions and collagen deposition were associated with dense particle-like SWCNT agglomerates, while no granuloma formation was found following exposure to fiber-like CNF or asbestos. The average thickness of the alveolar connective tissue--a marker of interstitial fibrosis--was increased 28 days post SWCNT, CNF or asbestos exposure. Exposure to SWCNT, CNF or asbestos resulted in oxidative stress evidenced by accumulations of 4-HNE and carbonylated proteins in the lung tissues. Additionally, local inflammatory and fibrogenic responses were accompanied by modified systemic immunity, as documented by decreased proliferation of splenic T cells ex vivo on day 28 post exposure. The accuracies of assessments of effective surface area for asbestos, SWCNT and CNF (based on geometrical analysis of their agglomeration) versus estimates of mass dose and number of particles were compared as predictors of toxicological outcomes. We provide evidence that effective surface area along with mass dose rather than specific surface area or particle number are significantly correlated with toxicological responses to carbonaceous fibrous nanoparticles. Therefore, they could be useful dose metrics for risk assessment and management.

Workplace air measurements and likelihood of exposure to manufactured nano-objects, agglomerates, and aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brouwer, Derk H.; van Duuren-Stuurman, Birgit; Berges, Markus; Bard, Delphine; Jankowska, Elzbieta; Moehlmann, Carsten; Pelzer, Johannes; Mark, Dave

2013-11-01

Manufactured nano-objects, agglomerates, and aggregates (NOAA) may have adverse effect on human health, but little is known about occupational risks since actual estimates of exposure are lacking. In a large-scale workplace air-monitoring campaign, 19 enterprises were visited and 120 potential exposure scenarios were measured. A multi-metric exposure assessment approach was followed and a decision logic was developed to afford analysis of all results in concert. The overall evaluation was classified by categories of likelihood of exposure. At task level about 53 % showed increased particle number or surface area concentration compared to "background" level, whereas 72 % of the TEM samples revealed an indication that NOAA were present in the workplace. For 54 out of the 120 task-based exposure scenarios, an overall evaluation could be made based on all parameters of the decision logic. For only 1 exposure scenario (approximately 2 %), the highest level of potential likelihood was assigned, whereas in total in 56 % of the exposure scenarios the overall evaluation revealed the lowest level of likelihood. However, for the remaining 42 % exposure to NOAA could not be excluded.

Graph-based active learning of agglomeration (GALA): a Python library to segment 2D and 3D neuroimages

PubMed Central

Nunez-Iglesias, Juan; Kennedy, Ryan; Plaza, Stephen M.; Chakraborty, Anirban; Katz, William T.

2014-01-01

The aim in high-resolution connectomics is to reconstruct complete neuronal connectivity in a tissue. Currently, the only technology capable of resolving the smallest neuronal processes is electron microscopy (EM). Thus, a common approach to network reconstruction is to perform (error-prone) automatic segmentation of EM images, followed by manual proofreading by experts to fix errors. We have developed an algorithm and software library to not only improve the accuracy of the initial automatic segmentation, but also point out the image coordinates where it is likely to have made errors. Our software, called gala (graph-based active learning of agglomeration), improves the state of the art in agglomerative image segmentation. It is implemented in Python and makes extensive use of the scientific Python stack (numpy, scipy, networkx, scikit-learn, scikit-image, and others). We present here the software architecture of the gala library, and discuss several designs that we consider would be generally useful for other segmentation packages. We also discuss the current limitations of the gala library and how we intend to address them. PMID:24772079

Satellite-Based Tropospheric NO2 Column Trends in the Last 10 Years Over Mexican Urban Areas Measured by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivera, C. I.; Stremme, W.; Grutter, M.

2015-12-01

Population density and economic activities in urban agglomerations have drastically increased in many cities in Mexico during the last decade. Several factors are responsible for increased urbanization such as a shift of people from rural to urban areas while looking for better education, services and job opportunities as well as the natural growth of the urban areas themselves. Urbanization can create great social, economic and environmental pressures and changes which can easily be observed in most urban agglomerations in the world. In this study, we have focused on analyzing tropospheric NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) column trends over Mexican urban areas that have a population of at least one million inhabitants according to the latest 2010 population census. Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) measurements of NO2 conducted by the space-borne Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on board the Aura satellite between 2005 and 2014 have been used for this analysis. This dataset has allowed us to obtain a satellite-based 10-year tropospheric NO2 column trend over the most populated Mexican cities which include the dominating metropolitan area of Mexico City with more than twenty million inhabitants as well as ten other Mexican cities with a population ranging between one to five million inhabitants with a wide range of activities (commercial, agricultural or heavily industrialized) as well as two important border crossings. Distribution maps of tropospheric NO2 columns above the studied urban agglomerations were reconstructed from the analyzed OMI dataset, allowing to identify areas of interest due to clear NO2 enhancements inside these urban regions.

Chemical-mechanical planarization of aluminum and copper interconnects with magnetic liners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bin

2000-10-01

Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) has been employed to achieve Damascene patterning of aluminum and copper interconnects with unique magnetic liners. A one-step process was developed for each interconnect scheme, using a double-layered pad with mesh cells, pores, and perforations on a top hard layer. In a hydrogen peroxide-based slurry, aluminum CMP was a process of periodic removal and formation of a surface oxide layer. Cu CMP in the same slurry, however, was found to be a dissolution dominant process. In a potassium iodate-based slurry, copper removal was the result of two competing reactions: copper dissolution and a non-native surface layer formation. Guided by electrochemistry, slurries were developed to remove nickel in different regimes of the corrosion kinetics diagram. Nickel CMP in a ferric sulfate-based slurry resulted in periodic removal and formation of a passive surface layer. In a potassium permanganate-based slurry, nickel removal is a dissolution dominant process. Visible Al(Cu) surface damages obtained with copper-doped aluminum could be eliminated by understanding the interactions between the substrate, the pad, and the abrasive agglomerate. Increasing substrate hardness by annealing prior to CMP led to a surface finish free of visible scratches. A similar result was also obtained by preventing formation of abrasive agglomerates and minimizing their contact with the substrate.

GABE: A Cloud Brokerage System for Service Selection, Accountability and Enforcement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sundareswaran, Smitha

2014-01-01

Much like its meteorological counterpart, "Cloud Computing" is an amorphous agglomeration of entities. It is amorphous in that the exact layout of the servers, the load balancers and their functions are neither known nor fixed. Its an agglomerate in that multiple service providers and vendors often coordinate to form a multitenant system…

The relationship between cellulose nanocrystal dispersion and strength

Treesearch

Yizheng Cao; Pablo Zavattieri; Jeffrey Youngblood; Robert Moon; Jason Weiss

2016-01-01

This paper studies the agglomeration of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and uses ultrasonication to disperse CNCs in cement pastes in an attempt to improve strength. Rheological measurements show that when the concentration of CNCs exceeds 1.35% by volume in deionized water, agglomerates start to develop. This experimental finding is comparable to the value obtained from...

Scanning Electron Microscope Studies on Aggregation Characteristics of Alumina Nanofluids

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-01

acoustic cavitation refers to the formation, growth and implosive collapse of bubbles in a liquid due to ultrasound that passes through the liquid...1 2.0 THEORY: ACOUSTIC CAVITATION AND AGGLOMERATION...be achieved to maximize the overall thermal conductivity of the nanofluid. 2.0 THEORY: ACOUSTIC CAVITATION AND AGGLOMERATION The phenomenon of

ISDD: A computational model of particle sedimentation, diffusion and target cell dosimetry for in vitro toxicity studies

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The difficulty of directly measuring cellular dose is a significant obstacle to application of target tissue dosimetry for nanoparticle and microparticle toxicity assessment, particularly for in vitro systems. As a consequence, the target tissue paradigm for dosimetry and hazard assessment of nanoparticles has largely been ignored in favor of using metrics of exposure (e.g. μg particle/mL culture medium, particle surface area/mL, particle number/mL). We have developed a computational model of solution particokinetics (sedimentation, diffusion) and dosimetry for non-interacting spherical particles and their agglomerates in monolayer cell culture systems. Particle transport to cells is calculated by simultaneous solution of Stokes Law (sedimentation) and the Stokes-Einstein equation (diffusion). Results The In vitro Sedimentation, Diffusion and Dosimetry model (ISDD) was tested against measured transport rates or cellular doses for multiple sizes of polystyrene spheres (20-1100 nm), 35 nm amorphous silica, and large agglomerates of 30 nm iron oxide particles. Overall, without adjusting any parameters, model predicted cellular doses were in close agreement with the experimental data, differing from as little as 5% to as much as three-fold, but in most cases approximately two-fold, within the limits of the accuracy of the measurement systems. Applying the model, we generalize the effects of particle size, particle density, agglomeration state and agglomerate characteristics on target cell dosimetry in vitro. Conclusions Our results confirm our hypothesis that for liquid-based in vitro systems, the dose-rates and target cell doses for all particles are not equal; they can vary significantly, in direct contrast to the assumption of dose-equivalency implicit in the use of mass-based media concentrations as metrics of exposure for dose-response assessment. The difference between equivalent nominal media concentration exposures on a μg/mL basis and target cell doses on a particle surface area or number basis can be as high as three to six orders of magnitude. As a consequence, in vitro hazard assessments utilizing mass-based exposure metrics have inherently high errors where particle number or surface areas target cells doses are believed to drive response. The gold standard for particle dosimetry for in vitro nanotoxicology studies should be direct experimental measurement of the cellular content of the studied particle. However, where such measurements are impractical, unfeasible, and before such measurements become common, particle dosimetry models such as ISDD provide a valuable, immediately useful alternative, and eventually, an adjunct to such measurements. PMID:21118529

[Carbon footprint of buildings in the urban agglomeration of central Liaoning, China].

PubMed

Shi, Yu; Yun, Ying Xia; Liu, Chong; Chu, Ya Qi

2017-06-18

With the development of urbanization in China, buildings consumed lots of material and energy. How to estimate carbon emission of buildings is an important scientific problem. Carbon footprint of the central Liaoning agglomeration was studied with carbon footprint approach, geographic information system (GIS) and high-resolution remote sensing (HRRS) technology. The results showed that the construction carbon footprint coefficient of central Liaoning urban agglomeration was 269.16 kg·m -2 . The approach of interpreting total building area and spatial distribution with HRRS was effective, and the accuracy was 89%. The extraction approach was critical for total carbon footprint and spatial distribution estimation. The building area and total carbon footprint of central Liaoning urban agglomeration in descending order was Shenyang, Anshan, Fushun, Liao-yang, Yingkou, Tieling and Benxi. The annual average increment of footprint from 2011 to 2013 in descending order was Shenyang, Benxi, Fushun, Anshan, Tieling, Yingkou and Liaoyang. The accurate estimation of construction carbon footprint spatial and its distribution was of significance for the planning and optimization of carbon emission reduction.

Gasification of palm empty fruit bunch in a bubbling fluidized bed: a performance and agglomeration study.

PubMed

Lahijani, Pooya; Zainal, Zainal Alimuddin

2011-01-01

Gasification of palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) was investigated in a pilot-scale air-blown fluidized bed. The effect of bed temperature (650-1050 °C) on gasification performance was studied. To explore the potential of EFB, the gasification results were compared to that of sawdust. Results showed that maximum heating values (HHV) of 5.37 and 5.88 (MJ/Nm3), dry gas yield of 2.04 and 2.0 (Nm3/kg), carbon conversion of 93% and 85 % and cold gas efficiency of 72% and 71 % were obtained for EFB and sawdust at the temperature of 1050 °C and ER of 0.25. However, it was realized that agglomeration was the major issue in EFB gasification at high temperatures. To prevent the bed agglomeration, EFB gasification was performed at temperature of 770±20 °C while the ER was varied from 0.17 to 0.32. Maximum HHV of 4.53 was obtained at ER of 0.21 where no agglomeration was observed. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nifedipine Nanoparticle Agglomeration as a Dry Powder Aerosol Formulation Strategy

PubMed Central

Plumley, Carl; Gorman, Eric M.; Munson, Eric J.; Berkland, Cory

2009-01-01

Efficient administration of drugs represents a leading challenge in pulmonary medicine. Dry powder aerosols are of great interest compared to traditional aerosolized liquid formulations in that they may offer improved stability, ease of administration, and simple device design. Particles 1–5 µm in size typically facilitate lung deposition. Nanoparticles may be exhaled as a result of their small size; however, they are desired to enhance the dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs. Nanoparticles of the hypertension drug nifedipine were co-precipitated with stearic acid to form a colloid exhibiting negative surface charge. Nifedipine nanoparticle colloids were destabilized by using sodium chloride to disrupt the electrostatic repulsion between particles as a means to achieve the agglomerated nanoparticles of a controlled size. The aerodynamic performance of agglomerated nanoparticles was determined by cascade impaction. The powders were found to be well suited for pulmonary delivery. In addition, nanoparticle agglomerates revealed enhanced dissolution of the drug species suggesting the value of this formulation approach for poorly water soluble pulmonary medicines. Ultimately, nifedipine powders are envisioned as an approach to treat pulmonary hypertension. PMID:19015016

Application of acoustic agglomeration to enhance air filtration efficiency in air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) systems.

PubMed

Ng, Bing Feng; Xiong, Jin Wen; Wan, Man Pun

2017-01-01

The recent episodes of haze in Southeast Asia have caused some of the worst regional atmospheric pollution ever recorded in history. In order to control the levels of airborne fine particulate matters (PM) indoors, filtration systems providing high PM capturing efficiency are often sought, which inadvertently also results in high airflow resistance (or pressure drop) that increases the energy consumption for air distribution. A pre-conditioning mechanism promoting the formation of particle clusters to enhance PM capturing efficiency without adding flow resistance in the air distribution ductwork could provide an energy-efficient solution. This pre-conditioning mechanism can be fulfilled by acoustic agglomeration, which is a phenomenon that promotes the coagulation of suspended particles by acoustic waves propagating in the fluid medium. This paper discusses the basic mechanisms of acoustic agglomeration along with influencing factors that could affect the agglomeration efficiency. The feasibility to apply acoustic agglomeration to improve filtration in air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) systems is investigated experimentally in a small-scale wind tunnel. Experimental results indicate that this novel application of acoustic pre-conditioning improves the PM2.5 filtration efficiency of the test filters by up to 10% without introducing additional pressure drop. The fan energy savings from not having to switch to a high capturing efficiency filter largely outstrip the additional energy consumed by the acoustics system. This, as a whole, demonstrates potential energy savings from the combined acoustic-enhanced filtration system without compromising on PM capturing efficiency.

Application of acoustic agglomeration to enhance air filtration efficiency in air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) systems

PubMed Central

Xiong, Jin Wen; Wan, Man Pun

2017-01-01

The recent episodes of haze in Southeast Asia have caused some of the worst regional atmospheric pollution ever recorded in history. In order to control the levels of airborne fine particulate matters (PM) indoors, filtration systems providing high PM capturing efficiency are often sought, which inadvertently also results in high airflow resistance (or pressure drop) that increases the energy consumption for air distribution. A pre-conditioning mechanism promoting the formation of particle clusters to enhance PM capturing efficiency without adding flow resistance in the air distribution ductwork could provide an energy-efficient solution. This pre-conditioning mechanism can be fulfilled by acoustic agglomeration, which is a phenomenon that promotes the coagulation of suspended particles by acoustic waves propagating in the fluid medium. This paper discusses the basic mechanisms of acoustic agglomeration along with influencing factors that could affect the agglomeration efficiency. The feasibility to apply acoustic agglomeration to improve filtration in air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) systems is investigated experimentally in a small-scale wind tunnel. Experimental results indicate that this novel application of acoustic pre-conditioning improves the PM2.5 filtration efficiency of the test filters by up to 10% without introducing additional pressure drop. The fan energy savings from not having to switch to a high capturing efficiency filter largely outstrip the additional energy consumed by the acoustics system. This, as a whole, demonstrates potential energy savings from the combined acoustic-enhanced filtration system without compromising on PM capturing efficiency. PMID:28594862

The effect of agglomeration state of silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on cellular response of HepG2, A549 and THP-1 cells.

PubMed

Lankoff, Anna; Sandberg, Wiggo J; Wegierek-Ciuk, Aneta; Lisowska, Halina; Refsnes, Magne; Sartowska, Bożena; Schwarze, Per E; Meczynska-Wielgosz, Sylwia; Wojewodzka, Maria; Kruszewski, Marcin

2012-02-05

Nanoparticles (NPs) occurring in the environment rapidly agglomerate and form particles of larger diameters. The extent to which this abates the effects of NPs has not been clarified. The motivation of this study was to examine how the agglomeration/aggregation state of silver (20nm and 200nm) and titanium dioxide (21nm) nanoparticles may affect the kinetics of cellular binding/uptake and ability to induce cytotoxic responses in THP1, HepG2 and A549 cells. Cellular binding/uptake, metabolic activation and cell death were assessed by the SSC flow cytometry measurements, the MTT-test and the propidium iodide assay. The three types of particles were efficiently taken up by the cells, decreasing metabolic activation and increasing cell death in all the cell lines. The magnitude of the studied endpoints depended on the agglomeration/aggregation state of particles, their size, time-point and cell type. Among the three cell lines tested, A549 cells were the most sensitive to these particles in relation to cellular binding/uptake. HepG2 cells showed a tendency to be more sensitive in relation to metabolic activation. THP-1 cells were the most resistant to all three types of particles in relation to all endpoints tested. Our findings suggest that particle features such as size and agglomeration status as well as the type of cells may contribute to nanoparticles biological impact. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A flow-free droplet-based device for high throughput polymorphic crystallization.

PubMed

Yang, Shih-Mo; Zhang, Dapeng; Chen, Wang; Chen, Shih-Chi

2015-06-21

Crystallization is one of the most crucial steps in the process of pharmaceutical formulation. In recent years, emulsion-based platforms have been developed and broadly adopted to generate high quality products. However, these conventional approaches such as stirring are still limited in several aspects, e.g., unstable crystallization conditions and broad size distribution; besides, only simple crystal forms can be produced. In this paper, we present a new flow-free droplet-based formation process for producing highly controlled crystallization with two examples: (1) NaCl crystallization reveals the ability to package saturated solution into nanoliter droplets, and (2) glycine crystallization demonstrates the ability to produce polymorphic crystallization forms by controlling the droplet size and temperature. In our process, the saturated solution automatically fills the microwell array powered by degassed bulk PDMS. A critical oil covering step is then introduced to isolate the saturated solution and control the water dissolution rate. Utilizing surface tension, the solution is uniformly packaged in the form of thousands of isolating droplets at the bottom of each microwell of 50-300 μm diameter. After water dissolution, individual crystal structures are automatically formed inside the microwell array. This approach facilitates the study of different glycine growth processes: α-form generated inside the droplets and γ-form generated at the edge of the droplets. With precise temperature control over nanoliter-sized droplets, the growth of ellipsoidal crystalline agglomerates of glycine was achieved for the first time. Optical and SEM images illustrate that the ellipsoidal agglomerates consist of 2-5 μm glycine clusters with inner spiral structures of ~35 μm screw pitch. Lastly, the size distribution of spherical crystalline agglomerates (SAs) produced from microwells of different sizes was measured to have a coefficient variation (CV) of less than 5%, showing crystal sizes can be precisely controlled by microwell sizes with high uniformity. This new method can be used to reliably fabricate monodispersed crystals for pharmaceutical applications.

Advanced Multi-phase Flow CFD Model Development for Solid Rocket Motor Flowfield Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liaw, Paul; Chen, Yen-Sen

1995-01-01

A Navier-Stokes code, finite difference Navier-Stokes (FDNS), is used to analyze the complicated internal flowfield of the SRM (solid rocket motor) to explore the impacts due to the effects of chemical reaction, particle dynamics, and slag accumulation on the solid rocket motor (SRM). The particulate multi-phase flowfield with chemical reaction, particle evaporation, combustion, breakup, and agglomeration models are included in present study to obtain a better understanding of the SRM design. Finite rate chemistry model is applied to simulate the chemical reaction effects. Hermsen correlation model is used for the combustion simulation. The evaporation model introduced by Spalding is utilized to include the heat transfer from the particulate phase to the gase phase due to the evaporation of the particles. A correlation of the minimum particle size for breakup expressed in terms of the Al/Al2O3 surface tension and shear force was employed to simulate the breakup of particles. It is assumed that the breakup occurs when the Weber number exceeds 6. A simple L agglomeration model is used to investigate the particle agglomeration. However, due to the large computer memory requirements for the agglomeration model, only 2D cases are tested with the agglomeration model. The VOF (Volume of Fluid) method is employed to simulate the slag buildup in the aft-end cavity of the redesigned solid rocket motor (RSRM). Monte Carlo method is employed to calculate the turbulent dispersion effect of the particles. The flowfield analysis obtained using the FDNS code in the present research with finite rate chemical reaction, particle evaporation, combustion, breakup, agglomeration, and VOG models will provide a design guide for the potential improvement of the SRM including the use of materials and the shape of nozzle geometry such that a better performance of the SRM can be achieved. The simulation of the slag buildup in the aft-end cavity can assist the designer to improve the design of the RSRM geometry.

Development of an electrochemical process for production of nano-copper oxides: Agglomeration kinetics modeling.

PubMed

Shahcheraghi, Seyed Hadi; Schaffie, Mahin; Ranjbar, Mohammad

2018-06-01

The main objective of this study was the development of a simple, clean, and industrial applicable electrochemical process for production of high pure nano-copper oxides from mining and industrial resources (e.g., ore, spent, slag and wastewater). To conduct the proposed process, a special set up containing an electrochemical cell in an ultrasonic system (28 kHz and 160 W) was proposed. Accordingly, using this set up and applying appropriate voltage (≈ 5 V) at 25 °C, in the presence of N 2 gas, the simultaneous anode dissolution and nano-copper oxides formation (≈ 24 nm) can be occurred, rapidly (less than 45 min). Then, the effect of N 2 gas and free radicals generated by ultrasonic irradiation was studied. The results showed, in the absence of ultrasonic irradiation and N 2 , an increase of electrolyte pH from 6.42 to 10.92, a decrease of electrolyte Eh from 285 mV to -1.14 V, and formation of copper nanoparticles. While, in the presence of ultrasonic and N 2 , the CuO nanoparticles were formed due to presence of H 2 O 2 generated by interaction of free radicals. Moreover, a novel method for kinetics modeling of nanoparticles agglomeration was proposed according to distributed activation energy model and Arrhenius parameters variation. The results showed that, in the absence of ultrasonic irradiation, the nanoparticle agglomerates were firstly formed (interface controlled mechanism) and then, the diffusion of nanoparticle agglomerates was occurred (diffusion controlled mechanism). Therefore, the control of nanoparticles size and shape may be impossible without surfactant. Also, in the presence of ultrasonic irradiation, the whole of agglomeration process followed interface controlled mechanism. Therefore, using ultrasonic irradiation, the nanoparticles shape and size don't change due to prevention of agglomerates diffusion. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Monte Carlo Simulation of Nanoparticle Encapsulation in Flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, Z.; Huertas, J. I.; Axelbaum, R. L.

1999-01-01

Two critical challenges facing the application of flames for synthesis of nanopowder materials are: (1) overcoming formation of agglomerates and (2) ensuring that the highly reactive nanopowders that are synthesized in flames can be produced in such a manner that their purity is maintained during subsequent processing. Agglomerates are produced in flames because particle formation occurs in a high temperature and high number density environment. They are undesirable in most advanced applications of powders. For example, agglomerates have a deleterious effect on compaction density, leading to voids when nanopowders are consolidated. Efforts to avoid agglomeration in flames without substantially reducing particle number density and, consequently, production rate, have had limited success. Powder purity must also be maintained during subsequent handling of nanopowders and this poses a significant challenge for any synthesis route because nanopowders, particularly metals and non-oxide ceramic powders, are inherently reactive. Impurities acquired during handling of nanopowders have slowed the advancement of the nanostructured materials industry. One promising approach that has been proposed to address these problems is nano-encapsulation. In this approach, the core particles are encapsulated in a removable material while they are within the flame but before excessive agglomeration has occurred. Condensation can be very rapid so that core particles are trapped within the condensed material and agglomeration is limited. Nano-encapsulation also addresses the handling concerns for post-synthesis processing. Results have shown that when nano-encapsulated powders are exposed to atmosphere the core particles are protected from oxidation and/or hydrolysis. Thus, handling of the powders does not require extreme care. If, for example, at the time of consolidation the encapsulation material is removed by vacuum annealing, the resulting powder remains unagglomerated and free of impurities. In this work, we described a novel aerosol model that has been developed to simulate particle encapsulation in flames. The model will ultimately be coupled to a one-dimensional spherical flame code and compared to results from microgravity flame experiments.

Phosphate-enhanced cytotoxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles and agglomerates.

PubMed

Everett, W Neil; Chern, Christina; Sun, Dazhi; McMahon, Rebecca E; Zhang, Xi; Chen, Wei-Jung A; Hahn, Mariah S; Sue, H-J

2014-02-10

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have been found to readily react with phosphate ions to form zinc phosphate (Zn3(PO4)2) crystallites. Because phosphates are ubiquitous in physiological fluids as well as waste water streams, it is important to examine the potential effects that the formation of Zn3(PO4)2 crystallites may have on cell viability. Thus, the cytotoxic response of NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells was assessed following 24h of exposure to ZnO NPs suspended in media with and without the standard phosphate salt supplement. Both particle dosage and size have been shown to impact the cytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs, so doses ranging from 5 to 50 μg/mL were examined and agglomerate size effects were investigated by using the bioinert amphiphilic polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to generate water-soluble ZnO ranging from individually dispersed 4 nm NPs up to micron-sized agglomerates. Cell metabolic activity measures indicated that the presence of phosphate in the suspension media can led to significantly reduced cell viability at all agglomerate sizes and at lower ZnO dosages. In addition, a reduction in cell viability was observed when agglomerate size was decreased, but only in the phosphate-containing media. These metabolic activity results were reflected in separate measures of cell death via the lactate dehydrogenase assay. Our results suggest that, while higher doses of water-soluble ZnO NPs are cytotoxic, the presence of phosphates in the surrounding fluid can lead to significantly elevated levels of cell death at lower ZnO NP doses. Moreover, the extent of this death can potentially be modulated or offset by tuning the agglomerate size. These findings underscore the importance of understanding how nanoscale materials can interact with the components of surrounding fluids so that potential adverse effects of such interactions can be controlled. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Temperature-Triggered Protein Adsorption on Polymer-Coated Nanoparticles in Serum.

PubMed

Koshkina, Olga; Lang, Thomas; Thiermann, Raphael; Docter, Dominic; Stauber, Roland H; Secker, Christian; Schlaad, Helmut; Weidner, Steffen; Mohr, Benjamin; Maskos, Michael; Bertin, Annabelle

2015-08-18

The protein corona, which forms on the nanoparticle's surface in most biological media, determines the nanoparticle's physicochemical characteristics. The formation of the protein corona has a significant impact on the biodistribution and clearance of nanoparticles in vivo. Therefore, the ability to influence the formation of the protein corona is essential to most biomedical applications, including drug delivery and imaging. In this study, we investigate the protein adsorption on nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic radius of 30 nm and a coating of thermoresponsive poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) in serum. Using multiangle dynamic light scattering (DLS) we demonstrate that heating of the nanoparticles above their phase separation temperature induces the formation of agglomerates, with a hydrodynamic radius of 1 μm. In serum, noticeably stronger agglomeration occurs at lower temperatures compared to serum-free conditions. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) revealed a high packing density of agglomerates when serum was not present. In contrast, in the presence of serum, agglomerated nanoparticles were loosely packed, indicating that proteins are intercalated between them. Moreover, an increase in protein content is observed upon heating, confirming that protein adsorption is induced by the alteration of the surface during phase separation. After cooling and switching the surface back, most of the agglomerates were dissolved and the main fraction returned to the original size of approximately 30 nm as shown by asymmetrical flow-field flow fractionation (AF-FFF) and DLS. Furthermore, the amounts of adsorbed proteins are similar before and after heating the nanoparticles to above their phase-separation temperature. Overall, our results demonstrate that the thermoresponsivity of the polymer coating enables turning the corona formation on nanoparticles on and off in situ. As the local heating of body areas can be easily done in vivo, the thermoresponsive coating could potentially be used to induce the agglomeration of nanoparticles and proteins and the accumulation of nanoparticles in a targeted body region.

Computer-aided diagnosis of leukoencephalopathy in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glass, John O.; Li, Chin-Shang; Helton, Kathleen J.; Reddick, Wilburn E.

2005-04-01

The purpose of this study was to use objective quantitative MR imaging methods to develop a computer-aided diagnosis tool to differentiate white matter (WM) hyperintensities as either leukoencephalopathy (LE) or normal maturational processes in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia with intravenous high dose methotrexate. A combined imaging set consisting of T1, T2, PD, and FLAIR MR images and WM, gray matter, and cerebrospinal fluid a priori maps from a spatially normalized atlas were analyzed with a neural network segmentation based on a Kohonen Self-Organizing Map. Segmented regions were manually classified to identify the most hyperintense WM region and the normal appearing genu region. Signal intensity differences normalized to the genu within each examination were generated for two time points in 203 children. An unsupervised hierarchical clustering algorithm with the agglomeration method of McQuitty was used to divide data from the first examination into normal appearing or LE groups. A C-support vector machine (C-SVM) was then trained on the first examination data and used to classify the data from the second examination. The overall accuracy of the computer-aided detection tool was 83.5% (299/358) with sensitivity to normal WM of 86.9% (199/229) and specificity to LE of 77.5% (100/129) when compared to the readings of two expert observers. These results suggest that subtle therapy-induced leukoencephalopathy can be objectively and reproducibly detected in children treated for cancer using this computer-aided detection approach based on relative differences in quantitative signal intensity measures normalized within each examination.

Influence de la taille de depart, de l'etat d'agglomeration et de la dose de nanoparticules de dioxyde de titane (TiO2) inhalees sur la reponse pulmonaire chez le rat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noel, Alexandra

It is estimated that by 2014 more than 10 million jobs related to the nanotechnology field will be created worldwide. It is therefore important to investigate the possible health effects caused by nanoparticles (NP). Due to their small size, NP (< 100 nm) can coagulate quickly, which promotes their entry into the body in the form of agglomerates. However, few studies have evaluated their pulmonary toxicity, considering the physicochemical properties of NP, as well as the size of the agglomerates formed in the aerosols. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of the agglomeration state of three different primary particle sizes (5, 10-30 and 50 nm) of titanium dioxide (TiO2) NP on the pulmonary toxicity of male rats (F344) exposed to aerosols at 2, 7 or 20 mg/m3 for 6 hours. In an inhalation chamber, six groups of rats (n = 6 per group) were acutely exposed by nose-only inhalation to aerosols with a 5-nm primary particle size, produced in the form of small agglomerates (< 100 nm) (SA) or large agglomerates (> 100 nm) (LA) at 2, 7 and 20 mg/m3. Similarly, four other groups of rats were exposed to aerosols at 20 mg/m 3 with a primary particle size of 10-30 and 50 nm. The different aerosols were generated by nebulization of suspensions or by dry dispersion. For each mass concentration, one group of control rats (n = 6 per group) was exposed to compressed air under the same conditions. The size, shape, structure and agglomeration state of NP in both the bulk powders and the generated aerosols were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and using an electrical low pressure impactor. Mass concentrations were determined by gravimetric measurements. The animals were sacrificed 16 hours after the end of exposure, and analysis of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids was used to measure markers of inflammatory (total and differential cell counts, as well as various cytokines: IL-1alpha, IL-6, MIP-1alpha, MCP-1 and TNF-alpha), cytotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase and total protein concentration) and oxidative stress (heme oxygenase-1, glutathione and 8-isoprostane) effects. Lung sections were also analyzed for histopathology. The influence of the agglomeration state of TiO2 NP (5 nm) could not be determined at 2 mg/m3. For mass concentrations of 7 and 20 mg/m3, our results showed that an acute inflammatory response (increase in the number of neutrophils) was induced following exposure to LA aerosols. In addition to this response, exposure to SA aerosols resulted in a significant increase in 8-isoprostane and LDH. At 20 mg/m3, the cytotoxic effects were greater after exposure to the 5-nm NP in the SA aerosol. Given the significant work done to generate and characterize aerosols, this study showed that TiO2 NP use different mechanisms to induce their pulmonary toxicity as a function of their primary particle size and their agglomeration state.

Char binder for fluidized beds

DOEpatents

Borio, Richard W.; Accortt, Joseph I.

1981-01-01

An arrangement that utilizes agglomerating coal as a binder to bond coal fines and recycled char into an agglomerate mass that will have suitable retention time when introduced into a fluidized bed 14 for combustion. The simultaneous use of coal for a primary fuel and as a binder effects significant savings in the elimination of non-essential materials and processing steps.

Long Life Na/NiCl2 Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bugga, Ratnakumar V. (Inventor); Surampudi, Subbarao (Inventor); Halpert, Gerald (Inventor)

1996-01-01

The premature capacity failure of Na/NiCl2 secondary cells due to agglomeration of nickel particles on the surface of the NiCl2 cathode is prevented by addition of a minor amount such as 10 percent by weight of a transition metal such as Co, Fe or Mn to the cathode. The chlorides of the transition metals have lower potentials than nickel chloride and chlorinate during charge. A uniform dispersion of the transition metals in the cathodes prevents agglomeration of nickel, maintains morphology of the electrode, maintains the electrochemical area of the electrode and thus maintains capacity of the electrode. The additives do not effect sintering. The addition of sulfur to the liquid catholyte is expected to further reduce agglomeration of nickel in the cathode.

TEM and SP-ICP-MS analysis of the release of silver nanoparticles from decoration of pastry.

PubMed

Verleysen, E; Van Doren, E; Waegeneers, N; De Temmerman, P-J; Abi Daoud Francisco, M; Mast, J

2015-04-08

Metallic silver is an EU approved food additive referred to as E174. It is generally assumed that silver is only present in bulk form in the food chain. This work demonstrates that a simple treatment with water of "silver pearls", meant for decoration of pastry, results in the release of a subfraction of silver nanoparticles. The number-based size and shape distributions of the single, aggregated, and/or agglomerated particles released from the silver pearls were determined by combining conventional bright-field TEM imaging with semiautomatic particle detection and analysis. In addition, the crystal structure of the particles was studied by electron diffraction and chemical information was obtained by combining HAADF-STEM imaging with EDX spectroscopy and mapping. The TEM results were confirmed by SP-ICP-MS. The representative Ag test nanomaterial NM-300 K was used as a positive control to determine the uncertainty on the measurement of the size and shape of the particles.

Introduction of a Population Balance Based Design Problem in a Particle Science and Technology Course for Chemical Engineers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ehrman, Sheryl H.; Castellanos, Patricia; Dwivedi, Vivek; Diemer, R. Bertrum

2007-01-01

A particle technology design problem incorporating population balance modeling was developed and assigned to senior and first-year graduate students in a Particle Science and Technology course. The problem focused on particle collection, with a pipeline agglomerator, Cyclone, and baghouse comprising the collection system. The problem was developed…

Nanocompounds of iron and zinc: their potential in nutrition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimmermann, Michael B.; Hilty, Florentine M.

2011-06-01

Recent studies suggest nanostructured oxides and phosphates of Fe and atomically mixed Fe/Zn may be useful for nutritional applications. These compounds may have several advantages over existing fortificants, such as ferrous sulfate (FeSO4), NaFeEDTA and electrolytic iron. Because of their very low solubility and formation of soft agglomerates of micron size at neutral pH as well as their light native color, they tend to be less reactive in difficult-to-fortify foods and thus have superior sensory performance. At gastric pH the soft agglomerates break up and the Fe compounds rapidly and completely dissolve due to their very high surface area. This results in in vitro solubility and in vivo bioavailability comparable to FeSO4. Doping with Mg and/or Ca may increase solubility and improve sensory characteristics by lightening color. Feeding the nanostructured compounds at 150-400 µg Fe day-1 for 15 days to weanling rats in two studies did not induce measurable histological or biochemical adverse effects. No significant Fe was detected in the submucosa of the gastrointestinal tract or lymphatic tissues, suggesting that the nanosized Fe is absorbed through usual non-heme Fe absorption pathways. Thus, these novel compounds show promise as food fortificants or supplements.

Interaction of carboxylated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots with fish embryos: Towards understanding of nanoparticles toxicity.

PubMed

Rotomskis, Ričardas; Jurgelėnė, Živilė; Stankevičius, Mantas; Stankevičiūtė, Milda; Kazlauskienė, Nijolė; Jokšas, Kęstutis; Montvydienė, Danguolė; Kulvietis, Vytautas; Karabanovas, Vitalijus

2018-09-01

Due to colloidal instability even with protective coatings, nanoparticles tend to aggregate in complex environments and possibly interact with biota. In this study, visualization of quantum dots (QDs) interaction with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) embryos was performed. Studies on zebrafish (Danio rerio) and pearl gourami (Trichogaster leerii) embryos have shown that QDs interact with embryos in a general manner and their affects are independent on the type of the embryo. It was demonstrated that carboxylated CdSe/ZnS QDs (4 nM) were aggregating in accumulation media and formed agglomerates on the surface of fish embryos under 1-12 days incubation in deep-well water. Detailed analysis of QDs distribution on fish embryos surface and investigation of the penetration of QDs through embryo's membrane showed that the chorion protects embryos from the penetration through the chorion and the accumulation of nanoparticles inside the embryos. Confocal microscopy and spectroscopy studies on rainbow trout embryos demonstrated that QDs cause chorion damage, due to QDs aggregation on the surface of chorion, even the formation of the agglomerates at the outer part of the embryos and/or with the mucus were detected. Aggregation of QDs and formation of agglomerates on the outer part of the embryo's membrane caused the intervention of the aggregates to the chorion and even partially destroyed the embryo's chorion. The incorporation of QDs in chorion was confirmed by two methods: in living embryos from a 3D reconstruction view, and in slices of embryos from a histology view. The damage of chorion integrity might have adverse effects on embryonic development. Moreover, for the first time the toxic effect of QDs was separated from the heavy metal toxicity, which is most commonly discussed in the literature to the toxicity of the QDs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spherical agglomerates of pure drug nanoparticles for improved pulmonary delivery in dry powder inhalers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Jun; Dong, Yuancai; Pastorin, Giorgia; Ng, Wai Kiong; Tan, Reginald B. H.

2013-04-01

The aim of this study was to produce micron-sized spherical agglomerates of pure drug nanoparticles to achieve improved aerosol performance in dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Sodium cromoglicate was chosen as the model drug. Pure drug nanoparticles were prepared through a bottom-up particle formation process, liquid antisolvent precipitation, and then rapidly agglomerated into porous spherical microparticles by immediate (on-line) spray drying. Nonporous spherical drug microparticles with similar geometric size distribution were prepared by conventional spray drying of the aqueous drug solution, which together with the mechanically micronized drug particles were used as the control samples. The three samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, laser diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, density measurement, powder X-ray diffraction, and in vitro aerosol deposition measurement with a multistage liquid impinger. It was found that drug nanoparticles with a diameter of 100 nm were precipitated and agglomerated into highly porous spherical microparticles with a volume median diameter ( D 50 %) of 2.25 ± 0.08 μm and a specific surface area of 158.63 ± 3.27 m2/g. In vitro aerosol deposition studies showed the fine particle fraction of such spherical agglomerates of drug nanoparticles was increased by more than 50 % in comparison with the control samples, demonstrating significant improvements in aerosol performance. The results of this study indicated the potential of the combined particle engineering process of liquid antisolvent precipitation followed by immediate (on-line) spray drying in the development of novel DPI drug products with improved aerosol performance.

Geosimulation of urban growth and demographic decline in the Ruhr: a case study for 2025 using the artificial intelligence of cells and agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rienow, Andreas; Stenger, Dirk

2014-07-01

The Ruhr is an "old acquaintance" in the discourse of urban decline in old industrialized cities. The agglomeration has to struggle with archetypical problems of former monofunctional manufacturing cities. Surprisingly, the image of a shrinking city has to be refuted if you shift the focus from socioeconomic wealth to its morphological extension. Thus, it is the objective of this study to meet the challenge of modeling urban sprawl and demographic decline by combining two artificial intelligent solutions: The popular urban cellular automaton SLEUTH simulates urban growth using four simple but effective growth rules. In order to improve its performance, SLEUTH has been modified among others by combining it with a robust probability map based on support vector machines. Additionally, a complex multi-agent system is developed to simulate residential mobility in a shrinking city agglomeration: residential mobility and the housing market of shrinking city systems focuses on the dynamic of interregional housing markets implying the development of potential dwelling areas. The multi-agent system comprises the simulation of population patterns, housing prices, and housing demand in shrinking city agglomerations. Both models are calibrated and validated regarding their localization and quantification performance. Subsequently, the urban landscape configuration and composition of the Ruhr 2025 are simulated. A simple spatial join is used to combine the results serving as valuable inputs for future regional planning in the context of multifarious demographic change and preceding urban growth.

High shear mixing granulation of ibuprofen and beta-cyclodextrin: effects of process variables on ibuprofen dissolution.

PubMed

Ghorab, Mohamed K; Adeyeye, Moji Christianah

2007-10-19

The aims of the study were to evaluate the effect of high shear mixer (HSM) granulation process parameters and scale-up on wet mass consistency and granulation characteristics. A mixer torque rheometer (MTR) was employed to evaluate the granulating solvents used (water, isopropanol, and 1:1 vol/vol mixture of both) based on the wet mass consistency. Gral 25 and mini-HSM were used for the granulation. The MTR study showed that the water significantly enhanced the beta-cyclodextrin (beta CD) binding tendency and the strength of liquid bridges formed between the particles, whereas the isopropanol/water mixture yielded more suitable agglomerates. Mini-HSM granulation with the isopropanol/water mixture (1:1 vol/vol) showed a reduction in the extent of torque value rise by increasing the impeller speed as a result of more breakdown of agglomerates than coalescence. In contrast, increasing the impeller speed of the Gral 25 resulted in higher torque readings, larger granule size, and consequently, slower dissolution. This was due to a remarkable rise in temperature during Gral granulation that reduced the isopropanol/water ratio in the granulating solvent as a result of evaporation and consequently increased the beta CD binding strength. In general, the HSM granulation retarded ibuprofen dissolution compared with the physical mixture because of densification and agglomeration. However, a successful HSM granulation scale-up was not achieved due to the difference in the solvent mixture's effect from 1 scale to the other.

Formation, Fate, and Impacts of Microscopic and Macroscopic Oil-Sediment Residues in Nearshore Marine Environments: A Critical Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gustitus, Sarah A.; Clement, T. Prabhakar

2017-12-01

Crude oil that is spilled in marine environments often interacts with suspended sediments to form residues that can impact the recovery of the affected nearshore ecosystems. When spilled oil and sediment interact, they can form either small microscopic aggregates, commonly referred to as oil-particle aggregates, or large macroscopic agglomerates, referred to as sediment-oil agglomerates or sediment-oil mats. Although these different sized oil-sediment residues have similar compositions, they are formed under different conditions and have different fates in nearshore environments; the goal of this review is to synthesize our current understanding of these two types of residues. We believe that researchers who focus solely on studying either microscopic aggregates or macroscopic agglomerates could benefit from understanding the research findings available in the other field. In this study, we compare and contrast various processes that control the formation, fate, and impacts of these two types of residues in nearshore environments and point out some of the knowledge gaps in this field. Additionally, these residues have been referred to by many names in the past, leading to confusion and misconceptions at times. In this effort, we recommend a uniform nomenclature to distinguish them based on their physical size. Our overall aim is to bridge the gap between microscopic and macroscopic oil-sediment residue literature to foster a robust exchange of ideas, which we believe can lead to the development of efficient strategies for managing oil spills that affect nearshore environments.

Process for removing pyritic sulfur from bituminous coals

DOEpatents

Pawlak, Wanda; Janiak, Jerzy S.; Turak, Ali A.; Ignasiak, Boleslaw L.

1990-01-01

A process is provided for removing pyritic sulfur and lowering ash content of bituminous coals by grinding the feed coal, subjecting it to micro-agglomeration with a bridging liquid containing heavy oil, separating the microagglomerates and separating them to a water wash to remove suspended pyritic sulfur. In one embodiment the coal is subjected to a second micro-agglomeration step.

Synthesis and characterization of bioresorbable calcium phosphosilicate nanocomposite particles for fluorescence imaging and biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morgan, Thomas T.

Organically doped calcium phosphosilicate nanoparticles (CPSNPs) were developed and characterized, driven by the need for non-toxic vectors for drug delivery and fluorescence biological imaging applications. In particular, advancement in drug delivery for the chemotherapeutic treatment of cancers is required to increase drug efficacy and improve patient quality of life. Additionally, brighter and more photostable fluorophores are needed to meet demands for improved sensitivity and experimental diversity, which may lead to improvements in early detection of solid tumors and advancement in understanding of biological processes. A literature survey on the state of the field for nanoparticle based biological fluorescence imaging and drug delivery is presented in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 focuses on the characterization techniques used in this work. The development and optical characterization of 20-40 nm diameter, citrate functionalized Cy3 amidite doped calcium phosphosilicate nanoparticles (Cy3 CPSNPs) for in vitro fluorescence imaging is outlined in Chapters 3 and 4, respectively. In particular, sodium citrate was used to functionalize the surface and provide electrosteric dispersion of these particles. CPSNPs stabilized with sodium citrate routinely exhibited highly negative zeta potentials greater than -25 mV in magnitude. Furthermore, the fluorescence quantum yield of the encapsulated fluorophore was improved by more than 4.5-fold when compared to the unencapsulated dye. The bioimaging and drug delivery capability of CPSNPs was explored. Cy3 CPSNPs dissolved quickly in the acidic environment experienced during endocytosis, releasing the encapsulated fluorophore. This is consistent with solution phase experiments that show the particles are dissolved at pH 5. CPSNPs loaded with fluorescein and a hydrophobic growth inhibitor, ceramide C6, proved the ability to simultaneously image and delivery of the hydrophobic drug to cells in vitro. Chapter 5 examined the colloidal stability of citrate and polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized CPSNPs in 70 volume % ethanol/30% water, both experimentally using TEM and theoretically using DLVO and polymeric steric dispersion theories. There are three basic mechanisms for colloidal stability for macroscopic suspensions (i.e., for particulate diameters down to ˜100nm), metastable electrostatic in which some finite degree of agglomeration continuously takes place because a finite energy barrier against agglomeration; and electrosteric and steric mechanisms in which infinitely high potential energy barriers toward agglomeration are present leading to thermodynamically stable suspensions. One of the fundamental issues addressed in this chapter was whether the mechanisms of electrosteric or steric dispersion, based on relatively large adsorbed polyelectrolytes for macroscopic size particulates, scales with particles in the range of ˜40 nm diameter such that a small, charged organic molecule such as citrate provides the thermodynamic colloidal stability of electrosteric mechanisms as suggested by preliminary theoretical calculations. The particle diameter-number distributions for as-prepared and after drying (at 25°C) and redispersion were used as metrics for thermodynamic colloidal stability. How efficiently particles redispersed after drying and reintroduction into the 70:30 ethanol:water solvent was used as the primary metric for whether the metastable electrostatic mechanism or thermodynamically stable electrosteric or steric approaches were responsible for the robust dispersion experimentally observed in the colloids. These experiments found that, even with the thin electrosteric layer provided by the adsorbed citrate, particles were electrosterically dispersed, and were unagglomerated when dried under argon and redispersed. Preliminary work outlining the synthesis and characterization of silver core, calcium phosphosilicate shell nanoparticles for surface plasmon coupled emission and metal enhanced fluorescence applications is discussed in Chapter 6. Thin (2-5 nm) calcium phosphosilicate shells were formed around agglomerated silver cores in the presence of 8-Methoxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (MPTS). Calcium phosphosilicate shells were consistently formed after 72 hours in the presence of 5x10-5 M CaCl2, 3x10 -5 M Na2HPO4, 3x10-6 M Na 2SiO3, and silver core nanoparticles prepared by citrate reduction in aqueous solution. However, the particles synthesized were agglomerated, resulting in a loss of the plasmon resonance peak, and the shells prepared were not thick enough to provide sufficient separation of the fluorophore from the surface to prevent quenching and allow plasmon resonance enhanced fluorescence. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Do we still need cities? Evidence on rates of innovation from count data models of metropolitan statistical area patents.

PubMed

Sedgley, Norman; Elmslie, Bruce

2011-01-01

Evidence of the importance of urban agglomeration and the offsetting effects of congestion are provided in a number of studies of productivity and wages. Little attention has been paid to this evidence in the economic growth literature, where the recent focus is on technological change. We extend the idea of agglomeration and congestion effects to the area of innovation by empirically looking for a nonlinear link between population density and patent activity. A panel data set consisting of observations on 302 USA metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) over a 10-year period from 1990 to 1999 is utilized. Following the patent and R&D literature, models that account for the discreet nature of the dependent variable are employed. Strong evidence is found that agglomeration and congestion are important in explaining the vast differences in patent rates across US cities. The most important reason cities continue to exist, given the dramatic drop in transportation costs for physical goods over the last century, is probably related to the forces of agglomeration as they apply to knowledge spillovers. Therefore, the empirical investigation proposed here is an important part of understanding the viability of urban areas in the future.

Development of Impregnated Agglomerate Pelletization (IAP) process for fabrication of (Th,U)O 2 mixed oxide pellets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khot, P. M.; Nehete, Y. G.; Fulzele, A. K.; Baghra, Chetan; Mishra, A. K.; Afzal, Mohd.; Panakkal, J. P.; Kamath, H. S.

2012-01-01

Impregnated Agglomerate Pelletization (IAP) technique has been developed at Advanced Fuel Fabrication Facility (AFFF), BARC, Tarapur, for manufacturing (Th, 233U)O 2 mixed oxide fuel pellets, which are remotely fabricated in hot cell or shielded glove box facilities to reduce man-rem problem associated with 232U daughter radionuclides. This technique is being investigated to fabricate the fuel for Indian Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR). In the IAP process, ThO 2 is converted to free flowing spheroids by powder extrusion route in an unshielded facility which are then coated with uranyl nitrate solution in a shielded facility. The dried coated agglomerate is finally compacted and then sintered in oxidizing/reducing atmosphere to obtain high density (Th,U)O 2 pellets. In this study, fabrication of (Th,U)O 2 mixed oxide pellets containing 3-5 wt.% UO 2 was carried out by IAP process. The pellets obtained were characterized using optical microscopy, XRD and alpha autoradiography. The results obtained were compared with the results for the pellets fabricated by other routes such as Coated Agglomerate Pelletization (CAP) and Powder Oxide Pelletization (POP) route.

Control of nanoparticle agglomeration through variation of the time-temperature profile in chemical vapor synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djenadic, Ruzica; Winterer, Markus

2017-02-01

The influence of the time-temperature history on the characteristics of nanoparticles such as size, degree of agglomeration, or crystallinity is investigated for chemical vapor synthesis (CVS). A simple reaction-coagulation-sintering model is used to describe the CVS process, and the results of the model are compared to experimental data. Nanocrystalline titania is used as model material. Titania nanoparticles are generated from titanium-tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) in a hot-wall reactor. Pure anatase particles and mixtures of anatase, rutile (up to 11 vol.%), and brookite (up to 29 vol.%) with primary particle sizes from 1.7 nm to 10.5 nm and agglomerate particle sizes from 24.3 nm to 55.6 nm are formed depending on the particle time-temperature history. An inductively heated furnace with variable inductor geometry is used as a novel system to control the time-temperature profile in the reactor externally covering a large wall temperature range from 873 K to 2023 K. An appropriate choice of inductor geometry, i.e. time-temperature profile, can significantly reduce the degree of agglomeration. Other particle characteristics such as crystallinity are also substantially influenced by the time-temperature profile.

Further observations on OCOM MOX fuel: microstructure in the vicinity of the pellet rim and fuel — cladding interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, C. T.; Goll, W.; Matsumura, T.

1997-06-01

The fuel investigated was manufactured by Siemens-KWU and irradiated at low rating in the KWO reactor in Germany. The MOX agglomerates in the cold outer region of the fuel shared several common features with the high burn-up structure at the rim of UO 2 fuel. It is proposed that in both cases the mechanism producing the microstructure change is recrystallisation. Further, it is shown that surface MOX agglomerates do not noticeably retard cladding creepdown although they swell into the gap. The contracting cladding appears able to push the agglomerates back into the fuel. The thickness of the oxide layer on the inner cladding surface increased at points where contact with surface MOX agglomerates had occurred. Despite this, the mean thickness of the oxide did not differ significantly from that found in UO 2 fuel rods of like design. It is judged that the high burn-up structure will form in the UO 2 matrix when the local burn-up there reaches 60 to 80 GWd/tM. Limiting the MOX scrap addition in the UO 2 matrix will delay its formation.

Stability of dry coated solid dosage forms.

PubMed

Kablitz, Caroline Désirée; Urbanetz, Nora Anne

2009-01-01

The dry coating process was evaluated in terms of storage stability investigating drug release and agglomeration tendency of the different coated oral dosage forms; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) was used with triethylcitrate (TEC) as plasticizer and acetylated monoglyceride (Myvacet) as wetting agent. Talc or colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil) was used as anti-tacking agents. In contrast to coating formulations consisting of HPMCAS and Myvacet all formulations containing TEC showed enteric resistance and no agglomeration tendency after preparation. After storage at 10% RH +/- 5% enteric resistance is increased slightly. This increase is more pronounced at 60% RH +/- 5%. The formulations without anti-tacking agents showed higher drug releases after 12 and 24 months due to the damage of the film's integrity during sample preparation caused by the high tackiness of the film. Tackiness is not affected by storing if samples are stored at low relative humidity. At high relative humidity tackiness increases upon storage especially for formulations without anti-tacking agents. The sieving results of the agglomeration measurements after storage can be confirmed by ring shear measurements performed immediately after preparation and approved to be a tool, which is able to predict the agglomeration during storage.

Thermophysical Properties of Nanoparticle-Enhanced Ionic Liquids (NEILs) Heat-Transfer Fluids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fox, Elise B.; Visser, Ann E.; Bridges, Nicholas J.

2013-06-20

An experimental investigation was completed on nanoparticle enhanced ionic liquid heat transfer fluids as an alternative to conventional organic based heat transfer fluids (HTFs). These nanoparticle-based HTFs have the potential to deliver higher thermal conductivity than the base fluid without a significant increase in viscosity at elevated temperatures. The effect of nanoparticle morphology and chemistry on thermophysical properties was examined. Whisker shaped nanomaterials were found to have the largest thermal conductivity temperature dependence and were also less likely to agglomerate in the base fluid than spherical shaped nanomaterials.

Aerosol Emission Monitoring and Assessment of Potential Exposure to Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes in the Manufacture of Polymer Nanocomposites

PubMed Central

Thompson, Drew; Chen, Sheng-Chieh; Wang, Jing; Pui, David Y.H.

2015-01-01

Recent animal studies have shown that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may pose a significant health risk to those exposed in the workplace. To further understand this potential risk, effort must be taken to measure the occupational exposure to CNTs. Results from an assessment of potential exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) conducted at an industrial facility where polymer nanocomposites were manufactured by an extrusion process are presented. Exposure to MWCNTs was quantified by the thermal-optical analysis for elemental carbon (EC) of respirable dust collected by personal sampling. All personal respirable samples collected (n = 8) had estimated 8-h time weighted average (TWA) EC concentrations below the limit of detection for the analysis which was about one-half of the recommended exposure limit for CNTs, 1 µg EC/m3 as an 8-h TWA respirable mass concentration. Potential exposure sources were identified and characterized by direct-reading instruments and area sampling. Area samples analyzed for EC yielded quantifiable mass concentrations inside an enclosure where unbound MWCNTs were handled and near a pelletizer where nanocomposite was cut, while those analyzed by electron microscopy detected the presence of MWCNTs at six locations throughout the facility. Through size selective area sampling it was identified that the airborne MWCNTs present in the workplace were in the form of large agglomerates. This was confirmed by electron microscopy where most of the MWCNT structures observed were in the form of micrometer-sized ropey agglomerates. However, a small fraction of single, free MWCNTs was also observed. It was found that the high number concentrations of nanoparticles, ~200000 particles/cm3, present in the manufacturing facility were likely attributable to polymer fumes produced in the extrusion process. PMID:26209597

KISS: Kinetics and Structure of Superagglomerates Produced by Silane and Acetylene

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulholland, G. W.; Yang, J. C.; Scott, J. H.; Sivithanu, Y.

2001-01-01

The objective of this study is to understand the process of gas phase agglomeration leading to superagglomerates and a gel-like structure for microgravity (0-g) silane and acetylene flames. Ultimately one would apply this understanding to predicting flame conditions that could lead to the gas phase production of an aero-gel. The approach is to burn acetylene and silane and to analyze the evolution of the soot and silica agglomerates. Acetylene is chosen because it has one of the highest soot volume fractions and there is evidence of super agglomerates being formed in laminar acetylene flames. Silane has the advantage that silica particles are the major combustion product resulting in a particle volume fraction a factor of ten greater than that for a carbonaceous smoke.

Pulmonary toxicity and fate of agglomerated 10 and 40 nm aluminum oxyhydroxides following 4-week inhalation exposure of rats: toxic effects are determined by agglomerated, not primary particle size.

PubMed

Pauluhn, Jürgen

2009-05-01

Inhaled polydisperse micronsized agglomerated particulates composed of nanosized primary particles may exert their pulmonary toxicity in either form, depending on whether these tightly associated structures are disintegrated within the biological system or not. This hypothesis was tested in a rat bioassay using two calcined aluminum oxyhydroxides (AlOOH) consisting of primary particles in the range of 10-40 nm. Male Wistar rats were nose-only exposed to 0.4, 3, and 28 mg/m(3) in two 4-week (6 h/day, 5 days/week) inhalation studies followed by a 3-month postexposure period. The respective mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of agglomerated particles in inhalation chambers was 1.7 and 0.6 mum. At serial sacrifices, pulmonary toxicity was characterized by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and histopathology. The retention kinetics of aluminum (Al) was determined in lung tissue, BAL cells, and selected extrapulmonary organs, including lung-associated lymph nodes (LALNs). Significant changes in BAL, lung, and LALN weights occurred at 28 mg/m(3). Histopathology revealed alveolar macrophages with enlarged and foamy appearance, increased epithelial cells, inflammatory cells, and focal septal thickening. The determination of aluminum in lung tissue shows that the cumulative lung dose was higher following exposure to AlOOH-40 nm/MMAD-0.6 mum than to AlOOH-10 nm/MMAD-1.7 mum, despite identical exposure concentrations. The associated pulmonary inflammatory response appears to be principally dependent on the agglomerated rather than primary particle size. Despite high lung burdens, conclusively increased extrapulmonary organ burdens did not occur at any exposure concentration and postexposure time point. Particle-induced pulmonary inflammation was restricted to cumulative doses exceeding approximately 1 mg AlOOH/g lung following 4-week exposure at 28 mg/m(3). It is concluded that the pulmonary toxicity of nanosized, agglomerated AlOOH particles appears to be determined by the size of agglomerated rather than primary particles, whereas the clearance half-time of particles appears to increase with decreased primary particle size. However, in regard to toxicokinetics, this outcome is highly contingent upon the total lung burden and especially whether overloading or non-overloading conditions were attained or not. In order to reliably demonstrate retention-related different characteristics in toxicity and fate of poorly soluble (nano)particles postexposure periods of at least 3 months appear to be indispensible.

Study on Spatial Spillover Effects of Logistics Industry Development for Economic Growth in the Yangtze River Delta City Cluster Based on Spatial Durbin Model

PubMed Central

Xu, Xinxing

2017-01-01

The overall entropy method is used to evaluate the development level of the logistics industry in the city based on a mechanism analysis of the spillover effect of the development of the logistics industry on economic growth, according to the panel data of 26 cities in the Yangtze River delta. On this basis, the paper uses the spatial durbin model to study the direct impact of the development of the logistics industry on economic growth and the spatial spillover effect. The results show that the direct impact coefficient of the development of the logistics industry in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration on local economic growth is 0.092, and the significant spatial spillover effect on the economic growth in the surrounding area is 0.197. Compared with the labor force input, capital investment and the degree of opening to the world, and government functions, the logistics industry’s direct impact coefficient is the largest, other than capital investment; the coefficient of the spillover effect is higher than other control variables, making it a “strong engine” of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration economic growth. PMID:29207555

Study on Spatial Spillover Effects of Logistics Industry Development for Economic Growth in the Yangtze River Delta City Cluster Based on Spatial Durbin Model.

PubMed

Xu, Xinxing; Wang, Yuhong

2017-12-04

The overall entropy method is used to evaluate the development level of the logistics industry in the city based on a mechanism analysis of the spillover effect of the development of the logistics industry on economic growth, according to the panel data of 26 cities in the Yangtze River delta. On this basis, the paper uses the spatial durbin model to study the direct impact of the development of the logistics industry on economic growth and the spatial spillover effect. The results show that the direct impact coefficient of the development of the logistics industry in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration on local economic growth is 0.092, and the significant spatial spillover effect on the economic growth in the surrounding area is 0.197. Compared with the labor force input, capital investment and the degree of opening to the world, and government functions, the logistics industry's direct impact coefficient is the largest, other than capital investment; the coefficient of the spillover effect is higher than other control variables, making it a "strong engine" of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration economic growth.

Development of a Stochastically-driven, Forward Predictive Performance Model for PEMFCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harvey, David Benjamin Paul

A one-dimensional multi-scale coupled, transient, and mechanistic performance model for a PEMFC membrane electrode assembly has been developed. The model explicitly includes each of the 5 layers within a membrane electrode assembly and solves for the transport of charge, heat, mass, species, dissolved water, and liquid water. Key features of the model include the use of a multi-step implementation of the HOR reaction on the anode, agglomerate catalyst sub-models for both the anode and cathode catalyst layers, a unique approach that links the composition of the catalyst layer to key properties within the agglomerate model and the implementation of a stochastic input-based approach for component material properties. The model employs a new methodology for validation using statistically varying input parameters and statistically-based experimental performance data; this model represents the first stochastic input driven unit cell performance model. The stochastic input driven performance model was used to identify optimal ionomer content within the cathode catalyst layer, demonstrate the role of material variation in potential low performing MEA materials, provide explanation for the performance of low-Pt loaded MEAs, and investigate the validity of transient-sweep experimental diagnostic methods.

Why Does the Spatial Agglomeration of Firms Benefit Workers? Examining the Role of Organizational Diversity in U.S. Industries and Labor Markets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fullerton, Andrew S.; Villemez, Wayne J.

2011-01-01

Several recent studies across the social sciences show that the spatial agglomeration of employment in a local labor market benefits both firms and workers in terms of better firm performance and higher wages. Drawing from the organizational ecology perspective, we argue that workers receive higher wages in large industrial clusters and urban…

Size and weight graded multi-ply laminar electrodes

DOEpatents

Liu, Chia-Tsun; Demczyk, Brian G.; Rittko, Irvin R.

1984-01-01

An electrode is made comprising a porous backing sheet, and attached thereto a catalytically active layer having an electrolyte permeable side and a backing layer contacting side, where the active layer comprises a homogeneous mixture of active hydrophobic and hydrophilic agglomerates with catalyst disposed equally throughout the active layer, and where the agglomerate size increases from the electrolyte permeable side to the backing sheet contacting side.

Monte Carlo Simulation of Nanoparticle Encapsulation in Flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, Z.; Huertas, J. I.; Axelbaum, R. L.

1999-01-01

Gas-phase combustion (flame) synthesis has been an essential industrial process for producing large quantities of powder materials such as carbon black, titanium dioxide, and silicon dioxide. Flames typically produce simple oxides, with carbon black being the noted exception because the oxides of carbon are gaseous and are easily separated from the particulate matter that is formed during fuel pyrolysis. Furthermore, the powders produced in flames are usually agglomerated, nanometer-sized particles (nanoparticles). This composition and morphology is acceptable for many applications. However, the present interest in nanoparticles for advanced materials application has led to efforts to employ flames for the synthesis of unagglomerated nanoparticles (2 to 100 nm) of metals and non-oxide ceramics. Sodium-halide chemistry has proven to be viable for producing metals and non-oxide ceramics in flames. Materials that have been produced to date include Si (Calcote and Felder, 1993), TiN, TiB2, TiC, TiSi2, SiC, B4C (Glassman et al, 1993) Al, W, Ti, TiB2, AlN, and W-Ti and Al-AlN composites (DuFaux and Axelbaum, 1995, Axelbaum et al 1996,1997). Many more materials are possible. The main challenge that faces application of flame synthesis for advanced materials is overcoming formation of agglomerates in flames (Brezinsky, 1997). The high temperatures and high number densities in the flame environment favor the formation of agglomerates. Agglomerates must be avoided for many reasons. For example, when nanopowders are consolidated, agglomerates have a deleterious effect on compaction density, leading to voids in the final part. Efforts to avoid agglomeration in flames without substantially reducing particle number density and, consequently, production rate, have had limited success. Another critical challenge that faces all synthesis routes for nanopowders is ensuring that the powders are high purity and that the process is scaleable. Though the containerless, high temperature environment of a flame is excellent for producing high-purity simple compounds, ultrafine metals and non-oxide ceramic powders are inherently reactive in the presence of oxygen and/or moisture. Thus, the handling of these powders after synthesis poses a challenging problem. Impurities acquired during handling of nanoparticles have plagued the advancement of nanostructured materials technology.

Appendix D: Use of wave scenarios to assess potential submerged oil mat (SOM) formation along the coast of Florida and Alabama

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dalyander, P. Soupy; Long, Joseph W.; Plant, Nathaniel G.; Thompson, David M.

2013-01-01

During the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, oil in the surf zone mixed with sediment in the surf zone to form heavier-than-water sediment oil agglomerates of various size, ranging from small (cm-scale) pieces (surface residual balls, SRBs) to large mats (100-m scale, surface residue mats, SR mats). Once SR mats formed in the nearshore or in the intertidal zone, they may have become buried by sand moving onshore or alongshore. To assist in locating possible sites of buried oil, wave scenarios previously developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) were used to determine the depths at which surface oil had the potential to mix with suspended sediment. For sediment to mix with floating oil and form an agglomerate of sufficient density to sink to the seafloor, either the water must be very shallow (e.g., within the swash zone) or sediment must be suspended to the water surface in sufficient concentrations to create a denser-than-sea water agglomerate. The focus of this study is to analyze suspended sediment mixing with surface oil in depths beyond the swash zone, in order to define the seaward limit of mat formation. A theoretical investigation of sediment dynamics in the nearshore zone revealed that non-breaking waves do not suspend enough sediment to the surface to form sinking sand/oil agglomerates. For this study, it was assumed that the cross-shore distribution of potential agglomerate formation is associated with the primary breaker line, and the presence of plunging breakers, over the time frame of oiling. The potential locations of submerged oil mats (SOMs) are sites where (1) possible agglomerate formation occurred, where (2) sediment accreted post-oiling and buried the SOM, and where (3) the bathymetry has not subsequently eroded to re-expose any mat that may have formed at that site. To facilitate identification of these locations, the range of water level variation over the time frame of oiling was also prescribed, which combined with the wave-breaking depth analysis and pre-oiling bathymetry would identify the potential geographic locations of SOMs.

[An object-oriented remote sensing image segmentation approach based on edge detection].

PubMed

Tan, Yu-Min; Huai, Jian-Zhu; Tang, Zhong-Shi

2010-06-01

Satellite sensor technology endorsed better discrimination of various landscape objects. Image segmentation approaches to extracting conceptual objects and patterns hence have been explored and a wide variety of such algorithms abound. To this end, in order to effectively utilize edge and topological information in high resolution remote sensing imagery, an object-oriented algorithm combining edge detection and region merging is proposed. Susan edge filter is firstly applied to the panchromatic band of Quickbird imagery with spatial resolution of 0.61 m to obtain the edge map. Thanks to the resulting edge map, a two-phrase region-based segmentation method operates on the fusion image from panchromatic and multispectral Quickbird images to get the final partition result. In the first phase, a quad tree grid consisting of squares with sides parallel to the image left and top borders agglomerates the square subsets recursively where the uniform measure is satisfied to derive image object primitives. Before the merger of the second phrase, the contextual and spatial information, (e. g., neighbor relationship, boundary coding) of the resulting squares are retrieved efficiently by means of the quad tree structure. Then a region merging operation is performed with those primitives, during which the criterion for region merging integrates edge map and region-based features. This approach has been tested on the QuickBird images of some site in Sanxia area and the result is compared with those of ENVI Zoom Definiens. In addition, quantitative evaluation of the quality of segmentation results is also presented. Experiment results demonstrate stable convergence and efficiency.

Assessment of personal exposure to airborne nanomaterials: Evaluation of a novel sampler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faure, Bertrand; Dozol, Hélène; Brouard, Christophe; Guiot, Arnaud; Clavaguera, Simon

2017-06-01

A novel sampler, the NANOBADGE, has been developed to assess personal exposure to nano-objects, agglomerates and aggregates (NOAA) at the workplace. The NANOBADGE collects particles on filters subsequently analyzed by X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), which provides a mass-based quantification with chemical selectivity. The NANOBADGE was benchmarked against a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and a DiSCmini by carrying out simultaneous measurements on test aerosols of ZnO or TiO2 for particle sizes between 20 and 400 nm for which the DiSCmini has its highest accuracy. The effective density and shape of the NOAA present in the test aerosols were determined experimentally to compare number-based data obtained with the SMPS and the DiSCmini with mass-based data obtained with the NANOBADGE. The agreement between the SMPS and the NANOBADGE sampler was within ± 25 % on all test aerosols. The converted DiSCmini data matched the SMPS and sampler data for polydisperse aerosols in the specified size range as long as the DiSCmini assumptions meet the aerosol characteristics (i.e. lognormal size distribution with a given geometric standard deviation σg = 1.9). The detection limits of the NANOBADGE sampler were in the order of tens of nanograms per filter, which is low enough to reliably detect exposure levels below the recommended exposure limit (REL) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS) for ultrafine ZnO and TiO2 even for short-term exposure situations.

Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration and Performance Based Analysis of LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 Cathode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Verma, Ankit; Smith, Kandler; Santhanagopalan, Shriram

Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) - a popular method for characterizing kinetic and transport properties of battery electrodes - is predicated on the proper evaluation of electrode active area. LiNi 0.5044Co 0.1986Mn 0.2970O 2 (NCM523) material exhibits a complex morphology in which sub-micron primary particles aggregate to form secondary particle agglomerates. Our work proposes a new active area formulation for primary/secondary particle agglomerate materials to better mimic the morphology of NCM532 electrodes. Furthermore, this formulation is then coupled with macro-homogeneous models to simulate GITT and half-cell performance of NCM523 electrodes. Subsequently, the model results are compared against the experimental resultsmore » to refine the area formulation. A single parameter, the surface roughness factor, is proposed to mimic the change in interfacial area, diffusivity and exchange current density simultaneously and detailed modeling results are presented to provide valuable insights into the efficacy of the formulation.« less

Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration and Performance Based Analysis of LiNi 0.5Co 0.2 Mn 0.3O 2Cathode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Verma, Ankit; Smith, Kandler; Santhanagopalan, Shriram

Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) – a popular method for characterizing kinetic and transport properties of battery electrodes – is predicated on the proper evaluation of electrode active area. LiNi0.5044Co0.1986Mn0.2970O2 (NCM523) material exhibits a complex morphology in which sub-micron primary particles aggregate to form secondary particle agglomerates. This work proposes a new active area formulation for primary/secondary particle agglomerate materials to better mimic the morphology of NCM532 electrodes. This formulation is then coupled with macro-homogeneous models to simulate GITT and half-cell performance of NCM523 electrodes. Subsequently, the model results are compared against the experimental results to refine the area formulation.more » A single parameter, the surface roughness factor, is proposed to mimic the change in interfacial area, diffusivity and exchange current density simultaneously and detailed modeling results are presented to provide valuable insights into the efficacy of the formulation.« less

Contribution of urbanization to the increase of extreme heat events in an urban agglomeration in east China: Urbanization and the Increase of EHEs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Xuchao; Ruby Leung, L.; Zhao, Naizhuo

The urban agglomeration of Yangtze River Delta (YRD) is emblematic of China’s rapid urbanization during the past decades. Based on homogenized daily maximum and minimum temperature data, the contributions of urbanization to trends of extreme temperature indices (ETIs) during summer in YRD are evaluated. Dynamically classifying the observational stations into urban and rural areas, this study presents unexplored changes in temperature extremes during the past four decades in the YRD region and quantifies the amplification of the positive trends in ETIs by the urban heat island effect. Overall, urbanization contributes to more than one third in the increase of intensitymore » of extreme heat events in the region, which is comparable to the contribution of greenhouse gases. Compared to rural stations, more notable shifts to the right in the probability distribution of temperature and ETIs were observed in urban stations.« less

Ambiance-dependent agglomeration and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy response of self-assembled silver nanoparticles for plasmonic photovoltaic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gwamuri, Jephias; Venkatesan, Ragavendran; Sadatgol, Mehdi; Mayandi, Jeyanthinath; Guney, Durdu O.; Pearce, Joshua M.

2017-07-01

The agglomeration/dewetting process of thin silver films provides a scalable method of obtaining self-assembled nanoparticles (SANPs) for plasmonics-based thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) devices. We show the effect of annealing ambiance on silver SANP average size, particle/cluster finite shape, substrate area coverage/particle distribution, and how these physical parameters influence optical properties and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) responses of SANPs. Statistical analysis performed indicates that generally Ag SANPs processed in the presence of a gas (argon and nitrogen) ambiance tend to have smaller average size particles compared to those processed under vacuum. Optical properties are observed to be highly dependent on particle size, separation distance, and finite shape. The greatest SERS enhancement was observed for the argon-processed samples. There is a correlation between simulation and experimental data that indicate argon-processed AgNPs have a great potential to enhance light coupling when integrated to thin-film PV.

Experimental investigation of the combustion products in an aluminised solid propellant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhu; Li, Shipeng; Liu, Mengying; Guan, Dian; Sui, Xin; Wang, Ningfei

2017-04-01

Aluminium is widely used as an important additive to improve ballistic and energy performance in solid propellants, but the unburned aluminium does not contribute to the specific impulse and has both thermal and momentum two-phase flow losses. So understanding of aluminium combustion behaviour during solid propellant burning is significant when improving internal ballistic performance. Recent developments and experimental results reported on such combustion behaviour are presented in this paper. A variety of experimental techniques ranging from quenching and dynamic measurement, to high-speed CCD video recording, were used to study aluminium combustion behaviour and the size distribution of the initial agglomerates. This experimental investigation also provides the size distribution of the condensed phase products. Results suggest that the addition of an organic fluoride compound to solid propellant will generate smaller diameter condensed phase products due to sublimation of AlF3. Lastly, a physico-chemical picture of the agglomeration process was also developed based on the results of high-speed CCD video analysis.

Effects of morphology and wavelength on the measurement accuracy of soot volume fraction by laser extinction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ya-fei; Huang, Qun-xing; Wang, Fei; Chi, Yong; Yan, Jian-hua

2018-01-01

A novel method to evaluate the quantitative effects of soot morphology and incident wavelength on the measurement accuracy of soot volume fraction, by the laser extinction (LE) technique is proposed in this paper. The results indicate that the traditional LE technique would overestimate soot volume fraction if the effects of morphology and wavelength are not considered. Before the agglomeration of isolated soot primary particles, the overestimation of the LE technique is in the range of 2-20%, and rises with increasing primary particle diameter and with decreasing incident wavelength. When isolated primary particles are agglomerated into fractal soot aggregates, the overestimation would exceed 30%, and rise with increasing primary particle number per soot aggregate, fractal dimension and fractal prefactor and with decreasing incident wavelength to a maximum value of 55%. Finally, based on these results above, the existing formula of the LE technique gets modified, and the modification factor is 0.65-0.77.

Monitoring of Batch Industrial Crystallization with Growth, Nucleation, and Agglomeration. Part 2: Structure Design for State Estimation with Secondary Measurements

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

This work investigates the design of alternative monitoring tools based on state estimators for industrial crystallization systems with nucleation, growth, and agglomeration kinetics. The estimation problem is regarded as a structure design problem where the estimation model and the set of innovated states have to be chosen; the estimator is driven by the available measurements of secondary variables. On the basis of Robust Exponential estimability arguments, it is found that the concentration is distinguishable with temperature and solid fraction measurements while the crystal size distribution (CSD) is not. Accordingly, a state estimator structure is selected such that (i) the concentration (and other distinguishable states) are innovated by means of the secondary measurements processed with the geometric estimator (GE), and (ii) the CSD is estimated by means of a rigorous model in open loop mode. The proposed estimator has been tested through simulations showing good performance in the case of mismatch in the initial conditions, parametric plant-model mismatch, and noisy measurements. PMID:28890604

Monitoring of Batch Industrial Crystallization with Growth, Nucleation, and Agglomeration. Part 2: Structure Design for State Estimation with Secondary Measurements.

PubMed

Porru, Marcella; Özkan, Leyla

2017-08-30

This work investigates the design of alternative monitoring tools based on state estimators for industrial crystallization systems with nucleation, growth, and agglomeration kinetics. The estimation problem is regarded as a structure design problem where the estimation model and the set of innovated states have to be chosen; the estimator is driven by the available measurements of secondary variables. On the basis of Robust Exponential estimability arguments, it is found that the concentration is distinguishable with temperature and solid fraction measurements while the crystal size distribution (CSD) is not. Accordingly, a state estimator structure is selected such that (i) the concentration (and other distinguishable states) are innovated by means of the secondary measurements processed with the geometric estimator (GE), and (ii) the CSD is estimated by means of a rigorous model in open loop mode. The proposed estimator has been tested through simulations showing good performance in the case of mismatch in the initial conditions, parametric plant-model mismatch, and noisy measurements.

De-agglomeration and homogenisation of nanoparticles in coal tar pitch-based carbon materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gubernat, Maciej; Tomala, Janusz; Frohs, Wilhelm; Fraczek-Szczypta, Aneta; Blazewicz, Stanislaw

2016-03-01

The aim of the work was to characterise coal tar pitch (CTP) modified with selected nanoparticles as a binder precursor for the manufacture of synthetic carbon materials. Different factors influencing the preliminary preparative steps in the preparation of homogenous nanoparticle/CTP composition were studied. Graphene flakes, carbon black and nano-sized silicon carbide were used to modify CTP. Prior to introducing them into liquid CTP, nanoparticles were subjected to sonication. Various dispersants were used to prepare the suspensions, i.e. water, ethanol, dimethylformamide (DMF) and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP).The results showed that proper dispersant selection is one of the most important factors influencing the de-agglomeration process of nanoparticles. DMF and NMP were found to be effective dispersants for the preparation of homogenous nanoparticle-containing suspensions. The presence of SiC and carbon black nanoparticles in the liquid pitch during heat treatment up to 2000 °C leads to the inhibition of crystallite growth in carbon residue.

Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration and Performance Based Analysis of LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 Cathode

DOE PAGES

Verma, Ankit; Smith, Kandler; Santhanagopalan, Shriram; ...

2017-11-03

Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) - a popular method for characterizing kinetic and transport properties of battery electrodes - is predicated on the proper evaluation of electrode active area. LiNi 0.5044Co 0.1986Mn 0.2970O 2 (NCM523) material exhibits a complex morphology in which sub-micron primary particles aggregate to form secondary particle agglomerates. Our work proposes a new active area formulation for primary/secondary particle agglomerate materials to better mimic the morphology of NCM532 electrodes. Furthermore, this formulation is then coupled with macro-homogeneous models to simulate GITT and half-cell performance of NCM523 electrodes. Subsequently, the model results are compared against the experimental resultsmore » to refine the area formulation. A single parameter, the surface roughness factor, is proposed to mimic the change in interfacial area, diffusivity and exchange current density simultaneously and detailed modeling results are presented to provide valuable insights into the efficacy of the formulation.« less

Evaluation of graphene-based sorbent in the determination of polar environmental contaminants in water by micro-solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Naing, Nyi Nyi; Li, Sam Fong Yau; Lee, Hian Kee

2016-01-04

A facile method of extraction using porous membrane protected micro-solid phase extraction (μ-SPE) with a graphene-based sorbent followed by high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detector was developed. The reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) (1mg), synthesized from graphite oxide, was enclosed in a polypropylene bag representing the μ-SPE device, which was used for the extraction of estrogens such as estrone, 17β-estradiol, 17α-ethynylestradiol and diethylstilbestrol in water. The r-GO obtained was identified and characterized by Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The sorbent was loaded with sodium dodecyl sulfate by sonication to prevent agglomeration in aqueous solution. With this method, low limits of detection of between 0.24 and 0.52 ng L(-1) were achieved. For estrogen analysis a linear calibration range of 0.01-100 μg L(-1) was obtained, with the coefficients of determination (r(2)) higher than 0.992. This proposed method was successfully applied to determine estrogens in water. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Alternating Field Electronanofluidization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espin, M. J.; Valverde, J. M.; Quintanilla, M. A. S.; Castellanos, A.

2009-06-01

The use of fluidized beds to remove submicron particles from gases has been investigated since 1949. High efficiency removal was achieved in the 1970's by imposing an electric field on a fluidized bed of semi-insulating granules that were able to collect the charged pollutant entrained in the fluidizing gas. In spite of their extended use nowadays, the collection efficiency of electrofluidized beds (EFB) is still hindered by gas bypassing associated to gas bubbling and the consequent requirement of too high gas flow and pressure drop. In this paper we report on the electromechanical behavior of an EFB of insulating nanoparticles. When fluidized by gas, these nanoparticles form extremely porous light agglomerates of size of the order of hundreds of microns that allow for a highly expanded nonbubbling fluidized state at reduced gas flow. It is found that fluidization uniformity and bed expansion are additionally enhanced by an imposed AC electric field for field oscillation frequencies of several tens of hertzs and field strengths of the order of 1 kV/cm. For oscillation frequencies of the order of hertzs, or smaller, bed expansion is hindered due to electrophoretic deposition of the agglomerates onto the vessel walls, whereas for oscillation frequencies of the order of kilohertzs, or larger, electrophoresis is nullified and bed expansion is not affected. According to a proposed model, the size of nanoparticle agglomerates stems from the balance between shear, which depends on field strength, and van der Waals forces. The optimum field strength for enhancing bed expansion produces an electric force on the agglomerates similar to their weight force, while the oscillation velocity of the agglomerates is similar to the gas velocity.

Testing of advanced liquefaction concepts in HTI Run ALC-1: Coal cleaning and recycle solvent treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Robbins, G.A.; Winschel, R.A.; Burke, F.P.

In 1991, the Department of Energy initiated the Advanced Liquefaction Concepts Program to promote the development of new and emerging technology that has potential to reduce the cost of producing liquid fuels by direct coal liquefaction. Laboratory research performed by researchers at CAER, CONSOL, Sandia, and LDP Associates in Phase I is being developed further and tested at the bench scale at HTI. HTI Run ALC-1, conducted in the spring of 1996, was the first of four planned tests. In Run ALC-1, feed coal ash reduction (coal cleaning) by oil agglomeration, and recycle solvent quality improvement through dewaxing and hydrotreatmentmore » of the recycle distillate were evaluated. HTI`s bench liquefaction Run ALC-1 consisted of 25 days of operation. Major accomplishments were: 1) oil agglomeration reduced the ash content of Black Thunder Mine coal by 40%, from 5.5% to 3.3%; 2) excellent coal conversion of 98% was obtained with oil agglomerated coal, about 3% higher than the raw Black Thunder Mine coal, increasing the potential product yield by 2-3% on an MAF coal basis; 3) agglomerates were liquefied with no handling problems; 4) fresh catalyst make-up rate was decreased by 30%, with no apparent detrimental operating characteristics, both when agglomerates were fed and when raw coal was fed (with solvent dewaxing and hydrotreating); 5) recycle solvent treatment by dewaxing and hydrotreating was demonstrated, but steady-state operation was not achieved; and 6) there was some success in achieving extinction recycle of the heaviest liquid products. Performance data have not been finalized; they will be available for full evaluation in the new future.« less

Estimating conformation content of a protein using citrate-stabilized Au nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deka, Jashmini; Paul, Anumita; Chattopadhyay, Arun

2010-08-01

Herein we report the use of the optical properties of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) for estimation of native or denatured conformation content in a mixture of a protein in solution. The UV-vis extinction spectrum of citrate-stabilized Au NPs is known to broaden differently in the presence of native and denatured states of α-amylase, bovine serum albumin (BSA) or amyloglucosidase (AMG). On the other hand, herein we show that when a mixture of native and denatured protein was present in the medium, the broadening of the spectrum differed for different fractional content of the conformations. Also, the total area under the extinction spectrum varied linearly with the change in the mole fraction content of a state and for a constant total protein concentration. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements revealed different levels of agglomeration for different fractional contents of the native or denatured state of a protein. In addition, time-dependent denaturation of a protein could be followed using the present method. The rate constants calculated for denaturation indicated a possible fast change in conformation of a protein before complete thermal denaturation. The observations have been explained based on the changes in extinction coefficient (thereby oscillator strength) upon interaction of citrate-stabilized NPs with proteins being in different states and levels of agglomeration.Herein we report the use of the optical properties of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) for estimation of native or denatured conformation content in a mixture of a protein in solution. The UV-vis extinction spectrum of citrate-stabilized Au NPs is known to broaden differently in the presence of native and denatured states of α-amylase, bovine serum albumin (BSA) or amyloglucosidase (AMG). On the other hand, herein we show that when a mixture of native and denatured protein was present in the medium, the broadening of the spectrum differed for different fractional content of the conformations. Also, the total area under the extinction spectrum varied linearly with the change in the mole fraction content of a state and for a constant total protein concentration. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements revealed different levels of agglomeration for different fractional contents of the native or denatured state of a protein. In addition, time-dependent denaturation of a protein could be followed using the present method. The rate constants calculated for denaturation indicated a possible fast change in conformation of a protein before complete thermal denaturation. The observations have been explained based on the changes in extinction coefficient (thereby oscillator strength) upon interaction of citrate-stabilized NPs with proteins being in different states and levels of agglomeration. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional UV-vis and fluorescence spectra and graphs based on UV-vis studies. See DOI: 10.1039/c0nr00154f

Study of the effects of Shockwaves on Nano fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shreekhar; Akhil, Mohan; Ram, Sai; Gopaiah, Venkata; Koundinya, Sandeep; Nagaraja, S. R.

2018-02-01

Nanofluids are fluids with nanoparticles dispersed in them. Due to the presence of Nano particles, these fluids exhibit unique properties that can used in various applications such as heat exchangers and in medical fields. However, due to agglomeration, the size of these particle increases, reducing their efficiency. In order to break the agglomeration, we are passing shockwaves in the fluid. Shockwaves theoretically carry energy which can be used to break the agglomerating particles. In this paper, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using silver nitrate. Tri sodium citrate was used as the reducing agent. Shock waves were passed to the fluid containing silver Nano particles. The changes in the Nano fluid was measured by a UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. With each shock passed, the fluid’s absorbance and wavelength peak was measured and compared with Nano fluid without shock.

Development of clean coal and clean soil technologies using advanced agglomeration technologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ignasiak, B.; Pawlak, W.; Szymocha, K.

1990-04-01

The specific objectives of the bituminous coal program were to explore and evaluate the application of advanced agglomeration technology for: (1)desulphurization of bituminous coals to sulphur content acceptable within the current EPA SO{sub 2} emission guidelines; (2) deashing of bituminous coals to ash content of less than 10 percent; and (3)increasing the calorific value of bituminous coals to above 13,000 Btu/lb. (VC)

Experimental Evaluation of a Carbon Slurry Droplet Combustion Model

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-14

the increased mass and energy transport due to the flow percolating through the open porous structure of the carbon agglomerate. Two separate models...catalysts. Transport-rate enhancement factors were also employed in the carbon-agglomerate reaction analysis to account for the increased mass and energy ...D Effective binary diffusivity Ei Activation energy h Heat transfer coefficient H2 Diatomic hydrogen H20 Water i Enthalpy if Enthalpy of formation

Gas-diffusion microextraction coupled with spectrophotometry for the determination of formaldehyde in cork agglomerates.

PubMed

Brandão, Pedro F; Ramos, Rui M; Valente, Inês M; Almeida, Paulo J; Carro, Antonia M; Lorenzo, Rosa A; Rodrigues, José A

2017-04-01

In this work, a simple methodology was developed for the extraction and determination of free formaldehyde content in cork agglomerate samples. For the first time, gas-diffusion microextraction was used for the extraction of volatile formaldehyde directly from samples, with simultaneous derivatization with acetylacetone (Hantzsch reaction). The absorbance of the coloured solution was read in a spectrophotometer at 412 nm. Different extraction parameters were studied and optimized (extraction temperature, sample mass, volume of acceptor solution, extraction time and concentration of derivatization reagent) by means of an asymmetric screening. The developed methodology proved to be a reliable tool for the determination of formaldehyde in cork agglomerates with the following suitable method features: low LOD (0.14 mg kg -1 ) and LOQ (0.47 mg kg -1 ), r 2  = 0.9994, and intraday and interday precision of 3.5 and 4.9%, respectively. The developed methodology was applied to the determination of formaldehyde in different cork agglomerate samples, and contents between 1.9 and 9.4 mg kg -1 were found. Furthermore, formaldehyde was also determined by the standard method EN 717-3 for comparison purposes; no significant differences between the results of both methods were observed. Graphical abstract Representation of the GDME system and its main components.

Phloem ultrastructure and pressure flow: Sieve-Element-Occlusion-Related agglomerations do not affect translocation.

PubMed

Froelich, Daniel R; Mullendore, Daniel L; Jensen, Kåre H; Ross-Elliott, Tim J; Anstead, James A; Thompson, Gary A; Pélissier, Hélène C; Knoblauch, Michael

2011-12-01

Since the first ultrastructural investigations of sieve tubes in the early 1960s, their structure has been a matter of debate. Because sieve tube structure defines frictional interactions in the tube system, the presence of P protein obstructions shown in many transmission electron micrographs led to a discussion about the mode of phloem transport. At present, it is generally agreed that P protein agglomerations are preparation artifacts due to injury, the lumen of sieve tubes is free of obstructions, and phloem flow is driven by an osmotically generated pressure differential according to Münch's classical hypothesis. Here, we show that the phloem contains a distinctive network of protein filaments. Stable transgenic lines expressing Arabidopsis thaliana Sieve-Element-Occlusion-Related1 (SEOR1)-yellow fluorescent protein fusions show that At SEOR1 meshworks at the margins and clots in the lumen are a general feature of living sieve tubes. Live imaging of phloem flow and flow velocity measurements in individual tubes indicate that At SEOR1 agglomerations do not markedly affect or alter flow. A transmission electron microscopy preparation protocol has been generated showing sieve tube ultrastructure of unprecedented quality. A reconstruction of sieve tube ultrastructure served as basis for tube resistance calculations. The impact of agglomerations on phloem flow is discussed.

Carbon, oxygen and their interaction with intrinsic point defects in solar silicon ribbon material: A speculative approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goesele, U.; Ast, D. G.

1983-01-01

Some background information on intrinsic point defects is provided and on carbon and oxygen in silicon in so far as it may be relevant for the efficiency of solar cells fabricated from EFG ribbon material. The co-precipitation of carbon and oxygen and especially of carbon and silicon self interstitials are discussed. A simple model for the electrical activity of carbon-self-interstitial agglomerates is presented. The self-interstitial content of these agglomerates is assumed to determine their electrical activity and that both compressive stresses (high self-interstitial content) and tensile stresses (low self-interstitial content) give rise to electrical activity of the agglomerates. The self-interstitial content of these carbon-related agglomerates may be reduced by an appropriate high temperature treatment and enhanced by a supersaturation of self-interstitials generated during formation of the p-n junction of solar cells. Oxygen present in supersaturation in carbon-rich silicon may be induced to form SiO, precipitates by self-interstitials generated during phosphorus diffusion. It is proposed that the SiO2-Si interface of the precipates gives rise to a continuum of donor stables and that these interface states are responsible for at least part of the light inhancement effects observed in oxygen containing EFG silicon after phosphorus diffusion.

Combustion of metal agglomerates in a solid rocket core flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maggi, Filippo; Dossi, Stefano; DeLuca, Luigi T.

2013-12-01

The need for access to space may require the use of solid propellants. High thrust and density are appealing features for different applications, spanning from boosting phase to other service applications (separation, de-orbiting, orbit insertion). Aluminum is widely used as a fuel in composite solid rocket motors because metal oxidation increases enthalpy release in combustion chamber and grants higher specific impulse. Combustion process of metal particles is complex and involves aggregation, agglomeration and evolution of reacting particulate inside the core flow of the rocket. It is always stated that residence time should be enough in order to grant complete metal oxidation but agglomerate initial size, rocket grain geometry, burning rate, and other factors have to be reconsidered. New space missions may not require large rocket systems and metal combustion efficiency becomes potentially a key issue to understand whether solid propulsion embodies a viable solution or liquid/hybrid systems are better. A simple model for metal combustion is set up in this paper. Metal particles are represented as single drops trailed by the core flow and reacted according to Beckstead's model. The fluid dynamics is inviscid, incompressible, 1D. The paper presents parametric computations on ideal single-size particles as well as on experimental agglomerate populations as a function of operating rocket conditions and geometries.

Synthesis of crystalline and amorphous, particle-agglomerated 3-D nanostructures of Al and Si oxides by femtosecond laser and the prediction of these particle sizes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivayoganathan, Mugunthan; Tan, Bo; Venkatakrishnan, Krishnan

2012-11-01

We report a single step technique of synthesizing particle-agglomerated, amorphous 3-D nanostructures of Al and Si oxides on powder-fused aluminosilicate ceramic plates and a simple novel method of wafer-foil ablation to fabricate crystalline nanostructures of Al and Si oxides at ambient conditions. We also propose a particle size prediction mechanism to regulate the size of vapor-condensed agglomerated nanoparticles in these structures. Size characterization studies performed on the agglomerated nanoparticles of fabricated 3-D structures showed that the size distributions vary with the fluence-to-threshold ratio. The variation in laser parameters leads to varying plume temperature, pressure, amount of supersaturation, nucleation rate, and the growth rate of particles in the plume. The novel wafer-foil ablation technique could promote the possibilities of fabricating oxide nanostructures with varying Al/Si ratio, and the crystallinity of these structures enhances possible applications. The fabricated nanostructures of Al and Si oxides could have great potentials to be used in the fabrication of low power-consuming complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor circuits and in Mn catalysts to enhance the efficiency of oxidation on ethylbenzene to acetophenone in the super-critical carbon dioxide.

Synthesis of crystalline and amorphous, particle-agglomerated 3-D nanostructures of Al and Si oxides by femtosecond laser and the prediction of these particle sizes.

PubMed

Sivayoganathan, Mugunthan; Tan, Bo; Venkatakrishnan, Krishnan

2012-11-09

We report a single step technique of synthesizing particle-agglomerated, amorphous 3-D nanostructures of Al and Si oxides on powder-fused aluminosilicate ceramic plates and a simple novel method of wafer-foil ablation to fabricate crystalline nanostructures of Al and Si oxides at ambient conditions. We also propose a particle size prediction mechanism to regulate the size of vapor-condensed agglomerated nanoparticles in these structures. Size characterization studies performed on the agglomerated nanoparticles of fabricated 3-D structures showed that the size distributions vary with the fluence-to-threshold ratio. The variation in laser parameters leads to varying plume temperature, pressure, amount of supersaturation, nucleation rate, and the growth rate of particles in the plume. The novel wafer-foil ablation technique could promote the possibilities of fabricating oxide nanostructures with varying Al/Si ratio, and the crystallinity of these structures enhances possible applications. The fabricated nanostructures of Al and Si oxides could have great potentials to be used in the fabrication of low power-consuming complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor circuits and in Mn catalysts to enhance the efficiency of oxidation on ethylbenzene to acetophenone in the super-critical carbon dioxide.

Synthesis of crystalline and amorphous, particle-agglomerated 3-D nanostructures of Al and Si oxides by femtosecond laser and the prediction of these particle sizes

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

We report a single step technique of synthesizing particle-agglomerated, amorphous 3-D nanostructures of Al and Si oxides on powder-fused aluminosilicate ceramic plates and a simple novel method of wafer-foil ablation to fabricate crystalline nanostructures of Al and Si oxides at ambient conditions. We also propose a particle size prediction mechanism to regulate the size of vapor-condensed agglomerated nanoparticles in these structures. Size characterization studies performed on the agglomerated nanoparticles of fabricated 3-D structures showed that the size distributions vary with the fluence-to-threshold ratio. The variation in laser parameters leads to varying plume temperature, pressure, amount of supersaturation, nucleation rate, and the growth rate of particles in the plume. The novel wafer-foil ablation technique could promote the possibilities of fabricating oxide nanostructures with varying Al/Si ratio, and the crystallinity of these structures enhances possible applications. The fabricated nanostructures of Al and Si oxides could have great potentials to be used in the fabrication of low power-consuming complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor circuits and in Mn catalysts to enhance the efficiency of oxidation on ethylbenzene to acetophenone in the super-critical carbon dioxide. PMID:23140103

Phloem Ultrastructure and Pressure Flow: Sieve-Element-Occlusion-Related Agglomerations Do Not Affect Translocation[W

PubMed Central

Froelich, Daniel R.; Mullendore, Daniel L.; Jensen, Kåre H.; Ross-Elliott, Tim J.; Anstead, James A.; Thompson, Gary A.; Pélissier, Hélène C.; Knoblauch, Michael

2011-01-01

Since the first ultrastructural investigations of sieve tubes in the early 1960s, their structure has been a matter of debate. Because sieve tube structure defines frictional interactions in the tube system, the presence of P protein obstructions shown in many transmission electron micrographs led to a discussion about the mode of phloem transport. At present, it is generally agreed that P protein agglomerations are preparation artifacts due to injury, the lumen of sieve tubes is free of obstructions, and phloem flow is driven by an osmotically generated pressure differential according to Münch’s classical hypothesis. Here, we show that the phloem contains a distinctive network of protein filaments. Stable transgenic lines expressing Arabidopsis thaliana Sieve-Element-Occlusion-Related1 (SEOR1)–yellow fluorescent protein fusions show that At SEOR1 meshworks at the margins and clots in the lumen are a general feature of living sieve tubes. Live imaging of phloem flow and flow velocity measurements in individual tubes indicate that At SEOR1 agglomerations do not markedly affect or alter flow. A transmission electron microscopy preparation protocol has been generated showing sieve tube ultrastructure of unprecedented quality. A reconstruction of sieve tube ultrastructure served as basis for tube resistance calculations. The impact of agglomerations on phloem flow is discussed. PMID:22198148

An Archaeological Reconnaissance of the Over-the-Horizon Radar Project Transmitter Site, Buffalo Flat, Christmas Lake Valley, Lake County, Oregon

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-04-01

intermediate composition. The Fort Rock formation is comprised of four rock types: tuff, diatomite , basaltic agglomerate, and basaltic lava, in descending...location based on bearings on landmarks some distance from the survey area. The property survey established four blocks (areas A, B, C, and D in Figure... physical evidence of prehistoric lake- shores would be evident in the project area in the form of terrace remnants, strand lines, etc. Based on

Formation of polymer micro-agglomerations in ultralow-binder-content composite based on lunar soil simulant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Tzehan; Chow, Brian J.; Zhong, Ying; Wang, Meng; Kou, Rui; Qiao, Yu

2018-02-01

We report results from an experiment on high-pressure compaction of lunar soil simulant (LSS) mixed with 2-5 wt% polymer binder. The LSS grains can be strongly held together, forming an inorganic-organic monolith (IOM) with the flexural strength around 30-40 MPa. The compaction pressure, the number of loadings, the binder content, and the compaction duration are important factors. The LSS-based IOM remains strong from -200 °C to 130 °C, and is quite gas permeable.

Monitoring Changes of Ecosystem Services Supply and Demand Pattern in Central and Southern Liaoning Urban Agglomerations, China Using Landsat Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, B.; Huang, F.; Chang, S.; Qi, H.; Zhai, H.

2018-04-01

Indentifying the spatio-temporal patterns of ecosystem services supply and demand and the driving forces is of great significance to the regional ecological security and sustainable socio-economic development. Due to long term and high-intensity development, the ecological environment in central and southern Liaoning urban agglomerations has been greatly destroyed thereafter has restricted sustainable development in this region. Based on Landsat ETM and OLI images, land use of this urban agglomeration in 2005, 2010 and 2015 was extracted. The integrative index of multiple-ecosystem services (IMES) was used to quantify the supply (IMESs), demand (IMESd) and balance (IMESb) of multiple-ecosystem services, The spatial patterns of ecosystem services and its dynamics for the period of 2005-2015 were revealed. The multiple regression and stepwise regression analysis were used to explore relationships between ecosystem services and socioeconomic factors. The results showed that the IMESs of the region increased by 2.93 %, whereas IMESd dropped 38 %. The undersupplied area was reduced to 2. The IMESs and IMESb were mainly negatively correlated with gross domestic product (GDP), population density, foreign investment and industrial output, while GDP per capita and the number of teachers had significant positive impacts on ecosystem services supply. The positive correlation between IMESd and GDP, population density and foreign investment were found. The ecosystem services models were established. Supply and balance of multiple-ecosystem services were positively correlated with population density, but the demand was the opposite. The results can provide some reference value for the coordinately economic and ecological development in the study area.

The Effect of Urban Heat Island on Climate Warming in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration in China.

PubMed

Huang, Qunfang; Lu, Yuqi

2015-07-27

The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) has experienced rapid urbanization and dramatic economic development since 1978 and the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration (YRDUA) has been one of the three largest urban agglomerations in China. We present evidence of a significant urban heat island (UHI) effect on climate warming based on an analysis of the impacts of the urbanization rate, urban population, and land use changes on the warming rate of the daily average, minimal (nighttime) and maximal (daytime) air temperature in the YRDUA using 41 meteorological stations observation data. The effect of the UHI on climate warming shows a large spatial variability. The average warming rates of average air temperature of huge cities, megalopolises, large cities, medium-sized cities, and small cities are 0.483, 0.314 ± 0.030, 0.282 ± 0.042, 0.225 ± 0.044 and 0.179 ± 0.046 °C/decade during the period of 1957-2013, respectively. The average warming rates of huge cities and megalopolises are significantly higher than those of medium-sized cities and small cities, indicating that the UHI has a significant effect on climate warming (t-test, p < 0.05). Significantly positive correlations are found between the urbanization rate, population, built-up area and warming rate of average air temperature (p < 0.001). The average warming rate of average air temperature attributable to urbanization is 0.124 ± 0.074 °C/decade in the YRDUA. Urbanization has a measurable effect on the observed climate warming in the YRD aggravating the global climate warming.

The Effect of Urban Heat Island on Climate Warming in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration in China

PubMed Central

Huang, Qunfang; Lu, Yuqi

2015-01-01

The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) has experienced rapid urbanization and dramatic economic development since 1978 and the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration (YRDUA) has been one of the three largest urban agglomerations in China. We present evidence of a significant urban heat island (UHI) effect on climate warming based on an analysis of the impacts of the urbanization rate, urban population, and land use changes on the warming rate of the daily average, minimal (nighttime) and maximal (daytime) air temperature in the YRDUA using 41 meteorological stations observation data. The effect of the UHI on climate warming shows a large spatial variability. The average warming rates of average air temperature of huge cities, megalopolises, large cities, medium-sized cities, and small cities are 0.483, 0.314 ± 0.030, 0.282 ± 0.042, 0.225 ± 0.044 and 0.179 ± 0.046 °C/decade during the period of 1957–2013, respectively. The average warming rates of huge cities and megalopolises are significantly higher than those of medium-sized cities and small cities, indicating that the UHI has a significant effect on climate warming (t-test, p < 0.05). Significantly positive correlations are found between the urbanization rate, population, built-up area and warming rate of average air temperature (p < 0.001). The average warming rate of average air temperature attributable to urbanization is 0.124 ± 0.074 °C/decade in the YRDUA. Urbanization has a measurable effect on the observed climate warming in the YRD aggravating the global climate warming. PMID:26225986

Ultrafine particle emissions from modern Gasoline and Diesel vehicles: An electron microscopic perspective.

PubMed

Liati, Anthi; Schreiber, Daniel; Arroyo Rojas Dasilva, Yadira; Dimopoulos Eggenschwiler, Panayotis

2018-08-01

Ultrafine (<100 nm) particles related to traffic are of high environmental and human health concern, as they are supposed to be more toxic than larger particles. In the present study transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is applied to obtain a concrete picture on the nature, morphology and chemical composition of non-volatile ultrafine particles in the exhaust of state-of-the-art, Euro 6b, Gasoline and Diesel vehicles. The particles were collected directly on TEM grids, at the tailpipe, downstream of the after-treatment system, during the entire duration of typical driving cycles on the chassis dynamometer. Based on TEM imaging coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, numerous ultrafine particles could be identified, imaged and analyzed chemically. Particles <10 nm were rarely detected. The ultrafine particles can be distinguished into the following types: soot, ash-bearing soot and ash. Ash consists of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Fe, S, and minor Sn compounds. Most elements originate from lubricating oil additives; Sn and at least part of Fe are products of engine wear; minor W ± Si-bearing nearly spherical particles in Diesel exhaust derive from catalytic coating material. Ultrafine ash particles predominate over ultrafine soot or are nearly equal in amount, in contrast to emissions of larger sizes where soot is by far the prevalent particle type. This is probably due to the low ash amount per volume fraction in the total emissions, which does not favor formation of large ash agglomerates, opposite to soot, which is abundant and thus easily forms agglomerates of sizes larger than those of the ultrafine range. No significant differences of ultrafine particle characteristics were identified among the tested Gasoline and Diesel vehicles and driving cycles. The present TEM study gives information also on the imaging and chemical composition of the solid fraction of the unregulated sub-23 nm size category particles. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CO2-MEGAPARIS: Quantification of CO2 emissions from Paris megacity and their spread out to the neightbouring Centre region. (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xueref-Remy, I.

2010-12-01

Atmospheric CO2 concentration has been increasing of more than 30% since the pre-industrial era due to human activities, and is very likely involved in the recent global temperature increase [IPCC, 2007]. Although we have good estimates of the CO2 fluxes on a global basis, and have a relatively well-established system to detect the large-scale trends, regional information (10-500km) is needed if society is ever to manage or verify carbon emissions. We must improve our understanding of regional variations in the sources and sinks of CO2 because they help identify possible sequestration or emission management options. New programs are needed to improve our understanding of meso-scale carbon fluxes, and to discriminate between the anthropogenic and biospheric sources which are very strongly overlapped in European countries. In this context we need to monitor the emissions originating from the megalopolis such as Paris and its agglomeration, and the way they are spreading in the background atmosphere. Nowadays, inventories (CITEPA, AIRPARIF) based on statistical information provide CO2 emissions from Ile de France and all others regions of France, but no independent verification based on CO2 measurements has been done yet. Atmospheric measurements coupled to a meso-scale model can be used to provide such verification, especially to detect the interannual and decadal trends which could result from regional management strategy. The CO2-MEGAPARIS project (2009-2012) objective is to develop four independent methods to verify the emission inventories, and to monitor the daily to monthly CO2 emissions from Ile de France as well as their spreading to neighbouring regions with a scale up to 2x2 km2. The first method consists in developing a synergy between a mesoscale model (CHIMERE/MM5), inventories and observations using a top-down approach based on an inversion technique to retrieve surface fluxes (3 new observing stations are developed among which the top of the Eiffel tower). The second method is to assess the anthropogenic emissions from Ile de France using the Radon method based on correlations between the concentrations of Radon 222 (continental tracer) and atmospheric CO2. The third method is to study the propagation of the anthropogenic plume towards the region Centre by applying an atmospheric boundary layer budget at LSCE’s observation site in Orléans forest. The fourth method is to conduct intensive measurements of in-situ CO2 and tracers (CO, potassium, dC13, dC14, ....) in Paris agglomeration to better assess the role and the variability of CO2 sources in Ile-de-France. Especially, a joined campaign with the MEGAPOLI EU-project has been conducted in winter 2010. First results of the CO2-MEGAPARIS project will be presented.

Silica Fume Functionalized With Amine-Based Additives as a Modifier to Enhance Asphalt Resistance to Oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abutalib, Nader Turki

This dissertation investigates the practical feasibility of functionalizing silica fume particles with the amine groups in Bio-binder and pure APTES chemical to disperse silica fume in asphalt binder matrix to produce silica-fume-modified binder (SFMB). Dispersed silica fume was then introduced to asphalt to reduce oxidative aging. It has been widely reported that asphalt binder oxidation is one of the phenomena that reduces the service life of asphalt pavement by negatively affecting its rheological properties. This in turn can lead to a more brittle pavement, which is more prone to cracks due to thermal stress and traffic loading. It has been shown that the introduction of 4% silica fume to asphalt can reduce asphalt oxidative aging. However, the challenge with a higher percentage of silica fume was found to be the agglomeration of nano- particles to form micro-size clusters, which can reduce the effectiveness of silica fume while making asphalt binder more susceptible to shear. Therefore, this dissertation studies the effectiveness of functionalizing the SFMB to reduce asphalt oxidative aging while alleviating the agglomeration effect. To do so, various percentages of bio-binder (BB) and bio-char (BC) were introduced to SFMB, and the rheological properties and high-temperature performance of each specimen were evaluated by measuring the rotational viscosity and complex shear modulus before and after oxidative aging. It is hypothesized that fine-graded BC and BB with nano- to micro-level particles can be used to reduce asphalt oxidation and create a new generation of low- agglomeration SFMB with higher resistance to oxidative aging. To further study the effects of functionalization on dispersion of silica fume, silica fume particles were produced with different functional groups: amine (APTES) groups and phosphonate (THPMP) groups. Agglomeration studies using a scanning electron microscope and zeta potential analysis indicate that modifying asphalt binder with amine-modified silica fume particles can reduce the agglomeration of the silica fume particles. The performance characteristics of functionalized silica fume particles and non-functionalized silica fume particles are compared with those of base asphalt. The following research hypotheses were investigated: 1) Functionalized and well-dispersed silica fume will enhance asphalt's aging resistance. 2) The amine groups in functionalizing agent interact with silica fume particles and promote their dispersion. To test these hypotheses, a rotational viscometer was used to study the effect of functionalized-silica-fume-modified binder on the high-temperature properties of the asphalt binder. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was used to determine the chemical compounds of the amine-group silica-fume- modified binder matrix. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the surface morphology and analyze the microstructure characteristics of materials. The positive effect of amine groups on the rheological properties of SFMB could be attributed to the high surface area of the silica fume and its granular particles with high polarity, factors that could improve the blending properties of the bio-modified silica fume and result in a uniformly distributed silica- fume-modified matrix with enhanced oxidative aging resistance. Surface adsorption of amines on silica fume particles helps promote repulsive forces between them to enhance dispersion.

Parallel Element Agglomeration Algebraic Multigrid and Upscaling Library

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barker, Andrew T.; Benson, Thomas R.; Lee, Chak Shing

ParELAG is a parallel C++ library for numerical upscaling of finite element discretizations and element-based algebraic multigrid solvers. It provides optimal complexity algorithms to build multilevel hierarchies and solvers that can be used for solving a wide class of partial differential equations (elliptic, hyperbolic, saddle point problems) on general unstructured meshes. Additionally, a novel multilevel solver for saddle point problems with divergence constraint is implemented.

ORIGIN OF MOLECULAR OXYGEN IN COMET 67P/CHURYUMOV–GERASIMENKO

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mousis, O.; Ronnet, T.; Brugger, B.

2016-06-01

Molecular oxygen has been detected in the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko with abundances in the 1%–10% range by the Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis-Double Focusing Mass Spectrometer instrument on board the Rosetta spacecraft. Here we find that the radiolysis of icy grains in low-density environments such as the presolar cloud may induce the production of large amounts of molecular oxygen. We also show that molecular oxygen can be efficiently trapped in clathrates formed in the protosolar nebula (PSN), and that its incorporation as crystalline ice is highly implausible, because this would imply much larger abundances of Armore » and N{sub 2} than those observed in the coma. Assuming that radiolysis has been the only O{sub 2} production mechanism at work, we conclude that the formation of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko is possible in a dense and early PSN in the framework of two extreme scenarios: (1) agglomeration from pristine amorphous icy grains/particles formed in ISM and (2) agglomeration from clathrates that formed during the disk’s cooling. The former scenario is found consistent with the strong correlation between O{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O observed in comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko’s coma while the latter scenario requires that clathrates formed from ISM icy grains that crystallized when entering the PSN.« less

Coal hydrogenation and deashing in ebullated bed catalytic reactor

DOEpatents

Huibers, Derk T. A.; Johanson, Edwin S.

1983-01-01

An improved process for hydrogenation of coal containing ash with agglomeration and removal of ash from an ebullated bed catalytic reactor to produce deashed hydrocarbon liquid and gas products. In the process, a flowable coal-oil slurry is reacted with hydrogen in an ebullated catalyst bed reaction zone at elevated temperature and pressure conditions. The upward velocity and viscosity of the reactor liquid are controlled so that a substantial portion of the ash released from the coal is agglomerated to form larger particles in the upper portion of the reactor above the catalyst bed, from which the agglomerated ash is separately withdrawn along with adhering reaction zone liquid. The resulting hydrogenated hydrocarbon effluent material product is phase separated to remove vapor fractions, after which any ash remaining in the liquid fraction can be removed to produce substantially ash-free coal-derived liquid products.

Method and system for producing metallic iron nuggets

DOEpatents

Iwasaki, Iwao; Kiesel, Richard F.; Englund, David J; Hendrickson, Dave

2012-12-18

A method and system for producing metallic iron nuggets may include providing multiple layers of agglomerates, such as briquettes, balls and extrusions, of a reducible mixture of reducing material (such as carbonaceous material) and of a reducible iron bearing material (such as iron oxide) on a hearth material layer (such as carbonaceous material) and providing a coarse overlayer of carbonaceous material over at least some of the agglomerates. Heating the agglomerates of reducible mixture to 1425.degree. C. or 1400.degree. C. or 1375.degree. C. results in formation of an intermediate product of one or more metallic iron nuggets, which may have a sulfur content of less than 0.03%, and slag, which may have less than 5% mass MgO, which may have a ratio of percent by weight sulfur in the slag over percent by weight sulfur in the metallic nuggets of at least about 12 or at least about 15.

Production of iron from metallurgical waste

DOEpatents

Hendrickson, David W; Iwasaki, Iwao

2013-09-17

A method of recovering metallic iron from iron-bearing metallurgical waste in steelmaking comprising steps of providing an iron-bearing metallurgical waste containing more than 55% by weight FeO and FeO equivalent and a particle size of at least 80% less than 10 mesh, mixing the iron-bearing metallurgical waste with a carbonaceous material to form a reducible mixture where the carbonaceous material is between 80 and 110% of the stoichiometric amount needed to reduce the iron-bearing waste to metallic iron, and as needed additions to provide a silica content between 0.8 and 8% by weight and a ratio of CaO/SiO.sub.2 between 1.4 and 1.8, forming agglomerates of the reducible mixture over a hearth material layer to protect the hearth, heating the agglomerates to a higher temperature above the melting point of iron to form nodules of metallic iron and slag material from the agglomerates by melting.

Dust recycling technology in Kimitsu Works

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oda, Hiroshi; Ibaraki, Tetsuharu

Dust recycling technology by the rotary hearth furnace has been applied at Nippon Steel‧s Kimitsu Works since 2000. The dust and sludge with iron oxide and carbon are agglomerated into shaped articles and the iron oxide is reduced in a high temperature atmosphere. Zinc and other impurities in the dust and sludge are expelled and exhausted into off gas. The DRI pellets made from the dust and sludge have 70% metallization and are strong enough for being recycled to the blast furnaces. No.1 plant, which was constructed in May 2000 and has an agglomeration method of pelletizing, recycles mainly dry dusts. No.2 plant, which was constructed in December 2002 and has an agglomeration method of extrusion, recycles mainly sludge. The combination of the two plants is a solution for recycling various kinds of dusts and sludge emitted in a large scale steel works as Kimitsu Works

Solid Hydrogen Experiments for Atomic Propellants: Image Analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palaszewski, Bryan

2002-01-01

This paper presents the results of detailed analyses of the images from experiments that were conducted on the formation of solid hydrogen particles in liquid helium. Solid particles of hydrogen were frozen in liquid helium, and observed with a video camera. The solid hydrogen particle sizes, their agglomerates, and the total mass of hydrogen particles were estimated. Particle sizes of 1.9 to 8 mm (0.075 to 0.315 in.) were measured. The particle agglomerate sizes and areas were measured, and the total mass of solid hydrogen was computed. A total mass of from 0.22 to 7.9 grams of hydrogen was frozen. Compaction and expansion of the agglomerate implied that the particles remain independent particles, and can be separated and controlled. These experiment image analyses are one of the first steps toward visually characterizing these particles, and allow designers to understand what issues must be addressed in atomic propellant feed system designs for future aerospace vehicles.

Size control of Au NPs supported by pH operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichiji, Masumi; Akiba, Hiroko; Hirasawa, Izumi

2017-07-01

Au NPs are expected to become useful functional particles, as particle gun used for plant gene transfer and also catalysts. We have studied PSD (particle size distribution) control of Au NPs by reduction crystallization. Previous study found out importance of seeds policy and also feeding profile. In this paper, effect of pH in the reduction crystallization was investigated to clarify the possibility of Au NPs PSD control by pH operation and also their growth process. Au NPs of size range 10-600 nm were obtained in single-jet system using ascorbic acid (AsA) as a reducing agent with adjusting pH of AsA. Au NPs are found to grow in the process of nucleation, agglomeration, agglomeration growth and surface growth. Au NPs tend to grow by agglomeration and become larger size in lower pH regions, and to grow only by surface growth and become smaller size in higher pH regions.

Asphaltene dispersants as demulsification aids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Manek, M.B.

1995-11-01

Destabilization of petroleum asphaltenes may cause a multitude of problems in crude oil recovery and production. One major problem is their agglomeration at the water-oil interface of crude oil emulsions. Once agglomeration occurs, destabilized asphaltenes can form a thick pad in the dehydration equipment, which significantly reduces the demulsification rate. Certain polymeric dispersants increase asphaltene solubilization in hydrocarbon media, and when used in conjunction with emulsion breakers, facilitate the demulsification process. Two case studies are presented that demonstrate how asphaltene dispersants can efficiently inhibit pad formation and help reduce demulsifier dosage. Criteria for dispersant application and selection are discussed, whichmore » include the application of a novel laboratory technique to assess asphaltene stabilization in the crude oil. The technique monitors asphaltene agglomeration while undergoing titration with an incompatible solvent (precipitant). The method was used to evaluate stabilization of asphaltenes in the crude oil and to screen asphaltene dispersants.« less

Variation of Temperature and Precipitation in Urban Agglomeration and Prevention Suggestion of Waterlogging in Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Na, Liu; Youjie, Jin; Jiaqi, Dai

2018-03-01

The variation trend of temperature and precipitation during flood season in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin in recent 50 years and change characteristics of rainfall in five typical flood prone cities are analysed. Aiming at waterlogging problems in the urban agglomeration of middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the comprehensive prevention and control suggestions are put forward. The results showed that: the temperature trend in the basin decreased and then increased, and the precipitation showed a downward-rising-downward trend, no mutation occurred; The incidence of heavy rainfall events in the five typical cities with daily rainfall more than 50mm showed an upward trend, and increased significantly after 2002. The intensity of precipitation increased gradually. Climate change makes urban agglomeration waterlogging disasters become increasingly prominent in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

Detection of compatibility between baclofen and excipients with aid of infrared spectroscopy and chemometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rojek, Barbara; Wesolowski, Marek; Suchacz, Bogdan

2013-12-01

In the paper infrared (IR) spectroscopy and multivariate exploration techniques: principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were applied as supportive methods for the detection of physicochemical incompatibilities between baclofen and excipients. In the course of research, the most useful rotational strategy in PCA proved to be varimax normalized, while in CA Ward's hierarchical agglomeration with Euclidean distance measure enabled to yield the most interpretable results. Chemometrical calculations confirmed the suitability of PCA and CA as the auxiliary methods for interpretation of infrared spectra in order to recognize whether compatibilities or incompatibilities between active substance and excipients occur. On the basis of IR spectra and the results of PCA and CA it was possible to demonstrate that the presence of lactose, β-cyclodextrin and meglumine in binary mixtures produce interactions with baclofen. The results were verified using differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry and X-ray powder diffraction analyses.

Estimation of Fine and Oversize Particle Ratio in a Heterogeneous Compound with Acoustic Emissions.

PubMed

Nsugbe, Ejay; Ruiz-Carcel, Cristobal; Starr, Andrew; Jennions, Ian

2018-03-13

The final phase of powder production typically involves a mixing process where all of the particles are combined and agglomerated with a binder to form a single compound. The traditional means of inspecting the physical properties of the final product involves an inspection of the particle sizes using an offline sieving and weighing process. The main downside of this technique, in addition to being an offline-only measurement procedure, is its inability to characterise large agglomerates of powders due to sieve blockage. This work assesses the feasibility of a real-time monitoring approach using a benchtop test rig and a prototype acoustic-based measurement approach to provide information that can be correlated to product quality and provide the opportunity for future process optimisation. Acoustic emission (AE) was chosen as the sensing method due to its low cost, simple setup process, and ease of implementation. The performance of the proposed method was assessed in a series of experiments where the offline quality check results were compared to the AE-based real-time estimations using data acquired from a benchtop powder free flow rig. A designed time domain based signal processing method was used to extract particle size information from the acquired AE signal and the results show that this technique is capable of estimating the required ratio in the washing powder compound with an average absolute error of 6%.

Analysis of the optical transmission of a ferrofluid by an electromagnetic mixture law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanz-Felipe, Ángel; Martín, Juan Carlos

2018-04-01

Evolution of the optical transmission of a ferrofluid after magnetic field commutation is analyzed by means of an approach based on the so-called mixture laws: expressions which predict the effective permittivity of heterogeneous media as a function of their constituents’ permittivities, their proportions and the way they are arranged. In particular, this work is based on a law proposed by Sihvola and Kong for the effective permittivity of a host substance with ellipsoidal inclusions. Ferrofluids are peculiar examples of this kind of media: with the solvent as host, the inclusions are nanoparticle agglomerates whose shapes become modified by magnetic field exposure. In this work, experimental optical transmission of a ferrofluid is compared with predictions based on Sihvola and Kong’s law. A remarkable coincidence is obtained both in the absence of magnetic field, without using any fitting parameter, and in the presence of magnetic field, employing the inclusions’ average ellipticity as the fitting parameter. The results obtained for time dependent optical transmission of a ferrofluid after magnetic field switch on or off allow one to estimate how the average shape of the agglomerates evolves over time. On the other hand, mixture laws are proven to be an interesting alternative to scattering concepts to model the optical transmission changes experienced by ferrofluids once they are exposed to magnetic fields.

Computational prediction of the refinement of oxide agglomerates in a physical conditioning process for molten aluminium alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, M.; Jagarlapudi, S. C.; Patel, J. B.; Stone, I. C.; Fan, Z.; Browne, D. J.

2015-06-01

Physically conditioning molten scrap aluminium alloys using high shear processing (HSP) was recently found to be a promising technology for purification of contaminated alloys. HSP refines the solid oxide agglomerates in molten alloys, so that they can act as sites for the nucleation of Fe-rich intermetallic phases which can subsequently be removed by the downstream de-drossing process. In this paper, a computational modelling for predicting the evolution of size of oxide clusters during HSP is presented. We used CFD to predict the macroscopic flow features of the melt, and the resultant field predictions of temperature and melt shear rate were transferred to a population balance model (PBM) as its key inputs. The PBM is a macroscopic model that formulates the microscopic agglomeration and breakage of a population of a dispersed phase. Although it has been widely used to study conventional deoxidation of liquid metal, this is the first time that PBM has been used to simulate the melt conditioning process within a rotor/stator HSP device. We employed a method which discretizes the continuous profile of size of the dispersed phase into a collection of discrete bins of size, to solve the governing population balance equation for the size of agglomerates. A finite volume method was used to solve the continuity equation, the energy equation and the momentum equation. The overall computation was implemented mainly using the FLUENT module of ANSYS. The simulations showed that there is a relatively high melt shear rate between the stator and sweeping tips of the rotor blades. This high shear rate leads directly to significant fragmentation of the initially large oxide aggregates. Because the process of agglomeration is significantly slower than the breakage processes at the beginning of HSP, the mean size of oxide clusters decreases very rapidly. As the process of agglomeration gradually balances the process of breakage, the mean size of oxide clusters converges to a steady value. The model enables formulation of the quantitative relationship between the macroscopic flow features of liquid metal and the change of size of dispersed oxide clusters, during HSP. It predicted the variation in size of the dispersed phased with operational parameters (including the geometry and, particularly, the speed of the rotor), which is of direct use to experimentalists optimising the design of the HSP device and its implementation.

Evolution of steam-water flow structure under subcooled water boiling at smooth and structured heating surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasiliev, N. V.; Zeigarnik, Yu A.; Khodakov, K. A.

2017-11-01

Experimentally studying of subcooled water boiling in rectangular channel electrically heated from one side was conducted. Flat surfaces, both smooth and coated by microarc oxidation technology, were used as heating surfaces. The tests were conducted at atmospheric pressure in the range of mass flow rate from 650 to 1300 kg/(m2 s) and water subcooling relative to saturation temperature from 23 to 75 °C. Using high-speed filming a change in the two-phase flow structure and its statistic characteristics (nucleation sites density, vapor bubble distribution by size, etc.) were studied. With an increase in the heat flux density (with the mass flow rate and subcooling being the same) and amount and size of the vapor bubbles increased also. At a relatively high heat flux density, non-spherical vapor agglomerates appeared at the heating surface as a result of coalescence of small bubbles. They originated in chaotic manner in arbitrary points of the heating surface and then after random evolution in form and size collapsed. The agglomerate size reached several millimeters and their duration of life was several milliseconds. After formation of large vapor agglomerates, with a further small increase in heat flux density a burnout of the heating surface occurred. In most cases the same effect took place if the large agglomerates were retained for several minutes.

Wet calcining of trona (sodium sesquicarbonate) and bicarbonate in a mixed solvent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gärtner, R. S.; Witkamp, G. J.

2002-04-01

Trona ore is used in large amounts for the production of soda ash. A key step in this process is the conversion of trona (sodium sesquicarbonate: Na 2CO 3·NaHCO 3·2H 2O) into soda (sodium carbonate anhydrate: Na 2CO 3). Currently, this conversion is done industrially by calcining of the raw ore in rotary calciners at ca. 120°C or higher (Natural Soda Ash—Occurrences, Processing, and Use, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1991, p. 267). Trona can however be converted at lower temperatures by using a "wet calcining" technique. In this technique, trona is contacted with an organic or mixed organic-aqueous solvent at a conversion temperature that depends on the water activity of the used solvent. In pure ethylene glycol this temperature can be as low as 55°C. The conversion by "wet calcining" occurs very similar to that in the regular dry calcining process via a solid phase conversion. The anhydrate crystals form directly from the solid trona. This produces pseudomorphs (J. Chem. Eng. Data 8(3) (1963) 301), i.e. agglomerates of fine anhydrate crystals (1-10 μm). At high temperatures, dense, finely pored agglomerates are formed, while the outer shape of the agglomerate retains the prism shape of the trona crystal. At low conversion temperatures, loosely packed or even unstable agglomerates are found.

The Fate of Polyol-Made ZnO and CdS Nanoparticles in Seine River Water (Paris, France).

PubMed

da Rocha, Alice; Sivry, Yann; Gelabert, Alexandre; Beji, Zyed; Benedetti, Marc F; Menguy, Nicolas; Brayner, Roberta

2015-05-01

This study aims to characterize nanoparticles with different compositions and structures as well as seeing their evolutions over time in a natural environment such as Seine river water (Paris, France). Face centered cubic (fcc) and hexagonal (hcp) CdS as well as hexagonal (hcp) ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by the Polyol method. CdS nanoparticles (i) cfc structure: are agglomerated, present 100 nm length with heterogeneous diameter and 10 m2 g(-1) specific surface area (S(g)) from Brunauer Emett and Teller (BET) measurements; (ii) hcp structure: 20 nm and S(g) = 67 m2 g(-1). ZnO hcp nanoparticles presents 50 nm length and 15 nm diameter and S(g) = 54 m2 g(-1). These results are in agreement with X-ray diffraction (XRD), and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXs). After 48 h interaction with Seine river water, cryo-TEM analysis showed that ZnO nanoparticles form spherical agglomerates with 300 nm diameter; CdS nanoparticles (fcc) are agglomerated presenting large diameters (> 500 nm); and CdS nanoparticles (hcp) are not agglomerated and present the same characteristics of the starting material. After 168h of contact with Seine river water, CdS (fcc) presents only 14% of dissolution, CdS (hcp) presents both 60% dissolution and 30% reprecipitation in a cadmium carbonate form and finally almost 90% of ZnO nanoparticles are dissolved.

Facile nanofibrillation of chitin derivatives by gas bubbling and ultrasonic treatments in water.

PubMed

Tanaka, Kohei; Yamamoto, Kazuya; Kadokawa, Jun-ichi

2014-10-29

In this paper, we report that nanofiber network structures were constructed from chitin derivatives by gas bubbling and ultrasonic treatments in water. When chitin was first subjected to N2 gas bubbling with ultrasonication in water, the SEM images of the product showed nanofiber network morphology. However, nanofiber network was not re-constructed by the same N2 gas bubbling and ultrasonic treatments after agglomeration. We then have paid attention to an amidine group to provide the agglomeration-nanofibrillation behavior of chitin derivatives. An amidinated chitin was synthesized by the reaction of the amino groups in a partially deacetylated chitin with N,N-dimethylacetamide dimethyl acetal, which was subjected to CO2 gas bubbling and ultrasonic treatments in water to convert into an amidinium chitin by protonation. The SEM images of the product clearly showed nanofiber network morphology. We further examined re-nanofibrillation of the agglomerated material, which was obtained by mixing the nanofibrillated amidinium chitin with water, followed by drying under reduced pressure. Consequently, the material was re-nanofibrillated by N2 gas bubbling with ultrasonication in water owing to electrostatic repulsion between the amidinium groups. Furthermore, deprotonation of the amidinium chitin and re-protonation of the resulting amidinated chitin were conducted by alkaline treatment and CO2 gas bubbling-ultrasonic treatments, respectively. The material showed the agglomeration-nanofibrillation behavior during the processes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Chelating Agents on the Stability of Nano-TiO2 Sol Particles for Sol-Gel Coating.

PubMed

Maeng, Wan Young; Yoo, Mi

2015-11-01

Agglomeration of sol particles in a titanium alkoxide (tetrabutyl orthotitanate (TBOT), > 97%) solution during the hydrolysis and condensation steps makes the sol solution difficult to use for synthesizing homogeneous sol-gel coating. Here, we have investigated the effect of stabilizing agents (acetic acid and ethyl acetoacetate (EAcAc)) on the agglomeration of Ti alkoxide particles during hydrolysis and condensation in order to determine the optimized conditions for controlling the precipitation of TiO2 particles. The study was conducted at R(AC) ([acetic acid]/[TBOT]) = 0.1-5 and R(EAcAc)([EAcAc]/[TBOT]) = 0.05-0.65. We also studied the effects of a basic catalyst ethanolamine (ETA), water, and HCl on sol stability. The chelating ligands in the precursor sol were analyzed with FT-IR. The coating properties were examined by focused ion beam. The stabilizing agents (acetic acid and EAcAc) significantly influenced the agglomeration and precipitation of TBOT precursor particles during hydrolysis. As R(AC) and R(EAcAc) increased, the agglomeration remarkably decreased. The stability of the sol with acetic acid and EAcAc arises from the coordination of the chelating ligand to TBOT that hinders hydrolysis and condensation. A uniform fine coating (thickness: 30 nm) on stainless steel was obtained by using an optimized sol with R(AC) = 0.5 and R(EAcAc) = 0.65.

Application of Iron Oxide as a pH-dependent Indicator for Improving the Nutritional Quality

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Acid food indicators can be used as pH indicators for evaluating the quality and freshness of fermented products during the full course of distribution. Iron oxide particles are hardly suspended in water, but partially or completely agglomerated. The agglomeration degree of the iron oxide particles depends on the pH. The pH-dependent particle agglomeration or dispersion can be useful for monitoring the acidity of food. The zeta potential of iron oxide showed a decreasing trend as the pH increased from 2 to 8, while the point of zero charge (PZC) was observed around at pH 6.0-7.0. These results suggested that the size of the iron oxide particles was affected by the change in pH levels. As a result, the particle sizes of iron oxide were smaller at lower pH than at neutral pH. In addition, agglomeration of the iron oxide particles increased as the pH increased from 2 to 7. In the time-dependent aggregation test, the average particle size was 730.4 nm and 1,340.3 nm at pH 2 and 7, respectively. These properties of iron oxide particles can be used to develop an ideal acid indicator for food pH and to monitor food quality, besides a colorant or nutrient for nutrition enhancement and sensory promotion in food industry. PMID:27482521

Thermal Stability and Material Balance of Nanomaterials in Waste Incineration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paur, H.-R.; Baumann, W.; Hauser, M.; Lang, I.; Teuscher, N.; Seifert, H.; Stapf, D.

2017-06-01

Nanostructured materials are widely used to improve the properties of consumer products such as tires, cosmetics, light weight equipment etc. Due to their complex composition these products are hardly recycled and thermal treatment is preferred. In this study we investigated the thermal stability and material balance of nanostructured metal oxides in flames and in an industrial waste incinerator. We studied the size distribution of nanostructured metal oxides (CeO2, TiO2, SiO2) in a flame reactor and in a heated reaction tube. In the premixed ethylene/air flame, nano-structured CeO2 partly evaporates forming a new particle mode. This is probably due to chemical reactions in the flame. In addition sintering of agglomerates takes place in the flame. In the electrically heated reaction tube however only sintering of the agglomerated nanomaterials is observed. Ceria has a low background in waste incinerators and is therefore a suitable tracer for investigating the fate of nanostructured materials. Low concentrations of Ceria were introduced by a two-phase nozzle into the post-combustion zone of a waste incinerator. By the incineration of coal dust in a burning chamber the Ceria nanoparticles are mainly found in the size range of the fly ash (1 - 10 µm) because of agglomeration. With gas as a fuel less agglomeration was observed and the Ceria nanoparticles were in the particle size range below 1 µm.

Factors Ruling the Uptake of Silica Nanoparticles by Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Agglomeration Versus Dispersions, Absence Versus Presence of Serum Proteins.

PubMed

Catalano, Federico; Accomasso, Lisa; Alberto, Gabriele; Gallina, Clara; Raimondo, Stefania; Geuna, Stefano; Giachino, Claudia; Martra, Gianmario

2015-06-24

The results of a systematic investigation of the role of serum proteins on the interaction of silica nanoparticles (NP) doped in their bulk with fluorescent molecules (IRIS Dots, 50 nm in size), with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are reported. The suspension of IRIS Dots in bare Dulbecco-modified Eagle's medium results in the formation of large agglomerates (≈1.5 μm, by dynamic light scattering), which become progressively smaller, down to ≈300 nm in size, by progressively increasing the fetal bovine serum (FBS) content of the solutions along the series 1.0%, 2.5%, 6.0%, and 10.0% v/v. Such difference in NP dispersion is maintained in the external cellular microenvironment, as observed by confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. As a consequence of the limited diffusion of proteins in the inter-NP spaces, the surface of NP agglomerates is coated by a protein corona independently of the agglomerate size/FBS concentration conditions (ζ-potential and UV circular dichroism measurements). The protein corona appears not to be particularly relevant for the uptake of IRIS Dots by hMSCs, whereas the main role in determining the internalization rate is played by the absence/presence of serum proteins in the extracellular media. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Assessment of repeatability of composition of perfumed waters by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with numerical data analysis based on cluster analysis (HPLC UV/VIS - CA).

PubMed

Ruzik, L; Obarski, N; Papierz, A; Mojski, M

2015-06-01

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV/VIS spectrophotometric detection combined with the chemometric method of cluster analysis (CA) was used for the assessment of repeatability of composition of nine types of perfumed waters. In addition, the chromatographic method of separating components of the perfume waters under analysis was subjected to an optimization procedure. The chromatograms thus obtained were used as sources of data for the chemometric method of cluster analysis (CA). The result was a classification of a set comprising 39 perfumed water samples with a similar composition at a specified level of probability (level of agglomeration). A comparison of the classification with the manufacturer's declarations reveals a good degree of consistency and demonstrates similarity between samples in different classes. A combination of the chromatographic method with cluster analysis (HPLC UV/VIS - CA) makes it possible to quickly assess the repeatability of composition of perfumed waters at selected levels of probability. © 2014 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Efficient acetone sensor based on Ni-doped ZnO nanostructures prepared by spray pyrolysis technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darunkar, Swapnil S.; Acharya, Smita A.

2018-05-01

Ni-doped ZnO thin film was prepared by home-built spray pyrolysis unit for the detection of acetone at 300°C. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images of as-developed thin film of undoped ZnO exhibits large quantity of spherical, non-agglomerated particles with uniform size while in Ni-doped ZnO, particles are quite non-uniform in nature. The particle size estimated by using image J are obtained to be around 20-200 nm. Ni-doping effect on band gaps are determined by UV-vis optical spectroscopy and band gap of Ni-doped ZnO is found to be 3.046 eV. Nickel doping exceptionally enhances the sensing response of ZnO as compared to undoped ZnO system. The major role of the Ni-doping is to create more active sites for chemisorbed oxygen on the surface of sensor and correspondingly, to improve the sensing response. The 6 at.% of Ni-doped ZnO exhibits the highest response (92%) for 100 ppm acetone at 300 °C.

Feasibility of 3D Reconstruction of Neural Morphology Using Expansion Microscopy and Barcode-Guided Agglomeration

PubMed Central

Yoon, Young-Gyu; Dai, Peilun; Wohlwend, Jeremy; Chang, Jae-Byum; Marblestone, Adam H.; Boyden, Edward S.

2017-01-01

We here introduce and study the properties, via computer simulation, of a candidate automated approach to algorithmic reconstruction of dense neural morphology, based on simulated data of the kind that would be obtained via two emerging molecular technologies—expansion microscopy (ExM) and in-situ molecular barcoding. We utilize a convolutional neural network to detect neuronal boundaries from protein-tagged plasma membrane images obtained via ExM, as well as a subsequent supervoxel-merging pipeline guided by optical readout of information-rich, cell-specific nucleic acid barcodes. We attempt to use conservative imaging and labeling parameters, with the goal of establishing a baseline case that points to the potential feasibility of optical circuit reconstruction, leaving open the possibility of higher-performance labeling technologies and algorithms. We find that, even with these conservative assumptions, an all-optical approach to dense neural morphology reconstruction may be possible via the proposed algorithmic framework. Future work should explore both the design-space of chemical labels and barcodes, as well as algorithms, to ultimately enable routine, high-performance optical circuit reconstruction. PMID:29114215

Feasibility of 3D Reconstruction of Neural Morphology Using Expansion Microscopy and Barcode-Guided Agglomeration.

PubMed

Yoon, Young-Gyu; Dai, Peilun; Wohlwend, Jeremy; Chang, Jae-Byum; Marblestone, Adam H; Boyden, Edward S

2017-01-01

We here introduce and study the properties, via computer simulation, of a candidate automated approach to algorithmic reconstruction of dense neural morphology, based on simulated data of the kind that would be obtained via two emerging molecular technologies-expansion microscopy (ExM) and in-situ molecular barcoding. We utilize a convolutional neural network to detect neuronal boundaries from protein-tagged plasma membrane images obtained via ExM, as well as a subsequent supervoxel-merging pipeline guided by optical readout of information-rich, cell-specific nucleic acid barcodes. We attempt to use conservative imaging and labeling parameters, with the goal of establishing a baseline case that points to the potential feasibility of optical circuit reconstruction, leaving open the possibility of higher-performance labeling technologies and algorithms. We find that, even with these conservative assumptions, an all-optical approach to dense neural morphology reconstruction may be possible via the proposed algorithmic framework. Future work should explore both the design-space of chemical labels and barcodes, as well as algorithms, to ultimately enable routine, high-performance optical circuit reconstruction.

Direct Synthesis of Silicon Nanowires, Silica Nanospheres, Wire-Like Nanosphere Agglomerates, and Silica-Based Nanotubes and Nanofiber Arrays

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

decades, the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process, ’ 2 where gold particles act as a mediating solvent on a silicon substrate, forming a molten alloy, has...34Nanocatalysis: Selective Conversion of Ethanol to Acetaldehyde Using Monoatomically Dispersed Copper on Silica Nanospheres", Journal of Catalysis, submitted. 7.Sales literature, Cabot Corporation. C5.9.8 Nanoparticles in Biology

New nanostructural biomaterials based on active silicate systems and hydroxyapatite: characterization and genotoxicity in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

PubMed

Opačić-Galić, V; Petrović, V; Zivković, S; Jokanović, V; Nikolić, B; Knežević-Vukčević, J; Mitić-Ćulafić, D

2013-06-01

To characterize and investigate the genotoxic effect of a new endodontic cement based on dicalcium- and tricalcium-silicate (CS) with hydroxyapatite (HA) on human lymphocytes. Hydrothermal treatment was applied for synthesis of CS and HA. The final mixture HA-CS, with potential to be used in endodontic practice, is composed of CS (34%) and HA (66%). Human lymphocytes were incubated with HA, HA-CS and CS for 1 h, at 37 °C and 5% CO2. Cell viability was determined using the trypan blue exclusion assay. To evaluate the level of DNA damage comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis) was performed. For the statistical analysis anova and Duncan's Post Hoc Test were used. The SEM analysis indicated that CS consisted mostly of agglomerates of several micrometers in size, built up from smaller particles, with dimensions between 117 and 477 nm. This is promising because dimensions of agglomerates are not comparable with channels inside the cell membranes, whereas their nano-elements provide evident activity, important for faster setting of these mixtures compared to MTA. Values of DNA damage obtained in the comet assay indicated low genotoxic risk of the new endodontic materials. The significantly improved setting characteristics and low genotoxic risk of the new material support further research. © 2012 International Endodontic Journal.

Slow CCL2-dependent translocation of biopersistent particles from muscle to brain

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Long-term biodistribution of nanomaterials used in medicine is largely unknown. This is the case for alum, the most widely used vaccine adjuvant, which is a nanocrystalline compound spontaneously forming micron/submicron-sized agglomerates. Although generally well tolerated, alum is occasionally detected within monocyte-lineage cells long after immunization in presumably susceptible individuals with systemic/neurologic manifestations or autoimmune (inflammatory) syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). Methods On the grounds of preliminary investigations in 252 patients with alum-associated ASIA showing both a selective increase of circulating CCL2, the major monocyte chemoattractant, and a variation in the CCL2 gene, we designed mouse experiments to assess biodistribution of vaccine-derived aluminum and of alum-particle fluorescent surrogates injected in muscle. Aluminum was detected in tissues by Morin stain and particle induced X-ray emission) (PIXE) Both 500 nm fluorescent latex beads and vaccine alum agglomerates-sized nanohybrids (Al-Rho) were used. Results Intramuscular injection of alum-containing vaccine was associated with the appearance of aluminum deposits in distant organs, such as spleen and brain where they were still detected one year after injection. Both fluorescent materials injected into muscle translocated to draining lymph nodes (DLNs) and thereafter were detected associated with phagocytes in blood and spleen. Particles linearly accumulated in the brain up to the six-month endpoint; they were first found in perivascular CD11b+ cells and then in microglia and other neural cells. DLN ablation dramatically reduced the biodistribution. Cerebral translocation was not observed after direct intravenous injection, but significantly increased in mice with chronically altered blood-brain-barrier. Loss/gain-of-function experiments consistently implicated CCL2 in systemic diffusion of Al-Rho particles captured by monocyte-lineage cells and in their subsequent neurodelivery. Stereotactic particle injection pointed out brain retention as a factor of progressive particle accumulation. Conclusion Nanomaterials can be transported by monocyte-lineage cells to DLNs, blood and spleen, and, similarly to HIV, may use CCL2-dependent mechanisms to penetrate the brain. This occurs at a very low rate in normal conditions explaining good overall tolerance of alum despite its strong neurotoxic potential. However, continuously escalating doses of this poorly biodegradable adjuvant in the population may become insidiously unsafe, especially in the case of overimmunization or immature/altered blood brain barrier or high constitutive CCL-2 production. PMID:23557144

Slow CCL2-dependent translocation of biopersistent particles from muscle to brain.

PubMed

Khan, Zakir; Combadière, Christophe; Authier, François-Jérôme; Itier, Valérie; Lux, François; Exley, Christopher; Mahrouf-Yorgov, Meriem; Decrouy, Xavier; Moretto, Philippe; Tillement, Olivier; Gherardi, Romain K; Cadusseau, Josette

2013-04-04

Long-term biodistribution of nanomaterials used in medicine is largely unknown. This is the case for alum, the most widely used vaccine adjuvant, which is a nanocrystalline compound spontaneously forming micron/submicron-sized agglomerates. Although generally well tolerated, alum is occasionally detected within monocyte-lineage cells long after immunization in presumably susceptible individuals with systemic/neurologic manifestations or autoimmune (inflammatory) syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). On the grounds of preliminary investigations in 252 patients with alum-associated ASIA showing both a selective increase of circulating CCL2, the major monocyte chemoattractant, and a variation in the CCL2 gene, we designed mouse experiments to assess biodistribution of vaccine-derived aluminum and of alum-particle fluorescent surrogates injected in muscle. Aluminum was detected in tissues by Morin stain and particle induced X-ray emission) (PIXE) Both 500 nm fluorescent latex beads and vaccine alum agglomerates-sized nanohybrids (Al-Rho) were used. Intramuscular injection of alum-containing vaccine was associated with the appearance of aluminum deposits in distant organs, such as spleen and brain where they were still detected one year after injection. Both fluorescent materials injected into muscle translocated to draining lymph nodes (DLNs) and thereafter were detected associated with phagocytes in blood and spleen. Particles linearly accumulated in the brain up to the six-month endpoint; they were first found in perivascular CD11b+ cells and then in microglia and other neural cells. DLN ablation dramatically reduced the biodistribution. Cerebral translocation was not observed after direct intravenous injection, but significantly increased in mice with chronically altered blood-brain-barrier. Loss/gain-of-function experiments consistently implicated CCL2 in systemic diffusion of Al-Rho particles captured by monocyte-lineage cells and in their subsequent neurodelivery. Stereotactic particle injection pointed out brain retention as a factor of progressive particle accumulation. Nanomaterials can be transported by monocyte-lineage cells to DLNs, blood and spleen, and, similarly to HIV, may use CCL2-dependent mechanisms to penetrate the brain. This occurs at a very low rate in normal conditions explaining good overall tolerance of alum despite its strong neurotoxic potential. However, continuously escalating doses of this poorly biodegradable adjuvant in the population may become insidiously unsafe, especially in the case of overimmunization or immature/altered blood brain barrier or high constitutive CCL-2 production.

Alcohol outlets and clusters of violence

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Alcohol related violence continues to be a major public health problem in the United States. In particular, there is substantial evidence of an association between alcohol outlets and assault. However, because the specific geographic relationships between alcohol outlets and the distribution of violence remains obscured, it is important to identify the spatial linkages that may exist, enhancing public health efforts to curb both violence and morbidity. Methods The present study utilizes police-recorded data on simple and aggravated assaults in Cincinnati, Ohio. Addresses of alcohol outlets for Cincinnati, including all bars, alcohol-serving restaurants, and off-premise liquor and convenience stores were obtained from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control and geocoded for analysis. A combination of proximity analysis, spatial cluster detection approaches and a geographic information system were used to identify clusters of alcohol outlets and the distribution of violence around them. Results A brief review of the empirical work relating to alcohol outlet density and violence is provided, noting that the majority of this literature is cross-sectional and ecological in nature, yielding a somewhat haphazard and aggregate view of how outlet type(s) and neighborhood characteristics like social organization and land use are related to assaultive violence. The results of the statistical analysis for Cincinnati suggest that while alcohol outlets are not problematic per se, assaultive violence has a propensity to cluster around agglomerations of alcohol outlets. This spatial relationship varies by distance and is also related to the characteristics of the alcohol outlet agglomeration. Specifically, spatially dense distributions of outlets appear to be more prone to clusters of assaultive violence when compared to agglomerations with a lower density of outlets. Conclusion With a more thorough understanding of the spatial relationships between alcohol outlets and the distribution of assaults, policymakers in urban areas can make more informed regulatory decisions regarding alcohol licenses. Further, this research suggests that public health officials and epidemiologists need to develop a better understanding of what actually occurs in and around alcohol outlets, determining what factors (whether outlet, neighborhood, or spatially related) help fuel their relationship with violence and other alcohol-related harm. PMID:21542932

Dynamic development of the protein corona on silica nanoparticles: composition and role in toxicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mortensen, Ninell P.; Hurst, Gregory B.; Wang, Wei; Foster, Carmen M.; Nallathamby, Prakash D.; Retterer, Scott T.

2013-06-01

The formation and composition of the protein corona on silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NP) with different surface chemistries was evaluated over time. Native SiO2, amine (-NH2) and carboxy (-COO-) modified NP were examined following incubation in mammalian growth media containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 1, 4, 24 and 48 hours. The protein corona transition from its early dynamic state to the later more stable corona was evaluated using mass spectrometry. The NP diameter was 22.4 +/- 2.2 nm measured by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Changes in hydrodynamic diameter and agglomeration kinetics were studied using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The initial surface chemistry of the NP played an important role in the development and final composition of the protein corona, impacting agglomeration kinetics and NP toxicity. Particle toxicity, indicated by changes in membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity, was measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and tetrazolium reduction (MTT), respectively, in mouse alveolar macrophages (RAW264.7) and mouse lung epithelial cells (C10). SiO2-COO- NP had a slower agglomeration rate, formed smaller aggregates, and exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to SiO2 and SiO2-NH2. Composition of the protein corona for each of the three NP was unique, indicating a strong dependence of corona development on NP surface chemistry. This work underscores the need to understand all aspects of NP toxicity, particularly the influence of agglomeration on effective dose and particle size. Furthermore, the interplay between materials and local biological environment is emphasized and highlights the need to conduct toxicity profiling under physiologically relevant conditions that provide an appropriate estimation of material modifications that occur during exposure in natural environments.The formation and composition of the protein corona on silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NP) with different surface chemistries was evaluated over time. Native SiO2, amine (-NH2) and carboxy (-COO-) modified NP were examined following incubation in mammalian growth media containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 1, 4, 24 and 48 hours. The protein corona transition from its early dynamic state to the later more stable corona was evaluated using mass spectrometry. The NP diameter was 22.4 +/- 2.2 nm measured by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Changes in hydrodynamic diameter and agglomeration kinetics were studied using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The initial surface chemistry of the NP played an important role in the development and final composition of the protein corona, impacting agglomeration kinetics and NP toxicity. Particle toxicity, indicated by changes in membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity, was measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and tetrazolium reduction (MTT), respectively, in mouse alveolar macrophages (RAW264.7) and mouse lung epithelial cells (C10). SiO2-COO- NP had a slower agglomeration rate, formed smaller aggregates, and exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to SiO2 and SiO2-NH2. Composition of the protein corona for each of the three NP was unique, indicating a strong dependence of corona development on NP surface chemistry. This work underscores the need to understand all aspects of NP toxicity, particularly the influence of agglomeration on effective dose and particle size. Furthermore, the interplay between materials and local biological environment is emphasized and highlights the need to conduct toxicity profiling under physiologically relevant conditions that provide an appropriate estimation of material modifications that occur during exposure in natural environments. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr33280b

Influence of pH and media composition on suspension stability of silver, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles and immobilization of Daphnia magna under guideline testing conditions.

PubMed

Cupi, Denisa; Hartmann, Nanna B; Baun, Anders

2016-05-01

In aquatic toxicity testing of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) the process of agglomeration is very important as it may alter bioavailability and toxicity. In the present study, we aimed to identify test conditions that are favorable for maintaining stable ENP suspensions. We evaluated the influence of key environmental parameters: pH (2-12) and ionic strength using M7, Soft EPA (S EPA) medium, and Very Soft EPA (VS EPA) medium; and observed the influence of these parameters on zeta potential, zeta average, and acute immobilization of Daphnia magna for three different ENPs. Despite being sterically stabilized, test suspensions of silver (Ag) ENPs formed large agglomerates in both VS EPA and M7 media; and toxicity was found to be higher in VS EPA medium due to increased dissolution. Low-agglomerate suspensions for zinc oxide (ZnO) could be obtained at pH 7 in VS EPA medium, but the increase in dissolution caused higher toxicity than in M7 medium. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) ENPs had a point of zero charge in the range of pH 7-8. At pH 7 in VS EPA, agglomerates with smaller hydrodynamic diameters (~200nm) were present compared to the high ionic strength M7 medium where hydrodynamic diameters reached micrometer range. The stable suspensions of TiO2 ENPs caused immobilization of D. magna, 48-h EC50 value of 13.7mgL(-1) (95% CI, 2.4mg-79.1mgL(-1)); whereas no toxicity was seen in the unstable, highly agglomerated M7 medium suspensions, 48-h EC50 >100mgL(-1). The current study provides a preliminary approach for methodology in testing and assessing stability and toxicity of ENPs in aquatic toxicity tests of regulatory relevance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Impact of anthropogenic heat release on regional climate in three vast urban agglomerations in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Jinming; Wang, Jun; Yan, Zhongwei

2014-03-01

We simulated the impact of anthropogenic heat release (AHR) on the regional climate in three vast city agglomerations in China using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with nested high-resolution modeling. Based on energy consumption and high-quality land use data, we designed two scenarios to represent no-AHR and current-AHR conditions. By comparing the results of the two numerical experiments, changes of surface air temperature and precipitation due to AHR were quantified and analyzed. We concluded that AHR increases the temperature in these urbanized areas by about 0.5°C—1°C, and this increase is more pronounced in winter than in other seasons. The inclusion of AHR enhances the convergence of water vapor over urbanized areas. Together with the warming of the lower troposphere and the enhancement of ascending motions caused by AHR, the average convective available potential energy in urbanized areas is increased. Rainfall amounts in summer over urbanized areas are likely to increase and regional precipitation patterns to be altered to some extent.

Fabrication of band gap engineered nanostructured tri-metallic (Mn-Co-Ti) oxide thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansoor, Muhammad Adil; Yusof, Farazila Binti; Nay-Ming, Huang

2018-04-01

In continuation of our previous studies on photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of titanium based composite oxide thin films, an effort is made to develop thin films of 1:1:2 manganese-cobalt-titanium oxide composite, Mn2O3-Co2O3-4TiO2 (MCT), using Co(OAc)2 and a bimetallic manganese-titanium complex, [Mn2Ti4(TFA)8(THF)6(OH)4(O)2].0.4THF (1), where OAc = acetato, TFA = trifluoroacetato and THF = tetrahydrofuran, via aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopic analyses confirmed formation of thin film of Mn2O3-Co2O3-4TiO2 composite material with uniformly distributed agglomerated particles. The average size of 39.5 nm, of the particles embedded inside agglomerates, was estimated by Scherer's equation. Further, UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to estimate the band gap of 2.62 eV for MCT composite thin film.

Laboratory observations of artificial sand and oil agglomerates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jenkins, Robert L.; Dalyander, P. Soupy; Penko, Allison; Long, Joseph W.

2018-04-27

Sand and oil agglomerates (SOAs) form when weathered oil reaches the surf zone and combines with suspended sediments. The presence of large SOAs in the form of thick mats (up to 10 centimeters [cm] in height and up to 10 square meters [m2] in area) and smaller SOAs, sometimes referred to as surface residual balls (SRBs), may lead to the re-oiling of beaches previously affected by an oil spill. A limited number of numerical modeling and field studies exist on the transport and dynamics of centimeter-scale SOAs and their interaction with the sea floor. Numerical models used to study SOAs have relied on shear-stress formulations to predict incipient motion. However, uncertainty exists as to the accuracy of applying these formulations, originally developed for sand grains in a uniformly sorted sediment bed, to larger, nonspherical SOAs. In the current effort, artificial sand and oil agglomerates (aSOAs) created with the size, density, and shape characteristics of SOAs were studied in a small-oscillatory flow tunnel. These experiments expanded the available data on SOA motion and interaction with the sea floor and were used to examine the applicability of shear-stress formulations to predict SOA mobility. Data collected during these two sets of experiments, including photographs, video, and flow velocity, are presented in this report, along with an analysis of shear-stress-based formulations for incipient motion. The results showed that shear-stress thresholds for typical quartz sand predicted the incipient motion of aSOAs with 0.5–1.0-cm diameters, but were inaccurate for aSOAs with larger diameters (>2.5 cm). This finding implies that modified parameterizations of incipient motion may be necessary under certain combinations of aSOA characteristics and environmental conditions.

Coal recovery process

DOEpatents

Good, Robert J.; Badgujar, Mohan

1992-01-01

A method for the beneficiation of coal by selective agglomeration and the beneficiated coal product thereof is disclosed wherein coal, comprising impurities, is comminuted to a particle size sufficient to allow impurities contained therein to disperse in water, an aqueous slurry is formed with the comminuted coal particles, treated with a compound, such as a polysaccharide and/or disaccharide, to increase the relative hydrophilicity of hydrophilic components, and thereafter the slurry is treated with sufficient liquid agglomerant to form a coagulum comprising reduced impurity coal.

Apparatus and process for controlling fluidized beds

DOEpatents

Rehmat, Amirali G.; Patel, Jitendra G.

1985-10-01

An apparatus and process for control and maintenance of fluidized beds under non-steady state conditions. An ash removal conduit is provided for removing solid particulates from a fluidized bed separate from an ash discharge conduit in the lower portion of the grate supporting such a bed. The apparatus and process of this invention is particularly suitable for use in ash agglomerating fluidized beds and provides control of the fluidized bed before ash agglomeration is initiated and during upset conditions resulting in stable, sinter-free fluidized bed maintenance.

Apparatus for controlling fluidized beds

DOEpatents

Rehmat, Amirali G.; Patel, Jitendra G.

1987-05-12

An apparatus and process for control and maintenance of fluidized beds under non-steady state conditions. An ash removal conduit is provided for removing solid particulates from a fluidized bed separate from an ash discharge conduit in the lower portion of the grate supporting such a bed. The apparatus and process of this invention is particularly suitable for use in ash agglomerating fluidized beds and provides control of the fluidized bed before ash agglomeration is initiated and during upset conditions resulting in stable, sinter-free fluidized bed maintenance.

Characterization of silver nanoparticles using flow-field flow fractionation interfaced to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Poda, A R; Bednar, A J; Kennedy, A J; Harmon, A; Hull, M; Mitrano, D M; Ranville, J F; Steevens, J

2011-07-08

The ability to detect and identify the physiochemical form of contaminants in the environment is important for degradation, fate and transport, and toxicity studies. This is particularly true of nanomaterials that exist as discrete particles rather than dissolved or sorbed contaminant molecules in the environment. Nanoparticles will tend to agglomerate or dissolve, based on solution chemistry, which will drastically affect their environmental properties. The current study investigates the use of field flow fractionation (FFF) interfaced to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) as a sensitive and selective method for detection and characterization of silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used to verify the morphology and primary particle size and size distribution of precisely engineered silver nanoparticles. Subsequently, the hydrodynamic size measurements by FFF are compared to dynamic light scattering (DLS) to verify the accuracy of the size determination. Additionally, the sensitivity of the ICP-MS detector is demonstrated by fractionation of μg/L concentrations of mixed silver nanoparticle standards. The technique has been applied to nanoparticle suspensions prior to use in toxicity studies, and post-exposure biological tissue analysis. Silver nanoparticles extracted from tissues of the sediment-dwelling, freshwater oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus increased in size from approximately 31-46nm, indicating a significant change in the nanoparticle characteristics during exposure. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Investigation of magnetic microdiscs for bacterial pathogen detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castillo-Torres, Keisha Y.; Garraud, Nicolas; Arnold, David P.; McLamore, Eric S.

2016-05-01

Despite strict regulations to control the presence of human pathogens in our food supply, recent foodborne outbreaks have heightened public concern about food safety and created urgency to improve methods for pathogen detection. Herein we explore a potentially portable, low-cost system that uses magnetic microdiscs for the detection of bacterial pathogens in liquid samples. The system operates by optically measuring the rotational dynamics of suspended magnetic microdiscs functionalized with pathogen-binding aptamers. The soft ferromagnetic (Ni80Fe20) microdiscs exhibit a closed magnetic spin arrangement (i.e. spin vortex) with zero magnetic stray field, leading to no disc agglomeration when in free suspension. With very high surface area for functionalization and volumes 10,000x larger than commonly used superparamagnetic nanoparticles, these 1.5-μm-diameter microdiscs are well suited for tagging, trapping, actuating, or interrogating bacterial targets. This work reports a wafer-level microfabrication process for fabrication of 600 million magnetic microdiscs per substrate and measurement of their rotational dynamics response. Additionally, the biofunctionalization of the microdiscs with DNA aptamers, subsequent binding to E. coli bacteria, and their magnetic manipulation is reported.

Improvement of a device for detection and characterization of certain atmospheric pollutants. Final report. Perfectionnement d'un appareillage de detection et de caracterisation de certains pollutants atmospheriques

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tesseyre, Y.

The study allowed development of an original measuring system for mobility, involving simultaneously a repulsive electrical field and a continuous gas flow. It made it possible to define a model to calculate ionic transparency of grates, taking into account electrical fields below and above them, ion mobility, speed of gas flow and geometric transparency. Calculation of the electrical field proceeded in a plane-plane system, taking into account the space load and diffusion; a graphic method was developed to determine the field, thus avoiding numerical integration of the diffusion equation. The tracings of the mobility spectra obtained in different gases mademore » it possible to determine characteristic discrete mobility values comparable to those observed by other more sophisticated systems for measuring mobilities, such as the flight time systems. Detection of pollutants in weak concentration in dry air was shown. However, the presence of water vapor in the air forms agglomerates around the ions formed, reducing resolution of the system and making it less applicable under normal atmospheric conditions.« less

Predictive modeling of crystal accumulation in high-level waste glass melters processing radioactive waste

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matyáš, Josef; Gervasio, Vivianaluxa; Sannoh, Sulaiman E.

The effectiveness of HLW vitrification is limited by precipitation/accumulation of spinel crystals [(Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn)(Fe, Cr)2O4] in the glass discharge riser of Joule-heated ceramic melters during idling. These crystals do not affect glass durability; however, if accumulated in thick layer, they can clog the melter and prevent discharge of molten glass into canisters. To address this problem, an empirical model was developed that can predict thicknesses of accumulated layers as a function of glass composition. This model predicts well the accumulation of single crystals and/or small-scale agglomerates, but, excessive agglomeration observed in high-Ni-Fe glass resulted in an under-prediction ofmore » accumulated layers, which gradually worsen over time as an increased number of agglomerates formed. Accumulation rate of ~53.8 ± 3.7 µm/h determined for this glass will result in ~26 mm thick layer in 20 days of melter idling.« less

Oriented nanofibers embedded in a polymer matrix

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barrera, Enrique V. (Inventor); Lozano, Karen (Inventor); Rodriguez-Macias, Fernando J. (Inventor); Chibante, Luis Paulo Felipe (Inventor); Stewart, David Harris (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A method of forming a composite of embedded nanofibers in a polymer matrix is disclosed. The method includes incorporating nanofibers in a plastic matrix forming agglomerates, and uniformly distributing the nanofibers by exposing the agglomerates to hydrodynamic stresses. The hydrodynamic said stresses force the agglomerates to break apart. In combination or additionally elongational flow is used to achieve small diameters and alignment. A nanofiber reinforced polymer composite system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of nanofibers that are embedded in polymer matrices in micron size fibers. A method for producing nanotube continuous fibers is disclosed. Nanofibers are fibrils with diameters of 100 nm, multiwall nanotubes, single wall nanotubes and their various functionalized and derivatized forms. The method includes mixing a nanofiber in a polymer; and inducing an orientation of the nanofibers that enables the nanofibers to be used to enhance mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. Orientation is induced by high shear mixing and elongational flow, singly or in combination. The polymer may be removed from said nanofibers, leaving micron size fibers of aligned nanofibers.

Predictive modeling of crystal accumulation in high-level waste glass melters processing radioactive waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matyáš, Josef; Gervasio, Vivianaluxa; Sannoh, Sulaiman E.; Kruger, Albert A.

2017-11-01

The effectiveness of high-level waste vitrification at Hanford's Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant may be limited by precipitation/accumulation of spinel crystals [(Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn)(Fe, Cr)2O4] in the glass discharge riser of Joule-heated ceramic melters during idling. These crystals do not affect glass durability; however, if accumulated in thick layers, they can clog the melter and prevent discharge of molten glass into canisters. To address this problem, an empirical model was developed that can predict thicknesses of accumulated layers as a function of glass composition. This model predicts well the accumulation of single crystals and/or small-scale agglomerates, but excessive agglomeration observed in high-Ni-Fe glass resulted in an underprediction of accumulated layers, which gradually worsened over time as an increased number of agglomerates formed. The accumulation rate of ∼53.8 ± 3.7 μm/h determined for this glass will result in a ∼26 mm-thick layer after 20 days of melter idling.

Industry in motion: using smart phones to explore the spatial network of the garment industry in New York City.

PubMed

Williams, Sarah; Currid-Halkett, Elizabeth

2014-01-01

Industrial agglomerations have long been thought to offer economic and social benefits to firms and people that are only captured by location within their specified geographies. Using the case study of New York City's garment industry along with data acquired from cell phones and social media, this study set out to understand the discrete activities underpinning the economic dynamics of an industrial agglomeration. Over a two week period, data was collected by employing the geolocative capabilities of Foursquare, a social media application, to record every movement of fashion workers employed at fashion design firms located both inside and outside the geographical boundaries of New York City's Garment District. This unique method of studying worker activity exposed the day-to-day dynamics of an industrial district with a precision thus far undocumented in literature. Our work suggests that having access to the cluster provides almost the same agglomeration economies as residing within its borders.

Composition analysis of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell microporous layer using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, Michael G.; Wang, Jian; Banerjee, Rupak; Bazylak, Aimy

2016-03-01

The novel application of scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) to the microporous layer (MPL) of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is investigated. A spatially resolved chemical component distribution map is obtained for the MPL of a commercially available SGL 25 BC sample. This is achieved with near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopic analysis. Prior to analysis the sample is embedded in non-reactive epoxy and ultra-microtomed to a thickness of 100 nm. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), carbon particle agglomerates, and supporting epoxy resin distributions are identified and reconstructed for a scanning area of 6 μm × 6 μm. It is observed that the spatial distribution of PTFE is strongly correlated to the carbon particle agglomerations. Additionally, agglomerate structures of PTFE are identified, possibly indicating the presence of a unique mesostructure in the MPL. STXM analysis is presented as a useful technique for the investigation of chemical species distributions in the MPL.

Characterization of Combustion and Emission of Several Kinds of Herbaceous Biomass Pellets in a Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, S. Y.; Teng, H. P.; Jiao, W. H.; Shang, L. L.; Lu, Q. G.

Characterizations of combustion and emission of four kinds of herbaceous biomass pellets were investigated in a 0.15 MWt circulating fluidized bed. Corn stalk, wheat stalk, cotton stalk and king grass, which are typical herbaceous biomass in China, were chosen for this study. Temperature profile, emission in flue gas and agglomeration were studied by changing the combustion temperature between 750°C and 880°C. The combustion efficiencies are in the range from 97.4% to 99.4%, which are relatively high due to the homogeneous temperature profiles and good circulating fluidization of bed material. Suitable combustion temperatures for the different herbaceous biomass are mainly depended on the emission and bed agglomeration. SO2 and HCl concentrations in flue gas are in direct proportion to the sulfur and chlorine contents of the herbaceous biomass. Agglomeration at the cyclone leg and the loop seal is the main reason for defluidization in the CFB combustor.

A prediction model for the effective thermal conductivity of nanofluids considering agglomeration and the radial distribution function of nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Z. M.; Wang, B.

2018-06-01

Conventional heat transfer fluids usually have low thermal conductivity, limiting their efficiency in many applications. Many experiments have shown that adding nanosize solid particles to conventional fluids can greatly enhance their thermal conductivity. To explain this anomalous phenomenon, many theoretical investigations have been conducted in recent years. Some of this research has indicated that the particle agglomeration effect that commonly occurs in nanofluids should play an important role in such enhancement of the thermal conductivity, while some have shown that the enhancement of the effective thermal conductivity might be accounted for by the structure of nanofluids, which can be described using the radial distribution function of particles. However, theoretical predictions from these studies are not in very good agreement with experimental results. This paper proposes a prediction model for the effective thermal conductivity of nanofluids, considering both the agglomeration effect and the radial distribution function of nanoparticles. The resulting theoretical predictions for several sets of nanofluids are highly consistent with experimental data.

The problem of iron partition between Earth and Moon during simultaneous formation as a double planet system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cassidy, W. A.

1984-01-01

A planetary model is described which requires fractional vapor/liquid condensation, planet accumulation during condensation, a late start for accumulation of the Moon, and volatile accretion to the surfaces of each planet only near the end of the accumulation process. In the model, initial accumulation of small objects is helped if the agglomerating particles are somewhat sticky. Assuming that growth proceeds through this range, agglomeration continues. If the reservoir of vapor is being preferentially depleted in iron by fractional condensation, an iron-rich planetary core forms. As the temperature decreases, condensing material becomes progressively richer in silicates and poorer in iron, forming the silicate-rich mantle of an already differentiated Earth. A second center of agglomeration successfully forms near the growing Earth after most of the iron in the reservoir has been used up. The bulk composition of the Moon then is similar to the outer mantle of the accumulating Earth.

Industry in Motion: Using Smart Phones to Explore the Spatial Network of the Garment Industry in New York City

PubMed Central

Williams, Sarah; Currid-Halkett, Elizabeth

2014-01-01

Industrial agglomerations have long been thought to offer economic and social benefits to firms and people that are only captured by location within their specified geographies. Using the case study of New York City’s garment industry along with data acquired from cell phones and social media, this study set out to understand the discrete activities underpinning the economic dynamics of an industrial agglomeration. Over a two week period, data was collected by employing the geo-locative capabilities of Foursquare, a social media application, to record every movement of fashion workers employed at fashion design firms located both inside and outside the geographical boundaries of New York City’s Garment District. This unique method of studying worker activity exposed the day-to-day dynamics of an industrial district with a precision thus far undocumented in literature. Our work suggests that having access to the cluster provides almost the same agglomeration economies as residing within its borders. PMID:24505256

Flue Dust Agglomeration in the Secondary Lead Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwitzgebel, Klaus

1981-01-01

A secondary lead smelter produces several tons of bag-house dust a day. Appropriate handling of this dust is mandatory to meet the proposed OSHA and EPA workroom and ambient standards. Dust agglomeration proved a successful approach. Dusts with a high concentration of PbCl2, or compounds containing PbCl2 can be agglomerated at much lower temperatures than samples with low PbCl2 concentrations. The chlorine sources are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) battery plate separators. Since PVC is used in Europe to a much greater extent than in the U.S., the composition of feedstock must be considered in equipment selection at U.S. secondary smelters. The vapor pressure characteristics of PbCl2 favor its evaporation at blast furnace temperatures. Condensation occurs in the gas cooling system. Recycling of baghouse dust leads to a buildup of PbCl2 in the smelter. Its removal from the system is eventually necessary through leaching, if charges with a high PVC content are processed.

Study of composition change and agglomeration of flue gas cleaning residue from a fluidized bed waste incinerator.

PubMed

Lievens, P; Verbinnen, B; Bollaert, P; Alderweireldt, N; Mertens, G; Elsen, J; Vandecasteele, C

2011-10-01

Blocking of the collection hoppers of the baghouse filters in a fluidized bed incinerator for co-incineration of high calorific industrial solid waste and sludge was observed. The composition of the flue gas cleaning residue (FGCR), both from a blocked hopper and from a normal hopper, was investigated by (differential) thermogravimetric analysis, quantitative X-ray powder diffraction and wet chemical analysis. The lower elemental carbon concentration and the higher calcium carbonate concentration of the agglomerated sample was the result of oxidation of carbon and subsequent reaction of CO2 with CaO. The evolved heat causes a temperature increase, with the decomposition of CaOHCl as a consequence. The formation of calcite and calcium chloride and the evolution of heat caused agglomeration of the FGCR. Activated lignite coke was replaced by another adsorption agent with less carbon, so the auto-ignition temperature increased; since then no further block formation has occurred.

Studies on the relation between the size and dispersion of metallic silver nanoparticles and morphologies of initial silver(I) coordination polymer precursor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moradi, Zhaleh; Akhbari, Kamran; Phuruangrat, Anukorn; Costantino, Ferdinando

2017-04-01

Micro and nano-structures of [Ag2(μ2-dcpa)2]n (1), [Hdcpa = 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid] which is a one-dimensional coordination polymer with corrugated tape chains, were synthesized as the bulk sample (1B), by sonochemical process (1S) and from mechanochemical reaction (1M). These three samples have been used as new precursors for fabricating silver nanoparticles via direct calcination at 300 °C and also thermal decomposition in oleic acid (OA) as a surfactant at 180 °C. In the presence of OA less agglomerated nanostructures were formed. It seems that the size, dispersion, morphology and agglomeration of initial precursor have direct influence on size, dispersion, morphology and agglomeration of metallic silver. This coordination polymer with various micro and nano morphologies were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal stability of these samples were studied and compared with each other, too.

Multiscale dispersion-state characterization of nanocomposites using optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Schneider, Simon; Eppler, Florian; Weber, Marco; Olowojoba, Ganiu; Weiss, Patrick; Hübner, Christof; Mikonsaari, Irma; Freude, Wolfgang; Koos, Christian

2016-01-01

Nanocomposite materials represent a success story of nanotechnology. However, development of nanomaterial fabrication still suffers from the lack of adequate analysis tools. In particular, achieving and maintaining well-dispersed particle distributions is a key challenge, both in material development and industrial production. Conventional methods like optical or electron microscopy need laborious, costly sample preparation and do not permit fast extraction of nanoscale structural information from statistically relevant sample volumes. Here we show that optical coherence tomography (OCT) represents a versatile tool for nanomaterial characterization, both in a laboratory and in a production environment. The technique does not require sample preparation and is applicable to a wide range of solid and liquid material systems. Large particle agglomerates can be directly found by OCT imaging, whereas dispersed nanoparticles are detected by model-based analysis of depth-dependent backscattering. Using a model system of polystyrene nanoparticles, we demonstrate nanoparticle sizing with high accuracy. We further prove the viability of the approach by characterizing highly relevant material systems based on nanoclays or carbon nanotubes. The technique is perfectly suited for in-line metrology in a production environment, which is demonstrated using a state-of-the-art compounding extruder. These experiments represent the first demonstration of multiscale nanomaterial characterization using OCT. PMID:27557544

Multiscale dispersion-state characterization of nanocomposites using optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Schneider, Simon; Eppler, Florian; Weber, Marco; Olowojoba, Ganiu; Weiss, Patrick; Hübner, Christof; Mikonsaari, Irma; Freude, Wolfgang; Koos, Christian

2016-08-25

Nanocomposite materials represent a success story of nanotechnology. However, development of nanomaterial fabrication still suffers from the lack of adequate analysis tools. In particular, achieving and maintaining well-dispersed particle distributions is a key challenge, both in material development and industrial production. Conventional methods like optical or electron microscopy need laborious, costly sample preparation and do not permit fast extraction of nanoscale structural information from statistically relevant sample volumes. Here we show that optical coherence tomography (OCT) represents a versatile tool for nanomaterial characterization, both in a laboratory and in a production environment. The technique does not require sample preparation and is applicable to a wide range of solid and liquid material systems. Large particle agglomerates can be directly found by OCT imaging, whereas dispersed nanoparticles are detected by model-based analysis of depth-dependent backscattering. Using a model system of polystyrene nanoparticles, we demonstrate nanoparticle sizing with high accuracy. We further prove the viability of the approach by characterizing highly relevant material systems based on nanoclays or carbon nanotubes. The technique is perfectly suited for in-line metrology in a production environment, which is demonstrated using a state-of-the-art compounding extruder. These experiments represent the first demonstration of multiscale nanomaterial characterization using OCT.

Graphene quantum dots, graphene oxide, carbon quantum dots and graphite nanocrystals in coals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Yongqiang; Lin, Jianpeng; Chen, Yingmei; Fu, Fengfu; Chi, Yuwu; Chen, Guonan

2014-06-01

Six coal samples of different ranks have been used to prepare single-layer graphene quantum dots (S-GQDs). After chemical oxidation and a series of centrifugation separation, every coal could be treated into two fractions, namely, CoalA and CoalB. According to the characterization results of TEM, AFM, XRD, Raman and FTIR, CoalA was revealed to be mainly composed of S-GQDs, which have an average height of about 0.5 nm and an average plane dimension of about 10 nm. The obtained S-GQDs showed excitation-dependent fluorescence and excellent electrochemiluminescence. CoalB was found to be some other carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs), including agglomerated GQDs, graphene oxide, carbon quantum dots and agglomerated carbon nanocrystals. Generally, low-ranked coals might be more suitable for the preparation of S-GQDs. The production yield of S-GQDs from the six investigated coals decreased from 56.30% to 14.66% when the coal rank increased gradually. In contrast, high-ranked coals had high production yield of CoalB and might be more suitable for preparing other CNMs that were contained in CoalB, although those CNMs were difficult to separate from each other in our experiment.Six coal samples of different ranks have been used to prepare single-layer graphene quantum dots (S-GQDs). After chemical oxidation and a series of centrifugation separation, every coal could be treated into two fractions, namely, CoalA and CoalB. According to the characterization results of TEM, AFM, XRD, Raman and FTIR, CoalA was revealed to be mainly composed of S-GQDs, which have an average height of about 0.5 nm and an average plane dimension of about 10 nm. The obtained S-GQDs showed excitation-dependent fluorescence and excellent electrochemiluminescence. CoalB was found to be some other carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs), including agglomerated GQDs, graphene oxide, carbon quantum dots and agglomerated carbon nanocrystals. Generally, low-ranked coals might be more suitable for the preparation of S-GQDs. The production yield of S-GQDs from the six investigated coals decreased from 56.30% to 14.66% when the coal rank increased gradually. In contrast, high-ranked coals had high production yield of CoalB and might be more suitable for preparing other CNMs that were contained in CoalB, although those CNMs were difficult to separate from each other in our experiment. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Elemental analysis results of coal samples, FTIR spectra of CoalA and CoalB, ECL responses of CoalA/S2O82-. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr01482k

Spherical crystallization: A technique use to reform solubility and flow property of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Arindam; Gupta, Madan Mohan; Srivastava, Birendra

2017-01-01

Tablets have been choice of manufacturers over the years due to their comparatively low cost of manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and ease of administration; also have better stability and can be considered virtually tamper proof. A major challenge in formulation development of the tablets extends from lower solubility of the active agent to the elaborated manufacturing procedures for obtaining a compressible granular material. Moreover, the validation and documentation increases, as the numbers of steps increases for an industrially acceptable granulation process. Spherical crystallization (SC) is a promising technique, which encompass the crystallization, agglomeration, and spheronization phenomenon in a single step. Initially, two methods, spherical agglomeration, and emulsion solvent diffusion, were suggested to get a desired result. Later on, the introduction of modified methods such as crystallo-co-agglomeration, ammonia diffusion system, and neutralization techniques overcame the limitations of the older techniques. Under controlled conditions such as solvent composition, mixing rate and temperature, spherical dense agglomerates cluster from particles. Application of the SC technique includes production of compacted spherical particles of drug having improved uniformity in shape and size of particles, good bulk density, better flow properties as well as better solubility so SC when used on commercial scale will bring down the production costs of pharmaceutical tablet and will increase revenue for the pharmaceutical industries in the competitive market. This review summarizes the technologies available for SC and also suggests the parameters for evaluation of a viable product.

The effect of cyclodextrin on both the agglomeration and the in vitro characteristics of drug loaded and targeted silica nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khattabi, Areen M.; Alqdeimat, Diala A.

2018-02-01

One of the problems in the use of nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers in drug delivery systems is their agglomeration which mainly appears due to their high surface energy. This results in formation of NPs with different sizes leading to differences in their distribution and bioavailability. The surface coating of NPs with certain compounds can be used to prevent or minimize this problem. In this study, the effect of cyclodextrin (CD) on the agglomeration state and hence on the in vitro characteristics of drug loaded and targeted silica NPs was investigated. A sample of NPs was loaded with anticancer agents, then modified with a long polymer, carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CM-β-CD) and folic acid (FA), respectively. Another sample was modified similarly but without CD. The surface modification was characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The polydispersity (PD) was measured using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and was found to be smaller for CD modified NPs. The results of the in vitro drug release showed that the release rate from both samples exhibited similar pattern for the first 5 hours, however the rate was faster from CD modified NPs after 24 hours. The in vitro cell viability assay confirmed that CD modified NPs were about 30% more toxic to HeLa cells. These findings suggest that CD has a clear effect in minimizing the agglomeration of such modified silica NPs, accelerating their drug release rate and enhancing their targeting effect.

Mineralogy and textures of riebeckitic asbestos (crocidolite): The role of single versus agglomerated fibres in toxicological experiments.

PubMed

Yao, Seydou; Iezzi, Gianluca; Della Ventura, Giancarlo; Bellatreccia, Fabio; Petibois, Cyril; Marcelli, Augusto; Nazzari, Manuela; Lazzarin, Francesco; Di Gioacchino, Mario; Petrarca, Claudia

2017-10-15

Asbestos may cause adverse effects, but relationship between mineralogy and texture of fibres versus toxicity is still lacking. Toxicological studies can be interpreted and compared only if quantitative features of fibres are determined. Here, riebeckitic ("crocidolite") amphibole fibres were analysed by XRPD, FTIR, SEM-EDS and EMP-WDS; only crystals with stochiometry A□B Na 2 C (Fe 2+ 2.5 Mg 0.5 ) C Fe 3+ 2 T Si 8 O 22 W (OH) 2 are present in the starting material used for the experiments. Fibres deposited from solutions of 0.1, 1, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100mg/L were counted by image analysis using SEM images. At 0.1 and 1mg/L the fibres are well separated, whereas between 1 and 10mg/L they start to agglomerate. In-vitro tests performed on fibres deposited at the same mg/L concentrations show that the toxic potential follows a curvilinear increasing trend with a decreasing rate. Since the range of sizes of single fibres and their mineralogy are constant, this decreasing rate can be only attributed to the increasing amount of agglomerated fibres. Hence, single versus agglomerated fibre population is a factor that cannot be neglected in defining the final adverse effects of asbestos. The analytical protocol proposed here is valuable for any aero-dispersed dust, in polluted environments, as well as in the interpretation of experimental studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of optical and electronic properties of silicon nano-agglomerates embedded in SRO: applying density functional theory

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

In systems in atomic scale and nanoscale such as clusters or agglomerates constituted by particles from a few to less than 100 atoms, quantum confinement effects are very important. Their optical and electronic properties are often dependent on the size of the systems and the way in which the atoms in these clusters are bonded. Generally, these nanostructures display optical and electronic properties significantly different to those found in corresponding bulk materials. Silicon agglomerates embedded in silicon rich oxide (SRO) films have optical properties, which have been reported to be directly dependent on silicon nanocrystal size. Furthermore, the room temperature photoluminescence (PL) of SRO has repeatedly generated a huge interest due to its possible applications in optoelectronic devices. However, a plausible emission mechanism has not been widely accepted in the scientific community. In this work, we present a short review about the experimental results on silicon nanoclusters in SRO considering different techniques of growth. We focus mainly on their size, Raman spectra, and photoluminescence spectra. With this as background, we employed the density functional theory with a functional B3LYP and a basis set 6-31G* to calculate the optical and electronic properties of clusters of silicon (constituted by 15 to 20 silicon atoms). With the theoretical calculation of the structural and optical properties of silicon clusters, it is possible to evaluate the contribution of silicon agglomerates in the luminescent emission mechanism, experimentally found in thin SRO films. PMID:25276105

The role of interstitial binding in radiation induced segregation in W-Re alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gharaee, Leili; Marian, Jaime; Erhart, Paul

2016-07-01

Due to their high strength and advantageous high-temperature properties, tungsten-based alloys are being considered as plasma-facing candidate materials in fusion devices. Under neutron irradiation, rhenium, which is produced by nuclear transmutation, has been found to precipitate in elongated precipitates forming thermodynamic intermetallic phases at concentrations well below the solubility limit. Recent measurements have shown that Re precipitation can lead to substantial hardening, which may have a detrimental effect on the fracture toughness of W alloys. This puzzle of sub-solubility precipitation points to the role played by irradiation induced defects, specifically mixed solute-W interstitials. Here, using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory, we study the energetics of mixed interstitial defects in W-Re, W-V, and W-Ti alloys, as well as the heat of mixing for each substitutional solute. We find that mixed interstitials in all systems are strongly attracted to each other with binding energies of -2.4 to -3.2 eV and form interstitial pairs that are aligned along parallel first-neighbor <111 > strings. Low barriers for defect translation and rotation enable defect agglomeration and alignment even at moderate temperatures. We propose that these elongated agglomerates of mixed-interstitials may act as precursors for the formation of needle-shaped intermetallic precipitates. This interstitial-based mechanism is not limited to radiation induced segregation and precipitation in W-Re alloys but is also applicable to other body-centered cubic alloys.

Morphology of single inhalable particle in the air polluted city of Shijiazhuang, China.

PubMed

Wang, Zanhong; Zhang, Lingzhi; Zhang, Yuliang; Zhao, Zhou; Zhang, Sumin

2008-01-01

In the typical air polluted city of Shijiazhuang, single inhalable particle samples in non-heating period, heating period, dust storm days, and snowy days were collected and detected by SEM/EDS (scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry). The particle morphology was characterized by the 6 shape clusters, which are: irregular square, agglomerate, sphere, floccule, column or stick, and unknown, by quantitative order. The irregular square particles are common in all kinds of samples; sphere particles are more, and column or stick are less in winter samples; in the wet deposit samples, agglomerate and floccule particles are not found. The surface of most particles is coarse with fractal edge, which can provide suitable chemical reaction bed in the polluted atmospheric environment. New formed calcium crystal is found to demonstrate the existence of neutralized reaction, explaining the reason for the high SO2 emission and low acid rain frequency in Shijiazhuang. The three sorts of surface patterns of spheres are smooth, semi-smooth, and coarse, corresponding to the element of Si-dominant, Si-Al-dominant, and Fe-dominant. The soot particle is present as floccule with average size around 10 microm, considerably larger than the former reported results, but wrapped or captured with other fine particles to make its appearance unique and enhance its toxicity potentially. The new formed calcium crystal, the 3 sorts of sphere surface patterns, and the unique soot appearance represent the single inhalable particle's morphology characteristics in Shijiazhuang City.

FIB-SEM imaging of carbon nanotubes in mouse lung tissue.

PubMed

Købler, Carsten; Saber, Anne Thoustrup; Jacobsen, Nicklas Raun; Wallin, Håkan; Vogel, Ulla; Qvortrup, Klaus; Mølhave, Kristian

2014-06-01

Ultrastructural characterisation is important for understanding carbon nanotube (CNT) toxicity and how the CNTs interact with cells and tissues. The standard method for this involves using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). However, in particular, the sample preparation, using a microtome to cut thin sample sections for TEM, can be challenging for investigation of regions with agglomerations of large and stiff CNTs because the CNTs cut with difficulty. As a consequence, the sectioning diamond knife may be damaged and the uncut CNTs are left protruding from the embedded block surface excluding them from TEM analysis. To provide an alternative to ultramicrotomy and subsequent TEM imaging, we studied focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) of CNTs in the lungs of mice, and we evaluated the applicability of the method compared to TEM. FIB-SEM can provide serial section volume imaging not easily obtained with TEM, but it is time-consuming to locate CNTs in the tissue. We demonstrate that protruding CNTs after ultramicrotomy can be used to locate the region of interest, and we present FIB-SEM images of CNTs in lung tissue. FIB-SEM imaging was applied to lung tissue from mice which had been intratracheally instilled with two different multiwalled CNTs; one being short and thin, and the other longer and thicker. FIB-SEM was found to be most suitable for detection of the large CNTs (Ø ca. 70 nm), and to be well suited for studying CNT agglomerates in biological samples which is challenging using standard TEM techniques.

Algae and their biodegradation effects on building materials in the Ostrava industrial agglomeration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vojtková, H.

2017-10-01

Microorganisms cause changes in the building stone, which reduce its usable life and reliability. Microalgae make important parts of the biodegradation consortia of microorganisms on the surface of building materials. Via their metabolites, microalgae affect the stability of mineral components and thus lead to the material destruction. The aim of the paper was to identify aerophytic microalgae on the surface of engineering structures in the Ostrava agglomeration, and to describe the basic interactions between such microorganisms and the building materials, which may lead to the destruction of the materials.

Removing micron size particles from coal liquids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodgers, B.R.; Westmoreland, P.R.

This paper reports results of an investigation which was undertaken in order to improve purification of liquid fuels obtained by coal liquefaction processes. It is shown that settling and filtration rates increased substantially after agglomeration. And, ground coal was found to be an economical substitute for diatomaceous earth in filtration. The effects of certain solvents on the agglomerating tendencies of solids in the unfiltered oil (UFO) from the SRC and COED processes were determined by oil immersion microscopy. The significant results obtained by these experiments are listed. Economic advantages are presented. 13 references.

Apparatus for controlling fluidized beds

DOEpatents

Rehmat, A.G.; Patel, J.G.

1987-05-12

An apparatus and process are disclosed for control and maintenance of fluidized beds under non-steady state conditions. An ash removal conduit is provided for removing solid particulates from a fluidized bed separate from an ash discharge conduit in the lower portion of the grate supporting such a bed. The apparatus and process of this invention is particularly suitable for use in ash agglomerating fluidized beds and provides control of the fluidized bed before ash agglomeration is initiated and during upset conditions resulting in stable, sinter-free fluidized bed maintenance. 2 figs.

Smog episodes in the Lodz agglomeration in the years 2014-17

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wielgosiński, Grzegorz; Czerwińska, Justyna; Namiecińska, Olga; Cichowicz, Robert

2018-01-01

In recent years, in the winter season we are alarmed about the poor air quality in Poland and significantly exceeded permissible concentrations of certain pollutants, especially PM10 and PM2.5, which are a result of so-called low emissions. The authors analyze smog episodes in the Lodz agglomeration by comparing the recorded values of selected pollutant concentrations at monitoring stations of the Regional Inspectorate for Environmental Protection in Lodz with the meteorological conditions prevailing at this time. The analysis covers data from the years 2014-2017.

Surface modification of ZnO nanorods with Hamilton receptors.

PubMed

Zeininger, Lukas; Klaumünzer, Martin; Peukert, Wolfgang; Hirsch, Andreas

2015-04-13

A new prototype of a Hamilton receptor suitable for the functionalization of inorganic nanoparticles was synthesized and characterized. The hydrogen bonding receptor was coupled to a catechol moiety, which served as anchor group for the functionalization of metal oxides, in particular zinc oxide. Synthesized zinc oxide nanorods [ZnO] were used for surface functionalization. The wet-chemical functionalization procedure towards monolayer-grafted particles [ZnO-HR] is described and a detailed characterization study is presented. In addition, the detection of specific cyanurate molecules is demonstrated. The hybrid structures [ZnO-HR-CA] were stable towards agglomeration and exhibited enhanced dispersability in apolar solvents. This observation, in combination with several spectroscopic experiments gave evidence of the highly directional supramolecular recognition at the surface of nanoparticles.

Properties of magnetic iron oxides used as materials for wastewater treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matei, E.; Predescu, A.; Vasile, E.; Predescu, A.

2011-07-01

The paper describes the properties of some nanopowders obtained by coprecipitation and used as adsorbent for wastewater treatment. The Fe3O4 and γ-Fe2O3 nanopowders were obtained using iron salts and NaOH as precipitation agents. D-sorbitol was used to prevent the agglomeration between the nanoparticles. The particle size and distribution were detected using a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with dispersive analyze system in X radiation energy (EDS). The structure of the iron oxide nanoparticles was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. Thus, the nanoparticles were characterized and compare in terms of particle size and chemical composition and used for adsorption studies in order to removal hexavalent chromium from waste waters.

Ignition and combustion characteristics of metallized propellants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, D. C.; Turns, Stephen R.

1991-01-01

Over the past six months, experimental investigations were continued and theoretical work on the secondary atomization process was begun. Final shakedown of the sizing/velocity measuring system was completed and the aluminum combustion detection system was modified and tested. Atomizer operation was improved to allow steady state operation over long periods of time for several slurries. To validate the theoretical modeling, work involving carbon slurry atomization and combustion was begun and qualitative observations were made. Simultaneous measurements of aluminum slurry droplet size distributions and detection of burning aluminum particles were performed at several axial locations above the burner. The principle theoretical effort was the application of a rigid shell formation model to aluminum slurries and an investigation of the effects of various parameters on the shell formation process. This shell formation model was extended to include the process leading up to droplet disruption, and previously developed analytical models were applied to yield theoretical aluminum agglomerate ignition and combustion times. The several theoretical times were compared with the experimental results.

Kinetics and Structure of Superagglomerates Produced by Silane and Acetylene

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulholland, G. W.; Hamins, A.; Sivathanu, Y.

1999-01-01

The evolution of smoke in a laminar diffusion flame involves several steps. The first step is particle inception/nucleation in the high-temperature fuel-rich region of the flame followed by surface growth and coagulation/coalescence of the small particles. As the primary spheres grow in size and lose hydrogen, the colliding particles no longer coalesce but retain their identity as a cluster of primary spheres, termed an agglomerate. Finally, in the upper portion of the flame, the particles enter an oxidizing environment which may lead to partial or complete burnout of the agglomerates. Currently there is no quantitative model for describing the growth of smoke agglomerates up to superagglomerates with an overall dimension of 10 microns and greater. Such particles are produced during the burning of acetylene and fuels containing benzene rings such as toluene and polystyrene. In the case of polystyrene, smoke agglomerates in excess of 1 mm have been observed "raining" out from large fires. Evidence of the formation of superagglomerates in a laminar acetylene/air diffusion flame has been recently reported. Acetylene was chosen as the fuel since the particulate loading in acetylene/air diffusion flames is very high. Photographs were obtained by Sorensen using a microsecond xenon lamp of the "stream" of soot just above the flame. For low flow rates of acetylene, only submicrometer soot clusters are produced and they give rise to the homogeneous appearance of the soot stream. When the flow rate is increased to 1.7 cu cm/s, soot clusters up to 10 microns are formed and they are responsible for the graininess and at a flow rate of 3.4 cu cm/s, a web of interconnected clusters as large as the width of the flame is seen. This interconnecting web of superagglomerates is described as a gel state by Sorensen et al (1998). This is the first observation of a gel for a gas phase system. It was observed that this gel state immediately breaks up into agglomerates due to buoyancy induced turbulence and gravitational sedimentation.

Implications of the stability behavior of zinc oxide nanoparticles for toxicological studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meißner, Tobias; Oelschlägel, Kathrin; Potthoff, Annegret

2014-08-01

The increasing use of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in sunscreens and other cosmetic products demands a risk assessment that has to be done in toxicological studies. Such investigations require profound knowledge of the behavior of ZnO in cell culture media. The current study was performed to get well-dispersed suspensions of a hydrophilic (ZnO-hydro) and a lipophilic coated (ZnO-lipo) ZnO nanomaterial for use in in vitro tests. Therefore, systematic tests were carried out with common dispersants (phosphate, lecithin, proteins) to elucidate chemical and physical changes of ZnO nanoparticles in water and physiological solutions (PBS, DMEM). Non-physiological stock suspensions were prepared using ultrasonication. Time-dependent changes of pH, conductivity, zeta potential, particle size and dissolution were recorded. Secondly, the stock suspensions were added to physiological media with or without albumin (BSA) or serum (FBS), to examine characteristics such as agglomeration and dissolution. Stable stock suspensions were obtained using phosphate as natural and physiological electrostatic stabilizing agent. Lecithin proved to be an effective wetting agent for ZnO-lipo. Although the particle size remained constant, the suspension changed over time. The pH increased as a result of ZnO dissolution and formation of zinc phosphate complexes. The behavior of ZnO in physiological media was found to depend strongly on the additives used. Applying only phosphate as additive, ZnO-hydro agglomerated within minutes. In the presence of lecithin or BSA/serum, agglomeration was inhibited. ZnO dissolution was higher under physiological conditions than in the stock suspension. Serum especially promoted this process. Using body-related dispersants (phosphate, lecithin) non-agglomerating stock suspensions of hydrophilic and lipophilic ZnO were prepared as a prerequisite to perform meaningful toxicological investigation. Both nanomaterials showed a non-negligible dissolution behavior that strongly depended on the surrounding conditions. Agglomeration of ZnO particles in physiological media is a complex function of particle coating, used dispersants and serum proteins if supplemented. The present study gives a clear guideline how to prepare and handle suspensions with ZnO for in vitro testing and allows the correlation between the chemical-physical particles behavior with findings from toxicological tests.

Bimetallic clustered thin films with variable electro-optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antipov, A.; Bukharov, D.; Arakelyan, S.; Osipov, A.; Lelekova, A.

2018-01-01

The drop deposition of colloidal nanoparticles was performed from water-based colloidal solutions. The proposed procedure is based on the agglomeration of colloidal particles in laser-assisted evaporation processes. The evaporation process was resulted in the formation of clustered thin films on a glass substrate. In the experiments with bimetallic Au:Ag solutions, the clustered films are grown, the formation of the clustered films with the average height of 100 nm was achieved. Optical properties of the deposited structures were investigated experimentally. It is shown that the obtained films may become transparent and its properties are defined by its morphology.

Stability of silver nanoparticles: agglomeration and oxidation in biological relevant conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valenti, Laura E.; Giacomelli, Carla E.

2017-05-01

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) are the most used nanomaterial in consumer products due to the intrinsic antimicrobial capacity of silver. However, Ag-NP may be also harmful to algae, aquatic species, mammalian cells, and higher plants because both Ag+ and nanoparticles are responsible of cell damages. The oxidative dissolution of Ag-NP would proceed to completion under oxic conditions, but the rate and extent of the dissolution depend on several factors. This work correlates the effect of the capping agent (albumin and citrate) with the stability of Ag-NP towards agglomeration in simulated body fluid (SBF) and oxidation in the presence of ROS species (H2O2). Capping provides colloidal stability only through electrostatic means, whereas albumin acts as bulky ligands giving steric and electrostatic repulsion, inhibiting the agglomeration in SBF. However, citrate capping protects Ag-NP from dissolution to a major extent than albumin does because of its reducing power. Moreover, citrate in solution minimizes the oxidation of albumin-coated Ag-NP even after long incubation times. H2O2-induced dissolution proceeds to completion with Ag-NP incubated in SBF, while incubation in citrate leads to an incomplete oxidation. In short, albumin is an excellent capping agent to minimize Ag-NP agglomeration whereas citrate provides a mild-reductive medium that prevents dissolution in biological relevant media as well as in the presence of ROS species. These results provide insight into how the surface properties and media composition affect the release of Ag+ from Ag-NP, related to the cell toxicity and relevant to the storage and lifetime of silver-containing nanomaterials.

Investigation into the Manufacture and Properties of Inhalable High-Dose Dry Powders Produced by Comilling API and Lactose with Magnesium Stearate.

PubMed

Lau, Michael; Young, Paul M; Traini, Daniela

2017-08-01

The aim of the study was to understand the impact of different concentrations of the additive material, magnesium stearate (MGST), and the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), respectively, on the physicochemical properties and aerosol performance of comilled formulations for high-dose delivery. Initially, blends of API/lactose with different concentrations of MGST (1-7.5% w/w) were prepared and comilled by the jet-mill apparatus. The optimal concentration of MGST in comilled formulations was investigated, specifically for agglomerate structure and strength, particle size, uniformity of content, surface coverage, and aerosol performance. Secondly, comilled formulations with different API (1-40% w/w) concentrations were prepared and similarly analyzed. Comilled 5% MGST (w/w) formulation resulted in a significant improvement in in vitro aerosol performance due to the reduction in agglomerate size and strength compared to the formulation comilled without MGST. Higher concentrations of MGST (7.5% w/w) led to reduction in aerosol performance likely due to excessive surface coverage of the micronized particles by MGST, which led to failure in uniformity of content and an increase in agglomerate strength and size. Generally, comilled formulations with higher concentrations of API increased the agglomerate strength and size, which subsequently caused a reduction in aerosol performance. High-dose delivery was achieved at API concentration of >20% (w/w). The study provided a platform for the investigation of aerosol performance and physicochemical properties of other API and additive materials in comilled formulations for the emerging field of high-dose delivery by dry powder inhalation.

Field observations of artificial sand and oil agglomerates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dalyander, Patricia (Soupy); Long, Joseph W.; Plant, Nathaniel G.; McLaughlin, Molly R.; Mickey, Rangley C.

2015-01-01

Oil that comes into the surf zone following spills, such as occurred during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) blowout, can mix with local sediment to form heavier-than-water sand and oil agglomerates (SOAs), at times in the form of mats a few centimeters thick and tens of meters long. Smaller agglomerates that form in situ or pieces that break off of larger mats, sometimes referred to as surface residual balls (SRBs), range in size from sand-sized grains to patty-shaped pieces several centimeters (cm) in diameter. These mobile SOAs can cause beach oiling for extended periods following the spill, on the scale of years as in the case of DWH. Limited research, including a prior effort by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) investigating SOA mobility, alongshore transport, and seafloor interaction using numerical model output, focused on the physical dynamics of SOAs. To address this data gap, we constructed artificial sand and oil agglomerates (aSOAs) with sand and paraffin wax to mimic the size and density of genuine SOAs. These aSOAs were deployed in the nearshore off the coast of St. Petersburg, Florida, during a field experiment to investigate their movement and seafloor interaction. This report presents the methodology for constructing aSOAs and describes the field experiment. Data acquired during the field campaign, including videos and images of aSOA movement in the nearshore (1.5-meter and 0.5-meter water depth) and in the swash zone, are also presented in this report.

Predictive modeling of crystal accumulation in high-level waste glass melters processing radioactive waste

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matyáš, Josef; Gervasio, Vivianaluxa; Sannoh, Sulaiman E.

We present that the effectiveness of high-level waste vitrification at Hanford's Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant may be limited by precipitation/accumulation of spinel crystals [(Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn)(Fe, Cr) 2O 4] in the glass discharge riser of Joule-heated ceramic melters during idling. These crystals do not affect glass durability; however, if accumulated in thick layers, they can clog the melter and prevent discharge of molten glass into canisters. To address this problem, an empirical model was developed that can predict thicknesses of accumulated layers as a function of glass composition. This model predicts well the accumulation of single crystals and/ormore » small-scale agglomerates, but excessive agglomeration observed in high-Ni-Fe glass resulted in an underprediction of accumulated layers, which gradually worsened over time as an increased number of agglomerates formed. In conclusion, the accumulation rate of ~53.8 ± 3.7 μm/h determined for this glass will result in a ~26 mm-thick layer after 20 days of melter idling.« less

Method for producing ceramic particles and agglomerates

DOEpatents

Phillips, Jonathan; Gleiman, Seth S.; Chen, Chun-Ku

2001-01-01

A method for generating spherical and irregularly shaped dense particles of ceramic oxides having a controlled particle size and particle size distribution. An aerosol containing precursor particles of oxide ceramics is directed into a plasma. As the particles flow through the hot zone of the plasma, they melt, collide, and join to form larger particles. If these larger particles remain in the hot zone, they continue melting and acquire a spherical shape that is retained after they exit the hot zone, cool down, and solidify. If they exit the hot zone before melting completely, their irregular shape persists and agglomerates are produced. The size and size distribution of the dense product particles can be controlled by adjusting several parameters, the most important in the case of powder precursors appears to be the density of powder in the aerosol stream that enters the plasma hot zone. This suggests that particle collision rate is responsible for determining ultimate size of the resulting sphere or agglomerate. Other parameters, particularly the gas flow rates and the microwave power, are also adjusted to control the particle size distribution.

Predictive modeling of crystal accumulation in high-level waste glass melters processing radioactive waste

DOE PAGES

Matyáš, Josef; Gervasio, Vivianaluxa; Sannoh, Sulaiman E.; ...

2017-08-30

We present that the effectiveness of high-level waste vitrification at Hanford's Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant may be limited by precipitation/accumulation of spinel crystals [(Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn)(Fe, Cr) 2O 4] in the glass discharge riser of Joule-heated ceramic melters during idling. These crystals do not affect glass durability; however, if accumulated in thick layers, they can clog the melter and prevent discharge of molten glass into canisters. To address this problem, an empirical model was developed that can predict thicknesses of accumulated layers as a function of glass composition. This model predicts well the accumulation of single crystals and/ormore » small-scale agglomerates, but excessive agglomeration observed in high-Ni-Fe glass resulted in an underprediction of accumulated layers, which gradually worsened over time as an increased number of agglomerates formed. In conclusion, the accumulation rate of ~53.8 ± 3.7 μm/h determined for this glass will result in a ~26 mm-thick layer after 20 days of melter idling.« less

Surface nucleation and independent growth of Ce(OH)4 within confinement space on modified carbon black surface to prepare nano-CeO2 without agglomeration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xinyue; Xia, Chunhui; Li, Kaitao; Lin, Yanjun

2018-06-01

Highly dispersed negative carboxyl groups can be formed on carbon black (CB) surface modified with strong nitric acid. Therefore positive cations can be uniformly absorbed by carboxyl groups and precipitated within a confinement space on modified CB surface to prepare highly dispersed nanomaterials. In this paper, the formation and dispersion status of surface negative carboxyl groups, adsorption status of Ce3+, surface confinement nucleation, crystallization and calcination process were studied by EDS, SEM, and laser particle size analysis. The results show that the carboxyl groups formed on modified CB surface are highly dispersed, and Ce3+ cations can be uniformly anchored by carboxyl groups. Therefore, highly dispersed Ce3+ can react with OH- within a confinement surface region to form positive nano-Ce(OH)4 nuclei which also can be adsorbed by electrostatic attraction. After independent growth of Ce(OH)4 without agglomeration, highly dispersed CeO2 nanoparticles without agglomeration can be prepared together with the help of effectively isolates by CO2 released in the combustion of CB.

Collective ordering of microscale matters in natural analogy

PubMed Central

Ahn, Sungsook; Joon Lee, Sang

2015-01-01

Collective interaction occurs in many natural and artificial matters in broad scales. In a biological system, collective spatial organization of live individuals in a colony is important for their viability determination. Interactive motions between a single individual and an agglomerate are critical for whole procedure of the collective behaviors, but few has been clarified for these intermediate range behaviors. Here, collective interactions of microscale matters are investigated with human cells, plant seeds and artificial microspheres in terms of commonly occurring spatial arrangements. Human cancer cells are inherently attractive to form an agglomerate by cohesive motion, while plant chia seeds are repulsive by excreting mucilage. Microsphere model is employed to investigate the dynamic assembly equilibrated by an attraction and repulsion. There is a fundamental analogy in terms of an onset of regular pattern formation even without physical contact of individuals. The collective interactions are suggested to start before the individual components become physically agglomerated. This study contributes to fundamental understanding on the microscale particulate matters and natural pattern formation which are further useful for various applications both in academic and industrial areas. PMID:26027819

Peering through the flames: imaging techniques for reacting aluminum powders

DOE PAGES

Zepper, Ethan T.; Pantoya, Michelle L.; Bhattacharya, Sukalyan; ...

2017-03-17

Combusting metals burn at high temperatures and emit high-intensity radiation in the visible spectrum which can over-saturate regular imaging sensors and obscure the field of view. Filtering the luminescence can result in limited information and hinder thorough combustion characterization. A method for “seeing through the flames” of a highly luminescent aluminum powder reaction is presented using copper vapor laser (CVL) illumination synchronized with a high-speed camera. A statistical comparison of combusting aluminum particle agglomerate between filtered halogen and CVL illumination shows the effectiveness of this diagnostic approach. When ignited by an electrically induced plasma, aluminum particles are entrained as solidmore » agglomerates that rotate about their centers of mass and are surrounded by emitted, burning gases. Furthermore, the average agglomerate diameter appears to be 160 micrometers when viewed with standard illumination and a high-speed camera. But, a significantly lower diameter of 50 micrometers is recorded when imaged with CVL illumination. Our results advocate that alternative imaging techniques are required to resolve the complexities of metal particle combustion.« less

A mixed solvent system for preparation of spherically agglomerated crystals of ascorbic acid.

PubMed

Ren, Fuzheng; Zhou, Yaru; Liu, Yan; Fu, Jinping; Jing, Qiufang; Ren, Guobin

2017-09-01

The objective of this research was to develop a novel solvent system to prepare spherically agglomerated crystals (SAC) of ascorbic acid with improved flowability for direct compression. A spherical agglomeration method was developed by selecting the mixed solvents (n-butyl and ethyl acetate) as a poor solvent and the process was further optimized by using triangular phase diagram and particle vision measurement. Physiochemical properties of SAC were characterized and compared with original drug crystals. It showed that amount of poor solvent, ratio of solvent mixture, and drug concentration are critical for preparation of SAC with desirable properties. The solid state of SAC was same as original crystals according to DSC, XRD, and FT-IR results. There was no significant difference in solubility and dissolution rate of drug between SAC and original crystals. The flowability and packability of SAC as well as the tensile strength and elastic recovery of tablets made from SAC were all significantly improved when compared with original crystals and tablets from crystals. It is concluded that the present method was suitable to prepare SAC of ascorbic acid for direct compression.

Improving cycle stability of SnS anode for sodium-ion batteries by limiting Sn agglomeration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wenhui; Shi, Liang; Lan, Danni; Li, Quan

2018-02-01

Flower-like SnS nanostructures are obtained by a simple solvothermal method for anode applications in Na-ion batteries. We show experimental evidence of progressive Sn agglomeration and crystalline Na2S enrichment at the end of de-sodiation process of the SnS electrode, both of which contribute to the capacity decay of the electrode upon repeated cycles. By replacing the commonly adopted acetylene black conductive additive with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), the cycle stability of the SnS electrode is largely improved, which correlates well with the observed suppression of both Sn agglomeration and Na2S enrichment at the end of de-sodiation cycle. A full cell is assembled with the SnS/MWCNT anode and the P2-Na2/3Ni1/3Mn1/2Ti1/6O2 cathode. An initial energy density of 262 Wh/kg (normalized to the total mass of cathode and anode) is demonstrated for the full cell, which retains 71% of the first discharge capacity after 40 cycles.

Substrate morphology induced self-organization into carbon nanotube arrays, ropes, and agglomerates.

PubMed

Huang, Jia-Qi; Zhang, Qiang; Xu, Guang-Hui; Qian, Wei-Zhong; Wei, Fei

2008-10-29

In this paper, hydrophobic carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays, ropes, and agglomerates were synthesized through self-organization on quartz substrates with different micro-structures under the same growth condition. On a flat substrate, a uniform woven structure was formed which resulted in a synchronous growth into an array. When the substrate with 10 µm round concaves distributed on the surface was adopted, the woven structure was sporadic and a CNT cluster was grown in the concave. With further growth, CNT ropes were self-organized. Subsequently, when the substrate consisting of irregular ∼100 nm gaps was used, the initial woven structure was high density, thus resulting in the formation of CNT agglomerates. Study results showed that CNT arrays grown on the flat substrate were of the highest purity and had a contact angle of 153.8 ± 0.9°. Thus, the self-organization behavior among CNTs was in situ modulated by different substrate morphology without further treatments. This provides us with an additional understanding of the self-organization of CNTs during growth, as well as strategies for the controllable synthesis of CNTs with fixed properties.

Effect of filler content on mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of particulate biphasic calcium phosphate--polylactide composites.

PubMed

Bleach, N C; Nazhat, S N; Tanner, K E; Kellomäki, M; Törmälä, P

2002-04-01

A bioabsorbable self-reinforced polylactide/biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) composite is being developed for fracture fixation plates. One manufacturing route is to produce preimpregnated sheets by pulling polylactide (PLA) fibres through a suspension of BCP filler in a PLA solution and compression moulding the prepreg to the desired shape. To aid understanding of the process, interactions between the matrix and filler were investigated. Composite films containing 0-0.25 volume fraction filler, produced by solvent casting, were analysed using SEM, tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Homogeneous films could be made, although some particle agglomeration was seen at higher filler volume fractions. As the filler content increased, the failure strain decreased due to a reduction in the amount of ductile polymer present and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) decreased because of agglomeration and void formation at higher filler content. The matrix glass transition temperature increased due to polymer chain adsorption and immobilization onto the BCP particles. Complex damping mechanisms, such as particle-particle agglomeration, may exist at the higher BCP volume fractions.

In situ measurement of the rheological properties and agglomeration on cementitious pastes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Jae Hong; Yim, Hong Jae, E-mail: yimhj@knu.ac.kr; Ferron, Raissa Douglas

2016-07-15

Various factors influence the rheology of cementitious pastes, with the most important being the mixing protocol, mixture proportions, and mixture composition. This study investigated the influence of ground-granulated blast-furnace slag, on the rheological behavior of cementitious pastes. In tandem with the rheological measurements, fresh state microstructural measurements were conducted using three different techniques: A coupled stroboscope-rheometer, a coupled laser backscattering-rheometer, and a conventional laser diffraction technique. Laser diffraction and the coupled stroboscope-rheometer were not good measures of the in situ state of flocculation of a sample. Rather, only the laser backscattering technique allowed for in situ measurement on a highlymore » concentrated suspension (cementitious paste). Using the coupled laser backscattering-rheometer technique, a link between the particle system and rheological behavior was determined through a modeling approach that takes into account agglomeration properties. A higher degree of agglomeration was seen in the ordinary Portland cement paste than pastes containing the slag and this was related to the degree of capillary pressure in the paste systems.« less

Surface nucleation and independent growth of Ce(OH)4 within confinement space on modified carbon black surface to prepare nano-CeO2 without agglomeration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xinyue; Xia, Chunhui; Li, Kaitao; Lin, Yanjun

2018-04-01

Highly dispersed negative carboxyl groups can be formed on carbon black (CB) surface modified with strong nitric acid. Therefore positive cations can be uniformly absorbed by carboxyl groups and precipitated within a confinement space on modified CB surface to prepare highly dispersed nanomaterials. In this paper, the formation and dispersion status of surface negative carboxyl groups, adsorption status of Ce3+, surface confinement nucleation, crystallization and calcination process were studied by EDS, SEM, and laser particle size analysis. The results show that the carboxyl groups formed on modified CB surface are highly dispersed, and Ce3+ cations can be uniformly anchored by carboxyl groups. Therefore, highly dispersed Ce3+ can react with OH- within a confinement surface region to form positive nano-Ce(OH)4 nuclei which also can be adsorbed by electrostatic attraction. After independent growth of Ce(OH)4 without agglomeration, highly dispersed CeO2 nanoparticles without agglomeration can be prepared together with the help of effectively isolates by CO2 released in the combustion of CB.

Process for the production of fuel gas from coal

DOEpatents

Patel, Jitendra G.; Sandstrom, William A.; Tarman, Paul B.

1982-01-01

An improved apparatus and process for the conversion of hydrocarbonaceous materials, such as coal, to more valuable gaseous products in a fluidized bed gasification reaction and efficient withdrawal of agglomerated ash from the fluidized bed is disclosed. The improvements are obtained by introducing an oxygen containing gas into the bottom of the fluidized bed through a separate conduit positioned within the center of a nozzle adapted to agglomerate and withdraw the ash from the bottom of the fluidized bed. The conduit extends above the constricted center portion of the nozzle and preferably terminates within and does not extend from the nozzle. In addition to improving ash agglomeration and withdrawal, the present invention prevents sintering and clinkering of the ash in the fluidized bed and permits the efficient recycle of fine material recovered from the product gases by contacting the fines in the fluidized bed with the oxygen as it emanates from the conduit positioned within the withdrawal nozzle. Finally, the present method of oxygen introduction permits the efficient recycle of a portion of the product gases to the reaction zone to increase the reducing properties of the hot product gas.

Performance Improvement of V-Fe-Cr-Ti Solid State Hydrogen Storage Materials in Impure Hydrogen Gas.

PubMed

Ulmer, Ulrich; Oertel, Daria; Diemant, Thomas; Bonatto Minella, Christian; Bergfeldt, Thomas; Dittmeyer, Roland; Behm, R Jürgen; Fichtner, Maximilian

2018-01-17

Two approaches of engineering surface structures of V-Ti-based solid solution hydrogen storage alloys are presented, which enable improved tolerance toward gaseous oxygen (O 2 ) impurities in hydrogen (H 2 ) gas. Surface modification is achieved through engineering lanthanum (La)- or nickel (Ni)-rich surface layers with enhanced cyclic stability in an H 2 /O 2 mixture. The formation of a Ni-rich surface layer does not improve the cycling stability in H 2 /O 2 mixtures. Mischmetal (Mm, a mixture of La and Ce) agglomerates are observed within the bulk and surface of the alloy when small amounts of this material are added during arc melting synthesis. These agglomerates provide hydrogen-transparent diffusion pathways into the bulk of the V-Ti-Cr-Fe hydrogen storage alloy when the remaining oxidized surface is already nontransparent for hydrogen. Thus, the cycling stability of the alloy is improved in an O 2 -containing hydrogen environment as compared to the same alloy without addition of Mm. The obtained surface-engineered storage material still absorbs hydrogen after 20 cycles in a hydrogen-oxygen mixture, while the original material is already deactivated after 4 cycles.

Synthesis of nanoparticles in a flame aerosol reactor with independent and strict control of their size, crystal phase and morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jingkun; Chen, Da-Ren; Biswas, Pratim

2007-07-01

A flame aerosol reactor (FLAR) was developed to synthesize nanoparticles with desired properties (crystal phase and size) that could be independently controlled. The methodology was demonstrated for TiO2 nanoparticles, and this is the first time that large sets of samples with the same size but different crystal phases (six different ratios of anatase to rutile in this work) were synthesized. The degree of TiO2 nanoparticle agglomeration was determined by comparing the primary particle size distribution measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to the mobility-based particle size distribution measured by online scanning mobility particle spectrometry (SMPS). By controlling the flame aerosol reactor conditions, both spherical unagglomerated particles and highly agglomerated particles were produced. To produce monodisperse nanoparticles, a high throughput multi-stage differential mobility analyser (MDMA) was used in series with the flame aerosol reactor. Nearly monodisperse nanoparticles (geometric standard deviation less than 1.05) could be collected in sufficient mass quantities (of the order of 10 mg) in reasonable time (1 h) that could be used in other studies such as determination of functionality or biological effects as a function of size.

Experimental study of vertical stress profiles of a confined granular bed under static and dynamic conditions.

PubMed

Mandato, S; Cuq, B; Ruiz, T

2012-07-01

In a wet agglomeration process inside a low shear mixer, the blade function is to induce i) homogenization of the liquid sprayed on the powder surface and ii) a stress field able to transfer the mechanical energy at the particle scale. In this work we study the mechanical state of a confined powder bed through the analysis of stress distributions (by force measurements) in a rectangular cell in two cases: for a classical model powder (i.e. glass beads) and a complex powder (i.e. wheat semolina). Two types of vertical stress profiles are obtained according to the type of measurements carried out in the powder bed, either locally (at different positions in the cell) or globally (at the entire base). The global vertical stress profile follows Janssen's model and the local vertical stress profile highlights a critical length, identified as the percolation threshold of the force network, and a shielding length near the bottom, which is similar to an influence length of the side walls. In the context of wet agglomeration, the results allow to consider the role of the characteristic lengths in the mixing bowl under vertical mechanical solicitation.

Comparison of low-shear and high-shear granulation processes: effect on implantable calcium phosphate granule properties.

PubMed

Chevalier, E; Viana, M; Cazalbou, S; Chulia, D

2009-10-01

Calcium phosphate porous ceramics present a great interest not only as complex bone defect fillers but also as drug delivery systems. Most of the methods described in the literature to fabricate pellets are based on compaction, casting into spherical molds, or on processes such as liquid immiscibility or foaming. Despite wet granulation is used in a wide range of applications in pharmaceuticals, food, detergents, fertilizers, and minerals, it is not applied in the biomaterial field to produce granules. In this study physicochemical and in vitro drug delivery properties of implantable calcium phosphate granules, produced by two wet agglomeration processes, were compared. Pellets obtained by high shear granulation (granulation in a Mi-Pro apparatus) were shown to be more spherical and less friable than granules elaborated by low shear process (granulation in a Kenwood apparatus). Although Mi-Pro pellets had a slightly lower porosity compared to Kenwood granules, ibuprofen loading efficiency and dissolution profiles were not statistically different and the release mechanism was mainly controlled by diffusion, in both cases. Mi-Pro pellets appeared to be better candidates as bone defect fillers and local drug delivery systems as far as they were more spherical and less friable than Kenwood agglomerates.

High-efficient catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol based on reusable Ag nanoparticles/graphene-loading loofah sponge hybrid.

PubMed

Liu, Y Y; Zhao, Y H; Zhou, Y; Guo, X L; Chen, Z T; Zhang, W J; Zhang, Y; Chen, J; Wang, Z M; Sun, L T; Zhang, T

2018-08-03

Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) such as Au and Ag have shown many applications in the field of catalysis, sensing etc. due to their excellent photoelectric properties. But agglomeration and a low recovery rate are big problems for their applications. In this research, a novel Ag NPs/graphene (reduced graphene oxide)-loading loofah sponge (Ag NPs/RGO-LS) was synthesized through a one-step reduction method. Where the RGO is used as a nano-support with the high specific surface area and the high conductivity to prevent the agglomeration of Ag NPs and provide a conductive layer. The natural, green, low-cost and high-yield LS is designed as a macro-support to reduce the loss of Ag NPs during recycling. The as-prepared Ag NPs/RGO-LS is stable, uniform, and exhibits high efficiency and reusability in the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) with a high rate constant of 1.893 min -1 as well as an average conversion of 98% in 6 min during five cycles. The results have not only paved the way for the wide application of Ag NPs but also provide a new road for the application of other metal NPs.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Widjaja, Ongky, E-mail: wijayaongky@yahoo.co.id; Arie, Arenst Andreas, E-mail: arenst@unpar.ac.id; Halim, Martin

In this work, kerosene oil based nanocarbons were synthesized by a nebulized spray pyrolysis method. This method was conducted at temperature of 700°C under a nitrogen inert atmospheric condition. Activated carbon and ferrocene were used as substrate and catalyst, respectively. Initially, ferrocene was dissolved in the oil with fixed concentration of 0.02 g/ml. The pyrolysis reaction was carried out by varying the operating time of 15, 30 and 45 minutes. The main aim of this work was to investigate the effect of varying the operation time on the morphology and structural characteristics of as-prepared carbon products. The morphology and structural characteristicsmore » of synthesized nanocarbons were examined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Raman Spectroscopy, respectively. SEM and TEM observations showed that nano carbons were formed as agglomerated carbon nanospheres (CNSs) and graphene for all variation of operating time. Furthermore, it was observed that the size of agglomerated CNSs was proportional with the operating time from 15 to 45 minutes. Raman analysis showed that the ratio between graphite like and disorder carbon structure (I{sub G}/I{sub D})of carbon samples increased from operating time of 15 to 30 minutes, however the ratio decreased from 30 minutes to 45 minutes.« less

Influence of the nanoparticles agglomeration state in the quantum-confinement effects: Experimental evidences

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lorite, I., E-mail: lorite@physik.uni-leipzig.de; Division of Superconductivity and Magnetism, Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, Linnestrasse 5, D-04103 Leipzig; Romero, J. J.

2015-03-15

The agglomeration state facilitates particle-particle interaction which produces important effects in the phonon confinement effects at the nanoscale. A partial phonon transmission between close nanoparticles yields a lower momentum conservation relaxation than in a single isolated nanoparticle. It means a larger red shift and broadening of the Raman modes than the expected ones for Raman quantum confinement effects. This particle-particle interaction can drive to error when Raman responses are used to estimate the size of the nanoscaled materials. In this work different corrections are suggested to overtake this source of error.

The problems of formation and conservation of the green frame (green carcass) of the satellite city (on the example of Zelenodolsk)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakirova, J.; Khusnutdinova, S.

2018-01-01

The article is devoted to the study of the problems of formation and conservation of the green frame (green carcass) of a satellite city of a monocentric city agglomeration. Nowadays the green spaces fulfill not only ecological, but also social and economic functions. This is especially important for mono-industrial and satellite cities. Zelenodolsk is satellite city of Kazan agglomeration. This city has significant natural, geographical, industrial aspects. The article shows the possibilities of forming the green frame of the city and its socio-economic use.

Graphene–Gold Nanoparticles Hybrid—Synthesis, Functionalization, and Application in a Electrochemical and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Biosensor

PubMed Central

Khalil, Ibrahim; Julkapli, Nurhidayatullaili Muhd; Yehye, Wageeh A.; Basirun, Wan Jefrey; Bhargava, Suresh K.

2016-01-01

Graphene is a single-atom-thick two-dimensional carbon nanosheet with outstanding chemical, electrical, material, optical, and physical properties due to its large surface area, high electron mobility, thermal conductivity, and stability. These extraordinary features of graphene make it a key component for different applications in the biosensing and imaging arena. However, the use of graphene alone is correlated with certain limitations, such as irreversible self-agglomerations, less colloidal stability, poor reliability/repeatability, and non-specificity. The addition of gold nanostructures (AuNS) with graphene produces the graphene–AuNS hybrid nanocomposite which minimizes the limitations as well as providing additional synergistic properties, that is, higher effective surface area, catalytic activity, electrical conductivity, water solubility, and biocompatibility. This review focuses on the fundamental features of graphene, the multidimensional synthesis, and multipurpose applications of graphene–Au nanocomposites. The paper highlights the graphene–gold nanoparticle (AuNP) as the platform substrate for the fabrication of electrochemical and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based biosensors in diverse applications as well as SERS-directed bio-imaging, which is considered as an emerging sector for monitoring stem cell differentiation, and detection and treatment of cancer. PMID:28773528

Graphene-Gold Nanoparticles Hybrid-Synthesis, Functionalization, and Application in a Electrochemical and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Biosensor.

PubMed

Khalil, Ibrahim; Julkapli, Nurhidayatullaili Muhd; Yehye, Wageeh A; Basirun, Wan Jefrey; Bhargava, Suresh K

2016-05-24

Graphene is a single-atom-thick two-dimensional carbon nanosheet with outstanding chemical, electrical, material, optical, and physical properties due to its large surface area, high electron mobility, thermal conductivity, and stability. These extraordinary features of graphene make it a key component for different applications in the biosensing and imaging arena. However, the use of graphene alone is correlated with certain limitations, such as irreversible self-agglomerations, less colloidal stability, poor reliability/repeatability, and non-specificity. The addition of gold nanostructures (AuNS) with graphene produces the graphene-AuNS hybrid nanocomposite which minimizes the limitations as well as providing additional synergistic properties, that is, higher effective surface area, catalytic activity, electrical conductivity, water solubility, and biocompatibility. This review focuses on the fundamental features of graphene, the multidimensional synthesis, and multipurpose applications of graphene-Au nanocomposites. The paper highlights the graphene-gold nanoparticle (AuNP) as the platform substrate for the fabrication of electrochemical and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based biosensors in diverse applications as well as SERS-directed bio-imaging, which is considered as an emerging sector for monitoring stem cell differentiation, and detection and treatment of cancer.

Application of pristine and doped SnO2 nanoparticles as a matrix for agro-hazardous material (organophosphate) detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Naushad; Athar, Taimur; Fouad, H.; Umar, Ahmad; Ansari, Z. A.; Ansari, S. G.

2017-02-01

With an increasing focus on applied research, series of single/composite materials are being investigated for device development to detect several hazardous, dangerous, and toxic molecules. Here, we report a preliminary attempt of an electrochemical sensor fabricated using pristine Ni and Cr-doped nano tin oxide material (SnO2) as a tool to detect agro-hazardous material, i.e. Organophosphate (OP, chlorpyrifos). The nanomaterial was synthesized using the solution method. Nickel and chromium were used as dopant during synthesis. The synthesized material was calcined at 1000 °C and characterized for morphological, structural, and elemental analysis that showed the formation of agglomerated nanosized particles of crystalline nature. Screen-printed films of powder obtained were used as a matrix for working electrodes in a cyclic voltammogram (CV) at various concentrations of organophosphates (0.01 to 100 ppm). The CV curves were obtained before and after the immobilization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) on the nanomaterial matrix. An interference study was also conducted with hydroquinone to ascertain the selectivity. The preliminary study indicated that such material can be used as suitable matrix for a device that can easily detect OP to a level of 10 ppb and thus contributes to progress in terms of desired device technology for the food and agricultural-industries.

Serum Proteins Enhance Dispersion Stability and Influence the Cytotoxicity and Dosimetry of ZnO Nanoparticles in Suspension and Adherent Cancer Cell Models.

PubMed

Anders, Catherine B; Chess, Jordan J; Wingett, Denise G; Punnoose, Alex

2015-12-01

Agglomeration and sedimentation of nanoparticles (NPs) within biological solutions is a major limitation in their use in many downstream applications. It has been proposed that serum proteins associate with the NP surface to form a protein corona that limits agglomeration and sedimentation. Here, we investigate the effect of fetal bovine serum (FBS) proteins on the dispersion stability, dosimetry, and NP-induced cytotoxicity of cationic zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) synthesized via forced hydrolysis with a core size of 10 nm. Two different in vitro cell culture models, suspension and adherent, were evaluated by comparing a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) nZnO dispersion (nZnO/PBS) and an FBS-stabilized PBS nZnO dispersion (nZnO - FBS/PBS). Surface interactions of FBS on nZnO were analyzed via spectroscopic and optical techniques. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the adsorption of negatively charged protein components on the cationic nZnO surface through the disappearance of surfaced-adsorbed carboxyl functional groups and the subsequent detection of vibrational modes associated with the protein backbone of FBS-associated proteins. Further confirmation of these interactions was noted in the isoelectric point shift of the nZnO from the characteristic pH of 9.5 to a pH of 6.1. In nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersions, the FBS reduced agglomeration and sedimentation behaviors to impart long-term improvements (>24 h) to the nZnO dispersion stability. Furthermore, mathematical dosimetry models indicate that nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersions had consistent NP deposition patterns over time unlike unstable nZnO/PBS dispersions. In suspension cell models, the stable nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersion resulted in a ~33 % increase in the NP-induced cytotoxicity for both Jurkat leukemic and Hut-78 lymphoma cancer cells. In contrast, the nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersion resulted in 49 and 71 % reductions in the cytotoxicity observed towards the adherent breast (T-47D) and prostate (LNCaP) cancer cell lines, respectively. Presence of FBS in the NP dispersions also increased the reactive oxygen species generation. These observations indicate that the improved dispersion stability leads to increased NP bioavailability for suspension cell models and reduced NP sedimentation onto adherent cell layers resulting in more accurate in vitro toxicity assessments.

Serum Proteins Enhance Dispersion Stability and Influence the Cytotoxicity and Dosimetry of ZnO Nanoparticles in Suspension and Adherent Cancer Cell Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anders, Catherine B.; Chess, Jordan J.; Wingett, Denise G.; Punnoose, Alex

2015-11-01

Agglomeration and sedimentation of nanoparticles (NPs) within biological solutions is a major limitation in their use in many downstream applications. It has been proposed that serum proteins associate with the NP surface to form a protein corona that limits agglomeration and sedimentation. Here, we investigate the effect of fetal bovine serum (FBS) proteins on the dispersion stability, dosimetry, and NP-induced cytotoxicity of cationic zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) synthesized via forced hydrolysis with a core size of 10 nm. Two different in vitro cell culture models, suspension and adherent, were evaluated by comparing a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) nZnO dispersion (nZnO/PBS) and an FBS-stabilized PBS nZnO dispersion (nZnO - FBS/PBS). Surface interactions of FBS on nZnO were analyzed via spectroscopic and optical techniques. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the adsorption of negatively charged protein components on the cationic nZnO surface through the disappearance of surfaced-adsorbed carboxyl functional groups and the subsequent detection of vibrational modes associated with the protein backbone of FBS-associated proteins. Further confirmation of these interactions was noted in the isoelectric point shift of the nZnO from the characteristic pH of 9.5 to a pH of 6.1. In nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersions, the FBS reduced agglomeration and sedimentation behaviors to impart long-term improvements (>24 h) to the nZnO dispersion stability. Furthermore, mathematical dosimetry models indicate that nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersions had consistent NP deposition patterns over time unlike unstable nZnO/PBS dispersions. In suspension cell models, the stable nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersion resulted in a ~33 % increase in the NP-induced cytotoxicity for both Jurkat leukemic and Hut-78 lymphoma cancer cells. In contrast, the nZnO - FBS/PBS dispersion resulted in 49 and 71 % reductions in the cytotoxicity observed towards the adherent breast (T-47D) and prostate (LNCaP) cancer cell lines, respectively. Presence of FBS in the NP dispersions also increased the reactive oxygen species generation. These observations indicate that the improved dispersion stability leads to increased NP bioavailability for suspension cell models and reduced NP sedimentation onto adherent cell layers resulting in more accurate in vitro toxicity assessments.

Distribution of DNA in human Sertoli cell nucleoli.

PubMed

Mosgöller, W; Schöfer, C; Derenzini, M; Steiner, M; Maier, U; Wachtler, F

1993-10-01

For better understanding of nucleolar architecture, different techniques have been used to localize DNA within the dense fibrillar component (DF) or within the fibrillar centers (FC) by electron microscopy (EM). Since it still remains controversial which components contain DNA, we investigated the distribution of DNA in human Sertoli cells using various approaches. In situ hybridization (ISH) with human total genomic DNA as probe and the use of anti-DNA antibody were followed by immunogold detection. This allowed statistical evaluation of the signal density over individual components. The Feulgen-like osmium-ammine (OA) technique for the selective visualization of DNA was also applied. The anti-DNA antibodies detected DNA in mitochondria, in chromatin, and in the DF of the nucleolus. ISH using human total genomic DNA showed similar labeling patterns. The OA technique revealed DNA filaments in the FC and focal agglomerates of decondensed DNA within the DF. We conclude that (a) EM staining techniques that utilize colloidal gold appear to be less sensitive for DNA detection than the OA method, (b) the DF consists of different domains with different molecular composition, and (c) decondensed DNA is not necessarily confined to one particular nucleolar component.

Emission and Structure-Varying ZnO and Carbon Nanocrystal Composite in Mechanical Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torchynska, T.; Perez Millan, B.; Polupan, G.; Kakazey, M.

2018-03-01

Morphology, photoluminescence (PL), and Raman scattering spectra have been investigated for mixtures of ZnO+0.1%C nanocrystals (NCs) at different stages of mechanical processing (MP). The transformation of graphite into graphene monolayers covering the ZnO NC surface is revealed for the first MP stage. The interaction with oxygen has been detected in the second MP stage which leads to the dissolution of oxygen interstitials in the ZnO NCs and to the formation of graphene (graphite) oxides. Increasing the concentration of the oxygen interstitials in ZnO NCs also enhances the intensity stimulation of the orange PL band (2.18eV). Simultaneously, the PL band peaking at 2.82-2.90 eV is detected in the PL spectra of the ZnO+0.1%C NC mixture after MP for 9-90 min. Then, the variation of the ZnO NC shape, agglomeration of ZnO NCs, modification of ZnO defects and decreasing PL intensity have been detected after prolonged MP for 390 min. It is expected that short stages of MP can be useful for ZnO NC surface covering by graphene layers or graphene (graphite) oxides.

Emission measurement and safety assessment for the production process of silicon nanoparticles in a pilot-scale facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jing; Asbach, Christof; Fissan, Heinz; Hülser, Tim; Kaminski, Heinz; Kuhlbusch, Thomas A. J.; Pui, David Y. H.

2012-03-01

Emission into the workplace was measured for the production process of silicon nanoparticles in a pilot-scale facility at the Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology e.V. (IUTA). The silicon nanoparticles were produced in a hot-wall reactor and consisted of primary particles around 60 nm in diameter. We employed real-time aerosol instruments to measure particle number and lung-deposited surface area concentrations and size distribution; airborne particles were also collected for off-line electron microscopic analysis. Emission of silicon nanoparticles was not detected during the processes of synthesis, collection, and bagging. This was attributed to the completely closed production system and other safety measures against particle release which will be discussed briefly. Emission of silicon nanoparticles significantly above the detection limit was only observed during the cleaning process when the production system was open and manually cleaned. The majority of the detected particles was in the size range of 100-400 nm and were silicon nanoparticle agglomerates first deposited in the tubing then re-suspended during the cleaning process. Appropriate personal protection equipment is recommended for safety protection of the workers during cleaning.

Multimedia Environmental Distribution of Nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Haoyang Haven

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), which may be released to the environment due to human-related activities, can move across environmental phase boundaries and be found in most media. Given the rapid development and growing applications of nanotechnology, there is concern and thus the need to assess the potential environmental impact associated with ENMs. Accordingly, a modeling platform was developed to enable evaluation of the dynamic multimedia environmental distribution of ENMs (MendNano) and the range of potential exposure concentrations of ENMs. The MendNano was based on a dynamic multimedia compartmental modeling approach that was guided by detailed analysis of the agglomeration of ENMs, life-cycle analysis based estimates of their potential release to the environment, and incorporation of mechanistic sub-models of various intermedia transport processes. Model simulations for various environmental scenarios indicated that ENM accumulation in the sediment increased significantly with increased ENMs attachment to suspended solids in water. Atmospheric dry and wet depositions can be important pathways for ENMs input to the terrestrial environment in the absence of direct and distributed ENM release to soil. Increased ENM concentration in water due to atmospheric deposition (wet and dry) is expected as direct ENM release to water diminishes. However, for soluble ENMs dissolution can be the dominant pathway for suspended ENM removal from water even compared to advective transport. For example, simulations for Los Angeles showed that dry deposition, rain scavenging, and wind dilution can remove 90% of ENMs from the atmospheric airshed in ~100-230 days, ~2-6 hrs, and ~0.5-2 days, respectively. For the evaluated ENMs (metal, metal oxides, carbon nanotubes (CNT), nanoclays), mass accumulation in the multimedia environment was mostly in the soil and sediment. Additionally, simulation results for TiO2 in Los Angeles demonstrates that the ENM concentrations in air and water increases rapidly to reach steady state, in 72 hrs and 8 days after the start of source release, respectively. After termination of source release, ENM concentrations would decrease by 90% in ~1 and ~4 days. In contrast, steady state for ENM concentrations in soil would not be expected to occur until after about 10 years. MendNano was further integrated with a sub-model of lifecycle environmental assessment for the release of ENMs (LearNano). Estimation of the releases of various ENMs and their environmental distributions in various regions in the U.S. and countries throughout the world revealed that the exposure concentrations for most ENMs (e.g., metal, metal oxides and carbon nanotubes) are expected to be in the range of 0.0003 - 30 ng m-3 (air), 0.006 - 150 ng L-1 (water), 0.01 - 40 mug kg-1 (soil), and 0.005 - 100 mg kg-1 (sediment). It is important to note that the environmental transport of ENMs is governed by particulate transport processes; and thus the transport rates of ENMs are dependent on their particle size distribution. Accordingly, a computational constant-number Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) model was also developed to assess the ENM agglomeration in aqueous systems, by solving the Smoluchowski coagulation equation coupled with particle-particle interaction energies provided by the classical Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory and non-DLVO hydration repulsion interaction energy. Prediction of ENM agglomerate PSDs demonstrated excellent agreement with experimental measurements for TiO 2, CeO2, alpha-Fe2O3, SiO2, and C60 ENMs over a wide range suspension conditions. Simulations also demonstrated, in quantitative agreement with DLS measurements, that nanoparticle agglomerate size increased both with ionic strength (IS) and as the solution pH approached the isoelectric point (IEP). Additionally, evaluation of experimental DLS measurements for TiO2, CeO2, SiO2, and alpha-Fe 2O3 (hematite) at high IS (up to 900 mM) or low |zeta-potential| (>=1.35 mV) revealed that non-DLVO hydration repulsion energy can be above electrostatic repulsion energy such that the increased overall repulsion energy (contributed by hydration repulsion energy) can significantly lower the agglomerate diameter relative to the classical DLVO prediction. The classical DLVO theory, which is reasonably applicable for agglomeration of NPs of high |zeta-potential| (~>35 mV) in suspensions of low IS (~1 mM) or low |zeta-potential| (~< 40 mV) conditions. In summary, the MendNano-LearNano integrated modeling platform was implemented as a web-based software application that enables rapid "what-if?" scenario analysis, in order to assess the response of environmental system to various scenarios of ENM releases, investigate the impact of geographical and meteorological parameters on ENM distribution in the environment, compare the impact of ENM production and potential releases on different regions, as well as estimate source release rates based on monitored ENM concentrations. It is envisioned that the present integrated modeling platform can serve as a decision support tool to rapidly and critically assess the potential environmental implications of ENMs and thus ensure that nanotechnology is developed in a productive and environmentally responsible manner.

The Self-energy Of Growing Aggregates: "Strength Regime"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guimaraes, Ana H. F.; Spahn, F.; Seiss, M.; Brilliantov, N. V.

2009-09-01

The vivid appearance of the outer regions of Saturn's rings points to a balance of ongoing fragmentation and coagulation processes. This idea finds support especially in the F-ring, where collisional processes occur on an almost daily basis stirred by perturbations of the satellites Prometheus and Pandora, and in addition due the presence of putative moonlets. In order to quantify this balance in a kinetic theory we propose to calculate the resistivity of small agglomerates ("dynamic ephemeral bodies") against rupture due collisional processes and tidal pull. Earlies studies have shown that the resistivity of an aggregate is divided into two phases: "strength regime" and "gravitational regime". Early in their formation, small agglomerates are supported basically by their "glue" between the particles (adhesion) - "strength regime". For larger agglomerates the "gravitational regime" takes over provided their sizes to be bigger than a threshold in which the self-gravitational energy exceeds the adhesive binding energy, in this case the cluster's constituents are held together gravitationally. We calculated the self-energy caused by adhesion and gravity of ring's aggregates which has been considered as the threshold of impact energy or of tidal work to disrupt the agglomerate. Using a Ballistic Particle Cluster Aggregate Model (BPCA) we varied the densities of the aggregates and the size distribution of their constituents (1-10cm), calculated their self-energy and identified the transition between the "strength" to "gravitational regime". The transition between the regimes occurs at house-size aggregates (diameter of approximately 20m), a fact, that fits to the cut-off on the dense rings' main population (cm - 5m in size). Acknowledgments: A.H.F.G. thanks Dr. E. Vieira-Neto for the discussions, and also the DAAD and Uni-Potsdam for the financial support of this project.

Roller compaction: Effect of morphology and amorphous content of lactose powder on product quality.

PubMed

Omar, Chalak S; Dhenge, Ranjit M; Osborne, James D; Althaus, Tim O; Palzer, Stefan; Hounslow, Michael J; Salman, Agba D

2015-12-30

The effect of morphology and amorphous content, of three types of lactose, on the properties of ribbon produced using roller compaction was investigated. The three types of lactose powders were; anhydrous SuperTab21AN, α-lactose monohydrate 200 M, and spray dried lactose SuperTab11SD. The morphology of the primary particles was identified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the powder amorphous content was quantified using NIR technique. SEM images showed that 21AN and SD are agglomerated type of lactose whereas the 200 M is a non-agglomerated type. During ribbon production, an online thermal imaging technique was used to monitor the surface temperature of the ribbon. It was found that the morphology and the amorphous content of lactose powders have significant effects on the roller compaction behaviour and on ribbon properties. The agglomerated types of lactose produced ribbon with higher surface temperature and tensile strength, larger fragment size, lower porosity and lesser fines percentages than the non-agglomerated type of lactose. The lactose powder with the highest amorphous content showed to result in a better binding ability between the primary particles. This type of lactose produced ribbons with the highest temperature and tensile strength, and the lowest porosity and amount of fines in the product. It also produced ribbon with more smooth surfaces in comparison to the other two types of lactose. It was noticed that there is a relationship between the surface temperature of the ribbon during production and the tensile strength of the ribbon; the higher the temperature of the ribbon during production the higher the tensile strength of the ribbon. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Suppression of agglomeration in fluidized bed coating. II. Measurement of mist size in a fluidized bed chamber and effect of sodium chloride addition on mist size.

PubMed

Yuasa, H; Nakano, T; Kanaya, Y

1999-02-01

It has been reported that the degree of particle agglomeration in fluidized bed coating is greatly affected by the spray mist size of coating solution. However, the mist size has generally been measured in open air, and few reports have described the measurement of the mist size in a chamber of the fluidized bed, in which actual coating is carried out. Therefore, using hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) aqueous solution as a coating solution, the spray mist size of the coating solution in a chamber of the fluidized bed was measured under various coating conditions, such as the distance from the spray nozzle, fluidization air volume, inlet air temperature and addition of sodium chloride (NaCl) into the coating solution. The mist size in the fluidized bed was compared with that in open air at various distances from the spray nozzle. Further, the relationship between the spray mist size and the degree of suppression of agglomeration at various NaCl concentrations during fluidized bed coating was studied. The mist size distribution showed a logarithmic normal distribution in both cases of the fluidized bed and open air. The number-basis median diameter of spray mist (D50) in the fluidized bed was smaller compared with that in open air. D50 increased with the increasing distance from the spray nozzle in both cases. In the fluidized bed, D50 decreased with the increasing fluidization air volume and inlet air temperature. The effect of NaCl concentration on the mist size was hardly observed, but the degree of suppression of agglomeration during coating increased with the increasing NaCl concentration in the coating solution.

Bed Agglomeration During the Steam Gasification of a High Lignin Corn Stover Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) Digester Residue

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Howe, Daniel T.; Taasevigen, Danny J.; Gerber, Mark A.

This research investigates the bed agglomeration phenomena during the steam gasification of a high lignin residue produced from the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of corn stover in a bubbling fluidized bed. The studies were conducted at 895°C using alumina as bed material. Biomass was fed at 1.5 kg/hr, while steam was fed to give a velocity equal to 2.5 times the minimum fluidization velocity, with a steam/carbon ratio of 0.9. The pelletized feedstock was co-fed with a cooling nitrogen stream to mitigate feed line plugging issues. Tar production was high at 50.3 g/Nm3, and the fraction of C10+ compoundsmore » was greater than that seen in the gasification of traditional lignocellulosic feedstocks. Carbon closures over 94 % were achieved for all experiments. Bed agglomeration was found to be problematic, indicated by pressure drop increases observed below the bed and upstream of the feed line. Two size categories of solids were recovered from the reactor, +60 mesh and -60 mesh. After a 2.75-hour experiment, 61.7 wt % was recovered as -60 mesh particles and 38.2 wt% of the recovered reactor solids were +60 mesh. A sizeable percentage, 31.8 wt%, was +20 mesh. The -60 mesh particles were mainly formed by the initial bed material (Al2O3). Almost 50 wt. % of the + 20 mesh particles was found to be formed by organics. The unreacted carbon remaining in the reactor resulted in a low conversion rate to product gas. ICP-AES, SEM, SEM-EDS, and XRD confirmed that the large agglomerates (+ 20 mesh) were not encapsulated bed material but rather un-gasified feedstock pellets with sand particles attached to it.« less

Reverse micelle synthesis of oxide nanopowders: mechanisms of precipitate formation and agglomeration effects.

PubMed

Graeve, Olivia A; Fathi, Hoorshad; Kelly, James P; Saterlie, Michael S; Sinha, Kaustav; Rojas-George, Gabriel; Kanakala, Raghunath; Brown, David R; Lopez, Enrique A

2013-10-01

We present an analysis of reverse micelle stability in four model systems. The first two systems, composed of unstable microemulsions of isooctane, water, and Na-AOT with additions of either iron sulfate or yttrium nitrate, were used for the synthesis of iron oxide or yttrium oxide powders. These oxide powders were of nanocrystalline character, but with some level of agglomeration that was dependent on calcination temperature and cleaning procedures. Results show that even though the reverse micellar solutions were unstable, nanocrystalline powders with very low levels of agglomeration could be obtained. This effect can be attributed to the protective action of the surfactant on the surfaces of the powders that prevents neck formation until after all the surfactant has volatilized. A striking feature of the IR spectra collected on the iron oxide powders is the absence of peaks in the ~1715 cm(-1) to 1750 cm(-1) region, where absorption due to the symmetric C=O (carbonyl) stretching occurs. The lack of such peaks strongly suggests the carbonyl group is no longer free, but is actively participating in the surfactant-precipitate interaction. The final two microemulsion systems, containing CTAB as the surfactant, showed that loss of control of the reverse micelle synthesis process can easily occur when the amount of salt in the water domains exceeds a critical concentration. Both model systems eventually resulted in agglomerated powders of broad size distributions or particles that were large compared to the sizes of the reverse micelles, consistent with the notion that the microemulsions were not stable and the powders were precipitated in an uncontrolled fashion. This has implications for the synthesis of nanopowders by reverse micelle synthesis and provides a benchmark for process control if powders of the highest quality are desired. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fractal cometary dust - a window into the early Solar system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mannel, T.; Bentley, M. S.; Schmied, R.; Jeszenszky, H.; Levasseur-Regourd, A. C.; Romstedt, J.; Torkar, K.

2016-11-01

The properties of dust in the protoplanetary disc are key to understanding the formation of planets in our Solar system. Many models of dust growth predict the development of fractal structures which evolve into non-fractal, porous dust pebbles representing the main component for planetesimal accretion. In order to understand comets and their origins, the Rosetta orbiter followed comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko for over two years and carried a dedicated instrument suite for dust analysis. One of these instruments, the MIDAS (Micro-Imaging Dust Analysis System) atomic force microscope, recorded the 3D topography of micro- to nanometre-sized dust. All particles analysed to date have been found to be hierarchical agglomerates. Most show compact packing; however, one is extremely porous. This paper contains a structural description of a compact aggregate and the outstanding porous one. Both particles are tens of micrometres in size and show rather narrow subunit size distributions with noticeably similar mean values of 1.48^{+0.13}_{-0.59} μm for the porous particle and 1.36^{+0.15}_{-0.59} μm for the compact. The porous particle allows a fractal analysis, where a density-density correlation function yields a fractal dimension of Df = 1.70 ± 0.1. GIADA, another dust analysis instrument on board Rosetta, confirms the existence of a dust population with a similar fractal dimension. The fractal particles are interpreted as pristine agglomerates built in the protoplanetary disc and preserved in the comet. The similar subunits of both fractal and compact dust indicate a common origin which is, given the properties of the fractal, dominated by slow agglomeration of equally sized aggregates known as cluster-cluster agglomeration.

Effect of Dietary Countermeasures and Impact of Gravity on Renal Calculi Size Distributions Predicted by PBE-System and PBE-CFD Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kassemi, M.; Thompson, D.; Goodenow, D.; Gokoglu, S.; Myers, J.

2016-01-01

Renal stone disease is not only a concern on earth but can conceivably pose a serious risk to the astronauts health and safety in Space. In this work, two different deterministic models based on a Population Balance Equation (PBE) analysis of renal stone formation are developed to assess the risks of critical renal stone incidence for astronauts during space travel. In the first model, the nephron is treated as a continuous mixed suspension mixed product removal crystallizer and the PBE for the nucleating, growing and agglomerating renal calculi is coupled to speciation calculations performed by JESS. Predictions of stone size distributions in the kidney using this model indicate that the astronaut in microgravity is at noticeably greater but still subcritical risk and recommend administration of citrate and augmented hydration as effective means of minimizing and containing this risk. In the second model, the PBE analysis is coupled to a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for flow of urine and transport of Calcium and Oxalate in the nephron to predict the impact of gravity on the stone size distributions. Results presented for realistic 3D tubule and collecting duct geometries, clearly indicate that agglomeration is the primary mode of size enhancement in both 1g and microgravity. 3D numerical simulations seem to further indicate that there will be an increased number of smaller stones developed in microgravity that will likely pass through the nephron in the absence of wall adhesion. However, upon reentry to a 1g (Earth) or 38g (Mars) partial gravitational fields, the renal calculi can lag behind the urinary flow in tubules that are adversely oriented with respect to the gravitational field and grow agglomerate to large sizes that are sedimented near the wall with increased propensity for wall adhesion, plaque formation, and risk to the astronauts.

Mixing Time Effects on the Dispersion Performance of Adhesive Mixtures for Inhalation

PubMed Central

Grasmeijer, Floris; Hagedoorn, Paul; Frijlink, Henderik W.; de Boer, H. Anne

2013-01-01

This paper deals with the effects of mixing time on the homogeneity and dispersion performance of adhesive mixtures for inhalation. Interactions between these effects and the carrier size fraction, the type of drug and the inhalation flow rate were studied. Furthermore, it was examined whether or not changes in the dispersion performance as a result of prolonged mixing can be explained with a balance of three processes that occur during mixing, knowing drug redistribution over the lactose carrier; (de-) agglomeration of the drug (and fine lactose) particles; and compression of the drug particles onto the carrier surface. For this purpose, mixtures containing salmeterol xinafoate or fluticasone propionate were mixed for different periods of time with a fine or coarse crystalline lactose carrier in a Turbula mixer. Drug detachment experiments were performed using a classifier based inhaler at different flow rates. Scanning electron microscopy and laser diffraction techniques were used to measure drug distribution and agglomeration, whereas changes in the apparent solubility were measured as a means to monitor the degree of mechanical stress imparted on the drug particles. No clear trend between mixing time and content uniformity was observed. Quantitative and qualitative interactions between the effect of mixing time on drug detachment and the type of drug, the carrier size fraction and the flow rate were measured, which could be explained with the three processes mentioned. Generally, prolonged mixing caused drug detachment to decrease, with the strongest decline occurring in the first 120 minutes of mixing. For the most cohesive drug (salmeterol) and the coarse carrier, agglomerate formation seemed to dominate the overall effect of mixing time at a low inhalation flow rate, causing drug detachment to increase with prolonged mixing. The optimal mixing time will thus depend on the formulation purpose and the choice for other, interacting variables. PMID:23844256

Factor analysis of submicron particle size distributions near a major United States-Canada trade bridge.

PubMed

Ogulei, David; Hopke, Philip K; Ferro, Andrea R; Jaques, Peter A

2007-02-01

A factor analytic model has been applied to resolve and apportion particles based on submicron particle size distributions downwind of a United States-Canada bridge in Buffalo, NY. The sites chosen for this study were located at gradually increasing distances downwind of the bridge complex. Seven independent factors were resolved, including four factors that were common to all of the five sites considered. The common factors were generally characterized by the existence of two or more number and surface area modes. The seven factors resolved were identified as follows: fresh tail-pipe diesel exhaust, local/street diesel traffic, aged/evolved diesel particles, spark-ignition gasoline emissions, background urban emissions, heavy-duty diesel agglomerates, and secondary/transported material. Submicron (<0.5 microm) and ultrafine (<0.1 microm) particle emissions downwind of the bridge were dominated by commercial diesel truck emissions. Thus, this study obtained size distinction between fresh versus aged vehicle exhaust and spark-ignition versus diesel emissions based on the measured high time-resolution particle number concentrations. Because this study mainly used particles <300 nm in diameter, some sources that would usually exhibit number modes >100 nm were not resolved. Also, the resolved profiles suggested that the major number mode for fresh tailpipe diesel exhaust might exist below the detection limit of the spectrometer used. The average particle number contributions from the resolved factors were highest closest to the bridge.

Measuring nanoparticles size distribution in food and consumer products: a review.

PubMed

Calzolai, L; Gilliland, D; Rossi, F

2012-08-01

Nanoparticles are already used in several consumer products including food, food packaging and cosmetics, and their detection and measurement in food represent a particularly difficult challenge. In order to fill the void in the official definition of what constitutes a nanomaterial, the European Commission published in October 2011 its recommendation on the definition of 'nanomaterial'. This will have an impact in many different areas of legislation, such as the European Cosmetic Products Regulation, where the current definitions of nanomaterial will come under discussion regarding how they should be adapted in light of this new definition. This new definition calls for the measurement of the number-based particle size distribution in the 1-100 nm size range of all the primary particles present in the sample independently of whether they are in a free, unbound state or as part of an aggregate/agglomerate. This definition does present great technical challenges for those who must develop valid and compatible measuring methods. This review will give an overview of the current state of the art, focusing particularly on the suitability of the most used techniques for the size measurement of nanoparticles when addressing this new definition of nanomaterials. The problems to be overcome in measuring nanoparticles in food and consumer products will be illustrated with some practical examples. Finally, a possible way forward (based on the combination of different measuring techniques) for solving this challenging analytical problem is illustrated.

Adsorption and inhibition of CuO nanoparticles on Arabidopsis thaliana root

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Lina

2018-02-01

CuO NPs, the size ranging from 20 to 80 nm were used to detect the adsorption and inhibition on the Arabidopsis thaliana roots. In this study, CuO NPs were adsorbed and agglomerated on the surface of root top after exposed for 7 days. With the increasing of CuO NPs concentrations, CuO NPs also adsorbed on the meristernatic zone. The growth of Arabidopsis thaliana lateral roots were also inhibited by CuO NPs exposure. The Inhibition were concentration dependent. The number of root top were 246, 188 and 123 per Arabidopsis thaliana, respectively. The number of root tops after CuO NPs exposure were significantly decreased compared with control groups. This results suggested the phytotoxicity of CuO NPs on Arabidopsis thaliana roots.

Features of the structure of a TiB2-based powder material obtained under self-propagating high-temperature synthesis and shear deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bazhin, P. M.; Stolin, A. M.; Konstantinov, A. S.; Mukhina, N. I.; Pazniak, A.

2018-04-01

The results of an experimental study of TiB2-based powder material obtained under the combination of SHS processes with shear deformation are presented. The effects of the rotor velocity and the delay time before shear deformation application upon the structure of the synthesized powder are studied. The grain structure of titanium diboride is shown to become predominantly round with particles size of 1-5 μm with increasing the rotor velocity from 120 to 600 rpm. At the same time, particles of 200-400 nm size can be observed on the surface of the agglomerates.

Improvement of Scratch and Wear Resistance of Polymers by Fillers Including Nanofillers

PubMed Central

Brostow, Witold; Lobland, Haley E. Hagg; Hnatchuk, Nathalie; Perez, Jose M.

2017-01-01

Polymers have lower resistance to scratching and wear than metals. Liquid lubricants work well for metals but not for polymers nor for polymer-based composites (PBCs). We review approaches for improvement of tribological properties of polymers based on inclusion of fillers. The fillers can be metallic or ceramic—with obvious consequences for electrical resistivity of the composites. Distinctions between effectiveness of micro- versus nano-particles are analyzed. For example, aluminum nanoparticles as filler are more effective for property improvement than microparticles at the same overall volumetric concentration. Prevention of local agglomeration of filler particles is discussed along with a technique to verify the prevention. PMID:28336900

Coal storage hopper with vibrating screen agitator

DOEpatents

Daw, Charles S.; Lackey, Mack E.; Sy, Ronald L.

1984-01-01

The present invention is directed to a vibrating screen agitator in a coal storage hopper for assuring the uniform feed of coal having sufficient moisture content to effect agglomeration and bridging thereof in the coal hopper from the latter onto a conveyor mechanism. The vibrating screen agitator is provided by a plurality of transversely oriented and vertically spaced apart screens in the storage hopper with a plurality of vertically oriented rods attached to the screens. The rods are vibrated to effect the vibration of the screens and the breaking up of agglomerates in the coal which might impede the uniform flow of the coal from the hopper onto a conveyer.

Origin of the ices agglomerated by Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mousis, Olivier; Lunine, Jonathan I.; Luspay-Kuti, Adrienn; Guillot, Tristan; Marty, Bernard; Wurz, Peter; Ali-Dib, Mohamad; Altwegg, Kathrin; Hässig, Myrtha; Rubin, Martin; Vernazza, Pierre; Waite, Jack H.

2015-11-01

The nature of the icy material accreted by comets during their formation in the outer regions of the protosolar nebula is a major open question in planetary science. Some scenarios of comet formation predict that these bodies agglomerated from clathrates crystallized in the protosolar nebula. Concurrently, alternative scenarios suggest that comets accreted amorphous ice originating from the interstellar cloud. Here we show that the recent N2/CO and Ar/CO ratios measured in the coma of the Jupiter family comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko by the ROSINA instrument aboard the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft can help disentangling between these two scenarios.

Coal storage hopper with vibrating-screen agitator

DOEpatents

Daw, C.S.; Lackey, M.E.; Sy, R.L.

1982-04-27

The present invention is directed to a vibrating screen agitator in a coal storage hopper for assuring the uniform feed of coal having sufficient moisture content to effect agglomeration and bridging thereof in the coal hopper from the latter onto a conveyer mechanism. The vibrating scrren agitator is provided by a plurality of transversely oriented and vertically spaced apart screens in the storage hopper with a plurality of vertically oriented rods attached to the screens. The rods are vibrated to effect the vibration of the screens and the breaking up of agglomerates in the coal which might impede the uniform flow of the coal from the hopper onto a conveyer.

Powder fed sheared dispersal particle generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrisette, E. L.; Bushnell, D. M. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

A particle generating system is described which is capable of breaking up agglomerations of particles and producing a cloud of uniform, submicron-sized particles at high pressure and high flow rates. This is achieved by utilizing a tubular structure which has injection microslits on is periphery to accept and disperse the desired particle feed. By suppling a carrying fluid at a pressure, of approximately twice the ambient pressure of the velocimeter's settling chamber, the microslits operate at choked flow conditions. The shearing action of this choked flow is sufficient to overcome interparticle bonding forces, thereby breaking up the agglomerates of the particles feed into individual particles.

Continuous Precipitation of Ceria Nanoparticles from a Continuous Flow Micromixer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tseng, Chih Heng; Paul, Brian; Chang, Chih-hung

2013-01-01

Cerium oxide nanoparticles were continuously precipitated from a solution of cerium(III) nitrate and ammonium hydroxide using a micro-scale T-mixer. Findings show that the method of mixing is important in the ceria precipitation process. In batch mixing and deposition, disintegration and agglomeration dominates the deposited film. In T-mixing and deposition, more uniform nanorod particles are attainable. In addition, it was found that the micromixing approach reduced the exposure of the Ce(OH)3 precipates to oxygen, yielding hydroxide precipates in place of CeO2 precipitates. Advantages of the micro-scale T-mixing approach include shorter mixing times, better control of nanoparticle shape and less agglomeration.

Interaction of sodium atoms with stacking faults in silicon with different Fermi levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohno, Yutaka; Morito, Haruhiko; Kutsukake, Kentaro; Yonenaga, Ichiro; Yokoi, Tatsuya; Nakamura, Atsutomo; Matsunaga, Katsuyuki

2018-06-01

Variation in the formation energy of stacking faults (SFs) with the contamination of Na atoms was examined in Si crystals with different Fermi levels. Na atoms agglomerated at SFs under an electronic interaction, reducing the SF formation energy. The energy decreased with the decrease of the Fermi level: it was reduced by more than 10 mJ/m2 in p-type Si, whereas it was barely reduced in n-type Si. Owing to the energy reduction, Na atoms agglomerating at SFs in p-type Si are stable compared with those in n-type Si, and this hypothesis was supported by ab initio calculations.

Conducting metal oxide and metal nitride nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DiSalvo, Jr., Francis J.; Subban, Chinmayee V.

Conducting metal oxide and nitride nanoparticles that can be used in fuel cell applications. The metal oxide nanoparticles are comprised of for example, titanium, niobium, tantalum, tungsten and combinations thereof. The metal nitride nanoparticles are comprised of, for example, titanium, niobium, tantalum, tungsten, zirconium, and combinations thereof. The nanoparticles can be sintered to provide conducting porous agglomerates of the nanoparticles which can be used as a catalyst support in fuel cell applications. Further, platinum nanoparticles, for example, can be deposited on the agglomerates to provide a material that can be used as both an anode and a cathode catalyst supportmore » in a fuel cell.« less

The Physics of Protoplanetary Dust Agglomerates. X. High-velocity Collisions between Small and Large Dust Agglomerates as a Growth Barrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schräpler, Rainer; Blum, Jürgen; Krijt, Sebastiaan; Raabe, Jan-Hendrik

2018-01-01

In a protoplanetary disk, dust aggregates in the μm to mm size range possess mean collision velocities of 10–60 m s‑1 with respect to dm- to m-sized bodies. We performed laboratory collision experiments to explore this parameter regime and found a size- and velocity-dependent threshold between erosion and growth. By using a local Monte Carlo coagulation calculation and along with a simple semi-analytical timescale approach, we show that erosion considerably limits particle growth in protoplanetary disks and leads to a steady-state dust-size distribution from μm- to dm-sized particles.

Method of preparing thin porous sheets of ceramic material

DOEpatents

Swarr, Thomas E.; Nickols, Richard C.; Krasij, Myron

1987-03-24

A method of forming thin porous sheets of ceramic material for use as electrodes or other components in a molten carbonate fuel cell is disclosed. The method involves spray drying a slurry of fine ceramic particles in liquid carrier to produce generally spherical agglomerates of high porosity and a rough surface texture. The ceramic particles may include the electrode catalyst and the agglomerates can be calcined to improve mechanical strength. After slurrying with suitable volatile material and binder tape casting is used to form sheets that are sufficiently strong for further processing and handling in the assembly of a high temperature fuel cell.

The economics of abundance: coal and cotton in Lancashire and the world.

PubMed

Balderston, Theo

2010-01-01

As a subterranean, highly elastic energy source, coal played a vital role in the cotton industry revolution. Coal was also vital to Lancashire's primacy in this revolution, because it was necessary both to the original accumulation of agglomeration economies before the steam age and to their reinforcement during the steam age. In no other part of the world was the cotton industry situated on a coalfield, and the response of other parts of the world cotton industry to Lancashire's agglomeration advantages was dispersal in search of cheap water and/or labour power. Lancashire coal helped to shape the global pattern of cotton production.

Method of preparing thin porous sheets of ceramic material

DOEpatents

Swarr, T.E.; Nickols, R.C.; Krasij, M.

1984-05-23

A method of forming thin porous sheets of ceramic material for use as electrodes or other components in a molten carbonate fuel cell is disclosed. The method involves spray drying a slurry of fine ceramic particles in liquid carrier to produce generally spherical agglomerates of high porosity and a rough surface texture. The ceramic particles may include the electrode catalyst and the agglomerates can be calcined to improve mechanical strength. After slurrying with suitable volatile material and binder tape casting is used to form sheets that are sufficiently strong for further processing and handling in the assembly of a high temperature fuel cell.

Economic agglomerations and spatio-temporal cycles in a spatial growth model with capital transport cost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juchem Neto, J. P.; Claeyssen, J. C. R.; Pôrto Júnior, S. S.

2018-03-01

In this paper we introduce capital transport cost in a unidimensional spatial Solow-Swan model of economic growth with capital-induced labor migration, considered in an unbounded domain. Proceeding with a stability analysis, we show that there is a critical value for the capital transport cost where the dynamic behavior of the economy changes, provided that the intensity of capital-induced labor migration is strong enough. On the one hand, if the capital transport cost is higher than this critical value, the spatially homogeneous equilibrium of coexistence of the model is stable, and the economy converges to this spatially homogeneous state in the long run; on the other hand, if transport cost is lower than this critical value, the equilibrium is unstable, and the economy may develop different spatio-temporal dynamics, including the formation of stable economic agglomerations and spatio-temporal economic cycles, depending on the other parameters in the model. Finally, numerical simulations support the results of the stability analysis, and illustrate the spatio-temporal dynamics generated by the model, suggesting that the economy as a whole benefits from the formation of economic agglomerations and cycles, with a higher capital transport cost reducing this gain.

Progress in Metal-Supported Axial-Injection Plasma Sprayed Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Using Nanostructured NiO-Y0.15Zr0.85O1.925 Dry Powder Anode Feedstock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Metcalfe, C.; Harris, J.; Kuhn, J.; Marr, M.; Kesler, O.

2013-06-01

A composite NiO-Y0.15Zr0.85O1.925 (YSZ) agglomerated feedstock having nanoscale NiO and YSZ primary particles was used to fabricate anodes having sub-micrometer structure. These anodes were incorporated into two different metal-supported SOFC architectures, which differ in the order of electrode deposition. The composition of the composite Ni-YSZ anodes is controllable by selection of the agglomerate size fraction and standoff distance, while the porosity is controllable by selection of agglomerate size fraction and addition of a sacrificial pore-forming material. A bi-layer anode was fabricated having a total porosity of 33% for the diffusion layer and 23% porosity for the functional layer. A power density of 630 mW/cm2 was obtained at 750 °C in humidified H2 with cells having the bi-layer anode deposited on the metal support. Cells having the cathode deposited on the metal support showed poor performance due to a significant number of vertical cracks through the electrolyte, allowing excessive gas cross-over between the anode and the cathode compartments.

Unraveling the Agglomeration Mechanism in Charged Block Copolymer and Surfactant Complexes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Borreguero, Jose M.; Pincus, Philip A.; Sumpter, Bobby G.

Here, we report a molecular dynamics simulation investigation of self-assembly and complex formation of charged-neutral double hydrophilic and hydrophobic-hydrophilic block copolymers (BCP) with oppositely charged surfactants. Furthermore, the structure of the surfactant micelles and the BCP aggregation on the micelle surface is systematically studied for five different BCP volume fractions that also mimics a reduction of the surfactant concentration. The local electrostatic interactions between the oppositely charged species encourage the formation of core-shell structures between the surfactant micelles where the surfactants form the cores and the charged blocks of the BCP form the corona. The emergent morphologies of these aggregatesmore » are contingent upon the nature of the BCP neutral blocks. The hydrophilic neutral blocks agglomerate with the micelles as hairy colloidal structures while the hydrophobic neutrals agglomerate in lamellar structures with the surfactant micelles. The distribution of counterion charges along the simulation box show a close-to-normal density distribution for the hydrophilic neutral blocks and a binodal distribution for hydrophobic neutral blocks. No specific surfactant concentration dependent scaling relation is observed as opposed to the simpler case of homo-polyelectrolytes.« less

Separation of Bacteria, Protozoa and Carbon Nanotubes by Density Gradient Centrifugation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mortimer, Monika; Petersen, Elijah; Buchholz, Bruce

Sustainable production and use of carbon nanotube (CNT)-enabled materials require efficient assessment of CNT environmental hazards, including the potential for CNT bioaccumulation and biomagnification in environmental receptors. Microbes, as abundant organisms responsible for nutrient cycling in soil and water, are important ecological receptors for studying the effects of CNTs. Quantification of CNT association with microbial cells requires efficient separation of CNT-associated cells from individually dispersed CNTs and CNT agglomerates. Here in this paper, we designed, optimized, and demonstrated procedures for separating bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) from unbound multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and MWCNT agglomerates using sucrose density gradient centrifugation. We demonstratemore » separation of protozoa (Tetrahymena thermophila) from MWCNTs, bacterial agglomerates, and protozoan fecal pellets by centrifugation in an iodixanol solution. The presence of MWCNTs in the density gradients after centrifugation was determined by quantification of 14C-labeled MWCNTs; the recovery of microbes from the density gradient media was confirmed by optical microscopy. Protozoan intracellular contents of MWCNTs and of bacteria were also unaffected by the designed separation process. Lastly, the optimized methods contribute to improved efficiency and accuracy in quantifying MWCNT association with bacteria and MWCNT accumulation in protozoan cells, thus supporting improved assessment of CNT bioaccumulation.« less

Combination Chemotherapeutic Dry Powder Aerosols via Controlled Nanoparticle Agglomeration

PubMed Central

El-Gendy, Nashwa; Berkland, Cory

2014-01-01

Purpose To develop an aerosol system for efficient local lung delivery of chemotherapeutics where nanotechnology holds tremendous potential for developing more valuable cancer therapies. Concurrently, aerosolized chemotherapy is generating interest as a means to treat certain types of lung cancer more effectively with less systemic exposure to the compound. Methods Nanoparticles of the potent anticancer drug, paclitaxel, were controllably assembled to form low density microparticles directly after preparation of the nanoparticle suspension. The amino acid, L-leucine, was used as a colloid destabilizer to drive the assembly of paclitaxel nanoparticles. A combination chemotherapy aerosol was formed by assembling the paclitaxel nanoparticles in the presence of cisplatin in solution. Results Freeze-dried powders of the combination chemotherapy possessed desirable aerodynamic properties for inhalation. In addition, the dissolution rates of dried nanoparticle agglomerate formulations (~60% to 66% after 8 h) were significantly faster than that of micronized paclitaxel powder as received (~18% after 8 h). Interestingly, the presence of the water soluble cisplatin accelerated the dissolution of paclitaxel. Conclusions Nanoparticle agglomerates of paclitaxel alone or in combination with cisplatin may serve as effective chemotherapeutic dry powder aerosols to enable regional treatment of certain lung cancers. PMID:19415471

Optimization of multicomponent aqueous suspensions of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) nanoparticles and carbon black for lithium-ion battery cathodes.

PubMed

Li, Jianlin; Armstrong, Beth L; Daniel, Claus; Kiggans, Jim; Wood, David L

2013-09-01

Addition of polyethyleneimine (PEI) to aqueous LiFePO4 nanoparticle suspensions improves stability and reduces agglomerate size, which is beneficial to lithium-ion battery cathode manufacturing. This research examines the effect of both PEI concentration and molecular weight (MW) on dispersing LiFePO4 and Super P C45 in multicomponent aqueous suspensions. It is demonstrated that the optimal conditions for obtaining stable suspensions with minimal agglomerate size are 1.5 wt% PEI with MW=2000 g mol(-1) and 5.0 wt% PEI with MW=10,000 g mol(-1) for LiFePO4 and Super P C45, respectively. The mixing sequence also affects rheological properties of these suspensions. It is found that dispersing the LiFePO4 and Super P C45 separately yielded suspensions with superior properties (Newtonian rheological behavior, smaller agglomerate size, improved settling, etc.). In particular, dispersing the LiFePO4 prior to the Super P C45 when making the final multicomponent suspension is found to be beneficial, which was evidenced by higher half-cell discharge capacity. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Separation of Bacteria, Protozoa and Carbon Nanotubes by Density Gradient Centrifugation

DOE PAGES

Mortimer, Monika; Petersen, Elijah; Buchholz, Bruce; ...

2016-10-12

Sustainable production and use of carbon nanotube (CNT)-enabled materials require efficient assessment of CNT environmental hazards, including the potential for CNT bioaccumulation and biomagnification in environmental receptors. Microbes, as abundant organisms responsible for nutrient cycling in soil and water, are important ecological receptors for studying the effects of CNTs. Quantification of CNT association with microbial cells requires efficient separation of CNT-associated cells from individually dispersed CNTs and CNT agglomerates. Here in this paper, we designed, optimized, and demonstrated procedures for separating bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) from unbound multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and MWCNT agglomerates using sucrose density gradient centrifugation. We demonstratemore » separation of protozoa (Tetrahymena thermophila) from MWCNTs, bacterial agglomerates, and protozoan fecal pellets by centrifugation in an iodixanol solution. The presence of MWCNTs in the density gradients after centrifugation was determined by quantification of 14C-labeled MWCNTs; the recovery of microbes from the density gradient media was confirmed by optical microscopy. Protozoan intracellular contents of MWCNTs and of bacteria were also unaffected by the designed separation process. Lastly, the optimized methods contribute to improved efficiency and accuracy in quantifying MWCNT association with bacteria and MWCNT accumulation in protozoan cells, thus supporting improved assessment of CNT bioaccumulation.« less

Unraveling the Agglomeration Mechanism in Charged Block Copolymer and Surfactant Complexes

DOE PAGES

Borreguero, Jose M.; Pincus, Philip A.; Sumpter, Bobby G.; ...

2017-01-27

Here, we report a molecular dynamics simulation investigation of self-assembly and complex formation of charged-neutral double hydrophilic and hydrophobic-hydrophilic block copolymers (BCP) with oppositely charged surfactants. Furthermore, the structure of the surfactant micelles and the BCP aggregation on the micelle surface is systematically studied for five different BCP volume fractions that also mimics a reduction of the surfactant concentration. The local electrostatic interactions between the oppositely charged species encourage the formation of core-shell structures between the surfactant micelles where the surfactants form the cores and the charged blocks of the BCP form the corona. The emergent morphologies of these aggregatesmore » are contingent upon the nature of the BCP neutral blocks. The hydrophilic neutral blocks agglomerate with the micelles as hairy colloidal structures while the hydrophobic neutrals agglomerate in lamellar structures with the surfactant micelles. The distribution of counterion charges along the simulation box show a close-to-normal density distribution for the hydrophilic neutral blocks and a binodal distribution for hydrophobic neutral blocks. No specific surfactant concentration dependent scaling relation is observed as opposed to the simpler case of homo-polyelectrolytes.« less